As the door closed, Obi-Wan gasped as if someone had tried to steal the air
away from him. He quickly opened his eyes and found himself completely alone.
The young man let escape a sad sigh, he had hoped that Master Qui-Gon would
stay with him a little longer. At least that's what he hoped.
Suddenly, he felt Master Jinn's presence nearby, very close and very clearly.
Obi-Wan brow furrowed in a frown. Was that possible? Without realizing what
he was doing, he pulled back the covers and carefully slid off the bed. He
quickly regretted doing so as the whole room suddenly began spinning around
him. Obi-Wan slumped against the bed as he tightly closed his eyes as he
began taking shallow breaths to control a sudden feeling of creeping nausea.
He hesitated for a long moment before finding his balance. His left leg was
not obeying him, and any weight that he placed on it began sending sharp
waves of pain, making him even more dizzy.
He decided to limp his way out, slowly acquiring a firm handhold against the
walls. He stopped, raised his head, and slowly opened one eye to see if
everything was in it's normal place. He was relieved to find that the floor
was where it was supposed to be. He tried again and stood firmly on his good
foot, gently this time. He began limping towards the door, using the bed as
support. When he reached the door, he stopped. What in the seven hells was he
doing?! He was barely able to remain standing, and he was about to follow
Master Qui-Gon through the Temple? He should be in bed resting! If the
Healers realized that he had literally 'escaped', they were going to be
furious. And he already had the fight problem on his hands, and he was
looking for another one? But something inside him told him to continue, to go
and find Master Qui-Gon. So he opened the door and, stretching his tired
senses, traced Qui-Gon's presence.
*** *** *** *** *** ***
Master Skyla Lo'Tren was engrossed in her work. There where hundreds of
papers on her office desk, along with books, folders, cups of coffee,
aspirins. She was very busy, so busy that she failed to notice a tall
imposing figure standing patiently by her door. Skyla only took notice of the
visitor when she heard a slight knock.
"Come in," she said, without looking up from her papers.
The tall frame stepped inside and stood in front of her desk. She finally
looked up, wearing a cordial smile that fade instantly when she recognized
who was actually standing in front of her.
"It has been a long time, Skyla."
"Qui-Gon!" she whispered in complete shock, as the pen fell from her hand.
Qui-Gon control a small smile that curled on the side of his mouth as he
realized that she was having the same reaction that Obi-Wan had minutes ago.
Skyla pulled herself out of her shock. "Yes," she replied as she picked up
her forgotten pen and got back to her work, "It's been quite a long time.
Seven years to be exact."
Noting the icy tone in her voice, Qui-Gon could easily tell that she was not
very happy.
"May I sit down for a minute?" he asked gently, knowing that if Skyla was
mad, then he would have to be careful.
"Sure," she answered indifferent.
A paused, and then spoke, "I would like to talk with you."
Even a non-Jedi would have noticed how her fingers tightened around the pen.
"About?" she inquired in an even voice. Her eyes refusing to meet Qui-Gon's.
He took a deep breath. /Okay, this is it,/ "Obi-Wan." came the firm answer.
Skyla's head shot up as she heard the boy's name, fires blazing in both her
dark eyes.
"What?" she asked as calmly as she could, even though her voice had acquired
a threatening tone.
"I want to talk with you, about Obi-Wan. I..."
"Do you realized what you just said?" she interrupted him, "You want to talk
about Obi-Wan?!" Skyla lost her small hold she had of her patience.
Qui-Gon lowered his eyes. He couldn't say anything, Skyla was within her
rights, to be angry at him after what had happened.
Seeing that Qui-Gon was not planning on answering, the young Master
continued, "I can't believe this! You disappear for SEVEN years with the most
stupid of the excuses and now, as if nothing had happened, you come here and
want to talk about that poor kid whose life you almost ruined with your
stupidity!!!"
Qui-Gon had heard enough, "You know it didn't happen that way!", he retorted.
"No? Let me refresh your fragile memory, Qui-Gon," she replied bitterly,
"Seven years ago, you came here, to this same office, to tell me that you
were leaving and not coming back. When I asked you why, you answered that
you'd been thinking of taking Obi-Wan as your Padawan. But then, 'suddenly',
you realized that if you took him as your apprentice, then what had happened
with Xanatos could very possibly happen with Obi-Wan as well!!"
The tall Master's flash of anger died quickly as he remembered the reason of
his departure. He closed his eyes. How could he had been such and idiot! But
he wanted to fix everything, to start all over again.
"Even if I succeeded in convincing you that what happened to that...BRAT
wasn't your fault, you just wouldn't listen!" Skyla continued. She had been
waiting for a long time to say this to Qui-Gon, and now she was not about to
pull any punches, "You don't know what happened the day after you left!
Obi-Wan was broken hearted, torn apart, and I was so scared that he was going
to retreat inside himself again. I was so worried that on the night that you
left, I...erased his memory about you...as he slept," hot tears began to
sting her dark eyes as she recall that painful night.
Qui-Gon's eyes shot open, and he looked at her in shock. /What?!/
"I erased most of his memories about your time together, about his mother. I
left very little for him to remember about his childhood," Skyla continued
more calmly, "He only knows that he was brought to the Temple by his parents
when he was about two years old. But, he also remembers that bear that you
gave him as a gift, but I can't figure out how he did that."
The only thing Qui-Gon wanted now was for someone to take his lightsaber and
run him through. How could he have done this to Obi-Wan?! /But you're here
now to put that right, remember?/ that small, insistent voice advised him.
And it was right.
"Look Skyla, I know I made a mistake, a BIG mistake, but I've learned from
that. And I'm not blaming myself anymore for what happened to Xanatos.
And,...that's mostly why I'm here. I want to take Obi-Wan as my Padawan
learner."
A small flicker of surprise crossed Skyla's eyes. "No," the young Master
answered firmly, "You won't hurt him again, Qui-Gon."
Qui-Gon was not expecting that answer, or at least not so calmly spoken.
Either way, the words hit him hard. But he was not retreating, he refused to
back down. His summoned his famous stubbornness and spoke, "Skyla, please! I
know perfectly well that I hurt him. That thought has been haunting me for
seven years, and I want it to stop! I was wrong, very wrong, and I'm here to
remedy what I can. And the only I can accomplish that is doing what I should
have done seven years ago - take Obi-Wan as my apprentice."
Skyla jumped from her seat and stood behind her desk facing Qui-Gon, the
previous blazing fire burning in her eyes again, "No, Qui-Gon! You should
have thought about that before leaving! I think he suffered enough already,
he doesn't need more! Obi-Wan Kenobi will NOT be your Padawan learner!"
"No!" a young voice rang out.
Both Jedi Masters turned to look for the source of the voice, and found a
worn-out twelve-year-old leaning heavily against the door frame. He stepped
inside, but as he did so, the strength of his left leg gave out, and with a
low cry the young weary body collapsed helplessly towards the ground.
Qui-Gon jumped from his seat and caught the falling from before it reached
the floor. The Master quickly scooped him up and sat him carefully on the
chair he had occupied. Kneeling before the weakened young man, Qui-Gon looked
into his weary eyes asked, "Obi-Wan, are you all right? What are you doing
here?"
Obi-Wan felt ashamed. What would Master Qui-Gon think if he told him that he
had been feeling 'lonely' and had followed after him?
Qui-Gon smiled faintly as he sensed the boy's thoughts. "I'm sorry I left you
alone. I thought you were asleep," he said as he gently smoothed Obi-Wan's
hair. "However, you shouldn't have come here by yourself. Your body needs
rest, Obi-Wan. That is the only way it's going to heal."
Obi-wan gave him a small smile and nodded. "I'm sorry, I don't know why I did
it. I just couldn't stay in bed. I felt as if something was pushing to get
me out of the room," the young man explained, his voice sounding tired. He
liked this Master, he was so understanding and kind. Obi-Wan wondered why
stories had been told of this Master and describing him as being a real ogre.
But then, Obi-wan remembered what Master Skyla said, and he looked up at
her. Frowning with confusion, he turned his pleading blue- green eyes in her
direction. Why was Master Skyla not allowing him to become a Padawan? It was
all he had ever wanted and worked so hard for!
Skyla sighed. "Obi-Wan, how much did you hear?"
"Just when you said that I...I couldn't be Master Qui... Master Jinn's
Padawan," he said quietly. "Master Skyla, I know I have a lot to learn, but
I'm going to be thirteen in a few days and...," lowering his head suddenly,
his quiet voice trailed off.
Qui-Gon removed his gaze from the battered boy and placed it on Skyla.
Arching his eyebrows, he waited for an answer.
Skyla looked back at them thoughtfully. How could she say no? This is what
she had been waiting for so many years! Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan, together as
Master and Padawan. As it should have been in the first place. But what if
Qui-Gon wasn't really telling the truth? What if he hadn't learned anything
after all those years?
Concentrating, she felt as an intense wave of the Force come from nowhere,
calming her, giving her direction, laying her doubts to rest. This *was* the
right thing to do. She smiled and stood to face the tall Master. Noting
that Obi-Wan's eyes where still fixed on the floor, she looked directly at
Qui-Gon and nodded.
"Obi-Wan," he heard Master Qui-Gon whisper. But he just kept staring at the
floor, "Yes Master Jinn?" the boy replied in a soft whisper.
Qui-Gon quietly knelt at the side of Obi-Wan's chair, placed one of his hands
on the young man's as he looked at the bowed head, and in a low, deep voice
stated, "Obi-Wan, I would be honored if you would accept to become my Padawan
Learner."
Obi-Wan's head shot up, disbelief written in his young face. Master Jinn was
asking him to be his Padawan?! Master Qui-Gon Jinn?!?! /No...No! I'm dreaming
again! Wake up Kenobi! This is not real!/
But, when he saw the Master's serene and searching eyes, a soft smile framing
his lips, as his hand warmly covered his, he realized that it was true. His
dream was finally coming true!
"I-I...Yes...Master," Obi-Wan stammered, finally managing to answer, as a
huge and brilliant smile stretched across his lips.
Qui-Gon smile broadened as he stood up, but kept Obi-Wan's hand in his. "Very
well, tomorrow we'll see the Council to inform them about this decision. But
for now, Padawan, you need to rest."
At the word 'Padawan', hundreds of emotions began swirling inside Obi-Wan's
chest. The strongest was happiness, pure happiness. He had been accepted by
one of the most important Masters in the whole Temple! This hadn't turned up
to be such a bad day after all...
Qui-Gon gently scooped up his Padawan in his arms and smiled as Obi-Wan
rested his head on his shoulder. Holding his apprentice firmly against him,
Qui-Gon turned smilingly in Skyla's direction. He could clearly see the large
tears that she was trying to control. He smiled kindly at her, like he used
to do years ago, and whispered "Thank you.".
A tear escaped from her eyes as she smiled back, "You're welcome."
Qui-Gon nodded and proudly glanced down at Obi-Wan who was struggling to keep
his eyes open. The tall Master, with his charge safely in his arms, turned
and headed towards his quarters.
Long after the Master-Padawan pair had left the room, tears fell from Skyla's
eyes as she clasped her hands in front of her and whispered into the room's
silence, "He needs you, Qui-Gon...just as much as you need him. Please, take
good care of that boy."
*** *** *** *** *** ***
When the pair reached Qui-Gon's quarters, Obi-Wan surprisingly was still
awake, but just barely. The Master opened the door using the Force, so as to
not disturb his apprentice. His 'Apprentice'. Qui-Gon couldn't believe how
much he had dreaded taking Obi-Wan as his Padawan. The moment the boy had
accepted, Qui-Gon had suddenly felt like the happiest man in the universe.
Without turning the lights on, Qui-Gon headed toward his own room. Once
there, he slowly lowered Obi-Wan on his bed and tucked the blankets warmly
around him. His Padawan looked up at him confused. After a few moments, he
murmured sleepily, "Wh-where are...you gonna...sleep?"
"Don't worry about me, Obi-Wan. I'll sleep in the couch for tonight. Tomorrow
we'll have your own room ready for you," Qui-Gon answered as he sat on the
edge of his bed and softly ran his fingers through his Padawan's hair.
Obi-Wan stubbornly shook his head as he tried in vain to sit up,
"N-no...I...I'll..."
But he quickly felt those same strong hands gently easing back into the
pillows. Obi-Wan closed his eyes as a soothing voice gently spoke to him as
he fell back against the pillows, and he slowly began slipping towards sleep.
"No, Padawan. You've not healed yet, and you need to rest," Qui-Gon smoothed
the close-cropped auburn hair back, "Sleeping in the couch will not help your
recovery. Besides," he added with a gentle smile, "I don't mind sleeping
there."
Obi-Wan half-opened his blue-green eyes and smiled at Qui-Gon somewhat
dreamily, "Why you are so kind to me?" he asked, innocence reflected in his
voice. That was a question he had tried to figure out since leaving Skyla's
office. The stories and rumors that he heard about Master Qui-Gon kept
swirling in his mind. This Qui-Gon Jinn was not the one from those stories.
The simple question caught Qui-Gon off guard. At first, he thought his tongue
had disappeared, but after what seemed a few eternities, he remembered that
Obi-Wan had no memory of their time together when he was just a toddler. And
Obi-Wan surely had heard all those stories and gossips of him being a real
monster. Seeing things from that point of view, it was quite logical that
Obi-Wan would be surprised with Qui-Gon's attitude. Clearing his throat, the
Master asked gently, "You've heard stories about me, right?"
Obi-Wan, surprised, nodded.
Qui-Gon smiled back sadly, "Well, let me tell you, Padawan, that most of them
are true. Some years ago, I was like that, but not anymore," he reassured his
apprentice as a flash of panic crossed the blue-green eyes. "I spent some
years away of the Temple, mostly to...think about certain things."
Obi-Wan could see and feel Qui-Gon's sadness as his mind recalled the
memories. Aside from the stories and rumors, Obi-Wan had also heard that
Qui-Gon had lost a Padawan to the Dark Side. /That must have been very tough
for this Master,/ he thought to himself, unaware that Qui-Gon's sorrow had
been caused by Xanatos' betrayal. /For *My* Master,/ Obi-Wan corrected
himself. He could clearly feel the sorrow and grief radiating from Qui-Gon as
the pair of deep blue eyes stared into nothingness. Obi-Wan reached out and
slowly placed his hand on Qui-Gon's.
When he felt something warm and soft covering his hand, Qui-Gon surfaced from
his thoughts and looked at the smaller hand covering his own large one. A
smile slowly spread across his face. /This boy has such simple ways to
comfort a aching soul./
Pushing the remaining dark memories back, Qui-Gon continued, "But, Padawan,
you should never be surprised if I'm kind to you. That's why I'm here. From
now on, if you want to cry, I'll be here for you. If you want to laugh, I'll
laugh with you. If you don't know what to do, I'll help you find a way." The
tall Jedi placed one of his huge hands on the boy's head, "From now on, we
will always be together as Master and Apprentice."
Obi-Wan felt a strong and intense Force-energy flowing through him. But, just
as fast as it had appeared, it was gone. But now, there was a different
feeling within him. Something like...a bond. His blue-green eyes locked on
Qui-Gon's deep blue ones in complete awe.
//Now we're connected, Padawan. Nothing, and no one, can break this bond
between us. Whenever you need me, I'll be here. I'll never leave alone.//..
/Again,/ the last part was for Qui-Gon only. He was not about to leave
this extraordinary boy for anything in the whole galaxy.
Now, it was Obi-Wan's turn to be speechless. He was a Padawan, he had a
Master, he had a bond with his Master. There were so many things happening,
and all in one day! And now that he had time to think about it, he almost
felt thankful towards the two Padawans that had nearly killed him! If it
hadn't been for the fight, he surely would not be here.
But the events of the day, both bad and wonderful, began taking their toll on
both Obi-Wan's mind and body.
"All right, Obi-Wan, I'll let you sleep now. Good-...." Qui-Gon began, as he
noted Obi-Wan's half-closed and sleepy eyes.
"Wait...!" Obi-Wan's small and sleepy voice suddenly interrupted Qui-Gon's,
"C-can you stay...for just a while?" He knew he was being childish, but he
didn't care. He just didn't want his Master to go.
"Of course, Obi-Wan," Master Qui-Gon answered, to his surprise, "I'll stay as
long as you need me too"
"Thank you," the small voice trailed off as his eyes closed. Within minutes
Obi-Wan was asleep.
The bond that Qui-Gon had severed seven years ago was back again, and
stronger. "We'll always be together, son," he promised as he looked at his
sleeping Padawan as he absently stroked the boy's limp arm. As he watched his
apprentice sleep, just as he used to years ago, an idea struck him. Quietly
standing as not to wake the sleeping boy, he went to look for a pair of
scissors. Returning to his Padawan's side, he carefully cut a strand of his
own hair. Carefully braiding it, he placed the slightly long braid alongside
Obi-Wan's right ear and, with a small manipulation of the Force, he merged
his hair with his apprentice's.
A broad, contented smile appeared on his lips as he imagined the expression
on Obi-Wan's face when he awoke and saw his new braid the next morning. That
image was going to be priceless. /But it is already priceless, Qui. He's your
Padawan now. You found him again./
That was true. He had found Obi-Wan again. But, perhaps, Obi-Wan found *him*.
Either way, he now knew that they were together again, in many ways, and this
time, *this time* was forever.
The End.
away from him. He quickly opened his eyes and found himself completely alone.
The young man let escape a sad sigh, he had hoped that Master Qui-Gon would
stay with him a little longer. At least that's what he hoped.
Suddenly, he felt Master Jinn's presence nearby, very close and very clearly.
Obi-Wan brow furrowed in a frown. Was that possible? Without realizing what
he was doing, he pulled back the covers and carefully slid off the bed. He
quickly regretted doing so as the whole room suddenly began spinning around
him. Obi-Wan slumped against the bed as he tightly closed his eyes as he
began taking shallow breaths to control a sudden feeling of creeping nausea.
He hesitated for a long moment before finding his balance. His left leg was
not obeying him, and any weight that he placed on it began sending sharp
waves of pain, making him even more dizzy.
He decided to limp his way out, slowly acquiring a firm handhold against the
walls. He stopped, raised his head, and slowly opened one eye to see if
everything was in it's normal place. He was relieved to find that the floor
was where it was supposed to be. He tried again and stood firmly on his good
foot, gently this time. He began limping towards the door, using the bed as
support. When he reached the door, he stopped. What in the seven hells was he
doing?! He was barely able to remain standing, and he was about to follow
Master Qui-Gon through the Temple? He should be in bed resting! If the
Healers realized that he had literally 'escaped', they were going to be
furious. And he already had the fight problem on his hands, and he was
looking for another one? But something inside him told him to continue, to go
and find Master Qui-Gon. So he opened the door and, stretching his tired
senses, traced Qui-Gon's presence.
*** *** *** *** *** ***
Master Skyla Lo'Tren was engrossed in her work. There where hundreds of
papers on her office desk, along with books, folders, cups of coffee,
aspirins. She was very busy, so busy that she failed to notice a tall
imposing figure standing patiently by her door. Skyla only took notice of the
visitor when she heard a slight knock.
"Come in," she said, without looking up from her papers.
The tall frame stepped inside and stood in front of her desk. She finally
looked up, wearing a cordial smile that fade instantly when she recognized
who was actually standing in front of her.
"It has been a long time, Skyla."
"Qui-Gon!" she whispered in complete shock, as the pen fell from her hand.
Qui-Gon control a small smile that curled on the side of his mouth as he
realized that she was having the same reaction that Obi-Wan had minutes ago.
Skyla pulled herself out of her shock. "Yes," she replied as she picked up
her forgotten pen and got back to her work, "It's been quite a long time.
Seven years to be exact."
Noting the icy tone in her voice, Qui-Gon could easily tell that she was not
very happy.
"May I sit down for a minute?" he asked gently, knowing that if Skyla was
mad, then he would have to be careful.
"Sure," she answered indifferent.
A paused, and then spoke, "I would like to talk with you."
Even a non-Jedi would have noticed how her fingers tightened around the pen.
"About?" she inquired in an even voice. Her eyes refusing to meet Qui-Gon's.
He took a deep breath. /Okay, this is it,/ "Obi-Wan." came the firm answer.
Skyla's head shot up as she heard the boy's name, fires blazing in both her
dark eyes.
"What?" she asked as calmly as she could, even though her voice had acquired
a threatening tone.
"I want to talk with you, about Obi-Wan. I..."
"Do you realized what you just said?" she interrupted him, "You want to talk
about Obi-Wan?!" Skyla lost her small hold she had of her patience.
Qui-Gon lowered his eyes. He couldn't say anything, Skyla was within her
rights, to be angry at him after what had happened.
Seeing that Qui-Gon was not planning on answering, the young Master
continued, "I can't believe this! You disappear for SEVEN years with the most
stupid of the excuses and now, as if nothing had happened, you come here and
want to talk about that poor kid whose life you almost ruined with your
stupidity!!!"
Qui-Gon had heard enough, "You know it didn't happen that way!", he retorted.
"No? Let me refresh your fragile memory, Qui-Gon," she replied bitterly,
"Seven years ago, you came here, to this same office, to tell me that you
were leaving and not coming back. When I asked you why, you answered that
you'd been thinking of taking Obi-Wan as your Padawan. But then, 'suddenly',
you realized that if you took him as your apprentice, then what had happened
with Xanatos could very possibly happen with Obi-Wan as well!!"
The tall Master's flash of anger died quickly as he remembered the reason of
his departure. He closed his eyes. How could he had been such and idiot! But
he wanted to fix everything, to start all over again.
"Even if I succeeded in convincing you that what happened to that...BRAT
wasn't your fault, you just wouldn't listen!" Skyla continued. She had been
waiting for a long time to say this to Qui-Gon, and now she was not about to
pull any punches, "You don't know what happened the day after you left!
Obi-Wan was broken hearted, torn apart, and I was so scared that he was going
to retreat inside himself again. I was so worried that on the night that you
left, I...erased his memory about you...as he slept," hot tears began to
sting her dark eyes as she recall that painful night.
Qui-Gon's eyes shot open, and he looked at her in shock. /What?!/
"I erased most of his memories about your time together, about his mother. I
left very little for him to remember about his childhood," Skyla continued
more calmly, "He only knows that he was brought to the Temple by his parents
when he was about two years old. But, he also remembers that bear that you
gave him as a gift, but I can't figure out how he did that."
The only thing Qui-Gon wanted now was for someone to take his lightsaber and
run him through. How could he have done this to Obi-Wan?! /But you're here
now to put that right, remember?/ that small, insistent voice advised him.
And it was right.
"Look Skyla, I know I made a mistake, a BIG mistake, but I've learned from
that. And I'm not blaming myself anymore for what happened to Xanatos.
And,...that's mostly why I'm here. I want to take Obi-Wan as my Padawan
learner."
A small flicker of surprise crossed Skyla's eyes. "No," the young Master
answered firmly, "You won't hurt him again, Qui-Gon."
Qui-Gon was not expecting that answer, or at least not so calmly spoken.
Either way, the words hit him hard. But he was not retreating, he refused to
back down. His summoned his famous stubbornness and spoke, "Skyla, please! I
know perfectly well that I hurt him. That thought has been haunting me for
seven years, and I want it to stop! I was wrong, very wrong, and I'm here to
remedy what I can. And the only I can accomplish that is doing what I should
have done seven years ago - take Obi-Wan as my apprentice."
Skyla jumped from her seat and stood behind her desk facing Qui-Gon, the
previous blazing fire burning in her eyes again, "No, Qui-Gon! You should
have thought about that before leaving! I think he suffered enough already,
he doesn't need more! Obi-Wan Kenobi will NOT be your Padawan learner!"
"No!" a young voice rang out.
Both Jedi Masters turned to look for the source of the voice, and found a
worn-out twelve-year-old leaning heavily against the door frame. He stepped
inside, but as he did so, the strength of his left leg gave out, and with a
low cry the young weary body collapsed helplessly towards the ground.
Qui-Gon jumped from his seat and caught the falling from before it reached
the floor. The Master quickly scooped him up and sat him carefully on the
chair he had occupied. Kneeling before the weakened young man, Qui-Gon looked
into his weary eyes asked, "Obi-Wan, are you all right? What are you doing
here?"
Obi-Wan felt ashamed. What would Master Qui-Gon think if he told him that he
had been feeling 'lonely' and had followed after him?
Qui-Gon smiled faintly as he sensed the boy's thoughts. "I'm sorry I left you
alone. I thought you were asleep," he said as he gently smoothed Obi-Wan's
hair. "However, you shouldn't have come here by yourself. Your body needs
rest, Obi-Wan. That is the only way it's going to heal."
Obi-wan gave him a small smile and nodded. "I'm sorry, I don't know why I did
it. I just couldn't stay in bed. I felt as if something was pushing to get
me out of the room," the young man explained, his voice sounding tired. He
liked this Master, he was so understanding and kind. Obi-Wan wondered why
stories had been told of this Master and describing him as being a real ogre.
But then, Obi-wan remembered what Master Skyla said, and he looked up at
her. Frowning with confusion, he turned his pleading blue- green eyes in her
direction. Why was Master Skyla not allowing him to become a Padawan? It was
all he had ever wanted and worked so hard for!
Skyla sighed. "Obi-Wan, how much did you hear?"
"Just when you said that I...I couldn't be Master Qui... Master Jinn's
Padawan," he said quietly. "Master Skyla, I know I have a lot to learn, but
I'm going to be thirteen in a few days and...," lowering his head suddenly,
his quiet voice trailed off.
Qui-Gon removed his gaze from the battered boy and placed it on Skyla.
Arching his eyebrows, he waited for an answer.
Skyla looked back at them thoughtfully. How could she say no? This is what
she had been waiting for so many years! Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan, together as
Master and Padawan. As it should have been in the first place. But what if
Qui-Gon wasn't really telling the truth? What if he hadn't learned anything
after all those years?
Concentrating, she felt as an intense wave of the Force come from nowhere,
calming her, giving her direction, laying her doubts to rest. This *was* the
right thing to do. She smiled and stood to face the tall Master. Noting
that Obi-Wan's eyes where still fixed on the floor, she looked directly at
Qui-Gon and nodded.
"Obi-Wan," he heard Master Qui-Gon whisper. But he just kept staring at the
floor, "Yes Master Jinn?" the boy replied in a soft whisper.
Qui-Gon quietly knelt at the side of Obi-Wan's chair, placed one of his hands
on the young man's as he looked at the bowed head, and in a low, deep voice
stated, "Obi-Wan, I would be honored if you would accept to become my Padawan
Learner."
Obi-Wan's head shot up, disbelief written in his young face. Master Jinn was
asking him to be his Padawan?! Master Qui-Gon Jinn?!?! /No...No! I'm dreaming
again! Wake up Kenobi! This is not real!/
But, when he saw the Master's serene and searching eyes, a soft smile framing
his lips, as his hand warmly covered his, he realized that it was true. His
dream was finally coming true!
"I-I...Yes...Master," Obi-Wan stammered, finally managing to answer, as a
huge and brilliant smile stretched across his lips.
Qui-Gon smile broadened as he stood up, but kept Obi-Wan's hand in his. "Very
well, tomorrow we'll see the Council to inform them about this decision. But
for now, Padawan, you need to rest."
At the word 'Padawan', hundreds of emotions began swirling inside Obi-Wan's
chest. The strongest was happiness, pure happiness. He had been accepted by
one of the most important Masters in the whole Temple! This hadn't turned up
to be such a bad day after all...
Qui-Gon gently scooped up his Padawan in his arms and smiled as Obi-Wan
rested his head on his shoulder. Holding his apprentice firmly against him,
Qui-Gon turned smilingly in Skyla's direction. He could clearly see the large
tears that she was trying to control. He smiled kindly at her, like he used
to do years ago, and whispered "Thank you.".
A tear escaped from her eyes as she smiled back, "You're welcome."
Qui-Gon nodded and proudly glanced down at Obi-Wan who was struggling to keep
his eyes open. The tall Master, with his charge safely in his arms, turned
and headed towards his quarters.
Long after the Master-Padawan pair had left the room, tears fell from Skyla's
eyes as she clasped her hands in front of her and whispered into the room's
silence, "He needs you, Qui-Gon...just as much as you need him. Please, take
good care of that boy."
*** *** *** *** *** ***
When the pair reached Qui-Gon's quarters, Obi-Wan surprisingly was still
awake, but just barely. The Master opened the door using the Force, so as to
not disturb his apprentice. His 'Apprentice'. Qui-Gon couldn't believe how
much he had dreaded taking Obi-Wan as his Padawan. The moment the boy had
accepted, Qui-Gon had suddenly felt like the happiest man in the universe.
Without turning the lights on, Qui-Gon headed toward his own room. Once
there, he slowly lowered Obi-Wan on his bed and tucked the blankets warmly
around him. His Padawan looked up at him confused. After a few moments, he
murmured sleepily, "Wh-where are...you gonna...sleep?"
"Don't worry about me, Obi-Wan. I'll sleep in the couch for tonight. Tomorrow
we'll have your own room ready for you," Qui-Gon answered as he sat on the
edge of his bed and softly ran his fingers through his Padawan's hair.
Obi-Wan stubbornly shook his head as he tried in vain to sit up,
"N-no...I...I'll..."
But he quickly felt those same strong hands gently easing back into the
pillows. Obi-Wan closed his eyes as a soothing voice gently spoke to him as
he fell back against the pillows, and he slowly began slipping towards sleep.
"No, Padawan. You've not healed yet, and you need to rest," Qui-Gon smoothed
the close-cropped auburn hair back, "Sleeping in the couch will not help your
recovery. Besides," he added with a gentle smile, "I don't mind sleeping
there."
Obi-Wan half-opened his blue-green eyes and smiled at Qui-Gon somewhat
dreamily, "Why you are so kind to me?" he asked, innocence reflected in his
voice. That was a question he had tried to figure out since leaving Skyla's
office. The stories and rumors that he heard about Master Qui-Gon kept
swirling in his mind. This Qui-Gon Jinn was not the one from those stories.
The simple question caught Qui-Gon off guard. At first, he thought his tongue
had disappeared, but after what seemed a few eternities, he remembered that
Obi-Wan had no memory of their time together when he was just a toddler. And
Obi-Wan surely had heard all those stories and gossips of him being a real
monster. Seeing things from that point of view, it was quite logical that
Obi-Wan would be surprised with Qui-Gon's attitude. Clearing his throat, the
Master asked gently, "You've heard stories about me, right?"
Obi-Wan, surprised, nodded.
Qui-Gon smiled back sadly, "Well, let me tell you, Padawan, that most of them
are true. Some years ago, I was like that, but not anymore," he reassured his
apprentice as a flash of panic crossed the blue-green eyes. "I spent some
years away of the Temple, mostly to...think about certain things."
Obi-Wan could see and feel Qui-Gon's sadness as his mind recalled the
memories. Aside from the stories and rumors, Obi-Wan had also heard that
Qui-Gon had lost a Padawan to the Dark Side. /That must have been very tough
for this Master,/ he thought to himself, unaware that Qui-Gon's sorrow had
been caused by Xanatos' betrayal. /For *My* Master,/ Obi-Wan corrected
himself. He could clearly feel the sorrow and grief radiating from Qui-Gon as
the pair of deep blue eyes stared into nothingness. Obi-Wan reached out and
slowly placed his hand on Qui-Gon's.
When he felt something warm and soft covering his hand, Qui-Gon surfaced from
his thoughts and looked at the smaller hand covering his own large one. A
smile slowly spread across his face. /This boy has such simple ways to
comfort a aching soul./
Pushing the remaining dark memories back, Qui-Gon continued, "But, Padawan,
you should never be surprised if I'm kind to you. That's why I'm here. From
now on, if you want to cry, I'll be here for you. If you want to laugh, I'll
laugh with you. If you don't know what to do, I'll help you find a way." The
tall Jedi placed one of his huge hands on the boy's head, "From now on, we
will always be together as Master and Apprentice."
Obi-Wan felt a strong and intense Force-energy flowing through him. But, just
as fast as it had appeared, it was gone. But now, there was a different
feeling within him. Something like...a bond. His blue-green eyes locked on
Qui-Gon's deep blue ones in complete awe.
//Now we're connected, Padawan. Nothing, and no one, can break this bond
between us. Whenever you need me, I'll be here. I'll never leave alone.//..
/Again,/ the last part was for Qui-Gon only. He was not about to leave
this extraordinary boy for anything in the whole galaxy.
Now, it was Obi-Wan's turn to be speechless. He was a Padawan, he had a
Master, he had a bond with his Master. There were so many things happening,
and all in one day! And now that he had time to think about it, he almost
felt thankful towards the two Padawans that had nearly killed him! If it
hadn't been for the fight, he surely would not be here.
But the events of the day, both bad and wonderful, began taking their toll on
both Obi-Wan's mind and body.
"All right, Obi-Wan, I'll let you sleep now. Good-...." Qui-Gon began, as he
noted Obi-Wan's half-closed and sleepy eyes.
"Wait...!" Obi-Wan's small and sleepy voice suddenly interrupted Qui-Gon's,
"C-can you stay...for just a while?" He knew he was being childish, but he
didn't care. He just didn't want his Master to go.
"Of course, Obi-Wan," Master Qui-Gon answered, to his surprise, "I'll stay as
long as you need me too"
"Thank you," the small voice trailed off as his eyes closed. Within minutes
Obi-Wan was asleep.
The bond that Qui-Gon had severed seven years ago was back again, and
stronger. "We'll always be together, son," he promised as he looked at his
sleeping Padawan as he absently stroked the boy's limp arm. As he watched his
apprentice sleep, just as he used to years ago, an idea struck him. Quietly
standing as not to wake the sleeping boy, he went to look for a pair of
scissors. Returning to his Padawan's side, he carefully cut a strand of his
own hair. Carefully braiding it, he placed the slightly long braid alongside
Obi-Wan's right ear and, with a small manipulation of the Force, he merged
his hair with his apprentice's.
A broad, contented smile appeared on his lips as he imagined the expression
on Obi-Wan's face when he awoke and saw his new braid the next morning. That
image was going to be priceless. /But it is already priceless, Qui. He's your
Padawan now. You found him again./
That was true. He had found Obi-Wan again. But, perhaps, Obi-Wan found *him*.
Either way, he now knew that they were together again, in many ways, and this
time, *this time* was forever.
The End.