Master Jinn was escorted to the room of Obi-Wan Kenobi in nothing less than a cloud of secrecy. He or Yoda were the only ones given permission to see the boy.
He had met Yeri before but it had been years, possibly when he was as young as Obi-Wan was now. Master Yeri recognized the master instantly.
"Ah Master Jinn, Obi-Wan here and I, expecting you we have been."
Qui-Gon with astonishment looked to the bed where the boy lay. Obi-Wan was awake and not putting up a fuss at being without Master Jinn or of being in the med ward.
"Well I see you have managed to tame the boy's fear."
"Yes, like my brother, I am. Children seem to know they do, without knowing me, that present harm to them I will not. Obi-Wan and I have struck up a new friendship. I believe one that will last long."
Qui-Gon was impressed by this master healer. Not only had he agreed to help him and his twin brother, Yoda, Master Yeri seemed to have established an understanding of trust that only Qui-Gon himself had managed to form with Obi-Wan.
"I know this is very soon Master Yeri, but I was wondering if you had come up with anything. I mean well….. can you help us?"
"No too soon it is Qui-Gon, to tell you. Know first I must if healer's training you have studied?"
"I am afraid I have not. I can do minor healing of myself and my padawan, but study the ways of a healer, never."
"Then in very plan laymen's terms tell you first what I have done. Been able to remove some of the cob webs from Obi-Wan's mind that Healer Pernile with the neuron blaster produced. While not totally himself, Obi-Wan's speech better and knows more I think. See for yourself when home he goes."
"That is good news. You mean he can go home now? With me?"
"With you and home, yes Master Jinn. Belongs there I think. Feel much connection between you and he. Tell you of my other plans I will at break-fast; seven sharp, in the morning. Master Yoda and I to come to your apartment we will. Love peach pancakes and mush I do. Though only a suggestion I make."
Qui-Gon could see Obi keep rein on a smile at the comical remarks of the one so much like his Jinn's master, Yoda.
Yeri and Yoda, Jinn imagined, could be a handful if you had to take them both on at one time, whether battling with sabers or battling of the minds in intelligence. No Jedi were suppose to hold as much knowledge in their minds as Yeri possessed. Then of course Master Yoda held the distinction of being the most force-gifted arsenal carrying Jedi in the order's history. Powers were gifted to Yoda by the force that some Jedi did not know existed and might never know. Yoda kept the secrets of his gifts just that, secrets unless by perchance they were needed.
Qui-Gon helped Obi-Wan put his robe on over the revealing hospital gown, with the spilt up the back. No words were spoken between the two. Jinn could feel anxiety and tension leave the boy when Master Yeri first mentioned going "home".
The big master let Obi-Wan step into the hall before he spoke to Master Yeri.
"I know you said we would speak tomorrow morning but may I ask you how things went this evening?"
"Told you I did helped the boy clear his thoughts. Get through to him better now you will."
"I know I guess what I was fishing for was how things went I ..mean with the exam and the assessment of how Obi-Wan will do with this procedure Master Yoda spoke off."
Jinn hesitated and waited for a reply. He looked out the small window on the door to the med room, just to make sure Obi-Wan was alright. The child stood patiently waiting for Master Jinn. Not that the master thought the Obi would venture far from him now.
"Exam went as others do with children, whether they be Jedi or not. Complained he did of the blood tests. Complained of poking and prodding and think maybe he feels lost his "dignity" he did by the physical I gave him. Nothing more, nothing less. Now off with you................ No wait you will, please."
Jinn knew he would not get any of the pertinent information from this master who was so much like his brother. Both could de evasive and sidestep questions with ease when necessary.
Master Yeri turned around and had a empty syringe in his hand. He quickly swapped the lower part of Jinn's arm after he pushed up his robe sleeve. Yeri plunged the needle in and extracted a tube of the master's blood.
"This I need to be able to tell you more. Now back from a mission you have just come. You and the child need rest you do. Should get it now. If procedure done it is, sleep will be ever elusive it will be, for both I think."
Jinn wanted to ask the master what he meant as he stared at him questioning and evidently the little green twin to Yoda felt he needed to explain his words so he did.
"Not without agonizing side effects this procedure has. If sure you are go through with it, then much of your time spent nursing the boy. Much of his time I think will be spent becoming ill. Rough road I assure you Master Jinn. Make sure you are, worth to the chance you take with this child's life. Outcome, devastating it could be."
Jinn only nodded. He was too deep in thought to speak. There was the same ominous warning Master Yoda had given. "Outcome deadly" to Obi-Wan. Now the master began to worry all over again.
//I think Master Yoda and Master Yeri expect me to make the final decision on whether to follow through with this procedure if Master Yeri finds things as they should be. I am to be the one to decide Obi's fate and I know this ....thing…..this procedure could bring about catastrophic physical reactions or even death to the child.//
######
Jinn made a mental note of Obi-Wan's reactions to others around him as they walked through the halls. Obi was extremely reluctant to let anyone male very close to him. He went so far as too hide like a little child when one of the young knights stopped Master Jinn to congratulate him on his mission. He did not even go to touch the boy or speak with him, yet Obi-Wan did not like the young knight being close to him. The tepidness remained in Obi-Wan all the way back to Jinn's apartment.
Once inside though, Obi-Wan ran to his old favorite sitting place, the big bay window. Jinn proceeded to make some hot soup, broth really, for Obi-Wan. He did not know if the child had eaten much while away from him.
Just then a buzzer sounded. It was the door but Qui-Gon could not help but notice that Obi-Wan jumped almost in midair from it startling him so badly.
//Just the jitters. Just like with the people he met walking down the halls. He will soon recover from it. //
There at the door stood a beaming Knight Gayron and happy, yet remorseful Xanatos.
"I am sorry Master Jinn, but Xani needed some of his things. We can wait till tomorrow when you and Obi-Wan are out of the apartment to move everything. However he needs sleep pants pajamas…"
Jinn did not let the young knight finish. He waved the two in. This was not really a good time for the master, who already had too much on his mind to deal with. Now to watch his apprentice, correction his former apprentice actually remove some of his things signaling the end to their master and apprentice relationship was difficult for Qui-Gon.
Knight Gayron was right. Being alone was hard and got harder and harder with the passing years. Nothing was a certainty with Obi-Wan and Jinn could eventually find himself without an apprentice. Possibly forever, Master Jinn thought, because he could not think further than helping Obi-Wan successfully become his padawan.
//I fought so hard against it at first and now must fight even harder to get him as my apprentice. //
Xani came back into the common room where his new master had waited for him to collect only the items he needed that night.
Jinn found this letting go of Xani harder than it should be. He excepted it but the difficulty in seeing Xanatos remove his belongings; the final step severing their relationship, was harder than Master Jinn had anticipated.
The only thing the big master seemed aware of was Gayron speaking of loyalty and duty and how he hoped all would be well….Jinn did not and could not focus on the knight's words. He focused on keeping his tremulous emotions from being laid out right there for both Gayron and Xanatos to witness.
Qui-Gon thought he had reached the point of intolerance of the scene before him; thought he might break down under the pressure of watching his, "once hope for the future", Xanatos, walk out the door never to return.
It was then Jinn felt the stirrings of the bond Obi-Wan and he shared. Just a gentle nudge to his mind but the fleeting presence of Obi-Wan was welcoming. Jinn could feel serenity, caring, and most of all love through the bond which fought so hard to take "root" in both their minds
The mental touch by Obi-Wan to Qui-Gon was followed by a physical more intimate display of affection from the boy to the master.
Master Jinn felt the little cold and clammy hand of Obi-Wan Kenobi slowly glide into his right hand, as the boy allowed his head to languidly rest against the master's side.
The little hand seemed to mold its self into a natural fit in the palm of Jinn's more rugged and much larger one. Obi-Wan, unannounced and surprising presence by his side, rejuvenated all the courage that had started to fail Qui-Gon.
The abused and tormented child's hand cradled in the strong hand of Master Jinn's, symbolized renewed hope and promise for the future, for both Obi-Wan Kenboi and Qui-Gon Jinn……………....
######## That night the sleeping mat, which was Obi-Wan's bed at the end of Jinn's bed went unused. Oh, Qui-Gon put the boy there.
However when the lights went out the quiet of the night overtook the room, Obi-Wan hopped up and ran to the master's bed. Qui-Gon did not know if Obi thought him asleep or just didn't care, he very quietly almost sneaking, got into the bed.
Jinn could feel the boy rest on the far side of the huge bed as if he thought he could hide his presence from Qui-Gon and that way not be put out to sleep alone in the dark quietness of night where his horrific memories liked best to come out and taunt and torture the boy with nightmares.
Jinn pretended he did not know the boy slept in his bed. He turned and fell in a quiet slumber himself after making sure Obi-Wan would be protected through the night. With Jinn's own force signature he cocooned Obi in protection, stilling the night terrors of previous abuses, physical and mental inflicted on Obi-Wan.
They would not invade or interrupt his sleep this night for Qui-Gon Jinn, with the help of the force would quell their stirrings.
#################.
Master Yoda and Yeri both enjoyed their break-fast of peach pancakes and mush. Seems Qui-Gon did not know of Yoda's secret propensity for the overly sweet and syrupy discs, he shared with twin brother.
Belly's full and break-fast over, Jinn set a hot cup of cha before the adults, himself included and gave Obi-Wan a cup of his favorite sweet tea only after he begrudgingly finished a tall glass of milk. Too tall, thought Obi-Wan but he held his complaints.
He could not quite understand what the healer planned to do to help him, however he very much wanted to hear the words and then let Qui-Gon explain them to him later. Of course that was his plans but in the beginning Master Yeri had plans of his own.
"Think the child go to the common room he should. Complicated this is and wish to bore him with tedious details I do not."
It was Qui-Gon's intent to let the boy hear what would happen but then thought that if the healer thought it not a good idea then who was he to argue with him.
"Obi-Wan you're excused. You can finish your tea by your window."
Obi looked at the master with a touch of anger in his face.
"NO!"
"Excuse me young man. You are to do what I say."
"Said so yourself, you are not my master. I don't have to do what you tell me. Besides I want to know what is going to happen to me, got that Mr. Jinn? It is me you plan this for yet I can not hear it?"
Jinn walked over and took Obi-Wan by the arm. It was not hard just firm to get Obi's attention.
"I am not your master, well I know, but you are under my care and I will not have you speak to me in that tone."
Obi-Wan immediately felt bad for the way he had spoken. He certainly didn't want the big master the only person he truly felt comfortable with to become angry with him.
Yoda stepped up and kept both from saying any words that they would later regret
"Young one care for the tone or the words you used to one who would bring you help and comfort I do not favor, but speak the truth you do. Your life it is. Entitled to here the details and choose what you want to do I think. As long as brother here says you think clear enough to decide along with Master Jinn, for he is your guardian and what is best for you ultimately decided by him it is. Same as a parent to you temporarily he is."
"Sorry Master Yoda. I didn't choose my words well and I am not really angry with Qui-Gon. You are right, he is the only person I truly trust and want to be around."
"That will change it will once think more clearly you do. Understand we do here, trying times and abuses you have suffered child. Not the least was done at the hands of the pirates."
Master Yeri had been briefed by Jinn and Yoda of the abuse Obi had sustained.
Obi-Wan moved into to Qui-Gon's lithe body as Jinn's stood very close to the boy. Jinn placed his arm around the boy's shoulder while he shuttered his remembrance of the abuse. Closeness to his possibly future master was the only thing that could bring comfort to the little boy.
"Delay this talk then I shall not. If determined you are Master Jinn that the boy know of what is to come."
"Midichlorians from you blood to be transferred to Obi-Wan's. While the quanity not high it will be but if all conditions right they are then multiply very quickly they will in Obi-Wan's body."
"That sounds simple, a little too simple if I might add Master Yeri. What is the catch?
Jinn knew Healers frequently transfused blood to the injured or ill requiring it.
Transfusion simple process Master Jinn correct you are. But it must be plasma from another's blood or the actual blood type matching the giver to the receiver. In your and Obi's case, blood type not compatible they are."
"Then why can't plasma be used, Master Yeri?"
Qui-Gon was certainly showing that he had no deep healer training.
"When plasma harvested it is, removes the midichlorians from the donator it does not. Need direct exchange of blood from your arm into the child's arm."
Qui-Gon was beginning to mentally map out the dangers and harm to what Yeri planned.
"Then if Obi and I aren't compatible for a blood transfusion How do you plan to do it?"
Yeri looked to Yoda as if he was tired of explaining and so his identical twin brother took over the vocal explanation.
"Transference of midichlorians can only be accomplished by master and apprentice with extremely strong bond. Now your bond not yet strong but has potential. Evidence of strength is the bond still exists with Obi-Wan's midichlorians gone. Kept going by the force it is I suspect." "
"Are you sure our bond will be strong enough for Obi-Wan to handle this blood transfusion without the ultimate sacrifice, his death."
Yoda passed an angry glare at Jinn.
"Sure of nothing we are my old padawan. Procedure declared dangerous and illegal by the Jedi after three consecutive deaths occurred with either the master or apprentice dying; whichever received the blood but bond not strong enough to handle the difference in blood types. With Obi-Wan even without the midichlorians your bond has cohesive powers Master Yeri and I think is forged by the force itself. If that be the case then strong bond you are destined to have. If by some reason Yeri and I are mistaken then great bodily harm up and including death could occur."
Yoda flinched as he finished the last statement. He hated to sound so harsh in front of Obi-Wan and even his former padawan.
"Then we can't do this master. It is too great of a chance to take with a child's life. No wonder the temple banned this procedure. Have you done studies Master Yeri.
"Studies, yes, have done many I have. In theory it will work. It has worked but only with the strongest of bonds. If successful Council would be indeed grateful for reversal of many knight and masters who lose their midichlorians by contracting the Beligeen Flu, an midichlorian attacking virus that leave the force sensitive depleted of midichlorians. If successful this is not then put out of the order the three of us will be. Great chance we all take Master Jinn. In my opinion as great as the child although in different context."
"Then the council would do nothing but censure us if we succeed in this?"
Master Yoda looked at his padawan and tried to put on a smile.
"Think I do that is all if a great success we pull off here."
Everyone remained quiet. Obi-Wan said not a word as he listened to the three Jedi masters decide his future without a word of input on his own life from Obi-Wan himself.
Master Yeri directed his attention to the child.
"Know one thing you both should Master Jinn, Obi-Wan, great is the boy's poor state of health it is. At least twenty pounds underweight and horribly undernourished. Extremely hard on the boy it will be. Even if compatible and very adaptable to your blood Master Jinn, Little One will have a hard two weeks ahead of him. Must be willing both of you to except that. So hard it will be know not until the two weeks finished whether the illness comes from your midichlorians poisoning his blood or if only ill from them taking a successful hold in Obi-Wan's circulatory system. Know not we will with certainly recover or not for two weeks."
"That is just the amount of time the council has given Obi-Wan to stay here before he is shipped off. I suppose Master Yoda, that was your doing to see we had him here two weeks."
"Resourceful I am as a council master, my padawan. Two weeks you have. Decide though you must now. Run out of time we will."
"I can't forfeit his life just to have him stronger in the force even though I want him as an apprentice."
That was the first time that Obi-Wan had ever heard Master Jinn express his desire to take him as his padawan. In Obi-Wan's mind it cinched the answer to the healer's question.
Kenobi reached over and laid his hand on Master Jinn's arm and tapped it lightly.
"No Mr. Jinn, Master I want this. I want a chance to have this life as a Jedi. It is, too me, more important than my life its self. Even if I must chance the losing of this life for a life with you as your padawan, I still want the procedure done……………………"
Yoda very affectionately reached over and patted the mop topped little boy.
"Sure your are want this you do? Know final decision must be your mas.. Qui-Gon's, but glad to know, you are for it, I am."
Jinn looked at Obi-Wan and thought very deeply on his choice. His decision made, he told them.
"When and where will this take place gentlemen? If Obi-Wan is up for it then who am I to object. I hope I am truly following the wishes of the force, then things will be as they should. Obi-Wan will become my padawan."
"Not too soon I think on agenda first for you Kenobi hair cut it is after apprentice to Master Jinn you are. Can' stand this mop mess you wear on your head. Personally oversee the first haircut your master to give you when Master to you Qui-Gon Jinn becomes."
Yoda said the words more for a verbal encouragement of what was too come as he gave Obi-Wan a beaming smile. Obi returned a smile just as big, but kept his thoughts of his impending future to himself..
"Then see to my equipment I will. Transfusion easy to do it is. Bring everything I will back to here in two hours or less. Brother you will meet me back to assist if need be. I will bring some medication for Obi-Wan if needed. First two days not good at all if the midichlorians start to take hold on the child. Much trauma to the body transference of the force can be. Much to watch and care for."
####
The twins left the Jinn household with Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon still sitting in the kitchen. Jinn got up too finish clearing the table and Obi-Wan matched his work.
"You do not have to help child. Today might prove hard on you. Wouldn't you rather rest by the window?"
"I have a feeling that is about all I will get to do is be in a bed for two weeks. No I would much rather help you, to be in here just around you. You might say it boosts my courage. I don't know if Jedi are allowed to admit it but I admit freely and shamelessly, I am scared out of my skin."
Qui-Gon let the question slide about fear in the Jedi. He did not want Obi-Wan to know his fear was indeed mimicked by Jinn and maybe his was even heightened more than the child's. He thought he might more understand the ramification and finality of the situation if he, Yoda, and Master Yeri were wrong.
The two hours went quickly enough. Maybe too quickly for Master Jinn, for he was having second thoughts about all this. There was no doubt he wanted Obi-Wan as his apprentice and would welcome the strengthening of their bond, once Obi-Wan had midichlorians restored to him, but fear for a possible catastrophic outcome couldn't be put out of the big master's mind. His mind drowned in……………. //FEAR??? //
//Fear leads to the dark side. How many times has Yoda spouted that too me, but how else can I describe the feeling I have and how can I control it? If by my decision to let Obi-Wan go through with this procedure, he dies, then his death will always lay heavily on my mind and my heart.//
Qui-Gon knew he was past backing out of the agreement to go through with this, but in a way he thought maybe they had all gone insane. To take a chance with a young one's life was dangerous.
//But would Obi-Wan want the life he would have forced on him if sent too the Agricorps?//
Jinn got some solace from believing Obi-Wan Kenobi would never be satisfied without all his force abilities and his chance to become a Jedi. He would do as the boy wished; Do what the force kept telling him was right.
Yoda, Jinn, and Obi spent some very quiet reflective time meditating together while Master Yeri busied himself in Jinn's bedroom, setting up all the equipment he smuggled into the Jinn apartment.
Once finished he called all of them in.
"Bed big enough for both I think. Obi-Wan on this side, Qui-Gon over there in the back. Both take your tunics and boots off. Rest you will need. Take about an hour hooked up together. Blood goes straight from your arm Master to the child's. When over, best you are close for feeling of bond will be intensified for both even if the transfusion failure it is. You, in essence becomes a part of Obi-Wan as he links by the force with you with your midichlorians surging through him. A rush of immense power through the force you both will feel. Yours, Master Jinn will be an increased mental link, Obi-Wan's will be very increased mental link followed by physical effects bordering on torture it will. Ready you both are?" Still agree after what I have just said?"
Jinn was very hesitant especially after what he heard about the possible horrors of pain Obi would go through but he would not relent his agreement to it after watching Obi-Wan nod yes. He understood and still was willing for to go through this so he would permanently bond with Master Jinn.
The pride swelled in the master for the brave little one, as Yoda inserted his needle and Yeri set up Obi's.
Obi-Wan kept his gaze on Jinn. He felt it brought him comfort to stay in eye contact of the master who so far had given him the desire and courage to go through with this.
A little hitch and a tear fell down Obi-Wan's cheek as the needle was put in. Jinn did not think it came from just the pain of the needle but the overwhelming realization of what Obi-Wan was getting ready to put himself through. Qui-Gon realized it was a monumental decision for one so small and young to make. Even he had trouble dealing with making that decision.
Jinn tried to send comfort but as suddenly as his blood started being pumped from him to Obi, he was taken with a wave of dizziness followed by confusion. He had linked with Obi-Wan and all the terrors of the child was very vividly in his mind. The torture, the indignant abuse. Jinn tried to release into force these pictures of Obi's devastating attacks by the pirates. He was successful and a good thing too.
Master Jinn did not know that even he would have withstood what was done to the child. Much more of witnessing this in his mind, shown to him by Obi, would have brought the big master to tears.
Qui-Gon felt along the ever growing bond he shared with Obi-Wan. It seemed to the master that both outwardly and mentally, Obi-Wan was dealing quite well with the entrance to Jinn's midichlorians to his blood stream.
//He seems in better shape than I am.//
Qui-Gon had no sooner thought the statements, than a searing blindly pain hit him. It was not from his body. It came from Obi-Wan.
Yeri in a gruff barking order shouted to Master Jinn.
"Keep the bond open to the boy you may. Imperative it is though shut the part off to the pain of Obi-Wan. Withstand it you will not with diminished midichlorians count."
Jinn grimaced in pain and fought to stifle a scream that threatened to come from his lips. Obi-Wan on the other hand was not as strong. He had already begun to scream for while Jinn felt residual pain from Obi, the boy got the full excruciating effect of the pain.
"How can I just shut him off. It will leave him to bear all the pain. I can't Master Yoda. He needs help, my help. I can see how he struggles with the pain."
He looked to his old master as he once did when very young and was confused over what he should do.
Yoda brushed back his former padawan's hair, hair Yoda was always badgering him to cut, and tried to quiet Jinn.
"Shut his pain off you must or survive this you may not. Not strong enough with your temporary drop in midichlorians to sustain your pain and his."
Jinn trusted Yoda and did what he was told but as he put up the shields that control the level of pain he would get from Obi-Wan, he watched in horror and Obi started jerking violently and seizuring.
Obi-Wan had to be physically constrained with a force hold by Healer Yeri, to keep from harming himself. His body was nearly thrown from the bed as he seized, with almost bone-breaking contractions, straining every muscle and nerve in his overly-thin limbs. His breaths were just quick gasps taken between the jerks; too quick thought Qui-Gon, to get enough air in his already oxygen deprived system.
The transfusion complete, Yoda started removing the tubing from Jinn's arm. Qui-Gon kept his eyes focused on Obi-Wan as he watched Yeri put a rubber bite piece in Obi-Wan's mouth to keep him from swallowing his tongue. He also watched the healer master take out a syringe of medicine and plunge it into the tubing that once carried Jinn's blood to the little boy.
Jinn let his eyes drift up as he followed the eerie looking blue liquid from the syringe, all the way into the arm of Obi-Wan. Almost instantly the child relaxed his seizure-controlled muscles and Yeri removed the mouth piece.
Qui-Gon knew they must have anticipated this by Yeri having the mouth piece on the instrument tray and he did tell them he brought added medicine, but Jinn was angered that at least he wasn't warned of how violent an episode the child would have over the introduction of Jinn's blood into Obi-Wan's body.
It was something he would confront the master healer about but later. No matter that he was Yoda's brother, Jinn felt in a way betrayed by not being given warning of this.
Once both the master and the child was freed of the intravenous equipment, Jinn moved closer to Obi-Wan. He gently wrapped his arm around him and let the boy's head rest against his chest.
Yeri wheeled the medical cart over out of the way to side of the room.
Yeri took Obi's vitals one more time while Jinn still had him wrapped in the safety of his embrace.
"Rest now you both should, Master Jinn. Needs you close to him more now than ever he will as an apprentice, if succeed in this we do. Medicine keep the boy calm it will for now. More there is. Master Yoda and I in the other room we will be. Need us you do, then call us you should. Until, in a day or two recommend I do your old master, my brother to help you shield from Obi-Wan's pain."
"How do you expect him to survive this without my help?. You led me to believe I was here to help him now, you deny him the assistance only I can give."
"Give him assistance with his agony you can not. UNDERSTAND it well, or jeopardize the growth of more midichlorians to your own system it will. For now your former master, will aid in shielding you from Obi-Wan's pain. The pain and agony at least for now endured solely by the child it must be"…..
The last person Master Windu expected to answer Qui-Gon's door when he rang the bell was Master Yoda. Not that the little master did not frequent Qui-Gon's most times without invitation or announcement, Mace just thought he would allow Jinn and Obi-Wan time together. They only had two weeks and then he would be shipped of.
Had Mace had it to do over again he would not have voted in favor of sending the child to Bandomeer. It was to late to take his vote back but he intended to let Qui-Gon know that if he could help in any way he would be there for him.
//What ever possessed me to go against my most loyal and faithful friend. He would have backed to his death over something I truly wanted. I did what I thought was best for him but oh now the regrets I must carry with me. I hope he will except my apology.//
Yoda only opened the door slightly and then he peaked his little head with pointed ears out of it.
"Help you I can Master Windu?"
Mace tried to peer around the door to see if he saw Qui-Gon. He thought Master Yoda was trying to keep the two apart to keep an argument from starting.
"Look Yoda I did not come here to argue on the contrary I came to make peace with the disgruntled friend of mine."
"Good this is, peace between two good friends there should be, but Qui is unavailable he is."
"Where is he? Has he gone to do katas? Of course not, he doesn't have Xani anymore. I really need to talk with him."
"And talk you will not just now I think. Obi-Wan came down with cold he has. Jinn caring for him now. Neither got much sleep."
Just then Mace could see movement in the kitchen he thought maybe Yoda was misleading him in order for Qui not to have to speak with him. He pushed the door open enough to see Master Yeri in the kitchen with the kettle in his hand.
//Brewing tea for the boy I imagine.//
"Is Obi-Wan sick enough to have a healer?"
"Sick is not, feel ill he does. Master Yeri came to visit me as I tend to getting Qui-Gon what he needs."
Master Yeri stepped to the door where Mace had still been made to stand outside the dwelling.
"Assure you Master Mace, have checked the boy personally I have. Sniffles and fever all the boy has. Just sleep they both need, since none they got last night."
"Very well but tell Qui-Gon if there is anything I can do while the young one is ill I am only a comm link away. Assure him I came to make peace and not start a war. I only regret that I even voted with the council too send the boy off to Bandomeer. Maybe if he had remained on Coruscant Jinn could have visited him and until the bond was totally severed he wouldn't feel so all alone."
"Yes, loneliness for humanoids is a terrible fate it is. Wish that on none of you I do for able too handle it I think you can not. See to it I will Qui-Gon gets your message he does. Sure he will be at ease to know you harbor no ill will toward him."
"How would he think that the old stubborn mule of a man. You and he both know that if I side against you or him it is for what I think is the best for either."
"Think you should let Jinn figure out best for him and the boy who bonds with him still through the force and not his midichlorians."
"Very well Master I understand. But still I think having an over aged padawan would have been a burden on him. Too much so, after what he went through with losing Xani."
"Lost him freely he did. Having this one stolen from his very arms by you council members Qui-Gon is. Should know by now Master Windu burden is not to help one you care about; one less fortunate than you to be a Jedi? Yet the boy possess more power from the force than those who stand as his judgment he does. Jinn's heart too big for his soul I think, but in this I agree. The child is deemed by the force to be a Jedi one way or another. Now excuse me you will .Tea to take to your friend ,Master Jinn I have. Comm you later I will have him do."
The door closed with a resounding thud that echoed through the halls. For such a small master he could put a lot of power behind slamming the door on Mace to get his point across.
Mace overstepped his boundaries and Yoda felt he owed more to Jinn than his apology he owed him his undying support in the desire to keep the child by his side. Mace knew very well he would be expected to go up against the very council he voted with if it came to Jinn's arguing to keep Obi-Wan again.
Mace had no way of knowing yet he would be needed to keep Master Jinn, Yoda, and Yeri within the Jedi order once it was found out what they had done.
Mace thought he had learned his lesson. He would support Qui-Gon in anything legal or borderline legal, the man wanted to do.
########
Master Yeri and his twin brother Master Yoda sat in the common room of the Jinn apartment. They discussed family, Jedi, new medical breakthroughs and how padawans had an easier life than hundreds of years ago. They had just finished last-meal. It had been five hours and counting since they left the Kenobi child and Master Yoda's former pad wan in the bedroom to rest. Yeri knew it was time for the medicine to wear off. He en told his brother they should brew tea and make some clear broth for both of them.
"Child withstand the pain when the medicine gone he can not without assistance."
They heard the creaking of the bedroom door as it opened. Jinn had intended to oil it for the squeakiness, but time always seemed to slip from the master when work around the house had to be done.
Jinn came out carrying a bundle of blanket-wrapped child withering in pain.
"I think he needs another shot Master Yeri. I suggested he come out sooner, but his bravery would have none of it. Now I think he is to the point the would let you knock him on the head to render him unconscious."
Jinn tried to add humor in the situation but his voice belied the fear and anxiety he felt for the boy, who with luck would become his padawan.
The last thought in Obi's mind right now was being an apprentice. In fact when he could think coherently between the gruesome pain, he wondered what came over him to agree to this. The ill feeling and pain seemed at this moment to much for anyone to endure.
Yoda mentally checked to make sure Jinn's shielding to take away the boy's pain, was in place. He did not intend to lose or jeopardized Jinn's health no matter how he felt about the child.
Yoda knew Jinn would be tempted to very subtly slide his shields down and try to divert some of the pain to himself. He felt Jinn's shields slip and the master stopped abruptly when he felt the gentle brush to his mind by his old master.
"None of that you will do."
Yoda secured Jinn's shield slightly and held them. He would not have been able to intrude on the Jedi master's mind had Qui-Gon not been as weak as a babe right now.
"Now you can not do what he just almost did Qui-Gon. Want the boy alive with no master?"
Jinn had to sit down. The weight of himself and Obi was too much for him although he was feeling better.
Obi-Wan remained nestled in the master's lap as Yeri gave him another shot. Just as quickly as the first did its job so did the second. Jinn could literally feel the tenseness go out of the boy's now limp body. Obi-Wan settled his head against the massive chest of Qui-Gon and took in a long needed breath of air. He had almost been hyperventilating, holding his breath to steady the pain.
Jinn looked down to his lap to see the glazed over blue eyes with an undercoating of shadowed circles from pain. Qui-Gon stared directly at him and waited as Obi made a feeble attempt to return his gaze; with drooping eyes almost unable to stay open and then they were only thin slits of which Obi could see through.
Obi-Wan very weakly raised his free hand, not tucked against Jinn and slowly let his trembling finger tips slide down the side of the master's cheek to brush one lone teardrop away.
Jinn had been reduced to tears for the pain the child had to go through to get an opportunity to become his apprentice.
"I am alright. Please don't do anything that would bring yourself harm sir. Hopefully I do this for you as much as for me. For if it were for only me I would have never agreed to such a tortuous procedure……….."
PEACE ewen
He had met Yeri before but it had been years, possibly when he was as young as Obi-Wan was now. Master Yeri recognized the master instantly.
"Ah Master Jinn, Obi-Wan here and I, expecting you we have been."
Qui-Gon with astonishment looked to the bed where the boy lay. Obi-Wan was awake and not putting up a fuss at being without Master Jinn or of being in the med ward.
"Well I see you have managed to tame the boy's fear."
"Yes, like my brother, I am. Children seem to know they do, without knowing me, that present harm to them I will not. Obi-Wan and I have struck up a new friendship. I believe one that will last long."
Qui-Gon was impressed by this master healer. Not only had he agreed to help him and his twin brother, Yoda, Master Yeri seemed to have established an understanding of trust that only Qui-Gon himself had managed to form with Obi-Wan.
"I know this is very soon Master Yeri, but I was wondering if you had come up with anything. I mean well….. can you help us?"
"No too soon it is Qui-Gon, to tell you. Know first I must if healer's training you have studied?"
"I am afraid I have not. I can do minor healing of myself and my padawan, but study the ways of a healer, never."
"Then in very plan laymen's terms tell you first what I have done. Been able to remove some of the cob webs from Obi-Wan's mind that Healer Pernile with the neuron blaster produced. While not totally himself, Obi-Wan's speech better and knows more I think. See for yourself when home he goes."
"That is good news. You mean he can go home now? With me?"
"With you and home, yes Master Jinn. Belongs there I think. Feel much connection between you and he. Tell you of my other plans I will at break-fast; seven sharp, in the morning. Master Yoda and I to come to your apartment we will. Love peach pancakes and mush I do. Though only a suggestion I make."
Qui-Gon could see Obi keep rein on a smile at the comical remarks of the one so much like his Jinn's master, Yoda.
Yeri and Yoda, Jinn imagined, could be a handful if you had to take them both on at one time, whether battling with sabers or battling of the minds in intelligence. No Jedi were suppose to hold as much knowledge in their minds as Yeri possessed. Then of course Master Yoda held the distinction of being the most force-gifted arsenal carrying Jedi in the order's history. Powers were gifted to Yoda by the force that some Jedi did not know existed and might never know. Yoda kept the secrets of his gifts just that, secrets unless by perchance they were needed.
Qui-Gon helped Obi-Wan put his robe on over the revealing hospital gown, with the spilt up the back. No words were spoken between the two. Jinn could feel anxiety and tension leave the boy when Master Yeri first mentioned going "home".
The big master let Obi-Wan step into the hall before he spoke to Master Yeri.
"I know you said we would speak tomorrow morning but may I ask you how things went this evening?"
"Told you I did helped the boy clear his thoughts. Get through to him better now you will."
"I know I guess what I was fishing for was how things went I ..mean with the exam and the assessment of how Obi-Wan will do with this procedure Master Yoda spoke off."
Jinn hesitated and waited for a reply. He looked out the small window on the door to the med room, just to make sure Obi-Wan was alright. The child stood patiently waiting for Master Jinn. Not that the master thought the Obi would venture far from him now.
"Exam went as others do with children, whether they be Jedi or not. Complained he did of the blood tests. Complained of poking and prodding and think maybe he feels lost his "dignity" he did by the physical I gave him. Nothing more, nothing less. Now off with you................ No wait you will, please."
Jinn knew he would not get any of the pertinent information from this master who was so much like his brother. Both could de evasive and sidestep questions with ease when necessary.
Master Yeri turned around and had a empty syringe in his hand. He quickly swapped the lower part of Jinn's arm after he pushed up his robe sleeve. Yeri plunged the needle in and extracted a tube of the master's blood.
"This I need to be able to tell you more. Now back from a mission you have just come. You and the child need rest you do. Should get it now. If procedure done it is, sleep will be ever elusive it will be, for both I think."
Jinn wanted to ask the master what he meant as he stared at him questioning and evidently the little green twin to Yoda felt he needed to explain his words so he did.
"Not without agonizing side effects this procedure has. If sure you are go through with it, then much of your time spent nursing the boy. Much of his time I think will be spent becoming ill. Rough road I assure you Master Jinn. Make sure you are, worth to the chance you take with this child's life. Outcome, devastating it could be."
Jinn only nodded. He was too deep in thought to speak. There was the same ominous warning Master Yoda had given. "Outcome deadly" to Obi-Wan. Now the master began to worry all over again.
//I think Master Yoda and Master Yeri expect me to make the final decision on whether to follow through with this procedure if Master Yeri finds things as they should be. I am to be the one to decide Obi's fate and I know this ....thing…..this procedure could bring about catastrophic physical reactions or even death to the child.//
######
Jinn made a mental note of Obi-Wan's reactions to others around him as they walked through the halls. Obi was extremely reluctant to let anyone male very close to him. He went so far as too hide like a little child when one of the young knights stopped Master Jinn to congratulate him on his mission. He did not even go to touch the boy or speak with him, yet Obi-Wan did not like the young knight being close to him. The tepidness remained in Obi-Wan all the way back to Jinn's apartment.
Once inside though, Obi-Wan ran to his old favorite sitting place, the big bay window. Jinn proceeded to make some hot soup, broth really, for Obi-Wan. He did not know if the child had eaten much while away from him.
Just then a buzzer sounded. It was the door but Qui-Gon could not help but notice that Obi-Wan jumped almost in midair from it startling him so badly.
//Just the jitters. Just like with the people he met walking down the halls. He will soon recover from it. //
There at the door stood a beaming Knight Gayron and happy, yet remorseful Xanatos.
"I am sorry Master Jinn, but Xani needed some of his things. We can wait till tomorrow when you and Obi-Wan are out of the apartment to move everything. However he needs sleep pants pajamas…"
Jinn did not let the young knight finish. He waved the two in. This was not really a good time for the master, who already had too much on his mind to deal with. Now to watch his apprentice, correction his former apprentice actually remove some of his things signaling the end to their master and apprentice relationship was difficult for Qui-Gon.
Knight Gayron was right. Being alone was hard and got harder and harder with the passing years. Nothing was a certainty with Obi-Wan and Jinn could eventually find himself without an apprentice. Possibly forever, Master Jinn thought, because he could not think further than helping Obi-Wan successfully become his padawan.
//I fought so hard against it at first and now must fight even harder to get him as my apprentice. //
Xani came back into the common room where his new master had waited for him to collect only the items he needed that night.
Jinn found this letting go of Xani harder than it should be. He excepted it but the difficulty in seeing Xanatos remove his belongings; the final step severing their relationship, was harder than Master Jinn had anticipated.
The only thing the big master seemed aware of was Gayron speaking of loyalty and duty and how he hoped all would be well….Jinn did not and could not focus on the knight's words. He focused on keeping his tremulous emotions from being laid out right there for both Gayron and Xanatos to witness.
Qui-Gon thought he had reached the point of intolerance of the scene before him; thought he might break down under the pressure of watching his, "once hope for the future", Xanatos, walk out the door never to return.
It was then Jinn felt the stirrings of the bond Obi-Wan and he shared. Just a gentle nudge to his mind but the fleeting presence of Obi-Wan was welcoming. Jinn could feel serenity, caring, and most of all love through the bond which fought so hard to take "root" in both their minds
The mental touch by Obi-Wan to Qui-Gon was followed by a physical more intimate display of affection from the boy to the master.
Master Jinn felt the little cold and clammy hand of Obi-Wan Kenobi slowly glide into his right hand, as the boy allowed his head to languidly rest against the master's side.
The little hand seemed to mold its self into a natural fit in the palm of Jinn's more rugged and much larger one. Obi-Wan, unannounced and surprising presence by his side, rejuvenated all the courage that had started to fail Qui-Gon.
The abused and tormented child's hand cradled in the strong hand of Master Jinn's, symbolized renewed hope and promise for the future, for both Obi-Wan Kenboi and Qui-Gon Jinn……………....
######## That night the sleeping mat, which was Obi-Wan's bed at the end of Jinn's bed went unused. Oh, Qui-Gon put the boy there.
However when the lights went out the quiet of the night overtook the room, Obi-Wan hopped up and ran to the master's bed. Qui-Gon did not know if Obi thought him asleep or just didn't care, he very quietly almost sneaking, got into the bed.
Jinn could feel the boy rest on the far side of the huge bed as if he thought he could hide his presence from Qui-Gon and that way not be put out to sleep alone in the dark quietness of night where his horrific memories liked best to come out and taunt and torture the boy with nightmares.
Jinn pretended he did not know the boy slept in his bed. He turned and fell in a quiet slumber himself after making sure Obi-Wan would be protected through the night. With Jinn's own force signature he cocooned Obi in protection, stilling the night terrors of previous abuses, physical and mental inflicted on Obi-Wan.
They would not invade or interrupt his sleep this night for Qui-Gon Jinn, with the help of the force would quell their stirrings.
#################.
Master Yoda and Yeri both enjoyed their break-fast of peach pancakes and mush. Seems Qui-Gon did not know of Yoda's secret propensity for the overly sweet and syrupy discs, he shared with twin brother.
Belly's full and break-fast over, Jinn set a hot cup of cha before the adults, himself included and gave Obi-Wan a cup of his favorite sweet tea only after he begrudgingly finished a tall glass of milk. Too tall, thought Obi-Wan but he held his complaints.
He could not quite understand what the healer planned to do to help him, however he very much wanted to hear the words and then let Qui-Gon explain them to him later. Of course that was his plans but in the beginning Master Yeri had plans of his own.
"Think the child go to the common room he should. Complicated this is and wish to bore him with tedious details I do not."
It was Qui-Gon's intent to let the boy hear what would happen but then thought that if the healer thought it not a good idea then who was he to argue with him.
"Obi-Wan you're excused. You can finish your tea by your window."
Obi looked at the master with a touch of anger in his face.
"NO!"
"Excuse me young man. You are to do what I say."
"Said so yourself, you are not my master. I don't have to do what you tell me. Besides I want to know what is going to happen to me, got that Mr. Jinn? It is me you plan this for yet I can not hear it?"
Jinn walked over and took Obi-Wan by the arm. It was not hard just firm to get Obi's attention.
"I am not your master, well I know, but you are under my care and I will not have you speak to me in that tone."
Obi-Wan immediately felt bad for the way he had spoken. He certainly didn't want the big master the only person he truly felt comfortable with to become angry with him.
Yoda stepped up and kept both from saying any words that they would later regret
"Young one care for the tone or the words you used to one who would bring you help and comfort I do not favor, but speak the truth you do. Your life it is. Entitled to here the details and choose what you want to do I think. As long as brother here says you think clear enough to decide along with Master Jinn, for he is your guardian and what is best for you ultimately decided by him it is. Same as a parent to you temporarily he is."
"Sorry Master Yoda. I didn't choose my words well and I am not really angry with Qui-Gon. You are right, he is the only person I truly trust and want to be around."
"That will change it will once think more clearly you do. Understand we do here, trying times and abuses you have suffered child. Not the least was done at the hands of the pirates."
Master Yeri had been briefed by Jinn and Yoda of the abuse Obi had sustained.
Obi-Wan moved into to Qui-Gon's lithe body as Jinn's stood very close to the boy. Jinn placed his arm around the boy's shoulder while he shuttered his remembrance of the abuse. Closeness to his possibly future master was the only thing that could bring comfort to the little boy.
"Delay this talk then I shall not. If determined you are Master Jinn that the boy know of what is to come."
"Midichlorians from you blood to be transferred to Obi-Wan's. While the quanity not high it will be but if all conditions right they are then multiply very quickly they will in Obi-Wan's body."
"That sounds simple, a little too simple if I might add Master Yeri. What is the catch?
Jinn knew Healers frequently transfused blood to the injured or ill requiring it.
Transfusion simple process Master Jinn correct you are. But it must be plasma from another's blood or the actual blood type matching the giver to the receiver. In your and Obi's case, blood type not compatible they are."
"Then why can't plasma be used, Master Yeri?"
Qui-Gon was certainly showing that he had no deep healer training.
"When plasma harvested it is, removes the midichlorians from the donator it does not. Need direct exchange of blood from your arm into the child's arm."
Qui-Gon was beginning to mentally map out the dangers and harm to what Yeri planned.
"Then if Obi and I aren't compatible for a blood transfusion How do you plan to do it?"
Yeri looked to Yoda as if he was tired of explaining and so his identical twin brother took over the vocal explanation.
"Transference of midichlorians can only be accomplished by master and apprentice with extremely strong bond. Now your bond not yet strong but has potential. Evidence of strength is the bond still exists with Obi-Wan's midichlorians gone. Kept going by the force it is I suspect." "
"Are you sure our bond will be strong enough for Obi-Wan to handle this blood transfusion without the ultimate sacrifice, his death."
Yoda passed an angry glare at Jinn.
"Sure of nothing we are my old padawan. Procedure declared dangerous and illegal by the Jedi after three consecutive deaths occurred with either the master or apprentice dying; whichever received the blood but bond not strong enough to handle the difference in blood types. With Obi-Wan even without the midichlorians your bond has cohesive powers Master Yeri and I think is forged by the force itself. If that be the case then strong bond you are destined to have. If by some reason Yeri and I are mistaken then great bodily harm up and including death could occur."
Yoda flinched as he finished the last statement. He hated to sound so harsh in front of Obi-Wan and even his former padawan.
"Then we can't do this master. It is too great of a chance to take with a child's life. No wonder the temple banned this procedure. Have you done studies Master Yeri.
"Studies, yes, have done many I have. In theory it will work. It has worked but only with the strongest of bonds. If successful Council would be indeed grateful for reversal of many knight and masters who lose their midichlorians by contracting the Beligeen Flu, an midichlorian attacking virus that leave the force sensitive depleted of midichlorians. If successful this is not then put out of the order the three of us will be. Great chance we all take Master Jinn. In my opinion as great as the child although in different context."
"Then the council would do nothing but censure us if we succeed in this?"
Master Yoda looked at his padawan and tried to put on a smile.
"Think I do that is all if a great success we pull off here."
Everyone remained quiet. Obi-Wan said not a word as he listened to the three Jedi masters decide his future without a word of input on his own life from Obi-Wan himself.
Master Yeri directed his attention to the child.
"Know one thing you both should Master Jinn, Obi-Wan, great is the boy's poor state of health it is. At least twenty pounds underweight and horribly undernourished. Extremely hard on the boy it will be. Even if compatible and very adaptable to your blood Master Jinn, Little One will have a hard two weeks ahead of him. Must be willing both of you to except that. So hard it will be know not until the two weeks finished whether the illness comes from your midichlorians poisoning his blood or if only ill from them taking a successful hold in Obi-Wan's circulatory system. Know not we will with certainly recover or not for two weeks."
"That is just the amount of time the council has given Obi-Wan to stay here before he is shipped off. I suppose Master Yoda, that was your doing to see we had him here two weeks."
"Resourceful I am as a council master, my padawan. Two weeks you have. Decide though you must now. Run out of time we will."
"I can't forfeit his life just to have him stronger in the force even though I want him as an apprentice."
That was the first time that Obi-Wan had ever heard Master Jinn express his desire to take him as his padawan. In Obi-Wan's mind it cinched the answer to the healer's question.
Kenobi reached over and laid his hand on Master Jinn's arm and tapped it lightly.
"No Mr. Jinn, Master I want this. I want a chance to have this life as a Jedi. It is, too me, more important than my life its self. Even if I must chance the losing of this life for a life with you as your padawan, I still want the procedure done……………………"
Yoda very affectionately reached over and patted the mop topped little boy.
"Sure your are want this you do? Know final decision must be your mas.. Qui-Gon's, but glad to know, you are for it, I am."
Jinn looked at Obi-Wan and thought very deeply on his choice. His decision made, he told them.
"When and where will this take place gentlemen? If Obi-Wan is up for it then who am I to object. I hope I am truly following the wishes of the force, then things will be as they should. Obi-Wan will become my padawan."
"Not too soon I think on agenda first for you Kenobi hair cut it is after apprentice to Master Jinn you are. Can' stand this mop mess you wear on your head. Personally oversee the first haircut your master to give you when Master to you Qui-Gon Jinn becomes."
Yoda said the words more for a verbal encouragement of what was too come as he gave Obi-Wan a beaming smile. Obi returned a smile just as big, but kept his thoughts of his impending future to himself..
"Then see to my equipment I will. Transfusion easy to do it is. Bring everything I will back to here in two hours or less. Brother you will meet me back to assist if need be. I will bring some medication for Obi-Wan if needed. First two days not good at all if the midichlorians start to take hold on the child. Much trauma to the body transference of the force can be. Much to watch and care for."
####
The twins left the Jinn household with Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon still sitting in the kitchen. Jinn got up too finish clearing the table and Obi-Wan matched his work.
"You do not have to help child. Today might prove hard on you. Wouldn't you rather rest by the window?"
"I have a feeling that is about all I will get to do is be in a bed for two weeks. No I would much rather help you, to be in here just around you. You might say it boosts my courage. I don't know if Jedi are allowed to admit it but I admit freely and shamelessly, I am scared out of my skin."
Qui-Gon let the question slide about fear in the Jedi. He did not want Obi-Wan to know his fear was indeed mimicked by Jinn and maybe his was even heightened more than the child's. He thought he might more understand the ramification and finality of the situation if he, Yoda, and Master Yeri were wrong.
The two hours went quickly enough. Maybe too quickly for Master Jinn, for he was having second thoughts about all this. There was no doubt he wanted Obi-Wan as his apprentice and would welcome the strengthening of their bond, once Obi-Wan had midichlorians restored to him, but fear for a possible catastrophic outcome couldn't be put out of the big master's mind. His mind drowned in……………. //FEAR??? //
//Fear leads to the dark side. How many times has Yoda spouted that too me, but how else can I describe the feeling I have and how can I control it? If by my decision to let Obi-Wan go through with this procedure, he dies, then his death will always lay heavily on my mind and my heart.//
Qui-Gon knew he was past backing out of the agreement to go through with this, but in a way he thought maybe they had all gone insane. To take a chance with a young one's life was dangerous.
//But would Obi-Wan want the life he would have forced on him if sent too the Agricorps?//
Jinn got some solace from believing Obi-Wan Kenobi would never be satisfied without all his force abilities and his chance to become a Jedi. He would do as the boy wished; Do what the force kept telling him was right.
Yoda, Jinn, and Obi spent some very quiet reflective time meditating together while Master Yeri busied himself in Jinn's bedroom, setting up all the equipment he smuggled into the Jinn apartment.
Once finished he called all of them in.
"Bed big enough for both I think. Obi-Wan on this side, Qui-Gon over there in the back. Both take your tunics and boots off. Rest you will need. Take about an hour hooked up together. Blood goes straight from your arm Master to the child's. When over, best you are close for feeling of bond will be intensified for both even if the transfusion failure it is. You, in essence becomes a part of Obi-Wan as he links by the force with you with your midichlorians surging through him. A rush of immense power through the force you both will feel. Yours, Master Jinn will be an increased mental link, Obi-Wan's will be very increased mental link followed by physical effects bordering on torture it will. Ready you both are?" Still agree after what I have just said?"
Jinn was very hesitant especially after what he heard about the possible horrors of pain Obi would go through but he would not relent his agreement to it after watching Obi-Wan nod yes. He understood and still was willing for to go through this so he would permanently bond with Master Jinn.
The pride swelled in the master for the brave little one, as Yoda inserted his needle and Yeri set up Obi's.
Obi-Wan kept his gaze on Jinn. He felt it brought him comfort to stay in eye contact of the master who so far had given him the desire and courage to go through with this.
A little hitch and a tear fell down Obi-Wan's cheek as the needle was put in. Jinn did not think it came from just the pain of the needle but the overwhelming realization of what Obi-Wan was getting ready to put himself through. Qui-Gon realized it was a monumental decision for one so small and young to make. Even he had trouble dealing with making that decision.
Jinn tried to send comfort but as suddenly as his blood started being pumped from him to Obi, he was taken with a wave of dizziness followed by confusion. He had linked with Obi-Wan and all the terrors of the child was very vividly in his mind. The torture, the indignant abuse. Jinn tried to release into force these pictures of Obi's devastating attacks by the pirates. He was successful and a good thing too.
Master Jinn did not know that even he would have withstood what was done to the child. Much more of witnessing this in his mind, shown to him by Obi, would have brought the big master to tears.
Qui-Gon felt along the ever growing bond he shared with Obi-Wan. It seemed to the master that both outwardly and mentally, Obi-Wan was dealing quite well with the entrance to Jinn's midichlorians to his blood stream.
//He seems in better shape than I am.//
Qui-Gon had no sooner thought the statements, than a searing blindly pain hit him. It was not from his body. It came from Obi-Wan.
Yeri in a gruff barking order shouted to Master Jinn.
"Keep the bond open to the boy you may. Imperative it is though shut the part off to the pain of Obi-Wan. Withstand it you will not with diminished midichlorians count."
Jinn grimaced in pain and fought to stifle a scream that threatened to come from his lips. Obi-Wan on the other hand was not as strong. He had already begun to scream for while Jinn felt residual pain from Obi, the boy got the full excruciating effect of the pain.
"How can I just shut him off. It will leave him to bear all the pain. I can't Master Yoda. He needs help, my help. I can see how he struggles with the pain."
He looked to his old master as he once did when very young and was confused over what he should do.
Yoda brushed back his former padawan's hair, hair Yoda was always badgering him to cut, and tried to quiet Jinn.
"Shut his pain off you must or survive this you may not. Not strong enough with your temporary drop in midichlorians to sustain your pain and his."
Jinn trusted Yoda and did what he was told but as he put up the shields that control the level of pain he would get from Obi-Wan, he watched in horror and Obi started jerking violently and seizuring.
Obi-Wan had to be physically constrained with a force hold by Healer Yeri, to keep from harming himself. His body was nearly thrown from the bed as he seized, with almost bone-breaking contractions, straining every muscle and nerve in his overly-thin limbs. His breaths were just quick gasps taken between the jerks; too quick thought Qui-Gon, to get enough air in his already oxygen deprived system.
The transfusion complete, Yoda started removing the tubing from Jinn's arm. Qui-Gon kept his eyes focused on Obi-Wan as he watched Yeri put a rubber bite piece in Obi-Wan's mouth to keep him from swallowing his tongue. He also watched the healer master take out a syringe of medicine and plunge it into the tubing that once carried Jinn's blood to the little boy.
Jinn let his eyes drift up as he followed the eerie looking blue liquid from the syringe, all the way into the arm of Obi-Wan. Almost instantly the child relaxed his seizure-controlled muscles and Yeri removed the mouth piece.
Qui-Gon knew they must have anticipated this by Yeri having the mouth piece on the instrument tray and he did tell them he brought added medicine, but Jinn was angered that at least he wasn't warned of how violent an episode the child would have over the introduction of Jinn's blood into Obi-Wan's body.
It was something he would confront the master healer about but later. No matter that he was Yoda's brother, Jinn felt in a way betrayed by not being given warning of this.
Once both the master and the child was freed of the intravenous equipment, Jinn moved closer to Obi-Wan. He gently wrapped his arm around him and let the boy's head rest against his chest.
Yeri wheeled the medical cart over out of the way to side of the room.
Yeri took Obi's vitals one more time while Jinn still had him wrapped in the safety of his embrace.
"Rest now you both should, Master Jinn. Needs you close to him more now than ever he will as an apprentice, if succeed in this we do. Medicine keep the boy calm it will for now. More there is. Master Yoda and I in the other room we will be. Need us you do, then call us you should. Until, in a day or two recommend I do your old master, my brother to help you shield from Obi-Wan's pain."
"How do you expect him to survive this without my help?. You led me to believe I was here to help him now, you deny him the assistance only I can give."
"Give him assistance with his agony you can not. UNDERSTAND it well, or jeopardize the growth of more midichlorians to your own system it will. For now your former master, will aid in shielding you from Obi-Wan's pain. The pain and agony at least for now endured solely by the child it must be"…..
The last person Master Windu expected to answer Qui-Gon's door when he rang the bell was Master Yoda. Not that the little master did not frequent Qui-Gon's most times without invitation or announcement, Mace just thought he would allow Jinn and Obi-Wan time together. They only had two weeks and then he would be shipped of.
Had Mace had it to do over again he would not have voted in favor of sending the child to Bandomeer. It was to late to take his vote back but he intended to let Qui-Gon know that if he could help in any way he would be there for him.
//What ever possessed me to go against my most loyal and faithful friend. He would have backed to his death over something I truly wanted. I did what I thought was best for him but oh now the regrets I must carry with me. I hope he will except my apology.//
Yoda only opened the door slightly and then he peaked his little head with pointed ears out of it.
"Help you I can Master Windu?"
Mace tried to peer around the door to see if he saw Qui-Gon. He thought Master Yoda was trying to keep the two apart to keep an argument from starting.
"Look Yoda I did not come here to argue on the contrary I came to make peace with the disgruntled friend of mine."
"Good this is, peace between two good friends there should be, but Qui is unavailable he is."
"Where is he? Has he gone to do katas? Of course not, he doesn't have Xani anymore. I really need to talk with him."
"And talk you will not just now I think. Obi-Wan came down with cold he has. Jinn caring for him now. Neither got much sleep."
Just then Mace could see movement in the kitchen he thought maybe Yoda was misleading him in order for Qui not to have to speak with him. He pushed the door open enough to see Master Yeri in the kitchen with the kettle in his hand.
//Brewing tea for the boy I imagine.//
"Is Obi-Wan sick enough to have a healer?"
"Sick is not, feel ill he does. Master Yeri came to visit me as I tend to getting Qui-Gon what he needs."
Master Yeri stepped to the door where Mace had still been made to stand outside the dwelling.
"Assure you Master Mace, have checked the boy personally I have. Sniffles and fever all the boy has. Just sleep they both need, since none they got last night."
"Very well but tell Qui-Gon if there is anything I can do while the young one is ill I am only a comm link away. Assure him I came to make peace and not start a war. I only regret that I even voted with the council too send the boy off to Bandomeer. Maybe if he had remained on Coruscant Jinn could have visited him and until the bond was totally severed he wouldn't feel so all alone."
"Yes, loneliness for humanoids is a terrible fate it is. Wish that on none of you I do for able too handle it I think you can not. See to it I will Qui-Gon gets your message he does. Sure he will be at ease to know you harbor no ill will toward him."
"How would he think that the old stubborn mule of a man. You and he both know that if I side against you or him it is for what I think is the best for either."
"Think you should let Jinn figure out best for him and the boy who bonds with him still through the force and not his midichlorians."
"Very well Master I understand. But still I think having an over aged padawan would have been a burden on him. Too much so, after what he went through with losing Xani."
"Lost him freely he did. Having this one stolen from his very arms by you council members Qui-Gon is. Should know by now Master Windu burden is not to help one you care about; one less fortunate than you to be a Jedi? Yet the boy possess more power from the force than those who stand as his judgment he does. Jinn's heart too big for his soul I think, but in this I agree. The child is deemed by the force to be a Jedi one way or another. Now excuse me you will .Tea to take to your friend ,Master Jinn I have. Comm you later I will have him do."
The door closed with a resounding thud that echoed through the halls. For such a small master he could put a lot of power behind slamming the door on Mace to get his point across.
Mace overstepped his boundaries and Yoda felt he owed more to Jinn than his apology he owed him his undying support in the desire to keep the child by his side. Mace knew very well he would be expected to go up against the very council he voted with if it came to Jinn's arguing to keep Obi-Wan again.
Mace had no way of knowing yet he would be needed to keep Master Jinn, Yoda, and Yeri within the Jedi order once it was found out what they had done.
Mace thought he had learned his lesson. He would support Qui-Gon in anything legal or borderline legal, the man wanted to do.
########
Master Yeri and his twin brother Master Yoda sat in the common room of the Jinn apartment. They discussed family, Jedi, new medical breakthroughs and how padawans had an easier life than hundreds of years ago. They had just finished last-meal. It had been five hours and counting since they left the Kenobi child and Master Yoda's former pad wan in the bedroom to rest. Yeri knew it was time for the medicine to wear off. He en told his brother they should brew tea and make some clear broth for both of them.
"Child withstand the pain when the medicine gone he can not without assistance."
They heard the creaking of the bedroom door as it opened. Jinn had intended to oil it for the squeakiness, but time always seemed to slip from the master when work around the house had to be done.
Jinn came out carrying a bundle of blanket-wrapped child withering in pain.
"I think he needs another shot Master Yeri. I suggested he come out sooner, but his bravery would have none of it. Now I think he is to the point the would let you knock him on the head to render him unconscious."
Jinn tried to add humor in the situation but his voice belied the fear and anxiety he felt for the boy, who with luck would become his padawan.
The last thought in Obi's mind right now was being an apprentice. In fact when he could think coherently between the gruesome pain, he wondered what came over him to agree to this. The ill feeling and pain seemed at this moment to much for anyone to endure.
Yoda mentally checked to make sure Jinn's shielding to take away the boy's pain, was in place. He did not intend to lose or jeopardized Jinn's health no matter how he felt about the child.
Yoda knew Jinn would be tempted to very subtly slide his shields down and try to divert some of the pain to himself. He felt Jinn's shields slip and the master stopped abruptly when he felt the gentle brush to his mind by his old master.
"None of that you will do."
Yoda secured Jinn's shield slightly and held them. He would not have been able to intrude on the Jedi master's mind had Qui-Gon not been as weak as a babe right now.
"Now you can not do what he just almost did Qui-Gon. Want the boy alive with no master?"
Jinn had to sit down. The weight of himself and Obi was too much for him although he was feeling better.
Obi-Wan remained nestled in the master's lap as Yeri gave him another shot. Just as quickly as the first did its job so did the second. Jinn could literally feel the tenseness go out of the boy's now limp body. Obi-Wan settled his head against the massive chest of Qui-Gon and took in a long needed breath of air. He had almost been hyperventilating, holding his breath to steady the pain.
Jinn looked down to his lap to see the glazed over blue eyes with an undercoating of shadowed circles from pain. Qui-Gon stared directly at him and waited as Obi made a feeble attempt to return his gaze; with drooping eyes almost unable to stay open and then they were only thin slits of which Obi could see through.
Obi-Wan very weakly raised his free hand, not tucked against Jinn and slowly let his trembling finger tips slide down the side of the master's cheek to brush one lone teardrop away.
Jinn had been reduced to tears for the pain the child had to go through to get an opportunity to become his apprentice.
"I am alright. Please don't do anything that would bring yourself harm sir. Hopefully I do this for you as much as for me. For if it were for only me I would have never agreed to such a tortuous procedure……….."
PEACE ewen