Author's note: Thank you so much for reading this story. It was originally supposed to be a two part but it just didn't want to go on… yet. If you have any ideas for my next fan fic please let me know. I want to see where this relationship with Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon goes and maybe give my O.C. Ta-Ree a bigger part, and maybe Anakin will be in the next one. If you guys have any ideas let me know. And as always R&R

Chapter Seven

"I can't believe you were chosen to spar first."

"You're so lucky Obi-Wan."

These were some of the things that Obi-Wan heard as he walked around the arena. One person that hadn't said anything though, was Xantree. He just looked moody.

What's eating him? Obi-Wan thought. He needed more Force practice if he was going to spar. He walked over to the mats.

Qui-Gon Jinn was sitting on one of the mats meditating. He's following me.

He knew he needed to ask him why. So he did it the only way he knew how.

"Excuse me Qui-Gon sir? Why are you following me?"

The older man chuckled. "You don't waste time. Good. Well, if you wish to know the answer, you were one of the younglings that stood out."

"Qui-Gon sir?"

"Yes."

"Why did you choose me to spar first?"

"Curious. Always a good trait to have; as I said before, you stood out." The older Jedi looked expectantly at the youngling, waiting for more questions. When none came, he went back to meditating.

Obi-Wan closed his eyes, copying the older Jedi next to him. He felt a tiny thrum in the background. Success. He felt the living Force around him. It was exhilarating. He felt a chill in the air as well. Something was wrong. That much he knew, but what?

"Qui-Gon sir?" Qui-Gon Jinn knew what the boy was about to say.

"I feel it too." He stood up, lightsaber at the ready. He noticed from across the room, the masters noticed too, along with his Padawan, Ta-Ree. But all he saw was the children sitting on the bleachers along one side of the room, nothing unusual.

"Nothing to worry about there is." Yoda announced. Qui-Gon knew though that his old master was as worried as he was. "Spar it is time to."

"You best be getting ready youngling." Qui-Gon said.

"Yes sir, Qui-Gon sir." Obi-Wan ran to the sparring ring to warm up.

()

Ta-Ree looked at her master as he scanned the eager hands that were raised. A boy who was expressionless in the corner had his hand raised the highest, Xantree Zandes.

"You, Xantree Zandes." Her master said.

Ta-Ree looked at Obi-Wan. The boy looked angry, more or less hurt. She knew this boy and he had a connection.

Xantree looked at Obi-Wan. He knew he hated him, now more than ever. He had been picked, picked personally, by Qui-Gon Jinn. Xantree stood. I have a master already. I must not disappoint him. He said to himself. He had been picked two years earlier by the greatest master that ever lived. He knew what he had to do. He had to show them what they were capable of.

Obi-Wan stood in the ring. He closed his eyes; the chill was still there, like a pair of clammy hands embracing his consciousness. The chill felt magnified, as Xantree entered the ring. The boys unsheathed their sabers and the sparring began. Obi-Wan sparred better than ever, blocking every move that came his way. He froze as Xantree raised his hand and squeezed.

He couldn't breathe, couldn't see.

"Release him!" Mace Windu boomed.

Ta-Ree ran out trying to separate the two boys. "Master!"

Qui-Gon unsheathed his lightsaber, a green light and blue light bouncing off each other. Yoda walked over slowly and used the force to pin Xantree against the wall.

"Out of the temple you must go. Never return you may."

Xantree walked out, not complaining, not even looking back.

()

"I had no idea Master Yoda." Obi-Wan stood before the council. "Honest. He was acting strangely, but that was just Xantree."

"None of us did youngling. He was deceptive, much more so for his age." Mace Windu said.

"Should have known I should." Yoda shook his head.

"Thank the Force he was only a youngling." Qui-Gon said. "He wouldn't have been as easy to take down if he'd been older."

"So, who's to travel with us?" Ta-Ree asked.

"Young Kenobi?" Qui-Gon asked.

The masters nodded their approval.