AN:Well here's chapter two. Enjoy and please R&R.
Chapter 2- A SPACE FOR US.
They rode through the Border Forest for two days. They were in reconquered land, a place for the light, yet their path led them very close to the Dark Border, bringing them closer to their fears. Both could feel the darkness pressing down on them, even from a distance. The horses, too, felt something and began to get restless, reluctant to carry the two travellers on their chosen path. On the second night they were on the part of the trail that was closest to the Dark Border.
Qui-Gon had hoped to put some distance between them and the border before night fell. They could either press on and sleep during the day when they were a safe distance away, or they could camp where they now were. One look at Ben made Qui-Gon's mind up. The closeness of the Dark was having an effect on him. The boy radiated fear and jumped at every whisper of sound. They continued on and as their path began to lead them away from the Dark, relief flooded Ben's eyes.
The night was passing them by quickly as they rode through the Border Forest. As they grew closer to open land, they began to relax and that was the moment they were attacked. From out of nowhere men came, riding horses as black as the night itself.
"Bandits." Qui-Gon hissed to his companion.
Each wore a blood red mask and was holding aloft a blade that flashed in the near total darkness. Each was ready for battle, prepared to kill. There were only five in the group, but they still out numbered Qui-Gon and Ben, even if one of them was a Jedi Master.
Before he could order Ben into a defence strategy, the younger man kicked his heels into his mount's sides and galloped into the darkness, two bandits close behind, chasing him away from Qui-Gon. The Jedi Master had no time to worry about Ben as he was attacked by those that remained. He dodged the three blades as much as he was able, attacking only when he saw an opening. Within a few seconds, one of the masked men lay dead, his horse galloping off back into the perpetual night.
The bandits were skilled swordsmen but Qui-Gon had the advantage of experience and the Force. He moved faster than they could see, inflicting a dozen minor wounds. Just as the fight began, it was over, the two remaining men retreating. Qui-Gon remained on his horse, sword at the ready in case of another attack. His loud gasps for breath were the only sounds he heard until he heard the rustle of fallen leaves as a horse walked over them. He readied himself for another round when he saw a white mare with a familiar figure riding it.
Qui-Gon was surprised to see Ben so soon and with no wounds at all. Ben was also sporting a very cocky grin. Seeing Qui-Gon's surprise the young man's smile grew wider.
"You forget, I spent fourteen years as a soldier. You pick up a few tricks." The Jedi Master let out a deep laugh that sent joy straight to Ben's heart. Smiling at Ben, Qui-Gon dismounted and said,
"Come, let us build a fire and camp here for the rest of the night."
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They soon had a blaze going, warming their chilled limbs. As Qui-Gon tended to some minor scratches, Ben looked over the body of the bandit Qui-Gon had killed. He was dressed all in black, the only colour was the red hood over his head. He had a number of daggers concealed within his clothes and a sword that now lay useless by his side. He also had a small number of coins in his inside pocket and a hand drawn map of the area.
Ben searched all the bandit's pockets but he knew he was putting off removing the hood.
/No time like the present./
He reached his hand up to the bottom of the Red material when suddenly a hand was gripping at his throat. Choking him. Their would be killer's body was dying and as it did the grip on Ben's throat got tighter. Qui-Gon was at his side instantly, prying the fingers away from the vulnerable flesh. Finally the bandit died, his hand loosening and falling back to his side. In the light of the fire the Jedi Master examined Ben's neck. He would have some nasty bruises by morning but other than that, he would be fine.
This time Qui-Gon reached for the hood, pulling it off in one fluid motion. The man was young, perhaps 30, had closely cropped black hair and a scar down his left cheek. His now unseeing eyes shone black in the firelight.
"A Dark Agent." Qui-Gon whispered, knowing that the eyes were the only sign that this body was not natural but had been created to fight another's war.
They spent the rest of the night a respectable distance away from the corpse, neither feeling very comfortable with it so close by. When dawn came they were already preparing to leave the temporary camp wanting to get away from that place as soon as possible.
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They spent another day riding through the forest. As night once again closed in, the trees seemed to loom over them menacingly, blocking out the small amount of light cast down upon the earth by the stars and moon. In daylight hours the forest was beautiful and splendid, the trees soaring high, arching to reach the sky. The living Force resonated in their being, the green leaves seemed to sparkle in the light creating the illusion of an other-worldly glow. But in the hours between dusk and dawn that magnificence was forgotten, overshadowed by fear. The comfort the travellers had gained during the day was taken away with the sight of the declining sun.
They set up camp well before dusk, both exhausted from their previous night's fight. They sat together in front of the fire not touching, but close enough to feel the heat of the other's body. Nothing had been said of the kiss they had shared or the growing bond that connected them. They didn't need to; they were patient in their acceptance of it. They would wait to see where it led, not rushing in before they understood completely what it meant.
With the fight behind them, Qui-Gon noticed Ben finally relaxing and returning to the man he had gotten close to in those first few days. The frightened boy that Bruck had brought out disappeared once again to the back of Ben's mind. Qui-Gon was glad of the change, relieved to see his companion's sense of humour returning and the radiant smile that accompanied it. Instead of terrified glances, he got shy smiles and bashful looks. As the day wore on, Ben came out of his shell more and more until he was back to 'normal'. To talk to him you would never guess of the troubles that lay beneath his eyes and his past.
/The darkness takes so much from us, including our childhoods. Some worse than others./ Now that he had Ben back, they began to talk.
"Twenty three years ago my father died. I was five at the time and didn't really understand what it meant. My mother was devastated, my parents were very close, bonded at the deepest level. She knew she would not live many years without him, so she married Ethes K'arn, so that when she passed on to be with him, I would not be alone. Ethes was a Jedi but my mother was so blinded with grief that she did not see that he had fallen.
"She died when I was seven.
"I was left in Ethes' care. What he hoped to gain from his marriage to my mother I didn't know. All I knew was that I was suddenly alone. Ethes had a son named Bruck, he was older than me and for a time we were rivals, but when my mother died we no longer had a guardian to protect us. Ethes turned his anger on us and we turned to each other. We became friends as close as brothers. I honestly believed that we would be together someday, that we would be more than friends and I think he believed that too. I loved him but I fear it was too late for him even then.
"It wasn't his fault he had been mistreated by his father ever since he was a baby. Gradually he began to turn on me, once again seeing me as a rival, this time for his father's warped affection. That hurt more than any physical pain.
"I was growing tired of life; all I wanted to do was sleep and never wake up. I was thirteen and ready to surrender to oblivion when I suddenly felt stronger again. Hope seemed to spring out of nowhere. I decided to try and slip away. I tried to get Bruck to go with me, escape the darkness that was clouding us both but it was too hard for him to fight. He had been snared by his father's net of pain and dependence.
"But I was not.
"So I ran. For days I ran, barely resting. By luck I stumbled upon an army camp. It was the Jedi councils' regiment. I joined their ranks, learning every thing I could, from sword play to diplomacy. We travelled all over. Our duty as soldiers was to protect the remaining Jedi as they met up with the army's generals to discuss the war against the dark. We often fought battles to protect them and many lost their lives, but it was necessary.
"Each General has its own guard, like the council, and each general commands five companies of soldiers and within each of these are two Jedi Brothers. I met many of your kind, Qui-Gon, and I learned much from the other platoons we came into contact with. There was no lesson I would turn down. Then a year ago I received word that Ethes was dead.
"I left the army. I was concerned for Bruck. I thought that with his father gone I could help him as I was unable to as a child. But I couldn't.
"After fourteen years of being away, Bruck's belief that we would be together one day had not faded as mine had. I let him use me, hoping that my unconditional love would bring him back to the light. Instead it just put me in his power; unable to escape the place I had once called home. The closeness of the Dark Border fuelled his power and his Force abilities. There was nothing I could do until you came."
As Ben told his story Qui-Gon listened with sympathy but also with the feeling something was being left unsaid. As Ben spoke of his childhood, he wept for his lost youth. Qui-Gon held him as he cried believing it to be the first time the young man had mourned his childhood. Nothing could be done to change the past, but the Jedi Master would make sure the future was brighter; for both of them, for everyone. He in turn told Ben his story, not shying away from any of the things he had avoided for years.
"Both my parents were Jedi. I stayed with them until I was fifteen. They sent me to be trained by Master Yoda. I learnt much from him. He taught me the importance of living in the moment and showed me the beauty and power of the living Force. It was while I was with him that I met Adi Gallia, a Jedi sister. She was beautiful; long white hair and warm brown eyes. She was the most powerful warrior I had ever seen and of course she would be the last. The last of the sisters were dying and the most powerful, the Queen, could not last much longer. We both understood that.
"Anakin was a little over a week old when Adi died. I felt despair that I would have to protect our son, alone but then our Queen gave me something so powerful, so strong, that I knew I would never stop fighting for him, for them both. She gave me the other half of herself to complete me. I became the warrior she had been. But I failed her. The Dark knew of Anakin. They knew he was the last Jedi with full powers. They knew he was our Queen's son. They sent a dark warrior after him, Ethes K'arn. Yes, I know that name also. He took all I had left of my Queen. I loved Ani and he took him from me.
" I know Ani still lives. I would have felt it if he had died. But I have been unable to find him. I've wandered our lands, going between army camps and the villages. Fighting where I found darkness, determined to find my son.
"I never did.
"And now I return to the Jedi council without him but with another soul that needed my help. I know you are strong Ben and I know you will find yourself again now that you have escaped the Dark. Your guilt holds you back, I can sense it, but you shouldn't let it. I am only beginning to understand the effect that the loss of Anakin and the guilt that followed has had on me. I searched but I could not see. I return to the Jedi now with a deeper understanding of myself. I have not given up on Ani, but I will not give up on my people. They are part of me also.
"I love you, Ben." Qui-Gon murmured, and as a result Ben pulled back, wiping his eyes on his sleeve.
"How can you say that? There is so much I haven't told you. What if you change your mind when you find out? I don't think I could bear losing you, not now that I know what it's like to have you; to feel complete." Qui-Gon took Ben's face in his hands and spoke to him in a voice hushed by emotion, his eyes never leaving Ben's.
"There are still many things for us to find out about each other, Ben. But I know this, I love you and it's that simple and it won't change." He leaned forward and kissed the younger man softly on the lips. "I love you and I want to be with you."
"I love you too." Ben looked as if he would begin crying again so the Jedi Master gathered him in his arms and held him close. They sat together, quiet for a long time. Revelling in the feeling of having the other close.
In the back of Qui-Gon's mind, still unknown to him, an old bond began to awaken, opening once again. Forging a path between two who share a soul.
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The Jedi Master looked at his companion but found him staring out into the dark, his eyes not seeming to see anything.
"Ben?"
"Something is out there." It was a whisper and its meaning sent a shiver down Qui-Gon's spine. Reaching out with his own Force sense, the Jedi searched and found...
"Nothing. I sense..." He didn't get to finish, because from out of the darkness rode ten black horses, each carrying a shadow warrior. Unlike the dark agents, they were sentient beings; men and women with Jedi in their blood. Not full Jedi but strong enough in the Force to be of use to the Dark. After the Sisters had died the other, weaker forces sensitives had become the next targets, but instead of poisoning them the Dark infected them with hate that did not kill them but turned them to the Dark side.
They would not be able to win this fight, but Qui-Gon unsheathed his Lightsaber anyway. He may not win but he would not give up. They were quickly surrounded. The Jedi edged towards Ben, not wanting to be separated. When he had reached the other man's side, a faint clapping sound filled the air. Both the travellers turned to see Bruck riding another black horse towards them accompanied by a man in a black clock, his face concealed in its shadow.
"Well, Ben, you got further than last time. But then, you did have help this time around."
"So did you." Ben retorted, not showing his fear to his tormenter, though Qui-Gon could see it in his eyes as they turned to a misty grey.
"Watch your tongue boy and remember your place. You will be punished later."
"Why Bruck? Why sell your soul to the Dark? We were friends once. I often wonder what happened to that boy who used to protect me." Ben could almost convince himself he saw a flash of his friend, until Bruck's face contorted into a sneer.
"Because they give me power, power that I deserve." He moved closer to the two prisoners. "Jedi, you have stolen something that belongs to me." He said nothing else but the deep growl of his voice portrayed a threat. Qui-Gon wasn't given a chance to answer. Ben stepped forward, standing tall and proud.
"I challenge you to a duel for our freedom, do you accept?"
"Not only will I beat you, but I will enjoy it too."
"Ben?" The fear in that one word was almost too much for the young man He turned to face the man who had helped him escape with dread, unsure what he would see in his eyes.
"I need to do this." A faint smile accompanied his words, "Besides he thinks I was a failure in the army. He is about to have a very nasty surprise." Ben took a moment to study the Jedi. He was regal and powerful, his stance not betraying a single thought but then he looked into his eyes and saw love and fear. Both for him. "I will be well, I promise." The young man winked as he turned to meet his foe, and Qui-Gon saw a sparkle in his eyes that he suspected hadn't been there since Ben had returned home.
/Even if he loses you have freed him./ It was little consolation to the man that lay beneath the Jedi exterior /and you had the privilege of knowing his./ Before him the battle began to play out.
The two men squared off against each other, swords at the ready. Bruck lunged forward but Ben was ready for him. He brought his own sword up to deflect the would be killing blow. The deadly dance of battle began, Bruck not giving an inch, his intentions clear. He meant to win and he would do whatever was necessary to ensure Ben was his again.
The two men appeared evenly matched. Bruck's Jedi heritage giving him an edge he believed would defeat his stepbrother, but Ben had experience on his side. They danced back and forth, two clear styles evident. While Bruck moved in a frenzy of attacks so fast they seemed almost impossible to defend against, Ben moved with calculated precision. Bruck leaped forward hoping to knock the younger man over, but left himself open. Ben saw this and was immediately on the offensive. He sprung forward a split second after his attacker and slipped through his stepbrother's defences and drew blood.
Resentment filled the air as it spilled from Bruck's soul. The Darkness swelled around him, feeding off the emotion and in turn Bruck fed off its power. Qui-Gon swayed under its intensity, trying to fend of its touch while trying to protect Ben from it also. But he didn't need to, Ben was unaffected by the darkness that swirled around them. He shone within the Force, a layer of light surrounding him, shielding him from the hate that reached out to him, hungry for his corruption. But as it touched the light, it seemed to wither and die.
The battle raged on but Ben had the upper hand now, and with skill and finesse the Jedi Master was amazed by, he disarmed Bruck, leaving a deep cut on his opponent's cheek. Blood dribbled down Bruck's neck, the pain and surprise causing him to drop his weapon. The smile fell from his face as the sword fell to the ground.
"To remember me by."
"Seize them." Bruck's anger was at its pinnacle, his disbelief at losing to a man he considered a lesser man clouding his mind. The Shadow Warriors did not move to take the prisoners, instead they looked to the cloaked figure who had his hand raised high, halting the attack.
"Why?" The defeated man begged. A deep voice from within the confines of the hood answered the bewildered man.
"Because you lost. We may be Shadow warriors, but we are still honourable warriors. You agreed to the conditions of the duel, now you will fulfil your bargain. They are free to go. To imprison them now would not be the act of a Warrior, but a coward." He turned to speak to the Jedi and his companion, his face still hidden from their eyes.
"Be on your way, but if you are not away from the Border by tomorrow's night, I will kill you myself." He turned to hi men. "Bring him." Bruck was pulled on to one of the Shadow warrior's horse without complaint. With no further word to the two travellers the Shadow Warriors disappeared back into the darkness, their presence once again concealed by the Force.
"Ben, are you alright?"
"Yes, Qui-Gon, I'm fine. Lets get some sleep so we can have an early start tomorrow. I want to be away from here soon." They spent the night in each other's arms, offering warmth against the chilled night air. In the light of day, Qui-Gon saw in Ben what had been missing. The Light. It shone in him now, in his very being, like it did for most souls. Over time, the light would be tainted by the world they lived in, but Ben, despite his life, remained whole inside.
"I see the same in you." Ben had his back to Qui-Gon as he spoke.
"How?" The Jedi Master did not believe what Ben had said. The Jedi saw the taint within himself. Ben turned to him, an understanding in his green eyes that spoke of wisdom beyond this world.
"Because you are my Jedi Warrior." He turned back to the path ahead not needing further explanation. Both understood in their own way.
For three days they rode, galloping through the trees until the forest gave way to rolling hills of lush green grass. A shimmering river weaved through, passing by copse and heathland. They flew over the country on their mounts, riding to meet up with the Jedi council. As the distance between them grew less, Qui-Gon could feel his friends within the Force, the presence acting like a beacon, finally showing him the way home.
"Promise me, Qui-Gon, that once we are there, whatever happens, you will still love me?"
"I will always love you, Ben. Eternity is for us."
"I'll hold you to that."
They rode to the top of a hill that looked over a valley coated in trees and farmland. Nestled below them was the army camp that protected the Jedi council. The presence of the camp did nothing to mar the valley's beauty; in fact it glowed with the light of the Force, which was beauty beyond all comprehension. The sun would set soon, but for now it shone onto the gathering of people making the metal gleam and the river sparkle gold.
"I have always loved this view." Qui-Gon looked at Ben, surprised, understanding that the younger man had been here, so close to his home yet almost an age away.
"Shall we... Beloved?" he was a little hesitant using the endearment, but the smile he received in return dashed all the fears he had carried.
"Yes, my heart. Let us see what we will find."
Chapter 2- A SPACE FOR US.
They rode through the Border Forest for two days. They were in reconquered land, a place for the light, yet their path led them very close to the Dark Border, bringing them closer to their fears. Both could feel the darkness pressing down on them, even from a distance. The horses, too, felt something and began to get restless, reluctant to carry the two travellers on their chosen path. On the second night they were on the part of the trail that was closest to the Dark Border.
Qui-Gon had hoped to put some distance between them and the border before night fell. They could either press on and sleep during the day when they were a safe distance away, or they could camp where they now were. One look at Ben made Qui-Gon's mind up. The closeness of the Dark was having an effect on him. The boy radiated fear and jumped at every whisper of sound. They continued on and as their path began to lead them away from the Dark, relief flooded Ben's eyes.
The night was passing them by quickly as they rode through the Border Forest. As they grew closer to open land, they began to relax and that was the moment they were attacked. From out of nowhere men came, riding horses as black as the night itself.
"Bandits." Qui-Gon hissed to his companion.
Each wore a blood red mask and was holding aloft a blade that flashed in the near total darkness. Each was ready for battle, prepared to kill. There were only five in the group, but they still out numbered Qui-Gon and Ben, even if one of them was a Jedi Master.
Before he could order Ben into a defence strategy, the younger man kicked his heels into his mount's sides and galloped into the darkness, two bandits close behind, chasing him away from Qui-Gon. The Jedi Master had no time to worry about Ben as he was attacked by those that remained. He dodged the three blades as much as he was able, attacking only when he saw an opening. Within a few seconds, one of the masked men lay dead, his horse galloping off back into the perpetual night.
The bandits were skilled swordsmen but Qui-Gon had the advantage of experience and the Force. He moved faster than they could see, inflicting a dozen minor wounds. Just as the fight began, it was over, the two remaining men retreating. Qui-Gon remained on his horse, sword at the ready in case of another attack. His loud gasps for breath were the only sounds he heard until he heard the rustle of fallen leaves as a horse walked over them. He readied himself for another round when he saw a white mare with a familiar figure riding it.
Qui-Gon was surprised to see Ben so soon and with no wounds at all. Ben was also sporting a very cocky grin. Seeing Qui-Gon's surprise the young man's smile grew wider.
"You forget, I spent fourteen years as a soldier. You pick up a few tricks." The Jedi Master let out a deep laugh that sent joy straight to Ben's heart. Smiling at Ben, Qui-Gon dismounted and said,
"Come, let us build a fire and camp here for the rest of the night."
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They soon had a blaze going, warming their chilled limbs. As Qui-Gon tended to some minor scratches, Ben looked over the body of the bandit Qui-Gon had killed. He was dressed all in black, the only colour was the red hood over his head. He had a number of daggers concealed within his clothes and a sword that now lay useless by his side. He also had a small number of coins in his inside pocket and a hand drawn map of the area.
Ben searched all the bandit's pockets but he knew he was putting off removing the hood.
/No time like the present./
He reached his hand up to the bottom of the Red material when suddenly a hand was gripping at his throat. Choking him. Their would be killer's body was dying and as it did the grip on Ben's throat got tighter. Qui-Gon was at his side instantly, prying the fingers away from the vulnerable flesh. Finally the bandit died, his hand loosening and falling back to his side. In the light of the fire the Jedi Master examined Ben's neck. He would have some nasty bruises by morning but other than that, he would be fine.
This time Qui-Gon reached for the hood, pulling it off in one fluid motion. The man was young, perhaps 30, had closely cropped black hair and a scar down his left cheek. His now unseeing eyes shone black in the firelight.
"A Dark Agent." Qui-Gon whispered, knowing that the eyes were the only sign that this body was not natural but had been created to fight another's war.
They spent the rest of the night a respectable distance away from the corpse, neither feeling very comfortable with it so close by. When dawn came they were already preparing to leave the temporary camp wanting to get away from that place as soon as possible.
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They spent another day riding through the forest. As night once again closed in, the trees seemed to loom over them menacingly, blocking out the small amount of light cast down upon the earth by the stars and moon. In daylight hours the forest was beautiful and splendid, the trees soaring high, arching to reach the sky. The living Force resonated in their being, the green leaves seemed to sparkle in the light creating the illusion of an other-worldly glow. But in the hours between dusk and dawn that magnificence was forgotten, overshadowed by fear. The comfort the travellers had gained during the day was taken away with the sight of the declining sun.
They set up camp well before dusk, both exhausted from their previous night's fight. They sat together in front of the fire not touching, but close enough to feel the heat of the other's body. Nothing had been said of the kiss they had shared or the growing bond that connected them. They didn't need to; they were patient in their acceptance of it. They would wait to see where it led, not rushing in before they understood completely what it meant.
With the fight behind them, Qui-Gon noticed Ben finally relaxing and returning to the man he had gotten close to in those first few days. The frightened boy that Bruck had brought out disappeared once again to the back of Ben's mind. Qui-Gon was glad of the change, relieved to see his companion's sense of humour returning and the radiant smile that accompanied it. Instead of terrified glances, he got shy smiles and bashful looks. As the day wore on, Ben came out of his shell more and more until he was back to 'normal'. To talk to him you would never guess of the troubles that lay beneath his eyes and his past.
/The darkness takes so much from us, including our childhoods. Some worse than others./ Now that he had Ben back, they began to talk.
"Twenty three years ago my father died. I was five at the time and didn't really understand what it meant. My mother was devastated, my parents were very close, bonded at the deepest level. She knew she would not live many years without him, so she married Ethes K'arn, so that when she passed on to be with him, I would not be alone. Ethes was a Jedi but my mother was so blinded with grief that she did not see that he had fallen.
"She died when I was seven.
"I was left in Ethes' care. What he hoped to gain from his marriage to my mother I didn't know. All I knew was that I was suddenly alone. Ethes had a son named Bruck, he was older than me and for a time we were rivals, but when my mother died we no longer had a guardian to protect us. Ethes turned his anger on us and we turned to each other. We became friends as close as brothers. I honestly believed that we would be together someday, that we would be more than friends and I think he believed that too. I loved him but I fear it was too late for him even then.
"It wasn't his fault he had been mistreated by his father ever since he was a baby. Gradually he began to turn on me, once again seeing me as a rival, this time for his father's warped affection. That hurt more than any physical pain.
"I was growing tired of life; all I wanted to do was sleep and never wake up. I was thirteen and ready to surrender to oblivion when I suddenly felt stronger again. Hope seemed to spring out of nowhere. I decided to try and slip away. I tried to get Bruck to go with me, escape the darkness that was clouding us both but it was too hard for him to fight. He had been snared by his father's net of pain and dependence.
"But I was not.
"So I ran. For days I ran, barely resting. By luck I stumbled upon an army camp. It was the Jedi councils' regiment. I joined their ranks, learning every thing I could, from sword play to diplomacy. We travelled all over. Our duty as soldiers was to protect the remaining Jedi as they met up with the army's generals to discuss the war against the dark. We often fought battles to protect them and many lost their lives, but it was necessary.
"Each General has its own guard, like the council, and each general commands five companies of soldiers and within each of these are two Jedi Brothers. I met many of your kind, Qui-Gon, and I learned much from the other platoons we came into contact with. There was no lesson I would turn down. Then a year ago I received word that Ethes was dead.
"I left the army. I was concerned for Bruck. I thought that with his father gone I could help him as I was unable to as a child. But I couldn't.
"After fourteen years of being away, Bruck's belief that we would be together one day had not faded as mine had. I let him use me, hoping that my unconditional love would bring him back to the light. Instead it just put me in his power; unable to escape the place I had once called home. The closeness of the Dark Border fuelled his power and his Force abilities. There was nothing I could do until you came."
As Ben told his story Qui-Gon listened with sympathy but also with the feeling something was being left unsaid. As Ben spoke of his childhood, he wept for his lost youth. Qui-Gon held him as he cried believing it to be the first time the young man had mourned his childhood. Nothing could be done to change the past, but the Jedi Master would make sure the future was brighter; for both of them, for everyone. He in turn told Ben his story, not shying away from any of the things he had avoided for years.
"Both my parents were Jedi. I stayed with them until I was fifteen. They sent me to be trained by Master Yoda. I learnt much from him. He taught me the importance of living in the moment and showed me the beauty and power of the living Force. It was while I was with him that I met Adi Gallia, a Jedi sister. She was beautiful; long white hair and warm brown eyes. She was the most powerful warrior I had ever seen and of course she would be the last. The last of the sisters were dying and the most powerful, the Queen, could not last much longer. We both understood that.
"Anakin was a little over a week old when Adi died. I felt despair that I would have to protect our son, alone but then our Queen gave me something so powerful, so strong, that I knew I would never stop fighting for him, for them both. She gave me the other half of herself to complete me. I became the warrior she had been. But I failed her. The Dark knew of Anakin. They knew he was the last Jedi with full powers. They knew he was our Queen's son. They sent a dark warrior after him, Ethes K'arn. Yes, I know that name also. He took all I had left of my Queen. I loved Ani and he took him from me.
" I know Ani still lives. I would have felt it if he had died. But I have been unable to find him. I've wandered our lands, going between army camps and the villages. Fighting where I found darkness, determined to find my son.
"I never did.
"And now I return to the Jedi council without him but with another soul that needed my help. I know you are strong Ben and I know you will find yourself again now that you have escaped the Dark. Your guilt holds you back, I can sense it, but you shouldn't let it. I am only beginning to understand the effect that the loss of Anakin and the guilt that followed has had on me. I searched but I could not see. I return to the Jedi now with a deeper understanding of myself. I have not given up on Ani, but I will not give up on my people. They are part of me also.
"I love you, Ben." Qui-Gon murmured, and as a result Ben pulled back, wiping his eyes on his sleeve.
"How can you say that? There is so much I haven't told you. What if you change your mind when you find out? I don't think I could bear losing you, not now that I know what it's like to have you; to feel complete." Qui-Gon took Ben's face in his hands and spoke to him in a voice hushed by emotion, his eyes never leaving Ben's.
"There are still many things for us to find out about each other, Ben. But I know this, I love you and it's that simple and it won't change." He leaned forward and kissed the younger man softly on the lips. "I love you and I want to be with you."
"I love you too." Ben looked as if he would begin crying again so the Jedi Master gathered him in his arms and held him close. They sat together, quiet for a long time. Revelling in the feeling of having the other close.
In the back of Qui-Gon's mind, still unknown to him, an old bond began to awaken, opening once again. Forging a path between two who share a soul.
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The Jedi Master looked at his companion but found him staring out into the dark, his eyes not seeming to see anything.
"Ben?"
"Something is out there." It was a whisper and its meaning sent a shiver down Qui-Gon's spine. Reaching out with his own Force sense, the Jedi searched and found...
"Nothing. I sense..." He didn't get to finish, because from out of the darkness rode ten black horses, each carrying a shadow warrior. Unlike the dark agents, they were sentient beings; men and women with Jedi in their blood. Not full Jedi but strong enough in the Force to be of use to the Dark. After the Sisters had died the other, weaker forces sensitives had become the next targets, but instead of poisoning them the Dark infected them with hate that did not kill them but turned them to the Dark side.
They would not be able to win this fight, but Qui-Gon unsheathed his Lightsaber anyway. He may not win but he would not give up. They were quickly surrounded. The Jedi edged towards Ben, not wanting to be separated. When he had reached the other man's side, a faint clapping sound filled the air. Both the travellers turned to see Bruck riding another black horse towards them accompanied by a man in a black clock, his face concealed in its shadow.
"Well, Ben, you got further than last time. But then, you did have help this time around."
"So did you." Ben retorted, not showing his fear to his tormenter, though Qui-Gon could see it in his eyes as they turned to a misty grey.
"Watch your tongue boy and remember your place. You will be punished later."
"Why Bruck? Why sell your soul to the Dark? We were friends once. I often wonder what happened to that boy who used to protect me." Ben could almost convince himself he saw a flash of his friend, until Bruck's face contorted into a sneer.
"Because they give me power, power that I deserve." He moved closer to the two prisoners. "Jedi, you have stolen something that belongs to me." He said nothing else but the deep growl of his voice portrayed a threat. Qui-Gon wasn't given a chance to answer. Ben stepped forward, standing tall and proud.
"I challenge you to a duel for our freedom, do you accept?"
"Not only will I beat you, but I will enjoy it too."
"Ben?" The fear in that one word was almost too much for the young man He turned to face the man who had helped him escape with dread, unsure what he would see in his eyes.
"I need to do this." A faint smile accompanied his words, "Besides he thinks I was a failure in the army. He is about to have a very nasty surprise." Ben took a moment to study the Jedi. He was regal and powerful, his stance not betraying a single thought but then he looked into his eyes and saw love and fear. Both for him. "I will be well, I promise." The young man winked as he turned to meet his foe, and Qui-Gon saw a sparkle in his eyes that he suspected hadn't been there since Ben had returned home.
/Even if he loses you have freed him./ It was little consolation to the man that lay beneath the Jedi exterior /and you had the privilege of knowing his./ Before him the battle began to play out.
The two men squared off against each other, swords at the ready. Bruck lunged forward but Ben was ready for him. He brought his own sword up to deflect the would be killing blow. The deadly dance of battle began, Bruck not giving an inch, his intentions clear. He meant to win and he would do whatever was necessary to ensure Ben was his again.
The two men appeared evenly matched. Bruck's Jedi heritage giving him an edge he believed would defeat his stepbrother, but Ben had experience on his side. They danced back and forth, two clear styles evident. While Bruck moved in a frenzy of attacks so fast they seemed almost impossible to defend against, Ben moved with calculated precision. Bruck leaped forward hoping to knock the younger man over, but left himself open. Ben saw this and was immediately on the offensive. He sprung forward a split second after his attacker and slipped through his stepbrother's defences and drew blood.
Resentment filled the air as it spilled from Bruck's soul. The Darkness swelled around him, feeding off the emotion and in turn Bruck fed off its power. Qui-Gon swayed under its intensity, trying to fend of its touch while trying to protect Ben from it also. But he didn't need to, Ben was unaffected by the darkness that swirled around them. He shone within the Force, a layer of light surrounding him, shielding him from the hate that reached out to him, hungry for his corruption. But as it touched the light, it seemed to wither and die.
The battle raged on but Ben had the upper hand now, and with skill and finesse the Jedi Master was amazed by, he disarmed Bruck, leaving a deep cut on his opponent's cheek. Blood dribbled down Bruck's neck, the pain and surprise causing him to drop his weapon. The smile fell from his face as the sword fell to the ground.
"To remember me by."
"Seize them." Bruck's anger was at its pinnacle, his disbelief at losing to a man he considered a lesser man clouding his mind. The Shadow Warriors did not move to take the prisoners, instead they looked to the cloaked figure who had his hand raised high, halting the attack.
"Why?" The defeated man begged. A deep voice from within the confines of the hood answered the bewildered man.
"Because you lost. We may be Shadow warriors, but we are still honourable warriors. You agreed to the conditions of the duel, now you will fulfil your bargain. They are free to go. To imprison them now would not be the act of a Warrior, but a coward." He turned to speak to the Jedi and his companion, his face still hidden from their eyes.
"Be on your way, but if you are not away from the Border by tomorrow's night, I will kill you myself." He turned to hi men. "Bring him." Bruck was pulled on to one of the Shadow warrior's horse without complaint. With no further word to the two travellers the Shadow Warriors disappeared back into the darkness, their presence once again concealed by the Force.
"Ben, are you alright?"
"Yes, Qui-Gon, I'm fine. Lets get some sleep so we can have an early start tomorrow. I want to be away from here soon." They spent the night in each other's arms, offering warmth against the chilled night air. In the light of day, Qui-Gon saw in Ben what had been missing. The Light. It shone in him now, in his very being, like it did for most souls. Over time, the light would be tainted by the world they lived in, but Ben, despite his life, remained whole inside.
"I see the same in you." Ben had his back to Qui-Gon as he spoke.
"How?" The Jedi Master did not believe what Ben had said. The Jedi saw the taint within himself. Ben turned to him, an understanding in his green eyes that spoke of wisdom beyond this world.
"Because you are my Jedi Warrior." He turned back to the path ahead not needing further explanation. Both understood in their own way.
For three days they rode, galloping through the trees until the forest gave way to rolling hills of lush green grass. A shimmering river weaved through, passing by copse and heathland. They flew over the country on their mounts, riding to meet up with the Jedi council. As the distance between them grew less, Qui-Gon could feel his friends within the Force, the presence acting like a beacon, finally showing him the way home.
"Promise me, Qui-Gon, that once we are there, whatever happens, you will still love me?"
"I will always love you, Ben. Eternity is for us."
"I'll hold you to that."
They rode to the top of a hill that looked over a valley coated in trees and farmland. Nestled below them was the army camp that protected the Jedi council. The presence of the camp did nothing to mar the valley's beauty; in fact it glowed with the light of the Force, which was beauty beyond all comprehension. The sun would set soon, but for now it shone onto the gathering of people making the metal gleam and the river sparkle gold.
"I have always loved this view." Qui-Gon looked at Ben, surprised, understanding that the younger man had been here, so close to his home yet almost an age away.
"Shall we... Beloved?" he was a little hesitant using the endearment, but the smile he received in return dashed all the fears he had carried.
"Yes, my heart. Let us see what we will find."