Title: My Padawan
Auther: CosmicalMadison
Relationships: Slight Adi / Qui-Gon
Summary: Adi Gallia is uncomfortable about choosing her first Padawan. Qui-Gon Jinn tries to comfort her. Please R&R.
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I sit in the shadows of the training arena watching two girls - Skyla Leith and Bant Eerin - sparring. They, and several other girls, are fighting for me, for a chance to become Master Adi Gallia's Padawan learner.
I am jerked to attention by a sudden turn in the fight. Skyla lands a fierce blow on Bant's lightsaber, causing the younger girl to stagger back. She trips and falls backwards, and Skyla places the end of her 'saber inches from the other girl's neck, signaling a win.
As others applaud, inwardly I gasp at the realism of the fight. Inches more and she could have been…dead, I think with dread. But the council has used the same signal since long before I was born, so I will make no comment. Snapping out of my thoughts, I notice that there are no now girls on the floor and the others around me are starting to leave.
Suddenly Qui-Gon Jinn comes up to me. "Come on, Adi," he says, reaching out his hand to me. I take it and he helps me to my feet. We leave the arena and he proceeds to escort me to the Council Chamber, where the difficult decision of choosing my Padawan will be put before me.
You see, Qui-Gon has been my good friend since we were initiates. I was ten, and he was fourteen I believe. But despite our obvious age and character differences, he has always helped me through hard times. But you only have a first Padawan once. I don't think anything he could say right now would sooth the turmoil growing in my heart.
"I can feel your disease," he notes quietly.
I nod but do not reply.
He smiles at me. "Do not worry so much," he says comfortingly. "The Force will lead you to the right one."
I nod again, still not saying anything. How can I share with him all that I am feeling right now? I cant's just say, I don't think I'm ready for a Padawan. I don't think I'm good enough. I know he's been through this before too, but it still doesn't make talking about it any easier.
Suddenly, he stops walking and turns to me. "Adi." He says my name gently. Putting his hand under my chin, he lifts it until his blue, blue eyes are fixed on mine. "Adi," he repeats, "You're going to be alright. Trust yourself. I do."
I watch his face as speaks, then look away. So I was wrong; I do feel somewhat comforted by his words. "Thank you," I manage to whisper.
He smiles and we embrace. Then we walk on. A distance that I clocked as 3.2 minutes as an initiate now seems to take almost a lifetime.
When we finally reach the door to the Council Chambers, he turns to me, voice full of understanding, and says, "Adi, I know that this is hard for you, but you have to believe you'll come through. Do you trust me?"
I look at him. "Of course," I say softly.
He smiles. "I knew you would."
"Qui-Gon - I…"
"Yes?"
I hesitate. How can I tell him how much he has helped me these last few moments? How do I tell him how wonderful it is to know him? Two simple words.
"Thank you, Qui-Gon."
He smiles broadly and bows to me. "I am glad to have been of service, Master Adi," he says, as he straightens up.
I smile inwardly, knowing that he could never understand the depth of my gratitude.
I take a deep breath and walk in, knowing that when I come out my life will be changed forever.
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What say you? Please review.
I'm not really planning on continuing this story, but if you have any futher ideas, please don't hesitate to tell me.