Hello there! :)

Another chapter's up and I must say that I'm writing the last chapter now so you can be sure this story won't be abandoned in a cliffhanger or something ;)

I hope you like this chapter, I wrote it while I had writer block so it might not be the best, though I still hope it's quite readable :)

Also, forgive me any mistakes, as always I checked it three times but I can never be sure :)

Triggers:

Nothing new.

Disclaimer: I own nothing.

~~~ Chapter 9 ~~~

It was a cold evening, the sun has already hidden behind the view of Coruscant bright buildings.

Obi-Wan was staring at the purple sky, wondering about too many things that gave him a headache. The feeling... familiar feeling has settled deep in his head. It was as if the Force itself wanted to warn him. The problem was, he had no idea what he should be afraid of.

One thing was sure, though. Nothing good was about to happen. Everything felt... grim and simply numb. It gave him a lot of cold shivers.

He heard some steps from behind. He knew who came. Anakin, his young Padawan, on his bare foot. Obi-Wan turned to him and greeted with a bright smile, hoping the teenager would reply with the same.

...No, he shouldn't have thought about it. He has not smiled for ages. Why would he now?

"Aren't you sleeping?" he gently asked, remembering that the teenager had been tired.

He shook his head and shyly approached the man. Obi-Wan's presence was soothing. It could calm him and his dark demons down. It could prevent the fire from burning his soul.

"I... I couldn't fall asleep." the boy whispered in some sort of shame. The Knight could see in these eyes that Anakin had this wrong feeling as well.

He smirked slightly and nodded, dismissing negative thoughts.

"Do you want to stay with me?"

Anakin eyed him silently, hesitating. Then, just simply nodded and came closer to his Master. He looked up at the sky, watching it cautiously.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" Obi-Wan asked, admiring a colourful sky and pink-red strips left by the sunset.

"Yeah..." in this voice, the Knight could hear everything but happiness. There was fear, there was grief, and there was pain.

"What's wrong?" he asked quietly, not looking away from the younger Jedi's face.

Anakin at first shook his head as if in apprehension. But shortly after that sighed, his muscles tensed.

Obi-Wan wrapped his arm around him protectively. He could feel how the boy was shivering. Indeed, it was pretty cold.

"I-- I don't know, Master. There is... there is something out there that I don't... like." he was staring blankly at colourful clouds. He swallowed and blinked.

"Yes, I know. I sense it too, Padawan."

The boy looked at him and they fell silent for a moment.

"Do you think we should be worried?" his face suddenly turned to him. He was white as a sheet. A ghost.

His tears started to burn him again as he thought about those happy days. Everything they had been working on just destroyed in one night. He wondered many times what the future would bring, and if something, would it be his son?

The fact his dear Anakin has completely left him alone and got replaced by a broken teenager pained so much he couldn't describe it. He only wanted him back.

When he threw another thoughts away and was about to give any reply, he saw how his apprentice shivered. Again. It was too much.

"I think we should get inside. You're cold." he whispered softly and with arms still around him, just led him to their apartment.

Anakin sat on the couch and Obi-Wan put a blanket around him, hoping it could warm the teenager up.

The young apprentice closed his eyes, drifting off somewhere where Obi-Wan wouldn't be able to come. To his world of nightmares, demons and sorrow. He wanted to cry as all the emotions haunted him like ghosts. It came so suddenly that he was controlling it with difficulties.

Obi-Wan was cautiously watching his Padawan's every step, every breath and every tear that he tried so hard to hide.

He wished it had never happened. He wished he had been able to do anything. He was ready to get through every fire, every flood, just to see Anakin's bright smile again.

"Anakin..." he started in whisper and patiently waited for the boy to look at him.

When the reply hasn't come, he sighed and wiped one of Anakin's tears away. Then, he was given some attention.

He smiled.

"I was wondering if you were up to some lightsaber practice tomorrow." he stated firmly, yet softly, with a gentle smile in his face.

Sudden sparkles which appeared in the boy's eyes made him feel much lighter.

"But... Master... what about my arm?" he asked quietly. "I'm afraid I shouldn't overwhelm it."

The Knight pretended not to hear this uncomfortable shift in the Force, nor did he want to feel the slight pain in their bond.

"We'll go easy on your arm, Anakin. I'm sure a sparring would be good for you."

"Master Che won't be pleased."

"Who said she would find out?" he winked at him and grinned lightly.

Anakin's face brightened up suddenly. Obi-Wan couldn't describe what he felt when, for the first time in forever, he saw the teenager's smile. It was as if he saw thousands of rainbows, or beautiful waterfalls somewhere on a distant planet. His soul screamed from happiness. The dullness of recent days disappeared.

Anakin's smile was unexpected but very welcome. It gave him new hope. For better days. He was staring at the boy in amazement as if he saw a miracle. Maybe he did.

At the moment, words weren't really necessary.

He patted Anakin's back and inaudibly sighed. He was extremely happy to see his apprentice smile, even if it wasn't the smile he always used to give him.

~~~o*o~~~

It got dark very soon. The silence wasn't awkward, nor overwhelming. For the first time in ages, it was nice.

He could listen to it for a very long time together with his Padawan. It was soothing.

"Master..." the teenager suddenly said, shattering the quiet. But Obi-Wan wasn't annoyed by it in any way. He still was delighted. The smile - one smile was enough.

"Yes?" their eyes met, Anakin's shiny blue gaze was the only thing that he could see in this darkness of the room.

"Do you-- do you sometimes... fear?"

He smiled lightly, relaxing his muscles. As a Jedi and Anakin's Master, he should say that fear wasn't what they should feel. But it would be a lie. The biggest lie he would ever tell. Because he does fear. He really does.

And looking at Anakin, he knew why. If he lost him, it would be like a nightmare. He would be alone. He would be no one, because Anakin was the main reason why he was here, why he was a Knight and a Master. Why he was someone.

"Yes, Anakin. Yes, I fear. Everyone does."

"Even Master Windu?"

He wanted to hold off the chuckle. But he didn't succeed. Mace has surely been a Jedi made of steel. However, it was not a right moment to say that to his apprentice.

"I'm sure he isn't fearless, young one." he answered instead, feeling the smile spread across his face.

Anakin looked down with a slight smirk. Then, it disappeared. He blinked and grimaced as another flashbacks struck him. He rubbed his face and tried to calm all of the raging thoughts down. A few tears swam down his cheeks and he sniffed.

Then, a gentle hand was placed on his shoulder. He flinched at first but quickly realised he wasn't in this awful dark alley.

He realised he wasn't with them but with Obi-Wan who was looking at him with clear concern painted on his bearded face, his grey eyes showed the anxiety.

"I have fears, too, Master." he whispered in pain. His cheeks turned red from embarrassment. He closed his eyes and noticed how unsteadily he was breathing.

"I know, Anakin." the reply came soon. The hand was taken off his shoulder and placed on his back instead. The man sat closer to him. "I know everything."

"N-no! No, you don't!" sudden outburst shocked him. His apprentice's eyes were now full of tears. His lower lip was trembling, as it always does when Anakin gets too emotional. "You have no idea! You don't know what it feels like to be--" he cut off all of a sudden and looked down, rubbing his blue eyes. "I'm s-sorry, Master."

"Anakin, my very young apprentice..." he whispered and embraced him warmly. "You're right. I don't know what it feels like. And I can't assure you that someone from the Temple does. But..." he cupped his chin and gave him a light, kind smile. "I can be certain of one thing."

The boy sniffed and blinked, not responding. He waited.

"You're still Anakin. You're still my very stubborn and strong Padawan. You're making me proud every single day. I look at you and see... brave young man who has always been ready to overcome everything. Who has always fought. Who has never given up."

He gave him a minute to think about his words and continued.

"You may not see this, Anakin, but I know you. I believe in you. You will get through this. Because my Anakin would never admit to any loss. My Anakin would never let someone else control his life." he encouraged. Everything he said was true. He remembered every argument when Anakin simply didn't want to do something because 'no one will be telling him how he should live'.

Anakin Skywalker was brave and independent, he was able to get through slavery, he was very strong. No being could make him do something he did not want to.

That's why it pained. Because someone did force him to surrender. To give up his dignity. To let them claim him forever, leaving him with traumatizing memories.

Anakin opened his mouth to reply, but it didn't come easily. His hands were trembling, just like his whole body.

"Maybe I changed, Master." it wasn't the response Obi-Wan wanted to receive but what could he expect anyway? His Padawan was broken. So was his heart.

"Yes, you did. But you still are my apprentice. The one I know. The one who's always ready to fight. You still have this fire inside, Anakin. Maybe it's weak, but still present. You just need to let it burn."

"I need you, Master. I--" Obi-Wan saw how hard it is for him to talk right now. "I need your guidance. Pl-please, don't leave me, never leave me." his hands wrapped the man's back and he hid his face in his chest.

"Anakin... don't worry. You know I would not." he whispered and caressed his head, soothing him as if to sleep.

"I was-- I was so afraid, Master. I thought I'd never see you again when they-- when they got me. I thought they'd kill me as soon as--" and he couldn't take more. A sob escaped his mouth and his left hand clutched Obi-Wan's robes.

"Anakin..." he whispered and tightened the embrace, sending him all their good memories of these bright, sunny days when there was only time for laughing and enjoying the peace.

It seemed to be working, for the Padawan calmed down after a few minutes. He was breathing loudly, his chest heaving. But he was not going to let him go. He wanted to stay like that, only two of them and good memories.

He was hugging him, stroking his back, hushing him until Anakin utterly stopped crying.

They got stuck in time like this, and for once, everything was alright, as it should have been earlier.

However, there was one matter he has wanted to discuss for some time. It just needed to be solved and it was a good moment to do it.

"Why did you punch that other Padawan, Anakin?" he asked and felt how the teenager tensed within his arms. His heart started running rapidly.

He caressed the back of his neck to somewhat reassure him, to give him courage. It worked out. The boy looked at him and swallowed.

"He-- we argued."

Obi-Wan stopped the grin and sighed silently, meeting his tearful gaze.

"Yes, that I know. I'm asking about reasons, Anakin."

The younger Jedi's eyes widened. He got nervous. Slave, that awful word echoed in his head. Slave, nothing more.

Perhaps it wasn't a lie. After all, he'd been owned by someone for nine years. And when he almost forgot about it, some men decided to claim him. Now, he will be owned his entire life, even if he's free by all rights.

"It-- it doesn't matter." he whispered in shame and embarrassment. He closed his eyes and sighed. "It has never mattered."

Obi-Wan glanced at him with a sympathetic look. Indeed, Anakin's reasons and problems never mattered to the Council but they were important. They were important to him. Yes, he hadn't been showing this very often. Of that, he was guilty. However, he still had time. It was not too late yet. He would show his Padawan that he cares.

"It matters to me, Anakin." he whispered and gave him another reassuring smile. He saw hesitation in the pair of these blue like ocean eyes but patiently, as he was used to, waited until the boy listens to what he'd said.

"Since when?" a murmur came out of his mouth. He felt guilty. The tone was accusing, and he couldn't be mad. He was aware of his mistakes.

"Since forever, Padawan. Since your first days as my apprentice."

"You've... you've never showed me that you... that you care. I-- am I not only a dying promise to you?"

The words struck him painfully. He knew that he did not help Anakin in any way when he was this small child from Tatooine. He knew he didn't make Anakin trust him like a Padawan should have trusted their Master.

He regretted every single day of being that harsh, without any compassion. The talk would be enough to help Anakin fight down his dark demons.

"You've never been just a promise, Anakin. You've been-- you've been like my... my son." he finally confessed. Sudden panic hit him when he realised he'd admitted to his attachments.

The conversations about feelings weren't his strong side. He has never even met his parents. He did not remember them like Anakin remembered his Mother. He did not know love. What having a family even means? What does it feel like?

The teenager's eyes brightened up and he smiled slightly. Obi-Wan answered with the same. So this is what it feels like. This is what love feels like.

Feelings, however, disappeared together with Anakin's smile. The teenager spoke suddenly, getting his attention.

"I-- I'm sorry I've let you down, Master. I-I should have fought harder." he whispered, tears already burning his eyes. The voice died in his throat as he recalled that terrible night. The night of his claiming.

"No, Anakin, please... don't say things like that." he immediately reacted. "You're the strongest person I've ever met. You're my-- my Padawan and I am so happy about having you beside me every day. You are not responsible for the crimes those men committed."

"Then why do I feel responsible? Why does it hurt so much?" his voice cracked in one second.

"Because you have a good heart, Anakin."

"Then, take it away f-from me. I-- I don't want to feel! I don't want to s-suffer anymore!" he broke down, cried out, shouted in anger, hatred and helplessness.

Obi-Wan again felt everything so clearly, so intensely. Anakin's thoughts were very loud and chaotic. He saw their faces in the darkness, he heard their taunts and laughter. He felt the moment they'd hurt his friend.

All images were running so swiftly that he couldn't focus on any.

Anakin's body started shivering from his crying and he only embraced him, trying to give as much warmth as he had himself.

The subject of the argument Anakin had had with the other Padawan was left forgotten as more and more pictures ran through Obi-Wan's head. It gave him a headache.

He heard Anakin's dry scream and crying, his begging and sobbing. He felt the pain and saw his bruised face on the ground.

He frowned and clenched his fists. Those men, their faces. The scars. The voices, everything. Things they had done to his apprentice, words they had used. It all was like a thunder that struck him, leaving him with pain and fear.

He silently accepted the ripping agony and suffered together with Anakin.

Their Force-signatures combined into one and for a moment, there were only them and the Force. He closed his eyes and felt exhaustion wash over him.

He felt Anakin's head hide within his cloaked arms and then, he remembered no more.

~~~o*o~~~

Morning came and he was awoken by Anakin's stirring. The teenager changed his position and Obi-Wan opened his eyes slowly, needing a few seconds to adjust to the bright sunlight behind the windows. It told him it was already quite late.

He had his arms protectively wrapped around Anakin and he couldn't help himself from forming a smile at the sight of the boy's unusually calm face.

He looked so innocent. He was innocent. He didn't deserve anything that happened to him. The last night was still somewhere at the back of his head. He still heard as if Anakin's crying within his shoulders.

When he tried to stand up, his apprentice snapped his eyes open as if prepared for an attack. It got the Knight startled.

"Master?" his tiny voice echoed in the quiet room. Obi-Wan turned to him and smiled. He wanted to have him close right now.

"Good morning, Anakin."

"What time is it?" he asked and rubbed his tired eyes.

"Don't worry about time, Anakin. You can sleep as long as you'd like to."

The boy looked at the clock. He frowned and his gaze returned to Obi-Wan.

"But Master... it's noon."

"It is, indeed." he only nodded. "But if I remember well, you didn't use to be worried about that a few years ago."

"I-- I told you, Master. I changed."

Obi-Wan sighed, knowing that the teenager does not have very peaceful nights. He wanted him to rest as much as he was able to. He could sleep a whole day and Obi-Wan wouldn't mind it.

"I still encourage."

"Th-thank you, Master, but I'll be alright." he whispered. It was strange hearing these words coming from him.

"Fine, then. If you're sure, I won't force you." he smiled and sat next to him. "Are you ready for our practice?" he placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Not sure, Master."

"Just relax, Anakin. You can do this."

"Yes, Master." the response was automatic but calmer now. "Let me just... get ready."

"Of course, Padawan. Take your time."

~~~o*o~~~

There were a lot of people. He saw other Padawans and their Masters. He saw their smiles and heard their talks. It was all muffled, though. Since he refused to attend his classes, the only Jedi he's been with was Obi-Wan. And he didn't mind it, he felt safe around him. Only around him.

Obi-Wan was walking silently, bowing to other Jedi every few minutes. He looked at his own apprentice who was so deep in thought at the moment. His face was like stone and eyes were shining.

He took him by the arm and pulled closer, not caring about the fact other Jedi may find it inappropriate. They had no idea what that poor boy had had to endure.

"You'll be okay, Anakin." he soothed and smiled when his Padawan turned to him.

The teenager only weakly nodded, as if to reassure himself. The sunlight was shining upon his already healed face and it gave him this beauty, this innocence.

How could they destroy it? They will pay for raising a hand on his dear apprentice. They will suffer from every bruise they made on Anakin. They would--

No, Obi-Wan, stop it, a voice in his head reminded him again. He couldn't lose control. He was a Jedi, for stars' sake! He wasn't to be hateful or angry. Only peace of mind and balance.

On it, he should focus.

They got to the arena and took practice lightsabers. Anakin carefully eyed the weapon he has not had since that awful day they both wanted to forget about.

His 'saber still has been destroyed, besides, it reminded him of the events, of the pain. It was better to get a new one. He will take care of it later.

Obi-Wan smiled as he saw how the teenager clutched the weapon and got himself prepared for the fight. He knew they shouldn't try anything hard today, for Anakin's shoulder still needed to be looked after. But it was a nice change. He has already noticed how much joy it gave the boy. His eyes immediately brightened up.

Yes, it has always been something Anakin loved.

They started fighting, Obi-Wan was very careful. He didn't want to get the boy injured in any way.

His Padawan was so happy, so passionate about every move, about the whole fight. It was as if he looked at the lightsaber for the first time. And for the first time in forever, Obi-Wan felt really good. He saw the future, he saw the sun and just smile across his apprentice's face. It gave him the feeling he couldn't describe.

The feeling that none Jedi should have. Feeling of love, of eternal love. Anakin was his family. His son. He took the special place in his heart.

"Obi-Wan!" he heard from behind his back. He frowned and turned around.

He saw Siri, along with Master Fisto. He smiled and told Anakin to practise his Soresu form, then he approached them.

"Master Fisto, Master Tachi." he bowed. They followed.

"Obi-Wan, I haven't seen you for such a long time." said the woman and she smirked.

"Well, yes. I was busy. My apprentice still needs a lot of attention and care."

"How is he? I see he gets better." spoke now the Nautolan Master and they all turned attention to Anakin who was trying to work on his Soresu as he was told to.

It was good to see him like this, just once. After the night, he simply needed to hear Anakin's laugh, even if very quiet.

"I admit, his state has improved." he shortly responded. "Though, I'm quite worried. I have this... bad feeling. As if something is about to happen." their eyes met. There was a short silence.

"Maybe you're just tired." stated Siri and he nodded with no need to discuss it. He promised Anakin he would be back in a second.

"Perhaps." he shrugged. "Now, if you excuse me, I must go back. I promised him one more fight."

"Looks like he's enjoying himself." Siri said again. He didn't know if someone told her the truth about Anakin's abuse but he was sure Siri would always understand it. She would not ignore it like the Council did.

"Yes. I hope it--" just then, suddenly, like a thunder, something exploded nearby and the alarm shrieked.

Everyone turned attention to the sounds, wondering what has happened. As Obi-Wan managed to exchange look with his female friend, something like mist surrounded them. Suffocating gas forced them to cough and hold their breath.

Quickly Obi-Wan realised he couldn't see anything in front of him. The fog blurred everything and he felt like giving in. He heard other coughs and someone calling his name. Then, he remembered no more.

T.B.C