Only Wan

Episode VII

ANAKIN

Anakin sat directly across from his Master, watching the man he had known for years inspect what was left on his place. He was glad to be alone with Obi-Wan and particularly relieved to be freen from Brye's company.

Surprisingly, Obi-Wan's memories seemed to have slotted themselves back into place as Brye and Anakin had talked of the Council and the Masters. He recalled his mission to Kamino, that he was following a lead, then his place at the Temple. Brye had left them soon enough to interrogate the locals.

"Something is bothering you," Obi-Wan sighed. He looked up from his meal and met Anakin's gaze.

"It's nothing, Master." Anakin shifted in the chair, trying his best to find a posture Obi-Wan would approve of.

"Anakin," Obi-Wan said, "I can see something is bothering you."

What wasn't bothering Anakin these days? The taunting of the other Jedi at the Temple over his title of Chosen One, Obi-Wan's constant mentoring, the feelings he felt growing for Padmé - feelings which a Jedi shouldn't have had.

A more pressing matter was that of the great disturbance Anakin had felt, the very thing that had brought him here. He had questions for Obi-Wan, questions which needed answering but would no doubt be asked by the other Jedi who's job it was to discover the truth.

"Alright." Anakin took a deep breath. "I was worried about you. I thought something terrible had happened."

Something changed in Obi-Wan's eyes. A flicker of some kind. "I'm glad to here that. After all the time we've spent together, I would hope you cared."

Anakin frowned. "But that is not the Jedi way. I should have stayed on my assignment, with Padmé on Naboo. I went against the Council to come here."

Reaching across the table, Obi-Wan planted a hand on Anakin's shoulder. "Let's be honest, the Council really ought to lighten up about somethings." He tapped the side of his nose with one finger. "I won't tell them if you don't."

This was not the Obi-Wan Anakin knew. Not the mentor who had warned him for years of the Code and to respect the Council's wishes. Not the one who had repeatedly lectured Anakin on how he should behave correctly.

No, this was a different Obi-Wan entirely. He might have sat like him, spoken and looked like him, but this wasn't the Master Kenobi Anakin had said goodbye to on Coruscant. He couldn't help but frown at the hand on his shoulder.

Whatever had happened in this place, Brye must find out. Anakin knew he had to leave things on Kamino to her and that he had to return to Naboo. Yet that didn't mean he couldn't ensure he was kept up to date on things.

"What else is on your mind?" Obi-Wan gave Anakin's shoulder a light shake before retracting his hand.

Blinking, Anakin tried to refocus his senses. Was this really Obi-Wan Kenobi?

Regardless of the strange situation, Anakin found himself wanting to continue the conversation. He wanted to confess his feelings about Padmé and speak of everything on his mind. He wanted to have this moment sealed forever in his mind.

But Anakin didn't dare speak of Padmé. He didn't want to chance his luck. Obi-Wan might have been in an off mood, but that wasn't to say he had forgotten everything about the Council and the Jedi Code.

"It's my mother," Anakin said slowly. "I sense something is wrong. She's in pain."

Obi-Wan scratched his beard.

"I know I shouldn't. But I want to help her. I want to stop her from suffering." Anakin shook his head, wondering how long he had until Obi-Wan stated telling him it was wrong to have attachments. 

"Do you know where she is?" Obi-Wan asked unexpectedly.

"I-" Anakin flattered. "I know she is still on Tatooine."

Rising to his feet, Obi-Wan stepped away from the table. "Tatooine. What an uncivilised place." He looked down at Anakin. "You must be the one to fly. I'm not quite sure I could stomach the controls. Whatever was in my breakfast was ghastly."

It was wrong. Everything was wrong, and Anakin knew he shouldn't agree with him. Obi-Wan needed to stay here with Brye so they could piece together what had happened. Not to mention there was no lightsaber strapped to Obi-Wan's belt.

"Don't make me wait all day." Obi-Wan crossed his arms.

"No, Master. Coming, Master."

Anakin clambered out of his seat and fell into pace beside Obi-Wan as they hurried down the corridor back to Anakin's ship. It was imperative Brye didn't see them. She would surely want Obi-Wan to remain here with her.

Rounding a corner, Anakin motioned for Padmé to part herself from Taun We and the other Jedi. Her brows narrowed, but she moved away and joined Anakin outside on the wet landing platform.

"You're leaving?" she asked.

"We're going to help my mother," Anakin said quietly. "You must come with us so I can protect you."

Padmé glanced at Obi-Wan, saw he was quite happy about going along with Anakin, then pursed her lips. "There's something wrong with him, Annie."

"Oh, I feel perfectly fine," Obi-Wan smiled.

Taking Anakin aside, Padmé lowered her voice. "Are you sure about this?"

Anakin paused. He wanted to save his mother. He wanted the nightmares to end. For once Obi-Wan seemed to be on his side. Whether or not he would give Anakin a lecture later didn't matter.

"He's alright," Anakin said, nodding to himself. "He's alright."