Qui-Gon followed the jolly spirit through the halls. He had forgotten how
lively and merry the Temple was on Winter's Thanks. They passed a group of
knights who were laughing over some unknown joke, enjoying each others
company. Several Padawans raced by, brightly wrapped presents in their
hands, heading for a party one of their friends was no doubt holding.
"Ah, here we are!" The spirit stopped in front of a door. "Come!"
Mace's quarters. Why wasn't he surprised?
Following the ghost through the door, he looked around.
Yoda, Tahl, An-Paj, and the rest of the Council were there, chatting, laughing, and just plain enjoying themselves.
Their Padawans were huddled around the table, filling their plates, as they eyed the large stack of gifts piled several feet away.
The table was laid out with goodies from around the galaxy, including a large, roasted bird of some sort. It smelled wonderful.
"Where's Qui-Gon?"
His head jerked up, looking for who had asked about him, and saw Mace sit down beside Tahl.
"He refused to come. Probably sitting in his quarters once again." Mace said. "He's becoming worse each year."
"Yes. Ever since Xanatos, he's become glacial and uncaring. His heart was damaged too much. If Xanatos was here, I would give that boy a piece of my mind-"
Qui-Gon winced at her words. They were true. Until now, though, he hadn't known others cared. Hadn't known or refused to see?
"We all would." Mace said. "All we can do is wait and hope that he will come around soon."
"Yes." Tahl said sadly. Her sorrow was like plunging another knife into his wounded heart. Only now was he seeing how he had hurt his friends. Just then, Mace's Padawan approached.
"Master, could we open the presents now?" She asked hopefully.
Mace laughed. "Presents? Of course!" The girls face lit up. The other Padawans were already starting to exchange gifts.
Just then, Yoda hobled up to him, a box in his hand.
"For you, this is." The old master said.
Mace tore open the box, acting more like a little kid than the Padawans were...and froze.
Qui-Gon moved to see what it was and almost laughed outloud.
"Um...thank you Master Yoda." He said hesitantly. Mace lifted out the fuzzy, pink headwarmer. "Its...great."
"Too bald, you are. More hair I have. Keep you warm, it will. Wear this, you will. Make sure of it, I will."
Mac just stared in dismay as everyone tried to hide their laughter, although several did not succeed.
"Come, there is much more to see." The spirit said, laughing.
Qui-Gon soon found himself heading several levels down. Towards the Initiates wing.
They walked silently through the halls, faint echoes of parties surrounding them.
Qui-Gon suddenly sensed a lone prescence in one of the rooms they were passing. It felt sad, lonely.
Like a reflection of how he felt.
Could it be that this was how the others sensed him? Lonely and depressed?
Without thinking, he headed into the room, completely forgetting about the spirit that for once remained silent. Looking around, Qui-Gon was surprised to find himself in the same tournament room he had watched the young initiates a couple days earlier.
He silently aprroached the lone figure who was practicing with his lightsaber. Slowly, the boy did a flip, turning so he faced Qui-Gon.
It was the initiate who he had confronted.
Obi-Wan.
The boy disengaged his lightsaber and sat down, sighing. As Qui-Gon gazed down at the depressed little boy, he felt something. Just a small park.
No, it couldn't be.
Could it?
He hadn't felt it since...Xanatos. But it was there. And as a single tear made its way down the boys face, it grew inside of him.
Qui-Gon couldn't deny it. He couldn't push it away. There was something between them.
He felt a protectiveness for this boy. Like a father would a son.
But that didn't make any sense. He hardly knew the boy.
But there was no denying it WAS there.
Qui-Gon knelt beside Obi-Wan, longing to reach out an embrace the boy. To hold him tight and make everything alright. To see the boy smile like he had when he had won the match.
"Obi-Wan?"
Both master and initiate jumped up, spinning to see a young initiate walk in.
"Oh, hi Bant." Obi-Wan said, quickly rubbing away the tear that had made its way down his cheek. He wouldn't let her see him cry, especially after promising to enjoy himself today.
"Why aren't you at the party?" Bant asked.
"I was thinking."
"About the tournament?"
Obi-Wan just nodded, turning away. The girl looked at her friend sadly, laying a comforting hand on his shoulder.
"What's wrong Obi?"
"I keep thinking about what Master Jinn said. Did I really fight aggressively? Should I have lengthened the match out? Was there something more I could have done that would show that I'm ready to become a Padawan?"
"Obi-Wan, don't berate yourself like this." Bant said, turning him to face her. "You did your best. You fought spectacularly. Even Master Yoda was impressed, I could feel it."
Obi-Wan just looked at her skeptically. "Master Jinn didn't think so."
"Forget Master Jinn!" Bant exclaimed. "If he missed what is so clear to me and everyone else, then he is just a stupid sith and needs his head examined!"
"Bant, don't talk like that!" Obi-Wan said, shocked. "It's disrespectful."
"He deserves it. And if he was here, I'd give him a piece of my mind and a good kick in the shin to prove it."
Obi-Wan smiled despite himself. He could just imagine Bant confronting the tall Master.
"Well, he was my last chance to become a Jedi."
"Maybe, maybe not. You still have another month. And hey, you never know when a master will come in looking for a Padawan unannounced. Its not unheard of, you know."
"Thanks Bant." Obi-Wan said, giving his friend a hug. She was always able to lift his spirits when he was down.
"Come on, lets go to the party before Reeft eats all the dessert." She said, wrapping her arm around his shoulders.
"Alright." He smiled. "Lets go."
Qui-Gon just sat there for a moment, watching the two initiates head for the door.
The young Calamarian, Bant, had just shocked him with her words. He had never heard any initiate talk that way about a master, even when he was only an initiate.
And she was right. He had been ignoring what had been so obvious.
He had never meant to hurt the boy. His own fears of being hurt had covered those of others, making him reject Obi-Wan and others before him.
And Obi-Wan had defended him in spite of that rejection!
The boy was nothing like Xanatos. He could see that now.
Qui-Gon smirked slightly. And it was all because of young Bant insulting him.
Obi-wan had a very good friend, one who stood up for him no matter what.
He stood up and headed after the initiates.
Qui-Gon glanced quickly around the hall as he hurried after Obi-Wan and Bant.
The spirit was nowhere in sight.
He briefly wondered where the cheerful man had gone, but then turned his attention back to the two initiates. Soon, they were in a large room in the Initiates Wing.
Children of all species and ages ran about, giggling and talking as they enjoyed the party. The Creche master was in the process of handing out presents and trying to keep the toddlers from eating the craft supplies where some of the 5-6 year olds were making festive decorations.
Obi-Wan and Bant headed over to where several other initiates were standing by a table of goodies, chatting and exchanging presents.
"Hey Obi!" One of the boys called. "What kept you?"
"Hey Garen." Obi-Wan grinned. "Nothing."
"Well, that was an awfully long nothing. I was afraid if you had taken any longer I wouldn't be able to keep him from eating everything." The boy pointed over to another initiate, a Dresselian with an abnormally wrinkled face, who was in the process of eating a heaping plate of food. "By the way he was carrying on, you'd think he was dying from starvation."
Reeft gave him a sorrowful look. "I was not. I don't mean to sound greedy, but could I help it if all this wonderful food was calling to me?"
Obi-Wan laughed, filling a plate of his own, then followed his friends over to a small table.
"Close, these four are." A voice said, making Qui-Gon jump. He looked behind him to see the spirit standing there.
"Yes." He nodded, watching as they laughed and chatted. He noticed Bant kept on looking over at Obi-Wan sadly.
"Tell me, what is going to happen to Obi-Wan?"
The spirit walked up to him sadly. "That is in the future. My realm is the present. But I do see two friends forced apart and a sadness that covers this happy group."
Qui-Gon looked at the boy in worry. He was about to ask the spirit to explain, but was interrupted.
"Come, my time grows short."
The happy scene around them faded away, and a new, gloomy one replaced it.
Qui-Gon looked around. Why had they come here? Why had the spirit brought him to the funeral ampitheater?
The ancient room was completely silent. Not a sound could be heard, not even from the many parties throughout the Temple.
He turned to ask the spirit why they were there.
"Spirit, are you alright?" Qui-Gon asked instead, seeing the man leaning wearily against the wall. His once bright orange hair was now almost pure white and his face looked tired. How had he not noticed this before?
"My time here grows short."
"Already? Are spirits lives so short?"
"Mine is, yes." The spirit coughed.
Suddenly, the room was filled with the sound of a lone bell clanging somewhere above.
The mourning bell, only rung when a Jedi passed away into the Force. It sent shivers down his spine for a reason he couldn't explain.
Suddenly, the ghost of winter's present began to fade away.
"Spirit, don't leave. You've taught me so much." Qui-Gon begged. He felt like he was losing an old friend, although he had only known him for a few hours.
"I'm afraid I must." The spirit said, a smile still on his face. "Here comes the ghost of winters future. Learn what he has to teach and know him better man!"
The spirit joyfully laughed as he disappeared from sight. Qui-Gon looked around, not sure what to do now.
Stay here and wait for the spirit?
Just then, the air around him acquired a heaviness and sadness like never before. A mist filled the room, billowing in from an unknown source.
Qui-Gon's lightsaber was ignited in an instant.
A sense of foreboding filled him. Something was coming.
And it wasn't friendly.
A dark shadow rose up from the mist in front of him.
Qui-Gon felt the hand of horror grasp his heart.
Slowly, the figure drifted closer, coming into veiw. He stepped back without thinking.
The black, hooded...thing seemed to be made of fear itself. And sadness, a dark, oppressive sorrow that ate at the very core of his soul.
The grip of fear tightened as he stared up at the menacing figure.
Just then, his lightsaber went out. Qui-Gon stared down in alarm, pressing the activator several times.
Nothing.
Gathering the last of his courage, he looked into where the creatures face should be.
"Are you the ghost who's coming was foretold?" He asked, trying not to shiver.
One nod.
No verbal reply whatsoever.
"Please, teach me so I may learn."
The ghost turned and pointed.
The mist began to swirl, accelerating with each passing moment. Without warning, a large, dark portal formed in front of them. Qui-Gon looked at the spirit, then at the portal.
He knew what it wanted.
Trying to push his fear away, he took a step towards the mist. To his surprise, the spirit glided beside him, resting a hand on his shoulder.
It was deathly cold. Colder than the coldest night on Hoth. The touch seemed to go through his clothes and cut into his skin straight to the bone.
Slowly, they walked into the swirling mass.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Qui-Gon walked down the hall by the spirit.
He once again found himself approaching Mace's quarters. He gladly walked through the door into the room, wanting to be surrounded by the joy of his friends....and stopped dead in his tracks.
There was no laughter or happiness.
All the Masters and Knights were there as before, but the talk was strained and although there were smiles, there was no joy behind them.
Mace and Tahl were seated at the couch once again. Tahl's eyes were reddened from crying.
Crying? Why? This was supposed to be a happy time.
Suddenly, she banged her cup down on the small table in front of them.
"Why?!" She exclaimed in anguish. "Why did the Force have to take him away?!"
Mace placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Noone knows why some things happen. Especially the painful events, such as this."
"He was a cold-hearted miser at times, but I loved him." She cried, covering her face. "He was my friend. My very good friend. I didn't even get to say goodbye."
Qui-Gon stood rigid in shock. Obviously someone had died, someone who had been close to Tahl.
But who?
Part of him was reluctant to find out the answer to that question. Just then, the spirit lay that icy hand on his shoulder again, motioning that it was time to leave.
Qui-Gon followed willingly, but a feeling of dread filled him as he continued on his way.
He felt his heart lighten as he found himself being led for the Initiates wing.
Seeing Obi-Wan again would cheer him up. He was interested in seeing how the boy's future turned out.
Finally, they came to the large room where the Winter's Thanks party was being held.
Once again, Initiates of all shapes and ages ran about, screaming and laughing in delight.
Qui-Gon couldn't help but grin as he searched the room for Obi-Wan.
He soon spotted the boy's friend, Bant. Her back was turned to him, but he could tell it was her. There were not many Mon Calamari in the room.
Sitting with her were the two boys as before. He quickly approached them, then frowned as he realised Obi-Wan wasn't there. Of the four chairs at the table, three were filled. One was empty, without an owner. He stopped beside there table, wishing there was someway he could speak with them. That's when he noticed the big tears rolling down Bant's face.
One of the boys, gave her a sideways hug. "Its ok Bant. He wouldn't want us to be sad."
"Garen, he was my best friend. It wasn't his time." She looked at him. "It wasn't time."
"no..." Qui-Gon whispered, realization dawning on him.
"If only Master Jinn took him as his Padawan, then none of this would have happened. He wouldn't have been there when the planet exploded." The last word ended in a sob, as she broke down.
"It was the will of the Force, Bant." Garen said, trying to give his friend some comfort, although tears now were rolling down his cheeks as well. "Obi- Wan is at peace now."
Reeft remained quiet, head bowed in sorrow, the plate stacked with food in front of him forgotten.
Qui-Gon's knees went weak and he slowly sank to the ground. "No..."
Not Obi-Wan.
Please, not Obi-Wan.
He felt a tear slowly make its way down his cheek.
Qui-Gon didn't care.
Obi-Wan, his Obi-Wan, was dead.
When Qui-Gon looked up again, he found himself back in the funeral ampitheater once again. Taking several deep breaths, he pushed himself up, silently wrestling his emotions into place.
"Why have you brought me here?" He tried to ask, but it sounded slightly strangled.
The ghost pointed. He turned to see that the pyre now held a body covered in a white cloth.
Waiting for the funeral.
He froze. This must be the man they were talking about.
A feeling of dread filled him. He looked at the spirit who once again pointed at the body. Qui-Gon knew he was meant to look, but terror gripped his heart with the mere thought.
He took a step towards the pyre, then stopped and turned towards the ghost. "Spirit, are these events going to happen, or are they shadows of what could happen?"
The spirit was as still as a statue, its long bony hand still pointing.
Qui-Gon turned and took a few more steps, then stopped. "I will change this."
No answer.
He turned once again towards the pyre, using the calming breath technique he had learned as an initiate.
It wasn't working.
Suddenly, he found himself by the pyre. Qui-Gon slowly reached out and pulled back the cloth, revealing the corpse.
He fell to his knees, trying to look away, but not able to take his eyes away at the same time.
It was him.
Jedi aren't supposed to fear death. Even the code said 'There Is No Death, There Is The Force'. Its part of life. Everyone dies at some point.
But Qui-Gon was scared.
Terrified.
*****
Qui-Gon slowly stood up and turned to face the spirit.
"Tell me, can I change this?" He asked slowly, trying to keep his voice calm.
No answer came. The spirit was as still and silent as ever.
"Please, I must know.Will you not say anything?"
Nothing.
By this time, Qui-Gon was standing face to face with the ghost, no more than several feet apart.
"Please, I beg of you, tell me these things can be changed." He pleaded, the fear once again rising up in him.
He didn't know why, but he needed an answer. He needed the spirit to confirm that all this could be changed.
They had to.
Obi-Wan could not die.
Suddenly, his knees felt weak, and he collapsed to the ground.
"Spirit, say something." Qui-Gon begged, the spirit. "Anything!"
To his surprise, tears actually came to his eyes. He felt like a child again, unable to control his emotions. Bowing his head, Qui-Gon began to weep. He covered his face with his hands, not trying or caring to stop the flow of tears.
He had never felt so scared and helpless before.
Never!
"Please, tell me something!"
Qui-Gon jumped as several loud beeps filled the silent room.
He looked up, finding himself once again in his room. The spirit was nowhere in sight.
Jumping up, he raced to the window and threw back the curtain. The sun was just starting to peek over the horizon. He turned and looked at the chrono, focusing on the date.
It was Winter Fest.
He hadn't missed it!
Qui-Gon grinned. He had been given another chance. He would change the future. He would learn from the past. And he would save Obi-Wan.
The Com-unit beeped again, jerking him out of his happy thoughts. He quickly walked over and hit the button to answer the call. Mace Windu appeared on the screen.
"Qui-Gon, before you say anything, I know it's early-"
"It's great to see you Mace." Qui-Gon smiled broadly.
Mace frowned. "Uh...it is?"
"Yes, very. Now, what is it that you wanted?"
"Oh yes." Mace's face bcame serious. "Qui-Gon you are coming to my Winter Fest party whether you like it or not. Its time you stopped moping around-"
"You are absolutely right Mace."
Mace's jaw hit the ground. "I-I am."
"Yes. I couldn't agree with you more. So, I'll see you at the 18th hour. There is something I need to do first, so I might be a few minutes late."
"You...you aren't...you're not..."
"Its been nice talking to you Mace. Now go get some more rest. You look like you need it."
"Yes..um..I...oh...yeah...bye." His friend muttered, still in shock as he cut the connection.
Qui-Gon turned and headed back for his room. He had to get ready.
********* Obi-Wan walked down the hall towards the training room.
Lightsaber training had always helped him calm down when he was upset. Yes, he knew the masters would disagree, saying that using the Force when upset was of the darkside. They were always making him meditate when he got mad. It never seemed to work. Meditating always gave him too much time to think. Think about his life. How he would never be a Padawan and would never spend another carefree day with Bant.
If only he hadn't been so agressive the other day when sparring in front of Master Jinn. Maybe then, he would have taken him as his Padawan.
Obi-Wan was so deep in thought, he never sensed the approached of the master around the corner. The next thing he knew, he was on the floor, looking up at the tall Jedi.
"Oh...Master Jinn....I'm..I didn't see you." He stammered, silently sursing his loss of concentration.
The large master helped him to his feet. "Its alright, young one. I wasn't paying attention either."
Obi-Wan looked up at him, shocked. Young one? Was this the same Master Jinn? Did he have a twin Obi-Wan had never heard of?
Master Jinn became sober, seeing the confusion on the boy's face. "I wanted to apologize for how I acted yesterday. It was wrong of me to reprimand you."
"No, Master Jinn. You were right. I fought too aggressively." Obi-Wan said, looking down at his feet. A large, gentle hand slowly lifted his chin up to look up at the master's eyes.
"No, I was wrong. You are a very talented swordsman. The best I've seen in years." Obi-Wan blushed at the compliment, looking away in embarressment. Qui-Gon sighed. "I should have done this much sooner. Obi-Wan Kenobi, will you do me the honor of becoming my Padawan Learner?"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Qui-Gon knocked on Mace's door, then folded his arms in front of him.
The door flew open and there stood Mace, grinning. "Qui-Gon! Come in." He grabbed the tall Jedi's arm and pulled him in, shutting the door.
"Mace." Qui-Gon said, his eyes narrowing slightly.
"What?" Mace looked over at Tahl, who just shrugged. "What did I do now?!"
Qui-Gon looked at his friend. "Is that anyway to greet your friend's Padawan?"
Mace stared at him for a moment, then started laughing. "Oh. That's a good one! A Padawan?! I almost believed you for a moment."
Qui-Gon looked at his friend for a moment, then opened the door again. Obi- Wan was standing there confused as he tugged at the short braid that hung from behind his right ear. "Mace, I want you to meet Obi-Wan Kenobi, my Padawan Learner."
The Jedi's laughter died down. He stared at Qui-Gon, then at Obi-Wan.
"He's your....your his...you..." Mace suddenly looked pale, turning and mumbling something as he walked away about losing his hair from having to deal with crazy friends of his.
"I don't think he was expecting that." Tahl commented.
Obi-Wan frowned, walking into the room and standing by his master. He looked up at Qui-Gon. "What's wrong with Master Windu?"
"Nothing." Qui-Gon laughed, ruffling the boy's newly cut hair affectionately. "Nothing at all."
Tahl let out a small laugh, still watching Mace as he opened his gift from Master Yoda. "Poor Mace. I don't know what's shocked him more, you or that hat!" She winked at the boy. "Come on. Let's go see if we can find a camera."
Obi-Wan grinned, and followed the master.
Qui-Gon watched him for a moment, feeling happier than he had been in a long time. He would always be grateful to the spirits that helped him.
They had saved him from his greatest enemy.
Himself.
The End
"Ah, here we are!" The spirit stopped in front of a door. "Come!"
Mace's quarters. Why wasn't he surprised?
Following the ghost through the door, he looked around.
Yoda, Tahl, An-Paj, and the rest of the Council were there, chatting, laughing, and just plain enjoying themselves.
Their Padawans were huddled around the table, filling their plates, as they eyed the large stack of gifts piled several feet away.
The table was laid out with goodies from around the galaxy, including a large, roasted bird of some sort. It smelled wonderful.
"Where's Qui-Gon?"
His head jerked up, looking for who had asked about him, and saw Mace sit down beside Tahl.
"He refused to come. Probably sitting in his quarters once again." Mace said. "He's becoming worse each year."
"Yes. Ever since Xanatos, he's become glacial and uncaring. His heart was damaged too much. If Xanatos was here, I would give that boy a piece of my mind-"
Qui-Gon winced at her words. They were true. Until now, though, he hadn't known others cared. Hadn't known or refused to see?
"We all would." Mace said. "All we can do is wait and hope that he will come around soon."
"Yes." Tahl said sadly. Her sorrow was like plunging another knife into his wounded heart. Only now was he seeing how he had hurt his friends. Just then, Mace's Padawan approached.
"Master, could we open the presents now?" She asked hopefully.
Mace laughed. "Presents? Of course!" The girls face lit up. The other Padawans were already starting to exchange gifts.
Just then, Yoda hobled up to him, a box in his hand.
"For you, this is." The old master said.
Mace tore open the box, acting more like a little kid than the Padawans were...and froze.
Qui-Gon moved to see what it was and almost laughed outloud.
"Um...thank you Master Yoda." He said hesitantly. Mace lifted out the fuzzy, pink headwarmer. "Its...great."
"Too bald, you are. More hair I have. Keep you warm, it will. Wear this, you will. Make sure of it, I will."
Mac just stared in dismay as everyone tried to hide their laughter, although several did not succeed.
"Come, there is much more to see." The spirit said, laughing.
Qui-Gon soon found himself heading several levels down. Towards the Initiates wing.
They walked silently through the halls, faint echoes of parties surrounding them.
Qui-Gon suddenly sensed a lone prescence in one of the rooms they were passing. It felt sad, lonely.
Like a reflection of how he felt.
Could it be that this was how the others sensed him? Lonely and depressed?
Without thinking, he headed into the room, completely forgetting about the spirit that for once remained silent. Looking around, Qui-Gon was surprised to find himself in the same tournament room he had watched the young initiates a couple days earlier.
He silently aprroached the lone figure who was practicing with his lightsaber. Slowly, the boy did a flip, turning so he faced Qui-Gon.
It was the initiate who he had confronted.
Obi-Wan.
The boy disengaged his lightsaber and sat down, sighing. As Qui-Gon gazed down at the depressed little boy, he felt something. Just a small park.
No, it couldn't be.
Could it?
He hadn't felt it since...Xanatos. But it was there. And as a single tear made its way down the boys face, it grew inside of him.
Qui-Gon couldn't deny it. He couldn't push it away. There was something between them.
He felt a protectiveness for this boy. Like a father would a son.
But that didn't make any sense. He hardly knew the boy.
But there was no denying it WAS there.
Qui-Gon knelt beside Obi-Wan, longing to reach out an embrace the boy. To hold him tight and make everything alright. To see the boy smile like he had when he had won the match.
"Obi-Wan?"
Both master and initiate jumped up, spinning to see a young initiate walk in.
"Oh, hi Bant." Obi-Wan said, quickly rubbing away the tear that had made its way down his cheek. He wouldn't let her see him cry, especially after promising to enjoy himself today.
"Why aren't you at the party?" Bant asked.
"I was thinking."
"About the tournament?"
Obi-Wan just nodded, turning away. The girl looked at her friend sadly, laying a comforting hand on his shoulder.
"What's wrong Obi?"
"I keep thinking about what Master Jinn said. Did I really fight aggressively? Should I have lengthened the match out? Was there something more I could have done that would show that I'm ready to become a Padawan?"
"Obi-Wan, don't berate yourself like this." Bant said, turning him to face her. "You did your best. You fought spectacularly. Even Master Yoda was impressed, I could feel it."
Obi-Wan just looked at her skeptically. "Master Jinn didn't think so."
"Forget Master Jinn!" Bant exclaimed. "If he missed what is so clear to me and everyone else, then he is just a stupid sith and needs his head examined!"
"Bant, don't talk like that!" Obi-Wan said, shocked. "It's disrespectful."
"He deserves it. And if he was here, I'd give him a piece of my mind and a good kick in the shin to prove it."
Obi-Wan smiled despite himself. He could just imagine Bant confronting the tall Master.
"Well, he was my last chance to become a Jedi."
"Maybe, maybe not. You still have another month. And hey, you never know when a master will come in looking for a Padawan unannounced. Its not unheard of, you know."
"Thanks Bant." Obi-Wan said, giving his friend a hug. She was always able to lift his spirits when he was down.
"Come on, lets go to the party before Reeft eats all the dessert." She said, wrapping her arm around his shoulders.
"Alright." He smiled. "Lets go."
Qui-Gon just sat there for a moment, watching the two initiates head for the door.
The young Calamarian, Bant, had just shocked him with her words. He had never heard any initiate talk that way about a master, even when he was only an initiate.
And she was right. He had been ignoring what had been so obvious.
He had never meant to hurt the boy. His own fears of being hurt had covered those of others, making him reject Obi-Wan and others before him.
And Obi-Wan had defended him in spite of that rejection!
The boy was nothing like Xanatos. He could see that now.
Qui-Gon smirked slightly. And it was all because of young Bant insulting him.
Obi-wan had a very good friend, one who stood up for him no matter what.
He stood up and headed after the initiates.
Qui-Gon glanced quickly around the hall as he hurried after Obi-Wan and Bant.
The spirit was nowhere in sight.
He briefly wondered where the cheerful man had gone, but then turned his attention back to the two initiates. Soon, they were in a large room in the Initiates Wing.
Children of all species and ages ran about, giggling and talking as they enjoyed the party. The Creche master was in the process of handing out presents and trying to keep the toddlers from eating the craft supplies where some of the 5-6 year olds were making festive decorations.
Obi-Wan and Bant headed over to where several other initiates were standing by a table of goodies, chatting and exchanging presents.
"Hey Obi!" One of the boys called. "What kept you?"
"Hey Garen." Obi-Wan grinned. "Nothing."
"Well, that was an awfully long nothing. I was afraid if you had taken any longer I wouldn't be able to keep him from eating everything." The boy pointed over to another initiate, a Dresselian with an abnormally wrinkled face, who was in the process of eating a heaping plate of food. "By the way he was carrying on, you'd think he was dying from starvation."
Reeft gave him a sorrowful look. "I was not. I don't mean to sound greedy, but could I help it if all this wonderful food was calling to me?"
Obi-Wan laughed, filling a plate of his own, then followed his friends over to a small table.
"Close, these four are." A voice said, making Qui-Gon jump. He looked behind him to see the spirit standing there.
"Yes." He nodded, watching as they laughed and chatted. He noticed Bant kept on looking over at Obi-Wan sadly.
"Tell me, what is going to happen to Obi-Wan?"
The spirit walked up to him sadly. "That is in the future. My realm is the present. But I do see two friends forced apart and a sadness that covers this happy group."
Qui-Gon looked at the boy in worry. He was about to ask the spirit to explain, but was interrupted.
"Come, my time grows short."
The happy scene around them faded away, and a new, gloomy one replaced it.
Qui-Gon looked around. Why had they come here? Why had the spirit brought him to the funeral ampitheater?
The ancient room was completely silent. Not a sound could be heard, not even from the many parties throughout the Temple.
He turned to ask the spirit why they were there.
"Spirit, are you alright?" Qui-Gon asked instead, seeing the man leaning wearily against the wall. His once bright orange hair was now almost pure white and his face looked tired. How had he not noticed this before?
"My time here grows short."
"Already? Are spirits lives so short?"
"Mine is, yes." The spirit coughed.
Suddenly, the room was filled with the sound of a lone bell clanging somewhere above.
The mourning bell, only rung when a Jedi passed away into the Force. It sent shivers down his spine for a reason he couldn't explain.
Suddenly, the ghost of winter's present began to fade away.
"Spirit, don't leave. You've taught me so much." Qui-Gon begged. He felt like he was losing an old friend, although he had only known him for a few hours.
"I'm afraid I must." The spirit said, a smile still on his face. "Here comes the ghost of winters future. Learn what he has to teach and know him better man!"
The spirit joyfully laughed as he disappeared from sight. Qui-Gon looked around, not sure what to do now.
Stay here and wait for the spirit?
Just then, the air around him acquired a heaviness and sadness like never before. A mist filled the room, billowing in from an unknown source.
Qui-Gon's lightsaber was ignited in an instant.
A sense of foreboding filled him. Something was coming.
And it wasn't friendly.
A dark shadow rose up from the mist in front of him.
Qui-Gon felt the hand of horror grasp his heart.
Slowly, the figure drifted closer, coming into veiw. He stepped back without thinking.
The black, hooded...thing seemed to be made of fear itself. And sadness, a dark, oppressive sorrow that ate at the very core of his soul.
The grip of fear tightened as he stared up at the menacing figure.
Just then, his lightsaber went out. Qui-Gon stared down in alarm, pressing the activator several times.
Nothing.
Gathering the last of his courage, he looked into where the creatures face should be.
"Are you the ghost who's coming was foretold?" He asked, trying not to shiver.
One nod.
No verbal reply whatsoever.
"Please, teach me so I may learn."
The ghost turned and pointed.
The mist began to swirl, accelerating with each passing moment. Without warning, a large, dark portal formed in front of them. Qui-Gon looked at the spirit, then at the portal.
He knew what it wanted.
Trying to push his fear away, he took a step towards the mist. To his surprise, the spirit glided beside him, resting a hand on his shoulder.
It was deathly cold. Colder than the coldest night on Hoth. The touch seemed to go through his clothes and cut into his skin straight to the bone.
Slowly, they walked into the swirling mass.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Qui-Gon walked down the hall by the spirit.
He once again found himself approaching Mace's quarters. He gladly walked through the door into the room, wanting to be surrounded by the joy of his friends....and stopped dead in his tracks.
There was no laughter or happiness.
All the Masters and Knights were there as before, but the talk was strained and although there were smiles, there was no joy behind them.
Mace and Tahl were seated at the couch once again. Tahl's eyes were reddened from crying.
Crying? Why? This was supposed to be a happy time.
Suddenly, she banged her cup down on the small table in front of them.
"Why?!" She exclaimed in anguish. "Why did the Force have to take him away?!"
Mace placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Noone knows why some things happen. Especially the painful events, such as this."
"He was a cold-hearted miser at times, but I loved him." She cried, covering her face. "He was my friend. My very good friend. I didn't even get to say goodbye."
Qui-Gon stood rigid in shock. Obviously someone had died, someone who had been close to Tahl.
But who?
Part of him was reluctant to find out the answer to that question. Just then, the spirit lay that icy hand on his shoulder again, motioning that it was time to leave.
Qui-Gon followed willingly, but a feeling of dread filled him as he continued on his way.
He felt his heart lighten as he found himself being led for the Initiates wing.
Seeing Obi-Wan again would cheer him up. He was interested in seeing how the boy's future turned out.
Finally, they came to the large room where the Winter's Thanks party was being held.
Once again, Initiates of all shapes and ages ran about, screaming and laughing in delight.
Qui-Gon couldn't help but grin as he searched the room for Obi-Wan.
He soon spotted the boy's friend, Bant. Her back was turned to him, but he could tell it was her. There were not many Mon Calamari in the room.
Sitting with her were the two boys as before. He quickly approached them, then frowned as he realised Obi-Wan wasn't there. Of the four chairs at the table, three were filled. One was empty, without an owner. He stopped beside there table, wishing there was someway he could speak with them. That's when he noticed the big tears rolling down Bant's face.
One of the boys, gave her a sideways hug. "Its ok Bant. He wouldn't want us to be sad."
"Garen, he was my best friend. It wasn't his time." She looked at him. "It wasn't time."
"no..." Qui-Gon whispered, realization dawning on him.
"If only Master Jinn took him as his Padawan, then none of this would have happened. He wouldn't have been there when the planet exploded." The last word ended in a sob, as she broke down.
"It was the will of the Force, Bant." Garen said, trying to give his friend some comfort, although tears now were rolling down his cheeks as well. "Obi- Wan is at peace now."
Reeft remained quiet, head bowed in sorrow, the plate stacked with food in front of him forgotten.
Qui-Gon's knees went weak and he slowly sank to the ground. "No..."
Not Obi-Wan.
Please, not Obi-Wan.
He felt a tear slowly make its way down his cheek.
Qui-Gon didn't care.
Obi-Wan, his Obi-Wan, was dead.
When Qui-Gon looked up again, he found himself back in the funeral ampitheater once again. Taking several deep breaths, he pushed himself up, silently wrestling his emotions into place.
"Why have you brought me here?" He tried to ask, but it sounded slightly strangled.
The ghost pointed. He turned to see that the pyre now held a body covered in a white cloth.
Waiting for the funeral.
He froze. This must be the man they were talking about.
A feeling of dread filled him. He looked at the spirit who once again pointed at the body. Qui-Gon knew he was meant to look, but terror gripped his heart with the mere thought.
He took a step towards the pyre, then stopped and turned towards the ghost. "Spirit, are these events going to happen, or are they shadows of what could happen?"
The spirit was as still as a statue, its long bony hand still pointing.
Qui-Gon turned and took a few more steps, then stopped. "I will change this."
No answer.
He turned once again towards the pyre, using the calming breath technique he had learned as an initiate.
It wasn't working.
Suddenly, he found himself by the pyre. Qui-Gon slowly reached out and pulled back the cloth, revealing the corpse.
He fell to his knees, trying to look away, but not able to take his eyes away at the same time.
It was him.
Jedi aren't supposed to fear death. Even the code said 'There Is No Death, There Is The Force'. Its part of life. Everyone dies at some point.
But Qui-Gon was scared.
Terrified.
*****
Qui-Gon slowly stood up and turned to face the spirit.
"Tell me, can I change this?" He asked slowly, trying to keep his voice calm.
No answer came. The spirit was as still and silent as ever.
"Please, I must know.Will you not say anything?"
Nothing.
By this time, Qui-Gon was standing face to face with the ghost, no more than several feet apart.
"Please, I beg of you, tell me these things can be changed." He pleaded, the fear once again rising up in him.
He didn't know why, but he needed an answer. He needed the spirit to confirm that all this could be changed.
They had to.
Obi-Wan could not die.
Suddenly, his knees felt weak, and he collapsed to the ground.
"Spirit, say something." Qui-Gon begged, the spirit. "Anything!"
To his surprise, tears actually came to his eyes. He felt like a child again, unable to control his emotions. Bowing his head, Qui-Gon began to weep. He covered his face with his hands, not trying or caring to stop the flow of tears.
He had never felt so scared and helpless before.
Never!
"Please, tell me something!"
Qui-Gon jumped as several loud beeps filled the silent room.
He looked up, finding himself once again in his room. The spirit was nowhere in sight.
Jumping up, he raced to the window and threw back the curtain. The sun was just starting to peek over the horizon. He turned and looked at the chrono, focusing on the date.
It was Winter Fest.
He hadn't missed it!
Qui-Gon grinned. He had been given another chance. He would change the future. He would learn from the past. And he would save Obi-Wan.
The Com-unit beeped again, jerking him out of his happy thoughts. He quickly walked over and hit the button to answer the call. Mace Windu appeared on the screen.
"Qui-Gon, before you say anything, I know it's early-"
"It's great to see you Mace." Qui-Gon smiled broadly.
Mace frowned. "Uh...it is?"
"Yes, very. Now, what is it that you wanted?"
"Oh yes." Mace's face bcame serious. "Qui-Gon you are coming to my Winter Fest party whether you like it or not. Its time you stopped moping around-"
"You are absolutely right Mace."
Mace's jaw hit the ground. "I-I am."
"Yes. I couldn't agree with you more. So, I'll see you at the 18th hour. There is something I need to do first, so I might be a few minutes late."
"You...you aren't...you're not..."
"Its been nice talking to you Mace. Now go get some more rest. You look like you need it."
"Yes..um..I...oh...yeah...bye." His friend muttered, still in shock as he cut the connection.
Qui-Gon turned and headed back for his room. He had to get ready.
********* Obi-Wan walked down the hall towards the training room.
Lightsaber training had always helped him calm down when he was upset. Yes, he knew the masters would disagree, saying that using the Force when upset was of the darkside. They were always making him meditate when he got mad. It never seemed to work. Meditating always gave him too much time to think. Think about his life. How he would never be a Padawan and would never spend another carefree day with Bant.
If only he hadn't been so agressive the other day when sparring in front of Master Jinn. Maybe then, he would have taken him as his Padawan.
Obi-Wan was so deep in thought, he never sensed the approached of the master around the corner. The next thing he knew, he was on the floor, looking up at the tall Jedi.
"Oh...Master Jinn....I'm..I didn't see you." He stammered, silently sursing his loss of concentration.
The large master helped him to his feet. "Its alright, young one. I wasn't paying attention either."
Obi-Wan looked up at him, shocked. Young one? Was this the same Master Jinn? Did he have a twin Obi-Wan had never heard of?
Master Jinn became sober, seeing the confusion on the boy's face. "I wanted to apologize for how I acted yesterday. It was wrong of me to reprimand you."
"No, Master Jinn. You were right. I fought too aggressively." Obi-Wan said, looking down at his feet. A large, gentle hand slowly lifted his chin up to look up at the master's eyes.
"No, I was wrong. You are a very talented swordsman. The best I've seen in years." Obi-Wan blushed at the compliment, looking away in embarressment. Qui-Gon sighed. "I should have done this much sooner. Obi-Wan Kenobi, will you do me the honor of becoming my Padawan Learner?"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Qui-Gon knocked on Mace's door, then folded his arms in front of him.
The door flew open and there stood Mace, grinning. "Qui-Gon! Come in." He grabbed the tall Jedi's arm and pulled him in, shutting the door.
"Mace." Qui-Gon said, his eyes narrowing slightly.
"What?" Mace looked over at Tahl, who just shrugged. "What did I do now?!"
Qui-Gon looked at his friend. "Is that anyway to greet your friend's Padawan?"
Mace stared at him for a moment, then started laughing. "Oh. That's a good one! A Padawan?! I almost believed you for a moment."
Qui-Gon looked at his friend for a moment, then opened the door again. Obi- Wan was standing there confused as he tugged at the short braid that hung from behind his right ear. "Mace, I want you to meet Obi-Wan Kenobi, my Padawan Learner."
The Jedi's laughter died down. He stared at Qui-Gon, then at Obi-Wan.
"He's your....your his...you..." Mace suddenly looked pale, turning and mumbling something as he walked away about losing his hair from having to deal with crazy friends of his.
"I don't think he was expecting that." Tahl commented.
Obi-Wan frowned, walking into the room and standing by his master. He looked up at Qui-Gon. "What's wrong with Master Windu?"
"Nothing." Qui-Gon laughed, ruffling the boy's newly cut hair affectionately. "Nothing at all."
Tahl let out a small laugh, still watching Mace as he opened his gift from Master Yoda. "Poor Mace. I don't know what's shocked him more, you or that hat!" She winked at the boy. "Come on. Let's go see if we can find a camera."
Obi-Wan grinned, and followed the master.
Qui-Gon watched him for a moment, feeling happier than he had been in a long time. He would always be grateful to the spirits that helped him.
They had saved him from his greatest enemy.
Himself.
The End