So this little tale is based off of a memory appearing in my other novel Revelation of the Sith, prior reading of the story is not required as this story also works as a standalone tale.
I am estimating this will be around 5 chapters long, all at this length so not the novel length that my other story will end up being! Couldn't get the idea out of my head so decided to start writing it down. Anyway I hope you enjoy the lightheartedness!
The boundless heat emitting from the planet's orbiting sun scorched the already tender spot on Obi-Wan's skin at the nape of his neck, threatening to unbalance his near perfect serene state. His legs almost toppled as he went to wipe away the glistening sweat adjourning his skin, the climate was far too hot and stuffy for this! His learner braid dangled down, swaying across Obi-Wan's face every time he shifted his weight. Glancing over at his master, Qui-Gon Jinn, he could sense very little discomfort over his precarious position. It was as if the Jedi master was enjoying time meditating rather than the reality, they had both been engrossed in this balance kata for 2 hours now, neither giving in to reap the consequences of being the first to topple.
It had all started out as a normal training session, running through the various kata's and acrobatic disciplines. When Qui-Gon had suggested a competition of sorts, Obi-Wan leapt at the chance. At the tender age of 14 he believed he was far more flexible than his ever ageing master, and saw the entire ordeal as an easy win. How wrong had he been.
So here the two Jedi balanced, two hours after the fact, upside down in a one handed hand stand. The only one who appeared to be showing outward signs of discomfort was Obi-Wan, he could scarcely believe that has master hadn't even moved an inch since the little contest had started. Qui-Gon had spent the entire ordeal with his eyes closed and breath shallow, for any outside party looking upon the pair they would struggle to believe that the elder Jedi was still awake!
"Blast it," Obi-Wan muttered as he felt tremors run through his arm.
He knew he couldn't last much longer, the oppressive heat combined with the pesky bugs he kept swatting away with his free hand were nearly enough to have him tumbling to the ground. The more he tried to relax and center himself much like his master was, the hotter the atmosphere seemed to get. Suddenly an exceedingly mischievous thought came to mind, it was clear he wasn't going to defeat his master the traditional way. If Obi-Wan had learnt anything in the small time he had been training with Qui-Gon Jinn, it was that the man was definitely not into the traditional ways…
Concentration peaking, Obi-Wan focused on a substantial log located just behind the towering form of his master. Lifting his free hand up and closing his eyes for focus he reached out into the force and painstakingly slowly lifted the obstacle off of the floor. He opened his eyes to check on the form of his mentor and grinned manically as he seemed to be oblivious to the offending item crawling towards him. If Obi-Wan could just nudge the Jedi then he knew he would be rewarded with witnessing him topple over in defeat.
When the log was only an inch or two away from Qui-Gon did Obi-Wan stop it's movement, before he could line up the target with a location that would cause the Jedi to topple, the log went tumbling to the ground. That was funny, he definitely hadn't lost control over the log, he had been putting all of his concentration into the task. In the next instant he worriedly witnessed a smirk pull at Qui-Gon's lips followed by the man's eyes shooting open. So he hadn't been asleep at all…
Before Obi-Wan could even think of a defence Qui-Gon's hand flicked across the air in front of him and Obi-Wan felt a tremendous force crash against his legs. He vainly tried to readjust his balance but realised too late there was no correcting his position. He smashed hard to the ground with a grunt, limbs sprawled everywhere. When he had managed to ascertain which way was up again and shake the fogginess from his head Obi-Wan glanced up to see Qui-Gon perform a somersault in the air and land on his two feet, not even the slightest hint of discomfort adjourning any of his features or muscles after the gruelling affair.
"But… But… How?" Obi-Wan spluttered, completely in awe at his master's skill and foresight.
"You'll have to do better than that, my very young Padawan," Qui-Gon teased, eyes glittering with mirth, face plastered into a full blown smirk.
Obi-Wan responded by grumbling under his breath, perhaps he did have much to learn in the humility department. He had underestimated his foe greatly and had paid the price for it, Qui-Gon had taught him a very valuable lesson. One he would not be forgetting anytime soon.
His master chuckled as he leaned over him offering a hand up, Obi-Wan gratefully took it and brushed himself off. His legs felt exceedingly wobbly, and his head felt as though it was separate to his body. Obi-Wan realised he was very dehydrated. As if on cue, Qui-Gon gripped his arm as he stumbled and led him over to where their drinks were located.
"Easy… You did well Obi-Wan, the climate here did not help matters." Qui-Gon offered Obi-Wan one of the water containers and began downing his own liquid.
"Yes, Master." Obi-Wan dutifully replied automatically after accepting the offered refreshment, desperate to quench his parched throat.
After both Jedi had drank their fill Obi-Wan ventured into his biggest query.
"How did you stay so calm? You didn't even look to be hot!" He exclaimed.
"Patience, Obi-Wan, and years and years of training." Qui-Gon teased tugging on his padawan's learner braid playfully. He chuckled more as Obi-Wan huffed and crossed his arms over his chest, obviously not satisfied with the reply.
"I have told you time and time again how, Obi-Wan. You must be one with the force…" Qui-Gon continued.
"I try, Master, but there's too many distractions," Obi-Wan softly replied, disappointment lacing his tone.
"There is no try. It is something you must master, Obi-Wan, distractions should not enter your mind."
"Oh…" He dejectedly replied, panicking slightly at the milestone he would have to overcome.
Qui-Gon picked up on the startled emotions realising Obi-Wan had thought he was expected to be perfect now, that was just his way though. Never giving himself enough time to truly learn… Patience was the biggest lesson Qui-Gon would have to impart, everything else would follow.
"Do not worry, even a scamp like you will get there eventually." Obi-Wan visibly relaxed at the latest remark, before nearly choking on his water when Qui-Gon uttered his next words.
"Don't think I have forgotten about your treachery back there, very inventive, my young friend."
Qui-Gon snarled dangerously, tone threatening retribution for his student's attempts at cheating. He observed Obi-Wan's face drop, then contemplate before the familiar fires of rebellion glistened in his eyes, lips quirking upwards slightly.
"I only honour your teachings, Master…" Obi-Wan smirked before leaping out of the way just in time to avoid a swat aimed at his head.
"Brat!" Qui-Gon laughed in spite of himself, just narrowly missing the young boy's head. Force he was fast when he wanted to be. Just as Obi-Wan had moved far enough away to believe he was safe did Qui-Gon leap, the comic shock covering his apprentice's face was a sight he would not forget for some time.
Of course Obi-Wan recomposed himself at a lightning fast speed, switching into a defensive stance. It did not help matters however, Qui-Gon was over twice as large as he was. So when the elder Jedi came barreling into his small frame they both went down like a sack of tubers, Obi-Wan squeaking in outright defiance whilst his master chuckled dangerously. The tussle on the ground soon turned into a grappling match, both Jedi surging to gain the upper hand in the fray.
Decades of training had Qui-Gon rather easily in control his long limbs held Obi-Wan's valiantly struggling form in place, with his student's arms pinned behind his back. Obi-Wan tried in vain to dislodge his master, kicking and thrashing at any part of his mentor's body he could reach. That's when Qui-Gon deployed a most ruthless tactic, a move that would bring any seasoned master to their knees screaming for lenience. Tickling.
Obi-Wan's screams echoed throughout the small wooded enclosure, mixed with the high pitched giggling as Qui-Gon mercilessly attacked his entire body.
"Yield, Yield!" Obi-Wan yelled out, rasping heavily as the brutal attack finally ceased.
Qui-Gon released the tangled limbs and helped his student up into a sitting position, bursting into laughter at the sight of his scowling student. For all outside purposes they may as well have been in a full blown fight, the way they were both out of breath and panting now.
"You're evil, Master…" Obi-Wan wheezed, still coughing whilst trying to still his zealously beating heart rate.
Before the Jedi master could come up with a retort both master and apprentice's head's whipped round to the sound of a twig snapping, both calling their light saber's to their grips. Ready for whatever threat that was intruding on their location. Qui-Gon relaxed first, recognising the young presence to be their host's daughter.
They had been so engrossed with their grappling that neither of them had sensed her approach, Qui-Gon placed his weapon back on his hip after sending the small female a reassuring smile. Her sight was transfixed however, on the still grounded body of Obi-Wan. Qui-Gon raised his eyebrows recognising the look the girl was giving his apprentice, they were of roughly the same age and Qui-Gon knew that human girls of this age had a certain weakness involving hormones…
"Looks like you have an admirer, Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon whispered helping the boy to his feet.
If it were possible his apprentice's face turned an even more alarming shade of red, force signature reeking with embarrassment.
"I don't know what you're talking about, Master," He murmured before turning away and heading to pick up his and Qui-Gon's gear from the edge of the clearing.
Qui-Gon turned back to witness the girl giggle before racing back off towards the direction of her home, smiling to himself he waited for Obi-Wan to return. Qui-Gon knew mercy when it was necessary and tactfully decided to change the subject away from their latest arrival.
"Come we will head back to the village, we have much to accomplish today." Qui-Gon strode confidently forward, satisfied when he heard the pattering of footsteps behind him dutifully following.
"Yes, Master."
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Until next time...