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Author	Topic: You’ll Be In My Heart (A series of Qui/Obi vignettes) Complete
Glenstorm Registered: Mar '06	Date Posted: 4/12 2:04pm Subject: You’ll Be In My Heart (A series of Qui/Obi vignettes) Complete - Date Edited: 5/23 12:57pm (8 edits total) Edited By: Glenstorm
	Title: You'll Be In My Heart. Author: Glenstorm Characters: Qui/Obi Genre: Songfic. Mush-fest. Angst. Hurt/Comfort (In fact, all the things we love.) Summary: A series of vignettes set throughout the lives of Master and Padawan. Disclaimer: Nothing belongs to me. Song belongs to Phil Collins and the Disney film Tarzan. Yup, it’s another songfic. (scuffs foot sheepishly) I dunno, I just seem to listen to the radio and the plot bunnies make their killing. It’s not my fault! Author’s Note: For a long time I argued with myself as to whether I should send this in as one complete story or to post each little vignette separately. Both ideas had their merits and drawbacks. But after much angst and soul searching I’ve finally decided to split it up. Sometimes I still think it would have been good to leave the whole thing intact, but it’s turned out so long that I think people would have grown bored and started looking like this before they reached the end. But if I did make the wrong choice and you do prefer it all together you can always use the old cut and paste and stick the whole jobby back together again when it’s done. *** “Presenting Padawan Xanatos for creche duty, Master Hallan,” Qui-Gon announced to the senior Master as he stood behind his ominously silent Padawan. “Ah, Master Jinn. Good, good. This the boy?” The aging creche Master peered up at the raven haired apprentice, whose expression was nearly a black as his hair. “Hmmm. Well, come along then, young man, there’s plenty to do!” Master Hallan turned away, then without even looking back stated: “And take that look off your face, you’ll scare the children!” Qui-Gon laughed as Xanatos’ scowl deepened further still. Paying the suddenly dangerous expression no mind, he clapped his apprentice on the shoulder and gave him a slight push forward. “Listen to Master Hallan, Padawan,” he said before dropping his voice low for Xanatos’ ears only. “The Council could have assigned you a worse punishment.” The look Xanatos directed at his Master was nothing short of mutinous. Without a word he stalked away after Master Hallan. Qui-Gon shook his head in silent amusement. It seemed creche duty was as popular as ever. A thorn in the side of every Padawan since the dawn of time. Especially for his haughty charge. To say he hated it would be a gross understatement. But Xanatos only had himself to blame for this and he would just have to deal with the consequences. Qui-Gon could not rescue him this time--Yoda had warned him with an unusually severe glance, firmly overruling any protest he might have made in his Padawan’s frequent defence. Still, as he’d said, it could have been worse. Casting one last look at the door through which his Padawan had disappeared, Qui-Gon started for the exit. And was quite unprepared when the squall of an infant drew him to an abrupt halt. Jolted from his thoughts, Qui-Gon frowned, confused as to why the sound had stopped him so abruptly in mid stride. Considering the area that he was in, it was not an uncommon occurrence to hear one child or more grousing over some minor grievance or another. So why was he here, suddenly perched tense in a doorway. It was like a cord had been pulled. Listening carefully now, he waited until the thready wail reached him again and was surprised when he experienced the same strange tug. That cry… There was something about it. It just compelled him to turn round. Turn round and see. Curiosity peeked, Qui-Gon moved back into the creche, letting the sound of the throaty squalls lead him to a corridor that branched away from the main creche area. He followed it until he came upon an open doorway. Without the slightest hesitation, the Master strode through. The room beyond was large, filled with a soothing, golden light that immediately set the senses at ease. Twenty cots lined the walls on either side, each one containing a tiny infant. Qui-Gon passed by the nearest cot where a white-haired human boy was gripping the bars, struggling to balance on wobbly feet as he peered curiously up at Qui-Gon, throwing the occasional scathing look at the cot next door with icy blue eyes. Ignoring him, Qui-Gon stepped straight up to the offending crib and looked down. Lying in the centre was a small golden-haired child. He couldn’t have been above seven or eight months old, far too young it seemed to know true grief, but the little body was curled upon itself, heaving with the force of wracking sobs. The Force fairly vibrated with the baby’s distress. Qui-Gon’s breath caught at the sight, finally realising why he had been drawn here. What he was seeing was most definitely not a small childish upset. Frown deepening, the Master cast around for the minder of this infant clan and spotted her walking down the aisle towards him, checking each baby as she went. As she drew near Qui-Gon pulled her aside. “How come he’s crying like that?” he asked, concern overriding any preamble. “Oh,” the clan leader glanced into the cot. A fleeting sorrow touched her heavy features. “Poor little mite. He’s not long arrived,” she sighed. “He’s been having some trouble adjusting to leaving his family behind. His mother most of all. I believe the Master who discovered him had some trouble getting him to let go of her. She used to hold him quite a lot, I’m told, and now he can’t understand why she’s not here to comfort him.” The woman caught Qui-Gon’s stricken look and tried quickly to assure him. “Don’t worry, Master Jinn,” she said, “it’s only natural. All of the new initiates go through this in one degree or another. He’ll settle.” She smiled and squeezed his arm before continuing calmly on her round leaving the Jedi Master in her wake. Qui-Gon watched her go. He supposed he was expected to leave as well. But he could only stand, frozen over the cot, struggling to absorb the clan leader’s words as the baby’s wails grew more heart rending. He couldn’t do it. Maybe it was his connection to the Living Force, or maybe it was because he didn’t have the clan leader’s callous logic over this situation--not having watched infants arrive, scared and confused, for so long that it became a normal, every day occurrence to him. But for whatever the reason Qui-Gon could not just walk away and leave this baby to his grief. To ‘settle’ as it was put. He had to do something. Carefully he leaned down and stroked a hand over the silken ginger hair. “It’s alright, little one,” he whispered, reaching out with a tendril of the Force to touch the baby boy’s mind. Straight away raw emotions swamped his senses. Confusion. Fear. Loneliness. The need for a mother was almost overwhelming. But she was gone, her comforting warmth left far behind and now there were only strangers. The love that had been the very centre of this boy’s world was gone. Qui-Gon felt tears prickle the back of his own eyes. He had never considered taking children away from their parents as more wrong than he did in that moment. He couldn’t bear listening to these cries anymore. It might just break him. Acting on a sudden impulse and ignoring the spike of jealousy from the cot next door, he swept the baby into his arms and held him close, absorbing some of the terrible hurt into himself while sending out soothing waves into the baby’s heart and mind in an attempt to calm him. He would remain here forever if he had to. Time passed, seconds collecting into long, patient minutes until finally the terrible tension began to ease and Qui-Gon felt the tiny body relax minutely against him. The Master found himself releasing a breath he hadn’t realised he’d been holding. Yet despite his progress, the child’s eyes remained tight shut, tears continuing to leak heavily from beneath the thick lashes-- shutters that protected him from the sight of his new world and the strange giant now holding him. Qui-Gon brushed at the downy brow. “Aren’t you even going to look at me?” he asked as lightly as he could. The boy only tightened his lids more firmly and gave another hearty sob. An obvious ‘no’. Sighing, Qui-Gon continued his patient ministrations until slowly, very slowly, the baby’s cries began to fade away. “That’s it, little one, calm now,” he murmured as the sobs ebbed to mere hitching breaths. “Everything will be alright.” At long last, watery grey eyes blinked open and took their first wary glance into his face. Qui-Gon smiled. “That’s better. I’m not that bad to look at, really.” The baby made no noise, just continued to watch him curiously and Qui-Gon was surprised to feel a slight ‘nudge’ somewhere in the back of his mind as those eyes connected with his. The baby must have felt it too because his wary curiosity turned instantly into a kind of wonder. Reaching out with a pudgy little fist he found one of Qui-Gon’s calloused fingers and took hold of it, gripping on as if he never meant to let go. Warmed beyond measure, the Jedi Master curled the chosen finger around the tiny hand, fully aware in that moment that if a whole army of Togorian warriors were to charge through this room, not one of them would lay so much as a claw on this child while there was still breath left in him. He would do anything. The little boy smiled, as if sensing the protective thought. Qui-Gon returned the gesture tenderly. “That’s right, young one. I’m here. No more tears.” A wave of trust swept over the Force as the baby relaxed completely into Qui-Gon’s warmth. Overtaxed grey eyes grew drowsy. Or were they blue now? Silently wondering the Jedi Master found a makeshift seat and sat down with his burden. “Rest now, little one,” he murmured softly. “Everything will be alright.” The baby did not need any more suggestion than that. He was exhausted beyond measure. Qui-Gon shifted his arms and drew protective energy around them both, rocking gently as the child drifted away. He kept watch like that for many hours until the tears dried upon the tiny face. And as he brushed at the soft fingers still gripping so tenaciously to his own, he smiled quietly to himself. Everything would indeed be fine… * Come stop your crying It will be all right Just take my hand Hold it tight I will protect you From all around you I will be here Don't you cry * -----signature----- "Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." Songfic writer addict! All of of my Fics and FanArt can be found in my bio
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Alexis_Wingstar Registered: Sep '06	Date Posted: 4/12 2:33pm Subject: RE: You’ll Be In My Heart (A series of Qui/Obi vignettes)
	That was so sweet! I can't wait to see the next viggie. -----signature----- "Change. It can be good. It can be bad. It can be expected or come as a thief in the night. Invited or not, it always comes." ~Koria "Tender Shadows", co-written w/ The Musical Jedi Padawan to DarthIshtar Failed member of CA (Challengeholics Anonymous)
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bek Registered: Jul '05	Date Posted: 4/12 2:36pm Subject: RE: You’ll Be In My Heart (A series of Qui/Obi vignettes)
	That was wonderful! I could only imagine what it must be like for an infant to be taken from the only love and warmth he knows to be plunged into a place where he's just another bed warmer in a room full of other infants. It's a good thing that Qui-Gon was there to help him through. If you're keeping a PM list, please add me to it. -----signature----- Update 10/2/08- Chapter 40- Life Beyond the Code (Obi-Wan/Anakin) - http://boards.theforce.net/The_Saga/b10476/20820324 Update 9/3/08- Chapter 26 - Not Myself - (Obi-Wan/Qui-Gon/Oc's) - Before the Saga Update 9/3/08 - Part 6 - Strength to Begin Ane
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Bastet Registered: Dec '99	Date Posted: 4/12 2:50pm Subject: RE: You’ll Be In My Heart (A series of Qui/Obi vignettes)
	Awwww!! I LOVE Qui/little Obi stories, and this is by far one of my favorites. Warmed beyond measure, the Jedi Master curled the chosen finger around the tiny hand, fully aware in that moment that if a whole army of Togorian warriors were to charge through this room, not one of them would lay so much as a claw on this child while there was still breath left in him. He would do anything. The little boy smiled, as if sensing the protective thought. Qui-Gon returned the gesture tenderly. “That’s right, young one. I’m here. No more tears.” I'm so happy to here there's going to be more of these viggies, I can't wait! So please add me to the PM list, thanks! -----signature----- "Oh yeah. Ooh, aah. That's how it always starts. But then later there's running, then...screaming." --Dr. Ian Malcolm "Okay fine. Go ahead and scream. Then when that tricycloplots attacks you, don't come crying to me." --Paul Kirby
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dianethx Registered: Mar '02	Date Posted: 4/12 4:16pm Subject: RE: You’ll Be In My Heart (A series of Qui/Obi vignettes)
	That was very sweet. I loved that we don't find out what Xanatos did but he was quite unhappy about it. And the dig about Bruck Chun in the next cot jealous of the attention paid to Obi-Wan was a great little hint. Good job. -----signature----- Betrayal - http://boards.theforce.net/s/b1/10935143 updated 9/22/08 Fragments of Illusion- http://boards.theforce.net/bts/b10475/28456473 updated 8/16/08 Freeze frame - http://boards.theforce.net/s/b10476/27820434 Master to jedidas3 Impeach Bush!
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Jedi-Gon Registered: Nov '07	Date Posted: 4/12 7:31pm Subject: RE: You’ll Be In My Heart (A series of Qui/Obi vignettes)
	AWWW!!! If you have a PM list, please put me on it. This is so adorable! Lol, Xanatos is funny - foreshadowing! Obi-Wan is adorable! It's ironic, actually, I was just thinking about doing a songfic to this song earlier today. Looks like you beat me to it. Great work! Can't wait for the next one! -----signature----- "The ability to speak does not make you intelligent." -Qui-Gon Jinn, The Phantom Menace Duct tape is kind of like the Force - it has a light side and a dark side, and it holds the universe together. Proud Padawan to Jinngerbread
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ratna Registered: Mar '07	Date Posted: 4/12 8:19pm Subject: RE: YouÃ¢â‚¬â„ ¢ll Be In My Heart (A series of Qui/Obi vignettes)
	well. well, well, well. ... she gurgles from her puddle. more please... -----signature----- Ou n'a tu pas tellement aime quelqu'un que tu avais peur de l'aimer au peur des souvenirs?
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JediKaren Registered: Apr '07	Date Posted: 4/12 9:22pm Subject: RE: You’ll Be In My Heart (A series of Qui/Obi vignettes)
	I like it and I just love the song! -----signature----- Bring Light Into Darkness Reaching Through Darkness: http://boards.theforce.net/beyond_the_saga/b10477/28415147/p1/?0 Healing Hearts: http://boards.theforce.net/before_the_saga/b10475/28282728/p1
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Gkilkenny Registered: Mar '04	Date Posted: 4/12 9:24pm Subject: RE: You’ll Be In My Heart (A series of Qui/Obi vignettes)
	Aww I am a sucker for lil Obi, that was so cute. -----signature----- Padawan to p_stotts Peace over anger - honour over hate - Strength over fear. Links to Stories in my Bio. Obi-Wan forever.
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dimyavie Registered: May '06	Date Posted: 4/13 10:16am Subject: RE: You’ll Be In My Heart (A series of Qui/Obi vignettes)
	I loved the Qui/Obi interaction! I liked how you incorporated Xan and Bruck too. Awesome update!
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Valairy_Scot Title: PT Rewrite Winner Registered: Sep '05	Date Posted: 4/13 7:15pm Subject: RE: You’ll Be In My Heart (A series of Qui/Obi vignettes)
	AW, I'm a puddle of mush...poor Obi's entire being craving for love - and Qui-Gon offering it. -----signature----- http://boards.theforce.net/fan_fiction_resource/b10304/25405090/p3/?52 Prolific Author thread: list & links there. Muse fueled by coffee. Often AWOL despite frequent sipping. Writes on inspiration, not a schedule. Proud master of several padawans
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Bkcbookworm Registered: Dec '07	Date Posted: 4/13 8:42pm Subject: RE: You’ll Be In My Heart (A series of Qui/Obi vignettes)
	"Warmed beyond measure, the Jedi Master curled the chosen finger around the tiny hand, fully aware in that moment that if a whole army of Togorian warriors were to charge through this room, not one of them would lay so much as a claw on this child while there was still breath left in him" Aaawww! Very sweet, love the Obi/Qui mush. Please write some more!
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DarthBerryStraw Registered: Mar '07	Date Posted: 4/13 9:08pm Subject: RE: You’ll Be In My Heart (A series of Qui/Obi vignettes)
	He kept watch like that for many hours until the tears dried upon the tiny face. And as he brushed at the soft fingers still gripping so tenaciously to his own, he smiled quietly to himself. Everything would indeed be fine.. So mushy, I love it! If you have a PM list, I'd really like to be on it. -----signature----- “I MAY BE A HOGWARTS STUDENT….” Hargirid paused angrily. “BUT I AM ALSO A SATANIST!” - ... Tara UDCS: Of All the Witty Titles http://boards.theforce.net/before_the_saga/b10475/29095691/p1/?7
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Glenstorm Registered: Mar '06	Date Posted: 4/16 2:48pm Subject: RE: You’ll Be In My Heart (A series of Qui/Obi vignettes)
	Thanks for reading everyone! Sorry I don't have the time right now to respond to all, but thank you so much for your words. I hope you like this next instalment as much. *** “Mast’a!” The whimper cut through the black fog in his head, tugging at the back of his mind. “Mast’a! 'ake up!” Qui-Gon stirred slightly, the floor under his body grinding strangely beneath his shifting weight as he tried to waken. A lot of sharp rocks were digging into his back-his sluggish senses were kind enough to inform him of that much-and a choking grit filled the air, coating his throat every time he tried to breathe in. His head felt like it had been stuffed with cotton. “Mast’a?” That voice again. Carefully Qui-Gon opened his stinging eyes. Not that he gained much from it. It was dark. Very dark and all around he had the dreaded feeling of an oppressive weight baring down upon him. What? Struggling to find the memory that placed him here, Qui-Gon touched a hand to his aching temples and was alarmed when his questing touch came away warm and sticky. He was bleeding, he realised. His skull felt tender and bruised beneath his touch. Never a good sign. Fighting against the disorientation, Qui-Gon managed to pull together enough thought to draw an emergency glow stick from his utility belt. Cracking it with unsteady hands he flooded the space around him with an instant light. A split second and he almost wished he'd left himself in the ignorant darkness. Oh. Good. Force. Blinking dark-adjusted eyes against the light he found himself lying in a tight pocket of space, buried and surrounded by countless tons of steel and permacrete. Completely and totally trapped-- A little hiss of pain brought on by the sudden brightness grabbed his attention before a flutter of panic could set in. Squinting his eyes, Qui-Gon peered into the nearest corner. Half hidden in the shadow of a giant steel girder huddled a small boy. He was watching Qui-Gon out of eyes grown large with fear. “Mast’a?” he whimpered. At the sight of him, Qui-Gon’s memory jolted. He had been headed for the Archives when the Force had screamed warning. Passing by a class of younglings and their teacher, he just had the chance to detect the smell of something strange in the air before he had flung himself sideways into an adjoining room, grabbing one of the children--a boy--who had for some reason stopped to stare at him. No sooner had he dived from the corridor, when the whole Temple seemed to tremble. The heat of an explosion seared Qui-Gon’s back, blasting him forward faster than his own leap could carry him. He landed hard shielding the child with his own body as the world began to come down around them. Then… blackness. Qui-Gon’s shot open. Gas explosion. The smell of it still lingered in his nostrils. He looked over at the child he had grabbed and fervently hoped that the rest of his class had made it to safety. The child was trembling as he sat beneath the girder--a thick beam of steel that was probably the only thing preventing the rubble above from collapsing upon them and eagerly snuffing out the last pocket of life remaining in its midst. It was really only by the grace of the Force that they had survived at all. Qui-Gon shuddered. Twisting his mind away from such morbid thoughts, Qui-Gon tried to shift into a sitting position. Hell fire chewed up his back and his head throbbed unmercifully. Hissing between clenched teeth Qui-Gon just about managed to lean up on one elbow. That would be enough for now he decided, and his body agreed. He turned his attention back to the boy. “Are you alright, young one?” he asked, stalwartly keeping the pain and worry from his voice. “Are you hurt?” “N-no,” came the small answer. “Good.” Qui-Gon squinted into the shadows. The boy was staring up at the ominous ceiling, the treat of tears glinting in the harsh artificial light. “It dark, Mast’a,” Qui-Gon could feel his terror bubbling just beneath the surface. Only the boy’s rudimentary training in controlling his fear was keeping him from full blown panic. “Dark. You’s sleep. No 'ake up! I’s 'lone.” “It’s alright,” Qui-Gon eased. “I’m with you now.” He filled the small space with quiet assurance, soothing the child. “Someone will find us soon enough and then everything will be alright, yes?” The small boy nodded and the terror of being left alone in the dark with an unconscious Master began to ebb. “Right." Qui-Gon looked the boy over, and quite unexpectedly a name jumped out at him. “Ben?” It must have come from somewhere within the child himself, for Qui-Gon had never heard the name before. The boy looked surprised but hardly displeased. A flicker of distant recognition passed over his face. “Is that your name?” The look vanished. “Noooo. My name Ob- Obi-” The child struggled with the syllables then gave up around the grit in his mouth and missing teeth. “Ben, Mast’a. I kinda like dat. Some reason.” “Well, Ben it is then.” Qui-Gon agreed. He would have liked to have known the child’s real name but ‘Ben’ was something to be getting on with. Maybe an endearment crooned by a mother when her baby remained safe in her arms… It certainly seemed to be less long-winded than whatever the boy had tried to pronounce. It would definitely use less oxygen and Qui-Gon surmised that that simple thing was about to become a precious commodity. Most definitely. Fighting through a sudden wave of dizziness Qui-Gon beckoned with his free hand. “Come here, my little friend. Don’t be afraid.” A shift of rubble and the child shuffled over to Qui-Gon’s side. His face was plastered in dust and reddish brown hair stuck up in every direction, but his eyes had suddenly become bright with indignation. “I not little,” he told Qui-Gon firmly. “I nearly four.” Qui-Gon couldn’t keep himself from chuckling. “That you are, Ben,” he said. But the boy wasn’t listening anymore. Concern replaced the indignation in his eyes as he reached out a tiny hand to touch Qui-Gon’s temple. “Mast’a, you hurt!” A heavy little frown creased between his brows, fear beginning to take hold of him again. Qui-Gon lifted a hand weighing twice as much as usual and gently squeezed the boy’s searching fingers. “I’ll be fine, Ben,” he said. “Now, what would you and your clan be doing this afternoon if you weren’t here with me?” Ben stared apprehensively at the gash on Qui-Gon’s head for a second longer before answering. “It story day. Mast’a Allen was goin’ to read us stories.” The child suddenly beamed, distracted as Qui-Gon had hoped. “I like stories. Today my fav’ite day.” Qui-Gon smiled at him, eyes crinkling. “Well then, who am I to break with creche routine? Would you like me to tell you a story, Ben?” The smile that answered would have lit the Dark Side itself. “Yes!” Then the boy seemed to remember that he was addressing a Master and controlled his enthusiasm somewhat. “Yes please, Mast’a.” Qui-Gon laughed at the suddenly solemn face. He found himself warming more to this child with each passing minute. Gently he ruffled the short auburn hair and still smiling said. “Very well then, Ben, I shall tell you a story.” And so Qui-Gon began. Although not a man of many words, he could tell tales with the best of them and very soon held his audience of one spellbound, effortlessly winding together threads of traditional storytelling with life experiences of his own -- adding just the right touch of embellishment here and there, of course. As the tale continued, Qui-Gon grew pleased with how his distraction was working. Ben had completely forgotten that the Master he was sitting with under a great pile of rubble was injured. Qui-Gon only wished it was as easy to distract himself. The waves of dizziness were getting worse and he was finding it harder and harder to concentrate. His eyelids felt like lead and somewhere in the middle of his story he had to stop to collect himself. “You stopped at the good bit!” Ben’s protest pulled him back. The boy was completely unaware of the reason behind Qui-Gon’s pause, for which the Master was eternally grateful. Apologising for his atrocious breach of etiquette, Qui-Gon used the Force to push away the blackness that was pulling at him and valiantly continued with his masterpiece. When it was finally finished Ben gave a theatric sigh. “That was good. Even betta than Mast’a Allen!” Qui-Gon laughed gently. “I’m honoured,” he said, then lowered his voice. “But don’t ever tell him that, Ben. It might hurt his feelings. It’ll have to be our little secret.” Ben grinned with delight and leaned his head close whispering in the same conspiring tone. “No worry, Mast’a. I not tell.” “Thank you, my young friend.” “'Nother! 'Nother!” Ben pleaded. Qui-Gon drew a long silent breath. It was the last thing he wanted to do right now, but it seemed to be the only thing to keep Ben distracted from the serious situation they were in - and the only thing to keep himself awake. Slowly Qui-Gon began to wrack his aching brains for another tale to tell. He was just weaving together the final threads when suddenly there came the most terrifying sound he had ever heard in his life - the sound of rock shifting harshly against rock. Qui-Gon felt Ben stiffen even as his own breath lodged in his throat. A vision of the rocky ceiling collapsing down upon them strobed terribly through his mind. But nothing moved. Even as their wide eyes stared anxiously, the ceiling remained in place. Relaxing slightly, Qui-Gon strained his ears, hope quickly replacing the fear within him. If the roof wasn’t collapsing, then… There! Voices. People were moving about up there, sifting through the ruins. He turned to the anxious young boy at his side. “It’s alright, Ben. They’re are here for us. We’ll be out of here in no time.” The child’s face brightened. “Really. I go home to Garen and everyone?” Qui-Gon smiled reassuringly. “Yes, Ben.” The boy fairly beamed with delight and looked up at the heavy ceiling with renewed eagerness. It was not long before a voice called out. “Is there anyone down there?!” The call was accompanied by a desperate probe of the Force. Qui-Gon found quite suddenly that he had never been so glad to hear Mace Windu’s voice. Clearing his throat, he called back. “Yes, but I’m not sure how far down.” There came a noise like a disbelieving snort. “Qui-Gon Jinn? Why is it wherever there’s trouble you’ll be in the thick of it! Are you hurt?” Qui-Gon glanced at Ben before saying slowly: “Yes. I have a head injury and I’m starting to find it… hard to remain conscious. But there is also a young initiate down here with me, though he is uninjured as far as I can tell.” Somewhere Qui-Gon thought he heard a cry of relief. “Master Allen was very pleased to hear that, Qui-Gon,” Mace said. “Just hang on now. We’ll be as fast as we can.” The disembodied voice fell silent and the sound of shifting rubble returned with new vigour. Qui-Gon turned his attention back to the boy sitting next to him. “I think Master Allen is waiting to take you home, my young friend. You’ll be able to tell him a story of your own now.” “Yes,” the child’s lips lifted slightly, but the gesture was only half-hearted. “You not betta, Mast’a.” “I will be, Ben,” Qui-Gon assured. “I--” He stopped as the giant girder above them gave a worrying tremor. Dust rained down upon their upturned faces as the rocks began to shift. “Mast’a?” Ben’s voice shook uncertainly as he shrugged closer to Qui-Gon. “Stay calm, young one. It’s--” But the rest of his words were cut off as Force screamed across their senses. The girder groaned like a wounded animal, several rocks tearing themselves loose from the ceiling. Qui-Gon grabbed Ben and shielded the boy’s body beneath his own as the rubble crashed towards them. One large rock struck his shoulder and Qui-Gon couldn’t suppress a yelp of pain. “Mace, stop!!” he cried. That girder supported everything. If it was moved-- “Stop now!!!” Too late. The great bar of steel buckled and rolled and the whole terrible world began to shift. Shouts and cries of dismay rang out before they too were drowned out in the sudden uproar. Filled with desperation, Qui-Gon clawed at the Force, pushing it back at the collapsing ceiling with all his might. But he knew before he started that he did not have the strength. His injury had drained him too badly. No! Despair tore through him like a poisonous blade. He couldn't do it! Suddenly there was a presence in his mind. He did not know where it came from but it was somehow familiar, almost as if it had been there all along and had only now made itself known. Then with a bolt of certainty, he understood. Ben? But how-- Qui-Gon had no time to think. Ben had seen what Qui-Gon was trying to do and was now throwing all of his strength at the deadly boulders. Bringing all of his rudimentary training to bear. Qui-Gon closed his eyes. Training blocks were one thing. The infant could not possibly stop this. It was a last valiant attempt but it was far too late. Qui-Gon held the boy’s effort strung body beneath him and waited for the inevitable to happen-- --but death never came. The sound of falling rocks slowly petered out until they ceased altogether. At the last there came a great grinding of stone then… silence. Just the sound of Qui-Gon’s own ragged breathing and the pounding of his trembling heart. Cautiously the Jedi Master opened one eyelid, then the other. Mouth slightly agape, Qui-Gon stared up at the ceiling, now a mere meter from his face. The great girder lay useless beside them but the rocks above were once more still and solid, and most importantly of all: stable. He could have sworn he heard Yoda’s voice cackling at him in that moment. ”Training blocks, ha!” it said. “Size matters not, teach you that eventually, I will!” Stunned, Qui-Gon looked down through the swirling dust at the boy beside him. The already pale face was as white as a sheet. “Qui-Gon! Qui-Gon!” Mace’s voice shouted through the silence, as panicked as Qui-Gon had ever heard it. “Answer me, damn it! Qui-Gon!” Qui-Gon somehow managed to find his voice. “I’m still here, Mace,” He could sense the disbelief from above. “How on--?! The whole thing caved in!” “I’ll tell you later,” Qui-Gon said in a calm tone that he knew would infuriate the other Master. “Just get us out as quickly as you can. But be more careful this time, please. I think I’ve exhausted one small miracle for today.” Without any further explanation Qui-Gon returned his attention to said miracle. “Ben? Are you alright?” “We safe now, Mast’a?” “Yes we are, Ben, thanks to you. You’ve saved us.” The child smiled and blinked sleepily up at Qui-Gon’s face. “Jus' like hero i' story?” Qui-Gon smiled. “Yes, Ben. Just like him.” The boy beamed then yawned widely. “I tired, Mast’a.” “I should think so. Go to sleep, young one, you’ve earned it.” The boy needed no more prompting. His eyes drifted shut and he curled closer to Qui-Gon, seeking much needed warmth from the Master’s body. Without thought Qui-Gon closed his arms around the child and was surprised when he was overcome by an overwhelming sense of familiarity and… rightness. Mystified Qui-Gon wondered again at how Ben had managed to link with him, to see what he had been trying to do with the Force and emulate it. Such a feat usually required a strong bond between a full Master and his Padawan. Qui-Gon looked down at the boy. He didn’t even know the child’s real name and Ben did not know his, Qui-Gon realised suddenly. A sleepy voice cut though his musings. “Know who you are.” Startled, Qui-Gon asked. “Who am I, Ben?” A slight knowing smile touched the small lips. “You my Mast’a.” Qui-Gon felt his breath catch. The tall Jedi stared but Ben said no more. My Master. Could it be possible? Whatever would Xanatos say? Ben shivered slightly and Qui-Gon tightened his hold. Setting his questions aside, he simply let himself marvel at the tiny form next to him, for there was no doubt in his mind that here in his arms lay the makings of an extraordinary Jedi. A Jedi to whom he owed his very existence -- with or without his front teeth. “Rest, Ben,” he said above the sounds of their rescue. “I’ll still be here when you wake up.” Impossibly Ben replied, //Know.// Far beyond surprise Qui-Gon simply smiled and let him rest against his heart. * For one so small You seem so strong My arms will hold you, Keep you safe and warm This bond between us Can’t be broken I will be here Don't you cry * -----signature----- "Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." Songfic writer addict! All of of my Fics and FanArt can be found in my bio
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Valairy_Scot Title: PT Rewrite Winner Registered: Sep '05	Date Posted: 4/16 3:32pm Subject: RE: You’ll Be In My Heart (A series of Qui/Obi vignettes) Viggie Two - Date Edited: 4/16 3:39pm (1 edits total) Edited By: Valairy_Scot
	I am again ASTOUNDED at your storytelling. Fantastic all the way through. You, my friend, are one of the most talented writers on this board; a VaderLVR64 level of writing. I truly enjoy everything you write and selfishly wish you had multiple stories to keep up with. Most definitely. Fighting through a sudden wave of dizziness Qui-Gon beckoned with his free hand. “Come here, my little friend. Don’t be afraid.” A shift of rubble and the child shuffled over to Qui-Gon’s side. His face was plastered in dust and reddish brown hair stuck up in every direction, but his eyes had suddenly become bright with indignation. “I not little,” he told Qui-Gon firmly. “I nearly four.” Qui-Gon couldn’t keep himself from chuckling. “That you are, Ben,” he said. Qui-Gon found quite suddenly that he had never been so glad to hear Mace Windu’s voice. Clearing his throat, he called back. “Yes, but I’m not sure how far down.” There came a noise like a disbelieving snort. “Qui-Gon Jinn? Why is it wherever there’s trouble you’ll be in the thick of it! Are you hurt?” Great line, Mace. No! Despair tore through him like a poisonous blade. He couldn't do it! Suddenly there was a presence in his mind. He did not know where it came from but it was somehow familiar, almost as if it had been there all along and had only now made itself known. Then with a bolt of certainty, he understood. Ben? But how-- Qui-Gon had no time to think. Ben had seen what Qui-Gon was trying to do and was now throwing all of his strength at the deadly boulders. Bringing all of his rudimentary training to bear. Qui-Gon closed his eyes. Training blocks were one thing. The infant could not possibly stop this. It was a last valiant attempt but it was far too late. Qui-Gon held the boy’s effort strung body beneath him and waited for the inevitable to happen-- --but death never came. The sound of falling rocks slowly petered out until they ceased altogether. At the last there came a great grinding of stone then… silence. Just the sound of Qui-Gon’s own ragged breathing and the pounding of his trembling heart. Cautiously the Jedi Master opened one eyelid, then the other. Mouth slightly agape, Qui-Gon stared up at the ceiling, now a mere meter from his face. The great girder lay useless beside them but the rocks above were once more still and solid, and most importantly of all: stable. He could have sworn he heard Yoda’s voice cackling at him in that moment. ”Training blocks, ha!” it said. “Size matters not, teach you that eventually, I will!” Stunned, Qui-Gon looked down through the swirling dust at the boy beside him. The already pale face was as white as a sheet.! and then: “I’ll tell you later,” Qui-Gon said in a calm tone that he knew would infuriate the other Master. “Just get us out as quickly as you can. But be more careful this time, please. I think I’ve exhausted one small miracle for today.” Without any further explanation Qui-Gon returned his attention to said miracle. “Ben? Are you alright?” “We safe now, Mast’a?” “Yes we are, Ben, thanks to you. You’ve saved us.” The child smiled and blinked sleepily up at Qui-Gon’s face. “Jus' like hero i' story?” Qui-Gon smiled. “Yes, Ben. Just like him.” The boy beamed then yawned widely. “I tired, Mast’a.” “I should think so. Go to sleep, young one, you’ve earned it.” Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww. I'm mush, now. A sleepy voice cut though his musings. “Know who you are.” Startled, Qui-Gon asked. “Who am I, Ben?” A slight knowing smile touched the small lips. “You my Mast’a.” Qui-Gon felt his breath catch. The tall Jedi stared but Ben said no more. My Master. Could it be possible? Whatever would Xanatos say? Who cares? Ben shivered slightly and Qui-Gon tightened his hold. Setting his questions aside, he simply let himself marvel at the tiny form next to him, for there was no doubt in his mind that here in his arms lay the makings of an extraordinary Jedi. A Jedi to whom he owed his very existence -- with or without his front teeth. Force, I LOVE that line. -----signature----- http://boards.theforce.net/fan_fiction_resource/b10304/25405090/p3/?52 Prolific Author thread: list & links there. Muse fueled by coffee. Often AWOL despite frequent sipping. Writes on inspiration, not a schedule. Proud master of several padawans
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JediKaren Registered: Apr '07	Date Posted: 4/16 3:48pm Subject: RE: You’ll Be In My Heart (A series of Qui/Obi vignettes) Viggie Two
	awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww -----signature----- Bring Light Into Darkness Reaching Through Darkness: http://boards.theforce.net/beyond_the_saga/b10477/28415147/p1/?0 Healing Hearts: http://boards.theforce.net/before_the_saga/b10475/28282728/p1
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