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

Chapter 14: Beginning of the Journey

Obi-Wan was kneeling down in front of Yoda, watching the little green Jedi Master closely. He felt weary, worn, and emotionally spent, but he was somehow still going. Somehow he was able to keep his face devoid of any emotion as he went from place to place, fulfilling his Jedi duties. He was looking forward to the chance to be alone and finally get the time to himself he so desperately needed right now...if that chance ever came at this rate.

"Confer on you the level of Jedi Knight, the Council does. But agree with taking this boy as your Padawan learner, I do not."

Obi-Wan held back an exasperated sigh. As soon as he'd gathered himself he had been pushed back into reality, though he'd felt rushed the entire time. He'd kept a close eye on both of the children since Qui-Gon had died, keeping them close by. He had promised his master he would look out for them, and he was going to do just that. He was also going to train Anakin like Qui-Gon requested, even if he had to train the boy in secret without the Council's permission. It was probably best if he gave them a chance to change their mind first.

"Qui-Gon believed in him," Obi-Wan pointed out, burying the pang that went through him at the mention of his late master. Qui-Gon's funeral was tonight, and dusk was slowly fading.

Yoda sighed. "The Chosen One the boy may be; nevertheless, grave danger I fear in his training."

Obi-Wan set his jaw in determination, holding the ancient Jedi's gaze. "Master Yoda. I gave Qui-Gon my word. I will train Anakin: without the approval of the Council if I must!"

Yoda seemed to grumble to himself for a moment. "Qui-Gon's defiance I sense in you. Need that, you do not..."

Obi-Wan stared at him intently, refusing to let the topic drop. He meant what he said; he was going to train Anakin, one way or another.

Yoda sighed. "Agree with you the Council does." Yoda turned to Obi-Wan. "Your apprentice Skywalker will be."

Obi-Wan felt relief seep through him: a feeling he'd been in desperate need of. He bowed his head in thanks to Yoda, hesitating to bring up the other thing nagging at the back of his mind.

"And the girl, Zelina? What will happen to her?" he asked cautiously.

Yoda studied him for a moment. "A connection to the girl, I sense you already have Obi-Wan. Be mindful of your feelings."

Obi-Wan inclined his head in acknowledgement. "I know Master. I just...promised Qui-Gon I would look out for both of them."

"Several promises it seems you made Obi-Wan...To be Master Ur-Sema Du's Padawan Learner, Du'ahn is. Good for the girl, The Council believes she will be."

Obi-Wan nodded. The brown haired green eyed human Jedi wasn't someone that Obi-Wan was that familiar with, but he had seen her here and there. And he could feel some peace from the Force on the matter. Zelina would be in good hands; that much he could be sure of.

"Thank you Master."

*******************************

Anakin and Zelina were hiding together in one of the many rooms of the Palace, simply sitting in the grim silence that had plagued them for three days now as they waited for Obi-Wan to return.

Anakin glanced up at Zelina briefly as he picked at a string in his pants. He didn't think he'd get the image out of his head of what he had found after he'd returned from the battle above Naboo...

******************************

He'd climbed out of the fighter's cockpit, a grin plastered over his face as he climbed down the ladder. All he could think about was the look on everyone's face when he told them he was the one who blew up the battlestation. In fact, he could see Zelina emerging from a hallway not to far away.