Dparis - : p brat.
REALbluelightsaber - Thanks. His final match will be in the next post. Which happens to be a rather long post at that.
Meggie - Glad everything is clear now. I didn't mean to cause any confusion. Wow, thanks. : )
Louiewolfie - Hehe, Thanks. I hope that I can keep up with your expectations. We have about 5 chapters left. So we'll see how I do. ; )
Dragonsong, mydogisfudge, remnants -2011, Aiska, Katt, Xela and Anakin_Solo - Thanks. : D
KenobisGirl - Thank you very much. : ) I actually researched a couple of the versions in order to get a better idea of the elements of the fairytale. I'm so happy everyone likes how it turned out. : D
Ciria - I'm glad you liked the meeting with Bant. I wanted to bring in the element of their friendship from the books. Um, as for Obi taking Cay's name, that was an Everafter decision. Well, Palpy has a destiny as much as Obi does. We'll just have to see what that is. And I'm happy I could fulfill your dreams.
Lillian jinn - Thanks. I wanted Qui to get a "feeling" for him. And I really wanted to bring in the friendship between Obi and Bant.
--------------------------------------------------------------
But I'm not Broken
After managing to work up the courage to replace the Force inhibitor and crawl back into the contemptuous void, Obi-Wan waited for his stepfamily's imminent return. His thoughts drifted back to the events of the day, and he smiled to himself at what transpired. He had made a new friend, and not just a friend but a confidant. He could not believe the relief he felt when he was able to drop the mask of Cay Andur and become Obi-Wan Kenobi again. And there was something calm and inviting about the Mon Calamarian Jedi that made him trust her immediately. He looked forward to tomorrow when he would be able to meet his friends again.
A rustling beyond his confine brought his attention back to reality. A surge of fear overtook him as he assumed his stepfather was coming to torment him again. And his surprise at who was there was something he could not hide. "Obi? You in there?"
"Siri? What are you doing here this early? You have to leave now." Urgently, he tried to convince his friend to leave, knowing the consequences if she were caught.
"We came to help you." She called back to him.
As her words sunk in, Obi-Wan questioned, "We?" He heard hushed voices whispering before Siri replied.
"Yes, my friend, Bant, wanted to help. She heard me talking about you to my Master the other day and came to me after the tournament to offer her assistance." Again, Obi-Wan could hear movement.
"Hello, Obi-Wan, I'm sorry we could not meet face to face." He could hear the initiate's hushed tones, and could not suppress the smile from forming. At the same time his brow creased in an emotion caught between worry and gratitude.
His voice wavered for a moment, before he banished his fear, "I-it's ok. I thank you for your kindness, and in a strange way I feel like we have already met." He knew that only Bant would fully understand his comment. But anxiety quickly replaced his mixed feelings as he remembered the vicarious predicament they were in. "But you must leave now. If my stepfather catches you here." His voice trailed of at the horrible images of their deaths playing in his mind. "I fear for your safety. Now go."
"But we came to get you out. We can't leave yet." Siri argued.
Obi-Wan fought against her obstinacy, "Please, believe me when I tell you, he will kill you if he finds you here."
"It would be wise to listen to my dear stepbrother. He knows my father's wrath quite well." Xanatos scoffed. "Isn't that right Oafy?" The two girls spun around to face the intruder, obviously shocked that they had not sensed his arrival earlier. Inside the small shed Obi-Wan stiffened. Overcoming his fear, he quickly pressed his body against the door, and began banging to be let out.
Siri's gaze tightened as she stared at the newcomer. "I've seen you before. You're the Jedi from Naboo."
"Yeah and you're Siri Tachi, last year's champion, this year's looser." Taunted the arrogant boy.
Not taking the insult well, Siri shot back, "We'll see about that."
Before the conversation really heated up, Obi-Wan interrupted, "Please go, before it's too late."
Agreeing, Bant urged Siri to do the same. "Siri, now's not the time. Save it for tomorrow." Nodding, Siri followed the other girl to where they leapt over the wall. Glancing back at the shed she added, "The Force is with you, Obi. Just hang on." Siri never removed her gaze from Xanatos, as their wills battled silently. Together the girls jumped back over the wall, clearing it easily.
Once they were gone, Xanatos approached the little cell. "Father will not be happy." The simple statement sent waves of terror through Obi-Wan and he backed away from the door. He sat in silence for some time, feeling his heart rate skyrocketing and his breaths more shallow. Waiting for the inevitable to come and claim him, Obi-Wan swallowed hard. Then he thought about Yoda and the other Jedi and how they called upon the Force to calm their nerves and find strength. Knowing that his night might become a waking nightmare, he drew upon the encompassing power to give him the strength to withstand it.
Minutes seemed like hours in the darkness, but it was not everlasting, as a noise came from beyond the black. Suddenly, the door was open and a clawed hand extracted him without care. While being tossed back down to the ground, Obi-Wan heard his stepfather hissing, "You had visitors. And not just children you might have befriended in the market, but Jedi!"
"I told them to leave," the barely audible reply came. Obi-Wan tried to assuage his Lord's fury, but he knew it was futile.
Palpatine snapped, "That is irrelevant!! The fact that Jedi were here is the point. But they are the fortunate ones, since they have already fled. It is you who will bare the brunt of their folly." And before Obi-Wan could grasp his meaning, dark lightening engulfed his body. The evil branches of light ignited agony across his weary form.
Cries of pain sprung from him so quickly he did not even realize he had cried out. Time flitted away, as Obi-Wan's wretched countenance could no longer handle such a simple concept, only misery prevailed there. Eventually, his writhing form stilled as darkness claimed her victim for what would be the first time during this sith-begotten night. But the blackness of unconsciousness proved little escape from the pain, as Palpatine demonstrated his patience. Through out the night he would coax the boy from the void and torment him again with the blue fire of the Sith.
***
Alone in his apartment, Qui-Gon sat deep in thought. As dusk fell, he remained in his chair gazing at nothing, allowing the dark of night to surround him. After he had returned from the tournament, he searched his records and aged files for all his communiqués with his old friend. Once they were gathered together, he diligently reviewed them for any indications or hidden clues regarding the connection of the ginger-hair boy and his dear comrade. The only thing he did learn, was that his friend had a son named Obi-Wan, and that according to his calculations would be turning thirteen within the coming months.
But no where in his search had he found that, Cay had been training his son in the Jedi arts. In fact, there was no mention at all if Obi-Wan was even Force sensitive. He was further dismayed when he found the last message he received was from Cay's wife, informing him of Cay's death. Drifting in the oceans of his memories, Qui-Gon found the moment he had gone to the fallen Knight's funeral. It was almost ten years ago that that had occurred. As Qui-Gon relived it, he noticed again the solemn woman, with her hands on the shoulders of Obi-Wan, vainly trying to maintain her composure. The child cried, and when Qui-Gon had sought out the boy, he could tell that the boy fully understood what was happening.
At the time, Qui-Gon was impressed with Obi-Wan's cognizance, but had pushed it aside to allow for the sorrow of the moment to take it's place. Admonishing himself in the hindsight of his folly, Qui-Gon realized he should have also scanned the boy to determine his Force abilities. Floating back out of the memory, he continued to concentrate on the issue of Cay Andur, the boy heading into the final rounds of the tournament. So similar to Cay Andur Kenobi, but still different enough to cause confusion.
In the blackness of the night, Qui-Gon began to fidget, feeling an aching in his body. Have I been sitting here too long? His weary mind pondered, quickly banishing the idea. No, I have often sat still in hours of meditation without feeling any discomfort. No, this is something else. Delving further into his mind, Qui-Gon called the Force to him, seeking out the source of this disturbance. Vaguely, he ascertained that it was not his body that was feeling the ache, but another Jedi somewhere. This confused him further as the Force could not, no, would not reveal the source fully to the Master. Permitting this connection to continue, Qui- Gon began to send out healing and calming waves to whomever the discomfort belonged to. Sensing the ache deepen and float to him in waves, he passed along his strength to the one in need of support. Qui-Gon remained in the deep meditation through out the night.
***
During the course of the night, Palpatine routinely tormented Obi-Wan with his power. Denying the boy the ability to relax, unless unconscious. Palpatine revived the boy not permitting the reprieve to last too long. Once, during his punishment, the dark lord stopped, staring at the youth. "Do you think the Jedi would ever take you in? You are too old in their eyes. And they are pathetic weaklings."
With the last of his strength, Obi-Wan forced air into his lungs to provide the means to answer. "Y - you wi - ill ne - ver win. T- the Je - di will de - feat you." The Senator did not take kindly to his words and suddenly, Obi-Wan felt the burning pain of a lightsaber scorch his back. A scream tore from his hoarse throat as he fell back into the night of unconsciousness. But this time as he sank into the darkness, he felt peace and strength trickle into his tired soul. And somewhere in the back of his mind, he knew he wasn't alone. Smiling to himself, he accepted what the Force provided and his mysterious aide. The night drug on but Obi-Wan survived. And as the distant haze of morning edged out the twinkling sky of nightfall, Obi-Wan was thrown back into the void of his cell.
A fledgling bond formed that evening, unbeknownst to its recipients. But the Force knew, nourishing it and giving it life. Waiting to reveal the bond to its hosts.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
In honour of staying home with my Angel this week and watching many Disney movies, I'm going to sing my begging. Like Clopin at the beginning of Hunchback of Notre Dame, "Come one, Come all. Hurry, hurry, here's your chance. Review the story and join the dance." So please, please review!! Thanks. : D
REALbluelightsaber - Thanks. His final match will be in the next post. Which happens to be a rather long post at that.
Meggie - Glad everything is clear now. I didn't mean to cause any confusion. Wow, thanks. : )
Louiewolfie - Hehe, Thanks. I hope that I can keep up with your expectations. We have about 5 chapters left. So we'll see how I do. ; )
Dragonsong, mydogisfudge, remnants -2011, Aiska, Katt, Xela and Anakin_Solo - Thanks. : D
KenobisGirl - Thank you very much. : ) I actually researched a couple of the versions in order to get a better idea of the elements of the fairytale. I'm so happy everyone likes how it turned out. : D
Ciria - I'm glad you liked the meeting with Bant. I wanted to bring in the element of their friendship from the books. Um, as for Obi taking Cay's name, that was an Everafter decision. Well, Palpy has a destiny as much as Obi does. We'll just have to see what that is. And I'm happy I could fulfill your dreams.
Lillian jinn - Thanks. I wanted Qui to get a "feeling" for him. And I really wanted to bring in the friendship between Obi and Bant.
--------------------------------------------------------------
But I'm not Broken
After managing to work up the courage to replace the Force inhibitor and crawl back into the contemptuous void, Obi-Wan waited for his stepfamily's imminent return. His thoughts drifted back to the events of the day, and he smiled to himself at what transpired. He had made a new friend, and not just a friend but a confidant. He could not believe the relief he felt when he was able to drop the mask of Cay Andur and become Obi-Wan Kenobi again. And there was something calm and inviting about the Mon Calamarian Jedi that made him trust her immediately. He looked forward to tomorrow when he would be able to meet his friends again.
A rustling beyond his confine brought his attention back to reality. A surge of fear overtook him as he assumed his stepfather was coming to torment him again. And his surprise at who was there was something he could not hide. "Obi? You in there?"
"Siri? What are you doing here this early? You have to leave now." Urgently, he tried to convince his friend to leave, knowing the consequences if she were caught.
"We came to help you." She called back to him.
As her words sunk in, Obi-Wan questioned, "We?" He heard hushed voices whispering before Siri replied.
"Yes, my friend, Bant, wanted to help. She heard me talking about you to my Master the other day and came to me after the tournament to offer her assistance." Again, Obi-Wan could hear movement.
"Hello, Obi-Wan, I'm sorry we could not meet face to face." He could hear the initiate's hushed tones, and could not suppress the smile from forming. At the same time his brow creased in an emotion caught between worry and gratitude.
His voice wavered for a moment, before he banished his fear, "I-it's ok. I thank you for your kindness, and in a strange way I feel like we have already met." He knew that only Bant would fully understand his comment. But anxiety quickly replaced his mixed feelings as he remembered the vicarious predicament they were in. "But you must leave now. If my stepfather catches you here." His voice trailed of at the horrible images of their deaths playing in his mind. "I fear for your safety. Now go."
"But we came to get you out. We can't leave yet." Siri argued.
Obi-Wan fought against her obstinacy, "Please, believe me when I tell you, he will kill you if he finds you here."
"It would be wise to listen to my dear stepbrother. He knows my father's wrath quite well." Xanatos scoffed. "Isn't that right Oafy?" The two girls spun around to face the intruder, obviously shocked that they had not sensed his arrival earlier. Inside the small shed Obi-Wan stiffened. Overcoming his fear, he quickly pressed his body against the door, and began banging to be let out.
Siri's gaze tightened as she stared at the newcomer. "I've seen you before. You're the Jedi from Naboo."
"Yeah and you're Siri Tachi, last year's champion, this year's looser." Taunted the arrogant boy.
Not taking the insult well, Siri shot back, "We'll see about that."
Before the conversation really heated up, Obi-Wan interrupted, "Please go, before it's too late."
Agreeing, Bant urged Siri to do the same. "Siri, now's not the time. Save it for tomorrow." Nodding, Siri followed the other girl to where they leapt over the wall. Glancing back at the shed she added, "The Force is with you, Obi. Just hang on." Siri never removed her gaze from Xanatos, as their wills battled silently. Together the girls jumped back over the wall, clearing it easily.
Once they were gone, Xanatos approached the little cell. "Father will not be happy." The simple statement sent waves of terror through Obi-Wan and he backed away from the door. He sat in silence for some time, feeling his heart rate skyrocketing and his breaths more shallow. Waiting for the inevitable to come and claim him, Obi-Wan swallowed hard. Then he thought about Yoda and the other Jedi and how they called upon the Force to calm their nerves and find strength. Knowing that his night might become a waking nightmare, he drew upon the encompassing power to give him the strength to withstand it.
Minutes seemed like hours in the darkness, but it was not everlasting, as a noise came from beyond the black. Suddenly, the door was open and a clawed hand extracted him without care. While being tossed back down to the ground, Obi-Wan heard his stepfather hissing, "You had visitors. And not just children you might have befriended in the market, but Jedi!"
"I told them to leave," the barely audible reply came. Obi-Wan tried to assuage his Lord's fury, but he knew it was futile.
Palpatine snapped, "That is irrelevant!! The fact that Jedi were here is the point. But they are the fortunate ones, since they have already fled. It is you who will bare the brunt of their folly." And before Obi-Wan could grasp his meaning, dark lightening engulfed his body. The evil branches of light ignited agony across his weary form.
Cries of pain sprung from him so quickly he did not even realize he had cried out. Time flitted away, as Obi-Wan's wretched countenance could no longer handle such a simple concept, only misery prevailed there. Eventually, his writhing form stilled as darkness claimed her victim for what would be the first time during this sith-begotten night. But the blackness of unconsciousness proved little escape from the pain, as Palpatine demonstrated his patience. Through out the night he would coax the boy from the void and torment him again with the blue fire of the Sith.
***
Alone in his apartment, Qui-Gon sat deep in thought. As dusk fell, he remained in his chair gazing at nothing, allowing the dark of night to surround him. After he had returned from the tournament, he searched his records and aged files for all his communiqués with his old friend. Once they were gathered together, he diligently reviewed them for any indications or hidden clues regarding the connection of the ginger-hair boy and his dear comrade. The only thing he did learn, was that his friend had a son named Obi-Wan, and that according to his calculations would be turning thirteen within the coming months.
But no where in his search had he found that, Cay had been training his son in the Jedi arts. In fact, there was no mention at all if Obi-Wan was even Force sensitive. He was further dismayed when he found the last message he received was from Cay's wife, informing him of Cay's death. Drifting in the oceans of his memories, Qui-Gon found the moment he had gone to the fallen Knight's funeral. It was almost ten years ago that that had occurred. As Qui-Gon relived it, he noticed again the solemn woman, with her hands on the shoulders of Obi-Wan, vainly trying to maintain her composure. The child cried, and when Qui-Gon had sought out the boy, he could tell that the boy fully understood what was happening.
At the time, Qui-Gon was impressed with Obi-Wan's cognizance, but had pushed it aside to allow for the sorrow of the moment to take it's place. Admonishing himself in the hindsight of his folly, Qui-Gon realized he should have also scanned the boy to determine his Force abilities. Floating back out of the memory, he continued to concentrate on the issue of Cay Andur, the boy heading into the final rounds of the tournament. So similar to Cay Andur Kenobi, but still different enough to cause confusion.
In the blackness of the night, Qui-Gon began to fidget, feeling an aching in his body. Have I been sitting here too long? His weary mind pondered, quickly banishing the idea. No, I have often sat still in hours of meditation without feeling any discomfort. No, this is something else. Delving further into his mind, Qui-Gon called the Force to him, seeking out the source of this disturbance. Vaguely, he ascertained that it was not his body that was feeling the ache, but another Jedi somewhere. This confused him further as the Force could not, no, would not reveal the source fully to the Master. Permitting this connection to continue, Qui- Gon began to send out healing and calming waves to whomever the discomfort belonged to. Sensing the ache deepen and float to him in waves, he passed along his strength to the one in need of support. Qui-Gon remained in the deep meditation through out the night.
***
During the course of the night, Palpatine routinely tormented Obi-Wan with his power. Denying the boy the ability to relax, unless unconscious. Palpatine revived the boy not permitting the reprieve to last too long. Once, during his punishment, the dark lord stopped, staring at the youth. "Do you think the Jedi would ever take you in? You are too old in their eyes. And they are pathetic weaklings."
With the last of his strength, Obi-Wan forced air into his lungs to provide the means to answer. "Y - you wi - ill ne - ver win. T- the Je - di will de - feat you." The Senator did not take kindly to his words and suddenly, Obi-Wan felt the burning pain of a lightsaber scorch his back. A scream tore from his hoarse throat as he fell back into the night of unconsciousness. But this time as he sank into the darkness, he felt peace and strength trickle into his tired soul. And somewhere in the back of his mind, he knew he wasn't alone. Smiling to himself, he accepted what the Force provided and his mysterious aide. The night drug on but Obi-Wan survived. And as the distant haze of morning edged out the twinkling sky of nightfall, Obi-Wan was thrown back into the void of his cell.
A fledgling bond formed that evening, unbeknownst to its recipients. But the Force knew, nourishing it and giving it life. Waiting to reveal the bond to its hosts.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
In honour of staying home with my Angel this week and watching many Disney movies, I'm going to sing my begging. Like Clopin at the beginning of Hunchback of Notre Dame, "Come one, Come all. Hurry, hurry, here's your chance. Review the story and join the dance." So please, please review!! Thanks. : D