Archive: M&A certainly. Padawan Journals, Early Years, and
Wolfie's Den if wanted.
Disclaimer: Of course I don't own them-- they are the property
of Lucas and Co. I just enjoy borrowing them from time to time.
Acknowledgments: A million thank-you's to the wonderful Pumpkin
for her beta help and encouragement!
In the Room of a Thousand Fountains in the heart of the Jedi
Temple on Coruscant, Qui-Gon Jinn waited patiently for his
padawan. The boy was already late, but Qui-Gon found himself
unconcerned. The mission they were departing on was not
pressing, and he felt at peace here amongst the sapphire pools.
Across the way, Qui-Gon could see a group of young initiates
playing. Content to watch the children and enjoy the tranquil
sounds of the fountains, Qui-Gon found himself relaxing
involuntarily. His eyes drifted shut for just a moment as he
basked in the nuances of Living Force that permeated this
place. Opening them again, he continued to watch the initiates,
idly cataloguing play patterns and Force signatures. It was not
difficult to determine the hierarchy of the young ones, and he
quickly identified the alpha in their small "pack". Despite
being human, the boy was the largest in his group, for this
particular class consisted mostly of other humans and smaller
species. Of course, as far as the Force was concerned, size was
unimportant, but when considering intiates with little Force
control, the larger individuals did tend to be more dominant.
Once they grew closer to padawan-age, such physical
characteristics would become less important. Often the smallest
in the class could be just as strong, if not stronger, in the
Force than a bigger boy or girl.
Qui-Gon watched as the larger boy interacted with his agemates.
He domineered the entire group, but seemed to take particular
delight in tormenting one particular initiate. The "bully", as
Qui-Gon began to label him, was taunting a smaller boy almost
relentlessly.
Qui-Gon smiled as he recalled his own padawan's struggles with
his agemates. He supposed all initiates had such trouble at one
time or another. It seemed to be natural, even among
Force-sensitives. Usually, the young ones grew out of such
patterns of behavior in time.
This particular initiate seemed to be very persistent. He
continued taunting the other boy, giving no quarter. His
friends had gathered around now, cheering him on as he began to
shove his target, obviously picking a fight. The smaller boy
looked frightened, but determined. His small hands were
clenched into fists, and dark anger was gradually beginning to
replace the fear on his face.
Frowning now, Qui-Gon began to feel alarmed at how quickly the
scenario had degenerated. What had started as innocent play was
now becoming something more serious. And worse, he could feel
the tendrils of anger that were radiating through the Force
from both boys. Rising, Qui-Gon was about to interfere when
suddenly Ali-Alann was there, separating the boys and
admonishing them in his stern but gentle way.
Qui-Gon relaxed again as he saw the incident dealt with. He
found a small smile as he reflected on how fortunate he was to
not have to deal with such issues. His padawan was of the age
that such incidents were a thing of the past. He'd long since
overcome such displays of anger or jealousy. The boy had proven
himself to be mature and responsible, and Qui-Gon knew he would
grow to become a great Jedi Knight one day. Seeing these young
initiates had only made him even more grateful that he had
chosen the perfect padawan.
As if summoned by his master's thoughts, Qui-Gon's apprentice
suddenly appeared on the small trail, backpack flopping and
black padawan braid streaming behind him as he ran.
Qui-Gon smiled as the boy pulled up in front of him. "There you
are, Xanatos," he beamed. "I was beginning to think you left
for the mission without me. Are you ready to go?"
Xanatos nodded solemnly as he adjusted his backpack . "Yes,
Master."
"Good." Qui-Gon put a hand on his padawan's shoulder, steering
him in the direction of the transport bay. He spared one last
glance at the initiates, frowning as he noticed the
white-haired bully tormenting the small sandy-haired boy yet
again. With a mental sigh, Qui-Gon released his anguish into
the Force, content to let Ali-Alann deal with the initiates.
Someday they would be some other masters' problems, but for now
their Jedi caretaker would watch out for them.
Qui-Gon looked down at the quiet young man beside him, feeling
his pride and fondness for his apprentice surge through him as
it always did. He'd never have to worry about raising another
padawan. Xanatos would be his last. His perfect padawan would
become an even more perfect knight, and Qui-Gon's obligation to
the Order and to the Force would be fulfilled.
With a contented sigh, Qui-Gon Jinn abruptly forgot about the
sandy-haired boy with the determined face and followed Xanatos
into the transport.
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