Obi-Wan Kenobi Book II
Chapter 23- The X Father and Apprentice
The battle went on for a short time between Qui-Gon and Xanatos before the master pressed his former apprentice into the wall.
"Give up Qui-Gon, you can't win."
"There's a lot of things you think I can't do."
The door to the room opened and Qui-Gon kept his full attention on Xanatos.
"Master Jinn, what are you doing?"
The voice brought Qui-Gon's blood to a boiling point. Enough was enough.
"Which one of you wants to die first?" Qui-Gon breathed, hatred in his voice.
"Is that the right attitude for a jedi?"
"I don't care! Did you see what this, this, evil man did to your son?"
Wayne looked at Obi-Wan who was still unconscious.
"This is a good test for my son. It will make him stronger."
"How can it make him stronger if he DIES?"
"Then he is too weak."
Qui-Gon hat the element of surprise when he disarmed Xanatos then advanced on Wayne with both lightsabers. There was an evil in the man that the master sensed.
Obi-Wan woke up and felt like half of his brain was missing. Everything was so confusing. He couldn't remember where he was or what he was doing there. Then he saw Qui-Gon with a look of contempt on his face as he approached, his father?"
"Master." He said, but it was so quiet Qui-Gon didn't hear him.
The jedi master was just that as he approached the enemy. He quickly centered himself when he felt darkness in Wayne. He needed his head if he wanted to save his padawan.
Obi-Wan watched as Xanatos left, unnoticed.
"Master," his voice was small and too quiet for anyone to hear.
Wayne pulled out a blaster and started shooting at Qui-Gon close range. The master repelled them and one was shot back at Wayne. He was dead before he hit the floor.
"Master."
This time Obi-Wan was heard and Qui-Gon ran to his apprentice and cut him down.
"Oh my Obi-Wan, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to kill him." Qui-Gon's voice was full of dread and hopelessness.
"It's okay master, I know. I'm sorry for the way I acted before I,"
Qui-Gon shook his head and realized that Obi-Wan's body was going limp.
"Obi-Wan, padawan what's wrong?
"Mm tire."
Qui-Gon lifted the boy in his arms and never looked back as he took Obi-Wan and himself to safety.
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Qui-Gon watched the soft rise and fall of his apprentice's chest as he slept. Obi-Wan had recently left the healers and was now in his own bed at home. The early morning sun was beginning to rise and Qui-Gon dreaded the task before him. Waking his apprentice.
Sitting on the edge of the bed, Qui-Gon laid a hand on Obi-Wan's head. "Padawan wake up. Come on Obi-Wan we need to see the council today."
Obi-Wan made a noise that sounded a lot like a muffled 'stupid council.'
"I know Obi-Wan, I don't want to go either."
"Then lets not go."
Qui-Gon smiled and stood, pulling Obi-Wan's bed sheet behind him.
"Master. Let go."
"Come on Obi-Wan, it will only be a little while."
Obi-Wan shivered and rolled off the bed.
"Can't we get an extension?"
"We already did while you were in the healers."
Standing up, Obi-Wan fixed his bed robes which seemed to wrap all around him as he slept. "Okay."
"Thank you Obi-Wan. We will leave as soon as you're ready."
Obi-Wan nodded and had the urge to never get ready. As Qui-Gon walked out of the room he looked over his shoulder.
"Please don't take very long."
Obi-Wan promised he wouldn't and was true to his word. Qui-Gon waited the few minutes it took for his apprentice to get ready then they walked in silence to the council chambers.
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"Xanatos was behind it, but he escaped." Qui-Gon said, finishing his report. Yoda looked thoughtful and turned his attention to Obi-Wan, though he didn't say anything.
The apprentice tried not to flinch at the master's steady gaze but he found it to be one of the most difficult challenges of his young life. Once Yoda looked away Mace spoke.
"You are excused Kenobi."
Obi-Wan looked at his master who nodded slightly. Looking back to his masters he bowed and exited the room.
When the council doors slid shut Qui-Gon allowed his agitation to escape and fill the room. Yoda narrowed his eyes at his former apprentice but Qui-Gon's defiance kept his emotions floating around the room.
Mace was the first to speak. "We're concerned about your apprentice."
Qui-Gon's expression softened, "Obi-Wan has been through a lot my master but he is fine. The healers,"
Mace interrupted him "This isn't about his physical being Qui-Gon. We believe Obi-Wan is open to the dark side."
If Qui-Gon was mad before it was nothing compared to the anger he was feeling now. Deciding it was best not to show his weakness openly to his superiors, Qui-Gon took a breath to calm him.
"You think Obi-Wan will turn to the dark side?" He barely recognized his own voice. Qui-Gon was letting his mind and body go on autopilot and it was showing.
"We have faith in your apprentice Qui-Gon. However, his connection with Xanatos has more than likely left him at least more conscious of the dark side's power." Ki-Adi-Mundi said, watching the other master's reaction.
Qui-Gon simply inclined his head slightly.
"He needs to be tested." Mace said, quick to the point.
"What would you like me to do?"
"Test him you will. Ability to control his emotions and temper, need that he does."
"After you have tested him bring him before us." Mace said again then gave his signal that Qui-Gon should leave.
Qui-Gon gave a stiff nod before turning sharply and heading towards his rooms where he knew Obi-Wan would be waiting.
TBC
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