Bound

Will of the Forced

Some spoilers from Jedi Apprentice.
No betas, therefore the mistakes are all mine.
See chapter one for disclaimers.

"Master Jinn?" a soft voice called across the small garden's expanse. The tall, long haired master opened his eyes as he surfaced from his meditations. The small figure of the voice's owner stepped in a little closer, but still kept a respectful distance from the master.

"I'm sorry if I've disturbed you."

"You haven't. I was actually going to come look for you," Qui-Gon answered as he rose to his feet. Obi-Wan looked up at the master with wide eyes.

"You were?"

"Yes. We need to discuss something," Qui-Gon replied, his expression serious.

"Yes, Master Jinn," Obi-Wan answered just as seriously. The master took a moment to compose his thoughts as he placed his hands within the sleeves of his cloak.

"I am told you have been having some... difficulty with finding a master and I was asked by a mutual friend of ours to perhaps help you in that regard."

"Really?" Obi-Wan replied and Qui-Gon could easily see the hope shining in the boy's blue-gray eyes.

"Yes."

"Are you going to be my master?" the boy asked and instantly Qui-Gon realized his miscalculation. Of course the boy would assume that that was the nature of this conversation. It was a common preoccupation with those his age and given this child's particular circumstances... It would have been the height of cruelty not to correct this error as quickly, yet as gently, as possible. Still, for a moment, the master felt himself falter.

"Um... no, Obi-Wan," the master stammered slightly. A wrinkled brow on the otherwise smooth skin of the boy's face indicated his confusion.

"But... I thought... I mean, you said..."

"Forgive me. I did not mean to give you that impression, but I am here to help you."

"Help me how?" Obi-Wan asked and the master could not help but notice the slight suspicion in the child's voice.

"I believe there are some difficult realizations you need to face. Every Jedi, every being, must understand his or her own limitations and though those limitations may be contrary to our desire, a Jedi must face them just the same."

"You mean the visions," Obi-Wan replied softly. "I've been working very hard with Master Yoda and Master Tivi, I swear," he finished his cultured voice tinged with desperation. The long haired master allowed the child a small and what he hoped was a warm smile.

"I do not doubt your hard work or your commitment, Obi-Wan, but there must come a time when you must accept what cannot be," the master stated and for several moments he was met with silence as the boy processed his words. Then very quietly the boy spoke again.

"You're saying I can't be a knight, aren't you?" Obi-Wan asked, his gaze fixed on the short grass by his boots.

"I know it is not what you want to hear,"

"Of course it's not what I want to hear!" Obi-Wan shot back as his gaze shot up towards the tall master. "Being a knight, a Jedi is all I've ever wanted!"

"Serving in the Agri Corps doesn't make you any less of a Jedi. It is just a different way to serve."

"Would you be happy in the Agri Corps instead of being in the field?" the child retorted accusingly. Qui-Gon sighed.