I do apologize to everyone who has reviewed and read this fic. I did not mean to allow this much time to pass before posting another chap. Thank you jedilittlebee for reminding me to update. :) Here's the next chap, I will try and post again on Friday, and we'll see what happens from there. ;) I'll respond to everyone after the chap. Thanks for everyone's infinite patience. You are the best!!
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Darkness gave way to the bright rays of morning. For the first time in a long time, he wanted to refuse to wake. The night had been long and restless, only to find deep sleep in the dark hours of morning. Sluggishly, he decided to get up and get dressed.
Pushing himself up, he felt stiff and his mind had not shaken out all of the dreamy cobwebs that were formed during the night. Something in the back of his mind told him that everything was not right on Coruscant, but he couldn't quite place his finger on it. Instead he pushed the vexation back into the depths of his mind and prepared for the day ahead.
Today would be a free day for both of them, and he thought it would be nice to take it slowly and just enjoy each other's company. Fixing himself a cup of tea, Qui-Gon readied himself for morning meditation. He glanced over at his Padawan's bedroom door and smiled. Instantly, he decided to let the young man sleep. Their last mission had not been difficult, which was a relief, but it still had been long and tedious.
Kneeling down, he stared out the glass doors to their humble balcony. Just beyond he watched as the morning traffic traversed the skyways. There was a certain beauty in the industrialized landscape, that the Knight found soothing. He had just settled himself to begin the meditation when he heard a chime at his door. Curious about the early visitor, Qui-Gon quickly rose and made his way to the door. Opening it, he was even more surprised to see who had stopped by. "Padawan Muln, good morning."
The young man smiled his greeting and answered, "Morning, Master Jinn. May I come in?"
"Of course, forgive me," the tall Jedi said and moved aside to give Garen room to enter. "I'm afraid Obi-Wan isn't up yet." He added while he led the Padawan to the common room.
Garen remained standing even after Qui-Gon offered him a seat. "Actually, Master Jinn, I came here to see you."
Taken aback by the admission, the Jedi Master retrieved his mug and came back to stand in front of the Padawan. "Me?"
"Yes, Master." Garen took a deep breath and let it go along with some of his anxiety. What he was about to do seriously jeopardized his relationship with his dearest friend but he felt it was the right thing to do. "I'm concerned about Obi-Wan."
The Master lowered himself into his favourite chair and stared up at the younger Jedi. "How so?"
Encouraged by his conviction, Garen stared hard into the Master, "I fear he might push himself too hard."
"You shouldn't concern yourself, he's a capable young man." Qui-Gon sighed his relief, as he felt the young Padawan was over reacting.
"I know he is, Master, but I believe we all have limits." The stern visage did not relax at the Master's dismissal, in fact had deepened. "And I think Obi's still trying to find his."
Contemplating what the young man said, Qui-Gon put his mug down and leaned forward. "And that is why you are concerned?"
Moving closer, Garen sat down in a chair next to Qui-Gon. "Yesterday, while we were sparring, I could not help envy him due to the advanced level he was at. But later I discovered something rather disturbing and I felt you should know."
"What have you learned?" This had intrigued Qui-Gon, but it also filled him with pride. He knew that Obi-Wan's skills were advanced, they were already working on levels the Padawan should not even be thinking about yet.
It seemed to Qui-Gon that Garen had picked up on his thoughts. "Master Jinn, what level kata are you two working on right now?"
"We've just begun the 21st level forms, but I don't see why that's a problem. He is quite astute with a saber. His advancement is to be expected." Qui-Gon allowed a small smile to touch his lips.
Suddenly, Garen realized exactly what Obi-Wan had been trying to say the day before. No matter how good or how perfect Obi-Wan was, or how easily it came to him, the expectations placed on him always weighed on his shoulders. And to be anything less would distort the worlds of those around him. So, the young man had pushed himself a little harder and made sure all his i's were dotted and his t's were crossed, so as not to disrupt those worlds. And without that continued perfection everything would crumble around him. Sighing, Garen began, "Master Jinn, I think you should know that Obi-Wan has already surpassed that kata. You may as well add ten levels and go from there."
The shock easily read on the Knight's face, "If you pardon my saying so, I do not believe…"
But Garen cut him off, "It's not a matter of belief, Master. I saw him use a form from a Level 30 kata. I have only seen it a few other times previously, during classes and once from my Master, but I also confirmed it later when I asked him."
Qui-Gon was stunned. He had often wondered why his Padawan was able to master a new kata shown to him so quickly. And it suddenly dawned on him, that Obi-Wan had always been able to do so. The question arose, How long have you been moving ahead? His disbelief spoke for him, "But Obi-Wan should know that that is a Knight's level. He should not be attempting a level so far ahead in his training without assistance"
Sighing, Garen admitted, "Honestly, I believe he's already mastered it and is already working on higher levels."
The Knight sat back to think over this new information, "This is most disturbing. He knows better than to risk himself this way. Why would he do such a thing?" He just could not understand the impulse to do so.
Garen's voice softened, "Because of us."
"Us?" Now the Master was completely vexed. How could they be the reason for his apprentice's carelessness? "I do not understand your meaning, Padawan."
"In all truth, the situation is more complicated than that. But in simple terms our expectations of him is a major contributor." The younger Jedi stated matter-of-factly.
Looking slightly indignant, Qui-Gon added, "And I assume there are other contributors as well. Do you know what they are?"
"I only know of one other, his own self-doubt. He said he felt empty, that he could not find fulfillment in his accomplishments. I suggest that you talk with him to see if you can learn of any others. I hope you can Master Jinn." Garen stood and started for the door, but before he left the common room he paused and looked back at the stunned Master. "He doesn't know I'm here. I'm taking this risk because I've felt something nagging me since our talk and I'm certain it concerns him. I hope you can get through to him before it's too late. Good-bye, Master Jinn." And Garen left the apartment.
For some time, Qui-Gon remained in his seat mulling over the information he had just been given. Questions upon questions formed in his head and he wanted answers. Soon he realized that sitting around pondering what the answers could be did him no good, the best thing was to talk to Obi-Wan and see what he could learn. He knew that barging in to the Padawan's room would solve nothing and probably make the situation worse. So Qui-Gon determined that he would slowly work to pull the answers he wanted. Afterall, he was a skilled negotiator, that should work to his advantage.
Carefully, he rose from his seat and crossed the room. Softly, he knocked on Obi-Wan's door. "Obi?" When he received no response, Qui-Gon did a quick scan with the Force to see if the boy was still asleep. When his mind touched nothing, he became worried. "Obi-Wan?" He called louder this time, still no answer. Immediately, he accessed the door and entered the room, glancing at the sleepcouch, he was alarmed to discover no occupant. Without hesitation, he vaulted toward the comm unit in the Padawan's room and typed in a comm address. As soon as he heard the acceptance tone, he announced, "Obi-Wan's missing."
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Don't forget to review!!! I am glutton for reviews!! I've mentioned it before and I'll say it again, 'Reviews(pestering, comments, begging) MOTIVATE me!!!' You want chaps, I want your thoughts. Please, please, please keep them coming! Thank you!! :D
krystine - I am sooo sorry to not have hurried with that next part. Hopefully, it won't happen again. Thanks.
kappasigsteve - Aww, thanks, but I'm not that good. I'm glad you like it, and I hope you manage to find your way back here to find out what happens. ;)
stormy1325 - Wow, thank you so much. I do agree in some senses that Obi could be the chosen one, but I also know it's not my galaxy, I just get to play with it now and then. ;) I also would like to apologize to you for the horrific delay I had between posts. Beat me if it happens again. :8}
Christy - Thanks. Yes, they are. But you'll learn more soon. ;)
Heidi M - Thanks. Yes, Sevan isn't exactly normal. ]:)
Obi-WansPadawan - Thank you so very much. I really appreciate it.
lighted eagle - You are funny. Of course there's more. It just took me a while to post it. :p
Seirra23 - Thanks. I appreciate you reminding me earlier. I started working on this fic again and forgot to post it here. My bad. :8}
jedilittlebee - Yes, there's more to the story yet. So I am going to test your patience. And thanks for kick starting me again. ;)
