Therockyroad5

Title: The Rocky Road (Part Five)
Author: Angel5000

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True to his word Anakin was the perfect Padawan. Over the next two months Qui-Gon began to relax as his problems with Anakin diminished. So far, in the last two months at least, there had only been on incident where Qui-Gon had been forced to deal with Anakin"s outbursts and that had been easily resolved with one glare.

     Qui-Gon and Anakin were just leaving for the gym to begin Anakin's lightsaber training when Qui-Gon's comlink started to beep. "Yes?" Qui-Gon asked.

     "Could you and Anakin come to the Council Chambers please?" Mace Windu asked.

     "We'll be right there." Qui-Gon said. He turned the comlink off and turned to Anakin, "Come on, look's like you'll have to wait to begin your training." Qui-Gon's voice was sympathetic. He knew how much Anakin was looking forward to this.

     "Yes Master Jinn." Anakin said obediently

     Ten minutes later the two of them stood before the Jedi Council waiting for them to reveal the reason behind this mysterious call.

     "Received contact from the Kelani officials we have." Yoda said. Qui-Gon looked up quickly. Kelani was the planet where obi-Wan was. "Solved, their problem is. Returning to the temple Obi-Wan is." Yoda continued.

     Returning to the temple. The words rang in Anakin's ear. Soon he would be back in the custody of his Master again. Anakin's thoughts whirled as he attempted to stay focused on the conversation going on around him.

     "He will be arriving tomorrow morning. You two will meet him. After returning Padawan Anakin to Knight Kenobi's care the two of them are to report to us. You, Master Jinn, will escourt them. Are there any questions?" Mace asked.

     "I have no questions." Qui-Gon said with a bow. Quietly he left the room deep in thought.

*        *        *        *        *

     "What happens if I don't want to be returned to the care of my Master?" Anakin asked the next day as he and Qui-Gon headed towards the landing bay where they would beet Obi-Wan. Anakin had learned over the past two months that Qui-Gon was a very reasonable man and a very good Master as long as he was obedient and respectful. Besides, he had never wanted Obi-Wan as a Master in the first place. He would much rather have Qui-Gon.

     "You have no choice but to return to Obi-Wan. He is your Master, not me. I am just your temporary guardian. A Padawan cannot pick and choose their Master's. If you do not want Obi-Wan as your Master you have no choice but to return to Tatooine and the custody of your mother." Qui-Gon replied. Really he was beginning to wish that he didn't have to give Anakin back. No, that wasn't correct. He didn't mind giving Anakin back; it was the companionship he didn't want to give away. Already he was beginning to miss the boy. After he had quit disobeying Anakin had become a very good companion.

     "But Master Jinn..."

     "Don't start Anakin. You will return to your Master and will not cause excessive trouble. Do I make myself clear?" Qui-Gon interrupted sternly.

     Anakin nodded and mentally took note of Qui-Gon's use of words. Excessive trouble was what he had said. Not trouble but excessive trouble. That must mean that he was allowed to cause some trouble. The boy grinned evilly and began to think of things he could do and still get away with. It might be good to be back with Obi-Wan after all.

     Qui-Gon stopped when they reached the landing bay. Only a couple months ago he had stood here and waited for his former Padawan to return from a previous mission with his Padawan. Now he was there again, only this time Anakin was with him and Obi-Wan wouldn't be so frustrated when he exited the transport. Hopefully he would be refreshed and ready to continue training Anakin.

     "Master Jinn, there's a transport landing." Anakin said quietly.

     "It must be Obi-Wan." Qui-Gon's guess was confirmed as the transport ramp lowered and Obi-Wan stepped out onto the landing bay platform. His shoulders were sagging and it was obvious the Knight was exhausted but when he saw Qui-Gon he smiled. Even though he was dead tired he was happy, that was obvious. The two Jedi waited patiently until the Knight made his way over to them.

     "I am glad to see you Master." Obi-Wan said with a small bow.

     "And I you." Qui-Gon replied.

     Anakin stepped forward awkwardly, "Hello Master." He bowed deeply and then stepped back.

     "Hello Padawan. I received your letter and I'm sorry I could not reply but it was the busiest time of the negotiations. Hopefully we can talk about it later." Obi-Wan turned back to his Master, "Anything exciting happen while I was away?" Obi-Wan asked with a smile.

     "Not much. I can fill you in on the details later. Right now we must transfer guardianship and custody of Anakin and then you and your Padawan are to report to the Council." Qui-Gon said quietly. At Obi-Wan's nod Qui-Gon continued, "I, Qui-Gon Jinn am turning guardianship and custody of the Padawan, Anakin Skywalker, over to you, his rightful Master, Obi-Wan Kenobi, to train and bring up in the ways of a Jedi. Do you accept?"

     "I, Obi-Wan Kenobi, accept the guardianship and custody of my Padawan, Anakin Skywalker, and thank you, my Master, Qui-Gon Jinn, for continuing his training while I was away and I promise to train him in the ways of a Knight to the best of my ability." Obi-Wan replied as tradition required. "Do you, Anakin Skywalker accept the transition?"

     "I, Anakin Skywalker, Padawan to Obi-Wan Kenobi, accept the transition of custody and guardianship from that of Master Jinn to Master Kenobi and pledge to follow the teachings of Obi-Wan Kenobi to the best of my ability." Anakin spoke quietly.

     Qui-Gon smiled, "It is done. Now I am to escourt the two of you to the Council Chambers where you are expected." He turned and headed from the landing back with Obi-Wan beside him and Anakin a step behind.

     It only took them a few minutes to reach the Council Chambers. When they arrived Qui-Gon smiled and wished them good luck and left. Obi-Wan walked with Anakin on his heels and bowed, waiting for the Council to speak.

     "Know why you are here do you?" Yoda asked after a few minutes.

     "I expect it is to report my mission," Obi-Wan said, "But the fact that you have asked my Padawan to come also tells me I am not fully correct."

     "Smart you are. Call you for a report we did not. Wish to speak with you about your Padawan we do."

     Anakin's head jerked up and he stared at Yoda for a moment, "Me?" He squeaked. Immediately he realized the rudeness of speaking out of turn and clapped his hand over his mouth.

     "Yes young Skywalker, you and your behavior. We want to know if our decision to allow Obi-Wan to train you was a smart one. If he feels he cannot do it, or does not want to, then we must rethink our decision and perhaps send you someplace else." Mace said quietly.

     "You can't send me away! I was promised I would be trained! I promised my mother I would come back and free her. How can I do this if I am not trained! You are no more than a bunch of snakes--sneaking around, ruining people's lives and causing pain! I hope you all die!" Anakin screamed. His anger had taken control of him but as soon as he was done he realized that his reaction might not have been a good idea. It would probably fall under Qui-Gon's list of things that cause "excessive trouble."

     Now it was Obi-Wan's turn to be surprised. Ignoring the glares of many of the Council Members he turned to his impertinent apprentice. They didn't have a strong bond or connection so Obi-Wan was forced to speak verbally. "Reign in your temper Padawan and apologize or bow and leave. Your attitude doesn't belong here." Obi-Wan said quietly.

     "I will not apologize Master." Anakin replied.

     "Then leave now and face the consequences later." Obi-Wan said sternly.

     Anakin nodded to his Master, bowed and left the room to wait outside. Obi-Wan turned back to the Council, "Forgive my apprentice Masters. He feels strongly about such things. I will deal with him myself." Obi-Wan spoke calmly and respectful. Although it wasn't directly spoken it was obvious that Obi-Wan was, in a way, telling the Council not to interfere with this at the moment.

     "You will continue to train him then?" Ki-Adi-Mundi asked.

     "I gave my word to Qui-Gon and I would never break my word unless it was a matter of extreme importance." Obi-Wan replied evenly.

     "Then dismissed you are. Deal with your Padawan you should." Yoda said.

     Obi-Wan bowed and left the room. Once outside he turned to his disrespectful apprentice.

     "Master I..." Anakin began but was cut off when Obi-Wan raised his hand and motioned for silence.

     "I don't want to hear it right now. We will go to our quarters to deal with this. Come." Obi-Wan said sternly. He clasped a hand on his Padawan's shoulder and, with an iron grip, led him back to their quarters. Not until they were safely inside did he release the boy's shoulder. "Now explain yourself." He commanded.

     "They made me angry Master. I can't be sent away and since you weren't defending me I decided I might as well defend myself." Anakin said cautiously. He knew he was in trouble and he was scared of the reaction his Master might have.

     "I see. So insulting the Council Members is defending yourself? It seems to me that you were being nothing more than your usual, disrespectful, moody self. Qui-Gon said in his reports that you had improved but it is obvious he was mistaken. You have disappointed me and shamed Qui-Gon by making it look as though he lied about your attitude with him. That or you were only obedient because you feared the punishment he would deliver. Either way I am going to have to punish you for your behavior in the Council Room and make sure that it doesn't happen again and since the only time you ever had any shred of respect was with Qui-Gon than I suppose I must learn to be more like him." Obi-Wan said. He was angry and upset with the boy and was fighting to keep from just tossing the boy over his knees right here. That would accomplish nothing because he would be reacting from his anger. Instead he must talk with him and let the child know what he did wrong before administering the punishment.

     "Master I am sorry for my actions and I know that they were wrong but do they warrant a punishment as strict as that?" Anakin asked quietly. He knew from the way Obi-Wan spoke what his punishment would be, and already he could feel the pain in his backside.

     "Do you think that you deserve anything less for calling the Council Members snakes and wishing them dead? Had I spoken like that as a Padawan I would not have been able to sit for a week and I would probably spend all my entire free time for several months cleaning the Council Chambers with a toothbrush, and that's only if Qui-Gon had kept me as his Apprentice!" Obi-Wan exclaimed. Qui-Gon probably wouldn't have gone that far but then again Obi-Wan had never been so brash as Anakin. "Do you understand why you are being punished?" Obi-Wan asked.

     Anakin nodded, "Yes Master. For my disrespectfulness and my uncalled for actions in the Council Room." He whispered.

     "Good. Then I believe it is time that you receive your punishment." Obi-Wan went into his room and returned a few seconds later holding a wooden paddle. "My Master used this one me one time shortly after I became his apprentice. I had deliberately disobeyed him and then lied about it afterwards. That was probably the worst thing I ever did as a Padawan and I never did anything like it again. Especially after Qui-Gon was through with me. After I became knighted and took you as a Padawan he gave this to me just as his Master had given it to him. He said he hoped that I wouldn't have to use it but if there came a time when it was needed he said he expected me to apply it. I believe that it is the time he was speaking of." Obi-Wan sat down on the chair and motioned the boy over to him, "Pull down your pants and lay across my knees. Do not fight me or scream unnecessarily, it will do nothing but prolong your punishment although I will accept sounds of pain and distress such as crying. Understood?" He asked.

     Anakin nodded and then slowly obeyed. Once he was situated Obi-Wan pushed down the boy's pants a bit further so that they would remain out of the way and prepared to administer the first swats. He knew that the first swat would be the hardest to administer. Never had he liked physical punishment and he had hoped that he wouldn't have to ever use it but Anakin proved too troublesome not to. Carefully he lifted his arm and brought the paddle down onto the boy's bare bottom. The slapping sound that followed caused Obi-Wan to flinch slightly but he forced himself to continue. Steadily he delivered the blows to the open flesh before moving from the quickly reddening rear to the boy's thighs. Qui-Gon had told him long ago that it does no good if the punishment does not last long enough. It must be long enough to fit the crime and this was, indeed, a very large crime. As far as Obi-Wan could remember Qui-Gon had never just spanked his bottom. Always he had included the legs so that the memory would last longer. According to him if the misdeed was bad enough to deserve physical punishment it was bad enough to include the legs.

     While Obi-Wan delivered the swats Anakin sobbed and soon he began to fight. It wasn't completely conscious fighting because all he knew was that it hurt and he wanted to get away from it. Obi-Wan didn't say anything until Anakin began to fight harder. Then he finally spoke, "Anakin stop fighting me now! The punishment will end when and only when it is finished. No sooner and fighting will help none." Immediately the boys stopped his fighting but it took a lot of work to keep from pulling away again. The Jedi Knight landed four more swats on his legs before finally stopping. For a few minutes he let the boy lie there and calm himself. Then he eased the pants back up and over the sore rear and patted his back gently, "All finished now. You may stand up."

     Anakin stood up and buried his face in his hands and cried for several minutes while his Master put the paddle back in his room. When Obi-Wan returned his Padawan hadn;t moved. Gently he pulled the boy into his arms and held him there for several moments while the boy cried. Eventually the tears stopped and Anakin just stood there, enjoying the secure feeling he had. Carefully Obi-Wan pulled back so that he could look into his Padawan's eyes. Tenderly he brushed the boy's hair from his face. "I hope that I don't ever have to use this form of punishment on you again my dear Padawan." He said quietly. Truly he did care about the boy, even when he was a brat he cared about him.

     "Master I promise I will do my very best to behave and I won't cause you anymore pain. I give you my word." Anakin replied. His words were sincere and he honestly meant what he said, that was evident but whether he would be able to keep his promise was another thing.

     "I am sure you will do your best Anakin. For now I think it would be best if you took a shower and then went to bed. I am going to be gone for a couple of hours but should be back soon. Tomorrow I think we can begin lightsaber training." Obi-Wan said.

     Anakin smiled slightly, a shower would feel good and hopefully tomorrow he wouldn't be too sore for lightsaber training. "Yes Master, thank you Master." With a slight bow the boy headed for his room and Obi-Wan left their quarters.

     Several hours later Obi-Wan returned. He had been with Qui-Gon catching up on everything that had happened while he was away and how far they had gotten in Anakin's training. When he opened the door to his quarters he was surprised to see that several lights were still on, yet set on a low setting. A datapad sat on his desk with a note on it from Anakin. Master, I have left the lights on for you. I didn't want you to come back and not be able to walk around. This way you can still see and yet the lights aren't on full power. Yes, I know what you are thinking--you don't need your eyes to see but it is just common courtesy. Master I want you to know that I am sorry for my behavior today. It was wrong and I am remorseful for it and for the way I have acted all year. Ever since I became your Padawan I have been a brat. The reason was jealousy and fear I think. Please don't say fear leads to the dark side. I've heard that so many times already, but I was afraid. Afraid that I wouldn't meet up to your standards or that you would grow tired of me and send me back to Tatooine. I figured if I could become Master Jinn'�s Padawan I would have it made. Boy was I wrong! Well Master I am starting to ramble now but I did want you to know I trust you now and I thank you for keeping me as your Padawan even after the Council said you could "get rid of me". For that I am eternally grateful. I hope we can speak of this in person sometime. Anakin.

As Obi-Wan read the letter he fought back the tears that threatened to fall. He had never expected anything like this. Obedience in itself had seemed like it would take a miracle, yet here he had received obedience, apology and trust all in one night. And all of it was because of one punishment, a punishment that he had avoided using because hew as afraid it would keep them distanced when in reality it was the one thing that would bring them together. Quietly he made his way to the doorway of Anakin's room. Silently he watched the ten-year-olds chest rise and fall with gentle breaths. For the strangest reason this boy, the one that had seemed to be the devil himself just hours ago, now appeared to be an angel. An angel that Obi-Wan couldn't live without.

                                    *            *            *            *            *            *    Years Later    *           *            *            *            *            *            *

     Obi-Wan stood silently in the large auditorium and waited. For so many years he had watched as Anakin grew. He had been with Anakin through times of happiness and gratitude, danger and peace, illness and health. Several times he had nursed the boy back to health after a particular illness had taken him and there were even more times when he had to punish his Apprentice when he was disobedient and made "wrong choices", as he liked to put it. Yet through all of that the two had grown close and their bond had thrived.

     Now, on the eleventh anniversary of their first meeting, Obi-Wan watched as his Padawan, his very own Apprentice, his son went through the trials. Eleven years! It seems so long ago that he was the snotty ten-year old that I had to leave with Qui-Gon yet he has grown so fast. Obi-Wan's thoughts whirled around his head as he watched. He was confident that Anakin could pass the trials; there was nothing that could convince him otherwise. The boy had always been smart and quick to learn and especially good with the Force and at perhaps the most important moment of Anakin's life he would, for sure, do well. What really worried the Jedi Knight was what would happen afterwards. He had grown to love and care for that "devil" boy and he would sorely miss the companionship.

     Qui-Gon sat beside Obi-Wan and watched intently as Anakin participated in the last event of his trials. For his last test the boy was involved in holographic scenario. In order for Anakin to pass this trial he must meet his objectives and do so without being 'killed'. In this particular scenario Anakin had to free the hostages, and do so without causing more injuries than needed. Each Padawan who went through the trials had a scenario that was hand picked specially for them, causing them to fight against their weaknesses. Anakin's biggest weakness was his anger and so, unbeknownst to him, the computer was going to 'kill' the holographic image of Anakin's best friend who was on the mission with him. Qui-Gon knew about the twist beforehand and waited. As the time grew near he nudged Obi-Wan so that his former Padawan would be watching at the most crucial and critical moment of the test.

     The time came and a huge fight broke out. Anakin did his best to stop it but seeing that he was doing no good he attempted to get the hostages out of the room as quickly and safely as possible. Suddenly he felt the danger and turned in time to see one of the men fire a blaster at the holographic image of Jozu, his dear friend. Knowing that he wouldn't be able to stop the blaster fire without severely harming his friend forced Anakin to think of another way to save him. Without pausing or stopping to think the now twenty year-old man raced towards his friend and flung himself in front of him just as the blaster approached. The electrical sensor that Anakin wore gave off a beeping sound, indicated that he had been fatally wounded. Immediately the holograph scenario shut down and the lights powered up to normal.

     Everyone was silent as they watched the Jedi Masters. That response was one that didn't happen very often. Anakin slowly stood up and went down onto one knee, waiting for the judgment of his superiors. He knew what the answer would be already though. He had failed in his mission. Instead of saving the hostages he had died in an attempt to save Jozu. For all he knew Jozu would have died anyway.

     After several moments of talking and conferring Mace Windu stepped forward. "Anakin, why did you choose that response? Do you realize that you have killed yourself?" He asked quietly.

     "Yes Master Windu, I realize that I am now 'dead'. As for why I chose that response, I do not rightly know. It was a reaction mainly but I knew that I had to save him if I could. It wouldn't be possible for me to let him die." Anakin replied.

     "If you had to make the choice over again what would you do?" Mace continued.

     "I would have chosen the same action that I chose just now. Jozu is my friend and the fact that this is just a holograph makes no difference at all." Anakin answered. He knew that he had just sealed his fate. He had just admitted that he would sacrifice the mission for another Jedi and that was proof he wasn't ready to become a Jedi Knight.

     The response of the Council Members, however, surprised Anakin greatly. "Anakin, because you value the lives of others over yourself and because you were willing to give your life for a friend we are passing you on this test." Mace said quietly.

"But I am dead! The mission cannot be completed." Anakin objected.

"Watch the rest of the holograph." Mace said. The holograph regenerated and Anakin watched as Jozu picked himself up. With speed and agility that he didn't know his friend could have the holographic boy hurried the hostages out of the room towards a waiting transport ship. Within minutes the group were safely off the planet. Anakin didn't need to have saved them himself, his partner could have done it just as well. "You see why you have passed and now Anakin we, the Council Members, are fully prepared to promote you to Knighthood." Mace's words struck a stunned Anakin but the 'boy' was now twenty-years old and knew how to control his emotions and so to everyone else he was perfectly calm. Only his Master knew the difference.

     Obi-Wan stood up and slowly walked down into the arena area. While Mace went the traditional speeches Obi-Wan stood one step behind and the right of his Padawan in the position Anakin usually stood. It took less than twenty minutes for Mace to complete his part of the knighting. It was then Obi-Wan's job to continue. Carefully the Jedi Knight took the pair of scissors offered him and took hold of Anakin's braid.

     "This braid was begun on the first day of your Padawanship and it has grown as you have grown. It represents your dedication, loyalty and most of all your commitment. For years it has grown and now that you have completed your journey towards Knighthood it is time to you make the physical transfer as well as the mental one. As your Master it is my duty to remove your braid and I am honored to perform this duty." Obi-Wan fought to keep his voice steady and he succeeded...barely.

     Carefully he cut the braid. Each snip he made seemed to be cutting away something inside him. When the braid had been cut away the Jedi Masters continued with the ceremony but Obi-Wan wasn't listening. Instead he was fighting the tears that threatened to fall. The tears he had never thought he'd ever cry for this 'devil' boy.

     A few hours later Obi-Wan was with Anakin, back in their quarters. Unfortunately they weren't going to be there for long. Anakin was packing up his few belongings to move them into his own quarters. As Obi-Wan watched he felt a great emptiness take over. For so long he'd had the company of this boy, this boy who was now a man. And now after such a long time together he was leaving. Anakin already had a mission and he would be gone for several months.

     Anakin suddenly stopped and looked up at his former-Master, "Master...Master, what will I do? I have never been without someone's guidance before! How will I live without you there guiding me?" He asked, his voice just a little hoarse.

     Obi-Wan looked at the boy for a moment. Finally he spoke, "You will do what I did, live your life one day at a time and live each day to the fullest."

     Anakin smiled and put the last of his belongings in his bag. With one solid, graceful motion he stood and went to the man that had practically raised him. "Then I will say good-bye for now Master, good-bye and good-luck." Anakin's voice was a little rough as he hugged his Master and headed out of the quarters, perhaps for the last time.

***End Part Five***