Star Wars - Mindless Revenge
A/N Thanks to my daugher Tara aka LovinJackon for being my beta. Without her this would be nothing. All mistakes are mine.
Chapter 10: Evil Presents Itself
Mace Windu was sitting through another boring meeting with the Council. Oh he liked being on the Council but sometimes he wished he had chosen the life of a warrior.
Sighing he looked up as Depa Billiba was arguing with Ploo Koon, which was unusual in itself as Depa rarely argued. Looking over at Yoda who always sat watching quietly, never talking unless he had something to add. He was about to ask for his intervention when all of a sudden he felt a disturbance in the force.
Mace looked up in surprise to see if anyone else felt it but no-one else on the Council seemed to notice. He turned to Yoda and could see a slight frown on his face and knew he felt it too. He was about to go over to Yoda when a rush of feelings hit him like a ton of bricks which sent him staggering a little, and he saw it had affected Yoda the same way.
"Master Windu, is something wrong?" Ploo Koon asked.
Mace didn't answer him, trying to concentrate on the feelings and where they came from.
"Master Windu, are you alright?" Yarel Poof asked frowning.
Still not listening, Mace concentrated harder and then it hit him, the pain, disbelief, anger and a dozen other emotions that he recognized. And then he recognized the signature and snapped his head up looking directly at Yoda, who was looking at him with a wide eyed expression.
Without a seconds delay Mace raced out of the Council meeting to a chorus of yells, but he didn't care, all he was thinking about was getting the wretched soul that was his best friend.
xXx
He felt cold, hot, scared, confused and didn't know what to do about it. He could feel his hands shaking as they cupped his face and wondered if he was in a nightmare.
When Xanatos had explained to them what he remembered; Qui-Gon had not expected to hear what he said. He had felt the breath rush out of him, as what he had said sunk into his brain and it felt like it had suddenly been overloaded. How could this be? How could he not remember the last few years and think they were still Master and Padawan? What had happened to him to make him want to forget all the time that had passed? Was it his fault?
Standing up angrily he started pacing among the Temple Gardens that were usually the only place that would calm him when nothing else could. All the hurt feelings that lay dormant from the past came rushing back to him and Qui-Gon couldn't control himself and lashed out at part of the garden.
When he finished the garden looked like it had been through a cyclone.
"Does it make you feel any better?"
"Go away, Mace," Qui-Gon growled feeling Mace behind him.
"No, I'm not going away, old friend. I want to know what has you feeling this bad that I could feel it at the Council meeting. But I have a feeling I know who is responsible for this."
"Don't go there, Mace, please … I just want to be left alone," Qui-Gon said turning around to face his friend.
"My God, Qui-Gon, you're as white as a ghost. What has he done? What games is he playing now?" Mace asked angrily, sick and tired of the name and person Xanatos.
"You don't understand, Mace," Qui-Gone explained trying to get his feelings under control.
"Then help! me understand, Qui-Gon. I'm you're best friend; I was there the whole time. Remember I know what he did to you," Mace stepped up to him and grabbed his friend and sat him down before he fell down.
Both men were silent. Mace didn't care; he would wait until Qui-Gon was ready to speak. Ever since Xanatos had come back Qui-Gon's emotions were up and down and he wasn't going to watch his friend go through what he went through last time.
"He doesn't remember."
"What?" Mace asked frowning.
"Xanatos doesn't remember, Mace. He still thinks we are Master and Padawan. He has lost any memory … the last thing he remembers is us packing to go to Telos," Qui-Gon whispered.
"My god, you mean to tell me he doesn't remember anything that happened on Telos? His father dying? His turning to the dark side? "
"No, his memories stop before that. How am I supposed to explain to him that I killed his father? His turning, my failure," Qui-Gon whispered again, covering his face with his hands.
Mace was shocked and worried what this was doing to his friend. No wonder he and Yoda felt Qui-Gon's distress. At the same time he wasn't convinced this was all on the up and up.
"Qui-Gon, don't bite my head off, but are you sure this isn't some game Xanatos is playing to get to you,"Mace asked warily.
"Mace, if you saw the look on his face when I ran out … and yes I ran out. I couldn't handle it, big brave Master Qui-Gon," Qui-Gon spat bitterly.
"Oh Qui-Gon, I don't know anyone who could handle this situation. You are strong and the most stubborn person I know, but hell, I'm not surprised how you acted."
"What am I going to do, Mace? I can't do anything but tell him the truth, and when he finds out he will know he can never be my Padawan again, especially since I have Obi-Wan."
"Qui-Gon, listen to me, I'm not convinced this isn't some sort of sick game he is playing. But if it isn't then he will be told and he will adjust to it. I know he will need a lot of healing and care and the Jedi are here to help him in anyway we can. You are not responsible for this, Qui-Gon, and I don't want you to start thinking you are all over again," Mace said worriedly.
"Mace, he is my responsibility. Don't you see? No matter how it ended I failed as a Master, so whatever happens he is my responsibility," Qui-Gon said stubbornly.
"Damn it!! Qui-Gon, I will not allow you to blame yourself again. Remember he was a Jedi once, and we will be here to help him in any way we can, do you here me," Mace said forcefully.
"I understand, Mace, thank you. I'm sorry about all this. It was just a shock to hear he doesn't remember."
"What are you going to do now?"
"I'm going to find Obi-Wan. He was in there when all this happened. I can just imagine what he thinks of me for running out. He is such a wonderful boy, Mace, but so insecure where Xanatos is concerned and that is my fault as well. I don't want him hurt in anyway with this, but I'm afraid I already have," Pain filled Qui-Gon's voice.
"Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan is a strong boy, he understands what you're going through, and he knows how much you love him. Go talk to him, let him know that no matter what happens Xanatos will never replace him," Mace said to him softly.
"I hope he believes me, Mace, because the way I have been acting lately I wouldn't blame him if he did. If I ever lost him, it would be the end of me, Mace, even more so than Xanatos," Qui-Gon stated from the heart.
"He knows it, my friend, everyone knows it," Mace chuckled
Both men started chuckling before they heard a noise behind them and looked around to see Yoda standing there smiling at them.
"Feeling a little better, my old Padawan?" Yoda asked looking into his eyes.
"Yes, my Master, I am fine."
"Never lie to your old Master I say, hmm," Yoda smacked Qui-Gon on the shins.
"Oww."
Mace started laughing then cried out when Yoda's stick connected with his shin.
"Laugh you may not. Now go, talk to my Padawan I need to," Yoda said softly.
"Yes my Master, talk to you later, Qui-Gon," Mace said limping away swearing to himself that Yoda would never get him again.
"Xanatos's memory loss a troubling affair."
"Yes Master,"Qui-Gon said quietly.
"If speak the truth he does, help him we must." Yoda closed his eyes and then opened them looking straight at Qui-Gon. "Something else worries you, hmm?"
"Yes Master. I'm not so sure he is telling the truth. When I read him I cannot feel anything dark, but there is something else I feel. I can't quite get what that feeling is. And I worry for Obi-Wan; he shouldn't have to go through all this."
"Future is always in motion, trust your instincts, and trust in the force to guide you Qui-Gon. Obi-Wan is stronger than you think,"Yoda said placing a gentle hand on Qui-Gon's Cheek.
Looking at his Master, Qui-Gon knew he was right and he had to start getting his emotions under control. He wasn't use to having them all over the place but then these were unusual circumstances.
"I understand, Master, and now I must go and see Obi-Wan and speak with him before going back to see Xanatos," Qui-Gon said standing up and bowing to the venerable Jedi Master.
"Always here if need me you do, Qui-Gon," Yoda told him smiling.
"Thank you, Master Yoda," Qui-Gon said sincerely, then quickly walked off to see his Padawan with his old Master looking thoughtfully after him.
xXx
"It's unbelievable that he actually believes you," Bruck said grinning.
"Shut up, you fool; I don't want anyone to overhear you. I hope you have your shields up tight enough, our Master wont be to happy if you stuff up," Xanatos growled
"I know, I know, don't worry I have them up tight," Bruck said feeling a little irritated by his tone.
"You better go in case anyone sees you here. And remember when I contact you next, it will be time and don't stuff up, or you won't have to worry about Master … just me," Xanatos said menacingly.
Bruck swallowed hard when he heard the tone in Xanatos's voice and nodded leaving quickly.
Xanatos closed his eyes smiling thinking of all that was about to come down on the Jedi.
xXx
Obi-Wan settled back in his quarters waiting for Qui-Gon to arrive, he knew he was coming. He could feel him. After going after him and over hearing Qui-Gon and Masters Mace and Yoda talking, he finally understood how deep his Masters feelings went. All his stupid worries about being replaced by Xanatos vanished and he vowed he would help his Master in any way he could to solve this whole mess. Obi-Wan heard the door opening and watched his Master walk through.
"Obi-Wan, we need to talk."
"Yes Master, but its alright I understand everything now. I sort of overheard the conversation you had with Master Windu and Master Yoda."
"Then you understand that I didn't mean to run out of Xanatos' room. It was just the shock of knowing he doesn't remember and that I am responsible for that. It had nothing to do with you. He is my past Obi-Wan, you're my future."
"You don't need to be sorry, Master. I truly understand now, and I promise everything will work out."
"Obi-Wan, I have to go and explain things to him, make him understand."
"I will come with you."
"I appreciate that, but I think it would be easier on him if I went alone. Seeing you might upset him more," Qui-Gon told him hoping he understood.
"I understand, Master, and I will be here whenever you need me," Obi-Wan told him wishing this wasn't so hard on his Master, but knowing whatever the outcome he will be hurt.
Qui-Gon smiled at him gently and then walked out of their apartment wishing this were just some nightmare.
Obi-Wan wasn't alone for long when his com beeped. He went to answer it.
"Matt, Reeft, what's up?"
"Hey Obi, Reeft and I want to know if you want to meet us to do some sparring. Reeft reckons you can beat me hands down, and I say you can't. So you want to see who will become Bantha fodder?" Matt said grinning.
"Hey! I didn't say he could beat you hands down, I just said you had no chance with Obi," Reeft said frowning.
"Shut it Reeft, it's the same thing, stupid. So you up for it?" Matt asked him laughing.
Obi-Wan laughed as he saw the both of them rough housing. Maybe it would be a good idea to do a bit of sparring, Obi-Wan thought, it would relax him.
"Okay, will meet you in five minutes. Oh and Matt?"
"Yes?"
"Be prepared to for me to wipe the mat with you," Obi-Wan grinned as he turned of his com at a spluttering Padawan.
xXx
"Why did you run, Master? What did I do that was so bad?" Xanatos asked, misery written all over his face.
"Xanatos, I need to talk to you. It's going to be hard for the both of us but we can work it out," Qui-Gon wished he had never walked into the infirmary, but knew this had to be done to end it once and for all.
"Talk? What's the matter, Master? Please, I'm confused," Xanatos feigned hurt and confusion.
Suddenly Qui-Gon felt something. It felt dark and sinister. Looking at Xanatos, Qui-Gon searched quietly along his ex-Padawan's signature. He felt like recoiling but covered himself just in time. Realizing he'd been duped, Qui-Gon steeled himself for what was to come.
"Xanatos, are you sure going to Telos is the last thing you remember?" Qui-Gon asked sitting down next to his bed.
"Yes Master, we were to leave the next morning. I was so excited."
"Xanatos, what would you say if I told you you I wasn't your Master anymore and I haven't been for the last ten years?" Qui-Gon asked waiting to see his reaction.
"What do you mean? You're not my Master? What kind of joke is this? It's not funny," Xanatos said staring shocked at him, though inside he was thinking how gullible he was.
"It is no joke, Xanatos."
"Why would you say something like that? I would never leave you; you're like a father to me. For what reason could you think I would leave you?"
"Because Xanatos, you turned to the dark side. You left me, left the Jedi, for greed and power."
Xanatos looked at Qui-Gon, feeling something wasn't right. Qui-Gon wasn't looking devastated in telling his former Padawan the truth, with a shock Xanatos saw the same look on his face the day he confronted him when he had kidnapped his precious Obi-Wan.
All of a sudden the look was gone and in its place was a worried, hurt look again. Xanatos wasn't sure if something had gone wrong with his Master's plan but he wasn't taking any chances and decided to set the plan in motion early. He wasn't going to have his chance of revenge taken away from him, because he had a feeling that Qui-Gon had found him out. He didn't know how but he had the feeling none of the less.
He sent a thought through the force to Bruck and when he knew he had received it he put his concentration back on what he had to do now.
"My God Master, how could you even think that let alone say it. It's me, its Xanatos," Xanatos said sitting up.
"Yes Xanatos, something is terribly wrong, and I'm betting it's you. Admit it you don't have amnesia, you never did. This is all a trick of some type to get me again," Qui-Gon said standing up to his formidable height and stature.
"What do you mean, Master? I have no idea what you're talking about, why are you doing this?" Xanatos cried but inside he was fuming. How did he figure it out? Damn him. He was going to pay for this.
"I'm not the one that is doing anything. Again it is you, Xanatos, and your pitiful attempts for revenge for me killing your father or your insane reasoning that I have done something to harm you. Give it up, Xanatos, I finally figured it out. You're a loser, always have and always will be."
Qui-Gon could see the rage in Xanatos' face. He never was good at hiding his feelings, especially his angry ones.
\Qui-Gon felt sick. He had been manipulated so easily once again by his ex-student. He put Obi-Wan and the all the Jedi at risk because of his stupid self pity and guilt. He couldn't afford to do this again, and would never let Xanatos get to him ever; it had to end here and now.
"I, as your Master, should have seen that you were not good enough to be a Jedi, but I didn't and that is my failure to you and I take that responsibility. But anything after that is your responsibility and no-one else's; no matter how much you try to blame anyone else. It took me along time to realize that, but with friends and family that I have and Obi-Wan that shines a hundred fold more than you ever did, I realized it. I had a while to think this over Xanatos while you have been playing your game and it didn't take much to figure out what you have been up to, once I felt the darkness within you. Your mind is so twisted you didn't even feel me probe you and read your feelings. I was tempted to allow you to continue to see what you would do but I'm sick of this Xanatos, it has to end now, do you understand?" Qui-Gon told him watching his face, seeing all types of emotions flit across his young face.
All Xanatos could do at that moment was stare at Qui-Gon. Rage was building up in him for how easy Qui-Gon figured him out, and that all his plans, all his Master's plans were about to come undone. He couldn't allow that, he had worked too hard for this to all fall apart. Plus if this didn't work he didn't want to go back to his Master, knowing what kind of punishment he would receive.
This was all Qui-Gon's fault he thought and screamed out his name, leaping at him. But Qui-Gon already anticipated his reaction and had his lightsaber ignited and at the ready before Xanatos had the chance to move.
"No Xanatos, no more. It finishes here. You can't go around anymore threatening the very peace and life of the galaxy that you once fought to protect. And I won't allow you anymore to threaten Obi-Wan, me or the Jedi. You have had your chances even after you turned to the dark side," Qui-Gon said sadly. Even though this had to be done he didn't like it.
"Qui-Gon, what the hell is going on?" Master Healer An-Paj asked worriedly walking in on Qui-Gon with his lightsaber drawn at Xanatos.
Qui-Gon turned for a second to An-Paj, but that was enough time for Xanatos to force-push the cupboard behind Qui-Gon on top of him, knocking him to the ground.
And with quick lightening reflexes, Xanatos was off the bed and force-pushing An-Paj across the room. Before Qui-Gon had enough time to get up Xanatos leaned down and pressed something against his neck and in the next few seconds, Qui-Gon fell into unconsciousness with Xanatos laughing wickedly over him.
TBC......
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