Of Love and War Book 1: Dawn of a New Life

Chapter 4: The Race

Quick Author's Note:  I'm going to be perfectly honest with all of you--I WAS slowly posting this series on here as I edited the chapters, but considering how terrible I was at that I finally went screw it and now you get four books posted at once.  You're welcome.  Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.

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When the time for the pod race drew near, Zelina went with Qui-Gon to the arena to get everything set up. Surprisingly, the Jedi had requested that Zelina come, and she had the suspicion he wanted to keep a close eye on her because of her injuries. She appreciated his concern, but she didn't really think it was necessary. She'd had much worse.

Zelina stayed behind Qui-Gon the entire time, silently watching as he entered Anakin's pod into the race. As they walked back to the place that they would be meeting the others, Qui-Gon put a hand very carefully on her shoulder, most likely minding her wounds. "How's your back?"

Zelina looked up at him sheepishly. "I'll be fine."

Qui-Gon smiled a little. "I'm sure we have supplies on the ship. After Anakin wins this race perhaps I could find the materials to treat it better so it doesn't hurt so much."

Zelina nodded. "Thank you."

Qui-Gon seemed to be thinking about something. "Where is your master, usually," he asked carefully.

Zelina shrugged. "Watching these races or in the cantina she runs usually."

"Alright," Qui-Gon said, a thoughtful look on his face. Zelina was suspicious about what the Jedi was thinking about, but didn't say anything. Instead the two of them made their way to where Anakin's pod was. It didn't take Watto long to appear on the other side of Qui-Gon.

Watto shot Zelina a suspicious look before speaking to Qui-Gon. "Keeping company with the local thief now, eh?" Watto gave a slight chuckle, shaking his head. When Qui-Gon didn't say anything, Watto changed the topic. "I want to see your spaceship the moment the race is over!"

Qui-Gon was unfazed by Watto's demanding tone. "Patience my blue friend, you'll have your winning's before the suns set. And we'll be far away from here."

"Not if your ship belongs to me I think, huh?" Watto chuckled a little and Zelina rolled her eyes. "I warn you, no funny business!"

"You don't think Anakin can win?" Qui-Gon asked, hands on his hips as he stopped walking. Zelina glanced curiously between the two. What was Qui-Gon up to?

"Don't get me wrong though, I have great faith in the boy, he's a credit to your race. But, uh, Sebulba is going to win I think."

Watto chuckled and Zelina scowled. Of course that cheating slimeball would be in this race. I hope Anakin will be alright, Zelina though, remembering the last time the two were in the same race. With a start, she realized that they had come to a stop by Sebulba and his machine. As discreetly as she could, Zelina slipped behind Qui-Gon. She wasn't afraid of the Dug...she just believed she had gotten in enough trouble for one day. She had taken the part she had given to Anakin from Sebulba.

Qui-Gon noticed Zelina's avoidance of the Dug but didn't say anything about it. Instead, he eyed Watto. "Why do you think that?"

"He always wins!" Watto laughed, flying away from Sebulba. "I'm betting everything on Sebulba!"

A light of mischievousness seemed to flash in Qui-Gon's eyes. "I'll take that bet."

"You what?" Watto asked sharply. Zelina looked up at Qui-Gon, startled. What was the Jedi doing now?