Chapter 27: Rude Awakenings
The galaxy is vast far beyond comprehension. But for what it is, it still knows the frailties of life and death. Stars like all living things are born and die. Deaths ranging from huge blasts to silent vortexes that create leaching voids in an angry attempt to drag the rest of existence with it. The cycle of life continued as he watched on. Stars flared into being all over the dark canopy, but there was one that seemed to catch his attention. He didn't know why it had, it was bright but not overly so. Its size was average. The colouration no different than any other, yet there was something about it that kept him fascinated.
Entranced by this particular ball of fire, he did not notice the tragedy to unfold until it was too late. He wanted to scream - shout a warning to the star but nothing escaped him. He would be a silent witness to the story that played before him. From no where a sinister comet hurtled toward his star. And he was powerless to stop it. Suddenly a brilliant explosion made him cover his eyes. When he was able to look back again, he was surprised to see the ripple effect that the collision caused. It was almost as if the entire universe were being reflected on the surface of a glass pond.
His mind pondered this only for a heartbeat as he thought he heard a scream in his mind. Instantly, he searched for his star. A sigh of relief escaped him when he saw that it was not destroyed, although he could see that it had not gone unharmed as well. The light was so much dimmer than before, as if it clung onto life by a strand. Somehow, it slowly rebuilt itself, gaining strength again. But it was all in vane.
Apparently the fates were not finished tormenting this star. Other comets came to bombard the fading light. Constant assault denied it time to recover. He could take no more of this cruelty. Closing his eyes, he summoned all the energy he could muster, stretched out his hand and screamed with all his might. 'STOP!' He was shocked to realize how much the effort exhausted him, but at least when he opened his eyes he was rewarded to see no more streaks of chaos hurling toward the star. But the attack had taken its toll. The star barely flickered with life. But even that dim light shone starkly in the night's sky.
It was then that he realized that everything around the star had been obliterated. Leaving it alone in a void of solitude. Even without catalysts it seemed as though the darkness spread through out the rest of the galaxy, snuffing out thousands upon thousands of stars. As it grew closer to him, he could sense the foul evil that lingered just beneath the surface. Still his star struggled for survival in the midst of this darkness. The wavering light twinkled precariously and his heart ached for the pain it must have been enduring to remain lit.
He could tell time passed, but if asked he could not say how much. In the vastness of space a century could be a minute, a millennium a day. Time was not as strict a judge here. He continued to obsess over his star. As time drew on, he could see that the soft glow was growing stronger once more. The change was so subtle he didn't even realize it at first. That's when it hit him. The star was carefully calculating its recovery. Purposefully keeping the change as miniscule as possible so as not to draw the attention of the darkness. Then when it gained enough strength, it would flare briefly and another stare was born. It continued to refill the void that surrounded him. Soon, its ministrations could no longer be ignored.
The evil night had taken notice and raged at the fact that the star defied it. The darkness turned its attention on the star tormenting it. Still the star pressed on reviving the galaxy little by little. When it seemed like nothing would stop the star, the darkness desperately tried to get rid of it. But neither side would give up readily. In the end it concentrated all it's remaining energy on the star. It had wanted to make the star suffer for its defiance. And even though it accomplished that miniscule satisfaction, the star was now ready to go and accepted its end. It had accomplished what it was meant to do. In an instant the darkness shattered the star and dispersed its light, never to shine again.
He cried out in protest but to no avail. It was over. The star was gone but the galaxy survived, no longer subject of the evil that tried to devour it. But to him, it would never be the same again now that his star was gone.
He had no idea when he actually nodded off, but his abrupt reemergence into the waking world was far less subtle. He jerked in the seat he had taken up home in. Flittering images still danced across him mind. The remnants of thoughts and feelings accompanying those pictures. But with each passing heart beat, he released the dream's hold, allowing it to fade from memory as he summoned what he felt was more important to mind. His gaze automatically went to the Bacta tank in the corner, the lone frail figure floating inside. He rubbed his face to wipe away the residual sleepiness before getting up and stretching. His body did not appreciate his choice of bed, but he knew he would survive.
Slowly, Qui-Gon made his way over to the young man in the tank. He stopped mere inches from the glass. He watched the sleeping boy for some time. Drifting on the plains of memory, he recalled the young initiate he pushed away and how they had found him again. It was unbelievable to know that only 72 hours ago, they all still believed he was dead. But now, not only was he alive but he was back on Coruscant, with him. The coolness of the transparent material always amazed him. His fingers slowly slid down the surface of the tank. When it got too low, he brought it back up to the level of Obi-Wan's face. Mentally, his hand touched the smooth cheek just beyond. He stayed that way for a long time.
It was only the light clearing of a throat that brought him back to reality. Turning he saw Fama Martorana standing in the doorway, tentatively waiting for him to acknowledge her. He did so with a small nod and she came over to him. "Good morning, Miss Martorana."
"Morning, Master Jinn. I hope I'm not disturbing you at all?"
"No," he answered a bit absently. "I was just thinking." His gaze moved back to stare at Obi-Wan.
"You did say I could meet you here this morning, I was wondering if you could give me that report now." She didn't really want to sound so indifferent about her visit, but she did have a purpose for being here. She watched the Knight as he nodded again and moved away from the tank to face her.
"Yes, I am ready." The two discussed many things then. She listened carefully and jotted many things on her datapad. During their conversation attendants and Healers would come and go, apparently readying for the boy's emergence. When all questions were asked and the official visit was finally over, the room fell into an uncomfortable silence. Qui-Gon was no longer looking at her but back at the boy. Not really knowing what else to do, she stood beside him and did the same.
This young man was a curiosity to her. She had taken many reports about the events that led them to this point and she was shocked at how different they all were. The facts, of course, were relatively the same. But the perceptions and feelings about the matter were so drastic and conflicting she didn't know what to make of it. She still could not comprehend how one person could cause such different reactions. "It's hard to believe."
The man beside her shifted slightly, then asked, "What is hard to believe?"
Half-embarrassed, she didn't realize she said the thought aloud. Knowing that his question warranted an answer, she trudged on ahead. "Just the fact that this young man has somehow effected so many people in so many different ways. The mix is astounding. Most all of the Jedi had nothing but admirable things to say about him. Even to the youngest initiate I spoke with. While most of the crew seemed to be split. The one pilot though along with some of his friends seemed to be adamant the boy was evil incarnate. And I find your own report quite interesting. It's actually very similar to your Councilor Master Gallia. You both seem to relate what happened without judgement. But I can tell there's a difference. When you say his name or mention him directly, your voice softens."
He shifted again, obviously uncertain as how to accept this observation. "I had not realized."
She smiled. "It's not a bad thing, Master Jinn. Actually, I like it. Of course, it puts me in a predicament."
"May I ask how so?"
"I've been in the CSF for most of my working career. You generally have two kinds of criminals. Those that are guilty and those that are innocent. You can usually tell which ones are innocent because their loved ones fight for them harder. And those that are guilty you're glad to lock away. My job is a lot easier when I can believe what I'm doing is for the benefit of the galaxy. I've only had a couple of cases, this one especially, where I feel that the outcome may not be the correct course of action. I would like to believe in Griven's testimony and put a vicious criminal behind powerful shields. But with what so many have already said as well as your own feelings, I'm thinking that this case will not be so cut and dry. I guess I'm a little apprehensive now to meet this young man. Will I fall under his spell as everyone else has?"
"There's no avoiding it, you know," a new voice entered the conversation. Both started and turned to greet the arrival. "Once you've met him, your life will change forever." He addressed the Knight directly. "I just spoke with the Healer on duty, they will be in shortly to take Obi-Wan out."
"Thank you, Ja." The Jedi smiled his gratitude.
"No problem, I'm just glad I was able to get back here in time." Ja Kohnwei made his way over to the pair. Now that he said what he wanted to say, he went back to their conversation, "You have good cause to worry," he told Fama.
"That doesn't bold well for me then, does it?" She smirked.
"No, but you learn to accept it and even welcome it in the end. But I'm rather surprised to see you here. Is there something wrong?" Ja easily took up the conversation allowing Qui-Gon to take a back seat.
"No, but I did promise something to Master Jinn."
He prompted, "And that would be what exactly?"
Her hand went down to her belt and removed an item, holding it up she said, "I promised to swap collars. It isn't much but it was the only thing I could get cleared."
Ja glanced over at Qui-Gon briefly and noticed the man flinch before slipping back into the Jedi façade. "But this will allow them to use Jedi healing techniques now to finish up what the Bacta started, right?" His voice a little more expectant than he intended.
"As far as I know."
"Thank you Miss Martorana for being so thorough." Qui-Gon's voice was considerably subdued as compared to before. She could see that he appreciated what she was doing but it still weighed heavily on his heart.
"Don't thank me yet, Master Jinn. It may be better than what he has but it is still a collar."
"I don't think you have to remind Qui-Gon of that fact, Official." Ja's tone darkened slightly as he stepped closer to the man in an almost protective manner. "He has thought of nothing else since that damned thing was put on. But he does appreciate your help," he added curtly. Ja could see the turmoil in the crystal gaze and decided to save the man the effort of speaking. He looked apologetically toward the taller man, hoping the Jedi wouldn't mind. To his relief he saw mild gratitude in his eyes.
Taken a little off guard by the Healer's sudden change, she fell back into her role. Her tone now lacked many of the emotions she expressed earlier. Glaring at the man, she asked, "And may I ask what you are even doing here Healer Kohnwei? I did not realize you were so familiar with Kenobi."
"He is my patient, Official. I have taken care of him since the crash. As his Healer it is both my duty and pleasure to be here for him when he comes out."
"I would have thought that he was no longer under your care once he was taken into custody."
"Due to certain circumstances, my abilities were required to tend him." He admitted remembering the fight he had to put up in order to help the youth on Onderon. That seemed to end their discussion for the moment as she turned away from him to look at the tank in the corner. His gaze also followed suit. Once again his thoughts were consumed by this strange young man. Most of the night he sat up talking with his wife about the day's events. She had been worried, and rightly so. But he felt it wise to play down some of the more dangerous aspects. He was holding his son who had fallen asleep in his lap in the late hours.
"And this Obi-Wan was one of the Pirates?" she had asked him. He nodded. "And now he's your patient? I don't get it." He answered her by saying, "You would if you met him." Yes, he had tried to explain how the rogue was more than a mere pirate, but not having met Obi-Wan she just didn't see how he could feel that way. He then said, "He is special," both in his memory and aloud. The other two looked at him but before anyone could say anything, a team of Healers came in.
The trio watched on silently as they worked to remove Obi-Wan from the tank. Being Healers, their skilled and careful movements quickly had him out and were soon cleaning and changing him. They laid him on a sleep couch when they were finished, muttered a few words to Kohnwei and then left. Apparently, they believed he was in charge of the youth and felt it best to talk to one of their own. In the meantime, Qui-Gon had stealthily moved over to the boy's side and quickly slipped his hand in the smaller one. When the troupe was gone, Ja stood on the opposite side of the Jedi. Official Martorana came up to stand at his shoulder.
Still not uttering a word, they looked down at the slumbering form. He was still very pale and barely stood out against the clean white sheets and medtunic he had on. Ja took a quick assessment of what he could see and grunted his approval before reaching down to open the boy's tunic. He wanted to get a closer look at that blaster wound now that he was out of the Bacta. He heard a soft gasp behind him. Over the past day, the Healer had grown accustomed to the boy's physique and appearance, it wasn't nearly as ghastly as before now that the bruises were gone. And the boy looked rather thin as well. But he was positive that the scars that were visible are what caught her attention. She quickly recovered though.
Fama couldn't stop the gasp that escaped her. In her report, she knew that Obi-Wan Kenobi would be turning eighteen in the next few weeks so to see the remnants of abuse on his body took her off guard. Once while she was working in the mid rim, they had boarded a vessel on a minor violation but soon discovered it as a front for a slave transport. The condition of the people trapped inside was appalling, but she soon became familiar with the scars of a hard life. And it was that knowledge that plagued her now as she stared at the rogue. Pale thin white lines crisscrossed his torso, and she could see that more wrapped around his ribs from his back. There were other marks she couldn't be sure the cause but her musing was interrupted by the calm tenor of the Healer.
"It looks like the Bacta did its job. I can't find any residual bruises, the blaster wound is almost healed but you can help finish with that Qui-Gon." His hands continued to probe the youth's abdomen. Even in sleep Obi-Wan grimaced. "And it seems as though its also taken care of the internal bleeding. He should be well on the road to recovery." Qui-Gon visibly relaxed at the news. They could see him squeeze the hand gently in reassurance.
"That's good to hear," Fama muttered, "if I heard correctly, they will be releasing him by the end of today. I already scheduled some of my men to collect him."
"You people are truly amazing." Ja shook his head in disbelief doing his best not to let his anger consume him. "You have no idea what this young man has been put through. He's only just had his wounds tended to and you are all so eager to lock him away. I guess I should at least thank you for allowing him to get treated before putting him on the butcher's block."
"I don't take pleasure in putting him through any more aggravation, but he is our prisoner and he will not be afforded any special treatment." She defended herself at the accusation of being heartless. For some reason it really bothered her this time. "He is still a criminal and must face his punishment." The Healer was about to protest some more when another voice filtered into the conversation.
It was quiet and raspy but definitely grabbed their attention. "It's ok. I don't deserve… anything more." He swallowed trying to get some moisture back in his throat. The mouthpiece needed for Bacta immersion always left him overly dry and scratchy. "It's why… I came back," he forced out. "Hiding… is only delaying… the inevitable." The whole time Qui-Gon tried to still him, but Obi-Wan ignored it. At last his body refused to work with him and he began coughing. Ja immediately rushed to fetch him water. He carefully placed it to the boy's lips and let him sip it slowly.
"Now you just take it easy. You still need a lot of rest."
Obi-Wan swallowed down the refreshing liquid and closed his eyes. "I can rest in a cell." There was no accusation in his voice just acceptance. The others stood there stunned, they didn't know what to say to that. Instead of waiting for a response, Obi-Wan took a deep breath, opened his eyes and forced himself into a sitting position. It was a Herculean effort but he made it, but not without difficulty. He pulled his hand from Qui-Gon's grip and pressed it against the phantom wound in his side. It may have been virtually healed but it still ached.
The Healer's senses finally kicked in and he promptly chastised. "What do you think you're doing?" He realized his question was echoed by the Knight's baritone. Both men were not happy with the rogue's actions.
"Official Martorana," a hint of uncertainty in his voice implying he was trying to recall the name from memory, "is right. I'm a criminal and it's time to stop coddling me." As he spoke, he swung his legs over the side of the medcouch.
"Coddling? You could have died!" He thought he was used to the boy's sense of worthlessness by now, but this just took the cake.
"Obi-Wan, you're wellbeing is important to us." Qui-Gon attempted to diffuse the tension. "But Ja is correct, you are still too weak to be doing this. You only just emerged, you should rest for a few hours before even trying to get up."
"I don't want to sit around the Healer's waiting." The cultured voice had gotten a lot stronger in the past few minutes but it was still very soft and coarse. "I would rather get this over with as quickly as possible."
"Mister Kenobi, you're trial doesn't begin until tomorrow. I think you can take it easy for the moment." Fama interjected.
Ja's smile did nothing to hide his annoyance. "So there, now lie back down." Instead of following the command, Obi-Wan slid off the couch. His legs buckled but Qui-Gon was there to catch him. Automatically, he reached for the bed and pulled himself from the Knight's hold. He was determined to stand on his own. "You are the most stubborn person I have ever known. You're just going to land yourself back in here if you keep this up."
"What difference does it make?" Obi-Wan finally grumbled back.
"Young man, we did not go through all this effort just so you can mess yourself up again." Ja said disapprovingly. At that a small smirk lighted on the boy's features. It was both heartwarming and sad at the same time. The way the man spoke reminded him of one of those he had to say good-bye to.
Shaking his head lightly, he spoke the thought aloud. "You really do remind me of Naaur. You two would have gotten along really well."
Some of his anger dispersed at the sight of that smirk. His tone no longer as hostile as before, he still continued to reprimand, "Well, maybe you can arrange a meeting later, but right now I want your butt back in that bed."
Sympathetically, he looked up at the man. "I'm sorry, but I can't." The group fell into a melancholy reticence as they watched him struggle with his weary body. Obi-Wan began walking around the bed, but a few steps later his leg gave out again. The elder Jedi quickly came to his aid and Obi-Wan was thankful for it. It was then that he looked up at the man questioningly. He seemed to be quieter than usual, and he could not contain his sudden curiosity. "Master? Is something wrong?"
Qui-Gon was not expecting to be questioned so directly. At first he didn't want to answer. Sighing, he knew that he could not avoid this subject. "I have failed you, child." The confusion in the young face only grew.
"I don't understand."
"I promised that you would be free of that collar once we landed on Coruscant, but I have thus far been unable to effect that." His voice was pained to know he could not deliver on his promise. To his surprise, Obi-Wan reached up to place a hand on the man's arm.
"Master Qui-Gon, I never expected you to win that battle, but I am grateful for your efforts." The man was genuinely touched by the rogue's acceptance, but he could still not forgive himself.
At this point in time, Fama felt she could step back into the conversation. "His efforts were not all in vane. I have not received clearance to have the collar removed, but I am able to switch it from a total suppression collar to a restraint collar. We can do that any time you are ready." She held up the collar she had for him to see.
A thousand and one emotions swept through him, revealed in only the sea-change eyes that captured people's hearts. He didn't know what to say, what to think, what to feel. It was a step forward without actually taking a step. It was a weird kind of compromise and it seemed so surreal to him. Obi-Wan regarded her for a moment longer before turning back to the Knight. "You didn't fail me, Master. You achieved more than I ever expected."
He added quietly, looking down at his hand resting on the cream sleeve. "You know, I had hoped you failed because I wanted to hate you. It would be easier for me to hate you than myself. But I realize now that I would only be fooling myself. You are a Jedi. And there is a reason I wished I was still one of them. It's because of Jedi like you, Master Tahl, Bant, Tola and so many others that I can proudly admit I was once among you. But to do so would tarnish the name of Jedi. So I am content to know it in my heart. You've done your best, Master Qui-Gon. And you have my gratitude."
"Obi-Wan, I…." He was at a loss for words. This quiet understanding that was given voice touched his very soul. Qui-Gon stared into the clearing oceans, lost in the waves of absolution he saw there. But his heart was too heavy. He had already let the boy down so much, this small victory only solidified how incapable he was. It was bitter sweet and he could not find joy in it.
Obi-Wan patted his arm and then turned back to the Official. "If you please, we may make the switch now."
Fama walked over to the waiting young man. With a special key she touched it to his collar which immediately popped open. That moment was incredible. Obi-Wan gasped for air as if he had just surfaced from water after being down too long, gulping down deep breaths. In that moment he was brought back to life. His face looked fuller, healthier. An inner glow emitted from him. The colourless pallor of his skin flushed.
For his part, it was just as miraculous. Obi-Wan could feel the wondrous sensation of the Force wash over him. It was as if he were in a cast, feeling nothing but the wrapping and the weight of its burden. And then it is removed and all the senses that have been deprived suddenly flood with feeling again. And that is exactly how he felt. The soft gentle murmur of the Force shouted to him. It was almost deafening after the silence but it was not unwelcomed. He could feel those around him. Qui-Gon's presence was bright in his mind, as well as Kohnwei's. Many others could be felt along with their emotions. He could feel it all, the despair, the hope, the love, the sadness. It was as if the dam had broken and the waters of life crashed through him.
His body welcomed it all. Invigorating him with its loving power and giving strength to his weary form. How much he had missed its presence. He had closed his eyes upon the initial rush but now that the swell was beginning to abate, he opened them again. His gaze quickly sought the Knight's. And to Qui-Gon's delight, the murky oceans were no longer mired by pain, fear, confusion or loss, but laughed and sparkled with joy. A broad smile graced his features and Qui-Gon mirrored it.
But not all were enjoying this moment, Fama stood back her heart squeezing inside her chest. For the first time in her career she was afraid to do her duty. The instant change in the youth was far beyond her comprehension. She had never really dealt with Force Sensitives before and this was her first real experience with suppression collars. The few times prisoners were dangerous enough to have them on, they were put on at the time of capture and she never had to really bother with them herself. She had heard about what the side effects could be but never could believe them. But now, now she knew the truth.
The transformation only proved that these things were the abomination that they were often called. The boy had looked so drained and lifeless before. Now he flourished with life and energy. Her courage was definitely failing. Her mind raced with questions, but one stood out particularly: Would I sacrifice my career for one boy's sake? In all honesty, she wanted to say yes but she had no idea why. Eventually rationale started to win out, and before she lost the nerve again, she did what was expected of her.
Just as quickly as the gates were opened they were slammed shut again. A sharp click ground that fact home. But the abruptness of extremes made it too much for his system to handle. In the spans of a heartbeat darkness reclaimed him.
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I think I will forever be apologizing for my sporadic postings on this fic especially, but I can't help it. I'm SORRY!! I never intend for these longer waits. But as I've said before and I'll say again, the more reviews I get the more encouraged are my muses!! hintcoughreviewcoughend hint
I would also like to mention that I love my wonderful muses and they'll never fully know how sorry I am to do this to them. Even through the adversity of a full e-mail box, they read and offered advice for this chap. Which was wonderful!! However, I just was not with pleased with the chapter as a whole. It may have gotten the points that I wanted across but I just felt it wasn't working exactly as I wanted it to. SOOOO, I scrapped the whole thing virtually (only a few lines here and there were re-used) and started from a blank page. So here you have what I have worked on for most of the day today. I hope you liked it! ;)
Now, on with my replies!! :D
Nat – You're still very sweet!! I still have a lot of room for improvement, but I thank you anyway. ;) Aye, me matey, I'm a Pirates fan too. :p It kinda just slipped in there at the end didn't it. Oh well, can't always manage to keep out the good quotes. Hehe. And thanks, I liked that analogy too. Thought it suited Obi to a T. Well, almost, but rather close anyway. Thanks again!! :D
LOTRFaith – LOL, yeah, I had to pick a 'bad guy' in the Council and with Piell's eyepatch he just looked sinister enough to fit the bill. ;) You'll just have to see how things pan out. Always in motion the future is. :p But I thank you for always reading and reviewing!! Makes me and my muses very happy. :D
k-rock – Yes, my dear I am! And you can't stop me. :p Hey if nothing else, the JA series did give us a few new good chars to play around with. And I thought it only fitting to let him lead up the opposition. Yes, I know, I'm an Obi-Torture-aholic. So sue me. And compared to the very first fic I ever wrote, this is mild! LOL. Now my methods are much more subtle and prolonged! evil grin Mwahahahaha. Oh sorry, that was the Sith in me trying to break out. hehe. Well, I'm glad you were able to find a way to read and then leave a review. I look forward to a number of people's responses so thanks for everything. And I can't wait for chap 5. I really am enjoying watching how my conept unfolds in your mind!! It makes it fun eventhough I already know much of what's going on. So keep it up and nudge my muses for me now and then to get more chaps done here. ;)
Fudge – Oh yeah, I figure I should try and appease the Qui fans out there even if he's not my fave char. hehe. And I hear you, but I work in the Corporate world. This kinda garbage happens all the time, even if it's not on such a drastic level as this. Yoda's kinda feeling guilty, and hopefully if my Muse decided to work for a change we'll see why next chap. And I like uphill battles. They make the victories so much more satisfying, ne? Thanks!! :D
Kynstar – Silly, Thanks for the wonderful support! Both here and at tf.n, ;) I'm so happy that others enjoy the world I've created here. It makes all the hard work and trouble worth while!! :D Thanks!
starre – Awww, thanks. I love angst. It's my favourite type of story. I can never seem to get enough of it. So I don't bother trying to worry about anything else. But I was even more happy to know I wasn't the only one out there. So thank you for loving Angst too!! :D
YLJedi – If everything goes as planned the trial should begin after next post. So we'll see then if Qui can manage to gain custody of Obi. ]:) snicker hehe, I always love reading it when people look forward to more Obi-Angst/Torture. Makes me quite happy. Guillaume has a hard task ahead of him too. I've always had Gi in mind when I was developing this story. He's been around so long in my mind that he's already made his appearance before I could introduce him here. He debuted in the Epilogue for Iedos Liberare as a Judge then. Which is where I originally intended him to be for this fic, but realized he would be better as the barister rather than the judge. It would compromise his position WAY too much to help Qui if he were the judge for the trial. So this works out better. But it will definitely be fun to see how his char grows. Thanks for reading!! :D
LT – Wow, thank you soo much. I have to admit I try not to let the SW aspect of overpower the story even though it is the Universe I primarily play in. ;) Thanks for taking the chance here!! :D
Thaliae – WOW!!! Oo That's just overly flattering, but Thanks!!! I've poured a lot, a LOT of myself into this particular work. I wanted it to be different and the best work I can do. From the looks of it, it seems like I'm accomplishing it on some level. ;) I've never pretended to be anything more than I am, so the EU comment really floored me. I would love to write professionally, but I know the genre I'm good at and really don't want to stray from it. So I'm content to write fan fic. hehe. Thank you so very much!! :D
Amazed – I'm so glad people were still happy with an 'Obi-less' chap. I was worried about it, but it was definitely information that needed to be shared. And I figured I should really give something to those Qui fans. ;) Hey, I resemble that remark! Err, I mean, resent that remark, yeah. Oro. You got me, I will string it along for a while yet, but what would be the fun if I gave it to you all so quickly and easily. You wouldn't have an incredibly long and angsty fic otherwise, ne? lol. Thanks again!! :D
As always, if you made it this far, please leave a review!!!! Ariagato gozaimasu!! :D