Title: I Grieve
* * * * *
“It was only one hour ago
* * * * * “Have you heard any news?” Cher-Ryll Sejam asked her Padawan when she entered their apartment. “No,” Jade answered. “The last thing I heard was exactly what I told you before: they’re moving to take the planet back from the Trade Federation. It’s going to be a very slim chance since Naboo’s only allies are Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon, and a tribe of indigenous amphibians. Supposedly this is a carefully crafted plan, but I have my doubts about its success.” Cher-Ryll nodded and plopped down in the nearest chair. She’d paced until her feet throbbed, and there was no point in it. What did it help to exhaust herself with worry? “They should never have gone,” Jade said. “I just… have a bad feeling about this.” “The Senate underestimated the Nemoidians and their tenacious hold on Naboo,” Cher-Ryll said, her eyes distant. “They took them for cowards…” “They were supposed to be,” Jade said. “You and I both know there is no brave particle in those Trade Federation scum.” “Jade!” Cher-Ryll snapped. “There’s no need to be cruel.” “It’s true,” Jade spat back. “And if they hurt either of them, so help me—” “They are two, grown men.” Cher-Ryll grinned and shook her head. “Well-trained in the Jedi arts.” “You’re the one who wore a track in the floor,” Jade muttered, sitting down across from her master. “All I was saying about the Nemoidians is there must be something more going on here. On any other day, they would back down before the big, bad Jedi could cut their poor, little heads off. Why stand their ground this time? Over a planet like Naboo?” “True greed knows no limits,” Cher-Ryll said. “Remember that, Padawan.” Jade nodded, sitting back in her seat to absorb Cher-Ryll’s words. “While this is true, they’ve never been this bold before.” “Jade, I know you’re afraid for Obi-Wan—” “He would have contacted me by now,” Jade interrupted. “He at least tries to leave me some sort of message so that I’ll be aware of where he is and how he is. We both agreed a long time ago to never leave each other in the dark about things like that. Especially because he knows how I worry.” “They have to be very careful about the kind of transmissions they send,” Cher-Ryll scolded. “Anyone could be listening.” Jade slipped her arms around herself, burying them in her cloak and holding on tightly. Her expression was a dejected one, which did not appear very soothed. “I know.” “Part of me wishes we’d taken our own mission, simply so we wouldn’t be sitting here like this,” Cher-Ryll said. “This is quite un-Jedi-like behavior.” Maybe because our feelings for them aren’t very Jedi-like either, Jade pondered. She didn’t dare voice this. As she was about to concoct a more suitable reply, she was stilled by Cher-Ryll’s sharp gasp. The master’s hand shot to her midsection and gripped her robes in a white-knuckled fist. Jade was up like a shot, dropping to her knees beside the chair and placing her own hand over Cher-Ryll’s. The older woman winced painfully, strands of brunette hair falling free of the neat bun at the back of her head and dropping over her eyes. “Master,” Jade breathed, putting her free hand on her shoulder. “Oh…” Cher-Ryll wheezed. “This is all wrong! Qui-Gon, please…” “Please what?” Jade asked. Her face was a wide-eyed portrait of bewilderment as she sat by her master tentatively taking in every plea and pant. “What’s wrong?” “Contact Master Yoda.” Cher-Ryll had to force the words free, her voice throaty with duress. “Master, what—” “Do it!” Jade jumped back and rose to her feet, shocked at hearing Cher-Ryll speak this way. She sprinted to the communicator on the wall and spoke hurriedly into it. From her seat in complete agony, Cher-Ryll barely heard a word of what was said. She was enveloped in the most horrendous pain, like a muscle ache multiplied by a thousand. It burned and wracked her, burying her in fire and causing sweat to stand out on her skin. Jade rushed back over and touched her master’s cheek. “He’s on his way.” “It will be too late,” Cher-Ryll sobbed, shaking her head. “It’s already too late.” “Master, you’re not going to die,” Jade said, pulling one of Cher-Ryll’s freezing hands into her own. “You’re going to be fine.” “Not me!” Cher-Ryll cried. “Don’t you feel it!? Don’t you know what this is!?” Jade blinked. “I…” She felt something but not pain. Complete shock bordering on a kind of terror. Rage. She’d thought these were only the emotions that would accompany the adrenaline rush Cher-Ryll had given her with this sudden episode. But it was something more… As the anger in her swelled, she tightened her hold on Cher-Ryll’s hand until the other woman whimpered with compounded pain. Jade released her, face aghast. “Master, I’m sorry. I… It’s Obi-Wan. I’ve never felt him like this. He’s broadcasting his emotions so strongly…” It dawned on her just what was happening, and she placed a shaky hand over her Master’s stomach. “No…” Cher-Ryll clenched up, shook violently, then groaned as though releasing an ache. They were both silent as Cher-Ryll sat blankly, and her apprentice waited breathlessly. Jade needed no answer as she was awash in anguish so profound that she sunk to the floor. Jade began to wail, Cher-Ryll continued staring at the wall, and both were still in their respective states when Yoda arrived. * * * * *
“I grieve for you
* * * * * “This was… most unfortunate,” Mace Windu addressed Cher-Ryll and Jade before the Council. “We have lost a skilled knight and a cherished friend. The Council will leave immediately for Naboo and make any arrangements for the funeral there. We extend an invitation to the both of you to attend, as well. You would be transported with us and lodgings would be provided by Queen Amidala.” “That is very generous on all accounts,” Cher-Ryll said numbly. Jade looked at her from the corner of her eye. “Master?” “But I must decline your invitation,” Cher-Ryll said, bowing her head. “Why?” Jade asked, disregarding the eyes of the Council on them both. “I don’t wish to attend his funeral.” “Master, you felt what you did for a reason. Maybe you need to be there.” “No, I am better off in the Temple, meditating.” “How can you do this?” Jade asked, her temper flashing in her grey eyes. “The man was one of your closest friends, and you won’t even fly to Naboo to—” “We all grieve in our own ways, Padawan,” Cher-Ryll answered before Jade was even through. “Allow me my freedom.” “You’re running from this,” Jade said. “You mustn’t.” “The ceremony will go just as well with or without me,” Cher-Ryll said. “I thought he meant more to you.” Cher-Ryll’s emotions returned with a vengeance, her eyes slicing through Jade like dual lightsabers. “He meant more to me than he did to you, so who are you to question me? I will do as I like, when I like, and I will not go to Naboo. I will not bow to the queen that sent him to his death. I will not watch his body burn on a pyre. And I will not watch the celebration that will most likely take place afterward. Their victory was written with his blood, and I will not witness it!” “If that is your wish, then so be it,” Mace said, eyeing them both with frustration. Jade felt tears standing out in her eyes and turned her face away, refusing to even look in Cher-Ryll’s direction. “And you, Padawan?” Yoda asked, his voice ever gentle. “Join us, will you?” “Yes,” she said. “Obi-Wan needs me.” “And I do not?” Cher-Ryll asked. Jade’s eyes stayed glued on Master Yoda. “Apparently not.” “We cannot allow you to be divided by your anger,” Ki-Adi Mundi said. “You must both agree on a solution without animosity lingering within your bond.” “We will give you an hour to resolve this,” Mace sighed. “If you do not come to an amends, we leave without the both of you.” Jade’s jaw clenched. “Is this really the kind of thing you should be doing at a time like this?” “Would you rather Qui-Gon’s death be tainted by your own pettiness?” Ki-Adi asked. “You’re dismissed,” Mace said before either of them could answer, though he saw the shame on their faces very well. As they strode into the hall and heard the door whoosh closed behind them, Jade whirled on Cher-Ryll. “Master, you’re being unreasonable,” Jade said. Cher-Ryll’s hand shot to her forehead where she began rubbing at a headache. “You do not understand.” “I do,” Jade said. “I just can’t believe you’d be that weak.” “My heart is already broken,” Cher-Ryll said. “It needs no further help from you.” “You’re not even listening to me.” “I heard you back there. You wanted an excuse to run to Obi-Wan. As though you don’t already have enough.” Jade faltered for a moment. She wasn’t sure how to respond to such an accusation, but her master must see this was different. She shouldn’t have to explain. “I felt him,” Jade said, placing her hand against her heart. “He has never been one to allow his emotions to flow, and these were not average, everyday feelings. That was the most raw, unbridled hatred I’ve ever sensed in a being. He doesn’t need the Council. He needs someone close to him. With Qui-Gon gone, that’s me.” “Is there no way for me to make you understand this?” Cher-Ryll asked. “The way you feel about Obi-Wan, how strongly you wish to be at his side as his comfort, is how I felt about his master. And he’s dead. If I went to Naboo, it would be to wallow in misery. I can do that just as easily here.” Jade closed her eyes, covering her face in her hands. She had run out of words, and all those she had used were biting. Why did she allow herself to lose control like that? She slowly wiped her hands down her face and let her arms fall limply at her sides. “I’m sorry, Master. Your pain is just as deep, and I know this. I should have respected your wishes instead of imposing my own upon you. I went way too far, and I feel… horrible.” Cher-Ryll put her arms around Jade, pulling her into a firm hug. Jade returned the gesture weakly and pressed her tears into Cher-Ryll’s shoulder. “Grief does strange things to the heart, young one. It’s all right.” In their heart of hearts, they both knew where the other was meant to be. Cher-Ryll was to stay in the Temple, resting her mind and grieving alone. Jade was to go to Obi-Wan and give him what consolation she could. And this was how it would be. “Go to him,” Cher-Ryll whispered. “Take the chance I was too afraid to.” “You’re not afraid of anything,” Jade sniveled. “Except love. That’s where you have me beaten, Padawan.” * * * * *
“The news that truly shocks
* * * * * Jade sat aboard the transport, squeezed between Masters Depa Billaba and Plo Koon. Her hood was up, hiding her face in case she weakened and began to cry in front of them. She was vulnerable enough to do so, but would despise herself if they saw. She felt a hand light on her shoulder and glanced at Master Billaba. Depa’s beautiful features were lit by an encouraging smile, and Jade felt like cringing from such uninhibited warmth. “I am glad you came,” Depa said. “Knight Kenobi will need your support.” “Knight?” Jade asked. “Oh yes, but you mustn’t tell,” Depa said, winking. “We have convened and all agreed that he is ready for knighthood. He has already arranged to have his first apprentice as it was Qui-Gon’s last wish.” “So soon?” Jade asked, confusion contorting her face. “We were skeptical,” Depa admitted. “Anakin is quite old to begin his training now, but Qui-Gon was very adamant.” Jade shook her head. “That young boy from Tatooine he had tested?” Depa nodded. “His midichlorian count is extremely high…” Jade looked away for a moment, hardly knowing what to think. Obi as a master with his very own apprentice? He was just a Padawan, for Force sakes. “That’s…” Jade stuttered. She looked at Depa again, plastering on a fake smile. “That’s wonderful news.” “I thought that might brighten you up,” Depa said. Jade nodded, then turned away again, sitting back and praying her hood veiled her tender shock. She knew why Obi-Wan was doing this. Not because he was ready, but because Qui-Gon told him to. How could you deny a request that was spoken during a death rattle? Her thoughts plagued her so that she barely noticed when the transport touched down. It was Depa that shook her out of her reverie, informing her that it was time to meet the Queen. Jade nodded and stood, stepping in line behind the Council as the dignitaries went first. They each filed out into blinding sunlight. It was too cheery for the dark mood Jade was touched by. Ahead of them, Senator Palpatine oozed congratulations to all those responsible for Naboo’s liberation. Jade waited patiently as he stepped away from Obi-Wan and toward the Queen, following dutifully as the Council moved closer. She watched as Obi-Wan bowed and Anakin followed suite, seeming uncomfortably stiff before Mace Windu and Yoda. Jade remained at the back of the group, her hood still in place, while the leading Council member informed Obi-Wan that he would meet with him shortly. The young man nodded, stoic as always yet with a hint of pain dulling his eyes to grey. In her mind’s eye, she had already thrust herself into his arms and kissed his mouth. Regardless of the distance between them, she was already holding him and weeping with him. She peeked out at him beneath her hood and saw the recognition of her familiar Force signature wash over him. His demeanor changed from one perfectly content to stand and watch to nearly frantic searching. “Is Jade here?” he asked Master Windu. Without expression, Mace turned and nodded to her. She would have been willing to wait until a more private moment when they would not be judged by so many nearby who prided themselves on control, but Jade couldn’t withstand the suspense any longer. Her hands rose and knocked her hood back as she rushed forward past an opening sea of Jedi. Obi-Wan’s arms opened expectantly as Jade fell into them, gripping him for all she was worth. “Lion, I’m so sorry,” she breathed into his ear. Obi-Wan made no move to reply, merely burying his face against her shoulder, smothering himself against her. The Council bowed their heads, choosing to ignore them rather than interrupt. Even Palpatine and Queen Amidala halted amid their discussion to glance at the couple. The Queen noted their affection with barely the touch of a smile while Senator Palpatine sneered in what could be mistaken for a grin. * * * * *
“I grieve for you
* * * * * Sparks danced with the sort of joy that had no place in a pyre. They climbed for the stars and fizzled out, emitting no helpless cry, though Jade could swear she heard them. The smell turned her stomach, but she didn’t dare show. They would only remind her that it was mere flesh. Qui-Gon was no longer here, so there was no need to be disgusted or pained. Yet she was both. Jade stood in the back with the majority of the Council. They were stoically lined up behind the Naboo dignitaries and Obi-Wan, offering no true grief or sympathy. There was no emotion. Jade’s hand ached to rise and strike the nearest, calm master just for spite or an excuse to release her raging sorrow, but she stayed herself, clenching her eyes shut with a barely audible sob. She had never truly imagined losing Master Qui-Gon, therefore she’d never realized it would hurt this much. His presence was something she expected, took for granted. The man had been constant and reassuring simply by existing. He demanded justice, equality, obedience, and happiness in all those around him, and the void created by his death was palpable. Her eyes streamed with no signs of drying, the flames licking across Qui-Gon’s clothes resembling an oil painting. Things were changing more rapidly than Jade could process them. She’d shared only a fleeting embrace with Obi-Wan before he was swept off elsewhere with the boy. Sometime during the evening he had been knighted, this much she knew. There had been no opportunity to hear his thoughts on this, but he had promised to speak with after the funeral. She had nodded and reluctantly taken her place in the back, pulling her hood up to shield herself from scrutiny. Now she was watching the back of Obi-Wan’s hood, unable to penetrate the sturdy, mental walls he’d erected against everyone gathered. He had always been withdrawn, but this was the most remote he had ever been. To say he was an island was an understatement. He was a star with no planets, no neighboring lights. And Jade knew he was burning as furiously as the fire before them. Slowly, people began to drift away, some offering stumbling apologies and condolences to Master Jinn’s apprentice whose only response was a silent bow. Others simply moved on with bemused or wounded looks. By the time the flames had turned to embers, Jade was at Obi-Wan’s side. She held his hand and was shocked to find it was cold. The last Council members to leave were Masters Windu and Yoda, and they offered haunted looks and humbled bows as they strode away. Anakin had long since fallen asleep at Obi-Wan’s boot, and the Queen saw that he was taken to bed just before she left. Chancellor Palpatine was the last to go, oozing sincerity that left Jade feeling numb. They were alone, and even the embers had died, the wind picking up and whirling through black ashes. Jade averted her eyes with a disheartening twinge of nausea. She was not usually so weak, but this had been no normal man. Seeing his bones would be too much to bear. Obi-Wan released her hand, brushing her cheek reassuringly before moving to gather his master’s remains in the urn by the pyre. Jade shut her eyes and waited for him to move to her side again, looking up at him with pure exhaustion. “I need to bathe,” Obi-Wan said simply, his voice flat. “All right,” she answered softly. “Will you stay with me tonight?” he asked, sounding like the little boy she’d met years ago. “I don’t want to be alone.” She stood on tiptoes, and her arms wound around his neck, her lips finding his cheek. “I wouldn’t dream of being apart from you, darling. Not tonight, not ever.” They stayed suspended like this, and reality came crashing back when Obi-Wan cleared his throat loudly and began walking toward the palace. He moved his face out of her view so quickly that she had no chance to decide if he was displeased with her or not. The fact that he was leading her along was her only encouragement. * * * * *
“Let it out and move on
* * * * * Naboo’s beauty, so evident and overwhelming in daylight, was transformed into mystery and sensuality at night. Jade mused that there was little of this night left to them, and even exhaustion had been deserted hours ago. The only word she could conjure to describe how she felt was “distant”. In the fresher, the shower was running, and Obi-Wan was beneath it. She had waited for him to invite her along, and she hadn’t said a word when he went in alone. She chose instead to don a nightgown and lay above the covers on their sumptuous bed. The view outside the balcony beckoned her, but she didn’t have the will to get up. She was curled up on her side and staring out at the stars when he emerged, still mostly damp and wearing borrowed sleep pants. Obi-Wan crawled onto the bed as though he feared he would disturb her, then sprawled out on his back with only the faintest of sighs. Jade perceived every nuance and addressed him without turning. “We haven’t really spoken to one another since I got here,” she whispered. “I wouldn’t know what to say,” Obi-Wan replied. “I believe I have exhausted all words on every subject.” Jade knew what he was doing. This was another of his many defense mechanisms to keep her away even though he wanted nothing more than to have her expose him fully. It was as though he was hiding a wound that he knew she could lick better if he would only allow it. “You’re a knight now,” she said, then rolled over to face him. She took a moment to snuggle fitfully against the pillow at her head before adding, “and I’m still a lowly padawan. I’m surprised you can stand to be in the same room with me.” Obi-Wan raised an eyebrow at her poor attempt at humor, offering an awkward smile. “Yes, I’m quite a hero, aren’t I? My dead master would sing my praises if he still had breath with which to do so, I’m sure. After all, it was he who claimed I was more than ready only hours before he was cut down. I’m the brave, steadfast apprentice. The Sith slayer.” His eyes cut from her, unable to take the exquisite sadness he saw there, and aimed toward the ceiling. “I was the one who insisted I was ready, and I see now that I am not.” “You were ready,” Jade said, her eyes still wide from his painful admission. “Just as you were the most dedicated and skilled padawan I’ve ever met, you will be an amazing knight, and an even more capable master.” “Please, Jade, don’t patronize me,” he grunted. He shut his eyes against the sting of unwanted tears. “Out of everyone with their false smiles and backhanded compliments I was hoping for honesty from you.” “This is honesty,” Jade murmured sweetly, then reached out to touch the bare shoulder nearest her. “Honey, you’re worthy. You’re good. Don’t do this to yourself.” “And why not?” Obi-Wan breathed. “Haven’t I earned a little self-loathing?” “Qui-Gon wouldn’t loathe you, despite what you seem to think,” she replied. “He loved you in life, and he loves you still after it.” “He loved every, pathetic lifeform he crossed paths with. I suppose that makes me pathetic, as well.” “Obi, just stop it,” Jade said sternly, her tears resurfacing. “I know you’re in mourning, but now you’re hurting me. Didn‘t Qui-Gon love me, as well? And Master Sejam? We’re far from pathetic.” But something in her mind said gently and cruelly, maybe I am… I don’t seem to be helping Obi-Wan as I’d thought, so perhaps… “Why did you come here?” he asked coldly. His eyes reopened in a flash, and Jade shuddered at the chill that flowed from them. “I don’t know,” she whimpered, her hand snapping away from him as if he’d burned her. “I see now that I should have done as my master wanted and stayed with her. I wanted to help you, but that was foolish, wasn’t it? Obi-Wan is made of stone. He doesn’t need a pathetic lifeform like me for comfort.” “Don’t you see?” Obi-Wan asked, pushing himself up and glaring down at her. “He died because of me. A lifetime of training came down to one moment, and I failed.” “You destroyed the Sith,” Jade whispered. “Did I?” he grunted. “The Council is saying that I succeeded in eliminating only half of the equation, and at the cost of Qui-Gon’s life. If I’d been quicker, he would be alive. He would be grumbling about how exaggerated celebrations, like the one which will take place tomorrow, are all part of bringing peace. He would act as though he didn’t even want to attend, yet he would have a wonderful time, basking in the glow of the creatures he’d saved. In his heart of hearts, he would love it. He would…” Obi-Wan had intended to go on, but his breaking voice wouldn’t allow it. His face contorted and fell into his hands, his shoulders rising and falling as he breathed heavy sobs. He inhaled shakily and exhaled with wet coughs and cries. Jade watched for only a moment, infuriated with herself for not containing her own, selfish anger. They were both spread so thinly, and it was no wonder it had ended this way. She pushed herself close to him and slid her hands into his hair, encouraging his head to fall against her. Obi-Wan responded readily, his wet face making urgent contact with the crook of her neck as he gripped her. “Jade, I’m so sorry…” She shushed him warmly. “No, no, Lion. I am.” “I shouldn’t have said…” “I should have held my temper,” Jade said readily. “It’s all right. You’re exhausted. Just relax… Cry as much as you need to. I’m here.” “I’m trying so hard not to be angry,” he whimpered. “Not to hate myself or the Sith. I took it out on you, and I love you…” “Obi-baby, you’re talking to a girl who knows,” she smiled, pecking at his cheek. “It’s why I’m here. Emotion is no stranger to me. As far as I’m concerned, what you’re feeling is justified.” “But I’m meant to let him go without this burden on my heart,” he said. “I’m so miserable, and I don’t know if I’m able to overcome it.” “You will,” Jade said. “You’ll never stop missing him, but you’ll start to accept it. You may be a hero, but you still need time to heal.” He nodded weakly against her shoulder. “And in the meantime?” “Sleep,” Jade purred, shifting so that he was lying down with her snuggled into his side and leaning slightly above him. She wiped at his errant tears as they made tracks down his cheeks and from the corner’s of his eyes into his hair. She kissed these wet spots and his mouth and let him feel her proximity. He found deep comfort in this, unable to express how much Qui-Gon’s death had alerted him of the mortality of all those he held dear. He didn’t have to say anything as they shared the sentiment in the Force that bound them. * * * * *
“Life carries on in the people I meet
* * * * * Jade awoke alone in bed, blinking blearily at the sun that poured in via the balcony. She rubbed her eyes which were encrusted with dried tears and attempted to get her bearings concerning the time of day. It had to be near lunch, and she found herself rising in a mechanical, tired fashion to bathe and clothe herself. Her mind was numb from too much emotion and too little sleep, but this didn’t stop her from wondering what time Obi-Wan had headed out and what errand he’d been on. Jade was dressed and still drying her hair with her towel when she entered the bedroom again, jumping at Obi-Wan’s presence. “I must be slipping,” she laughed gently. “I didn’t even sense you there.” “I didn’t mean to leave you to wake alone,” he said tenderly, obviously strengthened since the previous night. “You’re the man of the hour,” Jade grinned. “You had business. I understand.” “Actually, I was preparing Anakin for his apprenticeship,” Obi-Wan said, glancing down in an almost bashful gesture. “I gave him a bit of my braid, since his own was significantly short for a padawan his age. It wouldn’t do for him to be ostracized based simply on that.” Jade approached him and put her hand to his cheek. “You’re already thinking like a master, love.” Obi-Wan smirked. “Speaking of braids, I have something for you.” Jade furrowed her brow and tilted her head. “What’s that supposed to mean?” Obi-Wan led her to the bedside table where a silver box sat. Jade had assumed it was just another accessory to liven the room, but Obi-Wan was opening it, and she wondered now if it held some treasure. He pulled out a bundled of hair held together by a dark blue band, and recognition dawned on Jade’s features. “So this is what’s left?” she puffed out. “I’d like you to have it,” Obi-Wan said, pulling her hand forward with the palm up and curling her fingers about the braid once he’d laid it there. “Keep it as a reminder of the selfless love you offered to a bitter and sniveling man last night. Of how you rejuvenated him and made him feel more like a hero than slaying a Sith ever could.” Jade’s mouth quirked with a grin even as her eyes reddened with the threat of rain. Obi-Wan dipped his face down to hers, plucking at her lips and adding, “I love you, Jade.” Jade returned the kiss and deepened it. “Thank you, Obi. For this, for your strength, for everything.” “No, thank you,” he smiled, cupping her cheek. “Will you be at the celebration this afternoon?” “I wouldn’t miss it,” Jade replied. * * * * *
“It's just the car that we ride in
* * * * * Jade watched from the sidelines as the Gungans paraded toward the Queen of Naboo, rejoicing not only a victory over oppression but a victory over separation. They were now one planet, and only time would tell how the changes would affect them. For today, they were cheering. Jade did not stand with the Council or those responsible for the battle’s end. When it had been Qui-Gon’s funeral, she’d had a place at his pyre. This parade was not for her, so she had voluntarily stayed out of sight. This was Obi-Wan’s day to feel precious and to mend. He looked tired but so beautiful. Anakin was remaining admirably stoic, and she smiled at the sight of them side-by-side. The possibilities for them were endless, and she fancied that she saw wonderful, exciting times ahead. A new era. Boss Nass presented the glowing orb proudly, declaring peace and producing shrill cheers from the crowd. Jade shut her eyes, absorbing the feel of so much joy and freedom. Obi-Wan was right. Qui-Gon would have loved this. * * * * *
“Did I dream this belief?
The End
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