The muffled screams and hanging danger suffocated, echoing through the Force as the trio waded deeper into the obscured path; Obi-Wan's heart thumped frantically despite his yearnings to quench the overwhelming twisting dread, resulting from the momentary glimpse he had caught of Anakin...Vader.
Calm down, shakily he reprimanded himself, trying to force the bubbling panic aside and let the calm of the Force wash over him.
He could feel Vader. The sheer hatred and rage tainting the Force in the spreading darkness and Obi-Wan did everything he could to force his attention elsewhere.
To The Path.
Scanning the crumpling tunnel of The Path, his raised finger a ghost as it traced against the old Jedi symbol, his expression pinched within a melancholic longing for a time more peaceful.
The familiar names of friends, acquaintances and Jedi scattered throughout the hidden cave, his heart tugging in a soft astonishment that an incredulous amount of people, Jedi that he knew.
Had survived the massacre.
Were still alive.
"Who…" He forced his words out of his mouth, yearning to know who created this…this safe haven.
"Who created this?" He asked, turning his gaze to Tala who studied him with an incredulous expression.
"A Jedi." She replied, her soft exclamation echoing within the confines of the safe space. "Cal Kestis."
Cal Kestis.
Obi-Wan could feel the memories of Jaro Tepal rush to the surface, memories of a bright orange-haired youngling with a remarkable Force power that was long thought to be forgotten to time.
"Cal Kestis." The Jedi master repeated, calming his aching heart with times filled with laughter and joking. It was hard not to get lost in the swirling fondness of memories, times that weren't crumpled by war and suffering.
"You know him?"
Obi-Wan snapped out of his gaze when he realised that Tala was waiting expectedly for an answer, to which he let out a silent sigh, nodding.
"I knew of him. A bright curious boy who was extremely in touch with the force."
Leia tugged at his sleeve, her dark brown eyes glancing at him in curiosity and he was struck by how similar she was to the bright blue eyes of the ginger.
The ginger who was supposed to be his apprentice.
"Rumour has it he went against Vader and survived."
Obi-Wan twisted sharply, a frozen shock at those words, unable to comprehend the statement.
Cal had gone against Vader and survived?
.
.
.
The flickering flames rushed at his skin, greedily consuming his arm as strangled shouts of agony tore from his raw throat.
Vader towered over him, the rushing orange and red flames reached his bleary gaze. Obi-Wan begged to the Force, desperate to shove the Sith away; to no avail as the overriding pressure shoved him further into the ground.
The searing putrid smell of flesh filled his senses, his cerulean blue eyes clenched shut as the pain swarmed over him; helpless to fight back.
The sudden thought descended into his mind, gripping its talons and refusing to budge and it became grossly apparent that it could well and truly be the end.
This was how he was going to die.
But, he didn't want to die…
That thought shocked him to his core, that one thought went against everything he was taught.
The consistent lessons that death was a natural part of life that were ingrained into him from a youngling were reminders of such and yet, he wanted to survive.
He wanted to watch Luke and Leia grow up, he wanted to continue to protect his brother's children.
Was that selfish of him?
Jedi shouldn't have wants…
The pain ebbing away at his system left his brain scrambling and it was then and there that he knew there was no way he was able to escape from the dark clutches of Vader.
The nearby presence racing towards the chaos, desperate. Was unknown to Obi-Wan, who could feel his consciousness slipping through his fingers similar to how the sand on Tatooine sifted through his cupped palms.
The yellow lightsaber activated as the stranger brought his hands up, allowing the Force to flow through from fingertips as the blurred slowing figures permitted him to sprint to the huddled figure of Obi-Wan.
Ignoring the licking heat, he crouched over the Jedi, his attention divided as Tala's shots rang out, engulfing the enemy within swirls of flames, trapping them.
The stranger's tapped Obi-Wan's cheek, trying to get the man to respond to his concerned calls which only served to fail.
Obi-Wan's half-lidded eyes drooped limpy, finally welcoming the blissful nothingness of slumber as exhaustion and pain dragged him beneath the veils of sleep.
.
.
Jolting awake, the breathing device dug uncomfortably in his mouth as he reached out blindly in the Force, unable to quench the disorientated confusion of where he was.
His hazy vision provided no help as the bacta tank stung, forcing his eyes shut.
Leia.
The thought of the young girl spurred him into action, biting back the bubbling cry as the irritated angry scars mixed with the air as he surfaced; deep wrenching breaths shook his form, the cold icy liquid dripping off of him.
Coughs trembled his weakened form as he blinked the wetness from his vision; his mind fully focused on Leia. Obi-Wan stifled the groan, his arms shaking with effort while he tried to struggle out of the confines of the tank.
"You're not healed yet!" Tala scrambled to him, a panicked curse at his failing attempts to escape.
Her hands circled around him, longing to help but unknowing how to stop his struggles without hurting the man more.
"Where's Leia?" He winced at the desperation in his croaked voice, eyes fluttering around the room in vain.
She wasn't here.
"Where is…"
"She's safe." The unfamiliar voice called, the stranger striding into the room and meeting the gaze of the Jedi with a worried glance.
Obi-Wan was unable to believe his eyes, the disbelief projecting within the Force towards the stranger, who tilted his head and twisted a soft amused smile in response.
"Hello Obi-Wan." Cal greeted, stepping to glide his fingers over the settings of the bacta tank, scanning the offered results of Obi-Wan's injuries with a dropped tight-lipped stare.
Cal Kestis.
The last time Obi-Wan had seen the other was before the war, a gentle youngling. Blue sky eyes tracing between his conversations with Tepal a noticeable astonishment hanging within the Force, barely able to summon his thoughts that the Jedi master was present in front of him.
Now?
Now Cal carried himself with confidence.
A lightsaber hung from his belt, the Force enveloping him was so warm.
Untainted.
Light.
It was a welcome distinction from the twisting darkness of Vader and unconsciously he relaxed in the presence of the other Jedi.
How long had it been since he had communicated with another Jedi?
"Cal." His raspy breath hung in the air. "How?"
Cal shook his head, orange ringlets bouncing.
"Rest. You need to heal, we can talk afterwards."
"Leia…" He trailed off again, unwilling to relax until he was sure she was safe.
"I give you my word Obi-Wan. She is safe." Cal responded firmly, letting the safe warmth travel through their faintly created bond.
Nodding, he relaxed, his immediate worries eased as he drifted back into a deep slumber, letting the emotions Cal projected through the force, consume him.
.
.
The second time Obi-Wan awoke, his eyes fluttered open immediately assaulted by the glaring light above him.
"Sorry." Cal reacted instantly, dimming the lights till the bright artificial light barely pierced the darkness, casting shadows within the medical room.
He craned his neck, his eyes following Cal's furrowed concentration as he continued weaving the soft bandage across his heavily scarred arm.
"How are you feeling?" The concern was evident within his hushed tone, Cal raising his gaze to meet the other. It was only then that, within the shadowy darkness, Obi-Wan noticed the deep scarred burns running along the younger Jedi's face.
"Better." Obi-Wan croaked honestly, his burns although continued to send jolts of pain with even a minute movement, did not screech in agony as they had done before.
Cal's shoulders sagged, relief flashing briefly upon his face at the admission.
"I'm glad. If you feel up to it, we can talk?"
"Please." Obi-Wan implored, yearning to break through the blurred lines of reality that he couldn't quite grasp within his grip.
"It's been a while Obi-Wan. I'm glad to see you've evaded the empire."
So far went unsaid and yet, it was implied, hanging within the air.
The younger Jedi tied the secure cloth together, the intricate bandage stunned the older, finding that as he tested his movements, the bandage stayed secure as well as allowing all free movements.
How did Cal even know…?
A curiosity nagged at him, which descended as a wave of sadness crashed over him, unwilling to admit the truth.
Obi-Wan had survived through an indescribable despair, constant paranoia alarming his senses.
But Cal?
He was only a padawan when the war began, he couldn't imagine the trials and suffering the Jedi had been through.
"What happened to you Cal? The last time I saw you and Tepal was…"
Cal averted his gaze, twisting the fraying end of the bandage around and around his finger, snapping back to the present as the memories rushed through him.
"When the…order first came. Master…" He bit his lip, trying to steel himself despite his wavering tone.
"I survived, master protected us. We managed to get into an escape pod, but it was too late…"
"I'm sorry." The regret laced within his tone at the thought of Jaro Tepal.
The solemn silence hung within the air as Obi-Wan let bouts of comfort reflect within their bond. He was a good friend and good Jedi, he would be proud of you. Obi-Wan reflected, letting the words drift through the Force telepathically.
Cal immediately sent a warm regard back to the other, a melancholic smile framing his face.
"We found a holocron that Jedi master Cordova had hidden." Cal continued .
"It contained a list of all the force-sensitive children in the galaxy."
The wide-eyed glance Obi-Wan gave him was almost comical, his jaw slackening as the information dawned upon him.
"But we couldn't subject them to this life…a life of hiding and pain, so I destroyed it. I built the path to help guide anyone who needed help instead."
"You did good." Obi-Wan praised, if it wasn't for Cal the scattered names carved within the tunnel may not have survived. Names of people he remembered closely, friends and family.
"So are we in The Path?"
Cal shook his head in denial.
"No. We're in an old rebel base,I couldn't risk the Empire catching up to us."
"Of course. Thank you Cal. For everything."
"It's the least I can do." Cal responded humbly and the older man felt a pulling of guilt constricting him.
What had he done to help anyone?
Yes, he ensured that Luke and Leia were protected, but while Cal was forging a new life, helping people, all he had done was hide.
Was that really the Jedi way?
His thoughts trailed off as the door hissed open, a blurring figure launched herself at the injured Jedi.
"Ben!" Leia sobbed, tears rolling down her cheeks as she clutched at him within a trembling embrace. "You're alright."
"I'm alright, little one." He soothed, his uninjured arm rubbing calming circles within her back.
Cal felt the screeching warning flooding through the Force first, the sudden stifling darkness morphed his expression into caution.
Obi-Wan felt the tendrils of darkness, albeit delayed, he shifted in alarm; one arm curled protectively over Leia as he shared a wordless conversation with Cal.
Tala's hurried footsteps reverberated within the hallways as she pounded into the medical ward, huffed breaths as she tried to shove the growing terror from her words in the hope not to frighten the child.
"We have trouble! Somehow the Empire found us."
Cal scrambled up, turning to the former Jedi, while ensuring that he divided his attention to the encroaching rage and darkness present within a ship.
"They must've tracked us somehow. I'll hold them off, you three need to escape."
"No." Obi-Wan's stern disagreement rang out as he shrugged on his cloak. "I'm not leaving you behind."
"All due respect, Obi-Wan. You aren't my master and you're injured. You can't fight." Cal retorted, the all too familiar sarcasm hiding the gnawing worry.
"I can't let you do this!"
"You need to get Leia back home, she needs you."
The wide-eyed child's eyes filled with unshed tears, unknowing what was happening as her lip trembled with fear.
Her droid chimed from her pocket and Cal scrunched his eyebrows as the force screamed in warning. The droid…?
"Leia, can I see your droid?" Cal held his hand out, a pleading expression to try and convince the child.
Leia curled further into Obi-Wan's side, but as if she mentally reminded herself that Cal was nice, she reached into her pocket and hesitatingly handed her best friend to a stranger.
The blinking red light was obvious now. Restraining bolt.
Cal brought two fingers up to the L0 unit, twisting the tracking device off and smashing it underneath his heel, to which Leia grinned as Lola flew gratefully, landing upon Leia's shoulder.
"That should stop them following you."
I don't want to leave you behind. Obi-Wan's conflicted thoughts flooded through their Force bond.
I'll be fine, Obi-Wan. You need to take care of her, Anakin would want her safe.
Obi-Wan couldn't hold the strangled sound of surprise at the answer.
Cal knew?
"We're running out of time." Cal cursed, gesturing them to follow him throughout the winding passageways and to their ship.
"As soon as you're clear of the atmosphere, jump to hyperspace." Cal implored. "The coordinates are already set."
Tala gripped Leia's hand and they hurried into the safety of the ship and despite Obi-Wan's reluctance, he followed them, only halting by the doorway to twist in concern at the other Jedi.
"May the force be with you, Cal." He answered instead, every instinct screaming at him not to leave Cal behind and yet, Cal was right; Obi-Wan was still injured and in no condition to fight.
And Leia…
A grin outstretched onto the younger ginger's face.
"May the force be with you too, Obi-Wan."
The ship lifted off, speeding away into the safety of space and so, he turned his attention to the suffocating darkness.
The Jedi activated his pure yellow lightsaber, standing defensively, he let the calm Force descend over him, unwavering as the door was shoved off its hinges and three inquisitors glared down at him, circling him like sharks.
"Well well. Another Jedi." The fifth sister bared her teeth, pouncing towards him.
The Jedi called upon the Force, shoving her back and evading the wide attack with ease.
Growling in irritation, she lunged; her lightsaber clashing against the bright yellow in a flurry of attack, defend, parry.
Breaking apart, Cal stepped cautiously, ensuring that he maintained his defensive position.
"Well, well. You seem familiar." The fifth sister remarked, her chin held upwards, lip curled in disgust at the sight of the Jedi filth present in front of her.
"I don't think so." Cal retorted easily. "I would remember a face distorted in rage."
The fury thickened uncomfortably around Cal, watching as her eyes narrowed, snarling while he twisted from another attack.
"Where is Kenobi?"
"You really think that I would leave the tracking chip in her droid? They're long gone now."
The inquisitor spun around, trying to attack his open side and effortlessly, he activated his second blade, clashing harmlessly as it spun,deflecting with ease.
"I'll kill you." She hissed, reaching out to send waves of rage through the depths of the Force.
Cal gritted his teeth as he was brought to his knees, unable to lift his legs as the inquisitor circled him, much akin to a predator.
Reaching out the the force, heart beating frantically as she towered over him, ready to strike him, he sent the metal beam hurling towards her.
Reva twisted around, slicing through the metal with ease, but it provided Cal the distraction he needed as the growing pressure loosened and he rolled away; steeling himself he shakily stood yet again.
How long could he keep this up?
.
.
.
Cal stumbled, heavy fatigued breaths as sweat dripped from his brow.
The Force swirled desperately trying to aid him, but the exhaustion ate at his limbs.
They had been at this for hours.
One inquisitor was dead, the other injured and yet Reva continued her ruthless attacks, uncaring for her companions.
"How long do you think you can keep this up?" She chuckled, grinning darkly at the weariness within his attacks.
"As long as it takes." He smirked, gathering the Force he pushed her back, a thick cloud of dust billowing between the two as Cal sprinted down the endless corridors.
The lingering groan of pain was bitten back as he was spurred further into the depths of the maze-like array of rooms.
.
Forcing all of his strength to lock the door, Cal fumbed backwards, facing the door trying to gather his lingering strengths.
He was injured.
The wound was scorched, deep within his leg and he winced, ripping his pant leg and tying a sloppy makeshift bandage to stabilise it.
There was no BD-1.
No stims.
No healing.
Cal knew his chances of surviving were draining through his hands as he felt the dark presence inch closer and closer towards him.
He wished that he could've said goodbye to his makeshift family.
Merrin.
Cere.
Greez.
BD-1.
The blood red lightsaber plunged through the door like butter, cutting through the metal with ease.
At least Obi-Wan was safe, he could feel the older man's force signature, safely away from the danger of here.
At least Anakin's daughter was safe.
The door groaned in effort as Reva shoved her way into the darkened room, to which Cal barely had enough time to block her attack.
And with a jolting realisation that came a second too late, he realised that this was not the same lightsaber she had with her before.
Her finger grazed the second button and the crimson blade pierced his stomach.
His lightsaber plummeted to the ground as the sudden scream of agony thickened within the air.
.
.
Obi-Wan jolted from the seat, a horrified expression; the Force was crying in sorrow, in grief as Cal's life-force snuffed out.
Silent tears trickled down his eyes, hiding his mourning beneath his obscured hood.
Cal Kestis was a brilliant Jedi.
No!
Startled, Obi-Wan's eyes darted, prodding the strong insistence within the Force.
No, he will not die.
.
.
"Execute Order 66."
"I Hate you!" "You were my brother Anakin! I loved you!"
"The dark side of the Force is a pathway to many abilities; some might consider unnatural..."
Cal tried to make sense of the floated nonsensical murmurings around him; despite the soothing darkness that trembled with power.
The Force.
A garbled curse threw from his mouth as he fell, descending as the ground suddenly met him.
Cal groaned, eyes flying open, stilling in a panicked confusion at the presence of a light blue lightsaber hovering above his throat. The pain thrumming through his system was ignored as his own hand gripped for his lightsaber; which was kicked away from him.
"Who are you? Another sith?"
Cal's blue eyes drifted to man, an icy feeling dowsing him, yearning to deny his fragmented and frayed thoughts, because surely it wasn't possible…
The young presence of Anakin Skywalker's eyes bored down upon him in suspicion.
And next to Skywalker…
The Jedi master, the calm, confidence of Obi-Wan.
Kriff, how was this even possible?
Had…
Had the Force sent him back in time?
