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Twisted (Sequel to Hidden) JA - Completed *28/04*
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Ginger_Jedi
Registered:
Jun '01
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Date Posted:
4/14/03 10:04am
Subject:
Twisted (Sequel to Hidden) JA - Completed *28/04*
- Date Edited:
4/28/03 10:56am (8 edits total)
Edited By:
Ginger_Jedi
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One Apprentice, One Pathway 4: Twisted
Summary: Obi-Wan’s acting strange and Qui-Gon wants to know why
Time Frame: Obi is nearly 16 in this story
Spoilers: Previous stories in the series
Archive: If I’ve already given you permission, take it. If I haven’t, drop me a message at ginger_ninja85@yahoo.co.uk
Disclaimer: All recognisable characters belong to George Lucas. Everyone else is mine 
Words in *’…’* stand for Obi-Wan’s EVIL!!! Voice. 
Order of stories so far:
(Prologues: Comforted By The Innocent and A Ghost Walks the Halls)
Brewing
Ordeal
Hidden
Twisted
Changeover (WIP)
Authors Note: Dedicated forever to Dara, Laura, Jess and Tessa.
This story has been edited and updated, like Hidden, to fit in with the rest of my series. Enjoy
Twisted: Part One
Obi-Wan Kenobi lay on his sleep couch in his small room, scowling at the ceiling. It was early morning, very early morning in fact, and he was up at an hour that was much too early for him after getting only a couple hours sleep.
/But that is my fault…At least it is according to Qui-Gon,/ Obi-Wan thought, his scowl deepening. /I’m nearly sixteen for Force sake! I think it’s time my curfew was later. I’m not a baby./
Obi-Wan had spent the previous night out with a group of his closest friends before they all went off on missions. It was rare occurrence that they all had a chance to get together because of their responsibilities as Jedi Padawans. The group consisted of Obi-Wan, Bant, Reeft and Garen. They had all been good friends since their crèche days. None of the group visited the Temple recently and for them to all be there at the same time was quite a fluke. So this had been a special occasion.
The four had been sitting in a café when they met up with another Padawan named Kyrana and two of her friends, Calie and Tirana. Obi-Wan didn’t really know Calie and Tirana but he knew Kyrana well after a mission they had been on together several months ago and then they had both been kidnapped. Both he and Kyrana had gone through quite a traumatic time during their captivity but they had survived and come out as good friends. Obi-Wan was happy to see her again and readily welcomed her into the gathering.
Even though neither Garen of Reeft really knew Kyrana, Calie and Tirana, Bant did. Tirana, Calie, Kyrana and Bant seemed to have a lot to tell each other about what the boys referred to as ‘girly stuff’. Hair seemed to be the main topic between the four. The three boys had just subtly moved further away from the girls and their assessment of Kyrana’s new short hairstyle in order to have a proper conversation about ‘guy stuff’. But despite the boys’ lack of knowledge in ‘girly stuff’, the group increased from four to seven.
The seven had gone to a nightclub in Courscant that was having a party night for fourteen to eighteen standard-year-olds and lost track of time. Obi-Wan’s curfew was at 23:00 and he had been over five hours late. Qui-Gon hadn’t been happy. He had ordered Obi-Wan to bed with a glare that said ‘we’ll discuss your punishment later this morning.’
Unfortunately for Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon hadn’t informed him what time of the morning. And when he had rather rudely awoken Obi-Wan at the crack of dawn with a yell through their bond, Obi-Wan wasn’t amused.
Back in the present, Obi-Wan got up grumbling and made his way to the ‘fresher to have a shower. He emerged five minutes later, cleaner, dressed and slightly more awake. Qui-Gon stood in the lounge, waiting patiently for his Padawan’s arrival.
“Good morning Obi-Wan,” Qui-Gon said neutrally. If he was annoyed or upset or impatient, he hid it well. Not that Obi-Wan expected anything different. Qui-Gon was the master of neutrality when the occasion called for it.
Obi-Wan replied with a yawn and a wave. He really wasn’t in the mood for this. It was too early and he had only had a few hours sleep.
“I have decided upon your punishment,” Qui-Gon went on. “I am sure you will find it fitting.”
‘I’m sure,’ Obi-Wan thought wryly to himself. Out loud he said, “Let’s hear it then.”
The moment the words left his mouth, Obi-Wan knew they were not appropriate. Qui-Gon’s cool expression flickered to one of mild annoyance. Obi-Wan muttered an apology but it was too late.
“For that Obi-Wan you will do an extra hour of meditation on top of the extra two hours you got for being late. You are also grounded. You will not be going out with your friends for the remainder of our two day stay here, you will have an extra essay on top of the ones you already have for various tutors here that are all due in tomorrow and you will not leave this apartment unless I give you permission. Also, you will not contact your friends. Is my meaning completely clear on this subject Padawan?”
Obi-Wan stifled a groan and a sigh. “Yes Master, perfectly clear. But Master…”
Qui-Gon looked at Obi-Wan, surprise written on his features. What was Obi-Wan going to object to? This was most unlike the boy. He usually accepted punishment without complaint.
“Master I am nearly sixteen. My curfew is ridiculous. It’s so babyish! All my friends get to come home much later. Why can’t I?”
Qui-Gon sighed. “We’ve been over this before Obi-Wan. I don’t care what your friends can and cannot do and besides, I know that they are all in trouble as well. You are not sixteen and until you are you will be coming home long before the time you did this morning.” Qui-Gon left out the part that he had been worried sick waiting for the boy to come home, as any caring Master and parent would.
“But I practically am sixteen! What’s the difference?”
“The difference is that you are still fifteen, whether you be one month or ten months off your sixteenth birthday. My answer is final Obi-Wan. You will be coming home at the same time you have for the past ten months until the day you turn sixteen.”
/It’s not fair,/ Obi-Wan thought. /And he still hasn’t explained why I have to be in so early anyway./
Qui-Gon watched silently as Obi-Wan glared at him. How could anyone explain their reasoning to a teenager? All Qui-Gon wanted to do was keep the boy safe but he knew if he told Obi-Wan this, the boy would go into some sort of teenager tantrum. Obi-Wan would hate the idea that Qui-Gon was protecting him. He would protest that he was old enough to take care of himself now and didn’t need to be babysat. Qui-Gon hid a smile. Yes, he was very used to dealing with teenagers.
But ever since their little misadventure on Elmvanis, Qui-Gon had been much more careful. He didn’t want to risk losing Obi-Wan again. And ever since their return, Obi-Wan’s mood swings had been much more frequent. Before, the boy had rarely allowed the usual teenage ‘problems’ surface. Maybe he had just reached *that* age when hormones were simply uncontrollable.
“Fine,” Obi-Wan eventually grumbled. “Your punishment and reasons for it are understandable Master. I am sorry for my behaviour. I won’t do it again.”
Qui-Gon smiled. “Good, I’m glad.” He placed his hand on Obi-Wan’s shoulder. “Someday you’ll understand all of this Obi-Wan, when you have a Padawan of your own. You’ll laugh about it too. Now then, let’s have some breakfast and then you can get started on your studies.”
Obi-Wan was silent throughout breakfast. He felt it was the only way in which he would be able to control his warring emotions. Part of him was thinking some seriously rebellious thoughts while another part of him was quietly accepting his punishment. However one word of this to Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan’s already fragile control over his mood would probably shatter and he would be grounded until he was long into his knighthood.
Obi-Wan didn’t understand why he’d been so tetchy recently. He still had fairly good control over his outbursts but they were becoming increasingly frequent. Last night hadn’t been on purpose though. He had honestly just lost track of time. He hadn’t wanted to cause Qui-Gon any trouble. Truth was, he was already regretting their earlier argument. Obi-Wan frowned at his bowl of cereal. Why couldn’t he control himself better?
Qui-Gon was right. Someday, hopefully, the teenage years would all make sense. Not only to Obi-Wan but to people of all ages.
Hopefully.
***
Kyrana walked into the crèche. She was working there for the remainder of her time at the Temple as an assistant as her punishment for coming in late after last night’s outing. Truth was though it wasn’t much of a punishment. Kyrana loved to work with children and working in the crèche was something she loved to do.
Kyrana let crèche Master Bemc know she had arrived and then went out to the cots of the youngest initiates, the ones that were aged between six months and two years of age.
The large dorm was, as usual, full of chattering baby sounds and the occasional shrieking sound of a crying baby. Reaching out to the Force, Kyrana calmed down the distressed babies. She walked past each cot, took a look at each baby to see if he or she (or it) was okay then moved on.
As Kyrana reached the last cot, there was a sudden tingling feeling in the Force. Confused, Kyrana reached forward to examine the sleeping baby that was lost beneath its blankets. Carefully, she pulled them away. The Force was screaming in her mind and Kyrana fought to keep herself calm. Nothing was wrong, nothing was wrong… Kyrana pulled the blanket away
Kyrana let out a scream and dropped the blanket on the floor. The child was dead. His skin had turned a deathly white colour and his lips were tinged with blue. His grey eyes were wide open, staring at Kyrana almost accusingly.
Master Bemc hurried over and when she saw the sight, she too was deeply upset. But Bemc had experience of such things like this. Sometimes new initiates were brought into the Temple carrying illnesses that went undetected in a regular health screening. They would die shortly after. It was so tragic yet it happened on the odd occasion.
Master Bemc turned to comfort Kyrana. This had obviously been a great shock to the girl and she would need to talk to someone about it.
“Kyrana I…”
But Kyrana had gone.
***
A few hours later, at the time Obi-Wan usually got up, Qui-Gon was called to the Council chambers to gather some last minute information on their next mission. Obi-Wan was studying some astrophysics research and finishing an essay on the subject. He was instructed to carry on until Qui-Gon returned.
Qui-Gon hurried out after making sure Obi-Wan was perfectly clear on the situation. “When I return I want that essay completed, understand?”
“Yes Master.”
“And under no circumstances should you contact your friends while you’re here alone.”
“Yes Master.”
“Good. I’ll see you soon.” Qui-Gon gave the boy a pat on the arm. Obi-Wan clearly wasn’t in the mood for a hug. Qui-Gon left their apartment, leaving Obi-Wan alone with his essay.
/At least he didn’t lock me in,/ Obi-Wan thought. He had thought that Qui-Gon actually would when he first said he was going out. Clearly though, his Master did still trust him enough to be able to stay in without having to forcefully lock Obi-Wan in his own apartment like a prisoner.
Obi-Wan carried on with his work, despite all the tempting offers around him. The rebellious part of Obi-Wan was demanding that Obi-Wan just left his essay. But Obi-Wan didn’t feel like going against his Master’s wishes. Anymore bad behaviour and Obi-Wan knew Qui-Gon would be deeply disappointed in him. And if there was anything Obi-Wan was afraid of doing, it was disappointing his Master, the one man who meant more to the teenager than anything else in the galaxy. So Obi-Wan ignored the voice in his head and carried on working.
When he had finished the essay, he leaned back in his chair, wondering what to do next. He could get started on another one of his essays. The sooner he did those, the sooner he could make a start on Qui-Gon’s ‘extra’ essay, whatever that was about. Obi-Wan grimaced. It was probably an essay on the importance of respect between Master and Padawan.
With that thought, Obi-Wan’s rebellious voice piped up again. /Who cares about any stupid essay? Why don’t you just go out and see your friends?/
For a moment, Obi-Wan actually considered leaving. He knew that if he did, he would get caught, no doubts about that. And when he got caught, Master Qui-Gon would be most displeased. There would be more punishment and more disappointment. So Obi-Wan decided to stay.
/Baby,/ sneered the voice in his head.
Obi-Wan shook his head, as if to shut the voice in his head up. It was starting to annoy him. Was it a sign that he was going mad? Why was it suddenly always there, demanding that he do the wrong thing? Was he under some kind of influence?
Obi-Wan’s train of thought was interrupted by a loud beeping from the comm. Obi-Wan walked over to it and answered the call.
“Obi-Wan? It’s Bant. Look, I’ve got a problem here and I really need your help.”
“What is it Bant? What’s wrong?”
“It’s Kyrana. She’s really depressed but she won’t say why. She says she’ll only talk to you.”
“Can you put her on?”
“Sorry Obi, but she says she wants to see you in person. Look, I’m really sorry about all this. In know you’ve been grounded, Master Qui-Gon told me. But this is really important. I’m sure he’ll understand if you explain it to him. Please, can you just try and get here? I’m really worried about Kyrana. Something’s really wrong.”
Obi-Wan sighed. He knew how much trouble he would get in but under the circumstances, it wasn’t important. If one of his friends needed him, the Obi-Wan would go. “Okay, Bant, I’ll be there. Are you at your place?”
“No, I’m at Kyrana’s. Thanks Obi,” Bant said and then hung up.
Obi-Wan ended the call and then tried to contact his Master but there was no answer. Not surprising really, seeing as he was meeting the Council. He considered leaving a message but then thought maybe he could get away with it completely and be there and back before Qui-Gon even got back himself. Yes, that would be a much better idea. No point leaving a message. And if need be, Obi-Wan could explain himself later.
Without a second thought, Obi-Wan dashed out of his apartment and went to find his friends.
***
Obi-Wan soon arrived outside Kyrana’s apartment. Bant opened the door and ushered him in. She led him straight to Kyrana’s bedroom, where Kyrana was curled up in a tight ball on her bed, the sheets twisted around her feet.
“Kyrana?” Obi-Wan kneeled by her side. “Kyrana it’s me, Obi-Wan. What’s wrong? Has something happened?”
*‘Well obviously something’s wrong. She wouldn’t be crying like a little lost bantha cub if everything was peachy’*
Kyrana turned her head enough to look at Obi-Wan. Her face was flushed red and her eyes were full of tears. Without warning she grabbed hold of Obi-Wan and started sobbing into his shoulder.
*’Great!’*
“Hey, sshhhh Kyrana,” Obi-Wan held her in a hug while she cried loudly into his shoulder. Obi-Wan turned to Bant, who stood just a little way behind him. “Did you find her like this?” he asked.
Bant nodded. “Calie, Tirana and I were on our way to the gardens when we bumped into her. She was running from the crèche. We brought her here and she just curled up here and started crying. Calie and Tirana went to find Master Lena. I stayed behind and then she started asking for you,” Bant explained. “Oh Obi it’s so terrible to see her so upset!” the Calamarian wiped away a few stray tears. “I hate to see her so upset. Please Kyra, please cheer up.” Bant sniffled a little.
*’That’s all we need! Another sobbing girl!’*
Obi-Wan turned away from Bant and spoke to Kyrana. “Come on Kyrana, why don’t you tell me what’s going on huh? Then I’ll be able to help.”
Kyrana pulled away a little. “Okay,” she said in a quiet voice.
Obi-Wan brushed away a few of her tears and gave her a smile. “There, much better. Bant, do you think you could get some tissues?”
*’Yeah, don’t wanna do that tear wiping thing again. Gross.’*
“Sure,” Bant said and dashed from the room.
“Now then Kyrana, why don’t you tell me everything,” Obi-Wan said. “Bant said you wanted to talk to me.”
Kyrana took a few deep breaths. “Do you remember the nursery on board that ship on Elmvanis?” she asked. When Obi-Wan nodded, she carried on. “Do you remember the…dead babies?” Another nod. “I…saw another dead baby today it was just the same! It was staring at me! I…knew something was wrong! I…I could feel it but…”
Whatever she had to say was lost as she began wailing again and threw herself back into Obi-Wan’s arms. Bant came back in with tissues but saw it was too late. Then the door chimed. Bant informed Obi-Wan that she would answer it.
Kyrana fell silent shortly after Bant’s departure from the room. Looking down at her, Obi-Wan saw that she had fallen asleep.
*’Thank the Force! Come on let’s get outta here before Qui-Gon gets back! After all this I want a nice peaceful evening.’*
Obi-Wan lifted Kyrana on to the bed a placed a sheet over her. He left the room. In the lounge, Bant stood with Calie and Tirana.
“Is she okay?” Tirana asked, clearly worried about her friend. “Has she stopped crying? Do you know what’s wrong?”
“She’s asleep,” Obi-Wan replied. “Is Master Lena on her way? No offence, but I think she should know before you lot.”
“Yes Master Lena is on her way,” Calie said. “She almost broke the Garden doors down when we told her something was wrong with Kyra.”
“Well then I’ve got to get back. Take care of Kyrana until Master Lena returns,” Obi-Wan said and headed to the door.
“Wait Obi-Wan!” Tirana stopped him as he opened the door. “Shouldn’t you stay and tell Master Lena what’s got Kyrana so upset?”
“I’d love to but I’ve got my own problems,” Obi-Wan replied. “Besides I’m sure Kyrana will be able to wake up long enough to tell Lena the problem.”
Before Tirana or anyone else could reply, Obi-Wan left. Tirana frowned and turned to Bant. “Is he always that rude?”
Bant frowned too. “No, never. I wonder what his problem is…?”
Calie laughed. “His problem is that he’s a teenage boy. Probably can’t handle being around all us girls. Made him nervous and jumpy. Come on just forget about it. Let’s just take care of Kyra. She’s our friend.”
“Would you mind if I went after Obi-Wan?” Bant asked. “Something about him didn’t seem right.”
“Sure go ahead,” Tirana said.
Bant dashed out the door and using the Force tracked Obi-Wan down easily. She caught him just as he was about to enter his apartment. “Obi! Obi wait!”
Obi-Wan turned around and… /Did he just roll his eyes?/ Bant thought, feeling confused and slightly annoyed.
“What is it Bant?” he asked, sounding impatient. “Kyrana’s not calling for me again is she?”
Bant looked at him in concern. Something was definitely wrong with him she could sense it. “Obi-Wan what’s gotten into you? Why are you acting so weird?”
“Kyrana isn’t the only one with problems you know Bant. I could get in a lot of trouble if Qui-Gon knows I left when he told me not to under any circumstances,” he snapped.
Bant was taken aback but she did her best not to show it. “But Obi-Wan, Master Qui-Gon will understand. Kyrana’s your friend and she was upset. I’m sure he’ll understand that all you did was help her and…”
“Kyrana’s nothing but a annoying little whinger. Dirty little bitch. Don’t know why I have anything to do with her. Or you. You’re annoying too.”
Bant gasped aloud and tears splashed down her face. “Obi-Wan! How can you say that?”
“Bant just get lost all right? Go and take care of Kyrana or something. I haven’t got time to take care of another weeping loser.”
And with that, Obi-Wan entered his apartment. Bant was left reeling in the hallway. “Yeah! Well you sound just like…just like Bruck!” she yelled at the closed door and then ran away.
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JC User of the past. Nostalgia can be fun sometimes.
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Arwen-Jade_Kenobi
Registered:
Feb '02
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Date Posted:
4/14/03 7:45pm
Subject:
RE: Twisted (Sequel to Hidden) JA
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Whoa!
If that's the first post I can't WAIT to see the rest. *smacks Obi* Smarten up! Usually it's Qui I have to smack, I'm surprised at you!
More soon!!
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Retired Council Master of the Lightside It's all about the blues, baby  "Love can ignite the stars." - ROTS novel I'm a Trekkie: Deal with it, or suffer the wrath of Khan This user is certifiably insane 
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Ginger_Jedi
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Jun '01
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Date Posted:
4/15/03 11:03am
Subject:
RE: Twisted (Sequel to Hidden) JA
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Thanks Arwen I'll update tomorrow. I just spent the day in London and I'm whacked!
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Padawan_Jess_Kenobi
Registered:
Nov '02
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Date Posted:
4/15/03 2:51pm
Subject:
RE: Twisted (Sequel to Hidden) JA
- Date Edited:
4/16/03 1:28pm (1 edits total)
Edited By:
Padawan_Jess_Kenobi
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[face_shocked] Bant was taken aback but she did her best not to show it. “But Obi-Wan, Master Qui-Gon will understand. Kyrana’s your friend and she was upset. I’m sure he’ll understand that all you did was help her and…”
“Kyrana’s nothing but a annoying little whinger. Dirty little bitch. Don’t know why I have anything to do with her. Or you. You’re annoying too.”
Bant gasped aloud and tears splashed down her face. “Obi-Wan! How can you say that?”
“Bant just get lost all right? Go and take care of Kyrana or something. I haven’t got time to take care of another weeping loser.”
And with that, Obi-Wan entered his apartment. Bant was left reeling in the hallway. “Yeah! Well you sound just like…just like Bruck!” she yelled at the closed door and then ran away.
[face_shocked] [face_shocked] I don't care what you people say, but that is not Obi-Wan. I'm serious, there is something wrong with him. I know there is, because Obi-Wan wouls never say that. You better tell us whats wrong with Obi soon, please. Its a little odd that he was so noce, but all of a sudden he turned mean. Yes, something is in him, or something is wrong with him. I stand by that. *plants feet firmly on the ground* Heh. 
Edit: the italic markup code. I messed up. 
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Obi-Wan, Ewan Fan Club 
Mandalorian 6 Major TPM DF
"You can always trust a dishonest man to be dishonest, honestly it's the honest ones you need to watch out for because you never know when they'll do something incredibly stupid" Captain Jack Sparrow
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Ginger_Jedi
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Date Posted:
4/16/03 10:51am
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RE: Twisted (Sequel to Hidden) JA
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Jess: You'll find out in good time
Thanks for reading!
Twisted: Part Two
Qui-Gon stood inside the apartment and listened to the entire argument between the two friends. Obi-Wan was acting like a bully, something Qui-Gon never expected to see in the boy. When Obi-Wan stormed into the apartment, Qui-Gon stood up and waited for the moody teenager to acknowledge him.
“Yes Master?” Obi-Wan asked, not even bothering to hide the annoyance in his tone.
“Obi-Wan what was that I just heard? I think you owe Bant an apology.”
“What? You’re listening in on my personal conversations now? Does my privacy mean nothing to you?” Obi-Wan fumed.
“I was not eavesdropping Obi-Wan,” Qui-Gon replied calmly. “I imagine the whole Temple heard all that you had to say.”
“*Not* funny Master,” Obi-Wan snapped.
“Why did you leave Obi-Wan? Did I not tell you that you were not to leave no matter what the circumstances?” Qui-Gon went on.
“Yes Master you did tell me not to leave but I thought that I could get away with it.” Obi-Wan replied, sounding calmer. “And besides, a friend needed me.” The sentence came out sounding sarcastic.
/At least he’s being honest with me,/ Qui-Gon thought. /Still, I do not like this attitude change one bit./ Aloud he said: “Looks like you’ll need an extension on your punishment Obi-Wan. And you’ll also have to apologise to Bant as well.”
“No.”
Qui-Gon was stunned. This was so unlike the boy. Whatever had gotten into him? Why was he acting this way to not only Qui-Gon but his friends too? “Obi-Wan, I don’t think you’re in a position at the moment to…”
“I said no. Didn’t you hear me right the first time?” Obi-Wan’s eyes were dark and his arms were folded over his chest. “I am not going to apologise and I’m not going to do anymore kinds of punishment so you can just shove any more of your speeches right up your…”
“Obi-Wan Kenobi you are treading a very thin line,” Qui-Gon said in a deadly quiet tone, struggling to stay calm in front of the boy. The Jedi Master did not like where this conversation was going.
“Uh oh I must be in trouble now, you’re last naming me,” Obi-Wan said, sarcasm dripping from his tone. “Ooh, better not upset the great Qui-Gon Jinn.”
“Get to your room now,” Qui-Gon ordered, his tone calling for no argument.
Obi-Wan made a rude yet childish gesture and stomped off to his room. Qui-Gon shook his head as Obi-Wan’s bedroom door swished closed silently. How he bet the boy wished he could slam it shut. Sighing, Qui-Gon went back to the mission brief, wondering if it would calm Obi-Wan’s teenage troubles.
/Sometimes I wonder which is worse, the toddler years or the teenage years,/ Qui-Gon mused.
***
Obi-Wan sat on his bed, his appearance showing his apparent calm. Yet his blue/green eyes betrayed the storm of emotion that raged under his calm visage.
/I think I should apologise. What came over me? Why was I so rude to Master Qui-Gon and Bant? How can I make it up to them?/
*’Apologise? Are you kidding? There’s nothing to apologise for. You were telling the truth weren’t you? Right. So why apologise? You’d be lying then.’*
/No, it was wrong for me to be that way. I’m going to apologise./
Ignoring the voice in his head, Obi-Wan took a deep breath and headed for the door. As his hand hovered over the handle, Obi-Wan hesitated. Maybe…maybe he shouldn’t apologise, at least not yet. Qui-Gon was probably really mad at him so some time to cool down would do them both good. Obi-Wan decided to wait until Qui-Gon called for him.
*’Why bother at all? You’ll just get another lecture and then you’ll just have to put up with all those whiney girls again! Can’t you do anything right? Why do you always have to be perfect? Can’t you just be a little more easy going for once in your life?’*
Obi-Wan shook his head. /Just shut up alright? I can’t believe I’m arguing with myself in my own head!/
*‘You know what’s worse? You’re actually enjoying it.’*
“Like hell I am,” Obi-Wan muttered aloud. He walked back over to his bed and sat down, sighing heavily.
/Okay, good. Just sit here and don’t do or say anything to anyone. Maybe I should get on with those essays./
*’Essays again? What is wrong with you?’*
For the next few hours Obi-Wan attempted to work while the argument inside his head grew louder and louder. He set up strong mental shields to keep Qui-Gon from hearing the war of words Obi-Wan raged against himself.
***
Qui-Gon finished preparing dinner, which was a stew tonight and one of Obi-Wan’s pet hates, and dished it up on to the bowls he had set out on the kitchen’s work-surface.
“Padawan, come here please. Dinner is ready,” Qui-Gon called out. He hoped Obi-Wan had finally emerged from his sulk. He didn’t really want to end up arguing with the teenager again.
Obi-Wan stepped out of his room, a neutral expression in his face. He walked over to his Master and looked him straight in the eye. Qui-Gon mentally prepared himself for another argument.
Obi-Wan took a deep breath and bowed his head. “Master I apologise for my behaviour earlier. I was wrong to say the things I said, very wrong, and I will apologise to Bant also. I was acting like a child. I accept whatever punishment you deem necessary.”
Qui-Gon inwardly sighed. This was more like the Obi-Wan he knew and loved. “Thank you for the apology Obi-Wan,” he said evenly, not allowing his relief to enter his voice. The boy may be repentant but he wasn’t excused. “I will decided on your punishment later tonight. For now though, sit down and eat.”
Obi-Wan nodded and sat down. Looking at his bowl of stew, he winced.
*’Wonderful sense of humour old Jinn’s got.’*
“Master, does this dinner happen to be part of my punishment as well?” Obi-Wan asked, a half amused, half sickened look on his face.
Qui-Gon smirked. “Only if you want it to be.”
*’Typical’*
“Typical,” Obi-Wan muttered and ate swiftly so he wouldn’t have to taste the so-called stew.
*’More like ‘Padawan poison’*
Master and Apprentice ate in a comfortable silence. Qui-Gon was more relieved then he thought he would be. Obi-Wan’s attitude early had not only appalled him, it had actually frightened the Master slightly. That type of behaviour was not the kind he wished to see in Obi-Wan again anytime soon. It was behaviour he did not wish to see in any Jedi.
A buzz from the com in the lounge interrupted Qui-Gon’s thoughts. He got up from the kitchen table and answered it.
“Master Jinn?” Garen Muln’s voice came from the other end. “Could I speak with Obi-Wan?”
Obi-Wan heard his name mentioned and with a little help from the Force, he listened into the conversation.
“I’m sorry Garen but Obi-Wan is eating dinner at the moment.”
“Oh, I’m sorry for disturbing you. Do you think Obi-Wan could call me back? Only I’m leaving on a mission tomorrow and I wanted to say on last goodbye. We probably won’t see each other for a while. Master says this mission will probably be a long one.”
“I’m sorry Garen but isn’t that what last night was for? Besides, Obi-Wan is being punished and I’m afraid he is grounded for the time being.”
Obi-Wan groaned quietly. Great this was all he needed, his friends knowing that he was in trouble. They’d be teasing him for months! But Obi-Wan was annoyed more because he wouldn’t be able to bid Garen a proper goodbye. Couldn’t his Master let him off for just one night?
*’Dream on goody two shoes. Old Jinn’s as stiff as a corpse. He’s never gonna let you go. Perhaps a little bit of late night sneaking out is called for.’*
Once again ignoring his own thoughts, Obi-Wan focused on the conversation. “Oh,” he heard Garen say with disappointment. “Master Jinn, would it be possible for Obi-Wan to speak on the com?”
“No, I’m afraid not.”
Obi-Wan glared at the door, anger making him clench his fists. That was downright mean! What was wrong with a simple conversation?
After that Qui-Gon quickly ended the call. Obi-Wan sat back in his seat and calmed himself down. /No need to overreact./ His voice of reason said. /You deserve this and you know it!/ He reluctantly spooned more stew into his mouth. /Remember chew and swallow. No savouring. Just finish this meal quickly./
“That was Garen,” Qui-Gon informed Obi-Wan.
Obi-Wan stopped himself from saying ‘I know.’ Instead he said, “What did he want Master?”
“He wanted to know if you could come out this evening.”
“And?”
“I told him that you couldn’t because of your punishment.”
It took a lot of self-restraint for Obi-Wan to stay calm. “Oh.” Inside though, Obi-Wan was seething. Garen could be gone months, even years and Qui-Gon wasn’t letting Obi-Wan say goodbye. “But Master, couldn’t I go just for a little while to say a quick goodbye and say sorry to Bant?”
“I am truly sorry Obi-Wan but no. You said you would accept any punishment and this is it. I suggest you try not to make it any worse for yourself.” Qui-Gon hadn’t wanted to be so hard on his apprentice but Obi-Wan had pushed his luck earlier and he was paying the consequences. Qui-Gon admitted it was unfair of him not to let Obi-Wan say goodbye to his friends but this was perhaps the only way he would learn.
“Master you are not being fair! Garen said he would be on this mission for a long time yet you still won’t let me see him.”
Qui-Gon looked at Obi-Wan sharply. “Were you listening in on my conversation?”
“It shouldn’t have been your conversation! He’s my friend, not yours.”
“Obi-Wan I am not going to put up with another one of your outbursts. Go to your room now before I am forced to put you over my knee,” Qui-Gon threatened. He hoped Obi-Wan would go. Qui-Gon didn’t really want to spank a fifteen-year-old who should know better over something so petty.
The threat worked and Obi-Wan stormed off. Once again, Qui-Gon let out a sigh. He had never had this trouble with his former Padawan’s in their teenaged years, not even Xanatos.
***
The night came and Qui-Gon left Obi-Wan to his own devices. The irritable Obi-Wan hadn’t come out of his bedroom all night and had only grunted when Qui-Gon told him to meditate and work on his essays which were still all due in for the next day. Obi-Wan’s tutors had set an unusually large amount of homework for him while he’d been back and Qui-Gon knew Obi-Wan still had some work to finish off. The Master hoped his Padawan would finish it all before tomorrow. Qui-Gon really didn’t want to have to punish Obi-Wan even more. As it was the teenager would be restricted to quarters on the mission when they weren’t doing what was required of them. Anymore trouble from Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon would have to come up with a new kind of punishment altogether.
Smiling in spite of the situation, Qui-Gon settled down to his own meditations before he too retreated to his bedroom for some much needed sleep.
***
Obi-Wan paced around his room like a caged animal. It was getting on for midnight and he was waiting for Qui-Gon to go to bed. He was going out whether Qui-Gon liked it or not. The nasty voice in his head had convinced him and Obi-Wan was disobeying and disappointing his Master yet again.
Presently, Obi-Wan heard his Master’s bedroom door close and not long after, Obi-Wan sensed his Master was sleeping.
*’Finally!’*
Stealthily, Obi-Wan sneaked out of his room and edged around the lounge to the apartment door. The door swished open silently and Obi-Wan slipped out. The door closed and Obi-Wan grinned in satisfaction. He had escaped!
*’Now to find the others…’*
Obi-Wan began to head for the turbolifts that would take him to the Temple entrance/exit. He had a good feeling that he would find his friends in the same club the previous night. Everyone had loved that place.
Obi-Wan stood and waited for the turbolift to arrive. He was mildly surprised to know he felt no remorse at what he was doing. His voice of reason had clearly gone AWOL for the night and left his rebellious voice in charge. Either way, Obi-Wan didn’t care. At least, not yet…
The ‘lift door opened and to Obi-Wan’s surprise, all his friends spewed out.
“Obi-Wan?” Garen asked. “What are you doing here? Master Jinn said you were grounded.”
“I am,” Obi-Wan replied. “But I was looking for you guys.”
“Looks like you found us,” Reeft spoke up, his tone disapproving. “Obi-Wan you should get back now. We’re all going home for the night.”
“Yes Obi-Wan go back,” Kyrana spoke up from the back of the group. She was standing with an icy-looking Bant. “You don’t want to get in more trouble.”
“It’s your fault I’m in trouble as it is,” Obi-Wan told the small girl.
Kyrana gasped and Bant grabbed her arm. “Don’t listen to him Kyrana, you know he’s not himself.”
“Oh shut up Bant, don’t tell her what to do. Why don’t you just be a good fish and get back to your pond where you belong.”
Everyone glared at Obi-Wan. “What is your problem?” Kyrana asked, pushing past the others so she stood right in front of Obi-Wan. “Why are you being so nasty to Bant?”
The others all unconsciously backed away, sensing the tenseness in the air. Everyone could feel odd disturbances coming from both of the other Padawans but no one knew why. Something here was not right.
Despite not being all that tall himself, Obi-Wan still towered over Kyrana and he used this to intimidate her. The pair glared at each other, neither one backing down.
“Answer me!” Kyrana demanded quietly but determinedly. She didn’t want to wake up those sleeping around them. “Why are you being such a bully?”
Obi-Wan grabbed Kyrana and pulled her close. The girl flinched at the heavy physical contact. She still wasn’t totally comfortable with it after her ordeal on Elmvanis. “I don’t have to tell you anything you dirty little slag.”
Obi-Wan threw the now weeping girl to the floor and stomped off. Even if his ‘friends’ weren’t going out, he was.
Before anyone could do or say anything, Kyrana ran off. Bant went to go after her but Garen held her back. “Go and get Master Lena. She’ll know what to do. I’ll let Master Qui-Gon know about Obi-Wan. Reeft, you try and stop Obi-Wan.”
“Are you sure that’s such a good idea Garen?” Reeft asked. “He looked really mad. I think we’d better just tell Qui-Gon.”
Nodding in agreement, Garen told Reeft to accompany him. With that, Bant left and Garen and Reeft went to see Master Qui-Gon. Something was wrong with Obi-Wan, and who better to sort it out than his own Master?
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Padawan_Jess_Kenobi
Registered:
Nov '02
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Date Posted:
4/16/03 1:40pm
Subject:
RE: Twisted (Sequel to Hidden) JA
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WOW!!!
I said no. Didn’t you hear me right the first time?” Obi-Wan’s eyes were dark and his arms were folded over his chest. “I am not going to apologise and I’m not going to do anymore kinds of punishment so you can just shove any more of your speeches right up your…”  That made me laugh. 
But I still stand by what I said before. Something is wrong with Obi-Wan.  Something happened. This is so amazing so far! I really love it!! Please please please update soon!!! *puppy dog eyes* I love how you incorporated the fic together. I wanna find out what's wrong with Obi!!
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Obi-Wan, Ewan Fan Club
Mandalorian 6 Major TPM DF
"You can always trust a dishonest man to be dishonest, honestly it's the honest ones you need to watch out for because you never know when they'll do something incredibly stupid" Captain Jack Sparrow
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Arwen-Jade_Kenobi
Registered:
Feb '02
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Date Posted:
4/17/03 8:22pm
Subject:
RE: Twisted (Sequel to Hidden) JA
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I have a VERY bad feeling about this. I need more! And I might need to smack Obi around if he doesn't watch his mouth
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Retired Council Master of the Lightside It's all about the blues, baby "Love can ignite the stars." - ROTS novel I'm a Trekkie: Deal with it, or suffer the wrath of Khan This user is certifiably insane
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Ginger_Jedi
Registered:
Jun '01
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Date Posted:
4/18/03 10:33am
Subject:
RE: Twisted (Sequel to Hidden) JA
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Thanks for reading Jess and Arwen Here's another post. Perhaps a few more answers are coming...but perhaps not
Twisted: Part Three
“He what?!”
Garen and Reeft shared an uncertain look. Maybe this hadn’t been such a smart idea…
“I’m sorry Master Jinn,” Reeft said. “Maybe we shouldn’t have told you at such a late hour.”
Qui-Gon shook his head. “No, I’m grateful you did.” The Jedi Master stepped out of his apartment and into the dim hallway. “I’ll have to go and find him. He’s been acting up all day. Something is wrong.”
Garen and Reeft said their goodbyes and then walked off to their own homes. “Do you think we should have told him about Kyrana as well?” Garen asked.
Reeft shrugged. “I don’t know. Maybe.” The two reached Reeft’s apartment. “See you later when you leave,” Reeft said and then went inside, leaving a troubled Garen alone to head home lost in thought.
***
Kyrana stood inside the Temple kitchens, searching through a draw urgently. Tears still poured down her face and her breaths came in short, ragged gasps.
Her hand came into contact with a sharp object. Pulling both her hand and the object out, she discovered it was a knife. Looking around to make sure no one had appeared in the kitchen, she placed the knife in her belt with her lightsaber. She then rushed from the kitchens and into a nearby ‘fresher that was usually for students who had classes in the nearby gyms and classrooms.
Kyrana entered one of the units. In her distraught state she didn’t even think to lock it. She bent over the fresher, holding out one bare wrist. In the other hand, she grasped the knife. Her hand wobbled, her emotional state causing her to tremble uncontrollably. She put the knife against her wrist.
/Obi-Wan’s right, I am dirty. I don’t deserve to live. Master must’ve sent me to the crèche this morning because she knew that the baby would die. She wanted to punish me for being the way I am. She must hate me for what happened. No one wants me around. I don’t want to be around. I hate them all. I hate them treating me like I always need sympathy, like I can’t handle anything any more. I’ve had enough./
Kyrana closed her eyes as she pressed the knife harder against her skin and began to pull at it.
***
“Thank you for warning me Bant, I will find her immediately.”
Master Lena rushed off to find her apprentice but Bant remained where she was. She was terribly upset by Obi-Wan’s behaviour and very worried by Kyrana’s reaction. It had taken a lot of convincing to get the other girl to come out that night. She had been so distraught and Bant still wasn’t entirely sure what it was that upset the other girl so. But Kyrana had come out and enjoyed herself. But after running off, Bant had a terrible feeling that Kyrana was far from alright.
But Bant was equally worried about Obi-Wan. It was so unlike him to be so nasty. Such behaviour was something Bant had never seen before coming from the usually calm young man. Bant was torn. On one side she was angry with her long time friend for being so rude and nasty, yet on the other, she was very worried about him.
Deciding that nothing was going to get done by standing here, Bant rushed off after Master Lena.
***
As Obi-Wan walked through the darkened streets of Courscant, thoughts rushed around his head. He was angry with his friends for not coming, he was angry with Kyrana for being such a cry baby but worst of all, he was steadily becoming frightened as his anger drained away. What was Qui-Gon going to say about this latest episode? Obi-Wan might as well chop off his braid right now, because that was what Qui-Gon was going to do the second the Master found the wandering apprentice.
/Why did I do this?/ He thought to himself, frowning as he gazed around the nightlife of Courscant. He had made his way to some of the sleaziest places on one of the lower levels. His anger was all but gone now, replaced with a growing dread. /What I am doing? I should go back right now, apologise to Kyrana and Bant and then I’ll…/
Obi-Wan was so deep into his thoughts, he didn’t notice the man in front of him. Obi-Wan banged into him, lost his balance and ended up on the ground.
“Well would ya look at that? If it ain’t a little lost Jedi!”
Obi-Wan turned to see a large man standing above him. The man had only one eye, the other was fused closed, a nasty scar over it. He was a large man, easily as tall as Qui-Gon and a lot wider. He had a black tattoo on his left arm that was in a language Obi-Wan didn’t recognise. A small group of aliens stood behind him, laughing amongst themselves and pointing at Obi-Wan while clutching at bottles. Obi-Wan saw a logo on their shirts that was the same as the man’s tattoo. They were probably a group of smugglers. The leader grabbed hold of Obi-Wan’s braid and then lifted him off the ground with his spare hand, holding him up high to show his mates. “Lookie here lads! I caught a Jedi!”
Everyone all around broke in guffaws. Obi-Wan attempted to free himself but the large man’s grip tightened. “Oh no, you’re not going anywhere. It’s not everyday y’find a Jedi strollin’ round ‘ere.” The man pulled Obi-Wan closer and the teenage almost gagged at the stench of the man’s breath. “You’re not afraid are you?”
*’Have you got yourself in trouble again?!* The voice was back. *’And you’re just going to sit back and take it? Come on you can take this guy!’*
“I’m not afraid of you,” Obi-Wan’s voice was hard and ice cold. He focused on the man’s mind. “You will let go of me.”
The man released his grip on Obi-Wan, a blank look in his eyes. Obi-Wan began to sneak away. The others stopped laughing. “Oy boss,” someone from the back called. “He jes’ used some kinda mind trick on ya!”
The boss blinked and his blank expression colouring to one of anger. “Where’d he go?” Everyone looked around and then shrugged. “Well find ‘im! I wanna personally take care of him.”
Obi-Wan was just turning a corner into an alley when they spotted him. Trapped between them and a wall, Obi-Wan had no choice but to back up further into the dead-end alley. /Great! Looks like Qui-Gon won’t have a chance to kill you! You have really gotten yourself in it this time./
The boss and his men entered the alley. Three stayed at the entrance to stop others coming down here and the rest followed behind the boss.
/Get Qui-Gon! He can help!/
*’Don’t be a baby! If you call for him now, he’ll never let you out of his sight again! Take responsibility and take care of this yourself! You are nearly sixteen after all.’*
“That wasn’t a clever idea back there,” the boss said.
It was so dark in the alley, Obi-Wan couldn’t make out his features. But the Force told him the man was angry. Very angry, slightly drunk and looking for a fight. His companions that backed him up were amused by all this somehow. The boss pulled something long out of a holster on his hip. Whatever it was caught some light from somewhere way above and glinted a bright silver.
“You are gonna pay for makin’ a fool outta me.”
/Call Master now!/
And then the man started running at Obi-Wan.
***
Lena found herself standing outside a girls’ fresher room. Her Padawan’s Force signature had been hard to trace but all of a sudden, it became crystal clear and Lena wasted no time in finding Kyrana.
Yet the nearer Lena got to the source of the signature, the weaker it became. Hurrying her pace, Lena burst into the girls’ fresher.
“Kyrana?” Lena called out. “Kyrana I know you’re in here. Please Padawan, I only want to talk to you.”
Silence ensued. Lena frowned and began to check each separate fresher unit.
She found Kyrana in the one furthest away from the door. The Jedi Master almost wept at the sight of her Padawan lying in a pool of her own blood and a knife lying under one outstretched palm. “Kyrana?” Lena’s voice was shaky with emotion. “Oh Force what happened? Kyrana?”
Kyrana’s glazed green eyes were barely open. “Leave me alone,” the girl whispered. “Don’t…touch me!” She took a deep breath. “GET THE HELL AWAY FROM ME!”
Bant burst in before Lena could reply. No wanting to upset Bant anymore, Lena told her to call the Healers. Bant did as she was told. Lena turned pain filled eyes back to Kyrana. The girl was unconscious now and barely alive.
//Don’t you die on me Kyrana. Don’t you dare! Don’t leave me…//
***
On instinct, Obi-Wan’s hand went to his lightsaber, only to discover it wasn’t there.
/Oh no! I left it behind!/ Panic began to rise in Obi-Wan. Now what was he going to do? And why had he left his ‘saber at home? What had made him forget the one thing a Jedi should never forget?
Dropping into a defensive posture, Obi-Wan prepared himself for the fight that was coming his way. He reached for his centre, only to find it unstable. Confused, Obi-Wan drew the Force up around himself as much as he could but it was hard to keep hold of. The boss held back while his two cronies headed for Obi-Wan. The man reached out to grab him and Obi-Wan somersaulted over his head with a little help from the Force. Spinning back, Obi-Wan delivered a roundhouse kick into the chest of the nearest person. It was a Twi’lek and Obi-Wan’s foot sent him crashing into the wall. He slid to the ground but quickly got up. Obi-Wan blocked a sloppy punch aimed at his head from another drunk while blocking a kick from the Twi’lek. He twisted the arm he held. It snapped easily with a sickening crack and Obi-Wan dropped it in revulsion. The drunk howled in agony and this enraged the boss. He shoved the Twi’lek out of the way and grabbed Obi-Wan by the arms and shoved the teenager against a wall.
“No one does that to my men,” he hissed.
Obi-Wan brought his legs up to his chest and thrust them outwards, kicking the boss backwards. Once free, Obi-Wan bolted for the alley entrance, only to be stopped by the men the boss had positioned there. Obi-Wan reached out for the Force but it was elusive. Obi-Wan felt a flare of anger and to his surprise the Force was suddenly back. But Obi-Wan didn’t use it because he knew it was wrong. It would be better to die like this than survive after touching the Darkside.
*’You’re scared of the Darkside? What kind of Jedi are you?’*
/A smart Jedi,/ Obi-Wan’s calmer voice retorted as he was dragged back into the alley. He yelled for help but all the passers-by simply ignored him.
The boss ordered his men to hold Obi-Wan up against the wall at the very far end of the alley. Despite all his struggling, the men managed to hold Obi-Wan down.
“This is gonna be slow and painful,” the boss snickered. He stabbed Obi-Wan in the side.
Obi-Wan’s eyes widened in agony but he couldn’t find his voice. The pain in his side engulfed his entire body. The boss stabbed him again in the leg.
Unable to stop himself, Obi-Wan let out a mental scream. //MASTER!!//
And then there was nothing but silence.
***
Qui-Gon was checking out one of his Padawan’s usual haunts, a holo-game arcade, in Courscant’s upper-level business district when he heard the scream through the bond he shared with Obi-Wan. The force of the cry caused Qui-Gon to stumble. //Obi-Wan?!// He called back, suddenly terribly afraid for the safety of his Padawan, his earlier anger and disappointment gone. //Hold on, I’m coming.//
Until that moment Obi-Wan’s mental shields had been hiding his location from the Master’s senses but with that one scream, Qui-Gon knew where to go. Running out of the arcade, he headed for the speeder he had taken from the Temple. Not waiting for anyone to give him right of way, Qui-Gon pulled into the busy traffic lanes, ignoring the beeping horns and indignant yells of pedestrians. There was only one thing on Qui-Gon’s mind and that was finding his Padawan.
“If you’re not dead already, I’ll kill you myself,” the Jedi Master muttered to himself, trying to lighten his dark mood but only causing himself more grief. Nothing could take Obi-Wan away from him. Nothing.
TBC...
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Arwen-Jade_Kenobi
Registered:
Feb '02
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Date Posted:
4/18/03 10:38am
Subject:
RE: Twisted (Sequel to Hidden) JA
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[face_shocked] Action packed post Ginger!!
More soon!!
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Retired Council Master of the Lightside It's all about the blues, baby "Love can ignite the stars." - ROTS novel I'm a Trekkie: Deal with it, or suffer the wrath of Khan This user is certifiably insane
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PaddyJuan
Registered:
Nov '02
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Date Posted:
4/18/03 3:35pm
Subject:
RE: Twisted (Sequel to Hidden) JA
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all sorts of adventures! sounds like Bruck is back for a visit....
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Smile, it makes everyone wonder what you are up to? ~~~ __((O.O))__ ~~~ Panther's Cub - http://boards.theforce.net/message.asp?topic=10596413 ~~ Panther's Cub is complete now ~~ others in bio
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Ginger_Jedi
Registered:
Jun '01
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Date Posted:
4/20/03 12:56pm
Subject:
RE: Twisted (Sequel to Hidden) JA
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Thanks for reading Arwen and Juan Sorry I didn't update yesterday. I was about to and then I got a phone call telling me it was one of my friend's birthday parties and no one had told me...
Anyway! Onwards faithful readers
Twisted: Part Four
Qui-Gon parked the speeder just outside the alley where he knew his Padawan was laying. He grabbed a med kit and got out of the speeder. He shoved past the people who walked in front of him and broke into a run as soon as he could.
Qui-Gon saw Obi-Wan’s crumpled form lying at the far end of the corridor. Qui-Gon noticed the alarming amount of blood pooling around his limp Padawan.
“Obi-Wan?” Qui-Gon carefully searched for the boy’s injuries. He found the horrendous stab wounds and had to take several deep breaths to stay calm. “Obi-Wan can you hear me?”
Obi-Wan’s blue/green eyes blinked open. They were glazed. He looked at Qui-Gon and anger flashed in their glazed depths. “What…you…doing here?” the teen asked, the pain from his side and leg making it hard to talk. “Leave…me…alone.”
“Obi-Wan now is really not the time for another argument,” Qui-Gon said calmly and reached out to apply a bandage to Obi-Wan’s wounds.
“No!” Obi-Wan’s voice was weaker than usual but the tone was still one of defiance. “Don’t…need your…help.”
Obi-Wan tried to move but his injuries kept him down, along with a gentle Force push from his Master. The young Jedi panted, his eyes squeezed closed because of his agony.
Qui-Gon leaned back, surprise written on his features. Why was Obi-Wan being like this? Why now when his life was in danger? Qui-Gon was aware that his time was slipping away. “Obi-Wan stop this immediately. I didn’t come here to see you in pain, I came here to help you.”
Obi-Wan lifted his head and glared into his Master’s eyes, his characteristic strength behind them but backed up with a strange anger. “Get the hell out of here, I DON’T need you! I hate…”
Qui-Gon didn’t allow Obi-Wan to finish the sentence. The Master couldn’t stand to hear such angry words coming from Obi-Wan, especially when they were aimed at him. One quick Force suggestion and Obi-Wan was once again unconscious. Shoving aside his anxieties, Qui-Gon lifted Obi-Wan up and carried him back to the speeder. Qui-Gon could feel Obi-Wan’s condition worsening but until they were back at the Temple, there was little Qui-Gon could do.
“Hold on Obi-Wan,” Qui-Gon murmured. “We’ll have you back to normal soon.”
***
Once they back at the Temple, things happened in a blur. The Healer’s snatched Obi-Wan away and told Qui-Gon to wait in the waiting room. Qui-Gon was used to being alone in this room in its uncomfortable chairs. He hadn’t expected company.
“Lena?” Qui-Gon asked the fellow Master. “What are you doing here?”
Lena turned Qui-Gon, revealing watery brown eyes. Her tail hung limply behind her and shoulders were drooped. “Oh Qui-Gon,” she whispered, her voice cracked with emotion. “There’s been a terrible accident.”
“Kyrana?” Qui-Gon guessed.
Lena could only nod, her face pinched in misery. Tears spilled down her face. Lena took a moment to compose herself. “Kyrana tried to kill herself,” she finally announced, sitting down heavily in a chair. She ran her sharp nailed fingers through long black hair. “I found her in the ‘freshers near the kitchens. She had slashed her own wrists. She…Oh Force! She told me not to touch her. She…she was so angry!”
Qui-Gon frowned at the news. He was desperately sorry for Lena and prayed Kyrana would pull through. But something about Lena’s story reminded him of Obi-Wan’s strange behaviour. He took a seat next to Lena and they both sat in silence.
“What about you?” Lena finally asked. “Why are you here?”
With only a slightly better hold on his emotions, Qui-Gon informed Lena of what had happened with Obi-Wan. The woman gave a small smile and patted Qui-Gon on the back. “Looks like we’ll have to keep each other company then until we get some news.”
Qui-Gon nodded, his mind pondering over a few things. Deciding he had to get them out in the open, he turned to Lena. “Has Kyrana been acting a little…odd recently?”
Lena cocked her head slightly. “Odd? In what way?”
Qui-Gon shrugged. “I don’t really know. A little more moody than usual, rebellious maybe.”
Lena shook her head. “I don’t think so. She’s been a little depressed in the last couple of days but there was an incident in the crèche that she took rather hard. Why do you ask?”
“Obi-Wan has been acting up recently. I was just wondering if maybe there was something going around or something.”
Lena laughed slightly. “Sounds like he’s got a case of teenage mood swings, that’s all. Boys can be terrible.”
Qui-Gon forced a smile. “I’m sure you’re right. Still, one can’t help but worry sometimes.”
Lena sighed. “I know what you mean.”
The pair lapsed into silence once again and not too long later, a Healer came out to see them. He was fairly young, probably only just out of his apprentice years. From his nearly white skin and all over pale appearance, Qui-Gon figured he was originally from the planet Tzartian, a place well known for its constant sub-zero temperatures.
“Master Jinn, Master Lena,” the Healer said with a nod. “I have some news. Both Obi-Wan and Kyrana are now stable.”
Both Masters’ sighed in relief. “Thank you Healer T’Gaz,” they said in stereo.
“However I must tell you we found something peculiar in their blood work that we can’t really explain,” T’Gaz added, earning odd, interested yet faintly concerned looks from the two Masters.
***
The dull beeping of machines brought him back to his senses. Obi-Wan opened his eyes and looked around.
*’The Healer’s…again…you must have some kind of Force bond with this place!’*
Obi-Wan groaned. /Not him again!/
*’Hey don’t start! I can’t believe this! Force, can’t you at least TRY to stay out of trouble?!’*
/Do or do not, there is no try./
Anger flared in Obi-Wan. As if to prove to himself that he wasn’t weak, he slowly got out of bed.
“No! I don’t want to see her! Don’t you dare bring her anywhere near me!”
Obi-Wan listened to the voice coming from across the hall. It was Kyrana. Obi-Wan rolled his eyes. Was it that girl’s mission in life to follow him wherever he went?
*’Not for long though. Why don’t we go and pay Kyrana a little…visit?’*
***
“What is it?” Qui-Gon asked.
T’Gaz frowned. “From what we can tell, it’s a drug known on the streets for its ability to change one’s mood. For instance a shy person may take it in order to become more confident. That sort of thing. Only it very rarely works out the way it’s supposed to. The side effects are not pleasant. I’ve heard it’s even more dangerous for Force sensitives.”
Lena’s eyes widened. “Are you saying Kyrana is taking drugs?”
T’Gaz shrugged. “Possibly,” he said with clinical detachment. “We are looking at other possibilities though. What’s in this drug for instance. There’s a chance that something they ate or drank could have contained it. Now that they’re here though, we’ll be able to monitor them and make sure no more gets into their systems.”
“Is there any way to know how long this drug has been in their systems?” Qui-Gon asked. If Obi-Wan was, Force forbid, on drugs, then Qui-Gon wanted to know for how long seeing as he would never get a straight answer out of Obi-Wan.
“Most likely a good few months,” T’Gaz answered.
“Why is it more dangerous to Force sensitives?” Lena asked, going back to T’Gaz’s earlier point.
“Because of the effect it can have on them. Say it makes them incredibly angry. Such an effect can lead them to the Darkside,” T’Gaz explained.
Qui-Gon shuddered. Not the Darkside. Not Obi-Wan. Qui-Gon had had his fair share of worrying about Obi-Wan turning to the Darkside during that awful Test they had both endured when the boy had been just fourteen. Qui-Gon’s stomach was already twisting at the idea of facing the same fear again. “How do we get this drug out of them?” He demanded.
T’Gaz’s shoulders slumped a little. “See that’s where we’ve got a problem. Once the drug is in the body, there is no easy way to get rid of it. We cannot combat it with other drugs.”
Lena and Qui-Gon shared a panicky look. “So what can we do?” Lena asked. “I will not leave Kyrana in such a depressed state. I can’t bare to see her like that.”
T’Gaz nodded. “I promise we will do everything in our power to help them.”
Lena and Qui-Gon thanked T’Gaz and the Healer led them towards the rooms where their Padawan’s were.
“They’ll both be sleeping still. We’ve kept them under until we’ve done our tests,” T’Gaz said.
A loud scream broke the calm quiet of the medical area. Lena bolted into Kyrana’s room, Qui-Gon and T’Gaz, on her heels. Inside, Kyrana was being held round the throat by Obi-Wan. He also held a syringe in one hand, pointed at Kyrana’s exposed neck. T’Gaz whispered something about calling other Healers and dashed off.
/I thought they were both still asleep,/ Qui-Gon thought to himself. “Obi-Wan, what are you doing?” he said aloud, in a neutral way. He didn’t dare provoke any more anger in the boy.
“Stay back!” Obi-Wan’s eyes held the look of a madman. “I mean it! Take one step and I’ll kill her!”
“Obi-Wan calm down,” Qui-Gon said, his voice cool but his heart pounding. “Let Kyrana go. She hasn’t done anything.”
“I am sick of having her wherever I am!” Obi-Wan pressed the needle into Kyrana’s skin. The girl let out a moan. “No more! I won’t have her messing around in my life again ever!”
“Obi-Wan stop. Think about what you are doing!” Qui-Gon demanded.
Instead of replying, Obi-Wan seemed to become angrier. Objects began to start exploding around him, apparently of their own volition. Obi-Wan was losing whatever control he had over his talents. The situation was becoming increasingly dangerous.
A large tray full of medicines flew off a nearby stand and headed straight for Qui-Gon. The Jedi Master easily stopped the tray in mid air. Lena was doing the same with a heavy jug of water.
Qui-Gon opened his mouth to speak, to calm his clearly unstable apprentice but Lena was a step ahead of him. She raised her hand and sent Obi-Wan flying with a Force shove. Kyrana sank to the floor, sobbing hysterically. Obi-Wan was unconscious in a heap on the ground. Lena had dealt with him harshly.
“I’m sorry Qui-Gon,” Lena said apologetically before rushing to Kyrana’s side. “I couldn’t just stand by and watch.”
Qui-Gon nodded his acceptance and went to Obi-Wan. “I understand how you feel,” he murmured.
Lena reached out to Kyrana but the girl looked up. “No! Get away from me! I hate you! Leave me alone! This is all your fault!” Kyrana cried.
Lena stepped back quickly, hurt showing in her eyes. “Kyrana I…”
Kyrana scooted away from Lena, pulling herself into a ball when she was situated in the corner furthest from her Master. Lena didn’t try to communicate again with the girl because it clearly was of no use.
It was then that T’Gaz returned, a group of Healers with him. “What happened?” he asked, looking around the room, which was in a terrible mess now that he had returned.
“Long story,” both Masters replied.
T’Gaz just shook his head and ordered his group to take care of things. An elderly counsellor by the name of Jensa spoke softly to Kyrana and she slowly convinced the girl to calm down. Qui-Gon took Obi-Wan back to his room where, to Qui-Gon’s horror, T’Gaz had him restrained and injected a Force inhibitor into Obi-Wan.
“It’s for his safety and the safety of others,” T’Gaz explained.
T’Gaz managed to pull Qui-Gon out of the room and into his office, where Lena also sat waiting. Jensa was there also, along with two medical researchers. Jensa was well known for her empathic talents with young women. She often counselled female Jedi – especially teenaged girls – who could have suffered from any number of problems. Most of her grey hair was swept up into a tight bun but some of it fell down behind her ears. Her blue eyes held a motherly look and her face was only slightly wrinkled, not giving away her true age. She was fairly plump but she carried her weight well in her tall build. She smiled at Lena and Qui-Gon.
“We think there may be a solution to all this,” T’Gaz said. “Our researchers have a number of treatments lined up and we are sure one of them will work.” He turned to Lena. “Before we try them on Kyrana though, Jensa would like to talk with her. See if maybe we can reach Kyrana that way.” T’Gaz turned to Qui-Gon. “We have to help Obi-Wan very soon. He is very powerful but with this drug in his system, he has very little control. He will stray to the Darkside if something isn’t done soon. I’m sorry to say that none of these treatments are nice. They will make Obi-Wan sick I imagine. But the end result is worth it.”
“Any idea yet on what is in this drug?” Qui-Gon asked.
One of the researchers stepped forward. He was a Calamarian. T’Gaz introduced him has Daom. His human companion, a young girl who was possibly his Padawan, hung back looking a little too shy to speak up. “It’s amazingly simple really. From what we can tell, it’s nothing more than a mix of various vaccines.”
“What sort of vaccines?” Lena asked.
“Various forms of flu mainly,” Daom explained. “Some booster shots given to teenagers, that sort of thing. Dealers on the streets get hold of such things very easily. Healers are usually very careful when giving these certain vaccines to patients because of the problems that can come from them. They know to leave a good few hours, possibly even days between each various shot. It’s written in the latest medical journals.”
Qui-Gon’s brain began to come up with several possibilities. “So if all these vaccines were injected at once, would Obi-Wan and Kyrana’s symptoms be the outcome?”
Daom pondered for a minute. “Only if the chemicals were old. If they were fresh, the patient would probably be in a much worse condition, possibly even deceased.”
Qui-Gon met Lena’s eyes. “The vaccines they had on Elmvanis. That must be it!”
Lena shook her head. “But we had them too and we’re both fine.”
“Yes but both Obi-Wan and Kyrana had their fifteen year boosters as well didn’t they?”
Lena nodded slowly. “That’s it,” she said excitedly. “Of course!”
“Could the Elmvanian Healer’s have done this on purpose?” Qui-Gon asked the group of Healers.
“Elmvanis was a very isolated planet until recently so I doubt they even knew of the dangers of administering the vaccines. We weren’t even aware ourselves,” Lena answered instead. “It was probably an unfortunate accident.”
T’Gaz nodded. “Well, if you’re right, that should make things easier. All right then people, let’s get ready. We’ll start with Obi-Wan and Kyrana tomorrow. It’s been a bad day so a little rest for both of them should do them some good.”
Qui-Gon and Lena left the office to find their Padawan’s, who were now at separate ends of the Healer’s ward. Jensa went with Lena. The counsellor probably wanted to see how Lena was handling this as well.
“May the Force be with you,” Qui-Gon said to Lena and Jensa as he left them.
“You too, my friend,” Lena said with a smile.
Both Masters knew they were going to need the Force to get through the events of the nect few days.
***
It was late. Qui-Gon shifted into a more comfortable position in his chair, sighing to himself. Tomorrow he’d get a proper bed in here.
“Master?”
Qui-Gon’s head snapped up and his eyes met with Obi-Wan’s. “Obi-Wan?” Qui-Gon prepared himself for another heated rant from Obi-Wan.
“Master…I…I’m scared. What’s wrong with me? Why…why do I feel like this? Why do I keep getting so angry?”
Qui-Gon looked deeply into Obi-Wan’s eyes, searching for the anger that had been there earlier. Now all he could see was genuine fear.
Tears began to fall from Obi-Wan’s eyes. He tried to get up but he couldn’t move because of the restraints. “Master,” the boy whispered. “Help me. I don’t want to feel this way anymore.”
Qui-Gon brushed away Obi-Wan’s tears. “I promise it won’t be much longer.” He sent calming waves over Obi-Wan, causing the boy to fall asleep. “You’ll be okay soon.”
“I…believe…you.”
TBC...
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JC User of the past. Nostalgia can be fun sometimes.
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Padawan_Jess_Kenobi
Registered:
Nov '02
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Date Posted:
4/20/03 1:03pm
Subject:
RE: Twisted (Sequel to Hidden) JA *Updated Easter Sunday*
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That was a truly amazing post!! It really was! I can't believe Obi almost killed her though! [face_shocked]
[i]It was late. Qui-Gon shifted into a more comfortable position in his chair, sighing to himself. Tomorrow he’d get a proper bed in here.
“Master?”
Qui-Gon’s head snapped up and his eyes met with Obi-Wan’s. “Obi-Wan?” Qui-Gon prepared himself for another heated rant from Obi-Wan.
“Master…I…I’m scared. What’s wrong with me? Why…why do I feel like this? Why do I keep getting so angry?”
Qui-Gon looked deeply into Obi-Wan’s eyes, searching for the anger that had been there earlier. Now all he could see was genuine fear.
Tears began to fall from Obi-Wan’s eyes. He tried to get up but he couldn’t move because of the restraints. “Master,” the boy whispered. “Help me. I don’t want to feel this way anymore.”
Qui-Gon brushed away Obi-Wan’s tears. “I promise it won’t be much longer.” He sent calming waves over Obi-Wan, causing the boy to fall asleep. “You’ll be okay soon.”
“I…believe…you.” /i]
 That's my Obi. Thats my boy. I knew there was something wrong with him! You have me hooked! Please update soon! This is an amazing story!!
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Obi-Wan, Ewan Fan Club
Mandalorian 6 Major TPM DF
"You can always trust a dishonest man to be dishonest, honestly it's the honest ones you need to watch out for because you never know when they'll do something incredibly stupid" Captain Jack Sparrow
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Ginger_Jedi
Registered:
Jun '01
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Date Posted:
4/20/03 1:22pm
Subject:
RE: Twisted (Sequel to Hidden) JA *Updated Easter Sunday*
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Wow thanks Jess *hugs* I'm so glad you're enjoying it. If all goes according to plan, I'll update tomorrow
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Arwen-Jade_Kenobi
Registered:
Feb '02
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Date Posted:
4/21/03 10:46am
Subject:
RE: Twisted (Sequel to Hidden) JA *Updated Easter Sunday*
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*mouth hits floor*
There are no words to describe the brilliance | |