Grab-ur-lightsaber - alright, alright. You broke me down. Here's another
chapter just for you. ; ) And I'm glad you like my new venture. I'm
enjoying writing that one. I'll try not to keep you waiting too long this
time. Thanks for the patience and support. : D
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Anakin diligently gathered the remaining pieces of data and downloaded them to the data pads. Information on Ona Nobis was scarce to come by, but he accepted everything he could find. MysAri's mission reports were readily available, just extensive and cumbersome. All in all, Anakin had been able to collect the yearlong histories within an hour and a half. Once the datapad flashed 'transfer complete' he quickly grabbed them and hurried on his way to the Healing Ward.
He asked the initiate at the reception desk where he could find the Knight and his Master and was given directions. He came up to the entranceway and stopped. He could see the pair sitting together on the bed. The two Knights held each other closely and Anakin floated into the memory of the last time they were here.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Well, it looks like your Master is going to be here for a while. You up to hanging around?" MysAri asked the new Padawan.
Anakin opened his mouth to say something then promptly closed it again. Thinking for a moment he attempted a second time to speak but stopped himself. Finally, he whispered, "Yes."
MysAri had watched the inner struggle patiently. His defeated posture made her wonder. "Is something bothering you, Ani?" Anakin glanced at her and MysAri could see no surprise in his face at her question. Instead of answering, he stole another look at his Master, who was suspended in a Bacta Tank. She followed his gaze and some understanding fell into place. "Ahh, you still don't know why he did it. And it bothers you, is that it?"
"Yes," came the shy reply. "The trial was the most disgusting thing I have ever seen. He knew what he was going to go through and he did it anyway. And every time I asked him 'why,' he said I would understand in time." Bitterness boiled beneath the surface and the Padawan fought to control it. "Must he be a slave to the Council? Must we all?" The angered question hissed between gritted teeth.
At first, MysAri was sympathetic to the boy's frustration, but as the animosity grew she became worried. Not knowing how to answer she rose from her seat and walked up to the sleeping Knight. Gently she touched the glass before closing her eyes to hold back the tears. How she loved the man before her.
The image of Anakin still clung to her mind. The fire in his eyes; his fists clenched at his sides; the taut physique barely maintaining his ire. But what frightened her most was the Dark Force brimming so close to the edges of his mind. She knew she must dispel this rage quickly.
"Anakin, it is our choice to be a Jedi. You are always free to leave if that is what you desire. Although many would be saddened by such a decision," she called over her shoulder. Unable to turn away from the floating form of Obi-Wan and face the distraught apprentice, she stood still, calling out to the Force for guidance. A quick laugh caught her attention and compelled her to face the youth.
"I doubt that seriously. They didn't even want me here to begin with. I'm sure even Master would be happy to be rid of me." The boy's voice laden with ridicule.
Now MysAri was enraged. "Don't you ever say that. Who fought to keep you here and train you, despite what others thought?"
"Qui-Gon. He believed in me from the beginning when everyone else hated me," he shot back promptly.
"Was he the only one? Who fought that battle after Master Jinn's death?" Bravely she strode up to the apprentice, knowing what the answer was. Anakin's impetuousness wavered under her glare. Once she stood in front, her arm shot back towards the tank and pointed. "He did." The tears could no longer be held at bay. "How gravely you underestimate him." Her fury ebbing with her words. "You don't know how fortunate you are," she added remorsefully. Appalled by her own lack of discipline, she let her head drop and closed her eyes.
"What do you mean?" He could not comprehend her implication.
Slowly, she moved back toward the tank to rest her hand against the cool transparasteel. "Can you really not see - How much he loves you?" She could feel his shock cut through the awkwardness in the room.
Unbelieving what she had confided, the only response he could muster was, "He never shares his feelings with me."
It was her turn to laugh, "Does that make it untrue then? Surely you can differentiate between body and heart? You have already been witness to his body. To him it is of little consequence as long as it is for the greater good. But there are few that can be as open with their heart, and he is no exception in that matter." She paused, trying to determine how much she would say. "I have known him a long time, and in that time I have seen him sacrifice himself for others more times than the days you have been alive. Coupled with that fact, I have also known he has been Qui-Gon Jinn's apprentice. You only knew Obi's Master a short time, so you would not understand what that means. I will explain it to you."
Never removing her hand from the tank she stepped aside to face the confused boy. "Qui-Gon was a great Master, that is true. He was strong in the powers of the Living Force, but there was one thing Qui-Gon could not do easily, show his Padawan how much he loved him. Of course there were times when he was able to demonstrate it, but those were rare occasions. Qui-Gon only had enough room in his heart for two people. His fallen apprentice and a female Jedi, whom he had loved since they were initiates. As a result, Obi-Wan grew up not knowing how to display affection because he did not receive enough to use as an example. Don't fault him for someone else's mistakes." She glanced back at the man she spoke of and smiled fondly. "Just know that his over-protectiveness is his way of showing his love. Know that and you will find, that in the end, if there is no other way to save you, he will give up his life for you." Her voice gradually softened, stopping just above a whisper. She placed her other hand on the tank and leaned her full body against it. Not intending to be heard, she added, "And I would gladly do the same for you, Tschüxani."
Watching the female Jedi in front of him, a new realization dawned on Anakin. Registering the hushed vow, he finally recognized the emotion he had seen in her eyes since they landed. Tenderly, he asked, "Does Obi-Wan know how much you love him?"
Involuntarily, she shuddered, not knowing fully why. For a while she remained next to the immersion tube offering her strength to her love before finally pushing away. Ultimately, she gave him the answer, "Yes, I know he does." She floated fondly on the waves of memories.
The next question, MysAri feared more than she cared to admit, but expected all the same, "Does he love you?" Slowly, she slid down the length of the tank and sat.
"That is a question I can not answer."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Anakin sighed quietly. I bet I can now. He watched as his Master caressed her back in comfort and wrapped his arm around her lovingly. If she had any doubts they should be gone by now.
Obi-Wan must have felt his presence as he opened his eyes and gave a wan smile. Carefully, he motioned with his head for the boy to enter, so as not to disturb the sleeping Knight. Anakin held out the datapads for his Master to accept; however the man declined. {Anakin, could you please put them over there.} He glanced toward a nightstand nearby. {I will look at them later.}
Anakin nodded and complied. When done, he came to stand next to the bed. {I retrieved everything you requested, Master. I even pulled information from a year ago.} He informed proudly.
To Anakin's delight, he could see a satisfied approval in the sea green eyes of his Master. {Thank you, Anakin. I'm glad you did so, as I was about to ask that of you. You have done well, my Padawan.} And Obi-Wan graced the boy with a full smile. Anakin responded quickly and easily with his own grin.
{Is there anything else I can do for you, Master?} He asked eagerly.
{No, thank you. Go and rest. I'll be here for a while longer.} Obi-Wan gingerly reached a hand up to brush some strands away from the face nestled on his shoulder. MysAri stirred lightly but comforted herself back into place. Obi-Wan turned his concentration back to the Force to heal her body, and all Anakin could do was stand and watch.
Deciding to take his Master's advice, Anakin left the room, but stopped halfway down the hall. His mind was racing, emotions clashed and battled, and he could not decipher the cause. He did not know how long he stood there but was pulled from the turmoil by the kindly voice of the Mon Calamarian Healer, "Anakin?"
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Please, please, please, if you happen to be reading this could you please submit a review with just "here" so that I know all this hard work was not in vane. Please I beg of you!! Thank you.
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Anakin diligently gathered the remaining pieces of data and downloaded them to the data pads. Information on Ona Nobis was scarce to come by, but he accepted everything he could find. MysAri's mission reports were readily available, just extensive and cumbersome. All in all, Anakin had been able to collect the yearlong histories within an hour and a half. Once the datapad flashed 'transfer complete' he quickly grabbed them and hurried on his way to the Healing Ward.
He asked the initiate at the reception desk where he could find the Knight and his Master and was given directions. He came up to the entranceway and stopped. He could see the pair sitting together on the bed. The two Knights held each other closely and Anakin floated into the memory of the last time they were here.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Well, it looks like your Master is going to be here for a while. You up to hanging around?" MysAri asked the new Padawan.
Anakin opened his mouth to say something then promptly closed it again. Thinking for a moment he attempted a second time to speak but stopped himself. Finally, he whispered, "Yes."
MysAri had watched the inner struggle patiently. His defeated posture made her wonder. "Is something bothering you, Ani?" Anakin glanced at her and MysAri could see no surprise in his face at her question. Instead of answering, he stole another look at his Master, who was suspended in a Bacta Tank. She followed his gaze and some understanding fell into place. "Ahh, you still don't know why he did it. And it bothers you, is that it?"
"Yes," came the shy reply. "The trial was the most disgusting thing I have ever seen. He knew what he was going to go through and he did it anyway. And every time I asked him 'why,' he said I would understand in time." Bitterness boiled beneath the surface and the Padawan fought to control it. "Must he be a slave to the Council? Must we all?" The angered question hissed between gritted teeth.
At first, MysAri was sympathetic to the boy's frustration, but as the animosity grew she became worried. Not knowing how to answer she rose from her seat and walked up to the sleeping Knight. Gently she touched the glass before closing her eyes to hold back the tears. How she loved the man before her.
The image of Anakin still clung to her mind. The fire in his eyes; his fists clenched at his sides; the taut physique barely maintaining his ire. But what frightened her most was the Dark Force brimming so close to the edges of his mind. She knew she must dispel this rage quickly.
"Anakin, it is our choice to be a Jedi. You are always free to leave if that is what you desire. Although many would be saddened by such a decision," she called over her shoulder. Unable to turn away from the floating form of Obi-Wan and face the distraught apprentice, she stood still, calling out to the Force for guidance. A quick laugh caught her attention and compelled her to face the youth.
"I doubt that seriously. They didn't even want me here to begin with. I'm sure even Master would be happy to be rid of me." The boy's voice laden with ridicule.
Now MysAri was enraged. "Don't you ever say that. Who fought to keep you here and train you, despite what others thought?"
"Qui-Gon. He believed in me from the beginning when everyone else hated me," he shot back promptly.
"Was he the only one? Who fought that battle after Master Jinn's death?" Bravely she strode up to the apprentice, knowing what the answer was. Anakin's impetuousness wavered under her glare. Once she stood in front, her arm shot back towards the tank and pointed. "He did." The tears could no longer be held at bay. "How gravely you underestimate him." Her fury ebbing with her words. "You don't know how fortunate you are," she added remorsefully. Appalled by her own lack of discipline, she let her head drop and closed her eyes.
"What do you mean?" He could not comprehend her implication.
Slowly, she moved back toward the tank to rest her hand against the cool transparasteel. "Can you really not see - How much he loves you?" She could feel his shock cut through the awkwardness in the room.
Unbelieving what she had confided, the only response he could muster was, "He never shares his feelings with me."
It was her turn to laugh, "Does that make it untrue then? Surely you can differentiate between body and heart? You have already been witness to his body. To him it is of little consequence as long as it is for the greater good. But there are few that can be as open with their heart, and he is no exception in that matter." She paused, trying to determine how much she would say. "I have known him a long time, and in that time I have seen him sacrifice himself for others more times than the days you have been alive. Coupled with that fact, I have also known he has been Qui-Gon Jinn's apprentice. You only knew Obi's Master a short time, so you would not understand what that means. I will explain it to you."
Never removing her hand from the tank she stepped aside to face the confused boy. "Qui-Gon was a great Master, that is true. He was strong in the powers of the Living Force, but there was one thing Qui-Gon could not do easily, show his Padawan how much he loved him. Of course there were times when he was able to demonstrate it, but those were rare occasions. Qui-Gon only had enough room in his heart for two people. His fallen apprentice and a female Jedi, whom he had loved since they were initiates. As a result, Obi-Wan grew up not knowing how to display affection because he did not receive enough to use as an example. Don't fault him for someone else's mistakes." She glanced back at the man she spoke of and smiled fondly. "Just know that his over-protectiveness is his way of showing his love. Know that and you will find, that in the end, if there is no other way to save you, he will give up his life for you." Her voice gradually softened, stopping just above a whisper. She placed her other hand on the tank and leaned her full body against it. Not intending to be heard, she added, "And I would gladly do the same for you, Tschüxani."
Watching the female Jedi in front of him, a new realization dawned on Anakin. Registering the hushed vow, he finally recognized the emotion he had seen in her eyes since they landed. Tenderly, he asked, "Does Obi-Wan know how much you love him?"
Involuntarily, she shuddered, not knowing fully why. For a while she remained next to the immersion tube offering her strength to her love before finally pushing away. Ultimately, she gave him the answer, "Yes, I know he does." She floated fondly on the waves of memories.
The next question, MysAri feared more than she cared to admit, but expected all the same, "Does he love you?" Slowly, she slid down the length of the tank and sat.
"That is a question I can not answer."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Anakin sighed quietly. I bet I can now. He watched as his Master caressed her back in comfort and wrapped his arm around her lovingly. If she had any doubts they should be gone by now.
Obi-Wan must have felt his presence as he opened his eyes and gave a wan smile. Carefully, he motioned with his head for the boy to enter, so as not to disturb the sleeping Knight. Anakin held out the datapads for his Master to accept; however the man declined. {Anakin, could you please put them over there.} He glanced toward a nightstand nearby. {I will look at them later.}
Anakin nodded and complied. When done, he came to stand next to the bed. {I retrieved everything you requested, Master. I even pulled information from a year ago.} He informed proudly.
To Anakin's delight, he could see a satisfied approval in the sea green eyes of his Master. {Thank you, Anakin. I'm glad you did so, as I was about to ask that of you. You have done well, my Padawan.} And Obi-Wan graced the boy with a full smile. Anakin responded quickly and easily with his own grin.
{Is there anything else I can do for you, Master?} He asked eagerly.
{No, thank you. Go and rest. I'll be here for a while longer.} Obi-Wan gingerly reached a hand up to brush some strands away from the face nestled on his shoulder. MysAri stirred lightly but comforted herself back into place. Obi-Wan turned his concentration back to the Force to heal her body, and all Anakin could do was stand and watch.
Deciding to take his Master's advice, Anakin left the room, but stopped halfway down the hall. His mind was racing, emotions clashed and battled, and he could not decipher the cause. He did not know how long he stood there but was pulled from the turmoil by the kindly voice of the Mon Calamarian Healer, "Anakin?"
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Please, please, please, if you happen to be reading this could you please submit a review with just "here" so that I know all this hard work was not in vane. Please I beg of you!! Thank you.