Two Worlds: Rebirth

By Elayna

notes, warning and other information at the bottom of the page

Part 1/?

In the drowsy world between sleeping and waking, Quist recognized something was right, very right.

But even more things were wrong.

The strong warm arms cuddling him close were right. To be held in a loving embrace was one of the most wonderful moments in any life.

But he was lying down, not drifting in the currents, sand on his back, the sun on his front, the only water around him the waves gently lapping at his … tail?

At least, what should be his tail, but no longer felt right. His body felt - separate, disconnected. Ever so softly, he flicked the very tips of his fins and then sat up in horror, dislodging the arms around him, to see with his own eyes what had moved.

Toes. He had toes. Ten of them, five at the end of each foot, attached to his long pale legs. His tail with its iridescent blue-green scales was gone, replaced by limbs he could name only because the Jedi Obi-Wan had given him the words.

"It's alright, it will be alright," an understanding voice was murmuring reassurances, warm hand stroking his back.

"What happened?" A silly question really - he could *see* what happened. The question still needed to be asked.

"Crion channeled the dark side of the Force to banish you from the ocean. Transmogrification, it's a very rare skill for a Force user to have."

"Transmogrification."

"Yes."

"He made me human." Quist found humans interesting, but he had only imagined spending more time with them along the shore or in the security of the water. The thought of actually being one scared him.

"Not completely." Obi-Wan delicately touched the flaps of Quist's gills on the base of his neck. "But mostly. The healers will need to do a complete medical scan on your internal structure."

Quist turned to look at Obi-Wan's kind and concerned face. "I don't know how to be human."

"Don't worry. I will help you. We'll go to the Temple on Coruscant."

"But Crion - my people need to know what he is capable of."

"Quist." Obi-Wan shuffled his body closer until the two were sitting side by side, leaning forward to let their foreheads touch, the physical contact mitigating the effect of his words. "Quist, the Cean will reject you as you are now, won't they?"

The merman shuddered but couldn't say the truth. Shunning he could have accepted, tolerated for a limited time. None of the prior transgressors had ever been outcast for too long. But to be totally rejected by his people? To be feared? Is that how they would react to him now? How could they not, when the idea of what he had become scared even him?

Obi-Wan seemed to understand his inability to respond, continuing on, "Let us deal with you now, Quist, with your condition. When you have adjusted, we can return and try to protect your people from Crion. I fear you are too vulnerable for that task now."

Another heave of his shoulders and Quist nodded in agreement. He leaned forward but halted, unsure what to do.

"You have to put your weight to your feet. Tense your muscles. I'll help."

With Obi-Wan's strong hands guiding him, Quist rose awkwardly, standing for the first time in his life. Obi-Wan rose with him, keeping his arms circling Quist's waist. Balancing on such thin limbs, unsupported by the air, felt unnerving compared to the ocean's steady support of his body and tail. Looking down at Obi-Wan's head, he said in surprise, "I am very - long - next to you."

"Tall. You're a tall man, for standard humanoids. Let's try walking to the boat, okay? Just put one foot in front of the other. And don't worry, I'll keep hold of you."

Hesitantly, Quist imitated the motions he had seen humans make on boats, picking up one foot and putting in down in front of himself. His gait was lurching, his steps unevenly placed. "I am not - fluid."

"Graceful. No, you're not graceful. That's to be expected, Quist. Human children learn to walk when we are quite young. We fall a lot, but we're much closer to the ground."

"You *learn* to walk? You do not walk from the beginning of your life? The Cean swim from their mother."

"No, walking is learned behavior, not instinctive. You must learn it now, just as someone recovering from a serious illness or injury might have to. Just move the other foot forward - we'll have you walking gracefully soon," he said bracingly.

But rather than obey the instruction, Quist frowned down at the length of his body, reaching to grasp his penis, feeling the texture. "I am loose. And not as smooth."

"Yes." Obi-Wan's voice sounded oddly strangled. "You are like all human males. Though perhaps larger than many."

"But I would hurt you like this!"

"We use lubricant, Quist. It will be fine, just needs more preparation. It's getting close to sunset. We should return to town."

Quist still frowned, but found himself caught in strong arms before he could say more. He gasped, clutching Obi-Wan's neck. The Jedi smiled comfortingly as he held Quist close. "We can talk more later. We'll need to talk a lot. But for now we should get back to town. The lights on my boat are not adequate for nighttime."

Feeling awkward, his frame too long for Obi-Wan's embrace, Quist tried to make himself small, tucking his knees to his chest. "Town? You will take me to a town?"

"It's not far, just up the coast. You need clothes and both of us will need to eat and sleep soon."

"I must return to my people soon, Obi-Wan. I must." He understood Obi-Wan's reasoning, but accepting his plan of action was intimidating. Quist had heard of towns, alien places where people settled in one location for many seasons, possibly for their whole lives. What would it be like to enter one of them, to walk among people who did not experience the constant joy of moving with the ocean's flow?

"And you will," Obi-Wan replied soothingly, as if Quist was a fractious child. "As soon as you're coped with your transition and we've determined if it can be reversed."

Obi-Wan placed Quist in the boat, and the merman shifted on the seat, not sure what to do with his legs. He wanted to curl them under him, but his unsheathed penis was in the way of his legs closing. Finally, he planted his feet in front of him, slightly apart, his hands resting on his knees.

The boat's transition from resting in one place to moving was seamless, the nose turning away from the shore and pointing north, picking up speed under Obi-Wan's capable handling. Quist's thoughts were far more troubled. He was a human, going to a town of humans. Stroking the flaps of his gills, he wondered how far the change extended. Would he be able to breathe underwater, or were the gills a useless remnant of his former being? Could the Jedi healers change him, or would he be human forever? Then he would need… a job. Clothes. A place to sleep. To learn what all the human things were, and how to use them.

He shuddered, wrapping his arms around himself, trying to still his thoughts. Obi-Wan straddled the bench beside him, covering him with a fabric of some kind, embracing him. "It's alright, Quist. I'll help you."

Quist nodded, burrowing his head into Obi-Wan's chest as the Jedi tipped his head back, sitting up straighter to accommodate Quist's height. The Cean calmed his worries by focusing on his greatest blessing. The human world may be new and frightening, but at least he had Obi-Wan, the Jedi, protector of the weak and helpless.

Obi-Wan would help him.

Everything would be right.

~ end Part 1 ~

Part 2/?

What was he going to do?

Force, what was he going to do?

Obi-Wan cradled the large shaking body in his arms and contemplated their situation with the dispassionate analysis of a Temple-trained mind and the emotions of a man who could care more than he should. Accustomed to helping a wide variety of species all across the universe, holding a larger individual presented no difficulty for Obi-Wan. Since his first time soothing Wookie teens bigger than Quist during an emergency evacuation, Obi-Wan had learned to stretch his arms, use his legs to help hold, and extend his neck to make himself taller.

Quist wasn't a teen, but more akin to a toddler. A toddler with a fully developed personality, and his own knowledge and patterns of behavior that were appropriate for an ocean dweller. He would have to learn an entirely new universe of information and cultural norms.

Did a Jedi Padawan on active duty have the time to take on such a mammoth task? Could a Jedi Padawan who'd helped cause this fiasco shirk his responsibility?

Stroking Quist's hair and murmuring crooning noises, Obi-Wan knew he could do nothing but what he had done. Quist could no longer survive underwater. Taking him back to town, helping him learn his new life felt like the right course of action, even if easy adaptation to the land proved an elusive goal.

Yoda would help, and the Jedi cultural specialists would be thrilled. Having a being with such an unfamiliar experience of life would be a unique study opportunity for them.

With a brief Force pull, Obi-Wan brought the commlink flying from its resting place on the nav panel to his hand. Keeping his cheek nuzzled to the top of Quist's wet head, he clicked on the channel. "Master Yoda?"

"Padawan."

"Master, I have a situation. I could use your guidance."

"Good it is then, that in town I am."

How interesting. Master Yoda, who was supposed to be waiting at the spaceport, instead had traveled to the sleepy coastal town without informing his Padawan. Yoda had a knack for being in the right place at the right time. Or maybe the wrong place at the wrong time. However Yoda's ability was classified, he always appeared exactly when Obi-Wan needed him, and, remembering Obi-Wan's first naïve romance, occasionally when his presence was least desired. "Can you meet us at the dock, Master?"

"Have a companion, do you Padawan?"

"Yes, Master Yoda. And could you bring a cloak with you? Something that could cover an individual of Master Hruuha's size."

"On my way, Padawan."

The channel clicked off, and Obi-Wan realized Quist was no longer shaking but finally calm. "Are you all right?"

"I must learn the currents of the air and people now, before I can return and help my people."

"Yes."

Breaking from Obi-Wan's embrace, Quist sat up straight. "What is a cloak?"

"It's a covering for your body. The society of your world does not approve of bareness in public. Most societies in the Republic require people to wear clothes."

"Society? Republic? Clothes?"

"Society is a group of people, like the Cean. The Republic is the government that unites most of the known worlds. Clothes is another term for body coverings."

"Then the Jedi are a society?"

"Not quite. The Jedi are considered an Order." Obi-Wan raised his hand to halt Quist's question before it could be asked. "An Order is a group of people that have bonded together for a common purpose or out of a set of shared beliefs."

By the time they reached their destination, Obi-Wan's brain was already tired. Helping people see another point of view was a common experience for a Jedi, but the view had never been so dissimilar before, and Quist's determination to learn his new world was insatiable, leading him to question every new word. Yoda's small figure on the dock was a welcome sight; at least his Master would provide a temporary distraction.

Few people were around the dock area, so taking the long white cloak from Yoda and covering Quist's nakedness was easy to manage without raising undesired attention. Quist stood, letting Obi-Wan tie the closer at the front, guide his arms through the sleeve holes, and smooth his drying hair.

"Master Yoda, this is Quist. Quist, this is Master Yoda." The introductions were perhaps unnecessary, since the two had met briefly before, but Obi-Wan had been trained all his life to automatically fill awkward spaces with words of politeness.

"Harmony to you, Quist."

"Harmony to you, Yoda."

Stepping from boat to dock proved to be more difficult for Quist than standing. The boat tilted as he lurched, but with Obi-Wan physically supporting him and Yoda using the Force to steady the boat, the transition was made. Still wearing the trousers he'd borrowed from the sunken sub, Obi-Wan donned his own shirt and shoes, and hastily stuffed the other supplies he'd brought for the day - datapadd, food, his trousers - into his satchel, swinging it over one shoulder, leaving the other arm free to guide Quist.

Though the hotel was close to the seaside, the trip was lengthy, Quist frowning as he concentrated on each step, his hand clenching Obi-Wan's tightly. Yoda tapped his cane as they walked, as if he was an elderly being who required an unhurried pace. Quietly, Obi-Wan maintained a running litany of explanations. "This is called a dock. Now we're on a street. Those things are called speeders. A speeder is a type of vehicle that allows humans to travel faster than walking. Like riding in a boat is faster than swimming. These are stores, where humans can buy things they need. Clothes to wear, furniture to sit on, databooks to read, food to eat." The strange trio earned a few curious glances from passing S'valli, Yoda seeming to attract as much attention as Quist's shambling walk since few members of the Master's species left their homeworld.

Quist fell more than sat in the hotel chair, familiar with the concept of sitting in one, but still uncomfortable with bending his knees rather gracefully rippling his tail.

"More clothes for him I shall get. And food?"

Yoda's suggestion made Obi-Wan's stomach rumble with hunger, reminding the Padawan how much time had elapsed since his last meal, and how much physical activity he had performed that day. "Yes, Master. Food would be a kindness."

Yoda left, and Obi-Wan sat on the floor by Quist's feet, waiting quietly, letting Quist absorb his surroundings.

"I know these human things. They are the same as the ones in my sunken ship."

"Yes. A chair, a table, a bed, a vid unit. The design may differ, but most human societies have all of these things."

"I am dry," Quist added, touching his upper thighs covered by the white cloak. "I have never been fully dry before." He stroked his arm, a worried look on his face. "My skin is flaking."

"It's not your skin. It's the salt from the sea. We should clean you. Let me run you a bath."

Quist had parted the cloak when Obi-Wan returned, examining his naked body again, running one finger over the fine hair on his legs. He rose at Obi-Wan's touch, his step a little smoother than before as he walked into the other room, stopping in surprise at the hot water filling the bathtub.

"It's called a bath. It's for cleaning our bodies."

"You immerse yourself in water?" Quist was smiling, pleased with this concept, as he lifted one leg and placed it over the rim. "It is hot."

"Too hot?" Obi-Wan asked anxiously. He hadn't run the water as hot as his usual custom, realizing that Quist would only know the cold caress of the ocean.

"I like it." Quist brought his other foot into the tub, sat down gingerly, one hand on the wall to guide himself down. "I did not expect to learn more about the water from being on land."

Obi-Wan laughed. "I hadn't thought about it that way." He lathered his hands with the liquid soap, and began washing Quist. "I'd like to take you to Xelfan and show you the hot springs."

"Hot springs?"

"It's where hot water naturally bubbles from the ground and makes a small pool. The Xelfana are politically neutral, and they have a resort famous for its hot springs. Master and I have settled several trade disputes there. I think politicians all across the galaxy argue about tariffs as an excuse to meet at the resort. The stars are like diamonds, and the air smells of fresh pine trees. It's beautiful and very relaxing after a day of negotiations."

"I would like to see these hot springs, to soak in water that is hot from the ground."

Scrubbing Quist's calves, looking at his perfectly shaped legs, Obi-Wan realized suddenly that good would result from Crion's actions. Horrible it might be, to think of banishing Quist from his people, but the chance to show this unique man the wonders of the galaxy, treasures and experiences beyond his imagination, was truly a gift from the Force. Somehow Obi-Wan would combine helping Quist and fulfilling his role as a Jedi.

Deep in his thoughts, Obi-Wan was slow to absorb that his attentions were awakening Quist's body. He flushed at his carelessness, looking up to catch Quist's perplexed expression. The Cean stammered, "We have not -- no, humans would not swim. This body is very… quick."

"Humans can be quick sometimes." Conscious that Yoda would return shortly, he took Quist's penis in his hand, stroking gently, dispersing his own sexual energy into the Force while pleasuring the other man.

Quist breathed harshly and shuddered as he came, leaning forward to kiss Obi-Wan in gratitude. "But you were not pleased."

"I am pleased by your pleasure. Shh," he shushed Quist by tracing his lips. "I channeled my energy into the Force. Master Yoda will return soon." He resumed washing Quist, and the Cean was content to let him do so, the bathwater so different from the majestic ocean and yet still a reminder of home in this foreign world.

A rap on the door signaled Yoda's presence, and Obi-Wan sent Quist into the other room while he quickly showered. Wearing only a white towel around his waist, Obi-Wan joined his Master and Quist, the sight that greeted his eyes making him smile in bemusement. Quist had donned the cloak again and was sitting on the floor with Yoda, an array of food stuffs around the tall man and the diminutive Jedi. A selection of fresh fish, seaweed, fruit, and bread from the local market, cooked meals of broiled fish and steamed vegetables. Quist was taking nibbles from everything, gingerly tasting the food from the land for the first time. Running his hands through his hair to make it spike up, Obi-Wan sat down beside them.

For this evening, he could enjoy the company of his Master and Quist. Together, the three of them would travel back to Coruscant, and with the support of the Force and the Jedi, help Quist rebuild his life.

Everything would be all right.

~ end Part 2/? ~

Part 3/?

Departing S'valli was accomplished with attracting minimal attention, Obi-Wan providing physical support and assistance to Quist's stumbling walk, Yoda paving the way with an occasional Force suggestion to the too curious that the tall man was recovering from an accident.

The speeder trip to the spaceport both unnerved and delighted Quist. His strong hands locked onto Obi-Wan's arm and squeezed, almost cutting off his blood circulation, even as he alternated staring at their fellow passengers and the scenery outside the windows. Obi-Wan stayed calm and sympathetic, knowing how very strange everything must appear to Quist, and saving his winces for whenever some new fancy captured Quist's attention and he momentarily turned away.

Yoda had booked cabins on a passenger transport from the comm system at the hotel, so they were able to transfer from the speeder to the spaceship with limited contact with anyone, carrying their possessions into two small rooms as directed by an efficient droid. With some hours before departure, Yoda headed into the city to purchase more clothing for Quist. Obi-Wan removed his boots and cloak, sat on the bed, his back against the wall, and tugged the dazed-looking Quist into his arms. "Are you alright?"

"There are so many people, so many - things."

"Life will be quiet here in space. You'll have a few days to adjust. Why don't you rest for a while?"

Quist conceded willingly, his eyes closing as he cuddled his head into Obi-Wan's chest, memories of the strange land world playing in his mind. The morning had started with new sensations and experiences, waking up in a bed, being shown how to brush his hair and teeth and to dress in clothes, trying more new foods for breakfast, then leaving the hotel to take the even more overwhelming trip to the spaceport, with its multitude of new sights, sounds, and smells, the awkwardness of walking, and the constant brush of strangers against his cloak. Being held was a welcome respite. He closed his eyes, kicked off the uncomfortable shoes Yoda had bought, and snuggled into Obi-Wan's arms.

They sat peacefully, Obi-Wan meditating, focusing on his connection to the Force, releasing his worries about the future traumas and trials Quist would face. Quist rocked ever so slightly, as if he were drifting in the ocean waves while separating the different impressions of the day, examining each one, thinking of all the questions he wanted to ask Obi-Wan.

A brisk tap on the door, and Yoda entered, carrying a satchel. He smiled at the pair, and deposited his burden on the floor. "Depart soon we will."

"Yes Master."

Yoda headed to his room, leaving the two alone. Not sure how Quist would react to the sudden sounds and atmospheric changes of a ship escaping from the pull of the planet's gravity, Obi-Wan decided to take preemptive measures.

"We're going to be leaving the planet soon."

"And traveling in this - spaceship?"

"Yes. You'll find that most people travel in some kind of conveyance, mostly speeders and airtaxis on Coruscant."

Quist mumbled sleepily, not particularly interested in learning more at the moment. Noises were coming from the outside, loud rumbling noises he didn't recognize but which sounded even more powerful than the ocean's roar.

"It's the ship's engines. We're about to lift off."

The pressure was light but distinct, as if Quist was swimming deeper and the water was pressing on him, except that the air was getting heavier. Something was moving on his skin, and he looked down to see his - socks, yes that was the word - being peeled off his feet by invisible hands as the engines made an even louder whooshing blast and the pressure increased.

"You have lovely toes."

Quist wiggled the admired limbs. His feet were big, matching the rest of his body, his toes long and narrow. "Are they?"

"They are," Obi-Wan affirmed, tickling them with the Force.

The invisible touch made Quist gasp and jerk. The sensation was pleasant but disconcerting, the skin of his feet more sensitive than his fins. A chuckle escaped, and the touch poked at his foot, creating a laugh. Obi-Wan added more touches with his hands, tickling at Quist's chest, finding susceptible areas. Quist rolled in Obi-Wan's arms, facing him to retaliate, but was overcome with laughter by Obi-Wan's ability to use both hands and mind. Obi-Wan rose onto his knees, causing Quist to fall backwards on the bed before swooping over him to continue the playful teasing. Unwilling to concede without resistance, Quist tickled back, his fingers searching Obi-Wan's skin for vulnerable spots. The lighthearted struggle became a battle of erotic torment, tickles intermingled with caresses, darting kisses interspersed with chuckles, until Quist rolled again and both tumbled to the floor, Quist on top, pinning Obi-Wan and forcing the breath from his lungs.

Quist leaned down, intending to end their battle by kissing Obi-Wan deeply, but then stopped. "The noise, the air. They have changed."

"We're in space. The engines aren't straining to free us from the atmosphere and we're not feeling the effects of gravity holding us down any longer."

"I'm in space."

"Would you like to see what your planet looks like?"

"Can I?"

They stood together, Obi-Wan guiding Quist to the tiny porthole in their cabin. The merman gazed at the ball floating in the blackness of space, recognizing the vast patches of blue as the oceans, noting the ragged outlines of the land masses. "My planet."

"Yes, your planet."

"Do all planets look like this?"

"Many of them. Coruscant doesn't because buildings cover the entire world."

[My planet.]

[Yes,] replied Obi-Wan again, smiling as he snuggled to Quist's back, understanding the awe that could overwhelm a person into repetition. He'd felt the same way when Yoda asked him to be his Padawan. Back when he was only 11 standard years, small and scrawny and awkward-feeling, and he regarded Yoda as the wisest, most powerful Jedi that ever lived. Me, Master? Me, your Padawan, Master Yoda? He'd said the words over and over again, not honestly fearing that Yoda would change his mind, but too astonished to accept the first reassurance.

As soon as Quist's attention to the porthole wavered, Obi-Wan began Quist's lessons in walking in earnest. The voyage to Coruscant would take several days, and time was a valuable commodity since he couldn't predict how long they would remain at the Temple. Quist, Obi-Wan quickly realized, didn't understand the meaning of 'slow.' Despite being a harmonious fellow in tune with the peaceful rhythm of the ocean, Quist had a strong streak of stubbornness. He was ready to adjust to human life *now,* and determined to keep working on it for the entire day, walking back and forth across the small room, learning basics such as keeping his balance and bending his knees. The frequent falls didn't deter him, and Obi-Wan didn't reveal how charming he found the sight of Quist sprawled on his rear, glaring at his feet as if they'd deliberately slipped out from under him.

"We learn to walk when we're young," Obi-Wan said, lending a hand to help Quist to his feet. "We're closer to the ground so the falls aren't as difficult. Maybe we should go back to the balance exercises for a while."

Yoda's knock interrupted them, and Obi-Wan was grateful for a reprieve. Quist would have bruises on his backside already. "Time for dinner, it is."

"Master, do you think we should bring food back here?"

"To the dining area, he must come. Understand people, he must."

Obi-Wan nodded, accepting the logic. If Quist could accompany them on future missions, he might end up alone on alien planets, and if not, he would need to fend for himself at the Temple. Obi-Wan could not protect or intercede on Quist's behalf for the rest of their lives, and the few days spent with other travelers seemed a reasonable place to experiment with Quist's ability to both learn and cover his ignorance.

Meals were served by droids in a communal eating area, a duplicate of the arrangement at the Temple. Obi-Wan helped Quist choose a variety of foods, to continue the experiment with discovering what Quist enjoyed eating. Yoda selected a table off to the side, to avoid attention while Quist grappled with the unfamiliar utensils. Quist ate fastidiously to prevent the embarrassment of spilling food on himself, and sparingly, allowing his digestive system to become accustomed to new foods. The Cean were wholly vegetarian, living on aquatic plants, so he found the fruits and vegetables tasty, but had difficulty with other types of foods, particularly those that combined cooked flavors.

Two travelers drifted over as they ate, by their resemblance a mother and her grown daughter. They made introductions, and Obi-Wan noticed them looking at Quist's awkward grasp on the utensils. "My friend was in a terrible accident," he said smoothly. "He's lost much of his memory and has to relearn his motor skills." The women commiserated and hinted for details, but Obi-Wan sidestepped their questions, and they reluctantly went away, glancing backwards as they departed.

To his dismay, Obi-Wan learned he had not appreciated the close proximity enforced by shipboard life and the appeal of a handsome striking figure said to be recovering from a tragic accident and a loss of memory. The mother and daughter were the first, but with his height, flowing hair, and serene manner, Quist lured the romantically insatiable and maternally incurable to him for the rest of the trip, despite Obi-Wan's increasing attempts to discourage their interest.

The process began gradually, three female friends vacationing together joining the queue started by the mother and daughter, then a solo man, another woman, and finally a keen medical student who professed to be fascinated by Quist's rehabilitative efforts. Quist's admirers escalated their efforts from visits at mealtimes to stopping at their cabin to express fussing sympathy on his recovery and make flirtatious remarks. Quist's calm tolerance only encouraged his admirers, making Obi-Wan grit hit teeth and call upon the Force for patience.

After guiding out the mother for the fifth time in three days, Obi-Wan glared at Quist, catching the slight smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "You appear to find this amusing," he said coolly. "Their interruptions are slowing your progress."

"They are all very interesting people. I enjoy meeting these land dwellers."

"They certainly enjoy furthering your acquaintance," Obi-Wan snapped.

Quist smiled mischievously as he walked toward Obi-Wan. Practice had made his posture less stiff, his bearing relaxed, his hips beginning to swagger the barest fracture.

Not, Obi-Wan gulped, that Quist needed to swagger much. His presence was temptation enough already. They had not made love since leaving S'valli, Quist so bruised and exhausted that he fell asleep as soon as his head touched the pillow. Obi-Wan didn't want to demand more than Quist was willing to give, but spending hours with the merman sharing only an occasional kiss was straining his control.

Taking Obi-Wan's hands, Quist interlaced their fingers, bringing them to rest on the wall, one on each side of Obi-Wan's head. "It bothers you, does it not?"

Obi-Wan lowered his eyelids, flicking his lashes on his cheeks before raising his eyes back to Quist. "Should it?"

"Never." Quist's tongue licked Obi-Wan's lips, tasting them. "But there is still much of humans you haven't explained."

"What do you want to know?" Obi-Wan murmured, his lungs expanding as he breathed deeply of Quist's scent. Even in the darkness of space, he smelled of salt and sea, of oceans and freedom.

"You haven't taught me how to do this." Quist tugged on Obi-Wan's braid, using it to pull him over to the bed.

"What?" said Obi-Wan, following Quist's lead, temporarily disoriented at the switch from passion to hair grooming.

"How to - braid. I have learned to brush but not to braid. I wish to take care of you as well as you have taken care of me." He pushed Obi-Wan on the bed, breaking away to return with the comb. "I take these off, yes?" Quist arranged himself behind Obi-Wan, the padawan sitting between his legs. His fingers were busy on the padawan braid, removing the red and yellow bands, carefully separating the three strands, stroking down the length, his big hands dragging against Obi-Wan's chest, caressing as he went.

Obi-Wan grinned, happy to engage in this delaying pretense. "I would love for you to take care of me in all ways, Quist."

"Good." They were silent as Quist combed the braid. Grooming utensils had been foreign to him, but he had rapidly learned their use when he realized that tangles would form in his long hair while sleeping in a bed. The two had devised a hair style for him, pulling a section of hair at each temple back to tie together, a compromise between Obi-Wan's admiration of Quist's long hair, and Quist's own frustration that it tended to fall into his eyes without the ocean floating it away from him.

Obi-Wan relaxed, pleased with the care and attention, the excuses Quist found to touch him, his nerves humming with anticipation.

"Tell me of love, Obi-Wan," Quist whispered in his ear. "Teach me as well as you have taught me to talk. Do you always make love in a bed? Do you make love during the day? Or in the night? Other places?"

The heat from Quist's body warmed Obi-Wan as the merman nuzzled his neck, breathing in his scent, nibbling delicately at his ears, his hands shifting the comb from the braid to the short hair covering his head. "Not always in a bed, no. The floor, the chair, against a wall… and both day and night…" Obi-Wan moaned as Quist nipped at the spot where his neck met his shoulder.

"We have not made love in space. Do you make love in space?"

"You've been so tired…"

"I am no longer tired, Obi-Wan." Quist shifted their bodies, lying Obi-Wan on the bed, his fingers fanning the fine hair of Obi-Wan's braid on the sheets. "Show me something new."

"Something new?" Obi-Wan asked, his brow furrowed with concentration as he considered the possibilities. "Not a bed then."

Quist yielded to Obi-Wan's guidance, rising off the bed to sit on the chair, Obi-Wan straddling his lap, one leg on each side of his. "On a chair?"

"On a chair," Obi-Wan confirmed, before capturing Quist's lips, kissing him passionately, knowing he would never tire of the merman's mouth.

Holding Obi-Wan's slim waist, Quist kissed him back, his hands stroking the lean torso, grasping his buttocks and squeezing, tracing up to his nipples, flicking his thumbs on the peaks. The Jedi's body was exquisitely formed, and even without water surrounding it, his skin was soft and silky to Quist's touch.

Obi-Wan's hair dangled loosely, brushing on Quist's chest before some swung back to Obi-Wan's, catching on their tunics, forming a wall of hair connecting the two. Reaching out, Obi-Wan used the Force to bring a bottle of oil flying to his hand from the dresser. Shivering at Quist's caresses, the Cean's big hands gentle and arousing on his body, he undressed the two only enough to free Quist's shaft and shove his breeches off, grateful he hadn't been wearing his boots. He coated Quist's shaft and prepared himself, lifting up before impaling himself, all of his breath leaving his lungs as he gasped with the pleasure-pain, the ecstasy of being filled.

Groaning, Quist's head arched back, thumping on the wall, and Obi-Wan took advantage of his position to nuzzle and place open-mouthed bites on the strong column of his neck. [Do you like the chair?]

Unable to answer, Quist squeezed Obi-Wan's buttocks convulsively, tightening and loosening on the firm flesh with the rhythm of Obi-Wan's body, his hips arching off the seat. Having solid flooring to push his feet against was odd and gave his thrusts even more power. Quist found a steady tempo, plunging deeper and deeper into Obi-Wan's clinging warmth.

Grinning, Obi-Wan sped up until the chair was rocking back and forth, the sound of their bodies slamming together loud in the silence of the room, their hands occupied with the ever-new discovery of strong muscles and sensitive skin until Quist came, flooding Obi-Wan with proof of his love. Obi-Wan followed him, collapsing into his arms, marking Quist's tunic with his semen.

[So many new things.]

[Yes, so many new things. I will enjoy teaching them to you.]

[As I will enjoy learning.]

Quist stood, carrying Obi-Wan in his arms, pleased that his coordination had advanced enough to do so, placing him on the bed and joining him. Stripping off their wrinkled clothing, he asked, [A nap?]

[Oh, yes.]

Satiated with their love and happy with Quist's progress, they fell asleep. Tomorrow they would arrive at Coruscant, but at this moment they would enjoy the simple pleasure of dreaming together.

~ end Part 3/? ~

Part 4/?

Soon he would be freed from the box, back on a planet, able to roam free over its land surfaces and into its waters.

No, Obi-Wan had said that Coruscant was all buildings. Maybe he'd meant that its land was covered with buildings, that there were no open areas filled only with plants? Every planet must have oceans and rivers and lakes, surely. Even land dwellers needed water to survive.

Whatever it proved to be like, Coruscant would be better than this spaceship, with its claustrophobic rooms and narrow corridors. He had never felt so constrained in his entire life, so trapped, bound within metal walls. Even in his own private ship on the ocean floor, he always knew the freedom of the ocean was on the other side of the airlock.

The death of empty space was on the other side of the airlocks on this ship.

The feeling of not being able to breathe, of wanting to swim and swim and swim until he traveled across the ocean from the shallow depths by one land mass to reach the jagged rocks of the other big land mass, until he was too exhausted to even flick his tail and could only let the water's embrace cradle him was becoming increasingly difficult to hide from Obi-Wan. He thought he'd managed it so far, permanently affixing a serene smile on his face while throwing himself into learning about his new body and the lives of land dwellers.

The other S'valli on the spaceship helped by distracting him with their chatter. He had paid devoted attention to them, nodding and smiling and learning that land dwellers, like some Cean, loved an audience, and that concentrating on sharing the moment with them restrained the urge to fling himself at the walls and bellow his unhappiness.

Obi-Wan hadn't liked them or their attention. The Jedi was careful to disguise his emotions behind a reserved mask, but Quist saw his reactions when someone approached them in the dining area or knocked on the door, the way his jaw clenched, the flatness of his voice.

The jealousy comforted him, soothed him. Obi-Wan had many duties in his Jedi life, but he cared about Quist. He would help him adapt to this strange new world, and return to rescue his people from Crion's darkness. The knowledge of Obi-Wan's caring and Quist's own focus on his lessons, walking, holding tools, understanding the land dwellers, all combined to preserve his masquerade of serenity.

But now, they were almost to Coruscant, almost finished with this endless journey of a few days. Obi-Wan was packing their things in the satchel, folding efficiently while he talked cheerfully, telling Quist more about the people he would meet at the Temple. Quist only heard his words dimly, as if he was underwater and Obi-Wan was above. He was too occupied with the view in the porthole, watching as the planet came closer and closer, row after row of white blocks and hundreds, perhaps thousands, of aircars and speeders all traveling in a multitude of neat crisscrossing lines. So many people. No water. Maybe Obi-Wan truly had meant that Coruscant was completely covered with buildings.

"Quist?" Obi-Wan's arms came around his chest, holding him. "Are you all right?"

"There is no water, no oceans." He struggled to keep his voice level, but heard the tremor that was beyond his control. He had depended on returning to his own environment, at least for a few hours.

"There will be swimming pools. The Temple has several that we use for training and leisure." The hands clasped around his waist as he felt Obi-Wan's body settle against his, Obi-Wan's face nuzzling between his shoulder blades.

"I would like to see them."

"We'll go there right away."

Yoda entered as the ship bumped, landing on Coruscant. "Ready, are you?"

"Yes Master. I think we should get off the ship quickly and visit one of the Temple's pools."

The wizened Master flicked his ears in agreement and headed down the corridor. Quist followed eagerly, leaving Obi-Wan to bring their possessions. The Master did the wave Quist had seen him do on S'valli, the hand gesture and the murmured, "Like us to go first, you would," clearing a path for them through the other travelers leaving their cabins, preparing to depart.

The ship landed on a public landing pad and they transferred to an aircab to finish the journey. The speeder on S'valli had been astonishing, the machine floating a small distance off the ground as easily as Quist swam in the ocean, but the aircab was frightening, a huge gulf of nothingness separating it from the earth. The visibility was superb and Quist could imagine the dreadful sensation of falling through the thin air to splatter violently on the hard surface. How could land dwellers bear to be held so far away from solidness? Air was not water, and Quist knew he preferred the buoyancy of his home environment.

Obi-Wan comforted him, tucking Quist's head into his chest, making him look at his lap. This view was much better, Quist decided, Obi-Wan as well-formed as the flying was unnerving.

The Temple was the second stop, and Quist scrambled onto the landing pad and into the building, leaving Obi-Wan and Yoda behind. He stopped in amazement. Outside, the Temple was straight, white, plain, resembling the other buildings on Coruscant. Inside, it was magnificent. Quist hadn't learned the words of the parts of buildings, but this one was built on a grand scale, its lines clean and imposing, its colors restful and dignified.

A soft touch on the small of his back encouraged him to move forward, and he did, letting Obi-Wan and Yoda enter.

"Shall we see the pools first?"

"Yes, please," Quist answered fervently, walking besides Obi-Wan, his long legs slowly forcing the Padawan to increase his pace.

Few people were at the pool, a long rectangle of clear blue water. Several padawans, distinguished by the long braids snaking behind them, were swimming laps to build stamina. At the far end, an elderly Jedi and an adult one recovering from injuries were performing odd elegant motions, almost like the Cean doing the dance of attraction. Even as he noticed the swimmers, Quist stripped off his clothes, ridding himself of the encumbrance, diving straight into the water, swimming along the bottom to the other side and back again. Bereft of life, of fish and plants, of currents, the pool was not the ocean. This water was an even warm temperature and tasted different, but the texture was right and the sensation of it flowing along his skin was paradise after days of timed showers.

The tension eased as Quist swam countless laps around the bottom of the pool, finally lifting his head out of the water. The other Jedi had disappeared, leaving him the sole occupant of the huge pool. Too late, Quist remembered that the land dwellers wore clothing around their genitals in the water. Had he offended them? Obi-Wan was sitting on the pool edge, keeping his booted feet over the water's surface, and Quist pulled himself out to sit by him.

Obi-Wan patted his wet thigh. "I'm sorry. I hadn't realized how unpleasant you found space."

"I tried to focus on what I needed to learn, not on what I have left. I tried, but I did not succeed. I craved the water."

"You did superbly, Quist. You understand the Jedi belief in living in the moment. Adjusting to a different environment is always difficult, and takes time. But please don't hide your emotions from me. I cannot help you if you shut me out." Obi-Wan's words were kind and understanding.

"I will try not to," Quist promised. "But I am not accustomed to relying on others. I am the one who swims close to the shores."

"Learn, you will," Yoda responded, sitting on his other side, clawed feet tucked under him. "Learn much, you must."

"Yes, Master Yoda."

"Ready to see the rest of the Temple, are you?"

Quist hesitated, aware that the two Jedi might need to occupy their time with activity more meaningful than watching him. But Obi-Wan had requested honesty… "I would like to swim more, Master Yoda."

"Very well. Bring you back some swim clothes, Obi-Wan will."

"I did not offend anyone?"

Yoda snorted, and Obi-Wan said ruefully, "No Quist, you didn't offend anyone. Quite the reverse, almost, I think you pleased several of them. We'll have another talk about nakedness later." He kissed Quist quickly and rose.

Uncertain of what Obi-Wan meant, but willing to discuss the issue later, Quist dropped back into the pool, sinking to the bottom before zooming to the other end, too absorbed in his world of water to watch Obi-Wan and Yoda leave.

~ end Part 4/? ~

Two Worlds: Rebirth (5/?)

Mace Windu steepled his fingers together, leaned back in his chair, and contemplated the duo in front of him. Master Yoda was considered the greatest of all living Jedi, his wisdom, connection to the Force, and swordsmanship unrivaled, and unlikely to ever be challenged. Few other beings had his advantage of polishing his skills and accumulating his reputation over centuries of life.

Obi-Wan Kenobi - well, Kenobi was an excellent Padawan, likely to be a superior Knight after passing his Trials. Intelligent, diplomatic, a skilled fighter, generally reserved but with a nice sense of humor he used to defuse tense situations.

The two were mostly a good combination. Mostly. Yoda had apparently decided that Kenobi was too stiff and respectful, and to compensate, allowed full rein to his own mischievous nature. As far as Windu could tell, this appeared to be another one of those occasions that Yoda had manipulated events so that his Padawan would have to defy authority. So far Yoda hadn't succeeded in pushing Obi-Wan to disrespect, but Yoda didn't cry defeat easily. If they didn't accomplish their missions so superbly, Mace might be tempted to intercede, but he had only nebulous suspicions which were overshadowed by outstanding achievements. "A week," Mace said with no apologies, "a week is all we can permit you to be off-duty." A few of his fellow Councilors nodded, but most sat impassively. As head of the Jedi Council, Mace spoke for all of them. Disputes were kept private rather than undermine the Council's collective authority.

"With respect, Master Windu, Quist needs more than a week to adjust to this life."

"Creche Master Tahl has agreed to help him."

"He trusts me, Master, and I have promised to helped him. He's never met Master Tahl."

"Is your duty to one individual, Padawan Kenobi?"

Mace almost hated himself as Obi-Wan flushed and his eyes dropped momentarily to the floor. Obi-Wan had a highly developed sense of duty, and would keenly feel the embarrassment of being reminded of his obligations to the Jedi. But obedience to the Council's will regardless of personal feelings was an important trait in a Knight, one that Mace would ensure Obi-Wan retained, regardless of Yoda's escapades.

Surprisingly, Obi-Wan's eyes met his again, and the Padawan didn't back down. "I realize that my greatest responsibility is to the Force. However, the Force brought us together, and it was dark use of the Force that transmogrified Quist. It doesn't feel right to abandon him."

"He isn't being abandoned by the Jedi, Padawan Kenobi. We will direct our resources to help him as best we can."

For a second, Mace thought Obi-Wan might protest more, but the Padawan conceded with a "Yes, Master Windu." Mace glanced at Yoda, but the elderly Master remained silent, his expression not revealing whether he approved of his Padawan's obedience or not. Whatever Mace might speculate about Yoda's intentions didn't matter as the two bowed and walked out. The Council's wishes were being obeyed.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Obi-Wan finally spoke when they reached their quarters. "Master, did I do wrong to promise Quist my help? Have I overstepped my authority?"

"What does the Force tell you, Padawan?" Yoda began hobbling among the many lush plants that shared their quarters with them, touching them, giving them small infusions of the Force.

"What the Force tells me and what it tells the Council appears to be two different things, Master."

"Hmmm… curious that is."

"Curious isn't the word I would choose, Master. Master Windu didn’t even mention helping the Cean. What happens if I have to go on a mission when Quist is ready to return home? He can't confront Crion alone."

"Deal with that we will when it comes, Padawan. Worry not in advance."

"Yes, Master." Obi-Wan sighed again, but Yoda appeared unwilling to make any future remarks on the subject, engrossing himself in his plants, snipping off yellowed leaves and feeding them energy. "I think I will shower before dinner, Master."

"Wise that might be. Calm you down."

"Yes, Master." Undressing as he walked to his room, Obi-Wan prepared to get clean and put on new clothes before collecting Quist for dinner. The Council's attitude worried and frustrated him. He had made a pledge to Quist, a pledge that it appeared the Council might prevent him from keeping. And explaining the complexity of the situation to Quist would be difficult; the Cean view on most matters, including personal relationships, seemed very black and white, not allowing for the various shades of gray demanded by being a Jedi and dealing in Republic politics.

Somehow he had to make everything work, helping Quist and fulfilling his responsibilities to the Jedi. He had to. He couldn't abandon Quist. He couldn't.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hunger finally drove Quist to emerge from the water, hands resting on the pool's edge. A female Jedi was seated on the tiled ground, legs crossed, eyes closed, hands resting on her knees. Her skin was different from Yoda or Obi-Wan's, a darker color that resembled the sweet honey Quist had loved from the first time he tasted it. "Hello," Quist said with caution, not wishing to interrupt a meditation.

She smiled, her eyes opening to reveal orbs striped with green and gold. Not merely multi-colored flecks like Obi-Wan's, which allowed his eyes to reflect his emotions, but actual stripes of two different colors. "You must be Quist."

"Yes."

"I'm Tahl. And you must be hungry after all that swimming."

"Yes, very," he responded, as his stomach echoed his words with a growl.

"I'll escort you to the dining hall."

"I am naked," Quist replied, compelled to warn her before exiting the pool.

She seemed amused, one corner of her mouth twitching, her eyes gleaming. "Yes, I've heard. In great detail. I've brought you clothes." She patted the bundle of cloth by her side.

"Do you wish to look away?"

"No need to fret, Quist. I'm blind. Though from what I've heard, you're a sight I wouldn't mind seeing." She patted the bundle again. "Come on out. Get dressed and let's get you fed."

Quist hoisted himself out of the water, immediately missing the water's caress. The air in the Temple was better than the spaceship, less stale, more like S'valli, but he still felt awkward in this environment. The first cloth was a white towel and he dried himself off, removing every trace of water, while Tahl began talking about the Jedi food.

"They don't believe in spoiling us with unlimited choices. There has to be a couple of options because we're so many species, but we can't order anything we'd like. We're supposed to be accustomed to eating what is put before us. Tonight's specialty is spiced worbeef. Have you had that yet?"

"No, I have not." The trousers were a darker brown than the ones Obi-Wan normally wore. Since the Padawan wasn't present, Quist sat on the ground, putting his legs into the trousers before rolling to his back, hips elevated to bring the material around his waist.

"My favorite is steamed frelty root with polmin sauce. I love the contrast of the creamy sauce with the crispness of the vegetables. It must be very difficult to manage even the simplest of tasks, isn't it?"

Caught in the act of pulling the shirt over his head, Quist paused, hands raised. "You could tell I am not standing up?" He finished dressing as she answered.

"It's the blindness. I've trained to improve my hearing to compensate. The smallest things were the worst for me. Dressing was such a chore the first few - well, weeks, perhaps even months. I felt so incompetent and frustrated because the smallest tasks were difficult."

Quist leaned forward as she reached out, their hands curling together. "You understand. Obi-Wan understands but…"

"Obi-Wan is a healthy young confident Jedi who has always been young, healthy and confident. There is a difference between sensitivity and experience."

Quist squeezed her hands. "I do not want to be a burden on him."

"You won't be, Quist. Just be yourself. And you'll adjust before you even realize it. I promise. Now I don't know about you, but I'm starving. Shall we go?"

"Yes." They rose, Quist's heart lighter after their conversation. The Jedi were as kind and caring as the Cean. He knew he could depend on Obi-Wan to always be there, but he also could rely on the others. He wouldn't have to feel guilty for imposing on Obi-Wan.

End part 5/?

Title: Two Worlds: Rebirth

By: Elayna

Pairing: Qui-Gon Jinn/Obi-Wan Kenobi

Rating: NC-17

Archive: M&A, my page, anyone else please ask.

Category: Drama, romance, action, AR.

Feedback: Please! Any amount any time.

Notes: This series was inspired by an absolutely gorgeous picture from Knight Van and a certain suggestion regarding Qui's nature from Padawan Boots. The unique combination took root together and wouldn't go away. This is my first WIP, which became a Serial In Progress. Please bear with me as I figure it out. :-)

Thanks: To Cuimne and Alex for wonderful betaing, to Diane and Tracy for oceanography discussions, and Dagmar and Mac for the inspirational drawings of MerQui.

Summary: A Jedi Padawan helps his rescuer adjust to a new life.

Disclaimer: The boys belong to the majestic George Lucas.

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