Warning: The following story contains explicit depictions of a
homoerotic context. If you are easily offended by
homosexuality, please delete the entire thing from your memory.
Disclaimer: all hail the mighty Lucasworld. I don't earn any
profit from my writing because I am not a Ferengi.
Archive: personal homepage, the M_A archive.
Pairing: Qui/Obi.
Categories: violence, m/m, part of a series.
Warnings: DARK imagery.
Brief outline: "Prelude to A Storm" begins the second half of
the series. It was a moment of peace and tranquility in the
Republic and the lives of the Jedi. But was it going to last?
The Beast within seemed to have returned, stronger than ever.
The two men had given a new mission. "Observations From Afar"
sees Mace Windu pondering on his friendship with Qui-Gon. The
Jedi Master and senior councilor has misgivings. "The Hunt
Begins" sees the Jedi returning to the Lupen but there are
already dark clouds looming in the distance. Danger is apparent
in the appearance of more snow wolf-like creatures that seem to
form a hunting pack.
Summary: The hunters hunt in earnest. The Jedi are put in grave
danger.
Rating: PG-13.
(( )) and ( )denote telepathy.
The sunlight filtered through the stained glass windows,
throwing red and golden onto the elaborate tiles. It was a
quiet afternoon in the Naboo palatial residence, filled with
the scent of fragrant flowers. Somewhere, someone was singing
and the song drifted up to the domed ceiling, drawing the young
Queen out of her reverie.
Amidala permitted herself a smile, unseen by her handmaidens
who padded softly around, folding clothes and tidying her
personal study room. The book felt heavy on her lap. She took a
glance at the gold-gilded title: Land Laws of the Republic. The
writer used a dry methodical style of writing, something
Amidala found immensely boring at times. But it was legalese
and she was groomed to understand legalese.
She leaned against her armchair, feeling the velvet smoothness
on her fingertips. They had started rebuilding Naboo. The
palace was back to its original beauty. The city itself had
regained back its confidence. Even as she sat, reading a book
on laws, she knew that hardworking folk were busy on the
waterways, delivering sacks of river rice and other
commodities. The Gungans worked side by side, the two species
having put aside age-old ethnic tensions.
The page rustled as she turned, revealing yet another column of
words. Something on the territory of the rightful owner.
Amidala rubbed her forehead; she definitely needed a breather.
She would plough through yet another thirty more pages... after
she had taken a rest.
"Your Highness," Sabe said, appearing beside her. The young
woman was bearing a tray of her favorite tea. The aroma lifted
her spirits and cleared half of the throbbing pain. As Sabe
proceeded to pour the tea into the cup, Amidala put away her
book and thought about Anakin, how he was doing at the Temple.
The last transmission he had sent her informed the Queen that
he was going on a mission with his Masters. He sounded excited;
it was his first and he was determined to do well.
Amidala touched the pendant at her throat, feeling its
coolness. She remembered Tatooine and smiled. She sipped at the
tea, grimacing at its bitter taste. Warmth curled in her belly
and she closed her eyes, breathing slowly. She would take time
now to enjoy the luxury of peace...
Something dark and heavy... Immense chill... She tried to
scream out for help but her vocal chords seemed immobilized by
an invisible fist. The darkness grew, coalesced into a fanged
jaw, the teeth gleaming and dripping with saliva... Then,
images of Anakin in pain... of Obi-Wan Kenobi screaming...and
of Qui-Gon Jinn running...
She had never felt so trapped... so helpless. She tried to
stand up...
The handmaidens watched in silent horror as their Queen
crumbled into a lifeless heap before them. Her cup fell from
her limp fingers, splashing still-hot tea onto the marble
tiles.
The morning breeze was biting cold as the pack crested a hill.
They had returned from another fresh kill and their bellies
were full. The younger members of the pack amused themselves
with the remnants of the hunt: they pulled, snarling, at a
dismembered hoof and tossed the antlers about. As for the
leader, he stood stock-still, his ears straightened, catching
any stray sound in the wind.
The hunt would commence today, no doubt about it. He himself
would welcome it. For hours, in his false skin, he had chafed
and fidgeted like a restless pup. The talks were long and
tedious as usual, the female Leader giving a long speech. He
kept his eye on her. He also watched the three off-worlders.
The tallest and oldest of the three attracted most of his
attention. The leader licked his lips, tasting blood and salt.
Then, he straightened, assuming his false form. With a low
indiscernible growl of disgust, he watched his claws become
stubby and useless. The silver fur receded back into his skin.
The scythe-claws at his feet disappeared.
His pack followed suit. The leader smiled to himself. They were
a fine group. Highly obedient, and he made sure he exploited
that genetic trait to the fullest.
Time to begin the plan.
Qui-Gon woke up, his senses already attuned to the rhythms of
the planet. The Beast in him reveled, drinking in the sweetness
of the morning air. He curbed It down, locking the Alter back
into Its cage. Returning back to the planet had simply
encouraged It further. Afterall, Lupen VII was where he was
first infected by the lycanthropy. It was strange, but he felt
a strange affinity with the Lupen folk...
He leaned down and brushed Obi-Wan's cheek with a finger. His
bondmate slept like a child, peaceful. The sandy-brown hair had
grown slightly longer and there was a hint of a very slight
beard on his chin. Qui-Gon smiled, feeling its soft downiness.
Obi-Wan stirred once, a ghost of a smile touching his lips.
Then, almost immediately, he opened his eyes.
"Come," Qui-Gon said quietly. "I can hear Anakin moving
outside."
A sleepy chuckle, a low snort, Obi-Wan rubbing his face. "I
will take only a while."
As Obi-Wan completed his morning toilet, Qui-Gon simply waited,
closing his eyes. He could hear the soft footfalls as Obi-Wan
padded to and fro. The routine was so normal, part of their
everyday lives that Qui-Gon almost took it for granted. For
some odd reason, he found himself remembering all these
familiar sounds of Obi-Wan washing his faces and smoothing his
robes, remembering them and committing to heart.
He reached out, into the Living Force, seeking for answers.
Yet, the Force was silent today. There were motes of
brightness, winking like shoals of silver fish in a stream,
which informed him of other living beings. The Lupen. Other
living creatures on the planet. He probed further, trying to
look for the source of Darkness. But it seemed elusive as ever.
Qui-Gon opened his eyes, pursing his lips. It was there, he
knew it. It was there, dancing out of his grasp. He had to be
extra-careful.
"Qui-Gon," Obi-Wan's voice broke his reverie --- the younger
man was standing in front of him, in full Jedi garb. Darker
robe, the mark of a full Knight. Off-white tunic. The blue eyes
revealed his concern.
"We have to be alert," Qui-Gon said, reaching out and stroking
his bondmate's arm gently. Obi-Wan nodded, letting the coded
word for 'danger' sink into his systems.
They found Anakin waiting outside their room. The boy had
obviously risen earlier than his Masters. Qui-Gon experienced a
surge of pride. Anakin was beginning to grow; the boy was
slowly moving into adolescence. Baby fat was fast disappearing
away with the strenuous Jedi training and the strict body
discipline.
After a quick breakfast, they headed for the main Meeting Hall,
where Sai'rr waited.
"So, this is our current situation now," the female Lupen
representative said, her voice low and soothing. She picked at
the plate of nibbles on the table and chewed contemplatively.
She glanced sideways at the Jedi who listened to her gravely.
Anakin glanced at the plate of food with barely disguised
shock. The Lupen had a preference for uncooked meat, when they
were eating those overly spiced food. He looked around, trying
not to let his boredom show. Right now, he very much liked to
work on C-3PO. His Masters were occupied with the Lupen who
seemed to talk more and more.
He saw a young man waving to him. Like all the Lupen officials,
he was dressed in the loose-fitting robes. Anakin blinked and
looked up at Master Kenobi who nodded curtly. Immensely
relieved and grateful for a breather, the boy walked towards
the young man who smiled and patted an empty space next to his
seat.
Anakin bowed slightly, remembering his Jedi-trained manners. "I
saw you waving at me," he said simply. "Is there anything I can
do for you?"
The young man laughed, a cheerful sound. "I can tell you are
bored."
Indignation shot through Anakin and he drew himself up proudly.
"Who's the fool? The fool or the fool who followed him?" He
said clippedly, using one of Master Kenobi's favorite phrases.
More laughter and Anakin felt more at ease with the Lupen
official. They fell into an easy chatter, the young man
inquiring about the lightsaber and the boy talking about
droids. The morning soon slid into afternoon.
Sai'rr was still talking. Anakin sighed in frustration. His
first mission. And it was turning out into a bore. He noticed
the Lupen official directing a frown at Sai'rr. It was
disconcerting: the man's face was momentarily fierce, almost
feral. Then, the friendly features came back and Anakin let it
pass.
"My friends will like to meet you," the Lupen official said,
smiling warmly. "They have heard so much about the Jedi and I
am sure that they will be so pleased to meet one."
"I am only a Padawan," Anakin protested. "I am not a full
Knight yet." He was conscious of his age and the fact that he
was only made padawan learner very recently. He had friends at
the Temple who were already padawans when they were seven!
"But you are Jedi," a tone of persuasion had entered the man's
voice. "Come, let me bring you to my friends. They are waiting
outside."
"I need to tell my Masters..."
"They are still busy with the Speaker of the First Speaker,"
that dismissive frown again. The young man smiled and extended
his hand out.
The two walked towards the door.
"Force, that's finally over!" Obi-Wan rubbed his temples and
took a sip at the rich beverage the Lupen called 'chappe'. He
grimaced at the bitterness. Qui-Gon grinned and poured some
water into the cup, diluting the taste.
"Sai'rr has given us very detailed descriptions," the older
Master said and nibbled at the sweet bread. "I will inform the
Temple tonight. It seems that the situation has to be
remedied."
"Well, if the cult grows out of hand..." Obi-Wan finished the
chappe and quickly bit at the savory pastry to get rid of the
residual bitter taste.
"I am more concerned with the loss of lives." Qui-Gon sighed
and massaged his own throbbing shoulders. "Where's Anakin?"
"He left with a Lupen official..."
Darkness, ever elusive. Ever evading the defining grasp. It was
the darkness that forced Qui-Gon to sit up. "Go and find him...
Force, that's the Second Speaker heading our way. I fear
another session."
Obi-Wan greeted the Second Speaker politely before striding
away from the table. He had enough of details for one day. He
heard Qui-Gon greet the man with the same polite tone. Qui-Gon
was tired but he was diplomat enough not to show his
exhaustion.
It was getting darker. The sun was already sinking low beyond
the mountains. For a while, Obi-Wan sucked in a lungful of the
fresh air. A group of Lupen girls walked by and giggled. He
smiled and strode down the path. He could smell roasting meat
and laughter. Another feast was on the schedule. There would be
more talk, more speeches. But he was used to it.
His skin prickled and he felt his hand inching towards his
lightsaber. There was no proper lighting on the planet and
parts of it were covered with black patches. Shadows moved
around him, the darkness taking a life of its own. Even as he
walked further down, the shadows became deeper...more eerie.
Grow up, Ben, he chided himself. He was a grown man. And
stories of ghosts and demons were for children.
In the distance, he spied movement. Glimpses of faces. Anakin's
face.
(Master!) It was Anakin's voice, via their Master-Apprentice
link. (Don't...)
(Anakin?) Obi-Wan stiffened, sensing danger. Malice. The Dark
was suddenly alive. (Anakin!)
(No, Master. It's a tra...)
Anakin's voice snuffed out, like a candle-flame extinguished by
the wind. Pain trickled down the bond like slow fire and
Obi-Wan winced mentally. His lightsaber was automatically in
his hand, a reassuring weight...
The Force pulsated a warning...
And something heavy came out of nowhere... hitting him right on
the chest...
As he crumbled onto the ground, the pain spidering through his
body, making it so hard to breathe, he could only think about
one thing: Qui-Gon.
((Qui-Gon...))
Then, it was darkness, filled with the odd smell of fur.
The Second Speaker reminded Qui-Gon of a certain lecturer at
the Temple. Mousy, quiet and nondescript. He moved with
deliberate slowness. His face was an average one, framed with
silver hair. He spoke in a soft voice, almost whispering.
They talked outside the Hall and the Second Speaker droned on,
leading Qui-Gon down the path. The Jedi Master simply nodded
and smiled, the words filtering through his mind. He was
thinking about a long hot bath and deft skillful hands
massaging his back. That would be nice, he mused, half-shutting
out the Second Speaker.
Obi-Wan was gone for a long time. Anakin must still be talking
with his Lupen official friend.
A long hot bath...some dinner and a well-deserved massage, he
thought amused.
"I have to apologize for dragging you away from your duties,"
the Second Speaker said, his face in shadows. They were now
quite far away from the Hall. Even, the crackling fires of the
roasting spits winked in the distance. Qui-Gon realized that
they were out in the open field. The air was definitely colder
now, the wind tugging at Qui-Gon's hair.
Darkness...
"But I have my duties to perform, Master Jedi," the Second
Speaker continued, his voice sounding thicker now.
The Alter in Qui-Gon stirred. Once.
"I appreciate your efforts, Second Speaker," Qui-Gon said
courteously. There were shadows around him. The Second Speaker
shifted slightly, his face in profile. In the dim light,
Qui-Gon could see the man's nose.
It was growing longer. No, wait. The entire face was growing
longer. Sharper.
The Alter stirred and became fully alive, snarling defensively.
He grabbed his lightsaber and the emerald blade glowed, casting
a ghastly green light on the now-deformed face of the Second
Speaker. As Qui-Gon watched, his heart and mind recognizing the
visage as if he was seeing himself, the man's form disappeared
as his body twisted, sprouted fur and claws.
Around them, more humanoid shapes appeared. Qui-Gon could
recognize a few of them. The nice demure female agriculture
student. The housewife who gave him a garland of flowers. The
young man who served him chappe at the banquet.
They began to transform, bestial features erasing the
smoothness of facial skin.
The Beast in him howled and hurled Itself against the cage of
Its mental prison.
He was being surrounded like a quarry.
The beast that was once the Second Speaker growled something
unintelligible and Qui-Gon knew that it wasn't meant well.
It was then the pain crashed into him, like a tidal wave. He
dropped his 'saber and clutched at his head. Something was
being severed... in his mind.
He couldn't hear Anakin...and Obi-Wan.
The pain rose once more, like a vengeful fire-demon. Burned
right into his brains.
((Qui-Gon...))
Obi-Wan's telepathic voice, sounding as if he had been hurt...
badly.
With a roar, one of the beasts sprang right for him. He saw
fanged jaws and killer eyes...
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