Chapter 5- Time Approaches.
Dawn is a time of hope for the people of this planet for it represents the possibility of light winning over dark and although they know light will again lose to the dark it is still time enough to live. But this dawn is different. Unbeknownst to the Jedi army camp soldiers gather at the edge of the Border Forest. They will enter the Light side's territory and begin taking it back as they did every year but this year was different, this year they had the power to destroy the Jedi forever and that would begin today in the coming battle.
As the sun first appears over the eastern horizon the masked riders gallop towards the Jedi camp, carrying silent death with them.
Obi-Wan shot up, out of bed.
"Qui-Gon, wake up."
"Obi-Wan?"
"Something's wrong, something is... something is..." All colour drained from Obi-Wan's face as the sensation he felt was recognised. This is what it had felt like just before the Shadow Warriors had attacked them in the Border Forest but now it was larger and more insistent. "We have to warn the council."
"Of what? Obi-Wan?" The Jedi Master called after his apprentice as he ran out into the morning air, sighing Qui-Gon followed only to stop in his tracks just behind the younger man. From up the valley a shadow spread, riding towards them. Men consumed in Dark and their purpose.
"There is no time."
Through the Force Qui-Gon sent a warning to his fellow Jedi. The camp began to stir but it wasn't enough. In minutes the camp was swamped by a living shadow. The two Jedi warriors drew their Lightsabers and began to fight. Around them Shadow Warriors fort the Jedi army, with no time to dress in armour the Light soldiers went down. The camp was surrounded and infused by the Dark but still they fort on, the alternative unthinkable. Among were the Jedi, untrained and unable to fight however their presence and light gave hope to the dying men.
Time slowed for Obi-Wan Kenobi, he fought within the Force as his Master had taught him. Beside him Qui-Gon battled fiercely but they were loosing. The leader and general in Obi-Wan mourned the lost lives of his men, the resistance was being crushed, the Jedi camp capture, the remaining soldiers chained among them he saw Riva standing tall and defiant but they stood in blood and they stood defeated.
Through the thong of masked and defeated soldiers rode a hooded figure, Bruck riding to his right. They came to a holt before the two Jedi Warriors. This man was the Shadow Warrior who had spared them from Bruck in the Border Forest, he had known this moment would come and that their lives would once again be in is hands. The man pushed back his hood to reveal a scared face, deep lines etched into his skin years ago to form a ghastly and terrifying pattern.
"Qui-Gon, it's a pleasure to see you again."
"Ethes."
Ethes K'arn smiled down at the man whose son he had stolen but it was Obi-Wan who drew his attention and fascination.
"General Kenobi, you have coursed me more trouble than you know but I'm glad to see you have grown into the beautiful, sensual creature I always knew you would be," he leered at his stepson. "I hope to taste you again soon, Ben."
Bruck too had been staring hungrily at the Jedi Padawan but at his father's words a look of jealousy crossed his fine fechers. Ben was his.
"Secure the prisoners, the Jedi and general's guard are famous for their skill, they will be a valuable asset to our army once they have turned. Bring the Jedi to our camp over the border." With that K'arn and his son rode off knowing the orders would be followed.
The Jedi council and the two warriors were shackled and marched away. Riva watched General Kenobi marched off with the others of the brotherhood. She stood among his men feeling the same hopelessness the other soldiers felt.
"Lt. Riva, what do we do now?" Riva turned to the ensign who had spoken to her, he looked afraid, he had only been in the army a few months and was unused to combat and capture.
"We do as we did before Ensign, we wait for him." The seasoned troops around her seemed to sigh in relief. Waiting for their commander was something they could do, they would have gladly followed the general to the gates of hell and seemed to be exactly where he was being taken. They would follow but they had to escape first.
The Shadow Warriors rounded the Light Soldiers up into groups, surrounding each group lessoning the chance of conspiracy and escape. Riva watched the camp's division and then turned to the ensign by her side.
"Johnson, find out which group Commanders Rise and Langston are in and see if the councils adjutant Major Hunt is still alive."
"Yes Sir." The young man hurried off through the crowd to speak to others who might have seen where the other officers were. Riva was left with two officers, Lt Anes and Lt. Commander Ja'don, both old friends of hers and Obi-Wan's.
"Ja'don, we need a plan."
"That we do, Riva."
"Any Ideas."
Obi-Wan's face was passive as he was cuffed to Qui-Gon, which worried the Jedi Master. Through the bond he could feel very little, his apprentice was shielding against him, which in its own way scared him. He had no idea of what was going through the younger man's mind; he had no way of gauging his mental state. Qui-Gon continued to watch him as they were marched towards the Dark Border; he seemed indifferent and hollow of any kind of emotion.
Obi-Wan was not lacking in emotion but he refused to show his fear, he blacked everyone out and just walked, he was sorry he had lost his connection to his Master by blocking the bond but he needed to concentrate, to think of something before it was too late to act. Inside his won mind he was running through strategy and plans, trying to find one that would work, he watched the Shadow Warriors searching for a weakness to their defences and attacks. On the outside he was beaten on the inside he was planning, just like the soldiers left at the camp.
They didn't go into the Border Forest but skirted around it, the Shadows knowing it to be easier to guard their captives in the open instead of spread out among trees. It would take longer to get to their camp but they weren't going to risk loosing their prisoners, they were too valuable. The Jedi could feel the Darkness beyond; they could feel themselves getting closer as they walked. The valley they now walked in began in the Dark's territory and soon they would leave the place where light was beginning to flourish again and be cast in darkness. With every step their hope seemed to diminish, with very step they were further away from salvation.
Huddled together, hidden amongst the other soldiers, six officers of the Light army planned. Among them were Lieutenant Riva, general Kenobi's aide and friend, Ensign Johnson, newest of all the people gathered to the rank of an officer, Major Hunt, adjutant to the Jedi council, he was old which was why he had been assign his post but he had seen more combat then any of the others there, Lieutenant Anes and Lt. Commander Ja'don both from the ranks of General Kenobi's guard and Commander Rise of the council's guard. Between them they were the most experienced of the soldiers.
"Ensign, Where is Commander Langston?" Riva looked at the young man, waiting for an answer.
"She is in the group on the far side of the camp, we can't communicate directly with her using hand signals but we do have a network of people in each group to keep everyone informed."
"So, once we have a plan we can tell everyone without letting the Shadows know?"
"Yes sir." Johnson looked pleased, he had done everything he had been asked and also created a primitive form of communication. Riva turned to the others.
" Good. Anes, report."
"Ethes has left which means one of his captains are in charge, most of there soldiers are only dark agents which aren't hard to deal with, it's the shadows we need to worry about. They are real, thinking people plus many of them have some use of the Force. They have an advantage so we need to turn that around. Of course we have the advantage of numbers but that means nothing without weapons." Major Hunt nodded his agreement. His had ideally twisted in his greying beard; he spoke his thoughts quietly trying to think of a solution as he put forth the problem.
"We need to get to our weapons and distribute them amongst the men, what did the Shadows do with them when they confiscated them?" They all looked at Anes but it was Ja'don who answered.
"There are a few piles scattered about the camp but most are on the far side. Commander Langston is closest, if we could get her group to liberate the weaponry, while the guards are distracted, trying to put the resistance down we could get free and find the one who's left in charge, the Agents' Leader. If we manage that we may have a chance. The Leader has a bond with the Agents under his command. Without the one assigned to lead the agents wont know what to do, they wont obey another's orders because there is no Dark Lord to create another Leader to which they are bonded. Without them it should be easy to over whelmed the Shadows"
Riva thought it out in her head, it was risky but what else could they do?
"Major, do you think it will work?"
"We'll just have to wait and see, wont we Lieutenant."
"Ensign Johnson, get word to Langston, we need this to be well coordinated, tell her to get ready."
Across the captured army camp Lt. Commander Langston sat with her own officers, from the crowd of infantry soldiers ran a lance corporal bringing word from across the camp. They would attack soon, she could see the pile of weapons from where she sat, in a matter of moments her section would serge forward towards the discarded swords and knives creating a distraction while another section slipped away to even the odds. Between them they would liberate the council's personnel guard. They would supply the metal and their allies would even the odds.
She stood. It was time to begin.
Master Mace Windu walked with a solemn expression set on his dark features. He was tired, physically and mentally. Like all the other Jedi he could feel the Dark Border that lay just ahead of them. He could feel it reaching out with its tentacles of evil trying to embrace them, trying to turn them. It was seductive, it offered an end to what they were suffering now and an ease to the pain they had already enjoured.
It would give anything for it to end but it asked to much, he would not sacrifice the Light for the twisted peace it offered, instead he faced forward, meeting the threat head on with dignity not cringing in fear or on his knees in submission.
All the Jedi felt it as they passed over the border into the enemy's lands. A small shudder went through each of them but none of them spoke, they continued to march with dignity, when they were pushed they held their heads high. They were the Jedi Brothers, the leaders of the people of the small defeated planet. They may have lost but their honour could not be stolen from them. They were born Jedi and they would die as Jedi.
Amongst them was an army General and Jedi apprentice, he felt the difference between the two lands, he felt the others determination, he perceived the Dark Lords waiting ahead, he sensed the Light that was behind them but he could also feel the Light that remained in the Dark's lands. It gave him hope. It gave him determination. He did not carry his head high because he would meet his end with dignity; he held his head high because they could win. They were Jedi. And somewhere hidden deep within his mind, Obi-Wan Kenobi began to believe.
It was barely a whisper that swept through the camp but it was the signal to begin. Lt. Commander Langston lead her men agents the Shadows and Agents in an attempt to reach their weapons that had been taken from them. They charged through the barrier of men that surrounded their groups, their numbers pushing the enemy back. Many died but they would reach their swords and they were causing a distraction.
Across the camp Shadow Warriors hurried away from their posts to help their comrades, five soldiers escaped unseen by their captures; they headed for the main tent where the leader of the Dark Agents slept.
Riva heard they commotion from the other side of the camp and saw some of the soldiers left to guard them run to help but the rebellion down. She signalled the others to follow her. Ensign Johnson was the first to reach her side beyond the camp's boundaries. Next came Ja'don and Anes, together as always. They waited hidden in the brush waiting for Commander Rise to appear, they held their breaths expecting detection and capture at any moment.
From out of the darkness stepped the other officer carrying a knife and a sword on his hip.
"Where did you get those?" In any other situation Riva's tone of voice would have made the others laugh but the severity of their situation stifled their laughter.
"I found it," A glint of mischief apprised in his eyes. "In the hand's of an Agent."
"Rise." Riva smiled at her friend but couldn't help her disapproving tone.
"I couldn't help it, he started it."
"And you wonder why they busted you down from Captain to commander?" He grinned at Riva, a smile that caused a shiver to run through the lieutenant's spine.
"Oh that, not my fault either. Any way the life style didn't suite me. You know how it is?" Riva didn't answer but in stead turned her attention to their mission however beside her Anes and Ja'don gave each other a knowing look. As they began to move out Anes whispered to her lover.
"I bet they're together before autumn's end."
"I bet they're together before we rescue the General."
"Your on."
They shook on their bet and followed the others around the camps edge to where the man in charge slept. Behind them they could still hear the commotion Commander Langston was kicking up, they just hoped she could keep it up.
There were only two guards outside the Leader's tent who were dealt with quickly and cleanly. The Light soldiers took their weapons and shared them between them. The others stood guard as Riva and Rise entered the tent. It was dark inside but they could make out the outline of a man asleep on the crude sleeping mattress.
Riva had done many things in her life for the light, she had killed and maimed but it had always been defence. As she approached the prone figure she could not help feeling like she was about to murder a man. He was the enemy and he had undoubtedly done terrible things in his life but did he deserve death without being able to defend himself? And if they did this act would they loose part of their own light? She was suddenly unsure of their plan, she held back terror for her own soul freezing her in place.
Beside her Rise had no such worries, he stealthily crept forward towards his prey, he walked with the skill of experience. Riva watched as he lunged forward sinking his dagger deep into the other man. A low cry of pain was heard and then nothing, blood soaked the sheets and dripped onto the ground. Rise stood looking down at his victim. He had done what he believed necessary. He had killed the enemy. Outside the battle turned as the Dark Agents became disorientated. Their link to their Leader severed by his death. The light soldiers swarmed together defeating the Dark. Within the small tent two figure stood, the gap between them was like an abyss, endless and dark. Riva could only see the blood and Rise could only see the victory.
Night fell around them and still they marched. Weariness dogged the Jedi's steps but they did not stumble or complain. Slowly the night passed into early morning and finally the sun began to rise. But the light of the sun here seemed cooler and dull, it held no life like it did where the Light side of the Force dwelled. It offered no comfort only the reminder of their destination and the possibility of their fate.
The sun ascended into the sky, as it did they Jedi and their escort reached the top of a large hill. As they reached its summit the sun's light exploded over the hills and into the valley beneath them. Each Jedi stood motionless with the sight before them.
Ahead of them, nestled in the deep valley was the dark Ethes' camp. It oozed darkness and hate. Pain seemed to emanate from it like a living entity. Despair crushed the Jedi; hope seemed to be lost forever as they were moved forward toward the dark place. As they grew closer they could see the Shadow Warriors amongst the tents, they could feel their presents within the Force, they could feel their darkness.
Obi-Wan walked at the back of the group of prisoners. He saw the camp, he saw the Shadows and he felt the dark but the Force was speaking to him. It whispered of destiny, of what was meant to be. Some thing would happen soon, in that place of Dark. Something important would take place. The Jedi Warriors were where they needed to be; in the middle of where the fighting must be done.
Riva stood alone in the bustle of movement as the Army guard prepared to pull up camp and follow the Jedi over the Dark border. It had been discussed among the higher ranking officers that they should go thought the Border Forest. It would be quicker than going around, with their numbers they would be able to fight off Bandit attacks and defend themselves agents patrols.
Dismantling an army camp took time and Riva spent that time deep in thought. She could only see the redness of the Leaders blood, seeing its stickiness as it dripped to the ground. The sound of his dying cry echoed in her ears, accusing and insistent. She avoided Rise as much as possible, unable to look at him expecting to see the dark around him. He smiled at her the way he always had, like the other officers expecting something to happen between them but Riva's heart felt like ice. She looked at him and saw the blood. She gazed into his eyes only to wonder where he had learnt such things. His touched caused her to tense in fear.
She wanted to talk to her friend, she wanted to speak to Obi-Wan but he was miles away, deep within enemy territory. She hauled her pack to her shoulders, her determination set into her features. They would find the General and the Jedi council; they would bring them home and then she would cry her heart out on his shoulder. It wasn't much of a plan she thought, but it was all she could do. She feared for Rise, she knew him to be a good man but maybe he had been exposed to the dark too much. She feared he might turn. Obi-Wan was the only one who could help and until he was with her again she would keep an eye on Rise, but from a subtle distance.
/I hope it's not too late for him. He was beginning to mean something to me./
The Jedi council's and General Kenobi's Guard units moved out in pursuit of their leaders. They marched in lines, their discipline coming to the fore. They entered the Border Forest and at dawn they crossed over the border.
The Jedi council and its two Warriors stood amidst the Dark Lord's camp. They were surrounded and had nowhere to run. They stood in the bitter morning cold; autumn already coming to a close and the onset of winter was promised in the chilling wind. They stood for an hour before Ethes K'arn came to them. His smile told of victory, a smugness of owning your enemy clung to him, as did the Dark Force. His welcoming smile was almost a sneer, his eyes danced with hate and the precipice of madness from power.
"Welcome my friends. You are welcome here until you are required by our lord." He bowed in mock respect, his demeanour shouting defiance to the Light. "Show our guests their accommodation." Shadow Warriors brought their swords to bear as they shoved their captives to a small tent at the camps centre. Surrounded by soldiers, surrounded by the Dark.
Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon moved to follow only to be held back.
"Oh no, you two will have special quarters. See you soon Ben." The Jedi Warriors both stared at the gloating man, both fearing for the other and what was to happen to them. They were lead off in the opposite direction to the council and taken to a smaller tent attached to a larger one.
Qui-Gon barely remembered his training as he and his apprentice were forced into their prison and shackled to the centre wooden post. He was angry and a little afraid for them and the other Brothers. Obi-Wan's cool composure calmed him, the young General seemed unconcerned by their situation, in fact the Jedi Master could almost see a smile on his lips and a subtle sense of humour behind his apprentice's green eyes.
Qui-Gon stood silently as the guards left to stand outside, as soon as they were out of ear shot he turned to Obi-Wan hoping to find some answers.
"Obi-Wan, are you alright?"
"Fine, Master." Qui-Gon searched Obi-Wan's face for any change, any clue as to what he was thinking but Obi-Wan remained unreadable both physically and through the bond.
"Obi-Wan?" He waited for his companion to turn to face him but Obi-Wan remained as he was. "Obi-Wan, look at me." His tone bespoke of an order given from a Master to a Padawan. The younger man did turn them, looking at his friend and soulmate. He had shut out everyone including Qui-Gon. Why? He had no answers to that but he was doing as the Force nudged him to do.
"I'm fine, Qui-Gon. I can't explain it to you but something will happen soon and we must be ready. I love you very much but I fear I must be alone in my mind, please understand I am only doing as I believe the Force wants me to do."
Qui-Gon looked and Obi-Wan and saw the age and knowledge in his eyes. He was what his life had made him and more. His Jedi training and control lay above all else but below that Qui-Gon could see the General, his bondmate and deeper still the place where his lover was joined to the prophecy of the chosen one. He was becoming the man he was meant to be and Qui-Gon would not stand in his way, for when Obi-Wan was once again whole in his own way it would be time for them to be together; to complete each other through their soul bond.
"I understand, Beloved but remember I am here. We will fight together."
"Of course Qui-Gon, I wouldn't want it any other way."
They sat together on the mud floor, facing each other with their chains between them. They mediated each finding their own centre, Qui-Gon amongst the living Force and Obi-Wan within the Unifying Force. Between both their strengths they were all the Jedi Brotherhood could be. Obi-Wan may have been the one but without Qui-Gon he was nothing; the Jedi Master was the faith and courage and the General the raw power of the light in a physical form. Around them the Dark flowed but it could not touch them.
"Well gentlemen, I hope the accommodation is to your liking." The voice of their capture startled both Jedi from their meditation. They stood not wanting to be lower than Ethes, not giving him the perspective of power. K'arn walked around the two chained men, admiring their physique. Both men were stunning in their own way. Qui-Gon was a bear, large and powerful but gentle with its own and Obi-Wan was a fox, quick and agile. They were the perfect fighting pair; the other making up for his partner's weakness.
He reached out to touch Qui-Gon's muscular chest, to feel the power beneath his robes only to be stopped by a low growl. He looked at the young Jedi, the submissive boy he had used years before was nowhere to be seen in the young man. He was strong in his determination to keep his mate safe, Ethes was sure the Jedi Master's resolve was the same when it came to his apprentice.
"Well Ben, you have done well for yourself, a Jedi Master no less. Tell me have you been putting all my lessons to good use." Before the general could answer Qui-Gon spoke, trying to defect the dark warriors attention and Obi-Wan's anger.
"What do you want, Ethes?"
"I came to make a deal with you. Jedi Warrior Jinn and General Kenobi, between you you should know of all the Light army's defence measures and strategies. If you tell me them I will let you and your Brothers live, if you don't I will execute you all one at a time." He smiled, one that bespoke of victory. "To be perfectly honest I don't much care if you take my deal or not. If you do I have a way to defeat the army if you don't I will be rid of the Jedi Brotherhood. It's a win win situation for me. I'll leave you to think about it and to deside, which is the lesser of two evils. Good day to you both." He tilted his head in polite farewell and once again left them alone.
"We can't tell him the army's plans, Qui-Gon."
"I know, Padawan."
"But if we don't..." he trailed off unwilling to finished the thought.
"I know that too, beloved but we must be strong and trust in the Force."
"There is no death." Obi-Wan's whispered voice was a reminder of the Jedi belief but held little comfort.
(break for posting here)
The sun was high in the sky when the two Jedi Warriors were brought out of their tent into the open air. They were escorted to the centre of the camp and made to stand in the centre of the meeting point. Around them Shadow Warriors and Dark Agents went about their daily tasks, taking no mind of the two Jedi in their midst's. Ethes K'arn stepped in front of the two shackled men, ready to begin the event he had planned.
"Well, Jedi, have you made your choice?"
"We will not help you, K'arn."
"As much as I would have liked the information I will not deny that your decision delights me." He turned his back to them and nodded to one of his men. "It took me a while to decide who would be first but I think my final choice will have a great effect." Through the army of Shadows a figure was pulled, he was stooped and could barley walk. Due to his age he had not held up well to the enforced march and now it looked as if he would die. A lump came to Qui-Gon's throat as he saw who was first.
Master Yoda was forced to his knees in front of the two other Jedi, facing them, his face showing no fear. Obi-Wan watched as K'arn drew his sword and held it aloft for all to see. The light of the noon sun shone down on it making it shine with its deadly purpose. The blade came sweeping down in a graceful arch and sliced through the ancient Jedi Master's neck. Blood splattered the ground and the robes of all those who stood close enough. Qui-Gon was frozen in place as he watched his Master's life end in an act of violence. His Master had always been kind and gentle and Qui-Gon had always believed Yoda would pass peacefully.
Beside his Obi-Wan stood numb but his gaze was not locked on the headless corpse of the old Jedi Master as Qui-Gon's was but instead he stared at Ethes. Something within the Force was urging him to see something, to notice something but all he could see in the cold light was the smile and blood the other man wore.
"Take them back to their tent and let them ponder what they have seen, you never know they may change their mind." Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon went willingly back to their prison neither able to speak yet. Neither knowing what to say.
Bruck was among the crowd of men that surrounded the Jedi Warriors, he heard what his father said and he feared what Ben would decide. Seeing his stepbrother again after all those months was difficult for the young man. Ben looked amazing; he was clearly General Obi-Wan Kenobi completely in control of his own fate even in the clutches of his enemy.
Bruck had genuinely loved Ben when they were young but some where along the way that love had been twisted around, seeing him now, as he was truly meant to be, Bruck couldn't help but miss the affection his stepbrother had shown him years ago. He realised then that by helping his father he had betrayed the only one who had ever shown any compassion for him. He had turned just as his father had, just as Ben had warned he would. Bruck shuddered; Ben had even come home to help him after he believed Ethes had died.
His thoughts were retched back to the scene in front of him as one of the other Jedi Masters was brought forward. Through his sense of the Force he could feel Qui-Gon Jinn's distress and the other Master's cool determination and from Ben, through a bond he had almost forgotten, he felt a sting of grief not for the Jedi who now lay dead but for him. He looked up to meet knowing green eyes as Ben was lead away, but he was not Ben any longer. He was Obi-Wan. He had failed the child Obi-Wan had been but he would not fail the man Ben had grown up to be. If there was a path back to the light he prayed his stepbrother would help him find it.
"What are you thinking, Obi-Wan?"
"I don't know, there was something about K'arn that the Force wanted me to notice but I can't think what. I keep going over it in my mind, but I get distracted." In was silent for a moment trying to gather his thoughts. "Will there me more, Master?"
"I hope not, Obi-Wan but I believe Ethes will carry out his treat."
"Then we need to think of a way to escape."
"I agree but how?" At that question fall into his General persona, thinking through all he had seen of the camp and all its weaknesses.
"We're surrounded by Shadow Warriors and Dark Agents all of whom have weapons. The Jedi Council members are in another tent. We need to be subtle, anything obvious and flashy is going to get us killed."
"We need as ally."
"I agree, Qui-Gon. I just hope he makes the right decision." Qui-Gon didn't ask who, he had though his apprentice had given up when they had been captured, he had believed Obi-Wan had accepted his fate but now he realised General Kenobi had been watching and planning. They may not survive but knowing his Padawan was by his side in his defiance of the Dark it didn't matter.
The day passed around them and dusk began to fall, they waited to see if they had an ally and a chance. They waited to see if he would come.
There was a whisper of sound followed but two thumps as something heavy hit the earth. The two Jedi looked at the entrance to their prison, through it walked Bruck, knife in hand, senses alert. Without a word he came towards them holding the key to their chains. Qui-Gon took the key first unlocking his apprentice and then himself. He wanted to ask the younger man why but knew that time was against them and that all questions would have to wait till later. The moved out of the temporary prison as one, working together as if commanded by one mind. The Force guided them all, out the tent where the two guards lay dead through the sleeping camp to the tent where the other Jedi were being held.
There was no guard, which worried Qui-Gon, but wordlessly they entered. Inside they found the Jedi council chained together, Ethes K'arn standing before them with three of his Shadow Warriors.
"Betrayed by my own son, I can't say I'm surprised you never did know which side your loyalties lied." He sighed in mock exasperation; he drew his sword and pointed it at his own son. "I should kill you now for your weakness but I think it can wait till morning when I execute your stepbrother's lover. What do you think of that, Ben? Will you tell me what I want to know for your bondmate?" he turned his sword on Obi-Wan, the tip of its blade brushing the Jedi apprentice's chin. It was then that Obi-Wan noticed what the Force had urged him to see and confirmed what Qui-Gon had feared.
"You carry a Lightsaber. You must be Dath Maul."
"Ah, I see you finally realise who I am, you may have become General Kenobi and found a Master to teach you the Jedi way but I have my own following." Qui-Gon looked at the man who had pretended to be his friend in order to steal his son.
"You are a Sith lord? To think I didn't realise it. Where is my son, Maul?"
"Your son is dead Qui-Gon at least he may as well be to you. He is with my Master now, he is one of us and he cannot be turned back. We have as good as won, the light fades more every day and you are the last of a dying race. The Brotherhood is finished and the Sith will rule." The Dark lord turned his attention to the other Shadow Warriors, "Take these two back to their tent, and him," He pointed to his son. "Take him to the execution block and tie him there. Let him sleep where he will die."
"Father, please." The man who had been Ethes K'arn took Bruck's face in his hands.
"I am no longer your father, and you will die come morning or you will freeze waiting for the sun to rise. Take them away." The tree men where dragged to their place of imprisonment. The last thing obi-Wan saw before he was roughly forced back into his prison was his stepbrother kneeling at the camps centre, where Yoda's blood still soaked the ground, his hands tied and a sword at his back.
Bruck Chan looked up to see Obi-Wan's eyes gazing at him, in them he saw the forgiveness he had hoped to gain and the grief the younger man felt. He did not want to course his stepbrother any more pain but he had to do what he must and if that meant dying come dawn,
/Then let the skys open and the light of the sun rain down. I am ready./
It was night but they continued to ride through the Border Forest. Riva was at the centre of the mass of soldiers. Her thoughts distracted by Rise and the two swords she carried on her horse. Among the piles of discarded weapons they had found two Jedi Lightsabers; Qui-Gon's and Obi-Wan's. She carried them know in the hope that she would be able to return them to their rightful owners, one way or another. Weather it would be to put them in their hands to do battle or to lie them at their side in their graves. They were the Jedi Warrior's weapons and they should be with the last of their kind, in life and finally in the endlessness of death.
Bruck knelt unrepentant of his decision to help Obi-Wan and the other Jedi. He knelt with the clarity of mind that comes before death. Night passed by but the fear he had always expected with the knowledge of his own end never came. To his mind it was strange to find such understanding just before you were to die; to spend your life in confusion and misunderstanding only to know when you reach your end. He knew his decision had been right, he was sorry for the years he had strayed from the Light, he was sorry for turning his step brother away all those years ago when the help he needed had been offered. But most of all he was sorry that he had little time to serve the light, to atone for what he had done. He hoped that his life would be enough to save him, he hoped that he would still be able to love Obi-Wan from the other side.
They sky began to brighten, the sun began to rise and the camp began to stir, but Bruck was riveted by the sight of the morning sun, its beauty so stunning it left him breathless. The colours it painted in the sky so spectacular he believed it to be heaven. So be it, he would die this dawn but the Force would welcome him into its embrace with the beauty of first light in his eyes.
Ethes K'arn had had a peaceful night's sleep. He cared little for his son and the thought of his impending death did little to disturb his dreams. The Sith Lord rose with the dawn to get the Jedi gathered around the execution clearing. He was tired of waiting. Today the Jedi would follow Bruck into death, the last of their kind would be enslaved to him after he watched his bondmate, Qui-Gon Jinn, die. He had wanted Obi-wan Kenobi for a long time and now he would have him.
It was a sombre party that stood before the place of execution. The Jedi, including Qui-Gon stood to Bruck's right with Ethes K'arn standing before them, the Jedi General at his side.
"Its to late to help my son, Obi-Wan but if you tell me what I want to know I'll spear your lover." Obi-Wan looked at the man who had married his mother in order to gain a child with full Forces sensitivity; he looked the betrayer in the eye and said,
"I don't believe you, Maul." A look of anger crossed the older man's face, his darkness danced in his eyes, the air alive with its power. "Do what you feel you must, I will not be a betray the Brotherhood."
"Begin." But before the Dark Agent could lift his sword to strike Bruck a mighty cry rose from beyond the army camp. From across the open land, spilling out of the Border Forest came hundreds of men, each upheld by the power of the light.
Just as The Shadow Army had attacked the Jedi camp the Light army swarmed their enemy's camp. Their victory the night before gave them hope that was unstoppable. The surrounded the Shadow warriors and attacked. All around the Jedi swords crashed together for the victory of life. Through the crowd of men came a woman on horse back carrying two Lightsabers. And then the battle really began.
Jedi Warrior Qui-Gon Jinn took his Lightsaber from Riva and joined the other Light soldiers who had surrounded the Jedi council in order to protect them. Through the crush of bodies Qui-Gon saw his apprentice take up his own Lightsaber and began to duel the Sith Lord, Darth Maul. Then the mists began to rise from no where, hiding the Light soldiers from the Dark, letting them keep the advantage surprise had given them.
Obi-Wan watched silently as the Jedi Brothers were gathered and his Master was put with them, he tried to show indifference when Darth Maul, the man who had once been Ethes K'arn, stood beside him offering him the life of his love for his betrayal. Obi-Wan didn't fear death, his or his Masters but he did fear the pain Maul might course his lover. He looked into eyes that held no Light only the all consuming power of the dark and knew that this man would never uphold anything he promised.
"I don't believe you, Maul, do what you feel you must, I will not be a betray the Brotherhood." He was firm in his belief and decision, which angered the man before him, with anger in his voice he ordered it to begin but the Sith Warrior did not realise what he was starting. Out of the forest came the Jedi guard and the General's own men, among them rode Riva carrying his Sabre. He took up his weapon and began to fight.
When he began his whole mind was not on the duel he was fighting but the battle that raged around him. The Light soldiers had the advantage of surprise but that would only carry them so far. He reached into the place where the magic of the Force lay and called upon the spell he had tried in the clearing. Around him mist began to appear and then began to get thicker, it would not last long but it would be enough to hold off the Shadows and Agents until his soldiers surrounded them all leaving them with the only choice of surrender. Content with the spell he submerged himself into another part of his power, the place Qui-Gon showed him, the place where he knew battle.
Maul was furious with the turn of events, he had been winning and his attack on Obi-Wan reflected his fury. His movements were quick and powerful, baring down on the smaller man relentlessly. Obi-Wan held back knowing Maul would be unable to fight like this long, he would tire and then he would strike. But Maul was not unknowing of battle, within the Dark you used you anger and hate to fuel you actions but not to the point of self-destruction. Knowing he would lose if he continued in his frenzied attack he rained in his anger and channelled it. Men fought and died in that camp and at its centre the most amazing of duels was being fought as two of the best swordsmen on that planet locked blades.
To begin with no one was able to see the deadly dance but as the mist began to clear more and more of the soldiers saw and stilled in their own fight. The victor or this battle would not be determined by any of them but by the duel that took place at its centre. All watched in awe as they two men spun around each other, even the not Force sensitives could feel the prickle of power in the air.
The Jedi Brothers seemed surprised by the display but Qui-Gon understood. This was the true test for the Light. If Obi-Wan won today then it could turn the direction of the war, the Light could win and they may one day be free. Qui-Gon watched his apprentice fight the dark lord and thought he had never looked more beautiful. The Force flowed through him, he had an aura of Light that was always there but now seemed to out shine the sun. He was not Obi-Wan Kenobi now he was the chosen one; the Force was fighting the dark through him, using his body as a vessel to do its will.
Maul was amazed at his stepson's abilities and he feared. He would loose he realised, in his moment of doubt the Light of Obi-Wan reached out and absorbed into him. He had been without Light so long that its sudden return gave him nothing but pain. He gasped out in agony as both the Light and Obi-Wan's Lightsaber pierced him.
There was silence so quiet it was defining. No one dared breath encase they disrupted the tense peace that blanketed them all. They waited for the moment to pass when the silence no longer forced the air from their lungs and held their tongs still. Seconds ticked by and then the tension bled away back into the men who up until a moment ago had fought so vigorously and without mercy.
Maul looked into the eyes of his nemesis for the last time and died. Around the fallen man the Shadow Warriors fled or surrendered, the Dark Agents dying from their broken bond. The victory was theirs. But it was more than that, the place they all stood in had been over shadowed by the Dark but now the Light rushed back into it, this was not just a victory of a battle but a banishing of the Dark. The Dark fell back, away from the shinning Light that had infiltrated its territory.
Obi-Wan Kenobi was the chosen one and he had begun the banishing of the dark.
Riva oversaw the containment of what was left of the Shadow Warriors, General Kenobi was off somewhere organising the move south, Master Jinn had walked alone for a time and then said something about meditation, Bruck was with Rise's group, burying the dead and removing weaponry and then disappeared and the Jedi council were gathered around one of the many fires discussing something earnestly.
Riva was still reeling from the discovery of Master Yoda's body, she could not imagine what it mush be for the Brothers who had watched. She badly wanted to speak to Obi-Wan but they both had their duties to perform so neither sort out the others comforting words. The battle had been tiring but the image of Obi-Wan's blade glowing silver just before he had plunged it into Maul gave here a sense of peace she couldn't explain. Every thing was changing, the world spiralling out of control but for the first time it felt as if it should be.
She continued with her task, burying herself in it until the Force's lofty purpose for them all no longer mattered.
On the outside Obi-Wan was every bit the Jedi General he was meant to be but inside he was grieving. Master Yoda was dead. He had loved the old Jedi as a father, his own dying when he had been very young. Yoda had taken him under his wing years ago and never treated him as if he was useless as other had always done. Qui-Gon was distant now too, he was grieving for his Master also but Obi-Wan didn't know how to reach out and ask for his comfort. He loved Qui-Gon and constantly feared being rejected. He wanted to be strong for his Master so he remained alone within himself as hundreds of men and women moved around him.
The valley was beautiful, it once again sang with life and Light. Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn meditated deep within the living Force. The solidarity of the life around hum gave him peace as he came to terms with the loss of his Master. Yoda had raised him since he was very young, he had guided him through his training and had shown him the beauty of the Living Force.
Qui-Gon smiled, that would be how he remembered the little Master. Not the by the violence of his death but by the gift of the Force he had given. He opened his eyes to see the world, the rolling green hills, the edge of the Border Forest that no longer seemed so dark, the shrubs and plants that gave shade and food to the smaller animals. With his Force sense he could feel the animals that lived in the Forest and on the slope of the hill. The sun shone freely into the valley, the air was clear and refreshing. Winter was coming and soon they would move on to rendezvous with the rest of the army, but Qui-Gon knew that winter held its own beauty.
He looked upon the beauty of the world and remembered his Master, he felt the Force and could feel his Master through it.
/Good bye, My Master./ Qui-Gon rose from his kneeling position and went in search of his apprentice. Behind him a small hunched figure stood watching him leave. A smile played on his shimmering blue lips. Then as if he had not been there at all he disappeared back into the Force having made his goodbye to his Padawan.
/Qui-Gon is right we are too set in our ways./ Master Mace Windu stood with the other Jedi Brothers. The others were discussing the prophecy while he watched. He wished Yoda was still with them, now that he was gone Windu was head of the council and he was already feeling the strain. To his mind Obi-Wan Kenobi was the Chosen One they had been waiting for but others still believed it was Anakin, the last full Jedi ever born. They had see and felt the Dark retreat after Obi-Wan had fought the Sith lord. But it was easier to believe the chosen one was yet to come forward then hope he was already among them.
"Enough. We will discus this later when we are all calmer and had time to rest. Do not forget your training. We are Jedi and we have lost one of our own, this bickering would appall Master Yoda." Mace sighed, understanding his Brother's reaction to their current situation. "We should all meditate. We will talk about this when we reach the winter camp when all the Jedi Brothers are together again."
The group broke up each going for their horses and aides. As Mace walked to his own his responsibility weighed heavily on him.
/There are less and less of us each year and now the most wise of us had moved into the Force./
"My life sacrificed for nothing it was not, the chosen One Kenobi is. Forget your duty you should not, but forget that he is only a man you should not either." There was no one there but Mace was sure he had heard a whispered voice. "Confidence in you I have." The presence within the Force was gone but Mace was not the same inside.
/You always know what to say, glad to see death hasn't changed you./ The was a smile on the Jedi Brother's lips as he mounted his horse.
The Jedi and their Guard of soldiers all sat upon their horses. In front of them rode one of the army's Generals and his soldiers. Obi-Wan rode at the head of the convoy of men with Qui-Gon to his right and his stepbrother to his left, the world was changing and they where then men to change in further. It was a strange feeling for the young Jedi. He had become a leader of the Light army very young; he had proven himself and was respected. But now he must also be the chosen one.
His Lightsaber was heavy at his hip, its weight a reminder of his heritage, the Jedi Sister book of Adi Gallia's was in his saddle bag and its presence was a reminder to the prophecy he must fulfil and the Lightsaber of his enemy which he also carried reminded him of what he must face. He kept to himself, keeping the walls within his mind firmly in place.
At dusk they stopped for the night setting up a temporary camp. No tents but plenty of fires and blankets. Obi-Wan walked away from all the others deep in thought; he found a place of isolation and sank to his knees.
There hadn't been time to really grieve before but now that they had won there was nothing but time. The others saw the victory, they had the long awaited chosen one, they had Bruck who was proof enough that the loved one they had lost to the dark side could be turned back but all Obi-Wan could see was Yoda's death and those still held by the dark including Anakin.
"Hope there always is, young Obi-Wan."
"Master?"
"Told you many times I have, no death there is, only the Force." A shimmering blue figure sat before the young Jedi, "Wondered have you why we call them Shadow Warriors? A reason for this there is. Agents are called Dark because nothing else is in them, created by the Sith lord to fight the Dark's battle but Shadow Warriors, people they once were. Still there they are. Not completely dark nor completely light but somewhere in between. People, they are not Sith or Jedi, they lie between us, light and dark joined making a Shadow. With the Sith's influenced the Dark out ways the Light but soon change that will. The Light grows more powerful, Light will become one with them again. Hope there is Obi-Wan Kenobi; learn this you should, a powerful tool it is. Rest you should, only just began your fight has."
Obi-Wan felt his eyes closing from the phantoms subtle suggestion. Later Qui-Gon carried him back to their bed, still deeply asleep, a luxury he had not indulged in since being captured by the Sith. Qui-Gon had felt it the moment Obi-Wan had dropped his shields and let him back into his mind. He had found his own peace with his Master's passing and now he knew so had Obi-Wan. The hope was there but sometimes it was hard to see, together they would bringing it out into the light for all to share.
The End.
Dawn is a time of hope for the people of this planet for it represents the possibility of light winning over dark and although they know light will again lose to the dark it is still time enough to live. But this dawn is different. Unbeknownst to the Jedi army camp soldiers gather at the edge of the Border Forest. They will enter the Light side's territory and begin taking it back as they did every year but this year was different, this year they had the power to destroy the Jedi forever and that would begin today in the coming battle.
As the sun first appears over the eastern horizon the masked riders gallop towards the Jedi camp, carrying silent death with them.
Obi-Wan shot up, out of bed.
"Qui-Gon, wake up."
"Obi-Wan?"
"Something's wrong, something is... something is..." All colour drained from Obi-Wan's face as the sensation he felt was recognised. This is what it had felt like just before the Shadow Warriors had attacked them in the Border Forest but now it was larger and more insistent. "We have to warn the council."
"Of what? Obi-Wan?" The Jedi Master called after his apprentice as he ran out into the morning air, sighing Qui-Gon followed only to stop in his tracks just behind the younger man. From up the valley a shadow spread, riding towards them. Men consumed in Dark and their purpose.
"There is no time."
Through the Force Qui-Gon sent a warning to his fellow Jedi. The camp began to stir but it wasn't enough. In minutes the camp was swamped by a living shadow. The two Jedi warriors drew their Lightsabers and began to fight. Around them Shadow Warriors fort the Jedi army, with no time to dress in armour the Light soldiers went down. The camp was surrounded and infused by the Dark but still they fort on, the alternative unthinkable. Among were the Jedi, untrained and unable to fight however their presence and light gave hope to the dying men.
Time slowed for Obi-Wan Kenobi, he fought within the Force as his Master had taught him. Beside him Qui-Gon battled fiercely but they were loosing. The leader and general in Obi-Wan mourned the lost lives of his men, the resistance was being crushed, the Jedi camp capture, the remaining soldiers chained among them he saw Riva standing tall and defiant but they stood in blood and they stood defeated.
Through the thong of masked and defeated soldiers rode a hooded figure, Bruck riding to his right. They came to a holt before the two Jedi Warriors. This man was the Shadow Warrior who had spared them from Bruck in the Border Forest, he had known this moment would come and that their lives would once again be in is hands. The man pushed back his hood to reveal a scared face, deep lines etched into his skin years ago to form a ghastly and terrifying pattern.
"Qui-Gon, it's a pleasure to see you again."
"Ethes."
Ethes K'arn smiled down at the man whose son he had stolen but it was Obi-Wan who drew his attention and fascination.
"General Kenobi, you have coursed me more trouble than you know but I'm glad to see you have grown into the beautiful, sensual creature I always knew you would be," he leered at his stepson. "I hope to taste you again soon, Ben."
Bruck too had been staring hungrily at the Jedi Padawan but at his father's words a look of jealousy crossed his fine fechers. Ben was his.
"Secure the prisoners, the Jedi and general's guard are famous for their skill, they will be a valuable asset to our army once they have turned. Bring the Jedi to our camp over the border." With that K'arn and his son rode off knowing the orders would be followed.
The Jedi council and the two warriors were shackled and marched away. Riva watched General Kenobi marched off with the others of the brotherhood. She stood among his men feeling the same hopelessness the other soldiers felt.
"Lt. Riva, what do we do now?" Riva turned to the ensign who had spoken to her, he looked afraid, he had only been in the army a few months and was unused to combat and capture.
"We do as we did before Ensign, we wait for him." The seasoned troops around her seemed to sigh in relief. Waiting for their commander was something they could do, they would have gladly followed the general to the gates of hell and seemed to be exactly where he was being taken. They would follow but they had to escape first.
The Shadow Warriors rounded the Light Soldiers up into groups, surrounding each group lessoning the chance of conspiracy and escape. Riva watched the camp's division and then turned to the ensign by her side.
"Johnson, find out which group Commanders Rise and Langston are in and see if the councils adjutant Major Hunt is still alive."
"Yes Sir." The young man hurried off through the crowd to speak to others who might have seen where the other officers were. Riva was left with two officers, Lt Anes and Lt. Commander Ja'don, both old friends of hers and Obi-Wan's.
"Ja'don, we need a plan."
"That we do, Riva."
"Any Ideas."
Obi-Wan's face was passive as he was cuffed to Qui-Gon, which worried the Jedi Master. Through the bond he could feel very little, his apprentice was shielding against him, which in its own way scared him. He had no idea of what was going through the younger man's mind; he had no way of gauging his mental state. Qui-Gon continued to watch him as they were marched towards the Dark Border; he seemed indifferent and hollow of any kind of emotion.
Obi-Wan was not lacking in emotion but he refused to show his fear, he blacked everyone out and just walked, he was sorry he had lost his connection to his Master by blocking the bond but he needed to concentrate, to think of something before it was too late to act. Inside his won mind he was running through strategy and plans, trying to find one that would work, he watched the Shadow Warriors searching for a weakness to their defences and attacks. On the outside he was beaten on the inside he was planning, just like the soldiers left at the camp.
They didn't go into the Border Forest but skirted around it, the Shadows knowing it to be easier to guard their captives in the open instead of spread out among trees. It would take longer to get to their camp but they weren't going to risk loosing their prisoners, they were too valuable. The Jedi could feel the Darkness beyond; they could feel themselves getting closer as they walked. The valley they now walked in began in the Dark's territory and soon they would leave the place where light was beginning to flourish again and be cast in darkness. With every step their hope seemed to diminish, with very step they were further away from salvation.
Huddled together, hidden amongst the other soldiers, six officers of the Light army planned. Among them were Lieutenant Riva, general Kenobi's aide and friend, Ensign Johnson, newest of all the people gathered to the rank of an officer, Major Hunt, adjutant to the Jedi council, he was old which was why he had been assign his post but he had seen more combat then any of the others there, Lieutenant Anes and Lt. Commander Ja'don both from the ranks of General Kenobi's guard and Commander Rise of the council's guard. Between them they were the most experienced of the soldiers.
"Ensign, Where is Commander Langston?" Riva looked at the young man, waiting for an answer.
"She is in the group on the far side of the camp, we can't communicate directly with her using hand signals but we do have a network of people in each group to keep everyone informed."
"So, once we have a plan we can tell everyone without letting the Shadows know?"
"Yes sir." Johnson looked pleased, he had done everything he had been asked and also created a primitive form of communication. Riva turned to the others.
" Good. Anes, report."
"Ethes has left which means one of his captains are in charge, most of there soldiers are only dark agents which aren't hard to deal with, it's the shadows we need to worry about. They are real, thinking people plus many of them have some use of the Force. They have an advantage so we need to turn that around. Of course we have the advantage of numbers but that means nothing without weapons." Major Hunt nodded his agreement. His had ideally twisted in his greying beard; he spoke his thoughts quietly trying to think of a solution as he put forth the problem.
"We need to get to our weapons and distribute them amongst the men, what did the Shadows do with them when they confiscated them?" They all looked at Anes but it was Ja'don who answered.
"There are a few piles scattered about the camp but most are on the far side. Commander Langston is closest, if we could get her group to liberate the weaponry, while the guards are distracted, trying to put the resistance down we could get free and find the one who's left in charge, the Agents' Leader. If we manage that we may have a chance. The Leader has a bond with the Agents under his command. Without the one assigned to lead the agents wont know what to do, they wont obey another's orders because there is no Dark Lord to create another Leader to which they are bonded. Without them it should be easy to over whelmed the Shadows"
Riva thought it out in her head, it was risky but what else could they do?
"Major, do you think it will work?"
"We'll just have to wait and see, wont we Lieutenant."
"Ensign Johnson, get word to Langston, we need this to be well coordinated, tell her to get ready."
Across the captured army camp Lt. Commander Langston sat with her own officers, from the crowd of infantry soldiers ran a lance corporal bringing word from across the camp. They would attack soon, she could see the pile of weapons from where she sat, in a matter of moments her section would serge forward towards the discarded swords and knives creating a distraction while another section slipped away to even the odds. Between them they would liberate the council's personnel guard. They would supply the metal and their allies would even the odds.
She stood. It was time to begin.
Master Mace Windu walked with a solemn expression set on his dark features. He was tired, physically and mentally. Like all the other Jedi he could feel the Dark Border that lay just ahead of them. He could feel it reaching out with its tentacles of evil trying to embrace them, trying to turn them. It was seductive, it offered an end to what they were suffering now and an ease to the pain they had already enjoured.
It would give anything for it to end but it asked to much, he would not sacrifice the Light for the twisted peace it offered, instead he faced forward, meeting the threat head on with dignity not cringing in fear or on his knees in submission.
All the Jedi felt it as they passed over the border into the enemy's lands. A small shudder went through each of them but none of them spoke, they continued to march with dignity, when they were pushed they held their heads high. They were the Jedi Brothers, the leaders of the people of the small defeated planet. They may have lost but their honour could not be stolen from them. They were born Jedi and they would die as Jedi.
Amongst them was an army General and Jedi apprentice, he felt the difference between the two lands, he felt the others determination, he perceived the Dark Lords waiting ahead, he sensed the Light that was behind them but he could also feel the Light that remained in the Dark's lands. It gave him hope. It gave him determination. He did not carry his head high because he would meet his end with dignity; he held his head high because they could win. They were Jedi. And somewhere hidden deep within his mind, Obi-Wan Kenobi began to believe.
It was barely a whisper that swept through the camp but it was the signal to begin. Lt. Commander Langston lead her men agents the Shadows and Agents in an attempt to reach their weapons that had been taken from them. They charged through the barrier of men that surrounded their groups, their numbers pushing the enemy back. Many died but they would reach their swords and they were causing a distraction.
Across the camp Shadow Warriors hurried away from their posts to help their comrades, five soldiers escaped unseen by their captures; they headed for the main tent where the leader of the Dark Agents slept.
Riva heard they commotion from the other side of the camp and saw some of the soldiers left to guard them run to help but the rebellion down. She signalled the others to follow her. Ensign Johnson was the first to reach her side beyond the camp's boundaries. Next came Ja'don and Anes, together as always. They waited hidden in the brush waiting for Commander Rise to appear, they held their breaths expecting detection and capture at any moment.
From out of the darkness stepped the other officer carrying a knife and a sword on his hip.
"Where did you get those?" In any other situation Riva's tone of voice would have made the others laugh but the severity of their situation stifled their laughter.
"I found it," A glint of mischief apprised in his eyes. "In the hand's of an Agent."
"Rise." Riva smiled at her friend but couldn't help her disapproving tone.
"I couldn't help it, he started it."
"And you wonder why they busted you down from Captain to commander?" He grinned at Riva, a smile that caused a shiver to run through the lieutenant's spine.
"Oh that, not my fault either. Any way the life style didn't suite me. You know how it is?" Riva didn't answer but in stead turned her attention to their mission however beside her Anes and Ja'don gave each other a knowing look. As they began to move out Anes whispered to her lover.
"I bet they're together before autumn's end."
"I bet they're together before we rescue the General."
"Your on."
They shook on their bet and followed the others around the camps edge to where the man in charge slept. Behind them they could still hear the commotion Commander Langston was kicking up, they just hoped she could keep it up.
There were only two guards outside the Leader's tent who were dealt with quickly and cleanly. The Light soldiers took their weapons and shared them between them. The others stood guard as Riva and Rise entered the tent. It was dark inside but they could make out the outline of a man asleep on the crude sleeping mattress.
Riva had done many things in her life for the light, she had killed and maimed but it had always been defence. As she approached the prone figure she could not help feeling like she was about to murder a man. He was the enemy and he had undoubtedly done terrible things in his life but did he deserve death without being able to defend himself? And if they did this act would they loose part of their own light? She was suddenly unsure of their plan, she held back terror for her own soul freezing her in place.
Beside her Rise had no such worries, he stealthily crept forward towards his prey, he walked with the skill of experience. Riva watched as he lunged forward sinking his dagger deep into the other man. A low cry of pain was heard and then nothing, blood soaked the sheets and dripped onto the ground. Rise stood looking down at his victim. He had done what he believed necessary. He had killed the enemy. Outside the battle turned as the Dark Agents became disorientated. Their link to their Leader severed by his death. The light soldiers swarmed together defeating the Dark. Within the small tent two figure stood, the gap between them was like an abyss, endless and dark. Riva could only see the blood and Rise could only see the victory.
Night fell around them and still they marched. Weariness dogged the Jedi's steps but they did not stumble or complain. Slowly the night passed into early morning and finally the sun began to rise. But the light of the sun here seemed cooler and dull, it held no life like it did where the Light side of the Force dwelled. It offered no comfort only the reminder of their destination and the possibility of their fate.
The sun ascended into the sky, as it did they Jedi and their escort reached the top of a large hill. As they reached its summit the sun's light exploded over the hills and into the valley beneath them. Each Jedi stood motionless with the sight before them.
Ahead of them, nestled in the deep valley was the dark Ethes' camp. It oozed darkness and hate. Pain seemed to emanate from it like a living entity. Despair crushed the Jedi; hope seemed to be lost forever as they were moved forward toward the dark place. As they grew closer they could see the Shadow Warriors amongst the tents, they could feel their presents within the Force, they could feel their darkness.
Obi-Wan walked at the back of the group of prisoners. He saw the camp, he saw the Shadows and he felt the dark but the Force was speaking to him. It whispered of destiny, of what was meant to be. Some thing would happen soon, in that place of Dark. Something important would take place. The Jedi Warriors were where they needed to be; in the middle of where the fighting must be done.
Riva stood alone in the bustle of movement as the Army guard prepared to pull up camp and follow the Jedi over the Dark border. It had been discussed among the higher ranking officers that they should go thought the Border Forest. It would be quicker than going around, with their numbers they would be able to fight off Bandit attacks and defend themselves agents patrols.
Dismantling an army camp took time and Riva spent that time deep in thought. She could only see the redness of the Leaders blood, seeing its stickiness as it dripped to the ground. The sound of his dying cry echoed in her ears, accusing and insistent. She avoided Rise as much as possible, unable to look at him expecting to see the dark around him. He smiled at her the way he always had, like the other officers expecting something to happen between them but Riva's heart felt like ice. She looked at him and saw the blood. She gazed into his eyes only to wonder where he had learnt such things. His touched caused her to tense in fear.
She wanted to talk to her friend, she wanted to speak to Obi-Wan but he was miles away, deep within enemy territory. She hauled her pack to her shoulders, her determination set into her features. They would find the General and the Jedi council; they would bring them home and then she would cry her heart out on his shoulder. It wasn't much of a plan she thought, but it was all she could do. She feared for Rise, she knew him to be a good man but maybe he had been exposed to the dark too much. She feared he might turn. Obi-Wan was the only one who could help and until he was with her again she would keep an eye on Rise, but from a subtle distance.
/I hope it's not too late for him. He was beginning to mean something to me./
The Jedi council's and General Kenobi's Guard units moved out in pursuit of their leaders. They marched in lines, their discipline coming to the fore. They entered the Border Forest and at dawn they crossed over the border.
The Jedi council and its two Warriors stood amidst the Dark Lord's camp. They were surrounded and had nowhere to run. They stood in the bitter morning cold; autumn already coming to a close and the onset of winter was promised in the chilling wind. They stood for an hour before Ethes K'arn came to them. His smile told of victory, a smugness of owning your enemy clung to him, as did the Dark Force. His welcoming smile was almost a sneer, his eyes danced with hate and the precipice of madness from power.
"Welcome my friends. You are welcome here until you are required by our lord." He bowed in mock respect, his demeanour shouting defiance to the Light. "Show our guests their accommodation." Shadow Warriors brought their swords to bear as they shoved their captives to a small tent at the camps centre. Surrounded by soldiers, surrounded by the Dark.
Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon moved to follow only to be held back.
"Oh no, you two will have special quarters. See you soon Ben." The Jedi Warriors both stared at the gloating man, both fearing for the other and what was to happen to them. They were lead off in the opposite direction to the council and taken to a smaller tent attached to a larger one.
Qui-Gon barely remembered his training as he and his apprentice were forced into their prison and shackled to the centre wooden post. He was angry and a little afraid for them and the other Brothers. Obi-Wan's cool composure calmed him, the young General seemed unconcerned by their situation, in fact the Jedi Master could almost see a smile on his lips and a subtle sense of humour behind his apprentice's green eyes.
Qui-Gon stood silently as the guards left to stand outside, as soon as they were out of ear shot he turned to Obi-Wan hoping to find some answers.
"Obi-Wan, are you alright?"
"Fine, Master." Qui-Gon searched Obi-Wan's face for any change, any clue as to what he was thinking but Obi-Wan remained unreadable both physically and through the bond.
"Obi-Wan?" He waited for his companion to turn to face him but Obi-Wan remained as he was. "Obi-Wan, look at me." His tone bespoke of an order given from a Master to a Padawan. The younger man did turn them, looking at his friend and soulmate. He had shut out everyone including Qui-Gon. Why? He had no answers to that but he was doing as the Force nudged him to do.
"I'm fine, Qui-Gon. I can't explain it to you but something will happen soon and we must be ready. I love you very much but I fear I must be alone in my mind, please understand I am only doing as I believe the Force wants me to do."
Qui-Gon looked and Obi-Wan and saw the age and knowledge in his eyes. He was what his life had made him and more. His Jedi training and control lay above all else but below that Qui-Gon could see the General, his bondmate and deeper still the place where his lover was joined to the prophecy of the chosen one. He was becoming the man he was meant to be and Qui-Gon would not stand in his way, for when Obi-Wan was once again whole in his own way it would be time for them to be together; to complete each other through their soul bond.
"I understand, Beloved but remember I am here. We will fight together."
"Of course Qui-Gon, I wouldn't want it any other way."
They sat together on the mud floor, facing each other with their chains between them. They mediated each finding their own centre, Qui-Gon amongst the living Force and Obi-Wan within the Unifying Force. Between both their strengths they were all the Jedi Brotherhood could be. Obi-Wan may have been the one but without Qui-Gon he was nothing; the Jedi Master was the faith and courage and the General the raw power of the light in a physical form. Around them the Dark flowed but it could not touch them.
"Well gentlemen, I hope the accommodation is to your liking." The voice of their capture startled both Jedi from their meditation. They stood not wanting to be lower than Ethes, not giving him the perspective of power. K'arn walked around the two chained men, admiring their physique. Both men were stunning in their own way. Qui-Gon was a bear, large and powerful but gentle with its own and Obi-Wan was a fox, quick and agile. They were the perfect fighting pair; the other making up for his partner's weakness.
He reached out to touch Qui-Gon's muscular chest, to feel the power beneath his robes only to be stopped by a low growl. He looked at the young Jedi, the submissive boy he had used years before was nowhere to be seen in the young man. He was strong in his determination to keep his mate safe, Ethes was sure the Jedi Master's resolve was the same when it came to his apprentice.
"Well Ben, you have done well for yourself, a Jedi Master no less. Tell me have you been putting all my lessons to good use." Before the general could answer Qui-Gon spoke, trying to defect the dark warriors attention and Obi-Wan's anger.
"What do you want, Ethes?"
"I came to make a deal with you. Jedi Warrior Jinn and General Kenobi, between you you should know of all the Light army's defence measures and strategies. If you tell me them I will let you and your Brothers live, if you don't I will execute you all one at a time." He smiled, one that bespoke of victory. "To be perfectly honest I don't much care if you take my deal or not. If you do I have a way to defeat the army if you don't I will be rid of the Jedi Brotherhood. It's a win win situation for me. I'll leave you to think about it and to deside, which is the lesser of two evils. Good day to you both." He tilted his head in polite farewell and once again left them alone.
"We can't tell him the army's plans, Qui-Gon."
"I know, Padawan."
"But if we don't..." he trailed off unwilling to finished the thought.
"I know that too, beloved but we must be strong and trust in the Force."
"There is no death." Obi-Wan's whispered voice was a reminder of the Jedi belief but held little comfort.
(break for posting here)
The sun was high in the sky when the two Jedi Warriors were brought out of their tent into the open air. They were escorted to the centre of the camp and made to stand in the centre of the meeting point. Around them Shadow Warriors and Dark Agents went about their daily tasks, taking no mind of the two Jedi in their midst's. Ethes K'arn stepped in front of the two shackled men, ready to begin the event he had planned.
"Well, Jedi, have you made your choice?"
"We will not help you, K'arn."
"As much as I would have liked the information I will not deny that your decision delights me." He turned his back to them and nodded to one of his men. "It took me a while to decide who would be first but I think my final choice will have a great effect." Through the army of Shadows a figure was pulled, he was stooped and could barley walk. Due to his age he had not held up well to the enforced march and now it looked as if he would die. A lump came to Qui-Gon's throat as he saw who was first.
Master Yoda was forced to his knees in front of the two other Jedi, facing them, his face showing no fear. Obi-Wan watched as K'arn drew his sword and held it aloft for all to see. The light of the noon sun shone down on it making it shine with its deadly purpose. The blade came sweeping down in a graceful arch and sliced through the ancient Jedi Master's neck. Blood splattered the ground and the robes of all those who stood close enough. Qui-Gon was frozen in place as he watched his Master's life end in an act of violence. His Master had always been kind and gentle and Qui-Gon had always believed Yoda would pass peacefully.
Beside his Obi-Wan stood numb but his gaze was not locked on the headless corpse of the old Jedi Master as Qui-Gon's was but instead he stared at Ethes. Something within the Force was urging him to see something, to notice something but all he could see in the cold light was the smile and blood the other man wore.
"Take them back to their tent and let them ponder what they have seen, you never know they may change their mind." Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon went willingly back to their prison neither able to speak yet. Neither knowing what to say.
Bruck was among the crowd of men that surrounded the Jedi Warriors, he heard what his father said and he feared what Ben would decide. Seeing his stepbrother again after all those months was difficult for the young man. Ben looked amazing; he was clearly General Obi-Wan Kenobi completely in control of his own fate even in the clutches of his enemy.
Bruck had genuinely loved Ben when they were young but some where along the way that love had been twisted around, seeing him now, as he was truly meant to be, Bruck couldn't help but miss the affection his stepbrother had shown him years ago. He realised then that by helping his father he had betrayed the only one who had ever shown any compassion for him. He had turned just as his father had, just as Ben had warned he would. Bruck shuddered; Ben had even come home to help him after he believed Ethes had died.
His thoughts were retched back to the scene in front of him as one of the other Jedi Masters was brought forward. Through his sense of the Force he could feel Qui-Gon Jinn's distress and the other Master's cool determination and from Ben, through a bond he had almost forgotten, he felt a sting of grief not for the Jedi who now lay dead but for him. He looked up to meet knowing green eyes as Ben was lead away, but he was not Ben any longer. He was Obi-Wan. He had failed the child Obi-Wan had been but he would not fail the man Ben had grown up to be. If there was a path back to the light he prayed his stepbrother would help him find it.
"What are you thinking, Obi-Wan?"
"I don't know, there was something about K'arn that the Force wanted me to notice but I can't think what. I keep going over it in my mind, but I get distracted." In was silent for a moment trying to gather his thoughts. "Will there me more, Master?"
"I hope not, Obi-Wan but I believe Ethes will carry out his treat."
"Then we need to think of a way to escape."
"I agree but how?" At that question fall into his General persona, thinking through all he had seen of the camp and all its weaknesses.
"We're surrounded by Shadow Warriors and Dark Agents all of whom have weapons. The Jedi Council members are in another tent. We need to be subtle, anything obvious and flashy is going to get us killed."
"We need as ally."
"I agree, Qui-Gon. I just hope he makes the right decision." Qui-Gon didn't ask who, he had though his apprentice had given up when they had been captured, he had believed Obi-Wan had accepted his fate but now he realised General Kenobi had been watching and planning. They may not survive but knowing his Padawan was by his side in his defiance of the Dark it didn't matter.
The day passed around them and dusk began to fall, they waited to see if they had an ally and a chance. They waited to see if he would come.
There was a whisper of sound followed but two thumps as something heavy hit the earth. The two Jedi looked at the entrance to their prison, through it walked Bruck, knife in hand, senses alert. Without a word he came towards them holding the key to their chains. Qui-Gon took the key first unlocking his apprentice and then himself. He wanted to ask the younger man why but knew that time was against them and that all questions would have to wait till later. The moved out of the temporary prison as one, working together as if commanded by one mind. The Force guided them all, out the tent where the two guards lay dead through the sleeping camp to the tent where the other Jedi were being held.
There was no guard, which worried Qui-Gon, but wordlessly they entered. Inside they found the Jedi council chained together, Ethes K'arn standing before them with three of his Shadow Warriors.
"Betrayed by my own son, I can't say I'm surprised you never did know which side your loyalties lied." He sighed in mock exasperation; he drew his sword and pointed it at his own son. "I should kill you now for your weakness but I think it can wait till morning when I execute your stepbrother's lover. What do you think of that, Ben? Will you tell me what I want to know for your bondmate?" he turned his sword on Obi-Wan, the tip of its blade brushing the Jedi apprentice's chin. It was then that Obi-Wan noticed what the Force had urged him to see and confirmed what Qui-Gon had feared.
"You carry a Lightsaber. You must be Dath Maul."
"Ah, I see you finally realise who I am, you may have become General Kenobi and found a Master to teach you the Jedi way but I have my own following." Qui-Gon looked at the man who had pretended to be his friend in order to steal his son.
"You are a Sith lord? To think I didn't realise it. Where is my son, Maul?"
"Your son is dead Qui-Gon at least he may as well be to you. He is with my Master now, he is one of us and he cannot be turned back. We have as good as won, the light fades more every day and you are the last of a dying race. The Brotherhood is finished and the Sith will rule." The Dark lord turned his attention to the other Shadow Warriors, "Take these two back to their tent, and him," He pointed to his son. "Take him to the execution block and tie him there. Let him sleep where he will die."
"Father, please." The man who had been Ethes K'arn took Bruck's face in his hands.
"I am no longer your father, and you will die come morning or you will freeze waiting for the sun to rise. Take them away." The tree men where dragged to their place of imprisonment. The last thing obi-Wan saw before he was roughly forced back into his prison was his stepbrother kneeling at the camps centre, where Yoda's blood still soaked the ground, his hands tied and a sword at his back.
Bruck Chan looked up to see Obi-Wan's eyes gazing at him, in them he saw the forgiveness he had hoped to gain and the grief the younger man felt. He did not want to course his stepbrother any more pain but he had to do what he must and if that meant dying come dawn,
/Then let the skys open and the light of the sun rain down. I am ready./
It was night but they continued to ride through the Border Forest. Riva was at the centre of the mass of soldiers. Her thoughts distracted by Rise and the two swords she carried on her horse. Among the piles of discarded weapons they had found two Jedi Lightsabers; Qui-Gon's and Obi-Wan's. She carried them know in the hope that she would be able to return them to their rightful owners, one way or another. Weather it would be to put them in their hands to do battle or to lie them at their side in their graves. They were the Jedi Warrior's weapons and they should be with the last of their kind, in life and finally in the endlessness of death.
Bruck knelt unrepentant of his decision to help Obi-Wan and the other Jedi. He knelt with the clarity of mind that comes before death. Night passed by but the fear he had always expected with the knowledge of his own end never came. To his mind it was strange to find such understanding just before you were to die; to spend your life in confusion and misunderstanding only to know when you reach your end. He knew his decision had been right, he was sorry for the years he had strayed from the Light, he was sorry for turning his step brother away all those years ago when the help he needed had been offered. But most of all he was sorry that he had little time to serve the light, to atone for what he had done. He hoped that his life would be enough to save him, he hoped that he would still be able to love Obi-Wan from the other side.
They sky began to brighten, the sun began to rise and the camp began to stir, but Bruck was riveted by the sight of the morning sun, its beauty so stunning it left him breathless. The colours it painted in the sky so spectacular he believed it to be heaven. So be it, he would die this dawn but the Force would welcome him into its embrace with the beauty of first light in his eyes.
Ethes K'arn had had a peaceful night's sleep. He cared little for his son and the thought of his impending death did little to disturb his dreams. The Sith Lord rose with the dawn to get the Jedi gathered around the execution clearing. He was tired of waiting. Today the Jedi would follow Bruck into death, the last of their kind would be enslaved to him after he watched his bondmate, Qui-Gon Jinn, die. He had wanted Obi-wan Kenobi for a long time and now he would have him.
It was a sombre party that stood before the place of execution. The Jedi, including Qui-Gon stood to Bruck's right with Ethes K'arn standing before them, the Jedi General at his side.
"Its to late to help my son, Obi-Wan but if you tell me what I want to know I'll spear your lover." Obi-Wan looked at the man who had married his mother in order to gain a child with full Forces sensitivity; he looked the betrayer in the eye and said,
"I don't believe you, Maul." A look of anger crossed the older man's face, his darkness danced in his eyes, the air alive with its power. "Do what you feel you must, I will not be a betray the Brotherhood."
"Begin." But before the Dark Agent could lift his sword to strike Bruck a mighty cry rose from beyond the army camp. From across the open land, spilling out of the Border Forest came hundreds of men, each upheld by the power of the light.
Just as The Shadow Army had attacked the Jedi camp the Light army swarmed their enemy's camp. Their victory the night before gave them hope that was unstoppable. The surrounded the Shadow warriors and attacked. All around the Jedi swords crashed together for the victory of life. Through the crowd of men came a woman on horse back carrying two Lightsabers. And then the battle really began.
Jedi Warrior Qui-Gon Jinn took his Lightsaber from Riva and joined the other Light soldiers who had surrounded the Jedi council in order to protect them. Through the crush of bodies Qui-Gon saw his apprentice take up his own Lightsaber and began to duel the Sith Lord, Darth Maul. Then the mists began to rise from no where, hiding the Light soldiers from the Dark, letting them keep the advantage surprise had given them.
Obi-Wan watched silently as the Jedi Brothers were gathered and his Master was put with them, he tried to show indifference when Darth Maul, the man who had once been Ethes K'arn, stood beside him offering him the life of his love for his betrayal. Obi-Wan didn't fear death, his or his Masters but he did fear the pain Maul might course his lover. He looked into eyes that held no Light only the all consuming power of the dark and knew that this man would never uphold anything he promised.
"I don't believe you, Maul, do what you feel you must, I will not be a betray the Brotherhood." He was firm in his belief and decision, which angered the man before him, with anger in his voice he ordered it to begin but the Sith Warrior did not realise what he was starting. Out of the forest came the Jedi guard and the General's own men, among them rode Riva carrying his Sabre. He took up his weapon and began to fight.
When he began his whole mind was not on the duel he was fighting but the battle that raged around him. The Light soldiers had the advantage of surprise but that would only carry them so far. He reached into the place where the magic of the Force lay and called upon the spell he had tried in the clearing. Around him mist began to appear and then began to get thicker, it would not last long but it would be enough to hold off the Shadows and Agents until his soldiers surrounded them all leaving them with the only choice of surrender. Content with the spell he submerged himself into another part of his power, the place Qui-Gon showed him, the place where he knew battle.
Maul was furious with the turn of events, he had been winning and his attack on Obi-Wan reflected his fury. His movements were quick and powerful, baring down on the smaller man relentlessly. Obi-Wan held back knowing Maul would be unable to fight like this long, he would tire and then he would strike. But Maul was not unknowing of battle, within the Dark you used you anger and hate to fuel you actions but not to the point of self-destruction. Knowing he would lose if he continued in his frenzied attack he rained in his anger and channelled it. Men fought and died in that camp and at its centre the most amazing of duels was being fought as two of the best swordsmen on that planet locked blades.
To begin with no one was able to see the deadly dance but as the mist began to clear more and more of the soldiers saw and stilled in their own fight. The victor or this battle would not be determined by any of them but by the duel that took place at its centre. All watched in awe as they two men spun around each other, even the not Force sensitives could feel the prickle of power in the air.
The Jedi Brothers seemed surprised by the display but Qui-Gon understood. This was the true test for the Light. If Obi-Wan won today then it could turn the direction of the war, the Light could win and they may one day be free. Qui-Gon watched his apprentice fight the dark lord and thought he had never looked more beautiful. The Force flowed through him, he had an aura of Light that was always there but now seemed to out shine the sun. He was not Obi-Wan Kenobi now he was the chosen one; the Force was fighting the dark through him, using his body as a vessel to do its will.
Maul was amazed at his stepson's abilities and he feared. He would loose he realised, in his moment of doubt the Light of Obi-Wan reached out and absorbed into him. He had been without Light so long that its sudden return gave him nothing but pain. He gasped out in agony as both the Light and Obi-Wan's Lightsaber pierced him.
There was silence so quiet it was defining. No one dared breath encase they disrupted the tense peace that blanketed them all. They waited for the moment to pass when the silence no longer forced the air from their lungs and held their tongs still. Seconds ticked by and then the tension bled away back into the men who up until a moment ago had fought so vigorously and without mercy.
Maul looked into the eyes of his nemesis for the last time and died. Around the fallen man the Shadow Warriors fled or surrendered, the Dark Agents dying from their broken bond. The victory was theirs. But it was more than that, the place they all stood in had been over shadowed by the Dark but now the Light rushed back into it, this was not just a victory of a battle but a banishing of the Dark. The Dark fell back, away from the shinning Light that had infiltrated its territory.
Obi-Wan Kenobi was the chosen one and he had begun the banishing of the dark.
Riva oversaw the containment of what was left of the Shadow Warriors, General Kenobi was off somewhere organising the move south, Master Jinn had walked alone for a time and then said something about meditation, Bruck was with Rise's group, burying the dead and removing weaponry and then disappeared and the Jedi council were gathered around one of the many fires discussing something earnestly.
Riva was still reeling from the discovery of Master Yoda's body, she could not imagine what it mush be for the Brothers who had watched. She badly wanted to speak to Obi-Wan but they both had their duties to perform so neither sort out the others comforting words. The battle had been tiring but the image of Obi-Wan's blade glowing silver just before he had plunged it into Maul gave here a sense of peace she couldn't explain. Every thing was changing, the world spiralling out of control but for the first time it felt as if it should be.
She continued with her task, burying herself in it until the Force's lofty purpose for them all no longer mattered.
On the outside Obi-Wan was every bit the Jedi General he was meant to be but inside he was grieving. Master Yoda was dead. He had loved the old Jedi as a father, his own dying when he had been very young. Yoda had taken him under his wing years ago and never treated him as if he was useless as other had always done. Qui-Gon was distant now too, he was grieving for his Master also but Obi-Wan didn't know how to reach out and ask for his comfort. He loved Qui-Gon and constantly feared being rejected. He wanted to be strong for his Master so he remained alone within himself as hundreds of men and women moved around him.
The valley was beautiful, it once again sang with life and Light. Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn meditated deep within the living Force. The solidarity of the life around hum gave him peace as he came to terms with the loss of his Master. Yoda had raised him since he was very young, he had guided him through his training and had shown him the beauty of the Living Force.
Qui-Gon smiled, that would be how he remembered the little Master. Not the by the violence of his death but by the gift of the Force he had given. He opened his eyes to see the world, the rolling green hills, the edge of the Border Forest that no longer seemed so dark, the shrubs and plants that gave shade and food to the smaller animals. With his Force sense he could feel the animals that lived in the Forest and on the slope of the hill. The sun shone freely into the valley, the air was clear and refreshing. Winter was coming and soon they would move on to rendezvous with the rest of the army, but Qui-Gon knew that winter held its own beauty.
He looked upon the beauty of the world and remembered his Master, he felt the Force and could feel his Master through it.
/Good bye, My Master./ Qui-Gon rose from his kneeling position and went in search of his apprentice. Behind him a small hunched figure stood watching him leave. A smile played on his shimmering blue lips. Then as if he had not been there at all he disappeared back into the Force having made his goodbye to his Padawan.
/Qui-Gon is right we are too set in our ways./ Master Mace Windu stood with the other Jedi Brothers. The others were discussing the prophecy while he watched. He wished Yoda was still with them, now that he was gone Windu was head of the council and he was already feeling the strain. To his mind Obi-Wan Kenobi was the Chosen One they had been waiting for but others still believed it was Anakin, the last full Jedi ever born. They had see and felt the Dark retreat after Obi-Wan had fought the Sith lord. But it was easier to believe the chosen one was yet to come forward then hope he was already among them.
"Enough. We will discus this later when we are all calmer and had time to rest. Do not forget your training. We are Jedi and we have lost one of our own, this bickering would appall Master Yoda." Mace sighed, understanding his Brother's reaction to their current situation. "We should all meditate. We will talk about this when we reach the winter camp when all the Jedi Brothers are together again."
The group broke up each going for their horses and aides. As Mace walked to his own his responsibility weighed heavily on him.
/There are less and less of us each year and now the most wise of us had moved into the Force./
"My life sacrificed for nothing it was not, the chosen One Kenobi is. Forget your duty you should not, but forget that he is only a man you should not either." There was no one there but Mace was sure he had heard a whispered voice. "Confidence in you I have." The presence within the Force was gone but Mace was not the same inside.
/You always know what to say, glad to see death hasn't changed you./ The was a smile on the Jedi Brother's lips as he mounted his horse.
The Jedi and their Guard of soldiers all sat upon their horses. In front of them rode one of the army's Generals and his soldiers. Obi-Wan rode at the head of the convoy of men with Qui-Gon to his right and his stepbrother to his left, the world was changing and they where then men to change in further. It was a strange feeling for the young Jedi. He had become a leader of the Light army very young; he had proven himself and was respected. But now he must also be the chosen one.
His Lightsaber was heavy at his hip, its weight a reminder of his heritage, the Jedi Sister book of Adi Gallia's was in his saddle bag and its presence was a reminder to the prophecy he must fulfil and the Lightsaber of his enemy which he also carried reminded him of what he must face. He kept to himself, keeping the walls within his mind firmly in place.
At dusk they stopped for the night setting up a temporary camp. No tents but plenty of fires and blankets. Obi-Wan walked away from all the others deep in thought; he found a place of isolation and sank to his knees.
There hadn't been time to really grieve before but now that they had won there was nothing but time. The others saw the victory, they had the long awaited chosen one, they had Bruck who was proof enough that the loved one they had lost to the dark side could be turned back but all Obi-Wan could see was Yoda's death and those still held by the dark including Anakin.
"Hope there always is, young Obi-Wan."
"Master?"
"Told you many times I have, no death there is, only the Force." A shimmering blue figure sat before the young Jedi, "Wondered have you why we call them Shadow Warriors? A reason for this there is. Agents are called Dark because nothing else is in them, created by the Sith lord to fight the Dark's battle but Shadow Warriors, people they once were. Still there they are. Not completely dark nor completely light but somewhere in between. People, they are not Sith or Jedi, they lie between us, light and dark joined making a Shadow. With the Sith's influenced the Dark out ways the Light but soon change that will. The Light grows more powerful, Light will become one with them again. Hope there is Obi-Wan Kenobi; learn this you should, a powerful tool it is. Rest you should, only just began your fight has."
Obi-Wan felt his eyes closing from the phantoms subtle suggestion. Later Qui-Gon carried him back to their bed, still deeply asleep, a luxury he had not indulged in since being captured by the Sith. Qui-Gon had felt it the moment Obi-Wan had dropped his shields and let him back into his mind. He had found his own peace with his Master's passing and now he knew so had Obi-Wan. The hope was there but sometimes it was hard to see, together they would bringing it out into the light for all to share.
The End.