Chapter 51: Stay Good

Anakin hid in the only place he found any last remaining comfort.

Legs dangled over the ledge that hung from the ceiling of the Council's private hanger, eyes burning ahead at the place he called home over a decade. Except, it didn't feel like home. It was a stranger to him. The lights. The traffic. The sprawling skyscrapers. It was all for show. To promote the power and prestige the place claimed to represent. But it was a lie. All of it a lie! Coruscant wasn't a grandstanding planet. It reeked of greed, hunger and injustices. Its gold plating chipped away from Anakin's eyes and he saw the naked mess it truly was.

Anakin hated Coruscant. He hated being here. He wanted to go home. Home to the lakes of Naboo. With Padme. The only person who ever saw him as a human being. He wanted to smell her subtle rose perfume. To hold her in his arms and be held in return. To feel love and not feel used. He wanted nothing more than ever to be with her. The only person who made him feel like himself and nothing else. Not a slave. Not a Jedi. Not a General. Not the Chosen One. Just... Anakin.

Anakin buried his head in his hands, fingers twisting over the wrangled curls of his hair. Why was it so hard to be himself?

He knew why. The Jedi wanted the real Anakin to be destroyed. To be wiped entirely from existence. He was not supposed to be Anakin Skywalker. He was supposed to be a Jedi. Their Chosen One to bring them full power. That was what they wanted. That was what they needed. Not Anakin Skywalker.

Anakin had known that. Ever since he was a child, he recognized their glares and sneers of disapproval. They did not want him. They rejected Anakin Skywalker that evening in front of Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi many years ago. They did not like him then and they don't like him now. They never liked him. They tolerated him. Only because they needed him. With the Sith and the Dark Side rising, they needed their prophesized Chosen One.

He struggled to fit in with the Order. Friends were difficult to make as all his peers either whispered nasty insults about him or were envious of his advanced skills. The older knights saw him as troubled, lacking, and undisciplined. No one wanted to stay too long in his presence. The only person who Anakin even felt remotely comfortable and welcomed was Obi-Wan.

Their first year was difficult. Both in mourning and struggling to find their footsteps in this new life they now shared. But they both tried for the other's benefit. Soon, they warmed up to one another and Anakin was thankful that Obi-Wan never treated him like all the other Jedi in the Temple. His master never mentioned the prophecy or cast doubt on him. He smiled in Anakin's company and sometimes engaged in some of Anakin's hobbies, although not all the time. Obi-Wan was the only Jedi in the Temple that treated Anakin as the person he is.

And yet, even that ended up as a lie. All this time, since he was ten years old, he believed Obi-Wan to be his friend. One of the few people in his life that did not see his Chosen One status. Not see as a weapon to be used in the fight against the Dark Side. Anakin thought... he thought Obi-Wan was family.

He shook his head. He thought of a lot of things. He was wrong. Terribly wrong.

Obi-Wan only ever saw him as a promise to Qui-Gon. To ensure that he fulfilled his destiny in the prophecy. To bring balance to the Force or whatever the Sith's hells that meant. Obi-Wan's strict rules and discipline were clear now. It wasn't because he cared as he claimed. It was because the Order couldn't have Anakin be defective. If he was defective, then it would all be Obi-Wan's fault. And Obi-Wan never liked being in the Council's bad graces.

Anakin closed his eyes, repelling all the hurt feelings into one massive ball of fury. A slight douse of remorse trickled in, a brush against his own shields alerting Anakin of another presence. Of course, he figured he would not be able to hide forever.

"Go away, Obi-Wan," Anakin said, his words muffled from speaking with his head down.

A soft exhale was heard over his rage. "I'm afraid I cannot do that."

Anakin huffed, craning his head over his shoulder to stare down at Obi-Wan, who stood looking depleted and sorrowful. Anakin didn't want his commiseration. Or his apologies. He wanted him go away. "Yes you can," he said. "Just walk away."

"I can't," Obi-Wan reiterated. "Not when I wronged you."

Anakin grounded his teeth. "I don't care for your excuses or lies right now."

He didn't hear any retreating footsteps. Instead, the footsteps drew closer. He heard a rustling and then a shadow fell over him. Obi-Wan took a seat next to him on the ledge. "I didn't come to give you excuses or lies," he promised, his voice heavy with confliction. "I think it's time we talk."

Lecture more like it. Obi-Wan was fond of reciting the Code to him whenever he could. It unnerved Anakin that Obi-Wan believed that all answers are found in the Code. Not everything stemmed from the Jedi mantra. In his own experience, one learned about life through living it. Not clinging onto some stupid text.

"If you're going to quote the Jedi Code to me, save it," Anakin rejoined. "I've heard it enough times."

"I wasn't going to," Obi-Wan said, his voice clement. "I wanted to apologize. To you. I was wrong to confide in Qui-Gon about the prophecy. It was not my secret to tell."

"No, it wasn't," Anakin sternly agreed. It was no one's secret to tell. The prophecy was meaningless. It meant nothing. To him, at least. "You know—I never claimed to be the Chosen One. Even the Council lost faith in the prophecy. So, why do you even believe in it?"

Obi-Wan shrugged. "Because I think, deep in your heart, you know you are meant for something extraordinary," he answered. "Far greater than anyone of us."

Anakin wanted to snort, but he couldn't. Obi-Wan was right. He knew there was something different about him. Even when he was a boy, he recognized he had abilities that no one else possessed. Not only through his precocity with mechanics, but also his ability to see things before they happen. The way he could do things other humans could never do. How he drew strange people from Jedi to mythical beings to him. Yes, he agreed with Obi-Wan that he knew he was special. Powerful. But, he never asked to be. He only wanted to belong. Not be an outcast.

"You didn't at the beginning," Anakin angrily snipped. "Another pathetic life-form, right?"

Obi-Wan resigned, putting his hand on Anakin's shoulder. "No, of course not. Anakin, I—"

"Oh yeah, I forgot. I was a promise. A duty to Qui-Gon," Anakin pushed Obi-Wan's hand off his shoulder, not finding any comfort from it. Rather it felt more like a claw, pinching him into submission like most of his life. "You tolerated me to keep your promise to him."

"Only at first," Obi-Wan confessed, "but, eventually, I grew to care about you."

"You cared about the Chosen One," Anakin tetchily returned, not accepting Obi-Wan's admission. "Not me."

"That is not true."

"Yes it is!" Anakin vehemently replied, cheeks a velvet crimson. "All I ever wanted was for you to accept me. To want me in return. I did everything I could to be like you, so that maybe, just maybe, you would see that I was good enough." He blew out a stream of hot air. He turned away from Obi-Wan, eyes straight ahead at the burning sunset. "You never cared about me. Never cared about what I needed or wanted. All that matter was the Order. Nothing else."

Obi-Wan's face pinched, stung by the callousness of his words. "If that were true, Anakin, and all I ever cared about was the prophecy and the Order," he said, quiet but with steel purpose, "then why did I tell Yoda I would leave if you did?"

"How do I know you even told him that?" he countered. "You could be lying to me. Trying to... to… manipulate me into feeling guilty."

Obi-Wan scrubbed his face with his hands. Too tired to squabble over things Anakin assumed he found to be juvenile. After a moment, Obi-Wan's hands fell away from his face. "If I wanted to manipulate you, Anakin, I could do a lot better than lie to you," he mildly reproached. "In any case, everything I have ever said to you was the truth. I care about you. You are one of the most important people in my life and I do the best I can to help you. Including covering up your indiscretions from the Council."

"What are you talking about?" Anakin grumbled, hardly registering Obi-Wan's mercurial shift in his eyes.

"Anakin... I know."

"Know what?" Anakin said with gruff, not interested in playing mind games at the moment. Could Obi-Wan go one day without being vague?

Obi-Wan tilted his head, staring in that worldly manner that conveyed he knew a secret. Anakin was oblivious. He had no idea what Obi-Wan referred to, but his inquiry was answered shortly. "About you and Padme."

Ice struck along Anakin's spine, paralyzing him for a brief moment as Obi-Wan's allegation rang in his ears. No—it can't be true! They were careful. No one knew. Obi-Wan... he's pulling at straws, trying to find something to use over him. Anakin strengthened his shields, reinforcing his block against Obi-Wan.

"What? That we're friends?" Anakin scoffed, hoping that it would be enough to throw Obi-Wan off the trail to Padme. He crossed his arms over his chest. Over his heart. "The Order made it pretty clear that I cannot be anything other than a friend. Even then, I'm stretching the rules a bit. Besides, that's hardly a secret. Everyone knows."

He turned, not daring to look into those blue-green eyes. The way Obi-Wan stared gave the impression that he had no plans to drop the subject. It left Anakin only one option. Rather than stay and be berated, he opted to escape. It was his best means to avoid unpleasant situations when ignorance failed. He jumped off the ledge, landing hard on the hanger floor below. His only thought was to give himself distance from Obi-Wan before either of them have to confront on something that would only tear them apart.

Obi-Wan slid off the ledge as well, following Anakin. "That is not what I mean," he gently exhaled, his eyes found Anakin again. Full of compassion and fatigued solicitude. "I know about the sneaking off at nights to be with her. The secret affair. The marriage..."

Anakin grounded to a dead halt, staring in utter disbelief. A chill swept through him, cutting through him with precision. His muscles tensed, feet positioning as if almost to either run or stand his ground. How did Obi-Wan know? Who told him? Padme? No, she would never... but then who?

Obi-Wan sensed his thoughts for he quickly replied to his unspoken question. "Oh, Anakin... you and Padme never hid your love for one another very well," he said, his demeanor softening. "Particularly you. I'm surprised the Council never noticed. Or perhaps they chose not to."

Anakin was flabbergasted. Words failed to come forth to defend him. It left him crippled as his mind jumbled in a mess in its attempt to keep up with everything Obi-Wan threw at him. His brain was on fire! An overload of information to which barreled straight to his heart, compromising it.

Obi-Wan continued on, taking deep and controlled breaths like this was just as difficult for him as it was for Anakin. "I never said anything. I thought you might have even known that I knew," he revealed. "Figured if we both pretended, then everything would be all right. I would turn a blind eye and you wouldn't get caught."

He knew. All this time, Obi-Wan knew about Anakin's forbidden relationship. Anakin reflected over the last two years, nitpicking moments in the past where Obi-Wan asked if anything was bothering him, offering him to confide or confess whatever weighed him. Did Obi-Wan know then? Did Anakin subconsciously know his master sensed his and Padme's deception? Was that the reason he brushed Obi-Wan off? To avoid a confrontation? Or did he fear repercussion? What did it matter now? Obi-Wan knew. Had known for some time about him and Padme.

Who else knew? If Obi-Wan knew, perhaps others did too.

Anakin's lips parted. His mouth too dry that his words croaked as he spoke. "W-Who?" he queried, afraid of the possible answer. "Who else knows?"

"No one that I am aware of," Obi-Wan answered after a moment of contemplation. "Maybe Ahsoka, but I cannot be certain."

Anakin nodded, numbed. Of all the people he tried to tip-toe around, it was utterly pointless. They already knew. Or assumed. "How long have you known?"

Obi-Wan lifted his head up in thought, fingers stroking his jawline as they smoothed down his beard. "Oh... since the beginning when you returned from Naboo," he finally said. "As for the marriage—only recently."

That long. Anakin released an unsteady breath. He seldom felt exposed in the manner he did now in front of Obi-Wan. In the past two years, Anakin imagined how the confrontation would go down. Each scenario played out differently from acceptance to banishment. From anger to sorrow to disappointment. And for each case, Anakin came up with a speech for both the Council and Obi-Wan. But all those practices and speeches turned to ash in his mind. He forgot it all. Probably because the truth was nothing like he imagined.

He felt an apology was needed for the deception, but Anakin couldn't offer it. Any apology would lack honesty and Obi-Wan deserved only the truth after all the lies he told before. "I-I can't say I'm sorry," he admitted to his master. A confession of guilt. "I love Padme. More than anything. I can't live without her. I can't... I won't give her up."

"I know."

He sounded so disheartened. Obi-Wan looked old. Much older than he tries to pretend to be with the beard and good posture. His eyes were discolored by tiredness and profound trouble. A man who looked all alone.

Anakin swallowed. So this was it. This was how the Team ended. Anakin hoped—no, he knew that it would never end in the way he wished. One of them would always end up broken. "I never meant to hurt you," he said softly. He meant it. He never wanted to hurt Obi-Wan.

"I know," came Obi-Wan's reply. "I know."

"I wanted to tell you. I thought—" Anakin released a bundle of stress in one heavy sigh. Goodbyes were never his strong suit, "I knew you would not approve. And... I love her, Obi-Wan. You understand right?"

"I do."

The memory of Satine ghosted their Force bond. Both saw the flickering image of the blonde Duchess and a pang of guilt shuddered along the bond.

Anakin exhaled, resigned to the fact it was all over. "I guess this is the end, huh? Of us. Skywalker and Kenobi. The Team."

Obi-Wan's brow corrugated into a simian frown. "How so?"

"I'm married, Obi-Wan! It's against the rules," pointed Anakin, gesturing animatedly. "The Council will kick me out. In disgrace for that matter."

He pictured Mace Windu doing the honors of humiliating him as the Council stripped him of his titles. It shook him. In anger and revulsion. He never wanted to prove that self-righteous Jedi right nor did he want to lose everything he worked hard to achieve in the last twelve years.

There was nothing he could do. His time as a Jedi ended. Anakin only had one final request to his former master. "If you could do me one last favor—please don't punish Padme," he besought, searching his master's face for mercy. "She did nothing wrong and she worked hard to be where she is in the Senate. Don't… don't drag her name into this mess. Please, Obi-Wan? Please don't!"

Obi-Wan obliged to the request. "I won't."

Anakin licked his dried lips, relieved that he at least spared Padme from suffering any consequences or disgrace. "Thank you," he murmured.

They arrived to the most difficult part. Anakin glanced to his lightsaber, gently stroking the hilt with his finger. The cold touch reminded him of all the times he clasped onto it, clutched in assurance that he could protect and save all. Not anymore. It almost felt as if the weapon turned against him.

Anakin deeply inhaled, his spine shivered as he unclipped his lightsaber. The weapon felt even heavier than it used to. He took a long look at it. His last time with his lightsaber. With his life. This life.

Not wanting to stare at it any longer, Anakin remorsefully looked to Obi-Wan. "Do I, um, how does this work?" he questioned, holding the lightsaber out to his former master. "Do I give you my lightsaber or do I do it in front of the Council?"

Obi-Wan again furrowed his brows questionably like Anakin spoke in a different language. "You can keep your lightsaber, Anakin."

"I can?" Anakin never heard of an exiled Jedi keeping his lightsaber. They were all returned as demanded by the Council to ensure that the weapon could not do harm. Yet, Obi-Wan reaffirmed his previous answer with another nod.

Anakin was at a lost. "Why?"

Obi-Wan ambled, drifting toward the entrance into the Temple. When Anakin thought he would not get an answer, Obi-Wan stopped. For a brief moment, his master only stared at the Temple's high architecture that welcomed Jedi home from long missions. Slowly, Obi-Wan pivoted around, not fully looking at him, but Anakin saw enough of his eyes to know the next words were directed to him.

"I'm not going to tell the Council, Anakin. Any of it," Obi-Wan assured, which brought a flutter of hope inside Anakin. "I should, but… Padme is the only person who makes you truly happy."

Anakin said nothing. No counter-argument. No agreement. Nothing.

Eyes locked on Obi-Wan, mind reeling, as he reevaluated his former master. He thought he knew Obi-Wan intimately. He spent more than half of his life with Obi-Wan. Knew his likes, dislikes and habits. His devotion to the Jedi Order was pure and true. Obi-Wan's whole life was the Order. To hear Obi-Wan willing to disobey the Council and break the rules, all for Anakin's happiness, it was heartbreakingly beautiful.

Anakin blinked several times to keep his emotions under control. "Wait… I-I don't…" he spluttered out of his stupor. "You're not going to tell the Council?"

Obi-Wan shook his head.

Anakin was perplexed. "Why not?"

He needed to know. Obi-Wan devoted his life to the Jedi Order. Did everything to appease the Council and became the youngest member. Nothing in the galaxy would ever convince Obi-Wan to betray the Order. To lie to his fellow councilors. His life was the Jedi Order. Why abandon it now?

Obi-Wan lifted his gaze. A warm, fond smile peeked from his beard. "You're my brother, Anakin. I love you."

A bolt of electricity zapped him. His mouth slackened, but no air released. The chill that once consumed his heart melted under the intense heat of the light that exploded. Words he always wanted to hear from his master, but never expected. His whole life, he always saw Obi-Wan as a father figure. Looked up to him and did his best to be as good as him. While he yearned for fatherly attention from Obi-Wan, he never imagined it would ever be returned.

A horrible feeling of regret crawled up inside him, making him feel rotten for all the accusations and curses he threw at Obi-Wan. Like when he told Obi-Wan he had no heart. He remembered all the cruelties he inflicted on his master, recalling the horrible words he said. And all that time, Obi-Wan never returned the favor. He kept his silence on Anakin's deception. He never questioned Padme's presence or even her interferences with missions. He played blind, just as he confessed. All for Anakin's sake. To keep Anakin from being dishonorably discharged from the Order. Obi-Wan loved him enough to go against his duty and continued to do so every day.

How did he miss all the signs?

Too far deep in his own misery to see the true light of friendship. He merged Obi-Wan with the Council, and with that, the surge of frustration and hurt. He blamed Obi-Wan. He lashed out at his master and Obi-Wan constantly braved the storm of his fury. Obi-Wan never deserved it. Especially now that Anakin learned his master kept silent on Anakin's and Padme's treasonous act.

A heavy sigh drew Anakin out of remorseful thoughts. He looked to Obi-Wan, who combed back his hair with his fingers. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner," Obi-Wan began again, hair now disheveled. No longer perfectly combed out of his eyes. "Again, I thought my actions and words were clear on the matter. But, I forget that, sometimes, you are too wrapped up in your own thoughts to see things from another's point of view." Obi-Wan's gaze returned to Anakin. His eyes were clear, a great secret relieved from him. A clean slate. For both of them. "Anyway, I won't say anything about it. You have my word."

Obi-Wan strode across the marble floor in a hurried pace. His boots slapped gently as he made his way across the empty hanger, abandoning Anakin to his seclusion. Anakin watched his master retreat, feet welded to the floor, his muscles failing his command to run after him. He needed to say something! Anything! He just… he needed Obi-Wan to stay with him.

"Obi-Wan!"

Obi-Wan slowed to a stop. He twisted around, eyes back to Anakin. "Yes?"

He wanted to run over to Obi-Wan. To thank him. Beg for forgiveness. Apologize for every cruel thing he's ever done to him. He wanted Obi-Wan to know Anakin thought of him as the best Jedi in the galaxy. That he was a good friend. A great mentor. And… a good father to a boy who never had one.

But nothing came out of his mouth. He stood. Motionless. Why was he quiet at moments that needed words to convey the strong feelings stirring just underneath his skin?

Something wet hit his cheek and trailed down to his chin. Another drop hit his cheekbone. He was crying.

He lowered his head and fought back the oncoming tears, embarrassed to be so exposed in front of Obi-Wan.

An arm draped over his shoulder. He didn't need eyes to know it was Obi-Wan, but he looked up nonetheless, straight into the concern gaze of his old master. Obi-Wan held him, guiding him to one of the benches that the staff sat during breaks. He eased Anakin onto the bench before taking his seat beside him.

By this point, Anakin's face shined from the tears that polished his cheeks. His eyes raw and numb. Anakin attempted to smother his sobs, but that only caused him to hiccup. Obi-Wan gently patted his back, patiently letting the emotion roll to a lull.

Anakin smeared the last few tears across his cheek. "Sorry! Sorry," he sniffled, his nose running and throat sore from crying. "I'm so sorry."

"It's all right."

Anakin shook his head. "No, no it's not," he crumbled, burying his face in his palms to shield his embarrassment. "How I treated you… after everything you've done for me… and I treated you like shavit."

Obi-Wan inclined his head in agreement, not denying the fact. "In fairness, I didn't express myself as well as I should have."

Anakin wiped his sleeve underneath his nose. No, he didn't. But, neither did Anakin. "How broken are we?" he remarked, lifting his somber gaze to Obi-Wan. "We are considered the best team in the history of the Order and here we are, yelling, fighting, lying..."

Obi-Wan chuckled at the dark observation. "Yes… we are far from perfect," he commented. "Doesn't mean we aren't good."

Anakin hung his head. "I suppose," but he held doubt for himself. Not for Obi-Wan. He knew his master was good. As for himself, he stared at his gloved hand. His dominant hand. The one he used to count his sins. "I am sorry. For—for everything I did... what I said... what I've done," he apologized, taking in deep breaths again. "I always saw you as a father, Obi-Wan and I… I do love you. I guess… I guess I was mad at you for not showing me that you did. I mean, I knew you did. I think I always knew. I just wanted you to tell me that you did. And when you didn't, I got angry and I took it out on you. I'm sorry for doing all that. I should have known that you did care. I'm sorry. Really, Obi-Wan. I'm sorry for everything."

"You're forgiven," Obi-Wan waved a hand, dismissing Anakin's rambling apologies. "I would have forgiven you for many things."

"Maybe you shouldn't."

"That is for me to decide," Obi-Wan claimed, leaning his hands on his knees. "I won't lie to you. You're not an easy person to get along with at times and I know you've made mistakes in your life that you regret."

Anakin thought back to the Tusken raiders. His mother's death. The rampage. The massacre. The murder.

"But as I have said before, I am proud of you, Anakin," Obi-Wan continued on, not noticing the dark memories that plagued Anakin. "You have a good heart. That's all I wish from you. Just stay good.

"If you can do that," Obi-Wan said, full of hope and confidence, "then you will never fail me."

Anakin decided it was best to not mention the Tusken rampage. That would remain a secret to Obi-Wan as long as they both lived. Exposing that truth would only wound Obi-Wan and Anakin already scarred his old master enough. Anakin pulled up a smile as he shoved away the ugly reminder of his fault. "I won't," he promised. "I won't fail you."

Obi-Wan gave him another small pat on the back, a hint of a smile awakening behind the beard. A renewal of hope shining between them. A new beginning. There were still the Team. Sith Killer and the Chosen One. Generals of the Republic Army. Heroes of the Republic.

More importantly, they were simply Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker.

And that was all that mattered for them.

They sat a little longer on the bench, accepting and settling themselves after a big revelation. While it was not the way Anakin wanted to reveal the marriage to Obi-Wan, he was glad the secret was known to his former master. He was free from the burden which weighed on his heart to heavily on most days. And with Obi-Wan's blessing, Anakin was at peace. Truly at peace.

Except… "Obi-Wan? Can I ask you one more thing?"

Obi-Wan gestured for him to ask away.

"You said you just recently learned of my marriage to Padme," Anakin recalled back to Obi-Wan's admission. "How? I never told you and I'm positive no one here would be aware of it. How did you figure it out?"

Obi-Wan's face pinched, a recollection of something that unsettled him. "Oh… I discovered that tidbit during Dooku's illusion."

Anakin reeled. "What?" he half-shouted, mind racing over what he remembered from that awful day. "The same illusion that made you go insane?"

"I wouldn't say insane."

Anakin launched himself from the bench. He paced in front of Obi-Wan in quick steps. "You went mad, Obi-Wan! I never saw you that terrified in my life," he exclaimed, darting looks to Obi-Wan as he passed him. "So, what? You went berserk because you found out I was married?! That scared you nearly to death?"

Obi-Wan arched one of his eyebrows in Anakin's direction. "Contrary to what you believe," he calmly stated, "you being married is not my greatest fear."

Anakin's mouth twisted into a small scowl. "Well, how else am I supposed to interpret it?"

Obi-Wan gave a helpless shrug. "I guess you can't, but I am telling you now that it had nothing to do with your relationship to Padme."

That did ease a bit of Anakin's conscious. "What did scare you then?"

He wondered if Obi-Wan would give him an answer. Anakin hoped he would. It was the best time to ask, considering they already spilled his secret about his marriage to Padme. It would only be fair for Obi-Wan to confess one of his secrets.

Obi-Wan paled a little, but kept a firm expression to hide the fear that started to rise within him. "I lost."

Anakin's brow crinkled in confusion. "Come again?"

"I lost," Obi-Wan repeated. He rose up from the bench and slunk away from Anakin. He came to the wall, falling against it in one soft resignation. "That was what I saw."

"Lost what?" Anakin pressed on.

Obi-Wan dipped his chin, eyes cast downward. A man filled with pained sadness. "Everything. Everyone," he murmured before he raised his gaze back up. Straight at Anakin. "Including you."

Obi-Wan's plea now made sense. Anakin recalled how Obi-Wan clung onto him, begging him not to leave. Anakin watched his master's body sag in sadness, arms hanging limply as his emotions clouded over the memory of the illusion. No wonder Obi-Wan was messed up when he came out of the coma. To witness that great of loss would make anyone go mad with rage and sadness. Insane!

Wishing to help erase the sadness that echoed in Obi-Wan, Anakin placed a gentle hand on his master's shoulder. "I'm still here, Master," he reassured him, supporting him just as Obi-Wan did for him. "I'm not going anywhere."

That brought a bit of relief to Obi-Wan, releasing him of the hidden burdens that weighed him down. "Oh, I know," he said. "Knowing you, you wouldn't go down without a fight."

"Exactly," Anakin joked along, but became serious. "I mean it, Master. I won't leave you. That's a promise."

Obi-Wan patted Anakin on his hand. "I know, Anakin. I know."

They stayed that way for a minute. Maybe two minutes. Probably longer. Both finally coming to a truce. An understanding that made them stronger than before. Anakin felt it in their bond. An increase in strength. Their newfound trust and honesty solidified their friendship, fastening them together even more so than considered possible. And Anakin found that he didn't mind. He was happy to have Obi-Wan as a confidant. Another person he could fully entrust without fear of rejection.

After all these years of longing, he finally had the family he always wanted.

Anakin flickered a glance toward the Temple. "Hey?" he said to Obi-Wan, gaining his master's attention. "You wanna spar?"

Obi-Wan cocked an eyebrow, surprised by the offer. Nonetheless, he acknowledged the offer with gentle laugh. "Why not? We haven't done anything fun in a while."

"That's what I was thinking," Anakin smiled as they headed to the entrance doors. "I'm warning you now, Master, I won't hold back. Be prepared to fall flat on your face."

"Always cocky," Obi-Wan jokingly remarked. "Well, I'm more than willing to teach you another valuable lesson in that department."


Master Dralig's class was a workout. Duel after duel, each padawan grew tired, unable to hold up their lightsaber any longer. Obi-Wan too was worn out, but not as depleted as some of his fellow peers. All of his training with Anakin and Jedi Kenobi kept him far more energized than the others. But, still exhausted to the point he reconsidered having additional practice with Anakin later that night.

Master Dralig ended the lesson upon the third hour and walked over to congratulate Obi-Wan. "Well done, Kenobi," he said as everyone walked passed to the locker rooms. "Keep it up and you'll be one of the best duelist in the Jedi Order."

Obi-Wan humility redirected the praise to his instructors. "I owe it to their teaching, Master."

He, Garen and others hit the showers, washing away the sweat and dust collected from running and rolling around on the salle floor. The warm water was welcomed and the smell of fresh soap was much appreciated among the stench of sweat. Obi-Wan and Garen changed into their new uniforms, matching with the rest of the padawans.

"You have to teach me that maneuver," Garen said as he slipped on his undershirt. "Did Skyguy or whatever his name teach you it?"

"You mean Skywalker?" Obi-Wan correct his friend before he shook his head. "No, Master Ben taught me."

"The other guy?"

Obi-Wan pressed his mouth together. "Master Ben, yes," he repeated, not humored by Garen's lack of recognition to his older self. But, Obi-Wan kept the hurt down to avoid speculation. "He's just as good as Anakin."

"Skywalker?"

"Yes."

"Is it weird," Garen threw his tunic over his head, "having three masters? Like, all the time? I mean, doesn't it get confusing as to who is in charge?"

Obi-Wan wanted to snort, but it would be an undignified behavior. Especially when the other person doesn't have all the information and cannot have all the information. "Qui-Gon is in charge. The other two... they're like my older brothers."

Garen stared. "Brothers?" he shook his head. "That is blasphemy talking, Obi-Wan. Careful that the Council doesn't hear you."

Obi-Wan shrugged off Garen's concerns, positive that the Council already knew. "I only speak the truth," he said. "If you want, Anakin is going to teach me later on tonight. I can ask him if you can join."

Garen grinned, "If my master lets me," he said, fastening his belt together. "She wants me to perform a few rounds on the simulators."

"You really want to be an ace pilot, don't you?"

Garen winked. "I'll be the best star pilot in the galaxy."

Obi-Wan doubted that. Not after he met Anakin and his piloting talent. "Sure Garen," he said, patting his friend's back. "The best."

Garen playfully shoved him as they picked up their towels to throw in the bin. "Better than you!"

No doubt, Obi-Wan agreed. He detested flying. His master insisted that it wasn't the flying he disliked, it was the feeling of flying he could not tolerate. Whatever it was, Obi-Wan preferred to not fly altogether.

They threw their towels in the bin, heading out of the lockers to return to their respective masters. Obi-Wan was too engaged in his banter with Garen that he failed to notice the incoming Jedi initiates that were pouring into the salle. Obi-Wan's shoulder was slammed and he tripped, landing on the floor in a sprawl. He smacked his chin. Teeth snapped and pain perturbed along his jawline. Though it faded as quickly as it came, the voice above him did not.

"Watch where you're going you, oaf!"

Obi-Wan softly groaned to himself. He pulled himself up, dusting himself off. Bruck Chun stood among his circled entourage, who sniggered in unison at Bruck's insult. It made Bruck's cruel smirk widened in confidence. "You should just stay there, Oafy-Wan." Bruck said. "After all, you're only going to get pummeled right back down."

More sniggers followed and a breath of fire ran up Obi-Wan's veins. He smothered them in an instant, reminding himself of what happened last time he got in a fight with Bruck. This childhood rivalry was beyond him now. He had far more pressing and dire concerns that needed his attention.

Obi-Wan turned away, treating Bruck almost like a ghost that his shock-white hair resembled. He threw his towel in the bin, heading to the doors, encouraging Garen to follow him out. Garen, the ever loyal friend, stood his ground briefly before he settled with Obi-Wan's resolute and carried on.

Unfortunately, Bruck Chun never liked to be ignored. "Walk away in shame," Bruck yelled after him. "Force—I'm surprised they even let you have a lightsaber again! I figured Master Jinn would be too ashamed to let you be seen with one after that pathetic duel."

Obi-Wan swallowed with great difficulty, shoving down his own retorts to Bruck. Temperature was rising. His blood bubbling in the heat. Obi-Wan clenched his teeth, grinding them together to stop his words from spitting out. Unfortunately, it was not enough to stop his words from seeping out between the cracks of his teeth. "He'd only be ashamed of me if I didn't get back up," Obi-Wan breathed out, turning around to stare down at Bruck, "and I am not one to cower in defeat."

Bruck turned crimson. It may not have been the wisest choice of words to say. "Calling me a coward?"

"Not at all." After all, Obi-Wan never said he was. Only insinuated.

Bruck no doubted knew of the underlying meaning. The deep crevices in his face assured Obi-Wan that he didn't mistake the snub. "I'm no coward!" he growled, before it turned into a snide. "I don't need bodyguards to protect me."

Another attempt to rile Obi-Wan up. But, the jibe bounced off him. It held no effect on him, considering he never saw Anakin or Ben as bodyguards. "I imagine you wouldn't," he said, "considering you're not exactly a wanted man."

Garen quickly turned around to cover up his own snickers, shoving his mouth into his arm to quiet the laughter. Obi-Wan patted Garen hard on the back to cover up his friend's fit of giggles. "We won't waste any of your time," Obi-Wan told Bruck. "I'm sure you have a lot to learn."

Bruck's face turned purple. His hand shot to his lightsaber. Obi-Wan reached for his. Just as they nearly ignited their blades, the door opened and Cin Dralig and Sifo-Dyas strolled into the salle. They were animated, speaking to each other in quick words when they paused in their conversation to glance down at Obi-Wan and Bruck.

"Padawan, Initiate," Master Sifo-Dyas greeted, but he didn't look at them. He looked at their hands where they both gripped their lightsabers. "Trouble?"

Bruck was lightening quick. He straightened his face. A young man of confidence and suave. "No, Master," he said with an innocent smile. He clasped his hand behind his back, mimicking Master Sifo-Dyas' posture. "No trouble at all."

Obi-Wan quietly scoffed at Bruck's mask, but when Sifo-Dyas looked to him for confirmation, he nodded. "No trouble here, Master."

"That's good," Sifo-Dyas sounded pleased, but his eyes were suspicious. "Would hate to explain to Master Jinn why his padawan no longer has a lightsaber."

Obi-Wan forced himself to be interested in the floor to hide his scowl. He said nothing in return. Too afraid he may sound disgruntled enough to be reprimanded by the Shadow.

Satisfied by their submission, the two masters carried on, walking further into the training salle where Cin Dralig was going to instruct the initiates.

Once the masters were away, Bruck's face shattered into tiny crevices. The anger returned, stewing underneath his reddening cheeks. "You're a coward."

Obi-Wan barely registered Bruck's voice. "If that is what your mind convinced you of," he began as he raised his gaze to face Bruck, "then there is nothing I can do or say to change such opinion."

Bruck growled. "You think being a padawan makes you better than me? You're not," he argued. "I can beat you."

"Your delusions of grandeur must make you feel good about yourself," Obi-Wan muttered in the corners of his lips as he noticed Master Sifo-Dyas glancing back to them. "However, delusions of grandeur are not the same as visions of greatness."

"It's not a delusion. I am better," Bruck hissed. "I'll prove it. Meet me at the master's salle at twenty-one hundred hours. What? Can't do it? Need permission from your babysitters?"

Obi-Wan wished to wipe that smirk off Bruck's face. The taunting glee that sparkled in the boy's eyes unnerved Obi-Wan enough to make the deal to prove Bruck wrong. Obi-Wan went to respond when Dralig called for Bruck to join his clanmates.

Bruck turned his back to Obi-Wan, but not without a last scathing remark. "See you then, Oafy-Wan… or will I?"

Obi-Wan shook his head, aggravated by the demeaning nickname. Garen nudged Obi-Wan to cheer him up. "Forget him! He's jealous. Always been jealous," he said as they headed to the doors as to not intrude on Master Dralig's class. "Trust me. If he saw you in class today, he would have shavit himself. Right there."

The image perked Obi-Wan up a little. "Thanks."

"Serious though," Garen said as they reached the doors. They opened and they stepped out into the busy corridor. "Bruck probably won't ever be picked as a padawan. All he's got left is to bring you down."

"Most likely."

Garen stared, shoulders sagging in incredulity. "Tell me you aren't really thinking about meeting up with him tonight."

Obi-Wan shrugged indecisively. Garen groaned. "No, Obi-Wan. Bad idea. Qui-Gon won't let you do it."

"It's not Qui-Gon I'm going to ask," Obi-Wan said. "Remember? Anakin promised he would teach me later tonight. Maybe if I tell him about Bruck—"

"Obi-Wan, you are one of the smartest people I know," Garen said, "but honestly? This is the stupidest thing I ever heard. Why are you falling into Bruck's trap? It's obvious he's trying to get you into trouble."

"Which is why I'm bringing Anakin," Obi-Wan said. "Qui-Gon may not approve, but Anakin once told me that he would have taught Bruck a lesson with his lightsaber."

"I don't believe he said it like that."

No, Anakin didn't say it like that. Anakin's words were far more gruesome than his version. "Well, I'm paraphrasing," Obi-Wan brushed aside. "He's right though. Bruck needs a good hit on his ego. Besides, it's not that terribly late. And I doubt I'll be there for long. Anakin probably won't even get bored watching because it'll be over that quick."

Garen shook his head in disagreement. "Whatever," he said, helplessly shrugged. "If you want to fight him tonight in the master's salle, then go on ahead. I hope you both injure yourselves." He walked away from Obi-Wan. "See you tomorrow… hopefully."

"You will."

Garen exaggerated an eye roll. "Bye!"

Obi-Wan lifted his hand in a farewell salute. Two fingers to his forehead before shooting the gesture to his friend. Distracted by Garen's obscene gesture in returned, he failed to notice the salle's door reopening and Master Sifo-Dyas stepping though.

"Excuse me, padawan," Master Sifo-Dyas said as he side-stepped around Obi-Wan. "It's not a good place to stand."

"I'm sorry, Master," Obi-Wan said and he moved out of the way.

Master Sifo-Dyas darted up and down the corridor. "Where is Master Jinn?" he questioned. "Should he not be here?"

"Oh, he's probably coming," Obi-Wan craned his neck to check the corridors. "We finished a bit early—" Obi-Wan looked at the time. His class ended nearly half an hour ago. Qui-Gon was never this late. Unless, it was Anakin picking him up. "Um, I don't know where they are," he amended as he took quick looks around the corridor, trying to the spot any walking giants. "He'll be here."

Master Sifo-Dyas stared down his nose at Obi-Wan. "Well, you cannot stay in the corridor by yourself," he said. "As per the rules for you."

Obi-Wan silently groaned at the strict rules he had to follow. "I can wait inside then," he offered, turning to the door, but Master Sifo-Dyas stopped him.

"Not necessary," he said and he crooked a finger to Obi-Wan to follow him. "Come along, Padawan."

He didn't want to go with Master Sifo-Dyas. He preferred to stay inside the salle and wait for Qui-Gon to arrive, but he knew refusing was impolite. He abided the Shadow's request and followed him down the corridor while keep a high alert for either Qui-Gon, Anakin or Jedi Kenobi to rescue him.

They left the training salles, heading deeper into the Temple. Master Sifo-Dyas hadn't said a word and Obi-Wan recognized the pathways they were taking. It led to the staircase to the Council apartments. To where he currently lived.

In minutes, they reached the staircase the led to the Council apartments. Obi-Wan pivoted to hike up, but was twisted away when Master Sifo-Dyas kept walking straight ahead. Why were they not returning to his apartment? That's where Qui-Gon was. Or maybe even Anakin and Jedi Kenobi.

Confused and wary, Obi-Wan chased after the Shadow and asked, "Where are we going, Master?"

Master Sifo-Dyas did not bother to turn around and address him like Qui-Gon normally did. "You will see," was all that he said.

Obi-Wan was about to if he could be a bit specific when one of the nearby turbolift's door opened and Qui-Gon Jinn stepped out. At first, Qui-Gon didn't spot Obi-Wan being shepherded away by Sifo-Dyas until Obi-Wan's sheer joy at seeing his master spurned Qui-Gon's attention to him.

Qui-Gon came to a dead halt. "Obi-Wan?"

Obi-Wan smiled in relief. Saved! "Master."

Sifo-Dyas stopped walking. He turned his head to look over his shoulder, spotting Qui-Gon. "Qui-Gon," he said. "There you are. Wondering what happened to you."

Qui-Gon back-tracked to where Obi-Wan stood. "What are you doing here? What happened? Is everything all right?"

Obi-Wan's brows burrowed. "Nothing, Master," he said. "My class ended. Master Sifo-Dyas was just taking me to, um…"

"I was looking after him considering he is not allowed to be alone without a Master present," Master Sifo-Dyas said. "I'm glad that you are in one piece. You had me concerned about your well-being. Knew you wouldn't abandon your padawan for anything."

Qui-Gon barely concealed his irritation at the underlying offence. "I must have lost track of the time," he said, looking down at Obi-Wan. "I'm sorry to have kept you waiting. We can go to the apartment." He guided Obi-Wan away from Master Sifo-Dyas and back toward the staircase. "Thank you Sifo-Dyas. For keeping an eye on him."

Master Sifo-Dyas bowed. "My pleasure," he said, but his words sounded apathetic to Obi-Wan's ears. "I'll see you around."

Master Sifo-Dyas' black orbs looked straight at Obi-Wan.

Obi-Wan kept his composure despite the chills that ruffled him. He bowed to Master Sifo-Dyas. "Thank you, Master," he said as expected to give to higher ranking Jedi.

Qui-Gon led Obi-Wan away and Obi-Wan set the pace on their return trip to the apartment. Obi-Wan wanted nothing more than to behind those walls. Once Obi-Wan stepped inside the apartment, all the tensions knotted inside him unfurled, leaving him feeling like a noodle. He headed to the common to sit on the sofa when he spotted a folding cot where the table once was.

"I see you got another bed," Obi-Wan observed, circling the cot and poking the lumpy mattress. "Bet you five credits that Anakin will snag it."

Qui-Gon moved to the kitchen, bustling around with the cabinets. "We'll find out once they get here."

Obi-Wan noticed the missing members of their unit. "Where did they go?" he asked, walking over to the kitchen to speak to Qui-Gon properly. "Did the Council request another—Master? What is all this?"

There were bags upon bags of different variety of food. All from Obi-Wan's favorite eateries. Obi-Wan's mouth salivated at the sight of Endwa, stewfruit and, Obi-Wan's favorite drink—noale. "Master," Obi-Wan gaped at all the dishes. "What—what's the occasion? Why did you get all this food?"

Qui-Gon surveyed his purchase. "Oh, um, I thought we could have a nice meal for a change."

Obi-Wan raised his brows suspiciously. "Really? Only from my favorite restaurants? And my favorite foods?" he pointed at the different dishes. "Master, you had to have gone to at least five restaurants!"

"Six to be exact," Qui-Gon corrected as he lifted up a parcel from his large robe pocket. "Bought some sweet buns as dessert."

Sweet buns? That confirmed Obi-Wan's suspicion. He deduced all the evidence he obtained, forming a quick analysis. Two missing Jedi and a kitchen full of Obi-Wan's favorite foods. Only one answer popped into his head. Only one explanation.

Obi-Wan leaned casually up against the counter. "Master? Where's Anakin and Ben?"

Qui-Gon ruffled the last few bags, pulling out even more containers of food. "They went out for a bit."

"Out?" questioned Obi-Wan. "Where?"

"Somewhere."

His brows lifted consequentially. "Somewhere?"

"Taking some personal time," Qui-Gon shrugged to dismiss the interrogation. "That's all."

Obi-Wan scrutinized him with a studious look. He picked at their bond, chipping away at Qui-Gon's shielding to search for the truth Qui-Gon hid behind his dismissive words.

It only took Obi-Wan a few minutes to realize the central problem. His shoulders fell in one swoop. "Master, what did you do?"

Qui-Gon hesitated. He didn't even glimpse at him. "I may have–overstepped my bounds."

"What does that even mean?"

His master's hands fell on the counter, head lowered as he stared ahead. Focused, but not really looking at the cabinets. Obi-Wan stepped forward, trying to catch a glimpse of his master's face. Qui-Gon's eyes shifted then, "I made a promise and I broke it," he relayed, keeping his voice soft and steady. "My poor choice caused an... unforeseen action."

Meaning he caused Anakin and Jedi Kenobi to get in another fight. "I'm sure they'll work it out," Obi-Wan said. After all, how many fights have those two had since they arrived? A lot and they still ended as friends. "They always do."

A faint smile appearing on Qui-Gon's face. "I hope so," he said, honest. "I do not want to be the cause of their fallout."

"You won't," Obi-Wan promised Qui-Gon to relieve him of his worries. "They fight almost all the time. They'll get over it. At least, that is what Anakin told me once before." He shrugged, but he was certain the fight was nothing they couldn't overcome. And he was most certainly convinced of Anakin returning to uphold his promise to instruct him tonight in lightsaber combat. He needed him to go and confront Bruck. "They'll be back for dinner."

His assurance calmed Qui-Gon's nerves. Enough to swat Obi-Wan's hand away from the noale. "Not until dinner, young one," he said before pointing out of the kitchen. "Finish you assignments. I want them all done by dinner."

Obi-Wan screwed up his face at being denied his favorite drink. He marched out of the kitchen and to the bedroom to gather his holopad and books needed to finish up his last piece of homework. He plopped himself on the table, directly in front of the door. He opened his holopad and began studying while waiting for Anakin and Jedi Kenobi to come home.


They didn't return.

After a few hours, Qui-Gon caved into the pressure and allowed Obi-Wan to enjoy the food. The spread was massive, taking up the whole table. Obi-Wan helped himself to healthy scoops of each dish and dug his face into the food. They spoke little, mostly because Qui-Gon was silent. Too busy reflecting on whatever occurred between him and the two knights.

After the quiet dinner, Obi-Wan returned to finish his studies, writing up the last bit of homework. It was late enough to call it bedtime. Anakin and Jedi Kenobi still have not returned. Both the sofa and cot empty. Qui-Gon looked solemn at the emptiness in the common room. He kept glancing over to it, almost hoping it would be preoccupied by either Anakin or Jedi Kenobi.

Obi-Wan worried a bit. Were they ever going to return? Qui-Gon didn't go into detail on what occurred. Just that he may have overstepped his boundaries. Whatever it was, must have been bad for both Anakin and Jedi Kenobi to avoid him. Obi-Wan offered to try to contact them, to see if they were all right, but Qui-Gon dissuaded him from doing so. "They will come back when they are ready," was all Qui-Gon said.

Time struck. It was later than Obi-Wan thought. The chromo in the kitchen ticked closer to the time Bruck promised to meet Obi-Wan for a final duel. Obi-Wan panicked. Without Anakin, Obi-Wan wouldn't be able to leave the apartment. He would have no way to get to the salles to have his final duel with Bruck. Obi-Wan peered over his shoulder to Qui-Gon, wishing that he could contact Anakin to get him to return. But Anakin wasn't here. And with the Sith Lord lurking somewhere, it would be ill-advised to sneak out.

Yet, Obi-Wan could not silence the scathing taunts Bruck would make the next morning. Or dare to look up at other padawans as the rumor circulated about him being a coward. Obi-Wan buried his head in his arms, mind swirling with thoughts and ideas to escape that drama. He could not let Bruck win nor prove him right. He needed to go to this duel. He needed to win to end the petty rivalry once and for all. With or without Anakin's, Qui-Gon's or Jedi Kenobi's permission.

Obi-Wan quickly formulated a plan. He would take precautions. Double-check his surroundings and create the shield he practiced creating with Master Yoda. It would keep him invisible. Untraceable. The Sith Lord would have a difficult time locating him. Now, all Obi-Wan needed was a cover to sneak out. After all, he doubted Qui-Gon would willingly let him leave for the endeavor.

It was most fortuitous that Qui-Gon, in his emotionally drained state, decided to head to bed to recuperate. "Padawan? You best change into your sleep clothes," he said, expecting his young padawan to obey.

Obi-Wan had different plans. "Actually, Master, I need to finish up my meditation."

"Meditation? This late?"

"I missed morning meditation and you insisted I do it tonight," Obi-Wan reminded him.

Qui-Gon mulled it over. "Do double meditation tomorrow and head to bed."

"But Master! You always say one should meditate in order to clear their head," Obi-Wan reiterated. "Ever since the dream last night… I believe meditation may help quell those anxious thoughts."

His master relented. "Do you need assistance?"

Obi-Wan shook his head. "No, I will manage."

Qui-Gon bowed out and Obi-Wan sat in position, waiting until he heard the sound of the door slide close. Careful to not go all at once, Obi-Wan weaved his shields into place. Just as Master Yoda taught him. And like that, he was invisible.

Obi-Wan stayed in his meditative pose for a moment, waiting to see if Qui-Gon would come running out. When he didn't, Obi-Wan tip-toed to the front door. He checked the corridor. The bedroom door was shut and not a single sound of movement came from the other side. Qui-Gon was unaware of the deceit. Obi-Wan moved to the front door. He opened it and stepped out into an empty corridor. There was little traffic in the Council section. He expected he would not run into any trouble this late at night.

He hurried down the stairs and around the corner, not wishing to run into any councilors on his way to the salles. He took the turbolift down, his feet tapping in nervousness over the duplicity. He hoped to return to the apartment without Qui-Gon noticing he slipped out. He was quite aware of the big risk he was undertaking. But, he needed to duel Bruck. To prove that he was a far capable fighter and was worth the apprenticeship that was denied to Bruck. The night duel would officially end the rivalry once and for all.

Obi-Wan arrived at the training salles' corridor. It was dark. Darker than normal at least. It appeared no one used the training salles late at night. Obi-Wan stealthily made his way to the master salle. The one were Jedi masters trained due to the advanced programming of the training droids. He reached the phrik doors, which resembled blast doors. After all, each salle were constructed to withstand a lightsaber burn. Including the doors, despite their dominating presence as if to block him from entry.

Obi-Wan, however, was not deterred. He opened the door and quickly slid in to avoid detection if any Jedi entered the corridor. Inside, Obi-Wan released a breath. He made it. And with no incidents!

Time to face Bruck.

Obi-Wan swiveled on his heels to do a light warm up when he skidded to a dead halt. Standing in the middle, blades burning in fighting position, were both Anakin Skywalker and Jedi Kenobi.

Both Jedi redirected their attention to him. "Padawan?" Anakin questioned as he relaxed his stance. So did Jedi Kenobi. They both powered down their lightsabers. "What are you doing here?"

The two knights' faces shined from a nice layer of sweat. They both breathed ruggedly as if they weren't able to gain enough air to satisfy their lungs. Hands were on their hips, supporting their posture to keep them from being hunched over. They must have been sparring for hours. Their exhaustion betrayed them.

Much like Obi-Wan standing alone before them. He hastily came up with an excuse. "I, um, I was… I was looking for you," he lied, tongue twisting over a few words in his rush to give reason for his sudden appearance. "You promised to instruct me on some lightsaber techniques. Remember?"

Anakin's face creviced in thought, trying to remember. Jedi Kenobi, clipping his lightsaber back on his belt, peered at the door. "Where's Qui-Gon? Is he coming?"

Obi-Wan hesitated. Should he lie or tell them the truth? Eventually, they would learn he came alone. A move Qui-Gon would never approve and; therefore, lead straight to trouble. It didn't matter in the end. He got caught. And once Bruck arrives, he too would be chastised when they were reported for sneaking out.

His long pause was noted by them. "I see," Jedi Kenobi said, eyes subtly narrowed. "You got some explaining, padawan."

As one, Anakin and Jedi Kenobi folded their arms in wait for a vivid explanation. Obi-Wan found it pointless to fool them. The intensity of their gaze upon him signaled that they would doubt any reason he offered. Unless it was the truth and he was not ready to admit the truth. He fidgeted, shifting his weight as he tried to think of a way to escape the situation. There was nothing. He lost.

Anakin tapped his gloved fingers against his arm, impatient. "Well?"

"I'm sorry."

"You should be!" reproached Anakin, fingers snapping at him. "Running off alone when you know that a Sith Lord who wants you dead! What the Sith's hells were you thinking?"

Obi-Wan flinched at Anakin's severe tone that didn't match his usual playful attitude. "I didn't mean to—"

A sudden chill drenched Obi-Wan from head to toe. His blood iced and his bones shook. A disturbance in the Force was muffled, a warning trying to reach him. Obi-Wan looked behind him briefly, but no one came through the doors. Strange.

He turned back around and saw Anakin and Jedi Kenobi both looked up, their eyes alert. Their gazes met one another. They all felt it.

The muffled disturbance escalated. It turned into a bullhorn, coming to the center of attention. Anakin and Jedi Kenobi whirled around, lightsabers in hand. Soft footsteps echoed around them, growing louder and firmer with each step. Obi-Wan peeked between Anakin and Jedi Kenobi to the source of the sound.

A few feet away was a shadow, covered in a heavy robe. Shoulders erect and standing taller than Obi-Wan ever imagined. He knew exactly who he was looking at. He never saw the Sith Lord physically. Only in his visions and Force presence. Despite that, Obi-Wan recognized him for what he was.

Darth Tyranus.

Darth Tyranus stopped his procession. His hand shifted and a silver hilt fell from his sleeves and into his palm. A lightsaber! A second later, the red blade shot out. Its cackled hum overcame the silence within the salle.

A hissing sound, followed by a buzz droned in the air. Obi-Wan looked to his right. The training droids activated, rising up from their place on the floor. The dark orbs of the droids turned red as it narrowed on them. The lasers attached rotated. The barrels faced Obi-Wan.

The Force screamed at the same time the droids fired. Obi-Wan reacted too slowly.

But not Anakin and Jedi Kenobi. Blue lightsabers snapped to life, spinning in the air as each lightsaber caught the red bolts. They worked in tandem. Like a team. Unstoppable and unbreakable. Obi-Wan gawked as they took down droid after droid. Not a single blast hitting them.

"Anakin!"

Obi-Wan jerked his head to Jedi Kenobi. The older knight, roughly gestured to Obi-Wan. "Get him out of here!"

Anakin didn't need telling twice. Obi-Wan found himself swept off his feet, carried away on spot by Anakin as the Jedi raced to the door. Obi-Wan held on, despite the awkward position. He looked back over Anakin's shoulder and saw Jedi Kenobi reposition his blue lightsaber. He moved to engage in a duel with the Sith, providing the necessary distraction to escape.

A single, red spark flew near Obi-Wan's face.

"Damn!" hissed Anakin.

Anakin dropped Obi-Wan. He pulled his blue lightsaber in time to absorb two more bolts. Anakin did well. He blocked all the bolts with relative ease.

Another droid joined the fray. Obi-Wan took out his own lightsaber, deflecting the second droid's bolts. The bolts fired one after another. No time to recharge. No time to even think! Obi-Wan went on instinct alone to save his skin. He wasn't sure if the bolts were on high voltage or not. He didn't want to find out.

The droid pushed him toward the windows, leaving little room for Obi-Wan to maneuver out of the way. The droid's rapid fire made it impossible for Obi-Wan to switch from defense to offense. Its advanced programming prevented Obi-Wan from breaking its defenses. No matter how fast Obi-Wan spun his lightsaber, he never got the better edge against the droid.

"Ow!"

A bolt seared the back of his hand. He jerked his lightsaber down, cringing at the burn. The wound reddened with little blisters bubbling on the edge of the burn. Great! A required trip to the Healer's wing… if he survived.

Remembering he was still in the middle of a fight, Obi-Wan flicked his blade up to stop the droid only to be surprised by another lightsaber stabbing the droid right through its head. The red eye of the droid burned blue.

Behind the droid stood Anakin Skywalker. He yanked his blade out of the droid, which collapsed in pieces. Anakin flashed his eyes to him. "What are you standing around for?"

He powered down his lightsaber and snatched Obi-Wan's arm, half-dragging him as he bolted to the door. Despite Anakin's burst of speed, something was pulling them down. A weight. The Force slithered around them, coiling as if welding their feet to the floor. Anakin persevered. He charged headlong for the door. With his hand, Anakin flicked the door open. As they neared the door, one of the four pillars wobbled, leaning too far. It tipped, plummeting toward them.

"Anakin!" Obi-Wan shouted.

Anakin saw the pillar and dove. They landed unceremoniously on the floor, missing the pillar by mere inches! Obi-Wan hit too hard on his shoulder when he fell. His fingers tenderly touched the injured shoulder and he felt a small lump forming underneath his tunics.

Anakin jump to his feet, yanking Obi-Wan up with him. "Come on!"

The door suddenly began to close on its own and Obi-Wan thought they may be trapped in the salle for good. But Anakin threw out his hand again, slowing the heavy door down. "Hurry!" Anakin pressed.

Obi-Wan picked up speed. He stumbled over his large feet in his best attempt to keep up with Anakin's long strides. Impatient, Anakin hoisted Obi-Wan off his feet and finish the last meter in a sprint. He lunged across the threshold just as the door slammed shut.

They got out. They got away from Darth Tyranus!

Obi-Wan smiled and turned to Anakin in excitement, ecstatic to survive that whole ordeal. Then his heart plummeted.

Jedi Kenobi.

He was still in the salle.

With Darth Tyranus!

Obi-Wan watched Anakin spring to his feet and try the door. It didn't open. Didn't even budge. Most likely jammed. Or locked.

Anakin spun to Obi-Wan. "Go!" he urged, pushing Obi-Wan toward the end of the corridor. "Get Qui-Gon!"

"But—"

"Now!" Anakin snapped as he whipped out his lightsaber. The blue blade lit up and Anakin did not hesitate. He plunged it straight into the sealed door. Obi-Wan watched, memorized, by the metal burning under the intense heat.

Anakin shot a look to Obi-Wan. "Run!"

That last, sharp word jolted Obi-Wan into action. He whirled around and sprinted, arms pumping at his side. He raced down the corridor, rounding the corner at full speed in the direction of their apartments. In the direction to Qui-Gon.

Darth Tyranus was here. And Jedi Kenobi was trapped with him.


The moment Dooku revealed his presence, Obi-Wan went into action. He drew his lightsaber and ordered Anakin to save the padawan. He was thankful Anakin didn't challenge his order. Anakin swiftly scooped the boy up and bolted. Obi-Wan marched forward to confront Dooku, hoping to spare Anakin and the padawan the chance to escape.

Dooku met the offer with the first strike. Not with his lightsaber, but with the Force. He directed another wave of training droids, but Jedi Kenobi sliced through the droids as he carved his path to the Sith. Dooku tried again. He blasted a pillar down, hoping to cut off Anakin and the padawan from the exit. Obi-Wan's heart went to his throat as he watched the pillar narrowly crush Anakin and the padawan. Anakin dove, throwing the padawan underneath as the pillar crashed onto the floor. Obi-Wan sensed their survival, relieved to know they lived.

Dooku was not satisfied and gestured dramatically again. This time, he took control of the door, hoping to trap all three in the salle. Needing the distraction, Obi-Wan charged. Dooku disengaged with the door and parried off Obi-Wan's attack.

They clashed. Their lightsabers spun in a memorizing show of lights. Obi-Wan kept Dooku at bay, backing him further away from where Anakin and Padawan Kenobi escaped. Dooku was at ease. A man in complete control, almost as if engaging in a game rather than an actual duel.

Dooku brought his blade down in an attempt to unbalance Obi-Wan's footwork. Obi-Wan was quick though. He saw through the ploy and reacted accordingly, saving himself. He met Dooku's blade and the two lightsabers collided, the electric fire between the blades sizzling. Good versus evil. Light versus dark.

They peered across their locked blades. A predatory smile stretched Dooku's skin over those high cheekbones as he assessed Obi-Wan. "You are a quick learner, Obi-Wan," he commented. "You have improved since our last duel."

Obi-Wan stayed strong. "It wasn't too troubling considering old dogs can't learn new tricks."

That earned a reproachful scowl. "I know of power far beyond your dreams," Dooku chastised. "I am far more powerful than you will ever become."

"The Dark Side is not more powerful than the Light," Obi-Wan countered. "Only quicker."

"We shall see."

They restarted the duel. Dooku added more strength to his blow, forcing Obi-Wan to retreat into his normal defensive stance. He wielded Soresu, blocking Dooku's efforts one after another. He kept up the pace, not once faltering as Dooku's classical style tried to penetrate his defense. It infuriated Dooku to be constantly blocked, but as Dooku complimented earlier, Obi-Wan was a quick learner. He learned from his mistakes and adapted to avoid them the next time.

What most concerned Obi-Wan was that he could keep the fight going on forever. Most of his energy had been depleted when sparring with Anakin. As long as he conserved his energy and stuck to defense, then perhaps Anakin and the cavalry will arrive in time to relieve him.

Obi-Wan evaded Dooku's blade and kicked Dooku back, leaving breathing room to recuperate. Dooku's dark eyes studied Obi-Wan. "You're getting sloppy," he observed. "Tired, perhaps?"

Obi-Wan didn't give Dooku the satisfaction to be right. "I can keep going," he said, controlling his breathing to not give it away. "Before we begin again, I wish to ask a question that has bothered me."

Dooku raised a slender silver brow, but acquiesced to the request. "I'll indulge you."

"Why now?"

It was a question that lingered since he arrived to the past. Anakin and Qui-Gon believed Dooku's mission was to kill him, but Obi-Wan held doubts. Something in the whole scheme of things didn't align. His curiosity demanded an answer. And it was the perfect moment to ask, if only to prevent Dooku from dueling. "Why not when I'm an infant in the crèche?" Obi-Wan continued his questioning. "Unprotected and not chosen by any master."

Dooku's face wrinkled in disheartened lines. "You misunderstand," he lamented. "My plan goes far beyond a simple murder."

Obi-Wan arched an eyebrow. It wasn't a surprise. Not to him. He knew there was more to Dooku's plot, but who else was entangled in the madman's web? The padawan was obvious and most recently, Senator Palpatine. Qui-Gon as well. But, what was Dooku's ultimate goal? The back of Obi-Wan's mind tingled in trepidation, deep down already knowing the dark truth. But he refused to acknowledge it.

"If you have no plans to kill me," Obi-Wan began, "then may I suggest you quietly surrender?"

Dooku laughed, taking small steps as he stalked Obi-Wan. Obi-Wan moved with Dooku. They circled. Both refusing to break eye contact. Dooku's dark eyes looked on with a fondness that Obi-Wan did not share. "Where would the fun be in that?" Dooku leered. "Have you not figured it out? As the famed Negotiator, I figured you would have solved it far before this encounter."

Taunting did not rile Obi-Wan. Not like it did to Anakin. Dooku should know that. By now at least. "Don't mistake my skills as a means to read and understand the thoughts of delusional men," he countered. "I prefer to spend my time in far more hospitable company."

"As do I," Dooku agreed. He stopped, taking in the room with a lazy glance. "It is why I left the Order. I refused to be dragged down to the level the Council were complacent in. To delude myself into thinking the galaxy is at peace and that the Jedi are righteous and good." As Dooku spoke, his tone became more venomous. A man of disgust and undeniable fury. The Dark side oozed from Dooku, an oil spill that tainted the Force in the very room they stood. He repurposed himself, a frightening surge of power burned. Dark eyes flared yellow.

Those eyes turned onto Obi-Wan. He glowered at him in a deprecating manner. "You must see it!" he implored in an impassioned breath. "The Council are leashed by the Senate! What's worse is that the Senate has been compromised for years! Rotten to the core and turning the Jedi into nothing but soldiers for the greedy and powerful." Dooku advanced and Obi-Wan slid his feet back, readying himself if action was needed. "I was the only one who saw it and what did the Council do with my warnings? Nothing! Instead they allowed things to continue as they were until finally, something did happen. Something they could not ignore!"

Obi-Wan had a bad feeling that he knew what Dooku was referring to. The Naboo Occupation. Qui-Gon's death at the hands of the Sith.

Dooku pressed on, his voice growing with obsession as he spoke. "Qui-Gon died from their ignorance," he seethed. "They sacrificed him. And you too. Even afterwards, they did nothing to restore order or to avenge Qui-Gon's murder." Dooku took a sharp intake of air as rage took its course. "I decided to no longer be their puppet. I will not bow to those inferior to my power."

Obi-Wan curled his nose in disgust and his mouth a firm line. "So you came back to change all that," he said. "To enact a decade long revenge?"

"I returned to restore what is rightfully mine!" Dooku bellowed, his cheeks burned and his eyes wild! "I lost too much from the Order and I will take it back."

Obi-Wan bunched up his face in thought. The cogs of his mind started to click. Pieces that once didn't fit now snapped together. A picture came together, one that terrified Obi-Wan to the point of revulsion. No… it couldn't be! He wouldn't…

Yet, Dooku was proving the theory to be true. That the plan was far more complex and darker than originally thought. Dooku's words slithered around in his head, leaving a cold impression in the forethought of his mind. Obi-Wan shook his head as Dooku observed him.

"Ah! Now you see it don't you?" he said to Obi-Wan. "You finally understand."

Obi-Wan flickered his gaze up, mortified. For the first time, words failed him. He only gaped in horror as Dooku made his approach. "I'll give you one last chance and it would be your best interest to take it," he advised Obi-Wan. "Step aside."

An opening to escape. To be spared of agony and death. But, Obi-Wan was not afraid of that. He never was afraid of death. His fear was something much worse. And, Dooku was going to try to ensure it occurred.

He steadied his legs, tightening his muscles as he raised his lightsaber to duel. To fight for his future. "Never."

Dooku glared, face contorting in anger at the second refusal. "Shame," he indifferently confessed, "but I will do what I must. Out of my respect for you, I promise I will make it quick and as painless as possible."

In seconds, Dooku reignited his lightsaber and struck. Obi-Wan blocked the blow, the lightsabers' hums resounding along the walls around them. With quickness and power, they faced each other as the lights of their sabers clashed again. The hissing sizzled, burning as the smell of ozone filled their nostrils. Obi-Wan kept his feet light, taking every hit and hack from Dooku. He didn't pressure against Dooku. Kept his Soresu spinning to deflect the red blade from his head. He needed to save his energy. He had to wait it out until Anakin came back—hopefully with reinforcements.


"Have you seen my padawan?"

Since discovering Obi-Wan's treachery by sneaking out of the apartment, Qui-Gon hurried from one Jedi to the next in a desperate search. Obi-Wan held his shielding, making it harder for Qui-Gon to connect with him. Especially since his training with Master Yoda. Qui-Gon tried several Jedi Knights and Masters, but none of them could give him an answer. They had not seen his wayward padawan.

Qui-Gon swore a fitting punishment for his insolent padawan. He came up with numerous ideas ranging from keeping him in a Force-negative room to a yearly rotation of crèche duty. If he could, Qui-Gon would shipped him out to Agricultural Corps for one full cycle. Unfortunately, that particular punishment was invalid due to a Sith Lord's presence.

Which riled Qui-Gon's anxieties to the extreme. What if Darth Tyranus captured him? Or Xanatos? What if he's not in the Temple anymore? These worries squashed all previous thoughts of punishment. All Qui-Gon wanted to do was find him alive and safe.

He came across Dralig and asked him the same question he asked everyone else. But, Master Dralig showed no promising answer after a brief moment of recollection. "Last I saw Padawan Kenobi was this afternoon," he told Qui-Gon. "Why? You haven't lost him, have you?"

Qui-Gon wished he could ignored the jested smile, but he couldn't. It was embarrassing enough to lose a padawan. In their home no less. "Not lost. Just not found yet."

Master Dralig snickered. "Naturally," he said, eyes glancing upwards. "Have you asked Mace?"

Qui-Gon followed Dralig's line of sight and saw Mace Windu coming down the grand staircase. Sensing their gazes, Master Windu turned to them. "Is there something I can help you with?"

Before Qui-Gon bowed out to avoid admitting that Obi-Wan undermined him, Dralig spoke, "It appears Qui-Gon lost his padawan."

Master Windu shot a hardened glower to Qui-Gon. Eyebrows furrowed so tight it nearly formed a single brow over both eyes. "Is this true?"

Qui-Gon regretted coming up to Dralig. "He probably went to go look for Anakin and Ben," he informed Mace. "I haven't been able to reach him. His shields are up, making it difficult to contact him."

Master Windu shook his head disapprovingly. "Seems your padawan is making good use of Master Yoda's teaching," he coolly remarked and Qui-Gon felt the burn go straight into him. "I'll have an alert sent out. You don't think he would sneak out of the Temple, correct?"

Qui-Gon shook his head. "Obi-Wan knows better to not step outside," he assured the Councilor. "He's in the Temple. I'll find him."

As he spoke, a flare ignited along their shared bond. The shielding was down and… in discord. Something was wrong. Qui-Gon sensed his young apprentice's presence. He was close. And… afraid. A darkness chased him. His padawan's fear was real. An apprehension that even unbalanced Qui-Gon's equilibrium.

He sensed his padawan coming closer. He turned, looking down the corridor, feeling himself be drawn in that direction. He took a single step toward the corridor when Obi-Wan sprinted around the bend. Qui-Gon got one good look at his padawan. Face flushed. Eyes wild and terrified.

Something was wrong.

Qui-Gon rushed to meet him. What startled his padawan? "Padawan! What in the Force—"

"Master!" Obi-Wan panted, gripping Qui-Gon's hands for dear life. "Master! He's here! The Sith—"

"What?" Qui-Gon pulled Obi-Wan close, almost out of fear as if the Sith too would come around the corner. "Where?"

Breathless, Obi-Wan jabbed a pointed finger behind him. "At the salles! Anakin and Ben… he's trapped."

It was a jumble of words, but Qui-Gon understood Obi-Wan's message. Anakin and Jedi Kenobi were dueling with the Sith and needed help. They sent Obi-Wan away to carry the message and warning.

Qui-Gon directed Obi-Wan to Master Dralig, "Stay with Master Dralig," he ordered his padawan. "Do as he says."

"Master—"

"No argument! Do as I say!" Qui-Gon snapped. He had no time for rebellion. Obi-Wan understood. He nodded firmly. Qui-Gon looked to Mace. "Alert the Council."

Mace already had his comlink out, reporting the situation. Qui-Gon took off in the direction of the training salles. Anakin and Ben needed him.


It was a mistake. A mistake that Dooku found and used to betray Obi-Wan. In a single twist of his wrist, he jabbed his lightsaber straight into Obi-Wan's chest.

Obi-Wan gasped. His strength evaporated from the shock and pain that wrecked him. His lightsaber slipped from his hand and fell to the floor with a very loud clank that echoed in the salle. Eyes ever wide from the pain which coursed through him, he saw the entirety of Dooku's face. It was a mixture of regret and necessity.

In another quick movement, Dooku pulled the lightsaber out from Obi-Wan and extinguished his weapon. The removal of the lightsaber from his chest caused Obi-Wan to fall forward. Instead of face-planting on the floor, Dooku caught him, cradling his upper body as his knees bent from the loss of vitality.

"I'm sorry Obi-Wan," Dooku regretted to the injured Jedi. "I know you would prefer to be in the arms of your apprentice or your master as you lay dying."

Obi-Wan, with his last bit of strength, tried to throw himself off Dooku's arms. Dooku restrained him, preventing escape. "I am truly sorry it came to this," Dooku continued whispering to Obi-Wan. "You gave me no choice. But, as promised, the death is not as painful as what I would give to my enemies. You are still my grandpadawan."

Dooku then—with great care and consideration—rested Obi-Wan on the floor. "Breathe, Obi-Wan. Don't fight it," he instructed. "Let yourself go. It'll be all right." Obi-Wan struggled. He fought off death, keeping his eyes opened as his chest heaved in attempts to keep breathing. But each breath brought a wave of agony and a waft of charcoaled flesh. Dooku sighed and rested his hand on Obi-Wan sweating, cold forehead. "My promise to you."

Obi-Wan shook Dooku's hand off his forehead. "N-Nooo..."

"I will do what I must," Dooku said to him. "To restore the Order in its rightful place in the galaxy. And, of course—" Dooku glanced one more time over Obi-Wan paling features, looking remorseful upon seeing the strained face, "—to save my legacy."

Dooku brushed a strand of Obi-Wan's hair out of his face. "Good-bye, Obi-Wan Kenobi. You were a worthy adversary," he complimented with pride and promise. "We'll meet again… soon."

Obi-Wan watched as Dooku picked up his discarded lightsaber and placed it on his belt like a trophy. Horrified and disgusted, Obi-Wan wished he had the strength to wretched his lightsaber out of that man's possession, but for every ounce of strength he used, life slipped further and further away.

Dooku rose to his feet and, without another glance, strode to the other door not blocked by a pillar. With the Force, he waved his hand and it unlocked for him, sliding open. He crossed the threshold and turned, his cape disappearing around the corner. Obi-Wan took in a deep breath and winced at the burn in the middle of his chest. The same exact location as Qui-Gon's fatal injury on Naboo.

Obi-Wan wondered if Dooku did that on purpose. His mind grew tired of thinking about Dooku and his thinking. On the opposite side of the room, Obi-Wan sensed both Anakin's and Qui-Gon's presence. Not one to surrender easily to death, Obi-Wan flipped over on his stomach. His burn ripped across his chest in retaliation and Obi-Wan did everything he could to not pass out from the pain. He needed to stay awake. To focus on the task at hand. Slowly, he crawled toward the door.

All he wanted, before it was too late, was to see Anakin or Qui-Gon again.


Blast! Anakin thought as he drove his lightsaber down the door that kept him separated from Obi-Wan. He cursed at the doors for being created out of phrik metal. The metal withstood a large amount of heat, making it difficult for Anakin's lightsaber to cut the door down. It took time. Too much time and Obi-Wan needed his help against Dooku. Now!

His blade glowed bright blue, turning the metal into molten form. Lava trickled down the sides, leaving a trail down to the bottom. Almost like the cold beads of sweat running along his hairline. All of his muscles bulged in his effort to cut through the door. His lightsaber moved a single inch. Anakin inhaled. Only half way there. Only half way. He needed help. Another lightsaber to help him break down the door.

His call was answered by a green lightsaber that shot into his peripheral vision. It stabbed straight into the door, right where Anakin started and worked its way to Anakin's lightsaber. Anakin side-glanced to his left, but he already knew who joined.

Qui-Gon!

The Jedi Master stood next to him, focused on cutting down the metal door.

No words needed to be shared. No explanation. Straightforward, they worked together in drawing their lightsabers closer to one another. Anakin checked in with Obi-Wan. He was tiring, a weariness that weighed him and slowed his speed. He silently pleaded with Obi-Wan to stay strong. Just for a little longer. They were almost there—

"Argh!" Anakin clutched his midsection. A burning pulse shot through him. He tumbled from the door. His lightsaber slipped from his fingers, shutting down as it hit the floor.

Qui-Gon looked to Anakin. The door forgotten. "What's wrong? Are you hurt?"

Anakin sharply inhaled. The pain vanished, almost like it never happened. But, it was there. It was real. He felt it. And… the pain didn't belong to him. Anakin's eyes darted to the door. The one obstacle that had suddenly became his arch nemesis.

"Kriff this!"

He raised his hands. The Force answered to his call, coalescing in the palm of his hands. Qui-Gon noted the shift in the Force and immediately retreated from the door. "Anakin? What are you—"

Anakin didn't let him finish his sentence. He released his might of the Force. The gust of power rammed into the door. The metal groaned and moaned, but it caved into submission. It broke away, tipping over from the sheer strength of power. The door toppled to the ground and a cloud of dust mushroomed, discoloring Anakin's vision of the salle.

Anakin snatched his lightsaber from where he dropped it. Not wasting any second, he charged through the dust cloud, uncaring that his vision was obscured. The dust soon settled as Anakin climbed over the broken door. Anakin hurtled over the fallen pillar, cutting it half to make a path. Landing on the other side, he glanced madly about the room to find the fight.

But all he saw was Obi-Wan. Motionless.

"Master!" Anakin ran to Obi-Wan's side. Obi-Wan laid on his stomach and Anakin attentively flipped him onto his back. "I got you. You're all ri—"

His voice was stolen by a single gasp. In the center of Obi-Wan's chest was a charcoaled hole. The size of a lightsaber's diameter. "Obi-Wan!" Anakin breathed in a shocked whisper.

A sliver of blue peaked out from those drooped eyelids. Anakin let out a shaky breath of relief. He was alive! Alive. Thank the Force…

A little, but affectionate smile twitched on Obi-Wan's face. "Anak—"

His words drifted into the silent abyss of the training salle. Blue-green eyes latched onto Anakin, fond but unfocused. Obi-Wan's chest shuddered to a stop. Strength fading rapidly until life slipped from him.

Obi-Wan Kenobi hung from Anakin's arms. Quiet and unmoving.

"No," Anakin pleaded softly, hugging Obi-Wan closer. "No… no. Come on, Obi-Wan. You have to stay with me. Obi-Wan? Master?"

No response was returned. Only dead silence.

Anakin's bones trembled. All the air left his lungs. His head shook. No. It couldn't happen. It couldn't. Not this. No. This wasn't happening. Not again. "No, no please," Anakin's voice croaked as he stared at Obi-Wan's stilled face, the light no longer in his master's eyes. The longer the silence, the more rage built within him. His hands curled tight, pinching Obi-Wan's body as if to keep his spirit from escaping. "No… no… NO!"

The last word came out as a howl. Piercing and strong, with such wrath that it cracked the air in half and the dome ceiling collapsed.