Chapter 9
It had been three days since they had first learned of Obi-Wan's condition and nothing had changed within those three days. Nicia walked down to the holding cells where qui-Gon was being held for the past three days. Iason had been coming to see Qui-Gon for sessions. But the Jedi had barely talked. Iason said that he was still holding on to his anger but instead of it being directed to the people who had taken Obi-wan and tortured him it was directed to himself. The Council was still debating over Qui-Gon's fate they had heard Iason's theory that Qui-Gon's actions were the result of an emotional breakdown but they were still wary. Qui-Gon had also been ordered to see the mind healers for the next few months or so.
Nicia stopped walking once she reached the cell where Qui-Gon was. When Nicia looked into the cell at him she felt a small twinge of anger rise in her thinking of the pain that Qui-Gon's actions had caused Obi-Wan. She quickly pushed that feeling down.
"Qui-Gon." She said by way of greeting. Qui-Gon did not look up at her when he replied.
"Nicia." He returned her coldness, which just aggravated Nicia. She just stood there not saying anything for a couple of long seconds.
"Qui-Gon what were you thinking?" He did not answer. "How would your turning have helped Obi-Wan it would not have brought him back if he was dead. The only thing it would have done is dishonor his memory." That got a response form Qui-Gon. He was in Nicia's face in a second.
"Shut up! You have no idea what you are talking about!" He shouted but Nicia just stood there the same stone expression on her face.
"No Qui-Gon I do know. I know what it is like to lose someone you love and consider family. When I lost Miron it felt like my whole world came crashing down around me and there was nothing I could do about it. But I moved on because that is what he would have wanted me to do. He would not have wanted me to be stuck in that moment when his life slipped through my fingers. And I believe it is the same for you Tahl wouldn't want it, a part of Xanatos wouldn't want it and…" She hesitated for a second " Obi-Wan wouldn't want it." As the meaning of that last statement sank in Qui-Gon lifted his head. Any anger that Nicia had felt towards him was forgotten when she looked into his face. Qui-Gon's face was pale and drawn it was obvious that he had not slept much these past days. His midnight blue eyes were bloodshot and rimed with red from crying.
"I couldn't handle loosing him." He started softly. Nicia listened she knew that Qui-Gon desperately needed to talk to someone. Maybe because Nicia had gone through the same experience of loosing her Padawan he felt comfortable talking about it to her. "I couldn't imagine not having him in my life. He has taught me so much over the years how to trust and love. He's the only family I have known. He's my son." The unshed tears that were in his eyes began to fall down his cheeks. " Then I just snapped. I don't know what happened in those weeks it's all just a blur. When I finally came to my senses they told me what I had done." He lowered his head again. " I hurt him, in more ways then one."
"Qui-Gon I know how much you love the boy. It is hard not to get attacked to him." Nicia smiled despite herself. Qui-Gon smiled a little too. Then Nicia looked serious again. "Qui-Gon I came down here to ask you something. Healer Laria thinks that we should consider cutting life support. I came to ask you what you wanted to do. And before you decide ask yourself what would be best for Obi-Wan." Qui-Gon remained silent. Then he raised his head.
'Can I see him?" It was a plea from a broken man.
"I'll see what I can do." Nicia said.
A few hours later Laria, Iason, Qui-Gon and Nicia stood in Obi-Wan's room in the Healer's ward. Obi-Wan was hooked up to several different machines that kept him alive. The comforting sounds of the machines that indicated his Padawan's heartbeat eased Qui-Gon's pain some but he knew that Obi-Wan was not really alive and it would be wrong to keep him like this. Even though it would tear Qui-Gon apart he knew it was best and If Nicia, Iason and Laria there they would help him through it.
"Qui-Gon would you like us to step outside while you say goodbye?" Nicia asked. Qui-Gon looked at her and shook his head.
"No I think it would be easier if you were here." Qui-Gon said as he stepped closer to Obi-Wan's bed. He took Obi-Wan's hand in his. He kneeled down. "Oh Padawan I'm so sorry, so sorry for everything. For shutting you out for so long, for making you feel worthless, for not being a better Master. I was never the kind of Master you always deserved. I want to thank you for being a part of my life even if it was only for a short time. Goodbye Padawan…son." Qui-Gon lad his head on the bed. The tears flowed freely. Soon Qui-Gon felt a hand on his shoulder. And then heard Nicia's voice.
"Let the anger go Qui-Gon. There is no better way to honor Obi-Wan then to let the anger go." Nicia nodded to Laria who walked over to the machines that were supporting obi-Wan and began to turn them off.
The room grew silent…
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
He was walking along the shore of a beach. He didn't know how he got there or cared. All the pain and despair he was feeling before was gone. It was so peaceful and serene. The sun was setting casting orange, red, pink and purple colors over the sea. He stopped and sat down in the sand staring at the waves that crashed onto the shore.
"Its beautiful isn't it?" Obi-Wan turned at the sound of a voice behind him. He recognized the familiar figure.
"Tahl." He said shocked to see the Jedi. She nodded. He turned his attention back to the crashing waves. "Yes it is. Makes me want to stay here." He said quietly. Tahl sat down next to him.
"Obi-Wan you can't stay its not your time." She said softly. He looked over at her, the despair and hopelessness returning to his eyes.
"What do I have to back to?"
"Many people still need you. One person in particular."
"Who?"
"Qui-Gon." Obi-Wan looked back out at the sea and sighed.
"Qui-Gon?" he said skeptically. " Qui-Gon is gone."
"No he's not Obi-Wan. He is still there but he needs your help to get back. Can't you hear him?" Tahl asked. Obi-Wan looked at her confused. But then he did hear it. A voice so faint it was almost inaudible. He could just make out parts of what it was saying.
"Oh Padawan …so sorry… not being a better Master…. never the kind of Master you deserved… thank you for being a part of my life…Goodbye Padawan…son."
"Master." Obi-Wan whispered to himself. "I have to go back." He said slowly as he began to stand. Tahl nodded.
"I knew you would make the right decision. You were always a smart boy." Obi-Wan began to walk in the direction he had come from. As he walked Tahl called out to him. "Obi-Wan remember don't lose faith in the end its all you have and tell Qui-Gon I said hi." Then the world around him began to fade.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The silence was broken by the sudden gasp for air that came from Obi-Wan. The motion had startled everyone in the room. Qui-Gon raised his head and immediately got to his feet.
"Oh my Gods" Laria said as she quickly reached for a breathing mask to help Obi-Wan who was now coughing. She called for more healers then turned to Nicia Qui-Gon and Iason, "Everyone out of the room." Laria said as other healers began to enter the room. Nicia nodded and pulled a stunned Qui-Gon along with her. Iason followed behind them. They stood out side Obi-Wan's room anxietly waiting for an explanation.
A few minutes later Laria came out of the room. A look of pure puzzlement on her face. She just stood by the door for a few moments.
"Laria?" Nicia asked. "Hello?" Laria was brought back to the real world.
"I don't know how to explain it." She started. " The best theory I have it that the shock of being taken off life support woke his brain up. But that happening is extremely rare."
"Can I see him?" Qui-Gon asked urgently. He was still shocked about what had transpired these past few moments.
" He is still weak and is resting." Laria looked at Qui-Gon a smile crossed her face. " He will make a full recovery." Qui-Gon closed his eyes relief and joy filled him. When he opened them again he asked,
'Can I stay with him till he awakens?" Laria looked over at Iason.
"Qui-Gon we don't know exactly how he will act to you. After what happened he may not trust you." Iason said. That thought broke Qui-Gon's heart.
"Please just for a while as soon as he wakes I'll leave."
"Well all right but I want one of you to stay with him" Laria said to Iason and Nicia.
"I'll stay you go inform the council about Obi-Wan." Nicia said to Iason who agreed. Laria nodded and led the two back into the room, while Iason left to see the council.
In Obi-Wan's room Nicia took a seat on a couch that was at one end of the room while Qui-Gon sat next to Obi-Wan's bedside. Nicia smiled looking at the two. She hoped the Qui-Gon knew exactly how lucky he was. He had gotten something few people were granted, a second chance.
To be continued…
I don't know if it is medically possible what I said happened. I saw it on Titus (Sad that I'm getting information from a sitcom) Anyway the next chapter will be up in a few days I guess so be patient J And I want some feedback people!
