Title: Obedience

Author: Darth Corsa and Darth Manul

Genre: Drama, Angst

Summary: AU, non-slash. Qui-Gon gives 15 years old Obi-Wan an advice about what a common Padawan shall do if Master rejects him. Kenobi remembers it.

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

Fifteen years old Obi-Wan Kenobi was lying on the thick carpet, studying his data chip with lessons for the next day. His Master Qui-Gon Jinn was sitting in the armchair, reading one on his favorite old-fashioned paper books.

Obi-Wan looked at him. Though almost a month had passed since his birthday meditation, he was still confused.

Every Padawan meditated during this date, he was not an exception. Sometimes (quite often) it brought visions about possible future. 'Always in motion, the future is,' Yoda used to say, telling Padawans not to take visions too seriously. It was only a possible way, but not the only one. There were no guarantees that it could happen.

Nevertheless, Obi-Wan was not calm about this, he could not find the serenity. He saw 25 years old self with Master Qui-Gon in front of the High Jedi Council and an unfamiliar blond boy. Master Jinn asked if he could train him instead of Obi-Wan. They agreed. What could all of that mean? Qui-Gon was not able to do so! So, it's nothing or..?

He didn't tell anybody about this vision, but decided somehow to discuss it with his mentor.

"Master, may I ask you a question?" he said, still glaring at the data chip.

"Of course, Padawan." Qui-Gon smiled. "Problems with your classes?"

"No, I am just curious about your opinion. You know… in one of those old books from the library I found a story about a Master who rejected his Padawan in front of the Council in order to take another, more powerful one. And they agreed. What do you think?"

"I think that you've read a fairy-tale. Instead of your lessons, I must add. This situation is not possible. Shall I make you read the Jedi Code once again? 'One Master, one apprentice', remember. It's like the duty not just in the face of the Council and the Jedi, but in the face of the Force — to train a Padawan till he or she reaches the knighthood." Qui-Gon answered, slightly frowning. "Besides, how was your sparring session today?"

"Good, thank you. I was able to defeat my opponent with the blow you showed me yesterday. But what should that apprentice, from the story, do?"

Qui-Gon shrugged his shoulders. "So… If the entire Council was eager to send him away… Maybe, his behavior was so unacceptable? He betrayed the Jedi? Or didn't listen to his Master?"

"Mmm… No, no and no. He was quite strong in the Force, too." Obi-Wan suggested.

"Then, I think, there were idiots in the Council. If they treated him so, he should turn around and leave those morons."

"And what about his Master, who started all of this?" Obi-Wan continued.

"Then, he should leave, previously giving his Master a sharp blow. Perhaps, he didn't deserve this Padawan." Qui-Gon always was quite a rebel.

"But it's not… polite! What would the Council say?"

"But it is fair. They would understand. And now, if you finished your stupid questions and lessons, shall we visit my old friend Dex? I'll let you eat an extra dessert."

(ten years after)

Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, and Anakin were standing in front of the Council.

"Master Qui-Gon, more to say you have?" Yoda asked, looking at Anakin.

"With your permission, Masters. This boy," Master Jinn pointed at Skywalker, "is the Chosen One. He must be trained. Finding him was the will of the Force."

"And what about a Padawan you already have?" Master Windu asked.

"Well, Obi-Wan can take his trials… Anakin is more important for us." Qui-Gon bowed his head. Kenobi frowned.

"Your words make sense. It shall be so." Mace answered, though he didn't like things getting that way.

"Obi-Wan, I'm so sorry to tell you that-" Qui-Gon began.

"Oh, no, no need to be sorry, my dear Master!" Obi-Wan said, stepping forward with a grin that scared Qui-Gon.

"In that case, I do not consider myself a Jedi anymore. I leave the Order." He took his lightsaber, activated it, moving the dangerous weapon to his neck.

"Obi-Wan! Stop!" Qui-Gon cried.

Kenobi didn't listen to him, severed the padawan braid and threw it and his lightsaber on the floor. Everyone was silent and Master Jinn was white with rage.

"Obi-Wan! You can't do this! You're a Jedi! You know that your life is full of sacrifices!" Finally Qui-Gon yelled.

"Really? You say sacrifices, not betrayal. So, I can and I did. Maybe, you are not a good Jedi?" he asked mockingly.

"Stop and make apologies! You should know better about obedience!" Master Jinn was furious, Anakin even flinched at sound of his voice.

"Oh, thank you, you reminded me of one unfinished thing left." Obi-Wan approached Master Jinn and suddenly gave him a slap in the face.

"You see? That's exactly what you once have told to do. I'm very obedient."

Then, he went away, leaving confused Qui-Gon, holding his bleeding nose, behind.