Rebirth #04 - Learning to Be a Master

by Angelica ( lilithschilde@roadrunner.com )

Archive: M_A, anyone else just ask

Category: Q/O, pre-slash, AU

Rating: G for now

Spoilers: None that I can think of

Series: Rebirth

Series Timeline: Begins a few weeks after AOTC

Summary: A day in the life of Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi and the clone of Qui-Gon Jinn. Today, five-year-old Qui-Gon gives Obi-Wan some hints on being a good Master.

Disclaimers: George owns it. I play with it. But I give all my money to Star Wars merchandising, so I have none to give him if he sues me. Feedback: Please!? I'll love you for ever and ever...OK, well, I'll be really happy.

Notes: Thanks to everyone for your love and support. Special thanks to my wonderful Master, Master Jenn. She's been wonderful about keeping me going and I'm very lucky to have found her. She even gave me a card for my birthday today, when all I expected was a rock. ;o)

"Obi-Wan? When will I get a lightsaber?"

"When you are old enough to use one without causing harm to yourself or others, Qui-Gon."

"Will you show me how to use it?"

"You will have 'saber instructors, and eventually your Master will teach you," Obi-Wan said as he watched his Padawan's own practice. "Anakin, you're dragging your left arm in the fourth move. If you're even slightly off, it could leave you off balance and open to attack."

The Padawan began again, his only reply a half-hearted "Yes, Master."

Qui-Gon frowned at the older boy's response.

"Obi-Wan?"

Obi-Wan sighed, running a hand through his auburn hair. "Yes, Qui-Gon?"

"Why don't you train with Anakin?"

"That is what we are doing now, Qui-Gon."

"No, it's not. You're watching him, telling him what he's doing wrong, and Anakin's pretending to listen."

Obi-Wan looked down at the five-year-old curiously. "Why do you say that?"

"Because when my teachers show me something they work *with* me. Like when I made that painting for you! Knight Las-yn showed me how to blend the colors, and when I got confused she helped me. Why don't you do that for Anakin?"

"It's not the same thing. Anakin doesn't need me to coddle him. He's a senior Padawan, not a five-year-old learning to fingerpaint."

As soon as the words left his mouth Obi-Wan regretted them. He watched as Qui-Gon stood up and straightened his small tunic, determination set on his features.

"You're right, he's not. He's a Padawan who thinks his Master doesn't want or love him. Sound familiar?"

There was an uncomfortable silence for several seconds before Obi-Wan spoke again.

"Anakin knows I care for him. Do not think you can compare his training to my own simply because you were my Master in a former lifetime."

"But you're not seeing it! He's hurting inside, and you're not making it any better. You took him because I asked you too, not because you wanted to. He *feels* that. He knows you care for him like a Master, but he needs a friend."

Obi-Wan leaned back and watched Anakin as he practiced, not willing to meet Qui-Gon's gaze. "What makes you think this?"

"The way he looks at you. The way he answers everything with 'Yes, Master'. And you only ever call him Padawan, or your very young Padawan, or your young Apprentice! I'm only five, and you call me Qui-Gon all the time. When was the last time you called him Anakin? And telling him he's done something wrong doesn't count."

Obi-Wan thought on that, and realized the boy was right, at least about that point. "All right, so I do. But that doesn't mean I don't care for him."

"Then tell him! You tell me you love me almost every day, but I've never once heard you tell Anakin you're proud of him, or happy to see him, or anything nice like that."

Obi-Wan nodded. "When did you get so wise?"

"I've spent a few hours every day for the past year with Master Yoda. It wasn't that hard. He says I'm like a sponge, and that I soak up everything he tells me."

There was a long period of silence as they watched Anakin's practice, then Qui-Gon sat in front of Obi-Wan, his arms crossed in front of his chest. He sat there, staring at the Knight until Obi-Wan's own awkwardness got the best of him.

"I'm sorry. I know you're not a typical five-year-old, and I shouldn't treat you as one."

Qui-Gon nodded once. "Good. Now maybe you should say something to Anakin?"

Obi-Wan's eyes met those of his former Master, and the Knight knew that to argue would be pointless. He was being told how to train his Padawan by a five-year-old Initiate, and for good reason. Standing, he bowed deeply. "Yes, my Master," he said with a smile as he moved towards his Apprentice.

"Here, Anakin. Try it this way," Obi-Wan said as he moved behind the taller man and positioned his arms. "Your reach is already significant, you don't need to stretch to complete this move. I think you'll find that if you extend yourself to this point, then make a quick sweep, you'll throw your opponent off much more easily."

The two moved in tandem, Obi-Wan instructing Anakin in the subtle nuances of the moves, and giving hints that he had found useful in past battles. Qui-Gon couldn't help but notice that Anakin was smiling more than usual.