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Forbidden Longing	By : PyramidHead316 Category: Star Wars (All) > General Views: 4286 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: George Lucas owned Star Wars, which is now owned by Disney. This is merely a work of fan fiction. We make no profit off of this fic.

Chapter List
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Chapter 18: A New Apprentice - Part 1
The Naberrie household was quiet. Sola and Darred had long since gone to bed. Anakin and Padme were gone to spend the night at the lake retreat in Varykino. That left the elder two of the Naberrie clan up at this late hour.
Ruwee Naberrie watched his wife of forty-two years prepare for bed. He ground himself admiring the strands of her long dark hair, marred only by a few streaks of gray; the wrinkles that only added to her character rather than detract from it. She was beautiful. The years had nothing to dampen the love with which he viewed her; her splendor had not diminished in its quality. Even after all these years, he still found her as beautiful as the day he married her.
He was proud of the way she welcomed Anakin into the family. The Naberrie matriarch had embraced Anakin was one of her own, treating him with a kindness that was generally reserved for immediate family. Anakin was grateful for the acceptance. No doubt he must have been worried that they would reject him because of the secrecy surrounding his and Padme’s relationship. Ruwee didn’t care about that. He knew Anakin had done what was necessary to protect his family, and he was proud of the way Anakin adored his daughter, putting her needs above his own. He was also a very interesting person, skilled at repair to an extent Ruwee had never seen.
Padme found herself a good one, the older man reflected. He was glad Anakin was so open to being treated like a member of the family. He was exactly the kind of man Ruwee would have wanted for his daughter. No one would blame him for wanting to keep Padme to himself, with all of her innumerable talents. Instead he respected her family and mad every effort to warm up to them. Ruwee couldn’t have been more thrilled to accept him. He couldn’t wait to see them start a family. The child would be loved more than any other in the galaxy.
Yes, he had no doubts the couple would make wonderful parents someday. Hopefully it would be sooner rather than later. He was getting older and so was his darling wife for that matter. While they had experienced being grandparents to Sola’s children, he would dearly love the chance to be a grandfather to Padme’s offspring. Ruwee wondered about Anakin’s own parents. The subject of the other grandparents (assuming he and Padme did in fact have children) was one that had yet to be brought up. Ruwee had heard the tales of children being taken by the Jedi – it was common knowledge in the Republic. Were Anakin’s parents proud of what he’d accomplished? Did they even know what had become of their child? Surely they were aware of the exploits of the “Hero with No Fear”. For that matter, where they even alive? There were countless questions Ruwee wanted answers to. Was Skywalker his real name or one given to him by the Jedi?
He wasn’t worried. Despite his lack of knowledge, he felt instinctively that he could trust Anakin. He just wished he knew more about the man who had chosen to bind himself to his daughter.
“Are you coming to bed, dear?” he heard Jobal ask.
“I’ll be right there,” Ruwee responded.
The Naberrie patriarch lay down next to his wife. Jobal looked lovely in her pajamas. They weren’t in the mood for that, though. Tonight they were content to enjoy a peaceful sleep amidst the quiet the household.
“What are you thinking about?” Jobal asked.
“What makes you think I’m thinking about anything?”
“I saw the frown on your face,” Jobal replied.
Ruwee sighed; his darling knew him too well. “I should know better than to question you. How did you get so perceptive?”
“It’s part of my charm. You knew that when you married me,” Jobal smiled.
“Touché,” Ruwee chuckled.
“So, now that we got that out of the way. What are you thinking about?”
“Anakin. I wonder what his parents would have thought of him marrying our Padme?” Ruwee reflected.
“I’m sure they would be proud. Do you know if they’re alive or not?”
“I’m not sure. As far as I know, he probably never knew them. You know about the Jedi opinion on that subject matter.”
Jobal nodded. “Of course.”
She did indeed. It was a shame, Jobal reflected. The Naboo were dedicated to public service, but not to that extent. Children should be allowed to know their parents.
“Do you suspect any differently?” she questioned.
“I’m not sure. He hasn’t confided in me yet. Though we have gotten to know each other a little bit.”
“What do you think?”
“Padme couldn’t have done better if you ask me. He really loves our girl.” Ruwee smiled at the devotion that was obvious between the two lovers. Normally he would be very protective of his daughter if a suitor came to woo her, but with Anakin, that protectiveness went right out the window. There was something that told him he could trust him. He was far more concerned with Padme’s safety than his own, and Ruwee knew Anakin would never hurt her.
“Well, I’ve told you my thoughts on the matter. Now it’s your turn.” Ruwee commented. Jobal took a long time to answer while she thought it over.
“I think he’s a wonderful young man,” Jobal said. It was true. Anakin was an exemplary choice for her daughter. He was handsome, kind, and very delightful to have around. Jobal was growing fond of him already. He was like the son they never had.
There was one thing that bothered her about the situation, though.
“Do you think they’re telling the truth about this Obi-Wan?”
“Why? Are you doubting our daughter’s honesty?” Ruwee inquired with a raised eyebrow.
“No, of course not. It’s just that there’s something odd about the whole thing.” Jobal turned to Ruwee with curious eyes. “Do you think they’re hiding something? About Anakin?”
Ruwee stared at her in disbelief. “You said a minute ago that he was a fine young man?”
“He is,” Jobal defended herself. “I’m just wondering if there isn’t something more they’re not telling us.”
“Darling, I’m sure if they were in more danger than they were letting on, they would tell us. They’ve already said this Obi-Wan threatened her life. That’s more than enough reason for them to leave. I’m sure whatever it is they’re not telling us, if anything, they’ll share with us in time.”
“But that’s just even more suspicious. Why would Padme resign from her position, even if her life was in danger? That’s never stopped her before. Why should it make any difference now? Unless…”
“Unless Anakin forced her to resign?” Ruwee finished for her. Jobal didn’t answer.
“Honey, that’s ridiculous. You know how stern and capable Padme is. She would never let Anakin force her into something she didn’t want to,” Ruwee said resolutely. “And frankly I don’t believe Anakin would ever demand that of her.”
“You’re probably right. I’m just in shock over what they’ve told us. It’s hard to believe a Jedi could do such things. Objecting to the marriage is one thing, but that’s no reason to threaten her life like that.”
“Agreed. Which is why I’m certain they’re telling the truth. Padme wouldn’t kid about something like this.”
Jobal sat quietly as she absorbed that.
“Ruwee?” Jobal looked at him with earnestly serious eyes.” What if Anakin is responsible?”
“What?”
“I’m not saying he did anything. But if there was an agreement between him and his Master, Anakin might have been the one who issued the threat. Not against Padme, but against Obi-Wan. That would explain why he had to leave so abruptly.”
Ruwee shook his head adamantly. “I don’t believe it. Anakin wouldn’t do something like that. And if he did, he would have a damn good reason for it, like trying to protect our littler girl. I don’t buy it.”
“Why not? It would explain everything. If Anakin threatened his Master, he would almost certainly be disciplined by the Council. He’s already in violation of the Code by being married in the first place. Any further transgression would be reason to…”
“Stop. It. Just stop it, Jobal,” Ruwee cut off her. “I know what you’re trying to do. You’re trying to convince yourself that maybe the situation isn’t as bad as they made us think. That maybe this is all one big misunderstanding. That way you can assure yourself that they’re not really in danger after all.”
“That’s not what I’m doing, Ruwee.”
“No? Then are you doing this?” Ruwee asked, puzzled. “Then why are you doing this? Isn’t this what you’ve always wanted? For Padme to have a family of her own? Why are you trying to find fault with it?”
Jobal was silent as he continued.
“Jobal, listen to yourself. You’re defending a man you don’t even know, a man Padme and Anakin have said is a monster. You’re in denial, honey. Like it or not, we have to accept the truth: that Anakin and Padme had a good reason for doing what they did.”
Jobal thought long and hard about that. They Naberrie matron wasn’t used to arguing with her husband; they usually had a warm and very loving relationship. On the occasions when they did argue, Ruwee was usually the one to back down. But on this argument,
“You’re right. I don’t know why I’m thinking this way,” Jobal admitted. Why was she thinking this way? Wasn’t it only minutes ago that she was singing Anakin’s praises along with Ruwee?
What had changed in that time span? Anakin was still the same man she saw with her daughter – polite, caring, and compassionate. Whatever happened back at the capital, he obviously loved Padme very much.
“I guess I just wanted to see those things happen the way I envisioned. But now they have happened and I wasn’t there to see it.”
“That’s understandable. Is there another reason?”
Jobal didn’t respond. Her husband knew what she thinking.
“You’re worried about them. You’re thinking that if the situation is as serious as they say, it may be more than they can handle,” he told her with insightful wisdom. Jobal looked at him with a surprised expression.
“Now who’s the perceptive one?” Jobal asked, amused. Ruwee chuckled at her pointed quip.
“Honey, don’t worry. I’m sure they can handle it,” he assured her.
“I hope so. I really do like Anakin.”
“That’s very good to hear. And here’s something for you to consider: if his parents aren’t around, he’s going to need you. There are certain things you can only tell a parent,” Ruwee advised her.
Jobal nodded, recalling the many times Sola and Darred had come to her for advice.
“I know. You think I should apologize to Anakin for doubting him?”
“No. It wasn’t like you actually acted on those doubts. What he doesn’t know won’t hurt him,” Ruwee said.
“I suppose,” Jobal trailed off uncertainly.
“Don’t worry about it, dear. Just keep in mind that you’re going to have to be patient with them. They’ll open up to you when the time is right,” Ruwee said. Giving his wife a kiss, he lay down on his side and drifted off to sleep.
“Goodnight.”
“Goodnight,” his darling muttered. She remained awake long after Ruwee had dozed off, thinking about what he said.
Very well, Jobal reflected. If Ruwee was certain they would confide in her, then that’s what she would do. She would wait and be patient for them to open up to her. There were still some things that were bothering her, but she wouldn’t panic and assume that Anakin wasn’t what he seemed. Sola was doing that enough for both of them. She was prying into Padme’s affairs, and the last thing Padme needed was for her mother to be doing the same thing.
Lying on her side, she joined her husband in his peaceful sleep.
~
Next Morning…
Wearing a stern Jedi Master expression, Obi-Wan entered the Council chambers. He had been summoned for a Council meeting earlier this morning. There was no need to speculate, he knew the reason why. The Council had decided to grant his request.
The twelve Masters of the Jedi Council were assembled, him included – some attending by hologram, others physically present in the room. Obi-Wan kept his face impassive, maintaining the picture of Jedi tranquility.
“Master Kenobi,” Mace Windu greeted. “Welcome.”
“Before we elaborate on our decision, we want to know the reason why want Esterhazy as an apprentice,” the Senior Master stated.
Obi-Wan restrained a sigh. He thought they’d gone over this already.
“There are other students who are struggling just as much as Scout, if not more so. Many of them have lost Masters to the Clone Wars. They are alone in a Temple that is becoming increasingly bereft of capable Masters. It’s true that Scout badly needs a Master, but she is not the only one. Why would you choose her over them?”
Obi-Wan felt anger lessen somewhat. This was a slightly different line of questioning.
“It’s hard to explain. I’ve…I’ve felt a…connection with her. There’s a bond there that’s not present with any of the other students, regardless of their talent.”
“Does this have anything to do with Anakin?” Adi Gallia pursed her lips.
“What do you mean?”
“Obi-Wan, as we’ve already discussed, Esterhazy is not a model Padawan. She’s undisciplined, she’s reckless, she’s arrogant. She’s…”
“Everything that Anakin was when he was young?” Obi-Wan inquired. “Everything he was only a year ago?”
“Exactly. Is that what this is about? She reminds you of Anakin?” Adi demanded.
“No. I’m doing this because she has great potential as a Jedi,” Obi-Wan said, restraining the urge to snap at her.
“Have you talked to Esterhazy?” Agen Kolar questioned.
“Yes I have.”
The Council looked particularly interested. “Really?” Mace Windu leaned forward.
“What did she say?”
“She was flattered that I believe in her. I told her that just because she’s lost a Master doesn’t mean she stops being a Padawan. She has more determination and drive than any other apprentice in the Jedi Order, and she should learn to accept that.”
“Have you even checked out any of the other students?” Kit Fisto asked.
“No. And I don’t need to,” Obi-Wan responded. “Scout is the Padawan for me to train.” He gave them an earnest look of pleading. “I want to help her.”
The Council contemplated that response, each one trying to find a reason to question him further. There was none. Despite their misgivings, some stronger than others, there was no real reason to deny Obi-Wan mastership of this apprentice.
Yoda’s thoughtful sigh answered that problem for them. Some of the Masters thought he sounded almost defeated. “Very well. Agree with you your request, the Council does.”
Yoda looked troubled as he uttered the words that sealed a young girl’s fate.
“Your apprentice Esterhazy will be.”
Obi-Wan nodded in satisfaction. The corners of his lips turned upwards up the faintest hints of a smile. At last he would discover what that Padawan was up to. Pleased with the outcome of the meeting, he departed from the Council chambers, basking in his powers of persuasion. “The Negotiator” indeed. He was indeed the most compelling member of the Jedi Order.
Never mind the intentions that he kept hidden from them. Even the Council was not immune to his powers.
~*~
Sidious stared down at the remains at his feet. He’d had General Grievous’ body brought to him shortly after the battle between him and Obi-Wan had transpired. The remains were delivered to him with the utmost priority by clones under Cody’s command. Once he laid eyes on them, he was amazed to see the damage that had been done to them. The form was barely recognizable as the highly feared being it once was.
The general’s form was blackened all over, smoldered by some overpowering force. The shell of his skeletal structure was melted beyond repair, and the vital organs occupying his innards were long gone. Sidious frowned thoughtfully. Only a certain power could have caused this type of damage to the general, and it was not one that was part of the usual Jedi arsenal.
Sidious grinned to himself. He couldn’t believe Obi-Wan had done this, using a power that was highly destructive and without any training in the dark side. Somehow he must have siphoned the necessary knowledge from the darkness Sidious implanted in him. Either that or his anger reached such a critical level that his subconscious bypassed any trace of Jedi restraint whatsoever. Truly he was powerful if he could call upon such knowledge without any formal training in the dark side.
That meant his experiment was more than a success. It was a blessing in disguise. It wouldn’t be long now before Kenobi fell into the path of the dark side. The time had come for Sidious to exert his greater influence over the Jedi. The time for contemplation was over. Now that he saw clearly the direction things were moving, he would need to take direct control of the cascade.
Kenobi’s turn was not dependent on his actions. However, he would hardly succeed alone. He would need guidance and support to shape him into the man he was destined to become. Without the support of a firm instructor, he would be exposed to the greater populace and left vulnerable. If that happened, he would be in grave danger. The Jedi Council would hunt him down and destroy him, and all would be for naught.
It would not be easy. Kenobi was exceptionally wary of politicians. Fortunately, there was an opening. In the past few days, the incidents with Anakin had left Obi-Wan with an unexpected view of the Chancellor. He was grateful to the Chancellor for proving that his concerns were not unwarranted, though he still believed the Chancellor to be a fool. That would change. Palpatine would have to be at his most understanding, his most sympathetic, in order to prove that not only was he worthy of Obi-Wan’s respect, he was worthy of his friendship.
And it would have to happen quickly over the next several days.
For he had sensed the stirrings in the Force. Anakin was growing stronger. He was recovering from the experience he went through with Obi-Wan. While he would never reach the power he would have in the dark side, he was still strong enough to pose a threat to his plan. Sidious knew from experience once could not afford to be too arrogant about his victory. All it would take was one ‘unlucky’ moment, one wrong move, for all his carefully laid plans to come crashing down. Obi-Wan would have to be turned before Anakin was unable to interfere with his plan.
Pushing back the hood of his robe, Sidious removed the black Sith cloak, placing it to the side. He calmly exited the hidden chamber in his office.
The guise of Chancellor Palpatine was back, and he had an important task to ask his secretary – to arrange a meeting between him and Obi-Wan Kenobi.
It wasn’t until later that he thought of a better idea.
~*~
Rounding a corner, a smallish figure made sure the coast was clear before stepping out into the main Temple hall. She looked around the vicinity, double checking that no one was near.
Scout headed for the gymnasium. She had been going like this for the past several days, hidden out of sight from the rest of the Order. She knew she couldn’t keep living like this; that she would have to show herself eventually. But for now, that was the last thing on her mind. Hopefully she would be able to get some training before anyone noticed she was around. Fortunately she had chosen a time when most of the students her age were attending classes. The chances of being seen by one of her age mates were close to nothing.
She was almost to the gym when she heard something that made her stop in her tracks.
“Esterhazy?”
Scout turned at the sound of the female voice.
“Going somewhere?” Hanna Ding said haughtily.
“Hanna?”
“I’m surprised you remember me. It’s been what – two days since we’ve seen you? I’m surprised your feeble little mind can go that long without companionship.”
“Knock it off, dingbat. I don’t have time for this,” Scout uttered, moving to walk away.
“Really? Because it seems you don’t have time for anything recently. We don’t see you at practice. You don’t eat in the cafeteria. What are you doing with your time?”
“Maybe I’m focusing on myself for a change,” Scout responded. She was uncomfortable with the line of questioning Hanna was pursuing.
“Are you avoiding us?” Hanna asked snidely.
“No, I’m avoiding you,” Scout answered shortly. “I figure I’d take a break from the insults and sarcasm you deal out daily.”
Despite her effort, Hanna wasn’t fooled. “Come off it, Esterhazy. What’s going on?”
“Then why are you avoiding everyone? Don’t take me for a fool, Esterhazy.”
“You could have fooled me,” Scout muttered under her breath.
“What was that?”
“Nothing,” Scout said quickly. Hanna chose to ignore the obvious insult.
“What’s going on, Scout?” she asked, genuinely curious at what was troubling the other girl.
“Why are you interested anyway? It’s not like you care about me or anything.”
Sigh. “Because you’re a comrade in the Jedi Order. Like it or not, it is my obligation to help you.”
“Is it also your obligation to insult me every chance you get?” Scout scoffed.
Hanna’s expression turned ugly. “Fine, be that way. Keep to yourself like dried up old hermit. At least we’ll get some peace and quiet around here.”
The Arkanian’s provocation was too much. “Damn it, Hanna! I…” Scout trailed off, unsure of what to say. She kicked herself for losing control, which only confirmed the other girl’s suspicions. She couldn’t help it, though. This was serious, and here Hanna was giving her the same
Hanna was surprised by Scout’s outburst, though she did not let it show. “Scout, I’ll ask you one more time. What is going on?”
“I…I can’t tell you.”
Hanna gave a haughty, knowing look. “And that is why you’ll never make a good Padawan to anybody. You don’t confide in anyone, you break the rules whenever you want. You don’t show any respect for the Masters or yourself. You’re a cheat and a liar.” Hanna turned up her nose at her. “Face it Esterhazy. You have nothing to offer a Jedi.”
“On the contrary, Hanna,” a familiar voice said from behind, “you’ll find that Scout has a lot to offer a Jedi Master.”
Scout looked back to see who it was, only to have her heart almost stop.
“Master Kenobi,” Hanna said, the surprise evident in her voice. “I was just talking to Scout.
“Scout is a very talented Padawan. She’s creative, she’s resourceful, and she’s not blinded by the Jedi Code. She’s everything I would want in an apprentice.” Kenobi paused, only to resume with a note of disdain. “You, on the other hand, have a major attitude that needs to be adjusted. You act condescending to people you don’t like, you look down on people because they’re not Arkanian. You’re far too arrogant for your own good.” The Jedi gave a snort of disgust. “What Master would want you for a Padawan?”
Scout felt her jaw drop several inches. She turned away from Master Kenobi in shock to glance at her rival. Hanna looked on the verge of tears. Not that Scout blamed her. She knew Hanna idolized Obi-Wan Kenobi, and her ‘idol’ had just insulted her in a way that cut down to the core. A thrill went through Scout at Hanna being humiliated like she had been, only to be replaced by fear. Why would Obi-Wan be here? And what kind of Jedi Master would talk to a student like that?”
“Scout, I want to talk to you. Hanna, if you’ll excuse us…”
Hanna looked stricken. Nonetheless, she nodded to Kenobi’s request and left without a word.
Scout panicked when she heard those words from the Jedi. Obi-Wan wanted to talk to her? She almost asked Hanna to stay, but then she remembered this was the same girl who absolutely hated her guts. Besides, Hanna didn’t look like she in the shape to do much of anything.
It was too late anyway. She was gone, leaving Scout alone with the object of her fears. It was just her alone with Obi-Wan now.
“Um, okay. What do you want to talk about?” Scout shifted uncomfortably on her feet.
“How are you doing recently?” Kenobi asked.
“Okay, I suppose. It’s not exactly easy around here.”
“I know the feeling. It’s not an easy thing to deal with people who are doubting you all the time,” Obi-Wan remarked.
They walked along the hallway. “Why are you being so nice to me?” Scout asked suddenly.
“Because I want to be. Do I need a reason?” Kenobi inquired, a slight smile tugging at his lips. She was so suspicious. She reminded him of someone else he once trained.
“Most people wouldn’t be,” Scout muttered.
“I’m not most people. And I’m not going to be cruel to you just because you’ve disobeyed some of the Code,” Obi-Wan responded.
“I think you are one of the Temple’s most gifted students. What you lack in Force power, you make up for with determination and courage.”
“Most Jedi wouldn’t think so,” Scout muttered bitterly.
“Some Jedi are fools. They only look at a student’s raw potential in the Force. They don’t bother to check out that person’s other redeeming qualities.”
“I’m serious. I think you are one of the brightest, most capable students in the Temple. The Masters would be a bunch of fools not to train you,” Obi-Wan responded.
Scout was taken aback at the compliment, though she tried not to let it show. “Wow! Uh…thanks, uh, Master Kenobi.” Okay, so it was impossible not to let it show.
“You’re perfectly welcome,” Obi-Wan stated, amused by the girl’s excited demeanor. She was trying to hide it, but he could tell she was thrilled at hearing such high praise.
Scout kicked herself for her excitement, but honestly, she couldn’t help it. She had never received a compliment like that from anybody. For a moment, she almost forgot that this was the same person she had been dodging all day, for the past two days.
Almost.
“I wish everybody felt that way,” she said, in an attempt to cover up her nervousness.
“They will, once they get to know you. When they see what you are capable of, they won’t deride you any longer.” Obi-Wan smiled a genial smile that was both reassuring and strangely trustworthy. “Keep heart, Scout. Remember, things will get better.”
Scout struggled with what to say. “Uh, thanks, I think,” she stammered, suddenly uncomfortable with the direction this was taking.
Was she starting to like Obi-Wan Kenobi?
She had better get out of here. “Um, I have to get to some training in the gym. Do you mind…?”
“Of course, don’t let me keep you,” Obi-Wan gestured in a passing motion.
The young girl quickly made off for the gym.
Obi-Wan stood with a slight smile on his face. Such a precocious child. So curious about good gestures; so uncertain of her own abilities. It reminded him of his personality at her age.
He looked forward to training her.
~*~
Back in the gymnasium, Scout shook her head at the recent conversation. There was something off about that whole encounter. She didn’t know why, but there was something almost…ominous about it; like some sense of impending doom lingering in her stomach.
She had a bad feeling about this.
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Forbidden Longing