1.1.1.1.1 Hey every1! Thank you sooo much for ur feedback. Im so glad ppl
r enjoyin my story so far! I feel luved ::smiles:: Well heres the next
chapter, I know I normally do two but this one is kinda long. Well go on
read it already!
Oh yeah and shen panda the "romance" really isn't romance, too much. You'll see what I mean in this chapter. At least I hope you see what I mean. Well n e wayz ill shut up.
1.1.1.1.2
1.1.1.1.3 New Connections
In one swift motion Qui-Gon leapt up and dashed to the door. Obi-Wan was hunched over the chair arms hanging over the edge. His face was deathly pale and as he put his hand onto one of his cheeks. It felt hot.
To hot.
"Wait here." Without waiting for a reply Qui-Gon scooped Obi-Wan up in his arms and brought him to the back of the ship. Laying him down onto one of the sleep cots Qui-Gon ripped off the sleeve where Obi-Wan had gotten cut with the metal. The cut appeared to be fine, but Qui-Gon had a feeling the metal had a type of bacteria on it.
*This must have made him sick.*
What else could have?
Qui-Gon went into where Z was and told her to go into the back. She did not argue, but when she was at the door she turned around.
"Qui-Gon." She said. "I've been wondering. Why is the Council willing to take me in at this age. I'm seventeen!"
"Because you were trained by an excellent person Z. And they know you'll do great as a Jedi" Qui-Gon said.
He watched Z leave and as the door shut he settled down and contacted Mace to tell him about Obi-Wan.
~~~~~~~~~~~
The twelve hours to Courascant seem to creep by like a day at a time. Finally, when the lights of Courascant came into view Qui-Gon heaved a sigh of relief. After turning off the engines Qui-Gon hurried to the back to find Z asleep on the floor next to Obi-Wan's cot.
He put a hand on her shoulder. "We're home." He whispered. She rolled over onto her back and looked up. She gave him a soft smile and sat up.
The two walked out onto the platform and were greeted by Mace and a Temple healer, Winna. Winna had a hover bed ready for Obi-Wan. Carefully Qui-Gon placed Obi-Wan down and with a nod to Mace followed Winna inside.
After making sure Obi-Wan was alright in the Medical Wards Qui-Gon went back out to the landing pad. He wanted to stay with Obi-Wan. He felt horrible leaving his Padawan even though he was still unconscious. He could be there for him. He had felt his Padawan's distress when he left. Obi-Wan didn't want his Master to leave. But Qui-Gon felt that Mace probably wanted to talk to him.
When he got back he found that Master Adi Gallia had joined Z and Mace. She was standing off to the side and beyond her was Mace down on one knee. He had a hand on Z's shoulder, who apparently had started to cry again for her face was red and her eyes glossy.
As Qui-Gon walked closer Mace stood up. " It's been trying journey for you Zae-Non. The Council will want to speak with you tomorrow, but you should go rest tonight. Master Gallia will show you to your quarters."
Z bowed and walked over to Adi who nodded to her. The two walked into the Temple Adi telling Zae-Non something that Qui-Gon couldn't make out.
Mace nodded to Qui-Gon. "How's Obi-Wan?"
"Winna is trying to find out how he got the fever, but she hasn't been able to tell anything yet. Although the fever has dropped since we were on the ship."
Mace nodded once more. "Zae-Non has told me most of what happened, but a few things she was unable to explain. Such as being pushed back through the air in Cryzal and of course Obi-Wan suddenly becoming so sick."
"I'm not sure if I can help much. When Z went through the air it was as though someone did it with the Force. There was no forewarning and nothing physically touched her. With Obi-Wan I might have a hypothesis as to what may be the problem. I told Winna already. On Zefron Ona attacked Obi-Wan and Z. She managed to cut Obi-Wan along the shoulder with a piece of metal. I believe this metal may have had some kind of bacteria on it that may have made him sick. It could have been inserted into his blood stream when the metal cut his shoulder."
While talking the two made their way to the Med Ward. Mace was about to reply to Qui-Gon when they entered the ward and were greeted by Winna.
"Qui-Gon." She said. " You'll be glad to know that Obi-Wan is fine. His fever suddenly dropped back down to normal. Although this is a reason for some concern. If the fever came and left so fast there is a possibility that it could come back. And worse. I'm not going to let him go till I am sure he is alright."
"Thank you Winna." He began to make his way to where Obi-Wan was, but was stopped by Mace.
"Qui-Gon you should let him rest." He guided Qui-Gon out of the ward into the hall. " I have to talk to you tomorrow, but right now I must meet Garmandi to discuss what I missed when I was gone. He left for Bandomeer as I was returning. And let Obi-Wan rest." He added seeing Qui-Gon eye the door.
A little while after his talk with Mace Qui-Gon found himself in the Room of A Thousand Fountains, talking with Yoda.
"Quite a turn this has all taken." Yoda said looking onto the smooth surface of the lake. They had met at the bench in the room where they often talked at.
"A lot has happened in such a short time period." Qui-Gon said. He had been thinking about that earlier. It seemed like a short mission even though the ride to and from Zefron was twelve days alone. They were attacked and almost killed, on Zefron, meeting Z, leaving Zefron, on Cryzal, and fighting Ona. Not to mention Obi-Wan getting sick and they were back to the temple. All that happened in less than two weeks.
"Know Zae-Non's despair you do." Yoda interrupted Qui-Gon's thoughts, but he just brought on more.
Qui-Gon did not need to think about the statement for a moment. He had lost his best friend…his love. He knew Zae-Non had lost Mik in hopes of having friend around the Temple. Someone to look back on and thank her life for. Someone she could always turn to and to help her get acquainted to Temple life with. Now that hope was lost.
Qui-Gon never wanted Obi-Wan to go through that. He could not stand the thought of his Padawan so heart broken and sorrowful, he very well knew all that. When Tahl had died he lost the will to work, care, love….live. It seemed as though the galaxy stopped in place and then crumble around him. It felt as though he lost everything, even though the most important person in his life was with him the entire time. He had ignored his Apprentice. Placed him second when he should have been first. Qui-Gon felt such guilt for that. He knew a hole was formed in their Master/Padawan bond that he had to fill.
Shaking his head as though trying to get rid of the thought of Obi-Wan Qui-Gon turned his attention on Zae-Non. "What will happen to Zae-Non now?" He asked.
"See her the Council wishes." Yoda replied. "Speak to her they must."
"They?"
"Told me about what they have not." Yoda shook his head in disapproval. "Just found this out, I did."
"Why haven't they told you?" Qui-Gon asked, but before Yoda could reply he changed the subject. He did not feel like hearing the little Master go into a speech on the Council not informing him of something. "What about that device in Z's bloodstream?"
"Being taken out now it is."
"I thought she was going to her quarters to sleep?"
"Insist it be taken out immediately Master Gallia did."
When neither had anything more to say they nodded and went their separate ways. Qui-Gon went to his quarter to try and rest. He wanted to go see Obi-Wan, but if Mace found out….
Well he did not want to think about that. Plus, his Padawan needed rest.
Qui-Gon lay in bed not successfully getting any sleep. He was thinking about what Yoda was saying. What did the Council want to talk to her about? Besides the obvious. Yoda made it sound very important. And another thing was worrying him. What did the Council want to see in Z before letting her become a Padawan. Obviously they had to see her Force skills, but what about dueling? She had never really dueled with someone before. Qui-Gon secluded a gasp as an idea popped into his mind. He would purpose it to Mace tomorrow, but for now sleep had to come.
~~~~~~~~~~~
After talking to Mace for nearly and hour the next morning Qui-Gon was glad Mace said he would talk to the Council about his idea. Mace had said that the Council would like to see Z's Force skills and indefinitely would like to see her duel.
Qui-Gon's idea: that she could duel Obi-Wan when he was released from the Med Ward. He was the only person she knew from the Temple and they would probably make for an interesting match. Mace seemed almost interested in the proposal….
*Almost.*
After talking with Mace Qui-Gon made his way to the Med Ward slowly deep in thought. He thought about the trip back from Cryzal. Obi-Wan and Z spent so much time together and alone. The two had a bond between them that was different. It was beyond friends and yet wasn't close to love. It was something Qui-Gon could not figure out. When Z ran in and told him the Obi-Wan was sick he remembered the look in her eyes. It wasn't panic, fear, pain, worry, or anything you would expect when a friend gets sick like that. It was something of clam and serenity. Like she knew everything was OK even though her best friend lay unconscious with a dangerously high fever right behind her. Qui- Gon could almost feel their connection….
*It's through the Force.*
A connection through the Force to each other. But how could it be? How did it come to be between them? It was not like your normal bond between two people. And again Qui-Gon could not figure it out.
*The two have something very special between them. There is no mistaking this.*
As Qui-Gon made his way into Obi-Wan's room his Padawan laid on this cot starring up at the ceiling. He looked over at his Master as he walked in.
"How are you feeling."? Qui-Gon asked.
Obi-Wan met his gaze with tired eyes. "Not much better." He stated truthfully.
Qui-Gon noticed his Padawan's face was still pale and his eye hung with exhaustion. He went over and put a hand gently onto Obi-Wan's cheek. "Well you've still got a fever." He sighed. "You need rest, but I must tell you something."
************
As Obi-Wan listened to what Qui-Gon purposed to Mace he wondered why his Master had said he should duel Z. Sure he was the only other student she knew at the temple, but normally you were paired up with someone you did not know. Obi-Wan listened intently even though his body longed for rest.
Almost as though on cue when Qui-Gon finished there was a small knock on the door and Zae-Non popped her head in. "Qui-Gon," She said. " I was told to tell you that the Council would like to see you. Now"
Obi-Wan watched as his Master got up with a sigh and without another word left the room.
Zae-Non turned to him. "Welcome back to reality." She teased. "I gather he was telling you about next week's plan?"
"Yeah." Obi-Wan said starting to sit up.
Z raised a hand telling him to stop. "No you don't. I can see you still have a fever."
Obi-Wan rolled his eyes, but laid down. "How did it happen that we would duel each other?"
Z shrugged. "I don't know. Your Master suggested it. All I was there for was to speak with the Council about my training before the duel. After they told me they agreed to his proposal and to give back Mik's lightsaber. When they were done I was told to find Qui-Gon."
"I hope I'm better by then."
"If I stop bugging you then you'll be better. I better let you rest before Winna comes in here and kicks me out." She turned to leave.
"Z." Obi-Wan called. "Come here for a second."
She walked back to the side of his bed. "What's wrong."
"Nothing. It's just…. Lets make a promise. A promise that no matter what happens between us or to us we'll be friends through it all." Obi- Wan was surprised to hear those words come from his mouth, but not as surprised as Z.
For a few moments she stood frozen in place. Then, her eyes widen slightly. Her face suddenly softened and her normal warm smile appeared. Then, she laughed. "That sounds like a marriage proposal!"
Obi-Wan let a grin cover his face. "You know very well what I mean."
"I think that fever had gone to your head!" Z couldn't stop laughing and it caught on. Obi-Wan soon began to laugh uncontrollably also.
Once the two settled down Z scrunched up her face. "That was a little *too* sappy for me. Keep it at a friends basis." She said holding back another laughing fit.
"You know that's what I had in mind!"
She took his hand and squeezed it gently. "Whatever tomorrow brings." She said mockingly. "*Friends.*" She turned and left giving him one last smile before laughing once again.
************
Qui-Gon came out of his Council meeting to run into Mace in the hall. Garmandi had once again been standing in for him. The Council had agreed to his proposal about Obi-Wan and Z dueling, but now that did not matter. Qui-Gon raced around the temple from place to place trying to find Z. Shaking his head in frustration he headed for her quarters for the third time now praying she would be there. When there was no answer Qui-Gon thought of where she could be. She was new so did not know the Temple very well. He went to the cafeteria, meditating rooms, training rooms, and finally to the Room of A Thousand Fountains where he found her. She was sitting on a rock in front of the lake meditating, but leapt up as he came closer obviously feeling his worry.
"What's wrong?" she asked sternly.
Qui-Gon sighed. "Z, I'm really sorry, but I just got word that Obi- Wan's vital signs are dropping and rapidly. Winna isn't sure what is wrong. His fever has returned and his heart is erratically beating. They are doing all they can, but that isn't very much until they find out what is truly wrong."
I know another cliffhanger. Oh im soo bad! ::evil laugh:: Well be good ppl and review PLEASE!? Do ya luv it? Hate it? Wanna puke? Let me know!! Catch ya l8ter.
Oh yeah and shen panda the "romance" really isn't romance, too much. You'll see what I mean in this chapter. At least I hope you see what I mean. Well n e wayz ill shut up.
1.1.1.1.2
1.1.1.1.3 New Connections
In one swift motion Qui-Gon leapt up and dashed to the door. Obi-Wan was hunched over the chair arms hanging over the edge. His face was deathly pale and as he put his hand onto one of his cheeks. It felt hot.
To hot.
"Wait here." Without waiting for a reply Qui-Gon scooped Obi-Wan up in his arms and brought him to the back of the ship. Laying him down onto one of the sleep cots Qui-Gon ripped off the sleeve where Obi-Wan had gotten cut with the metal. The cut appeared to be fine, but Qui-Gon had a feeling the metal had a type of bacteria on it.
*This must have made him sick.*
What else could have?
Qui-Gon went into where Z was and told her to go into the back. She did not argue, but when she was at the door she turned around.
"Qui-Gon." She said. "I've been wondering. Why is the Council willing to take me in at this age. I'm seventeen!"
"Because you were trained by an excellent person Z. And they know you'll do great as a Jedi" Qui-Gon said.
He watched Z leave and as the door shut he settled down and contacted Mace to tell him about Obi-Wan.
~~~~~~~~~~~
The twelve hours to Courascant seem to creep by like a day at a time. Finally, when the lights of Courascant came into view Qui-Gon heaved a sigh of relief. After turning off the engines Qui-Gon hurried to the back to find Z asleep on the floor next to Obi-Wan's cot.
He put a hand on her shoulder. "We're home." He whispered. She rolled over onto her back and looked up. She gave him a soft smile and sat up.
The two walked out onto the platform and were greeted by Mace and a Temple healer, Winna. Winna had a hover bed ready for Obi-Wan. Carefully Qui-Gon placed Obi-Wan down and with a nod to Mace followed Winna inside.
After making sure Obi-Wan was alright in the Medical Wards Qui-Gon went back out to the landing pad. He wanted to stay with Obi-Wan. He felt horrible leaving his Padawan even though he was still unconscious. He could be there for him. He had felt his Padawan's distress when he left. Obi-Wan didn't want his Master to leave. But Qui-Gon felt that Mace probably wanted to talk to him.
When he got back he found that Master Adi Gallia had joined Z and Mace. She was standing off to the side and beyond her was Mace down on one knee. He had a hand on Z's shoulder, who apparently had started to cry again for her face was red and her eyes glossy.
As Qui-Gon walked closer Mace stood up. " It's been trying journey for you Zae-Non. The Council will want to speak with you tomorrow, but you should go rest tonight. Master Gallia will show you to your quarters."
Z bowed and walked over to Adi who nodded to her. The two walked into the Temple Adi telling Zae-Non something that Qui-Gon couldn't make out.
Mace nodded to Qui-Gon. "How's Obi-Wan?"
"Winna is trying to find out how he got the fever, but she hasn't been able to tell anything yet. Although the fever has dropped since we were on the ship."
Mace nodded once more. "Zae-Non has told me most of what happened, but a few things she was unable to explain. Such as being pushed back through the air in Cryzal and of course Obi-Wan suddenly becoming so sick."
"I'm not sure if I can help much. When Z went through the air it was as though someone did it with the Force. There was no forewarning and nothing physically touched her. With Obi-Wan I might have a hypothesis as to what may be the problem. I told Winna already. On Zefron Ona attacked Obi-Wan and Z. She managed to cut Obi-Wan along the shoulder with a piece of metal. I believe this metal may have had some kind of bacteria on it that may have made him sick. It could have been inserted into his blood stream when the metal cut his shoulder."
While talking the two made their way to the Med Ward. Mace was about to reply to Qui-Gon when they entered the ward and were greeted by Winna.
"Qui-Gon." She said. " You'll be glad to know that Obi-Wan is fine. His fever suddenly dropped back down to normal. Although this is a reason for some concern. If the fever came and left so fast there is a possibility that it could come back. And worse. I'm not going to let him go till I am sure he is alright."
"Thank you Winna." He began to make his way to where Obi-Wan was, but was stopped by Mace.
"Qui-Gon you should let him rest." He guided Qui-Gon out of the ward into the hall. " I have to talk to you tomorrow, but right now I must meet Garmandi to discuss what I missed when I was gone. He left for Bandomeer as I was returning. And let Obi-Wan rest." He added seeing Qui-Gon eye the door.
A little while after his talk with Mace Qui-Gon found himself in the Room of A Thousand Fountains, talking with Yoda.
"Quite a turn this has all taken." Yoda said looking onto the smooth surface of the lake. They had met at the bench in the room where they often talked at.
"A lot has happened in such a short time period." Qui-Gon said. He had been thinking about that earlier. It seemed like a short mission even though the ride to and from Zefron was twelve days alone. They were attacked and almost killed, on Zefron, meeting Z, leaving Zefron, on Cryzal, and fighting Ona. Not to mention Obi-Wan getting sick and they were back to the temple. All that happened in less than two weeks.
"Know Zae-Non's despair you do." Yoda interrupted Qui-Gon's thoughts, but he just brought on more.
Qui-Gon did not need to think about the statement for a moment. He had lost his best friend…his love. He knew Zae-Non had lost Mik in hopes of having friend around the Temple. Someone to look back on and thank her life for. Someone she could always turn to and to help her get acquainted to Temple life with. Now that hope was lost.
Qui-Gon never wanted Obi-Wan to go through that. He could not stand the thought of his Padawan so heart broken and sorrowful, he very well knew all that. When Tahl had died he lost the will to work, care, love….live. It seemed as though the galaxy stopped in place and then crumble around him. It felt as though he lost everything, even though the most important person in his life was with him the entire time. He had ignored his Apprentice. Placed him second when he should have been first. Qui-Gon felt such guilt for that. He knew a hole was formed in their Master/Padawan bond that he had to fill.
Shaking his head as though trying to get rid of the thought of Obi-Wan Qui-Gon turned his attention on Zae-Non. "What will happen to Zae-Non now?" He asked.
"See her the Council wishes." Yoda replied. "Speak to her they must."
"They?"
"Told me about what they have not." Yoda shook his head in disapproval. "Just found this out, I did."
"Why haven't they told you?" Qui-Gon asked, but before Yoda could reply he changed the subject. He did not feel like hearing the little Master go into a speech on the Council not informing him of something. "What about that device in Z's bloodstream?"
"Being taken out now it is."
"I thought she was going to her quarters to sleep?"
"Insist it be taken out immediately Master Gallia did."
When neither had anything more to say they nodded and went their separate ways. Qui-Gon went to his quarter to try and rest. He wanted to go see Obi-Wan, but if Mace found out….
Well he did not want to think about that. Plus, his Padawan needed rest.
Qui-Gon lay in bed not successfully getting any sleep. He was thinking about what Yoda was saying. What did the Council want to talk to her about? Besides the obvious. Yoda made it sound very important. And another thing was worrying him. What did the Council want to see in Z before letting her become a Padawan. Obviously they had to see her Force skills, but what about dueling? She had never really dueled with someone before. Qui-Gon secluded a gasp as an idea popped into his mind. He would purpose it to Mace tomorrow, but for now sleep had to come.
~~~~~~~~~~~
After talking to Mace for nearly and hour the next morning Qui-Gon was glad Mace said he would talk to the Council about his idea. Mace had said that the Council would like to see Z's Force skills and indefinitely would like to see her duel.
Qui-Gon's idea: that she could duel Obi-Wan when he was released from the Med Ward. He was the only person she knew from the Temple and they would probably make for an interesting match. Mace seemed almost interested in the proposal….
*Almost.*
After talking with Mace Qui-Gon made his way to the Med Ward slowly deep in thought. He thought about the trip back from Cryzal. Obi-Wan and Z spent so much time together and alone. The two had a bond between them that was different. It was beyond friends and yet wasn't close to love. It was something Qui-Gon could not figure out. When Z ran in and told him the Obi-Wan was sick he remembered the look in her eyes. It wasn't panic, fear, pain, worry, or anything you would expect when a friend gets sick like that. It was something of clam and serenity. Like she knew everything was OK even though her best friend lay unconscious with a dangerously high fever right behind her. Qui- Gon could almost feel their connection….
*It's through the Force.*
A connection through the Force to each other. But how could it be? How did it come to be between them? It was not like your normal bond between two people. And again Qui-Gon could not figure it out.
*The two have something very special between them. There is no mistaking this.*
As Qui-Gon made his way into Obi-Wan's room his Padawan laid on this cot starring up at the ceiling. He looked over at his Master as he walked in.
"How are you feeling."? Qui-Gon asked.
Obi-Wan met his gaze with tired eyes. "Not much better." He stated truthfully.
Qui-Gon noticed his Padawan's face was still pale and his eye hung with exhaustion. He went over and put a hand gently onto Obi-Wan's cheek. "Well you've still got a fever." He sighed. "You need rest, but I must tell you something."
************
As Obi-Wan listened to what Qui-Gon purposed to Mace he wondered why his Master had said he should duel Z. Sure he was the only other student she knew at the temple, but normally you were paired up with someone you did not know. Obi-Wan listened intently even though his body longed for rest.
Almost as though on cue when Qui-Gon finished there was a small knock on the door and Zae-Non popped her head in. "Qui-Gon," She said. " I was told to tell you that the Council would like to see you. Now"
Obi-Wan watched as his Master got up with a sigh and without another word left the room.
Zae-Non turned to him. "Welcome back to reality." She teased. "I gather he was telling you about next week's plan?"
"Yeah." Obi-Wan said starting to sit up.
Z raised a hand telling him to stop. "No you don't. I can see you still have a fever."
Obi-Wan rolled his eyes, but laid down. "How did it happen that we would duel each other?"
Z shrugged. "I don't know. Your Master suggested it. All I was there for was to speak with the Council about my training before the duel. After they told me they agreed to his proposal and to give back Mik's lightsaber. When they were done I was told to find Qui-Gon."
"I hope I'm better by then."
"If I stop bugging you then you'll be better. I better let you rest before Winna comes in here and kicks me out." She turned to leave.
"Z." Obi-Wan called. "Come here for a second."
She walked back to the side of his bed. "What's wrong."
"Nothing. It's just…. Lets make a promise. A promise that no matter what happens between us or to us we'll be friends through it all." Obi- Wan was surprised to hear those words come from his mouth, but not as surprised as Z.
For a few moments she stood frozen in place. Then, her eyes widen slightly. Her face suddenly softened and her normal warm smile appeared. Then, she laughed. "That sounds like a marriage proposal!"
Obi-Wan let a grin cover his face. "You know very well what I mean."
"I think that fever had gone to your head!" Z couldn't stop laughing and it caught on. Obi-Wan soon began to laugh uncontrollably also.
Once the two settled down Z scrunched up her face. "That was a little *too* sappy for me. Keep it at a friends basis." She said holding back another laughing fit.
"You know that's what I had in mind!"
She took his hand and squeezed it gently. "Whatever tomorrow brings." She said mockingly. "*Friends.*" She turned and left giving him one last smile before laughing once again.
************
Qui-Gon came out of his Council meeting to run into Mace in the hall. Garmandi had once again been standing in for him. The Council had agreed to his proposal about Obi-Wan and Z dueling, but now that did not matter. Qui-Gon raced around the temple from place to place trying to find Z. Shaking his head in frustration he headed for her quarters for the third time now praying she would be there. When there was no answer Qui-Gon thought of where she could be. She was new so did not know the Temple very well. He went to the cafeteria, meditating rooms, training rooms, and finally to the Room of A Thousand Fountains where he found her. She was sitting on a rock in front of the lake meditating, but leapt up as he came closer obviously feeling his worry.
"What's wrong?" she asked sternly.
Qui-Gon sighed. "Z, I'm really sorry, but I just got word that Obi- Wan's vital signs are dropping and rapidly. Winna isn't sure what is wrong. His fever has returned and his heart is erratically beating. They are doing all they can, but that isn't very much until they find out what is truly wrong."
I know another cliffhanger. Oh im soo bad! ::evil laugh:: Well be good ppl and review PLEASE!? Do ya luv it? Hate it? Wanna puke? Let me know!! Catch ya l8ter.