Sorry for the delay guys. But here's a long post for you all. ; )
Katt - Please don't be offended. : ( I didn't mean for it to be an insult. It's just what I say. And I don't think your stories "suck" Hey, when I first came to ff.n I only got one to two reviews max on my first 3 stories. And then on my fourth, I posted a few chaps and nothing. And suddenly, when I decided to post again about a month later, BOOM!!! All these people began reviewing! Now my stories are getting a bit more recognition. Honestly, I don't know what brought everyone to this story. The nick was new and I thought the subject material was kinda corny. But here you all are, reading away. So I guess it just depends on timing and need. So chin up. It could still happen to you. ; )
Brown-Eyes - I have been meaning to tell you I love your bio!! ; ) That's like my favourite part of A life Less Ordinary, at least until Cameron starts singing. *gag* If only I could cut her out. Anywho, may I suggest you get those tissues ready for one of the upcoming chapters? I'll tell you when, but I know it got me a bit sniffly. And like I mentioned before, It must get worse before it gets better. But soon things will start to pick up, honest. : D
Faye - Well, we'll see where this all ends up. And I am glad that it is emotional for you. I didn't think I was that good at conveying how the character feels. So the fact that you are feeling them makes me very happy. There will be a couple of familiar chars coming in to play. Keep an eye out for them. ;)
Dragonsong - Coming right up!! I'm sorry you'll have to wait for a bit. I have my own plans for Palpatine. *rubs hands together evilly*
Stormy1325 - THANK YOU!!! : D
Lighted Eagle - You are most kind!! But you beg well, for one so tired. Here you go, my not-so-humble servant, read away. ;)
Lady McClellan - Thank you very much. :8} And don't you worry, Disny I'm not. Unless they suddenly get kicks out of torturing handsome young men for the sadistic pleasure of their viewers. Which I don't think will happen any time soon. Would you like to be my Beta?? I know I did miss a couple. And Honestly, I usually re-read my work a number of times before I post. And I hate typos but they still manage to get past me. *sigh* I'm still trying to figure out a way to really bring Bruck back, but for the moment he served his purpose. Since I was not intending this to be an incredibly long fic, I had to cut corners in some areas. I'm already a little amazed at how long the darn thing is already. But I will do my best. Thanks for reading!! :D
Now on with the Show, boys and girls, and things!!! ; )
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Tomorrow's an Illusion
As soon as the door slammed closed behind him, Obi-Wan began pounding on the walls. He cried out to his stepfather begging him not to leave him there, to no avail. The man was cruel and uncaring toward his stepson. His fists repeatedly beat against the enclosure until he could no longer feel them. Numb from the constant blows, he could tell that his swollen hand resumed its puffy state. After his hands became useless, Obi-Wan resorted to try kicking the door open, but it withstood his trivial attempts. Exhausted from the strenuous protests, he finally stilled enough to accept his doom. Tears fell freely from his eyes as he fell into a deep melancholy. His mind drifted back to the time he first felt his phobia.
He had only been 6 when his phobia emerged. He and his mother had been playing a game of hide-and-seek, when he found a small cupboard out of the way to hide in. At first he did not have a problem sitting in the dark, it was only after a time waiting that he began to feel trapped. His mother had still not found him when he attempted to access the entry and get out.
But as he did so, the door did not open. He tried again and the door remained resolute. He began to bang on the door and shout, but no one came. He cried and fought to free himself for hours before the door finally opened. His mother had been frantic to find him and when she heard his calls at long last she hurried to retrieve her child.
Upon release, he quickly flung himself into his mother's caring embrace. Both held each other until their tears abated. She had been worried when she could not find him and her fearful tears became joyful when he rested in her arms. Obi-Wan drifted off to sleep after he had fully spent himself from the emotional drain. Never again, did Obi find himself in small spaces until his stepfather became aware of his fear. Although, he had not fully taken advantage of it until now.
Knowing his efforts would not free him, Obi-Wan brought his knees up to his chest and wrapped his arms around them. Closing his eyes against the black void of his imprisonment, he begged his body for sleep, but it denied him the small comfort. Too worked up, his weary body trembled from the exertion and the fear but could not force itself to rest. There he sat and waited for dawn.
~~
After so many hours, he had managed to fall into a light sleep but when light worked its way past the crevices between the door and walls, he became hopeful. Surely, his stepfather did not intend to leave him there all day. The night had been a sufficient punishment in his mind, and he anticipated his Lord's arrival. As time drew on, he started to worry. He needed to get his chores done, and he wanted to meet up with the young girl. He began to wonder if it was nearing the eleventh hour and became apprehensive.
Finally, he heard someone approach. Quickly, he edged closer to the door, as he figured that he was going to be released. Suddenly, noise deafened him as there were thuds ringing through the shack. Wicked, mocking laughter ensued when his throbbing mind calmed. "Hey Oafy, having fun?" But he didn't respond, and he could hear the sounds of laughter again.
"I hope you don't expect to get out anytime soon, dear brother," the silky tones of Xanatos goaded. "Father has already left for the Senate Building and he gave explicit instructions *not* to let you out." The three rattled the hutch one more time before leaving, and Obi-Wan found himself alone again. Wallowing in his misery, he sat in the vague darkness trying not to go mad.
***
Glancing at her chrono, Siri looked around the transport platform again. Her impatience was only bested by her unsettling feeling derived from the Force. It was going on the thirteenth hour and Obi-Wan had not arrived. She had a bad feeling about his absence and decided that she needed to find him. She jumped onto the shuttle that brought her to his sector and began heading for the dwelling.
As she approached, she felt a deep wounding despondency through the Force that made her shiver. But there was also a hint of familiarity in the signature, so she followed it to its source. She found herself staring at a wall, and after sizing it up, she knew she could easily leap over it with the Force. She did so and found herself in a small garden. In the corner she noticed a droid housing, but could not believe that was the source of the grief she felt. As she approached she called lightly, "Hello?"
At first she felt silly, thinking she was talking to herself, but was instantly surprised to hear, almost imperceptibly, "Siri?" Without hesitation, she flew to the small shed.
"Obi? Is that you?" She asked expectantly. Searching for a way to open the confinement, she already knew why he was here.
"Siri, What are you doing here? You need to leave. I don't know when my stepfather will come back." Even through his own fright, he worried about his friend. Siri paused for a moment to contemplate his selflessness, before resuming her search.
"When you didn't show up, I came looking for you." She replied. "Ah-ha. Hold on, I'm going to get you out of there." She found the manual keypad to override the door and tried to use the Force to work the mechanism. But as she brought the Force down on the pad and locking devices she suddenly felt herself thrown out. As she tried again, she realized that he had been trapped not just by the mechanics of the door but a powerful Force lock had also kept him prisoner.
"I can't open it." She announced astonished. "There's a Force block on this. I can't override it." She was stunned but she could feel his disappointment slam into her.
After a few moments, she heard his empty voice, "Don't worry about me. Just go."
Snapping out of her own shock, she set out to do what she had planned for today, "No, I won't leave you. I came here for a reason."
Obi-Wan cared little right now about what Siri came for. But, he also knew that her determination was matched head to head with her stubbornness. So he waited for her to continue. In the depths of his void, he had slowly plunged into the despair of his situation. He had begun itching at himself, unconsciously, as he constantly felt his skin crawl. He could not determine if it was his own fear or actual creatures examining the invader of their space.
Siri declared, "I want you to ask for Jedi intervention. I can't stand the thought of your life here." She paused and thought for a moment before adding, "I want to help you, but I can't unless you ask me."
Absently, he responded, "I can't." But offered no further explanation.
"Why not?" Trying to hide her irritation.
"Because, my stepfather hates the Jedi. If I asked for their help, this is the least of my problems. And there probably wouldn't be anyone left to save then." He answered her dejectedly. He could no longer deny the truth.
Siri accepted his answer with a heavy heart. Slowly, she slid down the side of the shed and rested against it. "There must be something we can do." They sat for sometime in silence.
Eventually, Siri heard his soft voice through the unrelenting walls, "Siri?"
"I'm still here." She said.
"What's it like?" He paused. "To be a Jedi, I mean?"
She had never really though about it before, since it was the only life she knew. But she told him all about it. What it's like in the initiate classes and learning with the various Masters. How they grew up and the honour for their families to be one. She began describing her Master, Adi Galia, and how she was on the High Council and how happy she was to be her apprentice. Excitedly, she told of her first few missions and how her eyes were opened to their cause when she saw how other worlds lived. She talked about how many sought to become Padawans in order to become a Jedi Knight. But not all succeeded.
Obi-Wan listened to it all intently, preoccupying his mind to forget his misery. He had often dreamed of following in his father's footsteps, but knew it was just a fantasy. Secretly, it was his only desire now. He had given up on everything else since his mother died and his stepfather took over his life. But no matter how bad things got, he knew there was no way that his stepfather could take away his dream. Sighing, he brought himself back to reality, "What time is it now?"
After checking her chrono, she informed, "Almost eighteenth hour."
"You better leave, my stepfather will be home soon," he suggested and then added, "Will I see you tomorrow?"
Sadly, she said, "No, the tournament is starting tomorrow." She then said with a hint of giddiness, "I have to go and defend my title." Slowly, she rose, thinking about her day, she could not help but feel she had failed. Suddenly, a new idea entered her mind, "Hey, why don't you come to the tournament? Maybe my Master can figure out a way to help you. Please come."
There was no answer at first, and she thought she might have overstepped her bounds, until he answered, "I can't promise you anything, but I will try."
"Do or do not, there is no try." Siri recited an old Jedi saying. She giggled for a moment before sobering, "I'm sorry, it's a Jedi saying. I know you will do your best, and that's all I can ask of you. Hopefully, I'll see you then. I'm sorry I couldn't get you out."
"It's alright, it's probably better this way. Now go, before you get caught. I don't know how he would react to finding a Jedi student here." Urgency laced his tone, and Siri complied regretfully.
"Bye, Obi."
"Bye, Siri. Good Luck tomorrow." He offered.
She muttered her thanks and then leapt over the wall. Once again, Obi-Wan found himself alone in the dark. His skin felt raw in the places he constantly scratched and hoped that the crawling sensations were only in his mind. About an hour later, he heard footsteps approach. A dark feeling washed over him and he knew his stepfather had returned.
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What? You want to review?? Well that's wonderful!!! I would really appreciate it if you did? Just click on that spot on the bottom that says, "Submit Review" and type in what you think. Thanks. ; ) :D
Katt - Please don't be offended. : ( I didn't mean for it to be an insult. It's just what I say. And I don't think your stories "suck" Hey, when I first came to ff.n I only got one to two reviews max on my first 3 stories. And then on my fourth, I posted a few chaps and nothing. And suddenly, when I decided to post again about a month later, BOOM!!! All these people began reviewing! Now my stories are getting a bit more recognition. Honestly, I don't know what brought everyone to this story. The nick was new and I thought the subject material was kinda corny. But here you all are, reading away. So I guess it just depends on timing and need. So chin up. It could still happen to you. ; )
Brown-Eyes - I have been meaning to tell you I love your bio!! ; ) That's like my favourite part of A life Less Ordinary, at least until Cameron starts singing. *gag* If only I could cut her out. Anywho, may I suggest you get those tissues ready for one of the upcoming chapters? I'll tell you when, but I know it got me a bit sniffly. And like I mentioned before, It must get worse before it gets better. But soon things will start to pick up, honest. : D
Faye - Well, we'll see where this all ends up. And I am glad that it is emotional for you. I didn't think I was that good at conveying how the character feels. So the fact that you are feeling them makes me very happy. There will be a couple of familiar chars coming in to play. Keep an eye out for them. ;)
Dragonsong - Coming right up!! I'm sorry you'll have to wait for a bit. I have my own plans for Palpatine. *rubs hands together evilly*
Stormy1325 - THANK YOU!!! : D
Lighted Eagle - You are most kind!! But you beg well, for one so tired. Here you go, my not-so-humble servant, read away. ;)
Lady McClellan - Thank you very much. :8} And don't you worry, Disny I'm not. Unless they suddenly get kicks out of torturing handsome young men for the sadistic pleasure of their viewers. Which I don't think will happen any time soon. Would you like to be my Beta?? I know I did miss a couple. And Honestly, I usually re-read my work a number of times before I post. And I hate typos but they still manage to get past me. *sigh* I'm still trying to figure out a way to really bring Bruck back, but for the moment he served his purpose. Since I was not intending this to be an incredibly long fic, I had to cut corners in some areas. I'm already a little amazed at how long the darn thing is already. But I will do my best. Thanks for reading!! :D
Now on with the Show, boys and girls, and things!!! ; )
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------
Tomorrow's an Illusion
As soon as the door slammed closed behind him, Obi-Wan began pounding on the walls. He cried out to his stepfather begging him not to leave him there, to no avail. The man was cruel and uncaring toward his stepson. His fists repeatedly beat against the enclosure until he could no longer feel them. Numb from the constant blows, he could tell that his swollen hand resumed its puffy state. After his hands became useless, Obi-Wan resorted to try kicking the door open, but it withstood his trivial attempts. Exhausted from the strenuous protests, he finally stilled enough to accept his doom. Tears fell freely from his eyes as he fell into a deep melancholy. His mind drifted back to the time he first felt his phobia.
He had only been 6 when his phobia emerged. He and his mother had been playing a game of hide-and-seek, when he found a small cupboard out of the way to hide in. At first he did not have a problem sitting in the dark, it was only after a time waiting that he began to feel trapped. His mother had still not found him when he attempted to access the entry and get out.
But as he did so, the door did not open. He tried again and the door remained resolute. He began to bang on the door and shout, but no one came. He cried and fought to free himself for hours before the door finally opened. His mother had been frantic to find him and when she heard his calls at long last she hurried to retrieve her child.
Upon release, he quickly flung himself into his mother's caring embrace. Both held each other until their tears abated. She had been worried when she could not find him and her fearful tears became joyful when he rested in her arms. Obi-Wan drifted off to sleep after he had fully spent himself from the emotional drain. Never again, did Obi find himself in small spaces until his stepfather became aware of his fear. Although, he had not fully taken advantage of it until now.
Knowing his efforts would not free him, Obi-Wan brought his knees up to his chest and wrapped his arms around them. Closing his eyes against the black void of his imprisonment, he begged his body for sleep, but it denied him the small comfort. Too worked up, his weary body trembled from the exertion and the fear but could not force itself to rest. There he sat and waited for dawn.
~~
After so many hours, he had managed to fall into a light sleep but when light worked its way past the crevices between the door and walls, he became hopeful. Surely, his stepfather did not intend to leave him there all day. The night had been a sufficient punishment in his mind, and he anticipated his Lord's arrival. As time drew on, he started to worry. He needed to get his chores done, and he wanted to meet up with the young girl. He began to wonder if it was nearing the eleventh hour and became apprehensive.
Finally, he heard someone approach. Quickly, he edged closer to the door, as he figured that he was going to be released. Suddenly, noise deafened him as there were thuds ringing through the shack. Wicked, mocking laughter ensued when his throbbing mind calmed. "Hey Oafy, having fun?" But he didn't respond, and he could hear the sounds of laughter again.
"I hope you don't expect to get out anytime soon, dear brother," the silky tones of Xanatos goaded. "Father has already left for the Senate Building and he gave explicit instructions *not* to let you out." The three rattled the hutch one more time before leaving, and Obi-Wan found himself alone again. Wallowing in his misery, he sat in the vague darkness trying not to go mad.
***
Glancing at her chrono, Siri looked around the transport platform again. Her impatience was only bested by her unsettling feeling derived from the Force. It was going on the thirteenth hour and Obi-Wan had not arrived. She had a bad feeling about his absence and decided that she needed to find him. She jumped onto the shuttle that brought her to his sector and began heading for the dwelling.
As she approached, she felt a deep wounding despondency through the Force that made her shiver. But there was also a hint of familiarity in the signature, so she followed it to its source. She found herself staring at a wall, and after sizing it up, she knew she could easily leap over it with the Force. She did so and found herself in a small garden. In the corner she noticed a droid housing, but could not believe that was the source of the grief she felt. As she approached she called lightly, "Hello?"
At first she felt silly, thinking she was talking to herself, but was instantly surprised to hear, almost imperceptibly, "Siri?" Without hesitation, she flew to the small shed.
"Obi? Is that you?" She asked expectantly. Searching for a way to open the confinement, she already knew why he was here.
"Siri, What are you doing here? You need to leave. I don't know when my stepfather will come back." Even through his own fright, he worried about his friend. Siri paused for a moment to contemplate his selflessness, before resuming her search.
"When you didn't show up, I came looking for you." She replied. "Ah-ha. Hold on, I'm going to get you out of there." She found the manual keypad to override the door and tried to use the Force to work the mechanism. But as she brought the Force down on the pad and locking devices she suddenly felt herself thrown out. As she tried again, she realized that he had been trapped not just by the mechanics of the door but a powerful Force lock had also kept him prisoner.
"I can't open it." She announced astonished. "There's a Force block on this. I can't override it." She was stunned but she could feel his disappointment slam into her.
After a few moments, she heard his empty voice, "Don't worry about me. Just go."
Snapping out of her own shock, she set out to do what she had planned for today, "No, I won't leave you. I came here for a reason."
Obi-Wan cared little right now about what Siri came for. But, he also knew that her determination was matched head to head with her stubbornness. So he waited for her to continue. In the depths of his void, he had slowly plunged into the despair of his situation. He had begun itching at himself, unconsciously, as he constantly felt his skin crawl. He could not determine if it was his own fear or actual creatures examining the invader of their space.
Siri declared, "I want you to ask for Jedi intervention. I can't stand the thought of your life here." She paused and thought for a moment before adding, "I want to help you, but I can't unless you ask me."
Absently, he responded, "I can't." But offered no further explanation.
"Why not?" Trying to hide her irritation.
"Because, my stepfather hates the Jedi. If I asked for their help, this is the least of my problems. And there probably wouldn't be anyone left to save then." He answered her dejectedly. He could no longer deny the truth.
Siri accepted his answer with a heavy heart. Slowly, she slid down the side of the shed and rested against it. "There must be something we can do." They sat for sometime in silence.
Eventually, Siri heard his soft voice through the unrelenting walls, "Siri?"
"I'm still here." She said.
"What's it like?" He paused. "To be a Jedi, I mean?"
She had never really though about it before, since it was the only life she knew. But she told him all about it. What it's like in the initiate classes and learning with the various Masters. How they grew up and the honour for their families to be one. She began describing her Master, Adi Galia, and how she was on the High Council and how happy she was to be her apprentice. Excitedly, she told of her first few missions and how her eyes were opened to their cause when she saw how other worlds lived. She talked about how many sought to become Padawans in order to become a Jedi Knight. But not all succeeded.
Obi-Wan listened to it all intently, preoccupying his mind to forget his misery. He had often dreamed of following in his father's footsteps, but knew it was just a fantasy. Secretly, it was his only desire now. He had given up on everything else since his mother died and his stepfather took over his life. But no matter how bad things got, he knew there was no way that his stepfather could take away his dream. Sighing, he brought himself back to reality, "What time is it now?"
After checking her chrono, she informed, "Almost eighteenth hour."
"You better leave, my stepfather will be home soon," he suggested and then added, "Will I see you tomorrow?"
Sadly, she said, "No, the tournament is starting tomorrow." She then said with a hint of giddiness, "I have to go and defend my title." Slowly, she rose, thinking about her day, she could not help but feel she had failed. Suddenly, a new idea entered her mind, "Hey, why don't you come to the tournament? Maybe my Master can figure out a way to help you. Please come."
There was no answer at first, and she thought she might have overstepped her bounds, until he answered, "I can't promise you anything, but I will try."
"Do or do not, there is no try." Siri recited an old Jedi saying. She giggled for a moment before sobering, "I'm sorry, it's a Jedi saying. I know you will do your best, and that's all I can ask of you. Hopefully, I'll see you then. I'm sorry I couldn't get you out."
"It's alright, it's probably better this way. Now go, before you get caught. I don't know how he would react to finding a Jedi student here." Urgency laced his tone, and Siri complied regretfully.
"Bye, Obi."
"Bye, Siri. Good Luck tomorrow." He offered.
She muttered her thanks and then leapt over the wall. Once again, Obi-Wan found himself alone in the dark. His skin felt raw in the places he constantly scratched and hoped that the crawling sensations were only in his mind. About an hour later, he heard footsteps approach. A dark feeling washed over him and he knew his stepfather had returned.
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What? You want to review?? Well that's wonderful!!! I would really appreciate it if you did? Just click on that spot on the bottom that says, "Submit Review" and type in what you think. Thanks. ; ) :D