Chapter 36: Going Nowhere
"You really think you're going to get away with this?"
Obi-Wan walked down the corridor, water dripping from his hair onto his tunics as he kept his eyes straight ahead in dire search for any Jedi. However, his kidnapper chose routes hardly used by the majority of the Jedi. The corridors remained bare except for the two of them and that only brought Obi-Wan's hope of a rescue dwindling to the low odds.
The blaster against his neck encouraged him to keep walking, the barrel digging into his skin and spine uncomfortably. The kidnapper, dressed in Jedi attire, snickered at Obi-Wan's response. The humor never reached his dark, emotionless eyes. "I'm the best there is kid."
Obi-Wan had the urge to look up at his kidnapper, but the tight pinch of the blaster's barrel kept him looking straight. "What kind of bounty hunter are you that you attack someone in the shower?"
It was quite a surprise encounter for Obi-Wan. He had left Anakin to his moping and undressed quickly to clean off the sweat. He was only under the shower for a couple of minutes when he heard a click echoing around him. Naked, Obi-Wan turned around and saw a man, dressed as a Jedi, with a blaster pointing right at him and demanding him to get dressed.
The kidnapper stripped him of his belt, forcing him to leave all of his communication devices and most importantly, his lightsaber behind.
The kidnapper growled low in his ear. "Shut up and keep moving," he said. "We've got a ride to catch."
"The Jedi will stop you." Obi-Wan knew it to be true. Anakin would discover he's gone and come to his rescue. He bet a million credits that in a few seconds Anakin would appear around the corner and stop this man. Anakin would save him.
The man chuckled lightly, amused by such a notion. "I fear no Jedi," the kidnapper said with a twisted smile. "I've killed many before. With my bare hands too."
Obi-Wan sensed the man was not lying. He's killed Jedi. But, when? Obi-Wan didn't recalled any Jedi dying recently—except for the ones caused by Darth Tyranus.
"Who are you?" questioned Obi-Wan.
"Who I am doesn't matter," the kidnapper dismissed. "All that matters is getting you off-planet."
Off-planet? Oh no. Obi-Wan had no wish to leave the planet, let alone the Temple. His feet grew heavier and he slowed to a lumber. He tried his best to reach into the Force and alert Anakin where he was, but the Force suppressors prevented his ability to do so.
The kidnapper jabbed the gun hard into his neck. "Walk faster."
Obi-Wan totted, regaining his balance after that hard shove. "Would you prefer if I ran instead?" he grunted, which made the kidnapper snarl in reply. "What? I'm sorry. I'm not used to walking with a blaster jabbed into my neck."
"Get used to it."
No, he would never get used to the idea of a blaster pressed against his back. Or of being led away from his home to a dangerous Sith Lord who wants him dead. Oddly enough, that confused Obi-Wan. If the Sith Lord wanted him dead, why was the bounty hunter keeping him alive? It would be easier to kill him and take a picture as evidence.
"If I may ask—"
"You may not," came the short reply from the kidnapper.
"—why haven't you killed me yet?" Obi-Wan asked anyway. "He wants me dead."
"You're worth a billion credits alive," the kidnapper grunted, "and only a million credits if dead. I'm going for the big score."
A billion for being brought to alive? But… Darth Tyranus must be a sick psychopath to want to capture him alive only to torture him to death. In fact, he tried already down in the detention centers, carving up his leg. Obi-Wan shivered at the painful memory of being burned and his scarred leg jerked at the memory.
The kidnapper snatched his arm to stop him from falling. "Stop it or I will shoot you," he growled, hoisting Obi-Wan up so hard that Obi-Wan thought he dislocated his arm. "Now… walk straight!"
Obi-Wan had to think of another plan. "Do you have any kids?"
The kidnapper glared down at him. "Do you ever shut up?"
That answered his question enough. The kidnapper had no children. If he did, he wouldn't be holding a gun to his neck and selling him off to a psychopath killer. The kidnapper's only love was the money. "You won't ever see the money," he muttered in the corner of his lips. "Your employer is a Sith Lord. He manipulates and lies. He's not going to pay you. The moment you deliver me to him, he's going to kill you."
"Shut up!"
"It's the way of the Sith," Obi-Wan said. "Lies, deceit and—"
The winding sounds of a blaster being charged and ready to fire haunted his ears and the metal pinch of the blaster's barrel reminded him of his mortality for a just a quick second. He involuntarily flinched, but didn't halter in his footwork.
The kidnapper growled. "You're making it very tempting to kill you right now and accept only the million credits," he threatened. "I won't tell you again—shut up!"
Obi-Wan clamped his mouth shut and pouted. He didn't say another word as the kidnapper directed him to turn into a new corridor. He stared down the long stretch of marble flooring and massive columns, studying it intently in hopes to preserve it in his memory banks. If the bounty hunter succeeds, he will never see the Temple again. A sad thought that journeyed with him as they drew near the end.
Obi-Wan knew exactly where they were heading. It wasn't to any hanger or the front and back entrances. It was to one of those rare side-doors that only Jedi Sentinel use when sweeping for security. As to how the kidnapper knew of these doors, Obi-Wan did not know and it worried him greatly.
They arrived right outside another backdoor, a staircase on the other side that Obi-Wan assumed led directly to the hidden tunnel that would lead straight out of the Temple. His time was dwindling and Anakin had yet to make an appearance or even a rescue attempt. No one had even come across their paths. It was like the kidnapper knew exactly where to go without being seen. Another concerning matter.
The kidnapper nudged Obi-Wan to the door. "Open it."
Obi-Wan begrudgingly reached for the door when the croaking sound of another door opening halted his process. Both he and the kidnapper turned at once toward the noise and saw someone stepping out from opened door. The kidnapper moved Obi-Wan in front of him, hiding his blaster in his long, stolen Jedi robes.
He grunted a whisper in Obi-Wan's ears. "Remember."
Obi-Wan remembered with and without the blaster pointed at his back. He knew not to say a word or else be witnessed to a death.
The door closed, revealing a tall Jedi with dark honey-toned skin and striped, yet fogged eyes. A droid scooted beside her—her navigation droid, Too-Jay. Obi-Wan couldn't help but release a sigh of relief at seeing Master Tahl.
But, with the Force suppressors, would she be able to recognize he's there? He hoped so. He needed her to sense him and his trouble.
Master Tahl stopped a few feet away from the duo, pausing as she tilted her head. "Obi-Wan?"
Anakin flew down many corridors and stormed through many rooms. He searched high and low for Padawan Kenobi. Every nook and cranny was checked. Where could he be? He would have sensed danger if the padawan was in dire trouble. Then again, he was too busy focusing on what was happening to the other Kenobi after he felt that rumble in the Force and a strike of fear and anger.
At least, he thought it was Obi-Wan. Maybe it actually came from Padawan Kenobi instead.
Anakin attempted to use the Force to locate the missing padawan. He submerged himself, checking the bond. When he found it was cut off and he could not reach Padawan Kenobi, Anakin's fear spiked.
Padawan Kenobi was in trouble.
Of course, he already knew that. Obi-Wan would never leave his lightsaber behind for anything. And, Anakin assumed Padawan Kenobi was the same. His lightsaber was his life. Neither of them would leave it behind… unless forced to.
When he discovered Padawan Kenobi gone, Anakin already notified Master Yoda. The Grandmaster ordered a lock-down, but Anakin felt there was a probable chance Padawan Kenobi would disappear still. And, Anakin could not let Padawan Kenobi disappear or worse, die.
Anakin barged into a room, disturbing the padawans who were studying the galactic map with their instructor. Anakin gave no explanation for his intrusion and scanned the dark room. There was no evidence of Padawan Kenobi and he departed without a word.
Leaving, he raked his fingers through his hair as he hurried to the next room, eyes bouncing from face to face in hopes of recognition. Nope. Nothing. Not a single trace of ginger hair amongst the Jedi. He left the room immediately.
It's all his fault! Obi-Wan entrusted him with his life and he failed out of his fear for the older Kenobi's safety. How is he going to explain to Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan that he was careless and let someone take the padawan away from under his nose? Already he could hear Obi-Wan's criticized tone and Qui-Gon's saddening sigh. All Anakin ever wanted to do was make them proud, but with Padawan Kenobi kidnapped and very close to being murdered by a psychopath, his hopes and oaths were nearly dashed.
He frantically ran down more corridors, bursting doors open with the Force and searching every bewildered face.
"Come on! Come on!" he growled at himself as he ruined a youngling's class. "Think! Where could he be? They wouldn't have gotten that far!"
Anakin drew the Force to himself, stretching out and trying to reach Padawan Kenobi. He only received the same response as last: a static sense of a connection. Like someone cut off Padawan Kenobi's connection with the Force. Not completely, but enough that Anakin could get a firm hold on him. If he had to guess, Anakin believed Padawan Kenobi was wearing a Force suppressor.
His comlink beeped and Anakin hoped it was good news. "Skywalker."
"Checked the Rooms of a Thousand Fountains and the floor above," Master Plo Koon's voice responded through the speakers. "Nothing."
Anakin's comlink creaked under the pressure of his grip. "Anyone else reported?"
"No."
Kriff. "Update me if anyone does," Anakin ended the conversation and pocketed his comlink.
It wasn't looking good. Padawan Kenobi had been gone for only twenty minutes, but every minute was a chance for him to be gone forever. Anakin's mind kept picturing the atrocities Padawan Kenobi would face against Dooku. He imagined Dooku torturing him, electrocuting and slowly sizzling the boy's skin off with the end of his lightsaber while sporting a maniacal grin.
Just thinking of Padawan Kenobi in Dooku's custody made Anakin's blood boil. Dooku did this. He always hated them. Killing Obi-Wan would end the team and let him win the Clone Wars. Dooku cared for nothing and no one. Didn't matter if killing the padawan would cause great grief to Qui-Gon. It only helped him win the future. Dooku was a selfish, pretentious sleemo!
Anakin's nose flared as he exhaled hot air. A licking flame underneath his frantic heart. The dragon inside him curled, eyes burning red in eagerness to seek rightful justice. The fire flamed higher. More ferocious. It threatened to devour everything until its thirst was quenched. And, that wouldn't happened until Dooku was dead and both Kenobis were safe.
He cannot lose Padawan Kenobi. He cannot… because that meant losing Obi-Wan too. Losing him—already Anakin felt sick at the thought of losing Obi-Wan. The same nauseating and boiling heat he felt when his mother died caused turbulence again. How many people must he lose in this lifetime? Why did he have to keep losing people?
Anakin stepped aside, thinking. That's what Obi-Wan told him to do when in trouble. To pause and think. Use the Force and think. The Temple is on lockdown. A bounty hunter or whoever cannot escape without being caught trying to exit the building. Red flags would be sprung and Jedi Masters would be there in a heartbeat to rescue the padawan. Perhaps, then it wasn't a bounty hunter. Someone who could be seen amongst the Jedi without it being odd. Who easily blended with the daily activities of the Jedi Temple?
Anakin's stomach plummeted.
No. No, no, no, no! Dooku could not be here. He couldn't. Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon said he was at the Works District. Unless… that was only a 'wild bantha chase'. Did Dooku lure the best Jedi out of the Temple to capture Padawan Kenobi? Did he believe Obi-Wan and Anakin would rush out to the Works, giving him time to easily spirit the boy away under the pretense of caring for his grandpadawan?
Anakin's fingers closed, eyes drawn to slits and his heart banging like snare drum inside his chest. "Dooku…"
It was a distraction. Another one of his misdirections. And, they all fell for it. The senators, the Council and even he and Obi-Wan fell into the trap laid perfectly. How did they not see this? They were smarter than this.
Anakin thought quickly. If Dooku nabbed him, where would he go? Where would he take the padawan? He couldn't leave through any normal exits. Again—Council members and other Jedi Masters were in high alert to look for Padawan Kenobi. Dooku couldn't walk him out through the front entrance or the back entrance. He couldn't even leave through any of the hangers. No… they would have to go through a different way.
But, which way? Where would Dooku take Padawan Kenobi to make an escape? He honestly didn't know. He cared little to know how Dooku thought. Obi-Wan often told him that sometimes thinking like Dooku would help them understand the inner workings of the Count's mind. But, again, Anakin had little interest in how Dooku's mind worked.
Anakin tapped his fingers against his lightsaber in thought. If he was going to kidnap someone from the Temple, how would he escape? Anakin recalled to all the times he spent trying to sneak out of the Temple. Every attempt, he had to take a new route because Obi-Wan would figure him out. He listed off all the exits he made as a padawan, reviewing each as a possible escape route for Padawan Kenobi and that sleemo Count Dooku.
There were too many options. Too many chances that he could lose Padawan Kenobi. His thoughts swirled and he became distressed. He couldn't think anymore. He couldn't… he just wanted to scream!
Why couldn't he think?!
That's when it came to him. A soft, calming voice broke through his muddled mind, whispering back an old memory.
Feel. Don't think. Use your instincts.
Anakin remembered placing a helmet over his head, sitting in his podracer. Qui-Gon stood beside him, a reassuring smile on his face as he wished him luck.
Feel. Don't think. Use your instincts.
Anakin breathed. He took another deep breath and breathed out again. Slow and steady. Feel. Don't think. Use the Force. Anakin repeated Qui-Gon's old phrase to himself one more time as he fell back into the Force's currents.
Feel. Don't think. Use your instincts.
The Force hummed, quietly and circling him as it swayed within him. He felt the gentle pull, a little nudge in a direction. He didn't sense Padawan Kenobi, but he felt the Force urging him to go. Pressuring him to jumpstart his legs and move. The Force tugged on him again. He needed to move. Now!
Anakin pulled himself out of his trance and, like a rocket, bolted down the corridor. He knew exactly where the Force wanted him to go.
Jedi dodged out of Anakin's warpath and he went straight to the opened turbolift. He readily hit the button to take him to the lower levels of the Temple when a small figure slipped between the closing doors and situated itself in front of Anakin. The figure had bright, silver hair with a tiny braid that contained no decorations, which informed Anakin of the person's status. A Jedi Initiate.
"Master Skywalker," greeted the Jedi Initiate, "I see that you are very busy, but I was hoping to talk to you."
Anakin had no time to indulge the youngling. He had to reach Padawan Kenobi. His life was in danger! And if he didn't make it in time or if the padawan got hurt—he needed to stop thinking of such things. Obi-Wan told him he needed to focus on the here and now. Right now, there were no signs of pain. Anakin was certain he would feel any injuries or death through the Force, even if the connection was barely there for him to hold. He would feel it.
"You see—I noticed you are a very talented Jedi Knight and I—" rambled on the Initiate.
If Dooku or bounty hunter or whoever took Padawan Kenobi was going to exit through any of those secret passages, he would need some type of transportation close by. The Force tumbled around him, pressuring him to go north in the Temple. The lower the turbolift went, the greater the strength the Force was building around him. He must be getting closer. He kept his focus with the Force, drawing as much of it to help him find Padawan Kenobi.
"—I really want to be a Jedi and everything—"
He glanced down to the turbolift's pad. A few more floors to go. Then Anakin would need to speed down the corridors to reach Padawan Kenobi. He hoped Padawan Kenobi was fine. That he wasn't scared or worried. If Anakin asked Obi-Wan, he would say he wasn't worried at all. He knew Anakin would come. And, that was what bothered Anakin. Obi-Wan—and maybe even Padawan Kenobi—trusted him to come when they needed help. Of course, Anakin would always come. Always. And, he knew Obi-Wan would always come to his aid as he had since he arrived at the Temple as a padawan. They would always be there for the other. Yet, Padawan Kenobi was alone, waiting to be rescued and Anakin was nowhere near him to help. He would be soon. Once these turbolift's doors opened, Anakin would sprint as fast as he could to reach him.
As the turbolift began to slow down, Anakin was surprised to discover that the Initiate was still talking. Hadn't the youngling noticed by now he wasn't listening? Didn't matter. He needed to get ready to run as soon as the doors opened.
"—and so yeah, Obi-Wan stole—"
Hearing his master's name jerked his attention from the doors to the Initiate. Stress dug lines into his forehead as he flicked to the Initiate in irritation. "You talk too much," he snapped, irritated. "Who are you?"
The Initiate paused in his speech. "Bruck Chun, Master."
He's heard that name before and while he would normally be curious as to how he knew of the name, but he was preoccupied with other thoughts to worry. "What do you want?"
The silver-haired Initiate erected his back, bold and proud. "Master Skywalker—I wish for you to be my Master," he declared, "if you accept me as your padawan."
Anakin stared. Padawan? He wanted to be my—oh kriffing hells no! He had a padawan. Ahsoka Tano was his padawan. He didn't need another! He didn't want another! Anakin towered over the Initiate, glowering at the silver-haired, prideful youngling. "I have a padawan and she's the best student a Master could ever have," he cried, defending his padawan who was far away in the future, "and I have no plans to ever replace her. Ever!"
The turbolift hissed to an end and the ding sound announced their arrival to the chosen floor. The doors slowly—from Anakin's point-of-view—opened. Unfortunately, the stunned Initiate stood in his way.
Anakin growled at the hindrance. "Move!"
He shoved the Initiate aside and sped down the length of the corridor. With the Force's guidance, he knew where he needed to go, turning up further northeast. He checked his Force bond with the padawan. It was getting a bit stronger. Good. That meant Padawan Kenobi was still in the Jedi Temple.
His boots screeched along the marble corridor whenever he turned. He cared very little at the disturbance. Besides, no one was around to even hear it. The floor is barely ever used by the majority of the Jedi and with restricted entrances, hardly anyone comes to this floor.
He reached the northeast corner. His blue orbs darted from one side to the next. Every door he passed, he forced opened with a simple Force shove. All empty. It didn't look so good after five rooms were cleared. Did the Force trick him? No—he still felt Padawan Kenobi's presence. It was getting stronger. He had to be near.
As Anakin prepared to go around the corner, he heard voices. He stopped and listened intensely. He recognized one voice. A voice he had not expected to hear in this time period. A voice he certainly didn't want to hear in the Jedi Temple.
This was not good.
Obi-Wan couldn't help but feel suddenly thrilled at Master Tahl's Force-sensitivity. She immediately recognized him without the use of her eyes and the Force suppressors still locked on his wrist. Qui-Gon always said she was very powerful and blindness would not cripple her. Obi-Wan always assumed he said those words out of kindness and attachment as he knew his master secretly loved Master Tahl.
Now, he knew Qui-Gon spoke the truth. She was a badass.
"Obi-Wan Kenobi? Is that you?" Master Tahl said again and Obi-Wan only smiled. "What are you doing wandering around here? Where is Qui-Gon?"
Obi-Wan went to reply, but stopped. He glanced to his kidnapper for permission to speak. The kidnapper, seeing that Master Tahl was blind, nodded for him to talk to only get rid of her.
"He's away on a mission," Obi-Wan replied, using all the power he could muster to send her a warning through the little Force connection he had. "He'll return later this evening."
He reached as hard as possible to connect with the Force, signaling to Master Tahl of his hostage situation. He hoped she heard. He hoped she understood.
Master Tahl smiled. "He's always running off," she reminisced, but then pulled out of the past and returned to the present. "Who are you with, padawan? I'm not familiar with them?"
Oh no. No—Obi-Wan felt the kidnapper tense, positioned to attack Master Tahl at any moment. Obi-Wan slid to his left, blocking most of the kidnapper's way to Master Tahl. He would not let this man kill Master Tahl.
Obi-Wan quickly tried to think. "Um… this is Master—"
"Master Fett," the kidnapper answered. His voice hard and cold. Unrelenting. "I've returned from a mission not long ago and was assigned to guard Padawan Kenobi while his master is away."
Master Tahl didn't even blink. "Oh. I would have thought Master Skywalker or Master Ben would care for the padawan?"
"They are deployed as well," Fett answered.
Master Tahl hummed as Too-Jay wheeled around her, tooting in boredom. Master Tahl whacked the top of her droid's head. "Stop that," she scolded, before looking back to Obi-Wan. "I see. Master Qui-Gon must trust you greatly to bestow his padawan with you."
Obi-Wan's heart was shredded. Master Tahl believed in this Fett person! No! He needed her to distrust Fett. He called for the Force again, but the Force suppressors kept his ability to access it to a mere minimum. He could barely do anything other than simply touch it.
Was he lost to this bounty hunter? In a few hours, will he be dumped at the feet of a Sith Lord wanting revenge? Obi-Wan shuddered at the thought, remembering his leg injury once again.
Master Tahl, please! Obi-Wan yelled as loud as he could into the Force. Please help me!
Fett seemed utterly pleased with how the conversation was turning out. "I'm quite good at what I do," he said, proud. "If you excuse us, we have an appointment to keep."
Fett pulled Obi-Wan with him, forcing Obi-Wan to falter backwards on his steps and away from Master Tahl. Obi-Wan pained to see the distance growing between him and Master Tahl.
Master Tahl! Please! Obi-Wan cried out again through the Force as Fett started to drag him.
Master Tahl stood quiet and was still. She acted like a statue the way her eyes locked on him and dared not move since the encounter. Then, very quietly, she spoke. "You may be good at what you do, Master Fett," she said, which caused Fett to halt and turn to her, "but it's definitely not as a Jedi."
Master Tahl whipped out her lightsaber as Too-Jay squealed at the glowing light. Obi-Wan grinned too widely that his cheeks turned sore. Master Tahl caught the lie. He's going to be saved! He won't be sold away to the Sith Lord.
Fett yanked on Obi-Wan's tunics and pulled him closer, jamming the blaster's barrel into Obi-Wan's skull.
Perhaps, Obi-Wan thought too soon as the chill of the blaster warned him how close he was too death.
"Pretty observant for a blind girl," Fett grudgingly acknowledged.
"I'm not as blind as you may think," Master Tahl confirmed and positioned herself into an aggressive stance. "Let the padawan go."
Fett clicked his tongue at such order. He was calm, controlled and nonchalant by Master Tahl's demands. "You think I'm frighten by the likes of you and your Jedi-kind?" he sneered. "I've already seen the might of a Jedi. You have yet to see the might of a Mandalorian."
Obi-Wan didn't need the Force to know what Fett was going to do. The bounty hunter's fingers pinched Obi-Wan's shoulders as the blaster twitched in preparation to turn the aim from Obi-Wan's head to Master Tahl. Fett meant his words. He would kill anyone who got in his way.
Obi-Wan yelled out a warning to Master Tahl. "Master—"
But, his voice was silenced by the sound of another hummed lightsaber that came very close to his ear.
"If I were you, I would listen to her," said a rough, dangerous voice that Obi-Wan instantly recognized as Anakin. He had come at last! Just as he hoped. "Or else you may lose your head."
Obi-Wan rolled his eyes back, attempting to catch a glimpse of Anakin from his awkward hostage position. Anakin stood very close to the bounty hunter, shoulders almost touching. Anakin's lit lightsaber was pressed close to Fett's neck, illuminating his neck in a blue glow. There was a hint of danger in Anakin's eyes—cold and steeled and taut. The glare would give younglings nightmares for days.
Anakin's eyes fell to Obi-Wan and gave the young padawan a brief nod. "You all right there, kid?"
Obi-Wan reassured Anakin with a nod, but soon a hand clasped around his small neck and squeezing his throat closed. Breathing faltered and his chest expanding in pain at the lack of oxygen. He coughed. Words drowning in his throat and blue creeping to his cheeks.
Anakin pressed the lightsaber closer to the bounty hunter. "Let. Him. Go," he commanded, his voice echoed around them. "It's over. You lose."
Jango Fett eyed the blue blade that threatened to decapitate him. He squeezed a little tighter around the boy's neck, thinking of different scenarios. If he killed the boy now, he would successfully leave the Temple without any injuries. Unfortunately, he would only earn a lousy million credits. If he turned his blaster to the male Jedi, it would give the female Jedi a free chance to kill him. Thus, no money at all.
But, Jango knew better to let a Jedi win. Jango never lost. He won.
Jedi were arrogant and proud. Their blindness only anger and weakened them for Jango to kill Jedi easily with his bare fists. They all find themselves above others due to the connection to some mystical Force. Yet, Jedi were just as breakable as any pathetic lifeform.
Considering his options, looking from the male Jedi to the female Jedi, he slowly withdrew his blaster from the boy's head and loosened his grip on the neck. He heard the boy gasp, coughing loudly to regain a normal breathing pattern.
He surrendered.
The female Jedi immediately reached out, grabbing the boy's outstretched hands. Her fingers snatched the boy's sleeves and pulled him close. "Obi-Wan—" she urged him to hurry and the boy went to his side.
While the female Jedi and the boy felt secured, the male Jedi did not move the blade away. While he considered Jedi weak and cowards, there was shade of darkness in the Jedi's face. The glower promised pain and revenge—very non Jedi-like behavior.
The male Jedi was non-forgiving. Perhaps he misjudged this particular Jedi. He needed to go to his next plan.
He lifted his blaster and pointed it right at the boy's back. A million credits was better than getting nothing. The male Jedi realized his plan and made a swipe for the blaster. Too little, too late. Jango fired, the red laser bolt speeding to the boy.
The male Jedi swung the blade and dismantled his blaster within seconds. It didn't change anything. The blast went straight to the boy's back. He was going to die and Jango Fett would be a wealthy man.
Jango was a man who always completed his jobs.
No one ever denied him of that honor.
No one until… that damn boy!
Miraculously, the boy dodged the bullet. The female Jedi revealed her incredible reflexes, snatching the boy and twirling him out of the bullet's path. The boy spun into the wall, smacking his back with a loud crash. That left only the female Jedi and the droid in the danger field. The female Jedi leapt out of the way, leaving the droid to take the full blast.
The droid exploded, bits and pieces of metal components soaring through the air and scattering around them. The droid was no more.
Yet the boy still lived, befuddled by what occurred.
The blast and explosion distracted the Jedi long enough for Jango to retake the situation. The male Jedi was distracted, too worried for the boy to realize he left Jango unattended. Jango formed a fist and slugged the male Jedi in the face. The Jedi's head snapped, stumbling backwards. His eyes roamed in a dazed confusion as his legs wobbled in attempt to stay strong.
Spotting the vulnerability, Jango lunged and tackled the male Jedi to the marble floor. The Jedi's lightsaber slipped from his fingers, spinning away from the fight. He snatched the Jedi's head and slammed it hard against the floor, smiling at hearing the sickening crack. The male Jedi gasped, startled by the sudden attack. He stayed still, moaning in his pain.
Jango would say it again—Jedi were weak and pathetic.
He pulled out his hidden second blaster, ready to kill the male Jedi until the sound of a lightsaber came from behind him. Jango rolled, going onto his back as he aimed his blaster at the female Jedi that approached, wielding her lightsaber.
Jango fired and bullets ricocheted off the female's blade, redirecting to the walls. No wanting to become vulnerable on the ground, Jango jumped to his legs, dodging from side to side as he fired round after round of bullets. The Jedi couldn't keep up with all these bullets. And, if he was lucky, the boy may be killed by the stray bullet that passed her guard.
Jango could only hope.
"Argh!" the female Jedi cried out when her spins of the lightsaber didn't catch the latest bullet. It grazed the side of her chest and she fell over, almost collapsing if the boy didn't catch her.
"Master Tahl!" the boy cried, cradling her upper body as he tried to ease their descent to the floor.
Jango only snickered at the sight. All too easy. He took aim again, ready to finish off his mission and return to collect his reward.
He unfortunately did not expect the male Jedi to recover so quickly.
Before he could fire, the male Jedi crashed into him. They toppled over in a tangle of arms and legs and robes. His blaster disappeared in the rumble. The male Jedi regained enough strength to hold him down and he pummeled his fists into Jango's face in an emotionally abandoned frenzy.
Jango cursed at his luck. He should have shot the male Jedi before dealing with the blind woman and boy. He would learn next time.
He raised his arms and blocked the Jedi's hits. The Jedi's arms exposed his stomach and Jango squarely hit him right in the gut. The Jedi grunted, but didn't fall back. This Jedi had strength. Jango grabbed the Jedi's wrist and threw him off, flipping the Jedi onto his back as they struggled for hits.
They rolled, undignified, but that didn't matter. Only winning mattered and Jango would do whatever it took to win.
Growling, Jango finally go the upper hand and kneed the Jedi. He then went for the throat, but the Jedi—despite the deep crevices of pain in his face—harmlessly blocked every swing Jango threw at him. The male Jedi was just as quick. Jango tried make contact, but the Jedi surprised him. The Jedi flipped him over and threw him across the floor, knocking the wind out of his lungs.
Jango seethed. He will not be beaten by a mere Jedi!
He rolled again and pushed up, reaching to the strap in his boot. Knife in hand, Jango launched himself at the Jedi, swiping at the Jedi's legs. The Jedi jumped and missed the steel blade, but that did not deter Jango. He punched left and right until he got the upper hand. He smashed himself into the male Jedi, knocking both of them to the floor again. Jango took the male Jedi's head and slammed it to the floor again and pummeled his knuckles into the side of the Jedi's face for good measure.
The male Jedi did not stir. He flipped his knife up, ready to shove it into the Jedi's chest and stop his beating heart when a sharp jolt to his ribs distracted him from the male Jedi. The youngling had driven his shoulder into Jango's ribs, throwing him off-balance. Jango snatched the boy's arm and brought him down with him.
The boy wiggled and kicked, trying desperately to get out of his grip. "Stop holding my hand!"
Jango, realizing that both of the older Jedi were out of the way, had his grand opportunity. With the blade in his other hand, he drove it to the boy's chest. The boy saw the blade and dodged it, the blade only slicing a thin cut on his side. The boy winced and gave a violent kick to Jango's chin.
Jango's teeth snapped together at impact, pain vibrating along his jawline. Jango's nose flared. All the fun and games of this mission was long gone. He had no patience or desire to draw it out anymore.
He raised his knife again, ready to end this all, when something flew between him and the boy. It didn't matter what it was. Jango jabbed his knife into it. And not just once. Multiple times that every punctured earned him a soft gasp and whimper.
Jango smiled brightly when he pulled his knife out and saw blood coating it. He got someone. That was good enough for him at that moment.
"Tahl? Master Tahl?"
Jango relished in the boy's quivering voice as he wiped the blood on the stolen robe he wore.
In front of him laid the annoying female Jedi, chest rising high before collapsing. The boy was beside her, hands pressing on the wound. Blood trickled between his fingers, drenching the female Jedi's tunics. Despite the boy's attempt to dam the wound, it was hopeless. Jango has seen death many times to know the female Jedi was a helpless cause. She was going to die, alongside the boy she tried to protect.
To die in vain. A terrible waste of life.
The boy whispered words that blended encouragement and plea. "Master Tahl… please? Hang on. It's going to be—"
Jango snorted. "There's no need to lie, boy," he said and the boy glanced up, red in face and eyes straining. "It doesn't lessen the pain and it doesn't stop death."
The boy's breathing got heavier. He turned away, eyes upon the female Jedi who still tried to shield the boy from him. The gesture was pitiable. The female Jedi could no longer protect the boy in her dying state. Though, he admired her resolve to save the boy from her own fate.
If the Jedi didn't get in the way, perhaps the boy would have lived. He didn't know. The bounty wanted the boy alive or dead. And for a billion credits, he doubted that the employer wanted the boy dead.
An unfortunate turn of events.
Jango drew his knife, ready to cut the boy down. He heard a squeak of boot and turned in time to see the male Jedi launch himself at him. Jango rolled with the power behind the male Jedi's strength. They tumbled away from the boy and the female Jedi, edging closer to the massive windows where the sun spotlighted the brawl.
Jango excelled in hand-to-hand combat. As a warrior, he was exceptional in all skills requiring fighting. However, it appeared the male Jedi was just as skilled. In fact, Jango noted that the Jedi was more of a soldier than the peaceful monk the Jedi portray themselves to be. He looked just as dangerous as any soldier Jango knew from his sharp features in the face to the scar running over his eye and eyebrow, the Jedi has seen battles. Jango could tell in his eyes—those cold pool irises held a history of violence only soldiers knew.
He made a swipe with his blade, but the male Jedi ducked and then jabbed his fingers right into a weak muscle in Jango's arm. His arm jerked and the Jedi took the disadvantaged to snare the hand and jerk it around until a loud pop echoed between them.
Jango cried out when his hand broke from the Jedi's attack. The knife fell, leaving Jango weaponless. An inferno erupted and Jango struck back, using his hand to jab his fingers into the Jedi's face. The Jedi turned his head, removing his vision of Jango's movements. Jango released a set of short, heavy, but powerful left punches into the Jedi's cut before giving a strong kick right into the Jedi's chest.
The Jedi fell backwards, but got to his feet quick enough to charge at him again for the victory. Jango waste no time. He went into his robe's pockets and pulled out his last gadget: a snare gun.
He aimed it at the male Jedi and fired. The cord shot out and quickly (and tightly) wrapped around the charging Jedi. With the cord snugged around his body, the male Jedi became incapacitated.
Jango owned this victory. Jango sprung to the male Jedi. He had no plans for a quick death. He wanted to watch the life leave his hands. He got to the male Jedi, who—like the boy—tried to wriggle out of the trap. Pathetic.
Jango pinned the Jedi and his hands clasped around the Jedi's neck. In place, he squeezed, thumbs pressing the throat closed. The Jedi heaved, desperate for any last-minute breaths… just like all the other Jedi he had killed.
"Like I said," Jango darkly murmured to the Jedi, ignoring his broken hand's shooting pain, "you don't know the power of a Mandalorian."
The Jedi's eyes rolled to Jango's face. "Y-You… are not… Mand— Mandalorian," he sputtered between his choking, "J-Jango Fett!"
An untrained bounty would have frozen. They would questioned the Jedi as to how he knew his name or who told him the name? An unprofessional bounty hunter would ease the grip to let the Jedi speak.
Jango Fett was no novice. He was trained and a professional. He did not ease his grip. He just pushed more. Anger fueled his strength to finish of the Jedi. With both Jedi dead, perhaps he wouldn't have to kill the boy. Take him to his ship and exchange him for the money.
He should kill him. Already too much time has been wasted in this fight. And, he cannot lie and say he was not unsettled by the revelation that the male Jedi was aware of his identity. How did he know? Who else knew?
The Jedi's lips slowly colored. His breathing irregular and choking sounds reverberated around them. The male Jedi was closing in on his life. His lips turned a dark color, cheeks paling and eyes fluttering closer and closer to being shut permanently.
At least one less person would know his identity.
Obi-Wan's fingers kept slipping on the blood that pumped out of Master Tahl's wound. Each heartbeat sent a surge of blood through his fingers, despite his effort to dam it.
He looked over to Master Tahl, her eyes shining and lips pinched. "Hold on, Master Tahl," he pleaded. "Just hold on."
Tahl breathed deeply. Chest rising with great difficulty. "Obi-Wan," she called, voice so small and soft that it made Obi-Wan's heart lurch. "Hand…"
Hand? Obi-Wan did not know what she meant until she waved her own over his. The Force suppressor on his wrist clicked and fell next to him. The moment the Force suppressor broke, the Force rushed him like a waterfall, swelling him. It was a welcoming feeling and he sighed in great relief at being reunited with his other half.
Tahl dropped her hand to her side, eyes wide in urgency. "Help… Obi-Wan," she uttered. "H-Help… him…"
Obi-Wan's head snapped up and saw that the bounty hunter on top of Anakin, choking the life out of him. Anakin was trapped underneath, his body tied together by a cord. He couldn't move or defend himself. Immovable. Obi-Wan saw Anakin's face changing colors as his throat got smaller.
Anakin was about to die.
Obi-Wan though quickly, looking around. He spotted Too-Jay's remains, laying not too far away. Obi-Wan concentrated, regrouping the Force and signaling out one of the bigger pieces from the pile. With a flick of his finger, he sent it straight to the bounty hunter's head.
It hit the bounty hunter straight on, knocking him over. Obi-Wan heard the bounty hunter growl at the interruption and knew he would be coming for him next. Weaponless, Obi-Wan scanned and spotted Anakin's lightsaber. He stretched his hands out with the Force to snare it. The weapon whipped up, soaring through the air until it collided into Obi-Wan's palm.
He wrapped his fingers around the lightsaber hilt and launched himself right to the bounty hunter. The bounty hunter was rising to his feet when Obi-Wan came at him. With assistance from the Force, Obi-Wan jumped high and shot out his leg, a hard kick to the bounty's hunter chest.
The kick proved to be powerful as the bounty hunter flew up into the air and crashed through the window. Then, with a loud cry, the bounty disappeared over the side of the Temple as a glitter of glass fell with him.
Obi-Wan panted, staring at the massive hole as shards of glass laid right below it. He had just kicked a man to death.
His concerns and worries were foregone when he heard a hoarse croak and a loud hacking sound coming from Anakin. He hurried to Anakin, lighting up the lightsaber and freeing the Jedi Knight. Anakin sat up, gently rubbing his bruised throat as he took very deep breaths. His eyes wildly went to Obi-Wan, scanning him clinically.
"A-Are… y-you… all-right?" Anakin said breathlessly and hoarsely as he continued his examination. "You're… bleeding."
"Only a scratch," Obi-Wan assured the Jedi Knight.
He was fine compared to Anakin. Half of the Jedi Knight's face was battered. A mess of blue, purple and black inked his skin like a thundercloud. And then he had distinctive handprints on his neck too, shading from red to a violet color.
Anakin nodded, happy enough to know he was safe. "I'm… sorry."
Obi-Wan wanted to smile, to let him Anakin know that he accepted that apology. He came. That's all that matter. Anakin came just as Obi-Wan believed. He would always come.
But, he couldn't. A victory hard earned and they were left breathless and battered and…
Master Tahl!
Obi-Wan dashed over to Master Tahl, who still clung to her life despite her shallow breathing. Obi-Wan slid next to her dropping side. Blood had now pooled underneath her, spreading through rivulets that trickled down along the side of her ribs.
"Master Tahl!" Obi-Wan said and he dropped the lightsaber, putting his hands over the wound again. "I'm here. I'm here. He's gone. The bounty hunter is gone."
Master Tahl could barely nod. "G-Good," she muttered. "Safe… y-you are."
Another shadow appeared over her and Anakin was now kneeling on the other side, a comlink to his mouth. He was giving instructions to someone to send healers immediately to them, repeating their locations and the severe wound Master Tahl had.
Master Tahl drew a long, unsteady breath. "Obi-Wan," she called to him again, her voice still small. Obi-Wan brought his attention to her, leaning closer. "O-Obi-Wan…"
"Save your strength, Master," Obi-Wan instructed. "The healers are on their way. They're going to save you."
Master Tahl's lips quirked into a pained smile. "Of course," she breathed.
Obi-Wan heard the doubt in her voice, but he had to keep the faith. It will work out. She'll survive. "Stay strong," he encouraged her, masking his worries with a gentle smile. "Help is coming."
He felt it through the Force. Help was coming, already descending to their floor. In a matter of minutes, they will arrive and save her.
Anakin brushed back Master's Tahl's hair from her face, sweat beading along her hairline as she struggled to stay in this life. Obi-Wan's hands remained on plugging the wound, hoping it was helping in some way to keep her alive. Then he felt something brush against his fingers and saw that Master Tahl's hand was over his own.
"Obi-Wan listen," she wheezed in attempt to speak, but her words choked in stabbing flash of pain.
Obi-Wan quickly tried to relieve it. "Save your energy, Master—"
Master Tahl refused. "No… listen, Obi-Wan," she said, more forcefully than before despite her weak voice. "You need to… must listen."
Obi-Wan obeyed, not wanting to refuse her last request. He leaned closer so she wouldn't have to use much energy to pitch her voice.
"You are… so full of light," Tahl's voice whispered. "Like… like the sun. Y-You chase… the darkness away." Obi-Wan looked bashfully away for a moment until he regained the courage to look back to Tahl. She smiled at him as if she wasn't in pain at all. Like she was safe and secured. "But d-don't for-forget… that the… that the… darkness… chases you too."
Master Tahl's hand moves up to Obi-Wan's cheek, her thumb caressing his cheekbone. "A-A… cruel world… awaits. Be—Be… brave, Obi-Wan," she said. "I-I sense… a great—destiny… for y-you."
Her breathing shuddered and Obi-Wan clung to Master Tahl's arm. "Master! Stay with me. Don't—don't go," he begged.
Master Tahl's eyes stayed focused, despite the light in them draining. Her smile spread longer, right across her face. "Do n-not cry… for me, l-little one," she whispered faintly. Obi-Wan hadn't realized he was crying until Master Tahl's thumb wiped away a runaway tear. "Take care… of Q-Qui-Gon… for me. Tell him…"
Her eye fluttered again, unfocused, before the eyelids lowered. Her breathing got shallower and her fingers slid from Obi-Wan's face. Obi-Wan shook. Utterly shocked at what was happening in front of him. He turned to Anakin, who only watched on in grave silence.
Anakin was a powerful Jedi Knight. He could fix this. He could fix anything. "Do something!" Obi-Wan cried to Anakin. "Help her, Anakin… save her!"
Anakin's mouth opened, but then shut it at once. He repositioned himself and hovered his hands over Master Tahl's wound. He concentrated, pulling the Force around her to set a healing trance. Obi-Wan waited with dire anticipation. He examined every feature of Tahl's face, looking for a hint of color, a hint of life somewhere within her.
After a brief moment, Anakin pulled his hands away. "I've tried… I can't," he sounded so defeated, falling back on his bottom as he stared, somber.
"No—try again!" Obi-Wan begged, clutching Master Tahl's hand. "She can't die! She can't!"
"Obi-Wan…"
"No!" Obi-Wan choked, his voice became throatier as dropped his head. "No..."
As he sensed Master Tahl's Force signature diminished into nothingness, Obi-Wan felt a stirring in his heart. Not a fire or a raging monster. No—it was nothing like that. It felt hollow. Empty. Nothing.
Deep inside him, even as he accepted that Master Tahl was no more, he knew her death wasn't his last. A cruel world she warned him. And, he knew it to be true.
For in his heart, he knew he was only meant for infinite sadness.
Obi-Wan squatted by one of the few damaged properties that suffered from the explosion. He stared straight ahead, ruminating on how close he was to ending all of this suffering.
To end all the infinite sadness that Dooku and the Sith caused in the future.
But, in Obi-Wan's bitter anger, Qui-Gon prevented it all. He blocked Obi-Wan, separating him from Dooku and allowing the Sith to go free and cause more mayhem. For what reason? Only to protect him. Obi-Wan didn't need protection. He didn't need constant rescuing. He was not a hapless and helpless person.
He protected hundreds of worlds. He rescued countless prisoners (and padawans). He was resourceful and tenacious.
And, most importantly, he was a Jedi Master.
He gingerly touched his cheek. A touch of blood warmed his fingertips. A minor scratch. After all that happened, he only got a scratch and a few bruises. Better than what Qui-Gon received. His old master used his body to shield him, taking much of the blunt force from the explosion. Dust settled on his Master's long mane, graying his brown strands and reminding Obi-Wan of the Master he lost on Naboo.
Obi-Wan resigned, dropping his head against the building behind him as Qui-Gon stood beside him, looking at the wreckage. "All the evidence is destroyed."
"Yes," Obi-Wan respectfully replied. "I'd imagined so."
Loud, rapping footsteps reverberated and Obi-Wan turned to see Master Windu and Master Billaba approaching with drawn lightsabers. They took in the destruction, their mouths in a tight line as they comprehended what occurred in their absences.
Master Windu approached the duo first. "What happened here?"
"The Sith Lord," Qui-Gon answered as Obi-Wan rose to his feet, a quick bow to both Council members.
Master Windu's brows slanted in a dangerous angle. "You confronted the Sith Lord without back-up?" he rebuked them. "You were to call before approaching, Qui-Gon."
"There wasn't time," Qui-Gon replied. "He was aware of our arrival." He gestured to the devastated factory.
Master Windu shook his head at the sight. "We were to avoid any destruction."
"This is not our doing."
"Is it ever?" Master Windu commented and he threw a glance to Obi-Wan. "I suppose the Sith got away then?"
Obi-Wan reluctantly nodded. "Not without assistance," he dryly answered, flicking his eyes to Qui-Gon.
Qui-Gon was not looking. "He set off the explosion to make his escape," he said. "He headed south."
Master Windu drew out a long exhale, examining the scene again. "The Senate will complain," he muttered. "You'll both need to fill out a full report."
"Would you like us to play down on the Sith's contribution?" Obi-Wan grumbled, earning a sharp eye from Qui-Gon.
Master Windu frowned severely. "I see defiance is still strong in your line, Qui-Gon."
Qui-Gon folded his arms, turning away from Obi-Wan. "He got hit in the head," he murmured. "We will write up our reports and send them to the Council."
"Good," Master Windu said, pleased to at least gain some obedience.
Master Billaba, who had roamed the crumbling building returned to the group. "Did you manage to get a glimpse of the Sith, Master Jinn?"
No, Obi-Wan thought to himself. He didn't. Dooku wouldn't let Qui-Gon get close enough to expose his identity. Obi-Wan looked on at the wreckage, as the others spoke about what occurred and attempt to narrow the Sith Lord's identity.
"I'm afraid not. He cut the power and wore an oversized hood that masked his face," Qui-Gon informed the masters. "He's a highly skilled duelist. A master in many different forms. He interchanged them frequently in the fight."
"To catch you off-guard?" Master Windu speculated.
"Which he did," Qui-Gon bravely admitted, "but I must say as well, even you would considered it a challenge, Mace."
Master Windu tilted his head back in contemplation. "Well, it will remain unseen until I meet him."
"What was he doing out in the factory?" Master Billaba inquired, after communicating with Coruscant's security force. "Did any evidence survive?"
Obi-Wan waited for Qui-Gon to address another failure in their mission. Qui-Gon sighed heavily. "We were unable to rescue anything from the factory. Obi-Wan, however, did see something." He turned, along with the other masters, to Obi-Wan. "Obi-Wan?"
A dreary sigh escaped his parted lips. It wasn't loud. Only he could hear the somber tone. He edged closer to the group that his head stood right next to Qui-Gon's shoulders. "There were blueprints of some technological device on a workbench," he answered. "Unfortunately, my expertise in that area is limited. I have some memory of the drawings that Anakin may recognize."
"Skywalker will know fragments of a design?" Master Billaba queried, doubtful.
"Anakin is quite talented in the mechanical field," Obi-Wan defended. "Even if I gave him a scrap of the design, he will know what it is and what it could do. And for good heavens, he could probably even improve on it."
That impressed the masters.
"Well, then its best you speak to Skywalker upon our return to the Temple," Master Windu decided. "Once everything here is cleared."
Obi-Wan nodded and he saw that Qui-Gon wanted to speak to him. Obi-Wan had no interest in discussing what happened in the factory. He needed time to mediate and rethink everything. He always imagined fighting alongside his master as equal members of the Jedi Order to be grand and perfect. Like fighting as one like he did with Anakin. That was not the case. The whole mission went wrong. Very wrong. Anakin sensed it and Obi-Wan should know better than to brush away Anakin's concerns.
He did it once before and it costed Anakin his mother.
Obi-Wan ran his fingers through his hair again, shaking the dust out. Anakin was quite right. If he wasn't being shot out or battling with a lightsaber, he would most likely be found in the center of an explosion. Obi-Wan rolled his eyes at the idea of Anakin being right once again. He and Anakin hang-out way too much.
Thinking of Anakin, the Force trembled. A shiver ran down Obi-Wan's spine. Cold. Obi-Wan felt very cold. Something was wrong. It wasn't the destruction before him or the fact Dooku got away. He retreated away from the group, finding a more spacious area for him to focus. He closed his eyes, tracing the Force surrounding him.
Urgency vibrated along his Force bond with Anakin. There was fear. Anger. Panic. All emitting from Anakin in a turmoil.
Obi-Wan re-opened his eyes. Anakin was in trouble.
Obi-Wan marched off, streaming past the three Jedi Masters to return to the shuttle. They all turned to him, curious brows rising up their foreheads. Master Windu stepped away from Qui-Gon and Depa Billaba and frowned at Obi-Wan's back. "And, where are you going?"
"To the Temple," Obi-Wan didn't bother to stop or say it over his shoulder, too focused on maneuvering over the rubble. He heard voices behind him, but it was until Qui-Gon hurried after him that the words became clearer.
"Obi-Wan?" Qui-Gon called as he stumbled over the rubble, reaching for Obi-Wan's shoulder. "Obi-Wan, what's wrong?"
"Anakin's in trouble," Obi-Wan called over his shoulder, moving out of Qui-Gon's hand. There was no time. Anakin's panic and pain screamed loudly in the Force.
Qui-Gon's long strides got him next to Obi-Wan. "What?"
Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon got out of the destruction zone, leaving Master Windu and Master Billaba to handle the oncoming swarm of emergency crafts that flew overhead, trying to find a good landing spot in the Works District. Obi-Wan picked up his pace and found that Qui-Gon matched his speed.
"Ease your anxieties Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon instructed softly. "Your emotions are muddling your focus."
"It's not my emotions," Obi-Wan clarified as they turned around the corner, nearly colliding with a group of gamblers who were playing dice on the ground. Obi-Wan apologized and moved around them. "As I said before, Anakin is in trouble."
They arrived at their shuttle and Obi-Wan told the pilots to speed back to the Temple. The shuttle rose and they flew over the shanty buildings of the Lower Levels. Obi-Wan stayed beside the doors, staring out the opening. He mentally called to Anakin, assuring him he was on his way.
He didn't get a response.
"Obi-Wan—" Qui-Gon stood next to him, still wanting to talk about the incident in the factory.
"Here and now, Master," Obi-Wan interrupted him. "What's done is done. Keep our focus on the here and now."
Qui-Gon sighed disappointedly, but he thankfully pushed it aside. "You said Anakin is in trouble? Is it Darth Tyranus?"
"Possibly," Obi-Wan said, but he hoped to be untrue. "Could be another bounty hunter as well. No need to speculate though. We'll find out soon enough." Obi-Wan paused, checking the speed. "Can this ship fly any faster?"
The pilot steering called over his seat. "Fast as possible within the speed limit, sir."
Obi-Wan wasn't used to going the speed limit. Anakin never drove the speed limit. It took them twice the amount of time to finally see the Jedi Temple in view. It wasn't on fire or in rubbles like the factory. It stood proud and tall amongst the city's skyline. Ready to shelter the galaxy from cruelty and darkness.
Hang-on, Anakin, Obi-Wan thought to himself. I'm coming. "Are you sensing anything from the padawan?" he asked of his master.
Qui-Gon shook his head, concern flitting across his eyes. "I sense nothing. Like… an empty pit," he described. "He's not dead. I know that. But… something happened."
Anakin's voice rang in Obi-Wan's head. It's not a good idea to split us up.
He was very much right. It never ended well for them when they are apart.
As they got closer to the Temple, Obi-Wan sensed a bright, combustion flare of the Force. He knew it to be Anakin. He was close by and still alive. The shuttle made its descent into the hanger as the mechanics rushed over to assist. Obi-Wan peered out as the shuttle hissed to a landing and immediately spotted Anakin standing in the shadows of the hanger.
He was alone. That wasn't good.
Obi-Wan hopped off the shuttle, forgetting Qui-Gon as he made a beeline to his young friend. "Anakin? Are you all right? I sensed a disturbance—"
His words silenced when Anakin stepped into the sunlight, exposing his thunderous colored face. Half of Anakin's youthful face was battered in a mixture of dark colors that made anyone looking at him cringe in discomfort. Worst was his neck. Obi-Wan distinctively saw two handprints wrapped around Anakin's throat. Someone attempted to choke Anakin to death. While Obi-Wan quickly did a visual and Force enhanced scan of his friend, he found no major injuries with the exception of a busted lip that was already treated. It appeared Anakin came out victorious in what Obi-Wan imagined was a brutal fight.
Yet, Anakin didn't act victorious. With no playful smirk or puffed chest, he acted more defeated. And with Padawan Kenobi missing, Obi-Wan only hesitated to even ask.
Anakin shuffled closer to Obi-Wan. "I'm all right, Master," he assured him. "This is nothing."
"Anakin…" Obi-Wan said, feeling guilty for returning to the Temple with very little injuries. "What happened?"
"Jango Fett," Anakin murmured his response.
Obi-Wan froze. "What?" He was still unsure if he heard correctly. That bounty hunter that provided the clones came to the Temple? "Are you sure?"
Anakin nodded in absolute. "It was him all right," he said just in time for Qui-Gon to join the group.
Qui-Gon took one look at Anakin and immediately huddled next to Anakin to check his face. "What happened to you?" he questioned, glancing on either side of Anakin. "Where's my padawan?"
"He's safe," Anakin told Qui-Gon. "I left him with Master Yoda."
"Is he okay?"
"He only received one bruise and a minor cut. The healers already took care of it."
Qui-Gon released a deep sigh of relief. "Who attacked?"
"A bounty hunter," Anakin answered. "A very skilled bounty hunter."
Obi-Wan could attest to that claim. He remembered his brawl with Jango Fett on the slippery landing platform on Kamino. "Did you catch him?"
Anakin shook his head. "The padawan kicked him out the window, but by the time a handful of Jedi went down to collect the body… there's was no one. Somehow he survived the fall."
Of course he did, Obi-Wan thought. "He may try again then," he said. "Do we know how he got in?"
"Not yet," Anakin said. "He dressed himself as a Jedi, but… that's all we got so far. An investigation will start soon I imagined."
Something still felt off. Anakin would normally brag about his victory over defeating an exceptional rival. Yet, he still acted somber in speech and stance. Almost like he was regretting his choices in standing in front of them. There was something else. Something Anakin hasn't mentioned yet.
Qui-Gon scratched his chin. "I'm happy to see you alive, Anakin," he said. "Obi-Wan sensed you were in danger and it appears he was right," Qui-Gon slipped a small smile to Obi-Wan. "There is much we need to discuss, but first, I need to attend to my padawan."
Qui-Gon moved around Anakin to walk to the door. Anakin leapt, blocking Qui-Gon's path. The giant Jedi Master startled. "Anakin—"
"I'm sorry, Qui-Gon. I… I can't let you go in. Not yet," Anakin said, his voice sounding so lost and childlike. Obi-Wan hardly ever heard him speak in that tone since he was a beginner padawan. The last time he heard Anakin that broken was when his mother died.
Qui-Gon challengingly raised his brows. "And why not, Anakin?"
Hesitation. Anakin glanced to Obi-Wan in a silent plea for help. It was the same look on his face whenever the Council beat down on him, scolding him on simple things. Obi-Wan didn't know what to do. He was just as curious as Qui-Gon why the Jedi Master was forbidden to enter the Jedi Temple. It was quite obvious something terrible happened. Anakin wouldn't be struggling so much if it wasn't.
Padawan Kenobi was fine. Anakin confirmed his well-being to them. So why was it that Anakin stood in the hanger, awaiting their arrival rather than inside with the padawan?
"I… I want to start by saying… no—no, I mean," Anakin fidgeted underneath Qui-Gon's stare. Qui-Gon was glaring or glowering. He stared in concern—worried.
"It's okay Anakin," Qui-Gon assured the trembling Jedi Knight. "Tell me what's wrong."
Anakin took a deep breath. He shot a look to Obi-Wan. It was one of pain and remorse. Already Obi-Wan felt the familiar shadow of death closing in on his once again. His old friend returned.
"I—I'm sorry, Qui-Gon," Anakin murmured, quietly. "It's Tahl."
Qui-Gon's face froze. "What about Tahl?"
"She's dead."