The title of the part comes from the song 'Sorry' by Our Lady Peace off of the 'Gravity' CD. Raine Maida wrote it. Buy the CD! It is AWESOME!

Thank you so much for the reviews! I almost didn't go to a very important NJROTC meeting because I knew you guys were waiting! Then I thought, no, they'd have to wait. Haha. Anyhow, I figured you guys would want to read the chapter NOW, so I don't have time to thank you all individually, but I'll do my best to get to you next time.

Until next time… May the Force be with you, always.

~Blazer~
July 15, 2002

BREATHE

PART FOUR:

TODAY'S THE STRIKE OF A MATCH

Him.

For a second Qui-Gon could not move. He just stood there dumbly, staring at Obi-Wan, taking in the sight of him and angered to see him alive. At the very least Qui-Gon had hoped he had been killed.

Obi-Wan certainly had changed. His face was still youthful, but Qui-Gon could see the jaded look in his eyes and the lines in Obi-Wan's face. He looked weathered. His clothing was no longer that of a Jedi, but of a soldier's. His boots were knee high and his pants black and made of leather. His shirt was black and made of a fine material that kept him equally warm and cool. Over that he wore a silver leather vest that hugged him tightly. Qui-Gon frowned at the leg brace. He looked formal as he stood on Amidala's right, hands folded behind him.

Qui-Gon caught a hold of his mind and walked quickly to catch up with Anakin and the guard. He still could not take his eyes off of Obi-Wan. He stared determinedly forward, out a stained glass window.

Anakin was grinning as he bowed to Amidala, who was examining him with great care. Qui-Gon followed his Padawan and bowed, his eyes never once leaving Obi-Wan.

"Master Jinn?" Amidala asked, incredulous. "Annie? Is it really you? " Her eyes were shining and she stood, rushing down to meet her visitors. Qui-Gon noticed that Obi-Wan signaled to a female at his side. The female gave him a dirty look brimmed with affection, but flanked Amidala from ten feet off, her pistol at ready.

Amidala looked marvelous. She was not as done up as usual, but she was still in her usual splendor. She wore a black feathery dress with intricate designs down the front, depicting images of flowers and waterfalls. Her hair was curled in a simple bun at the back of her head, held with a beautiful glass blue hairpin in the shape of a bird. The dress was elegant, let allowed her room to run if needed. What they didn't know was that Kikerio had selected the dress for her. It was a dress that a Queen needed, yet would also be effective if a need to run was fronted.

Qui-Gon forced his eyes away from Obi-Wan and shook the hand Amidala offered him. "It is a pleasure to see you again, Your Majesty," he said generously, well aware that Obi-Wan could hear. "I am happy to be serving you again. It is an honor to be back on Naboo and find you in good health. "

"The honor is mine, Master Jedi," Amidala replied. She turned to Anakin, her eyes lighting up. " Oh, Annie, you've grown! "

"Thanks," Anakin said his smile almost as wide as hers.

"Have you fulfilled your promise, Annie? Are you a great Jedi Knight now?"

Qui-Gon peered at Anakin. "No, not yet," Anakin said happily. "But I will be one day. "

"I'm glad to hear that," Amidala said. She turned back, her mouth open, her eyes on Obi-Wan, prepared to call him to her.

"Your Majesty, " Kikerio said, jumping in front of Amidala, blocking Obi-Wan from view. "I suggest we leave this open area to the draw room. There is less chance of an attack there. "

Amidala looked at her funny, but nodded anyway. She swept a hand to Kikerio. "This is Lieutenant Kikerio Tekra."

"Pleased, " Kikerio said shortly, nodding at the pair. "Let's go Your Majesty." Kikerio motioned to some other guards and they shot forward to surround the trio. Kikerio led the way.

Qui-Gon glanced back to the throne.

Obi-Wan was gone.

~*~*~*~

Obi-Wan paced outside of the throne room, silently debating. Should he go the draw room and claim his place as Amidala's General of the Naboo Security Force? Should he show himself to Qui-Gon? What would Qui-Gon do?

Obi-Wan had seen the bafflement in Qui-Gon's eyes when he had walked into the throne room. Obi-Wan had felt the Jedi the minute the ship touched down. He had done his best to shield himself from the Jedi Master, but apparently, he was not to be fooled. He had felt the scorching anger through a bond that had been shattered three years ago. The bond was as thin as paper, but it was still there, and Obi-Wan found it useful.

The former Jedi paced and paced. He didn't know if Qui-Gon could hold back on his anger. He didn't blame his former Master, but he resented him all the same.

Why of all Jedi had the Council sent Qui-Gon? There were thousands of Jedi Knights in the Order. Why of all of them did they send the one that Obi-Wan knew hated him? He knew the logical answer was that Qui-Gon had helped Amidala three years ago, and that it would be better sending someone Amidala knew. Still, it tore him up.

In the Council's eyes, Obi-Wan knew he had done nothing wrong by leaving the Jedi Order and becoming one of the Lost Twenty.

But in Qui-Gon's eyes, Obi-Wan had shamed the Jedi and all they stood for.

In Qui-Gon's eyes, Obi-Wan had a lot to answer for.

And Obi-Wan knew that Qui-Gon was right.

~*~*~*~

"Where is he?" Amidala asked, furious. She knew the two Jedi were waiting for her inside the room. Lieutenant Kikerio stood in front of her, head bowed.

"With all due respect, Your Majesty, he didn't want to meet the two Jedi. He sent me in his stead. I see nothing wrong with the arrangement. He knows what is best. "

"I know why he didn't want to meet the Jedi!" Amidala growled. "He's a former Jedi, did you know that, Lieutenant?"

"Yes," came Kikerio's immediate response.

"That's his former Master! He told me that he left on bad terms with the Jedi, but I really don't care! Find him, Lieutenant. As my General of security, he should put pride aside to meet and confer with the Jedi. "

"Your Majesty-"

"Now, Lieutenant," Amidala snarled and went inside the room.

Kikerio frowned. " He owes me big time," she muttered.

~*~*~*~

Obi-Wan sat in the Security Office, going through records. He really had no need to see the Jedi. Kikerio could handle it. Besides, he deserved a day's break. He had not had one since last year.

The door banged open. "General!"

Obi-Wan rose an eyebrow at the Corporal in front of him. " Yes, Je'Tra?"

Je'Tra panted for breath. "General, " the man said, "we have just received word from intelligence that the palace is about to be attacked. "

"What?"

Obi-Wan flew to his feet and was out the door in a second. " Where is the Queen?"

"The draw room, but-"

"Corporal, get everyone out of the palace now. All the cooks, the maids, everybody. I'll secure the Queen."

"Yes, sir," Je'Tra said.

"Who is attacking?"

"I don't know."

"How did you find out? "

"We received a message," Je'Tra replied.

"From who?"

"It was anonymous, General. "

Obi-Wan went cold. "Is there evidence to back this claim? "

"There are three attack ships in our atmosphere. "

Obi-Wan swore. " Go, now."

He ran down the corridor towards the main part of the palace where the Queen was, withdrawing his commlink. He cursed as he veered a hard left to stop from running into a maid coming out with a broom. He swiveled back and grabbed her by her wrist. "Miss, I ask you to leave the palace now. " He didn't wait for her questions.

"Lieutenant?" he barked.

"General, Queen-"

"Lieutenant, where are you?"

"In the garden-"

"The palace is about to be attacked. "

"What?" Kikerio sounded outraged.

"Gather everyone out of the palace now. We cannot have any hostages. "

"How-"

"I don't know what form, Lieutenant. Round up our guards. "

" Yes, sir. "

"Be careful, Lieutenant. Get the word out. I'm securing the Queen. "

" Good luck, General. "

" We make out own luck here, Lieutenant. "

~*~*~*~

Qui-Gon felt a jump in the Force and he leapt to his feet. His hand went to his lightsaber. Anakin seemed puzzled for a second, but jumped up next to him, his own lightsaber at ready.

"Master Jedi?" Amidala seemed frightened. "What's wrong?"

The door suddenly banged open, and in walked Obi-Wan Kenobi.

Qui-Gon had to yank his arm back to keep from slashing at the man. Obi-Wan sensed the movement and looked at Qui-Gon with knowing eyes. They stared for a second, then Obi-Wan purposely turned to the Queen. Qui-Gon could see the tension in Obi-Wan's features.

"M'Lady, please follow me," he said gently.

"What is it, General?" she asked, leaping out of her seat.

General? Qui-Gon could barely believe his ears.

"Not now, M'Lady. We need to hurry and leave." He shot Qui-Gon a challenging look that caused Qui-Gon to tighten his grip on his saber. Anakin seemed very confused as to what was taking part around him. His eyes darted from Qui-Gon to Obi-Wan, then back to Qui-Gon and then back to Obi-Wan, who looked at him quite coldly.

"General! What is going on?"

"M'Lady-"

"She asked you a question, Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon said, his voice hard as ice.

The look Obi-Wan gave him would make hell freeze over. "Excuse me, Master Jedi, I do not believe I asked for your opinion. " Obi-Wan's voice was hot, his eyes steely gray.

"General! Answer the question!"

Obi-Wan's gaze softened when he looked at Amidala. "M'Lady, we need to leave now. The intelligence office is saying the palace is about to be attacked." He saw the stunned look on her face. "M'Lady, there are three attack ships in the orbit. "

Amidala nodded, as if in a daze. "This can't be true…"

"Please, Your Majesty. We need to get out of here before they attack. I've sent Lieutenant Kikerio to gather the guards, but I need to get to the Reserve Army headquarters. We may need them this time, M'Lady. " He waved his hand towards the door. "Come. "

"How did you find this out?" Qui-Gon asked hotly. He moved towards the door, his lightsaber at ready. Anakin followed him. Qui-Gon could see the spark of anger in Obi-Wan's eyes, and it pleased him to know he had gotten under Obi-Wan's skin.

"The intelligence office received a message," he said shortly as he ushered Amidala to the door. Purposely, he moved in front of Qui-Gon and peered out the door.

"You need a weapon," Qui-Gon said, amused as he let his eyes trail to the lightsaber on Obi-Wan's belt. The spark in Obi-Wan's eyes ignited and raged.

"I do not believe I need your advice, Jedi," Obi-Wan spat in Qui-Gon's face.

"You-" Qui-Gon began. His mind was swirling was the lack of respect Obi-Wan was showing. I should have expected this, he thought. It was typical behavior of the Last One.

Obi-Wan waved a hand to silence him as he snatched up his blinking commlink. "Lieutenant?"

"General, all borders of the palace are secure. No one has gone in yet, and we see nothing. The palace should be safe for you to exit. The ships have shown no activity except for moving forward a mile. These ships weren't scheduled to arrive. They bear no markings. "

"Is the safe-house ready for the Queen?" Obi-Wan stepped into the hallway, motioning for the others to follow. Queen Amidala stepped out, the Jedi surrounding her. Obi-Wan took a blaster from his belt. He noticed the dirty look Qui-Gon shot his way and smirked at him.

"What?"

Obi-Wan's smirk left as Amidala broke through the Jedi and marched in front of him. "M'Lady, the safe-house-"

"Are you insane?" Her voice was sharp and Qui-Gon took pleasure from the wince that his former apprentice gave. "The safe-house is all the way in the country side! I can't go out there! What about my people?"

Obi-Wan looked at her calmly. "Your Majesty, we agreed on this plan. And since no attack has been made, we have no reason to assume that the people of Naboo will be targeted. "

"General!"

Kikerio's sharp voice brought Obi-Wan's attention back to the commlink. "Lieutenant?"

"Movement. Droids. An entire fleet of them. They're not showing aggressiveness, but they are steadily advancing. No one has shot at them. They appear to be attack droids, however. "

Amidala's face turned pale. Obi-Wan watched her lips purse together. He knew from experience that she was about to start snapping out orders. He grimly realized that if she were to do so, she would stay and fight; and that was the last thing he wanted from her. Still, she was the Queen, and her word was the law on Naboo, even to General Obi-Wan Kenobi.

"We are not traveling to the safe-house, General," she barked with authority. She held out her hand expectantly, and Obi-Wan reluctantly handed her the commlink. "Lieutenant Kikerio?"

"Your Majesty."

"Do not fire on the droids unless you are fired upon. You have created a barrier around the palace? "

"Yes."

" I am coming out. I will head to the safe-hold in the forest to make plans. If the droids have not moved for an hour, leave them and head to the safe-hold."

"What?" Obi-Wan blurted.

Amidala ignored him. "We-"

"Your Majesty! They're firing!"

Obi-Wan shot Amidala a grim look.

Amidala groaned. "Fight back. We will send reinforcements. Hang on. "

"Will do, Your Majesty. " Kikerio signed off.

Obi-Wan took back his commlink. "The safe-hold?" he asked doubtfully.

Amidala ignored him again and turned to Qui-Gon. " Master Jedi," she said graciously, " I ask for your protection to the safe-hold. We can discuss the need to find this assassin there. "

"Your Majesty," Qui-Gon began. As much as it enraged him, he agreed with Obi-Wan. "The safe-house would probably be a better place than the one out in the woods."

"We have absolutely no proof that this attack has any link do with the assassin," Obi-Wan added, earning an angry look from the Jedi.

"I believe it does, General," Amidala said steadily. "I believe this is Nakor." Nakor was the moon Obi-Wan suspected of being behind the assassination attempts.

"Nakor does not have this kind of power," Obi-Wan argued. "You've been there, M'Lady. It's a dry moon. "

"Nakor?" Anakin wondered out loud. His voice was almost drowned out by the blaster sounds that kept coming from the outside.

"Later," Amidala promised. "Either way, we need to move. We need to get to the safe-hold and evacuate the city. " She remembered vividly the camps the people of Theed had been herded into. She wouldn't be able to live if that happened to them again.

"First, then," Obi-Wan said, submitting, "we'll head to the safe-hold. You'll stay there." He emphasized that. "I need to head to the army HQ. Then we'll evacuate the city."

Amidala mulled it over for a second. "First the evacuation." She matched Obi-Wan's imposing glare with her own. He scowled at her, but nodded.

She smiled at Qui-Gon. "Do you agree, Master Jedi?"

Qui-Gon met Obi-Wan leveled stare. There was now nothing in the young man's eyes and that worried Qui-Gon more than angered him. He didn't want Obi-Wan to be emotionless. That meant he now might be a callused killer than one who fumbled at the job. And if Obi-Wan somehow could not be trusted and wasn't really working for the Queen, than Qui-Gon would need Obi-Wan dumb at his job…

Did you just accuse him of plotting against the Queen?

The words shocked Qui-Gon. He realized how stupid he had been. He was concentrating on his anger and mistrustfulness of Obi-Wan instead of concentrating on his mission. What kind of Master was he? The Chosen One needed the best Master available. Qui-Gon could not make anymore mistakes. It might lead to damaging the Chosen One's training and that was more important to Qui-Gon than life.

He forced himself to meet Amidala's gaze. "It sounds excellent, Your Majesty."

~*~*~*~

Qui-Gon slowly opened his eyes. The smells and beeps around him did not associate with death. The pain hit him suddenly, and he winced. Death wasn't supposed to be painful. It was supposed to be light and happy and airy…

"Qui-Gon?" The voice was baffled, but also joyful. He heard a pounding of feet and he tried to curl into a ball, but the pain roared at him, and he groaned. "Qui-Gon's awake!" he heard someone yell. The voice was young and childish, and it hurt Qui-Gon's ears. He flinched as someone grabbed his hand and squeezed tightly. Why couldn't they all leave him alone?

"Master Jinn?"

This voice was soft and gentle. He murmured.

" Qui-Gon, can you hear me?"

He forced his head to nod, closing his eyes.

"He's awake!" the childish voice cried.

Qui-Gon reached out to the Force, struggling to remember. He let it enter his body and flow through him, ebbing away the pain. His mind seemed blank, and he opened his eyes.

The light burned. He blinked repeatedly. Slowly, he made out the shape of a smiling young face, and a middle-aged one that was creased with worry. His tongue was heavy and dry in his mouth, and he noticed the tube heading down his throat. He realized then that he was in the Temple infirmary.

But why?

He had been on Naboo, protecting the Queen during the great battle. A robed figure had come before him. He had pushed Anakin away, ordered him to hide. The robed figure was a Sith Lord, and drained Qui-Gon's energy reserve as it had never been drained. The Sith was the most skilled fighter Qui-Gon had ever fought. He was cunning and fast and powerful…he had been separated from Obi-Wan…

Obi-Wan!

Where was Obi-Wan? It all came back to him in a rush. Qui-Gon tried to buck against the bed but his stomach screamed fire. His mind was heavy with worry. He had been stabbed through the stomach. He had wavered on the verge of death, watching Obi-Wan battle the Sith lord. He had felt the Sith die, then Obi-Wan run to him…

And then what?

Qui-Gon couldn't place it. Where was Obi-Wan? Was he alive? Qui-Gon knew that Obi-Wan had tried to heal him. Had Obi-Wan succeeded? Was that how he lived?

The middle-aged woman was now talking to him. He recognized her as Jedi Temple Healer Veira Dirmond. " Qui-Gon, listen to me," she was saying. " You have a tube in your throat. I'll take it out in a moment. You were injured severely, but you're fine now. Don't fight against any machine that is strapped to your body. Understand? "

He nodded. Veira positioned herself by Qui-Gon's bedside. She wrapped her hands around the tube, and told him to blow out on the count of three. In a few short seconds, she had the tube out, and Qui-Gon was coughing violently, his lungs and throat on fire. Qui-Gon thought he would cough up his intestines, and he thought his throat was sandpaper. He licked his lips, but there was no moisture on his tongue.

"Don't talk," Veira said gently. " You're very weak. You have a visitor by the name of Anakin Skywalker. I threw him out; he was making too much noise."

Qui-Gon spoke his voice coarse. " Wa-wait."

She smiled.

"Where is Obi-Wan?"

Her smiled faltered. " You're weak, Qui-Gon," she said briskly. " Not now."

Dread filled the Jedi. "Where is my Padawan?" he said, his voice stronger. " Is he hurt? How long have I been out?"

"For a week," she whispered.

"Obi-Wan?" he asked.

She hesitated. She moved around the bed and stood between Qui-Gon's bed and a curtain. " I'm sorry, Qui-Gon," she said, her voice low. She took an edge of the curtain and pulled it back.

Obi-Wan lay on the bed, tubes surrounding him, his color ashy and his frame thin.

"He hasn't waken since we brought him in," she said softly.

~*~*~*~

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