Disclaimer: We don't own Star Wars.

Full summary: Sequel to The Seeds of Darkness. In Chosen's finale: the Clone War is no longer about Republic and Separatists. For the Jedi it has become a battle of Light and Dark. Yet it is also the impromptu front for Anakin's soul, Qui-Gon's heart, and Obi-Wan's sanity. The end is nigh.

Warnings: Slash, JA reference, drugs, noncon, and violence

Pairing(s): Qui-GonxAnakin, GarenxObi-Wan, Obi-WanxQui-Gon

Fic type: AU, romance

Bizarre speaks: You'll probably begin to notice little x-s dividing up paragraphs now. It actually starts to matter in this. P.S. I hate the new summary, but I forgot to ask Janie about a new one last night.

Chosen
Volume Six
Into Ashes
Chapter I: Escape Velocity

Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi skidded to a halt. He was on an important rescue mission. Supreme Chancellor Palpatine had been kidnapped. Jedi were quickly dispatched. Obi-Wan had been sure of himself, confident in his sources. He would be the one to find Palpatine. Now things took a disturbing twist.

"Dooku," the Knight murmured, igniting his lightsaber at the sight of the infamous Sith.

"Ah, good to see you again, Kenobi," the aged Count smiled a crooked smile. "I must confess I did not expect you."

"Just who were you expecting?" Obi-Wan asked casually.

"I had hoped the Council would send Qui-Gon and Skywalker," Dooku admitted openly.

"Sorry to disappoint you," Obi-Wan snorted stalking closer.

"Oh no, my young Jedi," a man's voice sounded from behind the Count. "I do not believe an apology will suffice."

Obi-Wan's mouth fell open.

The Chancellor was not in danger as he'd been led to believe…

The starship, Invisble Hand, came crashing to earth in a cloud of dust and smoke. As the fire crews scrambled to get the blaze under control two figures came stumbling out of the wreckage.

"Are you alright, sir?" Obi-Wan coughed, helping the elder man across the uneven footing.

"Yes, Kenobi, I am."

"Chancellor!" Someone came hurrying over to assist them. A crowd had gathered as the crippled ship entered the atmosphere, several Jedi among them. A transport shuttle waited to whisk Palpatine back to the government complex. Complete with a paramedic crew should anyone need care.

Jedi Knight Garen Muln helped Obi-Wan get the Chancellor comfortable. "Good to see you safe, Chancellor," he grinned at Palpatine's rescuer. "The kidnappers?"

"Dooku and his dog Grievous," Obi-Wan sighed. "Both escaped," he confessed.

Master Windu put a solicitous hand on Obi-Wan's shoulder. "That is alright, Kenobi," the black man smiled reassuringly. "The Chancellor is safely recovered."

Obi-Wan merely nodded mutely and found his seat.

Across the shuttle bay, young Anakin Skywalker scowled. "Had I gone they would not have gotten away," he mumbled.

"But you did not go," Master Qui-Gon Jinn said softly.

"I should have." Anakin was relieved to see the noble Palpatine safe and unharmed. He desperately longed for the chance to face Count Dooku again, though. The Jedi Knight was very bitter about losing an arm to the nefarious Sith Lord.

"I know, this torments you, Anakin," Master Jinn said gently. "But Jedi do not seek vengeance."

"You confuse vengeance with justice, Master," the young Jedi replied hotly. "Dooku's death would rid the Republic of a dangerous rebel leader," Anakin grinned. "It is only fitting that the 'Chosen One' be his executioner."

"Is it really justice you seek, son?"

"Revenge is bittersweet and quickly forgotten, Master," Anakin shrugged, flexing his durasteel arm for emphasis. "Justice is immortal, everlasting."

"How would you know, young Skywalker?" Qui-Gon was greatly disturbed. Aankin was too young to really understand the double-edged bite of vengeance.

"I know," Ani replied stiffly, "about…revenge." He fell silent then, so Master Jinn said no more.

The elder Jedi glanced over at Obi-Wan. Kenobi looked a bit haggard and rumpled, but no worse for wear. That seemed fortunate considering the man had faced both Dooku and the deadly cyborg Grievous. Obi-Wan and Knight Muln had heads close arguing. Their body language still bespoke intimacy and Qui-Gon frowned. All his efforts to counsel Obi-Wan fell on deaf ears and the old man was getting frustrated.

They dropped the grateful Chancellor off at the Senate compound. A throng of anxious aids flocked around Palpatine instantly. He shooed them aside to address Obi-Wan.

"Thank you again, Kenobi," the leader of the Republic bowed deeply. "I owe you my life," he added with a little smile. "Perhaps someday I can repay your efforts?"

Obi-Wan made no reply, merely returned the bow. A strange look was on his face when he straightened up, though. The watching Jedi could sense tension radiating from their brother, but none understood. Then the guardians of peace and justice took their leave and returned to the Jedi Temple.

Anakin Skywalker, for one, was very glad the trip was short. The less time he spent around Obi-Wan Kenobi the better. Though Jedi were taught not to hold grudges, it still happened. Skywalker had many reasons to be angry with Obi-Wan. Kenobi had turned his back on the lonely little boy from Tatooine and over the years Anakin came to feel that the elder Knight's behavior shamed the Jedi Order.

Obi-Wan drank to excess and was recklessly promiscuous. Though he had no direct proof, Anakin also suspected the man had a drug problem. None of this was really his business, however. What really rankled Skywalker was Kenobi's blatant disregard for Master Qui-Gon.

Despite Obi-Wan's icy attitude, the big Jedi Master persisted in his attempts to help Kenobi back into the light. Qui-Gon often sought out the young Knight in an effort to help Obi-Wan. The old man usually returned from such meetings very upset and withdrawn. His youthful lover was very concerned and angry with Obi-Wan. Anakin felt it was definitely best if he avoided Obi-Wan Kenobi when able. At first it seemed his wish was granted.

Obi-Wan disappeared from the Temple shortly after his return with Chancellor Palpatine. Even his closest friend, Garen Muln, had no idea where Kenobi had gone. When he finally returned it was to confront the Council of Masters.

"Consider this appointment, we will, Obi-Wan," the wizened Master Yoda grumbled. This was most irregular!

"I didn't ask for this, Master," Obi-Wan replied mildly. "Chancellor Palpatine has."

The Masters exchanged a long look among themselves.

"Although we may agree to this, Kenobi," Master Mace Windu spoke at last. "We will not bestow the rank of Master simply at the Chancellor's whim," he informed the Knight firmly.

"I did not expect that, Master Windu." Kenobi's tart reply startled several Council members but no one said anything.

"A seat you may take Obi-Wan," Yoda interjected quickly. "Our council you have joined," the little troll gestured to an empty chair.

Obi-Wan bowed and sat. Their deliberations resumed after a moment.

The news spread quickly through the Temple. Reactions were mixed. Some, like Anakin Skywalker, were irritated. Others merely nervous that someone so unpredictable, so renegade, would have a say on the Council. And Kenobi was just a Knight!

"He's on the Council?" Anakin ranted, anger barely held in check. "That's ridiculous!"

"Why is that, Anakin?" Master Jinn inquired.

"He hasn't earned it!" the young man huffed. "He's only being allowed in because of the Chancellor!"

"Obi-Wan has done much for the Jedi, for the Republic," Qui-Gon pointed out.

"So have you," Anakin countered. "So have I," he added hotly, waving his prosthetic limb for emphasis. "You don't see me on the Council!"

Master Qui-Gon suspected young Skywalker would be an even worse choice, but said nothing. Anakin continued to rant and rave about Kenobi. Pacing and grumbling. The old Master just sat there waiting for him to calm down, which he did eventually. Taking a seat next to Qui-Gon.

"You should not concern yourself, young one," Qui-Gon said gently, stroking Ani's hair fondly.

"I know," the youngster sighed. As one of the junior most Knights the Council's business was out of his league. It still bothered him though. Obi-Wan was not worthy of this lofty position! "I would have though you'd be more upset, Master," he finally said. "Seeing such an honor placed on him."

"Oh?"

"After the way he's treated you, I mean," Ani snuggled closer to wrap his arms around his lover.

"I am happy for Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon said honestly. "As a fellow Jedi and his former Master." The old man was silent for a moment. "And I deserve it."

"You do not deserve his hatred, Master!" Ani was appalled.

"Let it go, Anakin," Qui-Gon said firmly. "It is between Obi-Wan and I."

"If you say so," the young man sighed heavily.

"I do," the Master insisted.

Anakin squirmed onto the big man's lap. "Whatever the Master desires…"

Obi-Wan surprised everyone with his behavior, however. He seemed the model Jedi, calm and polite. Thoughtful, responsible. It was something not seen in years from the maverick Knight. Even his feelings toward Master Qui-Gon appeared to have warmed. Though still wary, Anakin had to admit that Obi-Wan was doing well. Master Jinn was no longer so upset and hurt in his dealings with Kenobi. Things were better.

The Clone Wars still raged on around them, though. More and more Jedi were lost. Everyday another Master, another pair of Knights…little Padawans…

Anakin became so used to the sight of weeping younglings that he seemed to tune it out. He walked the somber halls oblivious to the sorrow.

Much to his dismay the next assignment required he partner with Obi-Wan. That snapped him out of his daze quickly. Though reluctant to set Obi-Wan loose just yet, the Council had little choice.

The Supreme Chancellor insisted Kenobi had the necessary skills for the job. Palpatine all but ordered the Council to send Obi-Wan to Jure. The rogue planet must be brought to heel and Kenobi was the only negotiator who understood those people. General Kenobi had the love and admiration of the Clone troopers, too. His long absence from the field was affecting morale.

"I don't want to go with him!"

"We have discussed this before, Anakin," Master Qui-Gon said patiently. "I will not always be with you, son."

"I know we've discussed it," Anakin snarled, stuffing his pack absentmindedly for the journey. "That doesn't mean I have to like it."

"You will be fine," Master Jinn came up behind him and took the young man by the shoulders. Anakin was very tense. "Let go of your anger, Anakin."

The youthful Jedi forced himself to calm, taking a deep breath. "Yes, Master, sorry."

"That's it," Qui-Gon murmured, kissing the back of Anakin's neck. "Just relax."

To Be Continued...