| Title: A Bond Of Friendship: Story 9: Silent Tears Author: Angel5000 Feedback: Please!! The series will only be continued if feedback is received. Time Frame: Pre-TPM; Obi-Wan is nearly 16. Archive: JA; Wolfies den; anywhere else please ask (slash and smut dedicated sites need not apply) Rating: PG or PG13. I�m not sure� But definitely nothing over PG13. Disclaimer: The Star Wars Universe, and its characters belong to George Lucas, not to me. There are several characters in this story that I�ve made up but credit for any character that you recognize from the JA books, and/or Star Wars movies cannot be given to me. I don�t mean to break any copyright rules, it�s all written in fun. Cultural Note: The name, Christe Eleison, is Latin � meaning �God have Mercy�. I chose it for Kari�Aun�s Master because Christe is a very forgiving and compassionate person, as this is demonstrated mostly when she agrees to take Kari�Aun as her apprentice. Christe Eleison is actually the name of a song by Michelle Tumes. So, I can�t claim the name, but the character, and her personality is very much mine. Summary: When Obi-Wan decides to remain at the Jedi Temple instead of going on a rather hazardous mission, his stubbornness places him at odds with his Master, and at the same time endangers Qui-Gon�s life. Simultaneously problems arise with Christe and Kari�Aun, leaving them thought dead. Will Obi-Wan be able to save his sister and his Master, or will the Jedi Council forbid his interference? Special Thanks To: First, and mostly, I would like to thank my sister Karina for all the help and ideas she gave. Actually, Obi-Wan�s vision in this story was COMPLETLEY her idea! I just had to say that. Secondly I want to thank padawan_jinx, cassia, gingerninja, and okblue25 for their support (and constant nagging). If it hadn�t been for them this story would never have gotten out. Last, but not least, I would like to thank anyone and everyone for their reviews. There are several people who have always written me reviews and I haven�t yet had a chance to thank them. But the reviews are what keep me going. THANK YOU EVERYONE!!! Author Note: This is the 10th story of my series, NOT the 10th chapter!! Just thought I�d let you know. And you should read the previous stories before reading this one. It will provide you with IMPORTANT information. Thanks. Warning: There is some angst in here, as well as some beating (of a slave by a guard). If this bothers you, do not read any further. Thank you. ~ ~ Telepathic thoughts * * Italicized thoughts // // Personal thoughts -- -- Incident from the past or vision (only occurs once or twice during the story) * * * * * * * * Obi-Wan looked back mournfully. He really didn�t want to leave on this mission. They were being sent to investigate a series of crimes on a planet new to the Republic. It had joined a few months before and the Rulers had requested two Jedi be sent to investigate a series of murders and burglaries that were taking place. The Council had agreed and decided that Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan would go. His sister, Kari�Aun Kenobi (previously Cassiono Alaok) had been a Healer-Knight Apprentice for a short time now, and would be leaving on her first mission in a couple of weeks. For all he knew it could be months, or even years, before he saw her again. What he really wanted to do was spend the last two weeks with her. He might never see her again, and that would just be too devastating. Qui-Gon glanced down at his Apprentice. He knew the boy was bothered by something; he had been like this for several days, moody and silent. It worried him as much as it annoyed him. There could only be a couple reasons for this behavior. Either the boy was still recovering, having a relapse, or there was another, unknown reason behind this moodiness. Personally, Qui-Gon preferred the last choice. A moody Padawan he could handle, but him being sick again? The Jedi Master chose not to say anything right away. He waited until they were on the transport. Then he turned to the boy, �Out with it.� �Master?� �You heard me � out with it. What�s bothering you?� Qui-Gon raised his hand as Obi-Wan started to protest, �Please, I�d rather avoid the argument and denials.� The boy nodded an understanding, �I don�t feel comfortable going on this mission, and I would rather remain here.� Qui-Gon raised an eyebrow, �I don�t sense anything unusual. Explain the roots of your discomfort, if you can.� Obi-Wan bit his lip, �I don�t know if it�s about the mission or if it�s something else.� It was a half-truth at least� Qui-Gon just looked at the boy, his eyes never leaving his face, until Obi-Wan had to glance away. As soon as he did that Qui-Gon knew there was something being hidden. It wasn�t often Obi-Wan couldn�t meet his gaze, yet when it happened both parties knew something wasn�t right. �You need to meditate on it. But I don�t think there�s a serious reason for your discomfort. I�ll inform the pilot we�re ready to go and meet you back in our quarters.� As he walked away Obi-Wan gathered up the courage to reply. �Master, I request to be left behind this time.� The words shocked the older man and he turned to face the boy, �Your feelings come from personal worries- worries that have nothing to do with the mission. You�re not staying behind.� Obi-Wan�s face darkened and Qui-Gon recognized it as a sign that he was battling with his anger for control. �Master, I have the right to request to remain behind.� �If there is a valid reason, then yes, you have the right to remain behind, but you have none. Your request is denied. You�re coming with me to Dalon.� Qui-Gon watched quietly as the boy�s jaw tensed. Obi-Wan was doing his best to keep from doing something he would later regret, and Qui-Gon knew it just as much as Obi-Wan did. When the boy didn�t say anything right away Qui-Gon turned to leave. He was a few feet away when Obi-Wan called him back for the second time. �Master.� He paused, his voice strangely strangled as it came out, �Master, I request that you reconsider your previous decision.� Qui-Gon looked at him, his face full of dismay, �Obi-Wan, I denied your request to remain behind the first time, and I am denying it again. Now go to our quarters and wait for me.� His voice had a tone of steel behind it and both of them knew that if Obi-Wan decided to continue arguing the result would not be pleasant. It appeared, however, that Obi-Wan didn�t care. �I humbly request that you retract your last two decisions.� The words had barely left the boy�s mouth when Qui-Gon clamped a steel hand on his shoulder and began to lead him. Obi-Wan expected to be taken to their quarters, and in all truth he expected his Master to punish him severely for questioning his orders. Instead he found himself being led to the cruiser�s door. The Jedi Master keyed in the access code and the door slid open, revealing the Temple Landing Bay. �You want to stay here, fine. If you aren�t comfortable going on this mission, then I won�t force you to come along. Instead, I will give you permission to remain at the Temple. I will contact Yoda and let him know that you will no longer be accompanying me and then I will send a list of assignments and lessons to your compad. I expect them completed and sent back to me by the completion date so that I can go over them.� Obi-Wan nearly flinched at the words. They were cold, distant and seemed to him unforgiving. True, he had gotten his way, but at the same time he�d lost much of his Master�s respect. He almost wished he could go along now, just to keep the peace between them, but he also knew that going along wouldn�t help things at all. Instead it would probably make them worse. �Yes Master, thank you Master.� He murmured before stepping off the ramp and onto the solid ground of the Temple Landing Bay. He turned slowly and was surprised to see that the ship was already beginning its ascent. //So Qui-Gon is truly mad at me. Otherwise he wouldn�t have taken off so quickly. Well Kenobi you really did it this time�// For several long minutes Obi-Wan watched the Cruiser leave. It wasn�t until it was out of sight that he turned to leave to bay, and as he did so he nearly tripped over Master Yoda. Immediately he dropped to one knee, as a sign of respect, and so that he could speak with the Master face-to-face. �Contacted me your Master did. Understand I do not.� Yoda said quietly. //Already? He sure acts quick!// �Decide to leave him alone on a dangerous mission you did. Selfish your decision was. Put your master�s life in danger you may have.� Obi-Wan gave a start, he hadn�t thought about that. �I wasn�t aware that this mission was that dangerous Master Yoda. If I have truly endangered his life I will get on another transport and continue with him.� �Go to Dalon you will not. At the Temple you are to remain. Sending a Jedi team from a neighbouring planet we are. Requested to remain behind you did, and so remain behind you must. Speak with you later I will.� With those last words Yoda turned and padded down the corridor. The boy stared after the elder Jedi, his face a mask of confusion and barely controlled anger. He remained there, on one knee, for a long time before he gradually rose and headed back to his quarters, one slow step at a time� * * * * * * * * * * * * Qui-Gon stared at the wall in silence, mentally reviewing the exchange with his Padawan before he had left. He was upset with himself for allowing a fifteen-year-old to agitate him so. //Why couldn�t I remain firm with him and order the boy to our quarters?// He wondered, his mind agitated. // �Because you were afraid he would disobey you and you didn�t know how to deal with another betrayal�// As the words entered this thoughts he was surprised at how true they were, and that they had come from his own mind. //Am I truly afraid that he will turn on me? He isn�t Xanatos, and more than once he�s proven his loyalty�so why do I doubt him now?// The thoughts swirled around the man�s head for several minutes more, and he continued to be agitated and haunted by the thought that perhaps he was beginning to expect Obi-Wan to revolt against him. Finally Qui-Gon shifted in his seat and pulled out his compad. It was a mixture of a comlink and a datapad. The devise could send files to his Apprentice�s compad � and then the files could be resent back to him. It worked very well for sending lessons and assignments to the boy while they were separated. In an attempt to get his mind off of the rather frightening thoughts circling through his mind, the Jedi Master began to write up assignments that he wished his apprentice to complete. It doesn�t take long before Qui-Gon was completely wrapped up with his task, his former contemplations forgotten. * * * * * * * * * * * * Back at the Jedi Temple, Obi-Wan was sitting on the couch in common room of his shared quarters staring into space morosely as he contemplated the conversation he had just had with his sister. The discussion had left him feeling numb, cold, and very much shocked� - -�What�s wrong Kari�Aun?� He had asked the girl, seeing the strange look on the girl�s usually calm face. �I�m leaving Obi-Wan. Master and I are being sent on a mission.� She replied, her eyes twinkling. She was standing in the doorway of his quarters and the light from behind him caused her eyes to shine. �I knew that. You told me about it a couple days ago. In two weeks you�re leaving for some planet on the other side of the galaxy�and it�ll be forever before I see you again. That�s why I�m still here � to spend the last two week with you.� �No, you don�t understand. The date has been moved up � something important has come up and we must arrive at the earliest date possible. We leave tomorrow. I just wanted to come and tell you good-bye.� Her voice was full of excitement, and there seemed no sign of fear or sadness. Even her eyes were clear. �Leaving tomorrow? Kari�you can�t be. I defied my Master so that I could spend a couple weeks with you before I lost you again�and now you�re just leaving? How could you do that?� Obi-Wan blurted out angrily, not even paying attention to the fact that his sister had no control over the departing time of the missions. �Obi-Wan!� Kari�Aun reeled as though she had been slapped, and her eyes got teary, �It�s not my fault! The Council gave the order � and don�t blame me that you were stupid enough to challenge Qui-Gon. If you wish to risk your career, that is up to you. But don�t blame me!� With those final words the girl had run from the room, and left Obi-Wan staring at the door, wondering how he could have said something like that� - - The boy didn�t move, just sat there. He probably wouldn�t have moved for several hours if the door hadn�t slid open and Christe Eleison walked in. Christe was a Healer-Knight, and Kari�Aun�s Master. As she walked towards Obi-Wan he didn�t turn his head or move � not until she spoke first. �Obi-Wan?� Christe waited for an answer but there was none. �Obi-Wan? Padawan Kenobi!� Her voice rose sharply and as it did so the boy�s hazed look went away. He shook his head gently and turned to look at the older woman. �Yes Master Eleison?� His voice was quiet and strange sounding. �What did you say to my Apprentice earlier?� She asked, her voice full of controlled rage. �What do you mean?� �You know very well what I mean! Kari�Aun came back to our quarters crying after she spoke with you, said that you were upset with her but she won�t tell me what happened. I want to know what you said and why!� Christe snapped. Obi-Wan flushed and looked away until Christe forced him to meet her eyes, �Tell me.� �I scolded her for leaving on the mission tomorrow. Told her that I defied Qui-Gon so that I could spend the last two weeks with her and now she was just leaving. I wanted to know how she could do something like that.� His eyes got blurry for a few seconds as he tried to clear the tears away, �I know it was wrong of me and I know it was mean, but I was upset and it sort of slipped out. I�m sorry for what I said Master Eleison�truly I am. But why is she so upset? It was only words�not as if I hit her or something.� Christe only stared at the boy. How could he do something so malicious to his own flesh and blood? �Obi-Wan, you have done more damage to her with those words you spoke, then you could have done by striking her. You have damaged her heart! I didn�t know that you were capable of such cruelness�I had no idea.� She paused and looked into his eyes, they were full of pain and she knew deep down that he hadn�t meant it. Yet she couldn�t let him get off that easily, �We leave early tomorrow morning. Tonight I am going to contact your Master and inform him of your�uncompassionate attitude�if you wish to speak with Kari�Aun again before we leave you may do so, but only in my presence.� Obi-Wan shook his head; �I don�t think I can face her right now. Please tell her I�m sorry.� He murmured quietly. The Healer-Knight only nodded and started to leave. At the door she turned and spoke one last sentence before walking out, �Before you contact her again put yourself in her place and imagine how she would feel. Then, and only then, should you speak with her.� After she was gone the silence filled the room. He had been in Kari�Aun�s place once�and he had hated every moment of it. //How could I have done something so cruel to someone I care for so deeply?// As these thoughts filled his mind he was remembered of the times when, as a Temple Initiate, cruel things were said to him. As the memories replayed themselves the silence filled his head and the loneliness began to set in. It was then that he lay down and allowed his tears to fall�swift, silent tears. * * * * * The next morning, as Obi-Wan woke up he was surprised to see that he was still on the couch in the common room of the quarters. Usually his Master put him in his own room�but then again that would explain why. His Master was still gone, and probably would be for several weeks, possibly even months. And so was his sister�. his entire reason for remaining behind and risking the wrath of the older man � was gone as well. The boy sat up and grimaced; sleeping out here was *not* the most comfortable thing in the world, and he probably looked like a mess. He headed for the �fresher to take a shower, but was interrupted by the sound of his holocom beeping. //Lovely�not only do I look awful, now somebody�s going to end up seeing me this way.// With a sigh the boy activated the machine and waited as the holograph appeared before him. Obi-Wan was surprised when, a couple seconds later, Qui-Gon�s form appeared before him. Immediately the boy dropped to one knee, in a sign of humbleness. He hoped his Master would not still be irked with him. �Good morning Obi-Wan. Did you sleep well?� Qui-Gon asked, his voice wasn�t exactly cold, but it wasn�t warm or full of kindness either. �Good morning my Master. I have had better nights, I am afraid. Was yours restful?� Obi-Wan remained on one knee, and kept his voice neutral, and his phrases followed the formal ones he had been taught years ago. Two could play at this game. �Restful enough.� Qui-Gon noticed that his Apprentice was still on one knee, �Stand up please Obi-Wan. I am not the Council.� When Obi-Wan complied; although rather reluctantly; Qui-Gon had a chance to get a complete look at the boy. His eyes were puffy and red, as was the rest of his face. Hair messed up, and clothes disheveled, the Padawan looked as though he had barely slept all night. �By your appearance I would assume that there have certainly been better nights for you. Is all well at the Temple?� Qui-Gon asked, his voice now one of concern. �Yes Master, all is well at Temple. At least for everybody else, all is well.� The young boy couldn�t keep the despair out of his voice. Qui-Gon didn�t say anything right away, just studied the holograph before him. Finally he spoke, �Would you care to explain what is wrong?� Obi-Wan shook his head gently, �I�m sure Healer-Knight Eleison will explain it for you, if she hasn�t already.� �I see. Yes, she has contacted me about your�uncompassionate attitude�as she put it. But we will speak of it later. Right now I just wanted to make sure all was well. Tonight all communications will be cut off and will remain that way for several days in order to keep our presence secret. We want to be sure that no one besides the Planet Leaders know of Jedi presence.� Qui-Gon�s explanation was not meant to be cruel but his Apprentice felt as though something inside of him tore at those words. //I should be there with him! I should be helping! He shouldn�t have to be telling me this, I should already know! But instead I�m a selfish, stubborn child! �// I understand Master. And I should not be keeping you from your work. Good luck, and may the Force be with you.� Obi-Wan could barely get the words out of his mouth without breaking down again, but he managed somehow. He bowed before turning off the machine and then sat down on the couch to think, his earlier thoughts of showering forgotten. * * * * * While Obi-Wan was at the Temple, feeling sorry for himself, Kari�Aun and her Master were on their way to the planet of Roshyyk. They were going there to see if there was any way to heal the young prince. The Queen had promised that if her son were healed their planet would join the Republic. But if he weren�t healed, then the Republic would be forced to wait until the next ruler came into place before getting the planet. They had just received word that the young prince�s health was taking a turn for the worse. That�s why they had to leave so early. Christe Eleison knew that this would be a very important mission, and that in order for all to go well she and her Apprentice would have to be alert and ready. But, with the way Kari�Aun was acting she was afraid that perhaps the young girl was not prepared for her first real mission, especially a mission of this magnitude. Kari�Aun sat in her quarters of the transport, quietly staring at her hands. She could not believe that Obi-Wan would do such a mean thing to her. Of course, she had suffered worse things, the prison on Codani II was a prime example, but still � he was her brother! All her life Lorenda had raised her with the belief that family should stick up for each other � not beat the others down. Maktall, her half-brother, had never once said anything that would hurt her. Instead he challenged those that picked on her, and stuck up for her when she was scolded. Why couldn�t Obi-Wan, her true blood brother, do the same? Now she couldn�t help but wonder if all the people at the Temple were like Obi-Wan? Kind one minute, but mean when it came to themselves? The girl could tell that she wasn�t ready for the upcoming mission. Her feelings were clouding her mind, even though she was trying her best to keep them under control. It seemed as though perhaps on this mission, Christe would have to deal with the situation herself. Kari�Aun didn�t want to leave her Trainer in such a lurch and so, in an attempt to clear her mind, she settled into a deep meditation trance. * * * * * She found herself in a deep forest, next to a crystal lake. The surface was still and calm, yet underneath a current rushed swift and deadly. The girl was contemplating a means by which she could cross the lake when a second person stepped out of the forest and joined her near the lake. The hood of his robe hid his facial features, but Kari�Aun could easily sense that he was a strong, and kind person. Without a word the mysterious man turned and headed down a well-worn path, and he beckoned her to follow. Without a word she obeyed. For several minutes they walked in silence, Kari�Aun observing the beauty of the forest around her, and the other man leading the way. Soon they found themselves beside a dark blue river, which must have run into the lake. As the lake did, the river looked calm on the surface, but Kari�Aun knew better. It�s current was swift underneath, and she instinctively stayed away from the edge. Still being silent, her companion stepped forward and motioned towards a bridge with his hand. ~Come, let us cross this bridge � it will take us to the other side, as you wished it too.~ Kari�Aun was surprised at the voice that echoed in her head. This being had not spoken yet she heard him clearly. His voice seemed so kind that she couldn�t resist and immediately began to cross. The girl only made it halfway across however, when she felt a shove from behind, and without warning she fell towards the river. As it carried her downstream she managed to glance up and see her pusher remove his hood, revealing the laughing face of Obi-Wan� * * * * * With a scream, Kari�Aun jerked upwards, and found that she was sobbing on the couch in her quarters. Within seconds Christe was beside the girl, holding her tightly in her arms. �What happened Kari�Aun?� She asked, smoothing the hair back from the young one�s face. �Master, I was meditating�and something awful happened in the meditation.� The twelve-year old went on to explain the forest and falling into the river. �Why would he do that Master? Why would Obi-Wan push me?� She asked, her tears leaving wet spots on Christe�s robe. �It was a dream Kari, just a dream. You fell asleep while meditating and this dream was the result. We both know that your brother wouldn�t do a thing like that to you.� Gently Christe stroked the girl�s hair and spoke calm, tender words to her. �Do you think it will come true?� Kari�Aun asked, her voice full of fear. Christe shook her head, �I�m positive it won�t. There are only a few who are granted with the ability to see into the future, and even then not all dreams are visions. They are random energy; that is all. I would not allow myself to become concerned.� Kari�Aun lay there for several more minutes, weeping quietly into Christe�s arms while her Master spoke soothing words. Eventually she sat up and wiped the remaining tears from her face. �I apologize for falling asleep during my meditation. I was attempting to clear my mind and fell into a deep trance, deeper than usual.� �Don�t apologize Kari�Aun. The trance was a good thing, and you needed the sleep � otherwise you would have been able to stay awake. We�ll be arriving at Roshyyk in a few hours. It would probably be best for you to take a shower, and wash your face. Will you be alright?� Christe�s voice was filled with compassion and concern. �Yes Master, I�ll be fine. It was just a dream after all, as you told me.� And although Kari�Aun�s voice was full of confidence she still felt scared, miffed, and not to mention concerned. Christe nodded and left, allowing the girl her privacy. As soon as her Master was gone Kari�Aun grabbed her holocom in an attempt to contact Obi-Wan, but found that he wasn�t answering. ~Brother where are you!~ But even then with the mind call she found no answer. With a sigh she headed into the refresher for her shower. * * * * * * Qui-Gon glanced to his side as he stepped off the ramp of the transport, and grimaced. He was unused to having the spot at his right empty like this. //Why did I allow him to remain at the Temple?// His thoughts were still on his inability to remain firm with his Apprentice, and because of that his mind wasn�t on the mission. That�s why, when an older man approached, Qui-Gon was unaware until he spoke. �Welcome entrusted Jedi. Please follow me and we�ll head somewhere more private.� The Jedi was startled, but remained calm outside. It took merely seconds to gather his thoughts, �Thank-you. I wish to start immediately in search of this criminal so that he may be brought to justice quickly.� That wasn�t the exact reason, truly Qui-Gon wanted to return to Coruscant, but he wasn�t about to tell that to this man. �I completely understand, we all wish him to quick justice.� The man started to walk, and glanced back as he did so, �Were not there supposed to be two Jedi coming?� Qui-Gon suppressed a sigh, �Yes, there was supposed to be another Jedi coming but my Apprentice was �detained� on Coruscant. There will be two other Jedi arriving shortly to assist me.� The man, who had not yet disclosed his named, nodded, �I can understand when one is unavoidably detained. So, two more Jedi will be joining us you say? Wonderful that is just wonderful.� //Just because he was detained doesn�t mean it was unavoidable. In this case it was very much the opposite.// The Jedi Master�s thoughts were once again interrupted, but this time due to a blaster shot in the distance. His head jerked up and he looked at the man leading him. Before he said anything the elder explained. �It is nothing to be alarmed of. The shot comes from the slums, and lower levels of town. Only the lowliest people live there. It was most likely another gang shooting. No need to worry.� The thought of someone�s life being discarded in such a fashion, and no one seeming to care, was sickening to Qui-Gon. Yet still he remained silent. He wasn�t here to change the planet, just to catch a criminal. �What if this criminal has fled the planet?� He asked, hoping to make conversation, while helping his plight. �He hasn�t.� Came the short reply. �But how do we know this?� Qui-Gon persisted. �We have our ways.� �Then we can be positive he hasn�t stowed away on an outgoing transport?� �Yes.� Qui-Gon sensed there was more, and attempted to weed it out, �If I may, how can anyone be sure, unless all transportations were cancelled and transmissions jammed.� �We know, Sir Jedi, because I *am* the criminal you seek.� * * * * * * Obi-Wan sat up in bed with a yell. His right arm was numb with pain, his head ached, and his ears were filled with a strange buzzing, or ringing sound. The boy felt sick, and as he stood up the room began to spin. With a moan he leaned against the wall and slid to the ground, resting his head on his knees. //Why do I feel like a couple of bantha�s just used me for football practice?// He wondered as he crawled along the floor towards the refresher. Once there Obi-Wan promptly relieved himself of his supper, and lay down on the cool floor. It had been quite a while since he�d felt this sick. For a moment the thought crossed his mind that perhaps he ought to contact Qui-Gon and ask for help, but the idea was quickly dismissed. He could take care of himself, and there was no need to bring Qui-Gon into something that couldn�t be helped by the older man. Besides, he was probably in the middle of some search or something, the capture of this criminal was extremely important. No, there was no need to contact him. Instead Obi-Wan crawled back to his room and onto his sleep couch, and waited for the nausea to pass. ***End Part One*** |
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