Summary: After the events of Inner Devotion, someone watches
Obi-Wan.
Feedback: feed me? innocent smile
Thank Yous: To Holly, Ana, Lil and Kry for reading over this
for me :-)
Disclaimer: insert witty remark here gee, they're not
mine and for me they reap no profit. ;-) I don't know about
you, but I'm not surprised by that.
From the shadows, unseen eyes watched the little boy, who sat
playing half-heartedly with a small kitten. The animal was
running and jumping, seeking the child's attention. Finally the
kitten rubbed itself under the boy's hand, and he began petting
it.
When the kitten began chasing a small butterfly, the boy sat as
if he were alone. Overlooked by the galaxy, he was yet a pawn
in a game even his silent observer had yet to discern the
outcome of.
He listened for the laughter that seemed destined to be a part
of any interaction between the child and the energetic animal.
Hearing the silence, the observer was even more concerned with
the path they had embarked upon.
An aura of sadness radiated from the child, a striking blue
blur in the Force amidst the glowing greens of the lush garden.
Sensing the approach of another, the observer quickly raised
his shields and nestled farther back into the abundant growth
of the garden. As she walked into sight, he quickly recognized
Master Kohn. As he watched, the boy looked up at the obviously
concerned Master.
Kohn blinked slowly. Although it had only been a day, she
appeared already to be weary of seeing the missing spark in
Obi-Wan's eyes.
"Obi-Wan," the teacher said. "It's time for all little boys to
be in bed."
The boy nodded and stood. "Yes, Master Kohn."
From his hiding place, the observer watched as Elyzabe kneeled
before Obi-Wan and pulled him into an embrace. Not returning
the hug, he let his arms remain at his sides. The boy appeared
even younger than his five years, if possible.
"He's only been gone a day, Obi-Wan. It will get better," she
said after pulling back far enough to look into his eyes. "And
then Master Qui-Gon will be back."
Widened eyes looked up at the teacher, and the hidden man
startled at the sight of moonlight reflecting on the tears that
had gathered there.
"I miss him," the boy replied, before chewing on his lower lip.
Elyzabe nodded in return. "I know, Obi-Wan. I'm very sorry. No
one wants to see you sad."
"I'm sorry." The boy's voice was small and he lowered his gaze.
Lifting his chin, the woman said, "You've no reason to be
sorry." She smiled. "Just be Obi-Wan. He is very special
indeed, to many of us."
The corners of the child's mouth twitched, although he didn't
truly smile. The watcher couldn't help but be impressed by the
teacher's ability and persistence with the hurting child.
"Do you think he misses me?" the question was asked so softly
that only Force-aided hearing allowed the unknown observer to
hear it.
The Master brushed a lock of hair from Obi-Wan's forehead, and
smiled sadly. "There's no question."
As if sensing something, Elyzabe glanced in the direction of
the hidden man's hiding place, her eyes narrowing.
"Master Kohn?" Obi-Wan asked, also glancing toward the trees.
The watcher felt some relief when Kohn shook her head and
looked back at Obi-Wan. "It's nothing. I thought I heard
something. Maybe Fyre has found something to chase."
Standing, she ruffled the boy's hair. "Ready for bed?"
"I guess," the youth replied as Kohn stood.
After they left the garden, the observer moved out into the
open. He stood there for a moment, lost in thought. He was
shaken from his reverie when he felt something brush against
his leg. Looking down, he saw the small kitten that had been
with Obi-Wan twining around his ankles.
"In time," he said, no one but Fyre there to hear. "Yes, time."
In response, the kitten mewed softly before bounding off toward
the stream and the watcher quietly walked away.
End
yep - it's open-ended. lol however, it should tie in
with IS9 (when I finish that) so as for now it stands alone.
Who do you think was watching, humm? :-)
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