A/N: Wow, how long has it been? I'm looking at the date on top of my original draft and it says March 7, 2011 is when I began writing this, so a little over two years. Whew! Thanks to SM12 for the PM message and level of support for this story. I hope to edit and repost, but until then, I will post completed chapters.
Disclaimer: I do not own Star Wars. That belongs to the Great Master of all Star Wars George Lucas. I do however own Ta-Ree Crec and Xantree Zandes aka Darth Eres. Anything you recognize, not mine.
Chapter Nine
"Obi-Wan… Padawan?" Qui-Gon ran to Obi-Wan and put a hand to his forehead.
"Master, the only way he would explain what was wrong was meditation. I'm sorry Master. I shouldn't have allowed it." Ta-Ree stood up, steeling herself.
"I appreciate your efforts Knight Crec. But you shouldn't have closed our bond! That was foolish and something I would expect from a young Padawan, not one newly knighted. Please leave us alone."
Ta-Ree bowed as she left the room, leaving Master and Padawan alone.
"M…Master…" Obi-Wan's voice was pained, and his face was sheet white. "It was my idea. I told Ta-Ree to do it." I didn't want you to worry.
"It was foolish Padawan. Under no circumstances are you to close the bond again understood?"
Obi-Wan sat up, wincing. "Yes Master."
"Glad we understand each other. Let us skip the meditations for a while hmm? How about a spar?" A hint of a smile played on the master's face, causing Obi-Wan to smirk. "Think you can beat me this time Padawan?"
"I'm ready to try Master."
"Do or do not Padawan. There is no try."
Both of the Jedi walked to the training room.
The lightsabers beamed to life as the pair circled. Obi-Wan closed his eyes, feeling the force around him. He felt a presence behind him and whirled.
Be mindful of the fight! He heard through the training bond. He nearly singed a youngling, at the same time that Qui-Gon's green blade grazed his shoulder. Obi-Wan's eyes snapped open and he parried Qui-Gon's blows, barely feeling the Force, which made what happened next all the more embarrassing.
Qui-Gon changed tactics. Before he had been leading Obi-Wan forward, letting him feel what it was like to parry, but it was time to challenge his padawan learner. He parried gently, but then the blows became harder and harder. He aimed for the chest, than the head. Obi-Wan barely felt the slight change that signaled his next move. Qui-Gon swept the blade low, aiming for Obi-Wan's legs and causing the young padawan to be thrown off balance, knocking into the combat droids.
Qui-Gon ran over to Obi-Wan helping the boy up.
"You have to be mindful of the Force as you're fighting Padawan mine."
"I tried Master, really I did." Obi-Wan winced, as the pain in his leg was too much.
"Try harder." Qui-Gon ruffled the young boy's braid.
"Yes Master."
They were now in the healer's wing, Obi-Wan limping the whole way. "Really Master, did you have to hit so hard?"
Qui-Gon smirked. "You must be prepared Padawan. Not everyone will go as easy as I will."
"You call that easy Master?!"
"You were distracted Obi-Wan. If you weren't, I have no doubt it would be easy."
"Force Master! You are impossible." The boy shook his head.
"Padawan Kenobi, what happened this time?" a healer asked.
"Sparring accident." Qui-Gon said.
"Ahh. Well, come along Padawan Kenobi and I'll have a medi-droid patch you right up."
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"Knight Ta-Ree?" Ta-Ree turned to see Master Windu running to catch up with her.
"Master Windu, is something the matter?" She slowed letting the Jedi Master come in step so they were walking side by side.
"Knight Crec, how is Padawan Kenobi adjusting?" Master Windu asked. Ta-Ree was taken aback.
"Master Windu, didn't Master Jinn tell you this already?"
"He ran off before he finished explaining."
"There is something going on with Padawan Kenobi Master Windu. I've tried to help him as much as I could, but neither Master Jinn nor I have been able to get the full story from him."
"Has he learned of joint meditation yet?" Windu asked. Ta-Ree stopped, causing the master to look at her with concern. "Knight Crec, you must tell me. It may be the only way…"
"Master Windu, I've tried joint meditation with him. I put up shields to shield from Master Jinn, because Obi-Wan didn't want to frighten him, but I fear he may have shielded from me as well. I couldn't get through to him Master Windu!" Ta-Ree was panicked.
"Knight Crec…Calm down this instant!" Mace Windu boomed. "Padawan Kenobi hasn't learned shielding yet! He is only a junior learner… unless…" The Master was deep in thought.
"Master Windu…" The young Knight looked at the Jedi master waiting and venturing carefully. She knew from experience that Windu could sometimes read too much into things.
"I must see Yoda about this. Thank you Ta-Ree." Master Windu turned and hastily ran to the elder master's chambers.
Yoda was meditating in his chambers, when he felt his friend's familiar presence.
Yoda chuckled. "The matter what is?"
Windu's words were rushed. "I have reason to believe that Young Kenobi may be in danger."
Yoda's eyes opened slowly. "That reason what is?"
Windu explained, his words tumbling over one another for a chance to escape.
Yoda was used to seeing this level of panic in less experienced masters, but to see it in Windu shocked him. He maintained his calm as he listened, but then grew worried.
"See Master Jinn and Kenobi we must." Yoda said.
