Woohoo, a long chapter, not a great deal of action, but...
Qui-Gon drew closer to the muted presence in the force; a pale blue hue, pulsing slightly.
Concentrating on the pulse and drawing on the Force he projected his own presence and called, "Obi-Wan." In his mind's eye; he saw the pale blue hue brighten.
That was a good sign. "Obi-Wan, can you hear me?" he asked.
Again the blue hue brightened.
'Obi-Wan I know you can hear me. Answer me, please speak to me?"…. He nudged forcefully.
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"I can hear you, but I can't see you, where are you?" just a whisper but an answer nevertheless, a wonderful sound to Qui-Gon's mind.
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"I'm coming to help you. Concentrate and tell me how to find you?" he sent through the strengthening connection.
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"It feels like your here." Obi-Wan said confusion lacing his answer as he touched his forehead.
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"I've pushed past your shields and completed a bond. It is imperative that we find you, you're bleeding and you need medical attention." he explained.
There was silence for a moment, and then a gasp of relief filtered through the bond and Qui-Gon felt Obi-Wan's end of their bond blaze into life pulsing through him and filling him.
'Oh I feel it; you're here in my head." Obi-Wan whispered.
Qui-Gon could feel the strength draining from Obi-Wan; he was getting weaker by the moment. "Tell me how to find you?"
"I'm hiding in a cave, but there's a man on the island and he has a red sabre!" The weakening sound of his voice filtered through.
"Do not worry about him Padawan, he's gone; please 'where is the cave?"
"I-I'm so tired." he whispered.
"Padawan, concentrate! He sent a shout through the bond to get his attention.
"I'm sorry M-master… T-there are white flowering shrubs together, at the northern edge and under the lower branches, there's a crevice that leads to the opening of the cave." His thoughts projected faintly.
"I'm coming Obi-Wan; hold on!"
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Qui-Gon relayed the position to the rescuers and they headed for the edge and the bushes.
Pulling back the branches there were large rocks all around the opening.
"We can't squeeze in there!" the medic confirmed.
"Here stand back." Lighting his sabre he slashed away at the rocks around the opening making it larger. Soon Qui-Gon and Yoda lit the way with their sabres to the spot where the unconscious youth lay.
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000
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Once again Senator Mon Mothma was the first visitor to arrive in the medical wing as they removed Obi-Wan from the bacta.
"Ben you're making a habit of this and you had me worried there for awhile, it was a deep wound. How do you feel now?" She asked.
"I feel alright, the bacta certainly helped."
"Good, I spoke to Master Jinn and he said you didn't recognise the person responsible for your injury, but it was the same disfigured man you saw before."
"Yes, I think he knows me, but I don't know from where. He did say something about Naboo."
"Well we have guards out searching, I'm sure we'll find him. I'm going to speak to the Commander now so I'll come back and see you later."
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000
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He watched her go knowing that in a few days he would be saying goodbye to her and Chandrila. He'd made his decision, and now that he had a fully functioning bond with Qui-Gon it seemed his future was set.
Qui-Gon entered as she left and smiled at Obi-Wan.
"How are you feeling?" he asked.
"I feel fine, maybe a little tired, but very happy to be alive." he said.
"You were fortunate that the knife didn't hit any vital organs." Qui-Gon said.
"Yes, that man said he wanted to kill me slowly and he said he wanted to kill you too."
"What else did he say?"
"That he was on Naboo to kill you, and when he found out that I was alive he said he would kill both of us."
"I did sense danger on Naboo, and I was on alert, but later I thought it was because of the trade federation fiasco." Qui-Gon said.
"I too felt something on Naboo when you were meditating in the garden. I thought someone was stalking you and I did a search of the grounds, but I didn't find anything except you following me."
"I was inquisitive and I sensed I knew you; when I saw you use the Force to take some food from the kitchen, my interest in you heightened."
"I was angry with you, but I'm not anymore."
Qui-Gon sat on the bed. "I'm sorry for all the pain I caused you, and if you're willing I would like to make it up to you?"
Obi-Wan nodded. "I sensed your concern when I was in the cave. I felt such a powerful surge from you. It was comforting and it did feel right and I was drawn to your presence."
"Yes, when I opened up to find you the Force pulled your presence to me to complete the bond. I had to find you so I fulfilled mine and the Forces wishes. It felt so true and I automatically called you padawan. I apologise sincerely if I disrespected you and if you wish me to close it I will."
"Did you mean it?"
"Yes, I will not push myself onto you if you do not wish to be bonded to me."
"No, I mean, did you mean to call me padawan?"
"It would make me extremely proud to call you my Padawan." Qui-Gon said.
Obi-Wan smiled and lay his head back on the pillow, he looked content.
"You called me Master; did you mean it, Padawan?" Qui-Gon asked.
"Yes' I meant it, I know its right, and the Force made me see it. I would be honoured to be your Padawan." Obi-Wan answered.
Qui-Gon nodded and a companionable silence fell over them and soon Obi-Wan drifted off to sleep.
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000
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While Obi-Wan showered Master Yoda and Qui-Gon sat in his rooms waiting for him.
Yoda gazed intently at Qui-Gon until the taller man asked why. "Master, you have something to say or ask me don't you?"
"Certain I am that know more about the bond you now share with Obi-Wan. Tell me you should."
"The force has given me a gift, one that I should have acknowledged when he was twelve.
You tried to tell me, but I was too stubborn, and I am fortunate that I have been given another chance to be the teacher I should be to Obi-Wan."
"Saw the quality of his aura you have, always there even when a youngling he was, but only I could see it."
"It surrounds and penetrates his entire body, he virtually glows within and it is pure and untainted. I have never encountered an essence like it; not even in those who have higher midi-chlorian counts than Obi-Wan."
"Midi-chlorian's alone, do not make one great. Remember that you should."
"I will, he is special; I see it now and it's comforting that he has accepted me. I am humbled by his ability to forgive."
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000
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The shower door opening had them turn, Obi-Wan spied the clothes on the bed and a look of genuine pleasure covered his face.
"Where did you get these from?" he asked.
"Requested them I did from the Temple." Yoda explained.
"I want my Padawan to look like the Jedi, he is." Qui-Gon said smiling.
Reverently, Obi-Wan touched the cream and tan tunics and trousers, before dressing. Adjusting the belt and pulling on the new leather boots.
"Thank you Masters', I never expected to be wearing these. Are you certain the council will accept me? Won't they object to my age?"
"Continued your training you did after Master Durron died. Rite of passage you have, discussed it with the council already I have. Argue with me they would not!"
Obi-Wan knew Master Yoda was more stubborn than Qui-Gon so he refrained from disagreeing.
His long hair was wet and he noticed a comb and scissors on the desk. "I suppose you should cut my hair Master."
"Are you sure Padawan, we can stretch the rules if you don't wish to cut it?"
"Master it is my desire to be a Jedi apprentice, and I respect the traditions of the order. So please do it before I change my mind."
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Next Qui-Gon held his hand out, and Obi-Wan looked down. It was Master Durron's sabre.
"Obi-Wan this is your sabre, to wear in honour of your past master."
He took it reverently, and clipped it to his belt.
"I would like to build one of my own, guided by you Master, and when it's built I would like to gift Master Durron's sabre to the archives." Obi-Wan stated.
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Yoda also accepted Obi-Wan's offer to transfer the training journals that belonged to Master Durron to the educational archives in the temple. The journals would be an invaluable addition to the education of young padawan's.
He packed the wooden statue and the temple fabric. They were a gift from his master and he would treasure them always.
On the table was the box that held the lamp. He picked it up and held it out to Qui-Gon.
"Master Qui-Gon, years ago I accidently broke something that you held dear. I bought this a couple of years ago to replace it; however, I didn't know how to give it to you then. I would like to give it to you now if I may."
Qui-Gon opened the box knowing full well what was inside it. It was an identical lamp to the one that Obi-Wan was delivering to him eight years ago, when he was tripped over by Bruck Chun causing it to break.
Qui-Gon would not dwell on the whys, or the reasons why Obi-Wan had purchased it, he would live in the moment and accept a wonderful gift.
"Obi-Wan it is beautiful; it is exactly the lamp I have always wanted. I have just the spot for it in our apartment, and because you bought it for me I will treasure it always."
"Thank You Master." Obi-Wan blushed.
Finally after all the farewells, they boarded a ship for Coruscant. The Commander searched the ship and checked all passengers. Not finding any sign of the man who stabbed Obi-Wan on the ship.
He would be safe at the Temple and his training would prepare him if the danger followed them.
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000
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Coruscant, and the Jedi temple loomed into view. Obi-Wan felt his nerves twitter. He'd resigned himself to the fact he would never see this magnificent structure or enter it again and now here he was returning as an apprentice.
As they descended the ramp and walked across the landing platform, Yoda, indicated that Obi-wan should rest in their apartment until they were called to the council.
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000
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Yoda knew the council had questions and would require a full report before they interviewed the young man.
Council members, wait patiently until Master Yoda sat in his chair before Mace Windu opened the questioning.
"Where is the Kenobi youth?"
"With Master Jinn he is, in his quarters settling in."
"Highly irregular this is Master Yoda. We know nothing of Kenobi since he left for Thyferra and was presumed dead. He is full grown, and yet you want us to accept him back as an apprentice! How far behind other padawan's of his age is he?" said Plo Koon.
Yoda sighed. "Full grown he is not; proficient with a sabre he is, studied for twelve years here in the temple and eight years with the advice of Master Durron. More than worthy to be an apprentice he is."
Mace asked the question that was on the tip of their tongues. "You said that Master Durron rescued him from Thyferra, and took him as his apprentice. Proof of that do you have?"
"Need no proof do I, witness Master Durron's style of training in young Obi-Wan I do. Known Cass Durron for many years and confident that knew Obi-Wan's worth he did."
Yoda sensed their scepticism and shook his head.
"If proof you have need of, then here it is." Yoda withdrew a small diary from within his robe and held it out.
The councillors glanced at each other realising that if they reached for it, they were in effect mistrusting Yoda, and as he held it there, no-one moved to take it.
"How long was he apprenticed to Master Durron then."Mace asked breaking the silence.
"Three years of full training he received. Notation in his journal, confirmed intended he did to bring Obi-Wan back to the temple to finish his preparation for knighthood. However, died unexpectedly he did, before reaching Chandrila."
"Why didn't his padawan contact the temple then?"
"Understand protocol and 'rite of passage' Obi-Wan did not. Return to the temple an option he knew little about. So remained on Chandrila he did."
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000
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Qui-Gon escorted his padawan through the temple; on either side of the hallway were statues of Ancient Jedi. Obi-Wan slowed; he was mesmerized by the statues of long dead Jedi.
Qui-Gon placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Are you alright?"
"I remember the last time I was in this corridor; I was on my way to Thyferra. I couldn't bear to look at the statues of all those great Jedi then, it pained me so much." Obi-Wan said.
Qui-Gon didn't know what to say, he'd walked through this corridor many times himself coming and going on missions, he hadn't really thought about the statues and what they represented.
"You're right we don't admire the beauty of this temple enough." He said gazing at the statues too.
They continued on, passing a few Jedi on the way, several of them greeted Qui-Gon and nodded to Obi-Wan. Nevertheless Qui-Gon did not linger as he could sense the awkwardness, and unease radiating through their bond.
As they stepped inside Qui-Gon's apartment, he heard the hitched exhale of air from the young man behind him. Qui-Gon took off his robe and flung it across the couch expecting Obi-Wan to do the same, but when he turned around Obi-Wan hadn't moved from the middle of the room.
"You can relax now." he said.
"I suppose it's just hard to believe that I am really here. I'd resigned myself to the fact that I would never step foot in the Jedi Temple again." Obi-Wan said.
"I feel overwhelmed, I'm not sure if it's relief I feel, or disbelief."
Qui-Gon stepped over and took Obi-Wan's robe off and then held him by the shoulders.
"Believe it Padawan, I can assure you it is real," and then Qui-Gon did something he normally wouldn't do; he pulled Obi-Wan into his chest and wrapped his arms around his young charge.
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000
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The Council continued to listen to Yoda's account of Qui-Gon and Mace's discovery of Obi-Wan and the discovery of volumes of reference and educational journals hand written by Durron over a one hundred and twenty year period.
"Master Durron was a revered Master it is true, and his journals will be invaluable for study, nevertheless, a considerable age he was, and retired many years ago. Still capable to teach was he?" Plo Koon asked.
"Believe me still capable to teach do you?"
Plo Koon realised his insinuations were suggesting that Yoda may be too old and he knew not to voice such absurd opinions.
"Of course Master Yoda, but being educated on a ship is not the same as the rigors of extensive education in the temple. He will be behind his age mates in education and training skills."
"Test him then, pass any test he will." Yoda stated.
The Councillors could find nothing more to ask and agreed to see for themselves.
"Bring him before us, and test him we will." Mace declared.
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000
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The comlink buzzed and Qui-Gon noticed Obi-Wan jump slightly at the noise, it was Master Yoda telling them the time had come for Obi-Wan to prove his worth before the Council.
"Obi-Wan I would have liked you to settle in first before this test. Nevertheless, the Council has decreed that it should take place now." Qui-Gon confirmed.
"Before I get used to the Temple, and before anyone remembers who I am, that way it will be easier to send me away again." Obi-Wan said in a rush.
"Padawan have faith in the Force! The Council will see your commitment and will see what we saw, that you are worthy to be a Jedi no matter what age you are."
"I'm sorry Master I guess I'm nervous."
"Obi-Wan you will do fine, just remember, the force has always been with you and it will see you through this. I will not be able to help you, although I will be in the room, they will test your connection to the force and will ask you some questions. I will not deny that they will be hard on you. They must be certain that you are worthy. It is up to you to win them over."
Obi-Wan bowed and smiled, as Qui-Gon handed him his robe. "Then I will do what I must Master."
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As they entered the Council Chamber, Obi-Wan thought. (I hope my stomach doesn't rumble it's so quiet in here they will hear every sound my body makes.)
The silence was deafening and all eyes were on Obi-Wan.
Qui-Gon moved off to the other end of the room and sat next to Yoda, who would not be part of the testing either.
Obi-Wan moved to the centre of the room surrounded by eleven seated Councillors, and bowed putting his hands inside the sleeves of his robe.
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It was a waiting game, and he sensed this was a test of patience. They just eyed him up and down. Obi-Wan refrained from fidgeting and calmly stood as a seasoned apprentice.
After a few moments he wondered if his tunic was on straight, or maybe he had dirt on his face or his tabard was on backwards. He cleared his mind of those feelings not wanting to smile at his own droll thoughts.
After a few more moments, Master Windu broke the silence.
"Obi-Wan Kenobi, you left here eight years ago as an initiate assigned to the agri-corps, why should we accept you back now?"
"I may have left the Temple as an initiate Masters. Nevertheless, my time on Thyferra taught me a different side to Jedi life and how to expand my knowledge as a Jedi. When the eruption occurred and thousands died, the force guided me to Master Durron; it was at his request that I left with him on the Sun Seeker to become his apprentice and I was privileged to be taught by an exceptional teacher, and to a certain extent I believe it was his training that helped me to become a far better person."
The Council collectively sensed there was no arrogance, in Obi-Wan's response only acceptance and truth.
Master Windu held up a data pad. "As we have never tested you on knowledge and perception I would like you to tell me what is displayed here."
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Qui-Gon was the one radiating frustration at this line of questioning, (How ridiculous is the Council being, he is not a baby why are they treating him as such.)
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"A cup…. a book.. a statue…. a crystal.." Obi-Wan spoke clearly and calmly.
Qui-Gon's frustration was reaching an all time high at this unreasonable and childish line of questioning.
Obi-Wan was far too advanced, to be humiliated in this way, and he was going to say something. However, Yoda glared at him and that told him to keep his aggravation and his thoughts to himself.
The testing went on for half an hour, and Qui-Gon could sense weariness radiating from Obi-Wan but as far as the eye could tell he appeared in perfect condition. Then the testing took a different path.
"When you were sent to Thyferra; this Council made no such decision for you to leave. As an initiate it was your duty to remain where we sent you so we could keep in contact with you. It appears to us that you cannot follow orders?" Another Councillor asked.
"With all due respect Master, I worked hard on Thyferra and did my duty as best I could. I had no contact with anyone from the temple in the year I was stationed there. After the eruption occurred I was alone and had no one to guide me in an unknown situation." He said turning his head to each one in turn.
"I helped as best I could with the burnt and dying when the rescue ships arrived. I was confused as I'd never known what a volcano could do and it was only when Master Durron requested that I come with him, did I leave." He spoke calmly and glanced around at each one.
"I hope I'm not being disrespectful, but is it not custom that if an initiate is asked to become an apprentice, and accepts; then the force will allow it?" Obi-Wan said respectfully.
"You are correct, it is a custom and a Master does have the right to choose." The councillor agreed.
Plo Koon glanced at the sabre. "You have a light sabre, is it Master Durron's?"
"Yes it is Master."
"Your master died three years ago, have you been using 'his' sabre as a weapon even though you had no master to guide you for that time?"
" No Master, not as a weapon…. I have kept it and practiced with it. However, I have never used it in defence or for attack or in anger." Obi-Wan answered calmly.
"While I was apprenticed to Master Durron, he taught me with his sabre. When he died he left all his possessions to me including his sabre. I felt it would have been disrespectful to abandon his sabre and his teachings."
The Council was running out of questions, and they hadn't found even a slight flicker of annoyance or anger or fear. Mace was impressed with his control, but he sensed several of the others wanted more proof that he was capable of using the sabre he now had attached to his belt.
"We have arranged to use the sparring arena and will require you to spar with opponents of our choice. Do you have any objections to showing us how far you have advanced and your technique?"
Qui-Gon sensed Obi-Wan's fatigue; they'd had a long trip and he was still not at full strength after his run in with the criminal on Chandrila. He was certain the councillors sensed it too and he knew Obi-Wan wouldn't refuse their commands, but as his master he would object.
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"Masters! With all due respect I must object. He is tired; he has answered all your questions. Cannot this wait until tomorrow?"
"If he expects to be a Jedi, he can give us his obedience; Master Jinn, which is something you often find hard to do." Mace Windu snapped at Qui-Gon's interruption.
All eyes turned back to Obi-Wan. "Well, do you consent?"
"Yes Master Windu."
"Very well, we shall convene in the private dojo in fifteen minutes. Is that enough time for you to change into training clothes?"
"Yes Master."
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000
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Qui-Gon kept his frustration with the council tightly concealed as he waited for his padawan to change. "I'm not happy about this Padawan?"
"Don't worry Master, I will survive. I will do my best and if that isn't good enough for them then so be it."
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000
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The training room brought back memories of his younger initiate days when he fought brashly to be accepted as a candidate for apprenticeship. He knew now that he pressed himself too hard and didn't let the Force control his actions. His fear of failure and being assigned to the agri-corps blinded him to what he could do; if only he had controlled his impatience.
He didn't know what to expect, but he remembered the words Master Durron told him. Believe in yourself and let the Force guide you.
He stood in the centre of the room and waited as everyone settled in their seats a few metres above him.
The sound of the doors opening on his side had him fix his eyes that way.
A Master and Padawan entered, neither one looked familiar to him.
"Master Granger, Padawan Elton, we are pleased you were able to assist us."
Padawan Elton, your master informed you that we are here to gauge this young man's abilities with a sabre?"
"Yes Master Windu."
Qui-Gon recognised them; they were a highly qualified and skilled team. The master was renowned for training two padawan's to knight hood and at age nineteen Elton was one of the most proficient sabre duellist in the temple.
Qui-Gon didn't know how capable Obi-Wan was, and they hadn't had a lot of time to spar since they teamed up. He knew how he fought against the Trade Federation and he seemed very gifted.
He didn't want to object to having Obi-Wan's first spar against a competent senior padawan. So, he tamped down his worry. Not wanting to make him uncomfortable.
He wished he had Yoda's confidence; the old master seemed to be taking great pleasure in the up-coming duel.
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000
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Padawan Elton bowed at the same moment Obi-Wan did and then they ignited their sabres.
The first few moments saw them gauging each other's height and body type. Both were very similar in stature.
Elton's blade glowed green and it tapped the blue one of Obi-Wan's. They were like two panther cubs testing which one would make the first move.
Elton's gaze shifted, hoping to bring his opponent off balance and if the combatant's eyes followed where he'd shifted his line of sight to, he was ready to strike.
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Obi-Wan remembered his lessons with Master Durron, and one of those was to be aware of that move and strike accordingly.
Anticipating a swing from Elton's right, aimed at his shoulders, Obi-Wan ducked and rolled coming up as Elton was shifting his feet to balance as he hit nothing but air.
Elton's blade was coming back to point position, but Obi-Wan's strike at the green blade connected and sent Elton back a few paces.
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In Obi-Wan's younger days he would have charged the other boy aggressively and battered him until he gave in. That was probably one of the reasons he ended up at the agri-corps. However, this wasn't a test of brute strength. It was an assessment of his suitability to be a Jedi, and long ago had he left the aggressive tendencies behind him.
Elton regathered and came in for the attack as one did using Ataru. Master Durron sided with Soresu and Obi-Wan favoured both as the situation demanded.
Obi-Wan kept his blade moving in circles and avoided Elton's strikes with parries of his own.
Then the friendly battle heated up and both duellists began using the entire room to flip and somersault inflicting heavy strikes and punishing blows.
Elton was always on the offensive and continued to attack using broad, swift and dominant strokes.
Obi-Wan was amazed at Elton's technique, definitely a Force to be reckoned with; several times he came close to getting past Obi-Wan's defences, but after an hour of extensive combat he noticed the difference in Elton's breathing.
He remembered Master Durron saying that Ataru drew on the vigour of the combatant's body and unless a quick ending was achieved, either a change in style was recommended or withdraw from the battle.
"Blast", Obi-Wan thought. He'd lost focus and Elton had taken a wide swing as he turned; knocking Obi-Wan's sabre free of his grip. It sailed across the room sliding behind one of the round pillars on the far side.
He collected his wits and berated himself as he sprung forward away from the next strike.
Elton was on the attack in earnest now, and until he could recall his weapon he would have to resort to hand combat.
He felt the heat of Elton's sabre as he jumped on top of one of the pillars. These upright supports were specifically made to house lighting to brighten the arena and were just wide enough to balance on with one foot.
Elton swung at his boot hoping to knock him down, but Obi-Wan timed his attack as the sabre was heading toward him.
He lifted his foot at the split second prior when the sabre would have connected, as he leaped forward collecting Elton with a boot to the shoulder, knocking Elton's sabre from his grip and it sailed across the floor to the other side.
Both duellists were unarmed now as they stood facing each other. Elton began raising his hand to call his sabre to him, but Obi-Wan wrestled him to the ground. The next few moments legs and arms swung in all directions with grunts and groans escaping the mouths of both boys.
Obi-Wan caught Elton in a head lock and wrapped his own legs around the padawan's upper body securing his arms as well.
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000
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"This is the student you wish to take on as your apprentice Qui-Gon?" Master Len Granger asked quietly, not to disturb the audience.
Qui-Gon nodded.
"I am impressed Qui-Gon, he is a formidable opponent and he is holding his own against an experienced Padawan. Where did you find him? The council didn't tell us much about him only that he left the temple eight years ago. Obviously, he must have had some training, did he have a master?"
"Yes, thank you Len, he is a remarkable student and he did have a master for a short time. It was Master Durron, did you know him?"
"Oh yes, he was my master many, many, years ago, I thought I was his last apprentice. A few years after I took my first apprentice he retired and said that he wanted to leave the training to the younger generation, and he took a position on a ship called the Sun Seeker, to explore the galaxy."
"Yes, he found Obi-Wan on Thyferra after a volcano erupted. He took him as his apprentice and trained him for three years, before he died."
"Oh, I didn't know that he died." He said glancing at Qui-Gon.
"It was four years ago on Chandrila and Obi-Wan remained there, but continued to train using Master Durron's educational journals."
"Cass was an excellent teacher and master. He wrote every point and position of the teaching steps down including intricate diagrams. Those journals would be an asset to the order."
"Obi-Wan gifted them to the archives, and the sabre he is using today belonged to Master Durron.
"No wonder I thought the boys technique was familiar."
Both Masters were enthralled in the duel as Elton also lost his sabre and Obi-Wan tackled him pinning him to the floor.
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000
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Mace Windu stood up and called out. "Solah gentlemen, we have seen enough."
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Both boys rose gracefully to their feet calling their wayward sabres to them and turned to each other.
Elton bowed as did Obi-Wan. . "My name is Kyle Elton, you fought well." He said holding his hand out in friendship.
Obi-Wan took the offered hand and shook it. "My name is Obi-Wan, and I am honoured to meet you Kyle. You also fought well."
Mace was still standing and nodded to them. "Thank you Padawan Elton, your assistance was invaluable today. May the Force be with you."
Elton bowed and left the arena, meeting his master at the door.
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Obi-Wan watched Master and padawan leave the arena and then he gazed up to see the councillors talking amongst themselves. He didn't want to presume he could leave the arena as Kyle had done, so he held his place in the middle.
A few moments later, Master Windu Turned to face him. "Padawan Kenobi, the council and the Jedi order welcome your return as a student. You may return to your master's quarters and rest. We will discuss your program of study with your master Qui-Gon in due course."
Obi-Wan looked up at them through fatigued eyes. "Thank you Masters I will not fail you."
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Relief filled Qui-Gon that Obi-Wan's trial was over and he bowed to the Council "May the Force be with you Masters."
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000
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Obi-Wan didn't realise how exhausted he was until his head hit the pillow. He slept for several hours, waking just in time for last meal.
"Obi-Wan I thought you might want to eat in the dining hall with me. I would like to introduce you to everyone."
"Yes Master, it would be a privilege to meet your friends." he smiled.
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000
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Several Council Members including Mace Windu were in the dining hall when Qui-Gon entered with a senior padawan at his side.
The populace of the Temple were shocked into silence for a moment, to see Master Jinn with a padawan, a senior as well, and one they didn't remember seeing before.
They were the centre of attention as they filled their trays, and a wave from Len Granger had them sit at his table with Kyle. The relaxed atmosphere of the refectory turned into a whispering frenzy as discussion revolved around who was 'that' padawan.
(I seem to have caused a bit of a stir Master.) he said through their bond.
("Yes it does appear that you are the centre of attention Padawan.")
Mace Windu also realised that general chatter at the tables had suddenly come to a stop, being replaced by whispers and murmurs gradually growing into a crescendo of voices. Mace nodded to Qui-Gon as he stood up and went to the dais.
"I think Master Windu is going to introduce you Padawan."
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Obi-Wan's self-conscious stare was not easy to hide. "Oh no! If I was embarrassed in the council chambers I'm sure here will be worse!"
Qui-Gon chuckled and placed a reassuring hand on Obi-Wan's shoulder.
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000
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"May I have your attention Please?" Master Windu bellowed and all eyes turned to face him.
"Master Jinn has taken over the training of Master Durron's padawan. Some of you younger Jedi may not have heard of Master Durron. However, he was an exceptional Master who trained many padawan's during his lifetime including Master Granger, who most of you know. He relocated some years ago to an Exploration ship that travelled the Galaxy. Unfortunately, Master Durron passed into the force leaving his current padawan without a Master. Master Jinn put in a request and the Council has agreed that he will formally take over as Padawan Obi-Wan Kenobi's Master."
Whispers and murmurs filled the room again, and Mace bellowed out. "I have not finished!"
Silence resumed as he continued. "Please give Padawan Kenobi any assistance he may require as he hasn't been in this temple for quite a few years. Now please enjoy your meals." Mace said, and walked back to Qui-Gon's table and sat at the end of the table next to Obi-Wan.
"Thank You Mace." Qui-Gon said gratefully .
"I believe an explanation was in order and what I said, will stop the rumour mill, you know how rumours and innuendo start around here."
"Thank you Master Windu I appreciate any assistance."
"We were impressed with you in the Chambers, and in the arena, and we all agree that your place is with the Jedi." Mace confirmed.
"Thank you Master I am grateful and honoured that you have accepted me." he declared.
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000
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"Padawan, you haven't been formally introduced to Master Granger, but you now know that you and he had the same master."
"Obi-Wan it's a pleasure to meet a padawan brother, albeit a thirty year difference. Perhaps when you have time we can share some stories."
"I would like that Master Granger, he was a wonderful teacher and he continued to teach me long after he died."
"Ah, yes, I presume through his training journals. I must head down to the archives and show them to Kyle."
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After they had finished eating several Masters came over to chat, and standing behind one of them was a tall dark haired young man about Obi-Wan's age.
Obi-Wan glanced at him thinking he looked familiar when the padawan stepped forward.
"Obi-Wan, it's me Garen!"
Obi-Wan stood up with a smile lighting his face. He'd thought of Garen over the years and had resigned himself to the fact he would never see him again. Yet now standing in front of him, was his childhood friend.
"Garen, I'm so happy to see you again!" he whispered.
But before he could say any more Garen had pulled him into an embrace. "Obi-Wan, I thought you were dead. Thank the force you're not, I've missed my best friend."
Qui-Gon was relieved that Obi-Wan had found an old friend, it would make the transition smoother for his padawan; having a friend to help him.
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Tbc... Action coming.