A/N: Once again thanks for the reviews. Since, the last chapter was all depressing, I'll make this one on a much happier note. Don't want you guys getting all sad and teary eyed here.
Chapter 11
Nyree"Listen punk, we're not taking this deal. Too many factors," growled the leader, as he leaned forward. The man's lime-green skin reflected the light off of the dull lamp overheard. Behind him was a massive Wookie in his prime, the eye-patch moving slightly as his single eye narrowed and a growl rumbled in the back of the throat. Surrounding the table were a range of other rough-looking aliens who flittered with death a little too often.
Obi-Wan sighed; a headache was on the rise. He hated doing Xanatos' shading dealings. But the man said it was the easiest, fastest way to learn how to negotiate before dealing with the bigger sharks.
"You just had to ask for the easy way, didn't you? Wanted to broaden your experience, you said," growled Obi-Wan to himself. "Like I was saying, you allow Offworld to transport some goods to your store for a couple of weeks and we'll clear some charges that are about to unearth your little drug dealings."
The leader laughed, "You're persistent, kid. I'll give you that. But my answer is still no. You see, not only do I not trust Offworld or your merchandise, but also I got a better deal. A couple Jedi showed up the other day, said that I get a clear record and brownie points with the galactic law if I help them out."
Obi-Wan narrowed his black eyes, his mouth thinning. The Jedi just had to interfere again, didn't they! It had been four years since he contacted Master Jinn to say his finally regards. He thought that any interaction with the Jedi would cease. But no! In fact, it seemed that everywhere he went on a mission for Xanatos, a Jedi or two, even three once would show up. It was as if the Jedi were searching for him, since he didn't go straight to the Temple like they thought he would.
Feeling his dark anger stir, Obi-Wan smirked coldly. "Is that so?" hissed the anger through young lips.
"Yeah," grinned the leader as he snapped his fingers.
Obi-Wan felt himself chuckle. "You'd think that after you did your little research on me, that you'd find out that every dealer like you who turned down Xanatos' offer ended up in the hospital, or worse yet, in the local morgue."
The leader belted out a laugh, "I know kid. And that's why, I'm going to kill you first."
The alien closet to Obi-Wan pulled out his blaster, but the boy had already jumped out of the chair and was flipping behind the thug on his right. The alien fired straight into his partner's chest. Without hesitation, blaster bolts firing down on him, Obi-Wan grabbed the dead thug's arm and flung him into the hit men on his side of the table. With them sprawled on the floor both were dead under the heavy thug due to having their bodies crushed. Obi-Wan slide under the table and kicked out the legs of his next victim. The alien's neck snapped as his chin hit the edge of the table with sheer force. Rolling to his left, Obi-Wan slide out from under the table, grabbed the blaster from the thug he just killed and shot point blank range at the first thug that shot at him and then killed the other two with ease.
Standing up, Obi-Wan slide into a defensive stance and threw his empty blaster to the side. The Wookie towered over the boy. Blue strands of hair fell onto his face but where whisked away as Obi-Wan leapt into the air, delivering a high kick to the Wookie's neck. The ape-like creature lifted and crossed its' arms blocking the deadly kick. Obi-Wan did a black flip in the air, and landed in a crouched position. With barely a second to spare, Obi-Wan jumped to the side as a massive fist slammed into the ground. Itching to pull out his lightsaber, Obi-Wan knew that he had to stay hidden and not attract attention to himself since the Jedi were on the planet. So instead, Obi-Wan pulled out his knife. Now the average fighter carries a vibroknife, but on his search for Saterin knowledge, Obi-Wan preferred their method of a simple obsidian knife. The black blade never grew dull and was lighter to the point where the boy could perform the most complex moves of his people fighting style without worrying about cutting himself.
Drawing up his new Force powers, the burning sensation sizzled in his mind. But over the years, his body and mind had grown use to this feeling. Now, he was able to draw fully on the Force at this heightened level and with a growing control that he sometimes feared himself. Lunging with blinding speed, Obi-Wan ducked under the Wookie's next punch and cut a massive artery in the arm. Blood burst free from the wound, making the arm useless. Using the fur as leverage, Obi-Wan leapt into the air, and sent his right elbow with the power of the Force crashing into the Wookie's throat, breaking the windpipe. The massive fur-ball collapsed onto the ground; Obi-Wan standing at the base of it's feet.
Looking up with cold eyes, Obi-Wan allowed another cold grin to appear on his face. With each step, the leader shrunk back into his chair, fear evident in his eyes. With a flicker of his eyes, Obi-Wan glanced down at the leader's golden watch. Two minutes. The fight had taken just two minutes, a personal new record.
"You can kill me, all you want boy. But, when the Jedi find out-"
"The Jedi won't find out, because you're going to tell them that some bounty hunter came in here and killed everyone but you. And you know why he didn't kill you, because you hired him," spoke the boy, ice in his voice.
The leader nodded, his yellow eyes dazed. The mind alteration was working perfectly. "Now, you also signed this," Obi-Wan folded out a paper that stated that Offworld now secretly had access to the chemicals that were stored at the company's warehouses throughout this sector of the galaxy. The leader signed the papers without pause.
As Obi-Wan tucked the agreement in his coat pocket, the boy pointed to the golden watch on the leader's wrist, "May I have that? Thank you."
The leader handed Obi-Wan the watch, whom then placed it in his pant pocket. "Well it was nice doing business with you. But our time together draws to a close and when you wake up, you won't remember me at all." With that said, Obi-Wan knocked the leader unconscious with a sharp blow to the neck. Done wiping his knife clean on the leader's shirt, Obi-Wan tucked the knife back in his utility belt, grabbed his black cloak and with his hood up and drawing the darkness around him, left the broken-down apartment.
-The next day-
Obi-Wan rolled out bed, glaring up at the screaming alarm. It was nine in the morning. About to flick his wrist to shut off the alarm and go back to sleep, his communicator buzzed. Focusing his death glare at the communicator, Obi-Wan crawled over to the device and turned it on.
"Good morning, Obi-Wan."
"Yeah—yawn—yeah, whatever," mopped the boy as he rubbed his eyes. He suddenly felt discomfort and peeked opened his eyes. With the tip of his finger, Obi-Wan removed the black contacts from his eyes. "Right, forgot about those."
"And your hair and clothes. Seems to me, you just crashed on bed. Was it that exhausting, boy?" mocked the older man.
"No. But fighting a Wookie isn't what I call easy. But you should be glad that everything went according to plan. The idiot thought we were really going to just store some junk and allow him to walk free. And like we, no wait, I hypothesized, he took the bait. In the end, the escaped criminals died and you got your chemicals. By the way, what are the chemicals for?"
"None of your concern."
Obi-Wan leaned forward, "Hey, I risked my life here and I thought we were in this together!"
"We are."
"Then why won't you tell me?"
"Because I want you to figure it out," Xanatos smirked, "So, I hear some Jedi are on the planet."
Obi-Wan moaned at the change of subject, "Yeah. Typical isn't it."
Xanatos nodded, "Tell me, when can I plan you back at Telos?"
"Two days from now. I have to go pick up that artifact," shrugged the boy.
"You do know that after you purchase this chip, you will only need two more. One at the Temple and the other back at Dathamor," spoke the Dark Jedi, eyeing his charge with interest.
But if he wanted to see any reaction, Xanatos didn't see any. He had trained the boy well, and as a promising student, Obi-Wan learned the skills quickly.
"I'll go back and get the chip from the Dathamor witches again."
"You know it will be your fifth time. And this time, I won't bail you out," warned Xanatos.
Obi-Wan frowned, "Hey, fifth time is a charm. Besides that one time you didn't bail me out, I had to rescue both of us."
"Yes, but it was your fault that we ran into that garlock mud pit."
"Hey, I didn't see it! Blame it on the Force, not me," pouted Obi-Wan.
Xanatos shook his head, laughter spilling out, "You need to accept responsibility, boy."
"I will, but I'm a teenager in his prime. I can't act all grown-up and grumpy all the time," laughed Obi-Wan.
"Well, I have to go. When you get back, I'll take you to one of the more important meetings," smiled Xanatos as he regained his composure.
"Oooh, really? I get to finally play with the big sharks?" asked Obi-Wan, glee in his tone.
Xanatos chuckled, "Yes, you get to play with the sharks. Xanatos out."
With that the communication ended, but Obi-Wan could sense pride relayed through their bond. Xanatos had mentally patted him on the back for a job well done. Grinning, Obi-Wan got up and made his way to the bathroom for a long needed hot, bath.
Walking through the busy market streets, Obi-Wan whistled a chipper tone. His shoulder length hair was tied back, but brown strands with highlights in them dangled around his face. He had grown into a slim, average height boy. Even though, Obi-Wan hoped that his growing spurt had not ended so he could be a few inches taller, the teenager felt comfortable in his skin. Years of conquering his fears, controlling both his emotions and new powers along with learning vast amount of knowledge had shaped Obi-Wan considerably. He had become an actor, whose true façade was only revealed to those who were closest to him. But when one talked to the boy, they knew that this boy was unique. He still had his boyish charms and out-going spirit, but once in awhile, an ancient look would pass over his face and one could swear that they had looked upon a boy whose soul was old beyond his years.
Turning the corner, Obi-Wan walked a few more blocks before jogging up a few stairs and knocking at the door. The small apartment was a bookstore with a cozy lodge upstairs. Without warning, the door whooshed opened, hitting Obi-Wan right in the face. Kneeling down on the floor, Obi-Wan clutched his nose. Sometimes the Force just loved to play pranks on him and abandon him at the most dire situations. Hearing a rustle of cloth, Obi-Wan looked up and stared into deep brown eyes.
"Oh my gosh! Are you alright?" yelped the girl as she fell onto her knees, her eyes etched in worry.
"I'mph fine," Obi-Wan muttered through his hand, taking in the girl before him.
The girl sighed, closing her eyes, relief evident in her posture. Tucking strands of dark brown hair behind her ears, the girl smiled, "I'm glad of that. Don't want you to sue or anything."
Obi-Wan tilted his head in response and raised an eyebrow. The girl before him was about his age, maybe a year younger at the least. She had her hair tied in a low bun, with strands of hair falling out onto her shoulders due to the recent excitement. Nimble fingers quickly retied her hair into place and slide the tinted thin rimmed glasses up her nose. Getting up with a certain grace, she straightened out the black shirt and dusted off the dark red cloth blouse sleeves.
"Come on, I'll guide you inside and make sure you don't have a bloody nose. You don't have a bloody nose right?" asked the girl, her voice accented in chipper tone similar to the people who lived out in the countryside.
Lowering his hand, Obi-Wan twitched his nose, "The nose is fine. Look-"
The girl sighed once again, "At least, can I treat you to some tea to make up for this incident? I've baked some warm bread and I could make you a sandwich or something else if you like."
The teenage boy was about to decline when he felt his stomach rumble. He had only eaten a protein bar and other cheap, dry goods this whole entire mission. A nice home cooked meal wouldn't be so bad.
"Ok."
"Good!" A bright smile lit her eyes as she darted into the bookstore.
Walking in quietly and closing the door behind him, Obi-Wan glanced around the store. New books, old books, books on chips and date pads lined the walls and shelves. He was amazed that such loose-leaf books still existed, but it was these rare antique shops that housed relic knowledge chips. It was here that he found on of the Saterin chips.
"Well, well, looks like Mr. Archaeologist is back again," joked an old alien, who hobbled over on his cane. A couple strands of hair stuck to the blue skin and silver eyes shimmered in delight at the young boy.
"I thought you might want this," smiled Obi-Wan as he handed the golden watch that he took from the leader last night to the old man.
The bookstore owner gasped, "I thought I would never see this again. You know, my late wife-Artrica save her soul- gave this to me on my birthday, a year before she died." The old man grabbed Obi-Wan's elbow and lead the boy to the sitting room. Taking a seat, he allowed the large leather chair to engulf his small, feeble frame, "I don't really want to know how you knew this was mine, where you got it, or the means to retrieve it. But if you went through all these means to return this watch, then that chip means a lot to you."
Obi-Wan leaned forward, frowning inside at how his clothes began to stick to the leather. "Yes. I know it's worth a lot of money, and I don't have that much, but in exchange for that watch can you let me have the chip. It means nothing to you and no one will be able to understand but me."
"And why is that?"
Obi-Wan was about to respond when the girl walked in, carrying a tray with two teacups, a teapot, a bowl of creamy wheat and a large sandwich.
"Nyree, such perfect timing."
Nyree just nodded. Obi-Wan watched her as she carried a hot teacup and then the bowl to the elder. She was acting very different then how she acted outside a couple minutes ago. Nyree placed Obi-Wan's food and drink on the small table next to him, bowed to both men slightly and left the room.
The elder man chuckled as he focused on Obi-Wan, "Nyree is shy around strangers. She rarely talks to them and it's hard to crack a joke out of her. Very dignified for a girl her age, but then again she needed to mature fast, when her parents sent her off world to find work. Sadly, her home world got annexed out into the outer rim and now she cannot return home, unless she wants to get killed."
Obi-Wan narrowed his eyes at man, "You speak so bluntly, sir."
"And you speak in riddles, boy. Our strengths and weaknesses," smiled the elder, "I will ponder your offer tonight and tell you in the morning."
"I don't have that much time sir. I leave in two days," spoke Obi-Wan.
"Oh well, that's life for you. She likes to throw curve balls."
No longer feeling hungry or even welcomed, Obi-Wan stood up, "Sorry, sir, but I just remembered I'm needed elsewhere." Bowing in respect, Obi-Wan made his way to the door, but the Force screamed at him. Bolting at the farthest end of the bookstore, Obi-Wan turned his back to the main aisle, pulled out a book and pretended to be engrossed in the content about the composition of soil in prairies.
Behind him, he heard a male's voice, "Hello, Roku. I just stopped by to see if you have any information regarding ancient races in the Unknown regions."
The older man's voice laughed, "My isn't that a popular subject."
"Why is that sir?"
Obi-Wan dropped the book, eyes wide in surprise, the rest of the conversation disappearing into the background. But the book never clattered on the ground, for Nyree had appeared in front of Obi-Wan and caught the ancient book. Obi-Wan nodded to Nyree, appreciation shining in his eyes. Nyree nodded back, the movement allowing the two new customers to reflect off her glasses. Two Jedi stood in the middle of the bookstore. The male was an elder Jedi Master that Obi-Wan never saw before, but it was the apprentice that had caught his attention. Bant had grown into a beautiful Mon Calamarin. Her blue, fish like skin shined and gave her a peaceful appearance.
His eyes fell to the side, his heart aching. Obi-Wan had been lucky never to run into old friends, but he knew that soon or later that luck wouldn't be on his side. Seeing his ex-best friend, Obi-Wan ached to reach out into the Force and touch her innocent mind. Feeling a heavy weight that mirrored his heavy heart, Obi-Wan looked down at the book in his hand. Nyree smiled warmly and Obi-Wan couldn't help but smile back.
"Nyree, please put the dishes away in the tea room while I escort the Jedi Master here to the storage room," Roku ordered.
"Yes, sir," Nyree looked at Obi-Wan quickly before walking away to do her chores.
Obi-Wan turned to the side and placed the book back on the self.
"You haven't changed one bit, Obi-Wan Kenobi."
The teenager smirked, "The Force is not with me at all today."
Bant glared at him, "The Force has never been with you ever since you betrayed us, Kenobi. How could you? How could you side with a Dark Jedi?"
Obi-Wan tilted his head, his shifting blue eyes taking in stormy crystal ones, "Because I could. I decided to make my own choices, instead of the Order making them for me when it came to issues dealing with how I am to live my life."
Red cheeks shone on Bant's face as her lips trembled, "That's a stupid answer-"
"And that was a stupid question. No one can answer those questions that deal with the workings of a person's mind," responded Obi-Wan matter-of-factly.
Bant turned to the side, sensing that her master was done with his shopping, "Traitor." With that said, the young Jedi Apprentice turned and left with her master.
Obi-Wan walked to the edge of a shelf and watched the pair walk away. He didn't know whether Bant would tell her Master or not that she just met an ex-Jedi who made the most wanted listed, up there with the Lost Twenty.
"Maybe they should call it the Lost Twenty-one," muttered Obi-Wan under his breath.
"Lost Twenty-one, sir?" whispered Nyree from behind Obi-Wan.
Obi-Wan jumped slightly. Regaining his composure as he turned around to face Nyree, he growled, "Don't sneak up on people like that, you never know if they might accidentally kill you or something."
Nyree nodded, "Thank you for the advice. There's a back door hidden in the bathroom. Just go down this aisle, and take a left. The bathroom will be on your right. And I suggest that you leave right now, because the Jedi are coming back and they do not look happy."
Obi-Wan glanced behind his shoulder and spotted a resolute Jedi Master and a tear-streaked Bant walking at a fast pace back to the store. "Thanks," gasped the boy as he bolted down the aisle. Nyree just watched him go, a smile on her face and turned to 'greet' or rather stall the returning customers. Now she just had to hope that Roku wouldn't fire her.
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A/N: I know, I know! I added some angst in there with Bant appearing in the scene, but I couldn't help myself. I'll try and update soon before I leave on Spring Break. I'm also planning on writing a Teen Titans fanfic, as well, so that might hinder the updating, but I'll won't make you guys wait for months on end. That would be too cruel. Mwhahaha!
Obi-Wan: You've been hanging out with the Sith too much.
Dark Austral: Oh? Well, you're lucky that I haven't made you turn into a Sith. That was on my mind, y'know.
Obi-Wan: WHAT? NO! PLEASE, I BEG YOU! JUST DON'T-
Xanatos: What the heck is going on here?
Dark Austral: Oh nothing, just torturing Obi-Wan here.
Xanatos: Fine by me. Just make sure you don't break him too much. leaves
Dark Austral: K!
Obi-Wan: gawks Wha-
Dark Austral: Come on, let's watch Down with Love. I need you to learn how to sweep women off their feet. After this, we'll watch Moulin Rouge too!
Obi-Wan: Nooooooo!