Chapter 5 – Down with the Sickness

Obi-Wan Kenobi felt like a bantha had run over his entire body multiple times and left him to die in the desert sands of Tatooine as he cracked one eye open for the first time that day. He felt like his entire body was lacking any energy to get up and see to the baby Skywalkers that were crying out in the force and with their tiny lungs. He could not remember the last time he got this sick this fast.

He felt incredibly hot and no matter how much he was trying to tell himself to get up and move, he just lacked the will. It was like his entire body was stuck in slow mo as he sat up and regretted it already. The pounding in his head made him want to vomit as the world spun around a few times before he weas able to get his bearings. Putting one foot down he moved to stand up. He honestly could not remember the last time he felt like this and though Jedi hardly got sick, it was definitely inevitable and apparently it was his turn. It just was the worst timing due to him being the only soul giver of the Skywalkers.

As he put another foot down and continued to find energy to stand up and make his way to the tiny screaming infants, he had a feeling he was getting sick prelude to the headache. Yet he felt he could stubborn through it and somehow get miraculously better on his own. Happened all the time during the Clone Wars. If he willed away an injury or a sickness and didn't pay it enough attention he would be thinking about those memories and could hear loud as day Cody his Commander going on a tangent about not taking care of himself or even Anakian mentioning how well he didn't take care of himself. 'No, no,' I don't want to think about them, not now. Not when he was vulnerable, the over whelming of guilt and pain hit him and he didn't have enough energy to dwell on such horrific parts of his past. Not to mention he hadn't thought of where was Ahsoka Tano in all this mess and what had become of her?

As a cough rattled his head and made him wince grabbing it to try and steady his own body from causing more pain he finally began to stand up. He looked for something to put over his face. Though the babies had some vaccinations, they were still suscepitable to his human flu or cold, or whatever Obi-Wan Kenobi had that day. He didn't want to risk giving them something that they couldn't fight off, though he suspected the Force would take care of them. Then again, he was not a nurse maid or knew enough about babies to be certain and he'd rather be safe then sorry.

Putting full determination to do this he finally had stood up with something over his face he moved to the babies. Though it felt like an entire day went by just to complete one simple task. It felt like by the time he was able to change them and feed them he swore they were crying again for either attention or something else. Yet all he wanted to do was fall back asleep and get rid of this sickness that had taken his body so quickly and rapidly. Not to mention how was he going to let Mitccha know he wasn't going to be there to help at the store? Though it seemed ridiculous his comm was on the other side of the room and that felt like that would take to much energy from him.

Once again as he put one foot in front of another, all his decisions were taken away from him before he could even make it back to his bed. As he took a few steps to his salvation of where he would find rest, his whole vision began to swarm again and tilt on it's axes. Maybe he shouldn't have pushed his body so hard to try and take care of the children? Then again, he had been shielding himself, and the babies for fear someone in the Force who was not friendly would be looking for them. He was always on guard, always on the move, always prepared to fight. Never fully resting, it was no wonder his body finally had enough and decided for the great General of the High Republic Army. It had betrayed him. The one thing he had counted on had finally had enough.

'Funny,' he thought, 'where did his hearing go?' he suddenly realized his hearing had sounded like it was sucked out of vacuum into space and tiny little dark spots danced across his vision. 'Well, sithspit, I think I'm about to pass out.' Obi-Wan realized very slowly, and with that last thought lingering, Obi-Wan's knees collapsed out from under him. His head hit the ground viciously but fortunate for the Jedi Master, he was completely unconscious before his head ever impacted the floor.

R2-D2 who had been dormant whistled awake. He had come alert the minute Obi-Wan had fallen to the ground. He whistled and chattered trying to figure out what had bothered him, was until he saw Obi-Wan on the ground. Knowing this was not right for their species he rolled up and a few times bumped into him, trying to awake the fallen Jedi but found nothing worked. Moving away R2 looked around the room analyzing the situation, his little droid mind working. He buzzed over to the medical droid Queen Organa had given them. Obi-Wan who in the past had turned it on a few times but mostly he left it discarded in the corner. Turning it on R2-D2 instructed it to tell him the diagnoses on the unconscious Jedi. The medical droid sprung to life racing over to Obi-Wan checking his vitals and started talking to no one as it gave its analysis.

"Fever above normal for human species. Body showing symptoms of chill, need medical attention." R2-D2 grabbed a blanket and dropped it off the unconscious Jedi. As the medical droid kept giving off data the space droid had heard enough and knew without a doubt needed to get help. Without wasting another minute R2-D2 took off through the door of their little home. It took him far longer than he wanted too but he arrived in the little town that he followed Obi-Wan every day. He saw the little Twi'lek girl playing near the street and made a loud whistle sound as she looked up noticing the droid coming in fast like a Gutkurr was hot on his wheels.

"Hi Artoo!" Gawnarin called to the space droid. However, R2-D2 like most of his kind had a personality, and R2 could be a down right asshole when he wanted and or needed attention. As the little girl was knocked over and screamed at the pain the droid had caused her Mitccha stepped out to see what the commotion was going outside his shop.

His eyes quickly scanned his child in the street grabbing her leg and pointing at the space droid. Mitccha came over and gently picked her up dusted her off and held her in his arms as he scanned around looking for Ben, knowing wherever the droid was, Ben was not to far off. Yet to not see him with his human was most concerning.

"Artoo, what are, where is Ben?" R2-D2 again used all his gears and slammed into the much taller Twi'lek this time nothing happened because of the bigger stature of Mitccha. "What are you," R2D2 raced behind him and began nudging him making him move towards the street and towards where Obi-Wan is. It finally dawned on Mitccha what the little droid was trying to get him to do.

"Gawnarin go get my med pack." His daughter took off with no argument and R2-D2 had already started making his way down the road whistling and making tons of noise as it back tracked to Obi-Wan dwelling, expecting Mitccha to keep up and follow. The two Twi'leks followed as best as they could and R2-D2 would turn back around and it did not escape Mitccha that the droid was giving a very annoyed whistle at having to turn back around, wasting time in the process. When they finally arrived it was late afternoon by the time they reached the small tiny hut that, was hidden well in the woods.

As he entered the hut he felt like he hit something invisible something very thick in the air. His eyes went wide as he saw anything not cemented to the ground was floating in the air, levitating. The tiny babies that had been in the care of Ben were crying out loudly, screaming. He rushed over to where the Jedi laid on the ground, and forms of beads of sweat had started to form on Obi-Wan's face. His face was skewered in pain and his head was moving back and forth as though he was fighting something within. Not wanting to waste any time being shocked by the events that were playing out in front of him,

"Rin," shortening her name, one of his many nicknames for his daughter, "I need you to reach into the bag and give me a hypo, and then I need you to take the babies out of here."

"But papa," wanting to help out and see what happened with all the floating objects in the air.

"Do not argue, do as I say."

The little girl nervously still looking at the floating wonder as she walked over and handed over the hypo and grabbed one of the floating toys that floated by her.

"Rin now child."

She dropped the baby toy onto the ground not paying attention as it never hit the ground and started back into the floating circle of objects around the unconscious Jedi. The babies were almost too big for her to carry but somehow she was able to clumsily get them outside the house without any serious incident. She put the babies on the ground on a small blanket and R2-D2 appeared suddenly, watching her back and looking out towards the forest, pulling security as always taught by his masters when one of them was down.

Back in the hut, Obi-Wan started thrashing his body started to fight Mitccha off. His legs and hands moving as though he was fighting with someone with in his mind and Mitccha dove for the Jedi's neck, slamming the hypo needle into place dumping the much needed medication into the tired body of Ben. However, it had the entire reverse effect then what Mitccha thought should happen. Instead of the Jedi falling instantly into oblivion that was unconsciousness and everything falling to the ground, Obi-Wan's eyes shot open, but there was no recognition.

"I WILL NOT LET YOU TAKE THEM."

Mitccha only had a second to even comprehend what Obi-Wan had yelled when he put his hand out and used the Force. Everything around Obi-Wan went slamming into the walls including Mitccha. He covered his head as other parts that had been floating earlier had become deadly projectiles. Suddenly everything went still as Obi-Wan's eyes fluttered like something hit him and then they shut and his arm went down and fell into a medicated sleep as the medication kicked in his system.

The Twi'lek dared not move or leave his position of safety until he realized nothing else would be flung at him. Mitccha then laid there trying to process everything he just saw in a matter of seconds. He had seen them himself the wanders that the Jedi could do with their Force. Yet he was never this close to the action and never ceased to amaze him. Knowing the Jedi was completely out, Mitccha sat up. Gawnarin came rushing in had hearing the commotion and fearing the worse for her father. She ran over and put her hand on his back helping him stand up.

"I'm okay, I'm okay tend to the babies. You can bring them back in and will take care of them." He could still here them crying. Mitccha wondered if maybe they sensed something was wrong with Obi-Wan through the Force. 'Could Jedi, or Force Sensitives do that?"

As his daughter raced back out to grab the twins Mitccha went over to Ben and going down on one knee he reached for the human. Ben still felt hot to the touch, which he knew for the human species was not good. Knowing the man would probably prefer his bed instead of the ground gently reached down and picked the Jedi up in his arms and carried him to the bed. What surprised Mitccha though was how heavy the Jedi felt. From appearances he looked thin and definitely not the most intimidating Jedi ever, however what he found was the man was made of pure muscle. Rigorous training and war would do that to an individual. He had to shift the man a few times before he could put him on the cot. Mitccha breathed heavily from the exertion of moving the man and finally moved Ben's legs so he was laying on his back. Mitccha heard the door open as Gawnarin brought the babies back into the hut. R2-D2 following close behind making sure she didn't do anything to the tiny infants. Mitccha had a feeling R2-D2 was very loyal droid and would fight like hell for those around him that he deemed his charge. He could respect that.

"Now," he said to the unconscious Jedi, "let's see what we can do about that temperature of yours."

"Padawan, you were having a dream again my young one."

Obi-Wan's eyes slide awake and saw the concern written, all over Qui-Gon's face. He looked around and realized he was in his room. The nightmare slowly creeping away from his memory as he came to full alertness. Why couldn't he remember the dream and why had it scared him so? He must have been screaming within the Force to make Qui-Gon appear at his bedside. Obi-Wan winced inside. He thought he had gotten much better at his shielding so as not to disturb his Master or anyone for that matter. He didn't like the sympathy or attention from anyone when he would one of his random force visions.

"I'm sorry Master I'm not sure I," trying to find the words to excuse his nightmare and for waking his Master up in the process.

"Obi-Wan, what are you dreaming can you remember?" The older man looking down with a gentle face, worry within his eyes.

"No, I just…all I see is yellow eyes, someone breathing in a ventilator and a red lightsaber," He winced realizing how childish it must sound to the ground adult Jedi Master, "what could they mean Master?"

"I'm not sure, but that is all they are, just dreams. You may see the events of one future, but every step we take changes the future for us all. Do not be troubled by what you see, I would like you to mediate on this my young apprentice. You will see they will disappear over time."

"Thank you, Master, I will."

"Now get up, you have saber practice. We do not want you to be late again, I know how grumpy Master Cin Drallig can be."

"Ah yes, I still am nursing a bruise from Master Drallig and his foul mood." Obi-Wan said with a smile. It may sound like they didn't care for the Master, but that was definitely not the case. The Jedi was just very particular and had taken an interest in Obi-Wan due to his ability to be so stubborn and not want to give up in a fight. To find a fighter that would get up without having to be told to rest was definitely not in every child or Jedi of the Order. Obi-Wan slowly pushed the swat soaked cover off of him as he heard someone say his name, but it wasn't his name. It was another name.

"Ben?"

He took his shirt off and pants and ran towards the refresher. He needed to hurry, he did not want to be the last one to show up.

"Ben, wake up. Come on, you need to eat something."

Obi-Wan felt the water hit him as the cold water from the refresher hit his hot face shocking him awake.

Obi-Wan's eyes shot open as he realized he was once again grasped in a distant memoryfrom his past. He guiltily wanted to stay in that dream just a little longer. He could still feel the warmth from the bond of Qui-Gon had sent him after his nightmare.

However as he tried to get his bearings he could feel as though a thousand Oggdo Bogdo's were jumping his head for fun and to just annoy him, and it clearly was working. His whole body ached along with why did he feel so cold? He felt movement and he slugglishly brought his eyes open that he hadn't realized had closed again. He saw Mitccha staring down at him. When did Mitccha get there?

"Ah, your awake. Finally." Mitccha said under his breath as he took the hot soaked wash cloth away from Obi-Wan to drop it in cold water again and put it on Obi-Wan's head to try and cool down his temperature.

Obi-Wan was confused. Why was Mitccha in his house? Why was he in his bed and why was it night? What had happened? Why did his entire body feel like hot garbage like he had been drugged. Wait where the kids! Why didn't he feel them through the Force. Why were they so quiet? He looked around to fast and realized he felt his eyes and body was swimming and his vision was coming and out of focus.

Mitccha saw the look cross Obi-Wan's face recognizing it quickly grabbing a basin he gave it to Obi-Wan who dumped all that he had in his stomach. Even when Obi-Wan had nothing in his body he still continued to convulse. Mitccha feeling bad gently stroked the Jedi's back as he would do his young daughter. Trying to sooth the man.

"Well, I think that's a good sign." As Obi-Wan stopped finally unloading his guts, and fell back down closing his eyes. Yet why did he still feel nauseous. He quickly sat back up and surprisingly still had more to expel from his stomach. Finally quitting he spit out what he thought was still in his mouth or what remained.

"Do tell, feel quite the opposite." Finally, Obi-Wan was able to respond back with after Mitccha's comment.

"Means your system is trying to get rid of whatever you have."

Once Obi-Wan was done he laid back down trying to get back his train of thought before his stomach rudely interrupted it. Shooting up from his bed, he put his hand on his head head from the quick movmennt as his body protested adamantly, "Leia and Luke!"

"They're fine. Their asleep along with Gawnarin, which was hard enough so please can you keep it down and not wake them back up. There like little Gundarks." Mitccha said softly, pushing Obi-Wan down trying to convince him to safe his energy. Yet Mitccha did not know that he was dealing with the King of stubbornness. If there had been a prize for who could out stubborn who, Obi-Wan would have gotten the vote every single time.

Obi-Wan felt again through the Force and could feel the babies and sent them love and comfort. They must have sensed something was wrong with him and not being able to do a damn thing about it. Finally feeling some what reassured the babies were taken care of, he laid back down. Reclosing his eyes and putting his hand over his eyes, realizing even the soft light was killing him right now, "How did you know to come look for me?"

"Your little droid," R2D2 hearing he was being talked about whistled softly and came to bump the bed, checking on the Jedi. Not having to open his eyes Obi-Wan felt out and patted the droid and gave R2-D2 reassuance. He was not much into droids the way Anakain had been it seemed, but he could admit, Artoo definitely had a soft spot in Obi-Wan's heart. Maybe deep down Artoo some what reminded him of better times, of Anakin and his life before everything went so wrong. "Little bugger came and pushed over Rin over and then practically did the same thing to me, only I was much bigger, anyways he brought us to you."

"Thank you Artoo." R2-D2 whistled in approval, and moved back to his spot near the babies. He knew where he was to be stationed at all times.

A quite silence broke out between Obi-Wan and Mitccha and the Jedi did not have to open his eyes to feel Mitccha was staring at him. Trying to get the courage to ask something but not sure if it was his place or would be considered rude.

"What is it?"

"Well, umm," looking away at the disaster he had tried to pick up while Ben was dead to the world, "when I found you. You were levitating everything in here. You pushed everything violently towards the walls, including me. I was, I've just never seen anything like that, is that….is that normal when Jedi get sick?"

"I'm sorry if I hurt you or scared you Mitccha, forgive me." Obi-Wan have opening his eyes and giving his sensire apology. "No, it's not common for me or Jedi to do this even when sick. Just been having a bit a issue with things." Obi-Wan didn't want to go in on the details any further. Not that he trusted Mitccha just not sure what Mitccha would think of Obi-Wan. Really, Obi-Wan had started experiencing it after the events on Mustafar. It happened a few times now and though he thought it would eventually right itself, unfortunately it seemed like it was getting worse. He felt unbalanced and had been for quite some time and couldn't mediate it away. It seemed he was unleashing whatever was going on into his dreams. It could also be him overtasking himself with shielding Leia and Luke. He wasn't just shielding one force user, now he was now straining to shield himself, Luke and Luke and that was no easy task. How long could he keep this up before he left himself with nothing to spare and then would have to fight another Force user. He had to think of something and pretty fast. It was only a matter of time before someone recognized him.

"Do you know what you dreamed of? What was it?" Mitccha asked, pulling Obi-Wan out of his line of thinking.

"No, I can't say I remember it." Lies. Obi-Wan's memories never faded, they only had worsened over time. But, he wasn't going to tell Mitccha about it. Why bother him with such trival nonsense, it wasn't like the Twi'lek could help him with Force Exhuastion or anything related to the Force.

"Well, let's hope that doesn't happen again." Obi-Wan wanted to reassure him but he had learned long time ago not to get comfortable. Because just as you did, something was bound to flip everything upside down.

(Planets away)

A two very different planets, two Force Users looked up. They both had felt the Force, had heard it cry out and they both knew exactly who the individual was that had spoken to them. They were not many Force users out in the galaxy that was projecting anymore due to the Jedi Purge. It must have been something to allow his guard to come down and for others now to sense him even if it was for only a few seconds it was enough. For two very different individuals they now both knew for certain, Jedi Master High Council Member Obi-Wan Kenobi was in fact very much alive.

TBC...

Author Note: Thank you to everyone who has given this thing kudos, and or added to a bookmark or even subscribed. I half the time think nobody really cares for this story and I'm just writing it to write. I have one more chapter to go, and then I'm at a total loss of what to do next for this story. I'm trying to decide if I want some other people to show up. I honestly have no idea lol…so yeah hopefully that doesn't stop me from writing more. I do have another story idea too that is starting to pull me in another direction. Till then, see you on the flipside! Hope you like this latest chapter and the little cliffhanger.