Special thanks goes to Peta Noonan for beta reading this fic. Hope
you enjoy.
As I look back on my life, one period of time out shines all others. It was a time I would not trade for anything. The time I speak of is the time that Obi-Wan Kenobi was my padawan.
I will admit in the beginning it was anything but smooth sailing. As I think back I can only wonder what made me think I could prevent something that the force was clearly willing to happen. What was I thinking to turn down the opportunity to teach and learn from such a promising Jedi initiate? It took him to be willing to give his life for mine and countless others.
But I thought my fears were solidified after Melida/Daan. Was I ever wrong. Master Tahl is probably somewhere in the force laughing at me sayingI TOLD YOU SO. Yes Tahl, you were right that the bond that was broken could be mended and made stronger with time and patience. Officially I may have been the master and teacher, but I learnt so much from Obi-Wan and will continue to do so. Which is a point he would probably make some wry remark about or debate with me, but it is a fact that I know is true.
But right now he can't argue with me, he is off on a mission with Anakin, while I sit here reminiscing. Force, how I wish I could be there with them, but I must sit here and heal. Physically I am on the mend, but mentally I feel broken, not totally whole. One may say that I am refusing to acknowledge that I feel this way, this empty feeling, because Obi-Wan's now a knight, and that I need to move on.
But how does one move on?
Obi-Wan was my third apprentice. My first one successfully became a knight, and moving on after that was hard, but nothing compared to this. My second apprentice turned to the dark side, something I blamed on myself for many years. He was the main reason I hesitated in taking Obi-Wan as my apprentice. I was afraid of giving my all, heart and soul, to another just to get burned. I am glad I took Obi- Wan as my padawan and can't help but think I should have taken him earlier, but one can't change the past.
It is because of his undying loyalty and caring for me that I survived my last mission to Naboo. There I was dealt what should have been a fatal blow from a mysterious warrior that was bested by my padawan, my son. Because of what he accomplished on Naboo, he is now my equal. A Jedi Knight. Nevertheless, I will still look at him as my son. Though not of my blood, he will always be my son.
Once he returns with a with that hyperactive child, who reminds me of a young Obi-Wan, I will aid in his training of Anakin. He will have his troubles and questions, but just as he has always been here for me, I will be here for him. It's the least I can do for someone who has saved my life in more than one way and more than once. For that, I am forever grateful.
-Master Qui-Gon Jinn signing off.