Jacen200015 – Yes, I know. Poor guy just wants to see his son.
Chapter 8
~10 years later~
The Temple dining hall was usually quieter in the mornings than throughout the rest of the day. Still, as Qui-Gon entered the immense room, the laughter and talking of groups of padawans and initiates reached his ears. Some were still sleepy and talked of the coming day, fretting over last minute assignments and tests. Some had already started their day and griped of grueling early morning sparring sessions, or were saying their goodbyes before departing on yet another mission.
Qui-Gon quickly found the object of his search tucked away in his usual corner. Obi-Wan was looking over a datapad, nursing a cup of kaf. Damp hair indicated that he had already been up and done morning katas and meditations, showering before coming to morning meal.
"Good morning, Padawan," Qui-Gon said, taking the seat across from his former apprentice.
"Good morning."
"I'm glad to see you in one piece after the mission to Nesora."
Obi-Wan looked up from the datapad he was reading and smiled. "It was a relatively straightforward mission. If the prime minister's mind had actually been focused on the labor disputes, I believe it could have been more productive."
"What did he find more interesting?"
"Well." Obi-Wan began to blush. "She … was very intrigued by the Council's choice in negotiators."
"Ah," Qui-Gon commented. "That can be a difficult situation." Both Jedi burst out laughing as Qui-Gon warmly commented, "It is so good to have you back."
He hadn't seen much of his former apprentice over the past year and a half. Obi-Wan had kept busy with a steady string of missions, what time he spent at the Temple usually in the Healer's Ward or overnighting in the barracks.
"You are still planning to stick around the Temple for a while, I hope."
"Yes, I am more than ready for some leave time," Obi-Wan murmured tiredly.
"You have been going non-stop practically since your first mission as a knight. A time of rest will do you good." Qui-Gon propped his elbows on the table. "Anakin has offered you his room. He is a little incensed that you will be staying somewhere with as little privacy as the barracks."
"I think I will take my chances in the barracks. I might never find my way out of Anakin's room," Obi-Wan said, half-laughing. "Besides, it was like a crèche reunion last night. I found a bunk next to Garen, and we glared at Bruck across the room."
Qui-Gon leveled his former pupil with a scolding stare, and Obi-Wan responded with more laughter. "Okay, so there was no glaring. All three of us stayed up a little too late talking. I got up and dragged Garen out of bed so we could spar before he left on another assignment this morning."
"How nice of you."
"I thought so," Obi-Wan said, smiling, before his expression grew more serious. "I may not have many more nights there. I actually have plans for the time I am back at the Temple. I have been out running around the galaxy long enough now to know that I don't like being on my own."
"A padawan?"
Obi-Wan nodded his head.
Qui-Gon began to feel jitters of excitement at the idea of shared missions and training two apprentices side-by-side with his former student. "Do you have anyone in mind?" he asked eagerly. "I would be glad to help review candidates or offer any advice."
Obi-Wan grew quiet, taking one last look at the datapad in his hand before surrendering it to Qui-Gon. "I've been certain of whom for some time."
"Padawan?" Qui-Gon looked up sharply from the image staring up at him. "I …"
"Master, this was not a rash decision," Obi-Wan quickly interjected. "I have meditated on this much over the past few years. Even before being knighted, I was drawn to Crion."
"I know you would not head into taking a padawan without much consideration, Padawan," Qui-Gon said, quickly assuring Obi-Wan that he did not have to be defensive. "I should have expected that this was coming. You have taken a special interest in him ever since he first came to the Temple." Qui-Gon gave the datapad his attention again, skimming over the contents. "He will be a difficult pupil. One look at his disciplinary record should tell you that."
"It's no worse than mine was," Obi-Wan said, grinning. "He receives top marks, is gifted in saber."
"I have wondered why he hasn't been chosen before now," Qui-Gon admitted.
"When I inquired with Master Yoda, he informed me that a few masters have shown interest in him. The Council felt the need to be open about Crion's parentage. In each case, it was enough to turn the potential master away."
"I suppose I have the same unfortunate prejudice. The last thing I want is to see you hurt or betrayed …"
"He is not his father," Obi-Wan countered harshly.
"I know," Qui-Gon acknowledged softly after the shock of being reprimanded by his own student wore off. "He still has a few months until his thirteenth life day. Would you consider watching him a little more?"
"I know what it is like to be there waiting, wondering if anyone has noticed me. I won't do that to him when I am certain." Obi-Wan bowed his head. "Honestly, my inclination was to take him as soon as I was knighted, but I knew I needed time. Then, your recovery was slower than expected after Naboo. For a time, I thought that I might be taking over Anakin's training."
"You would have done that?"
"Yes, Master, but the Force did not will it. It saw fit to keep you here with me and Anakin. I am to train Crion." Obi-Wan caught sight of the wall chronometer, his eyes widening in surprise. "Oh, I have a meeting with one of the creche masters in 10 minutes."
"You had better not be late."
"Crion is sparring this afternoon," Obi-Wan said as he quickly stood and collected the datapad. "Will you come watch with me?"
"Of course, Padawan."
Midnight blue eyes flashed with determination. Some would think it admirable considering the boy was at an obvious disadvantage in his duel. His opponent, Bror Talik, was older than him by two years and already apprenticed. He had the advantages of height, reach, and experience. It showed on the padawan's face. He was enjoying every minute of humiliating Crion. Confident in his lead, Bror drew in closer and decided to taunt his opponent.
"Is Knight Kenobi here? I heard he got in last night."
"I've told you, he's a friend. I wouldn't be surprised if he is."
"You know, if he's such a good friend, why are you still braidless? He's sure taking his time, and after watching me wipe the floor with you, he might think twice."
Crion remained silent, fighting an internal struggle against the hurtful words. There was a part of him that was certain he was meant to be Obi-Wan Kenobi's student, but even that part doubted as time passed without a show of interest. Still, there was hope.
"The Force is never too early or too late if it is destiny, Bror."
Crion's face broke into a smile as he noted the older boy's mistake. Bror's saber dipped to the side. Crion brought his own blade down and drove his shoulder into his opponent's unguarded body. Bror fell backwards. Crion tucked into a roll and landed on booted feet, easily regaining his balance. He brought his saber down to his opponent's neck.
"Kill point," saber master Drallig called, ending the match.
The glare Bror sent in Crion's direction could have peeled the paint off the wall. Crion only offered a friendly smile, reaching for his long-time rival's hand.
"You are so easy to beat you know, Bror. All I have to do is wait for you to start running your mouth, or for your enormous ego to show up. Once that happens, it's only a matter of time before you screw up royally."
The padawan lunged forward, shoving him flat on his back. Crion scissored the older boy's legs with his own, dropping him back to the mat before pinning him with a knee to the chest.
"That's enough," Master Drallig called out.
Crion stood, a smug smile crossing his face as he bowed to his opponent.
The two boys parted, backing off to the sidelines. Another padawan came and draped a towel over Crion's shoulders.
Keyan Ja was thirteen-years-old, and had been a padawan for just over a year. He was shorter and stockier than Crion. Fine black hair complemented copper-toned skin that left him always looking as though he had been in the sun for just the right amount of time. He had been Crion's friend for as long as they both could remember. He was often referred to as Crion's conscience, a title the younger boy protested vehemently. Keyan was always quick to point out that his friend did indeed have a conscience, but perhaps lacked sense at times.
"The last bit at the end was a little unnecessary," Keyan scolded, receiving only a casual shrug in response. "All you had to do was fight a clean fight …"
"I did," Crion protested. "Talik is the one who is a sore loser."
"And not let your mouth get you into trouble …" Keyan continued. "You do realize there were potential masters watching?"
"Look, Keyan. If the Force wills for me to be a knight, I need a master who accepts who I am, flaws and all. I would quite honestly rather go to Agricorps than kiss up to some image of what someone thinks I should be."
"Did it ever occur to you that Sienn and I might miss you around here?"
Crion bowed his head at the mention of Sienn Mobok, the Twi'lek female who completed their circle of friends. She had sat with her master for the match and was probably on her way now. "I can't pretend to be something I am not," was all he could offer in response.
A sensation Crion was at a loss to explain prickled at the back of his mind. With the distinct feeling he was being watched, he looked up to the observation gallery, his eyes meeting those of Obi-Wan Kenobi. The knight offered him a smile before turning away and blending into a sea of mahogany cloaks.
"That was quite a display, especially the mouthing off at the end," Qui-Gon commented.
"The master I met with this morning said that Crion is blunt about what he feels, to a fault. He has no inhibitions with speaking his mind."
"That will have to be addressed before any diplomatic missions," Qui-Gon commented.
Though, from what I've heard of Bror Talik from Anakin, he didn't miss his mark."
They made their way from the observation deck to the lower level of the training salle. "I was thinking of asking him to join me for evening meal. What do you think?" Obi-Wan asked hesitantly.
"I would suggest a walk in one of the gardens, now," Qui-Gon replied. "The anticipation could kill him before evening."
The training salle was packed with younglings, still congregated and talking amongst themselves after the match.
"Follow her," Obi-Wan said, motioning to a young, pink-skinned Twi'lek. "She is one of Crion's friends, and is probably looking for him also."
"He's coming this way," Sienn said excitedly as she approached her friends. "I just saw him."
"Who?" Keyan asked.
"Knight Kenobi."
"He's probably just coming to offer congratulations. Don't read anything into," Crion said.
"There his is," Sienn practically squealed, lekku twitching in excitement.
"Obi-Wan!"
The high-pitched yelp pierced through the steady din off conversation, turning a few heads. A small boy waded through the crowd, a smile beaming on his face.
"Oh, Force. It's the Chosen Brat," Crion muttered.
"You're a little hard on him," Sienn said.
The group of friends watched as Anakin Skywalker threw his arms around Obi-Wan. "Master Qui-Gon and I really missed you."
"Can you get any more disrespectful?" Crion scoffed, turning his back on the scene. "I mean, I've known Knight Kenobi for a lot longer than Anakin Skywalker and I wouldn't presume to call such a great Jedi knight by his first name."
"They are padawan brothers," Sienn pointed out.
"He insists on calling the Queen of Naboo by her given name also … if he goes calling dignitaries by their first names on missions it could cause an intergalactic incident."
Ignoring Sienn's scowl, he reached down and shoved his towel back into his bag, grimacing as he caught sight of the chaotic pattern of scorch marks on the fringes of his tunics. When he straightened, Sienn was looking over his shoulder, a weird girl-sort-of dreaminess in her eyes.
"Crion," a voice called from behind him.
"Knight Kenobi," Crion said, stumbling to turn and bow in one swift move. "I am glad to see that you have returned safely." Force knew, it didn't usually end up that way.
"A sentiment that seems shared," another voice added.
Qui-Gon Jinn, another legend in the Temple stepped into view. If possible, Crion bowed even lower and more respectfully. "Master Jinn."
"I was going to take a walk. I wondered if you would join me," Obi-Wan offered.
"Ye … yes, Sir." Crion could feel his heart pounding in his chest. Until that very moment, he hadn't realized how much a part of him had hoped that Obi-Wan Kenobi would choose him as a padawan.
"Can I come?" Anakin asked.
Crion bit back the curse that was on his lips. The kid just wasn't getting it.
"Anakin," Qui-Gon called, mercifully hedging off an awkward moment. "I believe we have one more lesson to work on before your next class."
"Yes, Master."
The pair left. Keyan and Sienn turned to leave as well, Sienn squeezing Crion's arm on the way by.
Crion followed Obi-Wan as the knight led him into one of the gardens, stopping at a spot where two benches sat facing each other. His stomach started turning somersaults as Obi-Wan motioned for him to sit. He wondered whether this would just be a case of a friend catching up on what had been happening, or if this would turn into one of the most significant moments in his life as a Jedi.