Title: The End of Heroes

Summary: An AU look at the duel on Mustafar. Short standalone. Warning: Angst, and multiple character death! You have been warned!

Disclaimer: I don't own em', so don't sue!

Author's Note: I already know that not everyone likes my style of writing, so forgive me for being blunt, if you know you don't, please don't waste my time telling me that.

Oh, and everytime you don't leave a comment, Anakin kills a youngling!

Obi-Wan flipped off the platform, landing safely on the top of the lava bank. He saw the platform come around, and his padawan staring menacingly at him. "It's over, Anakin." started Obi-Wan indicating his postition. "I have the high ground." His former padawan's gaze turned to fire. "You underestimate my power." No. thought the Jedi Master desperately. Didn't I teach you better. . .? "Don't try it." it was more of a plea, than a command. He felt the force gather around him, and saw Anakin vault into the air, giving a war cry, and trying to clear Obi-Wan's position. He felt the force give a warning, but how could Obi-Wan live where the other died? His former padawan landed in front of him, and buried his lightsaber into his Master's chest; a maniacal smile distorting his features. Gasping from the shock of the wound, Obi-Wan used the last of his strength to bring his own saber around, mimicking Anakin's own move. He saw his eyes widen in shock of realization, Anakin had underestimated his old master. They both fell, lightsabers deactivating and clattering down the slope, until twin hisses of lava, told their owners of their fate.

Obi-Wan lie on his back, feeling everything slipping away from him. "Ma. . .master?" came a broken voice, over the roar of the lava below them. The Jedi Master looked up, seeiing the creature. . .no, Anakin, holding a hand over his chest, and gasping to bring air into his lungs. Despite himself, Obi-Wan's eyes filled with tears. "Padawan?" he gasped, praying he wasn't seeing things. He reached out with the Force, and gave a content sigh. It was Anakin. His apprentice spoke again, "I don't understand. . .wha. . .what happened? I can't remember." Obi-Wan swallowed, trying to think of a way to explain their current predicament. "We were fighting a Sith Lord." It wasn't a complete lie. Anakin looked around, not seeing any other bodies besides their own. "He. . . got away?" Obi-Wan looked up, giving a small smile, "No, no. We won, we won." Obi-Wan saw Anakin lie back, a small smile on his face. It was beginning to get cold, which Obi-Wan found to be completely absurd, considering they were lying almost on top of a river of lava, but still. . .

They both lie there, for what seemed like forever, niether talking, and waiting for the force to come and claim them. "Master?" came a soft voice. Obi-Wan took a steadying breath, it was close. "Yes, my padawan?" A shuddering breath, and then, "I'm so tired." Obi-Wan reached up, clasping Anakin's hand in his own. "Then sleep, young one. Everything will be different when you wake up." Another shuddering breath, and a long exhale. Anakin was gone. The cold was gone, replaced by lethargic, tired feeling. He felt the Force swirl around him, and saw a vision of his padawan standing before him. Darkness was tinting the edges of his vision, and he saw Anakin hold out his hand. Are you coming or not, Master? His apprentice gave a wry smile, that lit up the darkness around Obi-Wan, a smile that had been seen far too rarely over these last months. Obi-Wan reached out a shaking hand, taking a last breath for the effort, Yes, I'm coming.

Fin