Chapter Twenty-Five
Far past the village of Taresh, where Obi-Wan was born, beyond the mountains of Kallo, lie the Hiekia plains. Not many lifeforms thrive in that region, but one: The massive rankor. Averaging six meters tall, they are the deadliest beasts in Avi-Kao, their sole purpose to kill and eat. He'd always been told the only reason the entire population of Avi-Kao had not been eliminated by them was because of the Kallo mountains, which essentially confined the rankor to the plains.
Obi-Wan couldn't imagine how such a feat were possible, but two of them had apparently been captured, brought to Upea, and at the present time, were waiting in the arena for him.
So, this was his fate - the plan of the woman he once thought he loved. They had, at one time, shared passion and dreams, but now her only desire was apparently to exact her revenge by serving Obi-Wan upon a platter to be devoured by rankor. And not just any rankor, but a mated pair. They were far more vicious when mated, he'd been told.
One peek through the iron gate standing between he and the ferocious beasts was all it took to convince Obi-Wan there was very little chance for a victory this day. It seemed as if the Avi-Ami had won.
However, winning isn't everything and only change brings the opportunity Obi-Wan needed.
Before now, Obi-Wan had been unwilling to change, to let go of what he had assumed was his destiny: His commitment to Qui-Gon, to being a Soturi, his future with Pad-Me. They were all of little value now.
Qui-Gon no longer needed him to win. His assurance lay with Tah-Du and the golden band about his finger. He was safe.
As far as Obi-Wan's career as a Soturi, that will end as soon as he steps foot in that arena.
And Pad-Me? Pad-Me was not who he thought she was, and someone he really didn't care to know – nor see in the streets of Upea even if a miracle occurred and he became Champion.
No. A change is what was required, and there was only one way at this point to achieve it.
Quieting his mind and slowing his breathing, Obi-Wan allowed the peace of meditation to flow through him, lifting his spirits, calming his soul, and providing such an opportunity.
It was the door he had seen on many occasions before, only this time, through either the openness of his mind or his willingness to let go, he noted a latch.
He no longer cared about those in the stands chanting his name, about his Master waiting outside the arena to hear the results of his battle, nor of Tah-Du in the stands saying a prayer to whatever gods she believed in to ensure his survival. He especially did not care about the celebratory smirk on the Avi-Ami's face, as she impatiently waited his entrance, and giddily looked forward to his death.
There was something else out there – someone else who would care, and it was this someone who needed his help.
Obi-Wan reached out for the handle, finding it to be firm and cool in his grasp. He did not pay any mind to the sound of the golden trumpet announcing the battle had begun.
He twisted the mechanism and pushed open the wooden door, while thousands of Upea citizens focused upon the swinging iron gate, only to be disappointed and confused, when Obi-Wan was not there.
He didn't hear the angry yell of the Avi-Ami, nor the roar of the hungry rankor, for he had stepped forward into another world - a world without sand, overwhelming heat, or beasts waiting to devour him.
He opened his eyes to see that below his feet was wet, soft grass, and over his head were trees – branches and branches of leafy green casting drops of water upon his head and face.
Obi-Wan breathed deeply, inhaling the cool, humid air which acted as a salve to his lungs, and stood for some time allowing the moisture to seep into his parched skin.
Somewhere above him were birds. He could hear their chirping and chattering, but he couldn't see them.
Beside him ran a tiny, bright green, long-legged serpent, who skittered along the leafy undergrowth in search of a proper hiding place.
It all would've been peaceful except for the clap of thunder not caused by any storm. It was the sound of war, and Obi-Wan had already become familiar with it, having listened to it and witnessed its effects for many years, if only in his visions.
He knew this place. He knew why he was here.
Gripping his sword and shield tightly in his hands, Obi-Wan set out to locate the battle. Once he found it, he knew he'd find Her.
~ End of Part One ~
Author's Note: I told you that story, so I can tell you this one. ;) I decided Part Two is going to be a continuation of "Soturi," under the same title and will begin with Chapter 26. I will summarize it differently in that chapter, as well as give a brief descipription of what has already occurred.
Special thanks to everyone who is reading and especially reviewing. I hope you stick around for the rest. (True obidala goodness is on its way!)