Title: Another Path
Author: ewan's girl
A/N: Thank you for all the reviews, I hope this story stays interesting, I am sorry this chapter took so long, my play opened this weekend and I've been so busy. Thank you for your patience. I do have a question for Chandlia Jade, I didn't quite understand your review, are you sure you were reviewing my story? Ok my friends this will be a very emotional chapter and to warn you Jedikma you might need a tissue. Ok on with the show.
Chapter 9:
He involuntarily reached inside his tunic pocket to retrieve the object that symbolized comfort and security for him; he held the smooth stone between his index finger and his thumb and rubbed the familiar curves aimlessly.
Siri noticed this nervous habit of his and offered a small smile; she then took his free hand in hers and held it tightly. "It will be alright," She gave him a wink. "I promise you."
He looked down at her. "You can't make me that promise."
She nodded in agreement. "I know, but I will do what I can." She then tilted her head up and kissed him briefly on the lips. He leaned down and placed his forehead on hers and sighed deeply, closing his eyes. "You can do this," She said encouragingly and then wrapped her arms around his shoulders. "The Force is with you."
He opened his eyes and stared into her deep blue ones. "Is that the only thing that is with me?"
"I'm with you too," She assured him.
The comlink on Ben's belt began to blink and it brought the two back to the moment. Siri let go of Ben and he then sank into the shadows, waiting to make his appearance. Siri moved to the worship hall of an ancient, abandoned church they were waiting in and saw a familiar tall form at the end of the middle isle. Siri bowed to him out of respect and Qui Gon nodded his head in response. Siri could sense his anxiousness with the situation but he was keeping the typical Jedi mask of calm.
"Master Qui Gon," Siri began, keeping everything very formal between them.
"Padawan Tachi," Qui Gon picked up the beat. "Are you harmed in any way?" He asked.
"No Master Qui Gon, I am unharmed." Siri assured him, speaking unnecessarily loud. She held Qui Gon's gaze who took out a comlink and switched it off.
"She insisted that I let her at least hear your voice." Qui Gon explained.
Siri nodded. "I figured as much," She then moved towards the Jedi master. "Are you sure about this?" She asked.
Qui Gon noticed the hint of protectiveness in her voice, he found this very curious. "I am not here to harm him in any way Siri, I just need to see him again, and I want to help him."
Siri avoided his gaze and nodded. "I know master, yet I am fearful of the outcome of this conversation for both of you." She looked up at him again. "Are you positive you want to do this?"
Qui Gon nodded.
Siri turned and motioned for Qui Gon to stay where he was, she returned a moment later holding hands with a man slightly taller than her. Qui Gon felt his heart stop at the sight of the young man, he thought he had mentally prepared himself for this encounter but nothing could've prepared him for the borage of emotions that were crashing into him, and he found himself gripping one of the pews for support.
Ben stared at the older man in front of him and felt a strange sense of familiarity around him. Siri moved between the two men, not sure how to begin the awkward reunion. "Master Qui Gon Jinn this is Ben; Ben this is Jedi Master Qui Gon Jinn." She attempted to introduce them, and both men tilted their heads in a greeting then sat in silence for several minutes. Siri grew frustrated with both of them but cast her feelings into the Force, she then sat down on one of the dusty pews.
Qui Gon attempted to steady himself and he took a small step towards the son he thought he had lost. "You are looking well," He fumbled for something to say.
Ben just stared at him in confusion. "Thank you."
The aging Jedi Master cleared his throat. "How have you been?" He asked lamely.
Ben looked over at Siri who stood up next to him and held onto him so he would stay. "Ben, this is Obi Wan Kenobi's mentor, he loved Obi Wan like a son."
"I still do." Qui Gon interjected.
Ben looked at her then back towards Qui Gon who was now a shade paler. "And now that you've seen me you believe I am this Obi Wan?" He asked.
Qui Gon regained some of his composure and nodded. "Yes, without a shadow of a doubt." He knelt down in front of the younger man. "I beg for your forgiveness, I never wanted to give up hope in finding you."
Ben stared coldly at the man on his knees. "So then why did you?" He asked.
Qui Gon swallowed his emotions as best he could; he knew he would have to explain himself one day. "I never did give up the search in my heart," He tried to explain. "But I was commanded to return after a month and a half of finding no trace of you." He locked eyes with Ben and almost shrank under his intense stare. "There is nothing I can say to make up for what you went through and I understand. . ."
"You understand?" Ben cut him off sharply. "How can you possibly understand?"
Siri stopped herself from stepping in and stopping the conversation when she felt the tension in the room, she knew it couldn't be helped. Qui Gon never tore his gaze away from Ben; he also stayed on his knees. "I can only begin to imagine what you went through." He softly stated.
"Imagine it?" Ben asked, his voice cracking slightly. "I'll paint you a picture Master Jedi," He folded his arms across his chest. "Do you remember what it feels like to be born?" He asked, and Siri and Qui Gon shook their heads. "Well I do; imagine if you will waking for the first time to your knowledge and you have no clue of not only who you are but what anything is." Siri sat back down on the pew and he continued. "The fear was one that I cannot describe because there are no words available to even begin. I was so alone, and hungrier than I had ever been but I had no clue what hunger even was. I did have my instincts and they commanded me to walk so I did; I walked for miles searching for something but I didn't know what."
Qui Gon offered a supportive smile but it quickly faded when he saw the look of horror on the younger man's face. "I'm so sorry."
Ben scoffed. "You're sorry. Sorry for what, that you left me to die on some strange planet or that you let me lose my memory in the first place?" He could feel tears threatening to make an appearance.
Qui Gon never tore his gaze from his former apprentice. "Both and more."
Ben closed his eyes to try to stop the tears. "Tell me one thing," He stated softly. "How did it happen? How did I become this empty shell?"
"You're not an empty shell." Siri exclaimed out of turn, causing both men to direct their attention to her briefly.
Qui Gon returned his gaze to Ben and cleared his throat. "We were on a mission and something went horribly wrong," The Jedi master finally rose to his feet. "You were taken hostage and tortured with a weapon that completely erased the memories of its victims." He attempted to take a step closer towards Ben.
Ben turned away from Qui Gon when he heard the story. "How was I taken hostage if I was a Jedi?" He asked.
Qui Gon hung his head. "We were separated and they captured you," He moved closer to Ben. "You sacrificed yourself to save the mission. I attempted to rescue you, but I was too late."
The bounty hunter kept his back to the Jedi. "You were too late." He repeated sadly. "It's amazing how much of my life was decided for me because you were too late."
"The same could be said for me." Qui Gon stated.
Siri continued to watch the exchange, biting her right thumb nail out of nervousness which was a habit she had since she stopped sucking her thumb as a toddler. She felt her heart break when she sensed the sorrow coming from Ben, she wanted to take him in her arms but that thought concerned her greatly because that meant she was forming an attachment.
Ben struggled with his emotions as he continued to describe his story. "I never knew who I was; I felt like an outsider where ever I went."
"Is that why you never took on a last name?" Siri asked and Ben nodded, keeping his back to them.
Qui Gon was at a loss; he had dreamed of this moment for years but never fully realized how bitter sweet it actually would be. "Obi Wan?" He ventured.
Ben felt a shiver run down his spine when his former name was spoken. "No longer." He whispered. "I cannot be who I once was, I do not remember how to use the Force, I can't recall my training with a light saber, I no longer dream of being a Jedi. . .I have seen so much, done such terrible things. . ."
"But you are still the same person; I sense that with in you." Qui Gon pushed. "I have always had faith that the memory wipe could be reversed, all I would have to do was find you." He put a hand on Ben's shoulder turning the younger man to look at him. "And I have found you, finally after all these years."
Ben's bottom lip quivered slightly as he stared into the midnight blue eyes of Obi Wan's former mentor. "This can't be real, you cannot be standing here." He felt as if he may lose his composure. "I have wanted nothing more than to know where I came from and now. . .I know and it frightens me."
Qui Gon offered a sympathetic smile. "I know, I have wanted nothing more than to find you again one day and yet now that I have I am so afraid of the next step."
Siri looked between the two men. "And what is the next step?" She asked.
Everyone then turned their attention to the floor and the room was filled with silence for several minutes.
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The Jedi Temple was awe inspiring; Ben had never in his life seen a building that commanded such reverence and respect, at least to his knowledge. He followed Qui Gon, a second Jedi master (who they had met on their transport) and Siri down the marbled halls; he took in his surroundings and then noticed several stares directed towards his person, he began to feel naked and alone. Siri noticed this and secretly squeezed his hand in support; he looked at her and gave her a short nod as a thank you. The small group stopped in front of a turbo lift and the older Jedi turned to the two young adults.
"We have to address the Council on this turn of events." Adi Gallia was careful with her choice of words, not thrilled with what had transpired since finding her apprentice.
"Yes master." Siri answered for the both of them, keeping her mental shields braced to hide her feelings for her kidnapper.
Adi raised an eyebrow at her apprentice and then glared at Qui Gon. "Come Master Jinn, the Council will be waiting." She then turned to enter the turbo lift.
Qui Gon turned to the youths and sighed. "I'd like to say this won't take long but I know better." And with that he disappeared into the elevator as well.
Siri looked up at Ben. "Well they will be a while, what do you want to do first?"
Ben looked at her and offered a small smile. "Well you said that we can no longer do what I would really want to do first."
Siri quickly glanced around her to make sure no one heard him, she smacked his arm. "Knock that off." She admonished.
"I'm sorry." He stated, and then leaned in towards her. "But I'm really not." He added softly.
Siri involuntarily closed her eyes when she felt his hot breath on her ear, she quickly moved away from him. "Well, how about I show you around?" She changed the subject as fast as she possibly could. "Maybe it will help your memory."
"Doubtful, but let's give it a shot." Ben agreed and followed her down the large stone hall.
Two hours later and they had covered a good portion of the Temple, still no word from the Council had reached them. Siri brought Ben to the Temple gardens and he immediately felt a strange sensation of peace wash over him. Siri guided him through the various pathways and then up a hill to the top of the waterfall in the center of the garden. She noticed him slow down and glanced back to see his eyes had been closed.
"What is it?" She asked.
He kept his eyes closed as he spoke to her. "It's just like the cave, I sense so much. . ."
Siri nodded. "The Force has a very strong presence here."
His eyes snapped opened. "Someone is coming." He exclaimed.
Siri turned around and noticed a small group of Jedi heading towards her; she recognized them to be some of Obi Wan's old friends. She didn't know if anyone present was ready for this encounter. She braced herself for whatever the outcome.
Garen Muln was the first to arrive; he was in his early twenties and very handsome and energetic, he approached Siri. "By the Force look who is back."
Siri didn't know if he meant her or the person behind her. "Who me?" She asked.
"Of course you Tachi." Garen commented. "Who else would I be talking about? Did they hit you on the head or something?" He asked, and then noticed the man behind her. He stared at Ben in confusion, the Force screaming at him. "Who is this?" He motioned to Ben.
Before Siri could answer Bant Erin, Reeft, and Luminari Unduli had arrived, all taken back by the disturbance in the Force. Bant squinted as she moved closer to Ben, sensing a strange yet familiar presence. She walked up mere inches from where Ben was standing, her yellow eyes staring into his.
Siri watched Bant and shifted her weight uncomfortably. "You guys I would like to introduce to you to. . ."
"Obi Wan?" Bant gasped, putting a webbed hand over her mouth.
Ben for his part stayed perfectly still, staring back into Bant's eyes. "I don't know." He answered honestly.
"How is this possible?" Luminari asked.
"The memory wipe apparently worked." Siri attempted to explain the situation. "He was taken in by the Mandolorian warriors. . ." Ben shot her a look at the mention of his former family. "He. . .he. . ." Siri didn't know how to explain everything else.
"He's the one who kidnapped you." Garen stated not questioned. "Oh you better be kidding."
Siri nodded, knowing it was something they would not be able to hide. "The Force works in mysterious ways."
Garen stared at her for another moment then turned his attention on the man that supposedly was his childhood friend. "So. . .how you been?" He asked lamely.
Bant began to circle the man who was at one time her dearest friend. "This is not possible." She kept repeating. "I have finally cast my emotions for good into the Force; I just came to terms with your death!" The usually small voiced padawan screamed. "How dare you come back like this." After her outburst she stopped and stared at bounty hunter for another moment, she then took him by surprise and flung her arms around his shoulders and embraced him tightly.
"Bant?" Siri attempted when she saw the distressed look on Ben's face.
Bant released her grip and attempted to pull back her tears. "I'm sorry, that was un-Jedi like of me and I apologize." She stared into his eyes as she spoke.
Ben cleared his throat. "No worries."
Reeft took a bite of Muja fruit. "So are you going to tell us your story or are we suppose to guess?" He asked with his mouth full.
Siri sensed Ben's uneasiness grabbing at her through the Force, she knew he wasn't ready for this encounter. "I really don't think. . ."
"Why not Tachi?" A booming voice rang out from behind them. "He use to talk all the time, we never could get Oafey Wan to shut up." Bruck Chun laughed.
Siri rolled her eyes as Bruck pushed his way into the group. "Knock it off Bruck, contrary to what you believe you are not cute or charming, especially when you act like a four year old youngling."
"So feisty Siri, since when do you care about other people?" Bruck asked, moving towards the blonde Jedi. "You didn't seem to care much about him before."
"Yeah well Bruck I have news for you, mature people can change." Siri stated, then felt bad that she was stooping to his level. "Now get out of here, this doesn't concern you."
"Oh I disagree Padawan Tachi," Bruck moved towards her. "This man kidnapped a Jedi and now is walking around inside the Jedi Temple." He glared at Ben. "Am I the only one who finds something wrong with that?"
Garen and Luminari exchanged glances, yet kept silent. Ben found himself instinctively reaching for a small blaster which was strapped to his back. Siri stopped him however by stepping between him and his target.
"Bruck, Master Qui Gon trusted him enough to bring him here, don't you think the masters know what they are doing?" She asked.
"Qui Gon has always been so hell bent on finding Oafey Wan that he would do anything for even the slightest possibility he would put the entire order in jeopardy if he had to."
"Bruck, stop it." Siri exclaimed sternly. "Just because you have always been jealous. . ."
Bruck began to laugh. "Jealous? You think I'm jealous over this criminal? This kidnapper?" He stared Siri down and realization dawned on him. He leaned down to whisper in her ear. "This rapist?"
Fire burned in Siri's blue eyes and she slapped Bruck across the face. "How dare you; you are not fit to carry that light saber Bruck, you are a jealous and vindictive man and have no concept of the code and what it stands for."
Bruck had a smug grin on his face. "Obviously neither do you." Bruck then glanced up at Ben. "She's a wonderful girl." He asked. "Makes you feel special doesn't she?" He clasped Ben on the shoulder and Ben tensed under his touch. "She is a great actress though, even I believed she needed me, but really she just wanted something from me."
Ben looked at Bruck then over towards Siri who was wishing the ground would swallow her whole; she was less than thrilled at having all of her skeletons brought out of her closet in front of a group of peers and the man she had given her heart to. "Is this true?" Ben asked.
Siri never lowered her gaze from his. "We all make mistakes that we wish we could take back." She cleared her throat. "That's why you're here isn't it?"
Ben shook his head. "No, I'm here because of you," he stated honestly. "And to learn where I possibly came from."
Siri hung her head. "I'm sorry." She answered him.
"You see, he isn't even sorry for kidnapping her!" Bruck shouted. "He should be arrested!" He then pulled out his comlink. "Security, to the gardens we have an intruder!"
Siri looked towards Obi Wan's childhood friends who had very confused looks on their faces. She grabbed Bruck's arm. "Stop it Bruck, this isn't funny."
Bruck pulled away from Siri, trying to keep her from grabbing his comlink, the two wrestled for a moment when suddenly Bruck slipped on a smooth rock and he and Siri tumbled over the edge. Ben's reflexes were sharp and he in the same instant as their fall was at the edge using his wrist cable launcher to catch Siri.
The cable was slick from the water, and it cut her hands as she held on, but somehow with the help of the Force Siri was saved from her plummet. Ben helped her back to solid ground and held her tightly in his arms. Garen and Luminari ran to the edge and they all stared at the motionless body of Bruck Chun. None of them spoke for several minutes due to the shock, Reeft then ran down the hill and checked the fallen padawan's vital signs, and he shook his head when he found none.
"We should call someone." Luminari exclaimed.
"Yeah we should call the person with drinks so we can celebrate the end of that prick." Ben joked and was stopped by several harsh looks from the other present people. "Sorry."
Suddenly four Jedi rushed towards the group and grabbed Ben, binding his hands behind his back. A younger Padawan ran up to the security force a second later. "Master, it looks as though a senior Padawan fell from the top of the falls, he's one with the Force now."
"Get the Healers Padawan, and make sure the area stays clear of initiates." The master commanded and the apprentice bowed and ran to her duties.
Siri watched as Temple security began to lead Ben down the hill, he never took his eyes off of her. She felt the urge to rush to his rescue, but the shock of what had transpired seemed to cement her feet to the ground.
All at once the shock wore off. "Ben!" She shouted after him and began to chase after the team holding him.
Garen grabbed her and held her still. "Let him go sweets, we've all had to."
She found herself wanting to cry. "No, I won't abandon him, we can't abandon him, not this time."
TBC: Well there you have it, again I'm sorry it took so long to update, but I promise to keep going on this story. Thank you for all your reviews.