Summary: There is more to becoming a Master than just training a Padawan!
DISCLAIMER: Star Wars and all publicly recognizable characters, names and references, etc are the sole property of George Lucas, Lucasfilm Ltd, Lucasarts Inc and 20th Century Fox. This fan fiction was created solely for entertainment and no money was made from it. Also, no copyright or trademark infringement was intended. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author.
Mace Windu strode down the hallway of the 540th floor of the Temple Living Quarters tower, around the corner, down the hall there and around another corner until he came to the grey door with the plaque beside it that read '5445A - Jinn, QG'. At his touch the door slid silently out of his way and he stepped in and abruptly stopped. This room was an absolute shambles!
The couch and chairs were strewn with tunics and robes, the small low table there covered with papers and more and more papers, some of which lay scattered on the floor as one lamp still burned brightly. To the other side, the table was a mass of left over food boxes, empty drink cups and wrappings while on the shelf behind it sat a worn and dusty travel pack, it's contents strewn between the various shelves as well. Shaking his head and with a sigh he went to the back hall. There in the bathroom he found the floor strewn with towels - yet the enormous sandstone surrounded tub filled with steaming water and a thick layer of bubbles. The scent of herbal incense and spices in the water weighed heavily in the small room.
"Qui-Gon - you had better not have drowned in bathing tub of all things!" he called loudly as he pushed back a sleeve and put his hand in and felt around. His friend was known for his love of baths�. Even to the point of brief meditations from the bottom of the 3-foot deep tub. This time, however, the tub was empty. "O.K., so you have not drowned in the tub - this is a good thing." He muttered to himself as he dried his arm off with a towel from the floor and wandered to the doorway to consider the sleeping area beyond. There in the still darkened room he could just barely make out a still form on the opposite bed, facedown and clad only in sleep pants.
Relieved to have found his friend, Mace went over to the bed, grabbed the one by the back of his leg and gave it a hard shake. It's owner suddenly startled awake with a yelp of pain - instantly sprang up on his hands and knees and threw himself forward as if to escape from some horrible fate� And straight into the wall where he hit with a tremendous thud that seemed to knock the wind out of him as he collapsed and lay motionless, eyes closed and features slack.
"Sith's Stars Qui-Gon!" Mace reacted with alarm - now half crawling up onto the bed to feel quickly at his friend's outstretched wrist. Softly there came a groan as now the other brought one hand to his head and half opened eyes of deep blue to blink heavily several times over. "Are you all right? Not even Jedi can dive through walls Jinn!" Mace reproved, and now the one moved both hands to his head and groaned again softly. "Here - come here - let me see -" Mace insisted as he half pulled the other away from the wall.
"Gods that hurt!" Qui-Gon mumbled thickly as now he lay on his back and rubbed gently at the top of his head. Mace moved his hand aside so he could consider the site of impact and half-smiled. "I have always said your head is made out of dura-crete!" he teasingly reproved and the one sighed shallowly. "What in the name of�" Qui-Gon started darkly as he started to sit up - then suddenly stopped with a heavy wince and let himself collapse back, rolling onto his side with his eyes closed as he seemed suddenly rather pale.
"Jinny - open your eyes - this isn't funny!" Mace demanded sternly as now he felt at his friend's pulse in earnest. Slowly the one did so, blinking heavily at him. "I feel dizzy� where - where is Tavaris?" he asked dully and now Mace brushed his hand over his friend's cheek and forehead and looked concerned. "Oh man - you really DID hit that wall WAY too hard -" he hissed and the other nodded with a shallow sigh.
"What do you want anyway - besides trying to scare me to death? It's barely dawn for Sith's Sake!" he growled as he felt again at the top of his head and winced and now Mace smiled at him. "I think 10:00 in the morning qualifies as past dawn pal -" he said - and enjoyed his friend's frown and then surprised look. "Why didn't Tavaris wake me up?!" he demanded in alarm - then looked across the room at the other bed and abruptly stilled. The sheets, blankets and pillow were all stacked up there neatly at the foot of the stripped bed.
"Oh -" he breathed, remembering now and Mace followed his gaze, then looked back at his friend and sighed deeply. "I forgot�.. sorry�. How did I get here anyway? Weren't we in the StarMaps Room?" Qui-Gon asked as he put an arm over his eyes, revealing a deeply black bruise just below his elbow and Mace frowned. "We were - until you fell asleep on me�" he said as now he rose and turned on the light atop the nearby bureau, and he turned back - now noticing another large bruise on the other's side and one at his shoulder as well.
"What happened to you? You're black and blue all over?" he asked darkly and the one now rolled to his side and slowly pushed himself to sitting up, his legs hanging off the edge. "I am not." he said darkly as now he slowly stood up, biting on his lip with a grimace and Mace took his arm with a concerned look.
"How could this happen - here?" Mace asked and the one shook is head. "It's from on our way here - Space Pirates attacked the ship�. The worst of the damage IS repaired - but the bruises are being stubborn. I think I will live." He said casually as now he limped slowly to the bathing area and looked surprised as he noticed the tub. "That was nice of you," he said lowly and Mace looked at him in surprise. "Me? It was like that when I came in�. But I think it's a good idea. You're as stiff as a board!" he observed as his friend half hobbled into the refresher stall� and in a moment returned to the tub, his movements reflecting pain.
"I'm sore - I'm stiff - and it still feels like dawn if you ask me!" he half growled as he let the sleep pants drop and sat on the edge of the tub and now put his feet in and sighed upon letting himself sink slowly into the bubbles, letting his eyes close heavily as he relaxed back. For a moment the tall ebony skinned man watched as his friend slid down lower, then lower, then lower - until at last he rested with his chin just at the water line, his head down fully upon his chest, and Windu smiled as he felt his friend dozing off there.
In a moment he turned back and went to sit on the edge of the tub where he considered the younger Jedi with a look of annoyed fondness as he took up the washcloth and soap. "Jedi do NOT sleep in bathing tubs Qui-Gon - at least not ones that they can drown in. Look at you� you are black and blue from head to foot - although only the one on your head is MY doing. I have heard awful stories of what goes on in the Outer Realms - which you seem to have been so fond of these last few years� I'll bet money this arm was broken - to still be this dark of a bruise after you have already been here for 4 days?" he said as now he reached in and gently took up the arm in question.
Qui-Gon startled mildly, looked disoriented for a moment - then recognized the other and sighed heavily, but did not pull away as he blinked heavily at the arm Mace was now soaping up. "Careful � still REALLY sore -" he mumbled thickly and his friend nodded and seemed amused by the other's sleepiness as now he gently rinsed the arm, then sat him forward to do his back. "Let me guess - Jedi do not sleep in the Outer Realms?" he asked of him and the one half smiled drowsily.
"Sleep they do - just not perhaps as much as is needed?" they both heard a familiar voice say and both looked over quickly to see Yoda come in with an amused smile as quickly now Mace rinsed off the other's back. "Ah, ah, ah� too hasty are you. Give the soap time to dissolve a few more layers of the dirt he is covered with after his years out there� And be sure to wash his hair - 3 times �. How do you feel Qui-Gon?" he asked, the last gently and now the other frowned.
"I must be coming down with something Master - My head pounds - every muscle aches - and I feel just entirely drained and SO tired� I - I am just exhausted beyond belief." He said lowly and now Mace did a double take at the utterly honest and open reply. Yoda and he shared a knowing look, then both considered the one in the tub and the wizened one smiled at him fondly as he pat the younger's wet shoulder.
"It is normal for now, and rest you should." He said reassuringly and the one sighed. "Tavaris left at dawn with the others new knights� am I now free to return to the Outer Realms then?" he asked and Yoda shook his head. "No, you are not� but an assignment for you the Council does have. After the ceremony of Masters, we will talk more." He told him and the younger frowned.
"Um�. I � um� was not really planning to attend Master." He said, and the one arched an eyebrow at him sharply. "Not attend your own Ceremony?! I think NOT young man! You will INDEED attend - as shall I! I know you do not care much for fuss Qui-Gon Jinn, but do you think for a moment I would allow you NOT to attend?" he asked and the younger shrugged and looked away as Yoda took the soap and cloth from Mace.
"Turn around please," Yoda instructed and the younger did so - wincing hard with a gasp as Yoda put a hand on top of his head. Quickly the wizened Master startled - then looked concerned. "No, no, I did not mean to hurt you� let me see - " he soothed gently�. Then he rested a hand on the younger's forehead and frowned mildly.
"It is a miracle you do not have a serious injury. That IS the stone wall in this room of course. Here - follow my finger with your eyes�" he instructed, and the younger did so. Very lightly now Yoda put his hand on top of the younger's head - and closed his eyes - as did the one in the tub. After several long minutes Yoda finally took his hand away with a kind smile. "Better is it?" he asked and the younger gave him a grateful look as he nodded. "Thank you my Master." He murmured and Yoda seemed satisfied.
"Kind to heads stone is not - a concussion you could have had. Now - under the water with you!" he said as he pushed down on the younger's shoulders, effectively dunking him, then letting him come up sputtering.
"H-Hey!" Qui-Gon breathed in dismay, to find Yoda shaking a finger at him sternly.
"You will listen to me young man�. Not telling me when I come in what has between you and this wall? That smoldering 'weed' you shared with Tavaris last night - a cigar, was it not called? Because the boy passed his Trials of Knighthood and you cut his braid yesterday, does not mean the two of you shall now try to poision yourselves with such nonsense! And - Ewokian Brew in the Star Maps room? Drinking in the Temple is not allowed in the first place - as you WELL know - unless it is part of a ritual - not to mention how MUCH you both had had. Then, of course there was the game of cards I found you all playing�. I think SOMEBODY has spent a little TOO long in the Outer Realms, young man!" he said and younger turned to his friend who half smiled with a sheepish shrug.
"Yes, Qui-Gon Jinn, about all of those things I know�. You do not remember me talking to you - nor bringing you to your room I take it?" Yoda asked and the one gave him a totally innocent look as he shook his head - and both of the others suppressed smiles. Yoda shook his head as he poured shampoo gently on the other's head. "What in the name of the sacred stars will I do with you Qui-Gon Jinn? becoming you are a Jedi Master no less - a Master�. And at SUCH a young age�. Tsk, tsk, tsk," Yoda mused softly as if to himself as he gently lathered up the shampoo.
"Master please - I do know how to bathe myself." The wet one told him and Yoda smiled. "Hush now - you are and will always be my Padawan - my last Padawan. It is an honor for the Master - to prepare the once Padawan, now for his own Initiation of the Masters Ceremony. Not all students become Padawan - not all Padawan become Knighted Ones - not all those Knighted become Jedi Masters. I have had 50 Padawans before you� you are 51. Of those, you will be the 10th to become a Jedi Master. And you are the youngest of mine to ever do so. Who knows - maybe one day you will have the honor to come early and prepare the herbal bath for Tavaris." He said quietly and the younger looked thoughtful as now Yoda gently soaped up his hair and back and chest thoroughly.
"You're lucky Jinny, before my Initiation Ceremony, my Master nearly par boiled me, scrubbed my skin off and took nearly half my hair in his comb! YOU even get BUBBLES!" Mace observed in an amused tone and now Yoda smiled at him. "Obviously your Master felt you needed a sterner introduction perhaps. The nature of it is up to the Master�. Does this hurt?" he asked as he very lightly did the top of the younger's head, noticing him wince, even as the younger shook his head mildly, and both of the others chuckled softly.
"I do not remember being told that being bathed is part of the Initiation�" Qui-Gon observed as he picked up mounds of bubbles in his hands and Yoda smiled. "No, the traditions of the Initiation of a Master are part of the Secret Knowledge of the Jedi Order." he said, and now the younger gave them both an uncertain and wary stare.
"Do not look at us like that Qui-Gon Jinn�. We are not going to hurt you after all. One is awakened as early as is reasonable - and bathed by one's Master - and, or, a long time close friend who is already a Master. Today I perform these things and Master Windu is the witness. From here, you will be dressed in white silk undergarments - which you shall wear from this day forward under your tunics - as a symbol of your connection at all times to the Purity of the Force. After that - we shall dress you in new everything else as well�. Not silk - but a fine linen worthy of a Jedi Master - not the cotton of Knighthood. Force sensitive children, students, these there will always be Qui-Gon. Knighted Ones, warriors, defenders of peace - these are not common - but usually plentiful. But the Jedi Master - he is both warrior when it is needed - and - he is a proven teacher. Without a teacher - there will be no new knights ever. So - it is with the MASTER that the continuance of the Order begins�. And on his shoulders it rests. A Master can even survive without the Council if need be. So it is the Master that is the keystone." Yoda said gently and the one nodded, letting his Master dunk him now to rinse his hair and begin the process again.
"All of your clothing and supplies will be replaced and upgraded before you sleep tonight. Not all Councils over time have done this - but ours tends to actually be rather protective of its Masters. This Council considers it's Masters to be it's most valuable asset - and right they are indeed. After you are dressed, we will take you to meditate. Because you are of the Living Force this will be in the garden room. It is closed to all today, for this purpose and your use. It has been cleansed, purified and rededicated over the night by senior Masters, for this purpose. We would not want even the slightest negative energy there to interfere. It is not uncommon for one to go into a particularly deep trance during this - but Master Windu and myself will be there with you. Usually one meditates on what one has just accomplished - the training of a Knight�. And the training of the first is special indeed Qui-Gon. It is done with the assistance of the Force - but not with the command or powers that a Master possesses. It is done - rather - by the seat of one's pants - and it is the Force's recognition of what you have done that is the cause for your exhaustion today. This state of exhaustion that I and your witness find in you now, confirms the Council's decision in declaring you a member of the Master's Circle of the Jedi Order on this day." Yoda told him gently and the one nodded with a repressed sigh and Yoda smiled.
" I know, Qui-Gon�. You are VERY tired� and I am droning - which I am doing on purpose to help you prepare for the dressing ritual and meditation. Do not try to focus on my words or inspect every detail of today,�. today - trust in the Force, and in us, to guide you." Yoda said as he pressed the younger back against him for a moment, and the one seemed to relax deeply and limply as Yoda gently stroked his cheek.
"By doing what you have done Qui-Gon Jinn, bring another to knighthood and thus proved your connection with the Force - you have repaid on your own, my efforts to train YOU. From now on - any more you train is your gift to the Universe. Thus - the Force will grant you the legendary powers of the Jedi Masters - to aid you in this task. After you have meditated, there will follow a symbolic light meal done in ritual style. Nothing you will find repulsive is included�.. Then we will proceed to the High Council Chamber where you will take the Oath of the Masters. A Ceremonial Tea is served after the Oath� and it is this tea that opens your psychic centers to receive what gifts the Force will grant you at this point in your life. The tea contains special herbs and other ingredients that will leave you with only the desire to sit quietly and meditate - which we will let you do. A soft mat is provided for each person, and the witness attends closely to any needs you may have. This trance- will probably be the deepest trance you are capable of at this time. Once you are fully into it, you will be laid down and kept warm. Some have strong visions - some remember barely able to let go� some remember nothing at all�. Council members will move around the room and take turns sitting with each of you. It gives them the opportunity to see how strongly the Force reacts TO YOU - rather than you to IT"S presence. That is why the powers it gives you are referred to as the 'Blessings of the Force'. Some receive more than others, some in different areas than others - but no matter what it bestows on you during this part of the Ceremony - you will know what they are and how to use them when you wake. Some will awake in an hour� some in an hour and a half� some in two hours� I have never seen it take longer than three at the most. I will be there with you when you wake up - as will your witness. If it is a longer time before you wake� you may be a little disoriented at first. But, normally the only after effects are extreme thirst, and the need for a quiet nap. We will probably take you to your new room in the Masters Living Quarters area, so that you may rest before the honorary dinner in the Master's area at 8." He said almost in a whispering litany close to the one's ear, and at the end the one seemed to be deeply and extremely quiet as he soaked in the hot water.
"What�. What herbs are in this water Master?" he asked vaguely and Yoda seemed amused "Nothing that will hurt you my Padawan�. Relax and let this happen." He soothed and the one seemed to do so even more. And indeed it was not long before he was led into the living room where the shades had been drawn to darken it, .. incense lit to create a heavy, musky scent, � many candles of white lit, � and chanted music with it's faint and distant drumbeat played softly in the background as the youngish one stood unclothed.
Piece by piece Master Yoda passed each article of white silk underclothing through the incense, over the candle smoke and said a soft murmur of blessing over it. Then he kissed each in turn and gave it to Mace, who very solemnly dressed the new Master with all the care he would give a sacred being. In the end, Yoda turned to face the one still barefoot and clad in white that knelt on the floor before him, head down and breathing slow. "Rise, my brother, and join us in meditation." Mace said gently as he took his arms - careful of the bruises - and helped him up, then kissed him on each cheek once.
Slowly, down the unusually vacant halls Yoda led the younger, with Mace following behind, in silence all the way. Finally they turned into a doorway to enter an enormous enclosed garden area where stood 12 figures in long, dark Master's robes, with the hoods up to hide their features as they stood with backs to the wall. Before them was a small waterfall and area of soft moss where had been set up a bell, a book, a candle, and an incense burner, already smoking strongly. Yoda slowly led the younger to the area where Mace guided him down to kneel. The bell was rung as the ritualistic litany was read from the book, and with each ring the younger's chin seemed to sink farther and farther down onto his chest, his eyes closed as his breathing grew slower and deeper, his features more and more slack.
As the reading was done, Yoda and Mace moved away in silence, then looked over - surprised to see the younger slowly rise to his feet in a slow and gracefully smooth effort, eyes closed and features unchanged as now he slowly walked across the moss, stepped over the small stream, to go to the base of the tree that stood beside the waterfall - the largest tree in the entire garden. There he abruptly fell hard to his knees, spread his arms out, and leaned his body forward to rest against the tree, almost as if hugging it. "Master?" Mace asked and the one made a 'shh' gesture. "Qui-Gon is very strong in the Living Force� I am not surprised the spirit of the Ancient Tree summons him. It is unusual - but he is not the first to behave so. It is merely a very undeniable testimony of his alignment." He said and Mace nodded with a curious look.
And indeed, it was well over 2 hours before the younger seemed to finally stir, slowly sitting back on his heels and now rubbing at his eyes with a confused look. "Here - a sip of water will help" Yoda, already at is shoulder, intoned very gently, having to hold it for the one who's hands seemed too shaky. His eyes now seemed a rare shade of deep blue, pupils dilated widely as he looked around as if still disoriented. "Shh� it is alright Qui-Gon�. Let the word come back to you for a few moments." Yoda said as he hugged him and the one nodded with a mild shiver, gladly returning the gesture.
It was a few minutes later that he allowed Yoda to lead him to a low table set up in the grass where sat plates and cups of traditional and symbolic foods, as each bowed to the other and sat down in silence. The ceremony there between the three of them was not as long, but it did seem to give the younger time to recover from whatever influence he had been under.
Once again his eyes grew clear and bright, and his features alert as he seemed to truly listen to the words and symbolism explained to him. Mace has to smile as he noticed the other take in the 12 witnesses against the wall with a curious look, but Yoda quickly drew his attention back to the table and objects and foods upon it. The wizened one seemed pleased as the younger displayed no hesitation at all in eating the small pieces given him, murmuring an appropriate response softly at the right moments as if already he were familiar with the ritual�.
Nor did the younger seem to realize at all the rapid rate at which his until now above the shoulder length hair was slowly but surely creeping bit by bit further and further down his back, until it stopped at the middle of his back level. But notice he did at the conclusion of the ritual when as he bowed, it all fell forward and he let out an involuntary gasp of mild alarm, and Mace stifled a soft chuckle.
"What the�" Qui-Gon started despite himself, and Yoda seemed amused as he made a 'shh' gesture.
"Be glad the Force gave you more - I have seen it leave many bald." He said softly as they headed for the doorway at a slow pace�. The 12 others filed out behind them in silence and following them down the still unusually vacant and empty hallways.
Before long they had reached the High Council Chamber - an enormous room with a center area of mosaic decorated floor. Above them the wall had been opened to reveal a gallery area encircling the room where observers were seated behind glass. It was here in this room, that an enormous white marble altar had appeared, covered with a cloth of spun gold, its main object being a crystal shaped like a starburst that somehow hung unsupported over the center, all colors of the rainbow seeming trapped inside it. On either side stood enormous candelabras full of dozens of white pillar candles.
Curiously the younger looked around, surprised to find every seat taken except for a row along the back wall, where Mace led him. Soon, 3 other pairs joined them, 1 in particular looking rather nervous, just as the deep, loud gong sounded and the Jedi Council filed in silently. Soon came the music� then the speeches� then the summary of the history of the Order�.. then the symbolism of the dark robe of the Master� until finally Yoda took the dais and called his former student before him.
Qui-Gon went forward and knelt on the provided mat, his head bowed as Yoda provided a brief overview of his entire career as a Jedi up until then. Next came a statement sent by his own just recent student detailing all he felt he had gained under Qui-Gon's care�. Until finally came the 5 questions put to the Jedi by his Master - each of which he answered with confidence and solidity in his voice�. And then, finally the Oath.
Slowly the Jedi spoke the words with a deep and meaningful tone, his eyes closed the entire time, features calm and peaceful, even as a sense of the Force seemed to fill the room and be concentrated around him.
"May the Force be With You -" echoed deeply and strongly from all around the room and from the gallery above, as now the two youngest members of the Council approached him from behind, bearing a large, long, dark brown wool robe. Gently one draped it over his shoulders and fastened it in front of his neck. Then they stood on either side of Yoda who smiled mildly down at the figure before him.
"On this day, through record, by deed, upon examination and by the will of the Force itself, we, the Members of the Supreme Jedi Council, do confirm upon you the title of Jedi Master. May you always serve the will of the Force, and may it always be with you�. Rise Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn, and greet your brothers." He intoned firmly as he stepped forward and first hugged the one before him, then helped him to rise, upon which each of the others stepped forward to hug him in turn. Then they turned him to face the smaller table set up at the far end of the room and escorted him to it. There sat another of the Yoda's species, also a Council Member.
"Come brother, and prepare yourself for communion with the Force itself." She said, as she poured a cup of tea and offered it to him. "Drink well that your joining may be deep." She added gently, and he sipped first at it, then drank it all and gave the cup back and they exchanged bows. With that the other two returned then to their seats, as she now escorted Qui-Gon back to the empty seat by the wall, where he sat down next to Mace, who smiled at him mildly. "Just close your eyes and try to relax now." she whispered before leaving him there, and the younger gave a rather mild nod, then did as he was told.
Finally, when all 4 had been thus situated, the gallery and viewing seats were emptied of watchers. Now members of the council went about putting out long padded mats upon the floor, with a recording device beside each one. Finally they gestured for the witnesses to go sit upon the end of the mats. Then they called each of the new Masters by name to come as well. Mace frowned at his friend who did not move, even as Yoda went over to consider the one's closed eyes. "It is alright - Come Jinny - I need you to come with me - for just a moment is all." He called softly with a hand to the one's forehead, and finally the one opened his eyes .
Soon all 4 were seated in the middle of the padded mats, Qui-Gon and one other with their eyes already closed now even as their witnesses each removed the robes from the four and attached the small wireless device to their tunic. Silently now the Council members moved among them, occasionally pausing to put a gentle hand on the head of the sitting one. They were still standing and considering one of the others when suddenly Qui-Gon seemed to exhale deeply and fall sideways limply, his friend's hand just barely getting between his head and the hard floor.
"What's wrong?!" Mace demanded anxiously of the two Council Members who came and quickly knelt beside the Jedi, seeming to feel at his neck and his head and the grey haired Councilwoman smiled. "This one should have been lying down some time ago I see�. He is all right - thanks to the quick catch. Here, let us help you." She said, and they did�. Shifting him over and positioning his limbs, then gently covering his body with the new cloak, even as he already started to murmur softly.
"Now you may start the recorder." The other told him and Mace did, relieved that nothing was wrong. Indeed soon the room was quiet except for the soft murmurs and quiet movements of the Council�. Until there came a soft 'Holy STARS!" in exclamation and they all looked over to see Mace scooting away from the mat quickly, eyes wide in surprise as before him, him friend now floated some 2 feet in midair up above the surface of the mat. Except for the height at which he now lay, nothing seemed to have changed though, and several of the Council who came to consider this, smiled at the witness.
"He is what we term a 'floater'�. It means the Force is much more strong in him than usual� it is a very�.." he was saying - and left off as suddenly the one in midair began to glow somehow as if from inside with an unearthly greenish-white light that grew brighter and brighter and brighter until the entire Council was gathered to stare. And indeed he stayed like that, even as an hour and a half later the first of the other new Masters awoke and was helped to sit by his witness and offered some water - and he too did a double take at the glowing form floating in mid-air.
Not for another hour, when another had awakened did anything change� and this time it was as if colored lights had decided to take up residence in Qui-Gon's body, swirling and twirling, merging and separating, winding and drifting as if under his skin even as his body seemed to go even more limp and still, the murmurs ceasing as the colors and glow became even stronger still. And indeed, at 3 hours he was the only one left there among the Council, who had seated themselves around him. Now even Yoda seemed very intent as they watched as the one seemed to be fading away before their eyes, turning first translucent, then transparent even, until he was more a glowing colorful mist in human shape, than a solid body� After only a few moments he seemed to solidify again, then slowly the colors and glow started to fade� until finally, he was resting back on the mat on the floor, where he soon stirred with a small sigh and groan. Gently Mace took his hand with a concerned look, as Yoda came to sit beside him and gently stroke the dark hair�. And soon the one stirred more, barely opening his eyes beyond mere slits of blue.
"I am here with you Qui-Gon Jinn�. You are safe�." Yoda soothed first, and the younger shook his head as if very groggy. "Stars� all I see are stars and planets� Where are you M'ster?" he breathed very weakly even as Yoda put a hand to his forehead - and frowned deeply as another councilman came over. "He's too far out�.. here - rub his arms - gently - we need to focus him here." he said as he knelt beside them and began rubbing the one's arms and hands, - until finally the younger seemed able to focus on Yoda's face and sighed as if deeply relieved, as Yoda looked himself.
"How do you feel Qui-Gon?" he asked and the one shook his head. "Tired�. Water� s' drink?" he seemed barely able to lisp. And indeed, Mace had to lift him and even support him to give him a sip of the water, some of which dribbled down his cheek - then the one seemed to slowly go limp and heavy in his arms again, and now Yoda frowned deeply, as did several others of the Council.
"Here, give him to me - " said one as she knelt beside him and Mace seemed reluctant, only doing so at Yoda's nod. Carefully she cradled him against her chest, despite him seeming to be dead weight now and totally without muscle tone even as she sat fully, holding him so her forehead was pressed to his, and she sighed softly. "Come to me Qui-Gon� I know you can hear me�. I know you can feel me�" she whispered, and was silent for a long moment.
"He is rather depressed, now that Tavaris no longer needs him. He thinks he would rather stay in the Force." She whispered and Yoda looked worried now as he seemed to swallow dryly. "Tell him - I am HIS Master, and I do NOT give him that leave yet!" he said firmly, and she was silent, then half smiled and lifted her head and gently transferred the limp Jedi into Yoda's arms. "Here, talk to him. Remind him of his connections to you Master Yoda." She advised quietly, and he closed his eyes�. And indeed after some time the one in his arms stirred as he took a shaky breath and half opened his eyes to blink heavily up at Yoda.
"Where�.. where 'm I?" he breathed dizzily and Yoda smiled. "With ME young man, and with me you might as well plan on remaining for awhile!" he said sternly - but the affection plain to see, and the one sighed as he nodded, half turning into his Master even more fully, and letting his eyes close again with a heavy sigh. "Qui-Gon -" Yoda warned and the one shook his head. "so�.so�. so tired Master� please-" he whispered, and the others of the Council nodded as the woman now knelt to feel at this back for a moment, then smiled reassuringly at Yoda. "MUCH better than before... Let him rest now�." she advised in a hushed tone and Yoda nodded as now he situated the one upon his lap and gently stroked the long hair.
And so, it was nearly 10:30 when Mace returned to the Council room, to find Yoda sitting on the floor still beside the one who now lay on his stomach, on the mats that had all been pushed together, his eyes closed and breathing slow and even and deep, features slack, the new robe over him, but with one hand curled in Yoda's robe so as to draw part of it to himself as if for a pillow, and the wizened one seemed amused as he looked up from a datapad he was reading.
"Is THIS part of the Master's Ceremony?" Mace asked fondly� and Yoda sighed. "It is - when the new Master nearly decides to go and merge with the Force rather than choose life to continue with." He said dryly and Mace nodded with a sigh as he knelt and felt gently at his friend's back and looked pleased. "He is stronger now�. I can feel a 'newness' in him." He said quietly and Yoda nodded with a smile as he rested a hand on his former student's back as well.
"Master Yoda... the glowing, the colors... the disappearing... I have never heard of such things..." Mace observed and Yoda sighed and nodded.
"There is mention of it in the old, old legends of the Jedi - but I myself have only seen the glowing a few other times, and the colors and vanishing I have only been told of. What it signifies - will depend on how he uses the gifts the Force has given him. He will indeed be an unusal Master - but I did not expect any less - not of Qui-Gon Jinn!" he said, and Mace half laughed as he nodded his agreement and settled himself on the floor beside them.
The End
