Disclaimer: See chapter 1 for general disclaimer. Padawan healer Towani Nal and Jedi Nai'gia are my OCs.

Author's Note: Here's chapter 10—the second to last chapter. All I will say about this chapter is please don't hate me! Trust in the Force... or, you know, the author. I promise your faith will be rewarded.

Thanks:

ErinKenobi2893: I'm very glad you like it and even happier that you like Nai'gia. This is a cameo appearance for her. I'm still working on a story where she features prominently. She is quite fun to work with!

TheGirlBetweenMindAndSoul14: Here you are, the second to last chapter. This wild ride still has one or two twists and turns left!

Please R&R!

And on to the show...

The High Council room is disturbingly quiet despite the presence of over half a dozen Jedi and several holograms. Obi-Wan Kenobi stands silently in the middle of the chambers, his hood down, his chin up, his shoulders squared. He stands there, his feet firmly planted a shoulder's width apart, his expression immaculately serene. He stands there like a Jedi. The Councilors around him stir uncomfortably in their seats. Even the ones present by holo-transmission seem disquieted.

Obi-Wan, for his part, has never felt calmer. It is the lingering effect of Nai'gia's gift. After her uncharacteristically blunt proclamation the master had fallen silent for a time, unable to move, speak, or think. It was Nai'gia who comforted him laying him down upon a blanket of grass humming softly to him as she moved slowly around his prone form; dancing as easily as a leaf on the wind. It was in that state, in that surreal moment that she helped him achieve something the master thought might be lost to him forever.

Obi-Wan Kenobi fell into deep meditation.

It wasn't so much that he fell into the Force, but instead it seemed the Force fell into him. Guided by her presence, somehow, in ways the young master may never understand, the Force allowed its Vessel to channel itself temporarily through his body. The collar he wore presented no obstacle to the living instrument of the Force's will. The transition was sudden, but gentle, apart from him yet encompassed his being. There was no desperate rushing ecstasy as before. No, this experience, this reconnection was deeper. It was the stomach tightening gasp of tremulously ebullient expectation, the soft embrace of a returning lover whispering warm and breathless nothings on his neck, the fantastically incandescent rapture of his soul being lifted and smiled upon by something greater than himself. In that instant, in the lush and lively gardens of the Room of a Thousand Fountains, Obi-Wan Kenobi was reborn into the Force. He emerged from his meditation with the open eyes of a newborn; seeing the world in unbridled wonder, his spirit resting in unparalleled calm.

Even now, away from her luminous presence and once again cut off from the Force, Obi-Wan is still settled deeply within his center; truly serene, truly tranquil, truly at peace with the moment. Truly a Jedi.

He only wishes his fellows could share his calm resolve.

"Is there no mistaking the Vessel's message?"

Obi-Wan shakes his head.

"No, Master Gallia. On this she was quite clear," he answers. A slight rumbling can be heard throughout the chamber. It is Master Windu, however, who finally gives voice to the room's displeasure.

"I do not believe this is the way."

"You would question the Vessel? The will of the Force?" Master Tiin asks, his stony visage twisted in incredulity. Windu is not intimidated.

"I question the words of a powerful, yet notably unstable young woman," the Master of the Order intones. Before Tiin can give a rebuttal, the clack of Yoda's gimer stick striking the floor resonates through the chamber. All eyes fall at once to the tiny Grand Master.

"Enough. Spoken to the child myself, I have. Correct in this she is. A path she presents, but choose to walk it only one can," he says pausing as he lets his gaze fall heavily upon the master standing serenely before him. "Go you must. Preparations to make you have."

With that, the master bows deeply before his fellow Councilors. For a moment, Obi-Wan is faced with only silence thinking, perhaps, his dismissal, the traditional Jedi benediction is not forthcoming, but after a breathless minute Master Windu speaks, his intimidating baritone a gentle roll of thunder resounding within the chamber.

"May the Force be with you, Obi-Wan Kenobi."

Things were not going as Obi-Wan had expected or, perhaps, they were going precisely as the master expected, just not the way he had hoped.

Obi-Wan watches silently as Anakin paces, easily transversing the short length of his quarters in a half dozen steps before reversing and returning the way he came. Though the master cannot feel it, the Force all but roils around the young knight. The master is unaware that the air around them is taut, heavy, and oppressive. He is unaware that flecks of crimson and black pop and fizzle around Anakin's Force signature distorting his usually bright aura. With the collar on him, Obi-Wan cannot sense these things, but as Force blind as he is the master still feels Anakin's anger in the room like a palpable presence.

It is with increasing difficulty that the master is able to hold on to Nai'gia's parting gift of deep calm as his former padawan's outrage lashes out wildly in all directions leaving stinging welts on the master's heart with clumsy yet powerful verbal strikes.

"You've got a lot of kriffing nerve, you know that!" Anakin snaps as he suddenly halts his frenetic pacing. "I mean you walk in here, tell me you're going to die, and then you just stand there looking all calm and reserved like nothing's wrong! What in the Sith hells are you thinking?! When the Council hears about this,"

"The Council has already given their approval," Obi-Wan interrupts. Anakin's eyes narrow, his nostrils flare widely as his saber hand curls reflexively into a fist.

"Because of her," he growls. Obi-Wan is forced to take several deep breaths as a wave of defensive ire and resentment rise form an unexpected place within him. With the desperation of a drowning man he clings to his center.

"Because it is the right thing to do, Anakin. Because it is necessary and because I wish it," he manages to intone. Anakin takes a menacing step towards him.

"Then you are a coward and not the man I thought I knew," the young man sneers. Obi-Wan can feel his serenity slipping through his fingers with each wrathful glare from his former apprentice.

"Anakin, please, I want you to understand... I need you to understand that,"

"I will never understand how you can just give up like this," he interrupts in a low and icy tone. He advances again stopping only when he is directly in front of his former master. The difference in height allows him to look down on his mentor.

"Why did you come here?"

"I came because... if I... I wanted to say goodbye."

"Then say it and get out," Anakin snarls. Obi-Wan looks at his friend with wide, despairing eyes. When next he speaks there is more than a twinge of pleading in his voice.

"This is not how I wanted it. Please Anakin, don't let it end this way. Padawan, please."

It is a desperate ploy, a last ditch effort to reach the man he had raised from childhood. He needs that man now, that reckless and fiercely loyal lifetime brother if he is to face the awesome task that lies ahead of him. He hopes his supplication will be received, his love returned, but Anakin's eyes only grow harder at his words.

"You know," he begins, "most Jedi die fighting. Master Jinn did. I wonder what he would think of you now."

It is a vicious strike, a killing blow to be sure. Obi-Wan physically staggers back a step under the weight of it. His peace is ripped from him, shattered like glass into a thousand tiny pieces, the sharp slivers slicing through shallow skin.

He suffers from a harm the master had not thought his friend capable of inflicting because of the sheer cruelty of it. It appears that he is wrong.

It takes several seconds before the master recovers enough to speak.

"Goodbye... Anakin."

"Goodbye, Master Kenobi."

And with these parting words, a small piece of the master is dead already.

"I had a feeling I'd find you here," Mace's rumbling baritone calls from somewhere behind the younger master.

"Other than the gardens, he said this was his favorite place to think," Obi-Wan answers without turning around. As usual, the Jedi map room is silent and dark save for the lazy blue glow of the galaxy spiraling slowly above the heads of the two Concilors. Obi-Wan stands hunched over a portion of the round central console, his hands propping his body up, his head hanging low seemingly oblivious to the multitude of stars dancing overhead.

Mace approaches his friend quietly. He stops and stands beside the somber Jedi, his own gaze drifting placidly toward the heavens.

"I knew your master since our time in the crèche. We were good friends, so I can say with fair degree of certainty that Qui-Gon would not be disappointed in you. In fact, I believe he would be proud."

"With respect, Mace, please stay out of my head."

"I apologize. It is not my intent to pry, but," the Korun Councilor pauses as he turns his gaze to his friend, "the disturbance around you is rather... significant."

"Hmm."

"Having second thoughts?"

"More like fifteenth thoughts," Obi-Wan says lifting his head and giving his companion a wry smile. "But I haven't changed my mind," he finishes. Obi-Wan notices his friend stiffen slightly at his words. He shakes his head despondently, turning his gaze away and focusing instead on a fixed point in the star field above.

"I thought at least you would understand."

"I," Mace starts. He hesitates then speaks again. "I am trying."

"Why is it so hard? This is the course of action the Force is willing us to take. We have trusted its guidance all our lives. We must trust it now. I must trust it now," Obi-Wan answers, his head shaking in clear exasperation. "Do you really think me so eager to die?"

"No," Mace intones. "Do you really not understand that there are many here who do not wish to lose you?"

"A Jedi must not form attachments."

"My reluctance is not attachment."

"Oh? Then what would you call it?"

"Friendship," he answers plainly. At this reply Obi-Wan is forced to look up at his fellow Jedi, his friend.

"No one wants to lose you, Obi-Wan, but each of us is prepared for it."

"Correct he is," a gravelly voice from the doorway interrupts. "Wish it, we do not, but prepared for loss a Jedi must always be."

"I fear Anakin is not in agreement on that matter," Obi-Wan says as he and Mace turn to greet the Grand Master slowly waddling towards them.

"Understand Skywalker will in time," Yoda nods with solemn certainty as he stops before his fellow Councilors.

"There is no hurry to do this, Obi-Wan. It need not be today."

"No," the master responds resolutely. "It must be done now. To wait may jeopardize my resolve and I know this is what I must do."

Mace gives an understanding, yet reluctant nod.

"Master Vokara will oversee the... procedure in a secure room within the Healing Halls. The precautions we agreed to will be in place and Master Yoda and I will remain with you at all times," Maces states succinctly. Obi-Wan gives a brief nod and a lopsided smile.

"Well, let's not keep the good Madam waiting."

How does one prepare for death? It is a question Obi-Wan Kenobi has been pondering for sometime and now, as the hour of his most likely death draws near, he finds himself no closer to an answer. Perhaps there is no answer, only the question and in the question lays the hope of quiet revelation.

He doesn't want to die, of that the master is absolutely certain, but the realization of what he must do, the necessary actions he must take to purge himself of this evil is also a surety known by every fiber within his fragile being.

"How feel you?" asks a deep, grumbly voice to the right side of his medical bed. Obi-Wan cranes his head to see the small speaker, his movements limited by the restraints placed around his wrists, waist, and ankles.

"Rather well considering," he smiles wryly. The Grand Master nods slowly, his ears twitching ever so slightly. Master Windu steps forward taking a position to the left of the bed.

"If things proceed as anticipated, the rage will begin shortly after the collar is removed. That will likely be followed by another painful attack," Mace says. He pauses, somewhat hesitant to continue. "Master Vokara will ease your pain as much as possible so that you do not suffer unduly, but,"

"Don't worry, my friend. I am fully aware of the... unpleasantness of each episode. I'm sure whatever relief Vokara can provide will be greatly appreciated," Obi-Wan replies. Before an uncomfortable silence can fall, the door opens and in steps a tall, female Twi'lek in blue healing robes. The master inclines her head to each of the room's occupants. She then turns her eyes to Kenobi.

"Are we ready to proceed?" she asks. Now all eyes are on the prone master. Obi-Wan is suddenly uncomfortable under their serious stares. A noticeable blush rises in his cheeks.

"I feel like I'm expected to perform a Eudorian fan dance with all this attention," he laughs weakly. Mace places a hand on his shoulder.

"We can wait for him to arrive," he speaks gently. Obi-Wan sighs and shakes his head slowly.

"No, he's not coming," he answers. Mace says nothing only nods his understanding. Obi-Wan turns to the master healer. "I'm ready."

The master healer's face reveals only the slightest hint of dolefulness as she moves to stand beside the Grand Master near the head of the bed. Master Windu looks first to Master Vokara then to Master Yoda who both nod solemnly. Then the Korun Councilor looks upon his friend. Obi-Wan nods then closes his eyes as he feels Mace's calloused hands reach behind his neck.

Knowing what to expect does nothing to diminish the seraphic moment. Obi-Wan's first breath is a blunt force spiritual orgasm of miraculous proportions.

The darkness opens, the light pours in washing over him completely like baptismal waters. He is ensconced deeply into the bosom of the Force itself. A furious euphoria trembles in his stomach. His muscles and sinews vibrate with tumultuous bliss. His skin aches with the sublime tingle of anticipation. Every hair on his body dances, every cell thrums, his very blood quickens until his whole being brazenly screams life with each beat of his heart.

If only he would die now, in this rapturous moment, but fate would never be so kind and the Force is no nursemaid.

"Obi-Wan?" a baritone voice calls from beside his bed. He turns a groggy, smiling face to his dark-skinned comrade.

"Mace?" he queries. The Korun Councilor displays one of his rare smiles.

"For a moment, I thought you and the Force would need a moment or two alone," he laughs lightly. Obi-Wan joins him.

"We very nearly did," he jests. His face then becomes more serious, but his smile remains. "Don't take it for granted, Mace, not ever. The Force... it is everything."

"I won't," Mace answers. "And if I had my way no Jedi ever would."

Obi-Wan nods apparently satisfied at the Jedi's answer. He turns his gaze absently to the ceiling. He closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. He releases the fear coiling in his chest with three long exhales. When he opens his eyes he can't help but notice the pleased look upon the Grand Master's face. Then suddenly the look is gone and in its place is one of great sorrow. Obi-Wan doesn't have time to ponder the master's change as he is forced into a change of his own.

"Why do you keep me here? What can you possibly hope to accomplish?" he snarls as he lays his head back onto the pillow of his bed. Mace leans back from the bed, but does not move away.

"To save you," Mace replies. Obi-Wan answers with a derisive snort.

"I cannot be saved especially by something as weak as a Jedi," he says turning directly to face the tall Council member. "You think you're so damn special. You and your precious Order. You're nothing. Less than nothing. You are a relic, a lingering stain of a forgotten time. The Jedi won't change and so you will all die. If not at my hands then by someone else's. It is inevitable for a group that eats its own young," he finishes with a scathing and contemptuous glance. Obi-Wan then turns to Master Yoda.

"And you, you sniveling, cryptic little troll, I want you to know how much I hate you... How much I've always hated you. You and that damn Code have taken everything from me! EVERYTHING!" he yells as he surges against his restraints. Vokara looks to the wizened master in alarm, but Yoda stands unmoving, unshakeable in his calm. The small Jedi's failure to react only serves to infuriate the fettered master more.

"I could have been happy if it weren't for you! I could have had a life, a REAL life with love and a family, but no... the damn Code forbids that! You take children from their homes, brainwash them into believing they don't need love, and then send them out to hack and slash at the bidding of corrupt politicians. You Jedi are all cold, heartless sons of banthas and you, Master Yoda," he sneers, "are the worst of all claiming that were are all "luminous beings," that there is no death! Well guess what, we are not luminous beings, we are disgusting, selfish, lusty, greedy Hutts one and all and there is death. I only wish I could be there when you realize that. Let me out of these restraints and I will gladly teach you that lesson myself!"

None of the masters say anything in response to Obi-Wan's verbal attacks. Master Yoda himself only shakes his head, his grief for the young master written plainly on his aged features.

"And still, none of you masters have the courage to say anything... Weaklings all of you and I hate you. I hate you! I HATE YOU! I-I HATE..." Obi-Wan's vehement yells transform into a gasp then a scream so profound it seems to have been ripped from deep inside his core. Vokara responds quickly placing a hand on his chest another on his head. She closes her eyes and focuses solely on easing the pain of the attack through sagacious use of the Force. Mace helps to hold the master down as he pulls and bucks under his restraints caught in the grip of a vicious seizure.

Obi-Wan Kenobi is in a place beyond thought, a place where there is only pain. His screams reverberate in the small room painfully ringing in the ears of the other Jedi. Finally, Vokara makes some progress and is able to redirect some of the pain away from the master and release it out into the vastness of the Force. Obi-Wan begins to settle down. He is no longer seizing or screaming, but his frame is still tight with anguish as his body burns with sheer agony. A low moan escapes his lips as a violent shudder passes through his limbs then his body stills. Mace is still tentatively holding the master down when a new presence is felt and a voice speaks from the doorway.

"Am I too late? Is he..."

"No, not too late you are. Speak to him, you should," Yoda answers. Mace gives his friend one last look before releasing him and stepping aside to allow the knight free access to his former master. Anakin stands beside the bed. He takes Obi-Wan's hand in his own.

"Master?" he calls softly. Obi-Wan stirs. Another grimace, another moan. Finally, eyes blink and open, understanding pushes towards the surface of a battered mind and body.

"An..kin..."

"I'm here, Master. I'm right here," the knight says as he gently squeezes the master's hand. In between the painful spasms, Obi-Wan manages a weak smile as he gazes into his former apprentice's sapphire eyes.

"I-I'm s-sorry, A-Anakin..." he whispers, each word a struggle to form, a battle to express and propel past dry lips. Anakin shakes his head.

"No, Master. I'm sorry... What I said earlier... I didn't mean it, Master. I swear I didn't mean it."

"I-I know..."

"Please Master, don't do this... don't die..."

"There is no dea..."

The room stands in deafening silence waiting, wishing desperately for the oft repeated Jedi mantra to be completed, but its speaker is silent, his voice hushed, his body unnaturally still. Blue-gray eyes stare into nothingness.

Master Vokara lets her hand slide from the master's forehead over his face, gently closing the soft lids. She glances at the chrono then at her fellow Jedi.

"Obi-Wan Kenobi, time of death 23:20."