Title: Cursed

Author: Ticklesivory

Summary: In this AU Obidala, being able to read the Force isn't necessarily a good thing.

Warnings: There's some H/C scenes in this one.

Genre: Adventure, Romance, Hurt/Comfort

Rating: T

Chapter One: "Exposed"

It was my first week of teaching in the new school building. I was still fairly new and considered myself lucky to be working in such a fine facility so early in my career. My students and I were excited by all the new technology given to us and the structure itself, but what I was most interested in was the location. The school's leaders had wisely decided to build the school closer to the South Woods and the Eriadu River. The surroundings should provide plenty of opportunities for field trips and outdoor learning. As soon as the weather cleared, that is. The spring season in this part of Stewjon was always wet and we waited patiently for the first sunny day. When it finally arrived, the excitement was nearly palpable.

We started our day walking a trail along the cliff overlooking the river below. I incorporated a lesson on waterways and erosion, of the dangers of breakaways and unstable root systems. Even the parents who were accompanying us seemed interested in the information I was providing. It was a beautiful day and despite the many distractions, I was able to hold my students' attention.

That is until all hell broke loose.

A crowd had gathered at the overlook which was protected by a wooden fence, with all twenty in my class observing the rapid flow of the water below. The constant rain had swelled the river to an unnatural depth and I was getting nervous. I wasn't sure why.

At first, it sounded as if the wind was carrying leaves across the ground although there were none. I thought nothing of it at first. But then, a loud crack was heard, similar to the opening of an overripe melon. Before anyone realized what was happening, the entire side of the cliff gave way and began tumbling down into the water, carrying trees, rocks, the fence, and my students along with it.

I didn't think. I just reacted. It wasn't until I noticed the stunned silence of onlookers and the several pairs of eyes staring at me that I realized what I'd done.

I'd used the Force. Up until now, I had avoided it. In most systems, doing so was a death sentence. However, this was my home and these people knew me! Surely, they would appreciate my efforts!

Carefully, with its invisible power, I carried my students back to solid ground, far away from danger. Their loved ones flew to their sides to ensure they were undamaged, and then most of them turned to stare at me. They were afraid. I could see it on their faces.

I didn't know what to say. Should I apologize? What for? I did what I had to do. Surely, they wouldn't judge me for that. I quickly had to come to terms, however, when a few of them did exactly just that. Without a word, they took their children and left. Nearly a third of my students were withdrawn that day, and I was called in early for a staff meeting the following morning.

I had never caused a single problem. I was a good teacher and a loyal and honest employee. I had nothing to be ashamed of.

"Here's the deal," my supervisor told me. "We've received some complaints. There are some parents who are refusing to allow their child to be in your class because of what you did yesterday. However, the administration has come to an agreement that as long as you promise never to use such powers again, your employment here may continue. Will you make such an oath, Mr. Kenobi?"

I agreed wholeheartedly and immediately complied. I loved my job as well as my students, even though there were fewer of them now. However, one problem still remained: My secret was out and I didn't know if I could trust anyone to keep it.

"Don't worry," one of the mothers told me graciously later. "We won't tell anyone. Our son loves your class. You're such a good teacher. Try not to worry about it."

That was easy for her to say.