Last-meal was eaten in relative silence. Obi-Wan kept his head down and his eyes glued to his plate of food.
Jinn had to tell the child more than once to try to eat. He sat with a fork in hand twirling his food nervously.
Xanatos tried to keep the conversation light and on the Hutts. He did not want Jinn to bring up the episode he had with the boy.
"I take it we will meet again with the Hutts first thing in the morning?"
"Yes. The meeting is moved to the town hall. All else will be the same."
"Well I don't think it will take us long to finish this up once we actually get started."
"Yes I agree. We will take Initiate Kenobi and Chun with us. They both need to learn diplomacy. What better way than to start with the Hutts. You should remember well "Xani" how obstinate they can be even the ones who are peaceful."
"Well I do remember that the temper of the Hutts is notoriously famous."
Xanatos was trying to be pleasant with Qui-Gon. He did not want his former master to suspect anything when it came to him. He already knew Qui-Gon was leery of letting him around the boy. That would not be necessary now, for he had someone to do away with both of them. He had wanted to terrorize the boy more, but it would be out of the question. Jinn seemed to keep the boy almost in arm's reach of him at all times.
"Well I think it would be wise for all of us to retire early tonight. I have notified the council. Without going through all the details I have informed them that we have mutually agreed to switch which initiate we will be caring for. Obi-Wan has already moved his things to my room. Now I think after you have eaten you should move yours Bruck."
Bruck could not help but hear the curt attitude in Master Jinn's voice. Even though he knew now he would never be a padawan, it angered him at not being chosen by Jinn. His ego showed horribly in the frown on his face as he listened to the master. Jinn on the other hand, was barely aware Vhun was there, his eyes on Kenobi the entire time.
Qui-Gon was aware of "Xani's" attempt at sidestepping discussing the episode with Kenobi. Jinn himself had no desire to delve into the ramifications of the argument the two had. He knew deep down in his heart that Xanatos was acting far too cruelly to be a successful master to an apprentice, but right now Jinn did not want to face the truth about his former apprentice. He was too busy just trying to figure out the bond issue and the Kenobi child. He just wanted all this over and go back to the temple to try to break the bond. He thought he could sort all of this out about the boy and his former apprentice once they were back to the safety of the temple.
Three hours of negotiations, which to Obi-Wan was the most boring thing he had ever witnessed, left the little initiate squirming in his seat. Bruck was no more enthused by the meeting, but he kept busy with daydreaming of adventure and riches he would share with Knight Xanatos once they were free of Jinn and Kenobi. He managed to stay in his seat. In some aspects, he seemed older than the smaller initiate, maybe because of the streak of cruelty he had in him. He was not inhibited and or as frightened as Obi-Wan Kenobi. He had nothing to lose by not becoming a padawan, he had no wish to be one. On the other hand Obi-Wan's main goal in life was to be a successful Jedi.
It was just about time to break for the mid day meal when an all out argument between two of the principle factions of the Hutts started. Push came to shove by both Hutts. It took Jinn and Xanatos both to break up the argument and settle things down. Once done Jinn felt the old camaraderie he had with his former apprentice when they worked together. They had once worked very well together and Xanatos was very good in diplomacy as well as battle. The memories flowed sweetly through the older Jedi's mind and again he felt resentment for the boy, Kenobi, because of the trouble he had caused Xanatos.
It even felt good to Xanatos to be back with his former master. It was only a fleeting thought for Xani though, because of his dark ways. The evilness in him blinded the knight, making him forget the good times with Jinn in favor of thinking how much better his life could be once he was in control of his own destiny and being very very rich.
"The four Jedi headed back to their dwelling after the fight.
"WE still do make a good team you know Knight Crion."
Xanatos returned the smile, for he truly did know what Jinn was referring too. Had he not had such a black heart, Xani could have stayed loyal to this man in front of him, who had raised him from a child to a knight in the Jedi order.
Xanatos knew deep down it was not his master's failings, but his own that prompted him to be one with the dark.
Just then Qui-Gon caught a glimpse of someone in the shadows of the noon day sun.
"Xanatos, be on your guard. I think someone is following us."
Xanatos realized it must be the two he had hired to do away with Jinn and Kenobi. He snapped back from his daydreaming of the past.
"It is probably just some of the local children wanting to get a closer look at a Jedi. Surely we are in no danger here."
Xani tried to minimize Jinn's worry. He did not want the Jedi master to catch on to what was going on. Jinn was very attuned to his surroundings.
"Maybe you are right. I'm just being overly cautious, but still I think we should be on guard. I don't like the feeling I am getting."
Jinn looked over his shoulder to make sure that Obi-Wan was alright. Then he guiltily checked on Bruck. With his worry focused solely on the little initiate, Kenobi, he forgot about the other one he should also be looking out for. Even if he did not care for him, Bruck was still his responsibility; one he would not take lightly. The protection of both children must be his prime directive right now.
Jinn fell back of the other three and guarded against a possible sneak attack, but the shadows that had been following them seemed to drift away, leading Jinn to believe his nerves were just getting the best of him.
//Xani must have been right. They were just some children trying to get a better look at a real Jedi. There is no one on this planet that I am aware of that would want to do harm to a Jedi . We are all perfectly safe here.//
The Jedi attended the next two days of meetings with the Hutts without interruptions. Xanatos was growing impatient waiting for the men he hired to make their move. He was not sure which day Maul would arrive. It had now been three days since he hired the men to do away with Kenobi and Jinn and only on one day had there been any clue that the Jedi were in any way being stalked or hunted.
The next day when the four Jedi got up and readied for their meeting a deluge of rain hit the city bringing any kind of outdoor travel to a halt. The streets were flooded in places. This meant that the four Jedi would remain locked indoors all day together. Something none of the four was looking forward too.
Jinn hoped he could keep the three from arguing. Obi-Wan said very little so his fear of him starting the argument was not there. He just hoped that Xani and Bruck could find something other than "Obi" to occupy their time with.
It pained Jinn to think it but he got the distinct feeling that Xani bided his time waiting to pounce the little initiate. Qui-Gon could not for the life of him figure out why Xanatos held so much animosity toward the little one. Aside from his occasional speech problem and his inept abilities with the saber, Kenobi was not such an unlikable boy, Jinn reasoned.
Qui-Gon immediately assigned some extra studies for Obi-Wan to keep busy with. He recommended that Xanatos do the same.
Much to Bruck dislike, Xanatos followed suit and had his initiate do some extra work. Both children now had their heads buried in a book reading. Once in awhile Jinn would notice Obi-Wan look up at the streaming rain on the window and daydream, leaving his books for the mysteries in his mind. Qui-Gon watched and observed the boy wondering what Obi-Wan daydreamed about when he did such as now, let his mind wander. Qui thought maybe he dreamt of his knighthood, because the child truly did seem determined to become a Jedi knight. Bruck may have talents that surpassed the little one but Qui-Gon doubted he had the determination that Kenobi possessed. Jinn thought of him with pride before he stifled his thoughts about the boy.
//I am not going to keep him.//
The rain slacked and Xanatos decided to take Bruck out and get in some saber practice. He was as bored as the children were being confined all day.
Obi-Wan sat and silently wished Jinn would let them go out. He was not so sure he wanted to "practice" a saber training with the big master, but he was sure he was tired of sitting inside all day. Jinn seemed to sense his restlessness.
"Grab your saber Kenobi, we will do the same as Xani and Bruck. I want to try to find out what your problem is.
//If he has any hopes of becoming a Jedi, he needs to know how to use the saber.//
Obi-Wan remained silent, but he did do what he was told. He wanted to stretch his legs, but he hated for Master Jinn to see once more how lacking his skills were in the use of the light saber.
Jinn and Kenobi found the other pair of Jedi on the gravel area just outside the little cabin they had been living in.
Although Obi-Wan had seen the two in mock battle before, he was still in awe over their finese in the execution of the katas and saber skills.
Jinn himself thought back on a time when one of the main reasons he had chosen Xanatos was his skills with the saber. Was that why he rethought taking Bruck for the same reason. Bruck had not been as smooth as Crion when it came to hiding his true self. The brash attitude and rudeness shined through Bruck whereas Xani was able to keep his dark ways hidden from the master even now.
When both of the brazen Jedi realized they had an audience they intensified their battle. The moves became more difficult. Xanatos parries were met with excellent and precise defense in Bruck's matching blows. Toe to toe, Bruck was almost able to defeat the knight. It was not until Xani executed a somersault and a back flip, confusing and tangling up Bruck, that he began to lose the mock battle. The singe to Bruck's arm with the saber on low power left nothing for him to do but to concede, while laying on the graveled surface. Xanatos bowed to Bruck and then too his audience of Jinn and Kenobi. He flashed his pearly white teeth as Jinn applauded their completion of the mock battle. Jinn in some ways was still blind to Xanatos evilness.
Xanatos helped Bruck up and they sauntered to the small garden just off from the house. They had no real wish to watch the bumbling antics of Initiate Kenobi. They had all too many times witnessed his ability with the saber and Xani thought they might anger Jinn if they laughed aloud, as they watched the Kenobi child try to do a mock battle with the most astute Jedi with a saber, Master Jinn.
The first two parries forward by Qui-Gon were met with little resistance from the child. Obi-Wan was afraid of making mistakes and Jinn could sense that fear.
"Little one do not fear making a mistake. Look to the force; reach out to it for help. Do not think about making a mistake or of beating me, just defend. That is all that is necessary, the force. It is there for you, for all Jedi to use, so use it."
Obi-Wan tried to relax and do what the big master said. After two failed attempts and a very hard fall to the ground, it seemed that maybe saber practice had not been a good idea. You certainly could not boost Obi-Wan's confidence in himself this way. Jinn halted their mock duel and waited for Obi-Wan to lift himself up from the ground and dust the gravel off his tunic and leggings.
Kenobi was afraid that now Master Jinn would "light" into him telling him how horrible he was with the saber. Of course, the punishment would soon follow when he had pushed Jinn to the limit which must be close because of how poorly he was doing.
Qui-Gon walked over to the boy and stood behind him. It startled Kenobi when the master reached around him and took both of his smaller hands in his big calloused ones. Obi-Wan flinched and Jinn knew he had anticipated being struck by him for his lack of abilities. Jinn gently and with much care started to correct the hold on Obi's saber and had him tuck his elbows in.
With his arms wrapped around the boy he could feel Obi-Wan trembling in fear.
"Keep your elbows in more. That will help you get the most reach out of your too-short-for-now arms."
Jinn voice was gentle as a night breeze as he spoke ever so softly in the child's ear. It was little more that a whisper.
Obi-Wan relaxed under Master Jinn's touch when he realized he was not going to be struck for doing poorly, but was going to be gently corrected and prodded onward.
In that instance Jinn saw how battered and belittled Obi-Wan had been because of his lack of abilities with the saber. He saw through Obi's mind the abuse and degradation he had suffered at the hands of one Jedi.
Jinn cringed and got shivers up and down his spine when he realized that Initiate Obi-Wan Kenobi had suffered all the physical abuse and mental taunts at the hand of one Jedi, Knight Xanatos Crion…………….
PEACE ewen
Jinn had to tell the child more than once to try to eat. He sat with a fork in hand twirling his food nervously.
Xanatos tried to keep the conversation light and on the Hutts. He did not want Jinn to bring up the episode he had with the boy.
"I take it we will meet again with the Hutts first thing in the morning?"
"Yes. The meeting is moved to the town hall. All else will be the same."
"Well I don't think it will take us long to finish this up once we actually get started."
"Yes I agree. We will take Initiate Kenobi and Chun with us. They both need to learn diplomacy. What better way than to start with the Hutts. You should remember well "Xani" how obstinate they can be even the ones who are peaceful."
"Well I do remember that the temper of the Hutts is notoriously famous."
Xanatos was trying to be pleasant with Qui-Gon. He did not want his former master to suspect anything when it came to him. He already knew Qui-Gon was leery of letting him around the boy. That would not be necessary now, for he had someone to do away with both of them. He had wanted to terrorize the boy more, but it would be out of the question. Jinn seemed to keep the boy almost in arm's reach of him at all times.
"Well I think it would be wise for all of us to retire early tonight. I have notified the council. Without going through all the details I have informed them that we have mutually agreed to switch which initiate we will be caring for. Obi-Wan has already moved his things to my room. Now I think after you have eaten you should move yours Bruck."
Bruck could not help but hear the curt attitude in Master Jinn's voice. Even though he knew now he would never be a padawan, it angered him at not being chosen by Jinn. His ego showed horribly in the frown on his face as he listened to the master. Jinn on the other hand, was barely aware Vhun was there, his eyes on Kenobi the entire time.
Qui-Gon was aware of "Xani's" attempt at sidestepping discussing the episode with Kenobi. Jinn himself had no desire to delve into the ramifications of the argument the two had. He knew deep down in his heart that Xanatos was acting far too cruelly to be a successful master to an apprentice, but right now Jinn did not want to face the truth about his former apprentice. He was too busy just trying to figure out the bond issue and the Kenobi child. He just wanted all this over and go back to the temple to try to break the bond. He thought he could sort all of this out about the boy and his former apprentice once they were back to the safety of the temple.
Three hours of negotiations, which to Obi-Wan was the most boring thing he had ever witnessed, left the little initiate squirming in his seat. Bruck was no more enthused by the meeting, but he kept busy with daydreaming of adventure and riches he would share with Knight Xanatos once they were free of Jinn and Kenobi. He managed to stay in his seat. In some aspects, he seemed older than the smaller initiate, maybe because of the streak of cruelty he had in him. He was not inhibited and or as frightened as Obi-Wan Kenobi. He had nothing to lose by not becoming a padawan, he had no wish to be one. On the other hand Obi-Wan's main goal in life was to be a successful Jedi.
It was just about time to break for the mid day meal when an all out argument between two of the principle factions of the Hutts started. Push came to shove by both Hutts. It took Jinn and Xanatos both to break up the argument and settle things down. Once done Jinn felt the old camaraderie he had with his former apprentice when they worked together. They had once worked very well together and Xanatos was very good in diplomacy as well as battle. The memories flowed sweetly through the older Jedi's mind and again he felt resentment for the boy, Kenobi, because of the trouble he had caused Xanatos.
It even felt good to Xanatos to be back with his former master. It was only a fleeting thought for Xani though, because of his dark ways. The evilness in him blinded the knight, making him forget the good times with Jinn in favor of thinking how much better his life could be once he was in control of his own destiny and being very very rich.
"The four Jedi headed back to their dwelling after the fight.
"WE still do make a good team you know Knight Crion."
Xanatos returned the smile, for he truly did know what Jinn was referring too. Had he not had such a black heart, Xani could have stayed loyal to this man in front of him, who had raised him from a child to a knight in the Jedi order.
Xanatos knew deep down it was not his master's failings, but his own that prompted him to be one with the dark.
Just then Qui-Gon caught a glimpse of someone in the shadows of the noon day sun.
"Xanatos, be on your guard. I think someone is following us."
Xanatos realized it must be the two he had hired to do away with Jinn and Kenobi. He snapped back from his daydreaming of the past.
"It is probably just some of the local children wanting to get a closer look at a Jedi. Surely we are in no danger here."
Xani tried to minimize Jinn's worry. He did not want the Jedi master to catch on to what was going on. Jinn was very attuned to his surroundings.
"Maybe you are right. I'm just being overly cautious, but still I think we should be on guard. I don't like the feeling I am getting."
Jinn looked over his shoulder to make sure that Obi-Wan was alright. Then he guiltily checked on Bruck. With his worry focused solely on the little initiate, Kenobi, he forgot about the other one he should also be looking out for. Even if he did not care for him, Bruck was still his responsibility; one he would not take lightly. The protection of both children must be his prime directive right now.
Jinn fell back of the other three and guarded against a possible sneak attack, but the shadows that had been following them seemed to drift away, leading Jinn to believe his nerves were just getting the best of him.
//Xani must have been right. They were just some children trying to get a better look at a real Jedi. There is no one on this planet that I am aware of that would want to do harm to a Jedi . We are all perfectly safe here.//
The Jedi attended the next two days of meetings with the Hutts without interruptions. Xanatos was growing impatient waiting for the men he hired to make their move. He was not sure which day Maul would arrive. It had now been three days since he hired the men to do away with Kenobi and Jinn and only on one day had there been any clue that the Jedi were in any way being stalked or hunted.
The next day when the four Jedi got up and readied for their meeting a deluge of rain hit the city bringing any kind of outdoor travel to a halt. The streets were flooded in places. This meant that the four Jedi would remain locked indoors all day together. Something none of the four was looking forward too.
Jinn hoped he could keep the three from arguing. Obi-Wan said very little so his fear of him starting the argument was not there. He just hoped that Xani and Bruck could find something other than "Obi" to occupy their time with.
It pained Jinn to think it but he got the distinct feeling that Xani bided his time waiting to pounce the little initiate. Qui-Gon could not for the life of him figure out why Xanatos held so much animosity toward the little one. Aside from his occasional speech problem and his inept abilities with the saber, Kenobi was not such an unlikable boy, Jinn reasoned.
Qui-Gon immediately assigned some extra studies for Obi-Wan to keep busy with. He recommended that Xanatos do the same.
Much to Bruck dislike, Xanatos followed suit and had his initiate do some extra work. Both children now had their heads buried in a book reading. Once in awhile Jinn would notice Obi-Wan look up at the streaming rain on the window and daydream, leaving his books for the mysteries in his mind. Qui-Gon watched and observed the boy wondering what Obi-Wan daydreamed about when he did such as now, let his mind wander. Qui thought maybe he dreamt of his knighthood, because the child truly did seem determined to become a Jedi knight. Bruck may have talents that surpassed the little one but Qui-Gon doubted he had the determination that Kenobi possessed. Jinn thought of him with pride before he stifled his thoughts about the boy.
//I am not going to keep him.//
The rain slacked and Xanatos decided to take Bruck out and get in some saber practice. He was as bored as the children were being confined all day.
Obi-Wan sat and silently wished Jinn would let them go out. He was not so sure he wanted to "practice" a saber training with the big master, but he was sure he was tired of sitting inside all day. Jinn seemed to sense his restlessness.
"Grab your saber Kenobi, we will do the same as Xani and Bruck. I want to try to find out what your problem is.
//If he has any hopes of becoming a Jedi, he needs to know how to use the saber.//
Obi-Wan remained silent, but he did do what he was told. He wanted to stretch his legs, but he hated for Master Jinn to see once more how lacking his skills were in the use of the light saber.
Jinn and Kenobi found the other pair of Jedi on the gravel area just outside the little cabin they had been living in.
Although Obi-Wan had seen the two in mock battle before, he was still in awe over their finese in the execution of the katas and saber skills.
Jinn himself thought back on a time when one of the main reasons he had chosen Xanatos was his skills with the saber. Was that why he rethought taking Bruck for the same reason. Bruck had not been as smooth as Crion when it came to hiding his true self. The brash attitude and rudeness shined through Bruck whereas Xani was able to keep his dark ways hidden from the master even now.
When both of the brazen Jedi realized they had an audience they intensified their battle. The moves became more difficult. Xanatos parries were met with excellent and precise defense in Bruck's matching blows. Toe to toe, Bruck was almost able to defeat the knight. It was not until Xani executed a somersault and a back flip, confusing and tangling up Bruck, that he began to lose the mock battle. The singe to Bruck's arm with the saber on low power left nothing for him to do but to concede, while laying on the graveled surface. Xanatos bowed to Bruck and then too his audience of Jinn and Kenobi. He flashed his pearly white teeth as Jinn applauded their completion of the mock battle. Jinn in some ways was still blind to Xanatos evilness.
Xanatos helped Bruck up and they sauntered to the small garden just off from the house. They had no real wish to watch the bumbling antics of Initiate Kenobi. They had all too many times witnessed his ability with the saber and Xani thought they might anger Jinn if they laughed aloud, as they watched the Kenobi child try to do a mock battle with the most astute Jedi with a saber, Master Jinn.
The first two parries forward by Qui-Gon were met with little resistance from the child. Obi-Wan was afraid of making mistakes and Jinn could sense that fear.
"Little one do not fear making a mistake. Look to the force; reach out to it for help. Do not think about making a mistake or of beating me, just defend. That is all that is necessary, the force. It is there for you, for all Jedi to use, so use it."
Obi-Wan tried to relax and do what the big master said. After two failed attempts and a very hard fall to the ground, it seemed that maybe saber practice had not been a good idea. You certainly could not boost Obi-Wan's confidence in himself this way. Jinn halted their mock duel and waited for Obi-Wan to lift himself up from the ground and dust the gravel off his tunic and leggings.
Kenobi was afraid that now Master Jinn would "light" into him telling him how horrible he was with the saber. Of course, the punishment would soon follow when he had pushed Jinn to the limit which must be close because of how poorly he was doing.
Qui-Gon walked over to the boy and stood behind him. It startled Kenobi when the master reached around him and took both of his smaller hands in his big calloused ones. Obi-Wan flinched and Jinn knew he had anticipated being struck by him for his lack of abilities. Jinn gently and with much care started to correct the hold on Obi's saber and had him tuck his elbows in.
With his arms wrapped around the boy he could feel Obi-Wan trembling in fear.
"Keep your elbows in more. That will help you get the most reach out of your too-short-for-now arms."
Jinn voice was gentle as a night breeze as he spoke ever so softly in the child's ear. It was little more that a whisper.
Obi-Wan relaxed under Master Jinn's touch when he realized he was not going to be struck for doing poorly, but was going to be gently corrected and prodded onward.
In that instance Jinn saw how battered and belittled Obi-Wan had been because of his lack of abilities with the saber. He saw through Obi's mind the abuse and degradation he had suffered at the hands of one Jedi.
Jinn cringed and got shivers up and down his spine when he realized that Initiate Obi-Wan Kenobi had suffered all the physical abuse and mental taunts at the hand of one Jedi, Knight Xanatos Crion…………….
PEACE ewen