Disclaimer: Why do people BOTHER with these things? oO; I don't own Star Wars. If I did, my name would be George Lucas, and I wouldn't be publishing this story here.

Will of the Force

Desperation is not a thing uncommon among the members of the Jedi order. Their's is a hard, lonely, and painful path to tread. But, it was one they walk down with grace, honour, and gratitude. They are the closest beings in the universe, they feel. Friendships stronger than the best of friends. Bonds closer than brothers, or sisters. They are the elite. Cold, calculating, unattached, and always ready to serve the common good. Loss is not something they fear, but merely accept.

That doesn't make it hurt any less.

Jedi don't cry over those who die, even if they are close. Grand festivles are held for their passed brethern. Jedi do not mourn their losses, they rejoyce for their comrades' ascent. To join with the Force is a fabulous honour, one worthy of celebration, not sadness.

That doesn't keep even the strongest from shedding tears.

But, Obi-Wan won't cry.

Even as he stands there, watching flames ingulf his Padawan, he won't cry. He owes Anakin that much. The boy had wanted to go after Padme, to forsake fighting Dooku. He might have lived, if he had jumped over board. Obi-Wan would have died with no uncertainty, but Anakin might have lived...Obi-Wan owes it to this boy to not feel pain over his reunion into the unifying Force.

This boy...this boy whom he had loved, yet had not wanted to loved. Whom he had raised when he'd barely been raised himself. Whom the only reason he had taken him on at all was because it was the dying wish of his own Master, Qui-Gon Jinn. He had not cried for over Qui-Gon's grave, he will not cry over Anakin's. He has more respect for his loved ones than that.

He watchs with detatched fascination, as the firey red, orange, blue and finally white flames embrace the boy who might as well have been his brother...his son, even. His best friend in the world. What had this boy done to deserve this? Is this his destiny? How can it be? How can this possibly help balance the Force? Isn't that what the Chosen One is supposed to do? Unify the Force, bring balance to it once and for all?

He doesn't know. His throat feels tight. He tries to remember that there is no death, there is only the Force. He can't. He turns away from the ceremonial funeral pyre, and starts to walk as quickly as he can. He doesn't want to watch. He feels something damp slide down his cheek, but he refuses to identify it as a tear. He loves Anakin more than to mourn him. He knows he'll see him again, some day.

He wonders yet more why this boy has left this galaxy so soon. Why he has not been granted more time. Why he has been forced upon person after person who adored him so, only to be snatched away before his second decade of life was complete.

He supposes it's destiny, but he knows that's not ture.

He knows what this tragedy can be boiled down to.

It's all just the will of the Force.