Chapter Title: Return to Ben
Series Title: Unlikely Brothers
Author: Obi the Kid
POV: Obi-Wan (Tanner is 10 – almost 11, Dash is 16)
Chapter Summary: Takes place 9 months after the events in "Finding, Obi-Wan." The boys return to Tatooine to visit with Ben Kenobi.
Series Summary: A series of non-chronological stories taking place in the world of my OC's Dashen and Tannerlin.
Rating: PG
Characters: Dashen Lesedi, Tannerlin Vai (Jedi), Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Qui-Gon Jinn.
I'd known they were coming. Qui-Gon had told me. Yes, my long dead Master, slain by a Sith named Darth Maul over a decade ago. But my master was a stubborn man. One of the most stubborn in all the galaxy perhaps and he'd found a way to not stay quite as dead as most thought – including me. Bull-headed, he was, but even more than that, he held a powerful connection to the Living Force; a feat I could not yet achieve. Patience was not my virtue, but Qui-Gon had it in spades.
So, he died and ten years later, found a way to not be dead. He managed to converse with Yoda through the Force and Yoda with him. After the Jedi Purge and during our escape, Yoda trained me in how to communicate once again with the man who had been my teacher, mentor, parent and master. And now, stuck for the remainder of my life on Tatooine to keep watch over the Skywalker boy, I speak to Qui-Gon as part of my daily ritual. Believe it or not, he still teaches me.
I've always had a lot to learn, despite the events of my life.
So, as I said, I'd known they were coming. Qui-Gon had felt them. Well, he'd felt him; just one of the pair. The younger boy, Tannerlin. Former Jedi apprentice and fellow survivor of the Jedi Purge. He'd be ten years old still if I remembered correctly and following in the protective shadow of his non-brother-brother, Dashen – guardian of the boy and a pretty damn good thief too. They'd visited once before – earlier this year actually. More accident than visit really. I hadn't known about Tannerlin prior to that, but I had promised him that he could call on me again should he ever need to. Truth be told, despite Qui-Gon's voice, it was lonely around here and friendly company was welcome.
Their forms, one tall and lean, the other short and thin, approached through the early desert sun. I waved and greeted them.
"Hello there!"
I was greeted with an enthusiastic hug from ten year old Tannerlin Vai. Hugs were always welcomed, especially from a child trying so hard to live his new life away from the Jedi – the only thing he'd known for the first nine years. After his first visit, Qui-Gon had commented to me how surprised he was at the boy's stable state of mind, given his age and the trauma he'd faced. There was good potential in this one, he'd said. Unfortunately, he'd never receive the training he would need to achieve that potential.
"Ben!"
I hugged back. "Good to see you again, Tannerlin."
"You knew we were coming," he said matter of fact. "You were waiting for us."
I released him. "I was. The Force told me."
"Isn't that cheating?" The oldest of the pair remarked as he walked forward and extended his hand.
"Hello, Dashen. Glad to see you as well, and yes, perhaps it is cheating. But it works."
He finished with a smirking, "Sneaky Jedi."
"We can be. And although I knew you were coming, I admit to know knowing the reason for your visit. Not that I don't mind the company, as long as we don't attract much attention. It does get lonely around here. So?"
Dashen nudged Tannerlin's shoulder. "Go on. This was your idea, not mine. I'm just along for the ride."
"How about we get out of the rising heat first? My friends, if you would follow me?"
I led them into my hovel. It was small, but had housed the three of us before with little difficulty. We sat and I noticed Tannerlin's pale auburn eyes searching...for something.
A familiar voice in my head commented humorously, He's got a good sense about him. I suspect he's onto you, Padawan.
I smiled inwardly at the old affectionate title and responded. He may be, Master, but he doesn't exactly know what he's looking for or what he feels. We'll see.
Indeed. Share what you must, Obi-Wan, but I would keep the story of Anakin hidden, lest the boy finds out who assisted in the Purge that killed his master.
No worries there, Qui-Gon. I refocused on my guests. "Tannerlin?"
His eyes stopped hunting and caught my own. I gave away nothing, wanting him to use all his abilities if he were to figure out my secret. As Qui-Gon used to do with me – find a bit of training in any random event. It would help the situation if Tannerlin could uncover things on his own rather than me blurting out that my dead master speaks to me inside my head. That might have me sounding like I was a few thrusters short of a starship. I was perfectly sane, but I did hear voices. Or at least one voice.
"Ben, do you…did you…I know I saw…um…"
Next to him, Dashen shook his head and pushed a shoulder into his brother. "He's turned a bit yellow on us, Ben. Tanner here wants to know if you are sane."
I tried unsuccessfully to hide my small smile at Dashen's bluntness.
"Perfectly." I replied.
"There, see, Tanner? He's not a few thrusters short of a starship after all."
That was interesting. Dashen for certain wasn't Force sensitive but had just used my same analogy.
Remember, Obi-Wan, from your first visit with him. He's quite like you were at that age. Much talk. Much…much talk.
Funny, Qui-Gon.
And you were a bit of a smart ass too.
Well, yes. I will admit to that. I was young and foolish after all.
"And the reason you ask about my mental health, young one?"
Tannerlin looked a little less confident that he had a moment ago. He wasn't using all his senses. He was only skirting the surface of the Force. I suspected he had the ability to dig deeper if he wanted to, so I held out and allowed him to question me.
"When we were here earlier this year…when we were leaving, I looked back and I…you were talking to someone, but I didn't see anyone else."
"Perhaps I was just vocalizing inner thoughts."
"Well…no. Not unless you ask yourself questions and respond to them."
I tried to encourage him to delve deeper. He was using only the human side of his abilities. The Jedi side remained patient and idle.
"If you are so certain of this, should you not look harder, Tannerlin? What can you see? More importantly, what can you feel?" Emphasis on the last word, of course, to get his mind clicking in the right direction. Like all young Jedi, he needed the guidance of a mentor to identify the correct path.
And as I had guessed, my hint got his attention and his eyes went wide. "The Force will tell me!"
"Whether I'm sane or not?"
"No, yes…no. No. It will tell me your secret."
"Ah, but I have many secrets."
"But it's only this one that I want to figure out."
"Probably for the best. A young mind works most efficient when it can center on one task."
While Tannerlin and I went back and forth, Dashen was doing the eyes-only hint hunting thing that the boy was doing moments ago. There were enough subtle clues around my hovel to give him an idea of the trail his brother was on, but Dashen had one large mark against him – he didn't really care about what the Jedi were or what they could do now or in the past. He loved his brother, certainly, and I would say he did enjoy my presence. This whole ordeal though? The long trip to Tatooine; the deep-sanded trek from the port to my hovel; enduring the heat and dust storms to come? It was all for Tannerlin, not about any long hidden Jedi secret. To Dashen, I was simply a bearded guy with a robe, living in the desert and who could perform magic by lifting a finger. It didn't impress or afflict him it just…it was what it was.
Nevertheless, I gave him a little attention as well.
"Dashen? What do you feel?"
He smiled; green eyes happy even as strands of his dark hair lay over them. I know he knew the game. Under the surface, the older boy was no fool and he could see that I was pushing Tannerlin to try harder and use the ability that had been borne into him.
"I feel something is out of the ordinary. Tanner gets frustrated at times when he's trying to teach all these things to himself. Look at him now though, content as can be even though he's totally confused. Oblivious to what I'm saying too I bet."
"I can hear you, Dash. You have a big mouth, remember?"
So much for the oblivious.
I did enjoy the company of these two. I moved my gaze back to Tannerlin, feeding on what Dashen had said about frustration.
"Tannerlin, come here." I motioned for him to sit on the floor where I sat next to him. "Do as I do. Close your eyes, relax your shoulders. Then relax your mind. Too much thinking will only work against you. Allow the Force to come to you and then lead you. You are trying to lead it and force it to tell you what you want to know. That's your human side working. You need to use that Jedi side of yourself. Remember the relaxation techniques from your initiate class? We all had them and we all laughed and giggled through them too, but they work. Put yourself into that state and then seek out the clues to what you want to know."
Very good, Obi-Wan. I see you did absorb some of what I was attempting to teach you all those years.
I always listened, Master, I just had a difficulty with the doing part at times.
Indeed.
My guidance worked and after twenty minutes, the boy had lost himself within the Force. I sought his presence there and sent a tendril his way. We had no direct bond, so I couldn't truly connect with him through the Force at this point, but I could feel his attendance and position; a path on which he could tread.
Three hours passed. Dashen fell to boredom and wandered outside to consort with Sam the eopie. They were good for each other, for although Sam couldn't speak or understand words, he was extremely tuned in to emotion. They'd make good commiserating partners. I stayed with Tannerlin. He hadn't figured out the whole dead master deal, but he was completely entrenched…and happy.
I could sense his mind and thoughts bouncing off there and shooting through here and…and I felt for him. He didn't have this at home; this opportunity and this potential to become a true part of the Force. There was his life and it was a good life with a person who cared about him and protected him and had given him a family again after he'd lost his Jedi family. But that life would lack without what every Jedi needs – or needed – to be what they were destined to be. Without that connection, there was nothing. It took me many years to figure that out. Qui-Gon pounded it into my head countless times. Anakin on the other hand took that connection and turned it into evil. I didn't fear that for Tannerlin. The boy was nothing but good, even Qui-Gon had felt that, but to make himself whole, he needed proper training and…
What are you suggesting, Obi-Wan?
I'm not certain, Master. I must give it more thought.
"That's it! But it can't be!" Tannerlin exclaimed at the top of his lungs. It was enough to bring me fully aware and to bring Dashen flying back inside. It appeared that the exchange between Qui-Gon and me had triggered the episode. Somehow Tannerlin heard it, although I'm not certain how, since he was not bonded to either of us.
The Force does work in mysterious ways, Padawan.
You do enjoy that saying, don't you, Qui-Gon?
"Ben?"
Focus on the boy, Obi-Wan. Now you must explain me.
"Ben, what…but you said Master Qui-Gon was dead."
"He is in the physical sense. Come. Sit at the table with me. Dashen, you as well. I will pour us tea and I will explain."
And explain I did to wide eyes and minds that wanted so hard not to believe, but had no choice in the matter. I told them how Qui-Gon, years after his death, had been able to contact Yoda from within the Force. Both Jedi were in sync with the Living Force and always had been, so there was no surprise that if Qui-Gon could reach anyone, it would be Yoda. After the Purge and before my hiding, Yoda told me his secret and trained me on how to commune with Qui-Gon once I arrived on Tatooine. It took several months of shaping it all out, but sure enough, physically dead Qui-Gon Jinn, was fully conscious within the confines of the Force. He could even appear sporadically as a blue-tinged ghostly figure of himself when the energies were all in agreement, though it took a great deal of effort to maintain that form.
And then there I was, talking to a dead man.
Tannerlin asked a lot of questions, of which either I answered or called on Qui-Gon to relay a response to me. But the last question was the one I'd been expecting and unfortunately didn't have the response the boy sought with all his heart.
"Can Master Qui-Gon talk to Master Ayden?"
Qui-Gon had offered the answer he already knew.
Tell him the complete truth, Obi-Wan.
"He cannot, Tannerlin. He's unable to find your master. There could be many reasons for that however. The Force is expansive and ever fluctuating. It could be simply that Ayden and Qui-Gon have yet to cross paths or that Ayden has not yet come to the understanding of being on that side. Qui-Gon said it took him several years to determine that he could even attempt communication with a still living Jedi."
The boy's face fell and I saw his heart sink. Dashen settled a hand on his shoulder. "It's okay, Mouse. As freaky as this all is, I'm sure Qui-Gon will keep looking, right Ben?"
I nodded a definite yes. "Without question. And if he does find him…"
No promises that you cannot keep, Obi-Wan.
Yes, Master.
"…If he does find him, well, then we will take the next step if that happens, all right?"
If I expected an emotional mess, I didn't get it. The boy was realistic; surprisingly so after hearing news about communing with dead Jedi. In fact, he accepted this whole thing so easily, I briefly wondered if he understood the enormity of what Qui-Gon had been able to do.
He gets it, Obi-Wan. As well as he can. He accepts it because he believes so strongly in what the Force is capable of. This one would have made an outstanding Jedi Knight.
I nodded at Qui-Gon's words as Tannerlin said, "Okay. But don't forget me!"
"Not possible. And…" I felt this a good time to breech the subject of the idea I'd had in my mind. "You enjoyed your time in the Force, didn't you?"
"Yes, I did!" An eager nod, then "I can't do that on my own. I have a quiet place at home, but it's difficult and I try to remember all that Master Ayden taught me, but sometimes it's hard to separate his teachings from his death. The bad memories mix in with the good and..."
I certainly understood that and I stopped him there. "It goes unstated with me, Tannerlin. It is very difficult. I want to ask you something however, and you are welcomed to decline if you or Dashen feel you are not ready, but please hear me out. Each year, beginning now and at least twice a year, I would like to have you stay here with me for one week. I wish to train you as much as I am able and help you understand and use your Jedi abilities. Two weeks a year, that is all. We could decide on the best time for you so that it doesn't interfere with your schooling or with Dashen's work. Dashen could come along of course; you are most welcome, Dashen though I know you find Tatooine quite boring…" He briefly tried to protest and toss a few untruths my way, but then realized I would see through them immediately. I smiled and said, "But I will tell you, our neighboring planet, Bedlam, is a haven for those your age – a place to let loose for a while. If you wished, you could drop your brother off and then take your own personal vacation to Bedlam to do as you wish for a week. Seven full days before you return here and then home. And I promise to take good care of Tannerlin during that time. I'll even feed him."
"He eats like a red-winged mourning dove."
"Which works for me, as I am not known as the galaxy's finest culinary artist."
Tannerlin chimed in with, "I can cook!"
Dashed added, "He can. He doesn't eat much of it, but it's pretty good."
Perhaps the child can teach you something, Obi-Wan.
I wouldn't talk, Qui-Gon. You weren't exactly Mr. Master Chef during our years together.
Touché, Padawan. Touché.
"I wonder, Mouse. This could be a good deal. Not only do you get away from me for a week, but you get to hang out with Jedi-boy here."
"Hmmm…the first part sounds like the best part."
Tannerlin received a playful swat to the head for that one, but it appeared that both were interested.
"And, Dash, you would have fun on Bedlam, I'm sure. The planet's name alone seems to fit you perfectly."
"Yes, I am a newly turned seventeen-year-old, after all. This is just what a guy my age needs. Chaos and whatever else it holds."
I shook my head. "It's a gambling-based and free loving planet. There are few rules, well, other than you can't kill or maim anyone. Oh and you cannot set anyone on fire, nor can you steal their speeder, spouse or their pants. Other than that, you're fine. "
"Why would anyone steal my pants? I should believe they would be on my body."
"Stay out of the healing hot springs then, as they will make you lose your pants."
"Of course they will…and what?"
"Just trust me when I saw that you would enjoy your time there."
As you did, Obi-Wan, even though strictly forbidden by the Jedi Code to engage in most of what those people do. I did allow you to enjoy a bit of freedom there…within certain bounds of course. And you did return a nice investment on the gambling credit chits I gave you.
For a few brief moments there, I seriously contemplated forgetting the whole Jedi thing, Master. The hot springs alone…
Yes, I imagine you did.
I allowed the brothers to discuss privately. This would be a decision for the both of them. The older boy, despite the drool already forming as he thought about the freedom of Bedlam, would ultimately decide on what was best for the younger. Frankly, I already knew the answer. Just seeing Tannerlin's face light up when he came out of his delve into the Force was enough. The boy wanted so much to remain connected to his Jedi traditions, but without any real training, his ability to continue to crave those traditions would fade. I couldn't allow that to happen.
I returned inside the hovel after ten short minutes. Both boys were smiling broadly and replied in unison, "Yes!"
Dashen made a call home to the person he called an uncle/employer to make sure his schedule was clear for the next seven days. There was some minor arguing – discussion, Dashen called it – but it worked itself out. Tannerlin's school was currently in their two month off-cycle, so he'd be pleased not to miss any classes. Everything had fallen perfectly into place.
"There are Planet-Jumpers that leave the local port every two hours for Bedlam, Dashen. It's quite the popular place, so getting there is not a problem. If you're okay with me looking after your brother for a week, you are free to leave whenever you wish. Keep your money close to you though. Gambling is Bedlam's main source of everything, and thieves follow. Being a thief yourself, you can understand."
The older boy nodded and said, "True, although my stealing tends to be a bit more honest…most of the time" then he walked over to sit next to Tannerlin on the couch. "I'll keep my communicator on, so if you need me, just call. I think Ben here will keep you busy learning all sorts of new and exciting Force stuff though. I'll call you each evening. Okay?"
For the first time, Tannerlin looked bit unsure. Separation for an extended period is always difficult, and certainly, seven days wasn't truly an extended leave, but for a pair that didn't have much in their lives other than each other, it was something.
"Don't forget."
"Promise. You mind Ben and if you learn how to levitate and toss things heavier than rocks and pillows, don't toss Ben around, deal?"
Tannerlin laughed. "Deal."
"All right, Mouse," a tight hug passed between them. "I'll see you in a week. Be good."
"I will. You should be good too. You always get into more trouble than I do."
"Eh, it's what I do." Picking up his travel bag, Dashen grasped my hand and said, "He's a good kid, Ben. And he likes you. And he's like a damn sponge. Feel free to teach him all the creepy Jedi stuff your brown-robed heart desires. And if I become a filthy rich tycoon while I'm on Bedlam, I promise not to forget all the little people in my life."
I laughed and slapped him on the shoulder, then watched him hitch a ride with Sam into town. Once departed, I focused on the boy in front of me.
"Tannerlin Vai, welcome to Jedi basic training. You've said your dream is to be a teacher one day. Well, before you teach, you have to learn."
"You're going to cram my head full of Force training, aren't you?"
"Indeed. Ready?"
"Yes, sir!"
"Yes, well, none of that sir stuff. Ben is fine. Makes me feel less old."
A child-like giggle followed before Tannerlin sat up straight, placed his hands on his lap and zeroed every ounce of his awareness onto me. No pressure though. After all, it was only the fate of a ten year old child that was now in my hands. I'd been down that path once before.
Enough, Obi-Wan. No comparison. There is nothing in his boy that resembles darkness of any kind. Just teach him what you can, mindful that he'll have to figure out on his own what to do with it once he's home. And for Force sake, have a little fun in the process. I do believe you've earned it.
I smiled at the reassuming voice and began the unofficial training of Tannerlin Vai.
And at the end of the seven days, he'd have made any Jedi Master proud. Dashen had told me before that the boy was like a sponge, soaking in every ounce of information he could. Well, now he'd soaked it up and had actually learned to utilize some of it. Most would remain elusive of course. There was only so much we could do in such a time frame, and without constant supervision of his training, he'd struggle with some of things that, for now, seemed simple enough. Once home, that would change...but such was the life of a Jedi surviving the darkness of the galaxy we lived now.
As successful as our training had been, and as close a bond as we had formed through the Force in our week, it all paled in comparison to what he shared with the one who had saved his life eighteen months ago. And when Dashen returned from his foray to Bedlam – well tanned, pockets padded with newly earned income, and ten times more relaxed than he'd been when he'd left here – Tannerlin launched himself full tilt at his brother, tossed his arms around him and held on.
I'll admit it made me long for better days. Days past, when I had someone to miss after he'd been gone. That person was here again - in a very different way - but the reunion scene with Dashen and Tannerlin stung just a bit.
One day, Obi-Wan, you will mean something to someone. Someone more than just your old dead master. Your time is still to come, Padawan.
I didn't have a reply for Qui-Gon, but I appreciated his words. I'd failed as a teacher before. It was important that I didn't fail this time, no matter how different circumstances were and how limited my time with the boy would be.
I got a similar hug from Tannerlin when they bid their farewell, promising to return later in the year. I looked forward to it as I looked forward to seeing the type of person that Tannerlin would grow up to be.
He has a brother that loves him and a mentor that cares about his future. And for nine years, he had one of the finest Jedi Master's to lead him. Tannerlin's future looks very promising, Obi-Wan.
It does, Qui-Gon. I'm glad that I have the opportunity to help him along the way. Perhaps Tannerlin Vai will have some influence on the future of the Jedi.
Perhaps. Or perhaps, his potential is less dramatic. Perhaps he's meant only to be a brother and a teacher.
Only?
Not less important, just simpler. We cannot say why he was spared in the Purge. We can say that he was meant to be found by the one who is now his brother. And I suspect that his survival had less to do with the future of the Jedi and more to do with the saving of a lost soul.
Dashen.
Yes. Despite outward appearances, that one has great emotional pain.
He lost his true brother to sickness not long after losing his parents. From what I understand, the bond he shared with that brother was immense. Two troubled years later, Tannerlin appeared in his life…to save him?
The Force does work in mysterious ways, Obi-Wan. How many times did I say those same words to you when you were younger?
Too many, Master.
Indeed. You should have listened better, I wouldn't have had to say them all the time.
I always listened, Master. But what does that have to do with Tannerlin?
Probably nothing, but I hope he knows how proud Ayden is of him.
You did find him then? His master?"
Recently, yes. He and I both agreed that it was too early for Tannerlin to be subjected to the training necessary for them to communicate. And therefore, we should keep this hidden for now.
Lies, Master?
Not lies; patience. Ayden knows the boy better than anyone, and when he feels the time is right, only then will we move forward. For now, you will allow the child to move his life forward.
Ayden is watching him then.
As often as he can as he too learns the process needed to communicate with those within the Living Force. It's not straightforward from this end either.
I suspect not. Please let Ayden know that Tannerlin is well looked after, well protected and well loved. Dashen would not allow anything less.
He is aware, but it does help in hearing the words. You should rest now, Obi-Wan. You've spent a great amount of energy this past week delving into the Force so deeply, so often. Your mind and body need a break. I shall speak to you in a few days. Rest, Padawan.
I did rest and I thought of the past and then of the future. Then I thought of Tannerlin and the small light he'd brought to my life. I had so little now. I had my responsibility to Luke first and foremost, but now I had a shared responsibly to Tannerlin. Even if he was simply meant to be a brother and a teacher, I'd allow him that longed-for opportunity
to stay connected to his past and the traditions of those who were once, the galaxy's finest peacekeepers.
The End
