Disclaimer: Do I really have to keep doing this? You'd after six chapters everyone would get the point... But as I don't want Mr. Lucas' Dark Side minions to come after me, let me say that anything you recognize most likely belongs to him. The characters Aran and Sun and the plot belong to me and Sun.
A/N: I apologize greatly for the length of time it has taken me to post this chapter. A series of circumstances beyond my control has kept me from doing so: first I was sick, then all the teachers decided that they needed to give a test before the winter break and then we went on a family trip of which I had little prior notice. However, to make up for the long wait, I have posted what I believe is the longest chapter yet. I hop y'all like it!
Aran was preparing for bed when she felt a strong wave of anxiety, frustration and anger flow across the bond of friendship she and Sun shared. Following it to its source, she ran from their quarters to the Healer's Wing of the Temple. Ignoring the protests of many Healers, she practically threw herself into the room in which she felt her friend's presence and saw her sitting next to a bleeding Obi-Wan. Aran finally calmed down enough to realize that Sun was no longer anything but content and slightly anxious for Obi-Wan, who was in pain. Before she got the chance to ask any questions though, all three sensed another arriving; Qui-Gon.
Qui-Gon entered in a more seemly manner than Aran had, but anxiety was written in the furrow between his brows and showed in his eyes. He looked with concern at Obi-Wan, and then glanced at Sun and Aran, only slightly surprised to see them.
As Qui-Gon got the story of what had happened from Obi-Wan, Aran confronted Sun.
/What happened?! You were almost scared and Obi-Wan's bleeding--/
/There was a bit of an accident in the Room of a Thousand Fountains, but Master Obi-Wan's going to be fine./
/What kind of an accident?/ Aran asked, but then the full meaning of what Sun had just said struck her. /Wait – you said Master?/
Sun just smiled and nodded, but her happiness radiated from her through the Force. Aran could no longer remain silent.
"That's great! I'm so happy for you!" she exclaimed out loud as she hugged Sun.
Meanwhile, Qui-Gon had extracted most of the night's events from Obi-Wan. But when he heard Aran's exclamation and saw the two girls hugging, he asked his former Padawan/Have you any idea why the two of them are so happy?/
Obi-Wan grinned back at the tall Jedi. /I would suspect that Sun just told her friend that I am her Master now./
/Congratulations, Obi-Wan! But, I must ask – it took getting your face half ripped off for this to come about?/
Obi-Wan's grin widened before he winced in pain. /You know me, Master. When have I ever done things the easy way?/ Qui-Gon just shook his head, then realized they were alone in the room.
"Where have the girls gone?"
"We're right here, Master Jinn." Aran and Sun appeared in the doorway, leading another girl. She was of about their age, though taller than both, and carried medical supplies.
"We thought it was taking too long for a Healer to show up, so we went looking for someone," Sun began. "This is our friend Tarrhon Wyndaru."
"I'm apprenticed to Healer Avan Charliss," Tarrhon said as she began to clean the gouges on Obi-Wan's face and arm. "I'm sorry you've been waiting so long, but we're rather crowded tonight. My Master should be here any minute, Knight Kenobi."
"That's fine. I should be alright – I just want to be careful of infections."
Just then a tall Twi'lek female entered the room.
"Ah, good job Padawan. I'll take over now." Healer Avan Charliss finished cleaning Obi-Wan's wounds and took a blood sample to check for infections as the three young girls talked and watched. Qui-Gon Jinn also watched and unobtrusively listened to their conversation.
"We haven't seen you in awhile," Aran said.
"Yeah – Master Avan's kept me busy. But what's new with you guys? Either of you got a Master yet?"
"Well, that happens to be my new Master that you're Master is treating. He just accepted me tonight," Sun beamed.
"Congratulations! I'd offer to help you move your stuff, but it is a busy night here. What about you, Aran?"
Aran just shook her head.
"I don't believe it; I always said you were going to be the first of us chosen. And now you've only got about three days left, right?"
Aran nodded.
"I'm sure someone will pick you," Sun reassured her.
"Yeah, I don't see how you've gone this long without chosen, Aran," Tarrhon added.
"That's ok, guys. If it's the will of the Force, then so be it."
"Alright, Kenobi. You should be good to go," Healer Charliss stated. Obi-Wan stood up. The gashes on his face and arm were no longer visible; instead they were covered with synthflesh. "There's no indication of infection yet, but I'd like it if you came back in two or three days for a check-up," she continued.
Sun moved to take her place by his side as Obi-Wan nodded his agreement. Tarrhon took a bottle from a pocket of her roves and handed it to Obi-Wan.
"This is the salve my Master used. You should change it at least once a day until the cuts begin to close, and then only as you feel it is needed. Sun, you make sure he does."
"Don't worry – I won't let him get away with anything," Sun said with a grin as she, Obi-Wan, Aran and Qui-Gon left.
"What have I gotten myself into?" Obi-Wan asked dramatically of the ceiling.
"Not funny, Master!" Sun laughed.
Qui-Gon, who had remained characteristically silent up till this point, chuckled and said, "It will be good for you, Obi-Wan."
"Yes, Master," he sighed.
Qui-Gon frowned. "You should stop calling me that, Obi-Wan. You are, after all, a Master in your own right now."
"I suppose you're right, Qui-Gon. Okay, Padawan – let's move your stuff into my quarters—"
"Our quarters, you mean," Sun interrupted.
"Right you are, Padawan." Sun wanted to shout with glee, but decided that Padawans should remain dignified and just smiled.
"C'mon, Sun; I'll help you pack your things!" Aran said. "If it's alright with you, Master Kenobi."
"Go ahead – I'll catch up," Obi-Wan replied, eyes sparkling.
The two girls hurried ahead, soon disappearing from the sight of the men.
"I believe that the two of you will make a good team," Qui-Gon said.
"Yes – it is hard to believe we only met a couple of days ago. So much has happened since then."
"They have gotten into trouble twice in our presence."
"Yes – it reminds me of my own not-so-long-ago Padawan days. Although I don't recollect ever getting caught in Yoda's closet. Mace's perhaps, or Ki-Adi Mundi's, but never Master Yoda's."
"Somehow I suspect that if the opportunity presented had presented itself, you would have found your way into Yoda's closet."
"Master!" Obi-Wan said, pretending to be affronted. "How could you think I would do such a thing?"
"As I recall," continued a grinning Qui-Gon, "you were much worse then either of those two. I remember considering it a good day if you only got in trouble once. And the endless pranks—"
"Okay, I forfeit," Obi-Wan interrupted. "It's no use arguing with you – you always win."
"Why, thank you, Obi-Wan."
Packing Sun's things didn't take very long at all; as a Jedi she didn't own much. All in all, she had a couple changes of clothes and a few trinkets she'd collected over time. As they waited for the older Jedi to arrive, Aran and Sun sat on Sun's pallet, talking. It was during a pause in the conversation that Aran drew a small package out of some hidden pocket and handed it to her friend.
"I've been saving this for today – the day you became a Padawan for real," Aran began as Sun unwrapped it. "Turn it on."
The present was a small holo – no taller than Sun's hand – of the two of them.
"Remember when the whole Horse Clan went on a field trip to the main Nature Conservatory here on Coruscant?"
Sun nodded, turning the holo around in her hands and examining it.
"Tarrhon took the holo, and I got her to have a copy made."
"I wondered what she did with that holo!" Sun exclaimed.
"Anyway, it's so we can always be together, even when we're not," Aran explained.
"You have the funniest way of saying things," Sun laughed. Then she said seriously, "Thank you so much, Aran."
"You're welcome. And congratulations. I really am very happy for you, Sun."
Sun turned the holo off and the two friends hugged tightly for a moment before Sun drew away.
"Master Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon are waiting in the hall," she said before calling, "Come in!"
The door opened as Sun and Aran stood up.
"Ready, Padawan?" Obi-Wan asked.
"I am good to G-O, Master!" Sun said, causing him to smile. Still holding the holo Aran had given her, she slung the bag containing her clothes over one shoulder; Aran picked up the small box with Sun's knick-knacks.
"Need any help?" Qui-Gon asked.
"I'm afraid neither of us can get the sleeping pallet," Aran answered.
"I'll get it then. You don't want to strain your arm, Obi-Wan," he said a she easily picked it up.
"It's not broken – just cut," Obi-Wan pointed out.
"Too late now – I've got it."
Obi-Wan shrugged and led them all to his quarters. He pointed out the important things to Sun, then watched with Qui-Gon as the two girls unpacked Sun's things and made up the bed.
Just as they were finishing, Aran yawned hugely.
"Two late nights in a row! I should probably get to bed, or I'll be sleeping until noon. Good night, everyone!" Sun followed her just outside so they could have a private good-bye.
"Thanks again for the holo, Aran."
"I'm glad you like it."
"Don't give up – I know you'll be chosen soon," Sun tried to comfort her friend.
"I will abide by the will of the Force," Aran said. "If the Force that I be chosen, then I will be chosen. I'm not giving up."
"Good. May the Force be with you."
"And with you, my friend." Aran turned and walked off, leaving Sun to re-enter her new quarters. She found Qui-Gon also taking his leave.
"I should probably return to my quarters as well. Congratulations to you both." He shook their hands then bowed to them at the door. "Good night and may the Force be with you." He was out the door almost before they had replied.
Aran hadn't gotten very far when tears began to slide silently down her cheeks. She was truly happy for her friend and she did trust in the will of the Force, but at the moment she believed that the Force had other plans for her than becoming a Jedi Knight. But she would never admit that out loud and risk crying in front of her friends. Even if she was fated to become a farmer, she would maintain her pride.
And so for the second night in a row, she was caught up in her thoughts when she sensed Qui-Gon approaching.
'Of course he could catch up with me; he's got such long legs,' she mentally cursed herself as she hastily wiped away the tears, hoping he hadn't seen them.
"Padawan Myrishi, may I escort you back to your rooms? It is late, and I wouldn't want you to get in trouble for simply helping a friend."
"Of course, Master Jinn," she said, hoping her voice sounded somewhat normal. She was afraid to look at him as he spoke; afraid he would see that she had been crying – afraid that the compassion she would see in his eyes would send her to tears again.
'Jedi do not cry,' she thought. 'And for the time being, I am a Jedi, so I will not cry. Especially not in front of him.' Aran mentally willed her body to obey her brain's command.
They passed few people in the halls, and no one gave Aran a second thought since she was accompanied by Qui-Gon. Grateful as she was for his presence – she would have been in trouble otherwise – Aran could not help but find the silence between them uncomfortable. Qui-Gon, however, seemed perfectly content and serene and in no way disturbed by the silence. To the tired Aran, it seemed an eternity before they finally reached her rooms, although in reality, it was only a few short minutes.
"Well, thank you, Master Jinn. Good night."
"Good night, Padawan Myrishi. Sleep well." /Try not to fall asleep in your clothes,/ he added, laying a hand on her shoulder. That brought a tired smile to her face, as he had intended.
/"Do or do not – there is no try,"/ she quoted.
That made him laugh, which widened her smile, if only a little bit.
/May the Force be with you, Master Jinn./
/And with you, Padawan Myrishi,/ he said as he walked off.
Although it was already very late at night when Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn arrived at his quarters, and although he was tired, he began to meditate. As he relaxed and opened himself to the Force, it brought him scenes from the past few days.
He had been returning to the Temple from his latest assignment to find Obi-Wan on the same transport, returning from his first solo mission. They had made their separate reports to the Council and then accepted Yoda's invitation to his quarters, where he had met padawan Aranrhod Myrishi of the Horse Clan for the first time.
His first impression had been of an intelligent, but mischievous young girl. He had senses that she was used to being more dignified, but although her pride had been wounded, she had been able to laugh at her situation.
He had met her again that night in the Room of a Thousand Fountains. Their exchange there had been brief, but he had seen that she was respectful, eager to please and honest. And as he sat in the tree, he had detected traces of her presence in the Force.
'So she is strong in the Living Force,' he thought.
Their next encounter had come at the practice rooms. He had noticed that her 'saber-fighting style was similar to his – aggressive yet delicate – but that she hadn't slacked off in other areas; that double-flip over her friend had been impressive in a padawan of her age. And he had most certainly noticed her self-sacrificing act during their second bout. Then at lunch she had demonstrated that she wasn't easily caught up in whatever everyone else was doing, but that she was fierce when angered. She had also shown a willingness to take responsibility for her actions and accept the consequences.
He hadn't been surprised when she showed up at the Healers' Wing that night, either. He senses her compassion for Obi-Wan and her genuine happiness for her friend's good fortune. It was when he had listened to her conversation with her two friends that he became surprised. Her composure was such that he never would have guessed that here were only three days left until her thirteenth birthday. And her trust in the Force was as great as it could be on someone with her experience.
As he watched her help her friend move in, he had noticed the holo she had given to her friend. She was indeed thoughtful, and wise as well to a certain degree.
And he had noticed the tears as he caught up with her in the hall, although for her sake he had acted as if he hadn't. For all her wonderful qualities, she was still a young girl. 'Although with a good sense of humor,' he had to admit to himself.
Qui-Gon sighed. He knew why the Force was showing him these images. They were visions of all he had seen of Aranrhod in the short time since they had been introduced, and showed him just how important she had already become. He had been hoping to see her that evening so he could ask her to be his Padawan, but he realized that since Sun became Obi-Wan's Padawan, she would consider it charity if he asked immediately thereafter. And he guessed that with her sense of pride, she wasn't much of a one for charity. He would just have to trust that since the Force wanted them together, it would present another opportunity.
Aranrhod Myrishi awoke the next morning with an inward groan.
'Wake up, Aran,' she told herself mentally. 'Classes today.'
With another groan – this one out loud – Aran rolled herself off her sleeping pallet. She thudded to the floor just hard enough to jolt herself more awake without breaking any ribs.
"Nothing like a little shock to wake one up in the morning. Although I suppose cold water would be nicer."
'Great – talking to myself. I am going insane.'
However, she managed to walk her stiff body into the 'fresher and splash cold water on her face, which woke her up enough to allow her to prepare for the day ahead.
'Why is it that I never have time for a shower in the morning?' she sighed as she pulled her hair back.
Getting dressed, she looked over her schedule on her datapad. She had two classes before lunch break – physical science and advanced mathematics – then after lunch she had Coruscanti history. Aran grimaced.
Her quarters seemed much too large and empty without Sun around. There was no one to joke with about the poor selection of classes. There was no one to wake her up when the cold water failed. There was no one to pass notes to when the classes got boring.
'Oh, well,' she thought to herself. 'In a few days, I'll be out of here either way.'
Despite his lack of sleep, Qui-Gon rose at dawn. After meditating for an hour or so to wake his mind, he performed a few simple katas to wake his body. He had showered and was getting dressed when the comm unit began to beep at him. Hastily pulling on his tunic, he pressed a button on the control panel and answered. A green face with long, pointy ears flickered into sight on the viewscreen.
"Master Yoda," Qui-Gon acknowledged, bowing.
"Qui-Gon. A job for you, I have. Know you Jedi Master Tierce?"
"Indeed, I had him as a teacher when I was a young padawan. As I recall, he taught history."
"Serves you well, does your memory," Yoda said. "Fallen ill he has and therefore teach he cannot. Take his place today you will. After lunch, teach Coruscanti History to the Horse Clan, you must," Yoda instructed.
"Yes, Master. May the Force be with you."
"May the Force be with you," Yoda said, terminating the connection.
Qui-Gon made a mental note to send his best wishes to Master Tierce as he thanked the Force for a new opportunity.
Aran dragged herself into her last class of the day and slumped into a seat towards the back of the room, but promptly straightened when the hard back jabbed into her shoulder.
'Geez – you'd think with all our technological advances, they could at least make comfortable chairs,' one half of her brain thought. To which the other half replied, 'Ah, but there are comfortable chairs; they just don't want you to get too comfortable and fall asleep in class.'
To amuse herself until class started, Aran listened to the conversations of her classmates, but was startled out of her eavesdropping as she sensed a familiar presence approaching.
Qui-Gon Jinn entered the classroom and calmly waited for the students to notice his presence and settle down. It didn't take them long to notice him; it took them awhile longer to quiet down enough so that he could speak.
"I am Master Qui-Gon Jinn. Master Tierce has taken ill and I have been asked to fill his place for today. Since I did not have much time to prepare, your only task is to complete the reading I am handing out. Otherwise I don't care what you do as long as you act appropriately and are prepared to answer my questions on the reading at the end of the period." With that, the Jedi Master seated himself behind the teacher's desk and observed the class.
Most of the students paired up or got into groups and read the selection with much irrelevant talk and gossiped after they were done. Aran read by herself and then got out the holonovel she was currently reading to occupy her time until Qui-Gon began asking questions.
Each student had to answer one question correctly before Qui-Gon would let the class go. Aran grew more and more impatient as everyone else was asked, but she controlled her impatience. Finally, it was Aran's turn.
Qui-Gon stood at the front of the room and turned thoughtfully to Aran. The intensity of his gaze alerted her to the seriousness of the question before he asked, even though the rest of his face remained serene.
"Padawan Myrishi, your question is not about Coruscanti history…"
At this, the class drew a collective gasp, wondering why Qui-Gon had singled her out. Aran suddenly thought, 'Oh, I know what's next – I hope.'
Qui-Gon paused and took a deep breath as if to gather his courage, then asked, "Padawan Myrishi, would you become my apprentice and Padawan Learner? I would be honored should you accept."
The whole class went dead silent and every eye turned to Aran, waiting in suspense for the five heartbeats' time that it took her to find her tongue.
"Yes, Master!" she nearly cried, grinning.
"Good," he said with a slow smile that lit his face. "Class dismissed."
As the other students filed out of class, Aran gathered up the few things she had with her and went to stand next to Qui-Gon. Looking up at him, she asked slightly hesitantly, "what would you have done if I didn't want to be your Padawan?"
"I would have dismissed class anyway and returned to my quarters alone. But it is not good to dwell on 'what ifs'. Come, I think we shall go the Obi-Wan's quarters and get your friend to help move your things."
"Thank you, Master," Aran said gratefully.
/You are my Padawan; I want you to be happy. I noticed in class that you seemed rather lonely, although you hid it well./
/Sun is my closest friend – I never needed anyone else./ Aran's voice in Qui-Gon's mind was slightly sad, but brightened as she continued. /But now I have you to talk to, so I shouldn't be too lonely./
/And that is as it should be,/ Qui-Gon said, wrapping a big arm around her and drawing her into a tight hug.
A/N: Yay! I figured out how to put lines in! For some reason when the document gets tranferred it didn't keep the original formating in those places, which is tood bad, 'cause I thought it looked really cool. Now I just have to go back and fix the previous chapters. Anyway, while I'm doing that, why don't y'all let me know what you thought of this chapter?
