Darkness slowly released its hold. He tried to open his eyes but the lids felt too heavy for him to move. Concentrating intensely he was able to pry them open. He figured that he hadn't been out long when took in the chaos around him. Quickly, he made an assessment to find out what happened to him. But he felt no pain, no numbing to indicate he'd been shot. The only thing he could tell was that he was beyond exhausted. His limbs and body felt as if all the energy had been drained out of him.
The high pitched whine of blaster fire snapped his attention back to the center of the mob. Obi-Wan still stood, his body squared and one hand stretched out toward the shooter. As each blast drew close it deflected harmlessly into the air. Qui-Gon was baffled by this. Jedi often were able to enhanced their abilities through the Force, but what Obi-Wan was doing was incredible. With the Force he was directing the bolts away from him. How could one so young have that kind of strength or power? It didn't make any sense.
As he watched on, Obi-Wan raised his other hand and with a flick of his fingers the blaster was yanked from Timult's grasp. With the threat gone, others rushed in to take him down. The blaster flew into obi-Wan's hand. The instant he saw that Timult was captured he called out to the crowd, "This is your enemy! Not Melida. Not Daan. Not Young. But Greed! The lust for power. Those who are willing to sacrifice the innocent to achieve something insubstantial. Is greed worth your life? Is greed worth the lives of your loved ones – your children??"
"No!" The horde cried out in unison. The groups had intermingled disintegrating the invisible barriers between them. Obi-Wan looked around and smiled. He looked at Nield and Wehutti directly and could see the joy in their faces at what they were seeing and the tears that clung to their eyes.
"Look around you. Look and see that the lines no longer exist. You are one people. Let this be a new day. A new world. No longer divided but whole. It is time to start a new life. One of peace. The greatest victories do not occur on a battlefield. They are achieved when battles are won without the agonies of war! You have the chance to fight for a new cause. Will you heed the call of Peace? Will you stand together to protect it and nurture it? Are you ready for peace?!"
"Yes!" They screamed. The cheers and shouts of new found unity coursing through mass of people. You could feel the change. It was electric and alive. Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon could feel it swell and merge with the Force as it flowed lovingly around them. And they knew that they had accomplished something incredible this day. No, Obi-Wan did this. I had nothing to do with it. He will be a great Knight.
"Then take up the cause and work for the one thing you can have; Peace. But the tools you will need do not include this." He held up the blaster. "You will need time, patience but most of all dedication. The decision is yours alone to make. You have shown faith by coming here unarmed. Now prove that you are willing to sacrifice the old ways for a future full of hope. Clear out your armories and show the rest of the world they you will no longer fight. Will you do this?" 'Yes.' "Shall we start with this one?" The crowd cheered loudly.
Calling on the aid of the Force once more, he lifted the blaster into the air. It floated there for a moment. Then Obi-Wan's hands balled into fists next to each other. Suddenly, he yanked them apart and the blaster broke into pieces. The ovation grew even louder. This meeting was a success. Peace was imminent. Everyone could feel it.
The elation was so strong it reverberated out into the city and soon the streets were crowded with people. Yes, change was definitely coming. And for the first time these people had hope. Obi-Wan smiled as he watched the people. Wehutti and Nield came up to him and patted his back at the victory. Ignoring the agony that the motions ignited, he rejoiced in the accomplishment done that day. He looked at them, then broke free. Carefully, he made his way over to where the flowers sat in the street and knelt down.
Qui-Gon watched on with pride. Gradually, he began to feel the strength flow back into his body. Working himself into a kneeling position he continued to survey the crowd's reaction. He couldn't believe the change that had taken place but he knew it would last. He watched as the two men came up to the youth to offer their congratulations. It was easy to see how happy they all were. Then a look of sadness crossed the young Jedi's features. Slowly, Obi-Wan left their company and walked to the place where Cerasi had died.
Qui-Gon cautiously got to his feet and managed to come up behind the boy. From behind he spoke, "You have done well, Obi-Wan. You have made the Jedi proud."
"Thank you Master." Came the soft reply. Qui-Gon noticed that the boy's voice sounded extremely tired but brushed it off. Barely audible through the constant thrum of the crowd, the Knight could hear the boy speaking gently. "We did it, Cerasi. Peace has finally come to your world. It happened because of you. I only wish you could have been here to see it. Rest in peace, friend." Obi-Wan lingered for a moment longer. Slowly, he stood.
He looked up at the Knight and Qui-Gon was slightly disappointed to find the stoic mask come back into place. "It is about time we return to the Temple." The boy nodded, but it was lethargic in movement. Guessing the boy had spent much of his energy this morning with little rest the night before, Qui-Gon gently placed a hand on the boy's back to guide him back toward the Young's stronghold. What happened next took them all by surprise.
The instant the light touch connected the boy cried out in pain and collapsed. Those closest to them saw what had happened and quickly crowded around. Wehutti, Nield and even Gueni hurried over to the downed figure. Frantically, they all peered down at the young man, obviously confused. "What happened?"
"I am not sure." Qui-Gon looked at the others briefly before reaching down to flip the Padawan onto his back. As Obi-Wan fell back, even unconscious, he moaned. The Knight glanced up quickly. Carefully, he lifted Obi-Wan partially and placed a hand under the boy's tunics and searched for a cause. His heart flipped when he found what he was looking for. A worried expression swept over his face as he withdrew the hand, fingertips discoloured by fresh and caked blood. The other's eyes widened at the sight.
Without saying a word, he scooped the apprentice up and headed for the nearest building. He kicked open the door and laid the boy down on a small bench just inside. Laying Obi-Wan down on his side, he lifted the tunics up to reveal a nasty wound across his back. He recognized the look of a blaster wound that has been left untreated. His frown increased as he sensed the infection there. He heard the gasps from behind him and knew who was there. Quickly, he turned on them. "He's been wounded? How long? Why has nothing been done?"
The elders looked confused and shook their heads. Nield couldn't take his eyes off the wound. Absently, he answered. "We didn't know. He never told us."
Qui-Gon turned back to examine the injury again. He wanted to yell at the boy and admonish him for not knowing but he knew how futile it would be. Not only that, he would have to admonish himself as well for he did not even sense it. He damned the boy's shields once more. Making a decision, he stood and looked at them pointedly. "He needs a Healer. I must get him back to the Temple now. He has done everything he can for your world. It is now up to you to maintain the peace he has given you."
"But we can't do this without him." Nield argued, looking lost again. Without Cerasi, he had come to rely on Obi-Wan's presence and strength. To be without either of them was just too much.
"I am terribly sorry to do this, but if I do not get him back as soon as possible he could die. And in his condition he would be of no use to you now. I can have the Council sent another here once I reach Coruscant to help you. But we must leave immediately."
"Take care of him, Master. We couldn't allow our savior the help he needs. Take him home." Wehutti stepped up and took control. Gueni nodded his agreement. Nield looked torn, but knew it was best and also nodded.
Qui-Gon offered a wan smile. "Thank you." His gaze lingered for another moment before turning and scooping up the Padawan. As quickly as he could he walked out. Just outside, Gueni called out to him.
"Wait. There is a speeder in a warehouse not far from here. It will get you to your ship faster. Please let us help you help him."
He nodded his thanks and the group hurried to the speeder. Before long, they were in the cluster that concealed the transport. Quickly saying good-byes, Qui-Gon carried Obi-Wan inside. Settling the boy on a sleep couch in the tiny cabin, he initiated the take off sequence. Engaging the hyperdrive, he hastily made his way back to tend the boy.
Carefully, he removed the boy's tunics and started dressing the wound. All the while pondering the complexity in front of him. He just couldn't believe what had happened. This boy had brought peace to a world that had only known war for too long. And he did this after the loss of his Master and a friend. But also maintaining the presence that he was capable of doing it with an infected blaster wound on his back. It just seemed surreal. There were Knights who could not have accomplished as much in his situation. But second year Padawan had achieve the improbable. His Master would have been proud.
His Master? Garg Klp had passed into the Force. Not that he was overly distraught by this fact, he still felt the loss. Of course, if the man were in front of him right now, he would give him a piece of his mind. The Master should not have allowed the boy to keep up this farce. He already gathered that Obi-Wan had done so in part because of Klp's ideals. The conflict within him flared. He disliked the man's methods yet somehow his teachings gave Obi-Wan the ability to do the impossible.
Sighing, he closed his eyes and rubbed the bridge of his nose. Such thoughts only resulted in a headache. He distracted himself by recalling the meeting from hours before. Another question arose. What happened to him? Why did he black out? And why was he so exhausted for those few minutes? It didn't make any sense. No matter how hard he searched for an answer he always came up empty handed. Qui-Gon watched over the boy as they sped towards home and knew he would not get any answers until he was back at the Temple.
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A soft thud roused him from a light slumber. But he was tired still from the events that morning and didn't have the strength to open his eyes. Quickly, he searched with his senses to determine if there was any danger. Finding none, he tried to drift back into the comforting darkness but was denied when another rustling sound and pained moan snapped him awake. The sight he was greeted with only further annoyed him. How was it that he still could not sense the torment inside the figure in front of him?
Obi-Wan had woken up and realized very quickly he was in a transport. He was not pleased with this discovery and decided to find a way to correct this error. But his body was not as cooperative as he would have liked. When he tried to climb out of bed, he found his legs would not support him and he abruptly fell. The blankets that had been wrapped around him cushioned his fall. Slowly, he worked his way back up but not without difficulty. The strain of pulling himself up elicited a moan from him. His senses still on alert told him that the Knight had woken up, even if Obi-Wan had his back to the man.
His annoyance building, he rasped, "Why have we left Melida/Daan? The mission was not complete."
"The mission was over Obi-Wan. You have done what you were sent to do. They have peace."
Obi-Wan turned to glare at the man. "We have a start but there is still much that needs to be done. I have to go back." Determination fed his weary form giving it strength once more.
"The only place you are going is to the Healers. You need treatment."
"My needs are irrelevant. I still have work to do on Melida/Daan. Now take me back."
"No, Obi-Wan. Your well being is not irrelevant. The blaster wound needs tending and I cannot allow you to put off your care any longer." Obi-Wan looked as if to protest further, but Qui-Gon cut him off, "How long?" The confusion in the Padawan's face was visible. "How long ago were you injured?"
Suddenly, the boy's entire demeanor changed. Averting his gaze, Obi-Wan looked his age, young and innocent and having seen too much too early in life. A weary whisper finally answered, "At least a week ago."
Qui-Gon's eyes widened in surprise. A week, his mind repeated. Cautiously, he continued, "And was your Master aware of this?" Obi-Wan closed his eyes keeping his head lowered, he nodded slightly in response. "And he did nothing to help you?"
There was a definite edge to the man's tone that caused the boy to peer up at the Knight questioningly. The murky depths held on to that confusion, but the voice was crisp, clear and clipped when he answered, "My Master was unable to offer anything as he died shortly after."
Chagrinned, Qui-Gon swallowed hard. He should have considered the possibility that the boy was injured the same time as the Master. Suddenly, memory flared, rekindling the dream the night before. Flashes. Shouts. Crackles in the air from bolts too close for comfort. Then suddenly pain. Running. Burning rain continued to fall. More shouts. Another burst of pain. "Ambush." His mind had recalled the first sense of pain, but it was slightly distant as if it was not his own. But the second burst was his - or rather who ever was in the dream - and it was a horrible burning that pierced his chest. Subconsciously, his hand touched his chest where the ghost pain throbbed. He was pulled from his thoughts by a soft voice.
"It was an ambush," Obi-Wan spoke in a hushed whisper, unsure if he should - or could - talk about the incident. His voice oddly distant, he continued, "We were on our way back when they started firing. We didn't know who exactly, but I think I do now."
"Timult." Qui-Gon stated. The situation seemed much clearer now that Obi-Wan had uncovered the deception. He looked at the youth who stood motionless next to the sleep couch. His emotions regarding the wayward apprentice once again mixing together so that none were clear. He was disturbed by the fact that Obi-Wan never sought help for his wound and allowed it to deteriorate this far. But he sympathized with the loss of his Master at about the same time. He wanted to comfort and chastise in the same breath yet could bring himself to do neither.
For a while, silence held the room. Obi-Wan lost in memory and Qui-Gon lost in his thoughts. At last, the Knight cleared his throat. "We should be arriving on Coruscant soon. You should try and rest for the time being. The Council will want a full report when you are ready."
"Yes, Master." Obi-Wan answered absently. Carefully, he reached over to the end of the cot and grabbed his tunics. With even more care, he began putting them back on, wincing occasionally at the movement.
"What are you doing? I meant for you to lie here."
"You suggested that I rest, but what difference is there if I am here or in the bridge? You said we would be home shortly. And I've never been fond of lying around waiting." He placed the blankets back on the couch and slowly headed for the door. Qui-Gon stood and blocked his path.
Qui-Gon would not tolerate the boy's insubordination no matter the conditions. He was used to being obeyed and to be defied was most unsettling. Suddenly, he wondered if this was how the Council felt on occasion. Dismissing that train of thought he stared down at the slender form, "Padawan Kenobi, it would be best that you stay here. Do I have to make this an order?"
"Master Jinn," responding in an equally authoritative voice before taking on a more matter-of-fact tone, "You are not my Master, and although I will respect your orders, I am not obligated to follow them. If I am to report to the Council, I feel that my time would be best served in preparation. You only arrived on Melida/Daan a short time ago with only one objective so you do not fully understand the situation. However, My Master and I were on Melida/Daan for two full weeks prior to his death. I have much that will need to be discussed especially if my request to return is granted. I do not need coddling Master. I am quite capable of dealing with this on my own." Obi-Wan proceeded to push past the Knight and head for the main cabin.
Qui-Gon was taken aback by the youth's determination. Stubbornness, his mind corrected. Immediately, he followed the Padawan out. "You have certainly done a wonderful job of it already. Your wound is infected, Obi-Wan, have you not felt this?"
"Indeed I have Master."
"Yet you have done nothing to prevent it."
"The Young were resourceful but they did not have everything. Only a few medkits were on hand at any given time. Some of the children were injured during some of the battles. I felt that they needed the supplies more than I. It would not have been a problem if my Master was still around, but I was capable of dealing with it alone. I would have addressed the injury once we returned to Coruscant."
They had reached the bridge. Qui-Gon took the pilot's seat as Obi-Wan slid carefully into the co-pilot's. "Well, we are not heading back to Coruscant and the issue will be addressed. You risked too much, young one. And you obviously over exerted yourself."
Obi-Wan glanced sideways at the Master, a question in his eyes that was never voiced. Instead, he stated, "I did what I must to ensure the success of the mission."
Qui-Gon scoffed, "At the risk of your health and sanity? Did Garg teach you this?"
"We are all taught this, my Master merely reinforced it." Obi-Wan answered truthfully. Initiates are taught from an early age to work toward the goal of a mission. It is up to a Master to show them how to effect that goal. But he sensed something else from the man next to him. Cautiously, he tried to pinpoint it, "I assume that you and my Master did not get along?"
It was Qui-Gon's turn to glare inquisitively at the youth. "It was mutual. We had differences that we could not accept."
"I am not my Master, although much of him lives within me. I sense that that bothers you to a degree." Qui-Gon didn't say anything. He was stunned to know that this young Padawan was able to pick up on so much. And he was blind to the Padawan. How this could be, he didn't know. Perhaps he was underestimating the youth because of who the master was. Yet he knew it was not the child's fault who chose him so it was unfair to blame him for faults that were not his. His thoughts once again interuppted by the calm voice of the apprentice. "Once we reach the Temple and this affair is settled, rest assured that our paths will never have to cross again." Obi-Wan then turned to look at some of the controls to determine where they were and how much longer to reach the city planet. Then he began to review what he was going to tell the Council.
Qui-Gon, on the other hand, sat ruefully pondering the situation. He still had so many questions. But what perplexed him the most was the thought of not seeing Obi-Wan again. The thought disturbed him greatly and he couldn't fathom why. He realized he deserved the boy's silence but he didn't want to lose contact with him. He had handled this badly, he knew. Perhaps there was still a way to mend it and make up for his earlier presumptions. He would just have to wait and see.
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Peripherally, he was aware of the slumbering form in the seat next to him as he made the descent in to Coruscant airspace. They had not spoken since that first discussion. And soon after, Obi-Wan succumbed to exhaustion. Of course he was still annoyed over that conversation, but there was little he could do about it now. Touching down, he decided that he didn't want to wake the youth simply so he could avoid another frustrating conversation. So he carefully, lifted the boy (who was still too light for his liking) and took him to the Healers. He was greeted by Master Vv Zon. He was a short, a number of years older than Qui, and a little on the hairy side.
"Ah, Qui, I see you have brung me my favourite patient." He said cheerily in a heavy accent.
"Then I am to assume he is here often?"
"Not as much as before, but more than he probably should." He answered cryptically. Qui-Gon frowned slightly at the comment. "Come, come. This way." The small Healer led them to a room where Qui-Gon could lie Obi-Wan down. Vv asked as he began to remove the boy's tunics. "So where is Master Garg? He's usually here when Obi's brought in. What's keeping the old nemah?"
Qui-Gon tensed. Apparently, the Council has not revealed the details of the mission to anyone else yet. His tone was soft when he answered, "I am afraid that Master Garg has joined the Force."
He watched the Healer's reaction carefully. Piercing gold eyes widened in shock before glancing compassionately down at the youth. He had stopped working for a moment but quickly resumed his work when the initial shock was over. "What happened?"
"I am unsure of the whole story. I was sent to Melida/Daan to retrieve Obi-Wan. It was already presumed that Master Klp was dead but we needed confirmation. Obi-Wan had been wounded by Blaster fire and an infection has set in. Amazingly, he was still able to complete his original mission before succumbing to its effects. He is a remarkable young man, even after Klp's tutelage."
"They were well suited for each other. Garg will be missed." Sighing, he set about his task. "Obi-Wan will need to be submerged for a couple of hours. The infection should be under control then." He moved away to get items for Bacta submergence. Qui-Gon barely heard the muttered remark that followed. "I wish I could say as much for the rest of him." When Vv turned back, he was all business once more. "I'll need help putting him in the tank, if you don't mind. But if you must go, please send in one of the Padawans."
"No, I can assist you before I head to the Council." As soon as they were ready, Qui-Gon lifted the youth and placed him in the tank. Vv checked the systems to make sure everything was alright. Satisfied, he walked out with the Knight trailing behind him.
"Thank you for your help, Qui. Now if you'll excuse me, I'll need to contact Master Uvontra." Vv bowed slightly then wandered off.
Qui-Gon decided to head to the Council to offer his report. While he walked through the pristine halls, he pondered. Master Uulia Uvontra Vylond was a Soul Healer. Which would be suitable to call considering that Obi-Wan has just lost his Master. However, from what he understood of the Koyn was that she was specialized. Sometimes working for the Republic in profiling and criminal cases, he areas of expertise in the Jedi were child trauma cases. But she was also called in to assist with very rare and specific cases as well, the full extent of which was not always publicly known. In other words, she wouldn't have been the first choice for assisting with the loss of a Master. In fact, she would probably be near the bottom unless the Jedi already had a history or the separation was extremely horrific. From Obi-Wan's lack of reaction, he had only one option left. So what happened in Obi-Wan's past that led him to her?
He would have to consider these thoughts later as he reached the Council's atrium. Shortly, after he was announced and admitted inside. Not all members were in attendance, but more than half were present. Stepping into the center, he bowed toward the senior members, "Masters, I have completed my mission."
"As we knew you would. Can you tell us any more about what happened on Medlia/Daan?" The dark imposing Master said.
"Your assumptions were correct, Master Klp has been killed. Unfortunately, I know nothing more in regards to his death. I was able to locate Obi-Wan quickly, or rather he found me. He told me that he had already performed the Right of Passing but was determined to remain on Melida/Daan until their initial mission had been completed."
"And their mission? Has it been completed?"
"Yes, due to his knowledge of the situation and involvement, he was able to effect the people and gain peace. His methods were admirable and worthy of the Jedi." Once, more the Knight paused, but there was a tension in his being that the others sensed.
Yoda and Mace glanced at each other for a moment. Then the diminutive little Master leaned forward on his gimmer stick. "Something troubles you, Qui-Gon."
Sighing, he answered, "Yes, Master Yoda. I was more curious than anything else. But when Obi-Wan was negotiating between the parties, one was revealed to be plotting against them. He withdrew a blaster and fired at the boy. Somehow, Obi-Wan was able to deflect the fire, however I was rendered unconscious for a moment. His abilities were remarkable yet I do not understand the cause of my collapse."
The two Councilors glared at the other for a long minute. "And you may be worried that there is a reason for your lapse that you may not be glad of? Such as maybe a bond?"
"I know of no other reason than some link via a bond. The power he was wielding could not have been all his own. Yet, I still have trouble sensing him, though he can sense me. I am not looking for a Padawan but if it is the will of the Force then I will do what I must." Qui-Gon spoke truthfully with them, knowing how useless it would be not to. Deep down this had become a growing concern. The boy was able to pick up so many things about the Master and he could sense nothing from the boy. So how else could the Padawan do it unless a bond had formed.
He watched intently as Yoda closed his eyes and concentrated. For what seemed like an eternity, he stood waiting for an answer. Finally, Yoda opened his eyes and announced, "A bond, there is not." Qui-Gon released the breath he hadn't realized he was holding. But the answer left him even more confused.
"Then what other reason is there for my collapse?"
"Special Obi-Wan is. Unique among the Jedi. Only a few others with his abilities."
"And what exactly is his abilities?"
"They are of no concern of yours. I realize that you are curious but only his Master need be aware of them. We thank you for your report. If we need anything else, we will contact you." Mace cut into the conversation abruptly. He was about to dismiss the Knight when Qui-Gon spoke again.
"And what of the boy? He is still young and it would be a waste to lose that kind of potential."
"A new Master the boy will have."
"Do you have anyone in mind?"
"No, not at this time. And the selection will have to be considered very carefully. But you need not concern yourself. One will eventually be found. May the Force be with you." Mace finally excused the Knight. Qui-Gon bowed dutifully and left feeling as if he had just been brushed off. He decided that he should contact Tahl and let her know he was back. Maybe he would feel better after speaking with her.
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I hope you liked this bit. You may notice a slight deviation from my original plot bunny here, and if you don't know what it is, you will soon enough. I had one idea in mind on how this fic was supposed to go and then suddenly one day I found a new direction that I have enjoyed thoroughly. Anyway, I'll try and post again soon. As always thanks for reading!!! :)
Kynstar – Well, I haven't actually been writing on this recently, only decided I should at least catch up. I'm hoping my muses decide to come back before I run out of chaps to post. sigh We'll see what happens. Thanks!!
ObiLover – Thank you very much. I hope to post a little more readily, but since my muses have decided on an unexpected trip, I find it a bit harder to keep going. Thanks for reading! :)
K-Rock – You are so cute!! Thanks for the support, but I don't think it's helping the muses, where ever they are. I hope school is going well, and don't worry. I'm still in no rush at this point. ;) As for RH, I don't know if I can handle another FnB!!! I'm still struggling with RSD!! faints I think we need to wish each other luck now. ;) later.
Semirhage – Thank you very much! :) I know I'm a sucker for good Obi-angst and Au's have become a fave of mine as well. It's nice to know I satisfy others needs as well as my own. ;) Now if you want a long read with tons of Obi-Angst, I suggest you read Forsaken and Begotten. It's on my profile and I loved writing it. Very angsty, very nice. :D I would consider it my masterpiece at the moment. Anyway, thanks again! And hope I can fulfill those needs still. ;)
Well, you all have a good one. I'm off to bed. ;)