Lady Obscura: Vader's Shadow [Star Wars | Luke Skywalker]

Chapter 13

"Sorry, never heard of you."

It never occurred to Athara to feel suspicious of the mysterious figure that was 'sitting' on the end of her cot. As a Force-spirit, she wasn't even sure if he could actually sit; spirits weren't really corporeal, were they?

Qui-gon just smiled.

"That isn't all that surprising. I can't imagine the Empire being interested in teaching much about the Jedi, or the truth behind the events leading to the formation of the Empire." Athara nodded absently, not quite knowing what he was talking about. When he didn't continue, she hesitated, unsure whether or not to ask her next question.

"Who are you then?" He watched her calmly, not at all perturbed.

"I was Obi-wan Kenobi's teacher, his mentor."

"You're his Master?" He nodded slowly.

"He was my Padawan learner before my death, yes."

"You're dead."

"These past thirty-five years, yes." Athara forced herself to swallow. This was...different.

"You're the one who keeps showing up with the visions, and visiting me...sort of."

"Yes. I have watched over you your entire life."

"But you are a Jedi."

"In life, yes."

"Then why were you watching over me?" she blurted out. She instantly wished she hadn't, or at least said it in a slightly more polite way, but the Jedi just smiled indulgently.

"I was asked to." Oh. She was incredibly tempted to ask just who would ask him to watch over her, but the expression on his face urged her to move on. So she let his answer stand...for now. Another question began to press on her mind.

"So you know what I am," she practically whispered. Athara didn't intend for her tone to sound so sad—dejected, even. She half expected to see pity or even resentment in Qui-gon's eyes at mention of her past. After all, he was—had been?—a Jedi, and she had essentially been raised as a Sith, the sworn enemy of the Jedi. His eyes betrayed some sadness, but otherwise his face bore nothing save compassion.

"And just what is that, might I ask?" he asked gently in response. Frustration threatened to boil up again, but the earnest way he looked her immediately had the feeling subsiding. She got the distinct impression that he had no intention of judging her. She thought for a minute.

"One of the Sith; evil." He continued to watch her, his expression steady as he leaned back a bit, straightening.

"I'm not convinced of that." She raised an eyebrow at him. And he said he'd been watching over her for the last twenty or so years? Her frustration began to surface again as her thoughts began to turn dark.

"I suspect Yoda is, though," she said quietly, her tone as bitter as her thoughts. The Jedi sighed.

"Master Yoda has seen a great deal in his long life, and despite many of his efforts, he harbours a great deal of regret and guilt from the years leading up to your birth." Athara frowned, not quite sure what to make of the admission. The Jedi leaned forward again, catching Athara's eye.

"Do not discount Master Yoda just yet. Give him time, he will see that you are far more than a just Sith apprentice." Athara couldn't hold the Jedi's steady gaze. She did not have his conviction.

"What am I to do in the meantime? I came to learn, not to sit here and watch Yoda train Luke."

"There is still much you can learn, young one. Watch, be vigilant, pay attention to the lessons Master Yoda intends to teach young Skywalker. Keep an open mind and be mindful of the Living Force. The path towards becoming a true Jedi is long and hard, especially for one who has walked a path such as yours." Qui-gon smiled kindly. Athara frowned, her gaze not leaving the Jedi as he stood.