Chapter 9
They knew that their days on Naboo were numbered when Master Yoda and Tahl arrived the next day. Qui-Gon left Anakin to continue Padmé's training to spend some time with Tahl. He knew that the young Queen was more than ready, and her role was crucial in the upcoming battle. She had formed stable bonds with him and Anakin that would help them maintain a connection with her. But at this point, he couldn't say the same about her connection with Obi-Wan, which concerned him greatly. They didn't need to put the young Queen into peril if his former Padawan wouldn't form a bond with her soon. With his thoughts still written all over his face, he sat down beside Tahl, who was waiting for him in the Palace Gardens.
Naturally, she was able to feel his tension and took his hand. "What's wrong?" she asked.
He gave a deep sigh. Everything was beginning to weigh on him heavily. His emotions were all over the place. He was still dealing with the guilt over not realizing how much Obi-Wan had suffered from Sidious residing in his mind. And now he had the feeling that his former Padawan was still reluctant to take all the help he could get because he wanted to protect those around him. Apart from that fact, their efforts to access the power within Obi-Wan to use it in his fight against Sidious weren't fruitful. He knew that his former Padawan had always struggled in accomplishing things while in training. Obi-Wan was someone who had learned the better part of his lessons in life and death situations. But he was concerned that he still tried to deny his potential.
"I'm worried," he replied after a long pause. "There's still the matter of Obi-Wan forming a bond with Padmé, and he is postponing it."
"You expect him to walk up and form a bond with the woman he loves on command?" she asked. "Let me guess you scheduled it into his itinerary?"
"Well, what should we have done? I can sense that this bond with Padmé is important. And he is busy all the time, training with Dooku. He needs to do it before we leave, though."
She smiled softly. "Did you consider that forming such a bond is an intimate matter? That your former Padwan isn't someone who likes to show his feelings openly? We're not talking about a training bond here. You wouldn't have done it with me in front of everyone."
"But we're running out of time," he objected.
"If he needs this bond to succeed, the Force will make sure it will be formed before it's too late," she said.
"Well, if the Force can knock some sense into my stubborn Padawan. . . ." he grumbled.
She laughed and gave him a kiss on his cheek. "What else, my love?"
He placed his arm around her shoulder and looked down. "I feel guilty," he said with a distinctive shaky voice. "He suffered for years. I didn't realize how much until having seen him fighting Sidious. I should have sensed it. I just assumed Master Yoda's shield would work."
"Well," she replied, taking his hand. "You are not all-powerful. As you said, your former Padawan is stubborn. He didn't want you to see it. Doing his duty as Councilor and Anakin's Master was his focus. I don't think he was aware of the toll it took on him."
"She's right, Master," Qui-Gon heard Obi-Wan's voice from behind and startled, he turned around.
"You really have to stop sneaking up on me like that," he scolded him. "It's creepy that I can't feel you."
"I'm sorry," the young man said with an honest expression, then he gave Tahl a nod. "I am happy to see you, my friend," he greeted her.
"I can't tell you how happy I am, my dear," she returned the sentiment. "And I see it was about time that I came. Let me see you. You're looking pale."
He knelt down, and she placed her hands on his temples, doing a short exam of his health. "Well, you're very exhausted. You should take the time to sleep before we leave for Dathomir. I expect that you're going to need your energy for what we have planned."
He sat down on the floor in front of them and nodded. "I am sure of that. However, there are still things to be done."
"The bond. . . ." Qui-Gon began, but Obi-Wan held up his hands to stop him.
"Yes, I know. I will do it. If it's only to ease your mind," Obi-Wan said firmly, apparently not ready to discuss it any further. "Let's speak about your guilt instead. There is no need. Until I began to look into what he'd done to me. . . . Well, honestly, until his last attack, I wasn't even aware of the damage he had already done. Like you, I wanted to believe that Master Yoda's shield worked. So stop beating yourself up. Usually, that's my job," he chuckled.
Qui-Gon smiled back and inclined his head gratefully. He had needed that.
Tahl looked at Obi-Wan thoughtfully. "How are you feeling apart from your exhaustion? I mean, it's not a perfect situation, fighting Sidious without having the backing of the Council."
He shrugged. "The situation is as it is. I was surprised by what we accomplished over the last few years. The Council I knew in my former life wouldn't have made the changes they did. I didn't expect them to go down this path with me. I am grateful that Mace and Master Yoda are ready to support me. So, I don't dwell on the fact that I am currently not part of the Jedi Order. It gives me the freedom to do what I must without constantly having to think about the implications."
Qui-Gon gave him a look of disbelief. He hadn't expected that. It certainly explained Obi-Wan's ability to focus entirely on the mission that lay before them.
Tahl nodded. "I understand. I am sure that after this is done, they will take you back. They know that they can't afford to lose you."
Obi-Wan's eyes became distant at that, and Qui-Gon couldn't get a read on him. But it was apparent that after three years of having suffered a Dark presence in his mind and not having received any help, the young man would have to think about his role in the Jedi Order anew. He just hoped the Council wouldn't prove to be even more difficult after this was done.
It was already getting dark when Obi-Wan met with Master Yoda and Mace Windu. He had left Qui-Gon and Tahl with Padmé and Anakin. He knew that he should have practiced with them how to connect with Padmé, but he still had some reservations. Establishing a bond with Padmé wasn't something he wanted to do out of necessity. Using a connection with the woman he loved to succeed in battle just seemed wrong.
The Masters were waiting for him in the lab, and to his surprise, Bail Organa was also present. "Master Yoda," he greeted the Councilor and gave his friends a curt nod. "I'd just like to say how grateful I am that you decided to help us," he began and sat down.
"Nothing to be grateful about, you have," the older Master replied. "A long time ago, we should have done something to help you, Obi-Wan. Looked around, I have. Dabbling in Sith Magic, you are. Not sure how I feel about it, I am."
"Well, we need to acknowledge the fact that after what happened a few days ago, this cage really helped Obi-Wan to get some peace," Mace stepped in.
Master Yoda raised his eyebrows. "Sometimes better it is to embrace the Darkness, know this you do, Mace."
The Korun-Master gave him a nod, knowing that his friend referred to his fighting style.
"Strong enough to resist the pull, are you?" Yoda gave Obi-Wan an inquisitive look.
"I hope so," the young Master replied. "I know that I can never be sure of that, but with all the help I am getting, I am likely to succeed."
He was rewarded with a satisfied smile. "Asked Senator Organa to join us I have because of the Clone Army," Master Yoda changed the topic.
"Dooku provided me with the necessary information. After this is over, we need to decide what to do with it," Bail informed him.
"I don't want to know," Obi-Wan stated firmly. "Dooku made a point. I still can't unlock the enormous potential he is talking about, but we know that Sidious could still take over and. . . I am not sure what his presence in my mind has done to me over the years. You should decide what to do about this without involving me. I just advise you to not share this knowledge with people you don't trust. We still know nothing about this mysterious apprentice. It could be anyone. This Clone Army was able to destroy the whole Jedi Order in one swoop, and we shouldn't give that kind of power to anyone who could be a threat for the Jedi and the Republic."
"We won't," Mace answered. "We've already decided to leave that between us. If you agree, I will discuss what to do with Senator Organa and Master Yoda."
Obi-Wan gave him a grateful nod. "If you'll excuse me, I am exhausted, and I need to get some rest before we're leaving. I am sure we have enough time on our way to Dathomir to continue our discussion."
"Sleep, you should," Master Yoda agreed with him and gave him a knowing look. "But one thing you still have to do before leaving. Important it is."
Obi-Wan's eyes widened in surprise. As always, the Master knew exactly what was going on. "I will, Master," he promised and left with a respectful bow.
Padmé was pacing up and down in Obi-Wan's sleeping quarters. She was anxious. Qui-Gon had told her how important it was that she and Obi-Wan formed a bond before leaving, and she had tried to do it over the last few days. However, he had postponed it one day after another. Because of his training with Dooku and her lessons with Qui-Gon and Anakin, they hadn't spent much time alone, which could be the reason for his reluctance. Qui-Gon had explained to her that establishing a bond was a highly intimate thing. So, maybe being alone with him right now would help? Or did he not want this? Was he afraid to bind himself to her? She sat down and shook her head. She knew that he loved her, but it was one thing to profess love and another to make a commitment. She had been sure of her feelings a long time ago. She just hoped that he was ready. She really didn't want to leave him without her support in this situation.
Finally, the door opened, and Obi-Wan was back from his meeting with Master Yoda and Mace. She practically sprang up and rushed toward him, throwing herself in his arms.
He seemed surprised at her reaction and took in his arms. squeezing her slightly and trying to reassure her. "Padmé?" he asked, concerned. "What's wrong?" Apparently sensing her desperation.
"I don't know," she whispered into his chest. "You tell me. I've been preparing for days to finally make a mental connection with you. But you don't seem that eager to actually establish the bond we need. What is preventing you? I'm ready to do this, and I can't give you any support without it."
He sighed deeply and led her to the bed. "Come," he said, "let us talk." They sat down, and he took a shaky breath. She felt that something was weighing heavily on him and took his hand. "I'm sorry," he began, his voice trembling. "This thing. . . it's something I wanted to do with you for a long time. But you have to know. . . this is not something we can just do without thinking about the consequences."
She gave him a nod. "Qui-Gon told me it's very intimate and that it's a deep commitment. But. . . Obi-Wan, I thought we had already decided to be together. I'm committed to that. Or do you think I am not ready for this? I worked with Qui-Gon and Anakin, my bonds with them work perfectly . . . ."
He shook his head. "That's not it, Padmé. When you made the connections with Qui-Gon and Anakin, they were founded on friendship, loose bonds that can be broken at any time. They do not have that much impact on you. They're just connections to work together or to express the friendship you have. It didn't change your relationship with them. Between us. . . that's. . . different."
"Because we love each other?" she asked.
He nodded and looked down. "I never. . . I mean. . . I told you I was the perfect Jedi in my former life. It never even occurred to me to establish a bond outside of training- or friendship-bonds. When we confessed our feelings to each other, I knew that a bond between us was a possibility one day. But I never thought that we would decide to establish it out of necessity, I always imagined that we would bond out of joy someday. . . That we would have a wedding ceremony. . . . It's like Qui-Gon said, a commitment. When deep feelings are involved, it can't be easily broken without damaging the mind."
She gave him an incredulous look. "And that's why you won't do it?"
"Padmé," he said, squeezing her hand. "You deserve more. You deserve to be courted. You deserve to get to know me before committing your life to me. If we do this now. . . You could lose your chance to change your mind. You don't know what life with me is like. We haven*t had time to get to know each other, to get to know our habits, to make a plan what we want to do with our life, what we want to do with our family. . ." he cleared his throat. "I mean, I am not even sure you would want a family with me. I am a Jedi and not a regular one at that. Maybe you realize one day that this is too much. That you prefer having a normal life. You're still so young. . . ."
She shook her head. "I can't believe this. How often do I need to tell you that I won't do anything I don't want to do? Do you think I am that naïve? That I didn't talk with Qui-Gon about the different natures of mental bonds? Do you really think he didn't tell me what making this connection could mean? I know that there is a possibility that we could establish a life-bond over time. But I also know that we both would have to decide on that. I know that this bond can be deep, but Obi-Wan, this is what I want with you. I never wavered in my conviction that we belong together. I want a family with you. For me, that's a given. You've known me in your former life. Did the Padmé you knew ever think about leaving Anakin? You told me that she didn't. It seems that I am not the person who looks for the comfortable things in life. I want you, I've always wanted you. That's not going to change."
"But what will you do when I turn?" he almost exclaimed, and she was startled by the desperate expression in his eyes.
She could have told him that she was sure that he wouldn't turn, that he wasn't the kind of man who would leave her for the Dark Side, but she realized that after his ordeal, he was not sure of himself anymore. Sidious had done a lot of damage, and she could see it clearly now in his eyes. He didn't need her reassurance that he wouldn't turn. She looked at him with warm eyes and took a deep breath. "What did I do when Anakin turned?"
He leaned forward, placing his head in his hands, and said, "You loved him anyway. Force, you tried to get him back. You pleaded with him, and I thought for a moment that you would succeed. But he was gone, and he became furious when he realized that I hid on your ship to find him. He choked you. Later, when you died in childbirth, your last words were about him. You insisted that there was still good in him."
She pulled him into her arms. "Then that's what I am going to do when you turn. It doesn't change anything, Obi-Wan. I will always stand by you. And. . ." she looked at him and smiled, "Maybe this time I will succeed. Maybe I can turn you back. For now, I can surely help you. I can give you hope when you are pulled into Darkness. You just have to accept it. Nobody has to fight this fight alone. Even you deserve every help you can get."
He didn't respond, and she just rested in his arms, knowing he needed time to think it over. She just tried to send him her love ad support. It was, in the end, his decision, and she couldn't force him.
After what seemed like an eternity, he turned towards her. He locked eyes with her and placed his hands on her temples, his gaze intense. And then she felt it, a slight nudge on the edges of her mind, like a hesitant knock. She remembered her training and opened her consciousness to him, and suddenly he was everywhere. She was enveloped in his warmth and his strength, and she welcomed it. There was no trace of Darkness, just pure Obi-Wan, and she began to laugh with joy. "I love you, Padmé," she heard him send, and in the same instant, she felt that love filling every fiber of her being. She shivered at the sensation and looked at him with wide eyes.
He smiled and gave her a tender kiss on the forehead, evidently fighting to regain his composure. She sensed how overwhelmed he was and focused on her feelings, trying to give him the reassurance he apparently needed.
"Just let it flow,"' he sent. "Do not try so hard. I can feel everything."
She closed her eyes in concentration, and after a few moments, she was able to remember Qui-Gon's lessons. "This is so much greater than I thought," she sent, and suddenly she felt him draw away, holding his head. "What's wrong?" she asked over the bond when in the same moment, he took her in his arms again, sending her calming waves through the bond.
"There's no need to shout," he responded with a mental smile. "Just let it go. I can understand you perfectly."
Her eyes widened. Qui-Gon had warned her about this. "I didn't think our connection would be so deep," she projected without any effort.
He laughed and shook his head. "Oh, my love, we already had a connection. This was to be expected. And. . . I . . . Well, let's just say I am a natural at forming bonds through the Force."
She gave him an uncertain look. "Is this all right for you?" she asked, suddenly not sure about his feelings anymore.
He shook his head with a wide smile. "Just try to put everything else aside and concentrate on me. You will find the answer."
She tried to do as he instructed, and when she felt a slight mental pull, she was able to sense him better. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, getting a sense as if she was able to inhale his essence. She was rewarded with deep contentment coming from him.
"I should have done this a long time ago," he whispered. "This is the greatest gift the Force could have given me after a life of misery without having felt something like that."
Tears were glistening in her eyes at realizing how much he cherished this. "I love you," she just said with a trembling voice. "I always will."
The next morning, they finally boarded Bail Organa's ship to make their way to Dathomir. It would take them two days to arrive on the planet, and everyone tried to spend some time preparing for the upcoming fight. Obi-Wan had told them at length about the Nightsisters, and Siri Tachi had supplied them with additional information she had gathered in the Temple archives before she had left with Garen for Naboo. After everyone was clear on the plan, Bail, Master Yoda and Mace Windu went to discuss their plans for the Clone Army, and Dooku was talking with Siri Tachi and Garen Muln about the terrain that awaited them on Dathomir.
Obi-Wan was tired and decided to make some tea, while Padmé, Tahl and Anakin talked about the Alderaanian Temple and how things had changed there over the last few years.
Qui-Gon stood up and followed his former Padawan into the galley. There was not much opportunity to talk privately on the ship, and he needed a few words with the young man before they entered into battle. "Are you all right?" he asked.
Obi-Wan gave him a wan smile, showing his exhaustion clearly. He placed two mugs on the small table in front of them. They sat down, and the young man smelled the tea with his eyes closed. Qui-Gon knew that this was a ritual of gathering his thoughts and waited patiently. "I don't think that I will be able to access the power within me," Obi-Wan stated flatly. "I know it's there. But for the life of it, I am not capable of working with that potential."
"At least you do not deny it any longer," the older Master countered. "That's progress. I am sure you will be able to control it the moment you need it. You always have Obi-Wan."
The young man gave him a contemplative look. "Maybe, you're right. We better hope that you are. I am not sure whether we will defeat Sidious otherwise."
"Did you ever wonder why it is that the Force has singled you out?" Qui-Gon asked. "I mean first the Force sends you back then it gives you this power. . . . There must be a reason."
"I really don't know," Obi-Wan responded with a resigned tone. "I wish the Force had found another Jedi to play with."
"I'm not sure it even looked for a Jedi. I think it looked for someone with an open mind. Someone who would be able to integrate both sides without turning evil."
"Bring balance to the Force. . . ." Obi-Wan muttered. "But that's the purpose of the Chosen One."
"Well, as far as we know, there are two Chosen Ones, and nobody knows how the prophecy continues. Maybe there is another element. Maybe you are the other element."
Obi-Wan began to shiver at that. "I really hope not, Qui," he said with a trembling voice. "If that were the case, I would have failed tremendously in my former life."
"Maybe," Qui-Gon responded with a frown. "And maybe that's the reason why you were sent back."
Obi-Wan shook his head. "Thinking about prophecies gives me a headache. I think I should rather use our remaining time to get some sleep."
Qui-Gon gave him a nod. "You should and. . . you shouldn't overthink it. I have the feeling that the truth will reveal itself very soon."
Obi-Wan closed his eyes, reaching into the Force, then he looked up. "At least we will know more after tomorrow."
Obi-Wan felt cold and displaced. Confused, he took in the barren landscape around him.
Something was wrong. The Force was whispering, telling him that he shouldn't be here. Cautiously he reached out and felt a shaky connection. His usually keen sense of the Unifying Force was clouded as if future possibilities were undetermined. He shivered, the piercing cold creeping into every cell of his body. He closed his eyes, trying to feel something through the fog in the Force.
There! Between the strains of nothing, he sensed someone nearby. Instinctively he clutched the lightsaber on his belt tightly, ready to use it if necessary. Taking a deep breath, he began to walk towards the distinct feeling. The trees around him were leafless, and the sky was grey. Rocks were lying everywhere, and he couldn't help a gasp when the Darkness became oppressive.
Passing a bit further, he found the person he had felt. He fought violently against an overwhelming wave of shock. A young boy was sitting on the stump of a tree, his legs drawn to his chest. His small form was shaking, and his desperation was batting against Obi-Wan's shields. The boy had to be strong in the Force to reach him like that. But he felt wrong. Apparently having sensed the Jedi's approach, he looked up, and Obi-Wan stopped in his tracks at seeing his young eyes shining in deep amber.
"What are you doing here?" the boy whispered and looked around in fear.
Obi-Wan took another step toward him, trying to convey through the Force that he meant no harm. However, the boy cringed, jumped up and gave him an angry glare. "You can't be here! You have to leave!" he exclaimed and reached for his belt as if looking for a lightsaber. Then realizing that nothing was there, he slumped down on the stump again, shaking his head. "Are you my trial?" he asked, his eyes suddenly changing into blue color.
Obi-Wan cautiously took another step. "I don't know. I don't even know how I got here." He slowly made his way over until he stood directly in front of the boy. He couldn't suppress a shiver when he felt the coldness intensify. The boy gave him a scrutinizing glance and reached out with his hand. A sudden burst in the Force set a nearby tree on fire, and the Jedi took a step back, alarmed by the power he had felt in the gesture. However, the light began to warm him, and he was glad to feel his limbs again.
"You're a Jedi," the boy said. "I've never seen a Jedi before."
Obi-Wan slowly crouched in front of the boy, trying to maintain eye contact. But the young one evaded his gaze. "Who taught you to use your powers then," he asked softly.
"My Master," the boy replied, his voice flat. Then his eyes turned toward the older man. "Are you here to kill me?"
Obi-Wan was appalled by the notion and shook his head. "Why should I kill you?"
"Because I am a Sith apprentice," the boy answered. "The Jedi live to defeat us."
Obi-Wan inhaled sharply. Regaining his composure and suppressing his anger at seeing a young boy's mind that twisted, he said, "I am not here to kill you." He tried once more to get a sense of the Unifying Force, but it remained silent. "What's your name?" he asked. If he was able to establish a connection, maybe the boy could be saved.
"I forgot my name when my Master gave me my Sith name," the boy replied, and Obi-Wan felt him open up a bit. "I don't know where I came from. I know nothing but him. He took me in when I was a baby and taught me the ways of the Sith."
Obi-Wan swallowed at the wave of pain coming from the young child. The boy looked at him with his amber eyes, and they began to sparkle with energy. "Treachery, Darkness and pain are the way of the Sith. I will be a great Sith Lord one day. My Master groomed me to be a leader of the Sith."
"And how did you end up here?" Obi-Wan asked, hiding his horror at the words coming from a young, innocent child not older than nine years.
"Only the strongest can be Sith apprentices. My Master left me here to prove my worth," the boy said and snorted. "He didn't warn me about you, though. How am I supposed to defeat a Jedi without my lightsaber?"
"I don't think he planned on me being here," Obi-Wan said. "I shouldn't be here. . ." He stood up and took a few steps. "Where are we anyway?"
"I don't know. My Master chose this planet because it is inhabited. I found water over there, but there is nothing to eat, nothing to hunt. . . I "m burning down the trees when the cold becomes too much. Apart from that, I meditate."
"Sith do meditate?" Obi-Wan asked, surprised.
The boy chuckled. "Of course, they do, Jedi. We need to connect to our inner Darkness to be strong." He stood up and walked over to the burning tree, warming his hands with the fire. "I thought that's why I was sent here. My Master always tells me that I need to center myself in the Dark Side of the Force and that my connection to it is still too weak."
Obi-Wan shook himself at the similarities to Jedi-training. At the boy's age, Jedi younglings would be taught to connect to their inner center through meditation, too. What would have happened to this boy if he had concentrated on the Light instead? Would he have turned to the Dark then?
"How did you end up in your Master's care?" he asked, fascinated by the fact that he was seeing a Sith apprentice that young for the first time.
The boy's eyes switched color again, shining with unshed tears. "He took me from my mother when I was born. I've never known anyone but him. He's like my father."
The Jedi swallowed thickly, feeling deep compassion for the child who'd never known a real father figure. "He didn't behave like a father though," he said dryly.
"How can you say that? He cared for me; he educated me. . ." The boy shook his head. "Isn't that what your father did for you?"
"I didn't know my father," Obi-Wan replied, suddenly feeling sad about that fact. "The Jedi took me in when I was a baby."
"Then, what is the difference between the Jedi and my Master?"
"I was raised with love," Obi-Wan replied, his voice a bit shaky.
"Love? Who tells you that my Master doesn't love me? I am his successor. He's teaching me everything I need to be a great Sith one day. And in the end, he will give his life so that I can be the Sith Lord he wants me to be."
"Because you need to kill him to take his place," Obi-Wan replied dryly, his expression showing disgust.
"That's the way of the Sith," the boy replied flatly. "It's a sacrifice we have to make to achieve greatness."
They fell silent, Obi-Wan feeling deeply disturbed by the boy's words. After a few moments of contemplation, he decided to reach out. This boy wasn't lost yet. "You can still change that, you know," he said and moved over to the boy. "Reach out for the Light, and the Darkness will perish. "
The child cringed at that. "And betray my Master? Why would I want to do that?"
"You could live in the Light. You won't need to kill to succeed. You could use your powers for good."
"Who says that I don't already use them for good. The Galaxy needs a strong leader to end the corruption. What are the Jedi doing to stop this? They are pawns of the Senate. If I were in power, people wouldn't have to live in fear; there would be security. In my Empire, everyone would have the opportunity to prosper as long as they follow the rules. "
The amber eyes were back, and suddenly Obi-Wan felt suspicious. "What's your Sith name?" he asked, his voice trembling.
"Sidious," the boy said proudly. "I will be Lord Sidious, Dark Lord of the Sith and ruler of the Galaxy!" There was no trace of the vulnerable boy left. There stood young Sidious, his eyes sparkling at the notion of ultimate power. Instinctively Obi-Wan took his lightsaber from his belt and ignited it.
The boy chuckled. "Oh, I can feel your rage. You know me in the future. You hate me! I understand now! You're here to complete your journey! I am the sacrifice!" He laughed out. "This is the way of the Sith. I can feel your power. You will be stronger than I ever will be. You're still holding back, but if you unleash what's within you, you can be a great Sith! Kill me!"
A horrified shiver began creeping up Obi-Wan's spine when he felt the hidden power he had been looking for. Deep down in his inner core was the potential that he'd never dared to use. Through his anger, he finally accessed it consciously, and without thinking, he stepped toward the boy. He reached deeper and drew on the strength coming from his center, holding up his lightsaber to strike.
But the moment he was about to take the blow, an inner voice stopped him. "He's just a child!" He took a few deep breaths and stepped back, his lightsaber falling to his side. This boy wasn't the Sidious he knew. There was still some innocence left. His mind was twisted by his Master, but he couldn't kill him for his potential. He wouldn't recover from such a transgression.
"Oh," Sidious said, disappointed. "You're not ready yet. My Master sent you here to kill me because he saw your potential, but you can't do it. That's a pity. Because next time we'll meet, I will be prepared. You won't get such an opportunity again, Obi-Wan Kenobi!"
The landscape disappeared and with it the boy. Obi-Wan felt drifting away, and he desperately reached for the Light in his mind. Slowly he opened his eyes, realizing that this had been a dream. He was panting and sweating, trying to regain his composure. Looking up, he wasn't surprised to see his Padawan standing at his bedside, giving him a concerned glance.
"What happened?" Anakin asked and took his Master's hand to soothe him.
Obi-Wan shook his head, trying to chase the dream away. Then he replied with a faint voice, "Just a dream, Anakin. No reason for you to worry."
Anakin raised his eyebrows. "Yeah, sure, just a dream that made you panic and woke me up."
"I'm sorry, Anakin, our connection is just too deep. I don't seem to be able to shield from you properly."
The Padawan rolled his eyes. "Let's just skip this part. I felt despair coming from you and pain, and. . . there was anger, more like rage. So, don't tell me it was just a dream. It didn't feel like a dream."
"Maybe Sidious found a new way to torture me," Obi-Wan said dryly.
"Isn't the cage holding?" Anakin's eyes widened a bit at that information.
"I think it is, but he found a way to invade my dreams," Obi-Wan replied and looked to the door, where Qui-Gon had appeared. "Hello, Qui," he greeted the Master. "Don't tell me that you felt it, too."
The Master gave him a nod. "I did. How can this happen?"
"I really don't know," Obi-Wan said with exasperation in his voice. "Maybe some tiny cracks in the cage. He is powerful. He doesn't need much."
"What did he do?" Anakin questioned.
Obi-Wan moved into a sitting position and held his head, trying to fight off a headache. "He provoked me into killing him."
"But you didn't. . . ." Qui-Gon said with surprise.
"He was a nine-year-old boy. Even he doesn't deserve that. I didn't realize it was a dream. He almost made me do it. Force, he is devious. I just hope this will work."
Anakin gave him an encouraging smile. "It will, Master. I am sure!"
Obi-wan smiled back. He didn't share his Padawan's optimism, but it was good to have Anakin by his side. He was still overwhelmed by the power he had felt within him. But maybe just maybe Sidious had made a mistake in unlocking that potential now. He just had to stay in the Light while using it.