Title: Left Behind

Author: Darth Manul & Darth Corsa

Rating: PG13

Genre: Drama, Angst

Summary: TPM, AU, non-slash. Master Jinn rescued Shmi and Anakin from slavery, but sold his Padawan to Watto.

Feedback: Always appreciated. You want to write a feedback!

Disclaimer: The galaxy belongs to us, these characters—to Luсas.

Author's Note: We are sorry for our rough English: it is quite difficult to write in English, when you speak in Russian.

Anakin was packing his small bag—a slave had not much possessions. Of course, he could not leave C3PO, his protocol droid, here. The Jedi said that they would find a job for him in the Jedi Temple on the Coruscant. Ani was excited. Soon, he, his mother, Shmi Skywalker, and Qui-Gon would abandon this Sith forsaken sand Tatooine and travel to the city-planet. It was wizard! He remembered about his childish dreams of being a Jedi—now, they would come true; he would be a Padawan to Master Jinn. However, Ani could not understand why the tall Jedi was so unhappy. Perhaps, he liked this planet and wanted to stay here a little longer? Impossible! Or did he think that young Ani could not repair the royal ship? Anakin would help with pleasure!

(Several hours before that)

"Yes, Master?" his Apprentice, who stayed on the royal ship to protect the 'Queen' and her crew, asked.

"Padawan… Our plans have changed a little. Seems, I will need your help here and now," Qui-Gon said, trying to hide his emotions.

"Master, what's happened?" Kenobi asked, sensing something was wrong. He could not reach his Master's mind through the Force, because Qui-Gon's shields were raised tightly. It was a little strange, but anyway Jinn was the Jedi Knight and it was his prerogative to do as he thought it was appropriate.

"Nothing, Padawan, everything's all right, only some unfinished business. Shopkeeper, an old friend of mine, needs our help. And, please, leave your Jedi uniform on the ship. You know, local inhabitants don't like the Jedi. We don't need unnecessary attention. Put on farmer's clothes. And your lightsaber. Leave it, too. Jinn's out."

Kenobi blinked, but said nothing. He was sure that Qui-Gon's first aim was to bring Amidala to the Coruscant. And as always he was going to help another pathetic life form. Sometimes he wondered if his Master considered him as such one. But for all these years he used to trust and follow his Master's orders, not questioning them.

So, he quickly changed and left his lightsaber in his cabin. He also left his birthday present—Qui-Gon's river stone, not wanting to lose it on the sand planet. It was very strange feeling to go somewhere without them. Even in the Temple, his home, he always carried his lightsaber with him.

Qui-Gon sighed. Of course, what he was doing now was very unJedi-like. But he had no choice. Anakin definitely was the Chosen One from the ancient Jedi prophecy and must be trained. And he would be the one, who would train this boy. Who had known that Watto brought the dice? He said blue for boy, and red for his mother. And he, old fool, thought it would be a will of the Force… He won Shmi Skywalker. A very pleasant woman, but useless for the Jedi. Also, the Toydarian could not be fooled by using the Force. "What you think you're some kinda Jedi, waving your hand around like that? I'm a Toydarian. Mind tricks don'ta work on me—only money. No money, no parts! No deal, no boy!" he winced, remembering the conversation. Most he could do to persuade the shopkeeper to change the boy on something equal. Or somebody. So, he remembered about his Apprentice, staying on the royal ship. Well, he would free the boy and his mother. And his Apprentice, his soon-will-be-former apprentice would not prevent training the boy. Fair enough. And what about Obi-Wan? He knew that the whole Jedi life was full of sacrifices. He would understand. If he would not understand, anyway, it's too late.

Master Jinn asked Anakin and his mother to wait for him on the outskirts of Mos Eisley. He told them he should finish some business with Watto.

Oh, and there he was coming. Obi-Wan was approaching him, wearing plain farmer's clothes, same as his Master did, and without his blue-white lightsaber. He looked at his Master with worry. With his deep connection with the Living Force he could sense that something was very-very wrong.

"Master?"

"Come on, my Padawan. I want to introduce you to somebody."

"?As you say, Master."

Well, it wasn't a lie. He only did not say all truth.

They headed to Watto's shop.

Blue Toydarian was awaiting them. He smiled.

"Ah, this one? Good," he said, surveying young Kenobi. "He looks suitable enough for working here."

"Master?" Obi-Wan asked. Now, there was uncertainty in his voice. The Force told him, no, cried him: "Run away, fool!"

At last, his instincts prevailed and he followed the Force. He twitched, but it was already too late. Strong arm had already put a Force-inhibiting collar around his neck.

"Master…" he asked one more time, not wishing to believe it. Then, he felt an injector with sedative touched his arm. He flinched.

"Forgive me, Obi-Wan," Master Jinn said and left the small junk shop, not turning around. His deal with Watto was finished.

"Run, Ani! We should hurry to the ship, it is dangerous here! The smugglers have killed my apprentice! I won't allow them to hurt you!"

They headed to the Royal ship, with all needed parts.

And the Jedi Council? He would fabricate a story, where a street band attacked them. Young Padawan, wanting to protect his Master, killed some of them, but suddenly received a stray blaster shot in his head. Qui-Gon killed the other smugglers, but sensed many of them running to him. So, he even could not take his Padawan's body—he hurried to Shmi and the boy, to protect them. Of course, he would be very sorry for not saving Obi-Wan's young life. But Obi-Wan died as a hero, trying to protect his beloved Master. And being a Jedi is very dangerous for life, isn't it?

"Anakin, you will be a Jedi. I promise." Qui-Gon thought, running to the Royal ship.