Teach You a Lesson

Chapter 13

Both Jinn and Tiana were stunned in place as they saw Master Noah Hal standing at the doorway staring at them when they just finished sharing a kiss. Immediately, Jinn thought about what sort of excuse he could come up with for being caught in a comprising situation with his Padawan, but none of seemed good enough to say.

Then, in a flash, Tiana raised up her hand and slapped him across the face that left his cheek burning red.

"Ow! Gods, what the hell is—"

"No!" shouted Tiana with a shove. "No, Obi-Wan, this is wrong."

And then without another word, she grabbed Master Hal and pushed him out into the hall and shut the door behind her. Frightful, of what she had just done, she mortifyingly covered her face with her hands and wished on all the stars in the heavens that the earth would just swallow her up whole. Force, this was terrible. Why the Sith did she say that?

However, cautiously she felt Noah place his hand on her shoulder and eased her turn around and face him. "Miss Hartly is that—I mean, was that really Obi-Wan just now that kissed you?"

Slowly, the green-eyed beauty lowered her hands and stared at Master Hal speechless. She wasn't sure if she should just give up and pill the beans about her and Master Jinn. Should she tell him about their secret relationship? Mentally, she cringed and thought, no, that would probably be the dumbest mistake she'd ever make. If Master Hal knew about them then they would be reported and Jinn would be put to trail, expelled and never teach again. Meanwhile, she'd be punished, re-disciplined, give to a new master and put under probation. Overall, she'd get off easy while Jinn would take all the blame. She knew he'd do it. He was too gallant and would probably say he seduced her. She couldn't let him do that. She had to do something, but it really worth slandering poor Obi-Wan's good name?

"Yes, but don't worry about it Master Hal, it was just a misunderstanding."

Noah narrowed his brow. "Are you sure, Miss Hartly? If you are uncomfortable about this, you are free to tell me what is on your mind with full confidentiality."

"No, it's all right. I think I made my point quite clearly. Now, please won't you join me to visit Lady Thrice? I'm going to receive a gown for the ball and it would be nice to have your masculine opinion."

"Very well, Hartly. But, I'd like for us to talk awhile too. I think we ought to get better acquainted."

Tiana nodded. "Yes, as you wish, Master. Now, let's be on our way." She then took him by the arm and led him down the halls.

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Meanwhile, back at the apartment, Jinn was flabbergasted. He had no idea what just happened. One moment they were kissing and the next she slapped him and called him his father. Jinn rubbed his sore cheek thoroughly and sat down on his sofa and frowned.

"Force! What a predicament! And all because Noah had to walk in. Doesn't the blasted man know how to wait? Gods, father is not going to like this."

The warrior then reached for communicator at his belt and called his father up. "Father? It's me, Jinn. I must tell you something and I'm afraid it isn't very pleasant."

"Jinn, good morning, my treasure," answered Thrice. "Your father is not here at the moment. We are at the training grounds sparring. He's at the showers now, but if you'd like I can tell him your message for you. What's wrong?"

"Mother, I'm going to guess that father already told you about my situation with Miss Hartly, right?"

Amused, she replied, "I'm sorry, Jinn, but your father tells me everything. But, you are a patient man. You should not allow an evaluator to spoil your wait. All good things come with time."

Jinn groaned and said, "Yes, yes, I know, but mother, Tiana and I were caught in a—a situation and Master Hal saw us."

"…I see…" replied Thrice with a long pause.

"I see?" parroted Jinn. "What do you mean—oh! No, mother is wasn't like that. I was a gentleman. It was just a kiss, but Tiana told a fib and said I was Obi-Wan and now Master Hal thinks it was father he saw kissing her. Please, make him aware of the situation in case it comes up."

Stunned, Thrice exclaimed, "What?" but then a moment later, Jinn heard her laughing. "Hellfire, Jinn! You are in a jam."

"It wasn't my idea. Trust me. And could you please stop laughing. The consequences for this could mean my expulsion."

Smiling into her words, Thrice replied, "Yes Jinn, I know. But, being expelled is not the end of the world. You shouldn't worry so much. I will tell your father about what happened and hopefully there will be no more incidences."

The warrior sighed and said, "Yes, I hope so too. Thank you for understanding."

The red-eyed beauty giggled and answered, "It is not I you should be thanking, warrior, but your father since it is his reputation you are ruining. You're making him out to be a dirty old man."

Stammering, Jinn said, "Yes, well—it's not intentional. But, I have to warn you again that I felt Tiana and Master Hal at your apartment to barrow a gown. I hope I hadn't sent them to an empty apartment."

"No, Kiya is there with her children. Warren has some affairs to take care of with his Padawan. But, I'm sure your sister can find something for Tiana to wear. Though, I think your father and I will stay away from our quarters for now and we will make ourselves ready for the ball with Lord Blackswan."

"I understand, though don't let father wear red, Jinn over and out."

The warrior snapped his communicator shut with click and rested his arms over his head and sank into the cushions with a groan. This was not how he imagined his day would go at all. It was like the Force was churning against him. Jinn then got up and went to change his robe. He didn't want Master Hal to approach him at the ball, so dark red was out of the question.

"Perhaps, royal blue," he muttered out loud.

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Location: Kenobi quaters

When Tiana and Master Hal made it to Obi-Wan and Lady Thrice's quarters they discovered that the lady of the house was gone and that Kiya was there with her children. She opened the door and let the two inside the apartment.

Curious, she said, "So, let me get this straight. You need a gown for the ball and Jinn told you two to wait for him here?"

"Yes, Kiya, but I thought your mother would be home and I could ask her. I hope you don't mind if we wait for her here."

Kiya shifted her baby girl in her arms and passed her to Master Hal to hold. "Here, please take her Master Hal. Miss Hartly and I must raid my mother's closet. Come along, my dear. It's time to be beautified."

The lady-knight then pulled Tiana to her mother's walk in closet and threw open the doors and began riffling through the different hangers and gowns inside. "I must say, mother has too much, but I believe all these have accumulated after nearly six centuries of living." Kiya narrowed her gray-blue eyes as she held up a pure white silk robe embroidered with gold thread and said, "Hmmm…I think this was from the Shoomara era. Tell me, my dear, what do you think? Too flashy?"

The green-eyed beauty was overwhelmed. There really were a lot of gowns. In fact, it was like going through a closet owned by a queen. It was a great surprise because Tiana hadn't had the impression that Lady Thrice was overly materialistic. She thought of her always as a warrior or simply as Master Obi-Wan's wife. The only non-superficial thing she knew about her was that she was Jinn's primary teacher.

"I think something simplistic would be best, Kiya. I'm not a Clan warrior and I don't think it would be appropriate if I dress like one at the ball. These gowns aren't really me."

Kiya tilted her head thoughtfully and said, "I suppose, but you have been trained by Jinn so honesty I don't think anyone would dispute your ties to the Clan. You are kin after all and dressing lovely isn't about other people; it's about you. You should flaunt your status and pride, not hide it. You worked hard to become strong, others should know you are meant to be seen and respected." She then stood in front of Tiana and placed her hands onto her shoulders and gazed at her hard with her ghostly gray eyes and added, "Remember, Padawan Tiana Hartly, you are apart of a Clan of women warriors that stretches back nearly a thousand years. You now share a heritage that was founded by the great ancestors of old who fought until extinction. It is tradition among the Blackswan Clan to be both strong and beautiful."

In response, Tiana smiled, "Thank you, Kiya. I will remember that."

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Later that day, Jinn returned back from Lord Blackswan to the Jedi living quarters and went to escort Tiana and Master Hal to the ball. He was wearing now a dark royal blue robe with white flowers decorated fashionably all around it and trimmed back with his bright orange sash that played off his shinning amber eyes.

He knocked on the door to be polite and called, "Miss Tiana? Are you in there? Come, Padawan, it's time to go to the ball."

The door opened and Jinn stared transfixed at the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. Tiana's tan complication was set in contrast to a divine white gown with a long midnight blue train with sparkling stars sown across the fabric like the cosmos. Her hands were covered in long pure white gloves and her hair was pinned up in twist with a crown of pale winter roses. She looked so beautiful and her bright green eyes seemed to shine with fire.

The warrior approached her slowly and carefully he bowed to her silently and took her hand to give it a chaste kiss. He felt her tremble nervously at his touch, but gradually he released her and gazed at her lovely face.

"My dear, you looked enchanting."

Tiana blushed and replied, "Thank you, Master. It was Lady Kiya who helped me choose a gown. I still feel strange, but Master Hal has assured me that I look like a princess."

"Indeed, Miss Hartly," answered the warrior. He then spotted Noah, Kiya and the children and called, "Come Kiya, we're off to the ball."

The lady-knight replied, "Oh, Jinn! Go on with Tiana and Hal without me. I promised Warren I would meet up with him here. I also need to wait for the babysitter to arrive."

"All right, Kiya," he said and then without another word, the three made their way to Harmony Hall to attend the New Peace Ball.

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Location: Harmony Hall, Jedi Temple, New Peace Ball

"What a party," said Master Hal. "Just look at the place. It's all glits and glamour."

Tiana agreed, she was awed to see all the people dressed in expense rich clothing and how magnificent the Hall was decorated with gravity defying orbs and bath in soft appealing light. She saw that the high ceiling sparkled with massive chandeliers and the food was all delicious and filled with unknown delicacies.

She was surprised to hear her name being called out loud as they entered the party and how lively the politicians and dignitaries seemed. And to hear the sounds of music being played by a band at the center of the room and see a line of elegant dancers twirl and spin with long colorful ribbons. She noticed that all the dancers looked the nearly identical to each other and was shocked to see they all resembled Jinn's mother, Lady Thrice. Each one had long black hair and eerie red eyes that seemed to shine with their reflective sheen.

However, once Jinn strode up to them the dancers all paused and bowed to him respectively. In unison they said, "Greetings, Lord Kenobi. May the Phoenix shine upon you for a thousand years."

Tiana and Master Hal were both startled by this display, but Jinn bowed to them in return and answered confidently, "Good evening, ladies. And may the Force be with you. Now, were is your Mistress?"

In a burst of giggles, the women crowded around him adoringly and one of them said, "Our Mistress, Lady Nina is acting as hostess with Lord Blackswan and is speaking with the Queen of Naboo."

A second said, "You never visit us at the Clan anymore, Lord Kenobi."

Another said, "We missed you, my lord, but there is rumor you will soon have a lady of our own."

Jinn frowned. "What in the world are you talking about? What lady?"

"It is said that Lord Blackswan wishes to match you with a noblewoman of status. He said that such a fine specimen of hybrid genetics should not continue to exist without obtaining a mate."

The second said, "He said you are wasting your best years adrift in the emptiness of space when you could be cultivating your skills and raising your own brew."

Annoyed, Jinn said, "Enough, he is making me out to be some sort of stud. I'll have no more talk about my genetics. It's demeaning. And really, what's it got to do with him anyway? I'm not his biological grandson."

"But, you are my grandson, by relation, Jinn," spoke Lord Blackswan behind him.

Jinn turned and was greeted by the sight of the tall broad scientists, his fateful assistant Lady Nina and the Queen of Naboo, Queen Helena. He gave them a bow and replied, "Yes, it's very good to see you again, Lord Blackswan, Lady Nina and you your Highness. And allow me to present to you my Padawan, Miss Tiana Hartly and our friend Master Noah Hal."

"Charming," answered the scientist. "You look well, my boy. How have you been doing?"

"Fine, my lord, just fine. Though, I have heard about your ploy to play matchmaker. You should really leave that sort of thing to a professional or better yet leave it up to fate."

Lord Blackswan smiled. "Now, now, Jinn. I'm only looking out for you. And besides, I know how much you like Queen Helena. She seems intrigued by the idea of several options."

Jinn groaned, "Please, must you?"

"You aren't getting any younger, my boy. I know that 200 years may seem like a long time, but it really isn't. You must make plans and start thinking about your future. You can't be a Jedi Knight forever."

Jinn turned his head in exasperation and said, "Force, you behave more like a granny than a grandpa." He then took Queen Helena's hand and asked, "Would you care to have this dance, your Highness?"

Smiling, the monarch answered, "Yes, I would like that very much, my lord." And off the two went.

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TBC

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Hey, hoysterrule123 and Bekah. Thank you for reviewing. I know that last chapter, Master Hal was kind of rude walking in unannouced by he does have free range as an evaluator. It's his job to be quiet and nosy. But, poor Obi took the blame for Jinn's slip up. I'll have to write up how he takes that. Though, Jinn is just having more and more problems come his way.

Please keep reviewing. Thanks.