Chapter 14

Obi-Wan glanced nervously at his mentor as Xanatos spun to face the hooded countenance, no longer bothering to hide the fear and anger that so suddenly gripped him.

"We had an agreement."

Sideous responded with an unconcerned air, his voice the very measure of calm. "I remember no such agreement."

"Come now," Sideous continued condescendingly, watching as his young protégé froze at his next words. "You really didn't think I would allow him to just . . . walk away did you?" He gave Xanatos a knowing look, his tone taking on a menacing edge as he turned his rather intense focus from the master to the apprentice.

"No." The Sith continued, and Obi-Wan took a reflexive step back as the intense regard settled on him. "I'm afraid that will not be possible."

Sideous regarded the handsome, seemingly innocuous youth before him. A boy that was so utterly contrary to all that he stood for. It was a startling contrast – and beautiful to behold, that distinction between darkness and light - good and evil. And while it was a beauty that he'd learned to appreciate, in this instance it was one that he could not allow to flourish.

Every fiber of the darkness within him screamed a blaring warning where this boy was concerned. For far too long he'd trusted his instincts. Instincts that had served him very well over the years, bringing him more power than he ever could have imagined - yet there was so much more to be had. And he wanted it all.

The Sith Master knew beyond a doubt, that if Obi-Wan Kenobi were allowed to live, that the youth would in some way be responsible for the destruction of all he continued to work so hard for. He could not allow that to happen.

"Such a shame I don't have the time to break you, young one." The Sith advanced, joining Xanatos' side. "You could be a powerful ally," An amused smile as he silently contemplated using the master to subjugate the padawan. "With the proper incentive."

Xanatos swallowed his frantic desperation, his training kicking in as he calmed his mind. He would do his padawan no good by panicking now.

"You don't need him." He said firmly. "You've got me."

Sideous smiled, but did not alter his focus from Obi-Wan.

"Indeed."

The boy before him would never turn – would in fact end up being more trouble than he was worth in the end, but still he could not help but think what fun it would be to try. Shattered innocence was always the sweetest form of revenge against the Light. If only he had the time.

"Your master is correct, little one." Sideous said, delighting in the slight bristle in the boy at his choice of words. "I need a fully trained apprentice." He trailed a slow circle around the former prince of Telos, "One that has already been broken."

Giving his full regard now to Xanatos, his voice and choice of words booked no argument. "It is time to take your proper place – at my side."

"No!" Obi-Wan took an unconscious step towards his master, helpless desperation painting the young face.

"No?" Sideous replied calmly, as if discussing the weather, blatantly ignoring the anguish that all but threatened to consume the others in his presence.

"I don't think the child understands," he turned slightly to Xanatos, his tone mild. "The decision has already been made."

"The decision was based on his release." Xanatos said, almost succeeding in keeping the plea from his voice. "Let him go."

"We both know that is something I cannot do." He said to Xanatos almost apologetically, while his next comment was clearly directed at Obi-Wan.

"You have two choices, little one." Sideous said, knowing as he posed the terms, what the answer would be. "Join us . . . . or die."

A moment of heavy silence as Obi-Wan quite noticeably fought to control his conflicting emotions. Xanatos watched with obvious pride as the boy slowly won his struggle – a calm acceptance radiating from within.

Meeting the hooded gaze squarely, Obi-Wan firmed his stance. A glimmer of surprise flickering through rain washed eyes was quickly hidden, a familiar presence just levels below making himself known. With renewed hope, Obi-Wan lifted his chin, uncertainty giving way to determination. It was a slight, but unmistakable challenge.

A chilling smile from the sith spurred a puzzled Xanatos into action, as he once again moved to step between Sideous and his apprentice – and found himself unable to move, securely bound by an invisible Force barrier.

"So be it." Sideous' amusement with the situation was clearly at an end.

Xanatos struggled against unseen bonds in a vain effort to reach his padawan as the first round of crackling blue force energy sent Obi-Wan crashing to his knees, crying out in pain. Reveling in Xan's torment, Sideous took the time to subtly feed the darkness that wanted so desperately to overcome the young master, before releasing the apprentice from his torment.

Obi-Wan was left panting for air on his hands and knees, the lingering effects of pain still evident on his youthful features. It was a short respite however, for as soon as Xanatos relaxed against the Sith's hold in relief, Sideous unleashed yet another round of Force induced pain on the padawan.

Doing his best not to cry out, Obi-Wan writhed in pain as the blood in his veins turned to fire, becoming an all consuming liquid heat that sought to destroy all other sensations. He could do nothing but react to the pain.

Unaffected by the youth's cries, Sideous focused on Xanatos and the internal war raging within. Darkness was slowly overtaking the light – anger was beginning to overpower desperation.

Pleased by change, he once again released Obi-Wan, ignoring the ragged painful gasps that came from the crumpled form.

"The darkness is swelling within you." Sideous closely examining the undercurrents surrounding the young master, a strong and blatant force suggestion infusing his next words. "Your hatred for me is stronger than your love for him."

"Let go." The piercing gaze returned to Xanatos at his next words, "Let the power of the darkside consume you."

"No, master. No."

He knew, even as he heard the weak tremble in that young voice, that this was a battle he would not win. If embracing the dark was the only way to save a life that had come to mean more to him than his very own – he would do so. Gladly.

"Now, young Kenobi" The voice devoid of any inflection, as the Sith called up on the full power of the dark energy at his command. "You....will....die."

Xanatos stopped struggling against the sith's bonds, felt himself approach the abyss that would forever separate him from the light. He met Obi-Wan's gaze, once again struck by the hope so blatantly displayed in changeable eyes. Hope that was currently beyond his comprehension, and was quickly forgotten as a primal scream of ragged pain was ripped from the boy's lungs – a bright charge of electrical Force energy stretching from the tips of pale sithly fingers to wrap itself around the figure that spasmed uncontrollably beneath the onslaught.

The time to embrace his true destiny was finally at hand. As his eyes slid closed, Xanatos let his shields fall, willingly reaching for . . . . .

A familiar sound.

An emerald green blade slicing through impending, never-ending darkness.

His eyes opened as Qui-Gon Jinn appeared out of nowhere, moving on a steady intercept course between the Sith and his padawan. Suddenly, Xanatos understood the look of hope in Obi-Wan's eyes. He had known. Obi-Wan had known.

And now, he too knew what must be done.

The Sith's attention, momentarily diverted as he strove to neutralize this newest threat, was all the distraction that Xanatos needed. A weakened hold allowed him to easily slip free of Sideous' bonds and without hesitation, he charged the Sith. Both were caught in the backlash of crackling energy, as one cried out in pain, the other in shock.

Released from his torment, Obi-Wan turned to seek out his master, unable to move more than his head for the pain still coursing through his body.

Calling on every ounce of strength he had to keep him on his feet Xanatos let the weight of the Sith carry him backwards, stopping as he felt the railing that ringed the energy core hit his lower back.

"Master!" Obi-Wan called out, seeing what was about to happen.

Their eyes met, only briefly. A wealth of emotions and memories – of those shared, and those that would be forever lost passing between them. A pulse of unconditional love sent through their bond as the master let himself fall backwards into the energy core, taking the Sith with him.

His pain all but forgotten, Obi-Wan scrambled towards the precipice with Force enhanced speed. Dropping his saber, Qui-Gon lunged for the boy in an effort to keep him from going over as well.

Fingertips managed to graze the edge of a billowing charcoal cloak as Obi-Wan called on every vestige of his remaining strength – reaching through the Force to cradle the falling form of his master.

Managing to slow the speed of the descent, was all he could manage, his control considerably weakened due to the sith's attack. He did his best to safely guide Xanatos to an adjacent platform several levels below, watching helplessly as the man collided with the steel partition ringing the energy core.

Qui-Gon followed Obi-Wan closely as they descended the levels to Xanatos. It was obvious the boy was running on nothing more than pure adrenaline at this point, and more than once he reached to support the padawan as he stumbled down a step or two. Finally, they reached the level where Xanatos lay, both halting as the broken form came in to view. Were it not for the surface he rested upon, and the subtle discomfited crease between midnight brows – the master could have appeared to be resting rather comfortably.

It was through the Force however that Qui-Gon could sense the various external and internal injuries – most notably the broken back. He watched as Obi-Wan approached this master, going to his knees at the man's side. He seemed afraid to touch him – as if he may cause more damage by doing so. He looked to Qui-Gon helplessly, his eyes so clearly asking him to do something.

Thankfully Xanatos remained unconscious, which Qui-Gon was grateful for. The injuries, most of which were due to the fall were quite serious. The pain would be staggering should he wake. As Obi-Wan gently entwined his fingers with his master's, he felt a sudden influx of Healing Force. Qui-Gon's first instinct was to stop the boy, but he quickly realized that Obi-Wan had no intention of trying to perform a miracle. He wanted only to make his master more comfortable, infusing warmth into a body that was rapidly losing heat through the grated metal deck beneath them.

Qui-Gon withdrew slightly and contacted the Temple, requesting immediate back up in the form of medical and security forces. That done, he rejoined Obi-Wan, and together they kept vigil over the fallen knight – yet his senses remained on high alert. The sith's demise was not a foregone conclusion, and more than once it crossed his mind to make his way to the ground level for confirmation. Yet to do so would require leaving Obi-Wan and Xanatos. That was something he was not prepared to do. The two were much too vulnerable and he would not leave them open to another attack. So he kept his ground, prepared to defend them where he stood if necessary, but he would not leave them alone.

The rescue ship arrived in record time, making it to the plant in a quarter of the time it had taken by speeder. Qui-Gon made his way to Mace as a small but efficient team of healers surrounded Xanatos. As he updated the Councilor on the series of events, he noticed that Mace often looked over his shoulder at the fallen from of his friend.

Suddenly, Qui-Gon felt remorse for their recent encounters. Words of apology did not always come easy for him, yet he let his regret travel through the remnants of a long forgotten bond of friendship. A glimpse of warm russet in eyes that were always so intense met his gaze, wordless forgiveness readily offered. A worried and final glance in Xan's direction and Mace was off to lead a team of young knights to find what they hoped would be a dead Sith.

Returning to Xanatos, Qui-Gon noticed that Obi-Wan had not relinquished his hold on the young master's hand. The healers did not seem to mind, and in fact were doing their very best to ready the patient for transport without removing the apprentice at his side. Their efficiency was commendable, and after only a few moments they rose as one – supporting a fully secured Xanatos on the braceboard between them.

The trip back to the Temple was thankfully short and uneventful, a heavy silence hovering over the small group. It wasn't until they hit the docking bay and disembarked that the spell was broken and a flurry of activity began to take place. The patient was urgently whisked to the Healer's Wing, Obi-Wan so focused on the hand that he held and the weak link tying him to Xanatos that he barely registered the hurried journey.

He had gone as far as they would allow him, and reluctantly, he released his hold. He stood staring at he sliding double doors that his master and the healers had disappeared behind – oblivious to everyone and everything else around him.

He looked so young, so lost – and so afraid that Qui-Gon could not help but be drawn to him. His feet already moving in the boy's direction before the thought could fully coalesce. Yet he stopped short as he noticed Bant and Garen cautiously approaching the youth. Garen looked to be fresh from the bacta tank and still under the healers care, wearing a robe and under tunics. Faint bruises were still evident, and he looked a little worn, but was in much better condition than the last time Qui-Gon had seen him.

Obi-Wan had yet to notice their presence, still staring at the closed doors before him. It wasn't until Bant placed a gentle hand on his shoulder that the padawan became aware of his surroundings, abruptly turning to face his friends. The stoic façade, held to so tenuously, slipped just a little as Obi-Wan struggled to keep a hold on his emotions. Closing his eyes, let himself be drawn into the embrace of his two best friends.

A quiet moment between the three, each giving and taking comfort was broken when Obi-Wan withdrew slightly, whispering words too soft for Qui-Gon to hear. Garen however, had heard them all too clearly.

"Don't." His voice firm, while the hands that grasped Obi-Wan's face were kinder. "Do not apologize. What happened to me was not your fault."

Obi-Wan didn't look entirely convinced, but he didn't argue. It must have been obvious that all of his emotions were very near the surface. His eyes watered, but he refused to let any tears fall. Garen took pity on him, pulling him into a rough embrace.

"I.." Obi-Wan swallowed, tried to regulate his breathing as he squeezed his friend tight. "When they took you away . . . . I didn't know if you were dead or alive."

Remembered pain was evident in Garen's eyes, causing a slight waver in a voice still hoarse from endless screaming. "I wasn't sure myself for awhile there."

They clung to each other only briefly, eyes meeting momentarily as they separated. While both were clearly not ready to talk about their ordeal, to each other – or anyone else for that matter, Qui-Gon could plainly see the immovable bond of friendship that would forever bind these two youths together.

"How is he?" Garen asked. A noticeable but necessary change in topic, noting the shadows of worry flickering in storm tossed eyes.

"I don't know." But something in the haunted tone said that he did.

Through the fledgling bond, Qui-Gon could feel Obi-Wan's waning strength as if it were his own, pain and exhaustion finally overriding the adrenaline that carried him thus far. A subtle wave of Healing Force to bolster the boy's stamina did not go unnoticed, as Obi-Wan turned to face him, suddenly aware of his presence.

He looked a bit chagrined as he crossed the small distance to Qui-Gon, grasping both of the master's large hands in his own. A various array of emotions chasing their way across the tired face before the youth finally spoke.

"You saved me." A simple, but meaningful statement. "You saved us both." An almost desperate squeeze to the hands he held, very aware that his master's mortal life hung in the balance – yet so relieved that the man's eternal life still belonged to the Light. "Thank you."

Qui-Gon swallowed hard, hearing the boy's thoughts clearly through a bond that grew steadily stronger with each passing minute. He stifled what could easily have been a sob, gripping the hands encased within his own. For so long he'd believed the soul of the boy he had once loved as a son had already been lost.

"Would you like to join us?" Obi-Wan broke his reverie, the question taking a few seconds to permeate his consciousness. He looked to Bant and Garen, half expecting an objection in some form or other. When there was none, he gratefully nodded his acceptance and joined the three friends to await word of Xanatos' condition. A short time later Master Rowan and Tahl joined the vigil, Tahl offering Qui-Gon a squeeze to his shoulder as she made her way past him to Bant. An hour passed, and Garen was just beginning to nod off on Bant's shoulder when Healer S'ierge made her way from the infirmary towards the small group.

Qui-Gon knew immediately that the news was not good. He looked to Obi-Wan and quite literally saw the last vestige of hope drain from the youth's face – his features taking on a heartbreakingly neutral expression.

As they moved to rise, she motioned for them to remain seated. Grabbing an empty chair and pulling it close she positioned herself opposite Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan, her demeanor radiating both sympathy and compassion.

After a pause that was a bit too long, the Healer reached to settle a hand on Obi-Wan's knee.

"He's awake and asking to see you."

Obi-Wan didn't move, seemed incapable of voicing the question so clear in his eyes.

"How..." Qui-Gon intervened, clearing a throat suddenly gone dry. "How is he?"

Another pause. "Not good." She let those words sink in before continuing, not wanting give them any false hope.

"He's bleeding internally." The next part was hard to admit. "We can't stop it."

Bant and Garen exchanged stricken looks. If the bleeding could not be stopped, then the master could not be stabilized. If the master could not be stabilized then there could be no bacta treatment. If there was no bacta treatment . . . . there was no hope.

It seemed Obi-Wan had come to the same conclusion.

"How long?" He asked, his voice as empty as the haunted look in his eyes.

She noticed he did not look at her. Perhaps not wanting to see the sympathy so clear in her eyes. Her voice, when she spoke was as soft as the touch on his knee.

"A few hours at most."

Through the bond Qui-Gon clearly felt the internal anguish those words caused. An attempt to offer comfort was rebuffed, as Obi-Wan firmly closed his end of the bond with a regretful apology to Qui-Gon. This was something he needed to face alone. He met Qui-Gon's gaze, grateful for the understanding he saw mirrored there as he rose silently from his seat and went to his master.

The silence continued after his departure and stretched until Qui-Gon finally found his voice again.

"How bad is it?"

The Healer regarded him quietly, sensing his need for the truth.

"He is so utterly broken, I can't even begin to imagine how he survived the fall." A small trace of her frustration bled into her voice. So much available technology, and still, she could not save him. "The only thing we can do is make him comfortable."

Qui-Gon looked down at loosely clasped hands, the weight of so much lost time settling heavily on his shoulders.

So sorry for the wait on this one. I had to distance myself from it completely to get my muse back on track. There's more to say in this final part than I originally thought, so there will be another chapter and then an epilogue. Wish I could say I'd have the next chapter up in a week – but I will guarantee the wait will not be as long as it was for this one. It has been started and I know exactly where I'm going – just need the time to write it :) Thanks to all of you who are still hanging in there with me!

--shan