Chapter 7: Discovered Truths
A.N: My first fic so hope it all goes well let me know! Based on the characters from JA books but not really following a story particularly.
Disclaimer: I do not own these characters or any other things to do with Star Wars, although I wish I was the creator of these wonderful stories.
Inside Hurtful Eyes
Chapter 7: Discovered Truths
Qui-Gon was restless, he watched through the window as Obi-Wan slept, a look of innocence on his youthful face, unaware of the problems going on in his mind and the implications that they held for him and the rest of the Order.
Bent forward, hands clasping the grey locks of his long and now unkempt hair. Why is this happening? How can a dark force user manipulate their way into my apprentice's mind and cause such devastating damage? Can they be stopped? Who could it be?
Who could it be? That last thought was the one that plagued him the most. Haunted should be the word.
Qui-Gon stood as Master Yoda emerged from the door leading to Obi-Wan's room.
"Much to think about I have, immediate danger I do not sense for your Padawan Qui-Gon, need you he does." Master Yoda's long, green ears drooped slightly as he let out a long sigh. "To the Council Chambers you will come, com you I will."
"Yes Master." He watched as the small Master hobbled away. He stretched his arms up above his head, letting out a sigh of his own as he heard his back give a satisfying click, why the Healer's must insist on having the most uncomfortable chairs laying around in the places that chairs are needed the most he will never know.
He closed the door behind him quietly, not wishing to disturb his apprentice when they had only just been reunited. He listened to the steady breathing of the sandy haired boy, that is after all what Obi-Wan was, a boy, and he was in danger.
Qui-Gon pondered what they knew about this strange phenomenon. He began making a list.
1. Obi-Wan became ill 2 days ago
2. The effects come in the form of attacks, may cause permanent damage
3. The cause is not something physical
4. It is possibly caused by a dark force user.
That is where the list ended, for now anyway. Qui-Gon needed answers, and as much as he hated to wake his Padawan it seemed he was the only one who could answer some of the questions burning in his mind right now.
He gently shook Obi-Wan's arm, stopping when he saw those eyelids, thick with sleep start to flutter open.
"Master?"
"Hello Obi-Wan, how are you feeling?" He asked as he grabbed a glass of water of the counter, not warmed to room temperature it was chilled water when he placed it there earlier in the day. The boy received it and drank greedily, a small smile played on Qui-Gon's face, pleased he could help comfort his Padawan a little.
"Obi-Wan, child, Master Yoda has been to see you, he has probed your mind to see if he can figure out any clues as to the cause of your problems." Obi-Wan looked at him confused, " You were asleep the whole time Young One, he didn't need to wake you for it, infact it was probably easier for you that way. I just had a few questions to ask you, is that ok?" He nodded his approval.
"How long have you been having symptoms, be honest with me Padawan?"
Silence, he could see the lines of concentration on the child's face as he thought back to when this first started. The silence crept on for a few minutes, but eventually those soft lips parted and the Master listened in with a keen interest.
"Well….it started off small Master, headaches, but they only lasted a second or so. I didn't think anything of them. It has been getting worse though, only I never thought it was anything bad, I just thought that I had been over doing it a bit, what with all the missions we had been on recently, then the return to the Temple, classes, sabre practice. I just thought I needed to rest."
"You should have told me Padawan, I care about you, I know our relationship hasn't always been this strong but you are my apprentice, we are bonded together, I always want to know if anything is troubling you, its my duty to you to protect and care for you while you are training with me. When did this start Obi-Wan?" He asked again, a deep dread bubbled up inside of him, he already knew the answer before Obi-Wan could say it.
"The first time was when we were together, it was a stressful situation and I just put it down to that. It was when you said you would be my Master."
Qui-Gon opened his mouth, about to say that it was what he feared, when his comlink went off. It was the Council. "I'm so sorry if this is anything to do with me, but I do not regret taking you as my apprentice. I am being summoned to see the Council, Master Yoda wants to discuss what is going on with you. I will fill you in on my return." He kissed the top of Obi-Wan's head and turned to leave the room.
"Thank you Master." Obi-Wan whispered as he watched the corner of his Master's robe disappear out the door fell, a small smile played on his lips as he quickly drifted off to sleep again.
Qui-Gon was slightly out of breath as he stepped through the doors of the Council Chambers. Why the Healers were the otherside of the Temple to everything he will never know! He looked around, there were very few Masters in attendance but that didn't matter, it was Yoda who would be talking anyway.
"Being attacked Obi-Wan is. Probed his mind I have, no evidence of darkness in him there is, but darkness from the outside surrounds him. Talked with the Council I have, meditated we did, found the solution to this problem we hope we have." There was a pause as Qui-Gon absorbed what he was hearing, his heart sinking slightly when he realised what this meant.
"Any idea who is behind this do you have Qui-Gon?" Yoda enquired.
"Master, I asked Obi-Wan how long he had been having problems, it is as I feared, it has been going on since I took him as my apprentice. The only dark force user he has been near to in that time has been.." Qui-Gon faltered, he realised now who it must be, the person who is attacking is beloved Padawan, he took a deep breath, released his anger and fear to the Force. Qui-Gon swallowed down a sick feeling, this was his fault in part. How could he say his name in front of the Council again?
He didn't have to, "Xanatos, it is." Answered Yoda.
I'm so sorry! That's all I can say for my lack of updates. I am determined again, I have set up my friends with whips so they can whip me into gear! Please enjoy this update and there should be more to come soon!
