BENIGHTED
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters or other things in this story. They all belong to the meticulously wealthy man in flannelette.
Anakin stood silently on the bridge of the Battleship beside his Master. Blue eyes no longer sparkling like the Naboo sky, but glazed and battle weary. The shadow that had always followed him was beginning to consume him entirely. His expression was stern and silent, yet his thoughts dwelled in a place few Jedi dared to tread.
I will hunt you down. Hunt you down and destroy you all. To that I promise.
Obi Wan glanced introspectively at his Padawan for a brief moment. Reading his thoughts. Knowing all to well that his grasp on Anakin's anger was deteriorating as the Clone War continued. Over the past few months, Obi Wan had repeatedly requested to the Jedi High Council that Anakin should take some time off from the war, but everytime the same reply.
"Anakin is a good warrior. We need him for there are not enough of us left to combat the Trade Federation and control the clone troopers. There are more pressing issues that your Padawan's anger."
Had they forgotten that he is the chosen one? That his powers are heightened to an unmatchable degree leaving him more susceptible to the temptations of the dark side. These thoughts troubled Obi Wan, even more so than winning the war that had started over a year ago. He feared that even when the war is over, the war with Anakin would continue.
"Deep in thought again, Master?"
"Always, Anakin."
Anakin turned to face Obi Wan. Expressionless.
"You still want me to go away don't you?, Anakin asked
Sighing, Obi Wan turned to face Anakin, placing his hands on his shoulders.
"Anakin, I worry about you. Your anger is growing out of control and I fear it may be conflicting with your journey to becoming a Jedi Knight."
"Master, spare me the bullshit. You want me gone. Plain and simple."
"That is not true. I only want…"
"What's best for me… Yeah I've heard this song before, but I'm not leaving until we have defeated the Trade Federation completely."
Anakin's cold resolve startled Obi Wan, but he knew he could do little to deter Anakin from his stubborn convictions. Wait!
Padme Amidala.
Yes, if he could convince Padme to talk to Anakin, then maybe he would listen to her. Even though he worried about Padme and Anakin's relationship, he was out of options on the matter and she seemed to be the only answer left.
"General Kenobi?", a deep voice resonated from the pilot seat.
"What is it Lieutenant?"
"The Trade Federation vessel is in retreat. The fighters have pushed them towards the Senex Juvex sector. General Organa is ordering a cease fire."
Obi Wan stared silently out through the view screen at the empty space territory that lay before him. He once treasured the beauty of space, but no more. It had become cold and empty. He yearned silently for a warm place where he could live out the rest of his days. He turned to the Admiral, a thin young man who had the cold resolve that reflected all the officers aboard the battleship.
"Admiral, cease all offensives."
"Yes, General."
"What?…. Your just going to let them retreat so they can regroup? Organa is a fool. Pilot ignore him, follow the Federation vessel." Cried Anakin
"You will ignore that, pilot." Obi Wan stated walking sternly towards Anakin.
"We can take them now while there in retreat and vulnerable and end the war… Hell I could do it on my own"
"Obeying orders comes first rate to your eagerness to exert your ego warrior skills."
Anakin gazed at his Master fearlessly, but somewhat taken aback by the apparent stab. The comment by Obi Wan, only increased Anakin's resentment.
"And I suppose you think that by letting them go we are being merciful."
"I would prefer not to fight, Anakin."
"Ha…typical Republican. If Palpatine were here he would have told Bail Organa to shove a pulse rifle up his ass and then he would have pursued."
Trying to control his own rising anger, Obi Wan looked coldly at his Padawan who was clearly becoming too coy for his own good.
"Any more comments like that my young apprentice and you'll be lucky to pass the trials next month."
The threat seemed to wilting in strength, as was Obi Wan's own resolve. He was losing his grip on Anakin even now, when it mattered. Anakin did not comment, but just stared unflinching at Obi Wan before he took off towards his quarters.
Perhaps it was best that the argument did not continue
Obi Wan thought. Quietly he gazed back out through the view screen at the empty and desolate vastness of space before him. Bringing his hands to his face, he slowly closed his eyes trying to push any negative thoughts from his mind.
Remain in control. At least of your own emotions. Control Obi Wan.
However, the echo of darkness continued to creep through his veins. Time was running out.
* * *
Two hours later, Obi Wan found himself meditating silently in his quarters. The sound of silence his only comfort. No laser blasts. No explosions. Nothing. It was a silence that Obi Wan had waited so long to find. Hopeful that the war was coming to an end, and Anakin's growing darkness with it.
Beep! Beep!
"Communication for you, Sir"
A voice protruded the silence over the comm. Obi Wan sighed.
Too good to be true!
"Who is it?"
"It's Senator Padme Amidala"
"Patch it through a secure channel to my room."
"Yes, sir."
Obi Wan stood up so as to face the view screen. Then her face appeared. She was more beautiful than ever, though her eyes told a different story. They were weary from fighting the insatiable battle in the Republic and alongside Bail Organa. However, Obi Wan saw something else within her eyes. Something he could not decipher, but knew it was bringing the former Queen great sadness.
"Senator Amidala, I am so glad you returned my message."
"It's good to see you again, Master Kenobi. It has been a long time."
"That it has."
"How is Anakin?", she asked with hope.
"He is actually why I have contacted you, M'lady"
Padme's eyes widened a little with concern, as she tried to control any over-statement of emotion, for fear of her secret being exploited.
"Is he alright?"
"Yes", Obi Wan paused for a moment in thought, "And no. He has been effected greatly by this war we fight and I fear it is deterring him away from his chosen path."
Padme starred down into her lap, before looking up at Obi Wan again.
"In what way has he been affected?"
"His mood. He is always aggressive and his judgments mirror that of a man who is losing control over what is right and wrong."
"What is it you want me to do?"
"Talk to him. Convince him to come and stay with you for a short while or to take some time off from this war at least. You're his friend, he will trust you, for at the moment he does not trust me."
Obi Wan looked at Padme then. Sensing her increased sadness at the very mention of Anakin. Something was wrong. She did not say anything for a moment, as she gazed down in thought to what he was saying. When she looked back up at Obi Wan, tears began to augment her eyes, but did not fall from their pits.
"I've tried, Obi Wan… but he won't even listen to me."
Surprised, Obi Wan wanted her to continue. To express what was truly wrong.
"Things are a lot complicated than you realize, Ben."
"Padme, tell me what is wrong? I sense your holding something back and it is giving you a great deal of pain. Talk to me."
"I can't… I can't tell you."
"Tell me what?"
Silence.
"Padme?... Please" Obi Wan beckoned her, but she just starred solemnly at him.
"You know… you just don't want to accept it."
With that said she cut the transmission. Obi Wan stood their for what seemed like an eternity gazing at the empty view screen. He hunched his shoulders as if beaten by the weariness that suddenly filled him. His strength was fading. Slumping down on his bed, his head in his hands, and silently let the thoughts and weariness consume him.
NOTE: Review and let me know if I shall continue. Many chapters to come if you do.