Disclaimer: see chapter 1
It is finished, people, completed, fin, and so many more!!! I'm so happy. I've never finished a story before, besides my one-shot. And I still need to finished my HP story which a neglected some time. bad me I know. Any way. This is the last chapter of Episode 1 and I'm writing the sequel. Well let's move on with the story anyway.
Thanks for beta-ing JediKnight!!!!
The large, grand cruiser of the Supreme Chancellor landed in the courtyard of the main hanger. Captain Panaka and twenty soldiers guarded Nute Gunray and Rune Haako. Hadrian stood next to Obi-Wan. He had been released from the Medical Center just twenty minutes ago. Obi-Wan looked at him. His wound was sealed up and all the blood was gone. Only a large thin scar was seen between the boys eyes. It will probably never fade.
"Are you okay?" the Jedi asked.
"Yeah. The doc said it will heal except, I will be left with a scar, and my leg, no problem. That bacta stuff really works wonders." Hadrian said, looking up. Obi-Wan smiled. He was amazed how fast the boy could heal, emotionally. He will learn a lot from him in the future. A powerful ally. Hadrian and Obi-Wan turned their attention back to the Queen who stood before the Neimoidians.
"Now, Viceroy, you are going to have to go back to the Senate and explain all this." Padmé said seriously. The Viceroy looked down in shame.
"I think you can kiss your Trade franchise goodbye." Panaka replied. Hadrian smiled. He liked this captain and his remarks. The main ramp of the cruiser was lowered as Obi-Wan and Captain Panaka led the Viceroy and his assistant toward the ship. Hadrian trailed behind them, to keep an eye on things. He saw the Supreme Chancellor Palpatine and several Republic guards descended the walkway, followed by Yoda and several other Jedi Masters. Mace Windu arrived earlier, along with some Council members to survey the situation. The Chancellor was greeted by the Queen.
"Congratulations on your election, Chancellor. It is good to see you again." Padmé said, smiling. Hadrian took a deep breath. He didn't like this at all. Why couldn't Padmé jut listen to him?
"It's good to be home. Your boldness has saved our people, Your Majesty. It is you who should be congratulated. Together we shall bring peace and prosperity to the Republic." Palpatine said. Hadrian couldn't stand this anymore so he turnrd his attention to the Jedi. He and Obi-Wan greeted Yoda and the other Jedi as Captain Panaka took the Neimoidians onto the cruiser. Hadrian grinned at Yoda who smiled back.
The sun streamed into the multi-windowed room at a low angle. It was not quite sunset. Yoda paced before Obi-Wan, who was kneeling in the canter of the room. The young Jedi was pleading with Yoda about the boy, Anakin.
"Confer on you, the level of Jedi Knight the Council does. But agree on you taking this boy as your Padawan learner, I do not." Yoda replied, frowning.
"Qui-Gon believed in him. I believe in Qui-Gon." Obi-Wan said.
"The Chosen One the boy may be; nevertheless, grave danger I fear in his training." Yoda sighed, closing his eyes to see a glimpse of the future.
"Master Yoda, I gave Qui-Gon my word. I will train Anakin. Without the approval of the Council if I must." The Jedi said it in earnest.
Yoda looked him in the eye. "Qui-Gon's defiance I sense in you. Need that, you do not." Yoda erected himself with the help of his stick. "Agree, the Council does. Your apprentice, young Skywalker will be."
Obi-Wan looked delighted, but then he frowned. "But what about Hadrian. What will come of him?"
"Strong the other boy is. Fought a Sith, he has and live to tell the tale, he does." Yoda looked up. "My padawan, he is."
Obi-Wan looked very surprised. "And the Council? Did they agree?"
"Agree the Council did. Decided I have, on Coruscant already when he was there. Young Phoenix agreed." Yoda explained him. Obi-Wan looked taken aback.
"Hadrian knew?"
Yoda nodded. "Now, come. Qui-Gon's funeral will begin shortly." Obi-Wan nodded and together they left the room.
Hadrian overlooked the Capital city of Theed. The sun was setting behind the horizon and he never felt so much at peace. He supported his arms on the balcony, viewing the city below. He didn't hear someone approaching him, but he did sensed him.
Obi-Wan saw the young boy and headed over to him. He was lost in thought. Obi-Wan didn't understand this boy. He was holding so many secrets that even the Council kept an eye on him. But if they didn't train him to become a Jedi, what will happen then? The boy was just to powerful to be left alone. And with the knowledge about the future, he could become a powerful supporter.
"Congratulation on your Padawan status." He said, standing next to him. Hadrian smiled and looked at him.
"You too Obi-Wan, with the title of Knighthood."
"I still can't believe that Yoda took you as his apprentice? Nobody did actually. Everyone thought he was getting to old for something like that."
Hadrian laughed. "Don't let a persons look,s fool you, Obi-Wan. It's the inside that matters."
"Sometimes you act too old for your age, Hadrian."
"I know… it's just." He sighed. "I just miss my home that's all. I'm wondering what's going on there. Is everybody happy? Is the world still spinning? When I close my eyes I tried to contact it through the Force, but it's like… it isn't there anymore." Hadrian clarified. "And now I'm here, starting a new life, right?"
Obi-Wan nodded. "You will have a life here in this galaxy. I think Qui-Gon wanted you to have that. I think he understood you more then me."
Hadrian smiled. "Have you ever heard the Force?" Obi-Wan furrowed his brow. Stupid question.
"Of course; all the time."
Hadrian shook his head. "I know, but did you ever hear it sing."
The Jedi Knight looked confused. Sing? Can the Force sing? What was this boy hitting at. Could he do more then a regular Jedi? Hadrian turned his attention back to the setting sun. He closed his eyes and relaxed. He started to hum. Obi-Wan heard a familiar melody. He couldn't pinpoint it anywhere, but he somehow knew. Then Hadrian opened his eyes.
"I heard it ever since I was a child. He lulled me to sleep when I couldn't and it helped me to survive. It was always there. But the funniest thing was; I wasn't the only one who could hear it. Some people on Earth could hear it too which is confusing."
"How is it possible?"
Hadrian shrugged. "Earth was always a place full of mystic and paranormal aspects. There's nothing new about it. Ghost, spirits, reincarnation, magic… are as common as paying your bill."
"It's a nice tune."
"But that isn't the only song the Force sings, Obi-Wan. If you listen with your soul, you hear many other things."
Obi-Wan nodded. "Come we can't be late. The Funeral is going to begin in a moment." Hadrian nodded and together they moved out. They were in a temple which was surrounded with many people who attended. Hadrian and Obi-Wan stood very near to the fallen Jedi. Anakin had tears in his eyes. The Council had asked Hadrian to set the fire. It was hard for him, but he obliged. Now he was standing there, watching Qui-Gon's face. It looked like he was sleeping and Hadrian had the urge to wake him up. But the man was gone.
A tear rolled down his cheek as he closed his eyes. Yoda who stood at one side had addressed the people and said some words. Everyone was crying, the ones who knew the Jedi during their mission. Padmé wept as well. She looked at Hadrian and saw that his eyes were closed. Yoda asked if anybody would like to say some words. Nobody moved. Hadrian opened his eyes. He stepped forward. Every eye was turned on him. He walked to the wake, then looked up. He knew a poem about death and he wanted to say it. He cleared his voice.
"Death is but a sweet gift
Wrapping us in her warm blanket
Sending us to the Force
She is the protector
Of all who live
For we all must pass
As well as you and me
The time has come
Do not weep
For now I am in a better place
And soon
Soon
You will join me
In Death's gentle hands."
Then he called upon his gift. The body got engulfed by blue fire. Everyone looked shocked, tears forgotten as they watched the spectacle before them. Qui-Gon was surrounded with the fire, but it didn't burn him. Some of the Council members were confused. But Padmé smiled. She knew that Hadrian didn't want to hurt the Jedi, that was why it didn't burn. Obi-Wan was looking at Hadrian. He caught his eyes and nodded.
Hadrian didn't want to burn his friend. He looked so peaceful, surrounded by magical flames. What would have happen if he did survived the fight? Would he be training Anakin now? Hadrian sighed. There was no other way. He caught Obi-Wan's eye and nodded. He let go of the fire which turned to bright yellow then hot white. Qui-Gon's body went up in flames as the Jedi Council, the Queen and many people watched. There was a drum roll that stopped. Doves where released and the body was gone. Hadrian took away the last remaining fire and let out a deep breath.
He walked back to Obi-Wan and Anakin who was standing next to him. The boy looked at Obi-Wan with a confused look.
"He is one with the Force, Anakin… you must let go."
"What will happen to me now?" He asked.
"I am your Master now. You will become a Jedi, I promise." Obi-Wan replied. Anakin nodded. He looked at Hadrian who was still crying silently.
"And Hadrian?"
"He too will be a Jedi. Master Yoda took him as his apprentice." Obi-Wan explained. Anakin smiled. Knowing that his friend wasn't left behind. He gave the older boy a smile who got one in return. To one side, Mace Windu turned to Yoda.
"There is no doubt. The mysterious warrior was a Sith."
"Always two there are… no more… no less. A master and an apprentice.
"But which one was destroyed, the master or the apprentice?"
Yoda sighed and looked at Hadrian. The boy knew. Hadrian felt his Master staring at him and turned around. His eyes betrayed his pain for a second but it looked passive the moment Yoda looked in it. He gave his Master a nod. Yoda sighed. This should be interesting.
Children sung and throw flowers on the passing Gungan soldiers. The crowd cheered. It was a grand parade. It was the most beautiful day for this kind of event. Hadrian never saw so many people gathered at the same place, in real life that is. He saw things like that on TV, but never like this. The Queen stood next to the Supreme Chancellor Palpatine, Anakin, Obi-Wan and the Jedi Council. Hadrian stood right behind Anakin watching the parade. Artoo stood in front of Padmé and whistled at everyone in joy.
Queen Padmé Amidala and Palpatine smiled at one another. She turned around and saw Anakin smiling at her, she gave a smile back. Then she looked at Hadrian and her heart jumped again. He even looked more handsome with that scar of his. Hadrian beamed back at her. In the parade were Boss Nass and his Gungans, Jar Jar and General Ceel; The Gungans rode on Kaadu's. They stopped before the Queen and walked up the steps to stand by her side.
Boss Nass held up the globe of Peace and everyone cheered. Hadrian cheered along. After this exchange they left the Plaza for a ceremonial banquet. Everyone was invited. It was some kind of party where everyone danced and laughed. Anakin and Hadrian ate like there was no tomorrow which they received some annoying looks from their Masters. Anakin and Hadrian shrugged it off and did what they wanted. They were still young.
Hadrian checked out Padmé but she always was occupied by some politicians or Chancellor Palpatine. Hadrian didn't wanted to disturb her. His Master told him that they were going to leave this afternoon and Hadrian wanted to say goodbye to his love. The dark haired boy sighed and left the hall to look up some serene place where he good think. He walked in a garden filled with fountains and grass parks. There were benches scattered over the place. He took one and sat down.
He enjoyed to peaceful moment. He rethought the moments of his life. His life on Earth and now his life in Star Wars. He laughed at the craziness. It was unreal to him. He sensed someone coming. He recognized this life form signature. He smiled and looked up. Padmé was dressed in her white outfit with flowing flower scarf. She was holding something in her hand when she stopped in front of him.
Hadrian stood up. "You look beautiful."
Padmé smiled. "Thanks. I have something for you. It's a bit late but one day doesn't count." She handed him something. Hadrian took it; it was some kind of paper or was it parchment?
"Happy birthday." She beamed.
Hadrian looked stunned and un-rolled the paper. It was some kind of official document. He scanned the page and looked up in confusion. It was a birth certificate. Padmé smiled.
"It was finished this morning. I know that you have no home planet anymore and now that you live in this universe you can call something home. Welcome to Naboo, Hadrian." Hadrian couldn't believe his eyes. He jumped and embraced Padmé. They laughed. Now he could call Naboo his official birth planet. He stepped away and kissed her full on the lips. Padmé gave in and kissed back hard. Their love was unmistakable. They broke away.
"Thanks, Padmé. This… this is the most beautiful present I ever had." Hadrian said.
"That's why i did it right away. I know you're leaving this afternoon and it will be a very long time until we see each other again." She said unhappily. Hadrian nodded.
"Don't forget, I'm still an Earthling. I'm stubborn. I will make time to see you. I maybe a Jedi, but I still have a will of my own."
Padmé looked in his eyes and she knew he was right. She smiled and kissed him for the last time. It was like their first kiss and it will always be like this. Their will be no one else. Hadrian savored her taste, because it will be a long until they will be together again. The broke away grinning.
"I love you."
The Jedi Cruiser was ready to take off. Hadrian swung his bag over his shoulder and walked down the steps. In the distance, near the ramp, stood Obi-Wan with Anakin. Hadrian smiled. He never saw the boy so happy and yet he was homesick which was understandable. He headed over to them. But before he reached them he took a last look at the palace. It will a long time until he would see Padmé again. He sighed and kept looking. Then he felt a sharp pain on his shin. Hadrian yelped and turned around. Yoda who had came out of nowhere, stood next to him, holding his stick.
"Get on board, my padawan." He said.
Hadrian grimaced. "Geez, was that really necessary?" He said rubbing his shin. He was going to take Obi-Wan's advice of buying some protection for his shins when he was near his master. Before I know it I will have bruises until doomsday.
"Hurry you must!" Yoda ordered.
"Yes, Master. Right away." Hadrian hurried off. The little troll trailed behind him. He reached the ship, seeing Anakin laughing at him. Hadrian gave him a glare.
"Watch it there, Skywalker. Or I'll whip your ass." Hadrian remarked while boarding. Anakin followed.
"Not when I'm around, Hadrian." Obi-Wan said, passing the teen. Hadrian arched an eyebrow and smirked.
"This should be fun." He looked at Anakin. "I know some very good tricks to prank our Masters, Ani."
"Really? " The boy lighted up.
Hadrian leered. "Are you kidding? You're looking at the King of Pranks." Hadrian let out a diabolic laugh; Yoda heard it and hit him again. "Ouch." Everybody laughed while the ship took off. It was going to be a very interested life. Hadrian couldn't wait.
THE END
To be continued…
the poem in the story, I've found on the net. I had it for some time and I really want to use it here
So, this was it. I hope you all like it. I thank all the reviewers and the people who read the story and didn't review, anyway, Thank you all!!!
The sequel is still in pre-production, if anyone has some idea's or so which I received from some people, let me know. Each idea is welcome and I will take it to consideration. And if there is some things that really such change, don't hesitate to tell me!
I don't know when I will post the next story, there still some work to be done, so, keep checking my profile and you will know.
Anyway, thanks for reading this and now I will stop rambling.
Kisses
Jessie