◎ 001 ◎ Qui-Gon Jinn : Video / Traverse Town

[alwaysmindful]

You're right, my friend. This device is simple enough to use.

[There was a familiar face on the screen as a moogle floated not far from a head of brown and gray while the feed was adjusted. There was a very serious look about him. Maybe a little too calm for someone who just heard the ill news. The moogle was leading him somewhere. The inn, probably.]

Will you be okay, kupo! [The Jedi Knight paused in his walk and turned to the creature giving it a thoughtful look and responding after a short insignificant silence.]

Darkness has engulfed my world and many others, that's something I had never heard mentioned before. Even then, there is no need for haste: answers come at their own time. These mysteries will unravel themselves with time and patience. Thank you for your assistance, I leave you in peace.

[Before he could bow in respect to the strange creature, their attention was turned to the scurrying sounds of a strange furry creature making it's way up the street towards them. The moogle seemed unmoved and Jinn, sensing no threat, remained put. The creature, a furret that had escaped from a certain albino idiot, climbed up his leg and coat to nuzzle the old man's cheek without hesitation. Qui-Gon rose a brow.]

Hello there, new friend. Are you part of this welcoming committee as well?

Comments

[Video]

[skywalkers]

Master Qui-Gon!

[Anakin's mouth drops as he gawks in awe.]

Re: [Video]

[alwaysmindful]

[This certainly catches the man by surprise. He ignores the ever-nuzzling Furret on his shoulder and eyes the feed closely. It takes a few moments before he slowly starts the recognize those features. His brows furrow.]

That face...

[Video]

[skywalkers]

[His voice shakes just slightly, startled by his appearance and still off from the Heartless invasion. He's tentatively hopeful.]

It's...Anakin, Master.

[Video]

[alwaysmindful]

Anakin.

[And he turns to the moogle beside him who seems to have taken that as a cue to wander off.]

With that face, you might as well be of Obi-Wan's age. Is there an explanation for this?

[video] → 1/2

[obiwankenobi]

Master--? [Is he hallucinating? Dreaming? Maybe his exhaustion finally caught up to him and he's imagining this, because he could have sworn when he looked and reached out for him through the Force, Qui-Gon was gone. Now here he is. All he has the presence of mind to do for a moment is stare.]

[video] → 2/2

[obiwankenobi]

[And then relief takes over and Obi-Wan breaks out into the first smile he's had since he... well. Kicked the bucket.]

You're back! [He's so relieved even that he doesn't pick up that Qui-Gon acts as if he's never been here before or that he doesn't recognize the furret right away.] I'm coming get you. Stay there.

[video]

[alwaysmindful]

[This was a face he recognized easily but his words were as confusing as seeing a grown Anakin within the feeds.]

I'm back? And where, exactly, have I returned to Obi-Wan?

[video]

[obiwankenobi]

You... [He hesitates, surprised. Surely he would not joke about that.] Do you not remember being here?

[video]

[alwaysmindful]

I'm afraid not. [And that look Obi-Wan had pulled at his heartstrings.]

Tell me, what have I missed? How long have you been here and what exactly do you know of this place?

[video]

[obiwankenobi]

[He takes a slow, deep breath and nods once it sinks in. He can only assume that the darkness tampered with his memory; it's happened before. At first, it made his heart sink, but... perhaps it's a blessing in disguise. Qui-Gon didn't need to know about the future this time. He can tell him everything after he saves him. And with that, Obi-Wan becomes more decisive.]

We're in a small galaxy composed of very different worlds. Many of which are nothing like we've ever seen or heard of. It seems there are entirely different realities out there... Many people have never even heard of the Force, for example. [Then he goes on to explain the Heartless and how they are responsible for devouring worlds and bringing them here.]

As for me, I've been here almost six months. Anakin and Queen Amidala are here also, but not as you remember them.

[video]

[alwaysmindful]

[The master listened cautiously without offering much of an opinion. This was all so new and just like all new things, he couldn't judge them until he got to experience them himself. First hand. His interest was perked at the mention of Ani and the Queen.]

I have seen Anakin, he is no longer the child from Tatooine. I suspect the Queen is no longer a young politician from Naboo?

[lightsvalkyrie]

The welcoming committee doesn't usually involve creatures that walk on four legs, but I think that one might be an exception.

[But she's a bit baffled by this.]

Weren't you... just here? [She thinks she remembers seeing him on the network some.]

[alwaysmindful]

[He can't seem to get the creature off of him so he endures. It's not that bad, really.]

It appears I have been here once before but I have no memories of this place. Have we, perhaps, met?

[lightsvalkyrie]

[Well it's cute?]

Oh, um, no, we haven't - I've just seen you on this thing... before... This is confusing. But we never met for real, no.

[alwaysmindful]

Then allow to introduce myself. I am Qui-Gon Jinn.

[lightsvalkyrie]

Rinoa Heartilly! It's nice to meet someone with good manners over this thing for once.

[alwaysmindful]

Is this not the case amongst our fellow residents?

[lightsvalkyrie]

Most of the time, not really. A lot of people come in frightened, and some people come in injured. I can't really blame them, but some just come in rude.

[Those, she can blame.]

[Video]

[tippedthescales]

Qui-Gon. [Padmé smiles; they might have butted heads in the past, but she's missed him.] Thank goodness you've returned. I know two men who will be very happy to see you.

[Video]

[alwaysmindful]

[Thankfully, Obi-Wan has all ready warned him you're no longer the young queen he knows you as. He gives a warm smile and a bow none-the-less. He's got manners, don't you forget it.]

I would address you as your highness but Obi-Wan has told me you are no longer part of the court just as Anakin is no longer a child. A senator is very fitting for you, congratulations.

[Video]

[tippedthescales]

Padmé is fine, Master Jedi. I knew you best from our time on Tatooine, after all. It should make no difference if the girl I was turned out to be a queen or a peasant. The same is true still.

[Even though they both know better, with all of his assumptions about the queen's trust.]

Thank you, though. It means a lot to me, coming from you. In my time Anakin and Obi-Wan have grown a lot, thanks to your influence.

[Video]

[alwaysmindful]

Rest assured you're not the first queen who passes as a hand-maiden under my supervision, however, you are the first I encounter who is not afraid to take matters into her own hands. You are very brave, Padmé, a very good trait for any politician in these times.

[Don't get him wrong, he supports your cause but really. Is it so hard to trust him?]

I can only hope for the best of my padawan and Anakin and I hope you have no qualms having three jedi knights protecting you.

[Video]

[tippedthescales]

[She grins ruefully at that.] Sometimes you have to take things into your own hands for anything to get done. Something I'm sure you're well aware of, Master Jedi. You should also know better than anyone else, that I'm not one to run and hide. I can't leave Anakin and Obi-Wan to fight on their own.

[Video]

[alwaysmindful]

Then it will be an honor to fight by your side once more.

[Video]

[tippedthescales]

And yours as well. Perhaps with a little more equal footing this time. [Meaning she's not a little girl you can boss around now, but she's also not a queen he's ordered to protect. Now if only she could make Obi-Wan believe that last part...]