Master Apprentice
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Chapter VIII: Awakenings
Today is a special day for me and Anakin - mostly Anakin. It's his birthday today. He's going to turn eighteen. This age is a special time in a Padawan's life - or, at least it was for me. But I feel I shouldn't reveal the details of that coming-of-age experience here. They are far too personal and cherished by me. Anakin doesn't want any big, fancy gathering of any sort - he's eight months pregnant and feeling it very much so. But I'm doing what I can to help him. Likewise, the only people he wants to see today are Yvonne and myself - though, I'm sure someone has a few surprises up their sleeve. I just hope whatever surprise comes up does not anger him. He's in a delicate state right now. I'm just trying my best.
Obi-Wan spent his last few minutes of quiet on the balcony, watching the sun rise through a blanket of light purple-gray clouds. A few patches of blue sky were visible. The air was cool, the breeze gentle, but strong enough to flourish Obi-Wan's cloak. Standing here like this reminded the Jedi Master of his younger days when he was just a Padawan. Every so often, when he would wake in the morning, he would come to find his Master, Qui-Gon, standing alone outside, watching the sun rise. And in that same gentle, soft voice, Qui-Gon would call to his Padawan, and beckon him with one smooth gesture of his hand. And together, they would marvel at the beauty that was nature, and nurture each other's company. In silence.
Obi-Wan looked up to the sky above, closing his eyes as a gentle gust of wind tussled his golden ginger-colored hair. He breathed deeply. The scar that was Qui-Gon's death was slowly tearing open, fresh and new with the blood that did not have to be spilled those ten years ago. If only he would have ran faster. If only he would have pushed himself and fought with everything he had. He could have saved his Master from that unnecessary death - he knew he could have. If only he was strong enough. So he managed to avenge Jinn's death by killing the Sith lord who was responsible for the heinous act of murdering him before his Padawan's very eyes. An eye for an eye. It didn't change the fact that Qui-Gon had died and Obi-Wan would never see him again. And it was that pain of being unnecessarily abandoned, of having let down both himself and his Master, that still burned in Obi-Wan every now and then.
"Qui-Gon..." Obi-Wan said softly. His words were picked up by the ever-changing breeze.
"My dear Padawan...I am here. Next to you."
Obi-Wan didn't want to believe it, but the next thing he seen when he looked to his right was none other that the spirit of his one-time Master, but dear friend and confidant forever, Qui-Gon Jinn. The fatal wound he had suffered at the hands of Darth Maul all those years ago was gone and he still looked the same way Obi-Wan remembered; he hadn't seemed to have aged one bit in ten years. But..why now was Qui-Gon coming to him?
"Qui-Gon? It... it is you. But...how?"
"It is through the ever-lasting bond we share that keeps my spirit alive. You seemed troubled, Obi-Wan. You have a lot on your mind - I recognize that look on your face anywhere."
Obi-Wan wasn't sure if he should take a step or not. It seemed so unreal. "It's just Anakin, Master. I love him deeply, but for some reason I feel like I'm inadequate. His child - our son - will be born soon. And this darkness I keep feeling...the stronger it gets. I'm afraid the birth of our son and this elusive darkness might be connected in someway, like a symbion - one will affect the other in some way. I don't know what to do. Perhaps you could help me."
"You have become all that I thought you would, and more, Obi-Wan. I see it in your eyes. You have come into your own, Master Kenobi. I've watched you and Anakin grow and bond these ten years. Your bond has grown excessively strong, and Anakin will one day become a great Jedi Knight through your tutelage. Do not think of yourself as being inadequate, young Master. The love you have for Anakin runs deeper than any doubt - but you must believe in it. Only then, will you overcome this doubt and the darkness you feel. Love, my young Master, is stronger than anything, but only if both beings believe it to be so. Love him, Obi-Wan. Believe in the bond you both share."
"I do, Master. I love him...with everything I am. "
Qui-Gon smiled, his hand resting atop Obi-Wan's shoulder. "Then, you will see through this just fine, young one. Always remember...I'll be watching over you, and Anakin, forever..."
Obi-Wan reached out to Qui-Gon as he started to fade into nothingness. His spirit was nothing more than dust in the wind, a memory, soon afterward. Obi-Wan was alone again. But the stinging pain of Qui-Gon's death had seemed to soften just a little bit now that he had came to visit him. Seeing Qui-Gon again made Obi-Wan feel as though everything would be all right for he had, and had always had, the guidance and protection of his Master to see him through.
The Master turned around to head back inside when he was suddenly startled by the sight of Anakin standing in the doorway with a pleasant look on his face. "Qui-Gon. He...he came to you, didn't he?" the young Padawan asked, leading his Master inside where they had a seat at the table.
"Yes, Anakin. He did."
"Sorry Master but...I heard everything. Why do you feel inadequate?"
Obi-Wan nearly fell backwards in his chair. His apprentice had heard every word of his talk with Qui-Gon's spirit. And while he didn't quite fall off his chair, he was sure he could feel himself turn bright red. He took hold of Anakin's hands and gave them a gentle squeeze. "Something has just been bothering me lately. I feel a darkness Anakin, swelling in the shadows. And the closer you come to giving birth, the more I feel it. It's almost like - I don't know - they could be connected somehow. And whatever it is, I fear I won't be strong enough to protect you and Erion from it. I fear...losing you both to whatever is out there."
Anakin's face furrowed with concern. This was the first time he personally heard any of this. And while he couldn't quite put his finger on it, Anakin thought he could have felt the same darkness growing recently. It scared him a little bit, this unknown entity. But he would look to his lover for comfort, for solace. His hands brought Obi-Wan's to his lips. Anakin placed a few kisses on Kenobi's knuckles, his eyes closed and trying to enjoy the moment. "My dear, sweet Master...Obi-Wan. I love you more than words can even begin to say...and whatever's out there...we will get through it. Because we have each other. You and I...we are one. And that...that is greater than any threat." Anakin came to let Obi-Wan's hands go and stood up with open arms. "Obi...here...come here." he whispered, looking down upon his Master who looked up at him. Obi-Wan was pulled into a firm embrace; both Master and Padawan began to comfort one another through romantic gestures and whisperings of sweet nothings. It would be all right. In the end, it would be all right.
That afternoon, as Obi-Wan and Anakin's healer put the finishing touches on a few pieces of furniture Yvonne was kind enough to have bought for Anakin and Master Obi-Wan's child, Anakin was resting peacefully in the common room, on the couch; earlier, he had been reading his textbook on diplomacy and going over a quick review of what he had read from his lightsaber tactics textbook. But, the young man made the mistake of lying down as a way of getting more comfortable...and soon afterward, he had fallen asleep. However, it didn't last for long; there was a knock on the door. Then another, with mild strength behind it. Anakin hurried as fast as he could - which wasn't much considering his size - and took a few seconds to compose himself then, he answered the door.
To his surprise, it was Supreme Chancellor Palpatine, dressed in a red and black velvet robe of some sort, its patterns and stitching exotic and well-crafted. Anakin, startled, hurriedly crossed his arms, not sure whether or not the Chancellor knew of his little one. But there was a stare glare in the Chancellor's eyes as they came to look first upon Skywalker, and then averted downward toward his mid- section. Then, the white-haired Palpatine grinned and, for what seemed like a split second, his eyebrows knitted together and turned his expression upside down. His eyes, they were calculating, just staring at the frozen Padawan. Anakin felt a chill run its cold fingers up his spine. Something...didn't feel right.
"Afternoon...Chancellor. Can I...help you with something?" Anakin stumbled.
The Chancellor, figuring he had earned the right, allowed himself into the main foyer as Anakin closed the door. "My, my - I heard you were getting closer. It's useless trying to hide it Anakin. I know about you and Master Kenobi's child. Do forgive me but, may I?"
Anakin uncrossed his arms - lowering his defenses - and opened himself up to the Chancellor, who gave a rather wicked snarl before reaching out to feel Anakin's child. "Wait," he said, suddenly stepping back from Palpatine. "He's sleeping right now. I don't want you to wake him up - gives my back and ribs a chance to heal." laughed the apprentice sheepishly. He crossed his arms again, denying the Chancellor his wish.
"Well, I wouldn't want to wake the little fellow. Listen Anakin, I need to talk briefly with Master Kenobi. Is he around?"
Anakin pointed down the hall toward a small room that was off to the side. "He's in there with my healer."
The Chancellor returned with Obi-Wan, who took to Anakin's side. "I wanted to discuss this with you two in my office but it cannot wait. It concerns Senator Amidala. You might recall she contrived your mission to Ralkesh, and would be punished. I have decided, after a rather lengthy discussion with a few of my closest officials, to acquit her."
"What? Why? She committed a crime, Chancellor." Obi-Wan retorted.
"I understand your displeasure with the decision Master Kenobi but, there just simply wasn't enough evidence that would warrant such punishment. Clearly, you were not in danger. It's a matter of principle, Master Kenobi."
It was an act of deceit. The Council forbids such acts. If she were a Jedi, she would have been punished."
"The Jedi Council has no business dealing with politicians. And she isn't a Jedi, nor am I the Council. I have made my decision, that you must accept, Master Jedi." Palpatine rebuked.
"As you wish, Chancellor..." Obi-Wan said and bowed, feeling defeated and confused; Anakin did his best to bow in respect - not even managing to come halfway - and watched as the conniving Chancellor bode them both good-bye and left.
"I cannot believe this. This is an atrocity!" Obi-Wan shook his fist in a rage.
"I can't believe it either. But, there's nothing we can do about it now, Master."
The Jedi Master came to embrace his ever-expectant Padawan and snuggled against his shoulder tenderly. "Perhaps your right. I'm sorry I got angry. Today is your birthday. I'm sorry love."
Anakin nearly melted in Obi-Wan's arms once he felt him kissing his neck rather deeply. A gentle cry escaped Anakin, as his Master dipped him slightly. His fingers combed through Obi-Wan's hair. "I hope this is part of my present..." he giggled. Kenobi nipped at Anakin's ear with his lips. "It is, my dear; but you must wait until tonight to finish unwrapping it." he teased with a kiss to his strong jaw. They broke away then, and kissed once more before Obi-Wan quietly returned to helping out Yvonne in the other room.
That night, Anakin was treated to a nice and quaint gathering for his birthday. Just Obi-Wan and Healer Yvonne, like he wanted. All that he wanted. His gifts were simple, and cute, and very special to him. One in particular, from Obi-Wan, was especially powerful to Anakin. It was a beautiful cobalt blue stone pendant. Obi-Wan had traveled every corner of the galaxy to find the special stone, which was rumored to bring peace and balance to its wearer. Rumor was that the stone was formed from the finest minerals and rarest of gemstones. Anakin eagerly put it on and proudly vowed to always wear it. Forever. And after he had received all of his gifts, which included a few cuddly toys for his child, Yvonne brought forth a cake she had made especially for Anakin; the three friends then shared small talk and each other's company over the birthday dessert and herbal tea.
The common room was dark, save for the few dozen scented candles flickering like fireflies about the room. All was quiet, and peaceful. Yvonne had left only an hour and a half earlier. Their clothes had been recklessly peeled off and thrown in all directions only thirty minutes earlier. And what was left of the cake was very near them, the carpet protected of course. A naked Master and Padawan lay at ground zero of this romanticism, caressing each other as if they were each made of the finest and most fragile of glass. The Padawan lay on his back, his Master above him, stretching to take his hands into his own.
The Master placed a gentle kiss on his apprentice's forehead, then his eyelids, the tip of his nose, his chin, his jaw, and finally, his mouth, which was the sweetest of them all. The Master, engulfed in a fire he hadn't felt in ages, wanted his Padawan to burn with him and together, they could drown is this passion fire. The apprentice inched closer now, running his tongue along the front of his Master's powerful neck. He sat up then, slowly, and reached behind him to scoop a good bit of frosting onto his finger. The Padawan smiled and licked his lips, eager to have his cake and eat it too.
The Master shifted into a lying position on his back then, the sensation of two kinds of cream being spread around his belly nearly made him beg for mercy. Torture. Ravenous, but beautiful, torture. Even more so when his Padawan's tongue came to collect what he had dispersed. Over the perfect indentation of his hip, the perfect strength and tautness of his stomach. Between his chest. Every second of this madness ate at the Master's control, his willpower. But he loved it, every second of it and would gladly trade in his lightsaber for a pair of binders and a blindfold - he never knew his apprentice to be so...sensual. He tilted his head back then, swallowing hard. His Padawan, now teasing the head of his erection, nearly made his hips buckle under with great strain.
The taciturn Padawan was soon back in his Master's face, kissing him. Deep, and mouth-to-mouth and tongue-to-tongue. The pair lingered there for a few moments, exchanging kisses, gropes, gentle words only the gods could hear, and simply swam together in this pool they had created, with its ardent and beautiful waters lapping at their sides. The Master embraced his Padawan then. Warm hands, eager hands, skilled hands, captivating every inch of his back. He could feel them, those hands, captivating his very soul.
The apprentice opened his legs, only to wrap them around his Master's waist. They had equal leverage now, and were using it accordingly. "So beautiful..." whispered the Master, his lips claiming his apprentice's mouth and soothing the ache of being deprived of his taste. The Padawan reached between their bodies, only to straddle his Master's cock. His lips found that strong neck next. And soon, the apprentice was both sucking and pumping at the same time, his Master being devoured by what felt like the gauntlet of passionate dreams come true.
He came in his Padawan's hand soon after. The release as violently beautiful as this moment. His Padawan savored the taste of him, making sure he collected every little drop of the milky substance that was his Master's seed. The apprentice was laid to rest on the floor then, a pillow supporting his back. His Master held himself with one hand, the other going to spread the teenager's quivering legs. The Master began to pump then, with visuals aiding him in his task of stiffening again. He made noises, noises that reflected his need and his want, his love for this boy who was now a man. The Jedi Master was quivering now, dangerously close to his Padawan's tight ring of muscle. He opened him gently with one finger, then two, stretching him in preparation. His Padawan quaked with need. Yearned for the completion that seemed to elude him. "Master...Take me. Take me now - I hurt for you." he gasped just as his Master placed his legs on either shoulder. And then, they sensed it, deep inside of them, the passionate convergence of two souls becoming one body, one life. Solidification in its most purest form, of the flesh and blood.
The Master had conquered and captivated his apprentice eons ago, but still allowed himself stay inside of the heavily breathing Padawan Learner. His muscle still contracting around the flaccidity of his Master's manhood. He felt his Master's tongue licking the crevice in his back, then the smooth, toned strength of his shoulders. The Padawan breathed deep - there was a heavy scent of candles and sex in the air - and felt intoxicated by the smell, the sensation, and the feeling he never wanted to let go of. And his Master - how beautiful he was when he was damp with sweat - just remained inside of him, and slowly rocked from within, easing, panting.
Then, he gently exited his apprentice's sweet canal, brought his arms around him to hold him tight, and urged him to move with him in getting on his knees. The soft glow of a few candles place on a table in front of them danced off their faces. The Master took his Padawan's braid betwixt his digits, and kissed his earlobe. "We are now more than what we have become, Padawan. I love you - every part of you. Every inch of you...beautiful." his hands caressed his apprentice's strong, toned arms. "Yes...Master. I love you too..."
Both Master and Apprentice drifted off into a peaceful sleep together sometime afterward.
Anakin woke up very early one morning with a nagging pain in his side. He laid in his bed, shifting from one position to another like quicksilver, trying to get as comfortable as a person who was thirty- eight weeks pregnant could get. He hadn't had a decent night's sleep in weeks, barely managing to get four hours of sleep a night. He laid on his right side, next to the tiny wall alcove filled with his text books and other things, and closed his eyes. Perhaps some visualization would sooth him...let him sleep. But it was almost as if someone nearby, or he knew, had a voodoo doll of him and was poking at his stomach with needles. Sleep was eluding him, being killed off by the intensifying pain in his belly. Sleep, he finally figured after past hours of trying to get comfortable, was useless. He got up and slowly waddled his way into the common room, where he had a seat in a big, soft chair.
This pain...it just...keeps gnawing at my side. Wait - ugh, now its infected the front of my abdomen. What the Sith is going on...? Maybe... Anakin winced as he tried to breathe through this torrent of ever-changing pain. "Master? Obi-Wan..." he moaned helplessly while drowning into the couch. Breathing wasn't working, neither was massaging the aching areas. Within minutes, having heard the desperate need in his lover's voice, Obi-Wan descended from his room and darted to his side.
"Ani? You sound sick, what's wrong?"
Anakin laced his fingers through Obi-Wan's. The teen's grip was noticeably weak. "This pain... Master, I can't get rid of it. It...feels like I'm being ripped apart."
Obi-Wan's mind immediately shifted into an emergency status. Anakin was suffering terribly and if he didn't do something quick - he didn't want to know what would happen. He kissed Anakin on the cheek tenderly and snuggled against him. "Okay - it's ok. You must try to remain calm Anakin. Breathe slowly. I'm going to contact Yvonne, ok? Will you be alright?"
There was protest written in Anakin's face, his eyes, and the way he jerked at Obi-Wan's hand. "No, not yet. Don't...don't go yet. Stay." he begged as he breathed. Obi-Wan got on his knees, gently squeezing Anakin's hand in support. The minutes passed in silence, save for the sound of deep breaths and soft whispers. Finally, Anakin seemed to relax and rested for a moment. "I think it's over. Master...hurry - call Yvonne. It's time. I can feel it."
The time had finally arrived, the day they had waited months for, had worked so hard for. And Obi-Wan couldn't help but smile even in this moment of fever-pitched seriousness. He was going to be a father. Anakin was going to be a father. They were going to be parents. It all seemed so surreal...so unexpected and yet, it was destined to happen. Anakin was indeed the Chosen One - the one who would come to bring balance to the Force. And the one who would come to bear a child, a future Jedi Knight, possibly conceived by the nature of the Force itself via his Master. Destiny had finally fallen.
"Healer Yvonne? What? There must be some kind of mistake - she's always there. I don't understand."
Obi-Wan was perplexed, his eyes remaining on the suffering Anakin, trying to be strong, trying to shake what looked like another bout of pain off. The person on the other line, a female by the sound of the voice, was explaining the reason why Yvonne - who was usually in the Infirmary by now, wasn't there. "She is attending to a family emergency, Master Kenobi. As a result, she will most likely be gone for the day, or longer, depending on the seriousness of the situation."
"I see. But is there any way for me to contact her? I've got an emergency over here; she's the only one who knows about it."
"I'm afraid I can't give you that information, Master. However, you will be pleased to know that I am Healer Yvonne's apprentice. I may be able to help you. What's the emergency?"
"It's my Padawan. He's pregnant and in quite a bit of pain. We both think it's time that he be delivered. But I can't be sure."
"Ah, Padawan Skywalker. Yvonne has been documenting his progress very intensely. But, I'm afraid I'm not qualified enough to perform a C-section. About the best I can do, Master Kenobi, is take a look at him."
Obi-Wan gritted his teeth together, disgruntled and feeling a little hapless and powerless. Anakin was in pain, and suffering before his very eyes. He wanted to help him, hold him, and tell him things were going to be all right. But with Yvonne gone and his uncertainty about her apprentice, Obi-Wan couldn't guarantee such a promise. While he was usually trusting of others, given the current situation, he wasn't about to put Anakin's care in the hands of an apprentice healer. He asked that she wait patiently for a moment; he returned to Anakin.
"Anakin, I want you to try and listen to me okay? Yvonne had a family emergency and as a result, she's not in the Infirmary. Her apprentice is there, and offered to come down here to take a look at you. I'm not certain about the idea, but it's up to you. Would you like her to come here?"
Anakin swallowed hard, eyes pinched shut. A few deep breaths. His mouth and lips, parched. Obi-Wan gave him his space. He managed to calm himself again, long enough to speak clearly. "No. I only want Yvonne. Nobody else..."
"Are you sure? Something could be wrong..."
Anakin was vehement on his decision, and nodded vigorously. Obi-Wan stroked his forehead before returning to the comm link.
"Very well. Listen to me carefully Master Kenobi. Until a prudent judgment can be made, it is imperative that you keep him calm and comfortable. When he can, I'd like you to walk him around your quarters. Just try to make him comfortable. I will try to get in contact with Healer Yvonne. But until she is able to return, it's important that Padawan Skywalker keeps his movement to a minimum - any kind of strain could possibly rupture the womb. Understand, Master Kenobi?"
"Yes, I do."
"Very well. I will try and get in contact with Yvonne immediately. Once I've gotten in touch with her, I'll let you know. Remember, you can call on me anytime whenever you have any questions."
Their respectful good-byes exchanged, Obi-Wan turned the comm off and leaned back against the wall, tilting his head up toward the ceiling. Confusion; he had learned what to do in this type of situation when he was just a lad, but not when it was a male about to give birth. Everything he had learned all those years ago was pretty much useless at this point. And poor Anakin was just sitting there, pained, suffering. There was nothing he could do but press on. Obi- Wan had virtually became so desperate to prevent possible complications from happening that he nearly thought about taking care of this himself, with the aid of his lightsaber. But he nearly killed himself for even thinking such a thing. The only thing he could do - that Anakin could do - was wait it out and hope. Hope things would be able to hold together.
It had been hours since Obi-Wan had heard from Healer Yvonne's apprentice. He was starting to get worried, for both the safety of Yvonne, Anakin, and his child. He asked himself what the chances were of there being something wrong with Yvonne, like maybe she got hurt or captured...or even killed. The late afternoon sun was getting lower in the sky. Night was approaching. It had been an extremely rough day for Anakin, who was still holding up surprisingly well considering the situation. And Obi-Wan was there for him every step of the way, never straying even for a second. His eyes burned; he rubbed them as they looked at Anakin trying to sleep on his bed.
He quietly approached Anakin's bedside and gently adjusted the pillow supporting his stomach. One hand rested comfortably on the swollen bulge. Anakin, after many hours of turmoil, was finally able to rest. His Jedi Master kissed him on the cheek softly and simply stood there before him, watching him, and waiting. Waiting for the miracle inside to descend upon them. They were both, and would always be, beautiful in Obi-Wan's blue eyes. He was lost in reverie for a moment. Imagining the inevitable moment that was soon to come - hearing the sound of his son's cry of arrival into the world. Seeing him. Holding him. It all seemed so beautiful, so amazing. The Master couldn't wait. And as if someone, or something, from above was working for him in his favor, the comm system in the common room suddenly beeped to life.
"Master Kenobi speaking."
"Thank goodness Obi-Wan. I finally managed to contact you. I'm so sorry I couldn't earlier - ran into a little problem; but it's ok now. My apprentice informed me of Anakin's condition. Anything new to report?"
"It's good to hear from you, indeed. It's been tough, but Anakin has tolerated it better than I expected. I've been doing everything I can to keep him comfortable - I've walked up and down the hallway with him more times than I can count."
Yvonne giggled light-heartedly on the other line. "That's good. Very good. I'm landing as we speak Master. Hang on for just a few more minutes. I'll be right over."
Obi-Wan rushed back into Anakin's room to deliver the great news he wasn't sure he'd never thought he ever hear. "Anakin. Ani...Yvonne's coming. Wake up love. Do you think you can walk? We should be ready for her."
Anakin turned over to face his Master, his eyes hazy with sleep. He made a whooshing sound upon exhaling. "Good. I was starting to worry. I think I can get up - but you'll have to help me." he smiled wearily.
Slowly, but surely, Anakin was able to get to his feet with the extensive help of his lover. They slowly made their way down the hall, taking only baby steps as that all-too-familiar pain repossessed Anakin once more. Anakin took a well-deserved seat on the sofa. It would only be a matter of time now. The Padawan Learner could only breathe deep, visualize, focus on something relaxing as he waited with his Master at the door. Obi-Wan gently squeezed Anakin's shoulder, gave him encouragement, coached him, gave him strength when he had none as the agonizing minutes passed. And finally, after bated moments of waiting, Yvonne had finally arrived.
His eyes watched intensely at the team of three surgeons and Healer Yvonne, operating on his lover, his apprentice, his chosen one. Anakin looked to be entirely at peace with himself and the bright, pure world around him. A med droid was off to the side, keeping data on everything from pulse rate to Anakin's brain waves and breathing, and the vitals of his unborn. Both Padawan and child appeared to be doing just fine at this point, and the operation was going smoothly. Obi-Wan started to unconsciously nibble at the inside of his mouth - a habit he had no doubt picked up from his Padawan. But he was just as anxious as Anakin to finally see his baby. The tension of the situation reached a fevered-pitch, with surgeons and healer working away with pinpoint precision.
Obi-Wan could see a fair amount of blood now, and the cocoon that was the womb, being slit into. More blood spilled forth, amniotic fluid; Obi-Wan felt his chest grow tight. One more incision...then, the tender sound of a baby's cry as he took his first breaths of life. In that instant, Obi-Wan could feel Qui-Gon's spirit next to him, then see it materialize. A proud look on his face as he came to rest his hand on his former Padawan's shoulder. Kenobi couldn't help but smile at the apparition and shed a few tears in honor of this utterly life-changing moment. Master and Padawan now had a little boy.
"Well done, my young Master. You will raise him well. Keep me in your heart, Obi-Wan; forever shall I watch over you, Anakin, and your son...forever."
Yvonne came from the operating room, holding a cleaned and beautiful baby boy snugly wrapped in a blue blanket. A little beanie covered the top of his head. A cute, round and heart-shaped face adorned him, with an equally cute and tiny nose to boot. He had Anakin's strong blue eyes. Curiosity played across his adorable face as he looked around this unfamiliar world. Obi-Wan had never seen anything like it. So pure and beautiful and innocent. He opened his arms, Yvonne gently eased the bundled up boy into them and took a few steps back, simply watching the immediate bond between a father and son developing before her very eyes. It was almost magical. Obi-Wan just stood there, dressed in his Jedi tunics, robes and boots, and looked at his child, with his son looking back at him. A soft greeting finally broke the beautiful silence - Obi-Wan, saying hello to his son. Yvonne reluctantly approached Master Kenobi then, a smile no doubt hiding behind that surgical mask.
"He's beautiful Obi-Wan. Simply beautiful. He had your looks." The child reached for her elongated finger then, and was able to fit his whole hand around it. "Strong grip you have there, little one."
The surgeon came from the room then, freshly scrubbed. "Anakin is doing just fine, Master. Everything was a complete success and he is now being transferred to a recovery room; he'll spend a few days there. We'll have to take the child for now. Tests and a midi- chlorian count must be done. Congratulations, Master Kenobi."
The baby was placed in an incubator unit and escorted by two healers. A visit and congratulation was in order for Anakin; Yvonne and Master Kenobi made the trek to his room, together. When they got there, Anakin was just coming from his anesthetic-induced unconsciousness. His abdominal stitches were concealed by a bacta patch. He was hooked up to the usual monitors and machines. Obi-Wan was grateful to see him well, albeit, a little fogged and confused. Kenobi stood at bedside now, ran his fingers gently through Anakin's hair, held his hand, kissed his forehead softly. The younger man was slow in opening his eyes. He smiled weakly at the sight of his lover, and took his hand to his cheek.
"Obi...I'm so glad to see you. Where's Erion? Is he ok?" he asked faintly, still trying to fully come from his haze.
Their noses touched. Obi-Wan smiled a second before claiming Anakin's lips gently. "I'm so proud of you Anakin. Erion, he's doing just fine. They're just running a few tests and doing a midi-chlorian count as we speak. He's beautiful Anakin. He has your eyes..."
"And Master Kenobi's looks!" Yvonne happily interjected.
Anakin giggled weakly, still savoring Obi-Wan's taste. "That's good to know. Very...good to know." he tried to stifle a yawn from coming. "I'm...exhausted..."
Obi-Wan was about to reply when the same two familiar healers entered the room, one wheeling in an incubator unit with little Erion sleeping peacefully inside, the other, holding a datapad. "Healer Yvonne, all the tests have been completed, all negative. He's as strong as can be and perfectly healthy. His midi-chlorian count, though, was quite staggering to say the least..."
"What exactly was it? Can you give an estimated guess?"
The male healer referred to his datapad. "Current analysis estimates his midi-chlorian count to be between twenty-four thousand and twenty- seven thousand. It's quite possibly the highest we've ever seen."
Yvonne shot a pleased look at Obi-Wan. "Most impressive. However, considering who his parents are, that estimation should come as no surprise. Has the Council been notified?"
"Yes. Masters Yoda and Windu are on their way as we speak. Oh - what's this?" the healer checked his datapad, then looked at Obi- Wan. "Master Kenobi, Padawan Skywalker, it seems that you little boy has yet to be named, according to this. Do you have a name picked out for him?"
Master and Padawan exchanged looks and smiles. Obi-Wan turned to the healer in question, still holding Anakin's hand. "Erion. That's his name. Erion Kenobi/Skywalker." he said proudly.
"Wonderful name. That about covers everything. We'll just leave little Erion here. Congratulations."
Yvonne easily cradled the baby boy in her arms, her maternal instincts and experience twinkling in her eyes and glowing on her face. The child continued to sleep, soundlessly, even as he went from Yvonne's arms and into Anakin's for the first time since he was born. He nestled little Erion against his chest, gazed at him in awe. His heart swelled in jubilance - this little boy, sleeping in his arms, was his. Anakin wanted to speak, welcome his son into the world, but the sheer weight of this unbelievable moment had left the teen all but breathless. He could only gaze down at Erion, making funny faces in his sleep. The little one's eyes fluttered open then as he came to yawn and show off his mouthful of gums. He was eyeing Anakin's Padawan braid. His tiny arms stretched as far as they could to grab at the hanging toy; Anakin leaned forward just a fraction. Erion took hold of it, and lightly, gently, began to pull on it.
"I see he's found his first toy." giggled Obi-Wan.
Anakin, now feeling eloquent enough to speak, said, "Hello there, little Erion. So you were the one keeping me up all night." jokingly before placing a harmless butterfly kiss on his forehead. Erion, having grown tired of tugging on his father's braid, started to gum and suck on it! Yvonne giggled, mused by the infants choice of things to suck on. When she turned around though, her expression turned serious once again. Mace and Yoda were standing behind her. She kindly excused herself from the forthcoming discussion and left the room.
"Master Kenobi, Padawan Skywalker. The Council congratulates you both on the birth of your son." Master Windu, surprisingly, smiled as he came forward. Yoda was levitating on a padded disk of some sort, and approaching the vacant side of Anakin's bed.
"Thank you, Master Windu." Obi-Wan bowed.
"A blessing from the Force this is. Much strength I sense in him. Strong in the Force he is. Named him you have?" Yoda asked.
"Yes Master. His name is Erion." replied Anakin, still cradling his infant son in his arms.
"Master Kenobi, has a midi-chlorian count been administered?" Mace questioned in a deep and strong voice.
"Yes Master. They estimated it to be between twenty-four thousand and twenty-seven thousand."
Both Jedi Masters seemed quite pleased with the estimation. "Very good. Very good. Highly force-sensitive he is. Skywalker's strength I sense in him" Yoda remarked, his big eyes aglow with wonderment. "Powerful Jedi he will be."
Mace crossed his arms. "I wouldn't worry about that yet, Obi-Wan. He will be trained when the time is right. Speaking of such, your Padawan will resume his training when he has fully recovered." And with that said, Masters Yoda and Mace Windu bode the Master/Padawan pair farewell in order to return to a session with the Jedi Council.
The long, ever-changing chapter that was Anakin's pregnancy had came to a pleasant, life-changing close. He had certainly endured much to get this far, but knew in his heart that he couldn't have reached this point if it hadn't been for the constant support and love that was Obi-Wan. And in the end, after months of ups and downs, joys and pains, it had been all worthwhile. With the birth of little Erion came the start of a new and exciting chapter in the lives of both Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker. Their bond as Master and Padawan would surely continue and grow even stronger in time. Their bond as partners in life however, and now as parents, was only just beginning. However, deep down inside them both, they sensed a growing darkness, a creeping evil. It was getting closer, growing in strength and hunger like the voracious beast it was. But with their love for one another, and Qui-Gon's guidance, they looked to this darkening horizon, with a twinkle of hope in their eyes.
End