So here it is, the confrontation on Dathomir. Oh, I really hope you like it. I needed to post it now because otherwise, I would have changed it again and again :)
Chapter 10
When they arrived on Dathomir the next morning, the group descended from the ship and looked around with wide eyes. Even after their careful preparations, they were stunned at the dark atmosphere that awaited them. The air was glowing red, and the trees seemed almost black in the eerie light. The Force seemed to be steeped in Darkness here. However, somehow it didn't feel oppressive or threatening. It was as if this world had its own design, not determined by their usual rules of Light and Dark.
Obi-Wan took a deep breath, trying to fight the overwhelming memories of his former life. The last time he had been here, the Clone Wars were raging on in the Galaxy, and he had not learned yet, that Darth Maul had survived their encounter on Naboo. This time there was no danger of that particular Sith reemerging. They had made sure that he was dead and had transported his corpse to Coruscant after Mace had defeated him on Tatooine. He looked back to his friends and once more thought about how much had changed. Even the planet's attitude was different. When he and Anakin had visited in his former life, the whole environment had seemed hostile toward them. Qui-Gon gave him a reassuring smile, realizing what was going on in the young man's mind, and Obi-Wan thanked the Force that his old Master was still by his side – one more change that this life had brought.
The group looked around, not sure where to go. Feeling the questioning glances, Obi-Wan closed his eyes in concentration, trying to get a sense of direction. In the Force, he instantly felt the Nightsisters' Force-presence and pointed forward. "We need to go there," he commanded. Before them lay a small path that was stretching out between the trees.
"All right, General Kenobi," Qui-Gon replied with a teasing shine in his eyes. At the familiar title, Obi-Wan shook himself and fought a shiver. It was still difficult to hear his friends integrating parts of his former life into this one. But it also gave him a sense of belonging. Getting both lives together was an essential element in this reality – he had learned that the hard way already. However, it surprised him how easily he could fall back into his role as General – a position he hoped he would never have to fill again.
They made their way, following the young Master while looking around suspiciously, minding the warning Obi-Wan had given them. The Nightsisters could attack suddenly, without being provoked, and they were dangerous because they fought not only with the Force but also with their infamous Magick. However, nothing was threatening them on their way.
"I must admit," Master Windu said after a while. "I expected a more hostile atmosphere in the Force after what you told us about them, Obi-Wan."
Obi-Wan gave him a thoughtful nod. "I am surprised, too, Mace. The only thing I can sense is curiosity."
" Yeah," Anakin added with astonishment. "An almost eager curiosity. It is weird."
"Perhaps without the history of a Galactic war, they are not that hostile," Qui-Gon wondered. It was an explanation that made sense, and Obi-Wan became suddenly aware that his presence here hadn't just changed his own life. There were shifts in Galactic history, and everything that would come to pass now had to be different than what happened before.
It didn't take them long to reach a cave that Obi-Wan recognized as Mother Talzin's residence. When they approached, he felt a tingling sensation on his skin as if the Force was trying to tell him something. His first instinct was to be alert, but then a wave of calming energy washed over him. He looked to Qui-Gon and Anakin and realized they had sensed it too.
"Nothing to fear we have," Master Yoda stated from behind.
Dooku didn't seem to share their opinion. "I just feel as if I'm forbidden to go further."
Obi-Wan raised his eyebrows in surprise. "They have their own laws about the Force. They don't divide it into Light and Dark. Why should they welcome us, but not you?"
"Because he is a minion to Sidious, the Dark Lord," the woman in the doorway of the cave hissed.
She was clearly the leader of the group of women who were gathered in front of the building. They were armed to the teeth but kept their distance, alert but not threatening. Mother Talzin was standing in their midst, dressed in red and emanating an air of authority. She was exactly the same as Obi-Wan remembered her from his former life. He approached and bowed. "Mother Talzin," he said, conveying his respect.
Talzin gave him a critical look, and he sensed her Force-presence reaching out. She was strong in the Force, and he knew that her unique access to it gave her a power they couldn't quite understand. He remembered how he had discarded that fact before and how arrogant he had been to assume that the Jedi were the only ones with enough knowledge of the Force to use it. She seemed to sense the degree of humility that thought invoked in him and gave him an approving nod. Then she began to scrutinize him with curiosity.
"I am Obi-Wan Kenobi," he introduced himself, "and these are my friends. we came to ask for your help."
She waved with her hand, and Obi-Wan moved toward her, understanding her intent. Fighting the sudden burst of anxiety at letting her read him, he knelt down, and she carefully touched his forehead, her eyes closed. He felt her brushing his shields and tenderly looking into his mind. When she was finished, he let out a breath of relief, and she let him go with a satisfied expression on her face. It seemed as if he had passed the test. Then she gave him a sad smile. "The Dark Lord is torturing you," she said, and Obi-Wan was surprised when she inclined her head and asked, "How can we help you, Guardian?" He looked at her, an open question in his eyes. "You are not aware that you are the Guardian chosen by the Force?" she asked with astonishment.
He frowned. "The Guardian?" he asked. "Is that what you call a Jedi?"
She chuckled. "No, my dear, not any Jedi. Just the one who is the chosen Guardian."
He shivered and tried to ignore the feeling of foreboding. He sensed that the Mother wouldn't elaborate as to what she meant with her ominous statement. So, he hurried to answer her question, "I need the Sith gone from my mind." At her evident agreement, he continued, "We did some research, and we believe that you can help us to get rid of him. We need to destroy the anchor that he uses to retain his consciousness, and we found out that you and your Magick are paramount in finding it."
She looked at them, apparently contemplating the request. "You're right. My Magick can indeed pinpoint the location of such a dark object. However, I'd need the Sith's signature to find the anchor you're looking for. Fortunately for you, you currently placed him in a cage of Sith Magic. I only sense Darkness. There is no trace of him to be felt," she replied with regret.
"I'd let him loose for you to get his signature," he explained the first step of their plan. „My friends here will imprison him in a Holocron we fabricated for this purpose. However, if we do not have the anchor's location, there will always remain the risk of him escaping."
She shook her head with vehemence. "You can't let him loose. He would overwhelm you. His power increased while he resided in your mind. If you succumb to him, we will lose the Guardian, and that's not an option."
He swallowed at her words and shook himself to chase away the sense of foreboding that began to distract him. "I'm afraid, as long as he resides in my mind, that will happen sooner rather than later. He is going to attack again. The cage won't hold for long," he replied calmly, purposely ignoring her repeated use of the Guardian-title.
After some consideration, she inclined her head in agreement. "If this is what the Guardian desires, I am at your service."
Obi-Wan felt uncomfortable at the blatant display of obedience. Her demeanor seemed to follow an old script, something determined by the Force, and it made him wonder what they had missed. He'd never heard about a Guardian before. He was glad when his former Master stepped in and said, "We are very grateful for your help, Mother."
She waved her hand, indicating them to follow her. However, when Dooku moved with them, she shook her head. "He can't come. He is the Dark Lord's apprentice."
"He is also a former Jedi," Qui-Gon countered. "He helped us build the Holocron and taught Master Kenobi the Sith Magic needed to imprison the Dark Lord. He has his role to play for this plan to succeed."
The Mother looked to Obi-Wan for confirmation, and at his nod, she once more bowed briefly. "As you wish, Guardian."
They entered the cave and were awed when it opened into a vast space. An altar was standing in the middle, with temples raising beside it. The spacious room was glowing red, filled with green mist, and a stream of green water was building the center of the complex surrounding the altar and the temples.
"Place the Holocron on the altar." Mother Talzin ordered. "It is the focal point of our Magick, and you're going to need all the help you can get to trap him." Dooku followed her instruction and remained near the altar, followed by Mace Windu and Master Yoda.
Talzin seemed to grasp their plan without having been briefed on the details, which reassured Obi-Wan. Apparently, they were following some ancient script here. He wasn't surprised when she asked, "Who will shield the Guardian against the power of the Dark Lord?" Qui-Gon, Padme and Anakin stepped forward, and Tahl took her position behind them. The Mother gave them an approving nod. Then she turned toward Mace. "You killed my son," she stated. "But I can sense that the Dark Lord left you no choice. One day I will take my revenge for this loss but not on you." At the Korun-Master's bewildered look, she explained, "Darth Maul was my son. Sidious stole him from me." She closed her eyes to get a read on Mace, then said, "I can feel the Darkness in you. Are you the one to trap him?"
He gave her a nod. "Master Yoda is going to help me."
She turned around to Obi-Wan, her gaze piercing. "You came well prepared. But you must know that they can only trap him if you let him go. If the Guardian decides to join with the Dark Lord, no Jedi will be able to defeat him."
Obi-Wan shifted uncomfortable, again swallowing down the growing sense of dread at her continued use of a title he had never heard about. "I am more than happy to let him go," he assured her, his voice firm.
"We will see," she replied with a knowing expression. "If you don't, I will help your friends kill you."
He gave her an accepting nod. But his companions replied to her declaration with horror. She shook her head at seeing their reaction, and she sighed with exasperation. "You must understand that if the Dark Lord can join forces with the Guardian, they will be unstoppable. He must be defeated before that happens. It's not the Guardian's destiny to conquer but to guard the Universe." She smiled when she sensed Obi-Wan's irritation at another piece of information about some role he seemed to play in the grand scheme of things and placed her hand on his. "You will learn, but not today," she said.
Everyone took their positions, and Obi-Wan sensed the tension in the cave. The Force was so different here. Amplified by the green mist flowing around, it was almost visible. He focused on the strands that instantly swirled into a pattern. His lingering annoyance created an image of fast-moving threads, coming together to a loose knot. He focused on dispelling the last bit of frustration in his mind and blew it out with a deep breath. The strands began to slow down and the knot unraveled in front of him, evoking a collective gasp from his companions. Obi-Wan exchanged a look with Dooku, and the Sith gave him a curt nod, indicating that he was ready to do what they had prepared over the last few months.
Mother Talzin knelt down and filled a jar with the green liquid flowing in the stream. She closed her eyes and began to murmur. Then she gave the young Jedi Master a nod, and Obi-Wan began to search for his connection with Sidious. Fighting his trepidation, he opened himself up to it and dived deep into his mind.
It didn't take long, and the Darkness swallowed him. He fought to breathe when images of his fight against Sidious in this life began to mix with images of a similar battle against Vader in his former life. Mustafar's volcanic atmosphere surrounded him, and the old agony he had battled for so long was back in an instant. He pulled more green strands into him to find his inner center, shoving the old images away. This was still his mind, even if Sidious had some power over it. He wouldn't give the Dark Lord a playing ground as long as he could help it. He felt Dooku's power supporting him, and slowly he was able to shove the world Sidious had created away, leaving just the cage and a rather bleak environment behind. He tugged at the door while pulling at the Dark Lord's presence to get him out of his cell.
"I won't come out, my Obi-Wan," the Sith Lord hissed. "But it's nice of you to join me. How did you like your little dream?"
Realizing it was another trick to get him distracted, Obi-Wan focused on his goal. "It was certainly illuminating," he replied dryly, relentlessly pulling at the Sith.
"Wasn't it? To realize that there is no difference between us, that I started with as much innocence as you did. . . ." Sidious seemed to mock him, not budging.
Obi-Wan answered with a snort. "That's not what I learned, Sidious. The dream just proved that you never knew anything besides the Darkness. That maybe you could have taken another turn, had you not been taken away from your family as a child."
"Like you were, my apprentice," Sidious replied, and Obi-Wan was able to see that he was trying hard to resist the pull that yanked at him. It was time, he decided, and he concentrated on the ancient words that would bring the cage down. It shook, but it didn't crumble.
The Dark Lord chuckled. "Well, it won't work if you're not ready to use your real power."
The young Master tried desperately to access his inner core, but it was blocked again, and all his lessons didn't seem to pay off.
"You have to accept it. As long as you deny your power, it won't obey you." Sidious said, and Obi-Wan felt his eagerness to get a glimpse of the Force-potential he knew was there. "Just let it in, my Obi-Wan," he whispered, practically overwhelmed by fascination. A wave of temptation washed over Obi-Wan, and he gasped. Sidious was baiting him because he wanted that power desperately. When the Sith realized that the Jedi still couldn't access it, he shook his head in disappointment. "Well, if you are too weak to use it, you can say your friends goodbye."
"You'd have to come out to hurt them," the young man replied with determination. It seemed to work. Sidious approached him, but Obi-Wan felt that it wasn't enough. He concentrated on his inner core again to mobilize his strength. However, the brief moment of not guarding his bonds gave the Sith an opening to attack, and the next moment, the young man felt his bond with Padme filling with Darkness.
"Ah," Sidious took a deep breath. "The Force-energy of a newly formed bond. It Is invigorating. My poor Obi-Wan, you didn't calculate how vulnerable such a bond is. . . . You really should have before bringing your beloved to a battle against me. . . . ."
The young men felt him tugging at the bond, trying to break it, and suddenly he panicked. A bond that deep, with life-bond potential, can't be broken lightly. The destruction of it would undoubtedly lead to Padme's death – not to mention that it could kill him, too. He felt Qui-Gon and Anakin surrounding it with their energy for the moment, but it wouldn't take the Dark Lord long to knock them out.
Firmly, he grounded himself in the Force and his conviction that he was strong enough to protect Padme. His focus shifted toward a single goal, and all the barriers that his mind had erected around his inner core came down, obeying him without hesitation. The Light within him broke free, and with it, the cage practically exploded. He couldn't tell if he had saved Padme, but he didn't have time to think as the cage's destruction flooded his mind with a Darkness that Sidious began soaking in with triumph. The young man's whole body shook, and he began to shiver. Everything was cold, and there was no escaping from the freezing energy around him.
When Mother Talzin filled the room with her green mist, Qui-Gon and Anakin took Padme's hands, and they concentrated on their bonds with Obi-Wan. With awe, they watched how the young Master began to manipulate the strands of green mist, and Qui-Gon realized that they were a manifestation of the Force itself. His former Padawan was moving them around, and they obeyed him without resistance. Then the pattern solidified, and the threads swirled slowly around Obi-Wan.
Qui-Gon already felt the young man's growing agitation. Something was definitely going on, and Qui-Gon just hoped that Obi-Wan would be able to access his potential now that it was necessary.
He saw Dooku closing his eyes, apparently supporting the young Jedi over their mental connection. Nothing happened apart from the Darkness in the cave becoming more oppressive.
Then he felt it. His bond with the Queen was flooded with Dark energy. It was clear that Sidious was attacking Padme. "Anakin," he sent, "we need to shield Padme's bond."
The Padawan instantly obeyed and tried to protect the young woman with his Light. Qui-Gon was glad when she mobilized her own Force potential, and for a moment, he thought that they would be able to fight Sidious off. But then the Darkness grew more intensive.
"We won't be able to hold that for long, Master," Anakin sent, frustrated.
"Just keep trying, Anakin. Obi-Wan will help," Qui-Gon replied, convinced that with Padme in danger, Obi-Wan would be able to put aside any reservations that had yet prevented him from using his hidden power.
As if on cue, the floor began to vibrate, and Qui-Gon was surprised to feel that much raw energy coming from his former Padawan. "Brace yourselves," he warned Padme and Anakin, and suddenly their connection to Obi-Wan snapped. The impact threw Qui-Gon to the floor, and one glance to the Queen and Anakin showed them lying down, too. Padme was unconscious, but the boy was already at her side.
Qui-Gon had to breathe heavily to regain focus. That had felt like an explosion of Light into Dark and back. He had never sensed anything similar before, and looking around, he saw the same surprise in all the present Jedi's eyes.
The only one unfazed seemed to be Dooku, who was shaking from the effort of helping Obi-Wan. "He is coming, Mother Talzin, do it now!" he exclaimed.
The green mist began spiraling around Obi-Wan, and the Mother stood there, her hands pulling at the energy. Her eyes were closed, and Qui-Gon heard her murmur in a foreign language.
Meanwhile, Anakin had awoken Padme, who held her head, still sitting on the floor. Qui-Gon gave the Padawan a curt nod of approval, and his gaze shifted back to the young Master within the green mist. He could see an inner fight taking place, and the pained expression on Obi-Wan's face spoke volumes about the effort it took not to let Sidious take over.
After what felt like an eternity, a parchment appeared in the Mother's hands. She let out a breath and exclaimed, "I've got what we need. You need to banish him now!"
Mace Windu stepped forward, and Qui-Gon practically sensed him reaching into Obi-Wan's mind. Dooku and Master Yoda stood behind him, and surprisingly the Korun-Master seemed to accept the Sith's help without hesitation, pulling their strength into him.
Padme stood up, and with a brief nod, she indicated that she was all right. Knight Tachi placed her hand on her shoulder while Knight Muln did the same to Anakin. Tahl stood behind Qui-Gon, and their bond flared to life. They were lending them their strength, and the Master was grateful for it because it was evident that the Dark Lord was putting up a fight that Mace couldn't win on his own.
"He doesn't let him go," the Mother stated calmly, and Qui-Gon could have sworn that the fact didn't surprise her.
"What do you mean?" he asked with a murderous expression on his face, ready to prevent her from killing his former Padawan after her earlier announcement.
"It's not the Sith who is resisting. The Dark Lord can only reside in the Guardian's mind as long as he chooses to hold him." She began to gather more mist and looked to Qui-Gon. "You need to persuade him before they join. If you fail, I will weaken the Guardian so that this one," she gazed at Dooku, "can deliver the killing blow."
Anakin shook his head. "We won't let you do that!"
Qui-Gon closed his eyes and reached into the Force. The Living Force was telling him that there was no point in arguing. The Mother had some hidden knowledge, and if she decided that Obi-Wan had to die, they couldn't do a thing about it. He gave Padme and Anakin a look, "Let's see to it that it doesn't happen." Then he nodded to the Mother. "Do what you must do but give us a fighting chance!"
"There is only one Guardian in a millennium. I'm not ready to lose this one yet," she reassured him, and they once more focused on their bonds with the young Jedi Master.
Everything was silent now, and Obi-Wan felt peaceful. He finally had pushed him out. The Force was calm, and the only annoying thing was a permanent tug at his shields. He was exhausted, so he decided to ignore it and looked around. An idyllic landscape surrounded him. It was green and full of life. Birds and butterflies were flying around him, and in the distance, he saw a small village. "It's beautiful, isn't it!" he heard and began to shiver. He knew that voice. He turned around and saw the young boy who had dominated his dream. His eyes had lost the amber color and were shimmering blue. With a bright smile on his face, he said, "You beat the Darkness. You saved me, Jedi."
Obi-Wan shook his head. Something wasn't right. In the back of his mind, he developed a headache because of the insistent knocking at his shields. "How?" he asked the boy.
"Your Light just chased the Darkness away," little Sidious explained. "This world is a projection of what is possible. It's the beautiful Universe we can create together."
Obi-Wan gave him a thoughtful glance. This was too easy. The Darkness couldn't be chased away, could it? "There is always Darkness in the Universe. You can't eliminate it," he stated more to himself than to the boy.
"But you, my dear Obi-Wan, you can hold it at bay. You can remake the Universe and free people from it. You have the power to create a world that isn't tainted by the Dark Side," the boy whispered with awe. "Look at me. You turned me back. I am no longer a Sith apprentice. I am your servant, a servant to the Light."
Mother Talzin's words echoed in Obi-Wan's head. "It's not his destiny to conquer but to guard the Universe." If he was this ominous Guardian, then this had to be wrong.
The boy seemed to sense his doubt and moved toward him. "This is nothing but a vision, Obi-Wan, but if you want to make it a reality, you need to join forces with me. Take in my power and build this world. Let your friends have this peace. It is your destiny!"
Obi-Wan took a step back and shook his head, feeling the warning in the Force. This was too easy. The boy had reached out with his hands, and now the young man was able to see the faint amber shimmer in his eyes, carefully hidden behind the bright blue. He felt the greed for Obi-Wan's power coming from little Sidious in waves, and he drew out his lightsaber. "Stay away from me!" he exclaimed, and the boy's eyes changed entirely into their natural amber color.
"Oh, Obi-Wan," he hissed. "You didn't push me out. You let me in! And I won't let you escape again. You think you can trap me in your pathetic, little Holocron?" He laughed out loud. "There is only one way to get rid of me. You'd have to kill me! But will you kill a child? A boy who still has so much innocence in him?"
"I won't hesitate this time," The young Jedi replied with a calm voice. "It is time the world got rid of you!"
The child gave him a fearful look. "But you saved me," he whispered. "Only thanks to you I know what the Light feels like."
Obi-Wan ignited his lightsaber and stepped toward the boy. "I am not fooled that easily, Sidious," he countered. "You can stop playing innocent. I will do the world a favor if I finally kill you."
The boy chuckled. "Oh, but you can't," he said, eager to bait the Jedi. "I am a child. I am helpless. I am an unarmed prisoner in your mind, now that you stripped me of my inner Darkness. . . ." he didn't try to escape and even moved toward the Jedi. "But if your world needs to get rid of me for your friends to feel safe, just execute me." He inclined his head and knelt, ready to take the blow.
The Jedi held his lightsaber up and debated briefly with himself before he struck down with his weapon. The movement was stopped – another blue blade crossed his and prevented him from killing the child. He looked up and was met with Anakin's icy stare. "Seems, I was just in time, Master," the Padawan said.
Obi-Wan stumbled back and put down his saber. "Why would you prevent me from killing him?" he gritted out.
"Look at him," the young man replied. "He wants this. What does that tell you?"
"That he has no other choice. My power overwhelmed him. I can save us all!" his Master exclaimed.
"Yeah," Anakin replied dryly. "Because you are so powerful, Master. I've got news for you there, with great power comes great responsibility. It's what you taught me."
"I have a responsibility to you, to Padme. . . I can't let him live," Obi-Wan answered with desperation.
"He's already dead," the Padawan reminded him. "The goal is to push him out. Not to kill him."
"And Mace can't pull him out if you don't let him go," a voice behind Anakin added.
Obi-Wan rolled his eyes. "If I kill him, he will be gone forever, Master."
Qui-Gon shook his head. "We've been over this, Obi-Wan. There is no way to kill him like this. He has to leave your mind and go into that Holocron. We will find his anchor, and then we can finish him off."
Obi-Wan began to laugh. "The Holocron? Please, Master, how can that tiny, pathetic object hold him if my power couldn't do it? Can't you feel how strong I am? How strong he must be to resist me?"
The older Master gave him a horrified look. "Do you hear yourself? What did he do to push you this far?"
"He killed Padme, or else she would be with you now, and he is going to pay for it." Obi-Wan cried out with despair and once again ignited his lightsaber.
"He didn't kill me," a voice from behind stopped him. "You saved me, as you always do."
He turned around and sensed a wave of relief at seeing her. "I won't let that happen again, Padme. I know now that the Galaxy can only be free of the Darkness if I get rid of him. It is my destiny."
She shook her head, and he saw tears glistening in her eyes. "You know that there will always be Darkness, Obi-Wan. Don't do this. You have to let him go. Mace is ready to entrap him."
Little Sidious stood up and chuckled. "Oh, my Obi-Wan, they don't understand you as I do. You are powerful enough to create a Universe without Darkness. You just have to use your potential. Do it! Kill me!"
Padme moved to Obi-Wan and took his hand. "Don't listen," she whispered. "Look at me."
He shook his head, avoiding her gaze. "I can't take the risk. I have to do it."
"Mother Talzin will kill you!" Qui-Gon yelled at him.
He turned around, his eyes suddenly shimmering in a bright amber. "Let her try," he countered and approached Sidious again.
At seeing the color of his eyes, Anakin took a step back and sank to the floor. "Please, Master," he began to beg. "Don't do this."
Qui-Gon ignited his saber and moved behind Sidious, who stood still to receive the blow. "I won't let you," he stated calmly.
"Get out of the way!" Obi-Wan commanded.
"Obi-Wan, please listen!" Padme pleaded from behind.
The young Jedi's amber eyes turned onto his former Master. "You turned her against me!"
Anakin began to sob at that. "Please, remember what happened the last time someone said those words."
At Anakin's despair, Obi-Wan hesitated, and the moment gave Qui-Gon enough time to summon his former Padawan's lightsaber to him. "Let's solve this without weapons," he said with a calm voice. "Listen to your Padawan. He's been haunted by his fear that he would do this to you ever since he first dreamt about it. Do you really want to do this to him? Listen to Padme, or do you want to leave her heartbroken as your former Anakin did?"
The young Master stumbled back and sank down onto his knees. Padme's sadness and Anakin's disappointment washed over him like a wave. Suddenly, his body convulsed, and he began to retch as if freeing himself from the Darkness that had taken hold of him. Qui-Gon was horrified at seeing him shaking and wheezing. The young man's features tightened in pain, and he could have sworn that his veins were shimmering in an unnatural green. Obi-Wan was purging so much more than the mere temptation he had felt a few minutes before. Qui-Gon prevented Anakin from reaching out to hold his Master through the spasms. It was clear that the young man had to do this on his own. He had to make the conscious decision to let the Darkness go. A Darkness that he had held for longer than any of them had ever realized.
Finally, the vomiting seemed to end. Obi-Wan took a shaky breath and shook himself. Then he heaved himself up, his exhaustion written all over his face but a shimmer of determination in his eyes. He looked up, locking eyes with Qui-Gon. "You have to leave," he stated with his General-voice, and the older Master gave him an understanding nod.
"Let's go," he commanded, and the next moment they disappeared.
Sidious changed back into his standard form, letting the masquerade fall, and Obi-Wan looked up to him. "It is over," he said firmly, and his tone evoked a brief flicker of panic in the Sith Lord's eyes. Obi-Wan took a breath, reaching for his inner core, feeling the Force gather around him like a whirlwind. He began to push with everything he had. The storm was getting heavier, and Sidious began to fade.
"You win!" Sidious hurried to shout. "But you will never be free! If you survive this, you will always wonder what would have happened if you had taken on the opportunity to learn everything there is to know about the Sith. Everything there is to know about the Force!"
Obi-Wan shook himself, recognizing this last attempt to stop him for what it was. "Just get out!" he gasped out through the tremors that began to shake his entire body.
He felt Mace Windu waiting for him, and he let go, finally succumbing to the exhaustion that seemed to shut his systems down.
They all knew when Qui-Gon, Padme, and Anakin had made the connection. Siri gave them a nod, "Something is happening, but it doesn't feel good."
"Fighting for Obi-Wan's soul, they are," Master Yoda said, his voice sad.
The Mother was standing in front of the young man, ready to strike.
"You will be waiting for them to return," Mace Windu instructed her. "We can't lose them, too. Qui-Gon will know when to pull out."
"It will be too difficult to separate him from the Dark Lord if we wait too long," she replied.
"We are seven Jedi and one Sith who can fight him if he actually turns," Mace shut down the discussion.
The Mother inclined her head. Then she turned to Senator Organa, who was standing in the doorway, his men behind him. "Tell my Nightsisters to be ready to kill the Guardian if he doesn't return as Kenobi." Bail nodded and gave his commander the order to do so. The young Senator knew well enough that a dark Obi-Wan Kenobi was a threat for the Jedi as well as the Republic.
They began to wait in silence, observing the fight taking place in front of them. Mace felt like he wasn't able to breathe. He just hoped that they wouldn't lose the young man here.
Then the strands of green mist started to move erratically. A storm began to pick up speed, and they weren't able to see a thing anymore. The Korun-Master was focusing his senses on the young man amid a spiral of green threads with disbelief. He had seen the manipulation of the strands before, but that had felt like Kenobi – a careful approach with consideration of the Force's will. This was completely different. The storm was built on raw power, and Obi-Wan's signature was written all over it. He began to tremble with trepidation, and when the storm lessened enough for him to open his eyes, his gaze fell on Mother Talzin, who looked suddenly much calmer. They had done it. Mace stepped forward, already starting to pull in Master Yoda's and Dooku's energy, when Qui-Gon suddenly jumped down, crouching on the floor, panting heavily. He looked up, "Be ready, Mace!" he exclaimed, and the next moment Mace felt Sidious responding to his pull.
Tahl hurried to Padme's side, who had come out of the connection deeply disturbed while Qui-Gon took Anakin into his arms. The Padawan was sobbing and couldn't be consoled.
The green mist seemed to strengthen their efforts to pull Sidious out of Obi-Wan's mind, and with a loud bang, the Darkness in the cave evaporated suddenly, leaving only silence behind. The Holocron flew into the air, and Dooku took it, murmuring a locking spell. Then the Sith looked up, "It's done," he stated. "I can feel that he is trapped in here."
They all let out a breath of relief, but then Qui-Gon sprung up. "Obi-Wan!" he exclaimed and rushed toward the young man who was lying on the floor. "He isn't breathing. I can feel him slipping away!" he said with panic in his voice. Tahl hurried over and knelt beside the young man. Without hesitating, she used the Force to restart the young man's heart. Then she checked his pulse and gave Mace a nod. "He's just unconscious now. I prefer him to stay that way. He needs rest."
The Mother gave Qui-Gon an approving nod. "You saved the Guardian."
"Are you going to tell us what it means that he is the Guardian?" Qui-Gon asked with a trembling voice.
She shrugged. "You will know soon enough. I can't tell you about his purpose. It falls to him to decide his path. To banish the Dark Lord without being consumed was his first trial. Things will progress fast from this point on." She looked at Obi-Wan with a thoughtful expression. "He has already lived a whole life without assuming his role. The Force sent him back to fulfill his destiny."
Mace felt the tension in the cave at her words, and realizing that they wouldn't get any more information, he took the Mother's hand. "Thank you for your help, Mother Talzin. We are in your debt. Please, let us know how we can repay you."
"Just keep the Jedi and Sith far away from my planet," she replied. "And when you find the anchor be aware that a new trial will be waiting for him. . . ."
Mace didn't like what he was hearing. Honestly, he didn't like this whole Guardian business at all. Obi-Wan was burdened enough without having a prophecy on his shoulders.