Hi there! Sorry for the long wait for an update. I have been writing stories about Obi-Wan every since I saw a young Obi-Wan in TPM, and I have read all the Jedi apprentice books and spin offs. It amounts to many years of obsession.
Unfortunately I'm running out of enthusiasm after so many years.
I will complete this story, as all my stories are complete! but I doubt if I will write and post anymore.
Thanks everyone for your reviews and adding me to your reading lists. Its been a blast and I loved every minute of the Star wars fan fiction group. xx
Without any further ado here is the next chapter. I hope you enjoy.
xxx
There was an air of excitement around the small group of twelve year old initiates when Obi-Wan walked into the sabre instruction class. He'd slept in and he was running a few minutes late. He noticed Bruck Chun was standing alone on the far side of the room, and he hoped he would stay there. He turned when he heard Garen's voice.
"Obi-Wan you'll never guess who's going to teach Master Deacon's class for the next month!"
"Who?" Obi-Wan asked.
"Master Jinn! Oh, here he is." Garen whispered.
Obi-Wan turned toward the door; the imposing figure of master Jinn filled the doorway. A tingling sensation shot through his body and he was surprised when the master smiled at him.
He was right in front of him and he didn't know whether to smile back or step out of the master's way, he thought it more prudent to do the latter and he moved quickly to the side.
"Obi-Wan." Garen dug his side. "What's the matter with you? Why did you step away, for force sake he smiled at you? You should have smiled back."
"I don't know Garen I don't want to upset him, but I seem to whenever I see him."
"Well you better get over it because I heard he's going to teach us for awhile.
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"Students, may I have your attention." Master Deacon said. "This is Master Qui-Gon Jinn, he will be in the temple for a few months, as he's taking a break from missions and will be teaching you sabre techniques."
Qui-Gon bowed. "Thank you Master Deacon, I'm sure we will learn a lot from each other and am looking forward to getting to know you all better. Now let us see what you all know."
Obi-Wan and the rest of the group went to the rack and chose a sabre to begin their class. He was pleased that Bruck didn't come anywhere near him and once Bruck chose a sabre he went to the other side of the room again.
Obi-Wan, Garen and two other initiates went with Master Deacon, and they began going through kata's warming up before the sparing session.
Obi-Wan glanced at Master Jinn who rounded up the other three including Bruck and they warmed up as well. He opened up to the force to begin his kata movements and he felt an aura pulsing in the Force. It was Master Jinn's aura and it felt crisp and strong.
Instinctively Obi-Wan raised his shields so that his wayward thoughts wouldn't be heard by anyone while he tried to concentrate on the lesson.
For an hour the student's sparred and changed partners and sparred again, however, when it was time for Obi-Wan to spar against Bruck, to his surprise Master Jinn stepped forward and said. "I would like the opportunity to work one on one with the students Master Deacon, would that be alright with you?"
"Why certainly Master Jinn, who do you, wish to begin with?"
Qui-Gon sensed Obi-Wan's nervousness and he wanted to take it slow and ease into a relationship with the young lad, so he decided to begin with Bruck.
"Initiate Chun, shall we." He said and held his sabre in the salute position.
Bruck bowed and brought his sabre up to the ready position and they began.
.
Obi-Wan and the others sat down to watch and they could hear Qui-Gon giving instructions to Bruck.
"You are concentrating too intensely Bruck and you're too stiff, relax, loosen your arms and let the Force flow through you." Qui-Gon said and then later, "that's better Bruck once you have the Force under control your movements flow with it."
Obi-Wan sensed Bruck's conceit rise, and Bruck glanced his way a couple of times to gloat that he was sparing with the best Master in the order, but the other initiates laughed when Bruck ended up flat on his bottom when Qui-Gon took him by surprise and floored him.
He'd sensed Bruck's smugness and new it was directed at Obi-Wan. He knew that Bruck had lost focus so he ended the spar. "You lost focus young initiate, if you did that in a battle you may be dead now." He said as he helped Bruck off the floor.
Obi-Wan felt relief fill him when Master Jinn continued to pick all the other initiates leaving him to last. He didn't know why he was hoping the chime would sound denoting the end of the session, because deep down he really wanted to spar with the Master.
Nevertheless, the longer he waited; it appeared Master Jinn didn't want to spar with him anyway. His emotions were confusing and he just wished the class would end.
The chime sounded and the initiates began leaving the hall, Obi-Wan picked up his bag and headed for the door.
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"Initiate Kenobi! May I speak to you before you leave?" Qui-Gon said quickly as he sensed Obi-Wan's rush to bolt out the door.
Bruck turned at the door preventing the rest of the group from leaving; he wanted to hear what Master Jinn was going to say.
Obi-Wan felt trapped and his nervousness rose dramatically.
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Qui-Gon felt Obi-Wan's discomfort and sensed it was because of Bruck. There was something between these two boys; they had a history and it wasn't one of friendship.
Bruck didn't hide his dislike of Obi-Wan very well. Qui-Gon looked past Obi-Wan at Bruck and the others. "The rest of you can go, I will see you tomorrow."
Qui-Gon waited until the room cleared and the door was shut.
"Obi-Wan, I wanted to tell you that I knew you didn't take Master Marron's pen."
Obi-Wan looked at him in surprise. "You knew – oh, Master Marron told you?"
"No! I already knew; I was walking through the garden when Bruck and Alto approached you and I saw Bruck put something in your satchel, so I came over. I didn't say anything straight away because I wanted to see what they were up to, and when Master Marron arrived I knew he would sense the truth and because it involved his new padawan I thought it best to let him handle it."
"Oh, I understand, but I thought he would believe his padawan?"
"Obi-Wan, just because Master Marron is Alto's master that doesn't mean that he would absolve his padawan from transgression if the evidence proved otherwise."
"I don't understand why would Alto risk his future now that he has been chosen by a Master?" Obi-Wan asked.
"Alto was being led by Bruck Chun who preyed on those initiates that were susceptible to suggestion and he would have convinced Alto that his new master would believe him. I sensed your disappointment in Alto, can you tell me why?"
"Yes Sir, I don't think he realises what an honour it is being chosen, knowing that there aren't many Masters available. For him to risk his apprenticeship to follow Bruck is stupid."
"I'm certain Master Marron will explain that to him, Obi-Wan. I'm sure you won't have any more trouble with Alto.
Obi-Wan nodded, but he had to ask. "I-I see – but you didn't say anything after they left?"
"I was about to tell you when Master Windu interrupted us and told you to leave."
"Oh! Yes I remember, he seemed annoyed."
"Yes, he was, but not with you."
"Thank you for telling me Master Jinn."
"I know that I haven't been very supportive of you in the past and I sense you don't feel comfortable around me because of it. That's why I didn't call on you to spar with me today."
"I mean no disrespect Master Jinn, but you didn't want to spar with me a year ago either." Obi-Wan bit his lip after he spoke; he wished he's kept his thoughts to himself.
"I truly regret my actions toward you then and I can assure you that it was nothing that you did that caused me to act so deplorably, and I apologise sincerely. However, today I could sense your discomfort and your unease around me, so I felt that I should speak to you first."
Relief filled him, but in the back of his mind he still wondered why the master was telling him. There had been other incidents that had happened, but Obi-Wan didn't want to bring them up.
"May I ask you a personal question, Obi-Wan?"
"I-I suppose so Master Jinn."
"Do you know why Bruck Chun dislikes you so much?"
Obi-Wan lowered his head and thought about his past with Bruck and he shook his head. "I don't really know; it seems to me that he's always disliked me. At first I tried to ignore him, but now I get angry at him and I don't like the feeling, and I can't stop it. We've never been friends, and as long as I can remember he's always picked on me."
"You know that Bruck is on probation and he has been warned to keep away from you."
"Yes, but that won't stop him."
"Then he is truly lost to a life as a Jedi, but I sense that you want to be one. You must release your anger at Bruck and then you will regain the confidence you have lost."
"I would like too, but he makes it impossible and no matter how hard I try to avoid him he always finds a way to upset me."
"Perhaps I can help you meditate and show you how to release your burden?"
Obi-Wan's anger rose. "What about Bruck? There is no point in me releasing my burden when he doesn't release his. What difference will it make? It's not like I go out of my way to annoy him!"
"Obi-Wan, you need to control your anger, otherwise it will control you. He does those things to you because you take the bait. You have to ignore his words and draw the calmness to you. This rivalry with Bruck is getting out of hand and it could turn into something neither of you can control."
"I'm sorry Master Jinn I try to release my emotions, but it's hard."
"Yes, well we will have to work on that, now getting back to the reason I wanted to speak to you, "I would like to spar with you in our next session; are you up for it?"
"Yes Master Jinn, I would like that."
"You know that I was watching you spar with initiate Muln yesterday. You have a good action, but you tend to lose focus and you missed several chances to end the duel in your favour. Do you know why?"
"Yes sir, I felt uncomfortable because you were watching me and I couldn't concentrate on the match. "
"I see, well I hope that I have eased some of your discomfort youngling." Qui-Gon said as he walked with Obi-Wan to the door.
"Yes, thank you Master Jinn; I will look forward to the next lesson." Obi-Wan smiled and headed down the hall.
...
Later in the day Obi-Wan was heading to the library when Bruck stepped out and began walking next to him. Obi-Wan knew that he was up to something, but he kept walking without speaking.
"So! What did Master Jinn say to you, did he tell you that you weren't worth sparring with?"
Determination filled him not to take Bruck's bait and he didn't answer him.
"Bantha got your tongue, it's a simple question even a simple oaf like you should be able to answer me."
All the way down the hall Bruck baited Obi-Wan and was getting frustrated when Obi-Wan wouldn't answer him.
"You think you're so smart don't you, just because that stupid Alto couldn't keep his mouth shut and he told his master that I put the pen in your bag. Well you might be off the hook for that one, but don't relax too much Oafy, because next time I won't fail to get you kicked out and off to the agri-corps."
"Go away Bruck!" Obi-Wan said quietly, as he went through the door to the library. He knew that Bruck wouldn't risk saying anything else because there were a lot of Jedi in the library and silence was paramount.
Obi-Wan glanced back as he walked through the book shelves, and was relieved that Bruck didn't follow him. He settled down to do his research and then later he headed to the dining hall for last meal with Garen.
..
"You ok Obi-Wan, who are you looking for?" Garen asked because Obi-Wan's eyes searched the room.
"Bruck followed me to the library and I thought he was going to do something stupid. Have you seen him?"
"No, but I heard he's been put on probation so I don't think he'll risk doing anything stupid. My guess is he won't bother you anymore; so don't worry about him."
.
The following day, Obi-Wan looked forward to sabre class. Master Jinn was already there speaking with Master Deacon. As Obi-Wan entered the room the Master smiled at him and this time Obi-Wan smiled back and dipped his head in a respectful nod.
The lesson began and soon Obi-Wan was called forward to spar with him.
He felt his nervousness trying to force its way through his body, but he concentrated on calm breathing. It worked and Master Jinn began the spar.
Obi-Wan hadn't realised how tall Master Jinn was until this moment when his green blade swung across his vision and he raised his blue blade to counter the strike. Obi-Wan stepped cautiously, remembering yesterday when Bruck tripped over his own feet trying to show off.
It wasn't long before he relaxed and moved with the flow of the force. He stretched out to feel his opponent and gage where his next strike would come from and was amazed that he had a sense of Master Jinn's thoughts.
Before the session was over he'd made quite a few mistakes and embarrassment lit his face, but he didn't stumble or fall over. Nevertheless, he was relieved when Master Jinn ended the spar. He bowed to the master and resumed his place on the bench as the lessons continued.
ooo
A week passed and then another, and with each passing day Obi-Wan's confidence grew, and today he was being tested on his knowledge of self discipline and connecting with the Force through meditation. He'd been working hard to calm his mind and go to a place where he could find inner peace and he achieved it by keeping his mind clear and relaxed.
When he rose from the meditation the training master smiled at him and nodded that he approved. Obi-Wan felt a renewed sense of achievement fill him knowing that he'd passed the second test.
The first test he'd passed was designed to test one's knowledge of the Jedi code. He knew the code from back to front and now he only had one more test to complete and then he hoped that someone would take him as their apprentice.
He met Garen in the refectory and sat down. "I passed the second test Garen. How did you go?"
"Yes, I passed too and I have more good news Obi-Wan." Garen said grinning.
"You look like you ate the last muju fruit on the tree. What's the news?"
"Do you know Master Clee Rhara?"
"Yes I've heard of her, wasn't she the one who taught you last year in the pilot course?"
"Yes, well she's asked for me to be her apprentice, but she can't take me for two months. So I can concentrate on the third test, without worrying about the Agri-corps."
"That's great Garen I'm very happy for you." Obi-Wan tried to sound positive, but all he could think of was that with Garen out of the equation that left Bruck and him and no master for either of them.
Garen was so excited he didn't sense Obi-Wan's fret through the Force and he chatted on until he had to excuse himself to go to class.
.
Obi-Wan pushed his worry to the back of his mind as he left the canteen. Unexpectedly he began thinking about the agri-corps, he'd not thought about it before because he'd always presumed that he would be taken by a master, but now the thought of ending up in the agri-corps was a definite possibility.
Ooo
Qui-Gon was waiting in the training arena for Obi-Wan, they had sparred several time over the past week and Qui-Gon could sense that Obi-Wan's nervousness around him was disappearing, he felt that he was making progress and he hoped that soon he could ask Obi-Wan to be his padawan.
"Ah there you are Obi-Wan; I was beginning to think you weren't coming today." He said as Obi-Wan walked in through the door.
Immediately he sensed despair coming off Obi-Wan in waves, and he was trying to raise his shields unsuccessfully.
"Obi-Wan, is something wrong, has Bruck been bothering you?"
"No Master Jinn, I just don't feel like sparring today if that's alright, may I be excused?"
Qui-Gon felt Obi-Wan's forehead, but it was fine. "If you don't feel well perhaps you should go and see the healers?"
"Yes Master Jinn I will."
.
Qui-Gon watched him leave and wondered what was wrong. He couldn't sense anything physically wrong with him, but there was a definite disturbance around him.
Qui-Gon wasn't going to ignore the feeling that something was wrong and he went looking for Master Yoda, but bumped into Mace heading down the hall.
"Qui-Gon you seem to be in a hurry, what's up?"
"Hello Mace, I was going to speak to Master Yoda about Obi-Wan, he seems depressed and I was wondering if Bruck Chun has been keeping away from him."
"Initiate Chun is still on probation and he knows what will happen to him if he disregards the council's directives Qui-Gon."
"Has anything else happened that involves the initiates?"
"The only announcement that involves initiates is that four of them have been accepted for training in the pilot corps, but nothing is happening that involves Obi-Wan."
"How many initiates are looking for masters now then?"
"Only initiate Chun, as you are taking Obi-Wan and Master Clee Rhara has decided to take Garen Muln in two months when she returns from her assignment."
"Does Garen know that Clee Rhara has asked after him?"
"Yes, she asked him today and he accepted."
.
Qui-Gon realised what was wrong with Obi-Wan, his friend Garen probably told him his good news and Obi-Wan doesn't think anyone wants him as an apprentice. He couldn't wait any longer to tell the young boy that wasn't so.
ooo
Qui-Gon sought out Master Yoda's force signature and followed his aura to the room of a thousand fountains; he was watching a group of younglings having an afternoon swim in the pond from the rocks above them.
"Master Yoda, may I speak to you?" Qui-Gon sat down next to the old master.
"Time you believe it is to take young Obi-Wan as your apprentice, you are going to say, umm?"
"Obi-Wan and Bruck are the only two senior initiates who don't have assignments or prospective masters and I know from previous experience, Obi-Wan's confidence plummet's the closer he gets to his thirteenth name day. I imagine it is the same for Bruck, however, my concern is for Obi-Wan so yes; it is time."
"Told you I did that help you I would. Obi-Wan will be your apprentice before the day is over; recommend it to the council I will this evening."
"Thank you Master." Qui-Gon smiled knowing he could rely on Yoda.
"There's your youngling now Qui-Gon." Yoda said pointing to a bench near the pond.
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He saw Obi-Wan sit down on the bench with one of his friends; they were looking at a book Obi-Wan held. Qui-Gon opened up to the force and he could sense the younglings' confidence waning. Nevertheless, the Force was constantly filling him with courage and love. He marvelled at the light that encompassed the young boy.
"He is loved by the Force and he has a great destiny before him. I just trust that I am a worthy teacher for him."
Yoda gazed at Obi-Wan as well and for a moment he could see a glow in the youngling's aura.
"Yes, see it I do and train him well you will. It is the will of the Force." Yoda said nodding his agreement.
"Master Yoda, I am curious about the will of the Force; do you believe in prophesy?"
Yoda rested his chin on his cane and pondered Qui-Gon's question. "Prophesy you say, you speak of the chosen one, the one to bring balance to the Force."
"Yes Master, until now I was one of those who believed in its validity."
"Question the authenticity of that assumption now you do?"
"When I was in the crystal cave, I was told that it is a myth created by the earliest Jedi philosophers and that it has no foundation. Do you know where prophesy originated from?"
"Origins unknown they are, but studied and deciphered by Jedi philosophers it was thousands of years ago. A Jedi tale you say; the force Spirit revealed this to you did he?"
"André said that the risk would be too great to bestow ultimate strength and power into the hands of one being; it could unleash a supremacy that could be manipulated by one with evil intentions and destroy said chosen one's morality and honesty. The kindest and gentlest of hearts would be turned by destructive forces to do the bidding of corrupt men. He said that the force is and will be a constant entity and in balance and will always guide those who seek enlightenment throughout their life."
"Ah yes, sense truth in what you say, but sense I do that one chosen by the Force there is also, to help guide us to enlightenment." Yoda said lifting his head and gazing at Obi-Wan.
Ooo
On another rocky outcrop hidden by jutting rocks crouched Bruck Chun, he noticed Yoda and Jinn gazing down at something that he couldn't see from his vantage point. They were deep in discussion and at one point Yoda pointed his cane at someone down below.
So he climbed around the rocks until he could see Obi-Wan. His irritation threatened to rise, but he'd been practising to contain his emotions and he tamped his jealousy for Obi-Wan behind his solid shields.
Bruck felt his panic rise and he tamped it down. It appeared that Yoda was convincing Master Jinn that he should take Oafy-Wan as his apprentice, but Bruck had been forming a plan to get rid of the brat; leaving the way clear for him to become Jinn's apprentice.
Bruck had been to coco town a few times and he knew that there were bounty hunters who would pay for Force sensitive beings, so he'd contacted one of them.
Today was the day that he was to lure Kenobi to the old emergency exit door at the lower level of the temple; where a bounty hunter called Bogg-Nik would take Kenobi. Bruck patted the bag of credits in his pocket that the slaver had already paid him to do the job.
Tbc...