Well, I did receive some feedback, so you will be getting your posts! :D
BlueElli and Werewolf The Feedback Monster thanks you!! And hope you
enjoy another two posts to read!!
Shan - Thank you, and I'm glad you like it. I thought that Jar Jar was a frivolous char that was designed for the kiddies. There are ways to get around him without completely killing the story. ; )
Things will definitely be getting interesting for the Jedi, I hope you like it. : )
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Those five words echoed in his young mind. Obi-Wan had always remembered being in the service of someone else, willingly or not. Mostly, not. He mused. But the enormity that that revelation bore was too much for him. He reached back to a wall to steady himself. "I - I'm free?" Qui-Gon smiled and nodded. And suddenly a flood of panic flowed through Obi-Wan. What am I going to do now? Where will I go? Tyaña will help me, I know, but this just seems too unreal.
He heard the gentle woman behind him sniffle and then clear her throat. "Thank you Master Jinn, you have managed to surprise an old woman. Obi-Wan has always deserved a better life than this, and I can't express how much I appreciate you giving it to him."
"The pleasure was all mine." He regarded the healer with compassionate eyes. He conveyed to her without words the gratitude he felt for her guidance. Then he noticed the boy sliding down against the wall. Concern furrowed his brow and he went to the child. "What's wrong?"
Obi-Wan took in the sapphire eyes of the Jedi. The baritone voice full of worry. Qui-Gon also peered into the tell-all hazel windows, noting the swirl of emotions. Finally, Obi-Wan spoke. "What will happen to me now?" The despondency in the quiet voice pulled at Qui-Gon's heart.
"You have many choices, Obi-Wan. And I will not force any upon you. But I will offer you this," He paused briefly to glance at the woman who had come up beside them. "You can come with me to Coruscant."
Tyaña slumped to the ground at his proposal. Tears freely lined the elderly woman's face. "You would do this? Take him from here and give him a better life?" Qui-Gon gave a quick nod.
"Could I be a Jedi?" A small voice asked as if the question should not have been spoken aloud. Obi-Wan had had dreams before of such a possibility but he never fully believed it could come true. Now he was afraid of the answer as the prospect played in his mind. He drew in his breath and held it until he heard the Knight respond.
"A Jedi's life is not an easy one, my young friend. Very dangerous. It's your choice, but I believe our meeting was a chance happening. And if you choose to come with me, I will do what I can to see that you do." He had spoken the truth. Qui-Gon was not sure how the Council would react to the boy, but he felt he had to try. The smile that crept up the boy's face revealed the hope that filled him.
"I will join you, Master Qui-Gon." Obi-Wan stated with a confidence born from renewed strength. He heard Tyaña crying softly and turned to address the woman he thought of as a mother. "Don't cry, Tia. You could come with us." He said innocently. Then turning back to the Jedi, "Couldn't she?"
Qui-Gon thought for a moment. He knew it was not advisable but he saw no reason to deny it. "It is possible, however, we are still on a mission. And we are still in danger. Maybe it would be wiser for her to follow later." He pointed out.
Tyaña interrupted. "I can't, Obi. My place is here. There are many people who depend on my clinic. I can't just abandon them. I doubt anyone else would want to take over." She reasoned even though her heart wanted to follow the boy where ever his adventures might take him. Tyaña would follow him into the depths of hell as long as she knew he was safe. Alas, she knew that her time in his life had drawn to a close. At least for a time. And she needed him to understand that this is the way it had to be. The sorrow and understanding in the blue-green eyes cut through her. "Oh, Obi. I will miss you." She embraced the youth and held him close. Tyaña could feel his small arms rap around her in return. Fighting with her own emotions, she finally separated herself from Obi-Wan. "Now, go. I'm sure Qui-Gon is patiently waiting to leave." Offering a smile, she squeezed Obi- Wan's hands.
Obi-Wan glanced between the two before getting up and heading to the small room in the back. He wanted to collect the few belongings he did own before leaving.
Once the boy had gone, Qui-Gon began, "You know."
Tyaña quickly cut him off. "No, Master Jinn." This time there was no vehemence in the title, only sadness. "This is where we say good-bye." She stared blankly at the doorway Obi-Wan disappeared through. "Promise me one thing."
"I can only promise you that I will do my best." He answered.
"It will have to do. Promise me, that you will watch over Obi-Wan. Care for him like a son. He needs guidance. He needs assurance. But most of all he needs love." Tyaña turned to glare at the Jedi. "Will you do this for an old sentimental woman?" Before he could answer she continued, "If not for me, could you do this for a lost child who is so caring that his heart is open to the pain and suffering around him and could so easily be hurt?" Her proposition was sound, Qui-Gon knew. He had already witnessed such an action and paid for it dearly. "I promise. For as long as I am able." His tone soft and calm. She nodded and accepted his answer. Silence filled the room, until Obi-Wan returned carrying a small sack. Qui-Gon gave the boy a reassuring smile. "Ready?"
"Yes, I guess." He replied. And then moved to stand in front of the kind hearted woman he had known for so many years. Reaching out he embraced her one more time. "I will miss you, Tia." His voice muffled by her clothes. When he pulled away he looked up at her and smirked. "I already do."
Qui-Gon approached, "We must be going. They are waiting for us. Good-bye, Tyaña." He extended his hand toward her. She placed hers in his and he brought it up to kiss the back of it. Together the two men headed out of her door. She followed behind them to stand in front of her clinic. Halfway down the street, Obi-Wan paused and turned back to her. They stared at each other for a few minutes, when finally his lips curled up. Without speaking, they had exchanged farewells, knowing that neither could trust themselves enough to communicate their feelings. Obi-Wan waved briefly and turned to trail the Jedi. She knew that he was heading toward a destiny that affected the entire universe. And deep down, she knew she would not see him again. He turned the corner and disappeared from her life forever.
***
The black probe droid hovered in front of it's master. It beeped and hummed to detail directions and locations. Once the report was complete, the cloaked figure mounted a swoop and flew off into the vast wasteland.
***
Qui-Gon urged the boy to hurry. He could feel a growing threat within the Force. They were in sight of the ship, when Qui-Gon told Obi-Wan to run. The boy easily fell behind, as Qui-Gon's long legs quickly carried him over the land. Suddenly the Force screamed a warning of the impending attack. Qui-Gon turned and called out, "Obi-Wan, drop!" The youth followed the instructions immediately. The Jedi Knight ignited his saber in time to block his assailant. A dark figure vaulted off a speeding swoop and came right for the Knight. Obi-Wan didn't know what to do at first. He had felt something urging him to continue on to the ship, but he didn't want to leave the Jedi alone.
Qui-Gon sensed the boy's confusion. "Get to the ship. Tell them to take off!" He instructed. He could see Obi-Wan rise and start for the ship, when his attacker moved to block the boy from his destination. Qui-Gon quickly drew the aggressor's attention back to him with a volley of thrusts.
Obi-Wan stepped back to keep distance between him and their foe, before finding his window of opportunity. He ran straight for the ship's opening. As soon as he reached the top of the ramp he ran headlong into a man. He felt hands grab him tightly on his shoulders. He winced momentarily from the pressure on the blaster wound he received earlier, but promptly suppressed the pain to address the man. "Qui-Gon's in trouble!" He blurted out. "He said take off." The dark man regarding him for a second before heading off through the ship. Obi-Wan followed. At last, they entered the cockpit and the man repeated Obi-Wan's instructions. Another man in brown robes seemed to take charge.
"Over there, fly low." They could see the dust stirred up from the quick movements of the two adversaries. As they approached, the young robed man took off toward the entry ramp. Obi-Wan chased after him. They entered the hold just as Qui-Gon slumped to the ground and the entry closed. They both observed his heavy breathing and Obi-Wan asked, "Are you all right?"
" I think so," said the Knight. He gazed at both the boys in front of him. Anakin stared back.
"What was it, Master?" The apprentice queried.
Qui-Gon shook his head. "I don't know. He was well trained in the Jedi arts. My guess is that he was after the Queen."
"The Queen," the boy whispered. "What can we do?" Anakin glared at the new arrival incredulously. What do you mean, we, kid? Another voice entered Anakin's thoughts. {I will explain later, now please be nice.} Anakin turned to find his Master's eyes burrowing though him.
"We will be patient." Qui-Gon advised. Resituating himself he raised a hand toward Anakin. "Anakin Skywalker, meet Obi-Wan."
"Kenobi. Pleased to meet you." Obi-Wan offered his last name and his hand to the young man. He continued, "Are you a Jedi too?" Anakin nodded and stretched his hand to clasp the boy's.
The instant their hands touched, both minds were bombarded with visions, moving so fast that neither could discern what they were seeing. The deluge of images came and went so quickly that they were left only with feelings. The emotional residue was unmistakable.
Qui-Gon watched the exchange. He could see something move behind their eyes and vanish before he could name it. Deep down, it worried him.
The two stared at each other for a moment longer. Both knew the other had experienced the strange connection. And both were left with the same feelings; pain, hate, regret and sorrow. Anakin and Obi-Wan's eyes locked. Deep inside they knew that their lives were intertwined. Destiny had a plan for them.
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You guys are lucky that you don't really have to wait. The next chap is up as well. And don't forget the feedback! ; ) *gobble, gobble* : D
Shan - Thank you, and I'm glad you like it. I thought that Jar Jar was a frivolous char that was designed for the kiddies. There are ways to get around him without completely killing the story. ; )
Things will definitely be getting interesting for the Jedi, I hope you like it. : )
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------
Those five words echoed in his young mind. Obi-Wan had always remembered being in the service of someone else, willingly or not. Mostly, not. He mused. But the enormity that that revelation bore was too much for him. He reached back to a wall to steady himself. "I - I'm free?" Qui-Gon smiled and nodded. And suddenly a flood of panic flowed through Obi-Wan. What am I going to do now? Where will I go? Tyaña will help me, I know, but this just seems too unreal.
He heard the gentle woman behind him sniffle and then clear her throat. "Thank you Master Jinn, you have managed to surprise an old woman. Obi-Wan has always deserved a better life than this, and I can't express how much I appreciate you giving it to him."
"The pleasure was all mine." He regarded the healer with compassionate eyes. He conveyed to her without words the gratitude he felt for her guidance. Then he noticed the boy sliding down against the wall. Concern furrowed his brow and he went to the child. "What's wrong?"
Obi-Wan took in the sapphire eyes of the Jedi. The baritone voice full of worry. Qui-Gon also peered into the tell-all hazel windows, noting the swirl of emotions. Finally, Obi-Wan spoke. "What will happen to me now?" The despondency in the quiet voice pulled at Qui-Gon's heart.
"You have many choices, Obi-Wan. And I will not force any upon you. But I will offer you this," He paused briefly to glance at the woman who had come up beside them. "You can come with me to Coruscant."
Tyaña slumped to the ground at his proposal. Tears freely lined the elderly woman's face. "You would do this? Take him from here and give him a better life?" Qui-Gon gave a quick nod.
"Could I be a Jedi?" A small voice asked as if the question should not have been spoken aloud. Obi-Wan had had dreams before of such a possibility but he never fully believed it could come true. Now he was afraid of the answer as the prospect played in his mind. He drew in his breath and held it until he heard the Knight respond.
"A Jedi's life is not an easy one, my young friend. Very dangerous. It's your choice, but I believe our meeting was a chance happening. And if you choose to come with me, I will do what I can to see that you do." He had spoken the truth. Qui-Gon was not sure how the Council would react to the boy, but he felt he had to try. The smile that crept up the boy's face revealed the hope that filled him.
"I will join you, Master Qui-Gon." Obi-Wan stated with a confidence born from renewed strength. He heard Tyaña crying softly and turned to address the woman he thought of as a mother. "Don't cry, Tia. You could come with us." He said innocently. Then turning back to the Jedi, "Couldn't she?"
Qui-Gon thought for a moment. He knew it was not advisable but he saw no reason to deny it. "It is possible, however, we are still on a mission. And we are still in danger. Maybe it would be wiser for her to follow later." He pointed out.
Tyaña interrupted. "I can't, Obi. My place is here. There are many people who depend on my clinic. I can't just abandon them. I doubt anyone else would want to take over." She reasoned even though her heart wanted to follow the boy where ever his adventures might take him. Tyaña would follow him into the depths of hell as long as she knew he was safe. Alas, she knew that her time in his life had drawn to a close. At least for a time. And she needed him to understand that this is the way it had to be. The sorrow and understanding in the blue-green eyes cut through her. "Oh, Obi. I will miss you." She embraced the youth and held him close. Tyaña could feel his small arms rap around her in return. Fighting with her own emotions, she finally separated herself from Obi-Wan. "Now, go. I'm sure Qui-Gon is patiently waiting to leave." Offering a smile, she squeezed Obi- Wan's hands.
Obi-Wan glanced between the two before getting up and heading to the small room in the back. He wanted to collect the few belongings he did own before leaving.
Once the boy had gone, Qui-Gon began, "You know."
Tyaña quickly cut him off. "No, Master Jinn." This time there was no vehemence in the title, only sadness. "This is where we say good-bye." She stared blankly at the doorway Obi-Wan disappeared through. "Promise me one thing."
"I can only promise you that I will do my best." He answered.
"It will have to do. Promise me, that you will watch over Obi-Wan. Care for him like a son. He needs guidance. He needs assurance. But most of all he needs love." Tyaña turned to glare at the Jedi. "Will you do this for an old sentimental woman?" Before he could answer she continued, "If not for me, could you do this for a lost child who is so caring that his heart is open to the pain and suffering around him and could so easily be hurt?" Her proposition was sound, Qui-Gon knew. He had already witnessed such an action and paid for it dearly. "I promise. For as long as I am able." His tone soft and calm. She nodded and accepted his answer. Silence filled the room, until Obi-Wan returned carrying a small sack. Qui-Gon gave the boy a reassuring smile. "Ready?"
"Yes, I guess." He replied. And then moved to stand in front of the kind hearted woman he had known for so many years. Reaching out he embraced her one more time. "I will miss you, Tia." His voice muffled by her clothes. When he pulled away he looked up at her and smirked. "I already do."
Qui-Gon approached, "We must be going. They are waiting for us. Good-bye, Tyaña." He extended his hand toward her. She placed hers in his and he brought it up to kiss the back of it. Together the two men headed out of her door. She followed behind them to stand in front of her clinic. Halfway down the street, Obi-Wan paused and turned back to her. They stared at each other for a few minutes, when finally his lips curled up. Without speaking, they had exchanged farewells, knowing that neither could trust themselves enough to communicate their feelings. Obi-Wan waved briefly and turned to trail the Jedi. She knew that he was heading toward a destiny that affected the entire universe. And deep down, she knew she would not see him again. He turned the corner and disappeared from her life forever.
***
The black probe droid hovered in front of it's master. It beeped and hummed to detail directions and locations. Once the report was complete, the cloaked figure mounted a swoop and flew off into the vast wasteland.
***
Qui-Gon urged the boy to hurry. He could feel a growing threat within the Force. They were in sight of the ship, when Qui-Gon told Obi-Wan to run. The boy easily fell behind, as Qui-Gon's long legs quickly carried him over the land. Suddenly the Force screamed a warning of the impending attack. Qui-Gon turned and called out, "Obi-Wan, drop!" The youth followed the instructions immediately. The Jedi Knight ignited his saber in time to block his assailant. A dark figure vaulted off a speeding swoop and came right for the Knight. Obi-Wan didn't know what to do at first. He had felt something urging him to continue on to the ship, but he didn't want to leave the Jedi alone.
Qui-Gon sensed the boy's confusion. "Get to the ship. Tell them to take off!" He instructed. He could see Obi-Wan rise and start for the ship, when his attacker moved to block the boy from his destination. Qui-Gon quickly drew the aggressor's attention back to him with a volley of thrusts.
Obi-Wan stepped back to keep distance between him and their foe, before finding his window of opportunity. He ran straight for the ship's opening. As soon as he reached the top of the ramp he ran headlong into a man. He felt hands grab him tightly on his shoulders. He winced momentarily from the pressure on the blaster wound he received earlier, but promptly suppressed the pain to address the man. "Qui-Gon's in trouble!" He blurted out. "He said take off." The dark man regarding him for a second before heading off through the ship. Obi-Wan followed. At last, they entered the cockpit and the man repeated Obi-Wan's instructions. Another man in brown robes seemed to take charge.
"Over there, fly low." They could see the dust stirred up from the quick movements of the two adversaries. As they approached, the young robed man took off toward the entry ramp. Obi-Wan chased after him. They entered the hold just as Qui-Gon slumped to the ground and the entry closed. They both observed his heavy breathing and Obi-Wan asked, "Are you all right?"
" I think so," said the Knight. He gazed at both the boys in front of him. Anakin stared back.
"What was it, Master?" The apprentice queried.
Qui-Gon shook his head. "I don't know. He was well trained in the Jedi arts. My guess is that he was after the Queen."
"The Queen," the boy whispered. "What can we do?" Anakin glared at the new arrival incredulously. What do you mean, we, kid? Another voice entered Anakin's thoughts. {I will explain later, now please be nice.} Anakin turned to find his Master's eyes burrowing though him.
"We will be patient." Qui-Gon advised. Resituating himself he raised a hand toward Anakin. "Anakin Skywalker, meet Obi-Wan."
"Kenobi. Pleased to meet you." Obi-Wan offered his last name and his hand to the young man. He continued, "Are you a Jedi too?" Anakin nodded and stretched his hand to clasp the boy's.
The instant their hands touched, both minds were bombarded with visions, moving so fast that neither could discern what they were seeing. The deluge of images came and went so quickly that they were left only with feelings. The emotional residue was unmistakable.
Qui-Gon watched the exchange. He could see something move behind their eyes and vanish before he could name it. Deep down, it worried him.
The two stared at each other for a moment longer. Both knew the other had experienced the strange connection. And both were left with the same feelings; pain, hate, regret and sorrow. Anakin and Obi-Wan's eyes locked. Deep inside they knew that their lives were intertwined. Destiny had a plan for them.
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You guys are lucky that you don't really have to wait. The next chap is up as well. And don't forget the feedback! ; ) *gobble, gobble* : D