Dark Fascination

by Alice J. Capen

~

It was Qui-Gon's second mission to Caluss Five. An underground band of rebels who had threatened to usurp the Caluss Five democratically elected government suddenly recended their threat when it was reported that Jedi had arrived to quell the rebellion.

Qui-Gon, at first, was doubtful of the Council's decision to send a Master with a fourteen year old padawan to force a terrorist rebellion into submission. Obi-Wan demonstrated with each training session that he was on the path toward superior swordsmanship, and he had, time and again, proven to possess good judgment and a staunch and dependable heart. Yoda was right when he urged Qui-Gon accept him as a padawan. As usual, Yoda knew. But Qui-Gon was concerned about the limited experience Obi-Wan had with actual battle, but he kept his concern to himself and did not let his padawan know of his worry.

On Caluss Five, while the group of terrorists were being routed out, Obi-Wan again demonstrated his skill and good judgment. Those who challenged him, thinking that he was an easy target because of his age, learned differently. Some of them learned at the expense of their lives. After the encounter, the more cowardly members of the rebellion surrendered themselves to the Jedi or authorities. Others disappeared into hiding. Those that went into hiding were eventually found by the Jedi.

The nature of the terrorists' arsenal that had been found proved the abject cowardly essence of that rebellion. It was a collection of weaponry and bombs and materials for bomb-making for the purpose of creating deadly havoc and destroying the lives of many innocent people for the sake of advancing a putrid ideal borne of criminal minds bent on controlling a society by fear, lies and death. Criminal minds know that their version of an ideal government would never be accepted by the people by democratic vote, so they ooze up from below the surface of a despotic mindset cesspool to commit terrorism. The surviving terrorists were imprisoned and were now awaiting trial.

~

The services of the Jedi were no longer needed, and they were honored with a dinner at the stately First House of Caluss Five. Bail Antilles, Galactic Senator and Prince of Alderaan, was visiting Caluss Five at the time the Jedi were there, and during the dinner, invited them to stay at the Palace on Alderaan for a couple of days before returning to Coruscant. The senator would request that favor from the Council.

~

The favor was granted, and the Jedi became guests of Prince Antilles for an allotted two days time. Normally the prince would have guards with him when he left the palace, but as his guests were Jedi, there was no need for the usual retinue.

Prince Antilles enjoyed the relative freedom his guests gave him, albeit the constraints of being a prince wandering about in public was still upon him. With as much privacy as possible, he took his guests on a sightseeing excursion to places of beauty and art, both natural and man made, of which Alderaan is known.

When evening began to approach the capital city, the prince brought his guests back to the palace to dine. The next thing on Antilles' agenda that evening was to take the Jedi to see a traveling circus troupe at the Grand Theatre. The circus troupe was highly acclaimed throughout the galaxy for its lavish shows that contained both modern and old fashioned entertainment. The Grand Theatre was built during an ancient era that stressed epicurean romanticism in the architecture of its buildings.

Heavy marble columns that stood along all four sides of the building, held up the second level that had more marble columns that held up a third level. One might think of it as an elegant, multi-tiered square wedding cake topped with a dome that was held up by its own circle of columns.

The decor of the lobby was extravagant. The high ceiling had carved patterns of flora. The base of the chandeliers had carved ivy patterns and were covered with gold leaf. Classic statuary of near-naked women were carved into the pilasters. The center of the lobby featured a marble fountain with buxom marble women in various positions of repose within the pool and falling water. Marble steps took the guests up to another level where they would enter the main house of the theater, and more steps to enter hallways that branched off to either side for access to the boxes.

Bail Antilles led his Jedi companions to his favorite box that was reserved for him. In the box's antechamber was a table with champagne, espresso and liqueur truffles. Antilles, Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan seated themselves in the plush chairs of the box and waited comfortably for the start of the show.

The interior of the house itself was of deep red velvet accented with black marble and gold carvings. A live orchestra played ambient music for the listening pleasure of the audience while they waited for the show to start. Guests in the boxes scrutinized the audience below them, and perused the other boxes with their opera glasses. Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan pretended not to notice when they knew opera glasses were aimed at them; they continued conversing with their host.

After a while, the lights of the chandeliers dimmed, and the music of the orchestra yielded to the music of a large calliope. Rather than a silly tune that might make the listener think of slapstick comedy, the calliope musician played a melody that oddly, yet beautifully combined sensuousness with humor, and the heavy curtains rose. The stage scenery was artfully created with strange images of vivid carnival colors that were enhanced by, and looked as if they were about to melt into, a background of deepest black that could make a person think they could float into it for eternity.

The first act was acrobatics. Human and non-human performers with fanciful skin-tight outfits that glowed like prismatic fire. Their performance was striking as their bodies executed choreographed acts of surprising and beautiful contortions, tumbles and dances that looked like an ever-changing kaleidoscope pattern. Next was a husband and wife team of magicians whose magic tricks impressed even the Jedi, although it all was a matter of illusion and no telekinetic or supernatural manipulation was involved. It was especially fun when volunteers from the audience were included.

After the magicians came a dancing harlequin. His hat had five long and wavy colorful points that curved out from the front and pointed toward the back, each with ribbon streamers attached to the tip. His multicolored suit hugged his slim, lithe body like a second skin and his shoes had long points at the toes that curved up, with tinkling bells at the tips. His painted face was compellingly beautiful. He tumbled and danced to the tune of the calliope, then reached one of his arms behind himself and pulled out a silver flute and played. The calliope musician subdued her own playing and played a subtle accompaniment to a haunting melody. He played his flute as if it were magic, and Qui-Gon closed his eyes to experience that magic.

Something there made Qui-Gon open his eyes. His eyes focused on nothing as his senses focused on the harlequin. Qui-Gon felt a warping of energy that was delicate; not detectable by the average person. Qui-Gon's Force senses zeroed in on that energy and found darkness there, almost evil. Qui-Gon looked at the harlequin, and the harlequin was looking up at him, smiling wickedly as he played his flute. The harlequin ended his playing and theatrically bowed as the audience clapped and cheered their appreciation of his performance, then he made a magician-like gesture with his hands and produced a black silken bag and opened it. Out flew a large flock of white paper birds that sailed up and about the house, flapping their wings, and delighting the audience. One flew up to Prince Antilles' box. After a few seconds of flying, they all exploded into clouds of multicolored smoke, and confetti, streamers and candy came raining down. The audience shrieked and applauded with enjoyment and reached out their hands to catch the candy. Candy and confetti from the bird over Antilles' box showered down on the box's occupants, and Qui-Gon caught a piece of heart shaped candy as it fell toward his lap. He looked back down at the harlequin. The harlequin gave Qui-Gon a slow wink, then he somersaulted a couple of times and acrobatically tumbled away from the audience, toward the back of the stage, and disappeared into the darkness.

The next act was performing animals from all over the galaxy. Qui-Gon could not keep his mind on the animals though. The same went for the acts following. Qui-Gon's eyes saw the high wire and trapeze performances, but his mind was filled with the harlequin and his dark mystery.

~

The antechamber of Prince Antilles' box was full of people after the show. Friends and dignitaries who attended the show came for a visit, including members of the media. Everyone had pieces of confetti on their heads and clothes, including those who were fastidious and prideful of their dignity. Laughing and talking, the group of well-dressed patricians helped each other pick the confetti and streamers off.

The Jedi themselves did not lack volunteers. Qui-Gon did not express the thought out loud, but the scene reminded him of a family of monkeys poking around in each other's fur. Qui-Gon was enjoying this company of people. It was pleasant to not have to be only where there is strife and battle. He could sense, however, restless boredom growing in his fourteen year old padawan.

Well groomed in manners, Obi-Wan hid that boredom from the outside and represented the Jedi Order well. Qui-Gon gave Obi-Wan an encouraging smile.

Bail Antilles turned to Qui-Gon. "Well, my friend, it's getting late. What do you say to us heading back home?"

Qui-Gon approved. Farewells were passed as people genuflected, bowed or shook hands as the prince and the Jedi worked their way out the door. On the way, Qui-Gon picked up a truffle.

More royal courtesy was required in the hall as the three passed more people. Prince Antilles was startled when Qui-Gon transmitted to him through thought.

<I'm so glad I'm not a prince.>

That aroused the prince's sense of humor, and he laughed. They walked through the lobby in relative peace dispite photographers. Qui-Gon's Force senses picked up a presence before his eyes caught the furtive movement in the shadow of a pillar. Beautiful eyes of the harlequin peeked out at Qui-Gon. Qui-Gon noticed that the eyes were ruby, though the harlequin did not seem to be a Zeltron. The face was still in makeup, and fresh as if it were a part of his natural skin.

In a coy manner, the harlequin moved the rest of his face from behind the pillar and smiled at him. The smile welcoming and genuine, but there was darkness there, gently pulsing from within the harlequin. Qui-Gon paused and took a small step toward the harlequin. The harlequin shook his head slightly and smiled in a way that conveyed gentle rebuke, then melted completely into the shadows.

Bail Antilles had also paused his walking; not because he saw the harlequin, but for to wait for Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan. The expression on Obi-Wan's face as he looked at Qui-Gon told that he too was aware of the harlequin. Qui-Gon remembered where he was, looked at the prince apologetically and resumed walking.

They exited the theater and entered the prince's sky car. Prince Antilles audibly sighed in relief that they were away from the public, and Qui-Gon finally found a polite time to take a bite out of his truffle. He knew he would have trouble sleeping that night. He could not push the harlequin out of his mind.

~

Later that night, Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan were in the prince's private chambers having tea. Prince Antilles cupped a glass of brandy in his hand as he pondered Qui-Gon's words.

"Are you certain about that?" asked the prince. "Is it some kind of evil?"

"I'm not certain that it's evil." said Qui-Gon. "It is definitely dark. I want to go back to the theater tonight. It will trouble me if I don't find out what it is."

"Do you want an escort?" asked Antilles, out of formality. He knew that the Jedi most likely would not want, nor need, an escort.

"No. I want to go alone."

Obi-Wan made no outward appearance of concern. Alone? Surely his master didn't mean without his padawan?

Antilles said, "I'll let the people who operate the theater know that you'll be slinking about in it..."

Qui-Gon smiled at the word usage. Antilles continued. "...so that they won't think someone broke in and try to apprehend you."

"Thank you."

They talked for a while more before Qui-Gon suggested to Obi-Wan that they let the prince retire for the night. The prince and the Jedi bid each other good night, with the prince adding "be careful", and Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan left for their rooms.

They walked down the hall. "Master, I'm going with you, right?"

"No, Obi."

Obi-Wan felt a chill shoot from his head through his stomach. Feeling Obi-Wan's distress, Qui-Gon put a hand on his shoulder for comfort. "I don't want to pull you into danger because of my curiosity. And I don't want you to lose time for sleep if it turns out to be nothing."

"Danger?! Has anyone ever told me that being a Jedi didn't involve danger?"

Qui-Gon sighed. "No, padawan. Danger is a routine element in a Jedi's life. But I don't want to drag you into pointless danger."

"Being with you to investigate something dark isn't pointless! Besides, if you're worried about me losing sleep, then how do you think I'm going to get any sleep anyway, when I'm worried about you?"

They entered Obi-Wan's room. Obi-Wan could see that his master was not going to change his mind. Obi-Wan fought to keep his voice from reaching a whining pitch. "Master, I'm not a helpless infant!"

Qui-Gon's deep voice was soft and soothing. "No, Obi, of course you're not." Qui-Gon sat on the edge of Obi-Wan's bed.

Obi-Wan, troubled, not wanting to touch that bed, hesitatingly sat next to his master.

Qui-Gon said softly, "Maybe you don't hear this very often from me, but I'm proud of you. The way you handle yourself, the way you act and think during times of both peace and crises -- you will be a great knight. I feel it about you."

Obi-Wan's heart flushed warm with happiness at his master's words.

"But you are still so young, Obi-Wan. This thing of darkness; I don't want you near it."

The hope in Obi-Wan dropped again. "Master, how fragile do you think I am if you think a meeting with something dark will mean my undoing?" Then it dawned on Obi-Wan why his master was worried about this particular thing. "Master, I'm not Xanatos."

Qui-Gon's face scowled, then saddened at the thought of his former pupil.

"Master," Obi-Wan gently grasped Qui-Gon's arm. "I know that everyone was trying to warn you about the darkness in Xanatos when he was your padawan. But with me, it's the opposite! Yoda recommended me to you! Please Master, have faith in me!"

Qui-Gon smiled with love for his padawan. "Obi-Wan," he said softly but firmly, "I have faith in you. But I don't have faith in whatever it is in that theater. Maybe someday when you have a padawan of your own, you may understand my position. I cannot drag my young student to face a kind of darkness that he had never experienced. The vulnerability of your age, padawan, is what darkness frequently preys on."

Obi-Wan made a last ditch effort to change his master's mind. "Pleeeeeeeeese?" 'Well that would certainly convince my master to let me go with him.' thought Obi-Wan, disgusted with himself.

Qui-Gon smiled as he raised his hand. "Sleep, padawan."

Obi-Wan softly cried "No!" as Qui-Gon touched his forehead. Obi-Wan's body relaxed as he fell into sleep.

Qui-Gon pulled his boots off, laid him out comfortably on the bed and pulled the covers over him. Qui-Gon lay a hand affectionately on his padawan's chest, then left the room.

~

The Grand Theatre was beautiful during the bright hubbub of the evening, but in the quiet of deep night, it was imposing. The silence and the lack of activity around it, the dark shadows of night, made it stand out in a surreal way, in its grand magnificence.

Qui-Gon climbed the steps leading to the theater. The sighing sound of gentle wind added an aura of dream-like mystery as he approached the giant columns. A dark figure was standing by the main entrance. As Qui-Gon walked closer, the figure moved toward Qui-Gon. It was the night watchman. He greeted Qui-Gon and turned to unlock the doors.

"The theater is wonderful for exploring, sir." said the night watchman. "It even has a maze of sublevels. I've been down there, and believe me, you can get lost. They say this place has ghosts, but I've never encountered any myself."

Qui-Gon's senses picked up a stirring of energy. It was as if that energy suddenly realized his presence. "Have you ever felt any strange, otherworldly energy here?"

"The only "strange otherworldly" things I ever see in here are the audience and the entertainers." laughed the man, as he opened a heavy door. "Especially the entertainers. And they'd be staying the night at a hotel; not here."

"The energy I feel is here." said Qui-Gon quietly.

"Well good luck with whatever you're looking for." said the man. "Do you want me to turn on the lights?"

"Thank you, no." Qui-Gon walked inside.

"I'll lock this door behind you. If you want out before the time the doors are usually opened in the morning, just knock on it. Knock hard, it's thick."

"Yes. Thank you."

The night watchman closed the door, and Qui-Gon was alone. That energy Qui-Gon had picked up seemed to become warm. Pleased. It was mostly dark inside. Only enough light necessary for the night watchman to see with to make his rounds, with the addition of his flashlight.

Qui-Gon walked into the lobby. The fountain was quiet. The statues and carvings in the posh lobby seemed to be more alive now, as if they would only pretend to be made of marble and stone during the day when patrons would gaze upon them. Now, even if it were Qui-Gon's imagination, they seemed to sweetly smile at him, as if sharing a secret with him. The surface of the still water in the fountain was smooth like glass and his image passed over it as he walked, as if he were but a shadow.

A soft, almost imperceptible sigh. Qui-Gon stopped walking and turned to look toward the fountain where he thought the sound originated. The stone figures of the bathing women were as they always were, but their expressions seemed more amorous. 'This is silly.' he thought. 'My imagination.'

He walked on toward the main house of the theater. The energy that he had felt at the door touched him. There was a sinister undertone to it, but no evil was felt. There was something else. Something gentle touched his forehead. A purr. 'Come in here' it seemed to whisper. Qui-Gon's heart beat a little faster as he continued walking toward the house.

~

There was a disturbing presence of danger that Obi-Wan could not identify. The atmosphere weighed heavy upon him as he walked through a golden-brown field of winter grass. Thick dark clouds hung low.

Ahead in the distance was a tall, dark stone tower. It gleamed wet from a recent rain. Obi-Wan walked toward it.

~

The house was darker than the lobby. Qui-Gon walked down the center isle. The luxurious deep red carpet gave way under his footsteps as he slowly walked past row after row of seats. He could feel a benign, residual energy left here by the emotions of thousands of past audiences. The house was fairly vibrating with it. A path of sinister energy cut through it and touched him again as if to shyly embrace. It originated from behind the curtains of the stage.

Qui-Gon walked toward the orchestra pit, then skirted around it to the stage entrance for access behind the curtains. The energy seemed to get more excited as he got closer. He climbed the steps to the stage, opened the door and walked into almost complete darkness. He had to use his Force senses to see.

~

Obi-Wan reached the tower and walked around until he found the entrance. The door was partially ajar, and he pushed it all the way open. Inside was dark. Nondescript images or things were just barely visible. Obi-Wan tried to use his Force senses, but could not. A heavy sense of dread loomed about him as he ventured inside.

He looked up at a loft, and staring down at him was a maliciously grimacing winged demon. It suddenly spread its wings and flew at him. Obi-Wan cried out in startlement. The Force would not work for him, and his physical movements were sluggish.

Obi-Wan awoke. The feeling of dread was still with him. He sat up, and pulled his boots on, grabbed his lightsaber then trotted out of the room.

~

The stage behind the curtain was vast and well-outfitted with everything needed to put on a show. It had been well designed by those builders, long ago, who had envisioned grand performances on this stage.

A soft, cheerful "hello" came from up above.

Qui-Gon looked up, and perched on one of the catwalks, as if he were a gargoyle, was the beautiful harlequin. He was smiling down at Qui-Gon as if the Jedi were an object of love. The core of the harlequin's energy was dark, but affection for Qui-Gon was definitely there.

"Who are you?" asked Qui-Gon softly.

The harlequin stirred with pleasure at Qui-Gon's deep voice. He slowly swan-dived off the catwalk, did a couple of twists in the air, with his ribbons flying around him, then landed gracefully on his feet in front of Qui-Gon. He stood close to Qui-Gon and looked up into his eyes.

"I'm your lover." he whispered.

Qui-Gon took a deep breath, then stepped back one step.

The harlequin looked slightly hurt, but amused. "Do you think I'm as base as that?" he softly asked.

"I....." Qui-Gon did not know what to say.

The harlequin's smile broadened. "My thoughts do not dwell on crude desires."

"Who are you?"

"Who? As in name? I've given it some thought, but I never quite got around to choosing one. I've been content to be called, "the harlequin". Those I play with are content to have me just as I am."

"You were never given a name?"

"By whom?"

"By those who brought you up??"

"Brought me up." whispered the harlequin. "Brought me up." as if contemplating the concept.

Qui-Gon looked puzzled. Almost worried. Surely the harlequin did not have such a short memory as to not remember his own childhood?

Puzzled, Qui-Gon reached out with the Force to try to determine what the harlequin was. The harlequin closed his eyes and sighed, as if he were receiving a caress. "Mmmm..." murmured the harlequin. "It's so rare to feel such magic. Nice. That's what attracted me to you in the first place. Your magic. I felt your presence before I performed, and then when I saw you, I could not help but love."

What Qui-Gon was able to determine was that the harlequin's body was not altogether of the physical plane. "I'm a Jedi Knight." he said, in response to the harlequin's comment.

The harlequin looked sad at those words. "I remember in the Old Times; you would have been called "sorcerer".

"The old times?"

"The Old Times. Before the creature mind's concept of a galaxy. When all of creation was a magical mystery," the harlequin closed his eyes while recalling a fond memory, "and immorality was rampant."

Smiling, Qui-Gon said, "Apparently, you have never visited the Outer Rim. You should feel right at home there. Even the Hub has its moments of reprobate glory. Visit parts of Coruscant sometime."

The harlequin quietly rebuked, "You cruelly mock me."

"Why do you travel with a circus troupe? And why as a form of a harlequin?"

The harlequin ignored the questions. He took a step toward Qui-Gon and whispered, "You mock me."

Angry love emanated from him. Qui-Gon realized he may have gotten himself in a tight spot with one whose emotional swings may run unfettered. "Do you not have a sense of humor?"

That question brought the harlequin out of his angry cast. He rested his nose on Qui-Gon's chest, taking in the pleasant smell of his tunic, then looked up. "Am I not a clown?"

"Of sorts."

The harlequin lightly ran his hands along Qui-Gon's torso and closed his eyes. "I can feel your soul dwelling within."

He reached up and gently held Qui-Gon's head between his hands, then slowly moved them down his hair, to his back, then over his shoulders. Qui-Gon was feeling a pleasant sensation as if the energy around him was being stroked. "Your soul has such depth." whispered the harlequin. "I can make you shine."

He took one step back and without touching Qui-Gon, slowly moved his hands over him, making similar movements as a magician trying to draw something out. Qui-Gon sharply inhaled as his aura came shining forth, making his whole body feel a tingling pleasure. The stark darkness around them provided an appropriate contrast from the shimmering of the colors around white light. A column of white light issued from the top of Qui-Gon's head, and off to the sides from his shoulders. His body was partially engulfed within the shimmering, scintillating, dance of brilliant colors. The harlequin wrapped his arms around Qui-Gon, rested his head on Qui-Gon's chest and bathed in his aura, happy and content.

"You never told me what you are." murmured Qui-Gon.

The harlequin gently tightened his embrace. "I'm just a spirit who's been around for a long time. These days I might be a talented illusionist, ghost, or a figment of somebody's imagination. But in the old days I was called something else."

"A demon."

Qui-Gon and the harlequin looked up at the source of the voice. Obi-Wan stood in the dark, tightly gripping the hilt of his unactivated lightsaber, looking as if he were trying to squeeze it to death. He looked up at his master, shining with his aura, with concern and wonder in his eyes. Then he looked at the harlequin, and his eyes narrowed to steel slits. He took threatening steps toward his master and the harlequin.

"What is this demon doing to you?"

"I'm not a demon!" defensively answered the harlequin. He tucked himself in Qui-Gon's cloak for protection and wrapped one leg around Qui-Gon, the bell on his shoe tinkling. "I might be fay, a sprite or an elf!"

"You're a demon!" shot back Obi-Wan.

Qui-Gon spoke soothingly. "He has not harmed me Obi-Wan. I don't think he's in the habit of harming anyone."

Obi-Wan stood toe to toe with them. "What was he doing to you then?"

The harlequin wrapped himself tightly in the cloak, with his hat and his beautiful eyes peeking out.

"He was only resting in my aura. I found the experience quite soothing, myself."

The harlequin nodded vigorously, supported by Qui-Gon's words.

The grip on Obi-Wan's saber hilt started to relax, but the padawan still felt uneasy. "Please come away from him, Master. He's dark."

The harlequin wrapped his other leg around Qui-Gon with possessiveness and pouted. "Don't be selfish!"

Obi-Wan leaned in toward the harlequin and banged himself on his chest. "I'm his padawan!"

"I could be his padawan too!" argued the harlequin.

Qui-Gon laughed softly. "I'm sorry, but that's not possible."

"Why not?"

"The Council would not approve." said Qui-Gon.

"You don't have to do what the Council says!" whined the harlequin.

Obi-Wan nodded his head sarcastically. "Oh, that's just the kind of encouragement my master needs! He gets into enough trouble for that without you pitching in!"

The harlequin looked up at Qui-Gon innocently. "Are you an imp?"

Qui-Gon laughed. "I might be. Once when I was five, my Master Yoda accused me of being one."

A moment of amusement flickered in Obi-Wan's eyes, then anger regained its ground. "Get off my master!"

The harlequin was perhaps as old as Time, but at that moment, he might have been a child when he stuck his long tongue out at Obi-Wan in defiance. Having had enough of the harlequin's demeanor, Obi-Wan slammed his saber back on his belt and grabbed hold on the harlequin's arm and began pulling. The harlequin began screeching.

Qui-Gon could not help but laugh at what was happening. Obi-Wan was grunting with strain. He was physically stronger than the harlequin, and the harlequin's arm was beginning to give way from Qui-Gon's body. The loosened arm gave Obi-Wan more gripping power, and the harlequin's upper body pulled away from Qui-Gon. The harlequin screeched with frustration, but he kept a tight hold on Qui-Gon with his legs. Obi-Wan moved his grip to the struggling harlequin's slim torso, wrapped his arms around it and pulled with all his might. That action caused Qui-Gon to pull forward as well, but the harlequin's strong legs would not let go. Qui-Gon decided it was time for him to do something, and, chuckling with humor, touched the harlequin's thighs with his hands and used Force energy to cause the muscles to temporarily weaken.

The harlequin wailed as he was pulled off from Qui-Gon. He felt betrayed. He sat on the floor and looked up at Qui-Gon with such a piteous look on his face, that Qui-Gon started to feel remorse.

"Don't feel sorry for him, Master!" exclaimed Obi-Wan as he leaned his back against his master and spread his arms out to block any attempts the harlequin might make to reattach himself.

The sadness the harlequin was feeling was real, and Qui-Gon felt it. He closed his eyes for a moment as he concentrated, and pulled his aura back to himself. The darkness of the stage again enveloped them. He placed his hands assuringly on his padawan's shoulders and gently moved him aside, as Obi-Wan protested.

"It's O.K., Obi-Wan."

Obi-Wan glowered at the harlequin as Qui-Gon kneeled beside him. The harlequin looked up into Qui-Gon's eyes with love and accusation. Qui-Gon's voice was gentle as he spoke.

"I'm sorry. But I'm a Jedi Knight, and I'm not free to cavort about the galaxy with you. I have my responsibilities and my duties."

Responsibility and duty were alien concepts to the harlequin, and he knitted his brows and slowly shook his head.

Qui-Gon asked, "Do you not have a duty to the troupe you play with?"

"I have been loyal to them for a long time." whispered the harlequin, but I'm not bound to them. I can leave when I feel like it."

"It's not so easy for me." said Qui-Gon. "My sense of obligation to the Order is deep within me, as well as the love I have for those in it. And I have duty to my padawan," he lowered his face to gently stress the point, "and I love him very much."

Obi-Wan grinned as the feeling of warm happiness replaced the feeling of peevishness. The harlequin knew from being around humans and other creatures, that the passing of time with one another is usually required before the feeling of love develops. He realized that he could not hope to compete with Obi-Wan for Qui-Gon's love in the present time, under the present circumstances. His underused ability for mature understanding dominated his childlike tendencies -- for now.

He sighed deeply as he gazed upon Qui-Gon's comely face. "I can let you go for the time being." He looked at Obi-Wan who was smiling with triumph. The harlequin narrowed his eyes. He turned back to Qui-Gon. "But the measure of my time, and the measure of your time are two different things."

He cradled Qui-Gon's head in his hands and kissed him on the mouth. Qui-Gon flinched in shock. Obi-Wan took a step forward, clinched his fists and growled. The harlequin's lips let go of Qui-Gon's. "And so are my morals." the harlequin whispered.

Qui-Gon shook his head in reproach. "I can't do that."

The harlequin lowered his head in understanding. "I know." He looked up at Obi-Wan who had curled his lips in a snarl. The harlequin stood up and stared at Obi-Wan with contempt and envy. The harlequin sneered, "You may have him now -- infant -- but I will have him in the future. Time is always on my side." He looked back, with a pout on his face, at Qui-Gon, then suddenly leapt into the air and did a few backward flips as he flew up to the catwalks and disappeared into the darkness.

Obi-Wan stepped toward Qui-Gon as he stood up. Obi-Wan looked up into Qui-Gon's eyes, and his master wrapped an arm around his shoulders comfortingly. The doors of the theater were still locked as Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan walked through the lobby.

They were passing the fountain when they heard a soft murmur coming from it. They stopped walking to stare at the fountain. Qui-Gon thought that it must be the movement of water inside the pipes that made the noise. But as he stared, the stone women seemed to breath and smile at them, invitingly. Obi-Wan stared at them with his head cocked to one side, and his mouth open.

Qui-Gon asked, "Do you see anything unusual?"

"They seem to be.....moving?!"

"Did you notice anything strange when you passed by earlier?"

"No. I guess my head was too full of you."

"Maybe the harlequin is doing it." suggested Qui-Gon.

"I have nothing to do with it." said the harlequin sulkily from the darkness above.

Obi-Wan jumped at the sound of his voice.

The harlequin chuckled with glee at Obi-Wan's reaction. "Don't worry." he mocked. "I won't carry your master off. Yet."

The sound of almost imperceivable laughter came from the fountain. Qui-Gon could feel that the harlequin, indeed, had nothing to do with it. He stepped closer to the fountain. The smiles on the stone faces seemed to invite him to come closer. 

The door to the theater suddenly opened, and the lights turned on. The morning crew had arrived. Somewhere a switch was flipped, and the water started dancing. The women in the fountain were now as they had been yesterday evening: mere stone figures in the water.

Obi-Wan spoke. "Perhaps it was only our imagination?"

"No, padawan. It wasn't."

There was no sign of the harlequin. The two Jedi walked toward the door.

"Shall we tell Prince Antilles what happened last night?" asked Obi-Wan.

"No." smiled his master. "Let's leave the harlequin in peace. And the fountain, also."

The harlequin smiled as he watched his beloved leave with the young upstart. Someday......

END.