Obi-Wan possessed an abundant amount of insatiable curiosity.
It was this same curiosity that once again prompted him to view
the past through hel flame.
Lotus style he floated high above the mystic circle in their
rec room downstairs. He smiled.
/I could make a movie of fathers' past. Odd, but I still can't
determine his true age. Perhaps grandmother or grandfather
could clear up the confusion./
A scene presented himself. A golden wolf cub ran about in
gloomy hel pestering damned souls.
/Now this is too much./
Qui-Gon was larger, but still quite young. Gangly legs held big
pawed feet.
Strong jaws cracked at the doomed. Run and run. We'll see
how fast you go!
Obi-Wan giggled at the scene. /He trips over his own feet./
The lost souls cursed at the cub, throwing stones.
"He returns!"
"Devil dog. Begone! We have enough to suffer!"
"Damned hel beast. Leave us be!" shouted still another charred
soul. He ran up a ledge.
"SNNNARRRLLL!!" unnatural blue eyes sparked in the gloom.
Qui-Gon gave chase. I think I'll have barbeque!
The soul backed up, easing towards a precipice. Boiling lava
pits bubbled below.
The wolfing grinned wickedly, advancing. I like my meat with
a bit of burn.
The soul snarled at him. "Rat dog! Go back to the pits that
spawned. I'm fed up with being a victim!"
Qui-Gon snapped his jaws. You won't have long to worry about
it!! he charged blindly up the ledge.
The soul dived aside as the wolfling bolted. Out of control,
Qui-Gon sailed past and down into the lava pits.
The soul laughed, giving the misfortunate cub the finger. "Dumb
ass mutt. Look before you leap!!"
Enraged, Qui-Gon bobbed to the surface, his golden pelt
saturated with lava. He growled and howled, swimming furiously
towards gray cracked soil.
Obi-Wan smiled grimly at the scene. /Even as wolfling, father
had a poor temper. He did speak of this before./
Qui-Gon climbed miserably out of the lava, drenched.
Bedraggled, his eyes nearly stuck shut from the hot goo.
More souls gathered atop the ledge to taunt him. They pointed
down into the lower canyon, laughing hysterically.
"Too bad he didn't drown!"
"Hey, rat dog!!"
"Wasamatter, puppy. Lose a bone?"
Furious, Qui-Gon snapped at empty air in frustration. Sogged
down with lava he attempted to climb up the precipice.
Fangs bared. We'll see who laughs last. One I sink my teeth
in your butts-
A woman made a face. "Ooh, is doggy mad? I'm so scared!"
Rage propelled Qui-Gon up the steep rock face.
A fat man mocked now. "Lookit, everybody. Better run. Mud puppy
is coming for us!"
Obi-Wan mused as he watched the past. /Interesting how the
damned show little fear. Perhaps they feel they have nothing to
lose./
The scene was chaos. Qui-Gon could barely see what he was
biting at, eyes nearly clogged with lava. He chased madly as
the souls laughed and dodged out of his way. It became a game.
"Oh oh. He's gonna get me!"
"Need glasses, doggy?"
"Over here, ya blind bat!"
Qui-Gon continued to snap insanely. He nearly caught one
overconfident soul.
"Look out, Sooky! He almost got you!"
"I see him, man!"
A hand pulled the wolflings' tail.
"Hey, look! Boiled hel rat in hot sauce!!"
Laugh at this! Qui-Gon got a lucky bite. Teeth sank into
a chunky thigh. A soul yelped, falling away.
"Dammit!!" the man clutched his torn leg.
A woman. "Let's hit him with stones!"
"Sounds good, Rena. Come on, everybody!"
Qui-Gon scented the air. He didn't like this. And the lava was
beginning to cake over his eyes.
"Hey, mutt!"
Qui-Gon howled as a heavy stone struck him on the nose.
Snarling, he turned at the voice when other stones pelted him.
I'll get you all!! he bayed, running at them blindly
once again.
More laughter as the souls pressed in. A rail thin old man
lifted a huge boulder as the others encouraged him.
"Hit him hard!" A scarred woman screeched.
The old soul cackled. "Gonna make a puppy pancake!"
I'll tear you all in pieces! Qui-Gon prepared to lunge.
Something happened. The old man suddenly backed away in fear,
wide eyed. He dropped the boulder.
The other souls all fled in terror, scattering into the
darkness
Qui-Gon snorted. A sogged tail lifted high as he watched them
flee.
Count yourselves fortunate this day! he bayed.
Shaking himself in an attempt to clear his eyes he turned...
...and bumped into a midnight black she wolf. Wicked fangs were
in full display.
He fell on his haunches. Mother! Did you see?...
I saw plenty Llane snapped. You allowed those souls
to make a fool of you!
I did NOT Qui-Gon snapped back. They knew I couldn't
see from the lava. Besides, they ran soon enough when I went
after them!
The she wolf laughed, nose krinkled. Bah. 'Twas my
appearance they ran from, foolish cub.
Qui-Gon growled at her. He still looked ridiculous, gunked with
lava.
I'm no cub. I'm nearly grown!
She paced around him slowly, looking him over. You are but
half grown, and are all legs and feet. Thy brains have yet to
catch up!
The wolfling stiffened. Do you mock me as well, mother?
Beware!
Obi-Wan lifted his eyebrows in disbelief as he watched. /Father
was something else./
Llane stood in front of her youngling. He was not yet her
height at the haunch, and quite rangy. The Queen was not a
small wolf.
Beware yourself, child she admonished him, blue eyes
flecked with red. For though half grown, still can I raze
the pelt from thy back. Go and wash.
Qui-Gon pushed his nose into hers. You will not dismiss
me!
Llane snarled, ears flat. Go wash. I will wait for you.
The wolfling whuffed through his nose. Growling, he turned
away, bounding down towards a nearby lake.
Llane sat and watched him silently. Qui-Gon leaped into the
dark waters, rinsing himself clean. Climbing back out, the
wolfling shook his pelt free of water until once again his
golden fur glimmered.
Llane crinkled her nose. Much better. 'Tis not meet for the
prince to parade about like a moadtoad."
Qui-Gon cantered toward her, ears flat. You're making fun of
me again. I don't like it!
The sleek black head held high. I don't give a rat's ass
what you like. I am your queen, your mistress, and your mother.
Now come! We have a long journey back to the castle.
Qui-Gon stood off. Go yourself! I do what I want he
turned and walked away. Big mistake.
The wolfling had barely turned before she was all over him.
Powerful jaws sank into his haunches. He turned and attacked.
Obi-Wan stared in disbelief. /Amazing./
The fight was short and one-sided. Fur torn and pride wounded,
Qui-Gon went howling across the valley.
Llane gave chase. Quogan. Come back!
The wolfing ran in crazed circles, shaking his head. His eyes
were wild and unfocused.
No. You're just like those souls that mocked me!
Llane recognized the symptoms as she closed. Her pace slowed.
Be still.
Qui-Gon snarled, biting his own tail in rage.
Obi-Wan whistled as he stared into the flames. /He's insane
with anger. Father told me about his temper, but I never
suspected this./
Qui-Gon flipped on his back, rolling over on his side. Llane
raced to him.
Sssh, my cub. Quiet thy soul. she licked him.
Qui-Gon panted, exhausted and quivering. His tongue lolled out
as he sprawled on the ground.
Sorry, mother. Did I attack you?
Llane lay next to him. Come to me. It isn't important,
child.
The golden cub curled alongside his dam. Llane rested her head
over his.
But what happened? Why was I so angry?
Llane closed her eyes. You had a seizure, Quogan. It will
pass. Think of dancing souls across the fire and rest now.
Qui-Gon relaxed against her. Yes, mother. It's better
now.
A gentle spell did the she-wolf cast. Soon her cub was sound
asleep.
From the dark gloom a silent shape appeared. A great silver
wolf paced slowly towards them, his pelt glinting like polished
metal.
Llane turned her head towards him. Null. What do you
here?
Litthsyss looked at the sleeping Qui-Gon. You know why,
Lupin. I saw his latest attack. This cannot continue.
Llane sighed. I know. Next week Erbiu will examine him and
determine the best treatment.
Litthsyss settled down in front of them. The two adults formed
a protective circle around the cub.
Llane leaned her muzzle forward. Have you no other
greeting?
Litthsyss touched noses. I'm always glad to see thee, lovely
one. However, I'm worried. Ever since that Guardian fiasco at
the nexus-"
Llane flattened her ears. Alfaa dared say Quogan was
unstable. I didn't like him implying it may be genetic.
The silver wolf bared impressive fangs. We'll see. The
arrogant lightlord took it upon himself to examine Quogans'
soul.
Llane bristled as well. Aye, 'tis ever their way. All
existence must bend to their whim, else it is worthless. Bah!
The fates themselves feared separating Quogan from my side.
Litthsyss licked her. Most assuredly, you'd have hung their
scalps in the halls of hor'goarr. However, I have a
suggestion.
Oh? You know of a possible treatment?
I would take Quogan with me to Limbo. It has a calming
influence.
Llane was agitated. No. I cannot allow it, Null. My son
needs me. He is at a critical stage in his development-
And that is precisely why he needs another environment right
now. Hel will excite him to the point of madness.
The black she wolf looked down at her sleeping cub. I don't
know. I thought perhaps it was a phase. His growth is so
rapid...
Litthsyss eyed the young wolf. Qui-Gon was long and gangly, his
body immature. His legs moved in sleep.
Loathe as I am to admit it, he may indeed be unstable at
this juncture, Llane. His physical growth is stressing his
mind, for he is still so young. The seizures are probably a
phase, but I suspect he will always have a fierce temper. He is
dragon, after all.
Llane gently licked Qui-Gon. He growled softly, snuggling in
tighter.
She sighed. There is truth to what you say. Erbiu may
determine exactly whether the imbalance is physical or psychic.
His shields are erratic, to be certain.
Qui-Gon quieted again as they spoke. A golden furred tail
thumped against the ground slowly.
Litthsyss krinkled a smile. His pelt is perfect and shines
like molten gold. When he fills out his frame a fine specimen
will he make.
Llane nuzzled her sleek head against Litthsyss. He will be
magnificent. Not unlike thee.
Litthsyss shushed her, looking about. Woman. You know the
Council watches. Mind thy words!
Llane pricked her ears, looking about the dark horizon.
Sulphuric mists obscured vision after a mile. Souls screamed
and fought in the distance.
There is no one about. You worry needlessly.
Better to be cautious. I don't trust those swine.
Llane observed her sleeping cub again. Perhaps Limbo would
be the proper influence on him, but I am reluctant. Moreover,
the Council would be even more suspicious.
Litthsyss whuffed through his nose. Possibly, but there is
much talk about Quogans' possible instability throughout hel. A
week ago I received word that most of the courtier districts
believe him infected with brain rot.
Llane stared in disbelief. What idiocy! My child isn't
sick...he merely has a disorder. It will pass!
The wolfling blinked sleepily. What will pass, mother?
Qui-Gon raised his head.
The she wolf nosed him. Go back to sleep, child.
Uncle! the cub cuddled and licked the silver wolf
excitedly in greeting.
Litthsyss grinned. How fares the Prince? Sweet dreams, no
doubt!
Qui-Gon raced in happy circles around them both.
Some souls taunted me. But I showed them!
I watched your adventure from atop the hill.
The cub sobered. Oh. Well, they tricked me. I ended up in
the lava. But they paid for their mockery with their hides!
Litthsyss folded his forelegs. Such ferocity, youngling.
What say you to a visit?
Qui-Gon stopped running about. Visit? Where?
I want you to accompany me to Limbo.
Electric blue eyes widened. You mean to stay?! a thick
furred tail lifted up high. He glanced at his dam.
Is this true, mother?
The black she wolf glanced at Litthsyss. It has been
discussed. Not agreed upon!
Qui-Gon ran around her. Oh, can I go? I've never gotten a
chance to stay there and see everything. I want to prowl!
Llane attempted to keep up with his incessant turning. Crazy
cub. Be still! You're making me dizzy.
The wolfling nuzzled her. Please? On a mound of dry
bones?
Litthsyss grinned again, krinkling his nose.
Llane whuffed at him. And just what are you smiling
at, jackal. You started this!
Litthsyss looked wounded. The child just wants to run. Why
blame me? he snickered.
Qui-Gon leaped over them both, back and forth. Come on,
mother. I want to go!
Llane head butted him in the side. Qui-Gon went rolling head
over tail.
Wait a bit, loud one. I haven't decided. Go find a soul to
chew while I talk this over.
The wolfing shook himself to his feet. He raced around and
around in excitement.
Maybe someday I'll rule everything!
Litthsyss turned his great head. Ha! We'd best get started,
then. I'd hate to upset the Lord of the Universe!
Obi-Wan laughed at the scene. /He's so full of wild energy./
The golden wolfing continued to run about. Llane watched him,
blue eyes sparkling. Her tongue flapped out.
Go play, I say. I would discuss this with thy uncle.
Qui-Gon bounded high. Okay, as long as I can go!
Litthsyss head butted him next, hitting the cub in the rump.
Yipping and yowling giddily, Qui-Gon rolled end over end down
the hill. He took off, spying some souls in the valley to
torment.
The silver wolf bayed with laughter. That will send him on
his way!
Llane krinkled a grin. Aye, you've nearly bumped him into
the fourth circle!
Obi-Wan smiled as he watched the two adults discuss his father.
He didn't hear silent feet enter the rec room.
"Obi-Wan!!"
The spiky head turned. "Oh!" startled, he nearly fell to the
floor.
Qui-Gon pointed at the wall of flame. It dispersed into
nothingness.
"Why so much curiosity about the past?"
Obi-Wan moved to hug him. "I don't know. I just wondered so
much what you were like."
Blue eyes sparked. "Really? I was no different than any other
prince of hel!!" he laughed at the thought.
Obi-Wan gave him a sideways look. "You're impossible."
Qui-Gon grinned. "And you're nosy."
"I also wondered at grandmother and grandfather. Why didn't
they just get married?"
"You'll have to ask them. I don't know."
"Did grandmother really love the Guardian?"
Qui-Gon shrugged. "I suppose. Perhaps she was trapped by her
own manipulations and her feelings betrayed her."
"So you think her love for the Guardian was incidental?"
"Probably. Mother is prone to excess."
A pause. Obi-Wan sat on the stairway, thinking.
"She seems different around grandfather. I can't explain it."
"They've been together since before the beginning, Obi-Wan."
Another pause. Qui-Gon sat alongside his son.
"I know that look. What is it?"
"How old are you?"
Qui-Gon looked surprised. "What's that have to do with
anything?"
Obi-Wan cuddled. "Nothing specific. I was just wondering."
Qui-Gon lay his cheek alongside his sons'. "The truth? I'm not
sure. I was 53 in my mortal life. I don't even know how old I
was when mother returned me to infancy."
Emerald eyes sparked. "Maybe we could find out. I was thinking
a birthday party would be in order."
Qui-Gon laughed. "Now there's a thought. Just think of our
guest list! A regular who's who from the darkside."
Obi-Wan brightened. "Of course the crew has to be invited-"
"Now wait a minute, Obi-Wan-"
The young godling bounded to his feet. His mind was awhirl with
future preparations. "That's it. I'll need a party planner,
and..."
"But we still don't know how old I am!" Qui-Gon leaped up also,
following his son upstairs.
"It's okay, we'll figure that out. As long as the birthday
candles don't burn down the building!"
Qui-Gon tugged the thin braid. "Very funny."
Obi-Wan giggled as they tumbled along the stairs. "Just imagine
how grandmother and grandfather would feel if the birthday cake
were for them!!"
Qui-Gon cracked up. "The universe would go up in flames. You
didn't hear that from me!"
They kissed. Obi-Wan nuzzled the thick neck, savoring the scent
of salty skin and musk. Emerald eyes glowed.
"Hmm. Let's go upstairs. You smell tasty."
"Oversexed snekt. Do you ever think of anything else?" Qui-Gon
teased.
Obi-Wan pulled him into the bedroom. "Of course. Naked dragons
and birthday parties for naked dragons."
Qui-Gon sighed as he was yanked down into bed. "We'll have to
make a lot of phone calls."
Obi-Wan kissed the broad chest, pulling a satin sleepshirt
open. "Later. For now I have other plans" busy hands stripped
his lover bare.
Qui-Gon closed his eyes in bliss as hot lips worked him over.
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