A/N: I had not planned on posting this yet but I am just so over the moon excited about the new Obi-Wan series coming to Disney+ that I just couldn't help myself! This will be some AU and some recognizable stuff and it starts well before the Prequels. Those of you that read my first story will get to see Kat in a comppletly different situation. I cannot promise how often I will update; this will be the third fic I will have going at one time so it will be sporatic at least until I finish one of the others. Hope you enjoy ... and May the Force be with You.

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George Lucas gets all the credit ... except for Kat and whatever story I create for her.

Bright sunshine bore down through the trees, glinting off the domed rooftops and creating blinding flashes off the water in the canals. A gentle breeze made its way over the buildings, down the streets, and through the leaves of trees keeping the air from being uncomfortably warm. Its quick moving tendrils carried the scent of flowers. Citizens strolled along the cobblestone sidewalks enjoying the day, their colored clothing making them appear as part of the landscaping. In the middle of that pleasant scene two small ferries glided easily down one of the canals, their dozen or so occupants giggling, chatting, and occasionally reaching over the side to let their fingers trail through the cool, clear water below. Two adults sat in the front of each boat keeping an eye on the children, offering gentle reprimands if one got too rowdy or seemed in danger of tipping over the edge, though they gave their young charges much more leniency than normal. This was a special day, a picnic and class trip to the Science Academy, and all the children had been looking forward to it for weeks. They sat in small groups, chatting and laughing with one another, thrilling in the freedom this day was giving them. One small girl, however, sat away from the others. She was much younger than the children in the class and so they didn't pay her much attention but that didn't bother her; she was just happy to be spending the day with her parents. As she rested her head on the edge of the boat, something in the water caught her attention and she leaned over, trying to touch it as it swam alongside the hull.

"Kat, be careful. You'll fall over."

The girl sat back and looked over her shoulder. "I won't, papa."

"And how do you know that?" he asked.

"Because I just know. I always know before something happens to me." She turned back to the water and didn't see the uneasy smile her father had on his face as he watched her or the worry in her mother's eyes. It wouldn't have bothered her even if she had. This was a special treat for her, to be allowed to accompany her parents' class on their trip, and nothing could take away her contentment. Kat had never felt neglected but getting to spend the entire day with them was extra special. Turning to look at where her mother and father sat together at the back of the boat, the familiar warm, comforting sensation she got whenever she was with them rose in her chest. She knew there were children in the galaxy, even on Naboo, who didn't have such good parents or even parents at all, and the thought always made her a bit sad. Kat couldn't imagine not seeing her mother's green eyes glittering with amusement or the edges of her father's crinkled up in laughter, feeling the security in his arms or the warmth in hers, or just the calmness that always seemed to be around them. No matter what was bothering her they could always make her feel better.

Her attention was again caught by something in the water and she remained unaware of the slightly worried way her parents were watching her. It was a look they often had where she was concerned though they managed to hide it from their very curious and determined daughter.

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Kat stood between her mother and father, each of her hands firmly in one of theirs, as they and their class listened to one of the scientists. She was bored. The picnic had been fun as had playing in the meadows. Her father had lifted her onto his shoulders and run through the flowers so fast she felt she was in a starship (at least that's what she thought it would feel like; she'd never left Naboo). The boat ride up the canals was fun, even some of the things they'd seen in the Academy had been interesting, but Kat was five years old and her attention span had been spent. Now all she wanted was to go home so she could play with her droid A-Vee. She also didn't like the way the Academy felt now. Though she couldn't explain it, the little girl had been growing more and more uncomfortable as they'd progressed further into the building. Something off to their left, something just at the edge of her vision, caught her attention. Craning her neck she tried to peer in that direction but saw nothing except a hallway. She fidgeted some, trying to see further. There had been something moving over there. Maybe it would be more interesting than whatever the man in front of them was saying. Maybe it would feel better over there, too. She tried to move in that direction and her mother looked down at her with an expression that clearly said to stop. Kat tried to find something fun to look at but that uncomfortable feeling kept growing. It now felt like she was surrounded by hot air and it was pressing in on her, making it hard to breathe, as it tried to push at her body. As her father stepped to the front of the group to speak with the class she tugged on her mother's hand.

"What is it, Kat?" Her mother squatted down so she could whisper.

"I don't like it here any more, mama."

"Why not? You were so excited this morning."

"It doesn't feel good now."

Her mother peered at her, concern suddenly filling her eyes. "What do you mean it doesn't feel good?"

"It just doesn't feel good. I feel hot and I can't take a deep breath. It's pushing at me. I feel like something wants me to run far away from here. Maybe it has something to do with whatever it was I saw down that hall. Can we leave?" For reasons she didn't understand Kat was suddenly aware that her mother was scared.

"What did you see, sweetheart?"

"I don't know. I couldn't really see it. I just saw something move out of the corner of my eye." Her mother glanced in the direction she indicated and was still and quiet for a moment.

"Prensi!" Her father looked up at the call, caught his wife's urgent tone, and hurried to their side. "Kat says she wants to leave, that it doesn't feel good in here any more, and claims she saw something down the laboratory hall when there's nothing down there right now." He glanced down at her with a scrutiny Kat had never seen directed at her, then he refocused on his wife. The two seemed to have a silent conversation, their eyes constantly flicking in her direction and around where they were standing, which ended when her mother nodded her head.

She watched this interaction between her parents, puzzled, but kept tugging on her mother's hand. That strange feeling was growing stronger, the pressure against her arms and legs was so hard she kept looking down expecting to see something actually touching her.

"Let's go! I want to go! It feels hot!"

Her father glanced around and she knew he was now scared, too. It was on his face and she could just feel it somehow. He squatted down next to her and pulled something out of his long coat, showing it to her before slipping it into the hidden pocket on the inside of her jacket. It was silver and felt heavy hanging there.

"Kat, what I just gave you, keep it very safe and never tell anyone you have it, okay?"

She nodded, not understanding but eager to do anything her father asked. He placed a kiss on her forehead then stood.

"Take her and run," he said giving his wife a quick kiss as well.

"Prensi ..."

"Go!"

Her mother grabbed her arm and started towards the door. They didn't get far. There was a loud explosion and Kat suddenly had the sensation of being shoved hard towards the exit then she was thrown through the air. She hit something hard and fell to the ground. The last thing she knew was she was very, very hot.

My arm hurts.

Her eyes fluttered but didn't open. They felt so heavy.

It hurts! Mama! It hurts!

She tried to move her arm; it wouldn't obey. Her side burned.

Where was Mama?

In the way she had taught herself Kat concentrated on her mother and searched for the comforting feeling she always got around her … but she couldn't find it. There were voices around her, gentle voices, but she didn't recognize them. They all sounded a bit funny. Why didn't she hear her Mother's voice, too? Kat tried to call out for her but all that came out was a low moan. The voices paused then someone spoke right next to her.

"Katavé, can you hear me?" This voice was familiar though it sounded muffled. She finally forced her eyes open, squinting in the light. She recognized the man by her side but she couldn't remember his name. "Welcome back, dear girl."

Kat frowned. Had she gone somewhere? She didn't care. All she wanted to know was where her parents were.

"Mama? Papa?" The man's face fell and he looked to his side, muttering something to someone she couldn't see from where she was laying. "Where are they?"

"Katavé, do you remember going to the Science Academy?" he asked. Why did he sound so far away? He was right next to her. She struggled to focus on what he was saying. Now that her eyes were open her head was hurting. The Science Academy? Yes, she remembered. Her parents had let her come with their class. She had been happy to come until they got there, then she didn't want to go in. The place didn't feel good. Fire! There had been fire! And a really loud noise! Fear blossomed in her stomach and she met the man's eyes.

"There was fire! Where's my Mama and Papa?"

Kat had never seen a grown up man cry and something deep within knew the truth when she saw the few tears streaking their way down his face.

"I am very, very sorry, Katavé. Your parents ... they didn't make it out of the fire."

She just stared at him as something began twisting inside. It felt like a butterfly had gotten in her stomach and was flying around like crazy. Her mother and father were gone? She would never again feel the happiness and contentment their presence gave? There was a sharp pain in her chest and she began to cry, her cries quickly turning into sobs and screams. Then there was a prick on her arm and darkness closed in around her.

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There were voices again. She pressed her eyes together, not wanting to open them. Kat remembered what she learned the last time she woke up. Her parents ... that pain flared up in her chest again and she felt tears squeezing out no matter how hard she clinched her eyes. Then ... something seemed to wrap itself around her, almost like her favorite blanket, and she felt warm and the hurt didn't seem quite so bad.

"Katavé, hear me do you?"

Almost against her will her eyes opened. There was someone next to her, someone unlike anything she'd ever seen before. She couldn't help but stare despite the fact that her mother had always told her staring was very rude. He was green and had big ears and he just looked old. She usually didn't like anyone that was old but there was a kindness in his eyes that comforted her.

"Hello, youngling. How feel you?"

"It hurts."

"What hurts?"

"Everything."

He nodded. "Heal and fade it will. Slow it will be but safe you now are."

She scrunched up her face as she listened to him, confused at the odd way he was speaking. At least he didn't sound quite as far away as the other man had sounded. Thinking of that familiar but unnamed man reminded her of what he had told her and she began to cry silently. The green creature next to her reached out and laid his hand gently on her forehead.

"Many tears there will be but recover you will. Sleep now, youngling." Warmth seemed to spread out from where he touched her. Suddenly she was very sleepy. The last thing she saw before darkness closed in around her again was another, very tall man with long brown hair step up behind the little green creature, his kind eyes watching her.

.

"Poor little thing."

"Indeed. Hard this will be for her when healed her wounds have."

"She will recover though?"

"Yes."

The tall man contemplated the little girl now sleeping on the small cot. "And she is truly the daughter of a former Jedi?"

"Not yet knighted was Garyth Ardinn but powerful Jedi he was."

"But he left, married and took a new name, had a child, and managed to conceal her for five years. Was the mother a Jedi?"

"No. Force sensitive she was but allowed to be trained she was not. Refused her parents did and so on Alderaan she remained."

"Why did he leave?"

"For another day that story is. Return to the Temple we must."

"What will happen to Katavé?"

Yoda looked up at him. "With us she will come, Master Qui-Gon."

"Are you sure? Isn't she a bit too old?"

"Mm-hmm but seen this part of her future I have. A Jedi she will become."

One month later ...

Kat stared out the window at a landscape completely foreign to her. Accustomed to the graceful buildings and colorful flowers and trees of Naboo the colorless uniformity of Coruscant was a bit of a shock. It was just another drastic change in a line of such changes she'd had to face in the past few weeks. After those two times she'd awoken and discovered what had happened to her parents she had not regained consciousness for a couple of days. When she'd finally come to there had only been the man she recognized, her father's friend Ruwee Naberrie, to comfort her. There had not been a repeat of the explosion of grief when she was reminded of what had happened, just silent tears and the feeling that there was a ... hole somewhere inside her. Now she found herself removed from everything familiar and comfortable with hardly any explanation. She thought she should feel sad or angry and was a bit surprised that she didn't really feel anything at all. Maybe if she was older she would understand.

Today was going to be an important day or so she had been told. Today she would finally be able to leave the medical facility in her new home and be placed in a clan - whatever that was - with other children her age. She wasn't sure what to think about that. Nothing had made sense since the fire. For a long time all she could think about was the fact that she would never see her mother and father again. Then she was told she would have to leave her home as well. The fact that she had been hurt in the fire that killed her parents was of little concern to her. She had been bundled onto a ship along with the green man, Master Yoda he had said to call him, and the tall man and brought to this strange place, the Jedi Temple. She had heard about the Jedi before, her father had occasionally told her stories about them at bedtime, but she had never really thought they were real. Kat had been under the care of the healers since her arrival as they tended to the severe burns on her side, a broken arm, and her ears. One of them told her that the explosion had been so loud that it damaged her hearing but not to worry because it would return in time. And so here she was, staring out at buildings that stretched to the sky and an endless stream of speeders, waiting for the lady that had taken her from the healers to come fetch her. She'd been told to stand right here and so she had; her usual curiosity and eagerness to explore when in a new place seemed to have remained on Naboo.

"Hello there."

Turning she found a boy, probably not much older than herself, standing just behind her. He was dressed in the same baggy, colorless clothes everyone else here seemed to wear with a messy head of reddish-blonde hair. There was a smile on his face that was mirrored in his blue eyes. It was the first time she'd seen anyone besides the healers or Master Yoda since her arrival.

"Hi."

"I don't think I've seen you before."

"I've only been here a month."

"How come I haven't seen you?"

"I have been in the medical facility."

"Oh." He contemplated her for a moment. "My name's Obi-Wan. What's yours?"

"Katavé."

"What are you doing standing out here?"

"I'm supposed to wait until Master Yoda calls for me. He said I will be placed in a ... clan today."

"Then you will begin your training to be a Jedi just like me."

"How long have you been here?" She liked the idea that she wasn't alone in her awkwardness.

"Since I was a baby. I was brought here when I was just a few months old. I'm eight now," he said proudly. "You're kinda old to begin training, though. Why did your parents finally decide to let you come here?"

"My parents were killed. Master Yoda and some one else brought me here."

"Oh," he said again, his face falling. "I'm sorry."

Kat didn't know how to respond to him. He seemed friendly enough but she just wasn't sure what she was supposed to do now. She didn't know what was allowed here. The more she thought about it she realized she didn't really know much at all.

"What exactly is a Jedi?"

Obi-Wan seemed surprised at her question. "You mean you don't know?"

Kat shook her head. "Not really. My father used to tell me stories about the Jedi but he never really told me what they were."

"Jedi are the guardians of peace in the galaxy."

She scrunched up her face at his answer. It reminded her of when the older students in her parents' class would repeat back things from their datapads during lessons. There wasn't time to ask him anything further, however, as the lady she was waiting for appeared around a corner and beckoned to her.

"Katavé, you may come with me now."

Nodding she took her hand though she looked back over her shoulder at the boy. "It was nice to meet you, Obi-Wan."

"It was nice to meet you, too. I'll see you soon!"

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Standing in the center of the circular room Kat tried not to squirm under the eyes of the ring of beings around her. They had been introduced as Jedi Masters but she didn't know what that meant. She recognized only Master Yoda. The other man, the tall man that had been there when she'd woken up on Naboo was no where to be found. When they didn't speak right away she let her attention roam over the different Masters sitting in the circle. They were all dressed in much the same way, browns and tans and creams, kind but piercing, thoughtful gazes, and calmness seemed to hover around each of them. She didn't sense anything bad from any of them and allowed herself to relax a bit. Once she was done looking them over her eyes moved to take in the view in the windows behind them. Being so high up gave a much different perspective on the city around them and though she thought it colorless and boring, Kat could not deny the energy that pulsed from it. From here she could see much further towards the horizon, more of the buildings that seemed like they were trying to touch the sky. As it was beginning to darken outside the blurred lines of speeder lights became more and more colorful. Lights were beginning to pop on all over the city and she thought like this it almost looked pretty.

"How feel you?" Master Yoda finally asked, pulling her focus back where it belonged.

She thought for a moment. "Confused. I don't know what's going on."

"What do you mean? Do you not know where you are?" one of the Masters, a dark skinned one whose name she couldn't recall, asked with a raised eyebrow.

"I've been told this is the Jedi Temple on Coruscant and that I would begin training to be a Jedi but ... I had only ever heard stories of Jedi and I have no idea what to expect."

"Your father never taught you about the Jedi?" another, Master Mundi, questioned. Kat only remembered his name because it sounded funny together.

"No. Should he have?"

A short silence fell over the group and she got the feeling they were some how discussing her though she couldn't figure out how they were doing it. Their lips were not moving but she could see one nod every now and then. She didn't like being talked about as if she wasn't even there. It was something her parents had done quite a bit and she hadn't liked it then either.

"You are here to begin your training as a Jedi, Young One," a female with braids in her hair finally said, her voice warm and kind. "As a Jedi you will be tasked with upholding the peace in the Galaxy. More of the purpose and history of the Order you will learn in your studies so we will not go into that here. However there is one thing you should know before we go any further: training as a Jedi is not easy and life as one is not always a straight, painless path."

"Master Billaba is correct. If you wish to begin your training you will always have the option to leave should you come to realize this life is not what destiny has planned for you," Master Mundi told her, his voice equally as gentle and kind. Kat decided she liked them well enough though the dark skinned man had spoken rather harshly and she didn't know if she liked him at all. What they said made sense. In fact it was about the first things to make sense to her since she had arrived on Coruscant.

"I understand."

"Very well. Do you wish to be trained as a Jedi even after hearing what Masters Billaba and Mundi have said?" the dark skinned Master asked.

"I do."

He nodded. "There are several steps to becoming a Jedi Knight. You will be placed in an Initiate clan where you will learn the basics of the Order. When your instructors feel you have learned all that is required the next step will be to take part in the Initiate Trials. If you are chosen to become a Padawan you will then spend many years with your Master, honing your skills and learning to listen to the will of the Force. Only when the Council feels you are ready will you be able to take the final step and face the Jedi Trials. Pass them and you are granted the rank of Jedi Knight."

Kat blinked in surprise as she tried to take in all that she was being told. After puzzling over it she decided it didn't sound much different than what the students at her parents' academy had gone through.

Master Yoda seemed to contemplate her for another moment then nodded slightly. "To the Dragon Clan you shall go. Begin your training in the morning under Master Caryi Baepp."

"Good luck, Katavé Diaanti and may the Force be with you," Master Billaba said as the same lady from earlier appeared to lead her back out of the room.