Well, here's the next chapter. I know this is moving along pretty fast
right now, but when I get all caught up with TF.N there will be breaks in-
between postings. Thanks to those who have read and reviewed. I really
appreciate your insight. Enjoy!
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Startled by Watto's abrupt handling, Obi-Wan didn't respond to his owner's question. The deceivingly weak-looking alien held the boy firmly. His claws slowly dug into the pale flesh. Again the Toydarian barked, "[Where have you been, Vrelt?]"
"[I. I.]" The boy stammered trying to think of something, anything convincing for his Master's approval.
"[Well, scum? Answer!]" Demanded the crazed shopkeeper. Watto was completely infuriated and now that the slave was back inside the perimeter of his controller, he activated the collar.
With his free hand, Obi-Wan grabbed futilely at the silver band about his neck. Pain coursed through his already weary body. He winced against the torment. When the wave of misery subsided, Obi-Wan croaked out, "[I. fell asleep.]"
Watto flung away the arm in his grasp only to bring it back across the boy's face. A muffled cry forced it's way out of the enslaved. The blue being hovered closer to the cowering form and hissed, "[Don't lie to me!]"
Recovering from the abuse, Obi-Wan quickly restated, "[I swear it, I fell asleep.]"
"[I said don't lie! You were not here. I activated the collar. You would have felt it if you were on the grounds.]" The small figure argued.
"[I fell asleep in the hub of that old repulsor lift engine at the back of the yard. It's casing sometimes knocks out the control signal. Remember?]" The boy informed. It was, in fact, true. He had stumbled upon it accidentally. Obi-Wan had been so tired from a long day's work and the heat had been excruciating that day, he sought refuge in the huge turbine. When he finally woke, Watto was furious. After the punishment, that Obi-Wan tried to forget, he proved his defense genuine. Now, on rare occasions, Obi-Wan used the alibi, knowing that Watto never went searching for him. He prayed it would work again.
"[That may be so, but you have been gone for hours. And that is still an offense.]" Slightly calmer, the small floating man pulled a strip of flexi- steel ribbing from a shelf behind him. His hand moved down to the controller, once again activating the impulse. Obi-Wan was rendered immobile as waves of torment crashed through him. A new agony ignited as the strip landed across his shoulders. Quickly and efficiently, Watto flogged the boy. Fifteen lashes in total were dealt but they were enough to make the suffering child cry out in protest. After the last stroke fell, Watto spat down at the imp, "[You're lucky you're getting off light. Now close up.]" The Toydarian flew away without another thought. Curled in on himself, Obi-Wan wallowed in his wretchedness. Hugging himself to fend off the anguished remonstration of his body. Tears streaked his dusty cheeks, leaving distinguishable trails. He remained on the floor waiting for the distress to abate enough to allow movement.
***
"What will happen?" Padmé had questioned Tyaña. Concerned for the slave boy that had just emerged from a Bacta treatment, she approached the older woman. Padmé did and didn't really want to know the consequences for her protector. But she felt if she didn't at least ask she insulted his efforts.
"You don't want to know," Tyaña confirmed the girl's suspicions, "But if you must, he'll get more than he deserves." She headed for the door. "Night is falling, travelling is dangerous now. You may stay here if you need to." She didn't wait for a reply as she disappeared through the archway.
Padmé mulled over her thoughts. Why did this young boy risk everything for a stranger, for me? And how did he know I was a Queen? She went back to the chair she had previously occupied. Exhausted from the day's excitement, the young handmaiden tried to find peace.
Qui-Gon had watched everything in silence. He was surprised at the youth's determination. And at how his own heart began to feel for this amicable Paladin. Qui-Gon had to stop himself from assisting the boy when he faltered by the bed. After Obi-Wan left, again, Qui-Gon had to supress the urge to bring him back for care. Knowing that either action would trouble the boy, he had remained still. Now there was a sensation in the pit of his stomach that he hadn't felt in a long time. He loved Anakin, this is true, but he loved Xanatos previously as well. Now this slave prodded at feelings he had forgotten about. Qui-Gon glanced at the Queen's tired attendant and decided she didn't need him there. Instead, he followed Tyaña. Making his way to the foyer, he reached out with the Force to locate the elderly caregiver. He found her standing outside and came up next to her.
"I wish there was something I could do." The middling comment fell silent between them. For some time neither spoke. Qui-Gon was about to give up on the woman and leave when she finally broke the stillness.
"If you are unwilling to save him, then you're your wish is moot, Master Jinn." Tyaña was obviously trying to contain the emotions that swirled within her.
"Please, call me Qui-Gon." He started to dislike the formality of his name and title. It made him sound cold and heartless. And Qui-Gon always thought of himself as a caring, giving, person. But by the actions of a benevolent servant child and a loving healer, he was humbled.
"I'm not going to make this easy on you, Qui-Gon." The physician continued. "Over the course of my life I have seen many things. I have lived on many different worlds before coming to Tatooine. And I have seen many injustices, more so because of my line of work. But in all my travels, all my adventures, never have I discovered a more gentle and loving soul as I found in Obi-Wan. And if we're not careful, the universe is going to loose it's most precious commodity. Do you understand what I'm telling you?" Tyaña turned to face the Knight, demanding an answer to her question.
"Yes, I think I do. He gives without thought." He replied. Qui-Gon thought for a moment and a tingling in the base of his neck, which he interpreted as a communication from the Force, grew. Realization trickled it's way into his mind, "He has special powers. Can see things before they happen, doesn't he?" He searched her eyes to find what he began to believe. She nodded.
"Can you help him? He is in danger everyday he's in Watto's custody. I don't know how much more his frail body can withstand. Please, help him. Save him." Tyaña begged the towering Jedi to rescue her surrogate son. And was stunned by his abrupt departure. Tyaña watched as the Knight ran down the street, not knowing what the cause or purpose of his actions were.
Qui-Gon had been called by the Force. It commanded him to find Obi-Wan. The Force spoke of danger and the Jedi Master could feel the distant pull of pain. He knew where he needed to go and made haste to get there.
***
"May I get you something, Master Anakin?" The melodic mechanical voice questioned.
"No, 3PO. I'm. fine." Anakin looked up from his bunk at the golden droid he had built so long ago. He lay back down and continued to rub his temples. Only a few minutes before, Anakin had been stricken with a nasty headache. He was used to the affliction, as they happened often.
"Another migraine, Sir?" Even the protocol droid recognized the motions the Padawan made for what they were.
"Just a minor one, 3PO. I'll be alright in a while." Anakin deferred the droid's concern. He attempted to go to sleep to rid himself of the ache.
***
Qui-Gon burst into the shop knowing the child was alone. Stepping further into the darkened room, he found the huddled youth near the back entry. He heard the soft weeping as he noticed thin red lines staining the boy's tunic. Slowly, he knelt down in front of the trembling form. "Obi-Wan." He whispered gently. Slowly, the boy eased a bit and glanced up to look at him. Qui-Gon almost felt his heart breaking as he peered into those beautiful blue-green eyes. He could see the terror that engulfed the fragile soul flood over with relief. Suddenly, the frightened child flung his arms around Qui-Gon's neck and held on tightly, so as not to let the apparition he believed before him go. Qui-Gon returned the gesture by encircling his arms about the boy to provide shelter and warmth. His thumb moved to his face, to wipe away a tear he had not realized he shed. A brief smile crossed his lips as he took comfort in Obi-Wan's tender embrace. Without any further delay, Qui-Gon carried the youngster back to Tyaña's for care.
Tyaña was still standing in front of her clinic when she caught sight of the pair. Quickly, she made her way to them. Taking in the appearance of Obi-Wan's condition, she ushered them to a small room in the back of her home. Qui-Gon had refused to let Tyaña take him from his arms, unwilling to give up the contentment he felt in holding the boy. Once inside, Padmé heard the fervent voices and rushed to find out the cause. She swept the scene and understood immediately. She followed the trio to the back room.
"Rest him here." Tyaña instructed. Qui-Gon moved to comply. Regretting having to part from the boy, Qui-Gon lingered near by. Tyaña worked promptly to apply Bacta salves to the streaks across Obi-Wan's back. Once the wounds were attended to, Tyaña was happy to see the boy already asleep. She motioned for the others to leave. Outside the archway she addressed them, "It's best he rest now. Thank you for going to get him, Qui-Gon. I apologize for my behavior earlier. I'll show you to your rooms."
"It's alright. I understand you feelings for Obi-Wan made you react the way you did. Thank you for your Hospitality, Miss Tyaña." Qui-Gon waived off her apology, feeling her remarks were justified.
"Please, just Tyaña." She gave a meek smile to the Jedi and then turned to show them to their rooms.
Later that evening, Qui-Gon was woken from his slumber by grievous sobs. He rushed to find the origin, and found his way back to Obi-Wan's room. Tyaña was already comforting the terrified child back to sleep. Qui-Gon hesitated at the door, waiting for Tyaña to come out. When Obi-Wan returned to a disturbed darkness, Tyana retreated back to the hallway. "It's alright. He just had a nightmare."
"Was it only a nightmare?" He asked feeling that the situation did not feel quite right.
"I can't be sure. At least not until I can get him to tell me. But I doubt he will. He used to tell me all about them before, now he just keeps them locked away inside." She stole a glance back at the slumbering youth.
"Are they simply dreams?" Again Qui-Gon prodded.
"He told me once, that he would sometimes have dreams of his past, of things happening now, and." For some reason she didn't want to finish.
"And of the future?" Qui-Gon filled in the empty gap. Still watching Obi- Wan, Tyaña nodded slowly.
They began to drift back to their own beds, when she placed a hand on his arm to halt him. "The worst nightmares, are of the future." Releasing him, Tyaña continued on to her room. Qui-Gon remained rooted to the spot as his mind desperately tried to absorb her confession.
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R&R Please. :D Thank you!
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Startled by Watto's abrupt handling, Obi-Wan didn't respond to his owner's question. The deceivingly weak-looking alien held the boy firmly. His claws slowly dug into the pale flesh. Again the Toydarian barked, "[Where have you been, Vrelt?]"
"[I. I.]" The boy stammered trying to think of something, anything convincing for his Master's approval.
"[Well, scum? Answer!]" Demanded the crazed shopkeeper. Watto was completely infuriated and now that the slave was back inside the perimeter of his controller, he activated the collar.
With his free hand, Obi-Wan grabbed futilely at the silver band about his neck. Pain coursed through his already weary body. He winced against the torment. When the wave of misery subsided, Obi-Wan croaked out, "[I. fell asleep.]"
Watto flung away the arm in his grasp only to bring it back across the boy's face. A muffled cry forced it's way out of the enslaved. The blue being hovered closer to the cowering form and hissed, "[Don't lie to me!]"
Recovering from the abuse, Obi-Wan quickly restated, "[I swear it, I fell asleep.]"
"[I said don't lie! You were not here. I activated the collar. You would have felt it if you were on the grounds.]" The small figure argued.
"[I fell asleep in the hub of that old repulsor lift engine at the back of the yard. It's casing sometimes knocks out the control signal. Remember?]" The boy informed. It was, in fact, true. He had stumbled upon it accidentally. Obi-Wan had been so tired from a long day's work and the heat had been excruciating that day, he sought refuge in the huge turbine. When he finally woke, Watto was furious. After the punishment, that Obi-Wan tried to forget, he proved his defense genuine. Now, on rare occasions, Obi-Wan used the alibi, knowing that Watto never went searching for him. He prayed it would work again.
"[That may be so, but you have been gone for hours. And that is still an offense.]" Slightly calmer, the small floating man pulled a strip of flexi- steel ribbing from a shelf behind him. His hand moved down to the controller, once again activating the impulse. Obi-Wan was rendered immobile as waves of torment crashed through him. A new agony ignited as the strip landed across his shoulders. Quickly and efficiently, Watto flogged the boy. Fifteen lashes in total were dealt but they were enough to make the suffering child cry out in protest. After the last stroke fell, Watto spat down at the imp, "[You're lucky you're getting off light. Now close up.]" The Toydarian flew away without another thought. Curled in on himself, Obi-Wan wallowed in his wretchedness. Hugging himself to fend off the anguished remonstration of his body. Tears streaked his dusty cheeks, leaving distinguishable trails. He remained on the floor waiting for the distress to abate enough to allow movement.
***
"What will happen?" Padmé had questioned Tyaña. Concerned for the slave boy that had just emerged from a Bacta treatment, she approached the older woman. Padmé did and didn't really want to know the consequences for her protector. But she felt if she didn't at least ask she insulted his efforts.
"You don't want to know," Tyaña confirmed the girl's suspicions, "But if you must, he'll get more than he deserves." She headed for the door. "Night is falling, travelling is dangerous now. You may stay here if you need to." She didn't wait for a reply as she disappeared through the archway.
Padmé mulled over her thoughts. Why did this young boy risk everything for a stranger, for me? And how did he know I was a Queen? She went back to the chair she had previously occupied. Exhausted from the day's excitement, the young handmaiden tried to find peace.
Qui-Gon had watched everything in silence. He was surprised at the youth's determination. And at how his own heart began to feel for this amicable Paladin. Qui-Gon had to stop himself from assisting the boy when he faltered by the bed. After Obi-Wan left, again, Qui-Gon had to supress the urge to bring him back for care. Knowing that either action would trouble the boy, he had remained still. Now there was a sensation in the pit of his stomach that he hadn't felt in a long time. He loved Anakin, this is true, but he loved Xanatos previously as well. Now this slave prodded at feelings he had forgotten about. Qui-Gon glanced at the Queen's tired attendant and decided she didn't need him there. Instead, he followed Tyaña. Making his way to the foyer, he reached out with the Force to locate the elderly caregiver. He found her standing outside and came up next to her.
"I wish there was something I could do." The middling comment fell silent between them. For some time neither spoke. Qui-Gon was about to give up on the woman and leave when she finally broke the stillness.
"If you are unwilling to save him, then you're your wish is moot, Master Jinn." Tyaña was obviously trying to contain the emotions that swirled within her.
"Please, call me Qui-Gon." He started to dislike the formality of his name and title. It made him sound cold and heartless. And Qui-Gon always thought of himself as a caring, giving, person. But by the actions of a benevolent servant child and a loving healer, he was humbled.
"I'm not going to make this easy on you, Qui-Gon." The physician continued. "Over the course of my life I have seen many things. I have lived on many different worlds before coming to Tatooine. And I have seen many injustices, more so because of my line of work. But in all my travels, all my adventures, never have I discovered a more gentle and loving soul as I found in Obi-Wan. And if we're not careful, the universe is going to loose it's most precious commodity. Do you understand what I'm telling you?" Tyaña turned to face the Knight, demanding an answer to her question.
"Yes, I think I do. He gives without thought." He replied. Qui-Gon thought for a moment and a tingling in the base of his neck, which he interpreted as a communication from the Force, grew. Realization trickled it's way into his mind, "He has special powers. Can see things before they happen, doesn't he?" He searched her eyes to find what he began to believe. She nodded.
"Can you help him? He is in danger everyday he's in Watto's custody. I don't know how much more his frail body can withstand. Please, help him. Save him." Tyaña begged the towering Jedi to rescue her surrogate son. And was stunned by his abrupt departure. Tyaña watched as the Knight ran down the street, not knowing what the cause or purpose of his actions were.
Qui-Gon had been called by the Force. It commanded him to find Obi-Wan. The Force spoke of danger and the Jedi Master could feel the distant pull of pain. He knew where he needed to go and made haste to get there.
***
"May I get you something, Master Anakin?" The melodic mechanical voice questioned.
"No, 3PO. I'm. fine." Anakin looked up from his bunk at the golden droid he had built so long ago. He lay back down and continued to rub his temples. Only a few minutes before, Anakin had been stricken with a nasty headache. He was used to the affliction, as they happened often.
"Another migraine, Sir?" Even the protocol droid recognized the motions the Padawan made for what they were.
"Just a minor one, 3PO. I'll be alright in a while." Anakin deferred the droid's concern. He attempted to go to sleep to rid himself of the ache.
***
Qui-Gon burst into the shop knowing the child was alone. Stepping further into the darkened room, he found the huddled youth near the back entry. He heard the soft weeping as he noticed thin red lines staining the boy's tunic. Slowly, he knelt down in front of the trembling form. "Obi-Wan." He whispered gently. Slowly, the boy eased a bit and glanced up to look at him. Qui-Gon almost felt his heart breaking as he peered into those beautiful blue-green eyes. He could see the terror that engulfed the fragile soul flood over with relief. Suddenly, the frightened child flung his arms around Qui-Gon's neck and held on tightly, so as not to let the apparition he believed before him go. Qui-Gon returned the gesture by encircling his arms about the boy to provide shelter and warmth. His thumb moved to his face, to wipe away a tear he had not realized he shed. A brief smile crossed his lips as he took comfort in Obi-Wan's tender embrace. Without any further delay, Qui-Gon carried the youngster back to Tyaña's for care.
Tyaña was still standing in front of her clinic when she caught sight of the pair. Quickly, she made her way to them. Taking in the appearance of Obi-Wan's condition, she ushered them to a small room in the back of her home. Qui-Gon had refused to let Tyaña take him from his arms, unwilling to give up the contentment he felt in holding the boy. Once inside, Padmé heard the fervent voices and rushed to find out the cause. She swept the scene and understood immediately. She followed the trio to the back room.
"Rest him here." Tyaña instructed. Qui-Gon moved to comply. Regretting having to part from the boy, Qui-Gon lingered near by. Tyaña worked promptly to apply Bacta salves to the streaks across Obi-Wan's back. Once the wounds were attended to, Tyaña was happy to see the boy already asleep. She motioned for the others to leave. Outside the archway she addressed them, "It's best he rest now. Thank you for going to get him, Qui-Gon. I apologize for my behavior earlier. I'll show you to your rooms."
"It's alright. I understand you feelings for Obi-Wan made you react the way you did. Thank you for your Hospitality, Miss Tyaña." Qui-Gon waived off her apology, feeling her remarks were justified.
"Please, just Tyaña." She gave a meek smile to the Jedi and then turned to show them to their rooms.
Later that evening, Qui-Gon was woken from his slumber by grievous sobs. He rushed to find the origin, and found his way back to Obi-Wan's room. Tyaña was already comforting the terrified child back to sleep. Qui-Gon hesitated at the door, waiting for Tyaña to come out. When Obi-Wan returned to a disturbed darkness, Tyana retreated back to the hallway. "It's alright. He just had a nightmare."
"Was it only a nightmare?" He asked feeling that the situation did not feel quite right.
"I can't be sure. At least not until I can get him to tell me. But I doubt he will. He used to tell me all about them before, now he just keeps them locked away inside." She stole a glance back at the slumbering youth.
"Are they simply dreams?" Again Qui-Gon prodded.
"He told me once, that he would sometimes have dreams of his past, of things happening now, and." For some reason she didn't want to finish.
"And of the future?" Qui-Gon filled in the empty gap. Still watching Obi- Wan, Tyaña nodded slowly.
They began to drift back to their own beds, when she placed a hand on his arm to halt him. "The worst nightmares, are of the future." Releasing him, Tyaña continued on to her room. Qui-Gon remained rooted to the spot as his mind desperately tried to absorb her confession.
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R&R Please. :D Thank you!