A World Away (The Ultimate Crossover - TPM & post-ROTJ, Star Trek TNG, Lord of the Rings, and more)

"A World Away"
By: p_stotts
AU, Crossover: Star Wars (TPM & post-ROTJ), Star Trek TNG, The Black Cauldron, Lord of The Rings, and Merlin. The big guy isn't in the first few chapters, but figures prominently after that.
Rated: PG for language and some sexual situations.
SUMMARY: Luke and Leia find out they have some family they didn't know about.
The New Republic needs a strong ally. Luke needs help rebuilding the Jedi order.
DISCLAIMER: I don't own any recognizable characters from any of the above-referenced universes. I am not profiting from any of this, so don't sue me.
FEEDBACK is Welcome.
SPECIAL THANKS TO: Moonscribe for all you help and suggestions. I wouldn't have attempted it without your encouragement.

// Indicates thoughts.
** Indicates Force communication.


Prologue


Amidala pushed again, but with each push Bail could see her growing weaker. She had been in labor for over 36 hours and Bail was frightened. Finally the doctor decided to take the babies, but Bail feared it was too late; Amidala was just too weak.

The doctor eyed Bail as he quickly laid out his surgical instruments. He motioned to Amidala's remaining handmaidens and jerked his head towards Bail. Bail did not resist the handmaidens as they gently guided him towards a small room adjoining Amidala's chambers. Although he did not want to leave Amidala even for a moment, he also knew he could not bear to watch the doctor cut into her flesh.

He sagged into a chair, his head in his hands, his eyes closed. He listened with a heavy heart to the rustle of the handmaidens' gowns as they hurried back into Amidala's room, closing the door behind them. The present was unbearable to Bail, so he let his mind drift back to the past.

He remembered when Amidala had first come to him, looking haggard and heartbroken, the bitterness of Anakin's betrayal written on her face like cracks in a mirror. Then he recalled the joy of the birth of Luke and Leia, followed too soon by the heartbreak of separation when Kenobi had come and taken Luke away.

It had taken a long time for Amidala to work through that pain, but she'd finally settled into acceptance of all that had happened to her. Bail remembered the first time he'd kissed her, and the fear he'd felt wondering if he'd gone too far. But, she had accepted him warmly and although Bail knew that Amidala would always love Anakin, she had found room in her heart for him as well. It wasn't long after they'd become lovers that Amidala had become pregnant, again with twins. This time it was two girls. Which had brought them to this.

*****

"Kenobi here." Obi-Wan was shocked at the sadness written on Bail's face. It was evident even on the holographic image.

"Amidala is dead." Bail stated flatly.

Shock hit Obi-Wan like a runaway Bantha. "What happened, Bail?"

"Her labor with the twins was just too much for her. She lived long enough to hold them, but she faded quickly after that. There was nothing the doctor could do." Bail's grief was so palpable that Obi-Wan could feel it all the way on Tatooine.

"Gods Bail, I'm so sorry!"

"Obi-Wan, I need you to come and get the girls. Gods only know what Vader will do when he finds out Amidala is dead. . . I'm afraid he might take it out on the girls, or worse, take them away with him."

"Bail, how can I take care of them, or find a place of safety for them?"

"Dammit Kenobi! You owe Amidala this much!" Bail shouted. He was desperate to protect his daughters; they were all he left of Amidala now. . .except Leia. The words hit Obi-Wan like a slap across the face. He knew how much he'd hurt Amidala when he'd taken Luke away, but it couldn't be helped. It was imperative that Vader never find out about the existence of his children; the fate of the galaxy depended on it. "Please. . ." Bail added so softly that Obi-Wan had to lean closer to hear.

"What about Leia?" Obi-Wan asked.

"I'm keeping her here. Vader doesn't know she's Amidala's." Besides, he had to hold onto something. He would r

 

Hmmm a good premise and a good start,

I'll be waiting to read more.

 

Chapter 2

"Come on, Luke, you can do this," coaxed Christine.

Diane had returned to Earth with Medwyn the day before after a month-long visit to Coruscant. Christine had elected to stay on Coruscant for a while longer. She'd been teaching Luke some new aspects of the Force that she and Diane had learned from Medwyn and Merlin. "Just concentrate on where you want to be, gather the Force to you, and go."

"That's not as easy at you make it sound." Luke closed his eyes again, and with a look of determination, centered himself in the Force. Gathering it to him he concentrated on the chair across the room, picturing himself in it. Suddenly, he disappeared in a flash of light, reappearing in the chair.

"That's terrific! See, you can do it!" exclaimed Christine, clapping her hands.

"Whew! I think I gave myself a headache," he said holding his head. But, Luke looked very pleased that he had successfully completed the exercise. Just then, his comlink went off. "Skywalker here."

"Luke, I need you to come to Command Central. We have a problem."

"On my way, Leia." Luke switched off his comlink. "Sorry Christine, we'll have to finish this another time."

"Mind if I tag along?"

"I don't see why not," he replied, shrugging into his black cloak.


Taking a transport from the Imperial Palace, Luke and Christine soon arrived at the massive building that housed Command Central. Entering the building, they took the lift to the 16th floor and found Leia waiting for them.

"Good, I'm glad you brought Christine. We need all the ideas we can get."

"What's wrong, Leia?" asked Luke as she led them into an office and closed the door.

"Long-range sensors are picking up Imperial activity on our borders. They could be massing for an attack."

"What's your military strength?" Christine asked.

"It's not nearly as strong as it should be," replied Leia with a concerned look. "We lost a lot of ships fighting the Emperor's forces."

"What you need is a strong ally, and I think I know some people who'd fit the bill perfectly."

Luke and Leia both turned to her waiting for her to continue.

"The Milky Way Galaxy, where Earth is located, is governed by an alliance called the United Federation of Planets. They have a very strong defensive force."

"But what can we offer them in exchange for their help?" Luke asked.

"I was thinking about that and I may have a solution. Their vessels have a different power source than yours. They require dilithium crystals. The crystals are usually found on primarily uninhabitable planets, like Hoth, for example."

Leia's brows furrowed in thought for a few moments. "It's certainly worth looking into. How do you suggest we contact them?"

"I think the best way would be to fly a relatively harmless ship to one of their border outposts, make our request known, and then see what they say."

Luke looked a little skeptical. "Just like that. I don't know; this Federation seems too good to be true."

"All we have to do is dangle the prospect of mining rights to dilithium crystals in front of their noses and they'll send a diplomatic vessel to open negotiations at once. You wait and see," Christine countered, trying to persuade him.

Luke turned to look out the window of the office. He stared at the traffic patterns for a minute, seemingly lost in thought. Turning around suddenly he asked Leia, "Do you think Han would be willing to transport our diplomatic party to their outpost?"

"I don't see why not," Leia replied. "The Falcon would be the perfect vessel. It's small enough not to be threatening, but it has enough weapons to defend itself if something goes wrong. I'll ask him and let you know in an hour. I think he's down in the hanger."

*****

The Millennium Falcon came out of hyperspace as it approached the Federation outpost. They'd been traveling in hyperspace for 2 weeks after Han had agreed to transport the diplomatic team consisting of Christine and Luke. Since the Jedi of old had often served in a diplomatic capacity, Leia had

 

Chapter 4

After Captain Picard received approval from Star Fleet Command to escort Luke to Earth to pick up Qui-Gon, Christine used the Force to contact Medwyn.

* Medwyn? It?s Christine. *

* Yes, my dear. What is it? *

* The Senate is urging Luke to set up a new Jedi Council. But, he?s not sure how to do that. We came up with a plan after reading Obi-Wan?s journals. We thought Obi-Wan?s master, Qui-Gon Jinn would be the perfect person to help Luke to not only set up a new Council, but to rebuild the Jedi order as well. The only trouble is that he died over 50 years ago. *

* What do you need me to do, Christine? *

* Qui-Gon died in a very secluded room in the royal palace on Naboo. Obi-Wan?s journal isn?t very clear as to which room it was, but they seem to have been somewhere in the lower levels of the palace. He was struck down by a Sith, who was in turn destroyed by Obi-Wan. Qui-Gon was alone with Obi-Wan when he died. Our plan is for Diane to go back to that time and place, find the room they were in, and convince Obi-Wan to let her bring Qui-Gon to our time. *

* I think that?s an excellent plan. I?ll tell Diane, and we?ll contact you when the mission is complete, * sent Medwyn with a touch of pride in his mental voice.

Concluding the conversation, Christine smiled and turned to Luke. ?It?s in the works. They?ll contact me when they have him.?

?Good,? replied Luke with a nod. ?I hope he?s willing to help us.?


Obi-Wan gently cradled the body of his dead master. He allowed his tears to flow freely now, as he began to feel the full impact of the loss he had just suffered. /How can I go on without you, Master? I don?t know how I can ever keep my promise to you. I?m not ready to train Anakin. /

Obi-Wan bent huddled over Qui-Gon and closed his eyes against the pain, which is why he didn?t see the flash of light in front of him. However, he did sense the strong force presence and looked up to see a beautiful woman standing there. She was about Obi-Wan?s age, with long, dark braided hair, and a kind face that smiled at him gently. His first reaction was to protect Qui-Gon, but she held out her hands in a gesture of peace.

Wordlessly she knelt down in front of them, her eyes asking permission. When Obi-Wan nodded, she slowly reached out and took Qui-Gon?s hand in hers. Qui-Gon gasped. Obi-Wan quickly looked down at his master. Then, the unbelievable happened; Qui-Gon?s chest started to rise and fall in uneven breaths. A check of his heart told Obi-Wan that it had indeed started beating again. He looked at the strange woman incredulously, ?Who?how??? So many questions battled to get out at once that he didn?t know where to begin.

?My name is Diane Organa. The Jedi of the future have sent me to ask your help. I can save your master?s life, if you?ll allow me to take him back with me. His time here is at an end. His help is needed in the future.?

A thousands thoughts raced through Obi-Wan?s mind, but one thing he was sure of, this woman would not take his master and leave him behind. He thought he?d lost him once; he wasn?t about to lose him again. Of course, he really didn?t have a choice if he wanted to give Qui-Gon a chance, but he couldn?t just let some stranger take him. ?I?ll allow you to take him if you take me too.?

?Your time here isn?t at an end; your destiny hasn?t yet been fulfilled.?

?Destiny be damned! I can?t just let you take him. Please?I?I need him.?

?We cannot disturb what must be.?

?Please.?

After a moment?s hesitation, she replied, ?There is a way, but you must consider carefully. Once you make this journey, you can never return. The future to which I will take you is not as it is now. Everything will be different?even the Jedi.?

?I don?t care, as long as I?m with my master. Please!?

?Very well,? she said as she reached out and touched Obi-Wan?s forehead. He felt a tingling sensation, but nothing else. Next she touched Qui-Gon. When she was done, she looked at him. ?I need you to help me lift him.?

 

God, too many characters!!!!!! AUGH!!!!!! Great post!!!

 

I found many updates of this just now, cool. I really liked what I read.

Great work,
Eager to read more.

 

Glad you're enjoying the story so far. Here's the next installment:


Chapter 6

?Come in,? said Luke in response to knock on his door. Looking up he smiled as Christine came in.

?Hi, Luke. I?ve brought some news from Diane.?

?Good news, I hope,? he replied, offering her a seat.

?Diane was not only successful in bringing back Qui-Gon, she was able to bring Obi-Wan, too.?

?Ben? But won?t that change history??

?No, she left a clone of him behind as well. The clone will do, or rather, did everything just as he would have,? said Christine. ?Don?t worry, it worked out just fine; if history was going to change, Medwyn would have known immediately.?

?So, the man I knew as Ben was really a clone.?

?Well, yes? I suppose you?re right,? she replied after a moment. ?I guess this is a little disconcerting for you.?

?No, not really. I?ll just have to get used to a younger Ben I suppose,? said Luke with a smile.

?You know, you won?t be able to call him Ben anymore. He hasn?t taken on that alias yet.?

?I know. I?ll try to remember that,? said Luke, nodding. ?So, when do we leave to go get them??

?Diane wants us to wait another two weeks. She wants to give Qui-Gon a chance to heal and get used to the idea of living in the future.?

?I can understand that. We?ll leave in two weeks then. I?ll inform Captain Picard of our plans,? said Luke as he escorted Christine to the door.

?Why don?t you let me do that, Luke?? asked Christine with a mischievous glint in her eye. ?It?s been a few weeks since I?ve seen him.?

?I?m sure your reasons are totally professional, too,? replied Luke in a teasing manner.

?Never you mind my reasons,? she said while reaching up to kiss him on the cheek. ?I?ll see you later.?

*****

Qui-Gon remained unconscious throughout their second day in Medwyn?s valley, and into the third day, also. Diane had thought it best to rig up an IV to administer fluids & nourishment to him so he wouldn?t become dehydrated. She didn?t tell Obi-Wan that it was also keeping Qui-Gon asleep. Qui-Gon needed the rest, but she thought Obi-Wan might misinterpret her motive.

?Are you sure he?s doing all right, Diane?? asked Obi-Wan worriedly. ?I would have thought he?d have woke up again by now.?

?He?s resting, Obi-Wan,? replied Diane as she straightened up after examining Qui-Gon. ?Sleeping is the best thing for him right now. He?s almost strong enough to be put into a healing trance. If he keeps progressing like this, we should be able to do it tomorrow morning.?

?I suppose you know what?s best,? replied Obi-Wan as he looked at Qui-Gon. ?It?s just that I?m worried about him.?

?I know you are,? said Diane, looking at him with sympathy. ?But, believe me, he?s doing just fine. He?ll be better than new before you know it.

Obi-Wan stayed up with Qui-Gon again that night; he?d hoped to talk to him one more time before he was placed in a healing trance, but Qui-Gon never woke up.

?Don?t look so glum, Obi-Wan,? said Medwyn as he and Diane entered the bedroom the next morning. ?Your master is going to be fine.?

?I know; I?m just anxious to see him better, that?s all,? he said getting up from his chair to give them room to work.

Sarah came in then, and approached him. ?Obi-Wan, this is going to take them a while. Why don?t you come for a walk with me,? she said laying hand gently on his arm. ?You could use some fresh air.?

Obi-Wan went with her reluctantly, looking back at Qui-Gon one last time before Sarah closed the door behind them. ?Come on, let?s walk by the lake.?

They walked in silence for awhile, each lost in their own thoughts. The valley was very secluded, surrounded on all sides by high, snowcapped mountains. There were very few people living here; at least as far as Obi-Wan could see. It was a very beautiful and peaceful place.

?How long do you think they?ll be?? asked Obi-Wan finally.

Sarah gave him a sympathetic smile. ?It will be a few hours. His situation is unique. Not only do they have to heal parts of his bod

 

Nice post,

Eager to read more.

 

Hope everyone's enjoying the story so far. Here's the next 2 chapters:

Chapter 8

Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan breakfasted together in Qui-Gon?s room the next morning. When Diane came in to retrieve the dirty dishes, Qui-Gon stopped her. ?Diane, don?t you think it?s time you told us why you?ve brought us here??

Diane looked at him with a sigh, ?I guess you?re right. Just let me clear away these dishes and then I?ll bring some tea out on the porch. Obi-Wan, why don?t you help Qui-Gon outside??

Obi-Wan nodded as Diane took the dishes to the kitchen. When she returned with the tea, they were both sitting on the porch gazing towards the lake.

?I guess I can?t put this off any longer,? she said as she set the tray down on the table.

?Is it really that horrible?? asked Qui-Gon.

Diane looked at him with sad eyes; ?You?ll think so once you?ve heard the entire story.?

At that Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan both looked at her, giving her their full attention as they waited for her to continue. Their emotions ran the gamut as she told them what had happened over the past 50 years. When she was done, Qui-Gon sighed. ?I guess I was wrong, Anakin wasn?t the ?Chosen One?.?

?No,? said Diane, reaching out to lay her hand on his arm. ?You were right. He did bring balance, just not the way you thought he would. And, he was the only one who could have destroyed the Emperor.?

?But at such a high cost?? asked Qui-Gon. ?So many lives ended,? he said as he shook his head sadly.

?Looking at them both she asked, ?Will you help Luke rebuild the Jedi order??

Qui-Gon looked at Obi-Wan, who nodded his assent. ?Yes,? he said, looking at her with determination. ?It?s the least we can do.?

?Good,? said Diane, nodding her head. She left them alone after that. She knew they were both in shock, and they would need time to grieve the loss of countless friends and colleagues.


Luke and Christine beamed aboard the Enterprise in preparation of embarking on their journey to Earth.

?Welcome aboard, Master Skywalker, your Highness,? greeted Commander Data. ?Let me show you to your quarters. Captain Picard asks that you join him in his ready room after you?ve gotten settled.?

?Tell the Captain, it would be our pleasure,? said Luke as they entered the lift that would take them to the guest quarters.


?Come.? The door to Captain Picard?s ready room opened to admit Luke and Christine. ?It?s a pleasure to see you both again,? said Picard as he rose from his chair to greet them.

?It?s a pleasure to be here,? replied Christine. ?I can?t tell you how grateful we are for your help.?

Jean-Luc smiled at her. ?Star Fleet realizes the importance of Jedi to this galaxy, and although we don?t really understand it, we are eager to assist you in your mission. I must say though, I am curious,? he said as he motioned for them to be seated, ?You?ve provided very little information about the Jedi order.?

?All known official records were destroyed by the Emperor,? replied Luke, ?But I?d be happy to answer any questions you might have.?

?I?m curious to know exactly what this Force is that you talk about.?


Qui-Gon sat on the front porch of his quarters taking in the untamed beauty of his surroundings. If the valley had more human inhabitants, he?d not met them. As far as he could tell the only residents were Medwyn, Diane, and Sarah. The lake, which he could just see peeking out between the trees about 500 feet in front of the guesthouse, was calm right now, the only movement being a few water birds gliding lazily across its mirrored surface. The early morning sun glistened on the water like a fiery jewel.

The sound of movement coming up the path through the woods attracted his attention, and he turned his head to see Medwyn making his way toward the house. Quickly hiding the disappointment he felt, he started to rise from his chair to greet the older man.

?No, no. Please, don?t get up on my account,? said Medwyn as he waved at Qui-Gon for him to stay seated. ?I don?t stand on ceremony around here,

 

An interesting story! So where does the Lord of the Rings come in? I hope you include Aragorn!!! <grins> Keep it up!

 

Ahh, nice post. I like how its progressing.

I'll keep an eye out for new posts.

 

I actually have read the end of this fic but never the beggining isn't that funny anyway it is really good

 

Thanks! Stay tuned for more soon!

 

Here's the next installment. Things get serious for our heroes.


Chapter 10


Someone knocking on her door awakened Diane the next morning before dawn. Coming out of her cabin, she found Obi-Wan on the front porch. ?I?m sorry to disturb you so early, Diane, but?it?s Qui-Gon??

?Is he all right? Has something happened??

?He?s fine, he?s all right,? he hurried to reassure her. ?It?s just that, well it?s probably nothing, but I think Master Qui-Gon has been having nightmares, and I don?t think he?s been sleeping very well because of it.?

?What makes you say that, Obi-Wan??

?Well, I can feel him, in the middle of the night. He?ll wake me up. I guess I?m not explaining this very well,? he said in frustration.

?No, you?re doing fine,? Diane reassured him, laying a hand on his arm. ?Now, go on and tell me the rest.?

?I think he?s been having nightmares all along, but now they seem to be getting more intense. At first I just felt his distress, but he was shielding so tightly that I couldn?t pick up on any more than that. But, now they?re getting worse, because his fears are spilling over his shields, and they?re strong enough to wake me from a deep sleep.? Obi-Wan was getting more agitated the longer he went on.

?Calm down, Obi-Wan,? she said. She waited while he took a few cleansing breaths. ?Now, is there anything else??

?This morning was the worst. That?s why I came to get you. I actually felt terror and intense sorrow coming from him,? Obi-Wan said, pleading for her to do something.

?Is he awake now??

?He was when I went in to check on him. I think he got up after that. He felt bad about waking me up,? Obi-wan said. He felt a little guilty for having embarrassed his master.

?Well, there isn?t anything I can do right now, but tonight I?ll sleep in the common area and keep an eye on him.?

Obi-Wan looked visibly relieved. ?Thank you, Diane. But, you won?t let Qui-Gon know, will you?? he asked worriedly.

?He?ll never know I?m there,? she replied.

That evening, Diane waited for Qui-Gon to go to bed before quietly sneaking into the guesthouse. Knocking on Obi-Wan?s door, she let him know she was there. ?Obi-Wan,? she whispered.

?Diane,? he answered when he?d opened his door. ?I?m so glad you?ve come. I feel certain that you?ll be able to help my master.?

Lying down on the sofa, Diane made herself comfortable and settled in for the night. A feeling of intense fear coming from Qui-Gon?s bedroom awakened her. Getting up, she made her way silently into Qui-Gon?s room. Placing her hands on either side of his head, she unobtrusively slipped into his dream. She could have just made the dream go away, but that wouldn?t help him deal with subsequent dreams. So, she did the only thing she could do, she made her presence known in his subconscious.

Qui-Gon wanted to run. He was stuck in this same nightmare every night. Every night, he?d dreamed about the fight with Maul, and every night the dream got a little worse. Last night, Maul had not only defeated him, but killed Obi-Wan as well. Now, here he was again. Obi-Wan was trapped behind the force field and Maul was making his final attack on Qui-Gon. ?Maybe I?ll cut your heart out while your still alive, Jedi,? growled Maul.

Suddenly Maul disappeared and was replaced by Diane. /That?s something new, / thought Qui-Gon with surprise.

?Qui-Gon, you know this isn?t real,? she urged. ?It?s only a dream. You can beat Maul in your dreams. Just take control.?

With that she was gone, and Maul was back again. Qui-Gon took a deep breath and tried to calm himself. ?You can?t defeat me. I control you. Now be gone!? yelled Qui-Gon as he dismissed the visage of the dark lord with a wave of his hand.

Maul was gone in a puff of smoke. /I can?t believe that worked! / exclaimed Qui-Gon to himself.

Diane smiled and quietly left the room. Obi-Wan was waiting for her in the common area. ?Is he all right??

?He?ll be just fine, Obi-Wan. Now get some sleep.?

--------------------------

 

this is a great story more soon please

 

Thank you! I'll be posting another section tomorrow. So stay tuned!

 

Awesome story...

 

I deleted this since I edited the previous post.

 

Here are chapters 12 & 13 of the story, and yes, I'm done tinkering with them. Please heed the warning:

WARNING: Major angst. Torture and non-consensual sex discussed after the fact, but
not graphically.


Chapter 12

It had been hours since Diane and Obi-Wan had entered the castle in search of the
Princess. Qui-Gon and Merlin had spent that time maintaining the Force barrier about the
castle, while Medwyn saw to the wounded. Qui-Gon suddenly stopped and crouched
down, holding his head as if in pain. Merlin, who was right behind Qui-Gon, stopped and
knelt down beside him. ?What is it, Qui-Gon??

?I can?t feel Obi-Wan anymore! I felt a surge of fear and pain, then?nothing! I?ve got to
find him!?

Merlin had to almost physically restrain Qui-Gon. ?You can?t go rushing headlong into
who knows what. It won?t help Obi-Wan a bit if you go and get yourself killed!?

At that Qui-Gon stopped struggling, his shoulders slumped. It was as if all the fight had
suddenly gone out of him. He looked at Merlin with pain-filled eyes. ?I can?t lose him.?

?We?ll find him, I promise, but right now we have to wait until Princess Aurani is safe.
We can?t jeopardize our purpose for being here or else all this will be meaningless.?

Merlin guided Qui-Gon to where Medwyn had organized a temporary triage center.
Finding an empty cot, he eased Qui-Gon down to sit on it, and crouched down so as to be
at eye level. ?We?ll find him, Qui-Gon. I promise,? Merlin said, repeating his earlier
statement in an effort to reassure him.

Just then a shout went up in the ranks. Merlin and Qui-Gon stood up to get a better view
of the besieged fortress, and saw Diane and the princess making their way out of the side
gate and across the bridge to safety.

Qui-Gon hurried over in time to see the princess being held in the grateful arms of her
father, King Aragorn. He looked over her head and met the eyes of Qui-Gon; his stare
communicating his relief and heartfelt gratitude.

Spotting Diane in the crowd around the royal family, he made his way over to her with as
much haste as he could muster with so many people around. ?Diane, what happened to
Obi-Wan??

?We ran into a large contingent of Orcs on our way out of the fortress. I ran ahead with
the princess while Obi-Wan led them in the opposite direction. He urged me to go on
without him; he said he could handle it.? She looked at Qui-Gon then, the worry evident
in her face. ?It was our only option. If the sorceress had found us, she would have cut us
off from the Force. With so many Orcs, we would have been overwhelmed and the
princess lost.? Her eyes pleaded for him to understand.

Just then Merlin came up behind them. ?Come on, let?s find that apprentice of yours.?

Diane looked worried. ?What about the sorceress??

?Leave her to me. She has no power over me; I?ll keep her busy while you find
Obi-Wan.?

Using the Force to mask their movements, they crept into the lower levels of the fortress
towards the dungeon.

?You two look for Obi-Wan while I seek out the sorceress and give her someone her own
size to pick on,? Merlin stated grimly.

Leaving them to their search, Merlin made his way toward where he felt the presence of
the sorceress. She was high up in the north tower, no doubt gloating over what she had
done to Obi-Wan. Merlin held no hope that they?d find the apprentice unharmed; they?d
be lucky to find him alive.

He spotted her upon entering a room at the top of the tower. Even though she was
hundreds of years old, she looked no older than thirty. Her long black dress, black hair,
and pale skin gave her an ethereal beauty, but Merlin was not affected. Her back was to
him as she stood in front of a mirror brushing her long hair. She spun around when she
caught his reflection. ?You!?

They were old adversaries, but he had never been able to corner her before. He was
blocking the only exit. ?You can?t get away from me now. You?re going to pay for all
the trouble you?ve caused,? he said as

 

Very twisted, yet very good at the same time. I didn't expect that at all. Good work...

 

Thanks! Stay tuned for more tomorrow.

 

Read me. ;-)

 

More you say? Well, since you asked nicely:

**Same warning for this chapter as Qui and Obi try to come to terms with what's happened**

Chapter 14

Qui-Gon stayed with Obi-Wan constantly. He refused to budge from his chair for
anything other than to use the fresher. He slept and ate in the chair. When he wasn?t
doing that, he meditated or just sat there watching Obi-Wan as he slept.

Late into the second evening Obi-Wan finally woke up. Looking around groggily, he
found Qui-Gon asleep with his head resting on the bed. ?Master??

Raising his head immediately, Qui-Gon looked at his apprentice and smiled. ?I?m right
here, Obi-Wan,? he said gently. ?How do you feel??

?Better, I think,? he answered slowly. ?Tired; very tired.?

?That?s to be expected,? replied Qui-Gon as he reached up to caress Obi-Wan?s forehead.
?I was so worried about you, but Diane assures me that you?ll be as good as new in no
time.?

Obi-Wan seriously doubted he?d ever feel good again. Those days were gone for good;
but he kept his thoughts to himself.

?Do you want some water?? asked Qui-Gon as he reached for the pitcher on the bedside
table.

Obi-Wan weakly nodded. Qui-Gon lifted his head so he could take a few small sips of the
cool liquid. Sinking back into the pillow with a sigh, Obi-Wan drifted off to sleep again.

*****

Obi-Wan awoke the next morning to find Sarah sitting with him.

Seeing he was awake, Sarah leaned forward and gently took his hand in hers. ?Hey,? she
whispered softly.

Feeling his cheeks grow hot from embarrassment, he turned his head away from her.
?Where?s Qui-Gon? I want Qui-Gon.?

Sarah was shocked for a moment by his rejection, but she quickly recovered. ?He?s
outside with Diane. I?ll get him for you,? she said rising from the chair.

Finding Qui-Gon on the porch, she said, ?Obi-Wan?s awake and he?s asking for you.?

Sarah stayed on the porch after Qui-Gon went in to see Obi-Wan. Leaning on the rail and
staring ahead, she felt Diane approach from behind. ?He was embarrassed for me to be
there,? Sarah stated plainly.

She felt Diane?s hand on her shoulder. ?I was afraid he?d react that way. He?s ashamed.
Give him time, Sarah. He?s been through a lot; he just needs time.?

Nodding, Sarah left the porch and walked down the path to her own cabin. She cared too
much about Obi-Wan to distress him with her presence. Once inside her cabin, she let her
tears fall freely. Taking a few deep breaths she let go of the pain of Obi-Wan?s rejection.
/He?ll feel differently after he?s had time to recover, / she thought.

*****

When Qui-Gon entered Obi-Wan?s room, he found the young man struggling to sit up in
the bed. Sitting down on the edge of the bed, he helped his apprentice to sit up, placing
extra pillows behind his back to give added support.

Obi-Wan relaxed back into them with a sigh. ?Thank you, Master.?

?It?s my pleasure, Padawan,? said Qui-Gon with a smile. ?How are you feeling this
morning??

Obi-Wan looked at his master with lifeless, pain-filled eyes. ?I suppose I?m about as good
as you would expect,? he answered softly.

Qui-Gon reached out and cupped the side of the younger man?s face, trying to
communicate his love and support in that gesture. ?I know you don?t believe it now,
but...things will get better. I promise.?

Obi-Wan closed his eyes, and drew in a deep shaking breath, drawing on the Force to help
him regain some type of emotional balance. ?You?re right,? he whispered finally, a small
sob escaping his control. ?I don?t believe this will ever get better.?

His master took a calming breath of his own, but continued to send love and reassurance
over their bond. ?You don?t have to go through this alone,? he said softly.

Obi-Wan?s eyes locked onto those of his master, searching for the truth of those words.
?I want to help you, if you?ll let me,? Qui-Gon continued. ?Won?t you lower your shields
and let me carry some of the burden for you??

?No, Master! I...I can?t!? Obi-Wan stuttered

 

Didn't want it to get buried before the next post. *grin* *wink*

 

Cool...