DISCLAIMER: Any plot ideas that are recognisable as being
George Lucas'(and probably a few that aren't) belong to said
man. Star Wars characters: ditto. Story: Mine! The lifebond
vows are from a song by Bubamoll, the title of which I can't
spell or pronounce(and I probably spelt the artist name wrong
too). I don't the words or song, they and their record company
do.
SPOILERS: Slight spoilers for TPM and the JA books.
NOTE: This leads on directly from my previous story, 'Liberty'.
It'll probably make more sense you read that story first. You
can find it at the M&A archive or at my homepage,
http://www2.50megs.com/thezoo/Moonmip. This story is also kind
of a filler in story between part I and part II.
Also, this is my first real attempt at writing slash, not just
implications of it. Please let me know if I did it right or
stuffed it up big time!
ARCHIVE: M&A, if anyone else wants it, just drop me a line,
so I can visit and feel happy. My homepage: in sig line.
RATING: NC-17, Drama, romance, smut, angst.
SUMMARY: Okay, folks, here(finally! ;-) ) is the sequel to
'Liberty.' While Obi-Wan heals from his injuries, Qui-Gon makes
sure that they won't be separated again. Meanwhile, the Sith
Lords continue their search for the Chosen One. Part II of a
Trilogy.
THANKS: I just want to say to a word to those people who
contacted me about the writing of this piece, to thank them for
the support. I hope this piece is worth it! Now on to working
on part three...(sigh). There is a lot more action in
the next part, I promise. 8-)
//thoughts
Obi-Wan groaned as the headache made itself known. It started
as a soft pulse in his temples, easily ignored at first,
allowing him to remain in his floating dream state. But then it
made its was to his forehead and it was there that the pain
bloomed, a crimson surge.
His hands instinctively came up to cup his face, only to find
another hand already there. Cautiously lifting one eyelid,
Obi-Wan blinked.
"Master?"
He was shocked to find his own voice rough with exhaustion. He
blinked again, wincing against the headache that rose with the
resurgence of pain.
His Master's hand slid up from his cheek to his forehead,
gently soothing away the pain, bringing it down to a tolerable
level. Absently catching the hand and holding it in both his
own, Obi-Wan studied his Master's features in surprise.
Qui-Gon was crying.
"What happened?" Obi-Wan managed through his parched throat.
In response, Qui-Gon used his free hand to bring over a glass
of water, helping his padawan drink it. When Obi-Wan had had
enough, he set the glass down on the bedside table, and sat
down beside his padawan on the bed.
"You are in the temporary infirmary on Coruscant."
Obi-Wan stared at him blankly for a second, then suddenly
stiffened.
"The Temple..."
His Master was forced to grab him and pin him down as Obi-Wan
surged up off the bed.
"Bant!"
"Bant is fine, Obi-Wan, she is in a better condition than you.
You need to rest, you're weak, you've only just left the
Bacta."
The concern in his Master's face and voice and the realisation
that his body was indeed weak caused Obi to sink back down onto
the bed.
"B...Bacta?" At Qui-Gon's nod, he frowned. "How...how bad?"
Fresh tears sliding down Qui-Gon's face told him far more than
words could. "We lost you for a moment, padawan. Thank the
Force you decided to return to us. To me."
Obi-Wan lifted one hand, idly tracing the course of the tears.
"I won't leave you, Master."
Qui-Gon's returning smile was genuine, if slightly watery. "Now
that you are awake, we can go to Misharia." At his padawan's
confused look, he clarified. "The Temple is utterly destroyed.
Hundreds are dead. The new Temple is located on Misharia."
The Master paused, allowing Obi-Wan a moment of grief at that
statement, knowing he would understand the significance of
locating the new Temple on Misharia. His apprentice closed his
eyes, squeezing Qui-Gon's hand fiercely. "Do they know who did
it?"
Qui-Gon shook his head; then realising Obi's eyes were still
closed, he reiterated the gesture with speech. "No. All that is
known is that an explosive device was placed on the lower
levels of the Temple. We have no idea who did it, or why. No
one has claimed responsibility, but the matter is being
thoroughly investigated."
Obi-Wan would have had no doubt of that, even without the iron
in his Master's tone. Jedi had been killed. They would not let
that go.
"The dead..."
"Have been interred."
At his padawan's anguished look at missing this, Qui-Gon
smoothed his hair again. "You have been out for three weeks, my
adored one." At Obi-Wan's shocked look, he tipped his chin so
eyes met. "I told you we nearly lost you."
They sat in silence for a long moment, Obi-Wan caught in wonder
at the anguish Qui-Gon's eyes contained when he remembered
Obi's injuries. Qui-Gon gave his love space, allowing him to
adjust. The last few weeks had been traumatic for all, let
alone for Obi-Wan, who nearly died himself.
Qui-Gon shook himself, refusing to dwell for long on the near
miss. His Obi-Wan was here, with him and be damned if he was
going to let him go. //It is alright, my darling padawan. We
are together. I will never leave you again//
He stood.
"Shift over, love," he told a startled padawan.
As Obi did so, the Jedi Master settled himself on the bed
beside his beloved, folding his arms around him. Obi-Wan clung
to him tightly, before long he was sobbing as the shock of
events surged through his system. Qui-Gon just held him,
revelling of the feeling of his love in his arms after so long,
gently soothing his padawan.
Eventually, they both fell asleep.
"What is this!"
Mace Windu slammed his hand down on the table in his own
quarters. Vaunted Jedi calm be damned, this was the Chosen
One they were dealing with. He had gone to Yoda with his
uncertainty and confusion based around the odd Force pulses
during Obi-Wan Kenobi's rescue. Yoda's explanation had floored
him.
Obi-Wan Kenobi was the Chosen One?
Yoda did not task him on his lack of control, the little being
was fairly rattled himself.
"Are you certain that the Temple was destroyed to reach
Obi-Wan?"
Yoda shook his head. "Evidence, I have not. Feelings, I
do have and strong they are. Special, Obi-Wan is. Know
this, the Sith may."
Windu wasn't convinced. "The Temple could have been destroyed
by one who fears the Jedi, rather than the Sith. How can a
group re- emerge when they were destroyed in their entirety
long ago?"
In response, Yoda simply raised his ears. "Doubt my feelings,
do you?"
The warm skinned Master sighed, scrubbing his face with his
hands. "No. I...I just don't want to have this responsibility.
It is too big. The fate of everything lies on this."
The third and final member present at this impromptu meeting
pushed back the cowl of her small Jedi robe. "Whether we want
this responsibility or not is irrelevant." The soft voice was
vaguely scornful. "Responsibility we have, deal with it, we
must."
Windu acquiesced, finally dropping down into a chair. "I know
Yaddle, I just..."
"Panicked, you did."
"Yes." Drawing on years of training, Windu inhaled positive
energy and released his fear into the Force. Opening his eyes
again, the other Masters saw he was finally calm at last.
"Alright. We have the Chosen One. In spite of my protestations,
I know this. The second I touched Obi-Wan, to help heal him
when he was trapped, I knew."
The two Dagobites nodded. Each had their own experiences with
realising Obi-Wan's potential and identity. The power Obi-Wan
oozed unknowingly was a beacon to those who knew what to look
for. It was part of the reason Obi-Wan had been undetected
before now. People had not identified him because they didn't
know to look.
Windu spread his hands and raised his eyebrows. "What can we
do? What do we do?"
The Councillors were silent for long moments, still trying to
cope with the epiphany that had appeared amongst them. Finally,
Yaddle spoke of the reason she had been brought into this
meeting.
"What of the lifebond that Jinn and Kenobi have requested?"
Windu sighed again, peripherally aware that if he continued to
do so, he would hyperventilate. "If the Force agrees with the
bond, we cannot cease their joining. I was originally going to
vote for their abstinence until Obi-Wan was knighted. But with
what I know now..."
Yaddle frowned. "Why does it matter whether Kenobi is Chosen or
not? Being Chosen, indicate he is prematurely ready for a
lifebond it does not."
Yoda harrumphed. "No, it does not. But if Obi- Wan will bond to
Qui-Gon, good this is. Use it, we can. Never join the dark
side, Qui-Gon will. Not even for Obi-Wan. If bond Obi-Wan we do
to one who is fully in the light, aid in keeping Obi-Wan in the
light too, it will."
Mace rubbed his eyes again. "And if that is the case, and the
Sith really are onto Obi- Wan's trail, the sooner we bond them
both, the better. It will also be far easier to keep track of
where Obi-Wan is through Qui-Gon. Perhaps this is a deliberate
move of the Force."
Yaddle wiggled her ears curiously. "Does Jinn know what his
padawan is?"
"Know, he does not. Know Obi-Wan does not. Tell them, we must
not."
Windu stood and began pacing again. "I know Qui-Gon. While he
has gone through the proper channels to request the bond, I
know that if we refuse, he will do it nonetheless. And the last
thing we need is to alienate him or Obi- Wan. I say that if the
bond is valid, we let it go ahead. It can only work for us, not
against us."
"Inform the rest of the Council, we do?"
Yoda twitched his ears sadly, but knew what was best. "No.
Protect Obi-Wan better, we can, if only few know."
The little green Master rested his chin on his hands, folded
carefully over his cane. He knew, despite their talk and their
efforts to intervene, that the Force would take its own path.
If the Jedi we doomed, they were doomed and their actions could
not save them. But they had to try.
He knew he other's thoughts were parallel to his when Windu
spoke. "But what will happen? Who will prevail? Jedi or Sith?"
Mace's dark eyes glinted in the moonlight.
Yoda shook his head soberly. "Know I do not, no one does. Never
happened before. Never will again. Our responsibility, it is,
to make sure it is done right."
The deck vibrated gently under Obi-Wan's bed as he drifted
towards consciousness once more. This time there was no
confusion, he knew well where he was. He and Qui-Gon, along
with a number of other recuperating Jedi, were on a transport
to Misharia.
Qui-Gon must have set a sensor alarm in his mind to notify him
when Obi-Wan awoke, for the door to the outer chamber of their
quarters opened. The padawan squinted against the incoming
light, then sighed happily as Qui- Gon's mass blocked most of
it.
//How do you feel, my padawan?//
While the question was one naturally asked, Obi- Wan noted that
Qui-Gon deliberately used mind communication. Perhaps a way for
him to overcome the near loss of Obi-Wan in his life, by
employing such intimacy.
For his part, mind communication was far easier than speech on
a body that still insisted on sleep every few hours. Qui-Gon
and the Healers had assured him that it would pass.
//Better, my Master. I think I will make it to Misharia before
I need to rest again.//
He felt Qui-Gon's approval and pleased response, mirroring it
with his own. In fact, Padawan Kenobi was feeling very
content at the moment. He was healing, he was on his way to one
of his favourite planets, one that sang with Force presence,
and he was with his Master.
Deciding said Master was too far away, the apprentice held out
a hand and Qui-Gon immediately came forward and took it. This
time, Qui-Gon spoke.
"I prepared our quarters on Misharia, while you were still on
Coruscant." Too warm and fuzzy to form a coherent thought as he
lay in his lover's grasp, Obi-Wan simply projected curiosity.
Qui-Gon's smile was visible in the dim light pouring in through
the still open doorway. "The ways of the Force are not so
mysterious, Padawan. With Misharia so Force drenched, it is
easy to use that energy to aid in constructing the new Temple.
In fact, it is nearly complete. The Force can be thanked for
that."
//Oh, yes, thank the Force// Obi-Wan sent the giggling thought.
Qui-Gon raised an eyebrow in dry humour. "I see you are well
enough to make poor jokes. Are you up to speech?"
"Yes, Master. But it's easier to just mindlink." Obi-Wan's
voice was still the rough, throaty rasp of someone recently
pulled from the Bacta.
Qui-Gon laid a finger on Obi-Wan's mouth. "Then communicate
however you feel best. You are still weak. It will be a few
days before you can return to our usual schedule."
//Or walk a reasonable distance without fainting. Or stay awake
for longer than four hours.// There was bitterness and
frustration in Obi-Wan's thoughts, but it was directed at what
he considered time wasted, not at his Master.
To distract him, Qui-Gon told him the decision he'd made while
Obi-Wan was in the Bacta. "I must speak of something Obi-Wan,
something you not find pleasant." He felt his padawan tense
slightly in his arms before relaxing, trustingly accepting his
Master's words.
The Jedi Master gathered his wits before he spoke. "When you
were trapped," Obi-Wan tensed again immediately, "I was near
insane with worry. I could not sense you, my beloved. It nearly
broke my heart."
Obi-Wan gently pulled himself from the circle of Qui's arms,
turning to kneel on the bed. Feeling his way, he softly wiped
the tears that tracked down Qui-Gon's face away.
//Hush, my Qui. I am here, I will not leave you. And I know how
to make sure that we won't be separated again. We go ahead with
our lifebond//
Qui-Gon blinked at the realisation that Obi-Wan had come to
this conclusion before himself. Sensing his train of thought,
his padawan smiled wanly. //I had time to think while I was
there, and regret that we hadn't done this sooner//
Qui-Gon didn't need to ask where 'there' was. //You still want
this, then?//
In response, his padawan gently touched his lips to his
Master's and quoted part of the lifebond vows. //I will follow
you everywhere you go//
Emotion bounding through him, Qui-Gon could only hold his
padawan for a time. They sat on the bed for long moments,
entwined, gently sharing feelings and stray thoughts, not truly
mindlinking. So open to each other, it wasn't long before
Qui-Gon could sense an odd emotion from Obi-Wan.
Fear.
//My Obi? What is it?//
The padawan shifted uncomfortably. //I fear the Council. What
if they do not agree we must bond? I have never heard them
allow a Master and padawan to link, or indeed two padawans to
link. I thought that padawans were thought to young to be
allowed to bond, no matter how strong the lifebond imperative
was//
These facts had not stopped them from applying for their
lifebond to be formalised.
Qui-Gon enfolded his padawan, happy to be holding him. //A
lifebond is decreed by the Force, padawan. It chooses those who
will be blessed with it and to whom they bond. The Council is
not stupid enough to delay a lifebond, but they feel a padawan
is usually too young and immature to handle the pressure of a
full lifebond. That is why they make most wait. That is why
Master Yoda was reluctant for us to bond. I have meditated on
it extensively, and I belie he was refusing out of concern for
your welfare. I cannot fault him for that//
The Master sighed. //What is also true, but rarely publicised,
is the fact that the Council cannot stop a lifebond from being
formed if both participants agree to go ahead with it, with or
without Council endorsement. It is full and irreversible. That
is why the Force chooses those to have it. If we were to choose
who to seal our lives to, and then change our minds, I shudder
to think of the consequences//
Obi-Wan understood. There were two ways of sealing yourself to
a person. A heart bond, in which the participants created semi
permanent links between each other's minds, was much like a
marriage, though more spiritual. A lifebond, only possible with
those specifically paired by the Force, was even deeper.
Moreover, a heart bond was dissolvable. A lifebond was not.
When he was younger, Obi-Wan had been horrified by the idea
that you could lifebond to a person, then grow to hate them for
whatever reason. Unable to disband the bond, you were forever
linked to someone you couldn't stand and possibly even hated.
It was only when he was older that he understood that whatever
drew lifebond mates together also ensured that they loved
unconditionally. Like he and his Qui-Gon.
The padawan stared at his Master. He couldn't imagine waiting
until he was knighted before bonding and his instincts cried
out for him to lifebond as soon as possible. //Can we really do
that? Override the Council in this, I mean?//
Qui-Gon looked gravely at his padawan lover. "If the Force
sanctions our lifebond, they cannot stop us. I meant what I
told you on Coruscant, Obi-Wan. I won't be separated from you
again and the lifebond would ensure that. But it is not my only
reason for wanting to do this. I love you. I want to be with
you. And all I can hope is that you feel the same."
Obi-Wan closed his eyes. When he opened them again, the lids
brimmed with tears. He forced his mouth to form words. "It
seems I have waited half my life for those words."
Qui-Gon's joy was too great to be expressed verbally. It danced
through the Master and Padawan link as well as their lover's
bond. //Then, my Obi-Wan, upon our arrival at Misharia, we will
put our petition before the Council. If they sanction the bond,
that is good. If not, they cannot stop us//
Arms wrapped around each other, they indulged in a long kiss.
Qui-Gon pulled away before it deepened. //We will await the
bond. You are not fully healed and I will do nothing to make
you more ill. I promise you, the reward will be worth the
wait!//
Obi-Wan sent his agreement, though it was disgruntled. He
didn't have time to attempt to sway his Master in his
resolution as the pilot's voice came over the intercom.
"Approaching Misharia. Please prepare for deceleration from
light speed."
Reluctantly, they split apart and headed for the main room to
buckle themselves in their seats.
Palpatine strode back and forth in his office, dictating notes
to his Toyndarian secretary.
"And I want you to bring the activities of the Trade Federation
to Queen Amidala's notice...their activities, while entirely
legal, are beginning to impinge on Naboo's economy, and we
should be prepared lest the situation worsen."
Finishing his discourse, he dismissed his aide, and as the
Toyndarian fluttered in an approximation of a bow, the Senator
began tidying his desk, pretending that he was preparing to
leave for the day. He knew the aide would leave the office for
the day as soon as the message was sent.
After his desktop terminal indicated that the Toyndarian had
sent his message and logged off, Palpatine sent a discreet
mental message.
//Maul, your presence is required. Let none see you come//
He paced the rich carpet, ideas swirling in his head as waited
for his padawan to arrive. It was a scant few minutes before
the doors silently slid open and Maul stood before him.
"Ahh, my padawan. I have a special mission for you as my plans
proceed. The Trade Federation has set up its blockade and is
slowly implementing it. Soon we will crush Naboo like an
overripe peach."
Maul stood silent, knowing the penalty or interrupting his
Master's rambling. He was the epitome of a Sith padawan, cruel
and greedy, self serving and vicious. Palpatine was rather
proud of him. The Zabrakian idly licked excess saliva from his
snaggled teeth as his Master in his 'human' guise paced before
him.
"What shall be my task, my Master?"
"There are two Jedi I want investigated. Padawans. Their names
and all I have on them are on this datachip. I want you to
track them and bring me all the information you can on them."
"May I ask why, my Master?"
"You may not!" The Sith Master moved instantly,
clenching his fist. Maul reflexively clasped his throat, knees
buckling as precious oxygen was withheld. Palpatine's gaze was
cool. "You are nowhere near ready to challenge me, Maul. I
would not advise you to try it."
The Sith apprentice exhaled sharply, managing a rough "Yes, my
Master," before his throat was released.
Palpatine glared at him with vicious eyes. "You will do as
you've been told, Maul. And I am aware that you're kata's are
less than exemplary. Unless you wish to feel my wr ath, you
will correct that oversight. I foresee a challenge with the
Jedi in the future and your death would be..." the Sith Lord
cocked his head. "Inconvenient." His tone was almost clinical.
He also did not specify who the death would be inconvenie nt
for.
As the dark padawan rose from his unwillingly submissive
position, he called the datachip to him from Palpatine's desk.
He bowed his head submissively, even as his dark soul screamed
against it.
"I will do as you command, my Master."
Pal patine sneered. "Of course you will. You don't have any
other option. I want that information soon, Maul. Or your life
will not be worth living."
The Sith apprentice bowed one last time before retreating from
the room. A challenge with the Jedi! W ould the Sith reveal
themselves at last? He hungered for it, almost as badly as he
longed for Sidious' death.
Once Maul was gone, Palpatine sneered again as he brushed down
his velvet Senatorial robes. The sooner he got rid of
that one, the better. Maul was, despite Palpatine's
assurances to the contrary, an exemplary apprentice. That was
part of the problem. He was so exemplary that in a short time,
he would probably attempt to destroy Palpatine. He would have
to be killed before too long, but hopefully not before the
current plan with Naboo transpired.
He was still needed for that.
Palpatine began to pace the carpets again, musing aloud to
himself. It was a measure of his confidence in his security
precautions that he felt secure enough to do so.
"So much to plan, so little time. The events with Naboo will
move fast, but I cannot forget the other matter."
The Sith Lord felt a shudder slide through him as he thought of
the second, far more important matter. The One that would
eclipse the events on Naboo, no matter the results.
"The One is among us. Now all I need is for Maul to come up
with more information on the two, information that might hint
which is the One. The human boy or the Mon Calamari girl? One
will lead us, me t o glory."
Palpatine turned in a swirl of his robe, idly rubbing his chin.
"And Maul has got to go." The Senator sniggered. "Sorry, my
dear boy, but I can only have one apprentice and this new one
will be worth far more than you ever could be."
Imagining the expression on Maul's face as he died gave
Palpatine a great thrill and he was still chuckling as he left
his office for the day.
Maul hissed softly. He had made a practice, over the years, of
listening to every conversation his Master had, either as the
Senator or as the Sith Lord. While the Master was aware that
his private home and quarters were bugged, the dark apprentice
doubted that he knew his own Senatorial offices were similarly
compromised. He probably couldn't believe that his apprentice
would risk defying him to such an extent.
Maul sneered.
A weak Sith Lord, that's what he was. Of course the apprentice
would defy, it was that or die. You kept what advantages you
could from the opposition, whether it was Jedi, the innocent,
or your own feeble Master.
No, there was no way that Palpatine would allow this
information to reach Maul, given the propensity the Sith had
for taking any idea and using it against one other. The Sith
Master had to be very excited indeed to let slip in such a
manner, but that was unimportant now.
The One walked among them, and Sidious had narrowed it down to
one of two Jedi apprentices. He seemed willing to wait before
taking action, but Maul was not. If the One was here now, he
had to be 'acquired' as soon as possible. There was far too
much at stake to let it all lie.
The multicoloured Sith apprentice tapped his chin with one
claw-like fingernail. Perhaps there was a way to discover which
of the two was the One. Sidious was not the only Sith who could
disguise himself, Maul had his own methods of moving amongst
the innocent and the Jedi undetected.
He would conduct his own investigation into who was the One. He
would find them, turn them to the dark, and use them against
Sidious. Smirking, Maul called up the recovered Temple records
of the two padawans mentioned by Palpatine, easily hacking into
the Jedi mainframe computer.
Surveying the files carefully, the Sith felt drawn to the
record of one in particular, that of the human boy. As he read
file after file about the boy's training and exploits, Maul
felt a tingle begin in his horns. Aware that his own Force
precognition was far stronger than that of Palpatine, he knew
that there was something unusual about this one.
Perhaps a closer examination would help him understand what
drew hiation, not to mention confirmation as to which Jedi
bratling was actually the One.
His mind swirling with possible futures of the Republic, all of
them dark, Maul began his self- set task.
Qui-Gon carefully dropped his cargo on the couch in his and
Obi-Wan's quarters in the new Temple. He surveyed his
preparations and nodded in satisfaction. Everything was ready
and perfect for Obi-Wan's return.
He turned back to his cargo on the couch to find it smiling at
him.
"You've been busy," Obi-Wan was looking around as well. "I
think everything here is just like it was back on Coruscant."
The padawan turned back in time to see a shadow flit across his
Master's face at the mention of Coruscant. Despite many years
of happiness there, from now on, the first memories conjured by
the name would be those of the Temple's destruction.
An event that had nearly cost Obi-Wan his life.
Unable to help it, he shivered in remembrance. Qui-Gon caught
it. In a swift spin, he pulled Obi-Wan into his arms, holding
the younger man tightly. Reassuring them both that Obi was
still alive.
After a moment, Qui-Gon spoke, his voice uncertain, unsteady.
"I just wanted to make it like you were coming home. If you
don't like it -"
"No!" Obi-Wan hastened to reassure him. "I love it, it is just
like coming home." His voice lowered. "I'm fine, Qui. You don't
have to treat me like I'll disappear on you."
He deliberately used the shortened name, drawing familiarity
between them. Time spun for a tense moment, then righted itself
as Qui- Gon slowly released the tension in his shoulders.
"I'm sorry Obi. I won't let that happen again...I...I can't."
Obi-Wan stared up at his Master in disbelief even as his arms
tightened around the padawan almost unbearably. "You can't
think this was your fault! Qui-Gon -"
Qui-Gon sought to calm him. Obi-Wan was not fully healed and he
would do nothing to damage his apprentice further. "Hush, it is
nothing, we won't speak of it further."
"Yes we will!" Obi-Wan was furious, furious that someone had
killed hundreds of his kind, friends and family, furious that
he had lost so much of his training and would lose more while
his body healed, and above all else, furious that his idiotic
Master was stupid enough to believe all this was his fault.
"You think -! I was hurt because you-!" He was incoherent in
his anger.
Qui-Gon became more and more anxious the more agitated Obi-Wan
became. "Obi-Wan, please!"
"You idiot!" The apprentice finally managed to get out a
complete sentence, of sorts. "I know you have a penchant for
guilt, but this really -"
He stopped suddenly, the colour in his face fading past even
his usual pale shade.
"Obi-Wan?!" Qui-Gon was frantic as his apprentice's knees
buckled, he was only held upright due to Qui-Gon's grip on him.
"I...need to sit, please." The padawan looked like he was about
to vomit.
Solving the problem, Qui-Gon bent and pulled Obi-Wan up, one
arm curved around his back, the other holding him under the
knees. He carefully carried his priceless gift into his room,
depositing him gently on the large bed.
"I'm sorry, Obi-Wan. I shouldn't have acted like that, you're
still weak -" Guilt welled up in his words. Guilt that turned
into alarm as Obi-Wan rolled over, facing away from his Master,
curling into a ball. "Obi-Wan?"
"I don't want to listen to you if you are going to be drowning
in your own pity. I feel too bad to deal with that right now."
Undeniable hurt flowed through Qui-Gon at that, and not a
little amount of shame. He sat on the bed beside his treasure,
gently running a hand up his back, remembering a time, not too
long ago, when his padawan lay under a steel bar, trapped and
dying. Forcibly, he drove those thoughts away. Obi-Wan was
fine.
"You are right, my padawan. Now is not the time for such
arguments. I apologise. I just need time to dull the memories."
Obi-Wan rolled over, his young face pinched with fatigue. "But
you still think you are at fault." The padawan pulled himself
into a sitting position, wincing slightly. "I don't understand,
Master. How could this possibly be your failing?"
Qui-Gon sighed. "I don't know. Perhaps it is as you said, my
penchant for blaming myself. But I cannot lose the feeling that
I should have know what was going to happe n."
Anger faded entirely as Obi-Wan frowned at his Master.
Qui-Gon's precognition skills were great, there had to be
something more to this to make him uneasy. "What else, Master?"
Qui-Gon smiled softly, one of the few smiles he had produced
since the Temple's destruction. "You always were quick,
padawan." His expression became grave. "I have the feeling that
the reason for the Temple's destruction is related to you in
some way."
Obi-Wan was more than a little baffled. "Me? Why? I'm only a
padawan, no one important."
Qui-Gon caught him up fiercely, holding him close. "Never say
that!" He pressed a kiss to Obi-Wan's forehead. "You are an
excellent Jedi padawan and my lover. Moreover, you are
Obi- Wan Kenobi. That makes you worth more than anything else
on this planet or any other."
Obi-Wan turned his face away and down. "You still want me? Even
after what I said, before?"
"I will lifebond with you, come hell or high water. I won't let
anything block me from you again if I can prevent it."
Obi-Wan sighed, snuggling closer to Qui-Gon. "Now to convince
the Council to let us lifebond."
"If we truly want to bond, and if the Force agrees that we are
life matched, there is no way the Council can stop us." The
Master's voice shone with conviction as he reiterated his
point. "I will lifebond with you, my Obi- Wan. I will."
The possessiveness in Qui-Gon's tone made Obi- Wan feel like
purring.
Maul squinted in the bright sunlight as he disembarked from his
small vessel. It had been easy enough to gain clearance to
land, the Jedi were still in disarray and had not yet set up
the usual security measures.
The Sith padawan couldn't suppress a growl of frustration. The
damned Jedi robes did not fit properly, but were the best he
could do on short notice. Not to mention the fact that the
colour was less than pleasing. He forcibly jumped mental
tracks, cocooning layer upon layer on his shields. One slight
slip and the Jedi would know who he was.
And if they didn't kill him, Sidious would.
As he headed toward the newly built Temple, Maul reviewed his
planned deception. Unfortunately, the only Zabrakian at the
Temple had been flattened when it fell. Pity, that. It would
make him more obvious. He would have to keep his hood drawn,
and try to fob off any questing minds with garbage about his
'Master's death.'
//I wish// he snarled. Entering the halls of the enemy would
not be pleasant.
The apprentice had deliberately chosen the clothing of a
padawan...after all, Sidious had taught him that the best place
to hide was in the open and the best disguise was to pretend to
be what you are. It did amuse him - the Jedi were so complacent
that if he strolled into the Temple declaring himself Sith,
they wouldn't believe him until he'd dismembered them all.
That cheery thought allowed him to gather his evil aura close
to him and step over the Temple threshold. To his mild
surprise, he didn't drop dead on the spot.
//Now, to find those two Jedi bratlings...//
The two padawans met outside training room four, having been
advised by the healers and ordered by their Masters' to
exercise to regain their form after what was commonly called
amongst padawans 'the blow-out.'
Obi-Wan looked slightly apprehensive when Bant loped up only a
few seconds late. As he opened the door to the reserved
training room, she understood why.
"Geez, could they get a more carbon copy?" The Mon Calamarian
was wide eyed. This was identical to the original training room
four.
Obi-Wan could only shrug. "They rebuilt most of the Temple so
it is identical. I guess it's true that Jedi have no
originality."
Quickly dismissing unimportant details and focusing as only
years of training could allow, the two padawan's slipped into
their warm up katas. Both had orders to take it easy, and
perform no katas over the fifth. They squared off to work
separately.
Obi-Wan surfaced from his kata feeling completely relaxed for
the first time since his injuries. As usual, the in depth
communication with the Force reasserted his priorities and
reassured him of his place. He opened his eyes to find Bant's
blinking back at him.
"What is it?" He suddenly felt self-conscious.
"Your kata...which one were you doing?"
Obi-Wan was confused. "The fourth form. We learnt it when we
were fifteen, Bant. You should be able to recognise it."
But the female was shaking her head vehemently. "It wasn't.
I've never seen that one before."
"It was the fourth form," Obi-Wan insisted. "The one that
starts like this." He lithely flowed into the opening position.
Bant still looked sceptical. "It looked kinda like the fourth
form," she said dubiously. "But, I don't know, it's like you
took the steps and rewrote them into a dance, or something. It
was...more graceful, more beautiful than I've ever seen it."
Obi-Wan chewed the inside of his cheek while he thought. "Maybe
it's because it's the first time in weeks I've been able to do
this," he hazarded. "Or 'cause I finally got it right."
"Maybe..." Bant pursed her considerable lips. "Show me how you
did it," she instructed. "I want to see if I can do it too."
The next hour was occupied with Obi trying to explain to Bant
exactly how he felt when doing the kata. By the end of the
session, the Calamarian was simultaneously aware that her
attempts at the kata were greatly improved and that she still
hadn't come close to doing them like Obi-Wan had.
However, she kept the knowledge to herself as she did the cool
down stretches, absently noting the change in Obi-Wan since his
accident. He had suffered a major trauma less than a month ago,
and yet was breathing as if he'd been sitting down for the last
few hours. he couldn't do that before the accident, why could
he suddenly do it now?
The thought suddenly occurred to her that it may have something
to do with that unusual Force surge that developed as they had
freed Obi-Wan on Coruscant.
The female padawan had done some digging of her own, curious
about this Force manifestation. She had encountered an unusual
block. Her own Master had been present at the rescue, yet
Master Averil had no recollection of the Force surge.
Concerned, Bant had asked Master Windu, who had also been
there. But the dark-skinned Master had also denied that such an
event occurred. That would have been the end of it, Bant
doubting she was correct, except for one thing.
She was positive Master Windu was lying. Something had
happened down there, something to do with Obi-Wan, and her
Master didn't remember it. Master Windu did, and was trying to
hide it. The Calamarian's Force talents were strong in the
direction or reading people, and she didn't doubt them for a
second. Windu had lied to her.
Bant decided to ask Obi-Wan about it.
Obi-Wan was still musing on the information Bant had given him
as he left the training room. He had decided to return to his
and Qui- Gon's quarters to shower. His thoughts preoccupied, he
didn't see the robe-swathed padawan until they ran into each
other.
Their shoulders brushed and the resultant electricity was more
than static.
The two men were thrown apart from the energy, rather than
pushed, and Obi-Wan gaped at the hooded man facing him.
"By all the Force...are you okay?"
For a long moment - almost too long - Maul didn't answer. His
entire body thrummed with the knowledge that the one stood
before him. The boy was so innocent, had no idea of his
potential, all he need do was take him now...
But no, that was foolish. There was no way he would be able to
smuggle him from the Temple unseen and this boy was far too
important to risk it. The Sith recovered quickly.
"I apologise," he soothed softly. "I recently lost my Master,
and the grief often leads to distraction and a lessening in the
strength of my shields. Forgive me if I caused you discomfort."
Obi-Wan's expression moved from of vague suspicion and
confusion to that of deep empathy.
"I share your loss and I offer you all the support at my
disposal."
The formality of the exchange did not arouse Obi-Wan's
suspicion: those within the Temple tended to converse formally
with one another, it was in private and with close friends that
severity was relaxed.
Maul trembled with his knowledge, and fought to not show it.
The proximity of Obi-Wan's untapped power was almost making him
dizzy with delight and it was with great effort that he
wrenched himself to focus on his task.
"I thank you for your concern...please, I feel I must meditate
more on control."
The young padawan acquiesced gracefully. "May the Force be with
you."
Maul dipped his head back. "Indeed. And with you, also."
Forcing calm into his steps, he proceeded down the corridor at
a sedate pace. Carefully sending out a tendril of probing
thought, he sensed Obi-Wan going in the opposite direction once
more.
It was impossible to tell if suspicion had flared in the boy's
mind at any of his actions, but Maul doubted it. He had
succeeded in his mission. He now knew who the one was.
Now all he had to do was plan his capture.
Maul was not quite correct.
While Obi-Wan was not suspicious of their exchange in a certain
sense, he did feel unease at the strange meeting. The flare of
energy from the contact was not one from a laxity in
maintaining shields, in either one of them.
Obi-Wan resolved to share this unusual occurrence with his
Master. He had nothing more than the unease to go on, but the
padawan trusted his instincts.
There was also the matter of the Force surge Bant told him
about. Obi-Wan knew Bant was not lying, both on the strength of
their friendship and the fact that she had no need to lie, nor
would she gain from it. Bant believed that Master Windu was
lying about it, and somehow her Master's mind had been clouded
to forget the event, but Bant's had not. Coincidence was too
great here. Obi-Wan would need to ask Qui- Gon about that
surge.
Though these unusual occurrences had nothing to do with the
exchange with the figure in the hallway, Obi-Wan felt that
somehow, all this was related. He would need to speak to Bant
again later, to discuss all this again.
Something wasn't right.
Absently rubbing his padawan braid between his fingers, Obi-Wan
went to find his Master.
Obi-Wan never received the opportunity to ask his Master about
Bant's observations, for as soon as he arrived at their
quarters, Qui-Gon grabbed his arm and bundled him into the
shower.
"Hurry, Obi-Wan. The Council wishes to see us to examine the
strength of our bond. This meeting will determine whether or
not they sanction our lifemating." He efficiently stripped his
padawan and pushed him gently under the spray.
Despite the warm water and his Master's closeness, Obi-Wan
shivered. //The Council will make or break us...//
Qui-Gon waited with a towel, and gently rubbed him dry with it.
//Yes, beloved. Our moment of reckoning. But remember, what
they tell us does not matter. We will bond. All the
Council will tell us today is whether or not they will
acknowledge it//
Obi-Wan sat cross-legged on the floor of the Council chamber,
feeling self conscious as Yaddle gently placed her three
fingered hands on either side of his head.
"Relax, padawan. This will hurt you not."
Obi-Wan dipped his head slightly in assent, careful not to
dislodge her grip. His arrival at the Chambers had been hectic,
Qui-Gon practically dragging him through the halls in his
eagerness to hear a verdict from the Council. It was only when
Obi reminded his Master of his recent injuries that the man
slowed down.
The aforementioned Master sat next to him, his physical and
mental presence calming and soothing.
Only three Councillors were present, Masters Windu, Yoda and
Yaddle. Qui-Gon had warned him only a few would be there,
lifebonds and the evaluation of them were mainly their domain,
the Dagobites being skilled in revealing true feelings. The
Council had agreed to let them handle heart and lifebonds, each
had their own speciality. Master Billaba, for example, handled
military matters, being extremely proficient in this area.
Obi-Wan wondered briefly why Master Windu was there before
Yaddle began and he tore his attention back to himself.
After a moment, a light buzzing began in Obi- Wan's head,
growing progressively louder. His vision darkened as Yaddle
carefully probed deep, but he focused in what she did. He
unconsciously followed her link back to her mind, and found the
diminutive Master far more cheery and light hearted than she
let on. Her gravity was a mask behind which she watched and
absorbed.
Yaddle withdrew and with a sudden swirl, he found himself back
in his own body, but somehow the view had changed. With
embarrassment, he realised he was lying in his Master's lap,
apparently having fallen while Yaddle tested his mind.
//There is nothing to be ashamed of, my Obi- Wan. You have not
had enough practice in mental probes. The bond will assure that
this won't happen ever again//
//What about you?//
//They tested me even as they tested you//
//Oh// Cautiously sitting up, Obi-Wan returned to the
traditional posture of obedience. He shoved thoughts of
embarrassment aside as he concentrated on the Masters
surrounding him.
"Examined you each, we have. Compare notes, we must. Wait
outside you will."
"Yes, Master Yaddle."
Both retreated to the antechamber to await their verdict.
Obi-Wan stared at the closed door, then looked at his Master.
"Now what?"
"We wait, my padawan. We wait."
Yaddle was pacing furiously almost before the soundproof door
was shut.
"Well?"
She spun to look at Windu, her small features crinkled. "Yes.
Lifemating urge there is. Lifebond there is. But too strong!
Overwhelm Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan might, unknowingly and without
intention. Dangerous this is to Qui-Gon."
Yoda waved his cane for silence. "Yes, bond there is, danger
there always is. Always possibility that lifebond result in
merging of minds so that no two partners, only one mind. But
doubt this will happen to Qui-Gon, I do. Strong his mind is.
And protect them, the Force will. So strong a bond is demanded
for completion by the Force."
Windu nodded, agreeing with Yoda. But the final decision lay
with Yaddle, this was her domain. Yet she seemed to be holding
something back.
"Yaddle? Was there something else?" Yoda's bright eyes fixed on
the female Council member as well.
She spoke slowly, reluctantly. "Reached out, he did, during the
probe. Touched my inner mind."
Windu was shocked. "But your shields!"
"Lower them, I did not. Go through them like they did not exist
he did."
"Did he intrude?" Windu barked sharply. Going through shields!
That was...inconceivable.
"Intrude, he did not. More like curious child he was, exploring
his surroundings. Take nothing he did, learn no secrets he did.
Merely glanced and moved on."
Silence reigned for a length of time. In the end, Yoda spoke.
"Have done all we can. Hope Qui-Gon can temper him, we must.
Allow the lifebond to proceed."
The other Masters nodded, then scattered to do his bidding.
The pool of water was rather deep, almost deep enough for
Obi-Wan to stand in it and be completely submerged. In fact,
that was it's purpose and Obi-Wan stared into it, wondering
what truths it would reveal.
His reflection was perfectly still in the water, no wind moving
its surface and marring his likeness. Critically, he eyed it,
taking in cropped hair and beaded plait, as well as the short
ponytail that kept the long bits in the back from falling in
his face. Not too shabby a face, either.
//A beautiful face//
//Master!// He whipped around, his own braid slapping against
his face lightly. He let his joy reverberate through their
training bond...knowing that the link between them would soon
be far deeper and irrevocably permanent.
It was a necessary part of the lifebonding rite that each
partner ritually cleansed themselves alone. That required being
someplace private, a large amount of meditation and a bath in
some strange liquid that the Council had provided. When she
brought it to him, Yaddle had assured him(through mindspeech,
partners were forbidden to speak to anyone verbally for twelve
hours before the ceremony) that is was a conductor for Force
energy, helping them 'ease' into their bond.
While there was no doubt in Yaddle's mind that this was some
sort of mystical soul lubricant, Obi-Wan had Force tested it,
and personally believed it to be some sort of bubble bath that
had been included in the ceremony long ago and then it had been
forgotten exactly why.
//Padawan//
Qui-Gon's gentle reproval was laced with laughter, and Obi-Wan
received the impression he believed the same thing and that
Yoda did too. However, the exchange struck something deep
within him.
//Not your padawan today//
//No, not today// Qui-Gon's thoughts were gentle and loving.
Finally dragging his eyes away from his own reflection - still
perfect and unbroken in the water before him - Obi-Wan drank in
the sight of his Master.
Qui-Gon was dressed in a dark green robe - the colour of moss
that has just been replenished with water. Unlike moss, the
robe was flecked with gold, that seeped across the fabric in
wild and fantastic patterns.
Obi-Wan himself wore a robe much the same, a smaller size, of
course. The robes were to aid the participants of the rite in
feelings of calm and serenity. Later, after the rite, the two
were free to walk through the corridors of the Temple still
dressed in their robes, as close to a public announcement of
the bond as they could get. Obi-Wan fully intended to make sure
they did this.
The two were alone in the garden, to initiate the lifebond.
There were no witnesses, none were needed. Unlike a heartbond,
a lifebond was a deeply private affair. It was for them, and
them alone.
Clasping hands, the two sank down into the soft grass, it
mingling with the green on their robes. Unconsciously settling
into meditation postures, the two breathed deeply.
Qui-Gon reached out briefly, checking that the protective
shielding around the empty garden was intact. Both now, when
they bonded and later, when they consummated the bond, they
would release their shields entirely, allowing their thoughts
to mingle. The shields ensured that none could interfere while
they were defenceless.
Turning back to his padawan - no, his lover, he held the hands
tightly. //Are you ready, Obi- Wan?//
//Need you ask?// The dry response was so typical of his
youthful love that he almost laughed aloud for joy.
Carefully, slowly, so as not to overwhelm, each began to draw
back the shields in their minds. It was time consuming and
slightly difficult - each had spent their lives building them
up to let none in, yet now had to release them to let the
lifebond occur. Obi-Wan dropped his entirely first, being
younger and not as strong at shielding. But Qui-Gon's trust and
eagerness ensured he was not far behind.
Both felt oddly naked, sitting there with their minds bared.
Each paused for a moment, rearranging thoughts and preparing
themselves. Then they reached for each others minds.
The contact was explosive.
Two entire lives merged, were shared. A thousand memories were
witnessed. The lifemated saw Obi-Wan's childhood, watched
Xanatos fall, felt Obi-Wan's anguish on Bandomeer followed by
boundless joy at being chosen, sensed Qui-Gon's heart swell
with contentment at last. All their memories, billions of
moments, trivial or important, anguished or joyful, flashed
though each mind.
Faces danced by, Yoda, Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon, Xanatos, Bant, Yaddle,
Mace, other Council members, family members, friends, enemies,
brief acquaintances. And through it all, the two lifemates
screamed their love and joy.
Somehow in the rush and pull of their minds melding forever,
they heard a voice. It was neither one nor the other's, rather
the voice one hears in one's own head when one reads. It was a
blend of both their tongues.
//I will follow you, everywhere you go. And I'll be with you
till the end.//
The lifebond vows, spoken and sealed.
Done.
It was odd, really, Obi-Wan reflected as he and Qui-Gon
returned to their quarters for their 'consummation'. Despite
the fact that they had been lovers for nearly two years, they
were almost shy as they reached their rooms.
They had sat for nearly half an hour in the garden after the
surge had died down, feeling through their bond and revelling
in it. No thoughts could be hidden from one another now, all
memories shared and experiences doubled. Obi-Wan knew that his
training would be different from now on, he had not only his
own but also Qui-Gon's to draw upon. It made them both
stronger, to give and share so much. To stop their thoughts
projecting all over the Temple, Master Yoda was shielding them
until they could rebuild their shields to accommodate the bond.
It almost made Obi-Wan feel giddy as he reached to palm the
door lock, ignoring those that were staring at the robes that
indicated what they now were. He was with his Master forever
now that was all that mattered.
Qui-Gon hesitated just inside the door, causing Obi to turn to
see why his Master - his new lifemate - didn't follow. For a
horribly eternal moment, he thought his Master was having
second thoughts, impossible as that was.
Then Qui-Gon met his eyes.
In that second, their lifebond, slightly muted, surged into
fullness again, sending both men staggering. Each man's mind
was flooded with the images, feelings, senses of the other's.
Thoughts melded and memories meshed, two lives twirled and
twined into one another. As their minds danced in complete and
final union, Obi- Wan saw Qui-Gon's reluctance for what it
truly was.
His lifemate was afraid of hurting him. After coming so close
to losing Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon was terrified of doing anything to
cause a relapse. It gave Obi-Wan pause for a full second. How
could he prove to Qui-Gon that he was nothing but vibrantly
alive? A grin trickled cross his face, and the padawan took
action.
Before Qui-Gon could fully regain equilibrium, he found himself
face up on the floor, a voracious padawan straddling him.
"I promise I won't break, Qui-Gon," he breathed, "as long as
you promise not to treat me like I will."
Robes flying in billows of brown, Obi-Wan took full control in
seconds. He gleefully drove his tongue deep into Qui's mouth,
thoroughly licking him in the process. As Qui-Gon moaned
beneath him, Obi-Wan allowed himself a small grin.
Humour was quickly forgotten as their newly sealed lifebond
twisted into life again, demanding the double joining of flesh
and mind. Clothing discarded and the flesh revealed caressed,
they stumbled to prove you are well? Then do
so, my heart's desire. Prove I am not asleep and you are not a
phantom dream."
Eyes widened in surprise, then narrowed in hungry lust. Obi-Wan
tipped his head to one side, considering, before a lunge from
his lifemate nearly bundled the two of them off the bed.
He had almost regained his balance when Qui-Gon yanked his
pants off, causing him to tumble back across the bed.
Both entirely naked, they came together like two halves of a
mould, lips meeting in a lover's duelling dance.
"You want proof I'm alive?" Obi-Wan managed, despite the
arousal surging through them both. Qui-Gon replied in the
nonverbal, his wordless confirmation coming across the bond.
//Then let me take control// he sent, also beyond speech.
He felt Qui-Gon's ecstatic agreement, and, keeping their flesh
pressed together as much as possible, began to manoeuvre. He
felt Qui- Gon's delight as he comprehended the purpose of Obi's
actions, and cooperated enthusiastically.
Angling Qui-Gon to be positioned on his lap, straddled across
him, Obi-Wan called on the Force to augment limited muscles, to
help them sustain this position. Gentle shifting, and they were
ready. Qui-Gon reached out, softly tracing Obi's face with his
fingers before indulging in a devouring kiss.
Arms bent tight around the older man's back, Obi-Wan pulled him
as close as he could and still longing for closer. Qui-Gon also
burrowed nearer, his knees folded outside Obi- Wan's. The kiss
deepened in a long moment.
Preparation unnecessary due to the complete level of trust
between them, Obi-Wan entangled his mental fingers with those
of his mate before he glided into Qui-Gon's waiting body.
He hesitated, half in, wanting to savour the moment, make it
last forever, feeling the echo of agreement along the bond from
his mate. Silently praising whoever installed Force shielding
on their quarters, Obi-Wan paused to draw nibbling kisses from
his mate's mouth, allowing his shields to disintegrate, feeling
Qui-Gon do the same.
Vaguely aware that later they would have to learn how to
rebuild their shields so it didn't interfere with the lifebond,
Obi-Wan gently bit and sucked his way down Qui-Gon's neck,
releasing a ragged gasp as Qui-Gon returned the favour, passion
singing in the fully unshielded bond between them.
Feeling both their bodies straining for physical completion,
the Master shifted, sending a throb of bliss between them as
the movement both rubbed his erection across Obi- Wan's stomach
and drove Obi-Wan deeper inside him. The motion made Obi-Wan
forget the savouring of the moment, opting instead for
completion.
Both men shouted in unison as Obi-Wan sheathed himself fully
into the hilt that felt as though it had been made for him. He
halted again, fighting against releasing now. Their lifebond
intensified each man's feelings, doubling and tripling them,
reflecting them back in an almost painfully pleasuring wave,
enough to make him lose control.
As the strong passion slid back down to a level he could manage
- barely - he felt Qui-Gon trailing hands along his face,
kissing him gently. His lover slid his hands up over Obi- Wan's
shoulder, delicately tracing the outline of his blades before
moving lower to caress the dip of his lower back. He trailed
his way back up, detailing each of the vertebrae in his mate's
spine as Obi-Wan rested his head in the hollow of Qui-Gon's
neck, finally wrestling his libido into a semblance of control.
Drawing back slightly, hearing the whimper of protest at the
reduction in contact from Qui- Gon, Obi drew his eyes to those
of his lifemate. Conveying almost a lifetime of love and
feeling with his own luminous orbs, feeling it returned a
hundredfold, Obi-Wan finally allowed himself to drive upwards.
A strangled scream of pure joy tore from Qui's strained throat.
His own hoarse resounding gasp barely registering, Obi-Wan
began to thrust. Each lunge pushed him deep into the warmth of
his lover, he could feel the hot body tighten and flex around
him.
Neither ever knew how long they remained like that, arms wound
hard around each other, each muscle standing out, gleaming with
sweat. Their movements concerted, unified, immersed deeply in
their lifebond.
Obi-Wan knew that he couldn't hold out forever. His bucking
became more fevered, desperate, one hand straying from holding
Qui-Gon to clasp his neglected member. As his fingers played up
and down, gently stroking and rolling, Qui-Gon whimpered,
trying to push himself down more, to force Obi-Wan deeper.
A few more thrusts, a final lunge, and his back arched to the
point of snapping, his Master's body in unison with his. Spasm
after spasm shuddered through them both. Caught in the uprush,
the ecstasy, bodies frozen tight in this final stage of
coupling, both men were incapable of anything other than losing
themselves in the sensation and each other.
For long moments, they stayed that way, Obi-Wan cradling his
Master's shivering form in his lap, still mentally enmeshed
with him. He felt Qui-Gon kiss his forehead and lifted his head
so he could meet his lips. Slick skin sliding against slick
skin, their exhausted bodies compelled them to move.
As they tumbled back down across the bed, gasping, Obi-Wan
finally allowed Qui-Gon to take some measure of control. He
felt his lifemate's arms slide around him and rolled, turning
into the embrace. With closed eyes, he felt Qui-Gon kiss his
hair tenderly again and in response he gently stroked his hands
up and down Qui-Gon's sweat soaked back. Neither spoke, what
was the need? Their minds and souls finally linked the way
their hearts had been for years, Master and Padawan drifted
into a deep and shared sleep.
Yoda stared out into the endless, star strewn Misharia skies.
By now, it would be done. Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan would be
lifebonded, finally and irrevocably. While the lifebond did not
mean that if one member died, the other did automatically, the
outcome was the same. The surviving member either died from the
shock of the loss of contact, or went insane, eventually taking
their own life. That was the possible fate that faced Qui-Gon
and Obi-Wan.
It was odd, the little Jedi Master mused, that the Chosen One
had just been linked with another powerfully Force-strong
being, yet there was no indication of that union within the
Force. In the creation of a lifebond, all the energy created
was directed inwards, into forging and strengthening the new
lifebond. With all the energy those two were capable of
creating, the bond would be strong indeed.
But that wasn't what Yoda needed to think about now.
Obi-Wan was becoming suspicious, and the efforts of the three
Masters to keep him in the dark seemed to be failing. Yoda was
aware the padawan was uncertain why he had been allowed to bond
to Qui-Gon though he was a padawan, doubtless he also knew that
it had never been allowed before. It would only be a short
while before he would ask exactly why the bond had been
allowed.
Mace had also reported Bant's suspicious questions about the
Force surge that saved Obi- Wan's life. Both Masters' knew that
Bant would have told Obi-Wan what she knew, though the
information that neither Qui-Gon nor Averil remembered the
energy storm was interesting. The intervention of the Force,
perhaps?
"Need to send on the mission we do. Soon. Distract the mind so
it cannot ask such worrying questions."
Yoda turned at Yaddle's voice, ears sliding back as he surveyed
the only member of the Temple he could look in the eye without
straining his neck.
"Worried I am," he sighed. "Obi-Wan, so aware he is, while
Qui-Gon remains ignorant."
"A mission is needed," insisted Yaddle. "There is nothing we
can do, though like the situation we do not. Distraction is the
only tool we have. Protected Obi-Wan as much as we can, we
have. It is for the Force to decide, what action we take next."
The two small creatures gazed sightlessly into the night, each
dwelling on their own thoughts, though the content was the
same.
"New mission there is," Yoda spoke at last. "Came through a few
hours ago, it did. A negotiator is needed. Do the job well,
Qui-Gon could. Solve problem for now, it could."
"A problem delayed is not solved," Yaddle reproved. "However,
ill equipped to deal with this we are. Send them on the
mission. While they are gone, learn all we can about the Chosen
One. The Force will guide us."
Yoda slowly pried himself off his perch, drawing his robe
around him. "Hmmph. Force guidance. Very well. Send them to
Naboo we will. Perhaps there we will find the answers we seek."
Those creche teachers who hadn't been away with the children
when the Temple collapsed had been killed. Until new teachers
were found, various Masters volunteered to care for the
children. Qui-Gon was doing so today.
//You don't mind, do you love?// asked Qui-Gon for the
umpteenth time.
//No. Well, not too much. If I asked you to stay, we'd
be here forever// The padawan unashamedly projected an image of
what he wanted to do.
Qui-Gon swallowed hard, then glared at his padawan.
//Recalcitrant//
//You love it//
//Always//
A quick kiss, then a much longer one and twenty minutes later,
Qui-Gon reluctantly left for the creche. Obi-Wan himself was
scheduled to visit the Healers again to see how his healing was
going - he had persuaded Qui-Gon not to come with him through
promises of sexual gratification and a full report later.
They had no need for a 'honeymoon' to cement their lifebond,
they were intertwined completely. But, Obi-Wan thought with a
shrug, it would be fun to be allowed to lock yourself in a room
with your lover - lifemate - for a week or two. But there was
no time for it, not at this point. If the Temple hadn't fallen,
maybe things would be different. But such speculation was
pointless.
With a sigh, Obi-Wan headed for the infirmary.
Carefully drawing his hood down to conceal his face, Darth Maul
schooled himself for patience. The One had a Healers
appointment shortly, and he had to come this way to reach the
infirmary.
The Sith fingered the delicate device in his palm, rolling it
gently between his fingers. This device was his ticket. Once he
had planted this on Kenobi, it would be easy to trace the brat.
He would never do anything without Maul's knowledge. //And as
they say, knowledge is power// the apprentice thought in glee.
The sense of a presence approaching drew his awareness back to
his task. There was no sound, as all Force sensitives tended to
walk quietly. That coupled with the intensive Jedi training
resulted in a perfectly silent tread. But that didn't count
when one was Force sensitive.
Sending out a shielded enquiry revealed his quarry heading his
way. Arranging himself into position, Darth Maul pounced.
Obi-Wan didn't even get the chance to attempt defence as a hard
fist connected with the side of his head, sending him reeling.
As he tried to pull himself up from his knees, shaking his
head, an iron grip caught him around the throat, cutting off
any noise.
Well, almost any noise.
//QUI-GON!!!// Obi-Wan screamed down their lifebond, feeling a
brief surge of relief at a response before being jerked back
hard.
The pressure around his throat eased a little, but even as he
tried to take advantage of the loosened hold, a searing pain
drilled into the back of his neck.
Even as the agony dimmed and faded, Obi-Wan found himself face
to face with the floor as his attacker dropped him. He heard
running feet and then hands were on him again. The padawan
fought furiously before he realised it was Qui-Gon, then gasped
and permitted his lifemate to hold him.
//Are you alright, Obi-Wan?// His Master's mind voice was
frightened and held more than a little fury.
//I..I think so. I don't know what hit me...// He allowed his
Master to pull him to his feet.
He felt another presence through the Force, one that every Jedi
knew. He cracked open an eye to see Master Yoda straining his
neck to peer up at him.
"See who it was, young one?" asked Yoda, not bothering to
enquire about his health, knowing Qui-Gon would have done it
already.
Obi-Wan shook his head. "No, Master Yoda. I didn't get a look.
They attacked me from behind."
"Take him to the Healers you must, Qui-Gon. Make sure he is
alright."
Qui-Gon nodded, pulling his apprentice to his feet. Obi-Wan
winced, rubbing the back of his head. "Ouch!"
He pulled his hand from the back of his neck with a start. At
his Master's questioning look, he said, "I think there's
something on my neck. The person who attacked me, I don't know
what they did, but my neck was agony before you came."
His Master carefully pulled his hand away, positioning Obi-Wan
in front of his so he could see. Obi-Wan heard his shocked gasp
clearly, as did Yoda. The gnomic Master looked up sharply.
"What have you found?" He was too upset to couch his speech in
its usual linguistic riddles.
Obi-Wan felt his Master brace one hand on his neck before
whispering into his mind. //This will hurt, Obi, but not for
long, I promise//
A second later, Qui-Gon jerked something out of his neck. The
padawan let out a strangled scream at the brief resurgence of
agony, but then it faded and Qui-Gon was holding him, stroking
his hair, sending healing energy down their lifebond.
As Obi-Wan fought to control his breathing again, he saw
Qui-Gon extend a hand to Yoda. In his palm lay a small round
electronic chip, with a sharp barb on on end. //Where it was
stuck in me// Obi-Wan thought.
"Tracker chip." Qui-Gon's voice held barely concealed fury.
Someone had dared to do this to his lifemate! He looked back
down at the chip in his hand, fighting down nausea at the small
pool of blood from its removal. He raised his hand to throw it,
but Yoda stopped him.
"Examine this we must. Try to understand who did this."
Qui-Gon pulled Obi-Wan into his arms, holding him tightly. He
nodded roughly. "Why Obi- Wan?" He sent gentle healing tendrils
of Force into Obi-Wan's neck, repairing the damage the tracker
made. His padawan leaned back against him gratefully.
Yoda, meanwhile, raced for evasion. There was no point in
telling them the truth at this time, moreover, he was afraid
too. He blurted out the first thing that came to him.
"Perhaps not after Obi-Wan in particular. Perhaps after any
Jedi. Waylaid you were, Obi- Wan, when alone?"
The padawan agreed reluctantly. "I was."
"Hmm. Perhaps just looking for Jedi alone to attack. Unknown
why."
Qui-Gon looked dubious. "Are you sure it wasn't Obi-Wan they
were after?" His expression told of hell to pay if they were.
Yoda presented his best 'innocently confused' expression and
prayed that it would work on his former padawan for once. "Know
for certain it was Obi-Wan they wanted, I do not. But what
reason to be after Obi-Wan is there?"
Qui-Gon looked unconvinced, but was distracted when Obi-Wan
winced again. He chose to forego arguments in favour of making
sure his lifemate was alright.
As they conversed silently, Yoda allowed himself to shudder.
Sith here in the Temple! There was no doubt in Yoda's mind that
the attack was deliberate and engineered by the Sith. He could
almost taste the evil aura in the air. What's more, they had
attempted to 'tag' Obi-Wan like an animal. To be able to find
and trace him. This did not bode well.
Two attacks now, the old Temple destroyed, protagonist still
unidentified, and now an attack in the new Temple. Both
involving Obi- Wan. This did not bode well at all.
Yaddle was right. Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon would have to be sent on
a mission as soon as possible. The small Dagobite could only
pray that the mission would not push them into the Sith's
clutches.
"Jedi!" Maul swore.
His plan would have been perfect, was perfect, but for that
damn Master! Maul didn't know exactly when the lifemating had
taken place, but he was furious that he hadn't known. His plan
had been ruined because of it. And the tracker chip lost too!
All the effort for nought.
The Sith padawan paced like a caged panther, muttering to
himself in his native tongue. It sounded much like a Rancor
growling. That damn lifebond! It would make capturing the boy
difficult. Not impossible, but very, very difficult.
Turning on his heel, the apprentice stopped, considering.
"Perhaps the lifebond can be used after all." Maul was aware
that the death of one lifemate drove the other insane - to the
point of suicide. If he could destroy the old man, kill him
somehow, the take the apprentice.
Maul began to pace again, ides swirling through his head. Yes.
He could kill the Master and take the padawan. The boy would be
in psychic shock after the severance of the lifebond, making
him extremely susceptible. Pliable. Perfect. He only had to
stop the boy killing himself, which shouldn't be too hard.
Maul nearly leapt out of his multi-hued skin as the comm unit
behind him chirped. A quick check on the identity of the caller
revealed it to be Palpatine, on a secure line from his office.
Not a call that could be ignored. Not if he wanted to live
through the next meeting with his Master.
He thumbed the activator switch, bowing low before the image
when it coalesced before him. "I await your instructions, my
Master."
The Sith Master was adorned in full Senatorial livery and waved
aside Maul's obeisance impatiently.
"Things are moving quickly, now. We must strike while the iron
is hot. Join me on Naboo as soon as possible. Once I have
appraised you of the situation, I must return to Coruscant."
The Sith apprentice paused. "What of my other mission, my
Master? That of researching the Jedi bratlings?"
Palpatine swore. "You have sent me all the information you
have?"
"Yes. my Master." //Except the bit you were looking for, you
weak slug// his mind snarled. He kept his mental shields as
strong as he could and his face blank. If one whiff of what he
knew escaped to Sidious, he would get more than just the fuzzy
end of the lollipop.
The Sith Lord looked frustrated. "Did you find anything unusual
about them? Anything?"
//Desperate, are we?// thought Maul, keeping his face impassive
as he replied, "No, my Master."
Palpatine swore again. "There is no help for it. I need you on
Naboo now. The other can wait." Though it was clear from the
Lord's tone that the other matter waited only at his extreme
reluctance.
Maul bowed low to the image of the dominant Sith Lord. "Yes, my
Master."
Qui-Gon cursed their luck as he and his padawan headed for the
Council chambers. Yoda had sounded very apologetic as he
informed them that they were required to attend a mission, but
that wasn't enough to assuage the Jedi Master's anger.
By rights, they should be allowed at least a week to settle
their lifebond and work on their shielding, and most definitely
NOT be called on a mission. But the Council claimed a skilled
negotiator was needed and more than simple pride told Qui-Gon
he had to go.
Obi-Wan seemed to be taking it better than him as they swept
into the Council chamber. His padawan lover was impassive and
restrained, though Qui-Gon did catch the occasional unsavoury
thought about several Council members. On the single good note
the day had presented, Obi-Wan's healing was progressing
rapidly, which the Healers attributed to the lifebond.
The bowed low before the Council, ready to accept their new
mission.
Mace Windu loomed above them in his Council seat, seemingly a
god about to pass judgment on the doomed.
"You are to go to the planet of Naboo, where a disagreement
between the government and the Trade Federation is taking
place. You're task is to mediate between the two groups and
find a solution that suits the interest of all. The Senator of
Naboo awaits to apprise you of the current situation. You will
leave immediately."
As he and his Master bowed gracefully before retreating from
the Council Chamber, Obi-Wan could not shake the feeling that
this mission was the beginning of the storm.
And he found himself afraid.
The feeling clung to the padawan during the all too short
flight to Coruscant to see the Senator. A self styled man of
action, Obi-Wan couldn't understand his reticement on this
mission, but kept it to himself. The last thing he wanted to do
was worry Qui-Gon.
He trailed his Master unhappily through the corridors of the
enormous Republic Senate office building, only forcing himself
into a posture of serenity as an attendant droid led the way
into the Naboo offices.
"Senator Palpatine, these are the two ambassadors selected to
go to your planet by the Senate." The attendance droid's voice
was soft.
With a swirl of his robe, Palpatine turned to greet them. He
raised an eyebrow in surprise when he saw just who the
ambassadors were.
"I'm am honoured above words that the Jedi see our plight as
great enough to warrant their attention," he bowed deeply to
the two Jedi before him. "Especially considering the recent
tragedy amongst your ranks."
The taller of the two Jedi bowed in response, mimicked by his
smaller counterpart. Both were swathed in voluminous robes,
only their faces visible. The smaller man was no doubt much
younger, and something about his presence strummed a nerve deep
inside Palpatine, in a place that belonged entirely to Darth
Sidious. This was one of the two padawans he had been watching
very closely, one of the two suspected to be the One who would
eradicate either light or dark forever. The Senator tamped down
the feeling and concentrated on making sure the Jedi suspected
nothing.
The tall Jedi spoke. "I am Qui-Gon Jinn, and this is Obi-Wan
Kenobi. You have no need to fear that the Senate will treat
your planet's troubles lightly, Senator, my padawan and I will
do all that we can to assist you and your people. As for the
Jedi, while we feel deeply the loss of so many of our number,
it would tarnish their memories if we did not continue our
work."
Palpatine raised his eyebrow again. "Padawan? You are a Master
then, Jedi Jinn?" Jinn nodded gracefully, and Palpatine
extended his hand. "I am more than grateful for your
assistance, Master Jedi, and I pray that you can help resolve
our difficulties quickly."
Jinn nodded as he withdrew his hand and his padawan came
forward to shake the Senator's hand as well. His voice was
cultured and sweet. "I pray that we can also."
As Palpatine's and the Jedi apprentice's hands touched, both
felt a surge of power between them. Startled, the apprentice
released his hand and stepped back. Palpatine recovered
quickly, speaking even as the Jedi Master came forward, an
inquiry on his lips.
"I apologise if I just caused you discomfit, Padawan Kenobi,
but my robe has just been cleaned, and when it has it has a
tendency to give others I touch static electricity shocks."
The boy's eyes were dark for a second, and Palpatine held his
breath. Then the confused look left the apprentice's eyes and
he smiled. "I'm fine, Senator, just a little startled, that's
all. Will you be joining us on our journey to Naboo?"
"I am afraid not. The Queen has asked me to remain here to
exert my small amount of influence on the Senate in an attempt
to produce a favourable income. I fear I have much work ahead
of me, as Naboo's troubles are small compared to some others
within the Republic."
The Jedi Master nodded understandingly. "Then we shall leave
you to your work, Senator. I promise you that we will do all
that we can to aid your people."
"Thank you," Palpatine and the Jedi bowed once more before the
two Force-sensitives left the room.
Had the Master suspected anything? Palpatine thought not. He
was finding it difficult to concentrate on the greater threat
of the Jedi Master, as his attention kept wandering towards
thoughts of the boy. The wave of Force that came from him when
their hands had touched had been formidable.
He was the One.
A smile spread across the Sith Lord's lips. He now knew the
identity of the One who would change the Force forever, and he
was the only one to know. The Jedi, and the boy himself, were
ignorant.
Palpatine was a strong believer in the tenet that the Force
would guide. And it had. It had lead this boy right towards
him, placing him in a position where Palpatine could take him
easily. The boy, this Obi-Wan Kenobi, would be taken, and made
an instrument of the dark.
It was obvious that the boy and his master were in a
relationship, but that was a minor complication. The Master
could be killed, indeed, it would aid in turning Kenobi to the
dark.
Now he must wait for the Force to guide him to the right moment
to strike.
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