Chapter Text
Like the banks of a rain-swollen river the Temple burst back into life. Energy infused the air once again. Light and colours flooded the Temple. Gossip rapidly bloomed and flowered.
News of Anakin’s Knighting escaped the Council hours after he himself was told. Eyes, grins, and admiration followed him everywhere. Not long after word of new Council members having been chosen joined the rumour mill. Masters Kit Fisto, Stass Allie and Kelleran Beq were said to have joined the ranks of the Council. With few seats left there was great speculation as to who the last members could be.
Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon and Anakin walked through the atrium four days after their meeting with the Council, the space now cleared of debris and restored to its former grandeur. They were returning from a last celebratory meal at Dex’s before Anakin’s Knighting that afternoon. The day prior Anakin had spent meditating in the Tranquillity Spire as was custom, so today was his last chance to have a meal as Qui-Gon’s Padawan. However, their conversations had mostly centred on the clones. Now the war was ending, the question of what to do with the men was coming up more often. Anakin and Obi-Wan had spent as many hours as they could with the recovered clones. Once all the men’s chips had been deactivated, they had begun organising the delicate procedure of removing the chips. Since there were so many clones it would be a lengthy course of action but every clone staunchly advocated for them to be taken out. Most of the Senate were staunch advocates of keeping the GAR as a precaution, but the Jedi, who had worked closest with the men, were less in favour of doing so. The compromise they had come up with so far was allowing the clones themselves choose if they wished to remain in the army or to leave of their own volition.
“You should think about going for the Council again, Qui-Gon.” Obi-Wan said as they approached the inner doors.
“Again?” Anakin asked, “What do you mean?”
“When I was a Padawan, Qui-Gon got offered a seat on the Council but because he thought they were a bunch of precocious–”
Qui-Gon interrupted lifting his hand, grimacing “Ah don’t think it was like that, Obi-Wan. We just had different opinions on many matters.”
“Really?” Obi-Wan raised an eyebrow, “I seem to remember it differently, if I recall correctly, you had a few choice words about the Council, Master.” He shared a grin with Anakin who was chuckling at them both.
“Would you go for it now, Master?” Anakin asked, his interest clearly piqued by Obi-Wan’s words.
Obi-Wan watched Qui-Gon think for a moment already knowing the answer, “No.” Qui-Gon said, “I don’t think so. Even with the new members, I feel I have more to offer the Force out in the galaxy rather than being in the chamber. Not all of us are cut out to be Council members.”
“Got that karking straight.” Obi-Wan muttered, “I couldn’t imagine anything more infuriating than arguing with Yoda all day.”
“It’s Master Yoda, Obi-Wan.” Anakin said in a terrible impression of Qui-Gon’s chiding tone. The two young men laughed at Qui-Gon who could only shake his head to hide his own smile.
As they walked through the Temple, eyes and whispers followed them. They were the most famous trio in the Temple currently. So much had centred around them during the last few months. Curiosity and awe burned in the Force all around them.
“Stang I hate all this attention.” Anakin moaned.
“Don’t be surprised if your Knighting today isn’t a quiet affair.” Obi-Wan said, “It’s the first since the siege. It’s a big deal, not only because you’re The Chosen One –” He grinned as Anakin punched his arm, “but also because it’s symbolising a new start, a step forward.”
“Whyyyyy” Anakin groaned sounding like a petulant youngling, “I just want my friends there.”
“I’m afraid you won’t have a say, Padawan.” Qui-Gon replied, “Obi-Wan’s right. And don’t whine, it’s unbecoming of a soon-to-be Knight” Obi-Wan saw how his former Master’s eyes twinkled with mirth and how Anakin tried to hide his own amusement.
Their conversation slipped back to the clones as they walked towards the Tranquility Spire for Anakin’s Knighting until their path was blocked by Plo Koon and Mace Windu.
“Knight Kenobi, we were wondering if we could ask you a question?” Plo Koon asked.
“Of course, Masters.” Obi-Wan lifted a hand in farewell as Qui-Gon and Anakin carried on down the hall. His own curiosity grew in his chest as he followed Mace and Plo down a side hall, “What’s this about?”
“We feel this is a matter best discussed in private.” Mace replied as he drew up to a door.
Inside was Shaak Ti. The three Masters stood next to each other. Shaak spoke first, “For months now Masters Plo and Windu have been asking you to teach lightsaber lessons, Obi-Wan.”
“Yes, I have said no each time.” He confirmed, the familiar feeling of dread pooled in his stomach.
“So you have.” She responded, “We all agree that we do not want your skills to be wasted. After your fight with Darth Maul the Council started talking about you…continuing your lineage.” She let her words hang in air.
Obi-Wan felt his eyebrows shoot up his face, “You think I should take a Padawan?”
“We think maybe it could give you direction and it is a step to becoming a Master.” Plo said.
At once Obi-Wan’s mind filled with doubt and fears of his own inadequacy at teaching and the fear of having a youngling under his tutelage, “I…I don’t know if I’m ready.”
“The Council believe you are, Obi-Wan.” Mace said, “You are an extraordinarily talented young man and I know any Initiate would leap at the chance to learn from you.”
“Reputation is one thing, being my Padawan is another.” Obi-Wan countered as his mind flung warnings of him leading an impressionable youngling down a potentially Dark path.
“Having a Padawan is a challenge, especially the first one.” Shaak admitted, “Much like walking into the ice caves of Illum nothing can prepare you, but you soon realise it comes naturally to you.”
Her kind eyes soothed some of his anxiety, slowly his mind stopped its frantic whirling. Obi-Wan pressed his lips together as he thought about it. Part of him was steadfastly against the idea. He was nowhere near ready. He wouldn’t be able to handle it. He might be able to teach Anakin but that’s Anakin. He has a brotherly link to him, an Initiate would be completely different. And then there is the issue of expectations. No doubt the Council would be watching his every move, ready to pluck the Initiate away at the slight sign of danger coming from Obi-Wan. And on that note would the Council really want him teaching an Initiate with his view on the Force, how he walks the fine line between Light and Dark?
But then there was the other side of him, quieter but insistent. He remembered the bright flame of a youngling in Ashoka Tano. How her energy had lit up his soul and her joy infected him. He recalled how it felt natural to talk with her and wondered if he did take on a Padawan whether he would share that same feeling with them. When he was younger, Obi-Wan had liked the idea of teaching and his had dreamed of having his own Padawan to guide and grow alongside. For so long he’d had to force that part of himself down in order to survive but now he could feel it pushing back, making itself noticed once again. Having watched Qui-Gon and Anakin’s bond develop a deep part of him desperately desired that connection with someone of his own too.
“What do you think?” Plo asked breaking through Obi-Wan’s thoughts.
He let his eyes fall to the floor for a second as he made his decision. Obi-Wan took a long breath in, “I think…for now…I will not take a Padawan.” He could feel the confusion and mild disappointment in their Force signatures so he pressed on, “I know I will, in the future, have a Padawan. However, I think right now I am not in the right…frame of mind. I am focused on helping the clones currently and I plan to lead missions to confront the remaining Separatists and I believe I need my full attention there. I also think I need to focus on my own mental wellbeing. There are several…traumatic moments in my life I have refused to look at and I believe that to be unfair to put on an Initiate.”
The three Masters regarded him for a moment. His palms felt sweaty as he waited for their words.
Shaak broke the silence, “A mature decision.”
Was that a test to see if I would blindly say yes to their offer? Obi-Wan wondered.
As if sensing his thoughts she smiled softly, “In all honesty we hoped you would say yes. However, you have made a wise choice. We did not think of these matters.”
Mace, Plo, and Shaak bowed to leave when an idea struck Obi-Wan, “Masters…” They paused, “Master Ti earlier you mentioned the teaching…” He saw and felt their gazes intensify, “I think that might be a good start for me.”
Plo’s cheeks rose as he smiled behind his mask, “Somehow we can never predict your words and choices, young Kenobi. I am glad to hear your decision. I will be in contact with you to arrange your schedule, I’m sure the Initiates and Knights will be thrilled to hear of your choice.”
“Thank you Masters.” Obi-Wan bowed as they left the room. He remained alone for a moment then exited too.
“Obi-Wan!” He looked over to see Quin, Siri, Bant, and Luminara waving at him at the end of the Hall.
He jogged over, “Going to Anakin’s Knighting?” He noted their formal robes, even Quin had his slightly less ruined robe on.
“We are.” Siri said, “Along with the entire Jedi Order apparently.” She looked over at the mass of Jedi all heading in the same direction, “I hope we get a good view ‘cos we’re his friends.”
“I don’t think the Council do favouritism, Siri.” Luminara replied with a smile.
“Obes will have a good seat, guaranteed.” Quin said with a raised eyebrow and a grin.
“Lineage perks.” Obi-Wan shrugged as he smiled back.
They walked towards the crowded staircase to the Tranquillity Spire chatting as they went.
“What did three Masters corner you for, Obi-Wan?” Luminara asked.
“Oh yeah, they were asking me if I wanted to take on a Padawan.” He answered.
“That’s amazing Obi!” Bant hugged him tightly.
“What did you say?” Quin sounded slightly tense.
Obi-Wan felt suddenly guilty, he completely forgot about Aayla and how Quin still secretly grieved for her, “Uh I said no. For now. I don’t think a Padawan I what I need currently, but I think in the future I will.” He anxiously waited for Quin’s response, he felt terrible for bringing up the still sore topic for his friend.
Quin’s eyes still held a drawn-in heavy sadness but his smile was warm and genuine, “I’m really happy for you Obi-Wan, you deserve a Padawan whenever you choose to.”
“Whoever they are better know they have one of the coolest Jedi in the Order teaching them.” Siri added, “But we will always be here to tell them embarrassing stories of you to keep you humble, don’t you worry.” Her grin was contagious.
“No fair, I couldn’t do it any of yours while I wasn’t here.” Obi-Wan pouted.
“Snooze you lose, Kenobi.” Quin lazily smiled.
“Talking of news…” Luminara nervously said, her fingers twisted together nervously, “the Council asked me if I would consider a seat with them.”
The other four were stunned into silence.
“Wh-how-‘Nara!” Obi-Wan stuttered out, “That’s amazing!”
“Why didn’t you tell us sooner?!” Bant asked, her silver eyes shining with joy.
Luminara glanced around them, “They only asked me this morning. I’m thinking of saying yes.”
“Do it!” Siri gleefully cried out, “You’d be the best out of any of us on the Council. That’s so cool!”
“Yeah and with you on the Council they won’t be on my back about everything I do because you’ll cover for me right?” Quin cheekily grinned at her whose expression was unsmiling.
“Oh with me on the Council, Quinlan, I will be on your ass for everything you do.” She stared at him, her green gaze drilled into his.
“Everything?” He nervously said ass his grin evaporated from his cheeks, “Even when I come back a day late from a mission because of ‘engine problems’ and not because I have a hangover?”
“Everything.” Luminara whispered, her eyes wide, intense, and full of mirth.
Obi-Wan, Bant, and Siri laughed at Quin’s shamefaced expression as they continued up the stairway. Soon they reached the top of the tower and Obi-Wan peeled away to sit closer to Anakin.
“How you feeling?” He asked as he lowered himself into a chair, the low light of the Hall of Knighthood made the glow from the golden circle in the centre of the vast room even more striking.
“Nervous.” Anakin replied.
“You’ll be fine.”
“I know, it’s more anticipation.” They sat in companionable silence watching more Jedi file in. Anakin ran a hand over his head, “Honestly I’m most excited about being able to grow my hair longer. I’m sick of this short hair.”
Obi-Wan hummed, “I’m sure Padmé will prefer it longer anyway.”
Anakin looked aghast, “N-what? I don’t–”
Obi-Wan chuckled at his reaction, “Don’t worry I won’t tell.”
The Hall fell silent as the Council members walked in, Qui-Gon beside them. They walked around the golden circle and pulled out their lightsabers. Their hoods hid their faces. Yoda looked directly at Anakin and held out a hand.
“See you on the other side, my friend.” Obi-Wan patted Anakin’s shoulder as he left. He sent a wave of peace at the teenager and saw Anakin’s shoulders relax.
Part of Obi-Wan was sad he never got this for his own Knighting, but then again he wouldn’t want all this attention. Anakin knelt before Yoda whose green lightsaber burst from his hilt. The hiss of the other Council blades igniting filled the room with a soft hum and dazzling light. The Force sang loud and clear as the Order watched Anakin be Knighted. Yoda clearly spoke the rites of Knighthood to Anakin. Everyone held their breath as Yoda went to sever Anakin’s braid.
The flourish made the hair spin into the air. Everyone watched it. Everyone poured their memories of the time before; the time of the war, of struggle, of hurt, of the past into that braid. It became more than a symbol of the bond between Master and Padawan, every single Jedi was linked to the braid. Qui-Gon’s hand reached out and caught it. The tension from seconds before vanished and the room erupted into cheers.
~~~
The party had been going for hours, the night was almost over and dawn would soon be approaching. No one wanted it to end for right now there were no expecsations, no concerns, no tactics. There was only peace and fulfilment. Jedi of every station mingled with each other. Drinks, food, and chatter flowed in the great hall. Obi-Wan wandered between groups of Jedi, but he was looking for one person. The person for whom this party had been thrown but who hadn’t been seen for a while. He walked across the entire hall when his eyes fell onto the balcony at the end of it. Of course.
“You’re missing out on your own party, you know.” He said as he pulled the glass doors shut behind himself, the noise of the party muted behind the thick transparisteel.
Anakin didn’t turn around but Obi-Wan saw his shoulders shrug, “I needed to get some fresh air and be away from everyone for a moment.”
Obi-Wan understood. He walked up to the young Knight, “So, Anakin.” Obi-Wan leant on the balcony, drink in his hand, “How does it feel to be a Knight?”
Anakin was staring out over Coruscant, “I don’t think it’s properly settled in yet.” Obi-Wan watched as his hand drifted unconsciously up to the severed end of the braid.
“I’m glad I was here to see it.”
“Me too.” Anakin smiled over at him. He sighed and turned his gaze back to the city again, “Part of me never quite thought I’d get here.”
“How so?”
“At first it was because I was too old, then because I couldn’t learn quick enough. Then when I got older it was because it was too angry, too impulsive. Too emotional. I always had a fear I would be kicked out before I could be Knighted.”
“If it is any consolation, I never had any doubt.” Obi-Wan replied, “I knew when I first saw you that you would be fantastic. I knew Qui-Gon would give everything he had to ensure you would be a Knight. And when I returned, I knew that you would make it. I could always see the goodness within you.” He reached out and tapped his finger over Anakin’s heart, “You are a special man Anakin and I feel very lucky to have been able to grow and learn alongside you.”
Anakin’s eyes filled with warmth, “Thank you Obi-Wan…and I want to say that it’s been an honour to have learnt from you and to say thank you for trusting me when no one else did. It meant more than I can possibly say. You are my brother, and I wouldn’t want anyone else by my side right now.”
Obi-Wan held out his glass to Anakin, “To you, my brother. May the Force guide your way and bring you great fortune.”
Anakin clinked his glass against Obi-Wan’s, “To the future.”
“To the future.” Obi-Wan echoed.
They stood side by side watching the early morning sun rise over Coruscant, the sun’s warmth already bleeding into the dawn’s cool air. Safe in the knowledge that they would be shoulder to shoulder ready to face whatever may come at them. For they could fight anything together.