Master Apprentice Archive Destiny's Journey Quick search:

Destiny's Journey

by Mali Wane ( maliwane@yahoo.com )

Archive: MA, any others just ask, I probably won't say no

My Home Page: http://www.jediphiles.com/~mali

Category: AU; First Time; H/C

Rating: NC17

Spoilers: None

Pairing: Q/O

Summary: On an undercover mission, Qui-Gon finds his destiny forever intertwined with that of a local boy.

Disclaimer: These beautiful boys aren't mine, they belong to George. I'm just playing with them for a bit. I promise to put them back when I'm done. Don't sue - I've got no money. I've spent it all on seeing TPM way too many times and buying SW toys and feeding my Liam obsession.

Feedback: Oh yes, please. Good, bad or indifferent.

Notes: This story first appeared in August 2000 in the zine "Living Force," a Q/O Slash Anthology published by Qor-Ynn & M'Ki of Kugeljedi Productions.

Deciding to take the long way back had been a good idea, Obi-Wan thought as he wandered along the dirt path that led to his small village. Otherwise he would have missed seeing the enormous flock of migrating lanlkers swoop as if they were one to rest on the lake. Nor would he have witnessed the mother kanimoor gently nuzzling her young calf as it slept in the sunshine, while a larger male watched over them from a distance.

He had completed his transactions in record time and would still make it home several hours before dusk.

It had just been too tempting to resist the path through the lush forest that filled him with awe at its quiet beauty. He knew these woods intimately, having spent long hours exploring them on his own and with his mother as they gathered the herbs, roots, berries and flowers she needed to make the elixirs and balms she used in her practice.

Thinking of his mother made him smile, and he quickened his steps. Though he was not expected back before nightfall, he knew she would be concerned for his well being and would not find peace until her son was back, safe within the walls of their village. She had always been overly protective of her loved ones, but recent attacks on nearby villages by enemies unknown had everyone a bit frightened. It had been difficult to persuade her to let him make the two-day trip into town alone, and he did not want to cause her any additional worry.

He carefully transferred his heavy pack to his other shoulder, wincing slightly as the jars and vials shifted and clanked against each other. He had made some very good bargains with the old herbalist for the expensive potions, but his mother would not be impressed with his negotiating abilities if he presented her with a pack of broken bottles.

Not far from his village, he cleared the forest and stopped short.

A large column of thick, black smoke rose hauntingly from the general direction of the compound, and he stood frozen, trying to puzzle out what he was seeing. Not even one of the large bonfires built when several of the villages got together for one of their many gatherings would cause that much smoke. He chewed on his bottom lip. It almost appeared as if the entire village was on fire. And then with a sudden horrible clarity, he realized that was exactly what he was seeing. With a strangled cry he dropped the forgotten pack and began racing towards the smoke.

He reached the village and continued running towards his home, his mind refusing to comprehend the insanity of what he was seeing and hearing. The intense heat of the burning buildings surrounded him, scorching him, but even the roaring fire and collapsing buildings could not mask the anguished screams of the dying. His eyes burned from the thick smoke, his chest constricted in agony with each tortured breath, yet he ran on, unable to stop until he reached his house, or what was left of it.

Though the cottage was fully engulfed in flames, it was nevertheless standing, he noted with the small part of his brain that still functioned.

A harsh moan caught his attention, and feeling as if he were in a dream he watched, horrified, as a creature moving in slow motion emerged from the burning building. The figure, covered in flames, took several staggering steps and then fell to its knees, its arms reaching towards Obi-Wan in a ghastly parody of a welcoming embrace. It wavered a long moment before slowly falling to the ground. He caught a brief glimpse of reddish-blonde hair. The same color as his own. The same color as his mother's.

Then he was on his hands and knees, crawling towards her. "Mama?" he whimpered in disbelief as he inched his way closer, his skin already blistering from the intense heat. Suddenly he felt hands at his shoulders, urgently pulling him back from the burning body. "No!" he screamed at his would-be rescuer, fighting to pull away from the tight grasp that held him. "Let me go! Let me go!"

With a deafening roar the house collapsed, and he was picked up and shoved backwards from the force of it, landing on his back with a sickening thud. Pain exploded throughout his body as large chunks of burning debris rained down upon him. As he was losing the battle to stay conscious, he felt soft fingers brushing back his hair from his face. With the last of his strength, he forced his eyes open and looked into the sadly smiling face of his mother.

Qui-Gon's unease increased with each passing mile as he neared the last of the small villages on his fact-finding agenda. Two days before, he had been deeply immersed in the Living Force that surrounded him, allowing the gentle beauty and peacefulness of the small planet to fill his parched soul, when he was nearly knocked to his knees by a strong disturbance in the Force. Meditating almost constantly as he made the long trek through the grassy plains and gently rolling hills, he had yet to discover the source of the disturbance.

He had been sent to Sezar to investigate rumors of technological interference, specifically in the way of armaments, by Tarcarnia, a larger, more advanced planet, located in a nearby solar system. Tarcarnia was seeking admission to the Republic, a request that would be quickly denied if the planet was, in fact, interfering in any way with the development of another world.

Much was riding on this mission, he'd been informed during a private briefing with the Council. Some of the rumors hinted that a considerably stronger power was responsible for the arming of Sezar, that Tarcarnia was merely a pawn being used in a much larger game being played by the epitome of evil. One or two of the rumors had even gone so far as to put a name to the darkness that seemed to be spreading from the far reaches of the galaxy: the Sith.

Because of his many years of successful experience in the field, both as an operative and as a top negotiator, Qui-Gon had been the logical choice to send on this mission. He had operated undercover for long periods in the past and was actually one of the few Jedi knights who preferred to work alone rather than be paired with a partner.

As he entered the village gate, he was surprised to see several men, armed with primitive weapons, blocking his passage. "I am Qui-Gon Jinn," he said in flawless Sezarese, smoothly slipping into his alter ego.

"What is your business here?" one of the men asked gruffly, his weapon pointed at Qui-Gon's midriff. The others eyed him nervously, and Qui-Gon wondered at the fear and suspicion that was radiating strongly from them.

"I am a shaman," he said, stating what should have been obvious by his traditional attire of tan buckskins embroidered with mystical symbols, and by his wild, unfettered fall of long hair. "I am from the tribe of Ca'em. I travel from village to village offering my services where necessary."

His words, wrapped suggestively in benevolence, did what his appearance could not: immediately the weapons were lowered and the men bowed as one.

"We humbly beg your pardon, Honored Shaman," the first man spoke again. "Your presence is most welcome here. Please allow us to escort you to our elders, who are even now meeting as we speak."

At his nod, the men turned and quickly led him to the center of the village where two wizened old men and an incredibly ancient woman sat around a small fire.

As soon as he was introduced, the other men left hastily, no doubt off to spread the word of the shaman's arrival.

"We do not know of the tribe Ca'em, Shaman Jinn," one of the elders, the man who had introduced himself as Kadem, said suspiciously, as he rose to his feet. "Do you practice magic?"

"I am trained in the art of healing, though I suppose some might call it magic."

"Surely fortune has smiled upon us this day," Kadem exclaimed reverently. "For just two days ago our sister village was all but destroyed in a firebomb attack and many of the survivors are wounded beyond our capabilities to aid them in any way. Will you help us, Healer?"

"Take me to them," he said without hesitation, realizing he had just discovered the source of the disturbance. "I will do what I can."

Kadem quickly led Qui-Gon to a large building that was obviously the village's meeting hall, hastily transformed into a makeshift infirmary.

The open hall was overflowing with the wounded and homeless victims of the attack, and Qui-Gon was nearly overwhelmed by the sense of suffering and loss that permeated the room.

The old man led him to a door at the back of the hall. "We put the most severely wounded in here," he said as he opened the door and ushered Qui-Gon inside.

Qui-Gon worked tirelessly through the night and most of the next day, moving from one patient to the next without stopping. Although not trained as a healer, his deep connection with the Living Force, along with his years of experience in the field, made him the next best thing. After quickly assessing each victim, he slipped into a healing trance and allowed the Force to flow through him as he carefully healed the internal injuries and broken bones in each of the battered bodies.

The last one, an old woman, had been touch and go and he almost lost her. Having stabilized her at last, he sat exhausted on the edge of the cot, trying to find the energy to go on to the next.

He had been peripherally aware of someone trying to get his attention earlier, when he could not respond, and remembering this, he looked up and found a woman standing in front of the next, and, he saw with relief, last pallet.

As he moved to the bed, his gaze intent on the one lying on it, the woman turned and stepped in front of him. "He's gone," she said softly, her eyes bright with unshed tears. "But thanks to you, he's the only one we lost, though we will miss him dearly."

Qui-Gon felt his heart constrict as he looked over the woman's shoulder at the small group gathered around the young man's bed. Several of the villagers were crying softly, and Qui-Gon understood that this one was special to them. Perhaps one from their own village, he thought sadly, feeling as if he'd let them down. It didn't matter that he'd saved so many, all he felt was defeat at the knowledge that he had not been quick enough.

He started to turn away and then suddenly felt drawn back to the young man as he was struck with a preposterous idea. It was extremely risky, and he might not have the strength to do it, but he had to try. He could not go against the will of the Force as it urged him to attempt the impossible.

"How long?" he asked, as he turned back to the woman who only stared uncomprehendingly at him. He could feel the Force swirling around him, compelling him to hurry, and he knew he was running out of time. "How long?" he asked again, pushing the woman aside and moving to the bed. He insinuated himself between two of the mourners who quickly backed away at the mad look in the shaman's eyes.

"How long has he been gone?" he nearly roared in frantic desperation at the startled group as he knelt beside the young man's bed.

"Just a few minutes, Healer," someone in the group offered.

"Leave us," he ordered in a voice that brooked no argument. Not even waiting to see if they would obey him, he closed his eyes and inhaled deeply, finding his center. Drawing heavily on the Force, he reached out with his mind and began searching for any sign of the young man's life-force. And then he saw it: one single, tiny, silver thread was all that held the boy's soul to his body, and for a moment Qui-Gon could only stare in wonder at the glistening shred of life. With infinite care he began weaving strands of his own life-force around and through the fragile thread, painfully aware that it could easily snap at any time and the boy would truly be gone, probably taking Qui-Gon with him.

While he worked, he began sending tendrils of healing energy into the traumatized body, seeking out the crushed and torn organs within.

He worked for hours, never faltering, even though his own life-force was being dangerously drained.

And then finally it was done, and he carefully withdrew from the other's mind. He opened his eyes and looked down at the young man's face.

Though the boy was still deathly pale and breathing shallowly, Qui-Gon knew that he would live. It was enough. He started to rise and then found himself falling into silent, blissful blackness.

Qui-Gon came awake slowly, and for the first time in his life he was not sure where he was. He glanced around and saw he was in a small room, alone except for Kadem, who was dozing in a chair next to his bed. He started to sit up when a wave of dizziness washed over him, and with a soft groan, he lay back down.

The old man was instantly awake. "Shaman Jinn," he said relieved. "How are you feeling?"

Qui-Gon raised a shaky hand to rub his eyes a moment before speaking. "How did I come to be here?"

"You've been unconscious for three days," Kadem said gently. "We weren't sure if you would live. You collapsed after healing Obi-Wan."

In a rush it all came back to him, and once again he struggled to sit up. "The boy! How is he?" he asked, allowing the old man to help him into a sitting position.

The elder hesitated a moment. "Obi-Wan is awake," he said finally, not looking at Qui-Gon.

"What is it? What's wrong?"

Kadem pulled his eyes back to Qui-Gon. "He's awake, but ..." he paused, looking for the right words. "He's not there." At Qui-Gon's puzzled look he continued: "He does whatever we tell him to, but nothing else. He doesn't speak, doesn't seem to see." Kadem shook his head sadly. "He's just not there."

"Take me to him," Qui-Gon said as he moved to rise.

Immediately the elder stood and tried to push Qui-Gon back down. "Shaman, no. You must rest. Please. You can see him later, when you are well."

"Help me go to him or get out of my way so I can do it myself," Qui-Gon intoned roughly. "Either way I am going to see him."

With a resigned sigh, Kadem put his arm around Qui-Gon and helped him to his feet. They swayed together a moment before Qui-Gon felt ready to go, and then the elder helped him make his way, unsteadily, to the other room and over to Obi-Wan's bed, where he settled him into a chair.

Qui-Gon took a long look at the young man sitting up in the bed. He understood immediately what the elder had meant; it was as if he were looking at an inanimate doll. "Obi-Wan?" he asked quietly. "Can you hear me?"

The boy did not even move his head. "Obi-Wan, look at me."

Obediently he turned his face to the older man, and Qui-Gon repressed a shudder. Obi-Wan's eyes were empty, lifeless.

"Can you help him?" the elder at his side asked.

"I don't know," Qui-Gon answered quietly.

"Shaman Jinn," Kadem hesitated, his eyes on the floor. "I beg your pardon, Most Honored One, but some of the villagers have expressed concern for Obi-Wan's mind. Please understand, I mean no disrespect, but I must ask you a question."

Qui-Gon could feel the old man's discomfort rolling off him in waves. "Please continue Kadem," he said softly, his eyes never leaving Obi-Wan's.

"We know Obi-Wan was already dead and that you brought him back to life, and we have never heard of anyone being able to do such a thing. We are concerned that perhaps you were unable to bring his mind back as well. Please forgive our doubts, most-honorable Shaman, but we wondered if he might have been better left dead."

Qui-Gon finally pulled his eyes away and gazed at the elder, willing the old man to look at him.

When Kadem raised his head, Qui-Gon could see it had cost the elder dearly to admit their fears.

"He is in a catatonic state caused by psychic shock," Qui-Gon told the old man. "I assure you his mind is there, but he has locked it away in order to block the memories of the horror he endured." He took a deep breath, calming himself before he continued: "In order to bring him back, I had to join my own life-force to his. I touched his mind, so I know it is there."

"If you touched his mind, as you say, then surely you can touch it again and tell him to come back to us. You can do that, right?"

"I don't know," he said again, turning his attention back to the young man. "Tell me about him."

The elder found another chair and brought it over next to Qui-Gon's. He settled himself into it and then reached over and picked up Obi-Wan's hand.

"His family is well known throughout most of the local villages for their kindness and generosity," he began as he stroked the young man's hand. "His father, my grandson, was one of the Founding Fathers of that village. Sadly, he was killed a few summers ago in a terrible hunting accident, and he is still sorely missed by all who knew him.

"His mother was an off-worlder, not much older than Obi-Wan when she arrived at our village. She came to Sezar, like so many others before and after her, who have grown weary of modern technology choking their home worlds, seeking a simpler way of life. She was a healer, though not of your caliber, and she dedicated her life to helping others. I've never known a more beautiful soul than hers, except perhaps for Obi-Wan's. He is their only child, and though it brought them much sadness when no other children followed, he gave them joy."

As Kadem spoke, Qui-Gon studied Obi-Wan, feeling drawn to him in a way he did not understand. Even the lifeless gray-green eyes did not detract from the young man's beauty, Qui-Gon thought, taking in the smooth face surrounded by shoulder length, reddish-blonde hair. Nor did the thin nightshirt, which obviously belonged to a larger man, hide the finely muscled chest on the slender frame.

"He is incredibly patient and has a way about him that pulls others to him, a kind of serenity, if you will," Kadem continued. "He seems to know things about people, often even before they know it themselves. It's not that he is perfect, mind you. He's certainly pulled his share of pranks, as all boys do. But in all of his eighteen summers, I have never heard anyone say a bad word against him. He is our greatest treasure, Shaman. Do you understand?"

"Yes, I believe I do," Qui-Gon answered, his fingers itching to find out if Obi-Wan's hair was as silky as it looked. "His mother did not survive?"

"No," the old man answered sadly, his voice cracking with emotion. "As soon as the attack began, people from the surrounding villages ran to see what was going on, to see if they could help. One of them found Obi-Wan in front of his house, trying to crawl towards the burning body of his mother."

They sat in silence for a time, both lost in their own thoughts. They were interrupted by the sound of a cough, and looked up to find a young girl standing at the other side of the bed, holding a tray.

Obviously intimidated by being in the presence of both the elder and the shaman, she hesitated before speaking. "Begging your pardons, Sirs," she said shakily, "but it's time for our Obi-Wan to eat."

The elder smiled reassuringly at the girl: "It smells very good, Sal-bre. I'm sure Obi-Wan will enjoy it." Then he rose and turned to Qui-Gon: "I'll help you back to your bed, Shaman."

"I'd like to stay a bit longer," Qui-Gon said and then looked over at the young girl and smiled. "If Sal-bre doesn't mind, that is."

"Oh, no, Shaman. Of course I don't mind," she said quickly, returning his smile while blushing furiously.

Kadem nodded: "Then I'll go take a look at the other patients. Just let me know when you are ready."

Qui-Gon reached up and took the old man's arm. "Thank you," he said simply.

"It is I that should be thanking you, Honorable Shaman," Kadem said as he patted Qui-Gon's hand. They shared a long look before the elder pulled his arm out of Qui-Gon's grasp, and with a final nod, began making his way to the other patients.

Qui-Gon watched as Sal-bre picked up the bowl and stirred it a few times before bringing a spoonful of the thick soup to Obi-Wan's lips. Instinct must have taken over then, because he ate without further instruction, easily opening his mouth each time the spoon touched his lips.

"May I?" he asked as he hesitantly reached for the bowl.

"If that is what you wish, Shaman," Sal-bre responded, obviously surprised. "I know my mother could use my help with some of the others."

"It is what I wish," Qui-Gon confirmed as he took the bowl from her hands. At her questioning look, he added, "We will be fine."

"Yes, Sir," she spoke as she climbed off the bed.

Qui-Gon reached up and gently took Obi-Wan's chin in his hand, turning it so the young man once again faced him. Unable to help himself, he ran his thumb slowly across Obi-Wan's full lips, shivering slightly at the feel of the silkiness against his skin. Releasing a breath he'd not known he was holding, he abruptly pulled his hand away.

What are you doing, old man? he thought, giving himself a mental shake. The boy's in a catatonic state and all you can think about is what his lips would taste like. What in Hoth is wrong with you? Appalled at his thoughts, Qui-Gon forced himself to focus on what he was supposed to be doing, as opposed to what he wanted to be doing.

Just as he finished feeding Obi-Wan the last of the soup, Kadem returned. "You must be exhausted, Shaman," the old man said as he took the bowl from Qui-Gon's hands. "Please let me help you back to your bed."

Qui-Gon was surprised to find that he actually felt better, stronger, after spending time with Obi-Wan, but instead of trying to argue with the old man, he allowed himself to be helped from the chair and back towards his own room. He paused at the door and turned back for one last look at the young man.

Obi-Wan had turned his head, almost as if he were following Qui-Gon with his sightless eyes.

Once he was alone, he fell into a fitful sleep, filled with disquieting images and half-formed thoughts. At some point his body began to ache, a dull-throbbing pain that worsened as the hours slowly passed.

Suddenly he felt a hand on his shoulder, shaking him. "Shaman, please wake up."

It was Sal-bre, he noted, coming instantly awake. "What is it?" he asked the trembling girl. "What's wrong?"

"Please, Shaman. It's Obi-Wan."

That was all he heard as he bolted from the bed and through the open door. Even in the dimly lit room he could see Obi-Wan writhing on the bed, moaning incoherently, and without a thought he climbed into the bed and gathered the young man into his arms. Rocking him gently, he began making soothing noises as he stroked the sweat-soaked hair back from his face.

Almost immediately Obi-Wan calmed, and Qui-Gon felt his own body relaxing, the ache he'd been feeling all but gone.

Looking up into Sal-bre's frightened eyes, Qui-Gon spoke softly: "He will be fine, just some bad dreams, I think. I'll stay with him tonight."

She watched a moment longer as the shaman settled the two of them in the bed, and then smiling gratefully, she left them alone.

Qui-Gon was deeply confused at how right it felt to hold the young man wrapped in his arms. There was much he needed to consider about what he might have inadvertently done while trying to bring Obi-Wan back from the dead, but now was not the time. For now he would simply live in the moment and allow the warmth he was feeling flow through him and to the boy. And together they slept.

Qui-Gon awoke slowly, enjoying the warm body pressed against his. Soft lips at his throat tickled lightly with each puff of exhaled air. Long, muscled legs entwined with his own.

Gently rocking his hips forward, Qui-Gon's body found what it was seeking when his aching arousal slid against another hot, hard erection. "My love," he moaned softly, feeling the Force flowing tenderly in and around him.

With a horrified gasp he suddenly realized what he was doing, and then he was scrabbling backwards and off the bed. Panting harshly, he looked down and was glad to see that Obi-Wan was still sleeping, though obviously very aroused.

What in the name of the Force am I doing? he thought savagely. Granted, it had been a very long time since he had been with anyone, but "my love"? Where had that come from? It was long past time for some serious meditation, he thought.

He gently covered Obi-Wan before settling himself back on the bed. Resting against the headboard, he closed his eyes and took a deep breath, trying to settle his nerves as he searched for his center.

Finally, after much longer than it had ever taken him, he managed to calm himself enough to begin his meditation. He focused his thoughts on the young man, seeking answers to questions he would have preferred not asking.

He emerged from his trance an hour or so later, to find Obi-Wan sitting up in the bed next to him. He'd been subconsciously aware of movement around him so he was not surprised to see two trays sitting at the bottom of the bed, seemingly waiting for him. He took one of the trays and placed it over Obi-Wan's lap, glad that the job of feeding the young man had been left to him.

Though his meditation had not given him all of the answers he'd sought, it had given him peace of mind with the knowledge that whatever was happening between him and Obi-Wan was guided by the Force. That would have to be enough for now.

He understood that while joining their life-forces together he had initiated some sort of bond, but it was unlike like any type of bond he had ever heard of. He also feared the boy might never recover unless he got better help than Qui-Gon could give him. I must take him to Coruscant, he thought.

He regretted the need to cut his mission short; that was something he never did lightly. But the information he'd gathered at the other villages he'd visited, not to mention the nature of the attack these people had suffered, would be enough to satisfy the Council that interference was indeed taking place here.

Once he and Obi-Wan had finished their meal, he decided it was time to seek out the elders. He arose from the bed and headed into the other room so that he could dress. He only made it as far as the doorway when he began to feel an uncomfortable ache in his chest.

Hearing a moan from behind him, he turned around and saw that Obi-Wan had moved to the edge of the bed and was struggling to stand, as if to follow him, his face contorted in pain.

In an instant Qui-Gon was beside him, his arm going around Obi-Wan's waist, steadying him.

Immediately the young man's features relaxed, and Qui-Gon felt his own pain diminish. He settled Obi-Wan on the edge of the bed and sat down beside him, their thighs touching, as he considered the implications of what had just happened. "Well, my young friend," Qui-Gon finally said to the unseeing young man. "It would appear that we are going to be a bit inseparable for a while."

With a little experimentation, Qui-Gon found that they could be separated by no more than a few feet before the pain in his chest became unbearable, and judging from Obi-Wan's reaction, his comfort level was even less. They could walk side by side, with a few inches separating them, and though uncomfortable, it was at least bearable. The only time they were actually free of pain was when some part of their bodies touched.

It would be difficult explaining to the elders why he needed to take Obi-Wan away without jeopardizing the mission, but he knew it had to be done. He would have liked to wait a few more days, allowing the young man to grow stronger before beginning such a strenuous journey, but it was imperative that his findings be made known to the Council. If he had to, he would use Obi-Wan's health as an excuse for his haste to depart.

Deciding it would be easier if the elders came to him, Qui-Gon asked one of the caregivers to take a message to Kadem, requesting a meeting with the elders. He then guided Obi-Wan into his own room so that he could dress and prepare himself for the encounter. After settling Obi-Wan into a chair, he quickly changed his clothing, and then knelt beside the young man, allowing himself to slip into a light meditative trance.

A short time later there was a knock on the door, and Qui-Gon rose from his kneeling position to answer it. He didn't need to hear the slight whimper from Obi-Wan to know he'd put too much distance between them, because his own chest was beginning to ache. He quickly opened the door and moved back to stand next to Obi-Wan.

Kadem entered the room followed by the other two other elders, Sar-Gou and Jelacree. As the door closed, the elders bowed to Qui-Gon, and giving them their due respect, he copied their gesture. Indicating the chairs he had requested earlier, he waited until the elders were seated comfortably before once again settling on his knees next to Obi-Wan.

"Thank you for coming so quickly," Qui-Gon began, looking at the three elders in front of him. "I wish to discuss Obi-Wan's condition, and I require your help with some decisions that need to be made regarding his care."

"I have already told you how important Obi-Wan is to us, Shaman Jinn," Kadem said quietly. "We will do anything to help him."

Qui-Gon smiled at that. "I can only hope that you will continue to feel that way, when you've heard all that I have to tell you. And what I am going to ask of you."

"We are listening," Kadem said earnestly.

"As you are aware, Obi-Wan is in a catatonic state, his mind is unable to deal with the horror he lived through, so it has, in effect shut down."

"And yet he still functions to a degree," Sar-Gou said, obviously confused.

"To a degree," Qui-Gon agreed. "Though his mind has shut down, his body continues to function on instinct. He hears and sees but does not truly comprehend. He eats when food is presented to him, he sleeps when his body is tired, and if he is cold he will instinctively reach for a blanket."

Sar-Gou nodded: "I think I understand what you are saying. Please continue."

"When I entered Obi-Wan's mind, I initiated some type of bond between us. A mental connection, if you will. I can't explain how it came about; in fact, I am unable to even explain what type of bond we share, as this is something I am completely unfamiliar with. All that I can tell you is that our minds are linked together in some way. Because of it, I can sense when Obi-Wan is hungry, or in pain, and I would guess if he were more aware, he would be able to sense my emotions as well."

"What would happen to Obi-Wan if you severed this bond you speak of?" asked Kadem anxiously, as he leaned forward in his chair.

"I don't know," Qui-Gon answered honestly. "But since I have no idea how it started, I am even more at a loss as to how to undo it. My feelings tell me that if I were to make such an attempt, one or both of us would probably die. Please understand that I am as distraught over this as you are. More so because it occurred as a result of my trying to save him."

Qui-Gon paused for a moment, allowing the elders to absorb the information he'd shared with them before continuing: "Though there is much I do not understand about what has happened, there are a few things I do know: to begin with, I have discovered that Obi-Wan and I cannot be separated by more than a few inches without both of us experiencing intense discomfort which quickly turns to pain."

"That would explain what Sal-bre told us, about what happened last night," Kadem said, obviously beginning to understand the enormity of the situation.

Qui-Gon nodded. "Only when sharing some form of physical contact with one another are we completely free of any pain."

Jelacree, by far the most ancient of the trio of elders, rose from her chair and shuffled across the room, coming to stand in front of Obi-Wan. She slowly went down on one knee, and Qui-Gon winced at the sound of the old woman's bones cracking and popping. Taking the young man's hands in her own gnarled and twisted fingers, she spoke quietly, so much so that Qui-Gon had to lean in to hear the words.

"You are saying he is in pain, even now?"

"Yes, Old Mother," Qui-Gon answered softly. "It is bearable, but there is pain nonetheless. I am truly sorry."

"It grieves my soul to know this," Jelacree rasped sadly. "For one so young to have endured so much, and still he suffers. But you must not be sorry, Healer, for if you had not done what you did, our Obi-Wan would surely be dead. Nevertheless, the things you have said are hard for me to understand, and though I do not doubt your words, I must see it for myself. I would ask for a demonstration, Shaman Jinn."

"As you wish," Qui-Gon said, rising gracefully to his feet. He had no desire to deliberately cause Obi-Wan pain, but he understood why Jelacree needed to see it for herself. He walked slowly to the door, feeling the now familiar ache beginning to grow in his chest.

Obi-Wan moaned softly as he opened the door and he had to force himself to keep walking. The pain spread rapidly throughout his body as he walked, and he shuddered slightly at the thought of what it must be doing to Obi-Wan. Gritting his teeth in concentration, he took a few more steps and then began to shake uncontrollably, as sweat rolled down his face.

Suddenly Kadem was at his side, urgently turning him back to the room. As if coming from a great distance, he heard a strange keening sound that chilled him to the bone, and then he was being half pulled, half dragged through the door.

Both Sar-Gou and Jelacree were on their knees, holding Obi-Wan between them, as he struggled to break free.

Sinking to the floor beside them, Qui-Gon reached for Obi-Wan, and as soon as his arms went around the young man, the keening stopped. Qui-Gon was only dimly aware of the elders moving back to their chairs as he gathered Obi-Wan close, resting his face in the young man's hair. It took a few moments before they stopped shaking and for the pain to gradually diminish. When he finally raised his head, all three of the elders were watching them, faces pale and drawn.

"As you can see, this bond we share presents some unusual problems," Qui-Gon said hoarsely. "Which leads me to my next point. Since I do not understand what is happening between us, I am extremely reluctant to attempt any type of interference."

"Surely you are not suggesting doing nothing?" Kadem asked, unable to hide the concern in his voice.

"Of course not. Though I don't know how to help him, I believe I know of others who can."

"Tell us where to find these people you speak of, so that we can send someone to bring them here," Sar-Gou said excitedly. "We can have a runner leave immediately."

"I'm afraid that will not be possible, my friends." Qui-Gon took a deep breath and then continued: "I must take Obi-Wan to them."

"I do not understand. Would they not come if you summoned them?" Kadem wondered.

"They are very far away," Qui-Gon said carefully. "At least a five-day journey, maybe more. I do not think he would survive the wait. I must take him there myself, and we must leave very soon."

"Then I will go with you," Kadem spoke, rising to his feet. "To help you get Obi-Wan to these healers."

Qui-Gon's thoughts raced at Kadem's suggestion. For the sake of the mission, he had to convince them to allow him to take Obi-Wan alone. Though he disliked doing it, he was prepared to use the Force to persuade them, if necessary. He hoped it would not come to that.

"Your offer is greatly appreciated, but it is one I must decline," Qui-Gon spoke quickly, "the journey will be difficult and I believe we can make better time if it just the two of us."

"I agree with the healer," Sar-Gou said turning to face Kadem. "You may be the youngest of the elders, but you have seen many summers since your youth."

Kadem sighed heavily as he returned to his seat. "So you are quick to remind me, my old friend."

Before they could suggest sending someone younger, Qui-Gon spoke again. "I understand your concerns. It is a hard thing I am asking of you, to trust me this way. I wish there were another solution, but there is not. If you truly care for Obi-Wan as I believe you do, then you must allow me to take him away. You must trust me to know and do what is best for him."

For a long time no one spoke, as the elders struggled to understand all the shaman had said.

It was Kadem who finally broke the silence. "Many of the villagers you healed would have surely died without your intervention, Most Honored Shaman. You brought Obi-Wan back from the dead, though it nearly cost you your own life, and that was a great thing you did for us. Now you ask us to trust you with our Obi-Wan, and it should be a small thing for us to give you that trust." He looked at Jelacree and Sar-Gou, and after a moment, they both nodded in agreement.

"When do you wish to leave?" Sar-Gou asked quietly, leaning forward in his chair.

"Immediately, if you will allow it."

"Will you bring him back to us? Once he is better?" Jelacree could not hide the sadness in her voice.

Qui-Gon closed his eyes and took a deep breath before answering: "I can not tell you what you hope to hear, if it is something I do not know. But I will tell you that if it is at all within my power, and is something Obi-Wan desires, then I will bring him back to you."

"It is all that we could ask, Shaman Jinn," Jelacree said, smiling sadly. "And you may take your leave of us as soon as you are ready."

The preparations were made quickly, and a short time later the three elders walked Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan to the village gate.

Many of the villagers had gathered to see them off, and Qui-Gon was deeply touched by the love and concern they all seemed to feel for the young man.

Jelacree moved to stand in front of Qui-Gon. "Take care of our Obi-Wan," she said, her voice breaking with emotion.

"You have my word on it, Old Mother," he answered softly. Then taking Obi-Wan's hand in his own, he led the young man through the gates, wondering if he would ever see these gentle people again.

As night was falling, they came across a small river, and Qui-Gon thought it would be a good place to set up camp for the night. They had made excellent time, and Qui-Gon was pleased to see how well Obi-Wan seemed to be handling the journey so far. He shrugged out of his pack before helping the young man out of his, and then settled them both on the ground. He fed Obi-Wan some of the nuts and berries he found in the young man's pack, and then ate a few himself.

Using some of the readily available bush, he made a small fire, and soon was enjoying a cup of tea. Turning slightly so that he could look at Obi-Wan, he leaned against a tree and stretched out his long legs, sighing softly as he relaxed.

"Well, my young friend," Qui-Gon said, breaking the silence. "I suppose this is all very confusing to you." He was startled when Obi-Wan turned his head to look at him, and for just a moment, the Jedi thought he saw something flicker in the young man's eyes.

He felt something then, a light tickle at the back of his brain, and then one single thought flashed briefly across his mind: confusion. He inhaled sharply as he stared at Obi-Wan. Though it had been many years since he'd shared a training bond with his last apprentice, Xanatos, he instantly recognized what had just happened: Obi-Wan had sent that thought to him through their bond.

Deeply troubled, he struggled to understand how this was possible, and then he gasped as it all came together in his mind: Obi-Wan was Force-sensitive! That was the only explanation for the bond in the first place, though it was definitely not a training bond. He didn't see it before because he knew that Sezarians were not Force-adept beings, so he hadn't looked for it.

But how could I not have known? he wondered. I was inside his mind, for Force's sake. Could I have been so caught up in the Force that I missed it?

No answers were forthcoming, so he moved on to the next piece of the puzzle. How could Obi-Wan, born and raised on Sezar, be Force-sensitive? Then he remembered Kadem telling him that Obi-Wan's mother had come from another planet, and that she had been a healer, so the only possibility was that she must have been Force-sensitive as well.

All this new knowledge did was cause more questions. Had his mother known she was Force-sensitive? Had she known Obi-Wan was? Had she taught him to use it in any way? How did he know to send his feeling of confusion to Qui-Gon through the bond? Was it by instinct alone, or something more?

He was staring intently at the young man, trying to sort through his racing thoughts, when it happened again: A brief flicker in Obi-Wan's eyes, the soft tickle at the back of his head, and then the feeling of confusion once again flashed quickly across his mind. But this was not the same as before, Qui-Gon realized. The first time, the Jedi had the distinct impression that Obi-Wan was agreeing with Qui-Gon, that he was indeed confused. This time the impression was different, more like a question.

Qui-Gon's eyes widened in surprise. Obi-Wan had just asked him if he was confused.

Leaning forward, he smiled softly at the young man. "Yes, Obi-Wan, I am confused by all of this as well." Before he could begin to decipher the implications of what had just transpired he felt the slight tickle for a third time just before a feeling of understanding was sent. Obi-Wan wanted Qui-Gon to know that he understood the older man's confusion.

With growing amazement, he watched as Obi-Wan lay down on his side, facing Qui-Gon, one hand reaching out to rest on the Jedi's knee and then he closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep.

For a long time Qui-Gon could do nothing but stare at the sleeping young man, his cold tea long forgotten, his mind full of questions.

After a while he leaned back against the tree and allowed himself to slip into a light meditative trance. Only then was he able to focus on the questions, one by one, examining them from every angle and then releasing them into the Force. Throughout the night he meditated, feeling the beauty of the Force flow around him, through him, filling him with peace and serenity. At some point he was vaguely aware of Obi-Wan shifting closer to his leg, wrapping his body around it as if were a pillow, and it felt perfectly natural for Qui-Gon to allow his hand to slip from his lap and curl around the young man's head.

Just before dawn, Qui-Gon came slowly out of his trance, feeling more relaxed and refreshed than if he'd slept the night through. He looked down at the young man snuggled against his leg and smiled, as a feeling of utter contentment washed through him. He gently carded his fingers through Obi-Wan's hair, and the young man sighed softly as he snuggled closer.

Though he still had no answers to the many questions that had plagued him the night before, Qui-Gon had come to understand one simple truth: the bond could not have formed without guidance from the Force, and the only thing that truly mattered was how to use it to help Obi-Wan. The rest would fall into place in its own good time. Yes, there were still facets of the bond that concerned him, such as their need for physical contact, but Qui-Gon had spent his life trusting the Force to guide him, and he was not about to start having doubts now.

Resting serenely, he gradually became aware of a change in the Force. Closing his eyes, he quieted his thoughts and easily found his center, waiting patiently for whatever was about to happen. He felt the air thickening, becoming denser as the Force shifted and changed around him.

After a while, he sensed a presence watching him, and opening his eyes he gasped in wonder at the blue apparition materializing in front of him. As he watched in awe, the apparition began to take shape, and then he was looking at a figure dressed in Jedi robes. The apparition shimmered and wavered as the Force gusted around them, and Qui-Gon heard the voice of a woman, whispering softly in his mind.

The Force is strong in you, Qui-Gon. As it always has been, so it shall always be.

"Who are you?" he softly asked the glowing spirit.

My name is Far-El Kenobi. I am Obi-Wan's mother.

"His mother was a Jedi," he breathed as all of the pieces of the puzzle fell into place.

This path you have chosen is a difficult one. But know this, my friend, it is the right one. It is time for Obi-Wan to go home.

Qui-Gon looked at her in confusion for a moment, and then nodded his head slowly as understanding dawned. He watched as the Force ghost bent down and softly caressed Obi-Wan's brow.

Take care of my son, Qui-Gon, the voice in his mind whispered tenderly.

Before he could answer, the blue apparition began to dissipate, and a moment later, it was gone.

"I will take care of him," Qui-Gon promised. "For as the Force wills it, so it shall be." He felt Obi-Wan beginning to stir, but instead of removing his hand, he continued to brush his fingers through the young man's hair. Curious to know if he could reach Obi-Wan in the same fashion that the young man had used the night before, he allowed the slightest tendril of his contentment to slide through the bond.

Obi-Wan stretched and came awake slowly, and Qui-Gon watched, fascinated, as the young man's long lashes fluttered open to reveal sparkling gray-green eyes. Eyes, he realized, that were actually looking at him.

"Obi-Wan?" he whispered in disbelief, as the young man sat up. Afraid to move, almost afraid to breathe, lest those incredible eyes once again become lifeless, Qui-Gon could only stare at the young man.

Obi-Wan looked around him, his confusion evident on his face, and then pulled his eyes back to Qui-Gon. "I feel I know you, and yet I don't," he said softly.

Qui-Gon exhaled slowly. "My name is Qui-Gon."

"Qui-Gon," Obi-Wan repeated, trying the name out. "Where are we? What am I doing with you?"

"How much do you remember?" Qui-Gon knew he must tread carefully, for if he pushed the young man beyond what he was ready for, he could cause irreparable damage to Obi-Wan's fragile psyche.

Obi-Wan chewed on his bottom lip, his brows furrowed in concentration. "I'm not sure," he said hesitantly. "I was on the trail heading home. I saw a family of kanimoor in the woods. And then I ... and then I ..."

Qui-Gon could sense the young man struggling to remember, fighting against the dreadful memories locked away.

Obi-Wan paled, his eyes wide and shocked. "What is the matter with me? Why can I not remember?"

Obi-Wan's anxiety was increasing quickly, and before it could reach a dangerous level, Qui-Gon slid forward and took the young man's hands in his own. "Shh, Obi-Wan, that's enough for now. Don't push the memories, they will come when it is time. When you are ready."

Obi-Wan looked down at his hands enfolded in the larger ones, and Qui-Gon could feel the young man struggling to calm himself.

After a few minutes, he raised his eyes to Qui-Gon's. "I don't understand what has happened to me, what is still happening to me. I know I was hurt somehow, but I don't remember the accident that caused it. I know that I have never met you before, and yet I feel as if I have known you forever, that I am connected to you in some way." He closed his eyes for a moment, and when he opened them, Qui-Gon saw tears shimmering in them. "Am I going crazy, Sir?" he asked, his voice breaking.

Feeling his own eyes fill with tears, Qui-Gon gathered Obi-Wan close to him, wrapping his arms tightly around the trembling young man. "No, no, Obi-Wan. You are not going crazy. I promise you that. You have gone through a terrible experience, and your mind is trying to deal with it the best way it can. That's why you can't remember. You must trust me, Obi-Wan, for I only wish to help you through this."

"I do trust you," Obi-Wan murmured against Qui-Gon's chest. "I don't know how I know it, but I know I can trust you."

"Very well, Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon said releasing the young man. "Now I think we should break our fast, and then I'll try to explain this connection you feel to me."

Obi-Wan sat quietly as the older man stirred the embers of the fire, bringing it back to life. While the water heated for tea, he dug out more of the nuts and berries from Obi-Wan's pack.

Once they finished their meal, Qui-Gon poured two cups of tea and handed one to Obi-Wan before leaning back against the tree, sipping his own. "Before I attempt to explain a situation I myself do not fully understand, I first need to tell you who and what I am," Qui-Gon began slowly. "My name is Qui-Gon Jinn, and I am Jedi master from Coruscant."

"You are a Jedi?" Obi-Wan asked, his eyes widening in amazement.

Qui-Gon nodded, smiling at the young man's apparent awe. "Yes, Obi-Wan. I am a Jedi."

"My mother ...," Obi-Wan hesitated, his eyes going far away. "My mother ...," he tried again, and then he began to shake.

In an instant Qui-Gon was there, wrapping his strong arms around Obi-Wan, comforting and encouraging the young man.

Obi-Wan's trembling quickly turned to heaving shudders and then he cried out in anguish as his memory returned in a rush. Sobbing loudly, his pain nearly overwhelming him, he tightly clutched Qui-Gon's clothing as the Jedi rocked him and whispered soothing words of comfort. After a while, his sobs began to subside until he eventually felt as if he had no more tears left to cry.

"Your mother is one with the Force now, Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon said gently, trying to ease Obi-Wan's sorrow.

"I saw her," Obi-Wan murmured against Qui-Gon's chest.

"I know you did," Qui-Gon said soothingly. "But there was nothing you could have done for her."

"No," he shook his head, pulling himself out of Qui-Gon's embrace. "I mean after she ... after the house collapsed, she was there. She didn't speak, but she was trying to comfort me."

Qui-Gon looked at the young man in surprise. Only the strongest of Force-sensitives could communicate or even be aware of one who had passed into the Force.

"You don't believe me, do you?" Obi-Wan was intently watching Qui-Gon and saw the surprised expression cross the other man's face.

"I do believe you, Obi-Wan. For I saw her as well." He went on to share his experience with the young man.

When he felt Obi-Wan was ready, Qui-Gon told him what he knew of the attack on the village and why a Jedi was sent to investigate other such attacks.

Obi-Wan listened quietly until Qui-Gon was finished, and then they sat in silence for a time.

"Did you know your mother was a Jedi?" Qui-Gon finally asked.

"Yes, and my father did as well, but she did not wish for anyone else to know. She was worried that she might be looked at differently if the other villagers knew of her background."

Qui-Gon nodded in understanding. "Then she explained to you that for a Jedi there is no death?"

"Yes, though I never truly understood that until now. Do you think I will see her again?"

"I don't know, Obi-Wan. If it is the will of the Force, then you shall."

"May I ask you another question?" Obi-Wan asked after a thoughtful silence.

Qui-Gon smiled reassuringly. "You may ask me anything, my young friend."

"If I had been born on Coruscant, do you think I would have been trained as a Jedi?"

"Whether you were born on Coruscant, or brought to the Temple as a young child, I believe you would have been trained as a Jedi. You have a very strong Force signature, Obi-Wan. All you need is for someone to teach you how to use it. I'm surprised your mother did not instruct you any of the Jedi ways."

"Actually, she did teach me many things about being a Jedi."

Qui-Gon arched one eyebrow. "Indeed?"

Obi-Wan nodded thoughtfully. "I've been doing various katas and meditations since I was a young child, and five or six years ago, we began sparring together."

"Did she know you were Force-sensitive?"

"She never used that term, but she must have." At Qui-Gon's questioning look, he continued. "She taught me how to control the Force and manipulate it into various forms of energy. But she made me swear I would never let anyone know, and I never did."

"Did you ever wish to be a Jedi, Obi-Wan?"

"When I was young, I used to pretend I was a great Jedi Knight," Obi-Wan said, smiling sadly at the memory. "All of the children did. We saved the galaxy many times over."

Qui-Gon chuckled. "Would that we were truly such heroes. I'm afraid, for the most part, a Jedi's life is not nearly as exciting as you may have thought."

"I never dreamed I would actually meet another Jedi." And then he became serious. "What is this connection I feel with you?"

"I was operating under the guise of being a shaman, a healer, if you will, which is how I came to meet you. You were gravely injured, Obi-Wan, and in the course of trying to heal you, I initiated some sort of bond between us. That is the connection you feel to me."

"I remember my mother telling me about how young people are trained to become Jedi," Obi-Wan said thoughtfully. "When a Jedi decides to take on a ..." he stopped, looking questioningly at Qui-Gon.

"Padawan learner," Qui-Gon supplied.

"Yes, that's it, a padawan learner. When he or she takes on a padawan learner, they form a training bond. Is that what this is?"

"I've shared a training bond with two apprentices, and no, this is nothing like either one of those. It is much stronger, deeper, than anything I've ever experienced or even heard about."

Obi-Wan was silent for a long time, and Qui-Gon could sense the young man struggling to digest all he had heard.

"So what happens now?" Obi-Wan asked finally.

"I am taking you to the healers on Coruscant in order to determine how to undo whatever it is I did while I was inside your mind."

"You are taking me with you? To Coruscant?" Obi-Wan said excitedly.

"Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon said, confused by the young man's reaction. "Are you not concerned at sharing a bond with someone you do not even know? Or the fact that I, a total stranger, am taking you far away from your home, to a distant planet?"

Once again the young man chewed on his bottom lip, a habit Qui-Gon was beginning to find quite endearing.

"I don't have enough information about this bond to know if I should be concerned or not," Obi-Wan answered honestly. "And with my mother gone, there really doesn't seem to be a reason for me to stay. I do know that I trust you and I want to be with you. It just feels right."

"You are an amazing young man, Obi-Wan."

Obi-Wan smiled, blushing slightly and then easily rose to his feet. "If we are going to Coruscant, then I would imagine we must first get to the spaceport, and that means we've got quite a journey ahead of us. So if you are finished lazing around the fire, I suggest we get moving."

Qui-Gon looked up at Obi-Wan, startled at the young man's teasing.

Believing he'd overstepped his bounds, Obi-Wan shyly ducked his head, blushing furiously. "I'm sorry," he stammered apologetically, and then feeling the need to put some distance between them, he turned and fled.

"Obi-Wan, wait!" Qui-Gon was already on his feet, moving quickly after the retreating young man, but he wasn't fast enough. He gasped as the searing pain exploded in his chest, while a few yards ahead, Obi-Wan cried out and stumbled before falling to one knee.

When he reached the young man, Qui-Gon slid to his knees and pulled Obi-Wan to him, hugging him tightly. For a long time they remained that way, on their knees, holding each other, until their shaking began to subside.

Finally Obi-Wan pulled back just enough to be able to look at Qui-Gon. "What happened?"

"I am sorry, Obi-Wan, but I'm afraid this is a complication of the bond. I don't understand why, but it seems we cannot be separated by more than a few feet without pain."

"It hurt so much," Obi-Wan said, shivering at the memory. "Is there anything we can do?"

"Other than remaining close to each other until we reach the healers on Coruscant, I know of nothing we can do."

Obi-Wan sighed softly, as he once again rested his head on Qui-Gon's chest.

"In a little while we will feel well enough to continue our journey, but for now, I suggest we get comfortable," Qui-Gon said, moving from his kneeling position to sit with his back against a tree. Obi-Wan shifted with him, easily straddling the larger man's thighs, and then Qui-Gon was pulling him closer, both of them still needing as much physical contact as possible.

Qui-Gon could feel their bond deepening as they held each other. It was growing stronger, brighter, seeking to fill the empty places in his soul with its warmth and tranquillity. He knew Obi-Wan was feeling it also, hearing the young man sigh softly as he snuggled even closer to Qui-Gon. He felt Obi-Wan's heart beating next to his own, and was not surprised to find that their rhythms matched perfectly, almost as if they were one.

Of its own volition, one of his hands slid up to Obi-Wan's hair, his fingers tenderly combing through the silky strands, and his other hand began moving in gentle, slow circles over the young man's back. He was aware of the Force sweeping joyously around them, and closing his eyes, he relaxed his shields, allowing the incredible beauty of the Living Force to flow through their bond.

Time seemed to stop as Qui-Gon stared at the young man in his arms, sensing Obi-Wan's delight and wonder through their bond. Desperately wanting to know all of what Obi-Wan was experiencing with his first taste of the Living Force, Qui-Gon dropped his shields completely, permitting Obi-Wan's essence to pour through him, melding with his own. The Force was flowing gloriously around them, wrapping them in its love and light, compelling them to let the bond grow and flourish.

Qui-Gon needed no further urging. Cradling the young man's head in his large hand, he leaned forward and brushed his lips across Obi-Wan's, and then pulled back slightly.

Obi-Wan's eyes slid closed, and Qui-Gon watched, enthralled, as the tip of the young man's tongue slipped out to wet his lips. Closing his own eyes, he once again leaned forward and let his lips touch Obi-Wan's, in a soft, gentle exploration.

Obi-Wan leaned into the kiss, his hands reaching up to entangle in Qui-Gon's hair. Moaning softly, he opened his mouth in invitation, and was rewarded by Qui-Gon slipping his tongue between his lips, sliding over his teeth and moving lazily across his palate. Obi-Wan touched the silky softness invading his mouth with his own tongue, and Qui-Gon groaned deeply at the contact.

Becoming bolder, he slowly began twining his tongue around Qui-Gon's, even as he tightened his hold on Qui-Gon's hair, pulling him closer.

Their bond was pulsating with life as it opened further, and Qui-Gon could feel the Force swirling around and between them, demanding more as their connection expanded and strengthened. Their tongues began to duel in earnest, moving easily back and forth in each other's mouths.

Moaning and nearly mindless with need, Obi-Wan started thrusting his hips against Qui-Gon's painfully trapped erection.

With an almost feral growl, Qui-Gon twisted away from the tree and fell backwards, bringing Obi-Wan with him. He rolled them over so that he lay atop the younger man.

Their bond was crying out for fulfillment, and they felt the urgency in the Force as it whipped and churned around them, driving them on.

Qui-Gon had never felt this close to the Living Force, and it was exhilarating in its intensity. Finally, desperate for air, he broke their kiss and began moving his mouth over Obi-Wan's face, kissing and licking a trail of liquid fire as he went.

Obi-Wan was writhing beneath him, moaning and gasping in pleasure as Qui-Gon covered every inch of his face and throat.

Stopped by the clothing Obi-Wan wore, he growled again as he pulled his arms free. One hand tore frantically at Obi-Wan's tunic, the other fumbled at the waistband of Obi-Wan's leggings.

Suddenly Obi-Wan's hands were there, helping him untie his tunic before struggling out of it. He lifted his hips and Qui-Gon quickly yanked the leggings off, taking Obi-Wan's boots with them.

Qui-Gon's buckskins were much easier to remove and the Jedi wasted no time in divesting himself of his clothing. He felt Obi-Wan's hands on his shoulders, urgently pulling him back down, and Qui-Gon quickly obeyed the silent command, moving his body to once again cover Obi-Wan's.

Immediately, Obi-Wan wrapped his arms around the larger man, grinding his aching erection against Qui-Gon's hard stomach, while blindly seeking Qui-Gon's mouth with his own.

Capturing the young man's lips in a searing kiss, he crushed Obi-Wan to him, moaning as his throbbing penis rubbed against Obi-Wan's thigh. Sensing Obi-Wan's impending orgasm, Qui-Gon released Obi-Wan's lips and slid his mouth to his neck where he sucked furiously before nipping at the sensitized skin.

Obi-Wan wailed as he bucked wildly against Qui-Gon, his nails digging deeply into the older man's back as his body began to spasm and shudder.

Qui-Gon felt the pulsating warmth of the young man's release spurting over his stomach. No longer capable of coherent thought, he gave himself over to the demands of the bond as it screamed for completion. Lifting himself slightly, Qui-Gon ran his hand over Obi-Wan's stomach and chest, and then quickly slicked his engorged penis with Obi-Wan's seed. With a shaking hand he positioned himself at Obi-Wan's small opening and gently pushed against the tight muscles.

With a moan, Obi-Wan pulled his legs up, his hands grabbing the backs of his thighs, and then gasped as the head of Qui-Gon's penis finally gained entry.

Sweat ran off Qui-Gon in rivulets as he struggled not to surge forward. "Oh, Force, you're so tight, so hot!" Qui-Gon groaned between gritted teeth. Then the Force was there, easing his passage, and with a grunt, he slid all the way in.

Obi-Wan cried out sharply at the burning sensation as he was stretched and filled, but then Qui-Gon began to move inside of him, and the pain quickly turned to pleasure.

Qui-Gon pulled almost all the way out, his entire body trembling with need, and then slowly began pushing back in. The tight heat surrounding his penis was ecstasy in its purest form, and Qui-Gon groaned deeply as Obi-Wan arched against him, pushing him deeper inside.

As he once again began to slowly pull out, Obi-Wan grabbed his shoulders. Unable to voice what his body demanded, the young man pleaded with his eyes while he urgently thrust his hips against Qui-Gon's.

With a roar, Qui-Gon began to savagely plunge in and out of the slick passage, the head of his penis rubbing Obi-Wan's prostate with each thrust. He reached between them and grabbed Obi-Wan's renewed erection, squeezing tightly as he stroked it hard and fast.

Obi-Wan howled as his body began to convulse, causing the muscles surrounding Qui-Gon's penis to clench tightly, and with a final thrust, Qui-Gon threw his head back, his mouth opened in a silent scream as he came, filling Obi-Wan with his seed.

An eternity later, Qui-Gon gradually became aware of the soft body beneath his. He gently shifted so that most of his weight was resting on the ground, and Obi-Wan sighed softly as Qui-Gon's limp penis slid out of him.

Qui-Gon allowed his mind to drift, lulled by their bond as it sang in sweet contentment and by the Force whispering serenely around them. There would be a time to think about what had happened, but that time was not now.

Feeling Obi-Wan beginning to stir, Qui-Gon propped his head up on one elbow and watched as the young man slowly opened his eyes. For a long moment they did nothing more than gaze at each other, and then Obi-Wan brought his hand up to softly run his fingers through Qui-Gon's beard.

Qui-Gon sighed as he leaned into the gentle caress.

"Was that real?" Obi-Wan quietly asked.

Qui-Gon smiled. "It was quite real, Obi-Wan."

"That was ... I've never ..."

"Shh, Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon leaned down and placed a tender kiss on the young man's lips.

"You are so beautiful," Obi-Wan whispered.

Qui-Gon chuckled softly. He reached up and placed his hand over Obi-Wan's, stopping the caress, and then brought it to his lips. Kissing the open palm, he then placed it over his heart, holding it there. "You are an amazing man, my Obi-Wan."

Obi-Wan smiled as he sat up. "So you keep saying."

"We need to talk about what happened," Qui-Gon said seriously, sitting up as well. "But as you aptly pointed out a short time ago, we have a long journey still ahead of us. If you are agreeable, I suggest we have our discussion while we walk."

It didn't take long to gather up their clothing, and after a short detour to the nearby river to clean off the remains of their lovemaking, they broke camp and headed in the direction of the spaceport. They walked in silence for the first several miles as both men tried to sort out their thoughts.

Qui-Gon spent the time in a light meditative trance. He did not doubt that their actions had been guided by the will of the Force, and though that brought him some measure of peace, he was still troubled by what had transpired between them. And yet he could not help but feel the rightness in it. Knowing it would do no good to question the will of the Force, he began to release his anxiety, and was comforted by the serenity that filled his mind.

For Obi-Wan it was much harder to focus on any one thought as his emotions continued to wreak havoc with his ability to reason. He decided to take stock of his situation, hoping as he did, that some of this would sort itself out.

He was leaving his home to travel to a strange and distant planet. He was traveling with a man whom he had not even known existed until a few hours ago. He had recently been so severely injured that in order to save his life, this man had somehow entered his mind, causing an unexplainable bond to form between them. The bond demanded they remain in almost constant physical contact, and Obi-Wan shuddered to think what other unknown "complications" they might be surprised by as a result of it. A man had just made love to him. A man! He had never been intimate with anyone before. In fact, all he had ever done was a bit of heavy petting with a young girl from his village. But a man? Before this, it had never occurred to him that two men might actually enjoy being together like that.

He mentally shook his head. This was getting him nowhere. He would rather think about how he felt when Qui-Gon showed him the Living Force, and what happened after that.

"Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon spoke softly, breaking into his reverie. "Would you share your thoughts and feelings about what has happened between us?"

"I have much to think about," Obi-Wan answered honestly.

"Yes, my young friend, you do. And when you feel ready to talk about it, I will be ready to listen."

Obviously sensing Obi-Wan's hesitation, Qui-Gon sent reassurance and understanding through their bond.

Obi-Wan stared at Qui-Gon in surprise. "That felt wonderful. That thing you just did through our bond. Will you teach me how to do that?"

Qui-Gon chuckled as he reached for the younger man's hand. "You are already doing it. You have been broadcasting your thoughts and feelings all morning, though it has become much stronger since we made love."

Blushing furiously, Obi-Wan pulled his hand from Qui-Gon's, trying to huddle in on himself as he walked. "I'm so sorry."

Qui-Gon stopped and pulled Obi-Wan to him, wrapping his arms around the young man in a warm embrace. "No, no, my Obi-Wan. You have nothing to apologize for. I am a Jedi master, well trained in the art of shielding my thoughts from others, as well as keeping their thoughts from me. Though I am very aware that you are sending your thoughts, I choose not to hear them. Do you understand?"

Still terribly embarrassed, but knowing he could trust Qui-Gon's words, he nodded. "I don't understand how it works, but I understand about you not listening."

Qui-Gon hugged him tightly for a moment before releasing him, and then he turned and started walking again. After a moment he felt Obi-Wan take his hand and he smiled as he gave the hand he was holding a brief squeeze.

They walked in silence for a few minutes and then Qui-Gon began talking. "Most Force-sensitive beings, and that includes you, by the way, have the ability to sense what others around them are feeling. Jedi are trained from a very early age how to strengthen this talent, for it can be very useful in any number of situations. Along with this training, and even more importantly, a Jedi is taught how to erect mental shields around all or part of his mind. I will teach you how to do this before we reach Coruscant."

Obi-Wan listened intently, totally captivated by all he was learning from Qui-Gon. He interrupted occasionally to ask a question, or to answer one asked by Qui-Gon, but otherwise he was perfectly content to listen to the master's deep, melodious voice. He was so caught up, in fact, that he had no idea how many hours they had been traveling, and was amazed when he suddenly realized it was growing dark.

A short time later, Qui-Gon decided it was time to stop for the night. After they ate, they sat in front of the small fire, drinking tea, and Qui-Gon took the opportunity to begin teaching Obi-Wan how to shield. He was a quick study, and it wasn't long before the young man was able to erect the most rudimentary of shields around his mind, though they easily slipped whenever Obi-Wan lost his focus. It became a game to see how long Obi-Wan could stay shielded while Qui-Gon tried to break his concentration. Qui-Gon was ruthless, telling one outlandishly silly joke after another, and Obi-Wan quickly learned he couldn't hold his shields and laugh at the same time.

"Very well done, Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon said as he finally called a halt to the game. "With practice, you will be surprised at what you can do while still maintaining your shields. In time it will become second nature to you, almost like breathing."

"You are a wonderful teacher," Obi-Wan said, with a shy smile.

"It is something I have always enjoyed doing. I didn't realize how much I've missed having a padawan until today."

"Why don't you have one?"

Qui-Gon sat for a long time, staring into the fire, and Obi-Wan was beginning to wish he had not asked the question.

"A long time ago I vowed I would never take another padawan after Xanatos," Qui-Gon finally said, his voice filled with sadness. He then went on to tell Obi-Wan everything about Xanatos, leaving nothing out. He spoke of Xani's many achievements, his strength in the Force, his incredible abilities and how everyone knew he would one day be a great Jedi knight. And then he told Obi-Wan how Xani's hunger for power eventually turned him to the Dark Side. He had cared deeply for the young man, and Xanatos's betrayal had nearly destroyed him.

He finished as he had begun, staring into the fire. Obi-Wan was deeply moved at Qui-Gon's loss, and he instinctively knew the Jedi had never bared his soul to anyone before. He didn't know what he could say or do to comfort Qui-Gon, so he merely put his hand on Qui-Gon's thigh, letting him know he was there for him.

It was enough. Qui-Gon placed his hand over Obi-Wan's as he turned to face the young man. "Thank-you, my Obi-Wan," he said sincerely.

Qui-Gon awoke just as dawn was beginning to break across the morning sky. Not wanting to wake the young man snuggled so comfortably in his arms, he moved carefully, just enough to be able to prop his head up so that he could watch Obi-Wan as he slept. He wondered if he would ever get enough of simply looking at this incredible young man. Everything about Obi-Wan brought joy to Qui-Gon's heart. He felt happier, more content than he had in years, and he silently thanked the Force for bringing them together.

His thoughts moved to the future and what in might hold for them. "Always in motion the future is," his old master, Yoda, had been fond of saying. Especially whenever one of their many conversations turned to Qui-Gon's refusal to even consider taking on another padawan, or when the subject would come up about Qui-Gon being alone.

"Much love you have in you, my Padawan," his master invariably told him. "Find someone you should to share it with. Much sadness I feel when wasted so much love is."

Qui-Gon would only chuckle and shake his head. He would never give his heart to another. He had truly loved Xanatos, and knew the young man had had strong feelings for his master as well, but he had felt compelled to allow his apprentice to finish his training, to become a knight, before they took their relationship to the next level. And then Xanatos had betrayed him.

Qui-Gon had done the only thing he knew to do in order to survive the pain. He had sealed off that part of his heart. Completely and irrevocably. Or so he had thought.

Looking down at Obi-Wan, he felt his heart constrict as the last of his carefully built walls tumbled down. His breath caught in his throat while one single thought reverberated throughout his soul. He was in love with Obi-Wan, a love so deep and pure that everything else paled by comparison.

With a quiet sigh, he reached over and tenderly smoothed the hair back from Obi-Wan's face. "So beautiful," Qui-Gon whispered softly, fighting the urge to take the sleeping young man in his arms and make slow, sweet love to him. He watched as Obi-Wan's golden eyelashes fluttered open and then he was gazing into those incredible gray-green eyes. Obi-Wan stared back at him, smiling softly as a light blush colored his cheeks.

"Good morning," Obi-Wan said shyly.

"Good morning, my Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon responded warmly, before leaning down to brush his lips against Obi-Wan's.

"Am I really?" Obi-Wan asked as Qui-Gon lifted his head.

"Are you really what, my Obi-Wan."

"Yours?" At Qui-Gon's puzzled look, he continued, his blush deepening. "Whenever you say my name, you say 'my Obi-Wan,' and I was just wondering if I really was."

Qui-Gon closed his eyes for a moment, struggling to keep his emotions from pouring out. He had to know how Obi-Wan felt before he could say anything. Regardless of the bond, he would not take advantage of the situation. He opened his eyes and smiled at Obi-Wan.

"How does that make you feel, when I call you 'my Obi-Wan'?" he asked quietly.

Obi-Wan was silent as he chewed his bottom lip. "There is much I don't understand about our bond and the ways of the Force," he began slowly, "but I'm discovering that the why's and how's hold little importance to me. I may not have known what I wanted to be before, but I know what I want to be now. I want to spend every moment of every day of the rest of my life by your side. I'm finding that I truly want to be 'your Obi-Wan.'"

Qui-Gon felt as if his heart would burst with joy at Obi-Wan's words. "My Obi-Wan," he whispered huskily, his eyes bright with unshed tears. "What an extraordinary gift the Force has given me."

Obi-Wan's arms went around Qui-Gon's neck, pulling him close, his lips parting softly at Qui-Gon's touch.

Qui-Gon kissed him tenderly, allowing all of the love and desire he felt for Obi-Wan to flow through their bond. He could feel Obi-Wan trying to harness his own emotions, wanting to send them back to Qui-Gon, and with a soft mental touch, he showed Obi-Wan that he already knew and that he was deeply humbled by Obi-Wan's love.

Their kiss deepened as Qui-Gon's tongue slid lazily over Obi-Wan's lips, and then he was gently pulling Obi-Wan's lower lip into his mouth, running his tongue over the sensitive underside.

Obi-Wan moaned softly as Qui-Gon continued his exploration of Obi-Wan's lips, tasting them, savoring them, before he slowly pushed inside of Obi-Wan's mouth.

Their tongues slid against each other in a slow, sensual dance, and they could feel their bond deepening as it twined their souls even closer together.

I want to slowly undress you, Obi-Wan heard in his mind, and it took a moment before he realized that Qui-Gon was speaking through their bond. I want to look at you, touch you, taste you, everywhere.

Obi-Wan groaned as a bolt of desire shot straight to his groin. Yes! he tried to send, but all he managed was a garbled feeling of desire.

Qui-Gon broke the kiss and looked at Obi-Wan, one eyebrow arching in question.

"I said yes, Qui-Gon," Obi-Wan said with a shy smile as his blush returned. "And I want to do all of those things to you, as well."

Qui-Gon leaned in for another soft kiss and then rose to his feet, pulling Obi-Wan up with him.

I love you, my Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon sent as he gazed into the young man's eyes. He leaned down to once again capture Obi-Wan's lips with his own in a soft, sweet kiss. He raised his head and sighed. So beautiful.

Holding Obi-Wan's gaze, he reached for the young man's tunic, taking his time to undo each tie. As he finished with the last one, Obi-Wan's tunic fell open and then Qui-Gon brought his hands up to Obi-Wan's neck. He slowly slid his hands down Obi-Wan's silky skin, pausing for a moment to rub his thumbs over the young man's nipples.

Obi-Wan moaned and closed his eyes as his nipples hardened under Qui-Gon's touch.

Open your eyes, my love, Qui-Gon sent, I want to see your enjoyment through your eyes.

Obi-Wan did as he was asked, and Qui-Gon slid his hands lower, over his ribs and down his flat stomach, until they reached the waistband of Obi-Wan's leggings.

Qui-Gon slid to his knees, his eyes still locked with Obi-Wan's. He placed his hands on Obi-Wan's hips and slowly pushed the leggings down.

Obi-Wan groaned loudly when his penis was freed from its confinement. Then his leggings were at his ankles and he easily stepped out of them.

Only then did Qui-Gon's eyes leave Obi-Wan's, moving languidly down the young man's body, following the path his hands had taken earlier. So beautiful, he sent again as he took in the dark brown nipples. And then his eyes slid lower, coming to rest on Obi-Wan's erection. Long and thick, it jutted out from a nest of golden curls, a drop of fluid glistening at the slit.

He raised his eyes to Obi-Wan's, and then leaned forward, reaching out with his tongue to slowly lick the tip of Obi-Wan's penis.

Obi-Wan gasped and swayed slightly, his hands going to Qui-Gon's shoulders to steady himself.

Holding Obi-Wan's hips, Qui-Gon touched his lips to the thick purple head and then began leisurely swirling his tongue around it.

Obi-Wan moaned at the sensations flooding him, and then moaned again when Qui-Gon's mouth closed over his penis, slowly sliding downward. He thought his knees would surely buckle when he felt Qui-Gon's nose brush against his pubic hair, having taken all of him deep into his throat, and then Qui-Gon swallowed, and Obi-Wan gasped at the feel of the warm heat constricting around him.

Qui-Gon was moving up and down, his tongue twirling as he sucked and licked, and Obi-Wan could not stop himself from thrusting as he felt his balls begin to tighten.

Just when he thought it could not get better, he heard Qui-Gon in his mind: Come for me, my beautiful Obi-Wan. Share your pleasure with me. Come for me now, my love. And with a shout, he was spurting deep into Qui-Gon's throat. Then his legs did buckle, but Qui-Gon was there to catch him as he slid boneless to the ground.

He lay in Qui-Gon's arms as he fought to get his breathing under control. After a few minutes he looked up at Qui-Gon and smiled. That was wonderful! he tried to send, and Qui-Gon smiled back at him.

I almost understood you this time, my Obi-Wan, he heard in his mind.

Afterwards, as they lay entwined with each other, Qui-Gon allowed himself to think about the future. Once they arrived on Coruscant, there would be many difficult things they would need to deal with: Obi-Wan's Force abilities and the Council, to name a few. Qui-Gon didn't know what would be the outcome, just as he didn't know what other obstacles they might face.

"Always in motion, the future is," as Yoda was fond of saying. The only thing he did know, the only thing that really mattered, was that they were on this journey together. And that was enough for him.

Three days later they stood at the top of a hill, looking down at the small spaceport below.

Qui-Gon could feel Obi-Wan's excitement, tinged with a bit of nervousness, at the thought of what lay ahead, and the Jedi continued to send reassurance and love through their bond. After a few moments, Qui-Gon took Obi-Wan's hand and together they began walking down the hill towards their destiny.

The End