So I finally did it. I finally upload. This is a short part, I just wanted
to get it up for you guys to see. Note that it is a flashback part, but I
got a Dell for Christmas and it won't let me upload in italics. Darn it.
But here this is.
Thank you so much for the faith you have put in this story. I'm terribly sorry I kept you all waiting so long. I know what it feels like.
But here it is, for your approval. Please review.
~KrystalBlaze~
February 21, 2003
* = Italics
BREATHE
PART THIRTEEN:
FLASHBACK (PART TWO)
Qui-Gon returned to his room in a state of exhaustion and worry. He kept his eyes away from Obi-Wan's room. He couldn't force himself to go into there, even if he wanted to. It was just too hard to see Obi-Wan's things scattered around his room while he himself was in the infirmary laying in something that wasn't even a coma.
Kita had urged him home to take a break and a shower. Veira had also backed her up. *You need to sleep, Qui-Gon. I see you more than I see my patients. And you look worst than some of them, too.* As he stepped into the 'fresher, he had to agree.
His eyes were bloodshot, his hair rumpled and tangled. The lines in his face seemed to have deepened. He looked like an old man, an old, tired man who had just been given his death warrant. The face that stared back at him was not him. It just couldn't be. This man looked on the verge of the edge, close to insanity. He looked closer; searching for any sign it was really him. He saw none.
"He had to better," Qui-Gon muttered to the mirror, turning away from it and stepping into the kitchen area. He glanced at the comm unit and saw a red light blinking, signaling he had a message. Taking a muja fruit from the bowl on the table, he went to the unit and pressed the button.
"Qui-Gon," Mace Windu's voice said sternly. "Your "Chosen One", this Anakin Skywalker, is driving me crazy. I know you've been with Obi-Wan, and I understand that, but you need to begin to care again for this boy. I'm watching him on a favor, Qui-Gon."
Qui-Gon had to smile a little. Qui-Gon had requested Mace keep Anakin in his quarters so he could be with Obi-Wan. It had been going on for about a week now.
"Anakin is worried about you. He wants to know why you've left him. You need to explain this to him. I'm not in a position to do this. He's very hyper, although his teachers say he's doing well. He may be visiting you in the infirmary during his free time.
"The Council is very concerned about Obi-Wan. Please schedule a time to brief us on this and the measures you are taking to help him. Well. I'll see you soon. May the Force be with you."
The message ended. He sighed. Life was still going on around him, but Obi- Wan knew nothing of it.
Qui-Gon left the comm unit and went into his room, preparing for his shower.
~*~
Qui-Gon was back in the infirmary by Obi-Wan's bed an hour later, much to Veira's disapproval. "This isn't healthy, Qui-Gon," the Master Healer said as she ushered him into Obi-Wan's room. She looked to Obi-Wan. "Nothing's changed. Kita will be back tonight to try again. She's contacting Master Warol Orral."
"Thank you, Veira," the Jedi Master said, sitting by Obi-Wan's bed to continue his vigil.
"I'll be back to check on his vitals in a bit," she said and left.
Qui-Gon sat by Obi-Wan's bed the entire day, staring at his Padawan's lifeless eyes and pale skin. *I can't lose him. He has to wake up. He has so much ahead of him. So much. It's just not his time. Not yet. Not now. What will I do if I lose him now, after so long?*
Qui-Gon shook his head, and began to speak.
"It's not your time, Obi-Wan. You're not leaving yet. I don't know what's wrong or why, but it's not your time. I'm not going to let you go, Obi-Wan. I'm not going to give up."
Qui-Gon slumped. There. He had just given Obi-Wan his verbal vow.
Now if he would only wake up.
~*~
As the evening began to roll around, Veira came back in. "I'm going to check his vitals," she said. "Anakin Skywalker is here to see you."
Qui-Gon let his eyes trail Obi-Wan's frail body. "I don't want to leave him."
"And I'm not letting Skywalker come in here, either," Veira said. "Patients of this status are not allowed to have visitors except for their Master or the Council. You can either go out there or I can have my Padawan tell him you're busy." She went into her office to get something.
Qui-Gon sighed. He squeezed his Padawan's hand. "I'll be right back," he whispered. He raised his voice. "I'm going out, Veira."
"Okay."
The Jedi Master cast one more look at Obi-Wan and exited the room, heading down the hall to the lobby of the infirmary. He saw Anakin sitting in a chair, trying not to fidget as he looked down at his hands. He looked worried and tired.
"Anakin?"
The boy snapped his head up when he heard Qui-Gon's voice. A smile graced his boyish features. Qui-Gon tried to return it, but failed. Anakin stood up and walked over to him, seeming rejuvenated. "Master Jinn," he said, his voice loud and happy.
"Keep your voice down, please," the Padawan at the desk said sternly. "We have patients sleeping."
Anakin rolled his eyes. "Sorry."
Qui-Gon shook his head. "What did you want to see me about?" he asked as he sat down in the chairs lining the wall. Anakin followed him.
"I just wanted to see how you were doing," Anakin said, disappointed at the reception he had received. He thought Master Jinn would be warmer towards him. "I haven't seen you in so long."
"I'm sorry for that, Anakin," Qui-Gon said, starting to get impatient. He wanted to get back to Obi-Wan. "I should have been over. I've been here most of the day, and most of the past week. "
Anakin suddenly remembered Obi-Wan Kenobi, Master Jinn's apprentice. "Is Obi-Wan okay?"
At this, the man had to sigh deeply. He let his eyes wander down the hall he had just come from. Obi-Wan was in there, carrying on a deadly slumber. "He's not all right," he said.
"What happened?"
Qui-Gon found Anakin's inquisitive nature annoying at times like these. He didn't want to discuss Obi-Wan's health with the boy. He barely even knew him. But still. it wouldn't be completely fair to Anakin to bring him to Coruscant and then refuse to share any information with him.
"He's-" Qui-Gon began.
"Qui-Gon!" He looked up and saw Kita coming in, trailing behind her a middle-aged Twi'lek, possibly older than Qui-Gon. He stood up.
"Qui-Gon," Kita said, "this is Jedi Master Warol Orral. Master Orral, this is Master Qui-Gon Jinn."
The two shook hands. "It's an honor to finally meet you," Warol said.
"The honor is mine," Qui-Gon responded. They smiled.
"Where can we talk?"
"I'm sure Veira will let us use her office," Kita said. She started off. Warol followed.
Qui-Gon turned to Anakin. "Anakin, I have to go now. I'll see you soon."
"But-"
"Anakin. I have to go. May the Force be with you." He turned and left, quickening his step to meet them.
"Yes, Master Jinn," Anakin said, hanging his head.
~*~
Warol listened to Kita and Qui-Gon, looking out at Obi-Wan. When they were finished he sighed. "He was a boy last time I saw him," the old Master said. "And I've been on many trips with the initiates over the years. But I remember this trip and Kai Jiyro. He and Obi-Wan were never the best of friends."
Qui-Gon prodded the Master along. "We need you to tell Obi-Wan when we get him awake that you felt didn't feel any Force activity on the trip and that Kai's death wasn't his fault."
Warol was silent as he contemplated this information. They sat that way for a few minutes, Warol's eyes always on the still form in the bed. Suddenly he sighed, startling Qui-Gon from his revere. "I can't lie, Master Jinn."
"You won't be,' Kita said promptly.
"Healer Orit," Warol said in a resigned tone. "Master Jinn. There was Force activity when Kai Jiyro died. It was a strange energy, light yet tinged by darkness. I won't lie to Obi-Wan Kenobi."
Kita and Qui-Gon exchanged stunned looks. "You're saying," Kita gasped, "that Obi-Wan caused Jiyro's death?"
"I know what caused Kai's death, Healer Orit. He fell down a hole that was too far for him to survive. We'll never know if he would have survived if Padawan Kenobi hadn't landed on top of him and I won't speculate. Did Obi- Wan cause Kai's death? To that I have no answer. I'm sorry about this, but I won't tell Obi-Wan what I don't know."
Warol stood up and walked out of the room to stand by Obi-Wan's bed. A second later Qui-Gon and Kita followed. It was late, and Obi-Wan's eyes were closed. He was curled in the fetal position once again. The old Twi'lek gave a great sigh.
"I'm sorry about this, Qui-Gon," he said. He touched Obi-Wan's forehead gently. "I hope everything works out, that he wakes up. He has grown much since I last saw him as an initiate. I'm sure he'll get better."
"Thank you, Master Orral," Qui-Gon said numbly.
Warol bowed. Kita and Qui-Gon followed suite. "May the Force be with you," Warol said, leaving.
"May the Force be with you," Kita and Qui-Gon echoed.
They turned to each other. "This won't change anything," Qui-Gon said in a small voice. "We just have to tell Obi-Wan it wasn't his fault."
"If he listens." Kita looked at the chrono. "You want to start now?"
Qui-Gon nodded. "We'll start at age eleven, I guess."
"Let's get to it," Kita said. She walked over to the bed. "Same as last time. Quick and fast."
Please work! Qui-Gon placed his fingertips on his Padawan's forehead. He shot a quick jolt through the Force. Obi-Wan bounced on the bed, his eyes suddenly snapping open and wildly jerking around.
Kita placed her hands on Obi-Wan. "Obi-Wan. When I count to three you'll be in a hypnotic state. One.two.three."
Obi-Wan didn't speak.
"Obi-Wan? Tell me who I am."
No answer.
"Answer me, Obi-Wan!"
"You're Mind Healer Kita Orit."
~*~
Obi-Wan felt drained. His entire body was begging for sleep. He sat hunched against a wall, shivering. He was going mad. He was simply going mad.
Enhrida had not made due to his promise. There was only a slip of light in the fair corner of the dark room. He closed his eyes, as if in pain. This eternal darkness was a monster, some hideous monster that just wouldn't leave. Its claws were wrapped around his throat, suffocating him. He couldn't breathe. He couldn't think. It was just too hard for him to do anything. He needed air. The light was air.
The slit of light at the end room was driving him crazy. His yearning for more was far too much to control. He had to get away from this maddening darkness! If he didn't. *Force know what will happen*, he though grimly. *This is not a noble way to die.*
And then he wanted to laugh at the last thought because it was so true, and yet so unlike him. He wanted to laugh and scream at the same time, if possible. "It probably is," he said aloud, his voice seeming loud and uncontrolled in the darkness. He started and then laughed aloud.
"So, you're having fun in here?" Enhrida's voice echoed in the dark room as he suddenly appeared. Obi-Wan stopped laughing.
"I would hope you would want to return to the real world, the world in which your Master and a Mind Healer are trying so hard to get you to wake up."
Obi-Wan bit his lip.
"I know you want to leave. I suppose it's almost time to let you go. I have what I want."
Obi-Wan did not speak for fear of being harmed.
"I didn't actually take it from you, Obi-Wan. It's still hanging in there by a single thread. Your gift didn't want to let go, didn't want to come to me. This is why I have a task for you. Tell me you will do it and I'll release you from this dark prison. I know you want to leave. I don't blame you."
The Padawan's mind trailed back to when Enhrida had asked him to. "No!" Obi- Wan cried. "I'm not going to do that."
Enhrida was not shaken. "Your courage is inspiring, young Jedi, but you must realize you have a choice between two people." The way he said that made Obi-Wan want to jump up and strangle him. "Too bad I have to give you this choice."
"No," Obi-Wan said quietly.
"Then you leave me no other alternative except to give you the option of two people: Nield, your terribly good friend, correct? Or your Master."
Obi-Wan's eyes widened in shock. Despite his weariness, he stood in one fluid motion, his fist clenching. "You can't make me do this," he said, his voice on the edge.
"I can," Enhrida said quietly. "I can do this quite easily. It's easy: you can either kill your Master. or you can kill Nield. It's your choice. One of them will be dead at the month's end, but it's your decision."
"No," Obi-Wan repeated.
"A mantra? How nice." Suddenly he raised his hands, although Obi-Wan couldn't see it in the darkness. "How very nice."
Lightning shot out of his fingertips and met Obi-Wan's body hard. The Padawan gave a cry and collapsed to the floor, withering in pain.
"Your choice."
~*~
"Obi-Wan, tell me what happened when you were twenty-five."
"I'm twenty-five now," the Padawan's voice said dully. "Nothing's happened so far. except. except the duel with the Sith Lord."
Qui-Gon gripped Obi-Wan's hand.
"Tell me about it, please." Kita leaned over Obi-Wan's bed. "I know it may be hard."
"It's not hard," Obi-Wan said. "I don't care. He attacked me, that's it. I'm fine now."
"No, you're not, Obi-Wan. What happened during the battle?"
"What happened during the battle?"
"Tell me what happened during the battle."
"We fought. Master Qui-Gon got injured. I finished the Sith. It was all well. Master Qui-Gon was dying. I helped him. There's nothing much to say."
The Master and the Healer looked at each other, flabbergasted. "Describe the battle."
"I don't want to."
"Maybe it's another Kai Jiyro," Qui-Gon whispered.
"I don't want to proceed with this anymore. This isn't the reason why he won't wake up," Kita whispered back.
"Then what is?"
Kita stared at Obi-Wan's glazed eyes. "Tell me why you won't wake up, Obi- Wan."
At this, Obi-Wan closed his eyes.
~*~
"You will meet me at Melida/Daan within the next two weeks, I don't care when. You breathe a word of this to Qui-Gon Jinn. I have so many ways to get to him, Obi-Wan. I know you know I can do this. Do not tempt me. Do not speak a word of what I have told you or what you know. I will release you now to your world of light. Remember: tell no one. Let no one know that you are going to leave the Temple. Sneak out, do whatever it takes. I don't care. Get to Melida/Daan."
"I understand," Obi-Wan said numbly, wanting to scream and cry.
"Good. I shall see you later, then." He paused. "What is it you Jedi say? Oh yes. May the Force be with you."
Obi-Wan, at that moment, hated no one more than he hated Enhrida. If he hadn't been so exhausted and worried and scared he would have attacked the man, not caring if he lived or died. It never occurred to him how evil a person could be, how vicious and cunning. He had faced many enemies in his years, but he was still young. There would be other enemies, other beings he would hate and want to abolish. But at this moment, the man before him topped anyone. Not even the stories he had heard of the Sith could match this man's awfulness.
And suddenly, he was falling into a cave in his own mind. The small slit of light of disappearing from view, running from him down a long, dark tunnel to which he couldn't see the end. His could feel his own consiousness slipping from view. He felt intoxicated.
"Remember," Enhrida's voice suddenly spat. "Remember what I've told you."
"I remember," he said in a drunken way, basking off the freeness and lightness he felt.
And suddenly, it was all gone. In its place was a pain so deep that he screamed with no reserve, his voice ragged and raw. It hurt to think, hurt to move, hurt to breathe. His entire body was on fire, and he could roll or shake or do anything to put it out. An invisible knife was stabbing him everywhere, digging deep and fast. He could feel it tear through his stomach and then his chest. The jackhammer pounded so hard he wanted to die.
*Am I dying? Did he turn his promise around again?*
And then the pain was gone. and he opened his eyes.
~*~
Obi-Wan's eyes closed.
"No!" Kita cried, withdrawing her hands.
And then they opened.
"Obi-Wan?"
Suddenly the young man began to breathe in a ragged way. He shivered and put his hands over his face. There was a soft whimper.
"Padawan?" Qui-Gon asked.
Obi-Wan withdrew his hand and blinked up at Qui-Gon with scared eyes. "Master.?"
'"Obi-Wan!" Qui-Gon wanted to scream for joy. He wanted to laugh and dance and cry. Obi-Wan was awake. He was truly awake, breathing, speaking to him. His eyes were scared and blinking, his breathe was ragged and scarce, but he was talking. He was awake. And nothing could have made Qui-Gon sad at that moment. Nothing at all.
"Master? Qui-Gon?" Obi-Wan just looked up.
"Yes, Padawan, it's me."
Thank you so much for the faith you have put in this story. I'm terribly sorry I kept you all waiting so long. I know what it feels like.
But here it is, for your approval. Please review.
~KrystalBlaze~
February 21, 2003
* = Italics
BREATHE
PART THIRTEEN:
FLASHBACK (PART TWO)
Qui-Gon returned to his room in a state of exhaustion and worry. He kept his eyes away from Obi-Wan's room. He couldn't force himself to go into there, even if he wanted to. It was just too hard to see Obi-Wan's things scattered around his room while he himself was in the infirmary laying in something that wasn't even a coma.
Kita had urged him home to take a break and a shower. Veira had also backed her up. *You need to sleep, Qui-Gon. I see you more than I see my patients. And you look worst than some of them, too.* As he stepped into the 'fresher, he had to agree.
His eyes were bloodshot, his hair rumpled and tangled. The lines in his face seemed to have deepened. He looked like an old man, an old, tired man who had just been given his death warrant. The face that stared back at him was not him. It just couldn't be. This man looked on the verge of the edge, close to insanity. He looked closer; searching for any sign it was really him. He saw none.
"He had to better," Qui-Gon muttered to the mirror, turning away from it and stepping into the kitchen area. He glanced at the comm unit and saw a red light blinking, signaling he had a message. Taking a muja fruit from the bowl on the table, he went to the unit and pressed the button.
"Qui-Gon," Mace Windu's voice said sternly. "Your "Chosen One", this Anakin Skywalker, is driving me crazy. I know you've been with Obi-Wan, and I understand that, but you need to begin to care again for this boy. I'm watching him on a favor, Qui-Gon."
Qui-Gon had to smile a little. Qui-Gon had requested Mace keep Anakin in his quarters so he could be with Obi-Wan. It had been going on for about a week now.
"Anakin is worried about you. He wants to know why you've left him. You need to explain this to him. I'm not in a position to do this. He's very hyper, although his teachers say he's doing well. He may be visiting you in the infirmary during his free time.
"The Council is very concerned about Obi-Wan. Please schedule a time to brief us on this and the measures you are taking to help him. Well. I'll see you soon. May the Force be with you."
The message ended. He sighed. Life was still going on around him, but Obi- Wan knew nothing of it.
Qui-Gon left the comm unit and went into his room, preparing for his shower.
~*~
Qui-Gon was back in the infirmary by Obi-Wan's bed an hour later, much to Veira's disapproval. "This isn't healthy, Qui-Gon," the Master Healer said as she ushered him into Obi-Wan's room. She looked to Obi-Wan. "Nothing's changed. Kita will be back tonight to try again. She's contacting Master Warol Orral."
"Thank you, Veira," the Jedi Master said, sitting by Obi-Wan's bed to continue his vigil.
"I'll be back to check on his vitals in a bit," she said and left.
Qui-Gon sat by Obi-Wan's bed the entire day, staring at his Padawan's lifeless eyes and pale skin. *I can't lose him. He has to wake up. He has so much ahead of him. So much. It's just not his time. Not yet. Not now. What will I do if I lose him now, after so long?*
Qui-Gon shook his head, and began to speak.
"It's not your time, Obi-Wan. You're not leaving yet. I don't know what's wrong or why, but it's not your time. I'm not going to let you go, Obi-Wan. I'm not going to give up."
Qui-Gon slumped. There. He had just given Obi-Wan his verbal vow.
Now if he would only wake up.
~*~
As the evening began to roll around, Veira came back in. "I'm going to check his vitals," she said. "Anakin Skywalker is here to see you."
Qui-Gon let his eyes trail Obi-Wan's frail body. "I don't want to leave him."
"And I'm not letting Skywalker come in here, either," Veira said. "Patients of this status are not allowed to have visitors except for their Master or the Council. You can either go out there or I can have my Padawan tell him you're busy." She went into her office to get something.
Qui-Gon sighed. He squeezed his Padawan's hand. "I'll be right back," he whispered. He raised his voice. "I'm going out, Veira."
"Okay."
The Jedi Master cast one more look at Obi-Wan and exited the room, heading down the hall to the lobby of the infirmary. He saw Anakin sitting in a chair, trying not to fidget as he looked down at his hands. He looked worried and tired.
"Anakin?"
The boy snapped his head up when he heard Qui-Gon's voice. A smile graced his boyish features. Qui-Gon tried to return it, but failed. Anakin stood up and walked over to him, seeming rejuvenated. "Master Jinn," he said, his voice loud and happy.
"Keep your voice down, please," the Padawan at the desk said sternly. "We have patients sleeping."
Anakin rolled his eyes. "Sorry."
Qui-Gon shook his head. "What did you want to see me about?" he asked as he sat down in the chairs lining the wall. Anakin followed him.
"I just wanted to see how you were doing," Anakin said, disappointed at the reception he had received. He thought Master Jinn would be warmer towards him. "I haven't seen you in so long."
"I'm sorry for that, Anakin," Qui-Gon said, starting to get impatient. He wanted to get back to Obi-Wan. "I should have been over. I've been here most of the day, and most of the past week. "
Anakin suddenly remembered Obi-Wan Kenobi, Master Jinn's apprentice. "Is Obi-Wan okay?"
At this, the man had to sigh deeply. He let his eyes wander down the hall he had just come from. Obi-Wan was in there, carrying on a deadly slumber. "He's not all right," he said.
"What happened?"
Qui-Gon found Anakin's inquisitive nature annoying at times like these. He didn't want to discuss Obi-Wan's health with the boy. He barely even knew him. But still. it wouldn't be completely fair to Anakin to bring him to Coruscant and then refuse to share any information with him.
"He's-" Qui-Gon began.
"Qui-Gon!" He looked up and saw Kita coming in, trailing behind her a middle-aged Twi'lek, possibly older than Qui-Gon. He stood up.
"Qui-Gon," Kita said, "this is Jedi Master Warol Orral. Master Orral, this is Master Qui-Gon Jinn."
The two shook hands. "It's an honor to finally meet you," Warol said.
"The honor is mine," Qui-Gon responded. They smiled.
"Where can we talk?"
"I'm sure Veira will let us use her office," Kita said. She started off. Warol followed.
Qui-Gon turned to Anakin. "Anakin, I have to go now. I'll see you soon."
"But-"
"Anakin. I have to go. May the Force be with you." He turned and left, quickening his step to meet them.
"Yes, Master Jinn," Anakin said, hanging his head.
~*~
Warol listened to Kita and Qui-Gon, looking out at Obi-Wan. When they were finished he sighed. "He was a boy last time I saw him," the old Master said. "And I've been on many trips with the initiates over the years. But I remember this trip and Kai Jiyro. He and Obi-Wan were never the best of friends."
Qui-Gon prodded the Master along. "We need you to tell Obi-Wan when we get him awake that you felt didn't feel any Force activity on the trip and that Kai's death wasn't his fault."
Warol was silent as he contemplated this information. They sat that way for a few minutes, Warol's eyes always on the still form in the bed. Suddenly he sighed, startling Qui-Gon from his revere. "I can't lie, Master Jinn."
"You won't be,' Kita said promptly.
"Healer Orit," Warol said in a resigned tone. "Master Jinn. There was Force activity when Kai Jiyro died. It was a strange energy, light yet tinged by darkness. I won't lie to Obi-Wan Kenobi."
Kita and Qui-Gon exchanged stunned looks. "You're saying," Kita gasped, "that Obi-Wan caused Jiyro's death?"
"I know what caused Kai's death, Healer Orit. He fell down a hole that was too far for him to survive. We'll never know if he would have survived if Padawan Kenobi hadn't landed on top of him and I won't speculate. Did Obi- Wan cause Kai's death? To that I have no answer. I'm sorry about this, but I won't tell Obi-Wan what I don't know."
Warol stood up and walked out of the room to stand by Obi-Wan's bed. A second later Qui-Gon and Kita followed. It was late, and Obi-Wan's eyes were closed. He was curled in the fetal position once again. The old Twi'lek gave a great sigh.
"I'm sorry about this, Qui-Gon," he said. He touched Obi-Wan's forehead gently. "I hope everything works out, that he wakes up. He has grown much since I last saw him as an initiate. I'm sure he'll get better."
"Thank you, Master Orral," Qui-Gon said numbly.
Warol bowed. Kita and Qui-Gon followed suite. "May the Force be with you," Warol said, leaving.
"May the Force be with you," Kita and Qui-Gon echoed.
They turned to each other. "This won't change anything," Qui-Gon said in a small voice. "We just have to tell Obi-Wan it wasn't his fault."
"If he listens." Kita looked at the chrono. "You want to start now?"
Qui-Gon nodded. "We'll start at age eleven, I guess."
"Let's get to it," Kita said. She walked over to the bed. "Same as last time. Quick and fast."
Please work! Qui-Gon placed his fingertips on his Padawan's forehead. He shot a quick jolt through the Force. Obi-Wan bounced on the bed, his eyes suddenly snapping open and wildly jerking around.
Kita placed her hands on Obi-Wan. "Obi-Wan. When I count to three you'll be in a hypnotic state. One.two.three."
Obi-Wan didn't speak.
"Obi-Wan? Tell me who I am."
No answer.
"Answer me, Obi-Wan!"
"You're Mind Healer Kita Orit."
~*~
Obi-Wan felt drained. His entire body was begging for sleep. He sat hunched against a wall, shivering. He was going mad. He was simply going mad.
Enhrida had not made due to his promise. There was only a slip of light in the fair corner of the dark room. He closed his eyes, as if in pain. This eternal darkness was a monster, some hideous monster that just wouldn't leave. Its claws were wrapped around his throat, suffocating him. He couldn't breathe. He couldn't think. It was just too hard for him to do anything. He needed air. The light was air.
The slit of light at the end room was driving him crazy. His yearning for more was far too much to control. He had to get away from this maddening darkness! If he didn't. *Force know what will happen*, he though grimly. *This is not a noble way to die.*
And then he wanted to laugh at the last thought because it was so true, and yet so unlike him. He wanted to laugh and scream at the same time, if possible. "It probably is," he said aloud, his voice seeming loud and uncontrolled in the darkness. He started and then laughed aloud.
"So, you're having fun in here?" Enhrida's voice echoed in the dark room as he suddenly appeared. Obi-Wan stopped laughing.
"I would hope you would want to return to the real world, the world in which your Master and a Mind Healer are trying so hard to get you to wake up."
Obi-Wan bit his lip.
"I know you want to leave. I suppose it's almost time to let you go. I have what I want."
Obi-Wan did not speak for fear of being harmed.
"I didn't actually take it from you, Obi-Wan. It's still hanging in there by a single thread. Your gift didn't want to let go, didn't want to come to me. This is why I have a task for you. Tell me you will do it and I'll release you from this dark prison. I know you want to leave. I don't blame you."
The Padawan's mind trailed back to when Enhrida had asked him to. "No!" Obi- Wan cried. "I'm not going to do that."
Enhrida was not shaken. "Your courage is inspiring, young Jedi, but you must realize you have a choice between two people." The way he said that made Obi-Wan want to jump up and strangle him. "Too bad I have to give you this choice."
"No," Obi-Wan said quietly.
"Then you leave me no other alternative except to give you the option of two people: Nield, your terribly good friend, correct? Or your Master."
Obi-Wan's eyes widened in shock. Despite his weariness, he stood in one fluid motion, his fist clenching. "You can't make me do this," he said, his voice on the edge.
"I can," Enhrida said quietly. "I can do this quite easily. It's easy: you can either kill your Master. or you can kill Nield. It's your choice. One of them will be dead at the month's end, but it's your decision."
"No," Obi-Wan repeated.
"A mantra? How nice." Suddenly he raised his hands, although Obi-Wan couldn't see it in the darkness. "How very nice."
Lightning shot out of his fingertips and met Obi-Wan's body hard. The Padawan gave a cry and collapsed to the floor, withering in pain.
"Your choice."
~*~
"Obi-Wan, tell me what happened when you were twenty-five."
"I'm twenty-five now," the Padawan's voice said dully. "Nothing's happened so far. except. except the duel with the Sith Lord."
Qui-Gon gripped Obi-Wan's hand.
"Tell me about it, please." Kita leaned over Obi-Wan's bed. "I know it may be hard."
"It's not hard," Obi-Wan said. "I don't care. He attacked me, that's it. I'm fine now."
"No, you're not, Obi-Wan. What happened during the battle?"
"What happened during the battle?"
"Tell me what happened during the battle."
"We fought. Master Qui-Gon got injured. I finished the Sith. It was all well. Master Qui-Gon was dying. I helped him. There's nothing much to say."
The Master and the Healer looked at each other, flabbergasted. "Describe the battle."
"I don't want to."
"Maybe it's another Kai Jiyro," Qui-Gon whispered.
"I don't want to proceed with this anymore. This isn't the reason why he won't wake up," Kita whispered back.
"Then what is?"
Kita stared at Obi-Wan's glazed eyes. "Tell me why you won't wake up, Obi- Wan."
At this, Obi-Wan closed his eyes.
~*~
"You will meet me at Melida/Daan within the next two weeks, I don't care when. You breathe a word of this to Qui-Gon Jinn. I have so many ways to get to him, Obi-Wan. I know you know I can do this. Do not tempt me. Do not speak a word of what I have told you or what you know. I will release you now to your world of light. Remember: tell no one. Let no one know that you are going to leave the Temple. Sneak out, do whatever it takes. I don't care. Get to Melida/Daan."
"I understand," Obi-Wan said numbly, wanting to scream and cry.
"Good. I shall see you later, then." He paused. "What is it you Jedi say? Oh yes. May the Force be with you."
Obi-Wan, at that moment, hated no one more than he hated Enhrida. If he hadn't been so exhausted and worried and scared he would have attacked the man, not caring if he lived or died. It never occurred to him how evil a person could be, how vicious and cunning. He had faced many enemies in his years, but he was still young. There would be other enemies, other beings he would hate and want to abolish. But at this moment, the man before him topped anyone. Not even the stories he had heard of the Sith could match this man's awfulness.
And suddenly, he was falling into a cave in his own mind. The small slit of light of disappearing from view, running from him down a long, dark tunnel to which he couldn't see the end. His could feel his own consiousness slipping from view. He felt intoxicated.
"Remember," Enhrida's voice suddenly spat. "Remember what I've told you."
"I remember," he said in a drunken way, basking off the freeness and lightness he felt.
And suddenly, it was all gone. In its place was a pain so deep that he screamed with no reserve, his voice ragged and raw. It hurt to think, hurt to move, hurt to breathe. His entire body was on fire, and he could roll or shake or do anything to put it out. An invisible knife was stabbing him everywhere, digging deep and fast. He could feel it tear through his stomach and then his chest. The jackhammer pounded so hard he wanted to die.
*Am I dying? Did he turn his promise around again?*
And then the pain was gone. and he opened his eyes.
~*~
Obi-Wan's eyes closed.
"No!" Kita cried, withdrawing her hands.
And then they opened.
"Obi-Wan?"
Suddenly the young man began to breathe in a ragged way. He shivered and put his hands over his face. There was a soft whimper.
"Padawan?" Qui-Gon asked.
Obi-Wan withdrew his hand and blinked up at Qui-Gon with scared eyes. "Master.?"
'"Obi-Wan!" Qui-Gon wanted to scream for joy. He wanted to laugh and dance and cry. Obi-Wan was awake. He was truly awake, breathing, speaking to him. His eyes were scared and blinking, his breathe was ragged and scarce, but he was talking. He was awake. And nothing could have made Qui-Gon sad at that moment. Nothing at all.
"Master? Qui-Gon?" Obi-Wan just looked up.
"Yes, Padawan, it's me."