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Author	Topic: You’ll Be In My Heart (A series of Qui/Obi vignettes) Complete
dimyavie Registered: May '06	Date Posted: 5/11 3:43pm Subject: RE: You’ll Be In My Heart (A series of Qui/Obi vignettes) Viggie Six Updated 11/5
	Beautiful viggie! The foreboding was sad, but somewhat expected. Plus, Qui will always be in Obi's heart, right? Anyway, thanks for writing! The story brightened up my day!
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jedidas3 Registered: Apr '07	Date Posted: 5/12 4:22am Subject: RE: You’ll Be In My Heart (A series of Qui/Obi vignettes) Viggie Six Updated 11/5
	Incredibly powerful...Wonderful job with this. I'm not sure where to begin. This is so beautifully done, capturing the horror of the vision and the comforting of the Master. But we all know what will come to pass... Great job and I'm looking forward to the next post. Is it ready yet? -----signature----- The Past Revisited http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/28440949 Lessons Learned http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/28580784 Remembrance http://boards.theforce.net/before_the_saga/b10475/28009025 Padawan to dianethx
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dianethx Registered: Mar '02	Date Posted: 5/12 5:19pm Subject: RE: You’ll Be In My Heart (A series of Qui/Obi vignettes) Viggie Six Updated 11/5
	So sad and yet it comes true. How horrible for Obi-Wan, suspecting the future and that kind of future. “I cannot let this come to pass, Master,” Obi-Wan murmured softly. “I don’t think I could survive if this is what truly lies ahead.” Qui-Gon squeezed his shoulder. “Always in motion is the future,” he said as much to steady himself as his apprentice. Obi-Wan nodded against his shoulder but his grip remained tight on Qui-Gon’s tunic. “Promise you’ll never leave me, Master,” he said in a broken whisper so uncharacteristic of his strong Padawan. “Promise you won’t ever leave me behind.” Qui-Gon stiffened. Grasping Obi-Wan by the shoulders he pushed his Padawan to arm’s length so he could meet those despairing eyes. “I can never promise that, Obi-Wan,” he said firmly. Obi-Wan looked shocked then hurt and began to turn his face away but Qui-Gon caught his chin and held his gaze firm. “Eventually I will die, Padawan, whether by the darkness in your vision or by some other unforeseen destiny, it will happen someday. It is the way of things. The way of the Force. We each of us have a path to follow and a purpose to fulfil in our lives. Our paths will part someday and when that day comes you have to let me go. It is the hardest lesson I will ever have to teach, but you must. No matter how rocky your way becomes.” Great job yet again. -----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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Lileia Registered: Jan '08	Date Posted: 5/14 2:06am Subject: RE: You’ll Be In My Heart (A series of Qui/Obi vignettes) Viggie Six Updated 11/5
	it's good you love debates! Point 2: Yes, I agree with you. I too think it would be cruel to sever a child’s braid when they were sent to the Agri Corps, but my thinking was that if they were never going to be Knighted then there would be no further point in keeping the braid, would there? [/quote] Ah, but who said the initiates HAD a braid? I might be wrong but Jude Watson doesn't mention any braids in her JA-2, neither Wolverton does in his JA-1. I always thought initiates just had pretty long hair (girls and boys) which was cut in short padawan style (save for one lock to be braided) when a child becomes Padawan-learner. I won't argue about the first point. You've convinced me. The last viggie is pretty sad, but so beautiful. I loved the complete trust between them, so even in sleep Ob-Wan's love and trust speak with his Master. Silently Qui-Gon brushed the braid back and murmured. “The Force will be with you, Obi-Wan. Always. If nothing else remember that. Then nothing will overcome you.” Impossibly Obi-Wan stirred and in the deepest recesses of his sleeping mind came the reply: //Yes, Master.// Qui-Gon smiled wanly as he rested his chin in the red-gold hair. Watchful eyes stared at the stars. Yes he had faith. And this one is so lovely! But then, with a brief flash of pride, Qui-Gon felt the young man reach for the Force, drawing on its infinite strength whilst breathing out his torment. Indeed the boy had grown. All to fast. Tank you!
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silverfighter Registered: Apr '07	Date Posted: 5/15 9:25am Subject: RE: You’ll Be In My Heart (A series of Qui/Obi vignettes) Viggie Six Updated 11/5
	Ohh, that was so sad and kinda creepy. I don't have time for a better reply then that right now, sorry. I really liked it, though. -----signature----- I praise my God with uplifted hands and sing 'till I can't sing no more. "You believe there is one God. Good! Even the devils believe that--and shudder." -James 2:19 Dreams = Plotbunnies Plotbunnies = Bad Dreams = Bad (Geometry CAN be useful. Ha.)
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bek Registered: Jul '05	Date Posted: 5/17 11:43am Subject: RE: You’ll Be In My Heart (A series of Qui/Obi vignettes) Viggie Six Updated 11/5
	These are wonderful! They're full of imagery, angst, and comfort. I have enjoyed each and every one and am very much looking forward to the next one. Thanks for the PMs! -----signature----- Update 10/2/08- Chap. 40- Life Beyond the Code (Obi-Wan/Anakin) - http://boards.theforce.net/The_Saga/b10476/20820324 Update 9/3/08- Chap. 26 - Not Myself - (Obi-Wan/Qui-Gon/Oc's) - Before the Saga Update 9/3/08 - Part 6 - Strength to Begin Anew
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Glenstorm Registered: Mar '06	Date Posted: 5/17 6:03pm Subject: RE: You’ll Be In My Heart (A series of Qui/Obi vignettes) Viggie Seven Updated 18/5 - Date Edited: 5/17 6:07pm (1 edits total) Edited By: Glenstorm
	DarthBerryStraw: “Qui-Gon is really Obi-Wan's strength in this viggie.” Yes he is. He was always there for him whenever he could be Thanks a lot! Bastet: Thank you! I’m glad to have made your day. Here’s the next one but I have a feeling you’re right about it monkeykelci: Thank you so much! “It made me think.” Really? I love stories that do that. I’m glad I could oblige you with this earlybird-obi-wan: Thank you! And yes he will Valairy_Scot: Thank you, my dear! I hope you’re happy and back on your proper computer now ranta: Thank you. I’m really, really glad you liked it so much. dimyavie: Thank you “Qui will always be in Obi's heart, right?” Of course he will jedidas3: “Incredibly powerful...Wonderful job with this.” Thank you so much, my friend. And yes the next post is ready and coming right up! dianethx: Thank you! Lileia: Thank you so much! And you’re right, braids weren’t mentioned in the books. I don’t know what to think here. Apart from the fact that they get severed upon Knighting, there seems to be precious little information on braids in the official Star Wars universe, which is a shame But I think I have seen initiates with braids in the films. Does anyone know when Jedi children get their braids? Thanks once again, Lileia, for your support and your thoughts. silverfighter: Cheers! Don’t worry about the reply. Just glad to know you’re still with me bek: Hey there! I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed all these. No problem about the PMs, it was my pleasure OK, last one folks, Thank you to all of you for making this story so enjoyable for me and I really hope you all enjoy this final instalment *** “Anakin.” The boy stopped and dashed towards Obi-Wan, breaking loose from the rowdy group of triumphant pilots. His face was alive with excitement. “I did it!” he cried. “I blew up the control ship!” he skidded to a halt before the haggard young Knight. Numb to the show of exuberance, Obi-Wan just stared down at the child with broken eyes, reining his screaming grief behind an iron mask as he clutched desperately to the last shred of control that was keeping him upright. That last fragile shred that had kept him from the brink of insanity since the healers had pried Qui-Gon’s cooling body from his desperate grip. He supposed his rigid expression must have come across as disapproving because the boy suddenly looked contrite. “I’m sorry, Obi-Wan, sir. But Master Qui-Gon told me to stay in the cockpit--” “I know, Anakin,” Obi-Wan cut across him tightly before the boy could say any more. “You did well.” The child beamed before glancing past Obi-Wan, eyes searching. Here it came. “Where’s Master Qui-Gon? Is he coming?” Obi-Wan swallowed, wanting, needing to be somewhere, anywhere else. But he knew that this bitter duty lay with him. “Anakin…” he grasped the boy’s shoulders and knelt down. He opened his mouth to speak but he suspected Anakin could already read the terrible truth carved upon his face. “Master Qui-Gon…” his voice trembled dangerously. “Master Qui-Gon didn’t make it. He-he didn’t make it, Anakin.” The hanger bay around them suddenly grew very still. “No,” the boy whispered, looking towards the door as if willing Qui-Gon to walk through right then and prove that this was all a bad joke. Obi-Wan hung his head until the boy’s attention returned to him. The round blue eyes were now filling with tears, tears that Obi-Wan himself was straining to keep at bay. In that instant he felt a flash of resentment. His Master was dead and his life was irreparably broken. Why was he here having to comfort this child that he barely knew, the same boy that had threatened to usurp his place at Qui-Gon’s side? He shouldn’t have to do it. It was unfair! But deep down he knew that that was a selfish thought. One unworthy of him and the Jedi. The boy had begun to shake with the effort of holding back his tears. Obi-Wan sighed. Firmly pushing his resentment deep down where it could not yet be felt, he took pity and reached out, drawing the boy against him. It was all that was needed to send Anakin over the edge. The boy collapsed against Obi-Wan’s chest as he cried out his grief and confusion into the soft, creamy tunics. Obi-Wan held him silently, waiting patiently for the storm to subside. Providing shelter like Qui-Gon had always done for him. A shudder of pain tore through his body and Obi-Wan felt his ragged control crack. That last shred had begun to fray. He closed his eyes against the burning tears. Please… He just wanted to be away from here now. After what seemed like forever, Anakin’s sobs finally eased and the boy drew away, wiping his eyes on his sleeve, reluctant to meet Obi-Wan’s gaze. “I’m sorry, Obi-Wan, sir,” he mumbled to the ground. Drawing breath, Obi-Wan reached out a trembling hand and lifted his chin, wiping the last tear away from his cheek. “It’s alright, Anakin,” he croaked. The boy nodded slowly then turned from him. Amidala had appeared somewhere during the proceedings and she stepped up to kneel before the boy, ruffling his hair sympathetically. Thanking every small mercy in the universe for the distraction Obi-Wan bowed swiftly to the Queen and turned on his heel. He had to get out of there. His composure was breaking. All but running through the Palace Obi-Wan did not break stride until he had reached his assigned quarters and barricaded himself inside. And there his fragile shields shattered. All his checked emotions came rushing forth to hit him afresh in single a crushing wave. Anger, grief, guilt, pain, shear blinding pain. With a wail of anguish, Obi-Wan collapsed to his knees in the middle of the floor, burying his face in the soft carpet and soaking it in endless tears. He wrapped his arms around his head and could not breathe for the cries that tore from his throat. He felt as if he would scream forever. The terrible day grew old and night set in but still Obi-Wan did not move. Not even when he sensed a powerful presence approaching and heard the bolted door being drawn to permit an entrance. He knew instantly who it was and he resented the disturbance. So, his message had gotten through after all, he thought bitterly. He tensed as a tiny three fingered hand came to rest in his hair, but still he did not look up. “With the Force he is now, Obi-Wan,” Yoda said. “Let him go you should.” That did it. A sudden searing rage ripped through Obi-Wan. Rage at the little Master for speaking those hated words and rage at the Force for taking Qui-Gon from him before he was ready to say goodbye. Jumping to his feet he backed sharply away from the ancient Master who was regarding him steadily from the floor. “Let him go?! Well as I see it he is already gone. That Sith took him from me and I did nothing! Nothing!” Tears spilled down over his cheeks, hot and stinging, but he refused to heed them. “Change what happened, you think you could have?” Infuriatingly calm. Obi-Wan spun away, hiding his face. In a strangled voice he said, “I should have been there. Protected him from that beast! I should have done something! Found a way to save him!” “Perfect you are not,” Yoda answered steadily. “Claim that nobody can. Skilled warrior the Sith was. Not your fault it is.” Obi-Wan was shaking with fury. How dare anybody try to ease his grief when this blame was his to bear. Desperately he tried to release his turmoil… and failed miserably. With a wild cry he faced the waiting Master. “It’s all my fault! I was his Padawan! His friend! I could have saved him!” Suddenly spent, Obi-Wan crumpled slowly to the floor, sobbing uncontrollably at Yoda’s clawed feet. Yoda said nothing, could say nothing to help him. Not yet. He just reached into the Force and focused it on the Padawan’s raging emotions, blunting them as much as he could until he knew that Obi-Wan was safe to leave. “Not your fault it is, Obi-Wan,” he said finally. “Let him go, as he would want, heal you it will.” With those words Yoda shuffled towards the door, closing it behind him and leaving Obi-Wan alone once more. Alone. Unable to bear the silence crushing in on him, Obi-Wan grabbed Qui-Gon’s cloak from where he had left it and stumbled outside onto the balcony before dropping back to the ground beneath the blanket of watchful stars. Shuddering he wrapped himself in the familiar, worn fabric of Qui-Gon’s cloak, inhaling the comforting scent. Slowly his anger burnt out, leaving only a cold emptiness in its wake. He felt like dying himself. “I’m so sorry, Master,” he murmured to the empty air. “I should have been quicker… could have been there… could have reached you in time. It’s all my fault… forgive me.” The senseless words fell from his mouth but Obi-Wan did nothing to stem their flow. A cool breeze brushed past and he held his Master’s cloak more securely around his shoulders. He shuddered as if crying but in truth he had no more tears left to shed. Feeling hot and cold at the same time he cast his gaze to the stars. “Force, help me, Master. I can’t do this. I need you so much.” His Master had been wrong. The Force could never be with him if it allowed this. He was lost. Lost. Help me. Help me… Exhaustion stole over him, and its senseless folds engulfed him without him even being aware of it. He was almost gone, his mind falling completely quiet, when he felt something touch him. A warmth, vague and indefinable. Stirring slightly Obi-Wan opened his sandpaper eyes, but no one was around. Confused he closed his eyes again--only to be disturbed once more by that same warm contact. Irritable, he reached out reluctantly with the Force instead, trying to find what had woken him. And then he felt it, a tendril of warmth, familiar and alien at the same time, and it reached for him even as he reached for it. Gently it brushed at him, sending strength and light into his heart, and suddenly Obi-Wan knew without a doubt source of the warmth that touched him so softly. “Master?” The warmth sparked. Choking, Obi-Wan’s eyes suddenly discovered fresh reserves of tears, but this time they were mixed with a kind of bittersweet joy. “You’re here,” he murmured. Unnecessary words but he said them anyway, if only to make this more real. Warmth brushed at the corners of his mind and impossibly there came an answer, It did not come in words, nor even the thought of them, but somehow Obi-Wan understood. I am always here, my Padawan. So long as you can turn and remember… And suddenly, unexpected and unbidden, there came pouring from his heart a lifetime of memories, precious moments garnered like eternal gems over many years, each day spent, the laughter, the tears, the comfort. The love. Each one was part of his very heart and soul. Just as they were part of Qui-Gon’s. The presence stayed with him throughout in a treasured moment that seemed to last forever, sharing in the precious memories until each one had been relived and locked securely in a place where nothing could ever take them away. Always there. Obi-Wan closed his eyes. Yes. A touch to his cheek, then Qui-Gon softly began to withdraw. Obi-Wan’s heart lurched. His mind blanked at the thought of Qui-Gon leaving him a second time. Of him leaving once more without ever having heard all that was in his heart. There was still so much he had to say. Obi-Wan fumbled for the words but in the end he found there was only one thing that was important. I love you, my Master, Obi-Wan threw the thought down their waning link, knowing that it might be the last chance he would ever have to say it. He wanted, needed, Qui-Gon to know. And Qui-Gon heard him. Obi-Wan would never again forget what happened next and it would see him through all the darkness of the galaxy. Joy flared to life along their link as the confession was absorbed. Peace, happiness and pure, boundless love. The emotions of a spirit grown far too powerful to be contained by the mere crude matter of flesh and blood, all wrapped around him in a single moment that took his breath away. They infused themselves with Obi-Wan in a great blinding crescendo, shining like a radiant light and enhancing the beauty of all that existed in a final benediction of love, pride and... hope before finally letting go, dispersing back into the essence of the Force. The night became serene and still once more. Hushed. With a gasp, Obi-Wan opened his eyes. His hands trembled, unable for the moment to take it all in. Qui-Gon had given him everything. All that he was and all that he felt. A bittersweet smile crept onto Obi-Wan's face. No words had been spoken and none had been necessary. Everything had been shared in that one moment of time and he knew now without a doubt that he had been loved beyond anything he had ever thought possible. But most importantly of all he finally knew that Qui-Gon was happy. He was truly one with the Force. Truly at peace. And suddenly that was enough for Obi-Wan. Drawing a cleansing breath, he looked around with a renewed purpose. He almost expected the world to have changed somehow, but everything remained as it had when he had dashed out here, blind in his grief. He was still alone upon the balcony, the silence of the night hanging all around. But something had changed within himself. Somewhere deep inside him he knew Qui-Gon remained, radiating part of his new found peace. And his love. There was no doubt about that now. The wind whistled through the trees, swirling around him and then finally grew still. Always there… A last reminder of something he should have known all along. Obi-Wan sighed and wiped his eyes, suddenly ashamed for his lack of control. He had to pull himself together, for Anakin’s sake, if not for his. The boy needed a Master. It was what Qui-Gon had wanted. He would go on for Anakin. For his Master. He would make sure his faith in him was justified. With that thought Obi-Wan pulled himself stiffly from the ground, setting the first foot on the impossible path. Thank you, Master. He glanced one last time at the stars before walking slowly back inside. He was bone tired but instead of going to the bed he knelt upon the floor. He needed to meditate and recover his centre. Breathing slowly and deeply he drew Qui-Gon’s cloak across his knees and cleared his mind, letting all else fade away. When he did, he felt, for a brief instant, the little spark that was his Master. It hung there as he meditated and Obi-Wan turned to it, gladly embracing the reminder of what he would always have. And somewhere in the Force Qui-Gon smiled. *** Oh, You'll be in my heart No matter what they say You'll be here in my heart Always. Always… I'll be with you I'll be there for you always. Always and always Just look over your shoulder Just look over your shoulder Just look over your shoulder I'll be there, Always The End. Thanks again to everyone who has read this. It has been a pleasure. to you all. -----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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DarthBerryStraw Registered: Mar '07	Date Posted: 5/17 6:28pm Subject: RE: You’ll Be In My Heart (A series of Qui/Obi vignettes) Viggie Seven Updated 18/5
	Oh my. So beautiful! I've enjoyed each of these vignettes immensely. Thank you so much for sharing with us! -----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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Bastet Registered: Dec '99	Date Posted: 5/17 7:10pm Subject: RE: You’ll Be In My Heart (A series of Qui/Obi vignettes) Viggie Seven Updated 18/5
	I knew it! Oh, so sad!! Obi-Wan’s heart lurched. His mind blanked at the thought of Qui-Gon leaving him a second time. Of him leaving once more without ever having heard all that was in his heart. There was still so much he had to say. Obi-Wan fumbled for the words but in the end he found there was only one thing that was important. I love you, my Master, Obi-Wan threw the thought down their waning link, knowing that it might be the last chance he would ever have to say it. He wanted, needed, Qui-Gon to know. And Qui-Gon heard him. Obi-Wan would never again forget what happened next and it would see him through all the darkness of the galaxy. Joy flared to life along their link as the confession was absorbed. Peace, happiness and pure, boundless love. The emotions of a spirit grown far too powerful to be contained by the mere crude matter of flesh and blood, all wrapped around him in a single moment that took his breath away. They infused themselves with Obi-Wan in a great blinding crescendo, shining like a radiant light and enhancing the beauty of all that existed in a final benediction of love, pride and... hope before finally letting go, dispersing back into the essence of the Force. Such a beautiful ending! I've loved all of these wonderful vignettes, and I'm sad to see them come to an end. Thanks for sharing your amazing talent with us! -----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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silverfighter Registered: Apr '07	Date Posted: 5/17 7:20pm Subject: RE: You’ll Be In My Heart (A series of Qui/Obi vignettes) Viggie Seven Updated 18/5 - Date Edited: 5/17 7:21pm (1 edits total) Edited By: silverfighter
	Oh my heart. It just so happened I was listening to "Empty Chairs and Empty Tables" for Les Miserables as I read that, which did not help my random emotions at all. That was so sad yet so incredibly beautiful. Why does it have to be done?! -----signature----- I praise my God with uplifted hands and sing 'till I can't sing no more. "You believe there is one God. Good! Even the devils believe that--and shudder." -James 2:19 Dreams = Plotbunnies Plotbunnies = Bad Dreams = Bad (Geometry CAN be useful. Ha.)
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earlybird-obi-wan Registered: Aug '06	Date Posted: 5/17 8:52pm Subject: RE: You’ll Be In My Heart (A series of Qui/Obi vignettes) Viggie Seven Updated 18/5
	Loved it. yes Qui-Gon is always in Obi-Wan's heart, guiding him -----signature----- writer and Star Wars fan FANART [link=http://boards.theforce.net/fan_art/b10020/25793899]fanart[/link] stories in my bio
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Valairy_Scot Title: PT Rewrite Winner Registered: Sep '05	Date Posted: 5/17 9:25pm Subject: RE: You’ll Be In My Heart (A series of Qui/Obi vignettes) Viggie Seven Updated 18/5
	And so the circle is complete...wipes tears from eyes. Obi-Wan hung his head until the boy’s attention returned to him. The round blue eyes were now filling with tears, tears that Obi-Wan himself was straining to keep at bay. In that instant he felt a flash of resentment. His Master was dead and his life was irreparably broken. Why was he here having to comfort this child that he barely knew, the same boy that had threatened to usurp his place at Qui-Gon’s side? He shouldn’t have to do it. It was unfair! But deep down he knew that that was a selfish thought. One unworthy of him and the Jedi. The boy had begun to shake with the effort of holding back his tears. Obi-Wan sighed. Firmly pushing his resentment deep down where it could not yet be felt, he took pity and reached out, drawing the boy against him. It was all that was needed to send Anakin over the edge. The boy collapsed against Obi-Wan’s chest as he cried out his grief and confusion into the soft, creamy tunics. Obi-Wan held him silently, waiting patiently for the storm to subside. Providing shelter like Qui-Gon had always done for him. A shudder of pain tore through his body and Obi-Wan felt his ragged control crack. That last shred had begun to fray. He closed his eyes against the burning tears. Please… He just wanted to be away from here now. After what seemed like forever, Anakin’s sobs finally eased and the boy drew away, wiping his eyes on his sleeve, reluctant to meet Obi-Wan’s gaze. “I’m sorry, Obi-Wan, sir,” he mumbled to the ground. Drawing breath, Obi-Wan reached out a trembling hand and lifted his chin, wiping the last tear away from his cheek. “It’s alright, Anakin,” he croaked. The boy nodded slowly then turned from him. Amidala had appeared somewhere during the proceedings and she stepped up to kneel before the boy, ruffling his hair sympathetically. Thanking every small mercy in the universe for the distraction Obi-Wan bowed swiftly to the Queen and turned on his heel. He had to get out of there. But who was there for Obi - nobody (we haven't got there yet in YOUR story). I've read a lot of fics and forum comments on how Obi-Wan's resentment of Anakin is behind Anakin's fall - but who was there for Obi? Despite his very human feelings, he did reach out to Anakin. Then Yoda came to him ... the next line just chokes me up. He tensed as a tiny three fingered hand came to rest in his hair, but still he did not look up. “With the Force he is now, Obi-Wan,” Yoda said. “Let him go you should.” That did it. A sudden searing rage ripped through Obi-Wan. Rage at the little Master for speaking those hated words and rage at the Force for taking Qui-Gon from him before he was ready to say goodbye. Jumping to his feet he backed sharply away from the ancient Master who was regarding him steadily from the floor. “Let him go?! Well as I see it he is already gone. That Sith took him from me and I did nothing! Nothing!” Tears spilled down over his cheeks, hot and stinging, but he refused to heed them. “Change what happened, you think you could have?” Infuriatingly calm. Obi-Wan spun away, hiding his face. In a strangled voice he said, “I should have been there. Protected him from that beast! I should have done something! Found a way to save him!” “Perfect you are not,” Yoda answered steadily. “Claim that nobody can. Skilled warrior the Sith was. Not your fault it is.” Obi-Wan was shaking with fury. How dare anybody try to ease his grief when this blame was his to bear. Desperately he tried to release his turmoil… and failed miserably. With a wild cry he faced the waiting Master. “It’s all my fault! I was his Padawan! His friend! I could have saved him!” Suddenly spent, Obi-Wan crumpled slowly to the floor, sobbing uncontrollably at Yoda’s clawed feet. Yoda said nothing, could say nothing to help him. Not yet. He just reached into the Force and focused it on the Padawan’s raging emotions, blunting them as much as he could until he knew that Obi-Wan was safe to leave. Just the fact that Yoda came to him and quietly let Obi-Wan vent is one of the most wonderful things in fanfic I've read. Obi-Wan wasn't ready for more, but Yoda was there for him reinforcing Jedi knowledge without judgment. He was there, at Obi-Wan's side, not off with the politicians, or Anakin, or the Council, but at the side of the grieving padawan until he knew it was safe to leave him. Then you throw in: Master?” The warmth sparked. Choking, Obi-Wan’s eyes suddenly discovered fresh reserves of tears, but this time they were mixed with a kind of bittersweet joy. “You’re here,” he murmured. Unnecessary words but he said them anyway, if only to make this more real. Warmth brushed at the corners of his mind and impossibly there came an answer, It did not come in words, nor even the thought of them, but somehow Obi-Wan understood. I am always here, my Padawan. So long as you can turn and remember… And suddenly, unexpected and unbidden, there came pouring from his heart a lifetime of memories, precious moments garnered like eternal gems over many years, each day spent, the laughter, the tears, the comfort. The love. Each one was part of his very heart and soul. Just as they were part of Qui-Gon’s. The presence stayed with him throughout in a treasured moment that seemed to last forever, sharing in the precious memories until each one had been relived and locked securely in a place where nothing could ever take them away. Always there. Obi-Wan closed his eyes. Yes. A touch to his cheek, then Qui-Gon softly began to withdraw. Obi-Wan’s heart lurched. His mind blanked at the thought of Qui-Gon leaving him a second time. Of him leaving once more without ever having heard all that was in his heart. There was still so much he had to say. Obi-Wan fumbled for the words but in the end he found there was only one thing that was important. I love you, my Master, Obi-Wan threw the thought down their waning link, knowing that it might be the last chance he would ever have to say it. He wanted, needed, Qui-Gon to know. And Qui-Gon heard him. Obi-Wan would never again forget what happened next and it would see him through all the darkness of the galaxy. Joy flared to life along their link as the confession was absorbed. Peace, happiness and pure, boundless love. The emotions of a spirit grown far too powerful to be contained by the mere crude matter of flesh and blood, all wrapped around him in a single moment that took his breath away. They infused themselves with Obi-Wan in a great blinding crescendo, shining like a radiant light and enhancing the beauty of all that existed in a final benediction of love, pride and... hope before finally letting go, dispersing back into the essence of the Force. The night became serene and still once more. Hushed. With a gasp, Obi-Wan opened his eyes. His hands trembled, unable for the moment to take it all in. Qui-Gon had given him everything. All that he was and all that he felt. A bittersweet smile crept onto Obi-Wan's face. No words had been spoken and none had been necessary. Everything had been shared in that one moment of time and he knew now without a doubt that he had been loved beyond anything he had ever thought possible. But most importantly of all he finally knew that Qui-Gon was happy. He was truly one with the Force. Truly at peace. And suddenly that was enough for Obi-Wan. I've used that (or will, not sure if it's in a yet-posted chapter or not) thought that a loved one is never dead as long as you allow their memory room in your heart. I was maybe seven when I watched - believe it or not, I think it was a Shirley Temple movie - that ended that way and I think it's a wonderful analogy. Of couse, here in the GFFA we have blue ghosts so it's a bit different, and so wonderfully executed. Just a magnificent "goodbye" and final "words" to ease terrible grief. Not only that, but it makes one really sense that "to be one with the Force" as the Jedi understand it is something joyous indeed, and thus one might miss the departed but one should not despair or mourn overlong. Grief, indeed, is for those left behind, but after grief, comes hope and love, if one allows such to replace the grief. Just a truly wonderful series of posts that touch the heart. -----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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monkeykelci Registered: Apr '08	Date Posted: 5/17 11:34pm Subject: RE: You’ll Be In My Heart (A series of Qui/Obi vignettes) Viggie Seven Updated 18/5
	All but running through the Palace Obi-Wan did not break stride until he had reached his assigned quarters and barricaded himself inside. And there his fragile shields shattered. All his checked emotions came rushing forth to hit him afresh in single a crushing wave. Anger, grief, guilt, pain, shear blinding pain. With a wail of anguish, Obi-Wan collapsed to his knees in the middle of the floor, burying his face in the soft carpet and soaking it in endless tears. He wrapped his arms around his head and could not breathe for the cries that tore from his throat. He felt as if he would scream forever. God, I know how he feels.. I think everyone has a memory of that one time of weakness, where you just cry because you know that somthing will never, ever be the same. I know I do. I feel so bad for Obi, He didn't deserve to have Qui-Gon taken away from him before his knighting. Obi's hurting and it makes me want to reach out and hug him. Poor, poor Obi-Wan. However, that was a wonderful update and a beautifully(sp) written peice of work. Absolutly no competition to gain a place on my favorites list! I will be watching for other stories by you, Glenstorm! You're a very talented writer. -----signature----- Hockey players wear numbers because you can’t always identify the body with dental records. Padawan Learner to Oddball_62!! =]
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Gkilkenny Registered: Mar '04	Date Posted: 5/18 2:24am Subject: RE: You’ll Be In My Heart (A series of Qui/Obi vignettes) Viggie Seven Updated 18/5
	Excellent. I go away for the weekend and miss a couple of posts. I love it that Obi-Wan felt Qui-Gons presence. -----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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Alexis_Wingstar Registered: Sep '06	Date Posted: 5/18 5:33am Subject: RE: You’ll Be In My Heart (A series of Qui/Obi vignettes) Viggie Seven Updated 18/5 - Date Edited: 5/18 2:05pm (1 edits total) Edited By: Alexis_Wingstar
	I can't believe I missed reading the two vigs before this last one. The 10th anniversary vig was so delightful as Qui-gon came to the realization that little Ben was his Obi-wan. The nightmare vig was bittersweet. And this last one... it brought tears to my eyes. This set of vigs will always be in my heart. Thank you for sharing them, Glenstorm -----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 NaNoWriMo participant 2nd year in a row.
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