He couldn't stand to be around the man he had so valiantly struggled to improve his walking abilities for. The surprise he had for Qui-Gon and the news that more of his memory had returned meant nothing to the boy now. He just wanted to hide somewhere. Obi-Wan wrongly thought his master only saw his weaknesses and none of his strengths.
He heard the outer door to the apartment slam shut and reasoned his master must have left. He did not care where he went or when he would be back.
All the hard work and happiness felt was for nothing, Obi-Wan thought.
//My master never really wanted me here. I plan to speak with Master Windu and ask to see the council. I will tell them I no longer want Qui-Gon to be with my master. Maybe he will get his wish. He can be rid of me just as I will be rid of him. I truly would rather be in some old home than here with a deceitful liar.//
Obi-Wan was not sure how much of what he thought was true but he didn't care right now. He planned to wallow in self pity and build a case against his master. He was too stubborn to take the time to find out if the thoughts about his master were all true or not. He had a bruised ego and the only thing that would heal it was to think of as many bad things about and against his master as he could. He had been injured in the worse way. Obi-Wan felt he had basically found out that Master Jinn thought he would never become a Jedi apprentice again. He wanted nothing to do with Master Qui-Gon Jinn any more.
Qui-Gon made a courtesy call to Healer Darue to inform him that Obi-Wan would be able to attend his therapy.
The master healer was concerned for Obi-Wan's well being, but Jinn convinced him that Obi-Wan was fine and that they had a minor disagreement to work out .
//Minor disagreement. The boy probably doesn't even want to be with me any longer. If only Xani and I had kept our mouths shut this morning. Everything was going so well. It is not entirely my fault. Obi-Wan is too stubborn to listen to reason. He may not have his memory but he has retained that stubborn streak he has always possessed since he was two years old.//
Qui-Gon had known Obi-Wan would be his apprentice by the time Obi was two years old. He had watched him grow up and took him as his apprentice when he was old enough.
Qui-Gon was so busy having a conversation in his mind with himself, he did not pay attention to where he was going. He ran right into Master Windu.
Windu, who had no knowledge that there was trouble at the Jinn household planted that same stupid Cheshire-grin on his face. He wrongly assumed that Obi-Wan had at least told his master about his memory, although he hoped the boy would have "spilled the beans" about his ability to take steps too.
"There's that stupid grin again."
Mace could tell that his friend was not in a humorous mood. His normally pleasant voice was replaced by an angry one.
"What's wrong Qui?"
"Nothing and everything."
"What kind of answer is that?."
"It is the only answer I can give you right now. Obi-Wan and I had a run-in with each other. It was nothing, he misunderstood a conversation. Now he has turned it into everything and accused me of falsely encouraging him, but yet not believing he could recover."
"Just how did you manage to let him hear you?"
Mace had a look of concern on his face and the master felt he would be the one to discuss this situation with.
"Xani and I had a conversation about Obi-Wan's recovery or lack of it and he came up on us and overheard what we were saying. He misunderstood what he did here. Before I could explain what I said, he blew up and refused to go to therapy. I think he took what I said the wrong way; all the wrong way."
Mace's look of understanding turned to a look of confusion and anger.
"Oh Qui-Gon how could you? The boy has made such progress."
" Mace I am not sure he will ever make alot progress, certainly not yet. That is not the point."
"He didn't tell you then did he?"
"Tell me, Tell me what?. Do you know something I don't? What is this riddle you want me to answer?"
"Well Obi-Wan had some news, good news that is, and he was just about to share it with you. I guess the argument between you two happened before he had a chance to share it with you."
"Mace what exactly are you talking about?"
"I promised Obi-Wan I would not tell you."
"Well now everything is different. My padawan has refused to go for his therapy and right now I am not sure he will even speak to me."
"Very well. I guess you are right. Things are different. I will tell you. Obi-Wan took steps, quite a few in fact. He wanted to be able to take more before he told you."
"You kept this from me? How could you?"
"He made Master Healer Darue and I both promise to give him a few more days too improve and then he was to tell you himself."
"Just great. Now look what I have done."
"Wait Qui-Gon there's more."
"You have been keeping things to yourself. Tell me the rest."
"Well it was suppose to be more good news from him. He had more of his memory come back. Something about doing the fourth Kata."
"I remember he was so impatient to get it right. I had to remind him to slow down and be patient."
"Exactly. That was what Master Darue told him to do, to be patient and he remembered that you said the same thing. Anyway he promised he would tell you this morning. I guess your argument interrupted a lot of his news. Poor child."
"Poor child? What about me? I did not mean for this to happen."
"I am sure you didn't, but I am sure Xani was involved in some way. Am I right?"
"That's not fair to my other padawan Mace. It was not his fault if anything, we are both guilty."
"Qui you know very well I am not like Yoda. I like Xanatos, but I know how he is. He says whatever and you don't stop him. I am sure he was in some way critical of Obi-Wan. You sat and quietly took it all in. Then didn't bother to correct your older padawan. Am I about right? That's how it has been since Xanatos came."
"Just what do you mean?"
"Obi-Wan and Xanatos. You were suppose too remember that Obi-Wan was and is your prime concern foremost and always. Xani should come second."
"Why? Why should Xani come second? They are both my padawans. They should be equal."
"Are they?"
"Are they what?"
"Equal? Do you consider Obi-Wan and Xani equally or is it Xani who is always foremost in your mind. That is why you took that mission to be away from the temple, because Xani was bored. Had you been here, you would have witnessed the boy's progress. Instead you were gone and he worked himself into exhaustion to make those steps. Not to have good news for his master but he wanted fantastic news. Poor boy thought he just about had it too, now this."
"Is that what he said.?"
Jinn was at loss for words.He knew he had managed to destroy all the trust Obi-Wan had started to have in him as a master Obi-Wan couldn't even remember having.
####In the temple gardens#####
Xanatos sat and pitched pebbles in the lake. He did not here Master Plo Koon come up behind him.
"Nothing to keep you busy today padawan?"
"No I have been brandished from our apartment. Obi-Wan and my master had a disagreement. That boy always seems to keep my master in turmoil."
"Now you see why I said he would be better off in a rehab. He has so much emotions because he does not possess his Jedi powers. It is too difficult to keep him."
"I see that now but I don't think my master ever will."
"Maybe not now but if I had help in getting Padawan Kenobi in a rehab center, once he was gone for a awhile, I am sure your master would see things were better with him gone."
"I am not so sure. What kind of help do you need?"
"Well if you were to go before the council and told them how disruptive Obi-Wan was to Qui-Gon and even you, when we decide what to do with him, more would side with my views."
"My master might get angry with me if I go before the council"
"By Jedi law he is not allowed to keep you from having an audience with the council when there is a problem between master and apprentice. He might thank you later."
"I don't think that would happen.. He might sever our master padawan bond."
"Well I could demand that it is kept secret; that you want to do this for your master's own good but that you would rather the council not tell him."
"Could you do that? It might work that way. I mean he does need to have Obi-Wan gone. It would not do either of them any good for the boy to become a stone around my master's neck. Yes if you can promise anonymity then I will go before the council and tell them what I know."
"Very well I will see to it as soon as the other council members return. That should be in a couple of days."
####In Obi's room#############
Obi-Wan picked up a data pad and as he thought about what had just happened. He became angry and threw the pad a crossed the room.
He realized he had done a lot of that lately; throwing things. He fingered the force bracelet that was around his wrist. He doubted he was like that when he had his Jedi powers and was a real apprentice, but everything had changed now………..
//I bet all this comes from "precious Xani". My master couldn't even stay at the temple through the day with me because "little Xani" got bored. Was it always this way. Xani must have been my master's "world" when he went through his younger years of apprenticeship. Used to be, heck he is now. That is plain to see. I bet they couldn't wait to leave on their mission to get away from me.//
Obi-Wan sat and thought through his situation. He made up his mind. The idea he had earlier is what he settled on doing..
//That's what I will do. I will tell the council I do not want Master Jinn as my master. I might even go further. I just might tell the council I do not wish to be a Jedi any longer. They can just ship me off to that old rehab center. Everyone will be happier with me out of their hair.….//
Qui-Gon thought he had prolonged facing the inevitable long enough. He decided to return to his home and if necessary make Obi-Wan face him. They had to get this misunderstanding cleared up between them. Master Jinn felt more sure about being able to explain what happened. Obi-Wan would just have to listen, so the riff between them could be corrected.
It was close to mid-day meal . Qui-Gon used that an excuse to return home.
Once there he immediately went to the kitchen and started preparing he and Obi-Wan's meal.
Qui-Gon had not seen Obi-Wan since he returned. He suspected the boy was still in his room pouting. He was surprised when he heard a knock at the door. He was even more surprised to see Mace in the doorway.
"I didn't expect to see you again so soon. What are you doing here?"
"Obi-Wan commed me and asked to see me. He said it was official."
"Official. I wonder what he meant by that?"
"Well you won't have to wonder long. Let me go find out. Where is he?"
Jinn pretended to busy himself in the kitchen. However nervous he was, he was just as determined not to show it.. He could not imagine what Obi-Wan wanted to see Mace about. Jinn realized that was not quite true. There was one official reason Obi-Wan could have wanted to see Master Windu about and if it was that "reason", it could mean the dissolving of their bond. The very thought Obi-Wan's master cringe.
Mace came from Obi-Wan's room and shut the door. His head was hung and Jinn could tell by his listless movements whatever Obi-Wan said too him was not good for the overall situation.
"Well out with it man. What did my padawan want of the council?"
"Very simply Qui-Gon, he does not want you as a master. In fact he does not want a master at all. I tried to dissuade him, but he wants the council to look into that rehab center. He wants to be cut all ties with the Jedi entirely."
Qui-Gon's brow creased deeply from the frown on his face. He sat down in the nearest chair and dropped his head in both hands.
"He can't be serious Mace. He must have time to think this through."
Mace seemed as concerned as Qui-Gon was. He could only look down and stare at his dearest friend, as he spoke in an almost panicked voice.
"Don't you think I told him that. He said his mind was made up. He is a padawan Jinn, with padawan's right. If there is a problem between master and apprentice, either one can request an audience before the council to here their complaints. I have no choice. I have to take it too the council for consideration. I know Plo Koon will love this."
"Can't we at least wait until Master Yoda returns?"
A very distraught Qui-Gon pleaded with Mace. Qui-Gon was well aware of how favored Obi-Wan was in his former master's eyes. Maybe Master Yoda could be the voice of reason in this situation between he and his padawan.
"The council will not think it necessary for all the council masters to be here to settle what they will see as an insignificant squabble between a master and his apprentice. "
"Mace you have to do something."
"I know. I know Qui-Gon. Let me think of something. Maybe there is a way to stall Obi-Wan's meeting with the council. Master Yoda might be back as early as tomorrow night."
Qui-Gon was left in the solitude of his apartment when Mace departed.
He went over mentally what Mace told him about the good news Obi-Wan had for him. He did not want to let Obi-Wan know Mace broke his promise so he could not tell the boy how pleased he was with his progress. He didn't think Obi-Wan wanted to hear anything like that from his master right now anyway. He would keep the secret for now.
He finished making mid-day meal and took a tray to Obi-Wan.
"If you are determined to stay in here forever, I thought I would give you some fuel for the fire."
Obi-Wan refused to look at his master.
"What do mean?"
"Well you must be burning a lot of calories as you think of how many ways you can hate me. That won't solve the problem you know?"
Obi-wan did not bother to reply to his master. He really didn't know what to say to him.
"Sitting in here and sulking will not solve anything Obi-Wan. We should talk over our disagreements, not let them eat away at us. That will only make things harder. You will just get angrier."
"I am not angry."
As soon the sentence left his mouth, Obi-Wan realized his master would recognize it for what it was, an "out right" lie..
"I think you are as angry as you have ever been since you returned to the temple without you force and your memory. I think you must be more angrier than when I put that force bracelet on you. Tell me I am wrong."
"Maybe you are not wrong. Just because I am angry does not mean I am not right in what I am doing. Emotions has its uses my master. I have learned that. Maybe you should wear a force band or loose your memory, then instead of being in tune entirely with the force, you can become in touch reality, I have. Reality can be a necessary, but cruel thing."
Obi-Wan did not sound like the "little one" he tucked into bed the night before. He sounded like a seasoned adult who lived too much, too soon.
"You may have a point Obi-Wan, however I think you have come to this decision without having thought it through and certainly without discussing it with me."
"It was my decision to make. I saw no reason to talk it over with you. The decision concerning my future has been made and I don't plan to back down. I will go before the council and I will ask to leave the Jedi."
No matter how strong Obi-Wan tried to be, his master could hear a quivering in Obi-Wan's voice. He was not crying. The tremble in his voice was fear. Obi-Wan did not fear his master, he feared losing everything real in his life and that included Qui-Gon.
"Very well. I have no intention of arguing with you. You will do what you will do. I on the other hand will also do what I think is necessary."
Obi-Wan jerked his head up. It was the first time since their initial confrontation that morning, that he had gained enough courage to face his master eye to eye.
"Just what is that supposed to mean?"
"After you have argued your point before the council I will argue mine. I will argue for why you should not be allowed to leave the Jedi. I might not be able to keep them from sending you to the rehab center temporarily, but you will be denied severance from the Jedi order or from me and our bond, at least for now."
"Why do you think that I will not be granted what I request?"
"You are not in your right mind. Until you have your memory and the force back you truly do not know what you want. I think I can convince the council of that."
Jinn knew as he watched Obi-Wan's face, he had angered him, but he didn't care. In fact he wanted too. He wanted to make Obi-Wan really think about what he was doing and if it took him getting angry to do it, then so be it. At least the boy knew he was in for a battle with his master fighting every step of the way to keep Obi-Wan by his side, willingly or against his will.
Qui-Gon did not give his stunned padawan time to respond to what had been laid before him. He left Obi-Wan with a tray of food and a lot too think about.
Another knock at the door disrupted Master Jinn from his thoughts as he attempted to eat his meal.
Plo Koon was there. The one person Master Jinn had no desire to see right now, stood at his door, expecting to be invited in.
"Master Jinn I hope I am not intruding. I ran into Padawan Xanatos and he told me you had some problems here."
"Nothing I can not correct Master Plo Koon. Thank you for your concern. Can I help you with anything else?"
"Well I thought that if you were going to be tied up with your dealings with Obi-Wan, I might take Xanatos out with me to the lower levels tomorrow. The boy needs field work and I just thought you would want to take care of things here in your household."
Jinn did not particularly care for Xani going without him, but there was little to say. Padawan Xanatos was old enough and more than trained to go to the lower levels even without any master with him.
"Very well. You may ask my padawan to accompany you. I will need sometime here with Obi-Wan to correct a problem."
"I hope the problem is not too worrisome. Is there anything I can help you with?"
//Yea, right. Help the boy straight out of the temple,// thought Master Jinn.
"No nothing too great, that with a day or two I can't rectify it . But thank you again for the concern."
Jinn knew very well the man was snooping to gain information as to what had happened at the Jinn apartment. Jinn thought that maybe Xanatos was conscientious enough not to tell the entire sorted story to Master Plo Koon. He made a mental note thought to ask his padawan how much he divulged to the council master when Xani returned home .
If Xanatos agreed to go with Master Plo Koon and Master Jinn saw no reason for him not too, then he would be free the next day to be alone with Obi-Wan.
//I will have to use my time wisely. Maybe Obi-Wan will be more rational with a night's rest and things thought through more clearly. //
Last-meal was a solemn affair that evening. Of course Xani was in a good mood. He actually was excited to about his mission with Master Plo Koon the next day. Jinn was a little put off by Xani's anxiousness about a trip without him. Maybe Jinn felt a twinge of jealously but if he did he would not admit to himself that he felt it..
Xanatos assured his master he had not told Master Plo Koon very much of what had happened between Master Jinn and Obi-Wan. Padawan Xanatos had become quite good at telling mistruths to his master.
There was a long silence between master and apprentice before the conversation started up again.
"I suppose Obi-Wan has been in that stuffy bedroom all day master."
"Yes he was out only long enough to go to the fresher a couple of times and that's it."
"Why don't you just go in there and demand he come out and eat?"
"I don't think that would get me anywhere with him Xani."
"Well letting him have his way all the time won't solve anything either. He acts like a spoiled brat."
"Would you do it any differently Xanatos, if so, how?"
Qui-Gon tried to hide his displeasure with Xani's comments.
Xanatos made no attempt to answer his master. He was not sure what he even asked.
"If you lost your memory, couldn't even remember I was you master, could not control the force, and then you are shot and paralyzed, could you handle it differently? Unless with certainty you can say you could, I suggest you keep your comments about my apprentice to yourself. I assure you I am in no mood for anyone to tell me anything about Obi-Wan. He has been a part of my life since he was two years old."
Jinn got up to hastily leave the kitchen. As he stomped out of the kitchen, he directed one last comment to Xani.
Besides there is no one on this planet who could tell me anything about Obi-Wan Kenobi that I do not already know….
Thanks for the feedback. I messed up and placed a chapter ahead of another chapter. If the story did not make sense, you may want to read 11,12,[which will say 13], and then this one the real 13 over. Sorry guys!!!!!!!!!!!
PEACE ewen
He heard the outer door to the apartment slam shut and reasoned his master must have left. He did not care where he went or when he would be back.
All the hard work and happiness felt was for nothing, Obi-Wan thought.
//My master never really wanted me here. I plan to speak with Master Windu and ask to see the council. I will tell them I no longer want Qui-Gon to be with my master. Maybe he will get his wish. He can be rid of me just as I will be rid of him. I truly would rather be in some old home than here with a deceitful liar.//
Obi-Wan was not sure how much of what he thought was true but he didn't care right now. He planned to wallow in self pity and build a case against his master. He was too stubborn to take the time to find out if the thoughts about his master were all true or not. He had a bruised ego and the only thing that would heal it was to think of as many bad things about and against his master as he could. He had been injured in the worse way. Obi-Wan felt he had basically found out that Master Jinn thought he would never become a Jedi apprentice again. He wanted nothing to do with Master Qui-Gon Jinn any more.
Qui-Gon made a courtesy call to Healer Darue to inform him that Obi-Wan would be able to attend his therapy.
The master healer was concerned for Obi-Wan's well being, but Jinn convinced him that Obi-Wan was fine and that they had a minor disagreement to work out .
//Minor disagreement. The boy probably doesn't even want to be with me any longer. If only Xani and I had kept our mouths shut this morning. Everything was going so well. It is not entirely my fault. Obi-Wan is too stubborn to listen to reason. He may not have his memory but he has retained that stubborn streak he has always possessed since he was two years old.//
Qui-Gon had known Obi-Wan would be his apprentice by the time Obi was two years old. He had watched him grow up and took him as his apprentice when he was old enough.
Qui-Gon was so busy having a conversation in his mind with himself, he did not pay attention to where he was going. He ran right into Master Windu.
Windu, who had no knowledge that there was trouble at the Jinn household planted that same stupid Cheshire-grin on his face. He wrongly assumed that Obi-Wan had at least told his master about his memory, although he hoped the boy would have "spilled the beans" about his ability to take steps too.
"There's that stupid grin again."
Mace could tell that his friend was not in a humorous mood. His normally pleasant voice was replaced by an angry one.
"What's wrong Qui?"
"Nothing and everything."
"What kind of answer is that?."
"It is the only answer I can give you right now. Obi-Wan and I had a run-in with each other. It was nothing, he misunderstood a conversation. Now he has turned it into everything and accused me of falsely encouraging him, but yet not believing he could recover."
"Just how did you manage to let him hear you?"
Mace had a look of concern on his face and the master felt he would be the one to discuss this situation with.
"Xani and I had a conversation about Obi-Wan's recovery or lack of it and he came up on us and overheard what we were saying. He misunderstood what he did here. Before I could explain what I said, he blew up and refused to go to therapy. I think he took what I said the wrong way; all the wrong way."
Mace's look of understanding turned to a look of confusion and anger.
"Oh Qui-Gon how could you? The boy has made such progress."
" Mace I am not sure he will ever make alot progress, certainly not yet. That is not the point."
"He didn't tell you then did he?"
"Tell me, Tell me what?. Do you know something I don't? What is this riddle you want me to answer?"
"Well Obi-Wan had some news, good news that is, and he was just about to share it with you. I guess the argument between you two happened before he had a chance to share it with you."
"Mace what exactly are you talking about?"
"I promised Obi-Wan I would not tell you."
"Well now everything is different. My padawan has refused to go for his therapy and right now I am not sure he will even speak to me."
"Very well. I guess you are right. Things are different. I will tell you. Obi-Wan took steps, quite a few in fact. He wanted to be able to take more before he told you."
"You kept this from me? How could you?"
"He made Master Healer Darue and I both promise to give him a few more days too improve and then he was to tell you himself."
"Just great. Now look what I have done."
"Wait Qui-Gon there's more."
"You have been keeping things to yourself. Tell me the rest."
"Well it was suppose to be more good news from him. He had more of his memory come back. Something about doing the fourth Kata."
"I remember he was so impatient to get it right. I had to remind him to slow down and be patient."
"Exactly. That was what Master Darue told him to do, to be patient and he remembered that you said the same thing. Anyway he promised he would tell you this morning. I guess your argument interrupted a lot of his news. Poor child."
"Poor child? What about me? I did not mean for this to happen."
"I am sure you didn't, but I am sure Xani was involved in some way. Am I right?"
"That's not fair to my other padawan Mace. It was not his fault if anything, we are both guilty."
"Qui you know very well I am not like Yoda. I like Xanatos, but I know how he is. He says whatever and you don't stop him. I am sure he was in some way critical of Obi-Wan. You sat and quietly took it all in. Then didn't bother to correct your older padawan. Am I about right? That's how it has been since Xanatos came."
"Just what do you mean?"
"Obi-Wan and Xanatos. You were suppose too remember that Obi-Wan was and is your prime concern foremost and always. Xani should come second."
"Why? Why should Xani come second? They are both my padawans. They should be equal."
"Are they?"
"Are they what?"
"Equal? Do you consider Obi-Wan and Xani equally or is it Xani who is always foremost in your mind. That is why you took that mission to be away from the temple, because Xani was bored. Had you been here, you would have witnessed the boy's progress. Instead you were gone and he worked himself into exhaustion to make those steps. Not to have good news for his master but he wanted fantastic news. Poor boy thought he just about had it too, now this."
"Is that what he said.?"
Jinn was at loss for words.He knew he had managed to destroy all the trust Obi-Wan had started to have in him as a master Obi-Wan couldn't even remember having.
####In the temple gardens#####
Xanatos sat and pitched pebbles in the lake. He did not here Master Plo Koon come up behind him.
"Nothing to keep you busy today padawan?"
"No I have been brandished from our apartment. Obi-Wan and my master had a disagreement. That boy always seems to keep my master in turmoil."
"Now you see why I said he would be better off in a rehab. He has so much emotions because he does not possess his Jedi powers. It is too difficult to keep him."
"I see that now but I don't think my master ever will."
"Maybe not now but if I had help in getting Padawan Kenobi in a rehab center, once he was gone for a awhile, I am sure your master would see things were better with him gone."
"I am not so sure. What kind of help do you need?"
"Well if you were to go before the council and told them how disruptive Obi-Wan was to Qui-Gon and even you, when we decide what to do with him, more would side with my views."
"My master might get angry with me if I go before the council"
"By Jedi law he is not allowed to keep you from having an audience with the council when there is a problem between master and apprentice. He might thank you later."
"I don't think that would happen.. He might sever our master padawan bond."
"Well I could demand that it is kept secret; that you want to do this for your master's own good but that you would rather the council not tell him."
"Could you do that? It might work that way. I mean he does need to have Obi-Wan gone. It would not do either of them any good for the boy to become a stone around my master's neck. Yes if you can promise anonymity then I will go before the council and tell them what I know."
"Very well I will see to it as soon as the other council members return. That should be in a couple of days."
####In Obi's room#############
Obi-Wan picked up a data pad and as he thought about what had just happened. He became angry and threw the pad a crossed the room.
He realized he had done a lot of that lately; throwing things. He fingered the force bracelet that was around his wrist. He doubted he was like that when he had his Jedi powers and was a real apprentice, but everything had changed now………..
//I bet all this comes from "precious Xani". My master couldn't even stay at the temple through the day with me because "little Xani" got bored. Was it always this way. Xani must have been my master's "world" when he went through his younger years of apprenticeship. Used to be, heck he is now. That is plain to see. I bet they couldn't wait to leave on their mission to get away from me.//
Obi-Wan sat and thought through his situation. He made up his mind. The idea he had earlier is what he settled on doing..
//That's what I will do. I will tell the council I do not want Master Jinn as my master. I might even go further. I just might tell the council I do not wish to be a Jedi any longer. They can just ship me off to that old rehab center. Everyone will be happier with me out of their hair.….//
Qui-Gon thought he had prolonged facing the inevitable long enough. He decided to return to his home and if necessary make Obi-Wan face him. They had to get this misunderstanding cleared up between them. Master Jinn felt more sure about being able to explain what happened. Obi-Wan would just have to listen, so the riff between them could be corrected.
It was close to mid-day meal . Qui-Gon used that an excuse to return home.
Once there he immediately went to the kitchen and started preparing he and Obi-Wan's meal.
Qui-Gon had not seen Obi-Wan since he returned. He suspected the boy was still in his room pouting. He was surprised when he heard a knock at the door. He was even more surprised to see Mace in the doorway.
"I didn't expect to see you again so soon. What are you doing here?"
"Obi-Wan commed me and asked to see me. He said it was official."
"Official. I wonder what he meant by that?"
"Well you won't have to wonder long. Let me go find out. Where is he?"
Jinn pretended to busy himself in the kitchen. However nervous he was, he was just as determined not to show it.. He could not imagine what Obi-Wan wanted to see Mace about. Jinn realized that was not quite true. There was one official reason Obi-Wan could have wanted to see Master Windu about and if it was that "reason", it could mean the dissolving of their bond. The very thought Obi-Wan's master cringe.
Mace came from Obi-Wan's room and shut the door. His head was hung and Jinn could tell by his listless movements whatever Obi-Wan said too him was not good for the overall situation.
"Well out with it man. What did my padawan want of the council?"
"Very simply Qui-Gon, he does not want you as a master. In fact he does not want a master at all. I tried to dissuade him, but he wants the council to look into that rehab center. He wants to be cut all ties with the Jedi entirely."
Qui-Gon's brow creased deeply from the frown on his face. He sat down in the nearest chair and dropped his head in both hands.
"He can't be serious Mace. He must have time to think this through."
Mace seemed as concerned as Qui-Gon was. He could only look down and stare at his dearest friend, as he spoke in an almost panicked voice.
"Don't you think I told him that. He said his mind was made up. He is a padawan Jinn, with padawan's right. If there is a problem between master and apprentice, either one can request an audience before the council to here their complaints. I have no choice. I have to take it too the council for consideration. I know Plo Koon will love this."
"Can't we at least wait until Master Yoda returns?"
A very distraught Qui-Gon pleaded with Mace. Qui-Gon was well aware of how favored Obi-Wan was in his former master's eyes. Maybe Master Yoda could be the voice of reason in this situation between he and his padawan.
"The council will not think it necessary for all the council masters to be here to settle what they will see as an insignificant squabble between a master and his apprentice. "
"Mace you have to do something."
"I know. I know Qui-Gon. Let me think of something. Maybe there is a way to stall Obi-Wan's meeting with the council. Master Yoda might be back as early as tomorrow night."
Qui-Gon was left in the solitude of his apartment when Mace departed.
He went over mentally what Mace told him about the good news Obi-Wan had for him. He did not want to let Obi-Wan know Mace broke his promise so he could not tell the boy how pleased he was with his progress. He didn't think Obi-Wan wanted to hear anything like that from his master right now anyway. He would keep the secret for now.
He finished making mid-day meal and took a tray to Obi-Wan.
"If you are determined to stay in here forever, I thought I would give you some fuel for the fire."
Obi-Wan refused to look at his master.
"What do mean?"
"Well you must be burning a lot of calories as you think of how many ways you can hate me. That won't solve the problem you know?"
Obi-wan did not bother to reply to his master. He really didn't know what to say to him.
"Sitting in here and sulking will not solve anything Obi-Wan. We should talk over our disagreements, not let them eat away at us. That will only make things harder. You will just get angrier."
"I am not angry."
As soon the sentence left his mouth, Obi-Wan realized his master would recognize it for what it was, an "out right" lie..
"I think you are as angry as you have ever been since you returned to the temple without you force and your memory. I think you must be more angrier than when I put that force bracelet on you. Tell me I am wrong."
"Maybe you are not wrong. Just because I am angry does not mean I am not right in what I am doing. Emotions has its uses my master. I have learned that. Maybe you should wear a force band or loose your memory, then instead of being in tune entirely with the force, you can become in touch reality, I have. Reality can be a necessary, but cruel thing."
Obi-Wan did not sound like the "little one" he tucked into bed the night before. He sounded like a seasoned adult who lived too much, too soon.
"You may have a point Obi-Wan, however I think you have come to this decision without having thought it through and certainly without discussing it with me."
"It was my decision to make. I saw no reason to talk it over with you. The decision concerning my future has been made and I don't plan to back down. I will go before the council and I will ask to leave the Jedi."
No matter how strong Obi-Wan tried to be, his master could hear a quivering in Obi-Wan's voice. He was not crying. The tremble in his voice was fear. Obi-Wan did not fear his master, he feared losing everything real in his life and that included Qui-Gon.
"Very well. I have no intention of arguing with you. You will do what you will do. I on the other hand will also do what I think is necessary."
Obi-Wan jerked his head up. It was the first time since their initial confrontation that morning, that he had gained enough courage to face his master eye to eye.
"Just what is that supposed to mean?"
"After you have argued your point before the council I will argue mine. I will argue for why you should not be allowed to leave the Jedi. I might not be able to keep them from sending you to the rehab center temporarily, but you will be denied severance from the Jedi order or from me and our bond, at least for now."
"Why do you think that I will not be granted what I request?"
"You are not in your right mind. Until you have your memory and the force back you truly do not know what you want. I think I can convince the council of that."
Jinn knew as he watched Obi-Wan's face, he had angered him, but he didn't care. In fact he wanted too. He wanted to make Obi-Wan really think about what he was doing and if it took him getting angry to do it, then so be it. At least the boy knew he was in for a battle with his master fighting every step of the way to keep Obi-Wan by his side, willingly or against his will.
Qui-Gon did not give his stunned padawan time to respond to what had been laid before him. He left Obi-Wan with a tray of food and a lot too think about.
Another knock at the door disrupted Master Jinn from his thoughts as he attempted to eat his meal.
Plo Koon was there. The one person Master Jinn had no desire to see right now, stood at his door, expecting to be invited in.
"Master Jinn I hope I am not intruding. I ran into Padawan Xanatos and he told me you had some problems here."
"Nothing I can not correct Master Plo Koon. Thank you for your concern. Can I help you with anything else?"
"Well I thought that if you were going to be tied up with your dealings with Obi-Wan, I might take Xanatos out with me to the lower levels tomorrow. The boy needs field work and I just thought you would want to take care of things here in your household."
Jinn did not particularly care for Xani going without him, but there was little to say. Padawan Xanatos was old enough and more than trained to go to the lower levels even without any master with him.
"Very well. You may ask my padawan to accompany you. I will need sometime here with Obi-Wan to correct a problem."
"I hope the problem is not too worrisome. Is there anything I can help you with?"
//Yea, right. Help the boy straight out of the temple,// thought Master Jinn.
"No nothing too great, that with a day or two I can't rectify it . But thank you again for the concern."
Jinn knew very well the man was snooping to gain information as to what had happened at the Jinn apartment. Jinn thought that maybe Xanatos was conscientious enough not to tell the entire sorted story to Master Plo Koon. He made a mental note thought to ask his padawan how much he divulged to the council master when Xani returned home .
If Xanatos agreed to go with Master Plo Koon and Master Jinn saw no reason for him not too, then he would be free the next day to be alone with Obi-Wan.
//I will have to use my time wisely. Maybe Obi-Wan will be more rational with a night's rest and things thought through more clearly. //
Last-meal was a solemn affair that evening. Of course Xani was in a good mood. He actually was excited to about his mission with Master Plo Koon the next day. Jinn was a little put off by Xani's anxiousness about a trip without him. Maybe Jinn felt a twinge of jealously but if he did he would not admit to himself that he felt it..
Xanatos assured his master he had not told Master Plo Koon very much of what had happened between Master Jinn and Obi-Wan. Padawan Xanatos had become quite good at telling mistruths to his master.
There was a long silence between master and apprentice before the conversation started up again.
"I suppose Obi-Wan has been in that stuffy bedroom all day master."
"Yes he was out only long enough to go to the fresher a couple of times and that's it."
"Why don't you just go in there and demand he come out and eat?"
"I don't think that would get me anywhere with him Xani."
"Well letting him have his way all the time won't solve anything either. He acts like a spoiled brat."
"Would you do it any differently Xanatos, if so, how?"
Qui-Gon tried to hide his displeasure with Xani's comments.
Xanatos made no attempt to answer his master. He was not sure what he even asked.
"If you lost your memory, couldn't even remember I was you master, could not control the force, and then you are shot and paralyzed, could you handle it differently? Unless with certainty you can say you could, I suggest you keep your comments about my apprentice to yourself. I assure you I am in no mood for anyone to tell me anything about Obi-Wan. He has been a part of my life since he was two years old."
Jinn got up to hastily leave the kitchen. As he stomped out of the kitchen, he directed one last comment to Xani.
Besides there is no one on this planet who could tell me anything about Obi-Wan Kenobi that I do not already know….
Thanks for the feedback. I messed up and placed a chapter ahead of another chapter. If the story did not make sense, you may want to read 11,12,[which will say 13], and then this one the real 13 over. Sorry guys!!!!!!!!!!!
PEACE ewen