Well, I'm back. I hope you all survived without me. ; ) Like that would
be difficult. Oh and just so you all know, I've been calling Yoda the fairy
godjedi since I first thought this up. Anyway, here is a nice long postie
for you all to enjoy! But first things first:
Brown-Eyes, REALbluelightsaber, Has-Bei Padolsa, Dragonsong, Padawan Kitara, Lillian Jinn, Dot and Che - Thanks everyone. ; ) I'm glad you are all enjoying this little farce. And I really, really appreciate you telling me so.
Ds_jt - No there is no time limit set by Yoda or the Force since he has to rush back in order to beat Palpy home. Can't have Palpy find out too early what Obi's been up to. ; )
Katt - When I posted it at TF.N I got so many laughs about Yoda being the fairy godjedi, that I was a little bummed that that was all they got out of that chapter. So that's why I asked for everyone to not laugh too hard.
Ciria - Thank you very much! I'm really glad you liked the conversation. I knew that he was playing the role of 'fairy godjedi' but I didn't want to make it "SO" obvious. And I wanted it to be a bit more meaningful than "Bibiddi-Bobiddi-Boo." I did have a lot of fun on vacation, and I thank you for the best wishes too. : D
Louiewolfie - That was what I wanted. ; ) Glad I fooled you. We'll just have to see what the tourny holds for our little Obi-ella. ; )
Lord Angelus - I did get the concept from watching Everafter recently, so I'm not surprised.
Lighted eagle - Yup, Yoda is the fairy godjedi! : ) You will see in this post what Obi might be doing. And this story loves you too. So don't feel rejected. : D
Miss B - Glad to have you stop by again. I know DRL can be a real pain in the tookus, since he had been plaguing me as well. And I didn't see Yoda as Glenda-ish but then again I didn't see him in puffy blue either. And since I have yet to write the ending we can only hope the muse takes us in the direction of a 'happy' ending. ] : )
Well, on with the post!! Enjoy! : D
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It's My Turn to Fly
"So, do you think you will take a Padawan by the time the Tournament is over?" Asked a hopeful Adi Gallia of one elusive Qui-Gon Jinn. His face remained the composed thoughtful visage it always did, and her hope faded. Sighing, she was about to continue when, to her amazement, he spoke.
"It is a possibility. I sense something in the Force, but I have yet to discover what it is trying to tell me. So I will watch and wait." His soothing baritone confided. Adi was so stunned by the confession that she did not respond. Instead they walked on, in silence, toward the entrant registration table. They were heading there to close the process and let the games begin.
As they approached, they recognized the Jedi in charge of the applicants was their friend, and Council Member, Ki-Adi-Mundi. "Good morning, Master," Qui-gon began but never finished as an out of breath youth bumped into him. Turning he found a ginger-haired boy, blushing from his mishap, backing away.
"Is this the application table, sir, uh, Master?" The boy asked shyly.
Qui-Gon smiled down at the lad, and said, "Yes, but we are about to close the registrations."
A look of horrified disappointment crossed the young features, but quickly smoothed over to resolution. "I'm too late? But I jeopardized everything to get here."
Adi frowned, "We haven't closed them yet, Qui-Gon." She stepped in front of the tall Jedi and smiled sympathetically at the boy. "Don't mind him, he's a bit rigid sometimes. We shall close them after you have registered." Hope brightened his sea-change eyes and a broad smile crossed his features. The radiant face widened her own grin. She guided him over to the waiting Council member and stepped back for him to provide his information.
"Name, child?" Ki-Adi-Mundi had watched the exchange and was prepared for the boy's arrival.
For a moment confusion and worry flashed in the blue-green orbs, before he hesitantly responded. "Cay Andur." I can not give them my last name or they will know I'm here. And I hope my father doesn't mind my adoption of his. I hope that will be sufficient.
The oblong Jedi typed in the information and then asked, "Home planet?"
Glancing down, Obi-Wan answered, "I don't have one." Ki-Adi looked up but entered the information anyway.
"Affiliation?" The Master asked, but the boy's furrowed features told him that the youth didn't understand. "Where did you study, initiate?"
A nervous glance moved from the alien, to the kind woman and lastly, the tall Knight, as Obi-Wan thought frantically, he stuttered, "Don't have a specific place. Move around a lot."
Qui-Gon could see this was taking longer than it should, "We don't have time for this, initiate. Just tell him who you studied under." Adi shot her friend another frown as his verbal push.
"My father," again the boy stammered. But he could not continue, knowing it would give him away.
"And where is your father?" Qui-Gon spurred the youth on.
Answering honestly, "Dead, sir," Obi-Wan whispered. Tears rimmed the revealing green gems.
Intervening in the registration-turned-inquisition, Adi denounced, "Qui- Gon, obviously, you are upsetting him." She thought for a moment, "Let him enter under Naboo. They only had two applicants but were allotted four. I'm sure they wouldn't mind his joining their group."
At this, Obi-Wan was both grateful and completely petrified. The mere thought he might have to be in close proximity to his stepfamily and endanger himself from possible discovery almost caused him to runaway. But then he remembered Master Yoda's advice and tried to push out his fears. Taking a deep breath he allowed them to fall from his psyche and concentrate on the task at hand. "Thank you, Master." Accepting the mocha- skinned woman's help.
She smiled back at him and said, "You're welcome, initiate Cay. I know it might be awkward, but the initiates who have entered rarely group together as the different events pull them in different directions. If you would like, I can introduce you."
Shyly, he smirked, and then declined, "No, Thank you. I can find my way, Master..?"
"Adi Gallia," the kind woman supplied. Obi-Wan began to back away, when she added. "They should be over in that corner." Pointing toward the other side of the room, she continued, "If you can't find them, contact me and I will be happy to assist."
"I appreciate your thoughtfulness, Master Gallia." Obi-Wan bowed quickly and hurried off.
The usually reserved Councilwoman turned back to a quiet Knight. "He was very polite, wasn't he?" She made her way to stand next to him. "And you were very rude to him." When his gaze did not return from the retreating form she added, "Are you alright?"
Finally, he broke from his contemplation, he turned a cerulean gaze to his fellow Jedi. "That boy seems very familiar." He stood for a moment, searching his memory. "Cay Andur. Could it be?"
Adi watched her friend, but knew that now was not the time to dally on old memories, "Qui-Gon, we must go. We have to tell Mace that he can start the Tournament."
Slowly, the giant Jedi nodded, "Yes, of course." Together the two Knights wondered off to locate the Tournament Steward.
***
Obi-Wan could barely contain his relief when Master Adi said that he really wouldn't be spending time with his stepbrothers. But more importantly, he wouldn't be near his stepfather. And that thought alone gave him the confidence to go on. He wandered the floor watching and taking in how others prepared for the coming battles. Many had Jedi Masters around to help them and offer last minute advice. Suddenly, he felt very lonely.
Deep within his own thoughts, he wandered about aimlessly when he collided with another body. A familiar voice said, "Watch it." A blonde-haired girl stepped back to get a better look at the older boy.
"I'm sorry, I wasn't watching where I was going." He told her the truth, as he had been absorbed in the happenings around him. Her annoyed glance changed at his remark and she stared at him a little harder. Obi-Wan thought fast, and decided to introduce himself, before she could really look at him. "Hi, I'm Cay Andur."
"Well, hello Cay. Is this your first time to the Temple?" Siri asked.
"Yes, It's quite beautiful," stating what he thought aloud and motioning to their surroundings.
Her glare still held a hint of wonderment, but she transitioned into the new direction. "Yes it is. But you hardly notice once you're been here for a while. Anyway, I must be going. It was nice meeting you, Cay." Without waiting for a reply, Siri started off again in her search to find Obi-Wan, hoping he had made it to the tournament.
From behind her, she heard him call, "Nice meeting you too, Siri." She waved back and headed off into the crowd. She had made it half way across the room, when she came to a screeching halt. Quickly, she turned around and headed back toward where she had bumped into the new arrival. Frantically, she searched the faces around her but could not find the strange boy. Quietly, she resigned to herself, to wait and watch until she could track him down and ask him how he knew her name.
Obi-Wan strolled along watching the different species prepare. A few minutes later, and announcer called over the din, grabbing everyone's attention. "Good day, everyone. I would like to introduce you to this year's Steward of the Tournament, and High Council Member, Mace Windu." Loud cheers went up as the dark Jedi stepped into the central mat, where the crowd had gathered.
Taking up the central position, he raised his hands to calm the mass. After most of the noise had died down, he spoke, "Welcome, Jedi. I thank you all for coming to our annual Tournament. As you are all aware this is one of the biggest events of our Order, as it allows initiates trained at our smaller locations the chance to come to the Temple. And more importantly, allows them to show their skills in hopes of becoming a Padawan. I must mention that there still is honour in not being chosen. The Force has a plan for us, and we must accept it's bidding with grace. But a little nudge couldn't hurt, either." A rare smile crossed the stoic features as a small rumble of laughter rose.
"Never-the-less, I urge you to do your best, but don't get disheartened by defeat or overconfident by victory. A Jedi must be accustomed to both in their life. The older Padawan portion of the tournament will be held in the adjoining room, where I will address you all further. First year Padawans and initiates will remain here for the competition to begin. This years Judges for the Initiate Category will be Masters, Adi Gallia and Qui- Gon Jinn. Thank you and May the Force be with you." A roar of cheers went up again as the Jedi Master walked off. Slowly the crowd dissipated as they finished prepping themselves for the coming matches. Obi-Wan weaved his way through the group to end up in a back corner.
Shortly, an announcer could be heard calling out a number of names to the mats. Matches were held as initiates were eliminated from the competition one by one. Obi-Wan watched each match intently, trying to learn from mistakes that were made and adopting good countering moves. Another boy about his age came to stand next to him. In between events, the boy turned to comment, "Are you nervous?"
"Absolutely," Obi-Wan answered. The other boy smiled and patted Obi on the back.
"Me too." Thrusting his hand out, the boy said, "My name's Garen Muln. What's yours?"
"Uh, Cay Andur." Grasping the offered hand, the two shook vigorously.
"Pleased to meet you, Cay. All I can say, is I hope that Master Adi judges my match." The other boy gave a half-smile at the remark.
Curious, Obi-Wan asked, "Why?"
"Well, not that it's appropriate, but, Master Qui-Gon scares me. Actually, he scares most of the initiates. He's the best saber fighter out there. Only Master Yoda was better." Garen revealed.
Obi-Wan's eyes went wide at the mention of the little green Master, but quickly pushed back his surprise. Instead, he focused on what Garen said. "So, if he's the best, you're afraid of looking clumsy in front of him, huh?"
"I'd be lying if I said no." The fellow initiate replied with a smile. "But mind you I'm no slouch. In fact, I'm only bested by Siri. She and I were the finalists last year. And if it weren't for a slip on the mat, I would have beaten her. Now, she's got an inflated ego, which I'll never live down. I hope we get to face each other again, and then I can show her who's best now."
Obi-Wan smiled and thought, If he only knew what happened in that alley. I think he would be making her life miserable at the fact that she needed to be rescued. He laughed at the memory and Garen looked at him suspiciously. "Well, maybe she's just afraid that someone might actually prove her wrong, that she constantly teases you."
At his comment, Garen sighed and rolled his eyes, "Are you sure you're not a Master in disguise? You sound just like them." They stared at each other before breaking off into hysterics. When they composed themselves again, Garen spoke, "It's kinda odd, actually. Siri usually is very controlled and concentrated when she is going to fight, but she seemed distracted when I ran into her earlier. Like her mind was on something else."
Obi-Wan turned away for a moment, to hide his frown. He knew why the girl had been preoccupied, she was looking for him, but he could not reveal that now or else he would be welcoming the wrath of his Stepfather. Sighing, he responded, "Maybe she's afraid you'll beat her this year."
"Yeah, right," sarcasm lacing his tone. Garen placed a hand on Obi's shoulder. "No, I think it's something else." But before he could further elaborate an announcer rattled off more names.
Obi-Wan glanced up as he heard, "Cay Andur," amongst them. "Well, looks like I'm up. Wish me luck."
"Uh uh, you should know better than that." Garen cocked a grin at his new friend before saying, "May the Force be with you." Obi-Wan smiled back before moving off to head up onto the salle.
A Jedi Knight from a species that Obi-Wan did not recognize stood in front of him and another human boy. He addressed them both in Basic, "You know the rules. Make sure your sabers are on their lowest setting. May the Force be with you." He stepped back to give the boys room, and a wave of sudden panic surged through Obi-Wan. He realized he had not even checked his lightsaber to see if he could use it. The other boy stood opposite him with closed eyes pulling the Force in around him. Recognizing the meditative stance, he thought he should try it since his nerves were already frayed. He closed his eyes and thought, Calm your mind. Remember what Master Yoda said, Trust your instincts, feel the Force, help you they can. Center yourself, give into your fears you can not. Father, if you're out there somewhere, help me get through this. He pleaded quietly, and as he re-emerged from his thoughts, he heard the Knight announce, "Begin."
Instantly, the other boy ignited his saber and poised himself for the fight. Obi-Wan automatically did the same. A gasp floated from the crowd as he did so. To Obi-Wan's amazement, the saber lit up without hesitation, but what startled everyone was the glow of the blade, at first it appeared to be pure white. Which was something not many people ever saw as those crystals were rare, but as they all watched in wonderment, a fair hint of blue, violet and green pulsated through the blade, making it a visual rainbow of light. Obi-Wan's opponent clutched his saber hilt a little tighter at the spectacle and moved forward to attack. Taking a deep breath, Obi-Wan slid into a defense stance.
Slowly the boys circled each other, when finally, the Initiate's patience wore out. He swung at Obi-Wan with a downward right slash. Obi-Wan defended against the blow and twisted to counter from another direction. Blocking, thrusting, jumping, parrying, the two battled for some time. At one point, Obi-Wan's footing slipped and the rival almost landed a blow, if not for his quick tuck and roll away from him. That was close, but you fought against better. Despite his evil streak Xani is one of the best and if you can defeat him, you can do well here. Just don't get too cocky.
Drawing out the match a little longer, Obi-Wan kept his eyes open for the other's weakness. And when it finally presented itself, he was quick to move. Before the student knew what had happened, Obi-Wan had scored the winning mark. Both heard the Knight's voice call out, "Match. Cay Andur." They stopped and bowed toward each other as a sign of respect. Slightly, breathless, Obi-Wan walked off the sparring mat and found Garen cheering his return.
"That was great!! You were amazing. And where did you get that saber?? I've never seen anything like it." The excited human rattled off all the thoughts that entered his mind.
But before Obi-Wan could answer a single inquiry, another voice entered their conversation, "Well done Cay. I have been looking for you everywhere. I have a question for you."
Obi-Wan turned to stared down at the determined form of Siri. "Hello, Siri. What is it that concerns you?" His tone, still slightly raspy from his exertion, was calm and diplomatic.
"For one, how do you know my name? I don't recall introducing myself to you." Her arms crossed her chest in set purpose.
Quickly, he responded, "Are you sure?" His voice sounding as innocent as he could make it, but inwardly, he admonished his carelessness. And before she could press the issue, the announcer called off some more names, Siri's included.
"You wait right here, we have things to discuss when I finish this fight." She pointed down to the ground to emphasize her point. He mimicked the gesture with a smile and she headed for the salle.
"What did you do to get her all worked up?" Garen asked sympathetically.
"Don't know. Do you know what will happen next? I mean with the tournament?" Obi-Wan had glanced at his chrono and started to worry, even though he had seen Anakin fight earlier, but Xanatos was still up to fight, he wondered how much longer he should linger here.
"Well, there's about 10 or so more matches in this round. And then today's closing ceremony. But tomorrow will be the second round eliminations. You're lucky you're done for today." The boy patted Obi on the back and smiled.
Nodding, Obi-Wan turned to leave, "Well, I hope to see you again tomorrow." He felt a hand touch his arm and found Garen looking at him curiously.
"Are you sure you want to invite her wrath?" His head jerked back toward the sparring floor.
"I have to go. She'll just have to accept that. Bye." Obi-Wan wandered through the crowd to make it outside the Temple doors. He walked quickly toward a public transport terminal and boarded a shuttle that would bring him to his home. And he found it ironic to have let out a sigh of relief at the thought of going home. He relaxed in his seat and watched the passing vehicles as he headed home.
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I can't help it, I still feel the need to beg. So here goes: Please, Please, Please, submit a review!!! I really am interested in what you think!! I need feedback. Feedback is like oxygen. Feedback is a many splendored thing. Feedback lifts us up where we belong. All I need is feedback. PLEASE! Thank you.
Brown-Eyes, REALbluelightsaber, Has-Bei Padolsa, Dragonsong, Padawan Kitara, Lillian Jinn, Dot and Che - Thanks everyone. ; ) I'm glad you are all enjoying this little farce. And I really, really appreciate you telling me so.
Ds_jt - No there is no time limit set by Yoda or the Force since he has to rush back in order to beat Palpy home. Can't have Palpy find out too early what Obi's been up to. ; )
Katt - When I posted it at TF.N I got so many laughs about Yoda being the fairy godjedi, that I was a little bummed that that was all they got out of that chapter. So that's why I asked for everyone to not laugh too hard.
Ciria - Thank you very much! I'm really glad you liked the conversation. I knew that he was playing the role of 'fairy godjedi' but I didn't want to make it "SO" obvious. And I wanted it to be a bit more meaningful than "Bibiddi-Bobiddi-Boo." I did have a lot of fun on vacation, and I thank you for the best wishes too. : D
Louiewolfie - That was what I wanted. ; ) Glad I fooled you. We'll just have to see what the tourny holds for our little Obi-ella. ; )
Lord Angelus - I did get the concept from watching Everafter recently, so I'm not surprised.
Lighted eagle - Yup, Yoda is the fairy godjedi! : ) You will see in this post what Obi might be doing. And this story loves you too. So don't feel rejected. : D
Miss B - Glad to have you stop by again. I know DRL can be a real pain in the tookus, since he had been plaguing me as well. And I didn't see Yoda as Glenda-ish but then again I didn't see him in puffy blue either. And since I have yet to write the ending we can only hope the muse takes us in the direction of a 'happy' ending. ] : )
Well, on with the post!! Enjoy! : D
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It's My Turn to Fly
"So, do you think you will take a Padawan by the time the Tournament is over?" Asked a hopeful Adi Gallia of one elusive Qui-Gon Jinn. His face remained the composed thoughtful visage it always did, and her hope faded. Sighing, she was about to continue when, to her amazement, he spoke.
"It is a possibility. I sense something in the Force, but I have yet to discover what it is trying to tell me. So I will watch and wait." His soothing baritone confided. Adi was so stunned by the confession that she did not respond. Instead they walked on, in silence, toward the entrant registration table. They were heading there to close the process and let the games begin.
As they approached, they recognized the Jedi in charge of the applicants was their friend, and Council Member, Ki-Adi-Mundi. "Good morning, Master," Qui-gon began but never finished as an out of breath youth bumped into him. Turning he found a ginger-haired boy, blushing from his mishap, backing away.
"Is this the application table, sir, uh, Master?" The boy asked shyly.
Qui-Gon smiled down at the lad, and said, "Yes, but we are about to close the registrations."
A look of horrified disappointment crossed the young features, but quickly smoothed over to resolution. "I'm too late? But I jeopardized everything to get here."
Adi frowned, "We haven't closed them yet, Qui-Gon." She stepped in front of the tall Jedi and smiled sympathetically at the boy. "Don't mind him, he's a bit rigid sometimes. We shall close them after you have registered." Hope brightened his sea-change eyes and a broad smile crossed his features. The radiant face widened her own grin. She guided him over to the waiting Council member and stepped back for him to provide his information.
"Name, child?" Ki-Adi-Mundi had watched the exchange and was prepared for the boy's arrival.
For a moment confusion and worry flashed in the blue-green orbs, before he hesitantly responded. "Cay Andur." I can not give them my last name or they will know I'm here. And I hope my father doesn't mind my adoption of his. I hope that will be sufficient.
The oblong Jedi typed in the information and then asked, "Home planet?"
Glancing down, Obi-Wan answered, "I don't have one." Ki-Adi looked up but entered the information anyway.
"Affiliation?" The Master asked, but the boy's furrowed features told him that the youth didn't understand. "Where did you study, initiate?"
A nervous glance moved from the alien, to the kind woman and lastly, the tall Knight, as Obi-Wan thought frantically, he stuttered, "Don't have a specific place. Move around a lot."
Qui-Gon could see this was taking longer than it should, "We don't have time for this, initiate. Just tell him who you studied under." Adi shot her friend another frown as his verbal push.
"My father," again the boy stammered. But he could not continue, knowing it would give him away.
"And where is your father?" Qui-Gon spurred the youth on.
Answering honestly, "Dead, sir," Obi-Wan whispered. Tears rimmed the revealing green gems.
Intervening in the registration-turned-inquisition, Adi denounced, "Qui- Gon, obviously, you are upsetting him." She thought for a moment, "Let him enter under Naboo. They only had two applicants but were allotted four. I'm sure they wouldn't mind his joining their group."
At this, Obi-Wan was both grateful and completely petrified. The mere thought he might have to be in close proximity to his stepfamily and endanger himself from possible discovery almost caused him to runaway. But then he remembered Master Yoda's advice and tried to push out his fears. Taking a deep breath he allowed them to fall from his psyche and concentrate on the task at hand. "Thank you, Master." Accepting the mocha- skinned woman's help.
She smiled back at him and said, "You're welcome, initiate Cay. I know it might be awkward, but the initiates who have entered rarely group together as the different events pull them in different directions. If you would like, I can introduce you."
Shyly, he smirked, and then declined, "No, Thank you. I can find my way, Master..?"
"Adi Gallia," the kind woman supplied. Obi-Wan began to back away, when she added. "They should be over in that corner." Pointing toward the other side of the room, she continued, "If you can't find them, contact me and I will be happy to assist."
"I appreciate your thoughtfulness, Master Gallia." Obi-Wan bowed quickly and hurried off.
The usually reserved Councilwoman turned back to a quiet Knight. "He was very polite, wasn't he?" She made her way to stand next to him. "And you were very rude to him." When his gaze did not return from the retreating form she added, "Are you alright?"
Finally, he broke from his contemplation, he turned a cerulean gaze to his fellow Jedi. "That boy seems very familiar." He stood for a moment, searching his memory. "Cay Andur. Could it be?"
Adi watched her friend, but knew that now was not the time to dally on old memories, "Qui-Gon, we must go. We have to tell Mace that he can start the Tournament."
Slowly, the giant Jedi nodded, "Yes, of course." Together the two Knights wondered off to locate the Tournament Steward.
***
Obi-Wan could barely contain his relief when Master Adi said that he really wouldn't be spending time with his stepbrothers. But more importantly, he wouldn't be near his stepfather. And that thought alone gave him the confidence to go on. He wandered the floor watching and taking in how others prepared for the coming battles. Many had Jedi Masters around to help them and offer last minute advice. Suddenly, he felt very lonely.
Deep within his own thoughts, he wandered about aimlessly when he collided with another body. A familiar voice said, "Watch it." A blonde-haired girl stepped back to get a better look at the older boy.
"I'm sorry, I wasn't watching where I was going." He told her the truth, as he had been absorbed in the happenings around him. Her annoyed glance changed at his remark and she stared at him a little harder. Obi-Wan thought fast, and decided to introduce himself, before she could really look at him. "Hi, I'm Cay Andur."
"Well, hello Cay. Is this your first time to the Temple?" Siri asked.
"Yes, It's quite beautiful," stating what he thought aloud and motioning to their surroundings.
Her glare still held a hint of wonderment, but she transitioned into the new direction. "Yes it is. But you hardly notice once you're been here for a while. Anyway, I must be going. It was nice meeting you, Cay." Without waiting for a reply, Siri started off again in her search to find Obi-Wan, hoping he had made it to the tournament.
From behind her, she heard him call, "Nice meeting you too, Siri." She waved back and headed off into the crowd. She had made it half way across the room, when she came to a screeching halt. Quickly, she turned around and headed back toward where she had bumped into the new arrival. Frantically, she searched the faces around her but could not find the strange boy. Quietly, she resigned to herself, to wait and watch until she could track him down and ask him how he knew her name.
Obi-Wan strolled along watching the different species prepare. A few minutes later, and announcer called over the din, grabbing everyone's attention. "Good day, everyone. I would like to introduce you to this year's Steward of the Tournament, and High Council Member, Mace Windu." Loud cheers went up as the dark Jedi stepped into the central mat, where the crowd had gathered.
Taking up the central position, he raised his hands to calm the mass. After most of the noise had died down, he spoke, "Welcome, Jedi. I thank you all for coming to our annual Tournament. As you are all aware this is one of the biggest events of our Order, as it allows initiates trained at our smaller locations the chance to come to the Temple. And more importantly, allows them to show their skills in hopes of becoming a Padawan. I must mention that there still is honour in not being chosen. The Force has a plan for us, and we must accept it's bidding with grace. But a little nudge couldn't hurt, either." A rare smile crossed the stoic features as a small rumble of laughter rose.
"Never-the-less, I urge you to do your best, but don't get disheartened by defeat or overconfident by victory. A Jedi must be accustomed to both in their life. The older Padawan portion of the tournament will be held in the adjoining room, where I will address you all further. First year Padawans and initiates will remain here for the competition to begin. This years Judges for the Initiate Category will be Masters, Adi Gallia and Qui- Gon Jinn. Thank you and May the Force be with you." A roar of cheers went up again as the Jedi Master walked off. Slowly the crowd dissipated as they finished prepping themselves for the coming matches. Obi-Wan weaved his way through the group to end up in a back corner.
Shortly, an announcer could be heard calling out a number of names to the mats. Matches were held as initiates were eliminated from the competition one by one. Obi-Wan watched each match intently, trying to learn from mistakes that were made and adopting good countering moves. Another boy about his age came to stand next to him. In between events, the boy turned to comment, "Are you nervous?"
"Absolutely," Obi-Wan answered. The other boy smiled and patted Obi on the back.
"Me too." Thrusting his hand out, the boy said, "My name's Garen Muln. What's yours?"
"Uh, Cay Andur." Grasping the offered hand, the two shook vigorously.
"Pleased to meet you, Cay. All I can say, is I hope that Master Adi judges my match." The other boy gave a half-smile at the remark.
Curious, Obi-Wan asked, "Why?"
"Well, not that it's appropriate, but, Master Qui-Gon scares me. Actually, he scares most of the initiates. He's the best saber fighter out there. Only Master Yoda was better." Garen revealed.
Obi-Wan's eyes went wide at the mention of the little green Master, but quickly pushed back his surprise. Instead, he focused on what Garen said. "So, if he's the best, you're afraid of looking clumsy in front of him, huh?"
"I'd be lying if I said no." The fellow initiate replied with a smile. "But mind you I'm no slouch. In fact, I'm only bested by Siri. She and I were the finalists last year. And if it weren't for a slip on the mat, I would have beaten her. Now, she's got an inflated ego, which I'll never live down. I hope we get to face each other again, and then I can show her who's best now."
Obi-Wan smiled and thought, If he only knew what happened in that alley. I think he would be making her life miserable at the fact that she needed to be rescued. He laughed at the memory and Garen looked at him suspiciously. "Well, maybe she's just afraid that someone might actually prove her wrong, that she constantly teases you."
At his comment, Garen sighed and rolled his eyes, "Are you sure you're not a Master in disguise? You sound just like them." They stared at each other before breaking off into hysterics. When they composed themselves again, Garen spoke, "It's kinda odd, actually. Siri usually is very controlled and concentrated when she is going to fight, but she seemed distracted when I ran into her earlier. Like her mind was on something else."
Obi-Wan turned away for a moment, to hide his frown. He knew why the girl had been preoccupied, she was looking for him, but he could not reveal that now or else he would be welcoming the wrath of his Stepfather. Sighing, he responded, "Maybe she's afraid you'll beat her this year."
"Yeah, right," sarcasm lacing his tone. Garen placed a hand on Obi's shoulder. "No, I think it's something else." But before he could further elaborate an announcer rattled off more names.
Obi-Wan glanced up as he heard, "Cay Andur," amongst them. "Well, looks like I'm up. Wish me luck."
"Uh uh, you should know better than that." Garen cocked a grin at his new friend before saying, "May the Force be with you." Obi-Wan smiled back before moving off to head up onto the salle.
A Jedi Knight from a species that Obi-Wan did not recognize stood in front of him and another human boy. He addressed them both in Basic, "You know the rules. Make sure your sabers are on their lowest setting. May the Force be with you." He stepped back to give the boys room, and a wave of sudden panic surged through Obi-Wan. He realized he had not even checked his lightsaber to see if he could use it. The other boy stood opposite him with closed eyes pulling the Force in around him. Recognizing the meditative stance, he thought he should try it since his nerves were already frayed. He closed his eyes and thought, Calm your mind. Remember what Master Yoda said, Trust your instincts, feel the Force, help you they can. Center yourself, give into your fears you can not. Father, if you're out there somewhere, help me get through this. He pleaded quietly, and as he re-emerged from his thoughts, he heard the Knight announce, "Begin."
Instantly, the other boy ignited his saber and poised himself for the fight. Obi-Wan automatically did the same. A gasp floated from the crowd as he did so. To Obi-Wan's amazement, the saber lit up without hesitation, but what startled everyone was the glow of the blade, at first it appeared to be pure white. Which was something not many people ever saw as those crystals were rare, but as they all watched in wonderment, a fair hint of blue, violet and green pulsated through the blade, making it a visual rainbow of light. Obi-Wan's opponent clutched his saber hilt a little tighter at the spectacle and moved forward to attack. Taking a deep breath, Obi-Wan slid into a defense stance.
Slowly the boys circled each other, when finally, the Initiate's patience wore out. He swung at Obi-Wan with a downward right slash. Obi-Wan defended against the blow and twisted to counter from another direction. Blocking, thrusting, jumping, parrying, the two battled for some time. At one point, Obi-Wan's footing slipped and the rival almost landed a blow, if not for his quick tuck and roll away from him. That was close, but you fought against better. Despite his evil streak Xani is one of the best and if you can defeat him, you can do well here. Just don't get too cocky.
Drawing out the match a little longer, Obi-Wan kept his eyes open for the other's weakness. And when it finally presented itself, he was quick to move. Before the student knew what had happened, Obi-Wan had scored the winning mark. Both heard the Knight's voice call out, "Match. Cay Andur." They stopped and bowed toward each other as a sign of respect. Slightly, breathless, Obi-Wan walked off the sparring mat and found Garen cheering his return.
"That was great!! You were amazing. And where did you get that saber?? I've never seen anything like it." The excited human rattled off all the thoughts that entered his mind.
But before Obi-Wan could answer a single inquiry, another voice entered their conversation, "Well done Cay. I have been looking for you everywhere. I have a question for you."
Obi-Wan turned to stared down at the determined form of Siri. "Hello, Siri. What is it that concerns you?" His tone, still slightly raspy from his exertion, was calm and diplomatic.
"For one, how do you know my name? I don't recall introducing myself to you." Her arms crossed her chest in set purpose.
Quickly, he responded, "Are you sure?" His voice sounding as innocent as he could make it, but inwardly, he admonished his carelessness. And before she could press the issue, the announcer called off some more names, Siri's included.
"You wait right here, we have things to discuss when I finish this fight." She pointed down to the ground to emphasize her point. He mimicked the gesture with a smile and she headed for the salle.
"What did you do to get her all worked up?" Garen asked sympathetically.
"Don't know. Do you know what will happen next? I mean with the tournament?" Obi-Wan had glanced at his chrono and started to worry, even though he had seen Anakin fight earlier, but Xanatos was still up to fight, he wondered how much longer he should linger here.
"Well, there's about 10 or so more matches in this round. And then today's closing ceremony. But tomorrow will be the second round eliminations. You're lucky you're done for today." The boy patted Obi on the back and smiled.
Nodding, Obi-Wan turned to leave, "Well, I hope to see you again tomorrow." He felt a hand touch his arm and found Garen looking at him curiously.
"Are you sure you want to invite her wrath?" His head jerked back toward the sparring floor.
"I have to go. She'll just have to accept that. Bye." Obi-Wan wandered through the crowd to make it outside the Temple doors. He walked quickly toward a public transport terminal and boarded a shuttle that would bring him to his home. And he found it ironic to have let out a sigh of relief at the thought of going home. He relaxed in his seat and watched the passing vehicles as he headed home.
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