Before - Legends Don't let me fall (JA fic)

Good and heartbreaking all at once. Obi-Wan is making so much progress, and i also kind of dread them having to return to temple. Could't they just live there with Clee and Garen?

I do have the feelign though that Obi-Wan's best protection could be in Qui-Gon being his master...being without that protection could leave Obi-Wan vulnerable to attacks from his former masters..I think...hope Qui-Gon at least stays close to him...

Great chapter!!

 

Valairy_Scot: Ah, Qui-Gon, you've just told YOURSELF something very important.
*Evil laugh* Oh I had fun coming up with that little line

Jade_eyes: With hurt/comfort, it can be very easy to go overboard LOL
Ugh tell me about it. The number of times I've revised...

Chilla: Lol at Garen. I figured he would try at night anyway.
Hehehe. Him and that lethal curiosity of his. It could potentially get him into a lot of trouble

obimom: Could't theyjust live there with Clee and Garen?
Well they could but would that make an interesting story?

 

Chapter 20: ?The shadow of the day will embrace the world in grey.? (Shadow of the Day, Linkin Park)

The next week passed by smoothly without any significant changes. Obi-Wan stopped flinching when Garen touched his mind. By the end of the week, he had even started touching Garen back. He was still wary of the Master?s mind-touches, although he grudgingly allowed it. He also allowed his braid to be touched, although Qui-Gon could tell it was extremely uncomfortable for him. He still froze when it was tugged until someone (usually Qui-Gon) could calm him down.

He hadn?t let Qui-Gon in his mind since that night. He had flat out refused when the Master had suggested it.

?There are things that no one can see.? he has stated firmly.

?I will not see them if you do not want me to.? Qui-Gon had reasoned.

?That didn?t stop it from happening last time.? Obi-Wan had muttered. Qui-Gon had sighed and dropped the issue.

Clee and Garen had left a day sooner than planned. They were to negotiate a simple border dispute between two working factions on a mid-Core planet called Keltar.

?It?s my first mission!? Garen had told him excitedly as he packed. Obi-Wan smiled, happy for his friend but fighting the returning feeling of loneliness and abandonment. As if sensing this, Garen turned around and regarded Obi-Wan, his brown eyes serious. ?You?ll be alright, won?t you??

Obi-Wan plastered a smile on his face. ?Of course. I?ll be back at the Temple in a couple of weeks. You go have fun and stop worrying about me.?

Garen smiled slightly. ?Actually, Master Rhara said that it?s supposed to be pretty boring.?

?The word I used was ?uneventful.?? she said as she walked by. ?And for the last time, Garen, enough wit this ?Master Rhara? nonsense. It?s Clee. Master Clee if you absolutely have to.?

Garen grinned sheepishly. ?Yes Master.?

Obi-Wan felt a strong spike of jealousy before clamping it down, alarmed. He could not begrudge his friend this.

No one wants you

Obi-Wan took a deep breath, begging the Voice to leave.

It didn?t.

Obi-Wan helped Garen pack, spending their last few hours together. As the morning drew to a close, Obi-Wan escorted Garen aboard the A-22 as Qui-Gon and Clee had a last minute exchange.

?Come back in one piece, do you hear me?? Garen half-joked.

Obi-Wan touched the other boy?s mind. Garen smiled. He was pleased and very proud of his friend. He touched back in a mental farewell as Clee boarded the ship.

?Good-bye Obi-Wan. It was a pleasure to meet you.?

?The pleasure was all mine, Master Rhara. I?m very grateful for your help this past week.? Obi-Wan replied, bowing.

?I have a feeling that we will see each other frequently in the future.? she said with a wicked grin.

?Yes Master Rhara.?

Not if you get sent to Bandomeer or Alderaan, or some other reject planet.

Obi-Wan?s smile slid off his face. ?I?ll see you soon Garen.? he promised firmly before walking off the ship. He retreated to his room and shut the door. Qui-Gon could sense depression, sullenness, and a strange feeling of fear and hopelessness. He waited patiently, hoping that the negative emotions would abate with time.

They didn?t. If anything, they got worse.

Qui-Gon felt a strong surge in the emotions. He knocked on Obi-Wan?s door with a frown etched on his face.

?Obi-Wan, are you alright??

No answer.

?May I come in??

Silence.

?Obi-Wan, let me in.?

Qui-Gon?s concern escalated. He slowly opened the door. A low muttering, nearly silent led Qui-Gon?s gaze to the corner by the bed. He hadn?t seen Obi-Wan there since their first week together.

?Obi-Wan??

If the boy heard him, he gave no indication. He was muttering to himself, low and intense as he rocked himself back and forth, folded into himself.

Qui-Gon touched the boy?s arm. There was no reaction, not even when he moved to his braid.

?Obi-Wan.? He called gently. There was no response. With growing alarm, Qui-Gon reached for the boy?s face. He was burning up. Qui-Gon quickly felt Obi-Wan? face, neck and chest as the Force screamed warnings. The large Master gat

 

Poor Obi-Wan...being attacked by his former masters' in his mind while still away with Qui-Gon...are they secretly sith or something to be that cruel and vindictive against in innocent boy? And at the moment Clee and Garen left...coincidence?

I"m glad Qui-Gon is fighting for him...and to become his official master would help also, wouldn't it?

 

There is such evil in the galaxy and it does appear, even in the Jedi Temple if someone (a previous master maybe has made it possible for a dark master to have control of Obi-Wan. Is Obi-Wan that important that he is being targeted and if he is why doesn't Yoda sense it.

Lots of questions.

 

Stunningly gripping post ... and it takes a vicious, empty soul to begrudge and denigrate a person's essential worthiness like that

I too am surprised Yoda doesn't sense it So much darkness and malevolence if not the actual voice.

It must not just be a sith but an adept like Palpatine who was able to dissemble and ensnare Anakin later.

 

wonderful story, just found it!

I love it How Qui-Gon helps my favorite padawan "Obi-Wan"

can´t wait for the next chapter.

 

?The shadow of the day will embrace the world in grey.? (Shadow of the Day, Linkin Park)

I love this song! Btw: Linkin Park's "Iridescent" might fit to this story perfectly.

The next week passed by smoothly without any significant changes. Obi-Wan stopped flinching when Garen touched his mind. By the end of the week, he had even started touching Garen back.

Wohooo!

Obi-Wan smiled, happy for his friend but fighting the returning feeling of loneliness and abandonment.

Poor Obi. Qui-Gon, please go ahead and make him your apprentice already!

No one wants you

Obi-Wan took a deep breath, begging the Voice to leave.

It didn?t.



Obi-Wan touched the other boy?s mind. Garen smiled. He was pleased and very proud of his friend.

Garen is such a gem! He has helped Obi-Wan so much.

He had come to the conclusion that the sickness plaguing Obi-Wan wasn?t a natural virus.

I have to agree.

?Get out...please get out. No more...stay out of my head...go away...please, just leave me along...please...?

I bet one of his former masters is in his mind, trying to ruin his newly found happiness.

?There was a voice in his mind, whispering to him. It felt...unnatural, but I was unable to discern whether the voice was his own or not.?

I'm glad Qui-Gon has noticed the voice.

?Hm. Try sending him sleep suggestions. Subtle ones, mind you. I don?t want him in a deep sleep that he is unable to wake up from. Call me immediately if he takes a turn for the worst, or doesn?t improve in a couple days. May the Force be with you.?

What, that's all?

?He cares about me!? Obi-Wan protested. ?More than you ever did.? he added bitterly.

Go, Obi-Wan!

Ohhhh! Are you going to tell that big Jedi who?s been mean to you? the Voice sniggered. You will not. When you wake, you will remember none of this. If you did, I would never allow you to wake up. That is the beauty of this little bond we share.

He can mind-rub Obi-Wan?

Cold dread filled Obi-Wan. ?We share no bond.? he whispered uncertainly.

You sound so sure mocked the Voice. I can assure you that this bond is very real. Another wave of pain, as if to prove it?s point.

The second master has severed the bond, so could this be the first master?

?This boy is very special. I?m sorry that you can?t see it.?

Puh, I'm glad Qui-Gon has confronted the voice. Hopefully he has learned who it belongs to.

Obi-Wan nodded slowly and opened his eyes. A name came to mind.

Qui-Gon.

Master? No, not quite, but close.

Teacher. That was better, but still not quite accurate.

Is he just in a shock and that's why he has problems remembering, or did the "voice" do something to his mind?

He knew he had been sick, but he wasn?t sure how, or why.

Oh noes! Mind-rub!

He stood slowly. He needed to speak with Yoda.

And then you will need to ACT!


Great update!
Hopefully your weekend wasn't as bad as you thought it would be!

Keep up the good work!

 

obimom: ...and to become his official master would help also, wouldn't it?
That is the question, isn't it?

Gkilkenny: and if he is, why doesn't Yoda sense it?
So sure, are you?

Jady_eyes: Stunningly gripping post.
Why thank you Great word, denigrate, btw

littleobiwankenobi: wonderful story, just found it.
*bows* Why thank you. Always grateful for more readers

Chilla: What, that's all?
Well, what else could you say to do if you didn't really know what was wrong with him?

Right. Just mush...and something else

 

Chapter 11: ?I?m forgiving what I?ve done.? (What I?ve Done, LInkin Park)

Obi-Wan woke up and groaned. His head hurt and he ached everywhere. Qui-Gon he discovered, was asleep in a chair next to his bed. That surprised h=the boy enough to make him sit up, although he closed his eyes and hunched over at the dizziness that filled his head. When he re-opened his eyes, Qui-Gon was awake and alert, looking at him cautiously.

?Are you alright?? he asked, his deep calming voice quiet.

?I hurt all over? the boy said pointedly.

Qui-Gon chuckled. ?You?ve been through quite and ordeal, young one.?

?What happened?? Obi-Wan asked.

Qui-Gon?s twinkling eyes turned grave. ?Can you stand??

Obi-Wan was caught off guard by the unexpected question. He nodded his head wordlessly, head cocked in wary curiosity.

Qui-Gon gently helped him up. ?Come young one.? the Master said softly. ?We have much to talk about.?

Qui-Gon helped the curious Initiate to the couch in the main room. Obi-Wan collapsed onto it immediately. Even that short walk had exhausted him. He shook his head sharply in confusion and irritation. He felt a cup being pressed into his hand and absently took a sip. He gagged as a cloying, sickly sweet liquid flowed down his throat.

?Drink it all, Obi-Wan.? Qui-Gon said sternly.

?Force, that?s nasty!? the boy exclaimed. ?What is it??

?Muja juice infused with bacta.?

Obi-Wan looked t him in horror. ?Are you trying to poison me?? he demanded. Qui-Gon?s stern face grew amused. ?Bacta?s for wounds, not ingesting.? the boy continued scathingly.

?It?s very common to ingest bacta, young one.? Qui-Gon said patiently. ?Many of the medications we are given have some concentration of bacta.?

Obi-Wan looked at the liquid in disgust.

?Drink it, Obi-Wan.? Qui-Gon ordered. Obi-Wan stared at him pleadingly.

?Now.?

Obi-Wan sighed, gave the cup one last glare, then downed the brew in one go. He surfaced for air, coughing a bitt, then forcefully shoved the empty cup away from him. Qui-Gon caught it neatly and gave the boy a simple meal which Obi-Wan scarfed down. When Obi-Wan had finished Qui-Gon sat silently in front of the Initiate, just staring at him. Obi-Wan shifted uncomfortably, not quite what was happening.


?Your mind is being invaded.? Qui-Gon said without preamble. Obi-Wan started. He was dubious. Surely he would know if someone was in his mind. He started to say so, but Qui-Gon stopped him with a raised hand. ?That voice you have been hearing. The one that whispers dark thoughts in your mind.?

?That?s just me being insecure, Master Jinn.? Obi-Wan said, embarrassed.

?No, Obi-Wan.? Qui-Gon said firmly. ?The reason you were so sick was because you were fighting the consciousness in your mind. I?ve heard it. It even spoke to me.?

Obi-Wan?s eyes widened. ?What did it say?? he asked curiously.

Qui-Gon hesitated. ?It doesn?t matter. You don?t remember anything?? Obi-Wan frowned and shook his head. ?I spoke with Yoda last night.? Qui-Gon went on. ?He says that there have been significant disturbances in the Force throughout the Temple for weeks, although no one has been able to pinpoint the source. We believe...? Qui-Gon trailed off, faltering. ?We believe that it is either one or both of your former Masters.?

Obi-Wan felt cold. But how... ?How can they reach me?? he asked frantically.

?We aren?t sure yet.? Qui-Gon said. ?We aren?t even fully confident that it is them.?

?But it could be!? Obi-Wan burst out. ?Couldn?t it.?

Qui-Gon gazed at him in sympathy. ?Yes Obi-Wan. It is a very real possibility.?

Obi-Wan curled around himself, trying futilely to ward off the chills of fear invading him. Would he never be rid of them? He felt a depression in the couch next to him before being wrapped in the strong, warm arms of the Master.

?Breath, Obi-Wan.? Qui-Gon instructed him quietly. ?In...in, Obi-Wan. Good, now hold...breath out. In...hold...out.? When Obi-Wan had mastered the breathing, Qui-Gon instructed him in releasing his fear into the Force. It took time, but Obi-Wan was able to release most of his fear

 

Oh, YES, such a satisfying chapter! Master and Padawan as they were meant to be.

?Sorry.? Obi-Wan gasped. ?It?s just that everything is moving.?

Qui-Gon sighed. He could feel the boy swaying in place. ?This little habit of overworking yourself is going to have to stop.? Obi-Wan just groaned and screwed his eyes tight. Qui-GOn picked the boy up and carried him to his sleep couch before coating him in blankets.

?I?m going to fall off.? the boy muttered.

?Obi-Wan, you?re not moving.? Qui-Gon pointed out.

?Apparently, that fact doesn?t have any relevancy.? he complained.

Oh, those two are meant to be together - loved the above (and Obi-Wan's disgust at the two cups of medicine).

 

Chapter 11: ?I?m forgiving what I?ve done.? (What I?ve Done, LInkin Park)

Ahhh, the beautiful song!

Qui-Gon hesitated. ?It doesn?t matter. You don?t remember anything?? Obi-Wan frowned and shook his head.

Just as I had feared.

?I spoke with Yoda last night.? Qui-Gon went on. ?He says that there have been significant disturbances in the Force throughout the Temple for weeks, although no one has been able to pinpoint the source. We believe...? Qui-Gon trailed off, faltering. ?We believe that it is either one or both of your former Masters.?

Oh, that's interesting. So something's going on there. Wonder if it will be smart to bring Obi-Wan back to that. But Qui-Gon's right - no more running away.

Obi-Wan curled around himself, trying futilely to ward off the chills of fear invading him. Would he never be rid of them?

Isn't that the problem of most abuse victims? They think they'll never get away from their abuser.

Obi-Wan sensed agitation and slight nervousness. The boy frowned in surprise. He had never been able to sense the older Jedi?s emotions before.

That's good! I like how they are definitely forming a bond.

?Obi-Wan Kenobi,? Qui-Gon finally said. ?Would you do me the honor of becoming my Padawan Learner??

Awwww! Finally! And I love how he said it, too. So polite and caring.

Qui-Gon?s eyes turned regretful. ?I spoke to a few people after that.? the Master said softly. ?After swallowing my pride, I found that I was being very hypocritical.?

Clee rocks! But that's what friends are for.

Obi-Wan looked around helplessly. He took a deep breath and firmly said ?I can?t become a Jedi out of beneficence. It would kill me to know that the only reason I was given this opportunity was because someone felt sorry for me. And...?

You got it all wrong, little one! But I kinda like his attitude, too. "It's better to deserve honor and not to have it, then to have honor you don't deserve"(Mark Twain, I think).

"Your skills and abilities, although commendable, pale in comparison to your light within the Force.?

Aww. I think Obi has to be a brilliant light.

For reasons beyond his comprehension, he desperately wanted this boy to be his Padawan. He felt more strongly about this decision than he had ever felt about Sarra, and definitely more than Xanatos.



?Beautiful.? Obi-Wan said simply, referring to he last streaks of pink and purple that lit the indigo sky. Qui-Gon snuck a sideways look at the boy. Obi-Wan was gazing at the sky. His feet were apart and his hands clasped behind him as he stood tall. His blue-green eyes, visible even in the dimming light, were calm and focused.

?How long have been standing here?? the Master asked.

Obi-Wan?s lips twitched slightly. ?Long enough. A few minutes after entered your trance, I think.? Silence fell, but an amiable one, of two beings enjoying each others presence. They stood together, side by side, watching the stars awaken.

A beautiful and serene scene. I'm glad Obi-Wan is at peace and can be so comfortable around Qui-Gon.

To cover up the awkward pause, he downed the drink and resurfaced, coughing. ?Sithly concoction.? he muttered.



Qui-Gon raised an eyebrow. ?Somehow, I doubt he will improve. Clee?s vocabulary is extensive.?

That's one of the funniest lines ever!

?I?m going to fall off.? the boy muttered.

?Obi-Wan, you?re not moving.? Qui-Gon pointed out.

I had to laugh at this, even though it's worrying that Obi-Wan feels so bad.


Great update! Made me very happy!

 

awesome shira!

Yesness!

This is the best for both of them!

 

Wonderful chapter. Very sweet and uplifting.

Yet, something tells me that Obi-Wan's previous masters are not quite "out of the picture" fully.

 

Ok, this "may" be one of my favorite chapters of Qui-Gon asking Obi-Wan to be his padawan. That was simply beautiful and moving. And perfect.

And now...oh dear...Obi-Wan with severe dizziness...hope rest and recovery will end that quickly...if that's all it is..

Wonderful chapter!!

 

Valairy_Scot: Oh those two were meant to be together!
I know! It's like fate

Chilla: Ahh, the beautiful song! --- "It's better to deserve honor and not have it, then to have honor you don't deserve" (Mark Twain, I think).
Loves Linkin Park. That's a fantastic quote, by the way.

Jade_eyes: Yesness! This is the best for both of them!
I use that word all the time. And yes. Yes it is ^^

The1stJediPrincess: Yet, something tells me that Obi-Wan's previous Masters are not quite "out of the picture" fully.
[insert evil laugh here]

obimom: Ok, this "may" be one of my favorite chapters of Qui-Gon asking Obi-Wan to be his padawan.
Aww! Thanks!

 

Chapter 12: "Find yourself up against another brick wall" (Another Place to Fall, KT Tunstall)

?Focus Obi-Wan.? Qui-Gon reproached gently.

?I?m trying.? Obi-Wan said, angrily pressing the heels of his hands into his eyes.

Qui-Gon resisted quoting Yoda?s favorite lesson and sighted. ?Let?s try again.?

Obi-Wan reluctantly dropped back onto his knees and dove into another trance with Qui-Gon. The goal of the exercise was for Obi-Wan to pick something, be it a memory, picture, or emotion, and try to block it from Qui-Gon. So far, his efforts were falling short. Qui-Gon easily picked up the picture of the Mon Calamari, Tahl?s Padawan Bant Eerin.

Obi-Wan growled frustratedly and threw himself on his back. They had been at it all morning with no improvement, and Obi-Wan was exhausted with a pounding headache.

?You?re trying too hard.? Qui-Gon told him.

Obi-Wan threw his hands up in exasperation. ?How do you try too hard??

There was a slight pause. ?Come here, Padawan.? Obi-Wan sighed. Only the use of that title could have made him drag himself back to kneel in front of his new Master. He felt Qui-Gon place his fingertips on his temples. ?Breath.? he instructed his student quietly. Obi-Wan obediently took deep, calming breaths and he felt some of his fatigue and pain dissolve away.

Obi-Wan sighed. ?Thank you.? he said quietly.

?Your welcome, Obi-Wan.? Qui-Gon said, removing his hands. ?Now tell me what you?re doing.?

?Trying to shield.? Obi-Wan muttered.

?How?? Qui-Gon persisted.

?I don?t quite understand your question.? Obi-Wan said testily.

Qui-Gon looked thoughtful. ?We?re going to try something different.? he said after a moment. ?I want you to come into my mind instead.?

?How?? Obi-Wan asked. ?I?ve only ever touched, and only with Garen.?

?Just touch for now, and we will go from there.?

So they knelt in front of each other once again. Obi-Wan hesitantly touched Qui-Gon?s mind, but found no way in. As time elapsed with no success, he became bolder and more aggressive, running across the outside of the Jedi?s mind, trying to find a crack or aperture, anything to let him in. He was about to gibe up when he felt Qui-Gon beckoning to him. He hesitantly flowed through the doorway in the Jedi?s shields, surveying as he might a new room. All of the sudden, he realized that he had done it. He had entered another?s mind. The shock and surprise of it jolted him out of his trance.

Qui-Gon frowned. ?What happened??

Obi-Wan ducked his head. ?Sorry. I was just surprised that I did it. I wasn?t expecting to succeed.?

Qui-Gon sensed something else. ?What is it?? he asked.

?It?s just so intrusive!? he said, making a face. ?I don?t like it. I feel hypocritical.? Qui-Gon waited for him to explain.

?I?ve spent the majority of my life trying to keep people out. I didn?t even like it as an Initiate or Youngling. Now I?m doing to others what I hate having done to me.? He shook his head. ?It just doesn?t feel right.?

?I understand.? Qui-Gon said. ?However, there are various reasons to utilize it. For example, to assess another?s injuries when more than touch or sight is required; to ascertain someone?s true motives - ?

?To torture.? Obi-Wan muttered under his breath.

?What?? Qui-Gon asked sharply. Obi-Wan just shook his head and looked away, hugging his knees. ?Obi-Wan.? Qui-Gon said sternly. The boy looked at him guiltily. Qui-Gon crouched in front of his student.

?Never.? he said firmly.

?I didn?t say that I agree with it.? Obi-Wan said uncomfortably. ?Just that it can be done.? he looked down. ?That is is done.?

The two Jedi sat quietly for a moment before Qui-Gon sighed. ?Young one, some day you are going to have to let me in and see.?

Obi-Wan stiffened as he realized what the Master was implicating. He said nothing, but Qui-Gon could see rebellion in the boy?s every feature. Qui-Gon gently brushed against Obi-Wan?s mind. Startled, the boy jumped.

?Let?s take a break.? Qui-Gon suggested when Obi-Wan turned to him quizzically. ?You must be hungry.? Obi-Wan smiled ruefully

 

Obi-Wan is just so - much a boy as a padawan. Easily frustrated and yet so eager - a perfect blend of what I would expect at his age.

Qui-Gon is so patient with him. He doesn't take it easy on him, but he accepts Obi-Wan's youth and inexperience.

I this story.

 

Super post. I guess Obi is as ready as he'll ever be Just glad his shielding has improved.

 

Oh, dear, the moment of truth for Obi-Wan...re-entering the temple to face his ... erm...nightmares.

Loved the bits about building shields..never saw it explained taht way, but it made sense. Well done!

Now if his shield will only hold against more evil minded, invasive intrusions...

 

good training session.

 

Sorry for replying so late. I was gone for a few days.

He was about to gibe up when he felt Qui-Gon beckoning to him. He hesitantly flowed through the doorway in the Jedi?s shields, surveying as he might a new room. All of the sudden, he realized that he had done it. He had entered another?s mind. The shock and surprise of it jolted him out of his trance.

Yay! Glad to see him make some progress and learn new, useful techniques.

?It?s just so intrusive!? he said, making a face. ?I don?t like it. I feel hypocritical.? Qui-Gon waited for him to explain.

Ah, I can see the issue. Obi-Wan needs to learn that it's alright if you're allowed in and not entering by force.

?To torture.? Obi-Wan muttered under his breath.



The two Jedi sat quietly for a moment before Qui-Gon sighed. ?Young one, some day you are going to have to let me in and see.?

Isn't it obvious? He was physically, emotionally and mentally abused.

He would never speak of those years, he decided firmly. It was just too painful. He would keep them buried in the past where they belonged. Hadn?t he been told to keep his mind on the here and now?

That way, he won't be able to find peace and heal.

Obi-Wan obediently observed as what could be described as bricks, or blocks were stacked up, one by one, until the image was completely blocked from him. He tested the shield cautiously, bumping and prodding it with his consciousness.

It didn?t give.

Love the description of how the shield works.

?Really.? Qui-Gon said. ?Most beginners crumple when starting their second block.?


*beams happily* Obi is very talented.

The week flew by, spent mostly in shield work. As the second day passed, Obi-Wan was able to build the entire shield, but it collapsed when touched. The third day was spent on endurance, seeing how long his shields could stand with pressure, and by nightfall, he could withstand the slightest of pressure. The fourth and fifth day saw even more improvement, and by the end of the week, he could shield without significant difficulty, as long as Qui-Gon didn?t press too hard.

Unfortunately there are people out there who will have qualms whatsoever about crushing his shield.

?I do.? Qui-Gon replied. Sensing his student?s fear, he sent waves of comfort through the Force. ?Remember Padawan. You are not alone.?

Obi-Wan smiled. ?No.? he replied. ?I don?t think I could forget.?

Somehow I get the feeling he wasn't thinking about Qui-Gon when he said that.

He heard Qui-Gon walk in the door and touched the man?s mind, something he had begun to do frequently in the past week.


Nice update! I look forward to the next one!

 

Valairy_scot: I this story
Aw you guys spoil me with compliments I'm not sure I deserve

Jade_eyes: Just glad his shielding has improved.
Yeah lol. But will it hold...

Obimom: Loved the bits about building shields...never saw it explained taht way, but it makes sense.
*shrugs* I never really got the whole 'imagine a solid wall' This makes much more sense to me.

Gkilkenny: good training session
Thank you

Chilla: Sorry for replying late.
Meh, no big deal. Just glad you've stuck with this story for so long lol.


So, I realized the other day that this story is almost over . Enjoy it while you can!

 

Chapter 13: ?It can?t be outfought, it can?t be outdone, it can?t be outmatched, it can?t be outrun.? (The Catalyst, Linkin Park)

Obi-Wan was nervously shifting his weight around as the looming planet of Coruscant grew larger in the window of the pilot?s deck. He felt waves of calm flow towards him, but they did little to assuage his hears. He sent a quick smile towards Qui-Gon, but it quickly faded.

?Padawan, sit down.? Qui-Gon ordered, amused and exasperated. Obi-Wan?s pale grey eyes flitted to him uncertainly as he sat on the edge of the co-pilot?s seat.

?Relax, Obi-Wan.? Qui-Gon instructed. ?Take a deep breath.?

?Sorry,? Obi-Wan muttered. ?It?s just...? he gulped. ?It?s been a while.?

Qui-Gon raised an eyebrow. ?Obi-Wan, it?s alright to feel nervous, but even you have to admit that this is a bit much.?

Obi-Wan exhaled in low laughter. ?I know.? he said with a grin. ?I know. It?s ridiculous!?

Qui-Gon chuckled, then focused on landing the ship. Obi-Wan?s breath hitched and he shook his head at himself. After Qui-Gon landed the ship, he and Obi-Wan grabbed their packs and descended down the ramp. Obi-Wan breathed in as the peace and tranquility of the Jedi Temple seeped into his mind. He caught a glance of Qui-Gon staring at him with an amused smile.

?I?m sorry that your peace wasn?t good enough.? he teased with a wicked grin. Qui-Gon ruffled the boy?s hair, then shoved him aside. Obi-Wan thought of shoving him back, but knew he wouldn?t be able to move a mountain. Instead, he fixed his Master with a glare and muttered ?Not fair.?

And then he was knocked off his feet.

?What the -?? he exclaimed in a muffled voice after he had regained his breath. He felt rubbery skin and breathed in. Salt water.

?Hello Bant.? he said as he hugged her back.

The Mon Calamari pulled back as her silvery eyes filled with tears. ?Bant, what?s wrong?? Obi-Wan asked in concern.

?You hugged me back.? she whispered with a watery smile. Guilt and embarrassment flooded Obi-Wan.

?Look Bant,? he began awkwardly. ?About before, I?m sorry that - ?

?Don?t you dare apologize for anything, Obi.? she said fiercely.

Obi-Wan backed up with hands raised in defense. ?Alright, alright. I?m sorry!? He smirked at her, but instead of the glare he was expecting, she beamed and turned her sparkling silver eyes on Qui-Gon.

?I knew you could help him.? she said, bowing. ?Thank you, Master Jinn. Thank you very much.?

?It was my pleasure.? Qui-Gon replied. Both ignored Obi-Wan who was blushing intensly.

?Come Bant.? Tahl said, striding up to meet the group.

?Alright. I?ll see you later Obi.? she said.

?Come along, young one.? Qui-Gon called.

?Yes, Master.? Obi-Wan said. A shriek accosted his ears and he was once again smothered in a hug.

?You?re a Padawan again?!?

Obi-Wan laughed. ?You didn?t know?? His gaze shifted to Qui-Gon. ?You didn?t tell her??

Qui-Gon smiled. ?I figured that it would be better for you to inform her.?

?Does Garen know?? Qui-Gon shook his head. ?Where is Garen?? Obi-Wan asked Bant.

?He?s on another mission with Master Rhara.? she replied. ?He should be back tomorrow.?

?Bant,? Tahl reminded her. ?You have classes to attend.? She fixed he unseeing gaze in Qui-Gon?s direction. ?And I will talk with you later.?

?Of course.? Qui-Gon replied. ?Come Obi-Wan.? The youth set off down the hallway. ?Padawan! Where are you going??

Obi-Wan turned around to face a bewildered Qui-Gon. ?I?m going to...the Initiate quarters.? he trailed off sheepishly. ?Right. I don?t live there anymore.?

Qui-Gon smiled. ?No, you do not. Unless you have possessions there to retrieve.?

?No, this is all I have.? Obi-Wan said, lifting his pack.

?Then I suggest you come with me.? Qui-Gon admonished with a smile.

Obi-Wan ducked his head and grinned. ?Yes Master.? he said meekly, shouldering his pack and jogging back to follow Qui-Gon.

They took a turbo-lift to the eighth level and walked past rows and rows of doors. Obi-Wan noticed the brass nameplates attached to the walls. Some were single, some with two names. He smiled

 

"Hello Bant.? he said as he hugged her back.

The Mon Calamari pulled back as her silvery eyes filled with tears. ?Bant, what?s wrong?? Obi-Wan asked in concern.

?You hugged me back.? she whispered with a watery smile. Guilt and embarrassment flooded Obi-Wan.

?Look Bant,? he began awkwardly. ?About before, I?m sorry that - ?

?Don?t you dare apologize for anything, Obi.? she said fiercely.

AW, that was really heartwarming: almost brought tears to MY eyes at her delight because it makes so much sense.

?Yes, Master.? Obi-Wan said. A shriek accosted his ears and he was once again smothered in a hug.

?You?re a Padawan again?!?

Obi-Wan laughed. ?You didn?t know?? His gaze shifted to Qui-Gon. ?You didn?t tell her??

Yes, I can just hear Bant's shriek of delight.

It is such a delight to see Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan joking around, too.

??Obi-Wan Kenobi.? she greeted in a soft voice full of welcome.

Hello Master Aiya.? Obi-Wan said with a shy smile as he walked into her open arms. He was surprised to see that he was several inches taller than her.

?I haven?t seen you in many years.? she accused.

Obi-Wan looked embarrassed and guilty. ?Yes, I - I know. I?ve been...busy to say the least.? he said with a small laugh.

?I was just joking, handsome.? Obi-Wan blushed at his old Creche-Master?s nickname for him. Master Aiya just laughed. ?And what?s this? You?re a Padawan now!? she exclaimed delightedly, gently handling his braid. The only indication she gave of noticing Obi-Wan?s sudden flinch was a slight frown, but he sent a smile her way and she seemed to relax. ?Well, are you going to make me wait, or are you going to tell me who it is??

?Qui-Gon Jinn.?

Shock flashed clearly across the older woman?s face. ?I heard that he would never take another Padawan after his last.? she murmured. ?How did you do it??

Obi-Wan spread his arms wide. ?I think the more obvious question is why did he pick me??

Aw, so Obi-Wan. Loved that little exchange.