Some of you have noticed Obi-Wan's regression into a more weak, child like state. That can be explained by three things:

One is sheer exhaustion. Since reawakening, Obi-Wan has been dealing with nothing put pure emotional strain, thing after thing piling up upon each other. His mind is protecting himself, not thinking clearly – reacting instead of thinking.

Two is the presence of Qui-Gon. His Master is someone Obi-Wan instinctively trusts and as his mind degrades from the stress and prolonged exposure to Force Inhibitors he finds himself leaning more and more on Qui-Gon's presence, like he did when he was a Padawan. And the grief. He's still recovering you know and it's a long process.

Third is physical strain. The 'burning heart' (as we'll call it) that accompanies the flashbacks is very difficult for his body to deal with.

And no, this is not a slash writing.

Beta: The wonderful Dimyavie.

Unexpected Awakening

Chapter 10

Revelations

Obi-Wan awoke suddenly and felt immediately refreshed. In fact, for the first time since this ordeal began – no, since before the start of the Clone Wars, exhaustion didn't seem to be clouding around the fringes of his consciousness.

The Jedi pulled himself into a sitting position and brought his hands up to rub the crusty sleep from his eyes. He stared around the dimmed room in confusion. When had he returned to the room? The door to the fresher unit hissed open and Qui-Gon stepped out, freshly damp from a shower. He looked instantly relieved as he caught sight of the vertical Obi-Wan.

"Good morning." The Jedi Master said as he crossed the room. He stood at the bedside; a look on his face that Obi-Wan had long ago learned meant he was nervous.

"Good morning." Obi-Wan answered, surprised at how rough his voice sounded before he erupted into dry coughs. Qui-Gon left his side and returned a moment later with a cup full of water. Obi-Wan gratefully began to gulp down the drink. He apologized between gulps.

"It's alright. Really to be expected, you've been asleep for almost two full days." Obi-Wan choked on his water. He turned to look at Qui-Gon in shock.

"Two days?" Obi-Wan shook his head and ran a hand through his hair. That was rare for him, even with being exhausted.

"Obi-Wan…" The tone in Qui-Gon's voice caught him by surprise and he looked up at the maverick Master. "I need to know what happened with Xanatos."

Obi-Wan frowned.

With…Xanatos?

Obi-Wan forced his mind to call up the last memories he had and frowned. That's right; he had used the Force under Force inhibitors. That was most likely why he'd slept so long, such an act had to be draining. But, the more he thought about it the more disturbed he became.

How did I do that? I've never been able to before…Obi-Wan fought with his memory, trying to recall as much as he could. It was hard – he had been so tired at the time…And suddenly he remembered. Oh.

The fingers of his free hand flexed against the fabric and suddenly recoiled, clutching the cover in a fist. Obi-Wan could feel the plastic material of the cup strain under the hold of his other hand; it was all he could do to keep from cracking it. His forearm muscles tensed to such an extent that they shook slightly.

Oh.

Obi-Wan could hardly convince himself to breathe.

I used the Dark Side.

It had to be the only explanation. He was so tired and afraid. Afraid that Xanatos would find out about Anakin and do Force knows what with him – to him. And, he was afraid to have to relive those moments again. It had been so easy to do, that extra power was right there for him to use.

It had been so easy…so easy just to reach out to my fear and anger and…

Obi-Wan forced himself to swallow, wondering where the moisture he had just reacquired had gone.

Force…I feel great.

It was true. Instead of exhausted he felt alive, empowered almost. He felt…

Obi-Wan shook his head.

I can't believe how easy it was…

Before he could even finish the thought, his mind was snapping at him.

Of course it's easy! If it wasn't easy it wouldn't have stolen Anakin from beneath your nose, idiot!

Never again, Obi-Wan vowed silently. Never again would he act out of such fear and passion. This was a path he could not – would not go down.

"Obi-Wan? What is it?" Qui-Gon's voice almost made him jump and as he stared up at his former Master Obi-Wan felt his tongue glue itself to the top of his mouth. There was no way he could tell Qui-Gon…if he did…Obi-Wan had no doubt that Qui-Gon would never take him as his apprentice.

As foolish as it is, that's a risk I cannot take.

But it was more than that – he couldn't bear the thought of his former Master knowing he'd –

"Master Jinn…I…" He struggled for something, some excuse, some lie, just something to keep the Master away from him. Obi-Wan slid his legs over the side of the bed and stood. He shook his head, as if the act would clear his muddled thoughts. "Forgive me, Master Jinn. My thoughts are scattered. I need to meditate."

Qui-Gon shook his head as Obi-Wan climbed out of bed and made his way to an open portion of floor before proceeding to sit down. The boy wanted to meditate? Now? He'd waited two long days to hear what he needed! Moreover, judging from the way the boy had just reacted, Qui-Gon was sure it was a story he needed to hear; for the boy's well being. Surly meditation could wait.

"Obi-Wan-" The boy didn't let him finish.

"Master Jinn, please," The boy glanced up at him, his blue grey eyes cloudy. "I once heard that meditation brings wisdom and lack of it leaves only ignorance. I need some time to review what has happened before I can talk intelligently about it."

Qui-Gon blinked down at the boy and slowly brought his head to nod. That was the quote he had used with his first Padawan, and then on Xanatos whenever he did not want to meditate. In turn, it was the same saying his Master had often used on him.

To hear it coming from Obi-Wan's mouth was…strange.

"As you wish, Obi-Wan. But when you are done, we will talk." Qui-Gon's voice was stern and the boy nodded before allowing himself to slip away. Qui-Gon watched as the younger Jedi's eyes settled and his posture stilled. He stared down at the small form for a few moments before sighing and bringing himself into a knelling position in front of him.

Meditation would do his overworked mind good.

Much to Qui-Gon's frustration, he hadn't received his answers when the door to their room slid open. An amused Xanatos took the sight in before him.

"No, no." He made a lowering gesture as Qui-Gon stood. "No need to rise! Continue! I insist!" By his side Obi-Wan rose and Qui-Gon glanced from him to Xanatos as the two locked eyes. A slow, steady smile spread across Xanatos' face in response to Obi-Wan's icy glare. Qui-Gon knew the cocky, self-pleased smile far too well. It meant trouble.

"That was quite a little stunt you pulled there, young Padawan." Obi-Wan didn't respond to the bait. Xanatos shrugged, lifting black gloved hands up in defeat. "Well, well. I guess we'll never be friends shall we?"

"I'm afraid I don't have an urge to be friends with you, Xanatos." Obi-Wan said stoically, his voice oddly neutral compared to his eyes. Qui-Gon silently appraised the boy. Usually it was the reverse. Obi-Wan would make a good negotiator one day, if he could learn to keep his emotions completely at bay.

"You hurt me!" Xanatos said with a sigh, placing a hand over his heart. "It is of no matter though. I do suggest however, that you get dressed my little Padawan. Otherwise you're going to be late."

When Obi-Wan didn't move, Qui-Gon stood and laid a gentle hand on his shoulder and nodded towards his clothes. Obi-Wan turned from him and quickly pulled on his outer robes and boots. Qui-Gon frowned for a moment as he watched the movements. What trickery did Xanatos have up his sleeve?

The Jedi Master recognized the path back to the entertainment room and frowned as he heard music blaring from inside. The door slid open and Qui-Gon was surprised when a roar of applause met them. Next to him, Obi-Wan stopped as if slapped, staring at the large crowd before them. He glanced up at Qui-Gon, his lips pressed into a thin line. Qui-Gon could almost hear Obi-Wan's unhappy question. Just what did Xanatos have planned?

"Ladies and Gentlemen! My wonderful friends! May I welcome you with such open arms to my ship! I hope you are having a wonderful time!" Again the roar of applause. Laughing full heartedly Xanatos quieted them down with his hands. "Well that makes me truly happy! And tonight, my beautiful ones, we truly have a wonderful treat!"

On cue, the guards pushed the two Jedi forward.

"May I introduce my most esteemed former Master, Qui-Gon Jinn, and his Padawan Obi-Wan Kenobi!" There was applause again and a shuffling sound as people moved to see them. By his side Obi-Wan shifted and crossed his arms, his hands folding into the voluminous sleeves of his robe. His face was completely blank, a stoic look that Qui-Gon was quickly coming to recognize as an Obi-Wan trademark.

Still the stance was so eerily familiar that it gave Qui-Gon pause. He examined the boy next to him, pushing the sound of Xanatos and the crowd from his mind. The boy stood straight, his chin held level, staring at the crowd with calm, emotionless eyes. The boy looked…not like a boy, Qui-Gon realized with a jolt. Sensing his gaze Obi-Wan looked up at him. Qui-Gon had to admit, being the center of that alarming blank, docile stare was disconcerting. Obi-Wan's brow's furled in silent question. Qui-Gon gave him a brief smile before resting his hand on the boy's shoulder and turning his attention back to the crowd.

His suspicion from before was coming back in force. There was something…off about Obi-Wan Kenobi. Something was different, not as it should be. Before this was over Qui-Gon would know it, of that he was certain.

Xanatos finished his speech, leaving his crowd laughing merrily. He led the Jedi across the room as the crowd dispersed, with each person they passed stopping to stare. The dark man led them to the farthest corner where a platform rested a few feet above the floor. They climbed atop of it and Xanatos took his seat - his guards led Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan to stand on either side of them.

"What are you planning, Xanatos?" Qui-Gon growled, his frustration with the situation getting the better of him.

"Patience, my dear Master, patience."

The Jedi Master set his jaw and crossed his arms, folding his hands into the cloak he wore, fighting to calm his anger before it could rule him. Boden paused mid climb, an amused look taking his face.

"Isn't that cute!" Boden chortled. "Brother, do you and I do that?" Qui-Gon glanced from himself to Obi-Wan and found with some mild amusement, that the boy almost mirrored his stance. Xanatos turned, looked at the two and chuckled.

"I hope not, my little one. It would show a considerable lack of originality on your part."

Boden snorted and took his seat at Xanatos' feet, lounging on a series of pillows placed there and looking instantly bored. The night passed on. Xanatos and Boden dined and the two Jedi were left to stand behind them.

Like pets, Qui-Gon thought darkly. The only real moment of unease for Qui-Gon came when a young lady made her favor for Xanatos known. Qui-Gon stiffened in distaste as the two began to have sex on his seat, regardless of anyone else's eyes. At their feet Boden looked even more bored and simply watched the party. Qui-Gon's eyes flew to Obi-Wan's face but found the teen glancing out over the party, his stoic mask firmly in place.

Qui-Gon felt his jaw muscles tighten until his jaw ached. To have Obi-Wan exposed to this! Qui-Gon forced himself to focus on the people moving below him, memorizing faces to identify once they left the party. When Qui-Gon had finally lost track of the hours Xanatos stood and the music cut off. He waited patiently while he gathered the attention of the party.

"My ladies and gentlemen, it is time for the main sporting event of the night. If I could have you all enter the risers please!" Qui-Gon stiffened as the party guests made their ways over to large metal platforms. The guards around Qui-Gon surrounded him, blasters in hand. He glanced over at Obi-Wan. The boy was stiff, his hands outside of his robe as he stared at the guards that had surrounded him, an injector in each hand.

Qui-Gon fought the urge to growl with frustration as he felt the all too familiar touch of an injector followed by the stream of cold force inhibitors entering his blood stream. He glanced sharply to his left as they saw them push Obi-Wan off the platform.

"Wait!" He surged forward but froze when a blaster was placed against Obi-Wan's head.

"What part of this situation do you not seem to understand, Qui-Gon?" Xanatos' voice was cold and laced with mockery. The Jedi glared back at him. "You have no say in any matter." Qui-Gon shook with anger as he watched the guards push Obi-Wan towards the deserted dance area. The platform began to rumble and rise. "Besides my old Master, I promise you, you will see everything."

Qui-Gon felt his heart freeze at Xanatos' words and the cruel look in his eyes. His gaze fled from Xanatos' face to Obi-Wan while panic began to overtake him. Obi-Wan glanced over his shoulder as the guards dragged him away and the two locked eyes. The Jedi wanted to call after him. To break through the guards around him and go to the boy he had brought into this mess. He even wanted to beg Xanatos to let him go instead of the boy – the Jedi would have if he thought it would do some good. Yet, Qui-Gon knew it wouldn't. Xanatos had this planned. He wanted Qui-Gon to witness whatever was going to happen and to know that it was his fault, know that he alone had caused this pain to Obi-Wan.

His mouth was dry as the platform came to a stop several feet above the floor. The guards finished leading Obi-Wan to the dance floor and left him in the center of it, stepping off the glowing floor tiles. There was a cranking sound and dance floor shifted and changed. As Qui-Gon watched it shrugged, sending Obi-Wan to his knees as slender walls slid up on all sides, extending almost as high as the platform itself.

Qui-Gon's heart twisted as a trap door rose from the floor and a darkly clad figure stepped out.

Obi-Wan didn't recognize the man in front of him. But he knew one thing. He was a Sith, or at the very least a Dark Jedi, and the Dark Side radiated from him. He stared at Obi-Wan in boredom. Obi-Wan kept his body stance neutral as he observed the new comer. But inside he was reeling.

Force! Really now, this is getting ridiculous! How many are there? It didn't matter, Obi-Wan thought darkly. I'll kill you too.

Xanatos' voice filled the room.

"Now my young Kenobi, this is Sailine. A guess you could call him a…freelance entertainer." Sailine snorted in amusement at this description. "Do you remember that charming young woman you met not too long ago? The one with the rather ugly pet?"

Obi-Wan nodded curtly.

"Well this is one of her first apprentices, a Jedi Padawan at the start no less! Sailine, this is the Padawan of my old Master. You be sure to treat him nicely now."

"I'll try my, Lord Xanatos." Sailine said in a rumbling voice.

"Now, Obi-Wan. You'll notice I haven't given you any more Force inhibitors. I've decided that this shall be a fair fight…well…sort of." Obi-Wan's body tightened at his words. He gently reached out to the Force and his knees almost buckled at its welcome presence. He would need it, Obi-Wan thought as he focused on the man in front of him. "Sailine give him the lightsaber."

Still bored, Sailine tossed a silver object at him. Obi-Wan caught it and frowned. Once again, it was not his own. Not for the last time, Obi-Wan wondered how many of his own had come before him.

"Now this is simple, you fight to the death. Naturally, the winner lives!" There were cheers from the spectators that stared down from around the stands. "Now, the betting booths are open – but not for long! So hurry! I wish you all the best of luck!"

Obi-Wan allowed himself to sink to his knees, gathering the Force around him silently as he centered himself and washed the last bit of drugs from his system. The Jedi heard the soft buzz of the camera droids hovering around him. He ignored them and focused on steadying himself for what was to come. Xanatos rambled on about betting rules for a few more minutes before barking sharply for the fight to begin.

The words had barely left his mouth when Sailine was upon him. Obi-Wan blocked viciously, cursing as the Sith pushed him backwards. He tried to side step out of the charge but Sailine prevented him, attacking with the same blasé attitude on his face. As a last resort the younger boy sent out a violent Force push, sending Sailine staggering backwards. Obi-Wan spun out of his path, slashing violently at Sailine's back and side. The Sith hissed and jumped out of the way, kicking off the wall and propelling himself towards Obi-Wan. He spun out of way again, fleeing from the Sith's area.

This isn't going to work.

Obi-Wan stared at the Sith, the purple blade rising and falling with his breath as the Sith stared at him in annoyance. His glance traveled to Qui-Gon. The Master was standing at the edge of Xanatos' platform, gripping the railing and staring at him. Even from the distance Obi-Wan could see that the Jedi Master was pale.

But if I do this in front of him-

The Sith charged him and again it was an act Obi-Wan narrowly avoided, slashing widely at the Sith's back. If he did this, he could no longer pretend to be just a twelve-year-old boy. Qui-Gon would see – Xanatos would see. There would be no going back.

But, as the Sith charged him again Obi-Wan set his jaw. He had no choice.

Qui-Gon saw the shift in Obi-Wan just before Xanatos went stiff by his side. Obi-Wan slid into another stance, rising his lightsaber in front, facing the Sith. Qui-Gon's eyes widened as Obi-Wan shot forward. The Sith stumbled in his charge, startled by the sudden change.

Obi-Wan's blade clashed against Sailine's and Qui-Gon felt his eyes widen as Obi-Wan forced the Sith back. Sailine stumbled and rolled out of the way, barely missing the downward sweep of Obi-Wan's lightsaber. The man flipped to his feet and once again took the offensive. But Obi-Wan refused to be driven back. Instead, the two warriors swirled along each other, Obi-Wan moving with a forceful elegance that left Qui-Gon incapable of thought.

It wasn't possible.

How could the boy know how to fight like that? Qui-Gon watched as Obi-Wan steadily drove the Sith back, his lightsaber blows strong and efficient. Elegant, everything about how he moved was elegant. And underneath each move Qui-Gon could see the presence of cold, hard experience. There was no move that the Sith made that caught Obi-Wan at unawares, no turn or leap or downwards sweep that wasn't meet with equal fervor.

The Jedi Master was watching an impossibility.

Because Obi-Wan was twelve. A child. And this entire fight was an impossibility. Despite this, the fight below him went on. The two blades flashed so quickly that Qui-Gon could barely follow them without the aid of the Force. Meanwhile, the crowd was leaning forward, attempting, and failing to follow what was going on. The Sith flipped backwards in an attempt to escape the non-stop barrage but as he landed Obi-Wan was already there, his blade coming down. The man blocked him, but the force of the blow caused his legs to slide out. As Qui-Gon watched Obi-Wan began to force the locked sabers towards Sailine's face.

"Master, can you feel that?" Boden whispered from somewhere behind them. Xanatos' response was lost on Qui-Gon as Sailine's knees buckled in and the Sith crashed to the floor. He could hardly believe the sight in front of him. A fully-grown Sith brought to his knees by a twelve year old Jedi Initiate!

Suddenly, it was over. With a twist of his wrist, Obi-Wan sent the red lightsaber flying behind him. Sailine was dead before it touched the floor. The crowd was silent. Qui-Gon could only stare as Obi-Wan deactivated his lightsaber before switching his gaze to his surroundings.

By his side Xanatos began to clap, the sound of it echoing oddly in the silent room. "Bravo, little Jedi." His voice echoed across the room. "I must say, you surprised me."

Qui-Gon turned to look at his former apprentice. Xanatos turned off the microphone before turning to face him.

"That is quite an apprentice you have there, Master mine. I had no idea he possessed such skill; you should have shared! I would have gotten him…" His sentence faded off as he looked up at Qui-Gon. Then Xanatos began to laugh. "Are you telling me you did not know he was capable of that little feat? My, my, my! What an enigma we truly have here! My dear, dear, old Master! Just who is this Obi-Wan Kenobi?"

As he turned to stare down at the unmoving Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon couldn't help but wonder the same.

The doors to their quarters slid shut and Obi-Wan brought his hand to rub the now very sore inhibitor patch.

They could pick a different spot every now and then.

The Jedi shook his head darkly before forcing himself to take a deep breath. How long had Obi-Wan thought he could keep this game up? Especially now? How long?

Longer then this…as long as I could.

But he had no other choice then to come face to face with his demons now. The silent, brooding Qui-Gon behind him was a clear sign of that. Obi-Wan forced himself to take a deep breath before turning around to face his former Master.

The Jedi Master watched him as he moved to the bed and sat down, removing his outer robe, his boots and socks following. After the continued silence, Obi-Wan sighed and looked up. Qui-Gon had not moved and Obi-Wan found, with a bit of trepidation, that for once he could not read the look on the Master's face.

"Master Jinn, I-"

"What was that?" Qui-Gon asked harshly. Obi-Wan swallowed hard but forced himself to keep the Master's gaze.

"What was what?" The words had barely escaped his mouth before Obi-Wan realized he had said the wrong thing. The Jedi Master nearly rushed the bed, yanking the younger into a half standing, half kneeling position. The large Master's hands felt like vice grips on his arms.

"What was what?" The Master's voice wavered angrily. "What was that, Obi-Wan! Twelve year old Initiates do not fight like that!"

"Master Jinn-"

"Don't you Master Jinn me boy!" He shook Obi-Wan wildly. "I am not daft, child! What is going on? Where did you learn to kill like that! There wasn't a single moment of hesitation!"

Obi-Wan felt the energy leave his body. His body sagged down slightly and Qui-Gon became the only thing keeping him erect. He focused on the rough fabric of the Master's shirt.

I knew this would happen…some point I knew this would. Yet, I have no answer to give him.

"Answer me!" Though Obi-Wan Kenobi was once a full Jedi Master and General, he could not bring himself to overlook Qui-Gon's command. He forced his still tongue to move.

"If you hesitate the chance is lost." He answered, his voice sounding old and tired. The Jedi's body ached as it hung from the Master's grip. It felt as if his age had finally caught up with him. Old wounds that did not exist yet flared and caused his body to throb. The pain in his heart – a constant occurrence since his arrival – grew with each heartbeat. Desperately he wanted to bring his hands to rub the spiking ache there, yet he could not bring them to move. His body felt like lead.

Obi-Wan did not want to look up. He could feel the weight of Qui-Gon's gaze upon him, to see it would be too much.

"I see." The Master's words were crisp. "You know this how? How many people have you killed, Obi-Wan?"

"Oh," He sighed. "I've lost count." The grip on his arms tightened. Though it hurt him, Obi-Wan knew Qui-Gon was unaware.

"What?"

"I've killed many. Naturally, it was not my preference. But in desperate times, one must do as they must."

"Desperate times." Qui-Gon's repeated, his voice emotionless. Obi-Wan nodded slowly.

"Yes." The image of the Temple, burning and full of death filled his mind. The vid of Anakin making his way through the hallways with the Clone Troopers flashed across his eyes and the Jedi could almost smell the death in the air. He felt his throat tighten and found it incredibly painful to swallow. "Oh yes."

Unwillingly he recalled the pain – that terrible ache – that had filled him when Order 66 came into effect. His body shuddered as he remembered the shatter in the Force - an endless scream of loss that built in volume as more and more joined it, until it had been so overwhelming that the Jedi Master had dropped to his knees and echoed it verbally. Obi-Wan's heart beat erratically, causing his breath to come at odd intervals.

"Terrible times." His hands moved on their own accord, grasping Qui-Gon's forearms. The Master stiffened under the light grip.

"Master," Qui-Gon froze as the word slid out of the boy's mouth. It was the first time he had heard Obi-Wan speak so informally to him. "Master."

"Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon warned, "I am not your master."

Nor would he even want to be until he understood what allowed Obi-Wan Kenobi to kill so easily: to fight as he did. He could be a greater threat than anything Xanatos could conceive. There was something wrong with Obi-Wan, something that to the Master's greatest frustration, still existed just beyond his reach.

Slowly, as if his head were weighted down, Obi-Wan looked up at him. Whatever words Qui-Gon was going to say died in his mouth as he saw the pure devastation on Obi-Wan's face.

"But you are. You were."

"When could I have been your master, Obi-Wan?"

"Before I died."

Qui-Gon felt his body twitch with those three words. The look on Obi-Wan's face, the tone with which he had said it...Obi-Wan truly believed this. It left Qui-Gon with only one possible conclusion.

The boy had lost his mind.

Until next time, my oh so wonderful readers.