Chapter 5 - Encounter the Force-Witches
Authors Note: I would just like to say that I used the website www.forceacademy.com for the information on Dathomir and the Force-witches.
Obi-Wan wasn't very fond of space and flying. Sure, it was convenient and helpful, but he preferred to be on solid ground. He figured it was the lack of control that it gave him. Plus, the idea of one precisely placed blaster bolt blowing his ship to pieces wasn't very comfortable.
"Master, do you know much about Dathomir?"
"I know little. But, I do know that few dare to tread on the planet."
"Why?" Anakin inquired. He sat to the left of Obi-Wan, his head turned to engage in a conversation with his Master.
"Force-Witches," Obi-Wan blatantly stated.
"What, Master?"
"Force-Witches. These are clans of people, mostly women, who can use the Force," Obi-Wan explained, one eye on his Padawan, the other on the console.
"I only thought Force-sensitive people could use the Force," Anakin replied, slightly confused at his Master's words.
"Well, I can understand that, my Padawan. Most of what people know is rumors."
"Master, do you know how they came to know how to use it?"
"Well, Anakin, the story says that a rouge Jedi was exiled to the planet, left to fend for herself. Well, unknown to outside people, she taught the people and her descendents how to use the Force. It's even said that they learned to tame the rancors on the planet."
"They tamed the rancors?!" Anakin said shocked.
"Yes, my Padawan, but you must keep in mind that these are just rumors," Obi-Wan offered.
"Yes, Master."
The plant known by many as Dathomir swelled in the viewscreen, its purplish-yellow land visible between the dark clouds that scrounged the land. Anakin looked on in wonderment, this being the first time he had laid eyes on the planet.
To Anakin, the planet looked peaceful in space. But then again, all planets did, and if you were naïve enough to believe they were as peaceful as perceived, you didn't last long on the surface.
Obi-Wan continued the decent, fascinated at his first glance of a new planet. Although he felt Anakin's excitement, he was feeling more cautious and aware than his Padawan was.
"Be wary, Anakin. I do not feel comfortable coming to this planet. Be alert at all times," the Master Jedi warned.
"Yes, Master," Anakin said, half out of habit, and half in understanding.
Obi-Wan knew that his Padawan said this out of habit, but he also knew that his Padawan was acknowledging him and listening, even if he was only listening passively.
The Guiding Light gently descended into orbit, the atmosphere giving little trouble to the silver jewel of a ship. Obi-Wan put the ship down in a remote area, the land barren of much vegetation and a swamp lay a few meters from the Guiding Light. The ground had a purplish tint to it, and may strange and exotic creatures--most from the purple end of the spectrum-- scampered away from the disturbance.
Anakin and Obi-Wan exited the vehicle, shoulders tense and arms ready to reach for the lightsabers under their cloaks.
"So this is Dathomir?" Obi-Wan questioned.
"This sure won't be a hot spot for tourists, that's for sure," Anakin chimed in.
In the distance, they could hear the familiar roar of a rancor.
"We need to go. Anakin, cloak the ship and we will set out on foot to find Master Callai," Obi-Wan's order came, strong and wise.
"Yes, Master," Anakin responded, complying with orders.
Moments later, Anakin and Obi-Wan were on their way opposite the swamp, passing a desolate but healthy tree on their way towards a distant mountain range. They were also heading away from the rancor roaring.
"Master, is there anything else you know about Dathomir?" Anakin asked in a hushed voice as he dodged a weird looking plant on the ground.
"No, my Padawan. My knowledge is only as much as I could find in our archives and on the streets."
The rancor roars ceased and the air became eerily silent. No birds could be heard or seen in the air, which disturbed the two.
Sure, Anakin thought, Coruscant doesn't have birds, but there is always sound. There is always movement and things happening.
Who's to say nothing is happening, Jedi.
Anakin abruptly spun around, looking for the source of the voice. "Master, do you say something to me?"
"No, my Padawan. Are you hearing voices?"
Anakin thought this concept over. "I thought I was, but it must have been just me."
You are.
This time, Anakin knew it wasn't him. "Master, I hear a voice."
Obi-Wan thought this to be quite odd. Padawans did not usually possess the power to hear voices of any kind. However, his Padawan had broken the limits that were previously set for Padawans. He decided to follow Anakin on blind faith.
"Where are the voices coming from?"
"It's only one voice, but I cant tell. It seems as if it's coming from no where and everywhere at the same time," Anakin stated as if it were a riddle.
Young Jedi, leave now. Before it is too late.
"It's telling us to leave. I have a feeling we should comply," Anakin said, thinking the voice was right.
"We have to get Master Callai. He is an important asset to the Temple and the Republic," Obi-Wan said, trying to get the point across.
"But Master, I don't have a good feeling about this place."
"We are staying, my Padawan. That is final," Obi-Wan said, Anakin knowing his tone of voice meant no arguing.
"Yes, Master."
Suddenly, in the barren purple grass, a loud cry sounded from the mountains. Anakin and Obi-Wan stopped in their tracks, the grass reaching to the tops of their boots.
"What was that, Master?"
"I don't know, but I'm beginning to think that you and your voices are right in leaving."
Obi-Wan turned around, Anakin following suit. They began briskly walking towards their ship, not turning around once to look back. They should have.
An assault of blurs began striking their back, Obi-Wan and Anakin alike taking unseen beatings. The blurs then turned and began their assault from the front, not giving pity to the two Jedi.
As the figures continued their blurred dance, Obi-Wan tried to gather his thoughts and focus on one single figure, but the sheer speed and agility of the numerous blurs was confusing him, not to mention the bombardment of violent attacks.
"Anakin, can you focus?" Obi-Wan yelled out.
"No, Master" Anakin managed to say in the chaos.
Suddenly, more blurs appeared, swarming the Jedi like bees to a bear trying to steal their honey. As more showed up, the attacks became more violent, the Jedi more uncoordinated.
Obi-Wan struggled to keep his balance and focus, or what was left of the senses, seeing Anakin in the same situation.
I can't give up. I have to try to fight back, Obi-Wan thought.
Then the world went black, Obi-Wan crumpling to the ground.
Obi-Wan's head swam. His thought came as slow as molasses, his movement slower, if at all, if he could feel it at all. But this he did not dwell on.
His thoughts dwelled on his last known situation. But more importantly, on his Padawan.
Is Anakin alright? Did he manage an escape? Is he...dead? No. Anakin is too strong to die like that.
After what seemed a long period of this confusion, Obi-Wan's head cleared, his thoughts becoming unblurry and his eyes fluttered open.
He saw a dark chamber, lit by a group of torches set in the corners, illuminating the carefully laid stone. Dark green moss was scattered on the stone all over, a sign of the damp conditions of the atmosphere.
Obi-Wan looked at himself groggily. The only visible sign of injury that he could see was a large cut on the back of his left hand, accompanied by minor scratches on both of his hands.
The Jedi attempted to move, but found that an unknown source held up in place against the rear wall.
There are no chains or any other methods of bondage. So why can't I move?
"I am holding you in place, young Jedi," a strong feminine voice called from the shadows in front of him.
"Who are you?"
"I am Celine," the voice called again, this time movement revealing her.
A tall woman--who appeared to be in her mid twenties--stepped from the shadows. Her skin was a pale white, but it went well with her reddish- orange hair. She wore a simple cloak, covering all but neck and bare feet, but telling Obi-Wan of her exotic nature.
"I am what you people call a Force-Witch."
Obi-Wan could hardly believe himself. "A Force-Witch? Do you mean to tell me that the stories are true?"
"Indeed they are. You are a wise Jedi. Many of the ones I have met have been quick to draw their sabers and attack, but you, you think before acting. I find you...interesting," Celine said, stepping closer to Obi- Wan.
"As do I with you."
"We could learn much from each other."
"Yes, we could," Obi-Wan said, glad to have this conversation but showing no sign on his face with a calm demeanor.
"Tell me, Jedi, what is your name?"
"I am Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi," Obi-Wan replied with total neutrality and diplomacy.
"Ah, still a Jedi Knight. That explains the young boy that was with you," Celine said, intrigued, taking another slow and calculated step towards Obi-Wan.
"Is my Padawan okay?"
"He is fine. He was hurt, but we have healed him, as well as you. He should be awake by now."
"I thank you for your kindness, but I must ask why you attacked us."
"We saw you as intruders, as well as men. We tend to 'shoot and ask questions later,' as your people say. As you may have heard, men don't appeal to us as much as some species tend to."
"Indeed I have," Obi-Wan said, hoping she would release him soon.
"Young Jedi, you came in a starship, yes?"
Obi-Wan thought about his answer carefully. "Yes, but why do you ask?"
"I wish to use it," she said plainly, standing right in front of Obi- Wan.
"For what purposes?" Obi-Wan questioned.
"Ah, a man who asks questions to his world around him. Smart. If you must know, I wish to use it and visit the worlds within the galaxy."
Obi-Wan noted the woman's admiration for him as they continued the cat- and-mouse game. "I see. First, I wish you to let me and my Padawan go."
"Do not worry, Jedi, your safety is guaranteed."
"Before we tell you, I want to see my Padawan and me free."
"Tell me where the ship is," Celine said, growing more impatient with the minutes passing.
"My Padawan and I first, Miss Celine."
The woman paused in fury. Obi-Wan was not sure if it was from him calling her Miss, or the stalemate that he had created. He had thought there was a reason for this.
"I can see we will get no where. So be it. You will have to endure the test in order to be free. In the meantime, we will search for your ship. If you survive the trial, you are free to do as you please."
"The test?"
"You will see, my young Jedi," the woman said, brushing a hand against his cheek. "Try not to get hurt. You're much to cute and wise to get hurt."
Having said that, the woman turned and left, leaving Obi-Wan dumbfounded at the unexpected comment.
Chapter Six Coming soon! I would greatly appreciate any and all comments, good or bad. Thank you for reading this.
Authors Note: I would just like to say that I used the website www.forceacademy.com for the information on Dathomir and the Force-witches.
Obi-Wan wasn't very fond of space and flying. Sure, it was convenient and helpful, but he preferred to be on solid ground. He figured it was the lack of control that it gave him. Plus, the idea of one precisely placed blaster bolt blowing his ship to pieces wasn't very comfortable.
"Master, do you know much about Dathomir?"
"I know little. But, I do know that few dare to tread on the planet."
"Why?" Anakin inquired. He sat to the left of Obi-Wan, his head turned to engage in a conversation with his Master.
"Force-Witches," Obi-Wan blatantly stated.
"What, Master?"
"Force-Witches. These are clans of people, mostly women, who can use the Force," Obi-Wan explained, one eye on his Padawan, the other on the console.
"I only thought Force-sensitive people could use the Force," Anakin replied, slightly confused at his Master's words.
"Well, I can understand that, my Padawan. Most of what people know is rumors."
"Master, do you know how they came to know how to use it?"
"Well, Anakin, the story says that a rouge Jedi was exiled to the planet, left to fend for herself. Well, unknown to outside people, she taught the people and her descendents how to use the Force. It's even said that they learned to tame the rancors on the planet."
"They tamed the rancors?!" Anakin said shocked.
"Yes, my Padawan, but you must keep in mind that these are just rumors," Obi-Wan offered.
"Yes, Master."
The plant known by many as Dathomir swelled in the viewscreen, its purplish-yellow land visible between the dark clouds that scrounged the land. Anakin looked on in wonderment, this being the first time he had laid eyes on the planet.
To Anakin, the planet looked peaceful in space. But then again, all planets did, and if you were naïve enough to believe they were as peaceful as perceived, you didn't last long on the surface.
Obi-Wan continued the decent, fascinated at his first glance of a new planet. Although he felt Anakin's excitement, he was feeling more cautious and aware than his Padawan was.
"Be wary, Anakin. I do not feel comfortable coming to this planet. Be alert at all times," the Master Jedi warned.
"Yes, Master," Anakin said, half out of habit, and half in understanding.
Obi-Wan knew that his Padawan said this out of habit, but he also knew that his Padawan was acknowledging him and listening, even if he was only listening passively.
The Guiding Light gently descended into orbit, the atmosphere giving little trouble to the silver jewel of a ship. Obi-Wan put the ship down in a remote area, the land barren of much vegetation and a swamp lay a few meters from the Guiding Light. The ground had a purplish tint to it, and may strange and exotic creatures--most from the purple end of the spectrum-- scampered away from the disturbance.
Anakin and Obi-Wan exited the vehicle, shoulders tense and arms ready to reach for the lightsabers under their cloaks.
"So this is Dathomir?" Obi-Wan questioned.
"This sure won't be a hot spot for tourists, that's for sure," Anakin chimed in.
In the distance, they could hear the familiar roar of a rancor.
"We need to go. Anakin, cloak the ship and we will set out on foot to find Master Callai," Obi-Wan's order came, strong and wise.
"Yes, Master," Anakin responded, complying with orders.
Moments later, Anakin and Obi-Wan were on their way opposite the swamp, passing a desolate but healthy tree on their way towards a distant mountain range. They were also heading away from the rancor roaring.
"Master, is there anything else you know about Dathomir?" Anakin asked in a hushed voice as he dodged a weird looking plant on the ground.
"No, my Padawan. My knowledge is only as much as I could find in our archives and on the streets."
The rancor roars ceased and the air became eerily silent. No birds could be heard or seen in the air, which disturbed the two.
Sure, Anakin thought, Coruscant doesn't have birds, but there is always sound. There is always movement and things happening.
Who's to say nothing is happening, Jedi.
Anakin abruptly spun around, looking for the source of the voice. "Master, do you say something to me?"
"No, my Padawan. Are you hearing voices?"
Anakin thought this concept over. "I thought I was, but it must have been just me."
You are.
This time, Anakin knew it wasn't him. "Master, I hear a voice."
Obi-Wan thought this to be quite odd. Padawans did not usually possess the power to hear voices of any kind. However, his Padawan had broken the limits that were previously set for Padawans. He decided to follow Anakin on blind faith.
"Where are the voices coming from?"
"It's only one voice, but I cant tell. It seems as if it's coming from no where and everywhere at the same time," Anakin stated as if it were a riddle.
Young Jedi, leave now. Before it is too late.
"It's telling us to leave. I have a feeling we should comply," Anakin said, thinking the voice was right.
"We have to get Master Callai. He is an important asset to the Temple and the Republic," Obi-Wan said, trying to get the point across.
"But Master, I don't have a good feeling about this place."
"We are staying, my Padawan. That is final," Obi-Wan said, Anakin knowing his tone of voice meant no arguing.
"Yes, Master."
Suddenly, in the barren purple grass, a loud cry sounded from the mountains. Anakin and Obi-Wan stopped in their tracks, the grass reaching to the tops of their boots.
"What was that, Master?"
"I don't know, but I'm beginning to think that you and your voices are right in leaving."
Obi-Wan turned around, Anakin following suit. They began briskly walking towards their ship, not turning around once to look back. They should have.
An assault of blurs began striking their back, Obi-Wan and Anakin alike taking unseen beatings. The blurs then turned and began their assault from the front, not giving pity to the two Jedi.
As the figures continued their blurred dance, Obi-Wan tried to gather his thoughts and focus on one single figure, but the sheer speed and agility of the numerous blurs was confusing him, not to mention the bombardment of violent attacks.
"Anakin, can you focus?" Obi-Wan yelled out.
"No, Master" Anakin managed to say in the chaos.
Suddenly, more blurs appeared, swarming the Jedi like bees to a bear trying to steal their honey. As more showed up, the attacks became more violent, the Jedi more uncoordinated.
Obi-Wan struggled to keep his balance and focus, or what was left of the senses, seeing Anakin in the same situation.
I can't give up. I have to try to fight back, Obi-Wan thought.
Then the world went black, Obi-Wan crumpling to the ground.
Obi-Wan's head swam. His thought came as slow as molasses, his movement slower, if at all, if he could feel it at all. But this he did not dwell on.
His thoughts dwelled on his last known situation. But more importantly, on his Padawan.
Is Anakin alright? Did he manage an escape? Is he...dead? No. Anakin is too strong to die like that.
After what seemed a long period of this confusion, Obi-Wan's head cleared, his thoughts becoming unblurry and his eyes fluttered open.
He saw a dark chamber, lit by a group of torches set in the corners, illuminating the carefully laid stone. Dark green moss was scattered on the stone all over, a sign of the damp conditions of the atmosphere.
Obi-Wan looked at himself groggily. The only visible sign of injury that he could see was a large cut on the back of his left hand, accompanied by minor scratches on both of his hands.
The Jedi attempted to move, but found that an unknown source held up in place against the rear wall.
There are no chains or any other methods of bondage. So why can't I move?
"I am holding you in place, young Jedi," a strong feminine voice called from the shadows in front of him.
"Who are you?"
"I am Celine," the voice called again, this time movement revealing her.
A tall woman--who appeared to be in her mid twenties--stepped from the shadows. Her skin was a pale white, but it went well with her reddish- orange hair. She wore a simple cloak, covering all but neck and bare feet, but telling Obi-Wan of her exotic nature.
"I am what you people call a Force-Witch."
Obi-Wan could hardly believe himself. "A Force-Witch? Do you mean to tell me that the stories are true?"
"Indeed they are. You are a wise Jedi. Many of the ones I have met have been quick to draw their sabers and attack, but you, you think before acting. I find you...interesting," Celine said, stepping closer to Obi- Wan.
"As do I with you."
"We could learn much from each other."
"Yes, we could," Obi-Wan said, glad to have this conversation but showing no sign on his face with a calm demeanor.
"Tell me, Jedi, what is your name?"
"I am Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi," Obi-Wan replied with total neutrality and diplomacy.
"Ah, still a Jedi Knight. That explains the young boy that was with you," Celine said, intrigued, taking another slow and calculated step towards Obi-Wan.
"Is my Padawan okay?"
"He is fine. He was hurt, but we have healed him, as well as you. He should be awake by now."
"I thank you for your kindness, but I must ask why you attacked us."
"We saw you as intruders, as well as men. We tend to 'shoot and ask questions later,' as your people say. As you may have heard, men don't appeal to us as much as some species tend to."
"Indeed I have," Obi-Wan said, hoping she would release him soon.
"Young Jedi, you came in a starship, yes?"
Obi-Wan thought about his answer carefully. "Yes, but why do you ask?"
"I wish to use it," she said plainly, standing right in front of Obi- Wan.
"For what purposes?" Obi-Wan questioned.
"Ah, a man who asks questions to his world around him. Smart. If you must know, I wish to use it and visit the worlds within the galaxy."
Obi-Wan noted the woman's admiration for him as they continued the cat- and-mouse game. "I see. First, I wish you to let me and my Padawan go."
"Do not worry, Jedi, your safety is guaranteed."
"Before we tell you, I want to see my Padawan and me free."
"Tell me where the ship is," Celine said, growing more impatient with the minutes passing.
"My Padawan and I first, Miss Celine."
The woman paused in fury. Obi-Wan was not sure if it was from him calling her Miss, or the stalemate that he had created. He had thought there was a reason for this.
"I can see we will get no where. So be it. You will have to endure the test in order to be free. In the meantime, we will search for your ship. If you survive the trial, you are free to do as you please."
"The test?"
"You will see, my young Jedi," the woman said, brushing a hand against his cheek. "Try not to get hurt. You're much to cute and wise to get hurt."
Having said that, the woman turned and left, leaving Obi-Wan dumbfounded at the unexpected comment.
Chapter Six Coming soon! I would greatly appreciate any and all comments, good or bad. Thank you for reading this.