Before - Legends The Portal - Obi/Qui/Mace; JA, drama, angst, h/c; Obi is 15, Now Complete!

Yeah, and Obi-Wan doesn't realize just how much a friendship with Zeb will impact his future. Of course, that's another story.

Shirtless and wet Jedi. Hmm....Maybe I could arrange that. You'll just have to keep reading the story.

Selmet and company are pretty much out of the picture for now. I don't know for sure, because I'm not done with the story yet. However, somebody is in trouble. Read on to find out who.

Thanks! Glad to hear from you, Bastet! And, yeah, Iaomai is a very wise creature, but then, she and Shamar have been around for thousands of years. They ought to have gained some wisdom in all that time.

Was there ever any doubt?


Okay, here's the next chapter. I'll try to write more and post by end of day, but I can't promise anything. I leave on vacation tomorrow for 2 weeks and will only have sporadic access to the Internet, but I will try to make a post or 2 while I'm gone. For now, enjoy!



Chapter 10 ? New Arrivals

**Obi-Wan.**

Obi-Wan sat up straight on the sofa. Shock and surprise competed for supremacy within him. **Master?**

Joy and relief flooded their training bond. **Yes, Padawan, I?m near. Where are you? Are you all right?**

A smile grew on Obi-Wan?s face. **I?m fine. I?m in the healing center. My leg was broken, but is healing rapidly.** Worry grew in his mind. **Master, were you captured? Did they throw you into the pit too?**

His master?s chuckle resounded in his head. **No, Padawan. Master Windu and I climbed down with the help of some new friends. Iaomai brought us, but we?re still traveling underwater. The distance is farther than I thought.**

**I don?t know how long the journey is. I was unconscious for most of it and didn?t wake up until I was already at the healing center.**

A moment of silence followed.

**Master?** He sensed regret. **What?s wrong?**

**I?m sorry you had to go through that. I should have been there to protect you.**

**We both thought it was safe.**

Shamar rushed from the back of the house with Suni and Zeb.

Obi-Wan struggled to his feet. ?What?s wrong? I just heard from my master. He says Iaomai is bringing them.**

A look of intense concentration showed on Shamar?s face.

Suni turned to him. ?Iaomai is injured. We must meet her at the lake shore.?

?I?ll go with you!?

?No, Obi-Wan,? Shamar said. ?Thou and Zeb must stay here. I shall bring thy master to thee; I promise.?

Zeb?s hands fisted at his sides. Anger radiated from him through the Force. ?I want to come with you.?

?No, Zeb,? Shamar said. ?Thou wouldst only worry her. She needs to concentrate on healing now? not worry about us.?

?But she?s my friend!? Tears welled in Zeb?s eyes. He quickly turned away from them.

Shamar stepped behind him and squeezed his shoulder. ?Then be a friend. Do not add to her concerns. Thou shalt see her later.? He turned back to

 

I will hold you to that promise!

And trust Jinn to see a learning experience in anything, no wonder Obi turned out
so great despite always being on missions!

Lynna a traitor, that i did not expect

 

Very nice! I'm thoroughly enjoying this story. I hope you have a great vacation and I'm looking forward to when you get to update this story again.

 

Very good

Next comes the reunion of Master and Padawan.


**Master?** He sensed regret. **What?s wrong?**

**I?m sorry you had to go through that. I should have been there to protect you.**

**We both thought it was safe.**

I like the concern Qui-Gon has for Obi-Wan

 

Nice to see Obi and Qui coming together and Obi helping Zeb

 

I think they need to help zeb before they can move on.

 

Glad I could surprise you, Claudia. I'll post more later today.

Thanks! I had a great time on vacation. Of course, I came back tired, as always. More later today.

Yes, Qui is always concerned about his padawan. Good thing they're past that awkward beginning stage. The reunion is in the next post, so check back later today.

Obi helping Zeb will become extremely important later in Obi-Wan's life, when Zeb will return the favor. Yes, that does mean I have a sequel in mind.

Ditto my response to earlybird-obi_wan

Thanks for being so patient with me while I was on vacation. I have most of the next chapter completed, so will post later today, if not later this morning.

 

As promised, here's the next chapter, and I didn't even leave you with a cliffhanger. Enjoy!

Chapter 11 - Reunited

Zeb sniffed and scrubbed the tears from his face with the back of his hand. He looked over at Obi-Wan. ?Why do you want to be my friend? I?ve been nothing but mean to you.?

Obi-Wan smiled. ?I may be a Jedi, but I?m still human.? He shrugged. ?You?re the only person my age that I?ve met here. I thought it would be nice if we could be friends.? He hesitated, not certain how Zeb would take his next statement. ?I?ve also lost people I care about, and I just thought that... maybe I could help. That is, if you want it, of course.?

Zeb picked at the edge of his tunic. ?How could you help me?? Anger crept into his voice. ?Even Shamar can?t bring back my parents, so what could you possibly do to make things better??

?Like I said, I can be your friend.? Obi-Wan sensed Qui-Gon?s approach outside. **Master, I?m so glad you?re here.** He let his joy and relief flow into their bond.

**No more so than I, Padawan.**

Footsteps sounded on the porch followed seconds later by the sight of Qui-Gon and Mace Windu walking through the door. Both men smiled broadly.

Zeb jumped up from the floor and spun around to face them. He reached down and helped Obi-Wan to stand as well. ?I?d better go.?

Obi-Wan gently grasped Zeb?s arm as he walked toward the door. ?I?d like you to stay.?

The other boy shook his head. ?No, but...? He glanced down at the floor, then at the two Jedi masters. He nodded to both before brushing past them and walking out the door.

Obi-Wan stared after him and sighed.

Qui-Gon laid his hand on Obi-Wan?s shoulder. ?Padawan? What?s wrong??

Obi-Wan shook his head and looked at his master. He smiled and sank into Qui-Gon?s embrace. ?Nothing, now that you?re here. Oh, Master, I was so frightened I?d never see you again.?

***
Qui-Gon kept the frown from his face that wanted to form. Something was wrong with Obi-Wan -- something the teen evidently didn?t wish to discuss at that moment. He hugged the boy back and sent his own feelings of joy and relief over their bond. He sensed the emotional turmoil within his padawan. There was a time and place for controlling one?s emotions, but this wasn?t one of them. **Let it out, Padawan. There?s no shame in showing emotion at appropriate times.**

Tremors shook through Obi-Wan?s body, followed by the sound of sobs being allowed full reign.

Qui-Gon strengthened his hold and rested his chin atop the boy?s head. ?That?s it. Release your emotions. You?ll feel better for it. I promise.? He glanced over at his friend, who had tears of his own shimmering in his eyes.

When Mace caught his gaze, he smiled and then strolled out onto the front porch to give them a private moment.

Qui-Gon appreciated the gesture. Obi-Wan would no doubt be embarrassed enough by his emotional outburst, even if it did come at the behest of Qui-Gon?s urging. An audience would only add to that embarrassment. ?Shh, Obi-Wan. Everything is all right now. I?m here; I?m here.? He gently rocked the boy back and forth until the sobs gave way to occasional sniffles. Finally, Obi-Wan pulled away and looked at him. Qui-Gon loosened his embrace and allowed the boy to step back.

Obi-Wan ducked his head and cut his eyes up at Qui-Gon. ?Thank you, Master.?

Qui-Gon smiled and patted his shoulder. ?Anytime, Padawan. Let?s sit down, so we can catch each other up on what?s happened.? He guided Obi-Wan over to the sofa. ?You seem to have had the more exciting adventure, so why don?t you start.?

Qui-Gon?s emotions ran the gamut, from sorrow to pride, at what Obi-Wan had gone through. The boy ended his story with Zeb?s problems and Iaomai?s urging him to help.

?I don?t know what I can do, Master, other than be his friend.? Obi-Wan?s face wore an expression somewhere between confused and despondent.

?I believe that?s all you can do, Padawan. Being a true friend to Zeb will help

 

A thoughtful expression crossed the boy?s face. ?I?m not certain. Just a feeling, I guess.?

Qui-Gon grinned. ?That?s no comfort, having experienced what you?re feelings usually portend.?

Obi-Wan?s voice sounded hurt, but his grin betrayed the teasing behind the tone. ?Really, Master. I didn?t say it was a bad feeling.?

?Forgive me, Padawan. I stand corrected.? He inclined his head to his padawan. ?You must admit, though, your feelings do usually lead to trouble for us.?

Obi-Wan lifted his chin. ?I like to think of them as timely warnings from the Force rather than harbingers of doom, thank you very much, Master.?

Qui-Gon crossed his arms and slipped his hands into his sleeves. ?Really? Well then, I stand corrected again, oh Padawan mine.?

Too perfect, that's our two fav Jedi.

 

Lovely. Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon together and showing those emotions. yes that's Obi and Qui.

 

Aaah, I've been a bit behind. I was glad that the big 'monster' turned out to be a friend. Now, if they can just do something about the nasty-bad politicians trying to get into their refuge. And its good that Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan are together again - now they can take on anything.

 

?I believe that?s all you can do, Padawan. Being a true friend to Zeb will help him more than you realize, but it may not be easy.?

Obi-Wan nodded, his gaze on his hands, which rested in his lap. He looked up at Qui-Gon with an impish grin. ?Well, you?ve heard my sordid tale of woe. Now it?s your turn.?

I love their banter and I think I would adore Obi-Wans impish grin

Excellent.

 

Thanks for all the lovely feedback. I'm so glad you're still enjoying this. I've been writing a few out-of-sequence scenes for the sequel. So far, it's quite intense.

Okay, this chapter is dedicated to ClaudiaR, who requested wet, shirtless Jedi. I hope you enjoy it!

Chapter 12 ? A Pleasant, Wet Respite

Shamar knelt on the floor and laid his hands at the site of the break in Obi-Wan?s leg. Gentle warmth permeated the muscles. The remaining yellow and brown bruises faded to healthy-looking skin. Shamar sat back on his heels and looked up at where Obi-Wan sat on the metal exam table. ?How doest thy leg feel now??

Obi-Wan wiggled his toes and then slowly flexed his knee. ?No pain.? He smiled. ?That?s a good sign.?

Qui-Gon stepped away from the wall behind his apprentice. ?A very good sign.? He looked at Shamar. ?Is the bone fully healed??

Shamar rose from the floor with the grace of a Jedi in his prime. ?Aye, it is.?

?Great!? Obi-Wan shot a pleading expression at Qui-Gon over his shoulder. ?Does that mean I can go swimming, Master??

The corners of Qui-Gon?s mouth quirked. He looked at Shamar and raised one eyebrow in silent enquiry.

Shamar laughed. ?Aye, that would be fine exercise to bring strength back to thy muscles?? He winked at Qui-Gon. ?? if thy master agrees.?

?Can I, Master??

Qui-Gon smiled broadly. ?As long as I accompany you, I don?t see why not.?

Obi-Wan hopped down off the table. His injured leg buckled under the sudden impact, but Shamar grabbed his arms to steady him before he could fall and handed him his cane. ?Thou still must use this until thy muscles grow stronger.?

He felt his face grow hot and ducked his head, but accepted the cane. ?Thank you, Shamar?? He cut his eyes up at him with a smile. ?? for everything.?

Shamar inclined his head. ?Go now. ?Tis a beautiful day ? perfect for swimming.?

***
Obi-Wan took his time walking down to the lakeshore, Qui-Gon at his side. When they reached the water, they found Zeb sitting on the small pier that jutted out into the lake. ?Hey, Zeb!? he called to him. ?Want to go swimming with us??

Zeb jerked around and stared at them a minute before climbing to his feet. He looked down at his feet, hands in his pockets, and shook his head. ?That?s okay. I don?t want to intrude.?

He made to walk past them, but Obi-Wan reached out to him as he went by. ?Zeb, please, I want you to be here.? When Zeb didn?t answer right away, he plunged on. ?Come on. It will be fun. Besides?? He nodded toward Qui-Gon and grinned. ?I don?t think my master can keep up with me, so how about it??

Zeb scuffed his foot in the dirt. ?Well? okay.?

Obi-Wan smiled and patted his back. ?Great! Let?s go then.?

Qui-Gon helped Obi-Wan to sit down on a nearby boulder so he could take his shirt off. He leaned in close as he removed his own outer clothing. ?I?ll make you regret that disparaging remark about my age when next we spar, Padawan.?

Obi-Wan flashed him a grin. ?I don?t doubt it, but it was worth it if it got Zeb to stay.?

?I agree.? Qui-Gon stood up and helped Obi-Wan into the water, as he couldn?t use his cane for balance and support.

Zeb awaited them in waist-deep water, but still looked ill at ease.

As they drew close, Obi-Wan sent a small wave of water at Zeb. ?Catch me if you can!? He dove below the surface and swam to deeper water.

?Hey!? Zeb pursued after him, soon overtaking him. Both boys stopped and treaded water. ?That?s not fair, considering I can?t pay you back.?

?Why not??

Zeb rolled his eyes. ?With your bum leg, you might drown.?

Obi-Wan splashed him again. ?Helloo! Force sensitive. I?m not likely to drown unless you hit me over the head with a rock.?

Laughter sounded a few feet away from them. Both boys turned to find Qui-Gon standing in water up to his shoulders. They gave each other sly looks and nods then simultaneously sent a five-foot wall of water at the Jedi master. However, when the wave reached Qui-Gon, it parted and went

 

Yes Obi-Wan loves to swim.

Great update with Iaomai and Zeb.

 

Very good.

It's nice to read about some fun and down-time for the Jedi
instead of angst and pain and suffering, although do not get
me wrong I love angst, pain and suffering.

Wet Jedi I like it.

 

Okay, last chapter. It's been a great ride. Thanks to everyone for their supportive and faithful feedback. I've already started working on the sequel, but it will appear in The Saga forum, so keep a look out for it. If you want me to p.m. you when I post the first chapter, let me know.

And now, on with the show.

Chapter 13 ? Going Home

Over the next few weeks, Obi-Wan spent as much time as he could with Zeb. His leg grew stronger, and he and Qui-Gon resumed his training. When he wasn?t training, he and Zeb explored the Portal.

Gradually, Zeb became more outgoing and friendly. He smiled more and even laughed on occasion.

Finally, the day came when Shamar appeared at breakfast. He nodded to those seated at the communal dining table. ??Tis time for our Jedi guests to depart.?

Obi-Wan?s head shot up at that. He looked at Qui-Gon and Mace Windu, then over at Zeb. The other boy looked just as shocked. Suni rubbed Zeb?s shoulder. ?Do we have to leave right away?? His gaze flitted between his master and Shamar.

Shamar chuckled. ?Not at this moment, but soon. Perhaps this evening.?

Qui-Gon wiped his mouth with his napkin and laid it down beside his plate. ?What about Governor Selmet??

?Thou cannot return the way thou came. I shall open the Portal on thy home planet.?

Master Windu?s eyebrows shot up. ?You can do that arbitrarily? I thought the entrances were set in stone, so to speak.?

?Nay.? Shamar shook his head. ?The entrances are wherever I place them.?

Zeb pushed back his chair and stood. ?Master Jinn, may I spend a bit of time alone with Obi-Wan before you leave??

Qui-Gon nodded. ?I think that?s a fine idea.? He looked at Obi-Wan. ?If you?re agreeable, that is, Padawan.?

?Of course, Master.?

?Very well. Off with the two of you then.?

***
Zeb walked with Obi-Wan along the lakeshore. He picked up a rock and tossed it into the water, then gave Obi-Wan a sideways look. ?You?ve been a good friend to me. I won?t forget you, though I suspect I?ll never see you again.?

Obi-Wan smiled and patted his back. ?You never know. I think the Force brought us together for a reason. I?m just glad I could help you.? He shook Zeb?s hand. ?I?ll miss you too, my friend.?

***
?Master Jinn, Master Windu.? Shamar joined them on the front porch. ?Art thou ready to depart??

?Yes, we are,? Mace said. ?As beautiful as this place is, I feel we?ve stayed here long enough. Duty calls us home.?

Shamar nodded. ?Aye, it does.? He leaned against the railing. ?I am greatly indebted to thee and to thy apprentice for what you?ve done for Zeb. It warms my heart to see him so happy and carefree. He and Obi-Wan have formed a strong bond of friendship that shall withstand many years apart.?

Qui-Gon drew in a deep breath and let it out slowly. ?It?s a pity they have to live in separate worlds. I believe they could have been lifelong friends.?

?And so they shall be.?

Qui-Gon frowned. ?You think they?ll meet again.?

?Aye, and more than that.?

?What do you mean?? Mace asked.

?I canst only say that when the Jedi need help the most, help shall come. Thou canst tell thy Council that.?

Obi-Wan walked out onto the porch, Zeb and Suni behind him. He hugged each of them before turning to Qui-Gon. ?I?m ready, Master.?

Qui-Gon patted the boy?s shoulder. ?I guess we?re ready then.?

?Aye, thou art more than ready.? Shamar bowed to them. ?Until we meet again.?

A swirling vortex opened in front of them, like a gray, rotating tunnel. The Jedi stepped through and found themselves in a long-abandoned training salle in one of the sublevels of the Temple. As soon as they stepped onto the floor, the vortex closed.

?That was? different,? Obi-Wan said. He looked up at Qui-Gon. ?Master, do you think we?ll ever see them again??

Qui-Gon shrugged. ?Shamar hinted as much. I suppose we shall just have to be patient and wait upon the Force.?

Obi-Wan turned toward the doors and rolled his eyes. ?That?s not much of a definite answer

 

What a fun ride - and I'm awaiting the sequel with bated breath.

 

Ah so we haven't seen the end of Zeb.
I loved the portal and I am certainly looking forward
to your next adventure.

Please keep me posted when you begin the next one.

 

Loved the entire story and a great ending.

 

Qui-Gon chuckled and grasped Obi-Wan?s shoulder. ?Always in motion the future is.?

Master Windu gave a very undignified snort. ?That was, hands down, the worst Yoda imitation I?ve ever heard.?

?It must have been good enough. You knew who it was.?

?Only because of the backwards syntax.?

Aww, great ending! I'm so glad that Obi and Zeb became friends.

And now I can't wait to read the sequel, it sounds very exciting, with all the foreshadowing!

Thanks for sharing this wonderful story!

 

DRL caught me in it's web for a while but I am back and really enjoying this. I will hop over to the sequel in a few minutes

 

Thanks to all of you who stuck with me throughout this story. I really, really appreciate all the great feedback. It truly inspires me to keep writing. Check out the sequel, Sanctuary, over at the Saga.

 

I loved the story, and I'll go look at the sequel in a sec. Just wanted to let ya know I didn't forget about the story, and it rocked. XD

(I wasn't able to get on for a while, so I didn't check any I'm "subscribed" to. XD)

 

How did I miss replying to this story? Anyway, wonderful job with this and I'm looking forward to the sequel. (Rushing over to Saga to see how far behind I am on that one!)

 

This was delightful. I love Iaomai, Zeb, too.

Burning question: what happens to Beran and Lynna?