Qui-gon looked around he was sure they were being watched. "Is something the matter master" said Obi-wan. He too sensed something a presence on the edge of his senses yet it seemed familiar. Qui-gon was now more sure than ever that they were being watched maybe it was a spy of the trade federation or even that strange sith.
"Obi-wan follow me" and he strode of towards the wood he tapped the Senator on the shoulder as he passed "wait for us here I need to check something out". The Senator watched them go with unease.
As they closed in on the source of the disturbance Qui-gon noticed that there was no malice about it but whoever it was, was a jedi. The force was strong with this person and he wanted to know why if it was a jedi why they had not presented themselves. For Obi-wan the feeling was so strong now. And as before it seemed familiar as they reached the trees Qui-gon signalled for them to spit up and search. They moved deeper in to the trees and soon they lost sight of each other. Whoever it was Qui-gon was having difficulty pinpointing where they were as if they were trying to mask themselves. Suddenly they broke their cover and it was moving Qui-gon moved after them but still could not see anything it was moving straight towards Obi-wan and was moving faster then himself.
Obi-wan could feel it getting closer he backed himself against a tree and waited for it to show itself, it was practically on top of him and he could still not see it. Suddenly her realised but it was too late the figure dropped out of the tree directly in front of him. "Tarin" Obi-wan stared at the female jedi before him. If it was possible she had grown more beautiful since he last saw her. She came towards him "It is good to see you again Obi-wan I... I have missed you". Just then Qui-gon made his entrance through the trees "who are you and why are you here". Tarin smiled "good morning master Qui-gon you are well?"
"How do you know me, have we met?"
"No but have been watching you, I saw you on tattoine"
"You were there but how come I did not sense you then?"
Tarin nodded towards the camp "the boy... he has such a strong connection with the force his very presence masked my own. The only reason you find me now is because I wanted you to."
"But why are you here?"
"Naboo is my home world I wanted to help" she paused "I ran into the sith on tattoine I sensed him before he even entered the city he is very strong. Before he found you he found me and I was lucky to escape with my life but he gave me a reminder" she turned her face and both men saw the fresh marks of a sabre burn on her cheek. He had just missed her the scar was thin but no doubt painful. "Now I think we should get back to camp".
With that she turned and strolled back towards the camp. Qui-gon collared Obi-wan "who is she"
Obi-wan sighed "she was a padawan like me her master was Mace Windu. About a year ago her family was travelling to another system when the transport they were on was hijacked. They were held as hostages and when Tarin begged for permission to try and save her family the council refused her Mace felt that even though the force was strong with her she needed more training. She left anyway abandoning her training by the time she reached the hijacked ship it was too late her family had been among those killed in a rescue attempt that went wrong. She never forgave Mace for not letting her go and she refused to return." "There is something else... something your not telling me" Obi-wan hung his head "we started training at the same time I found her enchanting and alluring and I knew we would not be allowed to love as Jedi's. So on the day before we were accepted as padawan I gave her a pendant as a sign that although we could not love each other I would always be there for her." Qui-gon sighed he would not deny that he too had had his fair share of loves he had had to give up in the service as a jedi.
"I sense though that her appearance here however brief has stirred your heart. You must put these feelings to rest or you may endanger the mission"
Qui-gon strode away to catch up with Tarin. When they re-entered the camp the Qui-gon introduced Tarin to the Senator and the others. She joined in the plans for tomorrows attack. She would accompany the Senator and the Jedi to the palace. After the meeting Amidala pulled Qui-gon to one side "are you sure she can be trusted after all she is a rouge jedi she may be on the dark side" Qui-gon smiled "I assure you milady although she is rouge she has a good heart and is a citizen of Naboo she just wants to help her world and her Senator". As they began to bed down Obi-wan approached Tarin "you look well Tarin how have you been" she smiled " I have been well I have travelled a bit but when I heard of the conflict of Naboo I returned as I approached the planet I saw the royal cruiser leave and followed. It is good to see you again how have you been".
"Well... I missed you too" the words were out before he could stop them. She smiled and pulled open her collar the pendant he had given her still hung around her neck "I still have this". His hand moved towards it she caught it in her own "do you remember your promise to me". "I do" his other hand moved to the fresh scar on her face she winced as he touched it. Suddenly he was angry, angry with the sith for daring to hurt her and angry with himself that he had not been there to protect her before he could stop himself he leant forward and kissed her. Her lips were soft and warm and she returned his kiss he knew he shouldn't but he could not stop himself. Her lips parted and her tongue ran across his lips he kissed her harder his arms encircling her to hold her closer. He felt his body responding to her closeness. Her hands moved up encircling his neck the kiss becoming more urgent her lips felt bruised but she refused to stop. Suddenly he broke off the kiss. "I... I can't" and he left her as he walked away Tarin clasped her pendant as she realised she could never be close to him her tears began to flow down her face. "Are you ok" Tarin turned to see Anakin standing next to her "I will be fine young Anakin it's just that when you become a jedi you never fully realise what you are giving up".
"You love him don't you" the question surprised her it was so innocent. She sighed "yes but he would never give up the jedi for me his duty means too much to him. I hope you never have to feel this way young Anakin." She composed herself and wiped the tears from her face. "I think you should get some sleep it will be a big day tomorrow".
The Battle
The following day they entered the palace while the Gungans moved towards battle on the plains. At the preset time they launched their attack in the palace they fought their way to the hangar there were more droids than they had anticipated and they had them pinned down in the hangar. Suddenly a burst of fire from a starfighter cleared they droids that had them pinned down. Tarin waved a thank you to Anakin who was sitting in the cockpit. They moved towards the main doors for the hangar but suddenly they opened to reveal the sith she had fought with back on tattoine. She watched as Qui-gon and Obi-wan prepared to fight him. She reached into her pack and produced her own light sabre. It had been a long time since she had used it and she had swore to herself that she would never use it again but now they needed her help. She knew the sith was strong and would possibly take all three of them to bring him down. She followed the two jedi as their fight moved in to the room beyond. Qui-gon was surprised at how well the sith fought he had been trained well and was proving to be difficult suddenly Obi-wan was pushed off the walkway Qui-gon was not worried he could take care of himself. But now the sith had to only contend with one fighter for a while and this would make him more difficult. Suddenly Tarin was there fighting for all she was worth she was a strong fighter and Qui-gon was surprised at how easily the force flowed with her. With her fighting beside him they were able to push him back towards a field generator. Obi-wan could see them fighting as he ran to catch up he knew they would reach the field generator before he caught up to them and he hoped they would be alright. Suddenly the sith moved to run through the field corridor as they ran to catch him Tarin moved ahead Qui-gon yelled at her to stop but it was too late the shields closed leaving Qui-gon and Obi-wan trapped in the corridor and Tarin trapped in the main chamber with the Sith.
Tarin realised her mistake to late as the sith turned to face her. She prayed that her fighting skills would hold out until the others could reach her. They fought around the chamber Tarin just managing to hold of his attack but she was tiring and he could sense it. Finally he caught her with a back sweep of his light sabre the glowing blade ripped across her abdomen burning the flesh but not close enough to cut. She collapsed the fatigue and the injury proving too much for her. She thought she heard Obi-wan cry out to her but the buzz from the sith's light sabre drowned out any noise. She collapsed on to her side and waited for the final blow he was sure to deliver... it never came. When she opened her eyes she saw that the fields had opened again and Qui-gon had attacked but Obi-wan was still trapped in the corridor he looked anxiously from her to the fight. She desperately tried to regain her feet but the pain was too much and she collapsed again she was in agony and unable to help Qui-gon. She watched the battle fighting to stay conscious. Just as she thought Qui-gon was getting the upper hand the sith made a surprise move and caught the jedi knight off guard. She watched horrified as the sith ran his sabre through Qui-gon and the jedi collapsed. She heard Obi-wan scream out and she felt tears spring to her eyes no not him if a fully trained knight cannot stop him what hope does Obi-wan have it felt hopeless.
Suddenly Obi-wan was in the room he charged at the sith his grief giving him new strength and Tarin thought he may just have a chance. She made an effort to crawl towards Qui-gon pain ripped through her body but she had to get to him he may be still alive. As the fight moved round the chamber she saw that Obi-wan had broken the sith's sabre. She reached Qui-gon he was still alive but just barely she cradled his head in her lap as she watched the fight unfold around her. The sith had gained the upper hand again and with a well aimed kick knocked Obi-wan in to the ventilation shaft. Tarin cried out but realised that he must be hanging on as the sith was still standing at the edge making sweeping cuts with his sabre at the edge of the shaft. Suddenly she saw Qui-gon's discarded sabre move a little she realised what he was trying to do and concentrated on helping him. The sith had his back to her Qui-gon and herself forgotten in his assumed victory. The light sabre skittered away across the floor flying in to the air to be caught by Obi-wan as he jumped from the shaft. With one swift movement he cut the sith clean in two and he fell back in to the shaft.
Obi-wan raced to his masters side Qui-gon spoke with him asking obi-wan to train Anakin with or without the council's approval. When he slipped away Obi-wan looked up in to Tarin's face as tears slid silently down her face. He looked at her hand clutching at her stomach blood was seeping through her fingers. "I need to get you to a doctor" she gave him a thin smile and winced as he picked her up it felt good to be in his arms and she closed her eyes. Obi-wan realised she was out cold and rushed to find the Senator. He carried her from the chamber heading for the throne room Amidala turned as she heard them enter to room her smile faded from her lips as she saw Obi-wan with a very pale Tarin in his arms. Tarin was rushed to a doctor but her wounds were not fatal. Amidala cried when Obi-wan broke the news of Qui-gon's death "he will always be remembered". Obi-wan went to see Tarin to make sure she was alright the doctor spoke with him as he entered. "She was very lucky if the wound had been any deeper it would have killed her" he thanked the doctor and moved in to her room.She was asleep he long hair spread out over the pillow her face so pale against its redness. He wanted to hold her, to make her feel better and make the pain go away. He had nearly lost her and it was all to clear that he was falling in love with her and he knew he would have to make a choice soon. A funeral was held for Qui-gon at the palace the mood was sombre but people could not help feeling happy as a large victory had been won that day. Tarin avoided Mace and Yoda she did not wish to speak with them and they sensed it would be a waste of time trying to get her to return with them. "More time to heal she will need" said master Yoda when Mace had suggested talking with her. "In her own time will she return to us." Obi-wan found her hiding in the gardens afterwards "I take it you will not be returning to the council with me" "no I cannot... not just yet" he took her hand
"I renew my promise to you if you ever need me just call" she smiled "thank you" she kissed him lightly on the cheek and headed back towards the palace. The following day he went to see her he wanted to talk to her but when he reached her room she was not there. Senator Amidala entered the room after him. "She's gone"
"when did she go?" he felt hurt that she had left without saying goodbye.
"She left during the night but she left this for you" the Senator held out her hand in it was a small holoprojector. He took it, the Senator went to leave but stopped in the doorway "I know you are not allowed to love as a jedi but that does not stop other people from loving you. I have not know her long but I do know that as she left last night her heart was breaking" with that she left the room. Obi-wan looked down at the small projector in his hand she loves me. He sat down on the bed and switched it on a projection of Tarin hovered in his palm.
"I'm sorry I left without saying goodbye but you know I had to go. If I had stayed much longer I... I did not wish to force such a choice upon you" the projection sighed "Sometimes I wish the jedi did not exist but that would be selfish. I wish you and your young padawan good luck he is very strong with the force and I'm sure you will make a great jedi knight. We will meet again Obi-wan Kenobi and I look forward to that day but until then take care of yourself." The projection paused "I... I will always have a place in my heart for you good luck jedi knight."
With that the projection faded she had made the choice for him and Obi-wan was left to his thoughts sometimes he wished the jedi did not exist too.
Obi-wan went on to train Anakin Skywalker and he always kept the projector with him close to his heart. He played that same message over and over again he lost count of how many times he had listened to it but he always remembered the female jedi with the flaming red hair he would not meet Tarin again for another ten years.
Love Renewed
The Senators royal cruiser glided to a stop over the lading pad in Coruscant, as Palpatine watched from his window he felt all his plans coming together. It had taken him 10 years to get everything ready he watched as the Senator disembark from the cruiser with her was a robed figure he could sense it was a jedi but he was not aware of the council sending any to the Senator.
As the Senator entered the councillor's chamber he moved forward to greet her. There were some other people already there she recognised them as jedi namely Master Yoda and Mace Windu. This was why Tarin had opted to stay out of the meeting she greeted them and seated herself in front of the councillor. "To avoid us Tarin wishes" said Yoda as she seated herself. "She requested to stay away I hope you do not find this in any way rude of her". So thought Palpatine that was Tarin the young rouge jedi I have heard so much about she could prove useful in my plans. Yoda reflected "not rude no" he had realised a long time ago that trying to force her to return would drive her away even more from the order. It was better to let her return of her own free will. Many of the others were worried that she would turn to the dark side being on her own but he had known from the first time he had met her she had a good heart and would never do anything to hurt those she loved. She would one day prove to be a most powerful jedi. But he was concerned having her here was not something he had expected and he knew that Obi-wan was due to arrive soon. He would know that she was here the two shared a bond and he would seek her out. It was forbidden for a jedi to love but... he thought the love that they had shared even for such a short time was very strong. Many years ago she had made the choice to leave Obi-wan not wanting to interfere in his duty as a jedi. But he knew that even the laws of the jedi would not keep them apart forever and soon they would seal their love. But maybe this was not a bad thing in their case.
The meeting continued and Palpatine smiled to himself as they fell in to place in his plan. As they were about to leave Obi-wan and Anakin arrived. "It is good to see you again Obi-wan" said the Senator extending her hand Obi-wan took it smiling at her then a figure moved from behind Obi-wan. "Ani my you've grown" said the senator smiling at him "you too" he said "you've grown more beautiful" she smiled and moved the leave the chamber. Obi-wan and Anakin followed her "how have you been your highness" said Obi-wan falling in to step beside her "I have been well master Kenobi my home world has been at peace but I am here because a new threat has raised it's head. I have also acquired a new member of my entourage" she said a smile playing on her lips. Obi-wan gave her a bemused look then suddenly he sensed her as they rounded a corner a hooded figure was waiting near the Senators rooms. As it turned the hood was pulled back revealing long red hair. He had not seen her in nearly ten years but she was still beautiful he was surprised at how easily his feelings for her flooded back at just the sight of her. He walked forwards as he moved to embrace her she smiled. He hugged her tight like old friends rather than old lovers. The Senator smiled Tarin had turned up about 6 years ago and the senator had offered her a position of body guard which she had taken. They had become good friends and she was happy to see her reunited with Obi-wan. She remembered how sad they both had been when she had left ten years ago. Obi-wan released her "what have you been doing all this time" Tarin nodded towards Amidala "I have been working with her highness for the past 6 years before that I was just travelling around. I am glad to see you again". She looked past Obi-wan at Anakin "you have grown fast young padawan and how is he treating you." Anakin smiled and moved forward to give her a hug he was just a child when he had last seen her but he remembered her well "He restricts my fun and hates to fly" she gave a laugh and made to swipe at Obi-wan "you should be easier on the boy or he may surprise you one day". The four of them spilt up but not before Obi-wan promised to meet Tarin later to talk.
As Amidala changed into something more comfortable she chatted with Tarin "are you glad to see Obi-wan again" the girl smiled "It is good to see him but I fear the time when I must say goodbye again I didn't realise that my feelings were still so strong for him. But that is something I will contend with later for now I will enjoy the present"
Obi-wan was too contemplating his feelings for Tarin he realised he still loved her his feelings had not dulled since the last time he had seen her. He remembered the night he had kissed her it had been a wonderful moment and at that point in time he had not cared for the jedi or their laws only for the women he was kissing. But he had broken it off and he found himself wondering if he had made the right choice.
Yoda was talking with Mace they were talking of the matters that had arisen in today's meeting but there was something else Mace wanted to discuss. "Are you sure it is wise to let Tarin and Kenobi meet like this they still have very strong feelings for each other. Is it not unwise to tempt fate it is forbidden for a jedi to love". Yoda smiled "the law forbids it yes but trust in the force you must. Meant to be together they were and even the force this cannot divide". Mace paced the room "I just don't want them to lose control of their emotions but if you say there is no danger so be it" Yoda could understand his friends concern but he felt that in this instance there was an exception and he hoped he would be right. There was an old legend among the older jedi that in time a love would be formed among their own and from this a child would be born who would be the greatest of them all. He secretly thought that the match between Tarin and Kenobi would be the one the legend spoke of.
Obi-wan found Tarin on a balcony outside her room overlooking the gardens "so this is where you've been hiding I was looking for you every where I thought we were supposed to meet earlier". Tarin turned to face him it was clear she had been crying despite her earlier promise to herself to enjoy the present. "I thought it would be easier on both of us if we did not meet the more time we spend together the harder it would be to say goodbye". "At least I would get to say goodbye this time" he regretted the words as soon as they were out. The pain of the remark was clear on her face he noticed her cheek still bore the scar from her fight with the sith. "I had to go if I had tried to say good bye to you, you would have made a choice between the jedi and me and I know you have always worked hard to be a jedi I could not let you throw that away for me I would never have forgave myself". He stood for a moment she was dressed in an evening gown something he had never seen her in she looked so delicate and it belied the strong woman underneath her hair done up in combs. She turned her back on him and looked out over the gardens he came up behind her and turned her to face him "never the less it was my choice to make" he noticed she was still wearing the pendant he had given her suddenly he felt a surge of emotion for her she had given up her own love ten years ago because she did not want him to give up his dream for her. Her eyes looked up in to his they were rimmed with tears. He wiped them away and cupped her face in his hands. He could not deny he had feelings for her himself and every minute he spent with her they got stronger. He turned from her "I don't know what to do I will not deny I have feelings for you but I am for the first time confused about what I should do". Suddenly he felt her behind him he turned and she wrapped her arms around him hugging herself to him.He could feel her shiver through the material of her dress. "I will not try to turn you from the jedi you must follow your own heart" she looked up at his face "the decision is yours" she moved her face up to his their lips touching briefly then she left going back in to her room. Obi-wan was left alone with his thoughts on the balcony and he knew the time would come when he had to make a decision the jedi... or Tarin. He knew he would have to see master Yoda about this he would understand and would abide by any choice he made.
Tarin sat on her bed and slowly curled up being near him again was painful she may not be a full jedi but she could feel his confusion and pain and was annoyed at herself for being the cause. Why did this have to happen why did she fall in love with a jedi but deep in her heart she knew that love was fate and could never be changed. Maybe it was time to meet with master Yoda maybe the jedi would have her back she had no reason to stay away now. Obi-wan was there and she felt no real anger towards them anymore she had come to terms with her parents death and just wanted to be part of something again and if she was not a part of Obi-wan's life she could at least be part of his work.
The following morning the senator went to see Tarin as she entered the chambers she stopped in surprise. Tarin was standing in her old padawan outfit. "So you have decided to try and return to the jedi". Tarin looked up "yes I have no reason to stay away and they need me now more than ever. With the conflict coming they will need every jedi they can use."
"What of Obi-wan" asked the senator
Tarin paused for a moment "he has his choice to make until that time I will at least be near him as a jedi"
"Do you not think that the only reason you are returning to the jedi is to be near him"
"master Yoda will be able to tell me that, am I doing this because of a sense of duty or because I love Obi-wan or maybe a bit of both" she looked at the senator "I thank you for all your help I hope I can repay it one day"
Tarin bowed low to the senator and left the room. It was a short journey to the jedi temple and she remembered everything even the way to master Yoda's chambers. She watched young padawan's being put through their paces and smiled to herself. Finally she reached the door and knocked lightly.
"Enter Tarin" She opened the door and went in Yoda was sitting in his hover chair and watched her quizzically as she entered.
"Return one day knew you would" he said smiling at her. She bowed before him "master Yoda I have come to ask if I may return to the jedi"
"Return for duty or love do you"
"I was hoping you could tell me that"
He chuckled "a strong sense of duty I sense in you young jedi but also a strong attraction to obi-wan" he paused "return you can. But understand this you must love with obi-wan must wait for right time"
She looked at his bemused "you knew or our feelings" then she realised who she was talking to and smiled "what I mean is you are not forbidding us to love". Yoda smiled "special your love is. Stronger than the force it is. For the future I can sense no danger from it". Tarin smiled "have you told Obi-wan this"
Yoda turned to face her "told him I have not. Needs to focus on the now does he. Do not tell him till I tell you to understand this young jedi". Tarin nodded.
"Sending obi-wan to seek assassin are we and accompany you will"
"But I thought obi-wan already had a padawan in Anakin"
"Not a padawan are you jedi now have taken trials in life and survived but do as he says you will" Tarin nodded and went to leave the room as she was about to reach the door it opened and Mace Windu entered. He gave her a smile "glad to see you have returned now go Obi-wan waits in the launch hangar" she smiled and fought the urge to hug him. She went past him and left the room. When she was gone Mace turned to Yoda "was that the best idea". "Pure love is theirs will not corrupt them but make them stronger" Yoda turned back towards the window and smiled.
Obi-wan stood waiting on the launch pad Mace had told him another jedi would be joining him on the mission but he had not told him who it was and now he waited for them to appear. Suddenly he felt a familiar presence as he turned he saw Tarin walking towards him she was wearing a jedi uniform and smiling. Realising what she had done he smiled too but this would be a dangerous mission and he suddenly feared what may happen to her. But he thought at least they would be together. Tarin climbed into the pilot's seat "what do you think you are doing" he asked her trying to look serious. "I thought you said you hated flying" she smiled again and began to strap herself in. He pulled himself in to the passenger seat and strapped himself in almost looking forward to the mission ahead.
DISCLAIMER: This was written purely for fun all characters except tarin belong to mr lucas :-)