First off I would like to thank everyone who took a chance in reading this story. I know it was a long shot with such a lame description, but I appreciate you taking the risk. This fic has far exceeded my expectations and I can only thank all my readers for that. This fic has become a dream come true for me. : D
I would like to do is thank all the artists that contributed to the Titan A.E. Soundtrack. Except for the Prologue all the Chapter titles were derived from song lyrics. The only other exception was Chapter 1: Not Your Sychophant which was partially pulled from Seal's "Don't Cry" song. The Titan A.E. Soundtrack was released by Java/Capitol Records in association with Twentieth Century Fox.
Chapter 2: In here I'm Nothing – Cosmic Castaway - Electrasy
Chapter 3: Bad Dreams, Lost Thoughts - Cosmic Castaway - Electrasy
Chapter 4: It all Comes Down to You and Me – Like Lovers (Holding On) - Texas
Chapter 5: Yesterday's a Dream – Not Quite Paradise - Bliss
Chapter 6: Tomorrow's an Illusion – Not Quite Paradise - Bliss
Chapter 7: Today is a Solution – Not Quite Paradise - Bliss
Chapter 8: They've Taken Everything I've had to Give – Over my Head - Lit
Chapter 9: I Want but Have Not - Cosmic Castaway - Electrasy
Chapter 10: It's My Turn to Fly - It's My Turn to Fly – The Urge
Chapter 11: Come back down to Earth – Down to Earth – Luscious Jackson
Chapter 12: Proving Ground tonight - It's My Turn to Fly – The Urge
Chapter 13: But I'm not Broken - Cosmic Castaway - Electrasy
Chapter 14: Try to be the Best that I can - It's My Turn to Fly – The Urge
Chapter 15: I'm in over my Head - Over my Head - Lit
Chapter 16: Bad Dreams Don't Stop - Cosmic Castaway - Electrasy
Chapter 17: In my Dream I win - Cosmic Castaway - Electrasy (Bad Ending)
Chapter 17: Dreams become Reality - It's My Turn to Fly – The Urge (Good Ending)
It's a really good album, if you're interested. Anyways, I would like to thank you all for sticking with me through thick and thin. I hope you enjoy the final section. I put more into it than the "bad" ending(which I have come to realize was a pale comparison to this ending).
Anyway, Since I have such a long intro already to this, the final chapter, I will post my thank you's after.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dreams Become Reality
Prodding the condemned forward with an electro-jabber, set high enough to cause a dull pain but not strong enough to paralyze, the sithly group planned their revenge. The Lord of evil watched callously as the boys toyed with their prey. Each of the youths took turns punching and kicking at Obi-Wan as they led him to the training room.
Stumbling constantly under the abuse, Obi-Wan desperately tried to hold on to the hope that he could still end his stepfather's campaign of destruction. But with each step that belief diminished further and further. Pushing him off balance, Obi-Wan crashed to his knees in the middle of the training room. His shoulder took the brunt of his topple as his hands were still bound behind his back. He glanced up to find them glowering at him, with smug grins.
"You will scream Oafy," Bruck informed. Palpatine seemed to enjoy the boy's taunts.
"Of course he will, Bruck," the Dark Lord added. "It's just a matter of how long can he hold out before then." Motioning to his spawn, Xanatos and Anakin reached down to un-cuff Obi-Wan. Each holding an arm they tied it to a pole. "Shall we begin?"
**
Qui-Gon acquired a speeder from the Jedi holds. The children followed closely behind so that they would all be able to join in the search for Obi-Wan. They knew the first place to check would be the Kenobi household, which Siri could lead him to. Siri and Garen sat in the back seat and the young boy held onto Siri's hand to provide as much comfort and support as he could. Bant clung still to 'Cay's' exceptional lightsaber with tears rimming her eyes. Without delay the quartet left the Temple in search of their champion.
**
The crisp blue bolts of pain surrounded Obi-Wan. His mind floated on the raging waves of agony from the multi-methods of torture that were being inflicted upon him. At times it was as simple as a fist or foot, but between the azure flames, the bite of the electro-jabber and the sting of a whip found their way to him.
Xanatos enjoyed swinging the tri-pronged cord around, feeling powerful from the pain it caused. Bruck favoured the electro-jabber as his means of torture. Anakin mostly held back and watched the others amuse themselves. Palpatine thoroughly delighted in his stepson's torment, and was ecstatic when he accomplished his goal. Only a short time after they begun did they succeed in making their victim cry out.
**
Spurred on by a sense of urgency, Qui-Gon pressed the speeder harder. During their discussion in the Temple, he had felt a dull ache enter his being. At first he thought nothing of it, but as it steadily grew in intensity, he could no longer ignore it. He finally understood its purpose as he realized it for what it was, a bond. And more importantly a bond with the one person he felt could complete his life, Obi-Wan Kenobi. Quickly he prayed to the Force to let him save the boy. He knew that was what the Force wanted initially anyway, but sometimes the Force cannot dictate the lives of man.
For the pain grew and Qui-Gon was left with the echoing agony of a tortured soul. For a moment he spared a glance at the children with him. He noticed their somber expressions, as he knew they fully were aware of the gloomy outcome they might face. No, I will not let that happen. He told himself then rammed his foot down on the accelerator.
**
Completely drained of all strength, Obi-Wan hung from his binds. His throat hoarse due to the screams torn from his body. Hope seemed more and more like a flittering dream dancing just beyond his reach.
"My dear boy, had you thought by winning that tournament all my plans would be ruined?" The dark lord circled the youth.
Summoning up his dwindling reserves, Obi-Wan managed, "No – but – good place – to start."
"Foolish child, those pathetic imbeciles will still perish. You have only delayed the inevitable." Savouring every moment of the boy's pain, Palpatine examined the miserable sight. Obi-Wan's legs could no longer support him, causing his arms to strain against the bindings. His clothes were shredded from the lashes of the whip. Crimson lines highlighted his fair skin. Ugly purple and yellow bruises formed along his abused body. Stopping in front of his stepson, Palpatine could see the thin trickle of blood on the boy's chin.
Pleased with their labours, he added, "Too bad you will not live to see their destruction, but I see now that you must be eliminated for me to continue this venture. And I so wanted you to be there. I wanted to watch all your dreams die a slow and agonizing death before your eyes, but I guess that will have to be your fate instead."
Once again the sapphire beams of torment engulfed Obi-Wan. His raw voice ripped from his weary form. And he felt himself slip dangerously close to forever night as he almost let go of his hope.
*
"It's only a few more sectors," Siri shouted from the back of the vehicle.
Qui-Gon gave a curt nod as acknowledgement. His heart pounded in his chest in anticipation. The drive to find the gentle soul of his friend's son was unlike anything he had ever felt before. Suddenly, he felt himself give up all hope and he almost stopped the speeder. "No," he whispered aloud before diving into his mind. Along the fledgling bond he cried out, "{No! Don't give up! We're almost there.}" The flickering light in his mind grew slightly at his desperate urging, but he feared it might not be enough.
*
A voice pierced his foggy thoughts and he heard it clearly. Encouraged, Obi-Wan tried to cling to the last of his hope. But oh, how the darkness called to him. Promised him peace and no more pain if he would simply succumb to her soothing calls. But to accept her invitation would mean to accept defeat. And he could not do that.
*
As soon as the speeder was close enough to the ground, Qui-Gon leapt from his seat. He knew the others were right behind him. He had set the autopilot to hover in place so that it would not harm anyone in trying to land. The Force aided their fall and they landed already running toward the door to the dwelling. Upon reaching it, Qui-Gon utilized the Force to unlock the door. They charged right in seeking out the Force signature of Obi-Wan. Finding the bright light easily they barreled through the halls.
*
A slight reprieve in the assault allowed Obi-Wanto gather the last of his strength. "You – will – not – win."
Incredulous of the statement, Palpatine laughed, "What makes you so sure?"
In response to his question, the doors burst open and in walked Qui-Gon Jinn along with a few Jedi students. The Knight demanded, "Let Obi-Wan go."
"Why should I?" The Senator shot back. Slowly he made his way behind the failing youth. As he moved he glanced at his followers and they knew what he commanded. As a group the boys came to stand between the Jedi and Obi-Wan igniting their sabers as they did so.
Siri, Garen and Bant responded to the action by starting up their own sabers. Each one coming to stand in front of one of the boys. Bant faced Bruck, Garen blocked Anakin and Siri stood across from Xanatos. They figured that if they tied up the sithspawn that Qui-Gon would be free to help Obi-Wan.
Qui-Gon withdrew his own weapon and approached the evil being. "I said let Obi-Wan go."
"You have no idea who you're dealing with, Jedi. Why don't you come here and take him." Sneered the foul creature as he quickly broke Obi-Wan's binds and pulled him close. A clawed hand grasped the boy's throat and Obi-Wan fought for air. The Knight stepped closer but was soon stopped by the blue bolts of the Sith. Surprised by the assault he promptly fell to the floor in pain.
Through the spotted haze, Obi-Wan watched as his stepfather attacked the Master Jedi. In his struggles to stop the offensive, he could see the battles between the pupils. Siri and Xantos were vigorously attacking each other. Garen had almost defeated Anakin by backing him into a corner. But Bruck was overpowering the gentle Bant. Desperate to aid his friends, Obi-Wan did the only thing he could. Calling upon the encompassing energy of the Force, he drew it to him.
Invigorated by its awesome power, Obi-Wan felt the throbbing agony of his body shrink back to a nagging ache. Continuing the pull, he did not realize that his body could no longer contain the great energy. His body began to glow in response.
Unbeknownst to Palpatine, his greatest threat lay in his hand. The bright power surged around the boy. Palpatine felt the burning rays ignite his hand, immediately causing him to release his hold. Hissing at the pain, he was also forced to cease his attack on the Jedi Master. Desperately he searched for a way to put out the flames but he could not find one, for it was not a simple fire, but the blaze of righteousness.
Qui-Gon worked his way up to his feet when the lightening stopped and he watched as the white flames engulfed the vile being. Without hesitation, he ran up to Obi-Wan, who was still deep in concentration. The boy had sunk to his knees when he had been released and Qui-Gon placed his arms protectively around the youth.
At their father's agonized cries, Xanatos and Anakin stopped their struggles. Bruck, on the other hand, pressed harder to win his fight. Stumbling under the constant blows, Bant could no longer keep up. The Mon Calamarian fell vulnerable at Bruck's feet.
Surrounded by the Force, Obi-Wan sensed his friend's plight and quickly took action. Breaking from Qui-Gon's grasp, he called his father's blade to him. The hilt had been hanging on the girl's belt. Activating it immediately, he launched himself toward Bruck.
So determined to win his fight, Bruck was not prepared to block the slash coming for him. The shocked glare that graced his features expressed his bewilderment as the crystalline blade plunged into his chest.
Never intending the block to be fatal, Obi-Wan came into the battle at an odd angle. He could not allow the brute to harm the one person he felt he could truly be himself to. The outcome of his actions surprised even himself, and he regretted the result. Despite their cruel dispositions, he knew that it was the influence of his stepfather that made them so. He always felt there was still a chance to save them, yet he knew that it was too late for Bruck now.
His abused body reflected his distraught countenance and Obi-Wan sank to floor mirroring the falling form of Bruck. Drained from the exertion, Obi-Wan remained slumped near Bant. He could see her disturbed glance full of confusion and gratitude. He offered her a wan smile to comfort her.
During the distraction, the bleached flames had spread over Palpatine's body. He knew his time was receding quickly, so planned one last revolt. Ablaze, Palpatine lunged for the downed form of his stepson.
Obi-Wan felt the angered scream of his stepfather augment and turned in time to see the Senator charging him. To spent and weak to move, he felt a strange sort of detachment as he thought his life was over.
Suddenly, an emerald blade sliced through the mid-section of the politician stopping his advancement. Startled eyes bore into Obi-Wan, as the black spots of darkness threatened to consume him, before glazing over. Qui-Gon straightened and powered down his saber once the flaming body of Palpatine crumpled to the floor. The dumbfounded brothers could do nothing but stare in wonderment at the turn of events. The other Jedi students watched quietly from the sides.
Qui-Gon turned a concerned eye toward Obi-Wan and saw the boy waver. Rushing to his side, Qui-Gon scooped up the youth in his strong arms. He heard the boy whisper, "It's over." Nodding his assurances, Qui-Gon saw the boy give him a small smile. The meager gesture warmed his heart before his breath caught in his throat at the sight of the boy's eyes rolling back. The last thing Obi-Wan heard was Qui-Gon's frantic calls.
***
Almost a week had past since the tournament. Xanatos and Anakin had been taken into custody and were now held in a correctional facility. The Jedi Council had hopes that there was some way to reverse the damage done by their father.
He had just been released from the healers when Qui-Gon showed up. The Knight said, "Come with me I want to show you something." Having no place else to go, he complied. The tall Jedi led him through the pristine halls of the Temple and into one of the smaller gardens. Guiding him through the winding paths, the Knight could hardly contain his excitement. Finally they entered a back section of the garden and the boy gasped in amazement.
Turning, Qui-Gon already could sense the youth's joy. "I had the Temple gardens copy it exactly, well, except for the droid shed. Siri mentioned that you and your mother often spent time there. And I thought it would help you acclimate to the Temple better."
"It's beautiful," Obi-Wan said as he gazed at the wondrous gift. "But I don't understand."
Slowly, Qui-Gon came to stand in front of him. The tall knight knelt down and took the slender hands of Obi-Wan in his. "I have spoken to the Council and they have granted me permission to train you."
Shocked by the announcement, Obi-Wan could scarcely believe what he heard. "Train me?"
"Yes, Obi-Wan Kenobi, would you consent to be my Padawan Learner?" Qui-Gon thoughtfully requested.
Tears welling in his sea-change eyes, Obi-Wan fought for enough air to speak. "I would be honoured, Master Qui-Gon." Suddenly the youth flung his arms around the Jedi Master's neck and squeezed.
The two became the best Master-Padawan team in the entire Order and went on many adventures. But that's a story for another time.
And they lived happily ever after. The End.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
I will post my thank you's to this chapter in a REVIEW. SO don't forget to give me your final thoughts. Thank you again for reading!
REALbluelightsaber – Actually, I thought of the final scene in Braveheart for this one. Thanks for the feedback. ;)
Dragonsong – Well, at least I have one reader that won't kill me. Thanks. : )
mydogisfudge – To be honest, I almost started crying when I wrote it. But I hope you liked the happy one that I came up with. Thanks.
Obi-WansPadawan – Well, I hope that was a worthy ending to add to one of your favourites. I won't be upset if you don't though. Thanks for reading.
remnants-2011 – Thanks. I did rather like it, but it wouldn't be a true fairy tale with out the "happy" ending.
Ciria?? – Wow, I'm glad it made you feel that way. Thank you for all the fabulous feedback. That was a wonderful review.
Katt – I hope this ending wasn't too bad for you. Thanks for reading.
Alex – Why not? He's a tragic hero.
Lou – Thanks. I hope this one was better for you.
Aiska – This was not all that well written. But I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for reading.