Qui-Gon was near hysterics by the time the Republic Cruiser got to the camp. The Republic had given the Jedi the use of a cruiser that had its own medical unit. It came with state of the art equipment and three healers. One of them being An-Paj.
An-Paj jumped off the ship as soon as the doors opened. He ran to where Qui-Gon was, Qui-Gon was begging Obi-Wan to stay with him, "Please Padawan, don't let go. Stay with me..."
An-Paj almost did not reconize Obi-Wan. Not one inch of the boy's flesh was unscathed. He was covered from head to toe with welts and bruises. After a quick assessment of the situation it was clear to An-Paj that Qui-Gon was holding onto Obi-wan's life force, but barely. They had to act fast.
An-Paj said, "Qui-Gon, we need to get Obi-wan inside and on life support equiptment and in the bacta now."
Qui-Gon nodded and stood up scooping Obi-Wan up in his arms. He noted that Obi-Wan was a good thirty pounds lighter then he had been, And he was already small. Qui-Gon thought.
Qui-Gon placed Obi-Wan on the exam table gently and held onto his hands tightly. An-Paj then said, "Qui-Gon...you need to step outside so we can treat him." An-Paj did not want Qui-Gon to see what they had to do.
Qui-Gon stated firmly, "NO! I am not leaving him again. He was alone. For three months he had to survive without me. He needs me now. They left him in the dark to die alone. My Obi-Wan hates the dark! He Hates it...he hates it..." Qui-Gon remembered how Obi-wan could not sleep unless there was a nightlight in his room.
By that time Qui-Gon was hysterical and it took An-Paj, Mace, and Plo Koon to get Qui-Gon to release his grip on Obi-Wan. The three of them pulled him out of the room bodily and placed him in the hall.
An-Paj was firm, "I really don't want to sedate you Qui-Gon, but I will. We need to treat Obi-Wan, I will come and get you when we are done. I promise."
Qui-Gon leaned against the wall hugging himself and weeping, but he nodded and took deep breaths trying to find his center.
An-Paj then turned and went back to where Obi-Wan was.
*************
An-Paj hurried back into the room, one healer looked at him, "We are losing him Master An-Paj."
An-Paj let out a series of curses under his breath. Suddenly Obi-Wan began to cough. When he did, blood came up. The healers quickly turned him over on his side. An-Paj knew that the internal injuries were grave.
Then Obi-Wan's heart stopped. An-Paj started CPR, but that was not doing any good.
Even though Jedi Healers did not usually resort to such measures An-Paj had the equiptment available, and An-Paj was not going to let a promising boy die without a fight, he said to one healer, "Get me a scalpel and the rib spreader. And then place a force field around the door." An-Paj did not want Qui-Gon to rush in and see his apprentice cut open.
The healer did not hesitate, and in minutes An-Paj had made an incision. Being careful of the broken ribs, he used the rib speader to move them apart. And then An-Paj started to massage Obi-Wan's heart. All the time An-Paj was saying, "Come on Obi-Wan. Come on, stay with us."
======
Qui-Gon was in the hall. Keiran and Bren had arrived and were reunited with
Bren-Kenobi and Querin. They were all waiting for word on Obi-Wan. Qui-Gon was still weeping, suddenly he stopped and looked at the door, "Obi-Wan? NOOOOOO! Obi-Wan..." Qui-Gon then fell to his knees in hot, wracking sobs. Mace and Plo Koon knew that something had gone wrong with Obi-Wan.
Querin went to the Master and gave him a hug, Qui-Gon returned the hug tightly.
======
Obi-Wan was walking towards the light. It was beautiful. It was peaceful. And, he thought, I will never have to be in the terrible darkness again.
But something was not right, Qui-Gon was not with him. He saw ahead many Jedi long dead, but none were his wonderful Master. Obi-Wan stopped, he looked back the way he came, it was dark, he did not want to face the dark. He looked again at the light, and almost started to walk towards it.
But he then heard Qui-Gons voice, it sounded pained, Obi-Wan? NOOOOOOOO...Obi-Wan... the words were followed by painful sobs.
Obi-Wan then thought, Master Qui-Gon? What is wrong with Master? He needs me. Obi-Wan turned and started walking back the way he came. He focused on his Master and not the memories or the demons in the darkness.
=============
An-Paj let out a sigh of relief, "He's back. Let's start healing those ribs and as many internal injuries as we can. Then we can close him and get him in the bacta tank."
Three hours later a very tired An-Paj stepped out of the room. He surveyed the group in the waiting area and went straight to Qui-Gon. Qui-Gon almost gagged when he saw all of the blood on An-Paj's tunic. Blood did not bother him, but this was Obi-Wan's blood.
Qui-Gon stood and asked, "How is he?"
An-Paj explained, "He is in the bacta, but he is not out of the woods yet. His heart stopped and I had to open him to start it again. His internal injuries were severe."
Qui-Gon then asked hopefully, "But he will be all right?"
An-Paj answered, "If he makes it through the next 24 hours, he will be out of danger. But Qui-Gon you have to be prepared, there can be lasting effects. His oxygen was severly cut down when they had him in the hothouse and when his heart stopped, he may not be the same Obi-Wan."
Qui-Gon then stated, "He will always be the same Obi-Wan in my heart. And he WILL be all right. I trust the force in that."
An-Paj stated, "I am sure that if anyone can come through this, it is Obi-Wan. But I suggest that we return to Coruscant. While the medical facilities on the ship are excellent, I would feel better if he was at the temple."
Qui-Gon agreed, "I will be staying with him at all times."
An-Paj did not want to argue, "Qui-Gon, he will be in the bacta for at least three days."
Qui-Gon asked, "And your point?" When An-Paj did not answer Qui-Gon said, "Good it is settled, I will stay out of your way but I am staying with him at all times. He is not going to be alone again."
An-Paj almost smiled, but said, "Fine. But you let us work, and if something happens, you leave, no questions."
Qui-Gon nodded and said, "I would like to see him now."
An-Paj said, "This way."
======
In the hall Mace and Plo Koon were speaking to Keiran and Bren. Bren said, "I hope that Obi-Wan makes a complete recovery. I am forever grateful for his help and the help of the Jedi and Republic. Now I have to find my other nephew Jaret, and help the new government set up."
Mace told Bren,"The Republic is going to help with the search of your nephew. He will be found."
Keiran tightened her grip on Little Bren-Kenobi and said, "I would like to see Obi-Wan before you leave."
Queirin purked in, "Me too!"
Bren knelt and looked his nephew in the eye, "I know you do Querin, but I don't think that is a good idea."
Querin wanted to cry but held back, "I want to tell him thank you."
Keiran then knelt, "Obi-Wan knows that, and when he is better, we will visit him, OK?"
Querin nodded and Keiran, giving the baby to his father, got up to see Obi-Wan. Keiran entered the room very quietly. Qui-Gon was standing in front of the bacta tank with his head leaned against the glass. His eyes were closed. Then suddenly he said, "He is going to be all right."
Keiran nodded, "All he did, he did to honor his Master and his Jedi training. You can be proud of him Master Jinn."
Qui-Gon smiled a bit, "I am proud. I am so proud," Qui-Gon then got choked up and tears filled his eyes again, "I am so proud."
Keiran gave the Master a brief hug and said, "Please keep me informed of his condition and recovery. Tell him Thank you. He is truly a wonderful young man. He is definatly of the light."
Qui-Gon nodded, "May the force be with you and your family Keiran. Obi-Wan made a wonderful friend in you."
Keiran smiled and said, "Thank you Master Jinn, May the force be with you also."
She touched the bacta tank and then turned to leave. Within thirty or so minutes the ship was in hyperspace racing towards Coruscant.
*************
For three days Qui-Gon stayed with Obi-Wan. He only left to use the fresher. He stayed out of the way of the healers when they came in to check on the young Jedi but he would refuse to leave.
Qui-Gon talked to the boy. He talked about everything that his apprentice was interested in. Smashball scores, physics, lightsaber techniques, the list went on and on. When Qui-Gon was not talking to him, he was meditating, sending healing energy to the boys broken body.
About a day before they were to land on Coruscant, An-Paj told Qui-Gon that he thought it would be safe to remove Obi-Wan from the bacta tank.
Qui-Gon nodded, "I will remain with him."
An-Paj knew better then to argue with Qui-Gon. There was not a master at the temple more protective then Qui-Gon Jinn. An-Paj smiled, "Of course Qui-Gon, I did not expect anything else."
Qui-Gon watched as droids removed the boys thin body from the tank, Qui-Gon could not help thinking, He is no more then skin and bones. When we get back to the temple I will change that.
Within a few minutes, Obi-Wan was out of the tank, cleaned up, dried, and dressed in a clean tunic and leggings. The welts from the whips still showed, but with time, they would completly fade.
Qui-Gon was content to sit and hold his apprentice's hand. He was relieved that the worse seemed to be over. But he was concerned that Obi-wan had not awoke when he was taken out of the tank. An-Paj was concerned also.
Qui-Gon was exausted. He allowed his eyes to close, and he was soon asleep. He woke to the noise of teeth chattering. It was Obi-Wan, he was shivering. Qui-Gon stood to adjust the blankets and saw that Obi-Wan's cheeks were bright red. Touching the boy's forehead, he found it burning with fever. Qui-Gon quickly summoned An-Paj who immediatly examined Obi-Wan. Turning to Qui-Gon he said, "Qui-Gon, you promised if anything came up, you would leave the room no questions. I need you to do that now."
Qui-Gon wanted to argue, but did not. He stepped outside wondering what had gone wrong.
Qui-Gon was left in the waiting area of the ship. He was lost in thought, he had hoped that the worst had past. Qui-Gon decided the best thing to do would be meditate. He sent tendrils of strength and love to the suffering apprentice.
An-Paj and the other two healers were using scanners to check over Obi-Wan's body. An-Paj saw that infection had set in. He considered antibiotics, but was concerned that they would take to long, Obi-Wan's fever was extremely high, and the infection had to be taken care of immediatly.
An-Paj went to speak with Qui-Gon. He was somber, "I have to open him again Qui-Gon."
Qui-Gon sat heavily on a chair, "Again? Why? What has happened?"
An-Paj explained, "A nasty infection has set in. It has Obi-Wan's fever raging sky high. In order to bring it under control, I want to open him and drain the infection, and then fight it with antibiotics."
Qui-Gon was naturally concerned, "But to open him again, he is already so weak. Are you sure this is the way to go?"
An-Paj stated, "Yes, Qui-Gon, I do."
Qui-Gon nodded, "Very well. But will he have to go back into the bacta again?
An-Paj shook his head, "I am concerned that he has not woke up yet. I want to keep him out of the bacta. I want him to be coherent, and then we can put him back in if we need to."
Qui-Gon burried his face in his hands, "It is not good that he has not woke up yet is it? I can still lose him can't I?"
An-Paj put his hand on the Master's shoulder, "I will do everything I can Qui-Gon. But you need to decide if any heroic measures should be taken to keep him alive."
Qui-Gon's eyes filled with tears, "I don't know if I can make that decision."
An-Paj understood, "Qui-Gon, you need to make a decision. I am going to treat him again. Hopefully it will be routine. But if something goes wrong, you will need to make that choice."
*****************
Carefully An-Paj made another incision. One of the healers assisting him stood ready with suction. An-Paj saw the area of infection, he silently thanked the force that it was not around his heart as he had feared. It was lower, but even though it was not as serious as An-Paj thought, it was still very serious. Obi-Wan could still die at any moment. And if that happened, An-Paj had no doubts that Qui-Gon would have a breakdown.
One of the healers asked, "Shall I irrigate the area?"
An-Paj nodded, "Yes Hanne', After that we will get him started on a high level antibiotic."
Hanne' nodded, "And then we close him? Will he be going back into the bacta?"
An-Paj shook his head, "No, we will keep him out for now. We need to close quickly, I do not want his heart to be anymore strained than what it is. Start another IV. We need to get some nourishment into his body."
Hanne' then said, "Master An-Paj, his heartbeat has turned erratic!"
An-Paj responded, "Sith!" He then started measures to try to bring it back to normal. He hoped that he would not have to make Qui-Gon make the decision to allow the boy to live or die.
===========
Qui-Gon jumped up as soon as Master Healer An-Paj stepped into the room. Qui-Gon asked, "How is he? How did it go?"
An-Paj said in a gentle voice, "Qui-Gon, sit. We need to talk."
Qui-Gon did as he was told, "What is it? What arent you telling me?"
An-Paj explained, "The surgery was going well. We were just about to close when his heartbeat got very erratic. From the stress his body endured or the infection. I managed to get it under control."
Qui-Gon let out a sigh of relief and then looked at An-Paj and asked in a quiet voice, "There is more, isn't there?"
"Obi-Wan is in a coma, Qui-Gon. I think his brain has shut down in a sense to block out all the boy has seen, done, and been through in the past months."
Qui-Gon's voice broke as he asked, "Will he come out?"
An-Paj answered, "Truthfully, I can not answer that. But you made need to consider long time care. He may never come out. And if he does, he may not be the same. There are some very good institutions..."
Qui-Gon interuppted sharply, "You are not serious? I will not put him in an institution! I will care for him myself."
An-Paj had asked Hanne' to get Mace Windu and Plo Koon to join them, Mace looked at his friend, "Qui-Gon, how can you care for him when your work pulls you away at a moments notice?"
Qui-Gon stood and said, "I am not going to put him away somewhere just because it is convenient. He is not just my padawan, he is the son I never had or ever will have. The force blessed me with him, I cannot dishonor that blessing by locking him away." He turned and went to the room where Obi-Wan was, "I am going to sit with him now. Please let me know when we arrive at Coruscant."
**************
"We are landing Master Jinn," Healer Hanne' told Qui-Gon.
Qui-Gon nodded to the healer, "Thank you."
Hanne' then added, "The council wishes to see you as soon as we land."
Qui-Gon expected as much as that, "I will see Obi-Wan to his room in the medical ward, and I will go see them."
The ship landed and under Qui-Gon's watchful eye the healers transferred Obi-Wan to a private ICU room. Qui-Gon brushed his lips against the boy's head and went to see the council.
===
"I am NOT giving him up! I cannot believe that you have even considered this an option." Qui-Gon's voice was calm but firm.
Yoda considered him, "Hmmmmm, think he will heal you do?"
Qui-Gon nodded, "Of course."
Yoda nodded, "Decide on this later. Master Qui-Gon continue to care for Obi-Wan you will. Give him up you will not."
Qui-Gon bowed, "Thank you My Master."
Qui-Gon was on his way back to the medical ward when he made a quick stop in the apartment he shared with Obi-Wan. He quickly showered and dressed in fresh clothing. Then he reached into his closet, way in the back. He pulled out a small box. Opening it he gave a small smile. It was his gift to Obi-Wan for the birthday that Obi-Wan spent in captivity. It was a rock. For Obi-Wan's thirteenth birthday he got Qui-Gon's river stone, for his fourteenth birthday he gave him another rock and a 'serious' gift and Qui-Gon decided to carry the tradition on with the boys fifteenth birthday. Actually he planned to carry it on until Obi-Wan reached knighthood, maybe even after.
The rocks were a personal connection between the Master and his Padawan. It was a connection forged in love and trust. Qui-Gon slipped the rock into his tunic and hurried back to Obi-Wan.
Qui-Gon was not surprised to see some of Obi-Wan's friends there. Bant, Garen and Reeft all showed sorrow and concern for their sick friend. After they left Qui-Gon settled into his vigil. He moved into the room, council and healers could just get used to his presence there.
************
About a week passed with no change. Qui-Gon was getting edgy. Everyday he talked to Obi-Wan, trying to coax him out of the coma. But lack of sleep and lack of response had Qui-Gon at the end of his rope.
An-Paj came in one day and said, "Qui-Gon, you should go home and get something to eat and get some sleep."
Qui-Gon replied, "Thank you, but no. I prefer to stay with Obi-Wan."
From behind them they heard, "Qui-Gon, I do not want to order you to leave, but you are leaving us little choice." It was Mace Windu. He stepped into the room.
Qui-Gon snapped, "I am not leaving." Turning to An-Paj he said, "And when is he going to wake up?"
An-Paj sighed, "Like I said before Qui-Gon, I do not know..."
Interupting Qui-Gon said, "I WANT AN ANSWER! You are the healer, give me a straight answer!" As soon as the words left his mouth, he was sorry for them, but he was just so worried about Obi-Wan, that his judgement was clouded.
An-Paj looked at Qui-Gon and in a no-nonsense tone he said, "Qui-Gon, guests of the healing temple should remember that they are just that, guests."
Qui-Gon took a deep breath, "My apologies An-Paj. I am forever grateful for the help that you have given to my apprentice..." Qui-Gon then sensed something and turned to the bed. Obi-Wan was moving.
"Ma...ster?"
Qui-Gon knelt by the bed and took Obi-Wan's hand, "I am here Obi-Wan. You are not alone."
Obi-Wan opened his eyes, "I was dying."
Qui-Gon said, "Shhh, don't think about that..."
Obi-Wan continued, "And I saw a bright light. I was walking towards it," by this time An-Paj and Mace were listening, "I was almost there, but I heard you crying Master. I heard you call my name and you were crying."
An-Paj checked Obi-Wan's eyes and said, "Obi-Wan, you heard Qui-Gon?"
Obi-Wan nodded slightly, "And then I turned back. I did not want to go to the light if you were not there Master.
Qui-Gon sat on the bed and pulled Obi-Wan into a hug. He could not speak. He was just glad that his apprentice was awake.
**********
"I don't understand why I have to stay in the medical ward." Obi-Wan said in a broken voice.
An-Paj replied, "Obi-Wan, I want you to be here so I can keep an eye on you and your healing."
Obi-Wan's eyes filled, "I just want to go home."
The past couple of days had been hard on the boy. The first night, after Qui-Gon had left at Obi-Wan's insistence, one of the healers turned off the lights and Obi-Wan was left in complete darkness. He was terrified. Qui-Gon felt his fear over the bond and hurried back. He told the healers that under no uncertain terms was his padawan to be left in the dark alone.
After that incident, Qui-Gon moved back into Obi-Wan's room in the medical ward.
Again Obi-Wan said, "I just want to go home."
An-Paj started, "I know Obi-Wan and maybe in a week or two..."
Qui-Gon by this point had reached his limit, "I don't think so. Padawan, get dressed, we are going home."
An-Paj turned to Qui-Gon, "Qui-Gon, he is not yet healed."
Qui-Gon was firm, "He can heal at home as well as he can heal here. I will bring him back daily and you can check his progress."
"Agreed." An-Paj said, he knew he would not win this arguement.
Within a few moments. Obi-Wan was dressed and walking out of his hospital room towards the quarters he shared with Qui-Gon.
"Padawan," Qui-Gon started, "If you get tired, I want to know."
Quietly the boy said, "Yes Master."
Obi-Wan managed to make it to the door of their quarters before he almost collapsed. Qui-Gon then picked him up and carried him into the apartment. He went to Obi-Wan's room and placed him gently on the bed. Obi-Wan snuggled into his pillow and smiled. For the first time in months, he was in his own bed. He fell asleep right away.
*****************
Obi-Wan opened his eyes. He took in his surroundings. He was in his room in his bed. It was dusk outside, but Qui-Gon still had the lighting fixtures in Obi-Wan's room on dim so if Obi-Wan woke after dark, he would still be able to see. Qui-Gon was not in the room, but Obi-Wan could tell that he was in the apartment.
Obi-Wan almost turned over and to fall asleep again, but the smells of something delicious was wafting through the apartment.
Obi-Wan carefully got up. He was still weak and dizzy. He noticed that his boots were off, and he did not bother to put them back on. He went barefooted to the main area of the apartment. Qui-Gon was sitting on the sofa reading his data pad. He smiled when Obi-Wan came in.
Qui-Gon patted the spot next to him and Obi-Wan sat down. Qui-Gon said, "I am so glad you are home Padawan."
Obi-Wan smiled, "I am glad to be home Master. I have missed you so."
Qui-Gon patted his back and got up, "I hope you are hungry. I made your favorite."
Obi-Wan smiled like a little kid, "roast bantha and vegetables?" He got up and followed Qui-Gon into the kitchen. He took his seat and Qui-Gon made a plate for him. He took a couple of bites and then jumped up and ran to the fresher. In a moment he was vomiting up what little of his dinner he ate.
Qui-Gon knelt next to him, "I am sorry Obi-Wan, I should of known better. Your stomach is still not recovered yet. We will have to take it slow."
Obi-Wan nodded and lifted his head, "I am sorry Master." He looked like he wanted to cry."
"No Padawan, it is not your fault. Why don't you go out to the couch and I will make you some tea to calm your stomach."
Obi-wan nodded and went out to the sofa. In minutes Qui-Gon had a pot of mild tea brewed and Obi-Wan was sipping it.
After Qui-Gon finished cleaning up the kitchen, he came out and found Obi-Wan sound asleep. Qui-Gon lifted him up and took him back to his room. He tucked him in and left the lights on.
Qui-Gon was reading over a peace agreement when he heard Obi-Wan talking in his sleep. Quickly he got up and went to his apprentice. Obi-Wan seemed to be having a nightmare of some sort. He shook him awake and held him as he cried.
Obi-Wan then wiped his eyes and said, "I am ok now. I am sorry for disturbing you."
Qui-Gon said, "You did not disturb me. How about I sit with you while you go back to sleep."
Obi-Wan nodded and Qui-Gon got comfortable in the chair next to his bed. It was a hard night. Obi-Wan was extremly restless, either he could not sleep, and if he did manage to fall asleep, he would wake up because of a nightmare.
When morning came, both Master and apprentice were exausted. Obi-Wan followed his master into the kitchen again and Qui-Gon set out some fruit and some crackers. He told Obi-Wan, "This should not upset your stomach."
Obi-Wan eyed the food warily and nodded. Just then the com-link in the apartment went off and Qui-Gon went to answer it. When he was gone Obi-Wan dumped the food in the recycle unit without taking a bite.
After a few minutes Qui-Gon came back in and asked, "All done."
Obi-Wan shielded tightly and lied, "Yes, Master." Obi-Wan felt guilty about lying to his master, but he could not bare to eat. He was simply afraid to.
Qui-Gon answered, "Good. Now we have to go, or we will be late for our appointment with An-Paj."
An-Paj checked over the apprentice and asked, "How was his first night home Qui-Gon?"
Qui-Gon replied, "Well he got sick after I fed him roast bantha. My fault, it was too heavy for his stomach. He also had a restless night. He did not get much sleep at all."
An-Paj nodded, "I see. Well, take these with you." He handed Qui-Gon a small packet of pills. "They are to help him relax. They are a mild sedative."
Qui-Gon took the pills and said, "Do you think we can do some light training?"
An-Paj answered, "I don't see why not. Basic Katas to start. Don't let him over exert himself. Stop when he shows signs of fatique. And I think he can attend classes again."
Qui-Gon smiled, "Good, I would love to get him back into a routine again."
**********
Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon were in the practice hall, Obi-Wan was going through basic lightsaber moves. He was doing well when he heard on the other side of the hall, SNAP. It was some younger initiates playing with a leather strip. They giggled at the sound it made. But Obi-Wan's face took on one of pure terror. He dove to the floor and went into fetal position.
Qui-Gon touched his shoulder and Obi-Wan flinched. Qui-Gon then said, "Shhh, Obi-Wan. It is all right. There is nothing here that will hurt you."
Obi-Wan looked up and was suddenly embarrassed, he stood up doing his best to ignore the stares he was getting, in a quiet but tearful voice he said, "Can we please go home?"
Qui-Gon put his arm around the boy's shoulders and said, "Of course. Let's go home."
TBC
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