Archive: yes to Master & Apprentice, OKEB, and QJEB
Pairing: Q/O pre-slash
Rating: G
Spoilers: None
Series: Maybe, we'll have to see.
Summary: Pre-TPM. Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan attempt to get away for
some time alone. Obi-Wan is around 20 years old.
Feedback: Please, to Kethry3@hotmail.com.
Disclaimer: Don't own anything or anyone. All the characters
and their universe belong to George Lucas
Notes: Everything in // // is Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan talking
through their bond. Many thanks to Kethry for beta'ing the
story and without her constant encouragement none of this would
have ever happened.
It was quiet. Finally, it was quiet and he was at peace. He
looked down at the older Jedi sleeping deeply beside him and
found himself smiling. It had been too long since they had
gotten away for just some rest and relaxation. Too long since
they had taken a trip where the destination wasn't another
"simple" diplomatic mission, as Yoda liked to call them all. He
brushed his Masters mind gently with the force not wanting to
wake him but needing to know his sleep was restful. Qui-Gon
stirred at the touch and rolled over facing his student but not
fully waking. Obi-Wan withdrew and sat still until the others
breathing deepened and evened out again. He had been the first
to notice the toll their schedule had been taking on the older
Jedi. His Master's long time friend Mace Windu had been the
second to notice the dark circles under his eyes and the
slightly tired posture he had adopted as of late. When Master
Windu approached Obi-Wan one night in the meditation gardens
they had both agreed that some time off was what the two of
them needed most. Master Yoda had approved and even provided
them with the shuttle they were now using. Luxurious it was
not, Obi-Wan noted looking around the sparse cabin, but it was
quiet and it suited their needs. He knew he should be sleeping
but he couldn't get his mind to calm down, not even using the
relaxation techniques Master Qui-Gon had drilled into his head
over and over. They were finally getting away, just the two of
them. It was something they had done often enough when he was
younger but as he had grown older and more capable they had
less and less time to just get away from the hassles of
everyday Jedi life. In fact it seemed that trouble found them
no matter where they went. He smiled remembering the last time
they had tried to take a small vacation and ended up in the
middle of a very messy interplanetary dispute.
Softly he brushed his Masters hair away from the sleeping face.
Strands of the long fine hair tangled in his fingers as he
smoothed it back from the familiar features. It wasn't often he
had the pleasure of watching the older man sleep. Qui-Gon was
usually the one watching, the one always alert, awake first.
That he was sleeping so soundly only attested to the fact that
he was in need of a good break from his duties. Obi-Wan knew he
needed rest also, even if he couldn't sleep his body needed the
rest. Laying down beside the sleeping Jedi, careful not to wake
him, he placed his hand on the broad shoulder sending love and
peace through the force to his Master; grounding himself
through the contact.
He had almost fallen into a light sleep when a sound more than
a feeling touched on his conscience bringing him back fully
awake. Qui-Gon still slept soundly. When he tried to pinpoint
the exact source of the sound and his unease it escaped him.
//Padawan// Qui-Gon stirred beginning to wake responding to
Obi-Wan's anxiety.
Obi-Wan quickly removed his hand from his Master and damped
down his feelings.
//Shhh...everything's all right, Master//, He could tell his
reassurances weren't working as he felt the Jedi's conscious
level rise even as his unease increased.
Suddenly the small shipped bucked wildly as if swatted by a
giant fist. Alarms went off in the cabin as the stabilizers
tried to compensate for the radical change in velocity as the
hyperdrive went abruptly off line. Obi-Wan was flung from the
sleeping bunk, his head hitting the wall on the opposite side
of the small room with a dull thud.
"Master!"
As the ship began a steep uncontrolled dive, the remaining air
left in his lungs was crushed out of him as something solid
connected painfully with his ribs. And then he knew only
darkness and silence.
The first sensation to intrude in his mind was an insistent
worried pressing on the bond he shared with his Master.
//Padawan...Obi-Wan?//
He hadn't realized he had shut himself completely down. He felt
sluggish and it was hard to respond to Qui-Gon's worried pleas.
His eyes wouldn't open and something heavy wrapped his body.
Struggling weakly against his bonds he felt a hand touch his
forehead and he stilled immediately. The force gathered around
him flowing into him through the contact the touch brought,
calming his fears and taking away some of the pain that was
creeping into the edges of his awareness.
//Master?//, he responded weakly pressing back at the bond they
shared.
"Yes Padawan, I'm here."
This time his eyes obeyed when he willed them to open, and he
was momentarily disoriented by the information that flooded his
senses. Light filtered softy through a green leafy canopy,
stories above his head. Small sounds of forest dwellers and
insects filled his ears; the only parts of his body that seemed
to work without hurting. Qui-Gon's hand moved from his forehead
to his chest. He realized then that the weight that kept him
from moving was his Master's robe wrapped protectively around
him. When Obi-Wan struggled to sit up, Qui-Gon slipped his arms
behind him and lent his support.
"Slowly Padawan you have broken ribs and I wasn't able to
completely heal your concussion." The voice was firm and gentle
like the touch that held him upright until he was stable.
The cloak slipped from around his shoulders and he turned
gingerly to face his Master, Qui-Gon was watching him intently.
He was relieved to see that Qui-Gon was in one piece, but the
nasty cut and spreading bruise on the older Jedi's temple
caught his attention.
"Master, you're hurt", he reached up and gently touched the
cut, causing Qui-Gon to wince, pulling back slightly. All of
his own aches forgotten Obi-Wan moved out of his Master's touch
and assessed the Jedi's injuries. "You should have concentrated
on healing yourself and not on me."
"I was more worried about you Obi-Wan. You've been unconscious
for several hours now, your injuries were greater than mine."
Sighing he squinted into the light slanting through the trees
as though searching for how much time had passed.
Obi-Wan took in their surroundings. Qui-Gon had moved them to a
small clearing, the shuttle was a few yards away resting on its
side. The port engine had been sheered from the body of the
vehicle and the nose was buried in a tree that was at least as
wide as the ship was long. The young Jedi wasn't sure he had
ever seen a tree quite that large before except for the vids he
had seen of Kashyyyk. Qui-Gon had removed several usable items
from the shuttle that they would need and piled them next to a
fallen tree behind where Obi-Wan sat.
"The shuttle....what happened?' Obi-Wan turned his attention
back to Qui-Gon.
"It seems there was an electrical fire that started in the
cabin. It shorted out the hyperdrive and destroyed all the
sensory equipment and life support systems. I was able to
activate the emergency beacon but I have no idea where we are.
The navcomp was lost also. We were close enough to this system
that I was able to crash land otherwise we'd still be out
there, with no life support."
"And the bad news?" Obi-Wan managed a small smile
"The bad news," Qui-Gon sighed, "is that it will be dark in a
few hours and I have no idea what lives in this forest."
"Oh, right."
"Well," the older Jedi stood slowly to his feet, "the first
order of business is to get to some shelter and find some wood
for a fire. I have the feeling we will be here at least one
night." He extended his hand down to help Obi-Wan to his feet.
"There were some caves that I saw just beyond this clearing in
that direction." He motioned with head as he steadied Obi-Wan.
Ducking his head slightly he tried to look directly into
Obi-Wan's eyes, which would have worked had they not been
squeezed so tightly shut, as the younger Jedi stiffened and
caught his breath.
"Padawan?" The young apprentice's breathing was shallow and
labored. He held tightly to the strong arms wrapped around him
willing the world to stop moving.
"No, it's alright," he gasped, "just this nausea."
"Side effect of the concussion I am afraid. Can you make it?"
Obi-Wan took in as deep a breath as he dared. His ribs were
well on their way to being completely healed but still gave him
sharp pains. He drew the force around him and used it to push
the pain and sickness aside, there would be time enough for
that later, now there was work to do.
And just when he thought he had controlled the sick feeling
inside of him, the earth started moving again. Only this time
he was sure it wasn't him. A low dull roar like the grinding of
stone wheels seemed to move beneath them, growing in intensity
and volume even as the ground beneath their feet began to roll
as if made of water just below the surface of the mantle. As
quickly as it started it passed and left complete silence in
its' wake.
Wide eyed Obi-Wan turned to his Master who had calmly replaced
his robe and begun picking up the supplies they would need to
see them through the night.
"M.. Master?"
"Yes, Obi-Wan?" Qui-Gon looked over his shoulder to the younger
man frozen in place. "What is it?"
"The ground?"
"Yes, it may not be entirely stable. But I wouldn't worry.
Chances are it won't happen again tonight, at least not with
that magnitude."
"Not entirely stable? "
The younger Jedi still hadn't moved and Qui-Gon realized with
amusement that his apprentice had never experienced a
groundquake before.
"Obi-Wan, it was only a small groundquake."
"Only!? Small!?"
"No more than a 5.0. And I am pretty sure we are far enough
away from the epi-center to not feel any aftershocks. It will
be all right. I found it rather fun actually."
"Fun!?!" Maybe his Master had hit his head harder than he
thought. At this Qui-Gon began to laugh. Handing the startled
Padawan a bundle of meal packs he gently pushed him in the
direction of the caves he had indicated earlier.
"Are you going to repeat everything I've said now?" he asked
with a small laugh. "Come Obi-Wan, did I ever tell you about
the time Master Windu and I were on Ord Mantell when they had
their big groundquake? Of course they are common on that planet
but I thought Mace was going to go comatose on me. Seems I
forgot to tell him about them. Now that was a groundquake, a
seven pointer if I recall....", his voice trailed off as he
headed out leading the way to their night camp.
"Fun...," mumbled Obi-Wan under his breath looking around as
though he expected the ground to produce something even worse,
like perhaps falling out from underneath him. "Right, fun." He
followed obediently trying to catch up with his Master now
laughing at the memories the groundquake had conjured up.
Obi-Wan hoped desperately that someone somewhere was paying
attention to their distress beacon.
The flame leapt brightly into the darkness illuminating the
cavern around them. Outside the entrance the stars had begun to
pierce the velvet of the night sky.
Obi-Wan was cleaning the up the last of their shared meal
placing the disposable, now empty, packages into the fire
causing it to spark and pop with an odd rhythm. Hypnotic, that
was the word that came into his Master's mind. Obi-Wan smiled
at him over the shimmer caused by the heat.
"Yes, hypnotic. That's a nice description." He smiled and
settled himself against a rock. He had removed his robe and was
using it as padding for his still slightly sore ribs.
"I can't remember the last time I made a fire," Qui-Gon said.
Obi-Wan's laughter caught his attention and brought his eyes
back on the younger man, now trying to contain his mirth. He
looked so young. Qui-Gon wondered if he had ever been that
young and full of life. His Padawan had brought back the joy
into his life, into a heart he thought had lost the ability to
ever love again. The smile came of its own echoing the one
across the flames that lit his heart with warmth as the fire
lit the cavern.
"Yes? I take it you remember?" Qui-Gon couldn't keep the humor
from his voice. "Enlighten me young one."
The old title made Obi-Wan's smile growing even wider. "The
last time you made a fire, Master, you and Master Windu had
taken the older children and I out camping. And while you were
trying to teach us how to roast wenderpolyps Master Windu kept
secretly throwing chugga berries into the fire so they would
explode and send everyone running for cover claiming it was
your wenderpolyps combusting." A fit of giggles threatened to
topple him over.
"I remember that. That darn Mace always playing pranks. Yes and
I remember how unhappy Master Yoda was about that one too!"
Another bout of laughter carried across to the Master who was
finding it hard not join his Padawan.
"And....and did Master Yoda," the young Jedi was trying to
speak around gasps of air, spent from his laughing, "did Master
Yoda...did he hit you with his...with his walking stick!?"
"Obi-Wan!" Qui-Gon reprimanded although the tone had no effect
upon the giggling Padawan. "I thought you had outgrown that
fascination with Master Yoda and his walking stick!"
A choked out, "Yes Master," accompanied by more laughter was
his answer. This time though he did laugh, giving into the joy
of youth that had saved him so long ago.
When they had both caught their breaths. He locked eyes with
his student now almost a man. "That was a long time ago,
Obi-Wan. You were so young then." Looking back into the flames
he recalled the times they had spent together, bonding, time
alone, time they had needed and still did. Obi-Wan did not
answer he just watched the emotions on his Masters face letting
him sift his memories on his own.
When he finally spoke again the softness of his voice startled
Obi-Wan. "Perhaps it was too long. You were right, my Padawan
in arranging this time away for the two of us. Things have
gotten pressed and busy, our schedules haven't allowed time for
each other."
"This wasn't exactly what I had in mind, Master," just the hint
of humor colored his words.
Qui-Gon arched his eyebrows taking in the surrounding cave lit
in a deep golden glow. "It wasn't?" Obi-Wan's smile sparked one
of his own. The younger Jedi shifted against his rock, wrapping
his arms tightly around him to ward off the encroaching
coolness of night.
"Padawan, come here." Qui-Gon moved slightly to his right and
indicated the space next to him near the fire.
"Master, I am not that young boy anymore, the dark no longer
scares me."
"Obi-Wan, you will always be that boy to me. I have never
ceased to love you as I did then and your age makes no
difference to me. If anything I love you more now. But, you are
cold and still hurting, now come. You need rest."
He hesitated for only a fraction of a second and then moved
stiffly around the fire to sit next to his Master. His ribs did
hurt, he was cold and tired and his body just wasn't moving
like he wanted it to. When he was seated he turned and lifted
his head slightly to meet the gaze of his Master. The warmth of
the fire reflected in eyes that could be cold enough to freeze
all the oceans on Mon Calamari and yet they held only
tenderness for him. He had been allowed a rare treasure indeed,
an open door to the side of Qui-Gon that loved. That side was
reserved for a very few and his heart swelled with pride and
contentment, touching his Master through the force.
Qui-Gon reached out and brushed his cheek, his eyes never
wavering. "Thank you, Padawan." He took Obi-Wan's robe from
where it lay rolled in a bundle in his hands and shaped it into
a pillow. Replacing his hand on the young Jedi's face he gently
pulled him down cushioning his head in his lap. "Sleep,
Padawan, sleep." With a sigh Obi-Wan relaxed. Qui-Gon's arm
slipped around his shoulder and drew him closer even as his
Master poured peace and calm into the weary apprentice's mind.
//Yes Master//
//Rest// The force flowed around him, warming him and securing
him, gathered around them by his Master as though he were
wrapped in the arms and love of the older Jedi, completely
safe. It reminded him of when he had been young and afraid or
hurt. Qui-Gon had always formed a cocoon of the Force around
them and he had been lulled to sleep then, even as he was now.
It was well before daylight, the stars just beginning to dim in
the still dark sky. But he been awakened by a presence just
outside the cavern. The fire had died down and only embers
glowed brightly in the cooling bed. Qui-Gon had fallen asleep,
one hand resting gently on Obi-Wan's head cradling him, one
hand still on his shoulder. His chin resting on his broad chest
moving evenly in slumber. Obi-Wan focused his attention outward
trying not to awaken his Master, but the feeling was back again
and stronger this time.
Something outside was definitely considering coming in.
Slowly he reached for his lightsaber, tensing for action. He
became aware that his Master was awake when the hand on his
shoulder moved and Qui-Gon straightened behind him. Sitting up
he glanced at the older Jedi whose gaze was fixed on the
entrance to the cave.
//Something's out there.//
//Yes, I felt it too, Padawan. Careful.// His Master glanced at
him quickly out of the corner of his eyes.
Obi-Wan moved into a crouched posture in one smooth fluid
motion pulling his lightsaber into a defensive position, ready
but not ignited. Qui-Gon's had shot out catching his arm and
drawing his attention back.
//Wait. Maybe it will pass.// With his gaze locked on his
Master and his Force awareness thrown out towards the front of
the cave monitoring their intruder, the young Jedi patiently
stilled his forward movement. Years of training had taught him
not to question his Master's instructions. Qui-Gon
instinctively moved one had to the hilt of his lightsaber never
removing the restraining hand from his student, trying to gauge
the intent of the creature outside.
Obi-Wan although patient, was no less focused. He had no doubts
that he would kill this creature before letting it get past
him. Qui-Gon though stronger in the force than he, was still
exhausted from the crash and healing his Padawan, and Obi-Wan
knew it. The older Jedi smiled inwardly at the possessive
thoughts raging in his student.
//Let's give it a chance to change its' mind. Remember,
Padawan, a Jedi fights only as a last resort.//
//Yes, Master.// The taut muscles under his fingers didn't lax
in the least, but Qui-Gon could feel the young Jedi calm
considerably.
Suddenly a black form moved stealthily into view; all but
blocking the entire entrance to the cave, eclipsing the stars
outside. Obi-Wan tensed and stood as Qui-Gon released his hold
on the apprentice. The creature, easily the height of Obi-Wan,
stalked cautiously in, smelling the air with a muzzle that
ended in a short upturned nose revealing large teeth curling up
from it's lower jaw.
//This is its' lair.//
//Yes, Master.//
//Try to dissuade it first, it's only confused.//
//Yes, Master.// Obi-Wan ignited his lightsaber, bathing the
cavern in blue light, casting odd shadows in the recesses.
Crossing in front of Qui-Gon he drew the beasts focus away from
his Master. He wove the lightsaber back and forth capturing the
attention of their intruder, its' small dark eyes lit eerily by
the blue blade. Qui-Gon stepped in the opposite direction
hoping to come up on the animal around the other side. A deep
snarl emanated from low in the creature's throat. Only the
force protected the young Jedi when the animal threw its' bulk
towards him faster than he could anticipate. Qui-Gon moved
forward knowing he would be too late. Obi-Wan's hand came up at
the last minute, palm outward and slammed the animal into the
far wall of the cave with a barrier of focused power. The
impact of the huge creature brought down a cascade of small
rocks and boulders that settled in a cloud of dust just inside
the opening of the cavern.
//I wouldn't do that again, Padawan. I am not sure this cave
can handle it.// Qui-Gon reached out with the force feeling the
structure of the cavern and sensing small tremors running
through it.
//Not entirely stable?// Obi-Wan teased.
"Obi-Wan!" The animal had gained its feet, huge paws unsheathed
claws as long as Qui-Gon's fingers. Spikes on its massive
shoulders raised up through the matted mane. It planted it's
front feet and slashed a whip-like tail straight at Obi-Wan.
The young Jedi vaulted into the air executing a twisting
somersault to land well out of the way on the far side of the
creature his back to the cave entrance.
Momentarily loosing his prey the creature refocused on Qui-Gon.
It's patience, what little it had, had worn thin and it lunged
at the older Jedi leaping across the cooling fire bed. As one
the Jedi moved. Sensing the beasts intent seconds before it
charged, Obi-Wan spun, his blade extended full length in his
hands sweeping the weapon in an upward motion cleaving the
monsters body in two. Qui-Gon at the same time arced his blade
down in a powerful blow decapitating the creature in mid-air.
Quickly he shut his lightsaber down and removed the carcass
from the fire pit lest its stench fill the cave. Turning his
attention back to his apprentice he found the younger Jedi
leaning against an outcropping of rocks using the force to calm
his breathing.
"Obi-Wan?"
"Yes, Master, I'm fine. Just needed to catch my breath." His
right arm moving protectively around his ribs. Qui-Gon moved to
his Padawan's side gently shifting his arm out the way and
placing his palm low against the tight abdomen, he shunted
waves of healing force into the boy.
The crunch of footsteps behind them startled them into action.
Qui-Gon spun around as Obi-Wan leapt to his feet igniting his
blade once more.
"Now that's not a very nice way to greet your rescue party,"
the rich deep voice said slowly, humor tainting the words.
"Mace," Qui-Gon ground out, reaching over to touch Obi-Wan. The
young Jedi deactivated his weapon and stepped obediently behind
his Master.
Mace Windu walked farther into the cavern taking in the fire
pit and the pieces of their attacker strewn on the floor.
"Homey," he smiled. Frowning down at the head of the beast a
look of disgust curled his lips. "Now that's just......ugly."
He looked back up at the two Jedi watching him expectantly.
"Don't tell me this was one of your 'pet' projects, Qui-Gon?"
the Jedi Master laughed questioning his long time friend.
"Very funny, Mace," Qui-Gon replied ignoring the choked laugh
that came from behind him. "And I suppose you volunteered to
come looking for us?"
"You have got to be kidding," the other growled. "Master Yoda
woke me up in the middle of the night and told me to come find
your sorry ass. He said he was sure I would know where to look.
Although why he thought I had anything to do with it is beyond
me."
This time the laughter behind Qui-Gon wasn't stifled.
"Obi-Wan, don't start," warned the older Jedi looking sharply
over his shoulder at his Padawan. Mace lifted in his eyebrows
in question at the cryptic conversation.
"Don't ask," warned Qui-Gon. Silencing the discussion further,
but he had a feeling the subject was far from dropped.
Mace turned and began walking back out toward the clearing, "I
landed not far from your crashed shuttle. You did know that was
Master Yoda's personal shuttle didn't you, Jinn?'' the
long-time friend called back teasingly.
Again a small stifled laugh filled the silence.
"Of course it would have to be," answered the Master wearily.
"You know Master Yoda's probably going to want to see you as
soon as we get back."
"Mace..."
"He wasn't too happy, you know how he gets."
"Windu, enough!"
Obi-Wan couldn't stand it any longer and began laughing at the
conversation. Mace Windu stopped mid step looking back over his
shoulder he called to Obi-Wan, "I bet you anything Master Yoda
hits old Jinn here with that walking stick of his!" The young
apprentice dissolved into a fit of giggles as the old
conversation was brought back up again.
"You just had to say it didn't you? You couldn't let it lie."
Qui-Gon Jinn pushed past his friend in mock disgust. "You know,
Mace, I'll just bet that creature had a mate somewhere out
here. I hope it comes looking for us, because I am going to
feed you to it."
Obi-Wan walked a pace behind the two old friends listening to
their good-natured bickering. This was a good idea he thought.
No, it hadn't been what he expected but they had gotten away,
together, alone and their bond was, incredibly, even deeper and
richer for it. Qui-Gon's shoulders were no longer stooped and
the light glowed again in his eyes. He had gotten some of his
much-needed rest and had even found his humor again.
//In you, my Padawan. I found them all in you.// Qui-Gon looked
back over his shoulder with a slight smile meeting Obi-Wan's
gaze
//And I in you, Master.//
//Thank you, Obi-Wan.//
Mace observed this silent exchange out of the corner of his
eyes a devilish grin playing on his lips. "You know, Qui-Gon,
you're looking rather old these days," he teased clamping a
hand down on the shoulder of the man beside him.
"Mace...." warned his friend shaking his head and shrugging off
the friendly touch, "Sometimes..." while the laughter of the
young apprentice rang out through the clearing touching joy
into the hearts of the older men.
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