Thanks for the reviews!!! :D I really appreciate them. I hope you enjoy
this next section. ;)
AN: //'s mean italics.
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Tyaña clutched the boy to her chest. Her soft sable eyes held only warmth and love for the youth in her arms. Grey streaks had almost fully covered her fawn hair, which was kept tightly in a bun. Wrinkle lines etched the elder caregiver's face, brought on by age and harsh living. The pale color of Obi-Wan's skin worried her. Laying the boy down on one of the medical beds she gently turned him over to evaluate the injury. The blaster burn covered most of the boy's left shoulder. Quickly, she stripped away the cloth, careful not to aggravate the wound further, she prepped him for Bacta immersion. Mumbling to herself as she worked, "What have you gotten yourself into, child?" She did not expect an answer.
"It was a group of thieves. They were trying to shoot me. Will he be alright?" Came an angelic voice that tremored with concern. A young woman with chocolate brown eyes stepped up next to the bed. As the thoughtful healer pealed back the boy's shirt, Padmé saw other markings across his back. Padmé closed her eyes to block out the site before her. Some of the scars were ugly gauges that never fully healed. Horrible visions bombarded her mind as she remembered the minor incursion at the junkshop. She realized the boy was often beat and Padmé could tell that fists were not the only weapons used on the young body.
Tyaña noticed the faint lines of tears on the girl's face. "He should be. It sounds like something our Obi would do. Poor child." Without thought, the older gentlewoman wiped some of the youth's scruffy hair away. Her delicate hand lighted to the bruise on his face.
At that moment, Obi-Wan's eyelashes flickered. Opening just enough to take in his surroundings, he looked up at his friend. "Tia." he managed to croak, "I didn't d." A minor spasm cut off his words. Even through the pain, Padmé could hear the disappointment underlying his words.
"Hush, little one. It'll be all right. Sleep, child." The healer comforted. Obi-Wan slid back into darkness. Cautiously, she picked the boy up and brought him over to a Bacta Tank. With the greatest care, Tyaña lowered the unconscious form into the warm liquid. When the boy was completely submerged, she thought about what he had said. Again she muttered to herself, "He was hoping to die. Damn, Watto!" she hissed. Suddenly, Tyaña turned back to the girl, "Who are you?" she asked defensively. Even though these strangers had brought him to her for care, Tyaña knew they were also the cause of his pain. However, Padmé had been vaguely listening as she was caught between two conversations.
Qui-Gon hovered by the entry talking to his Padawan, "Anakin, we've had some problems come up."
"What is it, Master? Did you get the parts?" The Jedi Apprentice questioned.
"No, The dealer has the pieces we're looking for, but he will not accept Republic Dataries."
"And you couldn't /persuade/ him?" Over the commlink, Qui-Gon could hear the smug smile.
"No, I was hoping we would have been returning with the part by now but we have been delayed." A stinging slap landed with a loud smack along Qui- Gon's cheek. He had been so absorbed with their conversation that he didn't notice the handmaiden's approach. "I'll contact you later," he brusquely ended. The Knight was about to address the Queen's attendant when she cut him off.
"How dare you! /Delayed??/ A boy has been injured trying to save /my/ life, and you call that a /delay?/ Damn you Jedi, you have no hearts for all the kindness you so proudly speak of!" So disgusted with the unfeeling man next to her, Padmé made her way over to the tank her rescuer floated in. Tyaña, was surprised by the sudden outburst. She watched as the girl strode up to the tall man and slapped him. She listened intently at what was said. As the young woman found her place next to the tank, only one word kept repeating in Tyaña's mind; Jedi.
"Who are you?" She inquired, calmer now. When Padmé peered at the healer, she realized that it wasn't her the woman was addressing. "I've never seen you before."
"My name is Qui-Gon Jinn. And the young lady is Padmé Naberrie. We were heading back to our ship when we were attacked. The boy helped us." He stepped further into the room. Qui-Gon wanted to explain his compassionless conversation to Padmé but he knew now wasn't the time.
"So she told me. And as I told her, it sounded like something our Obi-Wan would do." Tyaña turned back to the youth in the Bacta. Lovingly, she stretched out a hand to touch the clear wall between them. "He has too big of a heart. Thank you for bringing him to me, Master Jinn. You have done him a great service." Her eyes moistened as she spoke. Qui-Gon could feel the love in her heart for the scrawny child.
"He is very brave." Qui-Gon rested his hand on the healer's shoulder.
She glanced up at the Jedi Knight and smiled briefly. "You have no idea. He has no thought for himself. He gives so freely that I fear for him." She looked back at the sleeping gentle soul in front of her.
"He's very lucky to have you, Miss."
"Oh, Tyaña. And it's not a matter of luck as it is necessity. He would have been dead long ago if not for his trips here. I am his refuge, and his condemnation. He will be in there for hours, you may go if you like. He's in good hands." Resigned in her position in the boy's life, she turned to head out. Tyaña noted the young woman still staring at the tank. Why does Obi-Wan always take these risks? And what will it cost him this time?
"Wait, Miss Tyaña. We would like to be here when he wakes. To give him our thanks." Qui-Gon started to follow her out.
She glared at him for a moment before speaking again. "Wait if you want to. But I can tell you one thing, Master Jinn, don't give him your thanks. Give him your prayers, he will need them more." With that she took her leave. Qui-Gon lowered his head. He understood her implications and called out to the Force for guidance. He turned back to the slave boy that risked his life for a stranger. The Force whispered to him but he was not listening with an open mind and missed its meaning. What was the boy doing there in the first place? He contemplated the possibilities. After another moment in thought, he consented to address the handmaiden. Gingerly, he touched his sore cheek. He wanted, and needed, to clear up the misunderstanding in his motives.
*****
Anakin Skywalker, a strapping young man at the age of twenty, lay quietly in his bunk. He had felt the disturbance in the Force earlier and waited patiently for his Master's call. When the Jedi Knight finally contacted his apprentice, their conversation was cut short. Prior to Qui-Gon's abrupt ending, he had the distinct sound of an open-handed slap. What have you gotten yourself into, Master? The boy mused. He could not deny the smile wanting to surface. He almost even chuckled at the thought of his Master falling prey to a feisty young woman at one of the local taverns. I knew I should have given him some better pick-up lines before he went. At that thought the youth did laugh, if only for a moment. He knew his Master was not tarrying in bars, checking out the local offerings. Instead, his Master was seeking out an important part for them to get off this wayward rock.
He better get that part soon, or I'm going to go crazy. Anakin had been brought to the Jedi sixteen years ago. A team had been sent when his mother, Shmi Skywalker, discovered his possibilities. Shortly after being accepted into the order, Anakin learned that his mother had been killed. He returned to his home for the last time, to attend the funeral. His memories reminiscent of the frustration and sorrow during the trip. That was also the last time he spoke with his stepbrother Owen. They had a vicious disagreement following the services that he vowed never to return. Yet, here he was, back on Tatooine.
Qui-Gon asked him if he would like to acquire the parts needed since this was an opportunity for him to visit his home planet. But Anakin refused with a smile. He knew better than to reveal to his Master the hard bitterness that the incident still held in his heart. Instead, he simply replied that he had already seen enough of the desert land to last a lifetime. Cautiously, he delved into his mind to touch the training bond that he and his Master shared. What he found disturbed him. Qui-Gon was alive and well, but the connection had subconsciously been cut off. At least, that's what Anakin deduced. He could not sense anger or malice in the blockage, but curiosity and wonderment.
Another dark memory stirred in him. A memory from the first days of his apprenticeship with Qui-Gon. He had fought for the chance to be Qui-Gon's apprentice, but was disappointed at first. Qui-Gon had not been ready to accept a new Padawan. His last charge had fallen to the darkside. After some coaxing from Yoda and others, Qui-Gon finally asked Anakin to be his Padawan Learner. In the beginning, things were great between them. Then they were sent on their first mission together. Qui-Gon had been specifically requested to assist with some talks between two mining corporations on a planet called Bandomeer. Once they landed he received a message from Xanatos, Qui-Gon's first Padawan. At their first meeting, he felt a change in his Master. As Xanatos entered the room Anakin sensed an awe and wonderment flow from the Jedi Knight towards the dark apprentice. He had been afraid of loosing Qui-Gon then, but Anakin never told his Master of his fears. Now, Anakin felt those same sensations that he had felt so long ago. Only this time it was different, at least in whom these emotions were directed to. Anakin felt a pang of sorrow as he realized that he had never brought these emotions out of Qui-Gon. Bitterness threatened him as he began to resent the person that caused these emotions. I have a bad feeling about this. The Padawan remarked to himself. The sooner we are heading back to Coruscant the better.
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Please remember to Review!!! Thanks for reading! ;)
AN: //'s mean italics.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------
Tyaña clutched the boy to her chest. Her soft sable eyes held only warmth and love for the youth in her arms. Grey streaks had almost fully covered her fawn hair, which was kept tightly in a bun. Wrinkle lines etched the elder caregiver's face, brought on by age and harsh living. The pale color of Obi-Wan's skin worried her. Laying the boy down on one of the medical beds she gently turned him over to evaluate the injury. The blaster burn covered most of the boy's left shoulder. Quickly, she stripped away the cloth, careful not to aggravate the wound further, she prepped him for Bacta immersion. Mumbling to herself as she worked, "What have you gotten yourself into, child?" She did not expect an answer.
"It was a group of thieves. They were trying to shoot me. Will he be alright?" Came an angelic voice that tremored with concern. A young woman with chocolate brown eyes stepped up next to the bed. As the thoughtful healer pealed back the boy's shirt, Padmé saw other markings across his back. Padmé closed her eyes to block out the site before her. Some of the scars were ugly gauges that never fully healed. Horrible visions bombarded her mind as she remembered the minor incursion at the junkshop. She realized the boy was often beat and Padmé could tell that fists were not the only weapons used on the young body.
Tyaña noticed the faint lines of tears on the girl's face. "He should be. It sounds like something our Obi would do. Poor child." Without thought, the older gentlewoman wiped some of the youth's scruffy hair away. Her delicate hand lighted to the bruise on his face.
At that moment, Obi-Wan's eyelashes flickered. Opening just enough to take in his surroundings, he looked up at his friend. "Tia." he managed to croak, "I didn't d." A minor spasm cut off his words. Even through the pain, Padmé could hear the disappointment underlying his words.
"Hush, little one. It'll be all right. Sleep, child." The healer comforted. Obi-Wan slid back into darkness. Cautiously, she picked the boy up and brought him over to a Bacta Tank. With the greatest care, Tyaña lowered the unconscious form into the warm liquid. When the boy was completely submerged, she thought about what he had said. Again she muttered to herself, "He was hoping to die. Damn, Watto!" she hissed. Suddenly, Tyaña turned back to the girl, "Who are you?" she asked defensively. Even though these strangers had brought him to her for care, Tyaña knew they were also the cause of his pain. However, Padmé had been vaguely listening as she was caught between two conversations.
Qui-Gon hovered by the entry talking to his Padawan, "Anakin, we've had some problems come up."
"What is it, Master? Did you get the parts?" The Jedi Apprentice questioned.
"No, The dealer has the pieces we're looking for, but he will not accept Republic Dataries."
"And you couldn't /persuade/ him?" Over the commlink, Qui-Gon could hear the smug smile.
"No, I was hoping we would have been returning with the part by now but we have been delayed." A stinging slap landed with a loud smack along Qui- Gon's cheek. He had been so absorbed with their conversation that he didn't notice the handmaiden's approach. "I'll contact you later," he brusquely ended. The Knight was about to address the Queen's attendant when she cut him off.
"How dare you! /Delayed??/ A boy has been injured trying to save /my/ life, and you call that a /delay?/ Damn you Jedi, you have no hearts for all the kindness you so proudly speak of!" So disgusted with the unfeeling man next to her, Padmé made her way over to the tank her rescuer floated in. Tyaña, was surprised by the sudden outburst. She watched as the girl strode up to the tall man and slapped him. She listened intently at what was said. As the young woman found her place next to the tank, only one word kept repeating in Tyaña's mind; Jedi.
"Who are you?" She inquired, calmer now. When Padmé peered at the healer, she realized that it wasn't her the woman was addressing. "I've never seen you before."
"My name is Qui-Gon Jinn. And the young lady is Padmé Naberrie. We were heading back to our ship when we were attacked. The boy helped us." He stepped further into the room. Qui-Gon wanted to explain his compassionless conversation to Padmé but he knew now wasn't the time.
"So she told me. And as I told her, it sounded like something our Obi-Wan would do." Tyaña turned back to the youth in the Bacta. Lovingly, she stretched out a hand to touch the clear wall between them. "He has too big of a heart. Thank you for bringing him to me, Master Jinn. You have done him a great service." Her eyes moistened as she spoke. Qui-Gon could feel the love in her heart for the scrawny child.
"He is very brave." Qui-Gon rested his hand on the healer's shoulder.
She glanced up at the Jedi Knight and smiled briefly. "You have no idea. He has no thought for himself. He gives so freely that I fear for him." She looked back at the sleeping gentle soul in front of her.
"He's very lucky to have you, Miss."
"Oh, Tyaña. And it's not a matter of luck as it is necessity. He would have been dead long ago if not for his trips here. I am his refuge, and his condemnation. He will be in there for hours, you may go if you like. He's in good hands." Resigned in her position in the boy's life, she turned to head out. Tyaña noted the young woman still staring at the tank. Why does Obi-Wan always take these risks? And what will it cost him this time?
"Wait, Miss Tyaña. We would like to be here when he wakes. To give him our thanks." Qui-Gon started to follow her out.
She glared at him for a moment before speaking again. "Wait if you want to. But I can tell you one thing, Master Jinn, don't give him your thanks. Give him your prayers, he will need them more." With that she took her leave. Qui-Gon lowered his head. He understood her implications and called out to the Force for guidance. He turned back to the slave boy that risked his life for a stranger. The Force whispered to him but he was not listening with an open mind and missed its meaning. What was the boy doing there in the first place? He contemplated the possibilities. After another moment in thought, he consented to address the handmaiden. Gingerly, he touched his sore cheek. He wanted, and needed, to clear up the misunderstanding in his motives.
*****
Anakin Skywalker, a strapping young man at the age of twenty, lay quietly in his bunk. He had felt the disturbance in the Force earlier and waited patiently for his Master's call. When the Jedi Knight finally contacted his apprentice, their conversation was cut short. Prior to Qui-Gon's abrupt ending, he had the distinct sound of an open-handed slap. What have you gotten yourself into, Master? The boy mused. He could not deny the smile wanting to surface. He almost even chuckled at the thought of his Master falling prey to a feisty young woman at one of the local taverns. I knew I should have given him some better pick-up lines before he went. At that thought the youth did laugh, if only for a moment. He knew his Master was not tarrying in bars, checking out the local offerings. Instead, his Master was seeking out an important part for them to get off this wayward rock.
He better get that part soon, or I'm going to go crazy. Anakin had been brought to the Jedi sixteen years ago. A team had been sent when his mother, Shmi Skywalker, discovered his possibilities. Shortly after being accepted into the order, Anakin learned that his mother had been killed. He returned to his home for the last time, to attend the funeral. His memories reminiscent of the frustration and sorrow during the trip. That was also the last time he spoke with his stepbrother Owen. They had a vicious disagreement following the services that he vowed never to return. Yet, here he was, back on Tatooine.
Qui-Gon asked him if he would like to acquire the parts needed since this was an opportunity for him to visit his home planet. But Anakin refused with a smile. He knew better than to reveal to his Master the hard bitterness that the incident still held in his heart. Instead, he simply replied that he had already seen enough of the desert land to last a lifetime. Cautiously, he delved into his mind to touch the training bond that he and his Master shared. What he found disturbed him. Qui-Gon was alive and well, but the connection had subconsciously been cut off. At least, that's what Anakin deduced. He could not sense anger or malice in the blockage, but curiosity and wonderment.
Another dark memory stirred in him. A memory from the first days of his apprenticeship with Qui-Gon. He had fought for the chance to be Qui-Gon's apprentice, but was disappointed at first. Qui-Gon had not been ready to accept a new Padawan. His last charge had fallen to the darkside. After some coaxing from Yoda and others, Qui-Gon finally asked Anakin to be his Padawan Learner. In the beginning, things were great between them. Then they were sent on their first mission together. Qui-Gon had been specifically requested to assist with some talks between two mining corporations on a planet called Bandomeer. Once they landed he received a message from Xanatos, Qui-Gon's first Padawan. At their first meeting, he felt a change in his Master. As Xanatos entered the room Anakin sensed an awe and wonderment flow from the Jedi Knight towards the dark apprentice. He had been afraid of loosing Qui-Gon then, but Anakin never told his Master of his fears. Now, Anakin felt those same sensations that he had felt so long ago. Only this time it was different, at least in whom these emotions were directed to. Anakin felt a pang of sorrow as he realized that he had never brought these emotions out of Qui-Gon. Bitterness threatened him as he began to resent the person that caused these emotions. I have a bad feeling about this. The Padawan remarked to himself. The sooner we are heading back to Coruscant the better.
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Please remember to Review!!! Thanks for reading! ;)