Here's day two of the tournament. I hope you enjoy it. : D
Meggie - I'm sorry if I confused you somehow. If you have specific questions please feel free to e-mail me. I'm always interested in what people think.
REALbluelightsaber - Yoda shall return. ; ) Obi still is in the mind set that no one should know. Yes, Palpy has always been flawed with over confidence.
Dragonsong - I finally managed a chapter after tedious yard work and an upset baby. So I completely understand. We shall see how Palpy fairs by the end. ] : )
Katt - Thanks. I try to make my begging interesting. : D
Has-Bei - Wow, thank you! *blush* I'm so honoured.
Mydogisfudge - Thanks. Here's an update for you. ; )
Ciria - Thank you, thank you. I know there are many out there that would like to kick Palpy's butt right now, so we will all have to wait our turn. ; ) I hope you like what I do. There will be more speaking between Obi and others, it just might not be exactly what you thought though. I don't like Ani much, so it was easy to make him and annoying spoiled brat.
Lillian Jinn - I know my chap lengths fluctuate, sorry. But there will be a really long one coming up shortly. This one isn't so bad. I hope you like it. : )
Well, here's that post I promised. Have fun!
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Proving Ground Tonight
The bright rays of dawn stirred the boy from his sleep. Blinking in the light, he yawned. As his tired mind realized the opportunity he carefully crawled from the tiny space out into the open courtyard. Dew clung to the ground, and Obi-Wan took in as much of the fresh morning air as his lungs would accept, wary of his injured ribs. He glanced around to locate his liberator, finding him sitting on the fountain wall a few feet away. "Morning, young Kenobi." The small green creature said.
"Good Morning, Master Yoda." The youth smiled back up to the Jedi Master.
"Much today have you to do," Yoda stated as he worked himself off the wall. "Already, left your family has. Get you ready we should."
"Thank you Master." He knelt in front of the petite form, waiting for the illusion to resume. He watched as the Master closed his eyes and concentrated. Obi-Wan heard the latch on the collar unlock and fall from his neck. The rush of the Force coursed through him. Exhilarated by the sensation, he quickly drew it into him, gathering it around him like a soft blanket. His eyes closed in response to the sensation and when he opened them again, Cay Andur had re-appeared.
"How can I ever repay you?" Obi-Wan asked shyly. He didn't understand why the Jedi had taken it upon himself to help him, but was grateful none-the- less.
"Your best repayment enough it is."
Glancing down at the ground, he needed to know, but was unsure if he really should ask. Pushing down his timidity, he finally voiced, "Why are you doing this? For me?"
Sighing, the green troll replied, "Know your father and know the Force I do. Right it is to do this. Accept the Force as guidance you must. Mind what you have learned, help you it can. Now go." Following Yoda's direction, Obi-Wan reached back into his prison to extract his father's saber. Hefting the hilt, he rose and hurried through the dwelling to catch a transport that would take him to the Temple.
****
"Master, please?" Siri argued. "They had him locked up in a shed smaller than my closet all night. And I have a feeling that they aren't going to be letting him out soon. We have to do something."
"Siri, calm down," soothed Adi. "And I know how difficult it is, but we have prior obligations right now. Besides, there is still the chance that he could show up today. We must wait."
"I can't believe this. What good are the Jedi if we can't even save one boy?" Siri barked out her frustration, stomping across the room to collapse in a huff in a chair at the other end of the communal room.
Adi came over to stand in front of the girl, kneeling down to be eye level, she comforted, "I know how frustrated you are. When I was your age I wanted to help every person I could. But as I grew up, I realized that I can't save them all. You will learn that in time as well."
"I don't want to learn that Master." The fierce glare in Siri's eyes caused Adi to sigh, knowing that it's a hard lesson to learn, but one that will be taught whether or not we want to learn it. "It's not right," Siri added in a defeated tone.
"Not all decisions we make are right, but make them we must. Now get ready, we will be leaving shortly." With that, Adi went into the little kitchenette to get some tea before leaving.
****
Qui-Gon paced his apartment like a caged animal. His mind had been racing since the ginger-haired boy bumped into him. The Force was telling him something was not right about the boy, but it was vague in what it was trying to convey. The name Cay Andur sparked his memory. Only the name was not complete, it should have been Cay Andur *Kenobi*. But the boy had not said the familiar last name at sign in and this puzzled the large Knight even more.
He had doubts, and thought maybe his suspicious mind was getting the better of him, but he couldn't help but wonder. The boy had slight semblance's to his old friend, and he had thought that one of the last communications they had mentioned a son. But could it really be, the name didn't seem to fit, as he thought he remembered it beginning with an "O."
But what almost clinched his assumptions was the blade he drew. As soon as he saw it, the memories of his friend came flooding back. And the way the boy fought was very similar to that of the Knight from a time long past. He resolved to approach the boy again today and question him further, but he also knew time between matches did not allow him much time to do so. Instead, he planned on talking to the youth during the midday meal. His mind made up, Qui-Gon left his apartment to reach the large competition room.
****
Obi-Wan arrived at the tournament just as the announcer was calling the first set of names. As he made his way through the crowd he bumped into a familiar face. "You're brave. If I were you I wouldn't have shown my face here again. Siri was fuming when she found out you left."
Obi-Wan turned to smile a greeting to his friend, Garen. "Well, I don't think she was that upset. But I will apologize to her for leaving."
Giving him a face that said, *yeah right*, Garen said, "You should be thanking me. I'm the one who had to tell her you were gone." After a moment, the two laughed for a few minutes at the ridiculousness of the situation. "Well, we'll see how we both do today. We'll probably do a number of matches so that they end up with 8 competitors by the end of it. Tomorrow is going to be the worst in the anxiety department. Let's hope we make it that far."
Together the boys watched and talked about the matches waiting for their turn. Finally about a half-hour later, Garen's name was called. Obi-Wan watched his friend battle, hoping that he would win. While he stood there another Jedi student made their way to his side. Glancing over, he quickly recognized the being as a Mon Calamarian. She glanced back at him with worried eyes. Curious he asked, "Are you a friend of Garen's?"
"Oh, yes, Reeft, him and me are usually found together." The girl provided.
Obi-Wan smiled back down to her, and remarked, "Well he is a lucky boy to have you as a friend."
"That's very kind of you to say, Cay, even if you don't know anything about me." She observed.
Stunned by her comment, he replied, "I'm afraid you have me at a disadvantage. You know my name, but I don't know yours."
A twinkle sparked in her bulbous silver eyes and said, "Call me Bant. And it's kinda hard not to know you. You put on quite a show yesterday."
"I wouldn't say that. I did no more than any of the other students." Obi- Wan deflected the comment, feeling his cheeks flush a bit.
"Maybe not, but no one else had a saber like yours either." Her gaze turned back to the match at hand and Obi-Wan remained silent. He had not realized that his father's saber was so much different than anyone else's was. The battle ended with Garen out on top and the two initiates cheered his victory.
Soon it was Obi-Wan's turn and his first battle went well. His second however was not so good. His opponent was a Bothan by the name of Twik Hy'lah. For some time they were dead even, both advancing and defending in turn. The battle was drawn out, and Obi-Wan started to worry. In his previous match he noticed that his injured ribs were slowly making themselves known. He had thought that the illusion also blocked out the pain in his body. If that was the case yesterday, he was learning quickly that it wasn't today. He had to divide his concentration to handle both his fight and his discomfort.
During the match, the Bothan swung his blade up and Obi-Wan's sluggish response caused him to stumble back. Seeing his opportunity, Twik kicked at the boy's now open side. The blow landed solidly with Obi-Wan's already wounded ribs. Biting back a cry, he ignored the blades of white pain that invaded his vision. Confused, the Bothan took a step back, as he had not thought his strike was that hard. Taking the moment to refocus, Obi-Wan pushed back the agony of his body and set his mind to finishing the match. Sweat glistened on his brow, as he advanced again. The two blades clashed and hissed at the continued contact.
Frustration and exhaustion wore down the rivals. The Bothan made a hasty swing at Obi-Wan, who ducked and rolled under the swing to come up behind the other boy. Surprised by the tactic, Obi-Wan managed to land the winning blow. Proclaimed the winner, Obi-Wan smiled as he made his way off the mat. His raspy breath came in spurts as the adrenaline rush started to wear off. Garen congratulated his friend's victory, only noticing Obi- Wan's distress a moment before he heard his name called again to fight.
Pale and drained of energy now, Obi-Wan pushed his way back through the crowd to a corner away from most of the people. Too absorbed in finding a quiet place to rest, he didn't notice the figure following him. He slumped down into an empty seat and closed his eyes. A gentle voice cut into his thoughts, "Are you alright?"
Startled by her presence, Obi-Wan attempted to dissuade her help. "Fine. I- I'm fine." But the tremor in his voice only caused the girl to advance.
"No you're not. I can feel it. Let me help you."
"No, I'm alright. Honest, Bant," Obi-Wan continued to protest. But her caring hands hovered above his wound, and he could feel a tingling sensation.
She paused and thought for a moment, before ordering, "Lift your shirt. I can concentrate on the effected spot better if I can see it."
Stiffening, immediately at the request, Obi-Wan tried to rise. "No, Thanks." But his objections went unheard as she began to pull at his tunics.
"Don't be shy, I'm studying to be a healer." The girl smiled back to ease his apparent tension. As the last piece of cloth was removed she gasped. "Cay." she whispered. A darkened ugly bruise was spread across most of his side. "This isn't from the fight is it?" It was more of a statement than a question.
Terror of his imminent discovery froze Obi-Wan for a moment. Finally breaking free from his paralysis, he rattled off, "Bant, please. You can't tell anyone. I - I just wanted to be a Jedi."
Confusion obvious in her features, Bant turned a perplexed glance to him, "Only wanted to be a Jedi? Who are you really?"
Panicked, he pleaded with her, "Please, promise me. Promise me you won't turn me in. I'll be punished. I only wanted to follow in my father's footsteps. If Siri and the other's find out I'm here, I'll be killed for sure. I need to stop my stepfather. He's an evil man, and I can't let him destroy the Jedi." It all came out in a jumbled rush, that Bant had a hard time following, but accepted all the same.
Finally, she pieced everything together, "You're the boy I heard Siri arguing about with her Master, aren't you? She's been searching for you everywhere."
"My name is Obi-Wan Kenobi. Cay Andur was my father." He confessed.
Pondering all the information for a moment, Bant concluded, "I think we're going to need to talk. Mid-Day meal is coming up. If you want, I can take you to the healer's and patch you up, after I get us something to eat. We should be alone there for the time being and you can tell me everything." Nodding, Obi-Wan accepted her proposal and allowed her to help him to the healers.
When the last match concluded, Qui-Gon Jinn hurried toward the enormous cafeteria and searched for the young boy. To his dismay he could not find him anywhere. Resigning to the fact he would not be able to use this opportunity, he set himself to locate the boy at the conclusion of today's competition.
Obi-Wan explained his predicament to the kind Mon Calamarian. For some reason he felt completely relaxed around her and had no hesitation in telling her everything. When he finished his story she sat for a moment deep in contemplation. At last she said, "You're taking a terrible risk. You could be killed for this if your stepfather discovers who you really are."
"So he mustn't find out. Do you promise to keep my secret?" He asked hopefully.
"Yes, but if for whatever reason, you are in danger, I will reveal everything. Ok?" She bargained. Slowly, Obi-Wan nodded, content that at least for the moment, his identity was safe. Together they made their way back down to tournament and found Garen. Obi-Wan assured his friend that he was fine, just a little winded by the blow. Reluctantly accepting his excuse, they waited to be called again.
They were schedule to fight two more rounds, Garen won his first match. Obi-Wan focused out the pain enough to prevail in his meets. Glancing at the chrono, Obi-Wan took his leave before Garen's final round. He also paused to give Bant a heartfelt thanks as well, and she gazed up at him sympathy. Hastily he made his way home dreading the night.
Once again, as the tournament drew to a close, Qui-Gon sought out the estranged boy only to come up empty handed. Vowing that tomorrow would be different, Qui-Gon retired to his apartment to sift through his memories.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
There once was a fan fiction author
Who posted her story online for
Feedback and reviews
If need be, flames too
So please submit your thoughts for me after.
Alright, I'm not the best poet. But come on, it was cute. ; )
Don't forget to review!! Thank you!!!
Meggie - I'm sorry if I confused you somehow. If you have specific questions please feel free to e-mail me. I'm always interested in what people think.
REALbluelightsaber - Yoda shall return. ; ) Obi still is in the mind set that no one should know. Yes, Palpy has always been flawed with over confidence.
Dragonsong - I finally managed a chapter after tedious yard work and an upset baby. So I completely understand. We shall see how Palpy fairs by the end. ] : )
Katt - Thanks. I try to make my begging interesting. : D
Has-Bei - Wow, thank you! *blush* I'm so honoured.
Mydogisfudge - Thanks. Here's an update for you. ; )
Ciria - Thank you, thank you. I know there are many out there that would like to kick Palpy's butt right now, so we will all have to wait our turn. ; ) I hope you like what I do. There will be more speaking between Obi and others, it just might not be exactly what you thought though. I don't like Ani much, so it was easy to make him and annoying spoiled brat.
Lillian Jinn - I know my chap lengths fluctuate, sorry. But there will be a really long one coming up shortly. This one isn't so bad. I hope you like it. : )
Well, here's that post I promised. Have fun!
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Proving Ground Tonight
The bright rays of dawn stirred the boy from his sleep. Blinking in the light, he yawned. As his tired mind realized the opportunity he carefully crawled from the tiny space out into the open courtyard. Dew clung to the ground, and Obi-Wan took in as much of the fresh morning air as his lungs would accept, wary of his injured ribs. He glanced around to locate his liberator, finding him sitting on the fountain wall a few feet away. "Morning, young Kenobi." The small green creature said.
"Good Morning, Master Yoda." The youth smiled back up to the Jedi Master.
"Much today have you to do," Yoda stated as he worked himself off the wall. "Already, left your family has. Get you ready we should."
"Thank you Master." He knelt in front of the petite form, waiting for the illusion to resume. He watched as the Master closed his eyes and concentrated. Obi-Wan heard the latch on the collar unlock and fall from his neck. The rush of the Force coursed through him. Exhilarated by the sensation, he quickly drew it into him, gathering it around him like a soft blanket. His eyes closed in response to the sensation and when he opened them again, Cay Andur had re-appeared.
"How can I ever repay you?" Obi-Wan asked shyly. He didn't understand why the Jedi had taken it upon himself to help him, but was grateful none-the- less.
"Your best repayment enough it is."
Glancing down at the ground, he needed to know, but was unsure if he really should ask. Pushing down his timidity, he finally voiced, "Why are you doing this? For me?"
Sighing, the green troll replied, "Know your father and know the Force I do. Right it is to do this. Accept the Force as guidance you must. Mind what you have learned, help you it can. Now go." Following Yoda's direction, Obi-Wan reached back into his prison to extract his father's saber. Hefting the hilt, he rose and hurried through the dwelling to catch a transport that would take him to the Temple.
****
"Master, please?" Siri argued. "They had him locked up in a shed smaller than my closet all night. And I have a feeling that they aren't going to be letting him out soon. We have to do something."
"Siri, calm down," soothed Adi. "And I know how difficult it is, but we have prior obligations right now. Besides, there is still the chance that he could show up today. We must wait."
"I can't believe this. What good are the Jedi if we can't even save one boy?" Siri barked out her frustration, stomping across the room to collapse in a huff in a chair at the other end of the communal room.
Adi came over to stand in front of the girl, kneeling down to be eye level, she comforted, "I know how frustrated you are. When I was your age I wanted to help every person I could. But as I grew up, I realized that I can't save them all. You will learn that in time as well."
"I don't want to learn that Master." The fierce glare in Siri's eyes caused Adi to sigh, knowing that it's a hard lesson to learn, but one that will be taught whether or not we want to learn it. "It's not right," Siri added in a defeated tone.
"Not all decisions we make are right, but make them we must. Now get ready, we will be leaving shortly." With that, Adi went into the little kitchenette to get some tea before leaving.
****
Qui-Gon paced his apartment like a caged animal. His mind had been racing since the ginger-haired boy bumped into him. The Force was telling him something was not right about the boy, but it was vague in what it was trying to convey. The name Cay Andur sparked his memory. Only the name was not complete, it should have been Cay Andur *Kenobi*. But the boy had not said the familiar last name at sign in and this puzzled the large Knight even more.
He had doubts, and thought maybe his suspicious mind was getting the better of him, but he couldn't help but wonder. The boy had slight semblance's to his old friend, and he had thought that one of the last communications they had mentioned a son. But could it really be, the name didn't seem to fit, as he thought he remembered it beginning with an "O."
But what almost clinched his assumptions was the blade he drew. As soon as he saw it, the memories of his friend came flooding back. And the way the boy fought was very similar to that of the Knight from a time long past. He resolved to approach the boy again today and question him further, but he also knew time between matches did not allow him much time to do so. Instead, he planned on talking to the youth during the midday meal. His mind made up, Qui-Gon left his apartment to reach the large competition room.
****
Obi-Wan arrived at the tournament just as the announcer was calling the first set of names. As he made his way through the crowd he bumped into a familiar face. "You're brave. If I were you I wouldn't have shown my face here again. Siri was fuming when she found out you left."
Obi-Wan turned to smile a greeting to his friend, Garen. "Well, I don't think she was that upset. But I will apologize to her for leaving."
Giving him a face that said, *yeah right*, Garen said, "You should be thanking me. I'm the one who had to tell her you were gone." After a moment, the two laughed for a few minutes at the ridiculousness of the situation. "Well, we'll see how we both do today. We'll probably do a number of matches so that they end up with 8 competitors by the end of it. Tomorrow is going to be the worst in the anxiety department. Let's hope we make it that far."
Together the boys watched and talked about the matches waiting for their turn. Finally about a half-hour later, Garen's name was called. Obi-Wan watched his friend battle, hoping that he would win. While he stood there another Jedi student made their way to his side. Glancing over, he quickly recognized the being as a Mon Calamarian. She glanced back at him with worried eyes. Curious he asked, "Are you a friend of Garen's?"
"Oh, yes, Reeft, him and me are usually found together." The girl provided.
Obi-Wan smiled back down to her, and remarked, "Well he is a lucky boy to have you as a friend."
"That's very kind of you to say, Cay, even if you don't know anything about me." She observed.
Stunned by her comment, he replied, "I'm afraid you have me at a disadvantage. You know my name, but I don't know yours."
A twinkle sparked in her bulbous silver eyes and said, "Call me Bant. And it's kinda hard not to know you. You put on quite a show yesterday."
"I wouldn't say that. I did no more than any of the other students." Obi- Wan deflected the comment, feeling his cheeks flush a bit.
"Maybe not, but no one else had a saber like yours either." Her gaze turned back to the match at hand and Obi-Wan remained silent. He had not realized that his father's saber was so much different than anyone else's was. The battle ended with Garen out on top and the two initiates cheered his victory.
Soon it was Obi-Wan's turn and his first battle went well. His second however was not so good. His opponent was a Bothan by the name of Twik Hy'lah. For some time they were dead even, both advancing and defending in turn. The battle was drawn out, and Obi-Wan started to worry. In his previous match he noticed that his injured ribs were slowly making themselves known. He had thought that the illusion also blocked out the pain in his body. If that was the case yesterday, he was learning quickly that it wasn't today. He had to divide his concentration to handle both his fight and his discomfort.
During the match, the Bothan swung his blade up and Obi-Wan's sluggish response caused him to stumble back. Seeing his opportunity, Twik kicked at the boy's now open side. The blow landed solidly with Obi-Wan's already wounded ribs. Biting back a cry, he ignored the blades of white pain that invaded his vision. Confused, the Bothan took a step back, as he had not thought his strike was that hard. Taking the moment to refocus, Obi-Wan pushed back the agony of his body and set his mind to finishing the match. Sweat glistened on his brow, as he advanced again. The two blades clashed and hissed at the continued contact.
Frustration and exhaustion wore down the rivals. The Bothan made a hasty swing at Obi-Wan, who ducked and rolled under the swing to come up behind the other boy. Surprised by the tactic, Obi-Wan managed to land the winning blow. Proclaimed the winner, Obi-Wan smiled as he made his way off the mat. His raspy breath came in spurts as the adrenaline rush started to wear off. Garen congratulated his friend's victory, only noticing Obi- Wan's distress a moment before he heard his name called again to fight.
Pale and drained of energy now, Obi-Wan pushed his way back through the crowd to a corner away from most of the people. Too absorbed in finding a quiet place to rest, he didn't notice the figure following him. He slumped down into an empty seat and closed his eyes. A gentle voice cut into his thoughts, "Are you alright?"
Startled by her presence, Obi-Wan attempted to dissuade her help. "Fine. I- I'm fine." But the tremor in his voice only caused the girl to advance.
"No you're not. I can feel it. Let me help you."
"No, I'm alright. Honest, Bant," Obi-Wan continued to protest. But her caring hands hovered above his wound, and he could feel a tingling sensation.
She paused and thought for a moment, before ordering, "Lift your shirt. I can concentrate on the effected spot better if I can see it."
Stiffening, immediately at the request, Obi-Wan tried to rise. "No, Thanks." But his objections went unheard as she began to pull at his tunics.
"Don't be shy, I'm studying to be a healer." The girl smiled back to ease his apparent tension. As the last piece of cloth was removed she gasped. "Cay." she whispered. A darkened ugly bruise was spread across most of his side. "This isn't from the fight is it?" It was more of a statement than a question.
Terror of his imminent discovery froze Obi-Wan for a moment. Finally breaking free from his paralysis, he rattled off, "Bant, please. You can't tell anyone. I - I just wanted to be a Jedi."
Confusion obvious in her features, Bant turned a perplexed glance to him, "Only wanted to be a Jedi? Who are you really?"
Panicked, he pleaded with her, "Please, promise me. Promise me you won't turn me in. I'll be punished. I only wanted to follow in my father's footsteps. If Siri and the other's find out I'm here, I'll be killed for sure. I need to stop my stepfather. He's an evil man, and I can't let him destroy the Jedi." It all came out in a jumbled rush, that Bant had a hard time following, but accepted all the same.
Finally, she pieced everything together, "You're the boy I heard Siri arguing about with her Master, aren't you? She's been searching for you everywhere."
"My name is Obi-Wan Kenobi. Cay Andur was my father." He confessed.
Pondering all the information for a moment, Bant concluded, "I think we're going to need to talk. Mid-Day meal is coming up. If you want, I can take you to the healer's and patch you up, after I get us something to eat. We should be alone there for the time being and you can tell me everything." Nodding, Obi-Wan accepted her proposal and allowed her to help him to the healers.
When the last match concluded, Qui-Gon Jinn hurried toward the enormous cafeteria and searched for the young boy. To his dismay he could not find him anywhere. Resigning to the fact he would not be able to use this opportunity, he set himself to locate the boy at the conclusion of today's competition.
Obi-Wan explained his predicament to the kind Mon Calamarian. For some reason he felt completely relaxed around her and had no hesitation in telling her everything. When he finished his story she sat for a moment deep in contemplation. At last she said, "You're taking a terrible risk. You could be killed for this if your stepfather discovers who you really are."
"So he mustn't find out. Do you promise to keep my secret?" He asked hopefully.
"Yes, but if for whatever reason, you are in danger, I will reveal everything. Ok?" She bargained. Slowly, Obi-Wan nodded, content that at least for the moment, his identity was safe. Together they made their way back down to tournament and found Garen. Obi-Wan assured his friend that he was fine, just a little winded by the blow. Reluctantly accepting his excuse, they waited to be called again.
They were schedule to fight two more rounds, Garen won his first match. Obi-Wan focused out the pain enough to prevail in his meets. Glancing at the chrono, Obi-Wan took his leave before Garen's final round. He also paused to give Bant a heartfelt thanks as well, and she gazed up at him sympathy. Hastily he made his way home dreading the night.
Once again, as the tournament drew to a close, Qui-Gon sought out the estranged boy only to come up empty handed. Vowing that tomorrow would be different, Qui-Gon retired to his apartment to sift through his memories.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
There once was a fan fiction author
Who posted her story online for
Feedback and reviews
If need be, flames too
So please submit your thoughts for me after.
Alright, I'm not the best poet. But come on, it was cute. ; )
Don't forget to review!! Thank you!!!