Whatever the Weather
Whatever the weather, we will make it through together. A series of oneshots based around the forces of nature, Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon.
-X-X-X-X-
Rain
"Obi-Wan."
The far away voice echoed in his mind.
"Padawan."
This time it sounded closer. More insistent.
"Wake up, Padawan."
An order this time. With a sharp note of concern and urgency.
Obi-Wan dragged himself out of his deep sleep and instantly regretted it. His body ached all over and his head throbbed. But an order was an order and he forced open glassy eyes to the worried looking face of his master.
Memory came flooding back.
Their mission had gone horribly wrong and Obi-Wan had been captured and held captive for the past week. He had initially attempted to escape a number of times, however each attempt had been foiled and he had received a thorough beating in punishment. After a few days, he grew too weak to fight back and had been forced to abandon his efforts to escape and began instead to attempt to heal himself. However, in his weakened state, the limited techniques he had learned so far in his short apprenticeship had not been successful and he was slowly succumbing to his injuries and subsequent infection.
"Mahster." Obi-Wan said, slurring slightly as he slowly awakened.
"Come, Padawan. Quickly." Qui-Gon urged, pressing Obi-Wan's lightsaber into his hand and hauling the boy to his feet.
Obi-Wan's head spun and he staggered slightly, knees nearly collapsing underneath him.
"Easy." Qui-Gon murmured, steadying his apprentice by wrapping an arm around him and firmly holding him to his side. He sent a wave of energy and a pulse of comfort through his bond to Obi-Wan. "Come now, let's get you out of here."
Obi-Wan staggered down the dimly lit hallway next to Qui-Gon, focusing on putting one foot in front of the other, leaning heavily on the taller man. He still clutched his lightsaber in his hand, although he acknowledged that he would be fairly useless with the weapon in his current state. Nevertheless, he drew on the comfort and familiarity that it provided.
Qui-Gon paused at an intersection, listening and reaching out with the Force to see what lay ahead. "Stay here." He said, manoeuvring Obi-Wan towards the wall so that he could lean up against it.
Obi-Wan leaned against the cold and slightly damp wall, resting his feverish forehead against the cool stone. He heard the snap of Qui-Gon's lightsaber activating echoing back to him and a moment later, the unmistakable sound of blaster bolts being fired, followed by the deflection of these bolts by a lightsaber.
After a few long minutes of this skirmish, he heard a single set of feet running, closing in on him. He pushed himself away from the wall, thumb hovering over the activation switch of his lightsaber, prepared to fight if he needed to, then exhaled with relief when it was Qui-Gon that rounded the corner.
"Come, Padawan." Qui-Gon said, once again wrapping his arm around the boy.
They continued their journey through the maze-like passageways, Obi-Wan detachedly noticing the bodies strewn across the hallway as they passed by, feeling the lingering determination laced with a hint of desperation in the Force as Qui-Gon hurried him along just a little faster past this point.
They eventually burst out of the compound into a small clearing surrounded by the dense jungle and immediately heard the shouts of discovery.
"You're going to have to run now, Obi-Wan." Qui-Gon said urgently, sending another wave of energy towards the padawan.
Obi-Wan nodded and called on the Force, willing his legs to move faster, trying to keep up with his master's long-legged stride. They ran across the clearing and into the jungle, dense foliage whipping at their sides as they forged a trail through the undergrowth. Obi-Wan stumbled multiple times on the uneven ground but each time was hauled back to his feet by the steadying arm of his master.
"Get ready to jump." Qui-Gon instructed.
Obi-Wan gathered as much of the Force as he could, taking in his surroundings. He could feel Qui-Gon doing the same. He felt a flash of fear but quickly dispelled it. He would trust his master and he would trust the Force.
"Now."
Qui-Gon propelled himself off the edge of the cliff, followed a split second later by Obi-Wan, free falling towards the river far below. Obi-Wan felt Qui-Gon reach out and grasp his wrist, pulling him close.
Qui-Gon gathered up the Force around the two Jedi, letting it guide their fall and hopefully avoiding further injury.
They plunged into the water together, but the force of the impact drove them apart. Obi-Wan floated deep in the water, looking up at the surface far above him. The river was deep and he felt the current tugging ruthlessly at his body. He began to kick, aiming towards the surface, but he was merely staying still, flailing uselessly against the current. He began to doubt himself. He knew he could hold his breath for a long time, but he did not know how long that would be currently in his weakened state. And he did not have the strength to kick against the current.
Suddenly, a rebreather was pushed into his mouth and Qui-Gon appeared in front of him, his long hair and Jedi robes billowing around him. Qui-Gon grasped Obi-Wan under his arms and kicked strongly, propelling the two Jedi to the surface.
They broke the surface and Qui-Gon treaded water, supporting Obi-Wan in a floating position so the boy could conserve his energy. The current was strong at the surface and it began sweeping them down the river. The river soon became more shallow and rougher. Qui-Gon gave up treading water and focused on attempting to manoeuvre them around the rocks and debris, but regardless they were battered thoroughly as they bounced from one rock to the next, struggling to keep their heads above water as the current steadily increased in speed, which could only mean one thing.
"Prepare for a waterfall!" Qui-Gon shouted to Obi-Wan, gripping the boy tightly with both arms.
Obi-Wan wrapped his arms around Qui-Gon in turn, holding on as tightly as he could manage as they plunged over the side of the waterfall.
Everything went black.
-X-X-X-X-
When Obi-Wan came to, the world was upside down and bouncing around in an odd manner. It took a long few seconds to realise that he had been thrown over someone's shoulder and was being carried in a rather undignified manner. It took another long few seconds to recognise the boots of his current mode of transportation.
"Master, you can put me down now." He rasped.
Obi-Wan felt himself slide over Qui-Gon's shoulder and he was deposited gently on the ground in front of the tall Jedi, who kept a steadying hand on his slightly swaying apprentice's shoulder, keen blue eyes and a wave of the Force analysing the current state of his health.
"Master, it's raining." Obi-Wan frowned, belatedly realising that they were now caught in a tropical downpour. "This planet is very wet."
Qui-Gon chuckled despite himself and the concern he had for his padawan. "You don't say." He said, turning Obi-Wan around and placing a supportive arm around the boy's shoulders again. "Come, let's find someplace dry."
They continued to walk through the jungle, soaked to the bone by the torrential rain. It wasn't cold, but Obi-Wan soon started to shiver, the injuries and subsequent infection taking its toll on his body. His steps slowed, and he became clumsier, stumbling and falling more often as he didn't have any energy left to pick his feet up far enough off the ground to clear the uneven terrain. He didn't complain - it was not the Jedi way - but he knew he could not go much further.
"We will shelter here." Qui-Gon said, pointing to a place up ahead. He had noticed Obi-Wan struggling more and more and knew he needed to rest soon to recover his strength.
The tree was extremely large and tall, it's branches thick and leaves wide and dense, naturally creating a sheltered zone around the trunk where the branches and leaves had the most solid cover. The lowest branches were high enough that Qui-Gon could stand underneath them without even having to duck his head forwards.
Qui-Gon helped Obi-Wan to the shelter of the tree and assisted him to slip off his cloak and tunic, wringing the excess water out of each item of clothing and hanging them over one of the large branches, following suit with his own garments. Obi-Wan, clad only in his pants and boots, wrapped his arms around his bare upper body and shivered, trying to keep himself warm.
"Sit down, Padawan." Qui-Gon said, guiding Obi-Wan to sit leaning against the wide tree trunk. "I'm going to make a fire."
Obi-Wan pulled his knees in towards his chest and wrapped his arms around his legs, making himself seem even smaller and younger than his fourteen years. His head throbbed and he was definitely still feverish. He could see a number of dark purple bruises blossoming over his arms and torso - some from their wild river ride, but most were courtesy of his captors. He knew his back would look a sight. One of the captors was rather proficient with a whip. Judging by the pain and his systemic symptoms, he gathered that the wounds were infected.
Qui-Gon returned after a few minutes with an armload of kindling, which he quickly set alight with his lightsaber, making a small fire. Hopefully enough to warm them up but not enough to damage the tree which was currently their only shelter from the weather.
"How are you feeling, Padawan." Qui-Gon asked gently, sitting down next to his apprentice, noticing the bruising and wounds on his back properly for the first time. His stomach clenched with guilt and helplessness as he realised the full extent of what the boy had endured over the past week.
"I've been better." Obi-Wan said, lifting tired eyes up to look at his master. Moving his head hurt too much.
"I'm so sorry, Padawan." Qui-Gon whispered, not trusting his voice.
"It's not your fault." Obi-Wan returned, wincing as he adjusted his position.
"Maybe not, but I'm still sorry for what you are enduring." Qui-Gon said. "And I am sorry for not being able to find you quicker."
"You're here now." Obi-Wan said slowly, words slurring slightly. "I'm so tired."
"Sleep, Padawan mine." Qui-Gon said, infusing their bond with a sleep suggestion. "You deserve a rest."
Obi-Wan's head drooped as he quickly succumbed to sleep, then slumped to the side, leaning on Qui-Gon's shoulder. The tall Jedi carefully adjusted his position and wrapped his arm around his apprentice so that the boy's head rested on his chest.
He leaned back against the broad tree trunk and released a long breath, trying to find his centre. He slipped into a light meditation, sending waves of healing towards his padawan. He knew the boy needed a healer's attention, however he would still do all he could to ease his pain. He just hoped that it wasn't too little too late.
-X-X-X-X-
Qui-Gon was roused from his light meditation a few hours later by a low groan and his padawan shifting restlessly. The sky was pitch black now and he could still hear the rain falling outside their makeshift shelter. The only light was that of the small fire which was still burning. He pressed the back of his hand to Obi-Wan's forehead and was shocked by the intensity of the heat radiating from his skin.
"Padawan." Qui-Gon said, gently shaking the boy to try and rouse him.
Blue eyes struggled open, glassy with pain and sickness.
"Your fever is getting worse. I need to find some water for you."
Small hands suddenly gripped at the older Jedi's arm. "Don't leave me." Obi-Wan pleaded.
Qui-Gon's stomach clenched at the words, realising how awful his fiercely self-reliant apprentice must be feeling in order to beg for him to stay.
"I must find you some water, Obi-Wan." Qui-Gon said gently. "You are so very unwell."
Obi-Wan nodded slowly and released his grip on Qui-Gon's arm, moving away from the Jedi master and curling in on himself, hugging his legs into his chest and resting his aching head on his knees.
"I won't be long, Padawan." Qui-Gon assured him, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder for a moment before standing and walking off in search of water.
Obi-Wan watched the tall figure of his master disappear into the rain, feeling useless and needy and so frustrated with himself. He felt a tear trail down his cheek but could not find the energy to lift his arm to wipe it away.
After what felt like a very long time, Qui-Gon returned carrying the large husk of some kind of fruit. He was soaking wet again after having been out in the rain and his hair dripped on Obi-Wan as he knelt down in front of him.
"Drink." Qui-Gon instructed, lifting the makeshift bowl to Obi-Wan's mouth.
Obi-Wan drank small sips carefully, not wanting to irritate his stomach and add another symptom to his collection. "Thank you." He said, voice not much more than a whisper.
Qui-Gon placed the husk bowl on the ground next to Obi-Wan and reached over to where his cloak was hanging to dry and ripped off a strip of fabric from the bottom of it. He dipped it in the cool water and pressed it to Obi-Wan's forehead and neck, attempting to cool him down.
"Try to be strong, my Padawan." Qui-Gon murmured, placing his hand on Obi-Wan's hot forehead and sending healing energy.
"There is no try." Obi-Wan replied weakly, his lips quirked up in a half smile.
Qui-Gon smiled back. "Come now, you should rest some more. Before I found you, I contacted the council to arrange extraction and activated our locator beacon. They should be here tomorrow. You will need your strength."
He shifted so he was back sitting next to Obi-Wan and lifted his arm, inviting the boy to lean on him again, stifling an amused smile when Obi-Wan nestled into his side as closely as he could. He brushed a hand affectionately through Obi-Wan's short padawan haircut as the boy quickly succumbed to another sleep suggestion.
-X-X-X-X-
The night passed slowly and Qui-Gon alternated between applying cool water to a fevered forehead and attempting to stave off body wracking shivers by embracing Obi-Wan as tightly as he dared, ever aware of the horrendous looking infected wounds on his back.
The first sign of the new day was an ever so subtle lightening of the pitch black that had surrounded them for the last ten hours. The sun gradually chased away all the shadows and Qui-Gon felt Obi-Wan stirring in his arms, slowly working his way out from the deep sleep he was in.
"Good morning, Padawan." Qui-Gon said softly, once Obi-Wan had woken sufficiently. "How are you feeling?"
Obi-Wan pushed himself up into a sitting position with some difficulty, wincing as the wounds on his back protested the movement. "A little better." He replied. "I am sorry for keeping you up all night."
"There is nothing to be sorry for." Qui-Gon replied gently. "However, now that you have awakened, we should prepare to leave. We have about an hour's walk to get to the extraction point. And you will be pleased to know that the rain has stopped."
"Good. Perhaps next time we should request a planet with a drier climate."
"We will go where the Force leads us." Qui-Gon replied lightly, helping Obi-Wan to his feet and holding him steady for a moment, making sure he wasn't going to collapse. "Although I wouldn't be opposed to a more temperate climate."
They donned their tunics and cloaks, which had mostly dried out by now and smothered what was left of the small fire before leaving their shelter.
Now that they weren't in as much of a hurry, Qui-Gon adopted a slower pace and led the way, forging a path through the thick jungle, Obi-Wan following in his wake. Obi-Wan noticed that he had a bit more energy this morning and he felt less fatigued after Qui-Gon's Force healing techniques and some sleep, but he was still injured and still feverish and soon the energy was exhausted and he began slowing his pace.
Qui-Gon noticed quickly that his Padawan's presence was no longer behind him and stopped to allow the younger Jedi to catch up. He wrapped his arm around the boy's shoulder as he had done the previous day. "Come, Padawan, there is not much further to go."
"Yes, master." Obi-Wan said, concentrating on keeping his legs moving.
After a while, the trees began thinning and thick jungle gradually became wide open grasslands.
"We are nearly there, Padawan." Qui-Gon encouraged, gently squeezing the arm wrapped around Obi-Wan's shoulder. "I can see our transport approaching ahead."
Unwilling to expend energy forming words, especially seeing as he was now fighting against black spots dancing at the edges of his vision, Obi-Wan answered with a "Mm-hm", hoping that his master wouldn't think it rude of him. He looked at where Qui-Gon was pointing and saw a spaceship with Jedi insignia descending through the sky. Bolstered by the sight of their salvation, he managed to draw on the last reserves of his strength and forced his legs to move faster as the ship landed not too far in front of them.
They were nearly upon the ship by the time it had decompressed. The ramp began opening and as it touched down to the ground, two very familiar people rushed down the ramp towards them - Master Tahl and her Padawan Bant Eerin.
Obi-Wan felt relief flooding through him, and could feel Qui-Gon's relief flood over their bond. Not only were they getting off the planet, but they were in excellent hands.
Everything was going to be okay.