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Missing Scenes
Revenge of the Sith: Goodbye, Old Friend
After the Council meeting and a brief repast for midday meal, Obi-Wan met with Master Windu about his next mission: to hunt down General Grievous. Windu provided him with some insight into the different types of swordplay Grievous might utilise. Among the different types of swordplay was an unconventionally lethal Vaapad technique which he might have learned from Coutn Dooku. Windu warned him that he could expect Grievous to use Makashi as well, but that of all living Jedi, Obi-Wan may have the best chance to defeat him.
Obi-Wan was shocked to hear this from Windu, since his proficiency was in Soresu, the most common form for the Jedi. He told Windu that surely his Vaapad mastery, which he created himself, would stand a better chance. Windu told him that his Vaapad technique was an answer to his dark side weaknesses and that Soresu answered to no weaknesses. He most certainly hadn't thought of it like that...
After further world of encouragement from Windu, Obi-Wan set off to make himself ready for the confrontation with the General of the Confederacy of Independent Systems.
Who is the greater,' Windu pronounced wisley, 'the creator of a killing form or the master of the classic form? Be who you are and General Grievous will never defeat you.
The words stuck in Obi-Wan's head as he left the Temple.
Before going on this mission, he wanted to speak with Anakin, whom he sensed was not in the temple. Anakin had wanted to go and he owed it to him to speak with his former apprentice before leaving Coruscant. As dangerous as this mission was, part of him also wanted to speak with someone who always leant him peace of mind...Though after their last confrontation in the Gardens left a bittersweet feeling. Despite everything that had happened, he still wanted to see her again, for he felt it might be for the last time.
His foosteps betrayed him and he found himself in the hallways of the senatorial estates, but not at Senator Amidala's door.
She is in the midst of meditation when Sabe sensed the familar presense
of the Jedi Master. It had been so long since they last spoke that she
had just assumed he was passing by. The thought of his presence so
close yet so far away was heartwrenching but she knew better then to
behave irrationally.
But at the door's chime she rose to her feet pattering across the carpeted floor to the door as she hears it chime. She told herself it couldn't be him even with the signature so strong it just couldn't be Obi-Wan it would have been too wonderful to be real. Yet she finds herself nearing the door cautiously as though torn between hope and reality before realizing about half way across her quarters she is still barefoot. Blushing she debates grabbing her sandals but in the end tosses the idea.
It's too late for such things now she inwardly thought though in truth she is too curious to know who was there all the while praying it would be him.
Pausing at the entrance Sabe takes a deep breath to calm her spirits and maintain her center before palming the door open as she greets her friend with an overjoyed but surprised smile as she struggled to keep her heart from exploding from her chest or so it felt.
"Master Kenobi! What brings you here?"
Later on that afternoon, once the two clone brigades were ready to go,
Obi-Wan would leave for Utapau. Confronting Grievous was a litte
intimidating, especialy how well it had gone last time. Part of him felt Anakin ought to have been assigned to go with him, but his duties here on Coruscant were more important.
Obi-Wan was pleased to see Sabé in such good spirits, feeling a bit guilty for having come by, especially to her private quarters. He tried not to let it bother him and stepped in.
When the door slid shut behin him, he said, 'I hope I haven't come at a bad time.' His head bowed slightly and he spotted her naked feet. The sight of which brought back memories of a more pleasant time, when there wasn't a war or anything--or anyone for that matter--hanging over them. He looked back at her, a sad smile on his face, aching to tell her how much he had missed her and despite everything, she had and always would have part of his soul.
Finally regaining her composure Sabe motioned him to enter her eyes
shining in surprised joy as she shook her head to his apology.
"Of course not! You are always welcome here Obi-Wan."
She said wanting to add that it had been so long and how much she had missed him but knowing neither reply would be appropriate. However instead her eyes fell to her feet just as he bowed and it caused her cheeks light up on fire as she gives a sheepish grin.
"...Sorry...I like to go barefoot when i can...As you already know its rather soothing..."
She admitted almost shyly mistaking the partial smile on his features for being amusement.
"Can I get you something to drink or perhaps a bite to eat?"
She offered, though wanting to ask him what brought him to her quarters or why he took the risk in the first place. But in truth she was just too happy to see him again to really let it bother her.
At her offer of something to eat or drink, his expression fell. She was
so eager and happy, yet here he was to say goodbye, not knowing if he'd
see her again. He had a feeling, it was only a momentary feeling, but
nonetheless, filled him with slight apprehension.
The words were loathed to form on his lips, wishing for a brief respite, to indulge himself once more in her presence. But he knew that could not be. 'I wish I could, but I'm leaving in a few minutes.'
He hesitated a moment before admitting, 'I only came by to say goodbye...' The final word hung in the air.
She went silent forcing her expression to appear carefully nuetral
though her heart soon dropped. She was touched he came by and knowing
he was off to serve his duty once more makes her both proud but sad.
This wasn't how she had hoped their pathes would cross again but she
wasn't about to let this moment pass without making the most of it.
After all there was something in the air that just seemed foreboding
and it left her feeling hollow.
"I understand."
She said softly resisting the urge to embrace him, to offer a small blessing anything to help soften the parting. But in truth she imagined it would probably just make it worse. Taking a deep breath she nodded as she offered a sad smile.
"Thank you, for coming here all the same. I'd rather part ways in person then through a comm message."
She said gently trying to show her gratitude and bury the bittersweet pain that even now lingered in his presence.
When he felt her heartbreak, it pained him twice over and he didn't
know what to say. They had seemed to deftly avoid each other's
presence, either having someone else attend security briefings or
finding excuses not to run into each other. He knew it was on purpose
that they had done so, for to be in the same room and not be able to
speak to her, would be too painful. And now here he was breaking awful
news to her.
'I'm heading to Utapau. Our sources state that General Grievous is there...' He left it at that. He didn't want to burden her further, confident after speaking with Master Windu that if Grievous was there, he would be able to defeat him in single combat.
Obi-Wan remained silent a moment, just looking at her with a deep longing.
General Grievous. The name send a chill down her spine and Sabe's eyes promptly filled with concern. He was nothing to laugh at; from what she had observed and learnt he was extremely dangerous and a quite a threat. Though inwardly she knew if anyone could stand a chance of defeating him it would be the Jedi before her.
The thought however doesn't bring a smile to her lips though she studied his features once more putting them to memory as she noticed he is studying her as well. It had been so long - an eternity or so it felt since they had last permitted themselves to share one another's presence. Though it wasn't easy she knew it was for the best their pathes didn't cross. It was painful enough as it was to watch him from a distance nevermind to be so near and not be able to speak.
Yet even now his eyes are filled with emotions that are so familiar that they are a reflection to her own. A sight that in truth both warmed her heart and broke it at the same time.
My noble knight, please be careful. So much darkness surrounds us that I fear your bright light may be devoured by it.
Though she knows she should refrain Sabe found her hand moving of its own accord as she gently placed it on his shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze.
"Then I wish you good luck to you my friend, may your journeys be safe and prosperous."
She says gently hoping against hope her body would obey her command not let the tears escape from her eyes.
"And may fate permit our paths to cross once more."
Her soft words carry a multitude of feelings along with them and it tugged at his heart. But even moreso, he felt the other emotions that she did not have to voice and as much as it lifted him up it was also so very bittersweet.
At the touch of her hand on his shoulder, he wanted to embrace her, to kiss her with all the desire he felt so strongly for her. It had been so long since they were last in each other's company. He didn't want to leave, but he knew he had to. But at the same time, he was glad he hadn't left without seeing her, what he felt would be for the last time.
Obi-Wan's hand covered hers on his shoulder briefly. 'Take care of yourself, Sabé,' he murmured. Taking her hand from his shoulder, he gave it a squeeze then leant over to kiss it. He prayed against all hope that he would see her again one day, even if only in a moment as brief as this.
She could almost feel the surge of his emotions and for a moment it was
hard to tell if it is his feelings or her own. She felt his hand slip
over hers as his soft murmur caused the former decoy to close her eyes,
the temptation of tears growing strong. She tried to tell herself that
she would appriciate this moment for all that it was worth but after
not seeing him for so long it wasn't easy.
At least you were given this chance her thoughts seem to say and in it she founds some solace. At least we were able to say good-bye properly.
Squeezing his hand in reply she blushed as he kissed her hand feeling her breath hitch as she opened her eyes once more before looking away briefly to regain her composure before once more returning her gaze to him.
"You too Obi-Wan."
She whispered trying to remain stoic though the sinking feeling of loss lingered and it takes all her will power not to give into the despair she felt.
As much as it ached for him to do so, Obi-Wan looked deep into her
eyes, saying, 'The Force will be with you always.' Though this was a
phrase the Jedi very much believed in, it carried more weight this time.
Still holding her hand tightly, he indulged momentarily in the other half of his soul, knowing he would have to leave it here, along with the universe-wide Force.
Sabé, my love, we never truly had a chance, did we? But what little time we had, I will forever cherish. Stay true to yourself and strong. My love...
He studied her face, once more memorising each feature as if it would be his last chance. Her presence was soothing, despite the sorrow ebbing to the surface. She was trying to remain strong, for both their sakes reminding him just how courageous this woman was.
Torn, but confident in the job he was about to do, he released Sabé's hand with another firm squeeze. He moved to palm the door open and passed through the threshold, knowing if he were to turn back, he wouldn't be able to leave.
She bowed her head slightly as Sabe felt the weight of his words and is
deeply moved by them. Finally she returned his gaze and quietly replied.
"May the Force be with you too."
She found herself staring into his eyes and saw within all that she knew he wanted to say but couldn't. The silence both tore at her heart and caused it to swell. She furrowed her brow her thoughts also flooding her with emotions and words she knew would never find their way to her lips.
My dearest knight, how I wish I could stop time, to share the moments we had together for an eternity. But I can't and for that I'm sorry. Please know that you will always hold my heart, now and forever. You are a part of me, the other half of my soul and will remain so till the end of time.
But not a word escaped her lips as she felt his hand still holding hers tightly. Then without another word he gave her hand a firm squeeze and quietly left filling her final memories of him to be that of his dissipearing form as he steps outside and slips out of her life once more.
She closed her eyes she calmed her breathing reminding herself that duty must come first no matter the cost and she has her own to accomplish. Yet the lingering fear remains and somewhere in the back of her mind she can't deny the sinking feeling that this may the last time she will see Jedi Master. Only then does she find herself quickly wiping away the tears which now collected in her eyes.
A handmaiden lives to serve humanity, for there can be no greater honor.
She reminded herself quietly before mentally adding just as a Jedi lives to serve the living force.
We are bound to our duties and in this does our rewards lie.
