Summary: Inspired by Earthian, a Japanese anime/manga series
about white- and black-winged angels. Here the Jedi are known
to possess white wings. The Jedi Temple is truly populated by
white-winged folk. The Master-Apprentice dynamics is still
there. The white-winged Jedi are called 'angels' by the rest of
the galaxy, first for their serenity and second for their
beauty. The Sith are known for having black wings, like raven
wings. But they have already died out for a thousand years. The
Jedi still whisper about the black-winged ones who are
corrupted as corroded iron and evil as they come. Ah. Obi-Wan
is conflicted inside. He knows he is Jedi. He grew up in the
Temple, dammit. But he knows that he has black wings. Not grey,
not bi-colored. But pure onyx black in color, the color that
glints in the sunlight like black jade. The boys in the Temple
tease him mercilessly about it and he loathes it deep inside.
Bruck Chun, another pure White-wing, is especially mean to him.
Rating: PG-13.
He knew they were watching him. Their eyes bright like avian
eyes, burning right into his skin like laser beams. With a deep
breath, he straightened his shoulders and settled his wings.
He knew they murmured between themselves, a susurrus of sounds.
Their wings fluttered slightly, a subtle comment.
He didn't care. Instead, he opened himself up to the wondrous
glow that was the Force. Felt It filling him with a powerful
warmth akin to sunfire. He held his lightsaber, feeling it hum
beneath his fingers. He was ready.
Right before him, the cocky youth grinned at him. His wings
blurred as he prepared for the 'saber match. He was a
White-Wing and he flaunted it arrogantly, as if it was a sacred
truth he was destined to have. Something his opponent didn't
have. Wasn't supposed to.
"Salut," Obi-Wan greeted the cocky youth. "I hail thee, Bruck
Chun."
"Salut," and the voice dripped with barely-contained disgust
and arrogance. "I hail thee, Obi-Wan Kenobi." (Black-Wing), the
eyes mocked.
Nearby, Master Jinn watched his protege shudder oh so slightly.
The taunt had taken effect. The Jedi Master sent a wave of love
and affection to Obi-Wan who smiled a little. The youth was
shimmering with Force. His wings glittered, like the black
crystals of Aratha V.
Suddenly, Bruck was the first to move. He leapt forth,
brandishing his red lightsaber. It sang as he flew...and
Obi-Wan countered back with a shout, his wings spread to
cushion the shock. Bruck was known for his fiendish fighting
skills. A joy to watch sometimes but he was getting too proud
for his own good.
Obi-Wan and his opponent swooped around the aerial training
ground. White and black... they swirled, battling tiredly.
Master Jinn caught sight of black wings before Bruck's own
white-colored pinions hid everything.
The crowd was getting restless. Their robes rustled as they
discussed about the individual fighting skills of the young
men.
Just then, a scream rent through the air, cutting straight into
Qui-Gon's heart like a hot knife. Black feathers drifted down
in a slow flurry, followed by Obi-Wan tumbling back to earth.
For a moment, no one spoke, too stunned. Then, Qui-Gon exploded
into action, sprinting over to his injured student who lay
panting. His left wing had a deep gash and it was bleeding red
blood. Bruck Chun landed gracefully, preening. His face was
triumphant, alit with battle glee.
"I am... alright," Obi-Wan said through gritted teeth. He shook
with suppressed pain. Bruck didn't move an inch.
"This is a training match," Master Jinn shot Bruck a reproving
glare. "No blood is supposed to be shed."
The youth replied with a "Why can't I?" look. Qui-Gon bit down
the stinging retort.
The excitement over, the crowd began to disperse. The
Black-Wing had lost. Bruck bowed stiffly and went to join his
Master who only shook his head at his charge's youthful
belligerence.
"Don't take it to heart, Obi-Wan." Qui-Gon helped the youth up.
The black wings were drooping, as if Obi-Wan knew. "Come. Let
me take you to the Infirmary. You need food and that wing needs
tending."
"Master," Obi-Wan's voice was feather-soft. "Why am I a
Black-Wing? Am I cursed?"
For the first time in that day, Qui-Gon Jinn was stumped.
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