Title: A Bond of Friendship: Story 6: Everything Will Be Alright Author: Angel5000 Archive: JA, anywhere else please ask. Rating: PG at the most Disclaimer: George Lucas owns all the star wars characters (Padawan Kami, Master Kith and Healer Bash'ta, along with any other character you don't recognize are more than likely characters that I made up).  I am not making any money of these characters or this story, nor am I attempting to break any copyright rules. My story's are written just for fun. Summary: Obi-Wan does his best to keep his friend and fellow Padawan, Kami Ten'Muyo, from getting into trouble for the events in A BOND OF FRIENDSHIP: STORY 5: A BIRTHDAY FORGOTTEN and only results in making things worse. A Bond of Friendship (1) A Bond of Friendship: A Temple Visit (2) A Bond of Friendship: Deaths Door (3) A Bond of Friendship: Sad Days (4) A Bond of Friendship: A Birthday Forgotten (5) A Bond of Friendship: Everything Will Be Alright (6) A Bond of Friendship: A Fight For Life (7) A Bond of Friendship: A New Beginning (8) More to come!!! ^   ^ Telepathic thoughts //   //  personal thoughts *            *            *            *        Obi-Wan opened his eyes. His head pounded and he didn't feel to well. He groaned, more than likely he had caught a chill yesterday. Considering he had been out wandering the streets in Coruscant from morning until late evening with that cold wind, he was surprised he wasn't feeling any worse than he was. He managed to push himself into a sitting position but the minute he stood up the room began to spin. "Master..." Obi-Wan called out quietly, as he fell back onto the bed.     Qui-Gon walked in, "Yes Padawan." He stopped and looked at Obi-Wan carefully, the boy's eyes weren't focusing and he appeared to be shaking. Although his Padawan was attempting to cover up the fact that he was ill Qui-Gon could easily see through the act. "What's wrong Obi-Wan? Are you having a relapse?" he asked, his voice filled with concern.       "I think I just caught a chill Master. Actually I feel quite lucky, considering." Obi-Wan stopped, his eyes refused to focus. Closing them he concentrated on the Force, pulling it in to him and using it to help clear his mind. When that was done he could think more clearly and his eyes slowly came into focus, revealing a very concerned Master standing before him. "Master I just wanted to know if I had to go to classes today. If it's okay with you I'd rather stay here in bed." It was at that moment someone decided to knock on the door to their quarters. The noise from wasn't very loud butObi-Wan winced from it anyway and Qui-Gon shot him a worried look before crossing to the door to open it. When Obi-Wan asked to stay in bed it was usually an indication that something truly wasn't right.     "I'm sorry Kami but Obi-Wan won't be attending classes today. He needs to stay here for a while." Qui-Gon said when he saw Padawan Kami Ten'Muyo at the door.     "Yes Master Jinn, I understand. Is it...is it okay if I talk to him before I go?" Kami asked hesitantly.     Qui-Gon thought for a few seconds before nodding, "Yes, you can speak with him but only for a few minutes. He needs to sleep." He moved aside to allow her into the quarters he shared with his Padawan.     She bowed slightly, "Thank you Master Jinn. I won't be long." She hurried into Obi-Wan's room, "Obi-Wan," she whispered, "Obi-Wan, are you okay?"     Obi-Wan opened his eyes, "I'm okay Kami. I won't be at class today though. Would you tell them for me?" he said with a teasing smile.     "Obi-Wan! They won't believe me if I tell them that! They'll ask for a note or something this time." Kami was saying; she didn't understand him sometimes. It took her a few seconds to see that Obi-Wan was teasing. Now that Qui-Gon was at the Temple the Instructors would contact him if they had any questions. Obi-Wan had just been joking, and she smiled with understanding.     Obi-Wan grinned for a few seconds before turning serious again, "Kami, they want to know how I convinced the Instructors I wouldn't be able to attend class yesterday." He started to tell her what had happened the night before, "Qui-Gon and I had just returned to the Temple. I was exhausted and couldn't wait for sleep. When we walked into our quarters I was very surprised to see Master Windu there. I bowed and waited for Qui-Gon to dismiss me. It was doubtful that Master Windu was there to see me, I assumed he wanted to speak with Master about the negotiations, and besides, I was barely able to keep myself standing upright, let alone stay awake for a conversation, that's how exhausted I was. I didn't think that my disappearing would become the attention of the Council; in my eyes it was something that Master and I would deal with privately. Qui-Gon started to dismiss me but Master Windu stopped him. He said he wanted to ask me a few questions first."     "Then he turned to me and said he wanted to know how I convinced the Instructors I wasn't going to be attending the classes. It was very unnerving because he kept looking at me with that look of his, as though he was reading my inner most thoughts. I told him that I couldn't tell him. Qui-Gon was watching me curiously and I think I made Master Windu mad. He asked me if I couldn't or wouldn't. There wasn't any real reason that I couldn't it was just that I wouldn't. So I told him that. Force was he mad! My Master saw that he was getting frustrated and told me to go to bed. Master Windu and Master Qui-Gon had words about it afterwards. Master Windu didn't think it was right for Qui-Gon to allow me to be dismissed when he was busy questioning me. More like interrogating if you ask me! Qui-Gon told him that I had had a rough day and that..." Obi-Wan's voice trailed off when he realized Qui-Gon was standing at the door. "Hello Master." Obi-Wan began.     "Obi-Wan, if I am understanding you correctly then you were eavesdropping on me last night." Qui-Gon said quite severely. Actually he was a little amused at the thought but it wouldn't do any good to let Obi-Wan know that.     Kami shot Obi-Wan a look of mixed concern, sympathy and amusement, "Perhaps I should go. Goodbye Master Jinn. Goodbye Obi-Wan." She said as she rose from her seat.     "Goodbye Kami. Would you please tell your Master that I would like to speak with him and if he could come by when you do this afternoon I would be thankful?" Qui-Gon asked. He needed to speak with Kith about the negotiations he had missed.     "Yes Master Jinn, I'll make sure I tell him." Kami said, hurrying towards her class.     "Master, I really wasn't eavesdropping. I was," Obi-Wan paused, searching for a less harsh word to explain his actions, "I was just the victim of circumstances." Obi-Wan finally stuttered out, hoping it would satisfy his Master. It didn't.     "And what circumstances would that be?" Qui-Gon pushed, hiding a smile at his Padawan's attempt to save himself.     "I happen to have very good hearing and Master Windu and you speak rather loudly." //and I know how to manipulate the Force without being caught most of the time.// Obi-Wan added silently.     "If I remember correctly Master Windu and I stepped outside to continue our conversation," Obi-Wan flinched, he was in trouble now "At the moment, unless you have any other ideas in that head of yours, I suggest you forgot about what you heard. No doubt Master Windu would be quite upset to know you were using the Force to spy on other people's conversations." //And he'd be even more upset when he realized that Obi-Wan did it without either of us noticing…//     Obi-Wan nodded, relieved that Qui-Gon wasn't angry with him "Yes Master."    "Good, now my Padawan, you need your rest. I don't want you getting too ill. If you need me, I have an appointment with the Jedi Council. I shouldn't be long." Qui-Gon made sure Obi-Wan had plenty of blankets before leaving the room.     Obi-Wan closed his eyes and fell into a deep sleep. *            *            *            *            *            *     "Master Windu, I told you before I left to go to the negotiations that I was not going to be held responsible if anything happened. My Padawan was feeling upset because he thought that I, along with everyone else at the Temple, had forgotten his birthday. He is just a boy after all. " Qui-Gon said. He was before the Council doing his best to plead his case, and to make sure that they knew that he had been against going from the start.     "True is this Mace?" Yoda asked Master Windu.     Mace nodded reluctantly, "Yes, he told me that if we were going to make him go then he was not going to be held responsible for anything that happened while he was away. He also mentioned that Obi-Wan's birthday would be while he was gone."     Yoda shook his head, "Serious offense this is. Wrong it was for him to run from the Temple. Broke your trust he did. Broke our trust he did. Punished he must be. Want to, I do not but do it, we must."     Qui-Gon stood there while Yoda talked. It was true, Obi-Wan had broken his trust, the trust of the Instructors, and the trust of the Council, but still, did they have to be so touchy about it? The Jedi Master repressed a sigh, he knew that they weren't being touchy; they were doing their job. He just wished their job didn't require them to deal with his Padawan.     "We want you to appear before us tomorrow. And we expect Obi-Wan to come with you." Master Ki-Adi-Mundi said.     "I will do my best Masters but my Padawan isn't feeling well right now. I have told him he is to stay in our quarters. If the dizziness continues I'm not sure I will allow him to even leave his bed, let alone come before the Council. I am sorry Masters, but I will not sacrifice the health of my Padawan." Qui-Gon knew that he was being quite blunt but he was worried about Obi-Wan.     "Know what is wrong do you?" Master Yoda asked, concern in his voice.    "No, not at the moment. Healer Bash'ta will be able to tell us. I think I'm going to take Obi-Wan to see her today."    Mace nodded, "That is a good idea. Why don't you take him now, we have nothing left to discuss with you."     Qui-Gon bowed respectfully, acknowledging that he was dismissed. He headed back towards his quarters. Obi-Wan should probably see Healer Bash'ta but that could wait. Master Kith and Padawan Kami would be coming soon and he wanted to be there when they arrived. *            *            *            *            *            *     That afternoon when Kami stopped by after class her Master, Kith Chi'yo, was with her. "You wanted to see me Qui-Gon?" Kith asked.    "Yes actually I did. I wanted to speak with you about the negotiations. As you know I had to leave early and since you were there the whole time I thought you could fill me in." Qui-Gon replied. He was very anxious to know what had happened. It didn't look very good for the Representative of a Planet, and a Jedi at that, to have to leave in the middle of important negotiations.         Kith nodded, "Sure I can fill you in, but it might take a while."    Qui-Gon nodded and headed towards the couch, with Kith on his heels. Kami stood by the door, unsure of what to do. She knew that Qui-Gon and Kith were good friends and had been friends since their days as Temple Students, but she was still a bit shy in the quarters of this great Jedi Knight. Qui-Gon looked over at her, "Obi-Wan is in his room, you can go on in if you like. He's feeling better than this morning."     Kami bowed, "Thank you Master Jinn." She said as she hurried into Obi-Wan's room. "Obi-Wan, did you tell them yet?" She whispered.     Obi-Wan looked at her, confused, "Tell whom what?"     "Tell Master Jinn and the Council that I was the one who talked with the Instructors. If you don't tell them then they'll eventually talk with the Instructors themselves and it'll just be worse for you and me."     "No. I didn't tell and I'm not going to. I will not get you in trouble! You told me that day that you wouldn't lie for me. I promised you wouldn't have to get into trouble for me and I'mgoing to make good on my promise!" Obi-Wan said, his voice rising slightly.     "You will tell them, because if you don't I will!"     "No you won't!"     "Yes I will!"     "No you won't!" Obi-Wan was yelling now and Kami was too.     "I will so and you can't stop me!" Kami said. Before she could think her hand was in the air to hit him and Obi-Wan's hand was up to block it. Suddenly she couldn't move. It was as though someone was holding her hand, and holding it very tight. Slowly she and Obi-Wan turned to face the door. There stood Qui-Gon and Kith.     Qui-Gon stared hard at Obi-Wan, trying to figure out what his Padawan was thinking. He and Master Kith had heard the two arguing while they were going over the datapads from the negotiations. They had come in here and found Kami about to hit Obi-Wan and the boy reaching for her arm to stop it. Immediately he and Kith had used the Force to stop them but he could sense anger, fear and pride from his Padawan. Feelings that no Jedi should ever feel.     Qui-Gon turned and walked into the main room of their quarters. Obi-Wan knew he was in trouble and he also knew that he was supposed to follow. Kith too walked into the other room and Kami followed, her eyes down. She had a great deal of respect for Kith and hated the disappointment she could feel from her Master.     When Kith sat down Kami faced her Master and went down on both knees. She bowed her head slightly put her hands on her lap. Her eyes were on her hands, a sign of humility and submission, "Forgive me Master for my actions, they were wrong and I am willing to accept any punishment you deem fit." Kami said simply. Her adoration for her Master was great and although she trembled slightly at what he might do to her she knew that whatever punishment he chose would be chosen for her out of love, and not out of anger.     Qui-Gon decided not to sit, instead he stood a few feet away from where Kith sat and turned to his Padawan. Obi-Wan refused to drop his eyes. //I didn't do anything wrong// he told himself, //it was self-defense. If Kami had had her way I'd probably have a black eye right now.// Obi-Wan told himself.     "Obi-Wan you are going to tell me, right now, what it is that you and Kami were arguing about that would cause such a violent reaction." Qui-Gon said in a calm tone, considering the circumstances. He just couldn't believe that the two children would behave in such a manner.     "I cannot tell you my Master." Obi-Wan said. He looked at Qui-Gon, defiance written all over his face.     Qui-Gon began to search Obi-Wan's mind with the Force, trying to discover what it was that he was hiding. Almost instantly Obi-Wan realized what his Master was doing and his defensive shields shot up, blocking Qui-Gon from his thoughts. He threw his Master an accusing look before glancing over at Kami. She was apologizing to her Master but at the same time listening to their conversation.     "Obi-Wan you have two choices right now, either tell me what you are hiding or lower your shields."     "And if I refuse Master?" Obi-Wan knew he was pushing it but he wouldn't tell. He had promised Kami his actions wouldn't get her in trouble and to tell would break that promise. Besides, he had already told his Master and Master Windu that he wouldn't tell how he had been able to slip away from the Temple and this would go back on his word. He couldn't do that, it wouldn't be right.     "Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon said in a low voice that Obi-Wan knew all too well. It was his you-are-about-to-be-in-very-big-trouble-if-you-don't-be-careful voice, "if you refuse then I shall have no choice but to..."     Qui-Gon was cut off as Kami raised her head and spoke, "Please Master Jinn, don't be angry with him. He promisedme he wouldn't tell even though I told him too. If he won't tellyou I will." Kami started. She hated to do this, it would hurt Obi-Wan and make him mad at her but she couldn't let him get in trouble if she could stop it.     "Kami, be quiet!" Obi-Wan snapped.     Qui-Gon threw his Apprentice a sharp look that stopped him from saying anymore. It was obvious Kami was going to tell and he would be better off not to make Qui-Gon any angrier than he already was.     Kami continued, "Obi-Wan convinced me to tell the Instructors that he wasn't going to be attending classes the day he went into town. He said they would assume that you had given him the day off and he was right. When Obi-Wan told me that he was refusing to tell you or Master Windu that I had helped him I became nervous for us both. If he didn't tell eventually people would ask around andfind out and we'd both be in a lot more trouble then before. So I toldhim if he didn't say anything I would. That's what we were arguing about." She stopped and lowered her head again. She had told them and now all she wanted was to get her punishment and leave. Already she was feeling Obi-Wan's anger and hurt.    Qui-Gon turned to Obi-Wan, "Master Kith and I still have to review our the information from the negotiations so that I will be ready to give a report to the Council. We will discuss your punishment afterwards. Until then you are going to spend the time meditating."     Obi-Wan didn't say anything, just lowered his head. He felt Qui-Gon reaching out tentatively for his mind, trying to find a way inside so that he could discover what he was feeling, but without causing the defiant reaction of earlier. The boy's first reaction was to raise his shields but instead he lowered them. Qui-Gon was surprised but decided to take advantage of his Padawans submission. Quickly he checked the boy's feelings and then turned back towards Kith. "Are you ready to continue?" Qui-Gon asked.     "Just a minute." Kith turned his attention back to his Padawan, "Kami you will remain in this spot and meditate until we are done. After we return to our quarters we will discuss this further." Kami nodded miserably. She hated feeling the disappointment that was coming through their Master/Padawan bond. The thought of raising her shields so that she wouldn't feel it occurred to her but she quickly dismissed it. There was nothing that would her to stop the emotions coming over the bond, //besides// she told herself //I deserve to feel this because I have disappointed him.//     Obi-Wan sank to his knees when he saw that Kami would be meditating too. It gave him strength to see that she would be here too; he didn't feel so alone. Slowly he began to meditate, opening his soul and clearing his mind. He could feel ripples in the force emitting from Kami as she began meditating. //She really does admire her Master Obi-Wan thought, No wonder she is so good, it hurts her worse than anyone when Kith is disappointed in her.// *            *            *            *            *            *     Kith and Qui-Gon continued to go over the facts from the negotiations far into the night. They had almost forgotten that their Padawans were over there meditating. Suddenly Kith looked up sharply, he had felt some feelings from his Padawan that distressed him. He hurried towards Kami.      "M..Master," Kami began.     "I'm here Padawan," Kith said, helping her to her feet. Kami tried to stand on her own but her knees started to buckle and her legs were weak. She had been kneeling in the same position for three hours now and her limbs just weren't working correctly.     "Master, I feel so...so weak." Kami leaned against him, her face against his chest. He held her close, sending messages of strength and calm through their bond.     "Shhh, its okay Kami. Just breathe deeply. Use the Force to clear your mind. Do you remember where you are?" He questioned with concern.     Kami took a deep breath and called on the Force to help her. She opened her eyes and looked around, "I remember Master. We're in Master Jinn's quarters. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to interrupt your conversation. You continue Master, I'm find now." Kami said, and started to return to the floor to continue meditating.     "Kami there is no need, Qui-Gon and I were about finished anyway. Any other datapads that we haven't discussed can be covered tomorrow. We're going back to our quarters and you are going to go to bed." Kami opened her mouth to object but Kith stopped her, ^Do not argue with me Padawan. We are leaving, do you understand? ^ He told her mentally. She nodded and smiled, ^Yes Master. ^ *            *            *            *            *            *     It wasn't until after Kith and Kami had left that Qui-Gon realized that Obi-Wan hadn't moved from his spot during the whole ordeal. True, he had stopped meditating and had watched with concern but he hadn't moved. When asked why Obi-Wan responded that he hadn't been dismissed from meditating. At these words Qui-Gon's heart wretched, had he really been so strict with the boy that he thought he couldn't even rise from his meditation to help a friend? Quickly Qui-Gon told him that he could rise.     Slowly Obi-Wan stood, being cautious not to go to fast. He had remained in the same position for three hours and his muscles were stiff and tired. "Master, I am sorry for not telling you earlier about Kami but I didn't want to get her in trouble. When I asked her to cover for me the day I left she told me that she wasn't going to lie for me and if the Instructors asked she would tell them. I didn't realize though how far she would go to keep from getting me in trouble. Master, she was willing to sacrifice herself to keep me from getting in any more trouble." Obi-Wan said, he felt guilty about letting her tell, now she was getting punished for something she didn't even want to do in the first place.     "You were willing to do the same Padawan. You were willing to accept punishment for not speaking rather than get Kami hurt. I am pleased with you for unselfishly sacrificing yourself but I am also disappointed that you would respond to me the way you did. I am disappointed that you don't feel you could have trusted me with the information. Do you really think I would have held the information against her?"     "No Master, you wouldn't. I see that now."     Qui-Gon allowed a small smile, "Good. Now, you need your sleep, especially when you are going to be training all day tomorrow."     "All day?" Obi-Wan squeaked.    "Well, maybe not all day." Obi-Wan sighed in relief, "You have to see Healer Bash'ta and we have an appointment with the Council in the morning." Qui-Gon said with a grin. Even though it was mean he was enjoying this.     "The Council, Master?" Obi-Wan asked tentatively, he wasn'tlooking forward to that.     "Yes Obi-Wan. They wish to speak with you about your little trip to Coruscant I believe."     Obi-Wan nodded, he had been afraid of that. "Good night Master." He bowed, doing his best to show his Master that he still respected him.     "Good night Padawan." *            *            *            *            *            *     The next morning Qui-Gon woke to the smell of something burning. When he got out of his room he saw smoke coming out of the kitchen. Quickly he hurried into the kitchen and found his Padawan distinguishing a small fire.     "What the Sith is going on here?" Qui-Gon asked in amazement.     "Uh, there was a small fire." Obi-Wan said nervously, "But I put it out right away!" He hurried on.     "And what, my Padawan, was the cause of the fire?"     "Well, I was trying to make some breakfast and I didn't really pay attention to it and it started to burn. But there's no permanent damage." Obi-Wan said, fidgeting a little.     "And what about the pan?" Qui-Gon prodded     "The pan? What pan? Oh, you mean this pan!" Obi-Wan paused, and shoved it aside, "We, uh, might need a new one..."     "You ruined the pan? Obi-Wan do you know how many credits it'll take to pay for that pan? I can't believe this..." Qui-Gon paused, "You were trying to cook breakfast?"     "Yes Master. I was trying to cook breakfast. Padawan cooking breakfast, is that such a hard concept to grasp?" Obi-Wan asked, with a small smile.     "Yes Padawan, it is. Especially since I have to fight to get you up every morning. Well, since we are up we might as well get an early start on that training. We'll stop by and see the healer in a couple of hours."     "Training Master, but we haven't eaten yet!" Obi-Wan complained.    "Get dressed, and then grab some Muja fruit. You'll be fine. Consider it part of your training." Qui-Gon said, suppressing a grin.     "Yes Master." //Since when is starvation part of training?// Obi-Wan grumbled to himself. *            *            *            *            *            *     Obi-Wan lay on the ground, panting. He was exhausted already and they hadn't been sparring very long at all. He and his Masterwere battling with their lightsabers, and of course Qui-Gon had won, twice.     "Master...please. Can we...take a.... break." Obi-Wan said, panting.     Qui-Gon glanced at the clock on the wall; there was still some time before they needed to see Bash'ta. "That's enough for now. Go get washed up and meet me at the Clinic in thirty standard minutes. I'm going to stop by and talk with Master Kith." Qui-Gon said, walking out of the room.    "Yes Master." Obi-Wan hated the Clinic. Ever since he had had that strange illness Bash'ta had wanted to run tests and use him for lectures. So far he had been able to avoid it but still...someday he might not be so lucky. *            *            *            *            *            *     Master Kith looked up from his desk at the sound of someone knocking on the door. Kami hurried from her room to answer it.     "Hello Master Jinn." She said, bowing slightly, "Come in. How is Obi-Wan?" She asked cautiously.     "He's doing fine. We have some extra training today so I would like you to tell the Instructors that Obi-Wan won't be attending classes today. Okay?"     "I...I don't know if they'll believe me Master Jinn." Kami said, her eyes lowered, "Not after last time."     "If they don't believe you tell them to contact me and I'll clear everything up." Kami nodded and Qui-Gon turned to Kith, "Kith, I needed to go over these last two datapads with you if you're not busy. Obi-Wan and I are going to see Healer Bash'ta in half an hour so I'm in a bit of a hurry."        "I'm not busy at the moment. Kami, I would like you to take your lightsaber and practices the Beginners Kata moves. Don't turn it on though, I don't want to have to worry about anything breaking in here." Kith said as he motioned Qui-Gon to a chair.     "Yes Master." Kami responded. She had been practicing dull, boring, monotonous lightsaber moves for an hour this morning and she had been hoping that she could stop now that Master Jinn was here, but of course she was expected to continue. //I'll never do that for anyone again! Next time Obi-Wan can find someone else to cover for him!// Kami thought to herself, //especially when it gets me in this much trouble!// *            *            *            *            *            *     Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon stood in the small room that was outside the Council room. As they waited to be called in Obi-Wan tried to think of reasons he could give for his running away, but he kept coming up with blanks. //There really isn't a reason//. He finally admitted to himself. //I did it because I had allowed my feelings to take over and became distressed. There was no reason//. Just the thought of having to tell that to the Council made him shiver, if he was lucky maybe they wouldn't throw him out of the Jedi Order.     Qui-Gon watched as Obi-Wan unconsciously fidgeted. The boy was clearly worried about speaking to the Council. Qui-Gon shook his head, if Obi-Wan didn't calm down then everyone in the room would know what he was feeling and then where would they be? Quickly Qui-Gon sent calming messages to his Apprentice through their bond. ^Keep calm my young apprentice; keep calm.^ Qui-Gon just had time to send some calming feelings through their bond before they were called into the room.     Once inside they took their places in the middle of the room and bowed. Mace Windu didn't waste anytime getting to the point. "I suppose you know why you were called here." He said, looking pointedly at Obi-Wan.     Before Obi-Wan could respond he continued, "You are here to discuss your running away from the Temple. By doing so you broke the rules of the Temple and your Master. The trust of Qui-Gon and the members of the Council were broken. What we want to know is why you did what you did."     Obi-Wan took a breath, he had been expecting this question and he dreaded answering it. "I cannot tell you why I ran because I do not know myself. All I know is that I was feeling distressed, and I thought that everyone had forgotten about me. True, if I would have stopped and used the Force to calm me I would have realized that what I was feeling wasn't true but I didn't. Master of the Council, I truly regret the decision I made and I am fully prepared to accept the consequences." Obi-Wan repressed a sigh; there, he had done it.     "Has Qui-Gon already spoken with you?" Ki-Adi-Mundi asked     "No, I haven't spoken with him yet. I wanted to wait until after this meeting." Qui-Gon put in. He just wished the Council would let them go. Obi-Wan was his Padawan after all. Why couldn't they just let him handle it?     Mace nodded, "Obi-Wan, I would like to know how you got out of your classes. We all know that you did not just 'skip' them. It is impossible for you to miss all of them without someone becoming suspicious."  Mace fully expected Obi-Wan to refuse to answer but he hoped that here, in front of the twelve Council Members, hewouldn't be so stubborn, although he doubted it.     "Master Windu, I already gave you my answer to that question." Obi-Wan said. He knew that Kami would kill him if she found out that he refused to answer but he wasn't about to get her in trouble with the Council.     "Stubborn you are, young Kenobi. Much to learn, you have. Tell us, you must or ask the Instructors ourselves we will." Yoda said.     Obi-Wan stared at the elder Jedi; he couldn't believe they were doing this to him. Well if they were going to be that way he might as well tell. It would be much worse for him and Kami if he didn't tell. "I convinced Padawan Kami Ten'Muyo to cover for me. I told her to tell the Instructors that I wouldn't be able to attend classes for the day. I assumed they would think that my Master had excused me from classes because it was my birthday and I was right." Obi-Wan met Mace's stare, "Kami did nothing wrong, she did not lie. She told the Instructors I wouldn't be attending classes and I wasn't.  Kami didn't know what I was going to do." Obi-Wan said, with a look that could be called defiance. If he had to tell he might as well make sure she didn't get in any more trouble.     Yoda nodded and Mace spoke up, "Obi-Wan we are prepared to excuse your mistake this once but, " He paused before continuing, "If this happens again we will not be so lenient. Is this understood?"     Obi-Wan nodded, "Yes Master Windu. Thank You Masters."     "Then you are dismissed."     Obi-Wan bowed before following Qui-Gon out of the room. Once outside he let out his breath and realized he had been holding it. He turned to say something to Qui-Gon but he spoke first, "Come Padawan.  We have much to speak about." With that he turned and began to walk toward their quarters. Obi-Wan followed, his good mood suddenly spoiled. *            *            *            *            *            *     Qui-Gon closed his eyes. He didn't want to speak to the boy about his running away but there was no way he could avoid it. The Counsel obviously felt he should have already spoken with him. There was no more putting it off. Obi-Wan stood a few feet away, watching him closely. Qui-Gon turned to the boy, "Sit down Padawan. We need to talk."     Obi-Wan sat down cautiously, Qui-Gon was going to talk to him about his running away, he just knew it, and he was going to be in more trouble than he already was. This was not going to be any fun.     "Obi-Wan I feel it very important that we speak about this. I want to make sure that you know that I didn't forget your birthday and I didn't forget about you. There is no way I could do that. As your Master I care about you very much and I would never be able to forget you. Do you understand me Padawan?" Qui-Gon asked. He was very worried about how Obi-Wan was feeling. Although the boy didn't show any signs of negative feelings he wanted to make sure.     "Yes Master. I know this. I have always known it, it was just that day I was so caught up in my grief that I didn't stop to think like I should have." Obi-Wan said.    "Good, I would also like to apologize to you for not arguing with Mace more. If I had argued longer I may have been able to delay my departure but I wasn't persistent enough and for that I'm sorry."     Obi-Wan stared at his Master in shock, "Please don't apologize Master! It should be me apologizing for my behavior. I am sorry for acting as I did – please don't apologize!"      "You have already apologized several times to me Padawan. But I must apologize to you. Please accept my apology, I won't end this conversation until you do and that could mean sitting here for several hours." Qui-Gon replied.     The boy smiled a little, "Alright Master, I accept your apology. Are you happy now?"       Qui-Gon smiled. "Yes, I am Padawan. Now, I think you need to get some sleep. Tomorrow we receive our new mission."     Obi-Wan looked up in surprise. Qui-Gon wasn't going to scold him? He wasn't going to punish him? Instead he was telling him they needed to sleep so that they would be ready for their new mission. When did his Master hear that they were going to have a new mission? "Yes Master." He got up and headed towards his room, "Master?" he said, turning to face the older Jedi.         "Yes Padawan."     "Are you still angry with me?" The boy asked slowly.    "No Padawan, I'm not angry. I never should have been." Qui-Gon looked over at his young Apprentice. The boy was only fifteen, so old, yet so young. He could tell that there were still some doubts in his mind. Qui-Gon walked over to him and placed a reassuring hand on the boys shoulder, "Come on Padawan, I'll give you some calming thoughts to help you sleep."    Obi-Wan smiled as they walked into his room. Everything had turned out all right after all. Qui-Gon was no longer angry with him, the Council hadn't kicked him out of the Order, and they had a mission. Everything had turned out okay after all. Everything turns out in the end. The End

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A Bond Of Freindship: Story 7