Disclaimer: I do not own Star Wars or any of its characters. All the characters are the property of George Lucas and LucasFilm Ltd.

Feedback: Is always welcome.

Author's Notes: Happy Star Wars Day everyone! In these trying times, it is important to hold out hope. And there is not a better tale of hope than the one in a galaxy far, far, away!

Chapter XV

It was surreal, Anakin decides, to walk these hallways again and not be consumed by rage and hatred. There were inconspicuous changes here and there— a flower vase where it should not have been because a droid he was working on had malfunctioned and broken the vases kept in this corridor, absence of an oil stain in the turbolift, etc.

The other Jedi in the hallway looked on with curious eyes although trying not to make it too obvious. To an outsider, the Jedi would look disinterested. However, Anakin could sense their interest with an ease that came living among their ranks. After all, more often than not he used to do the same if anything new and strange came through these doors— notwithstanding the fact that most of those times that something new and strange was because of him and Obi-Wan only.

"Are we going directly to the Council, Master?" Obi-Wan asked in the quiet of the turbolift they had just entered. "Yes Obi-Wan, they had asked me to meet them as soon as we had landed." "Okay."

Okaay, Obi-Wan was definitely planning something. He had his plotting face on. Anakin held on to his mom's hand and waited for Obi-Wan to make his move.

Right at that moment, Obi-Wan gave a discreet glance to them and said in a low voice, "I feel Master, it's been a long day for us all. While you bring the Council up to date with the recent events, I think it will do good for both Anakin and Mrs. Skywalker to freshen up a bit and discuss their future options."

Hook

Huh, so Obi-Wan was stalling the meet with the Council. But why? Not that Anakin was all eager to meet them and have Yoda's all-knowing eyes pierce through his soul but Obi-Wan was punctual about meeting with the Council.

Once, he remembers, while he was still a new Padawan, Obi-Wan had been injured and was lying in the medbay but insisted on meeting the Council because it was not courteous to make them wait, Anakin. However, how much of that was due to his dislike of the medbay and healers or his tendency of being punctual, Anakin didn't know.

Qui-Gon gave a quite hum in reply. He appeared to be in thought for a few moments before he replied, "There are a lot of things that the Council should know about the mission briefing before we can discuss about all this anyways. How about you take them to our quarters and I can request the Council to meet again late evening or tomorrow morning?"

"I'd like to accompany you to the mission briefing Master."

Line

"That's okay Obi-Wan. Look after our guests. I will just tell about how it went with the Queen of Naboo. We will discuss about the… Sith and your bond in the meeting later when you are present."

"As you wish Master."

And, Sinker.

Anakin smirked. Obi-Wan was clearly still the same manipulative smug Jedi he would be in the future. As he had said, the plotting look.

As if on cue, the turbolift stopped. "Are we there?" His mom asked as they exited it.

"Yes, we decided it would be best that you and Anakin have a few moments to collect your thoughts and freshen up before meeting the Jedi Council. Obi-Wan will take you to our quarters. That is, if you wish. If you want, we can meet the Council now."

He looked at his mom glancing at Obi-Wan who offered her a small smile but she simply hummed and looked at Qui-Gon. Anakin frowned. What was up with those two?

"If it's not too much trouble, I think we both would like to rest for a while. What do you think, Ani?"

Get an excuse to stay away from the Council? Personally? Always. But as an overexcited kid to who idolizes the Jedi? Unfortunately, no.

"But mom! I wanna meet new Jedi!" Sorry to throw a wrench in your plans Master.

He expected Obi-Wan to frown. Instead, he just chuckled. Anakin looked at him. "Anakin, Padme told me you like to fly?"

Okay, Obi-Wan, where are you going with this?

"Yeah, it's wizard! Do you know I am the only human to ever win the Boonta Eve!" Obi-Wan nodded, "Yeah, well I have some starship models in my room, how about you help me in assembling those?"

That was subtle, Master.

"Sure!"

"And then we can go and visit my friends?"

"Wizard! What are we waiting for then? Let's go!" He exclaimed tugging on Obi-Wan and his mom's hands.

Alright Master, I will play along.

All three of them smiled and chuckled.

Stars, impersonating a nine-year old is tiring.

"Just give me a minute with Obi, Anakin."

The walked a bit further down the corridor. And even though he knew it was wrong to eavesdrop but seriously he was way past that point.

"I thought all your friends were off-planet, Obi-Wan." It was said lightheartedly but the smile Obi-Wan was spotting dropped suddenly, "What?" At Qui-Gon's raised eyebrow, he stammered out an explanation, "Yeah, I mean ahem, I know that. I said that to get Anakin to come with us."

Something is off with Obi-wan. And clearly, I am not the only one to think that. Qui-Gon looked at Obi-Wan skeptically, "Is everything alright Obi? You seem…"

"Weird?" Obi-Wan provided with a sardonic smile.

"Distracted." Qui-Gon amended, "although weird isn't too far off either. We will be talking about this Padawan."

Obi-Wan sighed, "Yes Master."

Apparently satisfied, Qui-Gon continued, "I do not know when the next meeting will be scheduled so take some rest yourself and gather your thoughts on what you would like to tell the Council about the… recent events."

"Yes, Master."

"Very well Padawan. I will see you soon."

"Of course." With that Qui-Gon walked back towards the turbolift when Obi-Wan called out, "And Master, try not to get in trouble with the Council." Qui-Gon chuckled and shook his head fondly, "Imp."

Obi-Wan walked back towards them with a smile, "Let's go, Ani. This way, Mrs. Skywalker."

It is only when they started walking towards Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan's quarters that he realized that it was the same apartment he had once shared with Obi-Wan. The same one he had burned completely to the ground.

Oh joy.

-x—x—

Obi-Wan let out a sigh of relief. That was close. He really needed to stop having slips like this. He should have brushed up on the whereabouts of his close friends and acquaintances.

A part of it could have been attributed to the tension relating to the fact that he just was not ready to face the Council yet. Yoda would definitely know something was up and having to explain himself in front of the entire Council, Qui-Gon, Anakin and Shmi was not really something he wanted to do.

Well tough Kenobi. You have few hours to ready yourself with a credible back-story so be prepared.

Obi-Wan sighed again. Apart from having to explain himself, Obi-Wan didn't know whether he had the strength to greet his old friends like nothing ever happened. Could he look into the eyes of Mace after he had become the first victim of Darth Vader? What about Plo Koon who had fallen prey to the betrayal of his troops? And Master Yoda? Wait, Master Yoda… Obi-Wan had greeted Yoda in the afterlife. Was it possible that maybe he had travelled back in time too? Because why not? If he had, Obi-Wan could have a very powerful ally in his fight against Palpatine.

"So, have you lived here your entire life?" The inquisitive voice of a nine-year-old broke through his thoughts.

"As far as I remember yes."

"That's so wizard!"

He smiled softly at the boy as they continued on to his quarters. That was another matter too. So much had gone wrong in Anakin's first meeting with the Council the last time.

First off, Anakin never should have been present there to hear Qui-Gon claim him as the Chosen One. There were so many times than he cared to count when Anakin had admitted his helplessness and how he despised this title. He had been tired of being judged at standards higher than others and being criticized for it. So, he needed to keep Anakin out when Qui-Gon presented his conclusions about him.

Secondly, stop him from hearing the initial rejection the Council would have against training Anakin. He couldn't see it the last time but honestly what had possessed the Council to outright reject Anakin like that so soon after he had travelled to a new planet all alone?

Okay, so basically, he had to keep Anakin out from both the initial and the final meeting. Joy.

"Alright, we are here." Obi-Wan announced. He spared a quick look at the Jinn/Kenobi hung on the side of the door before opening the doors to his apartment.

He expected Anakin to dart all throughout the apartment like he had the first time he had seen them but he entered with an uncharacteristic somberness and dare he say, dread.

"Feel free to look around." He led Shmi to the couch and said, "Make yourself at home. Is there anything I can get you, Mrs. Skywalker?"

Shmi had been seeing around the apartment too. She smiled, a bit tersely Obi-Wan noted, and shook her head, "No, thank you Padawan Kenobi."

"Obi-Wan, please Mrs. Skywalker."

"Of course, Obi-Wan."

Something was up with Shmi Skywalker. She had been acting strange around him. He never had the fortune of knowing her personally. All he knew about her were from the tales of Anakin and Padme, and the brief mention from Qui-Gon the last time.

And he could admit it to himself, he really wanted her to approve of him. After all, he had acted as Anakin's parent figure in her stead. He really wanted to live up to her standards.

I am pretty sure letting her son to the Dark Side wasn't even on her standards.

"What about you—" Obi-Wan turned around to find Anakin had disappeared. He smiled. "Anakin?" He called out.

"In here!" A moment later he came darting out, "You weren't kidding about those starship models! They look amazing hanging from your ceiling."

"Thank you. Here, have a seat. Would you like to eat something?"

"Yes, please!"

Obi-Wan couldn't help but chuckle at his overenthusiasm.

He made tea for himself and Shmi while blue milk for Anakin and some snacks. Once everything was served, they engaged in small talk for a while before Anakin got restless and asked to assemble some models.

"Here." Obi-Wan said blowing off some dust from the top of the cover. It had been a few years before he had taken one out. It was a miracle, he even remembered where he had stored them.

"Whoa. That is a Naboo starship just like Padm— uh, I mean the Queen's!"

Well would you look at that. Coincidence much?

"That it is. Let's go to the drawing room where you can assemble it."

They rejoined Shmi in the drawing room. With Anakin successfully distracted, Obi-Wan kept his teacup down and said, "Mrs. Skywalker, I would like to discuss your future plans, if you want to."

"Yes, of course, Obi-Wan. What do you think our options are?"

"I was actually hoping you would tell me your thoughts on it."

"Okay, I know Qui-Gon wishes for Anakin to be trained as a Jedi." She looked at Obi-Wan who gave a slight nod in confirmation. "And I feel that it is a great calling but don't get me wrong, I am not sure whether it will be the best thing for him right now. He has just escaped slavery. I have seen how you call Jedi Jinn your Master and while I know it is a term of respect, I am not sure Anakin would be comfortable with it. I have also heard, correct me if I am wrong, the Jedi insist on no relations to family or otherwise. Anakin will find it difficult to live like that. When you are a slave, this relation is all you have. You draw strength from it. Taking it away from him… I am just worried about his mental health. Besides, I have had my share of Anakin being put in danger, and he will be constantly in the way of danger as a Jedi, won't he? No offence to the Jedi, it's just I would like to be sure before approving of this option. Anakin, however, he wants to be a Jedi and he loves helping people. So, I feel this will be a good place for him."

Obi-Wan sighed, "I will be honest with you, Mrs. Skywalker. Being a Jedi is not easy. A Jedi must have the deepest commitment, a most serious mind. And yes, the path we tread is dangerous. Traditionally, Anakin is too old to be trained but the Jedi Council does allow special cases like his to be given training. It will be tough for him as he would have a lot of catching up to do. But I believe with proper guidance with his Master, I mean teacher, and consistent efforts, with him being such a bright child, he will catch up. I understand the rumors you have heard must have painted us as emotionally distant but believe me everybody who comes here finds a family among the Jedi. As to the 'no relationships' rumor, it is true, we teach not to have attachments, but we are encouraged to form healthy relations with our peers and Jedi all around us. After all, a Jedi is supposed to be compassionate and one can hardly be that if they are emotionally distant."

"I understand. That's actually a very good advice. This attachment you refer to basically means obsession, right?"

"Simply put, yes."

"Right. And his life being put in danger?"

"It will be, Mrs. Skywalker. Both physically and mentally."

"What do you mean?"

"There are many times his life will be put in danger while following his duties. There is nothing we can do about it except train him and guide him to handle himself out there. And you can rest assured he will be given proper training and skills. Don't worry Mrs. Skywalker, we Jedi look out for our own. As for the mentally part, that is where it gets a little tricky. Due to our abilities, we are more susceptible to our negative emotions and are at a risk of giving into them. As Master Yoda says, 'Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate leads to suffering. All this is the path to the Dark Side.'"

"That doesn't seem like a very nice path to be on." Shmi quipped.

Obi-Wan smirked, "Oh believe me, it's not." He grew somber then, "He will be mentored for controlling and accepting his emotions as well."

Except apparently, we all forgot about the last part of teaching how to accept your emotions and after a while just resorted to controlling and subduing them.

"That was very informative, Obi-Wan, thank you."

"My pleasure."

They both are quiet for a while, drinking their tea peacefully.

"So, what did you have in mind for Anakin and yourself if he did not go on to become a Jedi?" Obi-Wan enquired.

"I hadn't really thought about it. Probably find some mechanical work on Naboo. There is going to be much of it after this war."

Obi-Wan nodded in agreement.

"However, the cost of living is pretty high there."

"I am sure the Queen will be happy to assist you in return for your help back on Tatooine."

"I guess so but we didn't help her to get a favour from her."

"I know, Mrs. Skywalker. You did so because it was the right thing to do. So Jedi-like, if I say so myself."

Shmi smiled.

Obi-Wan shifted a bit, "Have you thought about staying on Coruscant?"

"It's more expensive than even Naboo. If Anakin is getting trained here, then I will do my best to get a job and a place to stay otherwise I would prefer to move to somewhere else."

"About that, I think we can help you with it."

"What do you mean?"

"The Jedi Temple, as I am sure you have seen, is huge. Not everybody who is employed here in the hangars, mess, or inventories, is a Jedi. There are a lot of non-force-sensitives working here and it ensures a good pay too. Moreover, we can get you a good place to stay on rent and you can pay the Temple back once you have found your footing. And this offer stands whether or not Anakin is trained. None of us will force you to train Anakin but raising a force-sensitive child can be hard. We can help you with that and help him in harnessing and accepting his abilities. I will be glad to do so and I am sure, so will my Master."

"That's… that's very generous of you Obi-Wan. Thank you." Shmi said, full of gratitude.

"We serve, milady."

"I will think about these options and let you know, is that okay?"

"Of course."

Both of them fell silent and watched Anakin assemble the starship model near the dining table just out of sight.

"Actually," Obi-Wan said keeping his teacup down, "there is another option which you can look into."

"And what's that?"

"You said Anakin wishes to be a Jedi and loves to help people, right? Jedi have an honorable alternative for those who do not wish to serve in the direct capacity of the traditional Jedi Knights. We call them the Service Corps. They are mainly four— Agricultural Corps, Educational Corps, Medical Corps, and the Exploration Corps. All the people working here are labelled as Jedi. They use the Force to help others in ways different than the Knights. Anakin probably wouldn't like the AgriCorps or the MedCorps but I think he would like the Edu Corps and Exploration Corps. There will be comparatively less danger, the rules are on attachment and family are a bit relaxed, proper guidance in developing his force powers would be provided, and there is need for non-force-sensitives even there, so you can get a job."

"Obi-Wan, that sounds wonderful."

"I can get you a book from the library on it if you wish."

"I'd love that. How can I ever thank you for all the help you are providing?"

"You don't need to," Obi-Wan reassured, "Before we ship off again to Naboo, I will be sure to get that book for you."

On cue, Anakin wandered back into their line of sight with a finished model of the Naboo starship. "Anakin," Obi-Wan exclaimed, "That looks amazing!"

The nine-year-old preened at the praise, "Amazing enough to go on your ceiling?"

"Definitely. However, tell you what, why don't you hold onto that for me huh? Consider it a gift."

"Thanks Obi!"

Shmi chuckled while Obi-Wan smiled. Anakin went to keep the model near their bags.

"He really likes you." Shmi told Obi-Wan smiling. Obi-Wan couldn't help but let his smile turn a bit rueful. "Well, I feel honored. And…I like him too." I love him as my brother, Shmi. I wish everything could have been better.

-x—x—

This is belittling for a Dark Lord of the Sith, well ex-Dark lord but still! Anakin thought as he kept the spaceship model in front of him. He had been the one to request Obi-Wan to give him that because he could practically sense that both of them had something to discuss.

So, he had taken the model and settled in the dining area just out of their line of sight, and easy enough to eavesdrop.

"How about you help me in assembling those?" Anakin muttered in a high-pitched imitation of Obi-Wan's voice. "Just left me out here alone, didn't you Master?"

Seeing the apartment again was hard. He had, on instinct, went on to check the Padawan room. It was something like out of an old vague dream. Last time, he hadn't had the time to do so and the only time he had seen this room as Obi-Wan had kept it was after returning from Naboo with one Jedi lost and another gained. Even then, it had been cleaned thoroughly and left bare within the day, ready for Anakin to move in.

This time, he took notice of the pristine-clean walls and remembered how fast all of them were spotting at least one grease or oil stain. He noticed the organized room and recalled how messy it had become. This was where he had lived for at least a decade. This was in a sense…dare he say it, home.

And I burned it to the ground.

Anakin heaved a deep sigh and stared at the dismantled pieces of a child's toy. With another exasperated breath, he waved his hand over the pieces and they slowly arranged themselves into a model of Naboo starship. Prancing around in a child's body and having to adapt its mannerisms was one thing. Actually playing with a child's toy? He was not going to stoop that low.

He overheard what Obi-Wan told his mom about the Jedi life, and scoffed, a lot.

Yeah, right Obi-Wan, healthy relations.

He spits out the blue milk when he heard Obi-Wan talking about the Service Corps. At first, he was angry. So, Padawan Kenobi did not want him to be a Jedi, huh?

But then, do I want to be a Jedi Knight? It was, now that he thought about it, a pretty good plan. Lay low while planning Palpatine's demise and still have some sort of acquaintance, if not friendship, with Obi-Wan.

Why didn't Obi-Wan suggest this the previous time after having brought him to Coruscant? Or maybe he had to Qui-Gon who knows and had been shot down.

Here and now, Anakin.

He waited for a lull in the conversation and then grabbed the model and plastering an eager and bright smile entered the drawing room.

After keeping the model near their bags, he rejoined the others. It is then the door to the apartment slid open. Obi-wan stood, "Master, that was quicker than I thought."

Qui-Gon nodded a greeting to all of them. "So, when are we supposed to meet the Council?" he continued as Qui-Gon joined them on the couch.

"In two hours."

"Really? What's the hurry?"

"Queen Amidala wishes to go back to Naboo later today. I heard there was some sort of disagreement at the Senate. We need to discuss about the other events of this trip with them before we leave."

Disagreement? What could that have been? Oh Sith hells! Please do not have called for a Vote of No-Confidence Padme!

"Of course, Master. I will get ready."

Tbc..

I hope all of you are staying safe out there. Please take all the necessary precautions and take care of yourself.

Grammarosprey: I agree with you about Shmi. I hope I do justice to her character in this fic. Oh, there's gonna be lots of teasing in the future when the secret comes out between Anakin and Obi-Wan. I can envision them cracking inner jokes and everybody around them is like, 'What's up with those two?' XD. Stay safe!

gammaxmen80: There is. I have the idea on how its gonna go down just the time when it will happen is a little undecided. Something to look forward to, I hope. Hope you enjoyed this chapter and Stay Safe!

Rilme Caatl: Right? I thought what Shmi would think about Anakin and Obi-Wan acting weird around each other and thought, she has got to be a little suspicious. I can't wait for it too. I am excited to know what your thoughts will be on the scene when they both final realise it. But for now, I must advise patience ;p. Thank you :). Hope you liked this chapter? Please stay safe out there!

yiggdrasill: Thank you :). Always eagerly await your replies. I guess, that's just how close they are. Hope you liked this chapter? Stay safe!

RyuuShadow: :( Don't worry I have a happy ending in store for Anakin :). Do you think the concerns I made Shmi have were valid? Would love to hear your thoughts on it. Hope you liked this chapter? Stay safe please :)

Nightshade's sydneylover150: Having them clueless is fun, isn't it? xD. I am sure it will build a bit of trust towards Obi and a chewing out would be in store for Qui-Gon. That does make me wonder, would Shmi actually trust Qui-Gon to look after Anakin after that stunt in the Council chambers? Guess we will have to see but till then I would love to hear your thoughts on it :). Please stay safe!

Star Wars and Skillet: Thank you! :) I am excited for their meeting too :D. Hope you liked this chapter? Stay safe and take care!

MMM73181: Oh, Anakin is getting suspicious. What about Obi? Does he have doubts on Anakin? Hard to say and time will tell, I guess. Looking forward to that conversation as well :). Hope you stay safe out there!

IthilwenofIthilien: Yeah, I thought it would be nice to add Obi-Wan's first night at the Temple. I felt so sad for him. Well, outwardly, I think Anakin managed quite fine while entering the Temple. Innerly, well, let's say he is just bottling everything up and plain out ignoring it or just not thinking about it. Reading it's one of your favourite stories made my day! Thank you :D. Hope you liked this chapter? Please stay safe out there!

OneBlueDemon: Oh they will! When is something even I don't know yet. I have got the scene all planned out but when exactly it's gonna happen is kinda not known yet. Hope you liked this chapter? Stay safe!

Banjo Player: Thank you! Glad you liked it! I sit down with a particular plot in mind and then when I begin to write the story writes itself and takes a different turn :p. Qui-Gon certainly thinks something is wrong. Coupled with the discover of the Sith and the Chosen One and the Force bond between Ani and Obi, how is he going to cope? Thanks, that means a lot :). Please take care and stay safe!

Again, I wish all of you a very happy Star Wars Day! Please, please be safe and take all the necessary precautions! Wash your hands, follow social distancing, wear masks, anything that protects you from this deadly virus. And always remember, a new hope will rise.

May the 4th be with you! Enjoy the Star Wars day!

Force be with us all.

As always, please read and review!