Saga A Shrouded Path (Obi-Wan, Xanatos, Anakin - Prequels AU) - FINALLY Chapter 63 Updated 03-21-09

Finally caught up. Need I say that it was excellent, as usual? Xanatos is so well done. And his defiance about Shmi -

So, Obi's going to have a padawan, is he? Hmm...

Lovely work.

 

Xanatos is just such a perfect Master for Anakin. He understands the impatience and brushes with anger and seems to know exactly the right thing to say. I really like Ben, too, and it will be interesting to see how that situation goes down.

 

Trying to school his expression to somewhere between "mildly disappointed" and "I?m going to kill you when we get back to our quarters," he stepped through the door.

He He... That was me practically all through middle school.

Sorry I haven't been able to post lately but I just moved into my dorm room and the internet was being stupid.

It's interesting to see Xan deal with Anakin's little bursts of anger.

Great Posts!

 

Kynstar

Yes, Yoda the matchmaker. Gee, why do I feel like singing?

Poor Anakin sad he didn't know that Ben's time was approaching and that his friends wanted to be alone with him.

Glad to see that Anakin realized and can understand that now.

Yes, it was something Anakin needed to understand. He is fortunate to be in the position he is in.

Khris0117

Yes, Obi-Wan is about to walk right into a trap.

AP4EVER

Too true, just look at the canon.

Can't play around with the Darkside. Xanatos had to learn that the hard way, and I can't guarantee things will be any easier for Anakin despite Xanatos's best efforts.

Holy Crap! I jumped slightly too!

Cool - I made you jump.

jacen200015

I can just hear him saying, "Troll I am not." But he is a bit of a nuisance.

forever_jedi

I hope Obi-Wan himself chooses Ben, and is not coerced into it by Yoda or by Xanatos.

Yoda and Xanatos are the least of Obi-Wan's worries. If the Force has it in for him, well ... But, Obi-Wan is stubborn enough to not just walk into it without some thought.

But.... Anakin seems to have anger issues even under Xan's tutelage - he is too eager to assume that the other boys' not wanting to include him was all because of him.

I don't imagine Anakin's training would come off perfectly, even with someone more understanding training him.

obi-ew

I look forward to seeing the noose close around poor unsuspecting Obi.

Shame on you. The poor guy is coming home for some much needed rest, and doesn't know what's going on behind his back.

VaderLVR - Yay, a padawan.

Kitara - Yup, meddling again.

tangled_sphere

I am enjoying Xan also.

And I am so glad Xan is keeping in contact with Shmi love Though I feel so sad when I see her separated from him. I am glad that he has Xan though, a calming influence AND someone who understands.

At least she knows something now instead of just saying goodbye and wondering if she would ever hear from him again.

Gkilkenny - Glad you found this again. And hooray for matchmaking Yoda.

P_A

You can't help but to love a little defiance, especially from Xanatos. Hmmm, I think Obi with a padawan will be fun.

DarthMousche

Xanatos is just such a perfect Master for Anakin. He understands the impatience and brushes with anger and seems to know exactly the right thing to say.

And hopefully, he will also know the danger signs if they start to surface.

I really like Ben, too, and it will be interesting to see how that situation goes down. -

Stargazer-19

It's interesting to see Xan deal with Anakin's little bursts of anger.

I kind of imagine it as one of those things where both master and padawan need to go to their rooms and count to ten ...

 

Chapter 10

?You asked to see me, Master??

?Yes, take a seat you may.?

Xanatos settled down cross-legged on a plush cushion across from Master Yoda and waited for him to speak. Shades covering the windows partially blocked the outside light causing shadows to fall across an aged, lined face, making him somehow seem sadder.

?Progress have you made??

Xanatos bowed his head, an odd smile crossing his face. ?No. Unfortunately my former master only seems to have grown more stubborn with age. He?s not listening, and that little display at the sparring session didn?t help much I?m afraid.?

Yoda shook his head, squeezing his eyes shut. ?Desperate to capture your master?s attention the boy is. Only tried to show his strength he did.?

?I know that and you know that. But, Master Qui-Gon took it as further evidence of misplaced aggression and anger.? Sadness surfaced from the depths of deep blue eyes. ?That boy shouldn?t have to suffer for my mistakes, but he is.?

?Asked Qui-Gon to take your mission I have ?? Yoda said, catching Xanatos off-guard with the abrupt change of subjects.

He began to shake his head in protest. ?Master, if this ?Offworld? does have a connection to my father?s former dealings ??

?Escort Young Obi-Wan to Agricorps on Bandomeer he will.? Cat-like green eyes looked up to Xanatos expectantly.

Xanatos paused, dumbstruck. ?Bandomeer?! The boy won?t survive there,? he blurted out. ?He hasn?t turned thirteen yet, and if Qui-Gon refuses to see what is right in front of his face, I will take the boy as my padawan learner. But don?t send him to some hellhole like Bandomeer.? The younger Jedi?s expression had settled into a sneer, and it was obvious he was in a struggle with emotions.

?Control your frustrations you must.? Yoda regarded him with calm and control. ?If pull them together this mission does not, allow you to take him I will. But faith I have that ignore the Force for long Qui-Gon Jinn can not.?

?That transport will be crawling with thugs and scum,? Xanatos murmured. ?It will be dangerous.?

?A capable Jedi master Qui-Gon is,? Yoda chided gently, attempting to hide a slight smile. ?Handle opposition he has before.?

?But, I have more experience dealing with that type.? He met the old master?s eyes with determination. ?I should trail them.?

?Interfere you should not,? Yoda bit back firmly and deliberately, leaving no room for challenge.

?Don?t worry. They?ll never know I?m there.? Xanatos?s eyes twinkled with mischief and resolve causing Yoda to shake his head. He could only hope Obi-Wan would be spared the stubbornness that Qui-Gon seemed to have passed onto his first padawan.

***
Obi-Wan?s cloaked form emerged hesitantly from the starfighter, stopping to throw a travel bag over his shoulder with effort before approaching. He looked older to Xanatos. Reddish-gold locks that were no longer cut into short padawan spikes now fell in waves that brushed the tops of his shoulders. He walked slowly, obviously trying to hide the exhaustion that clung to him more tightly than the cloak wrapped around his body. As he neared, Xanatos smirked at the smudges of dirt on his face and general disarray of his clothing.

?Do you know what time of night it is?? Obi-Wan called out. ?You didn?t have to wait up for me.?

?What, and have you come home to an empty hangar.? Obi-Wan tensed, letting out a slight whimper as Xanatos engulfed him in a tight embrace. Xanatos stood back and eyed him with concern. ?Should I take you to the healers??

?It?s nothing - only a few bruised ribs.? Xanatos crossed his arms in front of his chest, unconvinced. ?I don?t feel like being poked and prodded right now. I just want to sleep ? maybe have a hot shower ? in my own quarters, not the healers? ward ? please.?

There was an edge to Obi-Wan?s voice that twisted the corner of Xanatos?s lip into a grin. ?I assume you are going to get it checked out first thing tomorrow then??

?Would you?? Obi-Wan snapped.

?Of course,? Xanatos sai

 

Awww! Obi recognized a lil of himself in the boy! Ohhh Yoda indeed is playing matchmaker! Glad to see that Obi caught on that quick Now he knows what Qui felt like!

Great update! Poor Obi heavy burden to determine the kid's fate since the youth only has a month left. I can soooo understand the 'hopes' and the possibility of them being slapped down.

 

I like how Xan is so sure of himself as to not try to deny his part in this setup.

Not sure why Obi-Wan is hesitant about taking on a Padawan. Is it because he truly isn't ready for the responsibility, or is he afraid of getting close to someone and losing them as he lost Qui-Gon?

 

How did I ever miss this story? It's marvelous! Xanatos seems well suited with Anakin and his decision to keep in contact with Shmi is quite wise. Obi-Wan's potential padawan is adorable, I hope those two get the chance to become a team.

Great job, I can't wait to see where this goes next!

 

Yoda shook his head, squeezing his eyes shut. "Desperate to capture your master?s attention the boy is. Only tried to show his strength he did."

"I know that and you know that. But, Master Qui-Gon took it as further evidence of misplaced aggression and anger." Sadness surfaced from the depths of deep blue eyes. "That boy shouldn?t have to suffer for my mistakes, but he is."



"Escort Young Obi-Wan to Agricorps on Bandomeer he will." Cat-like green eyes looked up to Xanatos expectantly..

Geez. I firgured that Qui-Gon would be more hesitant/critical before he chose Obi-Wan, but almost sending him to the Agricorps? He almost let his fear get the better of him.

Layers of tunics came off, revealing deep purple bruises across the young man?s side. Xanatos frowned.

"To the healers first thing in the morning or I?ll have them make a house call," he said sternly.

Obi-Wan scowled as he sat down on the bed and began to lean forward, hissing as the action stretched bruised ribs. Xanatos stooped down and pulled off the boots, pulling covers up over him as the young knight stretched out and within minutes succumbed to his exhaustion.

I can't help but think that if Obi-Wan weren't exhausted, Xanatos would be dragging him by the ear all the way to the healer's ward.

"Anakin has grown."

"Happens when you feed them that does."



"Upset with Xanatos you should not be. Asked for his help I did as I asked for it years ago with another master and padawan ... a good team that one was."

Indeed.

I think we can all agree that Obi-Wan will take Ben because the boy reminds him so much of himself when he was trying to get Qui-Gon's attention. And I foresee (I hate that word because it reminds me of Palpy) that Anakin and Ben will become good friends in time. Something I think we all anticipate in time.

Great chapter, Master Noi. Can't wait to read more!

 

?Happens when you feed them that does.? -- hehehe

Great chapter, update again soon. I love this story.

 

My flashbacks! That was so sweet of Xan to offer to take Obi-Wan....and that greeting at the hangar:



I am just loving this story!

happens when you feed them, it does



[voice=sing]Obi's getting set up![/sing]

Looking forward to more!

 

As much as I'm laughing at Obi-Wan, I've got to feel bad for the poor guy. With the way this trap was set up, there is no out, other than to be a jerk ... and we're pretty sure he's not that. So Xan was involved in getting Qui-Gon to see the light, too? I like the bits and pieces we are learning about his background.

 

I loved every word of this post.

The Force tugged at him, drawing his attention as though it were gently grasping his chin like a crèche master focusing a child.

Wonderful description. The similarities between Ben and a younger Obi-Wan are interesting. I think they'd make an excellent pair.

 

Back to the top!

 

I loved the flashback. Poor Obi-wan, being manuevered just as much as Qui-Gon was so many years ago. So history is repeating itself. I wonder what Anakin thinks of Obi taking on an apprentice when it was obvious he had expected Obi-Wan to take him (never mind that Xan did)..

 

I couldn't imagine Obi-wan allowing 'Ben' to go to the agri corps
and Yoda is always right?

 

So glad I got to read this update before I left town! And please continue to PM me when you update!

 

Loved this chapter! Interesting that Xanatos had himself considered taking Obi-Wan as padawan once - explains why he treats him almost as an ex-Master would - caring and concerned. Beautiful description of how the Force itself was turning Obi-Wan's attention to Ben - I hope Xan and Yoda step back a bit and allow Obi to make the decision on his own. Ben seems almost a replica of Obi-Wan at age 13 and is quite adorable. But Obi-Wan is so different from Qui-Gon. I wonder how this pairing will turn out?

 

The flashback was interesting. And the trap...

 

Anakin has grown.?

Happens when you feed them that does.?

I'm glad to see that despite 900 years Yoda can still quip with the best of them.

And what's this about Obi meeting Ben?... *laughs*...if only he could appriciate the irony.

Anyway, once again you have written a great chapter! Post again soon!

 

So Obi-Wan is considering a Padawan! I can understand his hesitancy, but hopefully he won't let Ben be shipped off to Agricorps. Love how Xanatos is approaching Anakin's training, staying in touch with Shmi and planning to let Anakin see her. I hope he gets that chance.

Loving this!

 

Wonderful fic!!!

 

Kynstar

Poor Obi heavy burden to determine the kid's fate since the youth only has a month left. I can soooo understand the 'hopes' and the possibility of them being slapped down.

And Obi-Wan has his own memories in the way as well which makes it a heavier burden for him. But, I think he will be fine.

bek

I like how Xan is so sure of himself as to not try to deny his part in this setup.

Of course he is.

Is it because he truly isn't ready for the responsibility, or is he afraid of getting close to someone and losing them as he lost Qui-Gon?

It is a big responsibility and he has many questions, some of which he will raise in a later post.

Shadowolf

Obi-Wan's potential padawan is adorable, I hope those two get the chance to become a team.

Glad you like Ben. I think he and Obi-Wan will make a good team ... eventually.

AP4EVER

I can't help but think that if Obi-Wan weren't exhausted, Xanatos would be dragging him by the ear all the way to the healer's ward.

Oh, that was a great mental picture.

And I foresee (I hate that word because it reminds me of Palpy) that Anakin and Ben will become good friends in time.

In time is a good way to put it. There are going to be some ups and downs along the way.

Khris0117 - I'm glad you liked that little joke and thanks for reading.

tangled_sphere

Yes, flashbacks!! I am glad you are enjoying this so much. I am enjoying this a lot.

DarthMousche

With the way this trap was set up, there is no out, other than to be a jerk ...

You noticed that too. Yes, it was a good trap.

obi-ew

The similarities between Ben and a younger Obi-Wan are interesting. I think they'd make an excellent pair.

There are similarities, but they also have their differences. Ben is far more patient than Obi-Wan was ... and I think he's going to need that patience.

Obikajanee - Thanks for the up!

diane

I wonder what Anakin thinks of Obi taking on an apprentice when it was obvious he had expected Obi-Wan to take him (never mind that Xan did)..

Funny you should mention that ...

Gkilkenny

Yoda is always right?

I love the question mark on the end of that. Whether he's always right or not, I don't think Obi-Wan could let Ben go to Agricorps either.

VaderLVR - I will continue with PMs. Thanks for reading.

forever_jedi

Beautiful description of how the Force itself was turning Obi-Wan's attention to Ben - I hope Xan and Yoda step back a bit and allow Obi to make the decision on his own.

Thank you. I think there will be no doubt this is Obi-Wan's decision.

Kitara - Thanks!

Stargazer-19

And what's this about Obi meeting Ben?... *laughs*...if only he could appriciate the irony.

Yep. And, I do like my Yoda with a little humor.

Gina

Love how Xanatos is approaching Anakin's training, staying in touch with Shmi and planning to let Anakin see her. I hope he gets that chance.

I'm glad you like his approach. I continue to think of how he might do things differently and hope you still like it later on. I think Shmi will be a good influence on both of them.

Sotanax - Do I know you?

 

Hi Everyone! Sorry to miss a week in posting. I went out of town and it just wasn't ready to post before then. A great big hug to obi-ew for reading this over and helping me through this snag.

******

Chapter 11

Obi-Wan lifted his head from where he kneeled on the floor in meditation, looking out across the room as the first rays of sunlight began to peek into Coruscant?s morning sky. The city planet didn?t stop or even pause to notice; it merely continued on at its maddening pace, congested lanes of traffic rushing to and fro.

He had tried to put Ben as far from his mind as possible for a little over two days, but it was proving difficult and he realized that without speaking to the boy more he would never know what the Force meant for him to do. After dressing in training clothes and packing a fresh set of tunics in a bag, he started for the training rooms, deciding to stop at the crèche on the way. Finding the door marked with Ben?s name, he knocked softly. Receiving no answer, he knocked again.

The door opened slightly and a small face framed with crumpled curls hanging at odd angles peeked out. Dark eyelashes blinked rapidly at the invasion of harsh lighting from the corridor.

?Knight Kenobi?? came the disoriented, sleep-laden voice.

Obi-Wan cursed inwardly. It couldn?t be more than 0530. ?I?m sorry Ben. I didn?t realize the time. I?ll come back later.?

?No ? I?m up ? now.? He managed a small smile. ?Come in, please.?

Obi-Wan slipped into the room, pulling out the chair at the small desk to sit down. Ben settled onto the rumpled sleep couch, trying to suppress the urge to yawn.

?Again, I?m sorry,? Obi-Wan said. ?I was never up at this hour at your age. I don?t know why I thought ??

?Umh?was there any particular reason you came?? Ben asked interrupting the knight?s rambling explanation.

?I thought we might talk more.?

The boy nodded and the features of his face twisted into an unsure frown. ?Can I be honest ? really honest??

?Please do.?

?I know you are here because Master Marojni is your friend and I talked to him about leaving, but please don?t think about taking me out of sympathy or as a favor to anyone.? Determined deep brown eyes met him, every muscle in the small body wound tightly. ?If you won?t choose me because you want a padawan and think I am who it should be ? I?d rather go to Agricorps.?

The words, a sharp contrast to Obi-Wan?s near desperation to be chosen as a padawan, caused the knight to pause. Remembering the way he had nearly thrown himself at Qui-Gon made him wonder if being a padawan was something Ben even desired.

?I need to know ? do you really want to be a Jedi knight?? Obi-Wan asked.

?More than anything.? The reply was automatic and there was a brief flash of uncertainty before Ben simply added, ?And you?re probably my last chance.?

?I am not opposed to taking a padawan.? Obi-Wan smiled warmly, wanting Ben to know there was nothing to be worried about in divulging his desires. He heard a sigh of relief and the boy visibly relaxed. ?The problem is that I know nothing about you beyond what I?ve read in your profile. And ? the only thing you know about me is what you?ve heard through Temple rumors ? no doubt.?

?I understand you not wanting to get stuck with me??

?You might find you don?t want to be the one ?stuck? with me for the next ten to twelve years.? A reddish-tinted eyebrow arched high over one blue-gray eye reflecting amusement. ?You might find I wake up at outrageous hours in the morning and will ask you to do the same.?

Ben bit down on his lip to stifle a chuckle, not knowing whether it was okay to laugh.

?So here is my suggestion,? Obi-Wan said. ?I am currently on leave at the Temple and you are still twelve years old. You continue to attend your classes as usual, but meet with me in the mornings, perhaps even take morning meal with me, and we see where the Force leads from there. What do you say??

?Okay.?

?Good. Get dressed and meet me in the training rooms in h

 

Nicely done. I love that Obi-Wan forgot that it was so early and poor Ben getting up to work on katas as 6 AM - <shudders> They certainly do have a nice relationship, one founded on truth, and I certainly hope that Obi-Wan will take Ben.
Anakin was unsurprisingly reticent at seeing Obi and Ben together. It must have been difficult for him and I wouldn't be surprised if there were confrontations further down the line.

Good job. Keep going!