A/U: Three viewpoints on a parallel heritage previously
unknown. spoilers, my AU is flexible always. This is a
seriously twisted story, people!
Rating: Bizarre R.
Angst, smut, and perversion. BROTHER is it angst. Obi's twenty
- three.
Mace Windu:
Qui-Gon, you fool! Have you never suspected, never even
guessed? Ever since that bewitching padawan with the sea green
eyes appeared in your life, I had no chance. Jedi Master though
I am, there are times like this I could almost curse the whims
of the Force. There was a time, my friend, when your passions
nearly caused a civil war, remember Drakkan, those many years
ago? An amazing society ruled by superstition and legend. We
were so headstrong then, so certain of our abilities to avert
bloodshed. You foolishly got entangled with that priestess,
Tallandra, who was not trusted even in her own village. Myself
and Gaar attended the mission with you, we were quite a trio,
confident and powerful. You the mediator, myself the
counsellor, Gaar the politician. A world full of dissent,
distrustful of offworlders, and full of feudal lords working
endless power plays. When your involvement with Tallandra
became known, she was hunted down as a traitor for being
"tainted" by offworlders. We attempted to get to the outer
villages in time to spare her, the execution was to be made a
public example. We were assaulted on all sides, only Jedi
ability saved us. In madness and love you wanted to stay with
Tallandra to ensure her continued safety, but the Code comes
first. You refused to return with us, force take it, we had to
save you from yourself and render you unconscious. The mission
was already a shambles, and Jedi were since banned from Drakkan
by feudal edict. Tallandra's people sequestered her into
hiding, and as we were forced off-planet, I saw someone I cared
for stricken with a broken heart.
The following few months were sheer misery for you. You reached
for Tallandra through the force, and felt nothing. I consulted
with Yoda and suggested that you seek the healers, for you are
our greatest warrior and to lose your abilites to grief would
be a tragic waste we could ill afford. In love and concern I
watched you silently, wanting to hold the pain away. Some in
the Council feared you would turn. You became increasingly
isolated, following all the proper precepts of the Jedi, but
the passion and fire had died. The times we spent together you
were distracted or bitter. I soothed you when I could, and
worried that your emotions were creating an open channel for
the Dark Side, preventing you from regaining your inner
balance. It pains me to this day to know that I was not what
you needed. I wanted you so much, Qui-Gon, but it was not to
be, we did not have a soul bond connection, and no amount of
wishing on my part would make it so. At least we remained good
friends and confidants, but oh, I wanted more.
Later Yoda told me of a vision he had, a powerful bonding of
the force between individuals of common ancestry. I scoffed at
the notion because there was no precedent for this, at least
among Jedi. Yoda said indeed it was the only thing in his eight
centuries he had never seen either, but that the force has
always combined in ways that are not defined by individual
concepts. I pondered how bizarre the concept seemed, and
discounted it as a shadow until...
One particularly frantic day on Coruscant myself and Masters
OOni, Junre, and Adtweer had our hands full with prospective
padawans running madly about the temple. I felt a strange
ripple of resonance in the force, and noticed a somber figure
holding a baby in her arms. Excusing myself from the others I
approached her. Relatively young, deep auburn red hair and dark
blue green eyes, but I did not recognize her. But I recognized
the force ripple, and it emanated from the child, not the
woman. She spoke:
"I have travelled a long way, Jedi, and risk expulsion from my
people coming here. But this child is not to suffer or be
sacrificed for political expediency-"
I interrupted her, shocked. "Good lady, we cannot just accept
unwanted children. Surely his family should arrange for his
care?"
The woman shook her head fiercely. "No! You don't understand.
I've come a long way and bartered most of my credits to gain a
vessel for transport." She began to tremble a bit. "This, this
is the only thing I can do for my sister." Another force
flicker. A suspicion rankled me. "Who are you? Where are you
from?"
The woman's eyes teared. "My name is Imani Demoro. My native
planet is Drakkan. My sister was a prominent priestess in the
outer precincts. The dogs in power discovered her residence of
hiding and assassinated her. It was my responsibility to take
Obi somewhere safe, where he belonged."
I felt a sense of dread. "I sense the child is strong with the
force, but why bring him to the Jedi?"
Imani kissed the boy's forehead. "I have a message. Present him
to Qui-Gon." Despite my years of training, it was a few moments
before I could reply.
"Let me hold the child."
Imani rolled the warm bundle to me. I pulled back the hood and
looked closely. Sandy red hair, pale sea green eyes bright and
inquisitive- Force, this is impossible, it can't be...
I swallowed and spoke carefully. "Madame, there must be a
mistake. Protocol states orphaned children with enough
potential are allowed to join the creche, where later they are
selected by a master and trained."
Imani's eyes flashed in anger. "This is no game, Jedi! Obi
can't stay on my homeworld, he will be killed. I myself risked
much bringing him here. I bring him to his family, and you will
NOT turn him down!"
From the corner of my eye I sensed Yoda appear, nodding.
"Please calm yourself, Imani, I meant no offense. Would you
care to discuss this further while a guest at the temple?"
She was now openly weeping. "No, I can't. I wanted to do this
last thing for Tallandra, and see to her son's future" she
kissed the infant on both cheeks, Obi cooed. "I must return to
my homeworld before it's discovered I'm off-planet. I have a
few friends who are prepared to give an account to the
authorities of Obi's demise."
My soul ached for her. "Is there no other way?" softly.
She smiled sadly. "Unfortuneately no" she paused, looking at
Obi one last time. "This one is destined for greatness at his
father's side. See to him well" she turned and retreated away
from the temple.
Holding the child, my heart went cold. This is
impossible...
"True, it is" Yoda stated, ears quivering, moving forward.
"Mace, our own counsel will we keep in this matter. Disastrous
for Qui-Gon to know, if destiny is to be fulfilled. Strange are
ways of the force. When he is of age to be assigned,
then will Obi be presented to Qui-Gon, not a moment
before."
"So be it, Yoda" I replied. "Presented as his son, then?"
grimace.
Yoda eyed me widely. "NO! as padawan, as padawan. Remember the
soul bond. I feel for thee, Mace, I know what your feelings
must be on this."
I looked down at the burbling infant. "There are times like
this when I would rather be a Nerf herder" sighing, straining
to keep the bitterness out of my voice. My temper flared. "'Tis
a madman's destiny, Yoda, no matter what you say!" The aged
Jedi fixed me with an inscrutable stare. "Mace, meditate and
release your anger on this matter, you must. Be at peace. Our
own counsel we WILL keep on this" he turned to his private
chambers in dismissal. The infant boy in my arms pinched my
nose. "Ow! you monster!" Being at peace seems so insipid when
passion rages. I reviewed "Obi" again.
I, Mace Windu, undone by this padawan with the sea green
eyes...
Qui-Gon:
Bewitched by my padawan with the sea green eyes...
Sometimes, I wonder if I am mad, seeing things that aren't
there. I watch him move, I see his stages of development.
Physically not as tall as I was, but his grace is reminiscent
of someone I knew long ago. Only one other I loved so much,
willing to sacrifice everything, even the Code. I see now that
such a path would have clearly led to the Dark Side. To lose
oneself so...yet until Obi-Wan came into my life, a part of me
had died. Oh, I went through the motions. None of the other
Masters had an inkling of my internal freeze, my emotional shut
down. They merely saw 'The Great Jinn', tower of strength,
blah, and so on. But inside I was cold and empty. Poor Mace, he
must have been so angry with me. He cared and I pushed him
away. For a short while we were lovers but it didn't progress.
We made better friends, he understood. I knew he wanted more,
but it wasn't there between us. And then Obi came along...he
who enflames me again. I must be very careful. The council
absolutely does not permit lifebonding relationships between
Padawans and their Masters. The reasons are too numerous, and
the pitfalls too many. There are records of disastrous
consequences, including double suicides and even homicides.
These instances are not many, thank the force, and the last
such occurance happened over a century ago.
But I look at my beloved Padawan, and fear no such tragedy. The
temple marvells at our bond connection, but there are times
when my gut screams another hidden connection. I cannot place
it, it makes no sense but it is there. And there was something
unaccounted for, to this day. When Obi-Wan was thirteen, he
received a small burn injury behind his ear in a training
accident. As I was attending the injury, applying the salve, I
noticed a birthmark, very small, near the ear lobe. Resembling
a tiny reddish star, I started in reminiscence, dropping the
salve container. "Master, what's wrong?" you turned, alarmed.
"Is the burn worse than it appears?" I covered myself as
quickly as possible. "No, padawan, do not concern yourself, I
was merely distracted. The burn isn't serious" I then sent him
to the archive library for his studies. Meanwhile, my heart
shuddered. I only knew one other who had such a similar mark,
near the nape of the neck Tallandra! And his coloring,
his face: by the force, why didn't I notice before?? The same
eyes, not as green, more blue "like mine" hair not as red,
somewhat sandy brown, "again, like mine". I shake my head in
denial. Laughing at my own leaps of illogic, I brushed aside
the thought. "Nonsense! People everywhere have birthmarks, it
proves nothing" but I was not at ease.
More unease I felt recently when speaking before the Council on
Obi-Wan's progress. It was common practice for most Masters to
schedule their progress reports during Spingmonths when the
weather was milder and the new Padawans were outdoors keeping
themselves occupied. As I stood on the dias, proudly noting my
Padawan's achievements, most of the Council seemed pleased.
There were notable exceptions. Yoda seemed too closed, too
distant. Mace almost appeared angry.
I finished my report. "Have the Council any questions regarding
possible omissions?" Master Kragg stood. "I have one question.
Obi-Wan is clearly progressing well. When would you say he is
ready for his trials?"
"In another two or three years, I would estimate."
Kragg bowed formally. "Such a prodigy. Your padawan does you
well, Qui-Gon" he smiled, the light glinting off his pale blue
hair. "Reminds me of another prodigy who put some others to
shame."
My heart swelled with pride again. "My Padawan has exceeded all
expectations."
"Your Padawan, indeed" Mace interjected solemnly. Yoda threw
him a foreboding look. Kragg quirked an eyebrow at the
exchange. Mace waved his hand. "An excellent report, Qui-Gon.
Much continued success with your Padawan" it was a gesture of
dismissal. I was determined to find out what the exchange was
about.
You stonewalled me, Mace. Why? We spoke in the inner sanctum,
and all you gave me were riddles. I am known for my temper (who
some still say will be my downfall), yet you were stubborn as
well. We nearly had a shouting match: "What was all that about
in the council chamber?" I demanded. "Sometimes I'd swear you
hate the boy. He isn't the bane of your existence, Mace!"
He spun on me, and for the first time I saw fury in my old
friend's eyes. "No? I can accept the past, what didn't work
out. But I'll be a Sith reborn if I can tolerate any universe
that makes Obi both your-" he froze, glaring at me in
challenge. My temper fused, then I grabbed his arms, shook him.
"Obi my WHAT! I've had enough of your insinuations, Mace-" our
confrontation was gaining attention. Oreth, the healer and two
new padawans stared at our indiscretion. We immediately
regained our composure, at least externally. "Apologies, Oreth"
I bowed. Mace followed suit. "Mine, as well. Our disagreement
was a deplorable display. It will not recur" he turned on his
heel and headed toward the gardens. Oreth sketched a bow
himself. "Is all well between you two?"he queried. I didn't
know how to answer that. "I don't know, healer, but I intend to
find out"nodding, he retreated with the padawans. I followed
Mace to the gardens.
He stood facing me, waiting, a wall of stone. "It seems we
cannot quite escape the past" cold smile. I stood in front of
him. "We could if I knew what you were talking about. Do you
truly resent Obi-Wan so much?" He turned away. "No" his voice
lowered. "He's a fine lad, Qui-Gon-"
I waved a hand in irritation. "Everyone knows that. What were
you implying earlier? If this is about the rumors on what
'really' happened at Geryun, I can assure you that-" Mace
whipped his head around at that, eyes blazing. "You think me a
fool, Qui-Gon?! Perhaps you haven't consummated such a
relationship with your Padawan, but I know that is what you
both want! And you know the Code. I've said it once, I'll say
it a thousand times, your fire will be your downfall!" My eyes
narrowed. "Like it almost was with Tallandra?" I hissed softly.
Mace looked down. "Let's not go there. Perhaps I was wrong to
re-hash all these old wounds." I took up two brown hands.
"You've never forgiven me, have you? For what we could've had,
what you think I might have with Obi-Wan..." My best friend
shook his head in resignation. "What you will have, or do
already. Pray to the force the price doesn't destroy you both,
Qui-Gon" he touched my cheek. "Crazy, headstrong, foolish. Mad
with passion, both of you. Yes, I resent this! By the ghods, it
should have been me!" he shook. I grabbed him in a tight
embrace, which he returned. He kissed my cheek. "Go." I didn't
budge. "Mace, I cannot leave you like this-"
"GO. I will be fine. Think you it would be appropriate for two
Jedi Masters to been seen bawling and clutching like hormone
addled padawans!" he almost laughed, albeit shakily. His
tension eased mine. "All right, I'll leave you then. I still
wish you would tell me what's at the bottom of all this." Windu
was once again composed. "Nothing. Too sentimental I suppose"
he gave me a forced smile and left. I stood in the garden
alone, emotions swirling. What the frack was going on???
I sensed another presence immediately. Yoda. He tapped his
cane without preamble. "Hard to contain, love is. Impossible to
destroy, difficult to control." He stared at me intently.
"Qui-Gon. Heed the advice of Mace. Thy passions nearly cost
thee everything before, and should they do so this time, it
will not only involve your destiny." I thought his words
over carefully, closed my eyes. "Obi-Wan?" it was a statement
more than a question. Yoda nodded. "Visions unclear again have
I seen, and circumstances are not favorable. Take extreme care,
you walk the thin line. Be certain you do not hurl yourself
into the abyss with your padawan." I thought quietly a moment.
Yoda had a penchant for the dramatic, but his visions were not
to be taken lightly. They could be a warning.
"There is no need for such concern, Yoda. Have I not trained
him well? Do you not trust my instincts as his Master?" Yoda
walked toward me and tugged at my cloak. "Sit and listen,
please?"
I complied. He sighed, gave me another intense look. "Fooled,
I am not. There is no balance within you as far as the boy is
concerned. We cannot afford to lose you both to the Dark Side,
Qui-Gon. I cannot emphasize this enough. You must
control your emotions!" I became annoyed. "Am I so transparent
then, Yoda?? My shields are intact, I do not link wildly like
some untrained bohat!" The Master closed his eyes slowly
in exasperation, then opened them slowly. "No, but thy emotions
broadcast too well, well enough to slip past your shields. You
know this! I give you warning out of affection. But heed me
well...any violations of the Code and you will be
separated! Am I clear?"
I stood. "Yes, Master Yoda. But I remind you again your
concerns are unfounded. I will return to my quarters." Yoda
snorted. "Go then. The future will tell the truth of this
matter." I left, with barely contained anger. So preoccupied, I
didn't notice Mace reappearing beside Yoda. "Too close to the
dark" he whispered. "I cannot save him from this." Yoda nodded
grimly. "Watch them we will. If necessary, the Council will
intervene."
Obi-Wan:
My Master returns but says little. He's in a foul mood, with no
temper for small talk. I take his cloak and soothe him down on
the settee. He smiles apologetically. "My fault, Padawan. A
difficult day, more than I can say. Too many confrontations,
too few answers." I reached behind to massage his neck.
"Master, I have an excellent meal prepared, and your back is in
knots" as I massaged, I added, "why did you have so many
confrontations?" Qui-Gon rolled his head aside and sighed.
"Only two, but they were more than enough. Yoda and Mace, what
a pair. They could drive a Jedi to drink" he smiled ruefully.
"They were concerned about my...control." This puzzled me. "Are
you ill or in difficulty, Master? Your shields seem intact
enough to me, and I detect no physical problems."
My Master's neck gave a pop. "Aah, that's good. No Padawan, I
am in fine health. But few times have I ever been lectured or
yelled at about a relationship." My hands stopped.
"A...relationship?" I stood in front, to face him. "Us?"
Qui-Gon stood, placing his hands on my shoulders. "Don't be
concerned. The rumors are out, as well you know. I
was...warned, you might say, and I'm glossing over a great
deal. Mace inferred some other things, but I couldn't hammer
the truth out of him" his eyes became distant. "Something about
the past, I don't know."
Later, after a hearty meal and warm bath I scuttled my Master
off to bed. Barely an hour later, as I was in the study, I
heard soft moans of distress. I raced into the bedroom. Qui-Gon
thrashed about the sheets in some unseen dream, or nightmare.
Through our bond I sensed his confused emotion earlier, but
didn't suspect it would invade his slumber. "Master" I said
softly, taking him into my arms. "Be at ease. It is only a
nightmare" he calmed somewhat, but still twitched nervously. I
stroked his face with the proud forehead and high cheekbones,
tracing a gentle line across the cropped beard. It was times
like this when I wanted him so badly, like a slow ache. His
sleepshirt partially open, I could not tear my eyes away from
the strong chest and broad shoulders. The beautiful mane of
sandy brown hair, down and everywhere on the bed, the muscular
arms and thighs peeking through the sheets. My breath grew
ragged as I sought to control.
"Enough, Obi-Wan, you betray yourself." but my heart pounded.
He looked like a god, even in restive sleep. "Perhaps a light
mind touch will restore your proper rest" I rested a hand on
your brow, though the contact was not necessary. Images tumbled
out in random succession:
Civil war on a planet. Qui-Gon, Mace Windu, (with hair!), and
another Jedi knight I don't recognize.
The three trying to settle a dispute among locals. An outspoken
woman, beautiful with red hair and green eyes. My Master and
her...together in a wood?? War, the three jedi were
attacked...Qui-Gon wants to stay on this world, with her?
Who is this woman that she would make him forget
everything! Now, everything slows...the jedi on a ship back
to Coruscant, my Master miserable and grief stricken. Is the
woman dead? Time passes, my master resumes teaching. Mace Windu
and he were lovers? No, I knew that, he told me. But wait,
there's more...Qui-Gon and Windu break up at about the time I
arrive at Coruscant, but I'm about five, aren't I? My master
chose me and I felt the connection. It was indeed the happiest
day of my life. More recently, now...ah, the confrontations
this afternoon. Mace Windu and Qui-Gon. Shouting, accusations
about me? Anger about the past, what could have been. Yoda.
More insinuations, blood and thunder about the Dark Side, and
losing ourselves to it. My Master's anguish and inner turmoil,
and a name. Tallandra! The woman from before. Rings of
Rangoon, what's going on here?
Slowly I remove my hand. There's something about this strand I
can't quite connect, but my instincts warn me all the same. The
woman, her face is familiar to me, but why? Her face, her
face...In shock, a realization strikes me. Gently laying my
Master's head on the pillow, I glide into the 'fresher room and
look into a mirror. By the force, could it be, her face is
mine! Nervously, I turn on the tap and splash cold water
over my eyes. No, this is a delusion, a tilt of reality...
"Perhaps not, my Obi-Wan" a deep voice rumbled behind me. In
shock I turned. Qui-Gon fixed me with an unreadable expression
and his use of my given name was unsettling somehow.
"I...thought you were asleep." He shook his head. "No, I know
what you did, and why. I am not angry." I took a deep breath
and defiant stance. "Who is Tallandra?" Qui-Gon wilted slighty
and said softly, "Someone I loved wildly a long time ago. To
the point where I nearly lost myself to the dark side. This was
the reason for the warning I received from Yoda today." I
thought this over, remembering the image of him and her in the
woods, and went for the truth. "Are you my father?" Qui-Gon
then took my face in his hands. "Enchanting one with the sea
green eyes. Force save me, Obi, it is possible." his voice
cracked. "So much makes sense now that I merely thought was
coincidence. You are much like me in many ways, and I always
questioned whether it was just my training. But there was
nothing concrete, just a feeling I had." My throat went dry.
"Then, it must be similar to the feeling I had when you chose
me as padawan. I remember the way you looked at me, it was as
if you had found a long lost child. I know I always felt that
way, even if there seemed to be no evidence. But, why did you
react so strongly to my birthmark? I don't understand."
He smiled slowly. "A lovely woman I knew had a similar
birthmark on the nape of her neck." My breath caught.
"Tallandra" I whispered. "She was my mother, then?" Qui-Gon's
smile faded. "In all probability, my Obi-Wan" he hugged me
hard. I returned the favor. "Now I understand why Mace Windu
resents me so!"
Qui-Gon's head snapped back, his expression dark. "That hardly
matters now, padawan, we have other concerns" suddenly he
released me, paced the room and dropped heavily on the sofa. I
went to him. "I meant no offense, Master. Or should I call you
father?"
He stared at me oddly. "Call me whatever you like in private,
Obi-Wan" he whispered, "but in public our relationship is the
same, Master and Padawan. We have a serious dilemma" he
steepled his hands together. Something in his sudden tone gave
me a stab of anger.
"What dilemma?" I snapped. "I know only that the father I
thought I had was here all along. You don't seem very happy
about it!" Qui-Gon's expression was pained. "Padawan, don't you
realize what this means? Remember our conversation a
month ago about the bond?" My mind drifted back. We were on a
diplomatic mission, and nearly made love. Circumstance and a
timely interruption by some servants saved us from ourselves.
"I...remember. So what are you saying, that your feelings have
changed just like that, you no longer want to-" he stood
abruptly.
"Obi-Wan, will you listen to yourself, have you gone insane? In
light of what we suspect, how can you talk like this. It's bad
enough that I considered defying the Council on the Code at
serious risk of being expunged, but too much is at stake now.
Your knighthood-" I raced over and clasped my arms around his
back. "My knighthood means nothing to me without you. I know
how it sounds, I can't just turn my feelings off! A month ago I
died inside when we didn't make love. You feel what I feel, how
can you expect that to change in a day!" Qui-Gon grabbed my
wrists. "You overreach yourself, and mind thy station. Don't
you see? There can be only one conclusion to this mad path. You
dishonor your training!" I stared, blinking, then looked lower,
at a point on his heaving chest. "So. Could you give me away to
another master?" I intoned in a low pitch. I could see the
pulse in his throat moving rapidly. "We did not choose this
quirk of fate. If you were willing to defy the Council before,
what truly is the difference now? Last month-" he loosed my
wrists and I slid my hands up his back, smoothing the soft
linen sleepshirt.
I can't take much more of this, the universe makes no sense
anymore, Qui-Gon thought. He is too beautiful, he could
be my son, I could ravage him all night, this is all perverse,
and I still feel the same way..
"Last month" he managed dryly, "Was a moment of weakness, Obi."
Obi-Wan smiled softly with feral eyes. "Then let us be weak
together, my Master" he lunged forward, kissing his beloved.
The universe tilted and spiralled into a bottomless maelstrom
of emotion. Qui-Gon's shields were battered. Discovery, hunger,
lust, love, all tangled in a web of chaotic feeling. Qui-Gon
embraced Obi-Wan in a crushing kiss, hot and wet.
//Can't ...think anymore//
/Don't think, love me/
//You feel so good//
/I've wanted this for so long/
/my soul burns//
/join me in the fire/
Not relinquishing the kiss, Qui-Gon backed Obi-Wan into the
bedroom. Their night clothes loosened, they tumbled onto the
bed.
//this may be wrong, beloved, but//
/but what?/
//I don't care.//
The kissing and caressing got wilder, both men grinding on the
mattress in abandon.
//Damn the Council...// /yes.../ //Damn the Code...//
/oh, YESSS!!/
Their bodies fused in a haze of heat. Silently a red aura began
to pulsate and form around them. Somewhere a rational portion
of Qui-Gon's brain held Yoda's warning: do not hurl yourself
and your padawan into the abyss...
Qui-Gon was determined to finish what he started a month
before, feasting on Obi-Wan's body. Biting, tasting, licking
and sucking his way towards his goal. Abyss, abyss,
abyss echoed in his head again. Obi-Wan was in ecstasy,
groaning and thrashing wildly, begging for more. Heedlessly
they drowned in the fire. Sweet flame, savaging and consuming
them leaving throbbing pleasure in it's wake. Darkness gathered
in tiny whisps, seeking. Qui-Gon froze, abruptly stopped
nuzzling Obi-Wan's balls. Panting, sweat soaked, with erections
straining, they both sensed it. Obi-Wan's eyes glazed over. "I
felt something, like the dark" he gasped. Qui-Gon nodded
hazily. "Must...turn away!" with every ounce of control
he could muster, the Jedi Master rolled off his Padawan and
headed for the 'fresher.' His erection made it painfully
difficult to walk. Obi-Wan wasn't in a much better state.
The cold water brought a stark reality to their actions.
Qui-Gon wrapped himself in a plush robe and rejoined his
padawan who had also cleaned up and appeared subdued. He placed
a hand over his lover's.
"Obi-Wan, this is far too dangerous for us both. The warnings
must be heeded. We lost too much control and it nearly cost us
everything."
Ocean eyes regarded him somberly. "I...understand. The darkness
came up so quickly, I barely had time to shield myself...it
felt so good, I just wanted to give in to it." Qui-Gon hushed
him. "We will get through this, I swear it." He gathered up his
padawan in a platonic embrace and leaned back into the bed. "We
must rest." Qui-Gon murmured. "For now" Obi-Wan whispered,
stroking Qui-Gon gently through the robe, combing the chest
hair with his fingers. "But, tell me. Didn't a part of you
enjoy the taste of the dark?"
Qui-Gon answered his padawan through lidded eyes, nuzzling his
neck. "Yes. Delicious and addictive. We are too much alike. We
do not balance so much as consume each other. It is not Jedi,
but it is true."
Down in the deepest corridors of Coruscant, in the circle of
power two solemn figures stood vigil. The giant flames
emanating from the bier faded from crimson red to pale yellow.
"The danger is passed" Windu sighed in exhaustion. "The mystic
flames return to normal. Qui-Gon heeded the threat."
"For now" Yoda agreed. "Still must council watch. Seed of
darkness sown though not in evidence, and temptation is too
great."
The End.
(I'd love to hear feedback on this baby! Could be a follow up
coming!)
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