Master Apprentice  Archive Photographs & Memories:The Life and Times of Qui-Gon Jinn - 1999-12-10 |
|
Archive: MA, any others just ask, I probably won't say no
My Home Page: http://www.jediphiles.com/~mali
Rating: G (for this one)
Spoilers: None
Summary: A series of "photographs" and "memories" that relate to Qui-Gon. Each segment is a stand-alone piece, and they are in no certain order.
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. This is my first posting, though I've written several other pieces of SW fanfic that can be found on my home page.
Author's Notes: These were inspired by the wonderful series "Snapshots: Obi-Wan Kenobi, This Is Your Life" done by Pumpkin. It is with her permission that I attempt a similar series about Qui-Gon's life. Pumpkin, thank you so much for allowing me to play in your sandbox.
Qui-Gon could sense the excitement all around him but refused to allow it to interrupt his concentration. He continued to focus on his breathing as he moved through the kata, his long body flowing almost effortlessly. At nine he was the youngest by almost two years of the group of initiates performing at this level, but he was easily able to keep up with the others. He loved doing this. Loved the feel of the Force as it flowed around and through him.
He knew he should be nervous. After all, he, along with the rest of the group, was being watched by a handful of Knights and Masters who would be selecting a few from the group to become their new apprentices. He did believe he was ready to begin his training, but also knew that he was much younger than the other candidates and would probably be passed over this time. He already had much insight to the workings of the Force and understood that his time would come, even if it were not now.
The group finished the kata almost in perfect unison, flowing downward into the classic kneeling meditation position. Heads bowed, eyes lowered, palms resting on thighs. There was a moment of silence then the crËche Master was there, giving the order to stand. As one the group rose, and only then did Qui-Gon allow himself to glance around.
He understood at once the reason for the excitement he'd felt earlier. Among the group of Masters and Knights talking quietly was Master Yoda, leaning against his walking stick. It had been many years since the ancient Master had taken a Padawan, and Qui-Gon felt a moment of wistful longing as he thought about the lucky initiate that might be asked to become Master Yoda's Apprentice. He silently wished that he were a few years older so that he would have at least had the chance, but his creche Master had already told him that it was very unlikely he would be chosen this time, and Qui-Gon felt honored that he was even allowed to participate.
He watched as the little, green Master left the others and headed toward the group of initiates. He walked slowly down the line, pausing every now and then to look up into a young, hopeful face, before continuing on. When he was in front of Qui-Gon he stopped again and Qui-Gon had to force himself to remain calm.
"Too tall you are, hmmm?" said Yoda in his usual gruff manner.
Qui-Gon didn't know if he was supposed to respond or not, so he just stood there quietly. Suddenly he saw the little green arm holding the cane strike out with lightning speed even as he felt the cane make sharp contact with his shin. Qui-Gon gasped more in surprise than in pain.
"Thin you are, too. Eat more you should. Grow out you need to, not up more." He rapped the shin in front of him again. "Small steps must you take when with Master you walk. Keep growing you do and tired I will become looking up at you."
He turned and began slowly making his way back, and then sighed deeply. Without stopping or even looking back he said, "To tall you are, but take you as my Padawan Learner I do."
It took a moment for the old Master's words to sink in, and then suddenly Qui-Gon understood that he was the one being spoken to. His heart leapt with joy as he moved to follow the Master. His Master.
end