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Author Topic: The Water's Edge (cowritten with Happy_Hobbit_Padawan - Updated May 31 - *COMPLETE*)
obaona  4725 posts
Registered: Jun '02
24174_Padme
Date Posted: 2/15/04 11:23pm Subject: RE: The Water's Edge (~*cowritten with H_H_P*~ {~Updated Feb. 10 ~} Winner of Best Collab)

Anakin was woken out of a deep and soothing sleep by the insistent beeping of his comlink. He had trained himself, as many Jedi did, to wake at the slightest thing. So naturally he woke up, threw off his covers, rolled over and off the bed and hit his head on the small table beside the bed while reaching for the noisy comlink.

He groaned, and felt his forehead to see if there was any blood. No liquid warmth, so he guessed not. His hand scrambled around in the darkness, finally hitting the comlink. With a sigh, he brought it to his face and opened the channel. “What is it?” he asked, crouching in the dark room of his quarters.

“Disaster,” Xanatos replied. His voice was low and had the tone of someone who was carefully controlling himself.

Irritation and any lingering sleepiness vanished. A dozen possibilities flew through Anakin’s head, but it was best to act on information. “What happened?”

There was a quiet sigh. “Qui-Gon happened. I woke up and found Obi-Wan gone. Took me a bit but I found him in the garden. He’s . . . injured. Qui-Gon has seen him and I fear he’s gone or is going to the Jedi Council.”

“Injured? How?” Anakin asked, images of amputated limbs and other possible injuries whirling through his mind.

“I’ll explain later. I need to get him to my quarters, and I’ll deal with that,” Xanatos replied calmly. The lack of concern Xanatos had about Obi-Wan’s immediate danger was slightly reassuring, but only slightly.

Anakin took a deep breath. “What do you want me to do?”

“I don’t know,” Xanatos replied, his voice sounding uncharacteristically uncertain. “Figure it out,” he briskly ordered, returning to his brisk, self-assured self. Nothing could keep Xanatos down for long. He would act, just to act.

The comlink beeped quietly as Xanatos cut off the channel. Anakin hesitated, then let it be. Placing the comlink on the small table he had hit his head on, he quickly changed into something more suitable for running around the Temple in the pursuit of keeping the Jedi Council unawares of certain things. He was still pulling on his boots while he was walking out the door.

A Jedi is trained to use the Force automatically; he can feel danger and react without thinking, or use a lightsaber to deflect blaster bolts. Reaching and using the Force to act and react is as natural as breathing to a Jedi. Anakin was no different.

He had known Qui-Gon for years, since before Master Yoda took him as a Padawan. He knew the man’s signature in the Force as well as his own master’s. So when he reached out with the Force to find him, it took a mere moment. He found Qui-Gon’s mind in turmoil. His mind was normally serene and quiet – difficult to find – but his emotions were blazing. There was confusion, anger, pain, but most of all a profound sense of worry and concern. He could also pinpoint, to some degree, Qui-Gon’s location.

Anakin opened his eyes. Qui-Gon hadn’t reached the Jedi Council yet – Xanatos must have found Obi-Wan mere moments after Qui-Gon had left. He was moving, just outside of one of the gardens.

The Jedi Padawan took off at a sprint.

While some of the Jedi Order was nocturnal, the majority was not, so the Temple went by normal day/night periods, concurrent with Coruscant’s. As such, the lights along the long, sweeping Temple halls were dimmed considerably. Dark, rich blue floors became near black, and ivory walls were sheathed in shadows. It was possible Anakin – or Qui-Gon – would run into someone, but it wasn’t likely. People did not often wander the halls at night, even if they were nocturnal; they were active, but were so in such a way as to not disturb those who were resting.

So Anakin was surprised to run into a Twi’lek Jedi. As he raced around a corner, he clipped the Jedi Knight on the arm. Responding instantly, the Twi’lek called Anakin to a halt.

Anakin turned and looked at the Jedi. He had no idea why the Twi'lek was awake, and he just gaped at him.

“Slow down, Padawan. You could hurt someone,” the Jedi Knight advised solemnly, his red eyes gentle. He was not much older than Anakin, but he carried himself with enough ease and confidence that Anakin knew he had been a Knight for some time.

Anakin nodded at him. “Sorry. My apologies. Uh – research essay due,” he said, scrambling for an excuse. As soon as the words popped out of his mouth, he flushed. What an obvious lie. Not waiting for a reaction, he turned away and, while he was in sight of the Twi’lek Jedi, simply walked quickly.

The Twi'lek Jedi shook his head and continued on, bemused at youngsters, thinking of his own Padawan days.

*~*~*

Obi-Wan.

His dead apprentice. Turned to the dark and killed for it. And yet . . . he was alive. His first reaction, besides the visceral love and hate, was complete and utter confusion. His mind had tormented him ruthlessly with possibilities even as they had talked. Why was his former apprentice here? Was he some kind of ghost, to drive Qui-Gon, the man who failed to save him, mad? And then the young man had said he was what could have been . . . and Qui-Gon had wondered if it that was it at all, if the strangely alive man before him was a second chance given to him by the Force itself. And if that was the case, what lesson or what gift could he give?

When he had reached out for Obi-Wan’s mind, it had been the most natural thing in the world, the nearly instinctive reaction of a Master who cared for his Padawan. He had felt furious, anger boiling within him. The emotion had been horribly strong, brought on by the sight of the young man giving him a blank stare, as if he had done nothing.

That was no excuse, of course. Qui-Gon had been angry, angry that the young man apparently saw nothing of what he had done. To Qui-Gon, to the Jedi, to the innocent people he had killed. And yet, that love that he had felt – that he could not help but feel for someone he had considered a son – was in the background of his mind.

Perhaps it was an odd combination of that anger and love that made him do what he did. Instead of lashing out in any kind of normal way, Qui-Gon had reached out and forced Obi-Wan to see the truth. But what was the truth? Qui-Gon had merely torn away misconceptions, thoughts and habits, and then spun that upon Obi-Wan and forced him to see. Whatever there was to be seen. And even Qui-Gon didn’t know what he had seen.

Truth was merely from your point of view.

He had felt Obi-Wan struggle in pain as he relentlessly tore through the young man’s mind. He had felt the young man resist and try to build up shields, but Qui-Gon was a Jedi Master with years of experience and knowledge. Obi-Wan had had little hope of fighting off the mental invasion. And he hadn’t been able to do so.

Qui-Gon had broken down his shields, one by one – normally a painfully process by itself – and then gone a step further to use the Force and shine its light upon everything like a flame, burning. But the odd thing was . . . he had sensed no darkness within Obi-Wan. Not beyond what every Jedi possessed, the potential for turning. Normally, such an act as Qui-Gon had done would have likely killed the person, or driven them mad. Upon someone who had no need of it, who was not turned, the consequences were unpredictable.

He didn’t know what Obi-Wan had seen inside himself, what truth Qui-Gon’s stupid actions had shown him. He had felt the agony of the young man fade into a gentle peace and soft, surprised realization, but he had no idea what that meant.

It could mean he was simply insane. He had felt the panicked struggle in the young man’s mind. He had felt the damaged remnants of Obi-Wan’s shields. He had felt the quiet desperation that had lurked beneath the surface. He had felt, at last, dazed pain and confusion brought on by the mental invasion upon a mind, and any mind is fragile.

He had hurt Obi-Wan. Hurt him.

As he held Obi-Wan in his arms, feeling the warmth and motion – breathing – of a living body, he had been torn. The young man had been nearly catatonic in his arms, only a slight awareness registering in eyes glazed with pain. Guilt had swept through the Jedi Master, and horrible self-recrimination. No matter his intentions, he had done something horrible. And even worse, Obi-Wan had not struggled at all, had not attacked him . . . if anything it was the other way around. Qui-Gon didn’t know who this boy was, if he was Obi-Wan in truth or some deranged insanity of his own mind, but that didn’t matter.

His first instinct had been to stay, to comfort the younger man through a pain he had caused. And for a few brief moments, he had done just that, holding Obi-Wan in his arms and telling him that he loved him, that it would be all right. But as Obi-Wan didn’t respond, and just lay there so quietly, he realized he had done damage beyond what he could correct on his own. And from that thought had leapt another – he had always gone to one person when he was in need, when he wasn’t skilled enough, and that was Master Yoda. Frantic with worry, he had kissed Obi-Wan’s forehead and promised he would return.

Tears, small and leaving just the barest trace of their passing, fell from Qui-Gon’s eyes and his cheeks to disappear into his beard. He was walking quickly, with panicked determination unusual for the normally serene Jedi. His soft boots made no noise on the floor as he left the gardens to find help – any help. Thick, luscious plants and plain wall were passed without a second thought. He didn’t realize it, but he was unconsciously heading directly for Yoda’s quarters instead of just finding a handy comlink. Whenever he was in need of solace, he had gone to the old, wise Jedi Master in person. While not precisely possessing a human compassion, Yoda was a loving being, as all Jedi were to some degree. And he felt affection for his great-Padawan, and had always been there.

In his desperate fear for Obi-Wan’s sanity – and possibly his life – Qui-Gon simply forgot, as fallible beings do, that Yoda was still on Dagobah for his retreat. Confused and elated thoughts ran endlessly through his mind. Confused, for the fact that a man he had seen die was alive. He couldn’t deny that one fact, though why he was here was uncertain. Or even what he was, to have escaped the finality of death. But there was also hope for a new beginning. And Qui-Gon hoped that it was for a new chance that Obi-Wan was back. Anything else . . . was unimaginable.

His fist clenched, tears streaming down his face so quietly as to be mistaken for droplets from the rain outside, and body tense and alert, Qui-Gon kept walking.

*~*~*

It was drizzling again.

Loathe as he was to move Obi-Wan, Xanatos needed to get inside. Taking a deep breath, he shoved a wet lock of black hair out of his eyes and held Obi-Wan closer to him. The Jedi was seemingly content to be held in Xanatos arms, body lax and trusting as Xanatos held him in his lap.

Almost immediately after finding Obi-Wan, Xanatos had wrapped strong shields around the younger man’s mind, while trying to send healing strength. He had no idea if it would do any good, or would help at all in the case of such an injury as this, but he could not stand by here and do nothing.

Obi-Wan was still conscious. His eyes were open, though glazed. His focus seemed to be turned inward, and Xanatos could actually sense Obi-Wan thinking quietly, the thoughts so simple and serene that it almost felt as if he were unconscious. Xanatos smoothed his wet, ginger hair in an attempt to soothe, even though by all appearances Obi-Wan was in perfect peace. He wasn’t smiling, but there was no distress, beyond the pain of having a broken and burned mind.

Or nearly broken, Xanatos could hope, rather than completely.

Shifting Obi-Wan around, he got his arms under the Jedi’s armpits and lifted. Obi-Wan started to help him, struggling to regain his feet. Xanatos kept his arms steadying him. “We need to walk and get out of here, Obi-Wan. Get back to my rooms. Okay?”

Obi-Wan slowly turned his head, focusing his crystal blue eyes on dark, midnight blue ones. He nodded, and weakly put his arm around Xanatos waist as his legs nearly went out on him, wobbling. Obi-Wan blinked as water from his hair ran down his face, mingling with tears.

Xanatos let out a breath, taking the response as a good sign. He was still desperately concerned, and would be until he had a chance to check the Jedi thoroughly, but they needed to get to his apartments first. Once that was done . . . assuming they ever got that far, of course.

He didn’t know if he had acted quickly enough. As soon as he found Obi-Wan and been told that Qui-Gon had been the one to brutally invade his mind, he had called Anakin. He hoped that for whatever reason Qui-Gon had not yet been able to contact the Jedi Council by that point. Who knew what the Jedi Master was thinking, what he planned, and how the Council would react. If Obi-Wan had been fragile before, he was beyond that now.

Xanatos could only trust that Anakin could do what he himself had never been able to do – convince Qui-Gon to change his mind.

*~*~*

There was a certain kind of artistry to sneaking up on Jedi, Anakin had always believed. Sure, Jedi were well trained to be aware of their surroundings, to never be caught off-guard. But Anakin believed that Jedi training had certain flaws, one of them being a dependency on the Force to warn of incoming attack or . . . pranks.

It was amazing what one could learn from pranks. Anakin didn’t know why more Padawan’s didn’t participate. What a learning tool!

Anakin moved carefully, as he had taught himself to do – as a defense against being caught and having to meditate, of course. He held his robe up, bunching it up to his waist or thereabouts. If it dragged on the floor, it would make noise. He also reached out with the Force and quieted his steps even further. Then he wrapped the Force around his mind and body, and stilled the quiet – or loud, depending on the individual – ripples made in the Force by living things. Especially Jedi.

Qui-Gon was walking fast. If Anakin had to guess, he would say the older man was heading for Yoda’s apartments, but that didn’t make much sense. Maybe Qui-Gon wasn’t thinking, or was confused. Regardless, that’s where it looked like he was going. Which meant . . . he would be turning that corner.

Anakin crept a few meters and then stilled, lying in wait. Qui-Gon wore boots that were very worn, and hardly made a noise. He wore a heavy robe, over what Anakin guessed to be sleeping clothes. His long hair, normally tied back neatly, was in a wet, frazzled mess. He had a look of frozen concern – fear, even – on his face.

Qui-Gon stepped around the corner, spinning on his heel.

Anakin leapt out of his hiding place, lightsaber in hand.

Qui-Gon turned with abrupt speed, reaching for an empty spot where his lightsaber would normally lay, Anakin noticed absently.

And Anakin, moving faster and anticipating the reaction – having the advantage of surprise – hit him on his right temple with the hilt of his lightsaber. It connected with a dull clunking sound and a short, cutoff groan from the Jedi Master.

Qui-Gon toppled. Big as he was, it was a sight to behold. Before Anakin knew it he had two meters of solid muscle and Jedi-Masterly-ness to drag around. Hooking his lightsaber to his belt, Anakin knelt and grabbed Qui-Gon by the arms, ready to haul him to Xanatos’ quarters. How he would get there without being seen was a mystery even to him, but he would deal with that when it came.

“Hello, Anakin. Taking to kidnapping Jedi Masters as a new way of fun?”

Anakin froze, and looked up. He knew that voice. Standing perhaps a dozen meters away, just at the corner that Anakin had ambushed Qui-Gon, was Master Mace Windu. He was fully dressed, his dark robe open casually. One hand rested on his hip, near his lightsaber. He raised an eyebrow at Anakin, looking both aggressive and serene in a manner only he could.

What course of action remains? Anakin wondered for a moment. Then he took a deep breath, and having no clue to begin, he began. “Do you trust the Force?” Anakin blurted.

Windu raised an eyebrow. “I hope this is part of an explanation,” he said smoothly.

Anakin blinked, and then let go of Qui-Gon, gently letting him slip to the floor. “Do you believe that it’s possible . . . possible for the Force to – change things? Not simply by guiding, but by acting?” He paused, and Windu listened silently. The Jedi was an open-minded person, as many Jedi were, and he was at least willing to hear an explanation. “That sometimes, to make things go right, it will bring people together in ways unimaginable?” He paused yet again, and looked into Windu’s eyes. The man was suspicious, but Anakin could see that a realization that this situation was more serious than he had first realized was entering his eyes.

“Perhaps,” Master Windu replied, bowing his head slightly. He gestured at Qui-Gon, lying askew on the floor. “But why this?”

Anakin winced. “Have you ever done something not exactly right, but with good intentions?” He, too, looked at Qui-Gon. “I think . . . this is prime example of that.”

“I see,” Windu said gravely.

As Windu was about to continue, Anakin spoke. “Do something? Please. Listen to the Force. Does it tell you to trust me? What I’m doing?” I certainly hope so, Anakin thought. How could Obi-Wan being here be anything but the will of the Force?

Windu’s eyes narrowed, but then he nodded and his gaze became shuttered as he focused on the Force, quickly putting himself in its depths. Anakin could feel the man meditating, feeling along the paths of the future. He could tell no more than that, but he knew the Jedi Master was doing as he had requested, and he waited anxiously.

Windu opened his eyes, and with a dark, solemn gaze he focused on Anakin. “Foolish as this is seeming to me even right now, the Force agrees with you, Padawan Skywalker.” He sighed quietly. “Where are we going? Let’s get this party started.”

“Um . . .” Anakin cleared his throat. “Xanatos’ quarters.”

A raised eyebrow at that. Windu looked down at Qui-Gon, then moved to help Anakin carry him, Anakin picking the upper half up and Windu taking his legs. They looked at one another, and nodded as one, lifting.

In a relatively brief period of time, Windu gained a new appreciation for Anakin’s prankster skills, as they went through dusty hallways neglected by cleaning droids, narrow corridors, and up stairs, and all of that while carrying the heavy form of Qui-Gon Jinn. The only sound was the scuffling of boots, and a few quiet murmurs and grunts of effort or pain as they maneuvered. Qui-Gon received a nice memento from the trip as well: a big bruise on his hip from where Anakin and Windu had turned a corner a little more sharply than they had intended.

Finally, though, they reached the entrance of Xanatos’ quarters.

 

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MS Word is designed by sadists with masochists in mind. mischief - teh atty
my recent Atton (KOTOR2) fic: http://boards.theforce.net/before_the_saga/b10475/30335989
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PadawanKitara  7976 posts
Registered: Dec '01
6383_Bariss (71809)
Date Posted: 2/16/04 3:44pm Subject: RE: The Water's Edge (~*cowritten with H_H_P*~ {~Updated Feb. 15~})
So Anakin learned more that pranks from Xani.

 

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Courtier of the Royal Order of Shambling Dufi
We are Dufi...Resistance is Futile!
UCLA BRUINS
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obaona  4725 posts
Registered: Jun '02
24174_Padme
Date Posted: 2/17/04 10:26pm Subject: RE: The Water's Edge (~*cowritten with H_H_P*~ {~Updated Feb. 15~})
PK: *laughs* Yep. wink

 

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MS Word is designed by sadists with masochists in mind. mischief - teh atty
my recent Atton (KOTOR2) fic: http://boards.theforce.net/before_the_saga/b10475/30335989
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KatarnLead  671 posts
Registered: Oct '02
6326_Rebel Soldier
Date Posted: 2/17/04 10:55pm Subject: RE: The Water's Edge (~*cowritten with H_H_P*~ {~Updated Feb. 15~})
When do we get new stuff, huh?? I've been dropping by to see where it's up to...but nothing new. I've read all of this already! tongue

 

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I am a penguin...
Oba won my pants!
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kayladie97  1129 posts
Registered: Jun '03
44313_Luke Skywalker
Date Posted: 2/18/04 7:07am Subject: RE: The Water's Edge (~*cowritten with H_H_P*~ {~Updated Feb. 15~})
Okay, I know I'm behind (again!) but I must comment on the chapter previous to this one. I loved Elli's bit with Obi-Wan and Xanatos talking as Xanatos realizes what must have happened in Obi-Wan's world. Wonderfully done. And the bit with Jar-Jar made me laugh, although I don't have the loathing for him that so many people do. I'm sorry that she wasn't able to continue on the story with you, but I am ever so glad that you decided to continue on your own until HHP joined you. grin

I loved how the Force seemed to draw both Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan into the gardens at the same time. I wish I had enough eloquence to describe how much I loved this whole scene, but I don't so I'll just have to muddle through! tongue

I can only imagine the utter shock that both men must have been feeling...Obi-Wan seeing the Master that was cruelly taken from him by the Sith...Qui-Gon seeing the Apprentice that cruelly rejected him for the Dark Side. I loved the tiny details about the rocks scraping Obi-Wan's cheek...just makes you feel the intensity of the situation. I hesitate to call Qui-Gon's actions like a rape, for that might be too strong a word, but it was definitely an assault. I'm just glad that he seemed to realize what he had done and went to get help.

The part with Xanatos cradling Obi-Wan in his arms, Xan seeming to be the one more upset by what had happened...oh, that one got me for sure! I could picture that SO vividly. Xanatos has come to care so much for Obi-Wan in such a short time...more than he imagined possible, I think. I loved the last line of that post...He was free. Makes me wonder how this will affect things back in his own universe, if he ever gets back there. Canon Obi-Wan seemed to believe that Anakin was beyond saving. Perhaps this Obi-Wan, having let go of his guilt, would do things a bit differently.

Poor Qui-Gon, now he's got the guilt! I like that you have him heading for Yoda, forgetting that Master Yoda isn't there. Shows he's human like the rest of us.

Xanatos wrapping shields around poor Obi-Wan's shattered mind...very protective. Wonder if he's feeling some left-over guilt as well, from having to kill the Kenobi of his world? wink

The next part is lighter in tone, but still just as incredible! I LOVE Anakin sneaking up on Qui-Gon! And thinking that pranks are an excellent learning tool! laugh I admit, I was mostly neutral on Anakin before I started reading this story, but I absolutely adore him here. He's still impetuous and mischievious without being sullen and whiny. (Hmm, wonder if that's where Luke got it? wink )

I liked how he was able to convince Mace to trust him (well, along with the Force) about what was going on. Seems that Xanatos' secret little group is gaining more and more members, doesn't it? tongue First Anakin, then Palpatine, now Qui-Gon and Mace Windu! Who's next, the whole Jedi Council? grin

I can't wait to read more of this! Waiting anxiously on the new stuff...

 

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"The sun's down and the moon is pretty. It's time to ramble."
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obaona  4725 posts
Registered: Jun '02
24174_Padme
Date Posted: 2/18/04 6:13pm Subject: RE: The Water's Edge (~*cowritten with H_H_P*~ {~Updated Feb. 15~})
Burkie: Patience, patience. wink It's currently my turn to write, but we've got at least a post ready. tongue

kayladie97: Comment on whatever you want. wink

Aye, Elli did a really fantastic job while she was here. It was daunting to go on after she left tongue , but I always hate it when stories are left unfinished.

Thank you. blush Glad you liked all of it - I was rereading it recently, and I caught a few things I want to change, but overall, it still remains a powerful scene, I think. happy Yes, I imagine it was traumatic for both of them, though obviously for entirely different reasons. I wanted to indicate that that is how Qui-Gon simply lost control of his emotions, and therefore his actions. Still his fault, but it was an extreme circumstances. And yes, definitely assault.

I'm glad you could picture the part with Xan and Obi-Wan - I remember when I was writing it, I had it totally visualized in my mind. I had this scene in my head since the beginning of the story, and when it came time to write it, I knew it better than the back of my hand. wink It will affect things in his own universe, but I'm not saying how yet. mischief

Xanatos wrapping shields around poor Obi-Wan's shattered mind...very protective. Wonder if he's feeling some left-over guilt as well, from having to kill the Kenobi of his world?

I hadn't considered that, but actually, that seems very reasonable and likely. happy

Pranks are a good learning tool. wink Think of all the things one could learn! tongue I'm glad you love Anakin this grin - I've actually had a lot of people comment and say, "I don't normally like so and so, but I do here!" laugh

Yes, when I wrote Mace in, I panicked for a sec, trying to think how Anakin could convince Mace to go along with the whole thing - I think my solution was quite inspired, myself. mischief

I'll post more soon. wink Even if this repost takes forever, it may mean that HHP and I will be done before I get to the new posts. Oh, not likely, but I can dream, can't I? mischief

 

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MS Word is designed by sadists with masochists in mind. mischief - teh atty
my recent Atton (KOTOR2) fic: http://boards.theforce.net/before_the_saga/b10475/30335989
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Happy_Hobbit_Padawan  1692 posts
Registered: Feb '03
6637_Padme
Date Posted: 2/18/04 7:58pm Subject: RE: The Water's Edge (~*cowritten with H_H_P*~ {~Updated Feb. 15~})
I always hate it when stories are left unfinished.

*pokies obaona*
*points to 'Once'*
*pokies again*

mischief

tongue

 

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Belaé, Handmaiden of the Crest
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Get jiggly with it at Jello Anarchy.
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Gabri_Jade  5088 posts
Title: Fan Fiction Archive Editor Emeritus
 Registered: Nov '02
23035_Mara Jade
Date Posted: 2/18/04 10:20pm Subject: RE: The Water's Edge (~*cowritten with H_H_P*~ {~Updated Feb. 15~})
Anakin took a deep breath. “What do you want me to do?”

“I don’t know,” Xanatos replied, his voice sounding uncharacteristically uncertain. “Figure it out,” he briskly ordered

That, I love. 'Figure it out'. I like this Xanatos fellow. tongue

Poor Qui-Gon! shock Well, more poor Obi-Wan than Qui-Gon, but I think Qui-Gon managed to hurt himself almost as much as he did Obi-Wan.

It was amazing what one could learn from pranks. Anakin didn’t know why more Padawan’s didn’t participate. What a learning tool!

My very favorite line. grin That is so Anakin - and true to boot. tongue

Anakin leapt out of his hiding place, lightsaber in hand.

Qui-Gon turned with abrupt speed, reaching for an empty spot where his lightsaber would normally lay, Anakin noticed absently.

And Anakin, moving faster and anticipating the reaction – having the advantage of surprise – hit him on his right temple with the hilt of his lightsaber. It connected with a dull clunking sound and a short, cutoff groan from the Jedi Master.

For some reason, I see this with especial clarity, and it cracks me up. grin

He raised an eyebrow at Anakin, looking both aggressive and serene in a manner only he could.

I like that! grin Mace does look aggressive and serene at the same time! shock

Windu opened his eyes, and with a dark, solemn gaze he focused on Anakin. “Foolish as this is seeming to me even right now, the Force agrees with you, Padawan Skywalker.” He sighed quietly. “Where are we going? Let’s get this party started.”

I like Mace so much. grin Can't wait to see how this all works out with Mace in the picture. happy

 

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obaona  4725 posts
Registered: Jun '02
24174_Padme
Date Posted: 2/29/04 5:13pm Subject: RE: The Water's Edge (~*cowritten with H_H_P*~ {~Updated Feb. 15~})
HHP: You bad thing. wink I just couldn't finish that one. tongue At least I tried with this one! tongue

Gabri: I love Xanatos almost as much as I do you. wink And you're right, Qui-Gon hurt himself close to as much as he did Obi-Wan. wink They're both pretty messed up right now.

Anakin is so fun in this one. tongue I think he ended up being that way because Elli wrote him first and I followed her lead. Glad you like the descriptions and whatnot, too. grin

Mace is cool. cool I've always thought him as something of an oddball in the Jedi, but a powerful and respected one. wink Thankiees, darling! grin


I don't know why it's taken me so long to start reposting. Probably school. wink And stressing over it. wink But here's a lengthly post for your reading pleasure. happy


*~*~*~*~*~*


Obi-Wan had finally gone to sleep – or lost consciousness. In Obi-Wan’s confused and damaged state of mind, Xanatos couldn’t be sure. Either way, he seemed to be resting peacefully. Xanatos had helped Obi-Wan strip from his wet clothes, and Obi-Wan put on a pair of pants and a tunic, all dry. He had to roll up the sleeves, as Xanatos was taller and lankier than Obi-Wan, but he left the long pants as they were to warm Obi-Wan’s feet. Then Xanatos guided him to the couch, and within a few short minutes, Obi-Wan had fallen asleep.

Xanatos studied him silently for a moments, taking in the drastic changes that had happened – not so much in his life, as his viewpoint. He had once hated this young man, for turning to the Dark Side and hurting Qui-Gon, for being the ultimate cause of a separation that had lasted years. And yet – here he was, kneeling before what was, in essence, a possibility of what could have been. He felt anger at Qui-Gon, not Obi-Wan, and protective of Obi-Wan, not Qui-Gon. It was an ironic twist, but Xanatos felt the complete opposite was, in some ways, easier to handle. Instead of it being slightly off in such a way as to be hard to define, it was clear-cut and simple. Perhaps that was a mercy in disguise. He could think of the past, and wonder at the differences of the present, but he had to put that behind him now. There was no other choice – no other choice that he was willing to take, anyway. Qui-Gon did not need him, and Obi-Wan did.

Deciding that this was probably the best time to try examining Obi-Wan, Xanatos rested on his heels before the couch and relaxed, centering himself within the Force. Serenity filled him as he touched the endless well that was the Force, and it was with that calmness, with no lingering anger at Qui-Gon, that he touched Obi-Wan’s mind.

As he had suspected, Obi-Wan’s mind had been ruthlessly forced into. He could feel where Obi-Wan had resisted strongly, and heaped Force-healing on those areas. Then he focused more on Obi-Wan’s mind as a whole, attempting to restructure his shields, at least to some degree. Normally that was a thing you would never even attempt – it was very close to mind-manipulation. But sometimes Masters would do this with their young apprentices, to help them learn how to form strong, nearly unbreakable shields, and it was by that – by how Qui-Gon had taught him – that he helped Obi-Wan. He couldn’t help but find that ironic, and as he left the near-trance state he had been in, he sighed and rubbed his forehead.

Everything was just getting messier and messier. By the time Yoda returned, things might have gone irrevocably wrong. It certainly hadn’t taken long for his plan of waiting for Yoda to return to go downhill. What would there be next?

Sighing, Xanatos ran a hand through his wet hair. While Obi-Wan was dry and warm, he was not. He hadn’t changed his wet clothes, preoccupied with Obi-Wan. “Wouldn’t be good to be catching a cold now,” he muttered to himself, rising. He could practically hear his knees creaking.

The door buzzed. Knowing it was Anakin, Xanatos called, “Open!” and the door opened.

What was I thinking, Xanatos mused, feeling a headache coming on, that things couldn't get any worse?

“Xanatos,” Mace Windu said, his brows rising . . . to what would have been his hairline. “Obi-Wan?!” he added, clearly shocked. So shocked he let go of a clearly unconscious Qui-Gon’s legs, though he caught them before they hit the floor, an automatic correction worthy of a Jedi. Being one of Qui-Gon’s close friend, he had known Obi-Wan Kenobi well, and would certainly recognize him anywhere.

“Master Windu?” Xanatos squeaked. “Qui-Gon?!” he shouted, and looked accusingly at Anakin, his outraged, shocked, and horrified eyes speaking for his as yet still slack mouth.

“Xanatos –“ Windu began.

“Yes?” Xanatos said, stupidly.

“I can explain, really!” Anakin said, still holding Qui-Gon by the shoulders.

“Anakin needs to explain?” Master Windu thundered, his deep voice truly sounding like a boom. His eyes narrowed and he was clearly non-plussed by the entire situation, but his legendary control remained.

Xanatos took a deep breath. Think, think, think, he thought. “Okay, come in, put Qui-Gon in my bedroom that would be easiest and Anakin you have some explaining but Master Windu I think you need it more and we really will explain everything,” Xanatos said in a rush.

“Mace?” a sleepy voice questioned.

Xanatos froze, then looked over his shoulder. Obi-Wan wasn’t quite sitting upright, propped up by his elbows. One hand was rubbing his face and his still wet beard, and his eyes were focused blearily and with great confusion on Mace Windu.

Windu gave Obi-Wan an intense look, as if he were thinking, What right do you have calling me that?

Xanatos winced. “Obi-Wan, go back to sleep,” he ordered, and promptly used a mind-trick on him, doing a half-wave in Obi-Wan’s general direction. Since he had been holding up Obi-Wan’s shields and was already, by his healing, intimately familiar with the younger man’s mind, it wasn’t very difficult. Obi-Wan blinked once, then lay back and closed his eyes, falling into a light slumber.

Anakin looked from Xanatos to Windu with a panicked expression.

“My bedroom,” Xanatos reminded them, nodding to himself. He paused, then finally thinking, he leapt forward to help. Mace Windu said nothing more, but he kept shooting Xanatos these dark, suspicious looks as they, some of the best in the Order – or potentially the best – clumsily got Qui-Gon into Xanatos bed. Xanatos gently smoothed back his former master’s gray hair, feeling a twang of guilt at the slackness evident in Qui-Gon's unconscious form.

Then he looked up at Anakin and Windu, both standing on the opposite side of the bed. Xanatos gave an embarrassed cough. "Um – I think perhaps we should adjourn to the kitchen, since it is, er, the only unoccupied area at the moment. It would do nicely for our explanation." The others nodded silently, Anakin looking uncommonly meek, Windu looking impressively unreadable.

They followed Xanatos out silently, but he could have sworn he heard Windu mutter something along the lines of, “The Force doesn’t pay me enough for this.” He winced at the attitude, but felt a faint sense of hope at the humor. Let me get through this, he thought.

The three men carefully arranged themselves around the small table. Anakin immediately looked down and traced the whorls in the wood with his finger. Windu put his fingers into a steeple, elbows resting on the table, and looked at Xanatos patiently.

And Xanatos launched into his tale.

*~*~*

Mace Windu leaned back, with a satisfied air. Anakin peeked at his face under his eyelashes, finger still tracing the slight whorls in the wood of Xanatos’ table. The truth was, Mace Windu had always intimidated him. Qui-Gon had often remarked on Anakin’s lack of fear, nervousness, or intimidation with the Jedi Council, but Master Windu was different. He always got the sense that Windu was more of aggressive warrior than the other Jedi, willing to do whatever it took – as the cheesy holo-dramas proclaimed often of their heroes – and generally unpredictable. So while he wasn’t intimidating when he was with the rest of the Jedi Council, renowned for their wisdom and mercy and all that, on his own he was downright scary.

He was glad that the Jedi Master had immediately looked to Xanatos for an explanation.

“Any other questions?” Xanatos finished. He had reacted with more calm than Anakin had anticipated as if it were not Anakin’s fault that he was having to explain this secret operation to someone not supposed to find out about it.

Windu considered thoughtfully. Xanatos didn’t rush him. Taking in all the information, to a degree that you were comfortable with, was very important to a Jedi and for Xanatos giving time for that was more automatic than an actual courtesy. Finally, the Jedi Master shook his head. “You explained it all in your story, really. How you found him, why you did what you did, why you made the decisions you have.” He paused. “All that’s left is considering the believability of it all.”

Anakin tensed.

Windu turned to look Anakin in the eye. Anakin’s finger, still tracing the patterns in the wood, froze. “I think I would like to hear you’re explanation, as a matter of fact.”

Reluctantly, Xanatos turned from studying Windu’s cool expression, and turned to search Anakin’s face for whatever clues he was failing to hide. “I would as well,” Xanatos said, facing the Padawan.

“Oh, come on!” Anakin said, eyes darting from one intimidating Jedi to the other. “You know how stubborn Qui-Gon is. Wherever he was going, do you think he would have been dissuaded?”

Xanatos frowned. “That would have depended heavily on his intentions, which you made no effort to learn.”

“I can guess,” Anakin replied, exasperated in spite of himself. He might be intimidated, but that wasn’t going to stop him, and he felt his rebellious nature stir. “I mean, sure. I walk up to him, demand to know his intentions towards Obi-Wan, he tells me he plans on telling everyone, or going to someone we don’t trust – “ he shot a nervous, embarrassed glance Windu’s way, “I try to knock him out, he beats me up, he goes and does whatever he was planning anyway, and the end!” He took a deep breath. “This way, we have control of the situation.”

Xanatos and Windu both looked dubious.

Xanatos broke the silence first. Shaking his head, he said, “I can see your point. But your plan didn’t precisely work out.” A glance similar to Anakin’s given to Windu. “You should have thought it through more carefully. At least – checked for others in the area.”

“I felt a disturbance in the Force, and I feel it was guiding me to Anakin’s location,” Windu interrupted. “This was meant to be, for a reason we have not yet discerned.”

Xanatos seemed to still at that. Anakin watched him carefully, searching for signs of what he was thinking, and thanking the fact he knew this man fairly well, even if he wasn’t often at the Temple. Xanatos’ lips tightened, but his hands consciously relaxed. Taking a risk?

“You have not yet told us your plans,” Xanatos said slowly, looking at Master Windu. “What you intend to do.”

Anakin and Xanatos shared a worried glance, a split-second of communication.

Windu didn’t answer for a long moment. His eyes fell half-shut, and his hands relaxed into a simple clasp. “I agree with your reasoning, as much as it pains me,” he said finally, shooting them both a chastising glance. “It is likely that the Council would have reacted in such a manner. As for now, I don’t believe that would happen.” A tense moment of silence. “But the Force has guided this to happen the way it has, and I, for my part, am unwilling to go against that. For the moment, I am willing to follow your lead.”

The younger Jedi both breathed a sigh of relief.

“But I do believe more thought and discussion is needed. And there is the matter of Qui-Gon, and what to do when he wakes up,” Windu reminded them.

Xanatos and Anakin nodded together. Xanatos didn’t look surprised, merely tired, but he had nearly forgotten about that – Qui-Gon waking up. They still didn’t know what had happened between the two of them, except that Qui-Gon had been nearly running somewhere, and Obi-Wan had been hurt. It wasn’t looking good. Even if the Council didn’t hurt the fragile man in an attempt to discover what was going on, Qui-Gon might. More so than he already had.

“I’ve been thinking about that,” Xanatos said reluctantly. “All of it – telling the Council, Qui-Gon, the rest of the Temple finding out.” He paused.

Windu and Anakin leaned forward, and Xanatos continued. In hushed whispers so as not to wake anyone up sooner than they wanted, they planned and plotted – for the moment, co-conspirators in the plan to keep Obi-Wan sane and healthy.

*~*~*

It was nearly morning. Light barely stronger than the inherent light of Coruscant’s massive buildings began to play across higher surfaces. Because of the way Coruscant had such high buildings, often the light would hit those higher areas first, and ‘dawn’ would occur hours before the light hit the lower spires. Combined with the never-ending glow of Coruscant’s busy streets, it gave an odd twilight effect, except in the deep of night or the middle of the day.

Although Xanatos was a full Knight, he had quarters in the lower areas – nearer to where the Padawans away from their Masters slept – because he was so rarely on Coruscant, and it was even more rare for him to be there for an extended period of time.

Xanatos, therefore, could barely detect the little, clean and colorless sprinkling of light that played across the kitchen window. He stared out at it calmly, sighing.

Anakin and Mace sat across from him, in the same chairs they had been in for hours. All of them had gotten up at various times, of course, to stretch or get something to eat. But for the most part there had been only serious conversation, intense enough they didn’t think of such needs often. Anakin looked haggard, not used to going without sleep. Being a Padawan, and Master Yoda’s at that, he did not often go on offworld missions and didn’t have to deal with sleep deprivation. He didn’t know the various little tricks of dealing with it. Mace Windu faired better; he looked as fresh and energetic – if the enigmatic Jedi Master could even be called ‘energetic’. He was an intense individual, known for balancing out his serious attitude with playful jokes.

“I don’t think there is any doubt,” Xanatos said finally. “We’ve argued over this for hours – over the nature of the Force itself, what it would do and why. We have meditated enough to make even Master Yoda happy.” Anakin cut off a chortle. “The Force seems to be leading us very clearly in this matter. We all feel it.”

Mace said nothing, merely looking thoughtful.

“It was meant to happen this way. For whatever reason, Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon are meant to work this out,” Xanatos continued. He glanced at Mace. “Even now, we all – even Anakin – can feel the Force guiding us not to tell the Jedi Council, or anyone else.”

Anakin shot Xanatos a half-hearted glare at that remark concerning him, but he was really too tired to argue. The Padawan sighed. “For what it’s worth, I agree. Think of all the events that led us here. I mean, I don’t think it quite happened as planned . . . what with Qui-Gon nearly attacking Obi-Wan, but . . .” He shrugged. “And the Force – its like an itch in my mind, the feeling is so strong.”

Mace spoke finally, setting an elbow on the table and looking contemplative. “I agree, as well, young Anakin,” he said, casting Anakin a surprisingly supportive look.

Xanatos spoke quietly. “Then it is agreed. It’s the will of the Force – Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon aren’t allowed to leave this apartment until Yoda comes back.”

Their eyes met. And all three nodded.

*~*~*

It was light when Obi-Wan woke. He opened his eyes, then had to blink rapidly at the bright, startling early-morning light. Squinting, he looked around. He was on Xanatos’ couch, in clothes clearly not his own – not that anything here was really his, anyway. Patches of brilliant light from the kitchen window fell into the living room through the doorway, leaving sharp shadows in its wake.

He felt weak and exhausted. His mind was weary, and he found it difficult to think clearly. He felt as if he had been running in his sleep, much like the times when he used to have relentless nightmares of Qui-Gon’s death or Anakin’s turn to the Dark Side. When sleep had offered no solace. He rubbed his face again, his rough beard lightly scratching his palm. He sat up slowly, feeling muscles in his back complain. He pushed his hair out of his eyes, then carefully focused on Xanatos.

Xanatos sat a few feet from the couch, his legs crossed and his eyes closed. He was in a meditative position. Obi-Wan guessed he was using the Force to replenish himself. If one were skilled enough in the Force, one could meditate and use the Force to rest, rather than sleep. It was something a few Jedi did regularly; most – Obi-Wan included – preferred the satisfaction that sleep brought.

Xanatos opened his eyes, the only part of his body to move in reaction to Obi-Wan. He didn’t look like he had changed – his tunic and pants were slightly muddy, though his hair was brushed back neatly and he seemed clean otherwise. Obi-Wan wondered what had happened; he could definitely feel that something had. He had a few vague memories of Xanatos taking care of him, reassuring him, and strangely enough, an image of a familiar bald head. But that was all.

"How are you feeling?" Xanatos asked softly. His dark eyes glanced over Obi-Wan, lingering over Obi-Wan’s eyes and face as if to see what Obi-Wan was thinking and feeling.

Obi-Wan thought before answering, taking stock. He felt weak and lightheaded, and he had a headache. But his mental state was . . . clear. He felt as if he had been swimming through muddy waters that had kept dragging him down, and he had finally reached the shore. "I have a headache," he offered finally.

Xanatos' eyes flashed with concern. Moving gracefully, as if he hadn’t been sitting in the same position for hours, he rose to his feet and then knelt by Obi-Wan. "Anything else? Do you remember what happened last night?" he asked gently.

Obi-Wan opened his mouth, then closed it. Suddenly, his throat felt dry and parched. "I – yes. I went out in the middle of the night, and Qui-Gon found me." He shut his eyes for a moment, then opened them, forcefully banishing the look on Qui-Gon’s face when he had seen Obi-Wan.

"Do you remember what he did to you?" Xanatos pressed, still looking concerned.

"Yes," Obi-Wan said slowly, realizing that Xanatos must be worried that Qui-Gon had damaged him in some way. "He . . ." Obi-Wan trailed off, unable to vocalize it.

Xanatos spoke softly. "I know he took down your shields, and went into your mind, but I don’t know why."

"To make me see," Obi-Wan said matter-of-factly. Xanatos opened his mouth to speak, but Obi-Wan overrode him. "He was confused, you see. He thought I was his Obi-Wan, and he thought that by making me see myself, the truth of what I am, I would finally realize my mistakes, and ‘return’ from the Dark Side. I . . . think we were both very confused, Xanatos. The past and present had blurred for both of us."

Xanatos eyes narrowed. "You seem very accepting of what he did to you."

Obi-Wan laughed shortly, with real humor. It was light, barely there, but its presence was undeniable, and such an emotion was almost odd for Obi-Wan to feel, after months of depression with only a kind of dark humor enabling him to cope. "He – did what he did, yes, and he was responsible. I wouldn’t say he was out of his mind. But, strangely enough, it worked. Don’t you see? I didn’t see what he wanted me to – because I am not the Obi-Wan he knew, his Obi-Wan. But I saw my mistakes nevertheless."

Obi-Wan’s voice softened. "He saw his Obi-Wan, and I saw my Master. That’s why . . . I didn’t resist, as I probably would have otherwise."

Xanatos looked away, clearly thinking about Obi-Wan had said. He seemed to understand Obi-Wan’s point, but concern darkened with anger still remained, to a degree. Obi-Wan was silent, letting him think about it.

Then Xanatos’ dark blue eyes widened, and he looked over Obi-Wan’s shoulder. The younger Jedi hesitated for a moment, a prickling sensation on his neck, then slowly looked behind him.

Qui-Gon stood there. He wore the sleeping clothes and loose robe that he had on when Obi-Wan had last seen him. His hair was a mess, tangled and falling into his face with straight slashes of gray. He held himself upright tensely, his fists clenched, but his eyes showed confusion, worry, and a burgeoning outrage.

"Where am I?" Qui-Gon began. "Why did Anakin knock me out?" He paused, his eyes glancing at Obi-Wan, the blue orbs showing hurt, confusion, and most of all regret. "Obi-Wan . . . ?"

Obi-Wan looked at Xanatos, bemusement and curiosity in his eyes.

"Anakin knocked you out because you were going to the Council," Xanatos replied, calmly. "And then he brought you here." He glanced at Obi-Wan quickly, then continued. "I need to explain. I’ve known about Obi-Wan for a while now – in fact, I found him. Anakin found out when we came here, to the Temple. Mace also knows, because he found Anakin dragging you down the hallway. No one else in the Temple knows."

Qui-Gon’s eyes narrowed, his initial confusion and concern about Obi-Wan overridden by the fact that Xanatos and others close to him knew about Obi-Wan before he did, and had not informed him. Typical of him to react in such a fashion, Obi-Wan thought. ‘Why wasn’t I told?’ While his Qui-Gon had always been gentle and understanding with Obi-Wan himself in similar situations, he hadn’t been nearly as lenient with others. For example, the Xanatos of his galaxy. Or the Council.

Perhaps realizing this, Xanatos spoke. "This Obi-Wan is not our Obi-Wan. He is not the same person. He’s not a clone. He’s . . . what could have been, a possibility that simply didn’t happen here. Everything he knows and remembers is different from what you and I know."

That’s a remarkably understandable way of putting it, Obi-Wan thought.

"And one more thing," Xanatos continued, expression fierce and unyielding. "Neither you nor Obi-Wan is leaving this apartment until Yoda comes back. And no one, and I mean no one, is going to know that Obi-Wan is here."

"What?" Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan said in startled unison, both of them staring at Xanatos with comically similar expressions of disbelief.

"It’s what the Force has willed," Xanatos said staunchly.

And that’s good? Obi-Wan wondered.

"Xanatos –" Qui-Gon began, his voice deepening in an unconscious effort to intimidate. Obi-Wan had already decided to obey. The Force willed this, and quite frankly he was tired of fighting it. And the Force, after all, had saved his life, and brought him Xanatos and Anakin. Had shown him the possibilities that he had never imagined in his own universe.

"Obi-Wan, stay here," Xanatos ordered, casting him a stern look. Without waiting for any kind of response, he took Qui-Gon’s arm and dragged him forcibly into the kitchen, past the narrow doorway and out of sight.

Moving slowly and carefully, Obi-Wan put his head in his hands, closed his eyes, and listened.

Shouting. Two voices, both male, both demanding, both confident. Outrage in one, determination in the other. More yelling. A short silence, and a muffled exclamation against the Force, and where it should put itself.

Obi-Wan allowed his senses to relax, reaching out for the Force. It soothed him, and its very stillness told him not to act.

Bzzzt. Obi-Wan’s eyes snapped open at the sound, which he was quite familiar with. It was the comm unit buzzing. Someone was trying to reach Xanatos. Obi-Wan raised his head, just in time to see Xanatos come out of the kitchen and hit the receive button.

It was Mace Windu. "Xanatos, you have a problem. The Council wants to speak with you about that mission and the labor concerns. Apparently it fell apart shortly after you left, and they want your opinion. I tried to dissuade them, but they feel it wasn’t a difficult mission and you don’t need time to rest, and I felt it unwise to push."

Xanatos exhaled sharply. For a moment, Obi-Wan felt sorry for him. What fun it must be to have to deal himself and Qui-Gon. And Anakin. And the Council. "I’ll be right there," Xanatos said sharply, and cut the transmission. He walked over to the door, and opened the touch panel that would normally open and close it. He fiddled with the wires briefly, then reattached the panel. He then turned and faced Obi-Wan. Again, like before, he glanced beyond the younger Jedi.

Obi-Wan turned slightly, and saw Qui-Gon standing in the kitchen doorway, staring at Xanatos.

Xanatos spoke clearly and calmly. "Neither of you is leaving," he said, looking from one Jedi to the other. "Obey the Force, and we’ll all be fine." Then he slapped his palm against the touch panel, the door opened, and he stepped out before either one of them could say a word or otherwise react.

There was a short moment of silence and stillness. Then without looking at Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon stepped forward and put his hand on the touch panel. When it failed to open, Obi-Wan realized what Xanatos had done. He had wired the door so that it could only be opened from the outside now. Obi-Wan did not know how to reverse Xanatos' rewiring. And, he mused, if this Qui-Gon was anything like his Qui-Gon, he doubted whether he could rework the wiring, either.

Qui-Gon was still for a moment longer, then without turning, he asked, "Are you all right? Did I – hurt you?"

Yes, you did, but that’s another story altogether, Obi-Wan thought. "I’m fine," he said, clasping his hands in front of him and leaning against the back of the couch.

"Good," Qui-Gon said softly. "Good." He turned slowly and looked down at Obi-Wan for a long moment, his eyes dark and anguished, some deep, unnamed pain etched in his aging face. Then he straightened, and without a word, walked out of the living room.

Obi-Wan blinked.

Qui-Gon came back in a few minutes, looking much more composed. He started to throw aside papers, keepsakes, datapads, systematically going through every single thing in the living except for the couch Obi-Wan occupied. Qui-Gon was tossing Xanatos’ apartment. For . . . what?

Suddenly, with a stark realization that hit so late because of his mental state, he knew what Qui-Gon was looking for.

Obi-Wan got up and moved aside, saying nothing. Qui-Gon picked up the cushions and pillows, rapidly searching. Obi-Wan wondered what he expected to find there. If Xanatos had hidden the means to unlock the door, he surely hadn’t had the time to put it in the couch.

After ten minutes of watching in silence, Obi-Wan spoke. "I thought," he said drolly, "that you were one who always followed the will of the Living Force, no matter what." And he raised an eyebrow and waited.

Qui-Gon turned slowly, and looked at him. "I will not be locked up."

"So it only counts if it’s convenient?" Obi-Wan queried, knowing he was baiting, but suddenly unable to find within himself the will to stop. It was as if all his frustrations, all his disagreements that he had never been able to resolve – because he was a Padawan, and had to obey, and then because Qui-Gon had died - had decided to erupt. Qui-Gon was here again; this was a second chance that the Force had brought him - he might never get another one. Why hold his emotions in?

"Be quiet," Qui-Gon ordered, uncertainty showing in his eyes. He knew he was wrong, and Obi-Wan was right, but things were rarely so simple as that, not when human emotions were involved.

"Why?"

Qui-Gon breathed in, slowly and with great control. "Xanatos may not realize it, since he doesn’t know you – or my Obi-Wan – as well as I do – did, but you’re a great deal more like the Obi-Wan I knew than he thinks. Full of anger and rebellion, and that is what leads to the Dark Side."

That stung. "You," Obi-Wan replied, "are judgmental."

"Judging someone is only wrong if I’m not right," Qui-Gon snapped. "Just like at Regas VI."

Obi-Wan paused, blinking. "Regas VI?" he asked blankly.

They looked at each other. Obi-Wan suddenly had the uncomfortable realization that he had mistaken this Qui-Gon for his Qui-Gon, his beloved master, the one he thought he knew as well as his own self, the one with whom he had shared thirteen years of his life. The one who, in his arrogance, had requested Obi-Wan with his dying breath to go against the Jedi Council’s wishes and train a boy who Obi-Wan had felt should not be trained. Obi-Wan finally realized the burden that he had carried as the Padawan of Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn, together with the honor. But… this Qui-Gon was not the same man.

He saw a similar knowledge enter Qui-Gon’s eyes. They looked at each other for a moment longer, then turned away, each filled with the aching knowledge that the past had not really come alive; this really was not a second chance. It was only a reflection of what could have been possible in their past.

Suddenly, they both felt ashamed. They hadn’t been acting like Jedi, they had acted like young initiates overflowing with emotion and pent-up hurt.

Hesitantly, Obi-Wan went over to the couch, and started to put the cushions back in place. Qui-Gon moved to help, and they bumped.

"Sorry," they both muttered, not looking at each other.

The living room rearranged to its original state, they sat down on opposite sides of the couch. Strangers, oddly familiar to each other, yet not so.

And the uncomfortable silence stretched between them and grew.

 

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MS Word is designed by sadists with masochists in mind. mischief - teh atty
my recent Atton (KOTOR2) fic: http://boards.theforce.net/before_the_saga/b10475/30335989
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Opal  1194 posts
Registered: Nov '03
24218_Obi-Wan
Date Posted: 2/29/04 6:39pm Subject: RE: The Water's Edge (~*cowritten with H_H_P*~ {~Updated Feb. 29!!!~})
I thought I'd drop in and let you know that I'm still here and still enjoying the repost.

 
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obaona  4725 posts
Registered: Jun '02
24174_Padme
Date Posted: 3/1/04 12:00am Subject: RE: The Water's Edge (~*cowritten with H_H_P*~ {~Updated Feb. 29!!!~})
Thank you, Opal. happy I really do appreciate it. grin

 

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MS Word is designed by sadists with masochists in mind. mischief - teh atty
my recent Atton (KOTOR2) fic: http://boards.theforce.net/before_the_saga/b10475/30335989
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kayladie97  1129 posts
Registered: Jun '03
44313_Luke Skywalker
Date Posted: 3/3/04 6:18am Subject: RE: The Water's Edge (~*cowritten with H_H_P*~ {~Updated Feb. 29!!!~})
I was wondering when you were going to update this and when you did, I missed it! sad Oh, well, I'm here now and better late than never, huh? wink

As I was reading this chapter, it suddenly struck me how skillful you are at writing this kind of emotion between these characters without it getting slashy, which it could have very easily. But these guys all share deep, intense feelings in one way or another and that aspect never enters into the picture...very nicely done.

And then, it amazes me how you can be so intense and serious and then throw a bit of humor in there! I was laughing out loud at the bit where Anakin and Mace show up at the door with an unconscious Qui-Gon! "Xanatos. Obi-Wan?! Master Windu? Qui-Gon?! Xanatos..." So funny! laugh

Then, of course, there's this part:

Shouting. Two voices, both male, both demanding, both confident. Outrage in one, determination in the other. More yelling. A short silence, and a muffled exclamation against the Force, and where it should put itself.

Based on what little I know of Qui-Gon, I can SO see him saying that! laugh I'm chuckling now as I put it down here!

And then, back to the angst:

He saw a similar knowledge enter Qui-Gon’s eyes. They looked at each other for a moment longer, then turned away, each filled with the aching knowledge that the past had not really come alive; this really was not a second chance. It was only a reflection of what could have been possible in their past.

sad sad What an incredibly sad moment for both of them! After all Obi-Wan has been through, what he wouldn't have given to have the comfort of his old Master back again, or so I imagine. And Qui-Gon is no doubt being sharply reminded of everything he wishes that he'd done differently all those years ago. Heartbreaking, really.

I am loving this and I am anxiously looking forward to the new stuff...but take your time. I wouldn't want you to think I was rushing you or anything! wink tongue


 

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Sock_of_Darth_Vader  1322 posts
Registered: Dec '02
41555_Padme
Date Posted: 3/3/04 10:00am Subject: RE: The Water's Edge (~*cowritten with H_H_P*~ {~Updated Feb. 29!!!~})
Poor Obi...you know, a few more fic like this and I could really get into the whole hurt-comfort Obi-Wan jug wink tongue grin

I loved Anakin going, 'I can explian!' laugh

 

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obaona  4725 posts
Registered: Jun '02
24174_Padme
Date Posted: 3/5/04 11:38pm Subject: RE: The Water's Edge (~*cowritten with H_H_P*~ {~Updated Feb. 29!!!~})
kayladie97: You're late? tongue Look at me. wink

Thank you. blush That's a big compliment. wink I'm pleased to bits you really like how I've done the characters - I wanted them to be emotional, I suppose, but I still wanted them to be adults, and adults deal with emotion in more complex ways. And it's definitely not supposed to be slashy, so that's a relief. tongue

I love throwing humor in there. grin I think it's needed, actually. When things are that serious and deep and dark, I feel like I have to, because otherwise it gets too depressing. I don't like reading fics like that, so I don't generally write them - at least, in long stories. tongue (*runs from Emmi*)

I'm glad I made you laugh. grin I want you to laugh with and at this characters, as well as sympathize and feel for them. wink

It's a harsh reminder for both of them that neither is what the other wants, or expects. I think its easy to fall into old patterns, and that's exactly what they did. In fact, I'd like to thank forever_jedi again for such great help with that scene. grin

We're taking our time. A little too much time, perhaps. wink

Thank you! grin

Sock_of_Darth_Vader: Thanks! grin

Poor Obi...you know, a few more fic like this and I could really get into the whole hurt-comfort Obi-Wan jug

shock laugh tongue mischief

 

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my recent Atton (KOTOR2) fic: http://boards.theforce.net/before_the_saga/b10475/30335989
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obaona  4725 posts
Registered: Jun '02
24174_Padme
Date Posted: 3/5/04 11:46pm Subject: RE: The Water's Edge (~*cowritten with H_H_P*~ {~Updated Feb. 29!!!~})
One can only have total silence for so long, at least when one is not alone. Such as was the case with Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon, both having decided that they were going to stay, and act like proper adults. Their silence had lasted half an hour– such endurance – before Obi-Wan succumbed to the discomfort.

They sat together on opposite ends of the couch, not looking at each other, when Obi-Wan spoke: “Thirsty?” he asked suddenly, his voice almost seeming to echo in the still room.

Qui-Gon blinked and looked at Obi-Wan, surprise showing in his eyes. Obi-Wan returned Qui-Gon's gaze, with what he hoped was a calm, friendly look. Qui-Gon had been bombarded with quite a bit of information to assimilate: his discovery and realization – Obi-Wan, who in his memory should be dead – couldn’t be easy, especially with what had happened before. On top of that, there was Qui-Gon's own realization of where he was. Quickly, Obi-Wan focused on Qui-Gon again, preferring not to dwell on that experience – and the epiphany it had brought.

Slowly, Qui-Gon nodded. "Yes." He smiled slightly, nervously, seemingly relieved that they were at least attempting to communicate civilly. “I know Xanatos always has a variety of drinks stocked here,” he added in another gesture of friendliness, an offer of information.

Obi-Wan nodded back, feeling ill at ease. “Um, thanks.” They looked at each for a moment longer, both visibly restraining the urge to fidget, and then Obi-Wan turned awkwardly and went to the kitchen.

He quickly looked around, finding the refrigerating unit easily enough. The door slid open at the touch of his hand, and he looked inside. It was fairly barren, and showed little of the wear that was expected. He could guess that Xanatos didn't stay at home much. In fact, he’d have to ask about that. Everything was so confusing here, and he had a feeling most of it was because his lack of knowledge concerning relationships here.

However, Qui-Gon was right, the refrigerating unit had a variety of drinks. Somewhat to Obi-Wan’s surprise, some of it was indeed alcoholic. Some really alcoholic. Including . . . Obi-Wan raised an eyebrow. Corellian Reserve? That was a fine drink. Some things were the same in every universe, he mused. Hesitating for a moment, Obi-Wan grabbed the ale by the neck bottle and shut the unit’s door.

Qui-Gon was where he had left him. The older Jedi sat with his elbows on his knees, his brow furrowed in thought. His eyes were dark and downcast, only a sliver of dark blue visible. With his Qui-Gon – then Obi-Wan trampled down thought. This wasn’t his Qui-Gon, and acting like he was – trying to predict what he would do – would be unwise, as prior events had shown.

Obi-Wan cleared his throat softly. “Would this do? I have no idea why Xanatos has it, but . . .”

Qui-Gon looked at the bottle, then laughed at loud. Obi-Wan jerked, startled at the unexpected . . . joy in that sound. “Yes,” Qui-Gon told him. “I gave it to him, as a coming home gift. I’m sure he wouldn’t mind. He rarely drinks alcoholic beverages, in fact he only does so when I do, or one of his friends does.”

“Oh,” Obi-Wan said blankly.

Qui-Gon hesitated. “Anyway,” he added in a lower tone, “I’m sure we could both use it.”

Obi-Wan nodded silently at that. He put the two glasses he had found on the small, low table before the couch, and then opened the bottle. He poured them each a drink. Both simultaneously raised their glasses, and, similarly, sipped to savor the taste first, before gulping the entire content down in one shot.

Almost immediately, Obi-Wan began to feel better. He said so.

Qui-Gon smiled wryly and poured the glass to half-full.

“So . . . a coming home gift?” Obi-Wan ventured.

“Yes,” Qui-Gon replied thoughtfully, his eyes glazing as he thought back to. . . whenever. Some occasion only the two of them remembered. “He’s gone often, you see, always on a mission. Partly his personality, partly to avoid me.”

Obi-Wan blinked. He had thought the two of them were close. After all, Xanatos had asked Qui-Gon to stay here, with little or no explanation, and the Jedi Master had obeyed. That indicated a good degree of trust. He moved to ask another question, but Qui-Gon continued on, oblivious.

“We were estranged for five years. And then – Xanatos came to me, after his last mission – actually, his next to last – and was going to apologize. But I knew he was right, and had known for . . . a year or two. I kept trying to talk to him, but I guess he figured it would be ugly, since we’re both stubborn and often convinced we’re right. Honestly, I never thought he would apologize.”

“For what?” Obi-Wan asked curiously, wondering what could have caused a rift in such a strong relationship – the strength of their relationship evidenced in that they had resumed it with such apparent ease after five years of estrangement.

“Killing you,” Qui-Gon said casually, taking another long swallow.

“Oh!” Obi-Wan replied intelligently. Not sure what to say, he cast about for something else to discuss, and looked around at the furniture and knickknacks. For the first time he noticed something was wrong. Well, not wrong, but fascinating, really. When his head moved, his eyes wouldn’t follow immediately like usual. It took time for his eyes to catch up. Or maybe it was his brain, since he imagined it would look odd to have his eyes rolling around like that.

Qui-Gon unknowingly distracted him from this revelation. “What about you? Xanatos told me . . . about the whole alternative universe deal.” He paused. “Alternate, that is.” Qui-Gon glanced at his drink suspiciously.

Obi-Wan filled his glass again. “Well, you got killed by a Sith Lord, first of all. Your own damn stupidity – running ahead of me.” Obi-Wan shook his head. “Anyway, I got stuck with this kid who was meant to be your apprentice – the counterpart of Anakin, actually.” He paused, pondering why Qui-Gon didn’t know this after forcing his way into Obi-Wan’s mind.

“Oh?” Qui-Gon asked, looking at him curiously.

Obi-Wan nodded in an exaggerated manner. “Yes!” He continued on without thinking, finding nothing unusual in acting so . . . uninhibited in front of a man whom he had just fought. The double of his master. “I trained him, right, but I didn’t do such a good job, and he became the Obi-Wan of your universe. ‘Cept he’s not dead, yet. I’m not sure how to feel ‘bout that – I did love the boy, you know . . . When I was coming here he was coming after me,” Obi-Wan admitted, getting teary.

Qui-Gon patted him on the shoulder awkwardly, and Obi-Wan rubbed his eyes. “S’ok. It was his choice. Your training might have influenced him, let him get away with things he shouldn’t have – like sneaking out at night –“ at this, Qui-Gon’s expression grew contemplative, “but he made his own decisions. The responsiblilil . . .” He stopped. “It was his decision,” Qui-Gon reiterated. He looked at Obi-Wan encouragingly. “You’re a good man, even if I’m a mite suspicious of you. I learned that when I was . . . in your head.”

Obi-Wan blinked at the mention, and at the almost apologetic tone. Manfully, though, he continued on with his story. “So the Force just grabbed me, and threw me into a lake. I had just gotten out when Xanatos walked by.” He chuckled. He chuckled. "Believe me, the surprise was enough to throw me out of the water."

"Why? " Qui-Gon asked curiously.

"I watched him – I mean his counterpart – commit suicide by diving into an acid pool," Obi-Wan said nonchalantly.

Qui-Gon nodded in exaggerated sympathy. "You’re universe is really screwed up," he said bluntly.

“Oh, it is,” Obi-Wan agreed. “You should see some of the entertainment we’ve got.”

Qui-Gon nodded wisely.

The silence between them was growing more comfortable and warm by the minute. “I feel odd,” Obi-Wan finally admitted.

“As do I,” Qui-Gon replied, as if sharing a secret.

“You don’t think we’re drunk, do you?” Obi-Wan ventured uneasily, looking deeply into Qui-Gon’s eyes.

Qui-Gon shook his head. “Surely not. I feel . . . rather free and strangely at ease, but that doesn’t mean I’m drunk,” he replied calmly, in the characteristic manner of someone who has had more alcohol than was responsible and was in the process of denial – which denial inevitably lasted until the next morning in the ‘fresher unit. “Besides, this ale doesn’t have a very high alcohol content. And we would have noticed, wouldn’t we? I mean, we’re trained to notice such things, to make the alcohol be . . . be . . .”

“Metabolized?” Obi-Wan said, leaning forward intently.

“Tha’s it!” Qui-Gon said, raising a finger in the air in triumph, and causing Obi-Wan to flail back, momentarily startled. “We weren’t that distracted by . . . our mutual situation,” he said with the air of someone who knew what he was talking about.

Obi-Wan nodded, reassured. And they both smiled idiotically at each other, looking deeply into eyes that were very familiar – eyes that neither had ever hoped to gaze into again.

*~*~*

“Again, Anakin,” Soara said, frowning as she circled Anakin in the training room. The room was in one of the lower levels of the Temple; it was dusty and littered with obstacles. Soara, a compact woman with the reputation of being a startlingly fast, effective fighter, preferred the training grounds to be here because they were similar to what one would encounter in real life. She often had her students practice outside of the Temple. This time, however, she had chosen to stay on the Temple grounds.

Anakin’s clothes clung to him, damp with sweat. His hair was wet with perspiration, and he was panting lightly. He wore a pair of training pants and a long tunic, but was barefoot as part of his training – one didn’t always have shoes, after all. He nodded at Soara, who looked at him calmly and without any indication of what she was thinking.

Anakin began the kata again. It was not a terribly complex one, nor difficult, but Soara liked to look at a fighter in the most basic of fighting techniques, and see the core of the problem, rather than just seeing a series of infinitesimal mistakes. She was helping prepare him for the Trials. The fact that he was practicing lightsaber techniques made him wonder, yet again, what the Trials were like. He had always thought the Trials tested a person mentally and emotionally, rather than physically.

As he mindlessly – and he knew he should be focusing on what he was "here and now" – went through the kata, he thought of Obi-Wan again. He had to admit, with time he had become more and more fond of the undead lunatic – he couldn’t recall another time in his young life when he had made such a deep connection with a total stranger. Their talk had revealed more of Obi-Wan’s true character than he probably realized, Anakin thought. And Anakin wondered if his counterpart in Obi-Wan’s universe had ever known how much Obi-Wan had loved him. He wondered how he could have turned if he did.

His thoughts wandered away from Obi-Wan, turning to Xanatos and Qui-Gon as well. They were all together, stuck in a small apartment. He wondered how that was going. Qui-Gon was a stubborn man. He was usually right, but in the long run that didn’t help things when he wasn’t right. And if he thought he was right about Obi-Wan, he wouldn’t budge from his position unless Master Yoda mind-tricked him with the truth. Or a miracle happened.

With that thought, a memory kicked in and he half stumbled during the middle of the kata. He then picked it up again without a word while his mind raced. Miracle – oh, Force. He had thought it would take a miracle to make Xanatos loosen up, and to act out of control. Jedi Knights were always so controlled, even when they were the victim of a prank, so Anakin had decided to try another technique as part of his ever-expanding experiments on his Jedi brethren.

Spiking his drink.

Well, it was in his alcohol, right? The good stuff. Xanatos didn’t drink often, except with his friends, so Anakin had figured any traces that could lead to Anakin had spiked the liquor would be long gone by the time Xanatos really drank it. Qui-Gon, however, drank sometimes, and had given Xanatos that Corellian Reserve, as a make-up gift for their years of being bitter strangers. Anakin had figured that there was a good chance Xanatos would have that ale sooner or later. So, Anakin had put a little extra good stuff in his ale. Just an innocent prank, right? Xanatos wouldn’t stay mad for very long, Anakin was sure. And then…. with the arrival of Obi-Wan, it had completely slipped his mind.

But they – they being Xanatos, Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan – wouldn’t drink, would they? The situation was far too tense for that. Yes, that was it. Too tense. He couldn’t imagine the results if they did . . . he put some pretty strong stuff in there. It could test the drinking skills of a Wookiee.

Worriedly, Anakin tried to focus on the kata. He finished clumsily, knowing he had done horribly and wondered what Soara was thinking.

Wiping his forehead, he focused on Soara. She crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow, circling him one last time before speaking. “Let’s try this again. Without being distracted, please . . . it’s skewing my ability to decipher your problem,” she said, with a hint of humor in her voice.

“I have a lot on my mind,” Anakin said half-heartedly. He gave her a weak grin.

“Again, Anakin,” she said patiently.

And Anakin began the kata again, trying his best to keep his mind focused on the present, and away from thoughts of Corellian ale.

*~*~*

Xanatos returned from his meeting with the Council to quite an interesting scene, to say the least.

The meeting had lasted longer than he had anticipated, with the Council going over every detail with him. Since Xanatos was not taking the new mission to Wekkeren – the Council had been very surprised, but willing to give their busiest Knight a rest at his request – another Knight would have to be thoroughly briefed. As part of that, Xanatos not only went over the particulars of the mission, but his thoughts and impressions.

While Xanatos walked to his apartment, his mind was full of lingering thoughts on his last mission, mixed with worry and curiosity about what Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon had done while he was gone. He was fairly certain Qui-Gon would stay – even if the Jedi Master looked for a way out of the apartment, he would probably not use it. Qui-Gon trusted him as he trusted few people, even after Kenobi’s death. He pondered on the different possibilities of what had happened while he was gone – the two talking, even.

But there are some things one simply cannot prepare for.

Xanatos slapped his hand on the control pad – which he had programmed to respond to only his touch – and walked into the living room of his apartment.

Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon were sitting on the couch, laughing. Their faces were red with – laughing? Qui-Gon had his hand resting companionably on Obi-Wan’s shoulder, and Obi-Wan was nodding in an exaggerating manner at something Qui-Gon had said.

They look like a drunk pair of good old friends, Xanatos thought, astonished.

Obi-Wan noticed Xanatos’ presence first, and his eyes wandered over. He hiccupped. “H’llo.”

“Hello,” Xanatos managed. He dragged his eyes from Obi-Wan’s merry face to Qui-Gon’s equally merry face. “Qui-Gon? Are you . . .”

“We’re not drunk,” Qui-Gon said, sounding remarkably coherent, even if he was speaking slower than usual. “Maybe a little . . .” He held up two fingers, and attempted to demonstrate how ‘little’ little was, but failed because his coordination was shot and his fingers would not hold their distance, and kept touching. “Little tipsy,” Qui-Gon finished.

“I can tell,” Xanatos said gravely. He paused. “Eh . . . I assume you had something to drink, then?”

Obi-Wan nodded. “To relax,” he said.

“You’ve relaxed quite a bit,” Xanatos observed, more to himself than to Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon.

They gigg – no, Jedi did not giggle. Especially not male Jedi, Xanatos told himself.

Coming to a decision, Xanatos quickly walked over to the two Jedi. “Get up,” he ordered, taking both by an arm. They bemusedly obeyed, and he led them into his bedroom. He stopped for a moment, dismayed, as he realized there was only bed. The spartan bedroom didn’t have anything else he could put Obi-Wan on either.

He shoved Qui-Gon onto the bed, and Qui-Gon, unable to keep his balance, fell over to his side. Leaving Obi-Wan standing, he took most of the blankets off the bed – difficult with Qui-Gon sitting on it, he soon realized – and threw them on the floor, then made Obi-Wan lay on the mess of blankets.

As soon as they lay down, they’ll fall asleep, Xanatos thought. Or such was his experience.

“Now sleep,” he ordered the both of them.

Qui-Gon blinked. “I’m not sleepy.”

“Yes, you are,” Xanatos replied firmly. He pushed the Jedi Master back on the bed, as he had managed to rise. “Now sleep.” Even Qui-Gon’s befuddled state, however, it didn’t quite work, and Xanatos received another confused look. “Please?” Xanatos asked, looking hopeful.

Sighing, Qui-Gon lay down. A gentle snore interrupted Xanatos’ sigh of relief.

Obi-Wan was asleep. He had curled up onto his side, his head on one folded arm. He looked surprisingly serene, and deep in sleep. Xanatos blinked, then smiled, turning back to Qui-Gon, who was just as quickly falling asleep – he wasn’t quite there yet, but the distant look in his eyes and the steady breathing indicated he would be soon.

Sighing softly, Xanatos left the room while thoughtfully and without anger contemplating ways to punish Anakin without leaving any marks.

 

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MS Word is designed by sadists with masochists in mind. mischief - teh atty
my recent Atton (KOTOR2) fic: http://boards.theforce.net/before_the_saga/b10475/30335989
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