Title: Never Begun, Already Finished
Author: Sheleigh
Disclaimer: I don't have any claim to them, they belong to GL.
Notes: This is a continuation of this fic- and has become quite lengthy. Enjoy! / represents personal thoughts, and // bond communication.
'It was once said the bond between a Master and Padawan was unbreakable- even in death. The pair would have devotion so deep towards each other, that the concept of betrayal was foreign. The Force would guide them, and make them stronger. They would be companions for life- a trusted pair to send on the most delicate of missions. Master could confide in apprentice, and apprentice in the Master. They were destined- from birth- to be together, though some may refuse this. They were for all purposes- family.'
Qui-Gon Jinn slammed the data pad down, glowering at the offending device. Every piece of information he had found on the Master/Padawan pairing was the same- they were to be family. They were to trust. The Master was the parental figure. Nothing he found justified his dismissing former Padawan and ex-Jedi Obi-Wan Kenobi from his position as Padawan learner, and the order.
In a moment of irrationality and anger, Qui-Gon threw the data pad across the room, shattering an elegant crystal vase he had received as a gift- from none other than Obi-Wan. Thoroughly enraged, Qui-Gon walked around the living quarters, grabbing anything that Obi-Wan had given him, or that reminded him remotely of his former apprentice, and threw them in the disposer. ****
"Angry, he is." Yoda stamped his ever present gimer stick on the floor of the council chambers. The other councilors winced, noting the slightest hint of impatience in the Jedi Master's voice. Silence fell over the vast chamber.
"Are you saying that he has come to realize the part Obi-Wan Kenobi will play in the galaxy, or is he placing blame on the boy?"
The diminutive Master turned towards the speaker- Mace Windu. "Realizes, he does that he made a mistake. But reacting inappropriately he is. Search our counsel he should, not justification for his mistake. Our mistake. But it matters not, anymore."
Shock rippled through the High Counsel at the Master's cryptic words.
"It does not matter, or it doesn't concern us, Master Yoda?" "Obi-Wan Kenobi will not return to the Jedi. He will never become a Jedi Knight- and darkness will reign, because of this."
Yoda nodded. "Correct, Master Billaba is. A Jedi, Obi-Wan Kenobi was destined to be. A Jedi he will not become."
The echo of the gimer stick on the floor remained much longer than Yoda- but still the council members sat. ****
Mace Windu strode, uninvited, into Qui-Gon's quarters, and flopped himself into a chair.
"Hello, old friend." Qui-Gon glared at his friend, then turned his attention back towards the data pad grasped in his hand.
"Allow me to say that again. Hello, old friend. You and I- we need to have a chat."
"I'm not interested, Mace. Please leave."
"Nice try, Qui-Gon Jinn. But, I'm staying. And you will either get your head out of the data pad and listen to me willingly, or I will force you to listen to me."
Anger flashed in Qui-Gon's deep blue eyes, and he stood, his rage palpable.
"You burst into my quarters, and order me to do something? You are a very stupid man, Mace Windu! Now leave!"
"Control your temper, Master Jinn. Now- shut up, sit down and listen to me. And listen carefully, because you have managed to ruin a great deal in the past weeks." Qui-Gon stuttered, confusion flashing over his features.
"What do you mean? How can I have ruined anything! The council has refused to send me on a mission- instead leaving me here to teach initiates 'saber play!"
"We have our reasons, Qui-Gon. And I assume you want to hear them?" A nod from Qui-Gon confirmed Mace's suspicions, so he continued, "Good, because I am here to explain these to you." Mace stood, and drew himself to his full height.
"You have recently walked a very dangerous line. The anger we have sensed inside of you, and surrounding you has prevented us from sending you on a mission- this must be corrected, Master Jinn. And as a Jedi Master you are expected to deal with it- and not in the way of a three year old initiate. Secondly, and perhaps foremost, you recently let go a very important child- one that you were too blinded to realize is vitally important to this galaxy's survival. And we now know nothing of him, or where he has gone. Obi-Wan Kenobi will not play his role and as a result a darkness that has threatening the Republic and the rest of the known galaxy."
"What darkness?" An incredulous look from Mace was all the Qui-Gon received as the Jedi Master plowed on.
"Indeed, darkness. One that you obviously haven't sensed- yet. Perhaps never. And it will still come to pass- but it will fall even more quickly- simply because Obi-Wan Kenobi will not be a Jedi."
"That, my friend, is impossible! Not one person can have that much affect on the galaxy. It is simply not possible."
Mace shook his head sadly. "I was afraid you would be too stubborn to accept this. Qui-Gon, I came simply to explain the situation to you. Nothing more. Obi-Wan is no longer the concern of you or the Jedi. He isn't one of us now, therefore we have no pledge to protect him. Your decision to cast him out is permenant. I hope you can accept that. Now, goodbye, I have a meeting to attend to." He strode out of the quarters, leaving a stunned Qui-Gon behind. ****
"It is done. I spoke to him, but he refused to believe what I said. He still lives in the past."
"Afraid of this, I was. Nothing we can do, but prepare."
"Master Yoda, you realize the impossible task set before us. Our numbers are limited; it isn't possible to prepare the whole galaxy for this. There is no way prevent-"
"Prevent this, we can not. Said this to Master Jinn you did, but still you refuse to believe. Fall the darkness will, and prevent it we will not."
"Master, I am still not sure what part Obi-Wan Kenobi had in this." Yoda looked up at the Mace, a knowing glint in his eye.
"Clouded, the future is." ****
"The Jedi are becoming weaker, My Apprentice. Much weaker." Sidious turned to his apprentice, Darth Maul, before continuing. "Our time to reveal ourselves draws closer."
Maul stood obediently before his Master, head bowed respectfully.
"Have you anything to say, Apprentice?" "How has the power shifted so suddenly, My Master?" Sidious allowed a sinister smile to spread.
"They let go of their beacon of light. If it weren't for that one simple mistake." Sidious turned knowing eyes towards his apprentice. "No, we will soon come forth- and the Jedi will do nothing to stop us.
****
The harsh buzzing of the com woke Obi-Wan from his first dreamless sleep in over two weeks. He rolled over, instantly awake, and accepted the call. The holo filled with the familiar image of Master Yoda.
"Master?" Obi-Wan's eyes widened in surprised confusion. Yoda looked at him calmly, his serenity almost infuriating.
"Sorry to wake you, I am. Urged me to contact you, the Force did." Obi-Wan silently cocked his head to side, waiting for the aged Master to continue. "Dark times approach, and at the center are you. Know this you do?"
"Yes, Master."
"Plague your dreams, they do. Visions they are."
"Not possible, Master! That would mean the Jedi." The slightest trace of anger shadowed Yoda's face.
"Infallible the Jedi are not. True, your visions are. Meditate you should, calm you it can. Trust in the Force, you should. Guide you it will."
"Yes, Master." Yoda's large eyes looked upon the former Jedi, compassion clear in their depths.
"May the Force be with you, young Kenobi." Obi-Wan lay back on his bed, relaxing then allowing slumber to take him. He dreamt.
*The siege of the Jedi Temple had lasted weeks. Recently the forces of Emperor Palpatine had broken the Jedi. Jedi around the galaxy were being brought in, and murdered.
Palpatine's apprentice killed the surviving Jedi ruthlessly and efficiently. Initiates were saved, their minds still easily influenced. Padawans, Knights and Masters were forced to duel the sith lord, before he killed them.
Obi-Wan could feel the painful blows before they were killed. He felt each Jedi's passing into the Force, and was unable to stop them. He couldn't stop them because-*
Obi-Wan woke, entangled in his sheets. He brought his hands swiftly to his forehead to wipe the perspiration from his face, before rubbing his temples with them. A headache pounded in his head, as he calmed his racing mind. The dream played and replayed in his mind, coming to stop at the same place every time a point of realization- that he could not yet see.
Obi-Wan glanced at the chronometer sitting next to his bed, before standing and getting ready to face another lonely day.
**** Qui-Gon sat, staring at the pile of data pads scattered over the center table in the room. Try though he may, he hadn't found the information he sought, and had long since given up.
A sudden image of Obi-Wan popped into his mind's eye. The Master realized he had never seen him laugh or smile. Obi-Wan had been emotionless around his stoic Master, fulfilling his duty as a Padawan Learner perfectly, all the while not expecting anything in return from the Master.
The bond, which should have flourished between the two, had faltered, and eventually broken not because of Obi-Wan Kenobi, but because of his Master.
The full consequences of his actions struck Qui-Gon. He, the great Master, had turned a young man out simply because he thought the boy wasn't trainable. And he was the cause of a darkness that loomed now more sinister than ever. ****
Sidious stood alone overlooking the buildings of Courascant. The sudden change of events had suited him more than ever. Never before had he thought the Jedi ignorant enough to turn out their only chance of survival. Of course, the boy would have to be dealt with now.
The Sith Lord made a slight motion with his fingers, and his apprentice stepped from the shadows where he stood.
"I have a mission for you, My Apprentice."
"My Master."
"Bring Obi-Wan Kenobi before me. Seek him, and bring him here. If you have not successfully brought him then do not return to this place. Now go!" ****
The council once again watched Yoda pace the chamber floor. Mace Windu sighed irritably before breaking into the Master's reverie.
"Master Yoda, I assume there is a reason for this emergency meeting of the council?" Yoda glanced sharply at the Master before nodding.
"Changed, things have, Master Windu. Fallen the darkness has, if bring Obi- Wan back, we do not."
Windu looked inquisitively at the Master. "What part will Obi-Wan play, Master?" The normally serene Windu raised his voice, irritation coloring it. Yoda glanced at him knowingly.
"Turn Obi-Wan Kenobi will." ****
The Force seemed to scream at Obi-Wan, moments before a loud explosion burst through the air. He slid down the wall behind him, his vision already blackening. As he fell into total unconsciousness, a black shrouded figure knelt before him using the Force to push him into total oblivion.
He woke slowly, a headache pounding behind his eyes. Once alert, Obi-Wan looked around the room was in, taking notice both of the shackles that bound him to the wall and the single exit from the room. The light from a single candle shone, casting eerie shadows around the room.
Sensing another's presence, Obi-Wan's gaze shot towards the door, waiting for it to open. It did- admitting a pale faced man with eyes as cold as glaciers. He grinned, his smile as cold as his eyes, and came to stand directly in front of the encumbered Obi-Wan.
"I've been waiting for you, Obi-Wan Kenobi." Obi-Wan glanced diffidently at the man.
"Why were you waiting?" The man shook a reproving finger at Obi-Wan.
"No questions. Don't speak, young one. or else you may find yourself in a less than pleasant situation." The man plowed on, ignoring the questioning look he was getting from Obi-Wan.
"You are two things, Obi-Wan Kenobi. You are a beacon of light that the Jedi released- and you are a child of darkness. And you have a power so great, that no one in this galaxy could stop you if you decided to do good- or evil. That, child, is why half the temple is searching for you- though you may not know it. They realized their mistake. But they won't be able to find you."
Obi-Wan stared defiantly at the man. "I won't turn."
"Oh, I don't expect to. You hold your precious code in too high of regard to do that. No, I don't expect you to turn. I just want to control you." ****
The knight stood in front of the council, her report already given. Windu nodded his thanks, and bid her farewell, after telling her to inform the others that the search for the missing ex-Jedi was to continue. She bowed and left, bowing again as Master Qui-Gon Jinn entered the council chambers.
He walked to the center of the room, drawing himself to his full height. A heavy tension fell over the room.
"You've heard?" Qui-Gon turned his attention towards Master Windu.
"Yes." A barely audible sigh of frustration was let from Windu.
"Have you anything to say?"
"No."
"You don't? Well, I do."
"Really, Windu. I've heard this lecture before- it means no more now than it did then." Mace rose his expression thunderous. The council as a whole tensed as the Force surged madly around the two Masters.
The anger was abruptly subdued two whacks to the knee by Yoda. "Stop this you will! Older than initiates you are." Windu slunk back to his chair, gathering himself to once again present his stern visage. Qui-Gon, for his part, seemed completely at ease, minus a smarting knee.
Yoda turned towards his fellow council members. "Leave you must, talk to Master Jinn alone, I must."
Silently, the council members left, leaving only Yoda and Qui-Gon.
"Ask you here to make a scene, I did not. Know you of Obi-Wan?" Qui-Gon glared down at the diminutive Master.
"Of course, Master. He was my former Padawan. He was released from the order."
"Asking you of his current situation I am. Know of your past disagreements with Obi-Wan the whole order does."
"No, Master. I do not know anything of Kenobi."
"Missing, Obi-Wan is. Any visions have you?" Qui-Gon shook his head.
"My strength lies in the living Force." Yoda once again whacked Qui-Gon on the shin with his gimmer stick.
"Visions, the entire order has had, down to the youngest initiate. No different, you are, Master Jinn." Briefly Qui-Gon's façade of serenity cracked, allowing the barest hint of emotion to show through.
"I caused it didn't I, Master?" Compassion shone in Yoda's large eyes.
"Caused it you may have, Qui-Gon. Set events into motion you did. Cloudy, the future remains. In motion it always is."
"What do you mean, My Master?"
"Changed it has, Master Qui-Gon."
"For better?"
"Perhaps. Go, you will. Meditate I must."
Qui-Gon bowed, and left. As the archaic doors to the council chambers shut, Yoda lowered himself warily in his chair.
"Changed things have, indeed. For better or for worse, know this I do not." ****
"How did he react?" Yoda turned towards the tall Jedi Master standing behind him.
"Ready, he was not, Master Windu. More time, he needs, to accept his mistakes." Mace ran a hand over his face, before continuing. "You can not withhold all this from him. He may know something, or feel something that we can not."
"Destroy him, it would, if turn Obi-Wan does."
"And how, Master Yoda, do you suggest we prevent him from turning?" Pure sorrow flooded the Force.
"If darkside we sense in Obi-Wan, if find him we do. kill him we must."
"That would involve finding him. Obi-Wan wouldn't turn, though you say he may. What has changed. You can not keep these secrets any longer. The council is in turmoil from the information you released previously, and now you say there is a possibility Obi-Wan won't turn! Which is it, Master?" Frustration rose in the Jedi Master, threatening to overwhelm him.
"Puppets we are, Master Windu." Yoda hobbled from the room again, effectively avoiding any more questions.
Windu glowered after him. "Great answer."
He reached for his comlink again.
"Jinn." Mace sighed.
"Qui-Gon. we need to talk." ****
"You did well, my apprentice. Obi-Wan Kenobi is in my grasp. And now you are of no use to me. Whether Kenobi turns or not, I need only one pawn. He is it."
Sidious reached a hand out, calling Maul's saber to his hand. He ignited the double bladed lightsaber and handed it to the apprentice with great care. "Die."
Maul took the saber, and bowed to his master. "My Master, I live to serve you." He plunged the saber directly into his heart. ****
Obi-Wan panted, his breaths coming out in short rasps. The ground beneath him was cold, helping to dry the sweat from his head. A shadow fell across him, then knelt, placing a cold hand on his head.
"Will you listen now, I wonder? I can break you, young one." Sidious stroked a hand through Obi-Wan's hair, before grabbing the young man in one surprisingly firm grip.
"Enough of this, open your mind to me- now." A presence in the Force, this one sinister and dark, pressed at Obi-Wan's carefully constructed shields. Lightning cracked through the air as the Sith used the Force to physically and mentally torment him. Obi-Wan stubbornly reinforced his shields, only to cry out as he felt the pain that accessing the Force caused. The lightning, that moments before had caused his body to convulse, abruptly stopped- as Sidious shattered the shields protecting Obi-Wan's mind.
The pain caused to the already weakened young man was unbearable as the Sith Lord sifted through memory after memory, relishing in the pain that Obi-Wan had suffered all his life. Finished, the Sith stood.
"My young apprentice, you have truly suffered. Don't worry- you won't suffer any longer." Dull blue eyes stared at Sidious.
"Won't. turn. promised." A soft sigh escaped Obi-Wan as he fell into unconciousness.
Sidious stared down at the prone figure. "Ahh. you don't have to, my apprentice- you will know no better."
The door to the cell opened admitting a person dressed in complete white. "My Lord, is he ready?" Again Sidious looked down at Obi-Wan.
"Yes."
The person nodded. "Very well, My Lord- please, follow me."
Their journey led them to a room, bare except for a single bed and completely white. Sidious nodded, watching as another white clothed figure put Obi-Wan on the bed.
"My Lord?" The Sith turned, looking upon yet another white clothed person.
"What is it?"
"I am Master Healer Tzila and am to perform the procedure you wish done. You realize that this is highly risky and that the chance of loosing your apprentice is high?"
"I do realize this- or else I wouldn't have asked you! Now get on with it. I have made it easier- his shields have been broken."
Tzila nodded. "Very well then, I will ask you to leave then- this shouldn't take long." ****
Obi-Wan felt as though he were in the middle of a violent storm. The Force, normally so soothing, spiraled around him; screamed at him.
An unwelcome presence invaded another one- different than before. This one, though not evil also sifted through his thoughts. He relaxed further as the presence soothed him and calmed him- quieting the Force around him as well.
Obi-Wan allowed the peace to surround him causing his conscious mind to sink into oblivion. ****
Tzila sighed, allowing his presence in Obi-Wan's mind to strengthen. The healer sifted again through the memories, leaving only the training instincts, the awareness of the Force, and erasing anything of the Temple. He carefully edited the memories- changing the Masters' faces from the temples to that of Sidious.
Finally finished, he relaxed, withdrew his presence from Obi-Wan's. His eyes opened to look down at the resting figure of his latest patient. The healer sighed again, before turning towards the single exit from the room.
"My Lord? It is complete."
"Excellent, Tzila. I will have."
"Complete control of Obi-Wan Kenobi, Master. You are the single living being he will remember. His training of the Force, of the lightsaber, even of diplomacy will still be there- memories of his training with you will be there. He knows only darkness now. Any goodness in him has been erased. My Lord, he is yours." ****
Obi-Wan woke- groggy, but immediately alert. He glanced warily around the room, using the Force to probe for any presences around him. The Force immediately located a very familiar one. Obi-Wan's head snapped to the side, his gaze resting on the person who had been the single most important person to him his whole life- his Master.
Sidious stood, from the chair he had been resting in. "Ahh, my apprentice- you woke."
Obi-Wan slid out of his bed, locking his knees, then bowed to his Master. "Yes, My Master. I am sorry for my weakness. I accept any punishment you deem warranted."
/Obi-Wan Kenobi. you are now mine./ ****
Eleven council members sat in the chambers, all equally confused as to why they had been called to an urgent meeting in the middle of the night. The archaic doors that led to the council chambers unexpectedly opened, as Yoda hobbled in. He came to stand in the middle of the floor, looking solemnly over the assembled group.
"Turned, he has."
The council broke out in furious whispers. Only two in the room were silent: Yoda, who stood perfectly still in the middle of the room, and Mace Windu, who sat, head bowed, trying to hide the look of complete and total devastation. ****
Qui-Gon Jinn shot up, shaking his head against the vision he had seen. The Force whispered to him, confirming that the vision was now reality. The formidable Master suddenly broke, sobbing bitterly.
Through the halls of the Temple, all were woken, as a lone voice cried out. ****
The man lay sobbing on the floor, watching warily as the black clothed man approached.
"My Lord! My Lord, please! I didn't mean-" the man was abruptly cut off, curling into a fetal position as electricity poured through his body.
Sidious let up for a moment to glance quickly behind him at his apprentice, who stood silently- impassively- at the trembling body on the floor. Again, electricity shot through the air, casting an eerie glow on all in the room. Screams of pain echoed through the air, before stopping again- equally as suddenly as before. Sidious glanced at the figure that lay dieing on the floor, before motioning his apprentice towards him.
Obi-Wan walked towards his Master, coming to stand respectfully two paces behind him, head bowed appropriately.
"Apprentice- take this and finish this man off." Obi-Wan took the offered lightsaber turning it around in his hands, before igniting it. The man on the floor looked up at him, eyes wide in horror and pain.
"My- My Lord, please! Please. your Jedi. you are supposed to help." Obi- Wan paled drastically.
"Jedi are the enemy." Though he spoke coldly, his eyes flashed in confusion, as memories that he couldn't remember flashed through his mind's eye.
Lightning once again flashed through the air, hitting the man on the floor again, causing him to stiffen- and die. Sidious came to stand beside of his apprentice.
"Why didn't you kill him?" Obi-Wan turned haunted eyes towards his Master, before directing them to the floor.
"I was afraid."
Sidious's eyes narrowed. "Of death- of pain? You should not fear anything- you are the cause of fear. Now go." ****
He rolled over again, the sheets tangling firmly around him. Sweat lined his forehead as he dreamt.
*Eyes, blue as a sea, but colder than the winters of Hoth glared at him. The man circled him, checking him over intently.
"You were not injured?" Obi-Wan flinched from the uncaring tone, and from the pain in his shoulder. Instinctively, he checked his shields.
"Of course not, Master. The situation was easily controlled." Qui-Gon stopped his circling, to stand directly in front of his apprentice. The large man reached out and grasped the Padawan's chin firmly in his hand.
"The situation could have proved deadly- and I will not have any apprentice of mine killed because he was showing off." Obi-Wan closed his eyes, silently accepting his punishment. Qui-Gon's other hand came up to land firmly on his shoulder, and shake him. "Look at me, Padawan." Obi- Wan's eyes opened, once again meeting his Master's gaze.
"Your punishment- you are confined to quarters for three weeks- no exceptions. You will not leave for classes- food will be brought to you- and you can get your class information sent to your 'pad. Contact with friends is prohibited. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Master." Obi-Wan turned, ready to leave, but was stopped by the Jedi Master's voice.
"Obi-Wan, allow me to warn you. This was your first misconduct under me. Your later punishments will not be so. lenient."
"Yes, Master." Silently, Obi-Wan entered his room, sat on the floor and started to meditate- as an apprentice should. *
A silent cry woke Obi-Wan from his dream. A cry that he recognized- but was not one he heard aloud.
"Remember me?" A startled gasp escaped Obi-Wan as he searched frantically for the intruder. "You won't find me using the Force, Obi-Wan."
"Who are you?" The voice laughed quietly.
"Oh, my dear Obi-Wan, you know me quite well."
"How do I know you? Who are you?" Pure panic rose, choking the former Jedi to the point of not being able to breathe.
"Search your heart for answers- they lay there. Good bye, old friend." ****
The door to Healer Tzila's office was ripped off its hinges, and thrown into the far wall. Sidous walked calmly into the room- his face distorted into an ugly face of rage.
"The memory wipe is failing."
"My Lord, that is impossible- it was complete." Completely calm, Sidious lifted a hand, and cut the Healer's air supply with the Force.
"I said- the memory wipe is failing- I want it done again- thoroughly." Tzila yanked at the collar of his tunic until the pressure was released. The healer fell to the ground gasping for breathe.
"Yes, My Lord. Bring him to me, and I will do it again."
"Very good, Tzila." ****
"My apprentice, come to me." Obi-Wan glanced warily at his Master.
"Yes, Master." The young man knelt in front of him Master, glancing at him warily under hooded eyes. The Sith Lord pressed against the apprentice's shields.
"Your shields are up."
"Yes, Master."
"Lower them- now." Obi-Wan shook his head, slowly.
"No, Master." Momentarily shocked, Sidious glanced incredulously at Obi- Wan.
"Lower them- or I will make you lower them." He raised a hand, aiming it precisely at Obi-Wan. "Now, apprentice."
Obi-Wan stood, backing away from the Sith Lord. "No- get away from me- now!"
Sidious raised both hands and allowed the Force to flow, causing an explosion to shoot from his hands. Obi-Wan calmly raised a hand- and ricochet the blast back towards the sith.
"You will allow me to leave- and tell no one of my existence." Sidious allowed a bland smile to cross his face.
"The apprentice threatens the Master. You could not survive without me- I am your Master. And you always obey your Master." Obi-Wan blinked, before his eyes lost the spark of defiance.
"I am sorry, My Master." The apprentice once again knelt on the ground. ****
"You called another Master, you know." Rage filled Obi-Wan, as he once again searched for the source of the voice.
"Who are you? I demand you tell me!"
"I told you- you already know."
"How can I know someone I've never met- and how come you don't have a physical body."
"The spirit once outside the body can't repossess it if the body is dead, or the spirit forced away. I am a spirit."
"Why do you haunt me, then?"
"Because, my friend, I am you. I am the past- and will be the future, if you ever gain control."
"No." Obi-Wan shook his head, trying to erase the voice that now sounded so familiar to him. "No!" ****
"My Masters, Qui-Gon Jinn requests to come before you." Mace Windu nodded his approval, and watched the assistant leave. Moments later, Qui-Gon walked through doors to the chambers. He came to stand in the middle of the room, before inclining his head in respect.
"Speak with us, you wish, Master Qui-Gon?" Qui-Gon sighed, before nodding.
"Masters, I wish to go search for my apprentice- I could be of assistance in finding him- I have reason to believe that a remnant of the bond remains."
Mace Windu's eyes narrowed. "There was no bond, Jinn. Unless you failed to mention it."
"There was no bond, Windu."
Adi Gallia spoke, her voice stern. "Master Jinn, you contradict yourself- if there is no bond- then why do you say there is?"
A small gasp caught the attention of all in the room. Depa Billiba stood, and walked over to stand directly in front of Qui-Gon.
"Qui-Gon, will you permit me to search your mind?" Qui-Gon stared incredulously at the slight Master.
"Why?" Depa sighed, before turning her intense gaze from Qui-Gon to the rest of the council.
"I have reason to believe that there was a bond formed on a subconscious level- through the Force- though neither you nor Obi-Wan wished one."
"Submit to a mind probe from Master Billiba you will, Master Qui-Gon." Yoda spoke, his voice stern and brooking no argument.
"Very well, Masters. As you wish." The two knelt on the floor, focusing on the Force. Qui-Gon carefully lowered his shields, aware of all the inquisitive minds in the room. An unfamiliar presence entered his mind. It left as quickly as it had come- and Qui-Gon immediately slammed his shields back into place. The Master opened his eyes, and glanced around him- before resting his gaze on Billiba.
"So?"
"You have a bond with him, Master Jinn. It lies dormant in the furthest part of your mind."
"Can I access it?"
"You can- but I don't suggest you do. It could prove harmful for both you and Obi-Wan."
"Use it we can to find Obi-Wan, Master Depa?" Depa turned towards the diminutive Master who had spoken.
"We could. Again, I don't suggest it- though it wouldn't be as risky." Yoda nodded.
"Help Master Qui-Gon reach Obi-Wan I will. Get the boy back we will, but save him we may not." ****
The two had chosen the gardens to try and reach Obi-Wan Kenobi. The most peaceful place in the whole temple, the gardens were often used for ceremonies- and were well known for the ability to strengthen a person's access to the living Force.
Qui-Gon knelt on the ground, with Yoda standing, resting a clawed hand on his head.
"Fall into the deepest level of meditation you will. Anchor you I will, so search with your full abilities you will.
The Master slid into the deepest meditation he could, and immediately started to search for his ex-Padawan. The Force flowed around him, directing forcefully to a presence- distorted, pained, and alone.
Qui-Gon gasped as he recognized Obi-Wan's force signature. At the moment, the boy appeared to be sleeping, though it wasn't restful. Out of compassion, Qui-Gon reached with his mind and soothed the others.
The boy responded. A frightened voice echoed through the Force, not sounding anything like the emotionless young man he had left. [i] Who's there?[/i]
Again, Qui-Gon soothed the young man. [i]Hush, I'm here.
You are speaking to me through my mind. you are Jedi aren't you?![/i] Qui- Gon struggled to keep contact with the boy.
//Padawan, calm down!// A scream of hatred echoed through the bond, now pulsing with emotion.
//Don't call me that! Get out of my mind! I hate you, Jedi. I hate you all.//With a final push, Obi-Wan thrust Qui-Gon from his mind.
The Force once again tugged Qui-Gon, this time away from the now angry young man, and back to the insistant call of Yoda. Qui-Gon surfaced from meditation, eyes focusing on Yoda.
"Found him, did you?"
"Yes, Master, I found him. We spoke. briefly." Jinn stood, and dusted himself off. "More there is."
"Yes- his Force signature was distorted. It had been altered."
"Change signatures do when fall to the darkside a person does."
"Not like this." Yoda hobbled off.
"Curious, this is. Report it to the council I will. rest, I suggest you do."
"Yes, Master." Qui-Gon watched Yoda hobble off, before heading towards his own quarters.
/What has happened to Obi-Wan?/ Instinctively, Qui-Gon reached out to the Force. It gave no reply.
****
Sidious's was well aware of the turmoil that beset his apprentice's thoughts. The young man's eyes, normally bright, yet filled with cold purpose, were dim, and shadowed.
"Apprentice." The Master sternly looked upon his protégé, and continued, his voice harsh. "It is past time- I have waited far too long. You must now show your devotion to me."
Obi-Wan warily crossed to his Master, and dropped to his knees before him. "How can I serve you, my Master?"
"A great offense has been committed against us. The Jedi refuse to believe in our existence. Go- infiltrate the temple. Be wary, apprentice. The numbers of the Jedi are strong, though they themselves are weak. Observe, calculate. The time draws near- we shall bring the downfall of the Jedi." ****
Shadowed eyes glared into the brightness of the temple. The Force washed over him, calling to him. Silently, he leapt out of the shaft he had been hidden in, slinking to the shadows. He carefully checked his shielding before continuing to bid by the Forces rule. Obi-Wan paused, looking carefully into the room he had been pulled to.
It was magnificent. A blanket of lush green grass was littered with patches of flowers of different colors. And among it all, were fountains with water crystal clear. Obi-Wan walked in, feeling strangely comfortable in peacefulness. He blinked, as memories that couldn't be his flashed through his mind. The apprentice fell to the ground, hands gripping his head. An anguished cry escaped his lips, as he pressed his forehead into the soft grass- and remembered.
*"Lead to the darkside anger does, young ones. Remember this, you should, if fall you do not. Tempted you will all be, face it you shall- and overcome it. Darkness should not be feared. Answer why can anyone?"
A young Obi-Wan raised his hand, his boyish features solemn. "Because fear leads to the darkside, Master."
"Correct you are, young Obi-Wan. If fear you feel, then rely on the force, you should. Lead you it will, help you it will. Meditate, you will on what you have learned today. May the Force be with you, little ones." Ten childish voices responded, before the children scampered out of the gardens eager to play. Only one remained, waiting patiently for the Master to acknowledge him.
Yoda smiled kindly on the boy. "Questions you have, young Obi-Wan?"
"Yes, Master. Master, what is the darkside?"
"Sit, young one. Represents evil, the darkside does. Once upon the path of darkness you are, then return you never fully will. Worry you it should not. Light you are, Obi-Wan Kenobi, light you will remain. Play with your age mates you should." Obi- Wan climbed to his feet, bowing towards the Master.
"Yes, Master!" He quickly followed the others to the crèche.*
Obi-Wan opened his eyes, ignoring the pounding headache. He climbed to his feet, bracing his knees against the weakness in his legs.
"Going somewhere, are you?" A gasp of surprise escaped the apprentice's lips.
"No where that concerns you, Jedi." A snarl of hatred escaped Obi-Wan, as he turned to leave the temple.
"Inside the temple you are, feel safe do you?" Yoda watched the fallen Jedi carefully.
"Safety is illusion. There is only power."
Yoda shook his head. "Believe that do you?"
"It is what my Master has taught me, I need no other belief."
"Allow you leave, I can not. Searching for you, we have been."
"To kill me, Jedi?" Yoda looked sadly at the defiant young man. "My Master has warned me of you. You aim only to kill us, and others that defy you. You wish only for control."
"Blinded you are, Obi-Wan." Yoda lifted a gnarled hand, and using an incredibly powerful Force suggestion, immobilized Obi-Wan. "Help you we can."
"I don't need your help, Jedi!" The Master hobbled warily over to Obi- Wan.
"Sorry I am, young one." He brought the full abilities the Force to bear on Obi-Wan, tearing down the young man's shields. The Force echoed with emotion- pain, sorrow, fear, hatred. For the second time that day, Obi-Wan cried out, as he curled into a fetal position on the ground. Torn, and shaken, the young man flinched away from the lightest of touches on his arms. "So sorry."
"I hate you, Jedi." Sobs wracked his trembling frame, as Master Yoda looked up, eyes coming to rest on the shocked faces of Mace Windu and Qui- Gon Jinn. ****
"Master Yoda! How did you find him?" Yoda shook his head, refusing to answer. He instead stared into the solid white room, watching the forlorn figure resting in the corner of the room- knees drawn up to his chest.
"Fear us he does."
Author: Sheleigh
Disclaimer: I don't have any claim to them, they belong to GL.
Notes: This is a continuation of this fic- and has become quite lengthy. Enjoy! / represents personal thoughts, and // bond communication.
'It was once said the bond between a Master and Padawan was unbreakable- even in death. The pair would have devotion so deep towards each other, that the concept of betrayal was foreign. The Force would guide them, and make them stronger. They would be companions for life- a trusted pair to send on the most delicate of missions. Master could confide in apprentice, and apprentice in the Master. They were destined- from birth- to be together, though some may refuse this. They were for all purposes- family.'
Qui-Gon Jinn slammed the data pad down, glowering at the offending device. Every piece of information he had found on the Master/Padawan pairing was the same- they were to be family. They were to trust. The Master was the parental figure. Nothing he found justified his dismissing former Padawan and ex-Jedi Obi-Wan Kenobi from his position as Padawan learner, and the order.
In a moment of irrationality and anger, Qui-Gon threw the data pad across the room, shattering an elegant crystal vase he had received as a gift- from none other than Obi-Wan. Thoroughly enraged, Qui-Gon walked around the living quarters, grabbing anything that Obi-Wan had given him, or that reminded him remotely of his former apprentice, and threw them in the disposer. ****
"Angry, he is." Yoda stamped his ever present gimer stick on the floor of the council chambers. The other councilors winced, noting the slightest hint of impatience in the Jedi Master's voice. Silence fell over the vast chamber.
"Are you saying that he has come to realize the part Obi-Wan Kenobi will play in the galaxy, or is he placing blame on the boy?"
The diminutive Master turned towards the speaker- Mace Windu. "Realizes, he does that he made a mistake. But reacting inappropriately he is. Search our counsel he should, not justification for his mistake. Our mistake. But it matters not, anymore."
Shock rippled through the High Counsel at the Master's cryptic words.
"It does not matter, or it doesn't concern us, Master Yoda?" "Obi-Wan Kenobi will not return to the Jedi. He will never become a Jedi Knight- and darkness will reign, because of this."
Yoda nodded. "Correct, Master Billaba is. A Jedi, Obi-Wan Kenobi was destined to be. A Jedi he will not become."
The echo of the gimer stick on the floor remained much longer than Yoda- but still the council members sat. ****
Mace Windu strode, uninvited, into Qui-Gon's quarters, and flopped himself into a chair.
"Hello, old friend." Qui-Gon glared at his friend, then turned his attention back towards the data pad grasped in his hand.
"Allow me to say that again. Hello, old friend. You and I- we need to have a chat."
"I'm not interested, Mace. Please leave."
"Nice try, Qui-Gon Jinn. But, I'm staying. And you will either get your head out of the data pad and listen to me willingly, or I will force you to listen to me."
Anger flashed in Qui-Gon's deep blue eyes, and he stood, his rage palpable.
"You burst into my quarters, and order me to do something? You are a very stupid man, Mace Windu! Now leave!"
"Control your temper, Master Jinn. Now- shut up, sit down and listen to me. And listen carefully, because you have managed to ruin a great deal in the past weeks." Qui-Gon stuttered, confusion flashing over his features.
"What do you mean? How can I have ruined anything! The council has refused to send me on a mission- instead leaving me here to teach initiates 'saber play!"
"We have our reasons, Qui-Gon. And I assume you want to hear them?" A nod from Qui-Gon confirmed Mace's suspicions, so he continued, "Good, because I am here to explain these to you." Mace stood, and drew himself to his full height.
"You have recently walked a very dangerous line. The anger we have sensed inside of you, and surrounding you has prevented us from sending you on a mission- this must be corrected, Master Jinn. And as a Jedi Master you are expected to deal with it- and not in the way of a three year old initiate. Secondly, and perhaps foremost, you recently let go a very important child- one that you were too blinded to realize is vitally important to this galaxy's survival. And we now know nothing of him, or where he has gone. Obi-Wan Kenobi will not play his role and as a result a darkness that has threatening the Republic and the rest of the known galaxy."
"What darkness?" An incredulous look from Mace was all the Qui-Gon received as the Jedi Master plowed on.
"Indeed, darkness. One that you obviously haven't sensed- yet. Perhaps never. And it will still come to pass- but it will fall even more quickly- simply because Obi-Wan Kenobi will not be a Jedi."
"That, my friend, is impossible! Not one person can have that much affect on the galaxy. It is simply not possible."
Mace shook his head sadly. "I was afraid you would be too stubborn to accept this. Qui-Gon, I came simply to explain the situation to you. Nothing more. Obi-Wan is no longer the concern of you or the Jedi. He isn't one of us now, therefore we have no pledge to protect him. Your decision to cast him out is permenant. I hope you can accept that. Now, goodbye, I have a meeting to attend to." He strode out of the quarters, leaving a stunned Qui-Gon behind. ****
"It is done. I spoke to him, but he refused to believe what I said. He still lives in the past."
"Afraid of this, I was. Nothing we can do, but prepare."
"Master Yoda, you realize the impossible task set before us. Our numbers are limited; it isn't possible to prepare the whole galaxy for this. There is no way prevent-"
"Prevent this, we can not. Said this to Master Jinn you did, but still you refuse to believe. Fall the darkness will, and prevent it we will not."
"Master, I am still not sure what part Obi-Wan Kenobi had in this." Yoda looked up at the Mace, a knowing glint in his eye.
"Clouded, the future is." ****
"The Jedi are becoming weaker, My Apprentice. Much weaker." Sidious turned to his apprentice, Darth Maul, before continuing. "Our time to reveal ourselves draws closer."
Maul stood obediently before his Master, head bowed respectfully.
"Have you anything to say, Apprentice?" "How has the power shifted so suddenly, My Master?" Sidious allowed a sinister smile to spread.
"They let go of their beacon of light. If it weren't for that one simple mistake." Sidious turned knowing eyes towards his apprentice. "No, we will soon come forth- and the Jedi will do nothing to stop us.
****
The harsh buzzing of the com woke Obi-Wan from his first dreamless sleep in over two weeks. He rolled over, instantly awake, and accepted the call. The holo filled with the familiar image of Master Yoda.
"Master?" Obi-Wan's eyes widened in surprised confusion. Yoda looked at him calmly, his serenity almost infuriating.
"Sorry to wake you, I am. Urged me to contact you, the Force did." Obi-Wan silently cocked his head to side, waiting for the aged Master to continue. "Dark times approach, and at the center are you. Know this you do?"
"Yes, Master."
"Plague your dreams, they do. Visions they are."
"Not possible, Master! That would mean the Jedi." The slightest trace of anger shadowed Yoda's face.
"Infallible the Jedi are not. True, your visions are. Meditate you should, calm you it can. Trust in the Force, you should. Guide you it will."
"Yes, Master." Yoda's large eyes looked upon the former Jedi, compassion clear in their depths.
"May the Force be with you, young Kenobi." Obi-Wan lay back on his bed, relaxing then allowing slumber to take him. He dreamt.
*The siege of the Jedi Temple had lasted weeks. Recently the forces of Emperor Palpatine had broken the Jedi. Jedi around the galaxy were being brought in, and murdered.
Palpatine's apprentice killed the surviving Jedi ruthlessly and efficiently. Initiates were saved, their minds still easily influenced. Padawans, Knights and Masters were forced to duel the sith lord, before he killed them.
Obi-Wan could feel the painful blows before they were killed. He felt each Jedi's passing into the Force, and was unable to stop them. He couldn't stop them because-*
Obi-Wan woke, entangled in his sheets. He brought his hands swiftly to his forehead to wipe the perspiration from his face, before rubbing his temples with them. A headache pounded in his head, as he calmed his racing mind. The dream played and replayed in his mind, coming to stop at the same place every time a point of realization- that he could not yet see.
Obi-Wan glanced at the chronometer sitting next to his bed, before standing and getting ready to face another lonely day.
**** Qui-Gon sat, staring at the pile of data pads scattered over the center table in the room. Try though he may, he hadn't found the information he sought, and had long since given up.
A sudden image of Obi-Wan popped into his mind's eye. The Master realized he had never seen him laugh or smile. Obi-Wan had been emotionless around his stoic Master, fulfilling his duty as a Padawan Learner perfectly, all the while not expecting anything in return from the Master.
The bond, which should have flourished between the two, had faltered, and eventually broken not because of Obi-Wan Kenobi, but because of his Master.
The full consequences of his actions struck Qui-Gon. He, the great Master, had turned a young man out simply because he thought the boy wasn't trainable. And he was the cause of a darkness that loomed now more sinister than ever. ****
Sidious stood alone overlooking the buildings of Courascant. The sudden change of events had suited him more than ever. Never before had he thought the Jedi ignorant enough to turn out their only chance of survival. Of course, the boy would have to be dealt with now.
The Sith Lord made a slight motion with his fingers, and his apprentice stepped from the shadows where he stood.
"I have a mission for you, My Apprentice."
"My Master."
"Bring Obi-Wan Kenobi before me. Seek him, and bring him here. If you have not successfully brought him then do not return to this place. Now go!" ****
The council once again watched Yoda pace the chamber floor. Mace Windu sighed irritably before breaking into the Master's reverie.
"Master Yoda, I assume there is a reason for this emergency meeting of the council?" Yoda glanced sharply at the Master before nodding.
"Changed, things have, Master Windu. Fallen the darkness has, if bring Obi- Wan back, we do not."
Windu looked inquisitively at the Master. "What part will Obi-Wan play, Master?" The normally serene Windu raised his voice, irritation coloring it. Yoda glanced at him knowingly.
"Turn Obi-Wan Kenobi will." ****
The Force seemed to scream at Obi-Wan, moments before a loud explosion burst through the air. He slid down the wall behind him, his vision already blackening. As he fell into total unconsciousness, a black shrouded figure knelt before him using the Force to push him into total oblivion.
He woke slowly, a headache pounding behind his eyes. Once alert, Obi-Wan looked around the room was in, taking notice both of the shackles that bound him to the wall and the single exit from the room. The light from a single candle shone, casting eerie shadows around the room.
Sensing another's presence, Obi-Wan's gaze shot towards the door, waiting for it to open. It did- admitting a pale faced man with eyes as cold as glaciers. He grinned, his smile as cold as his eyes, and came to stand directly in front of the encumbered Obi-Wan.
"I've been waiting for you, Obi-Wan Kenobi." Obi-Wan glanced diffidently at the man.
"Why were you waiting?" The man shook a reproving finger at Obi-Wan.
"No questions. Don't speak, young one. or else you may find yourself in a less than pleasant situation." The man plowed on, ignoring the questioning look he was getting from Obi-Wan.
"You are two things, Obi-Wan Kenobi. You are a beacon of light that the Jedi released- and you are a child of darkness. And you have a power so great, that no one in this galaxy could stop you if you decided to do good- or evil. That, child, is why half the temple is searching for you- though you may not know it. They realized their mistake. But they won't be able to find you."
Obi-Wan stared defiantly at the man. "I won't turn."
"Oh, I don't expect to. You hold your precious code in too high of regard to do that. No, I don't expect you to turn. I just want to control you." ****
The knight stood in front of the council, her report already given. Windu nodded his thanks, and bid her farewell, after telling her to inform the others that the search for the missing ex-Jedi was to continue. She bowed and left, bowing again as Master Qui-Gon Jinn entered the council chambers.
He walked to the center of the room, drawing himself to his full height. A heavy tension fell over the room.
"You've heard?" Qui-Gon turned his attention towards Master Windu.
"Yes." A barely audible sigh of frustration was let from Windu.
"Have you anything to say?"
"No."
"You don't? Well, I do."
"Really, Windu. I've heard this lecture before- it means no more now than it did then." Mace rose his expression thunderous. The council as a whole tensed as the Force surged madly around the two Masters.
The anger was abruptly subdued two whacks to the knee by Yoda. "Stop this you will! Older than initiates you are." Windu slunk back to his chair, gathering himself to once again present his stern visage. Qui-Gon, for his part, seemed completely at ease, minus a smarting knee.
Yoda turned towards his fellow council members. "Leave you must, talk to Master Jinn alone, I must."
Silently, the council members left, leaving only Yoda and Qui-Gon.
"Ask you here to make a scene, I did not. Know you of Obi-Wan?" Qui-Gon glared down at the diminutive Master.
"Of course, Master. He was my former Padawan. He was released from the order."
"Asking you of his current situation I am. Know of your past disagreements with Obi-Wan the whole order does."
"No, Master. I do not know anything of Kenobi."
"Missing, Obi-Wan is. Any visions have you?" Qui-Gon shook his head.
"My strength lies in the living Force." Yoda once again whacked Qui-Gon on the shin with his gimmer stick.
"Visions, the entire order has had, down to the youngest initiate. No different, you are, Master Jinn." Briefly Qui-Gon's façade of serenity cracked, allowing the barest hint of emotion to show through.
"I caused it didn't I, Master?" Compassion shone in Yoda's large eyes.
"Caused it you may have, Qui-Gon. Set events into motion you did. Cloudy, the future remains. In motion it always is."
"What do you mean, My Master?"
"Changed it has, Master Qui-Gon."
"For better?"
"Perhaps. Go, you will. Meditate I must."
Qui-Gon bowed, and left. As the archaic doors to the council chambers shut, Yoda lowered himself warily in his chair.
"Changed things have, indeed. For better or for worse, know this I do not." ****
"How did he react?" Yoda turned towards the tall Jedi Master standing behind him.
"Ready, he was not, Master Windu. More time, he needs, to accept his mistakes." Mace ran a hand over his face, before continuing. "You can not withhold all this from him. He may know something, or feel something that we can not."
"Destroy him, it would, if turn Obi-Wan does."
"And how, Master Yoda, do you suggest we prevent him from turning?" Pure sorrow flooded the Force.
"If darkside we sense in Obi-Wan, if find him we do. kill him we must."
"That would involve finding him. Obi-Wan wouldn't turn, though you say he may. What has changed. You can not keep these secrets any longer. The council is in turmoil from the information you released previously, and now you say there is a possibility Obi-Wan won't turn! Which is it, Master?" Frustration rose in the Jedi Master, threatening to overwhelm him.
"Puppets we are, Master Windu." Yoda hobbled from the room again, effectively avoiding any more questions.
Windu glowered after him. "Great answer."
He reached for his comlink again.
"Jinn." Mace sighed.
"Qui-Gon. we need to talk." ****
"You did well, my apprentice. Obi-Wan Kenobi is in my grasp. And now you are of no use to me. Whether Kenobi turns or not, I need only one pawn. He is it."
Sidious reached a hand out, calling Maul's saber to his hand. He ignited the double bladed lightsaber and handed it to the apprentice with great care. "Die."
Maul took the saber, and bowed to his master. "My Master, I live to serve you." He plunged the saber directly into his heart. ****
Obi-Wan panted, his breaths coming out in short rasps. The ground beneath him was cold, helping to dry the sweat from his head. A shadow fell across him, then knelt, placing a cold hand on his head.
"Will you listen now, I wonder? I can break you, young one." Sidious stroked a hand through Obi-Wan's hair, before grabbing the young man in one surprisingly firm grip.
"Enough of this, open your mind to me- now." A presence in the Force, this one sinister and dark, pressed at Obi-Wan's carefully constructed shields. Lightning cracked through the air as the Sith used the Force to physically and mentally torment him. Obi-Wan stubbornly reinforced his shields, only to cry out as he felt the pain that accessing the Force caused. The lightning, that moments before had caused his body to convulse, abruptly stopped- as Sidious shattered the shields protecting Obi-Wan's mind.
The pain caused to the already weakened young man was unbearable as the Sith Lord sifted through memory after memory, relishing in the pain that Obi-Wan had suffered all his life. Finished, the Sith stood.
"My young apprentice, you have truly suffered. Don't worry- you won't suffer any longer." Dull blue eyes stared at Sidious.
"Won't. turn. promised." A soft sigh escaped Obi-Wan as he fell into unconciousness.
Sidious stared down at the prone figure. "Ahh. you don't have to, my apprentice- you will know no better."
The door to the cell opened admitting a person dressed in complete white. "My Lord, is he ready?" Again Sidious looked down at Obi-Wan.
"Yes."
The person nodded. "Very well, My Lord- please, follow me."
Their journey led them to a room, bare except for a single bed and completely white. Sidious nodded, watching as another white clothed figure put Obi-Wan on the bed.
"My Lord?" The Sith turned, looking upon yet another white clothed person.
"What is it?"
"I am Master Healer Tzila and am to perform the procedure you wish done. You realize that this is highly risky and that the chance of loosing your apprentice is high?"
"I do realize this- or else I wouldn't have asked you! Now get on with it. I have made it easier- his shields have been broken."
Tzila nodded. "Very well then, I will ask you to leave then- this shouldn't take long." ****
Obi-Wan felt as though he were in the middle of a violent storm. The Force, normally so soothing, spiraled around him; screamed at him.
An unwelcome presence invaded another one- different than before. This one, though not evil also sifted through his thoughts. He relaxed further as the presence soothed him and calmed him- quieting the Force around him as well.
Obi-Wan allowed the peace to surround him causing his conscious mind to sink into oblivion. ****
Tzila sighed, allowing his presence in Obi-Wan's mind to strengthen. The healer sifted again through the memories, leaving only the training instincts, the awareness of the Force, and erasing anything of the Temple. He carefully edited the memories- changing the Masters' faces from the temples to that of Sidious.
Finally finished, he relaxed, withdrew his presence from Obi-Wan's. His eyes opened to look down at the resting figure of his latest patient. The healer sighed again, before turning towards the single exit from the room.
"My Lord? It is complete."
"Excellent, Tzila. I will have."
"Complete control of Obi-Wan Kenobi, Master. You are the single living being he will remember. His training of the Force, of the lightsaber, even of diplomacy will still be there- memories of his training with you will be there. He knows only darkness now. Any goodness in him has been erased. My Lord, he is yours." ****
Obi-Wan woke- groggy, but immediately alert. He glanced warily around the room, using the Force to probe for any presences around him. The Force immediately located a very familiar one. Obi-Wan's head snapped to the side, his gaze resting on the person who had been the single most important person to him his whole life- his Master.
Sidious stood, from the chair he had been resting in. "Ahh, my apprentice- you woke."
Obi-Wan slid out of his bed, locking his knees, then bowed to his Master. "Yes, My Master. I am sorry for my weakness. I accept any punishment you deem warranted."
/Obi-Wan Kenobi. you are now mine./ ****
Eleven council members sat in the chambers, all equally confused as to why they had been called to an urgent meeting in the middle of the night. The archaic doors that led to the council chambers unexpectedly opened, as Yoda hobbled in. He came to stand in the middle of the floor, looking solemnly over the assembled group.
"Turned, he has."
The council broke out in furious whispers. Only two in the room were silent: Yoda, who stood perfectly still in the middle of the room, and Mace Windu, who sat, head bowed, trying to hide the look of complete and total devastation. ****
Qui-Gon Jinn shot up, shaking his head against the vision he had seen. The Force whispered to him, confirming that the vision was now reality. The formidable Master suddenly broke, sobbing bitterly.
Through the halls of the Temple, all were woken, as a lone voice cried out. ****
The man lay sobbing on the floor, watching warily as the black clothed man approached.
"My Lord! My Lord, please! I didn't mean-" the man was abruptly cut off, curling into a fetal position as electricity poured through his body.
Sidious let up for a moment to glance quickly behind him at his apprentice, who stood silently- impassively- at the trembling body on the floor. Again, electricity shot through the air, casting an eerie glow on all in the room. Screams of pain echoed through the air, before stopping again- equally as suddenly as before. Sidious glanced at the figure that lay dieing on the floor, before motioning his apprentice towards him.
Obi-Wan walked towards his Master, coming to stand respectfully two paces behind him, head bowed appropriately.
"Apprentice- take this and finish this man off." Obi-Wan took the offered lightsaber turning it around in his hands, before igniting it. The man on the floor looked up at him, eyes wide in horror and pain.
"My- My Lord, please! Please. your Jedi. you are supposed to help." Obi- Wan paled drastically.
"Jedi are the enemy." Though he spoke coldly, his eyes flashed in confusion, as memories that he couldn't remember flashed through his mind's eye.
Lightning once again flashed through the air, hitting the man on the floor again, causing him to stiffen- and die. Sidious came to stand beside of his apprentice.
"Why didn't you kill him?" Obi-Wan turned haunted eyes towards his Master, before directing them to the floor.
"I was afraid."
Sidious's eyes narrowed. "Of death- of pain? You should not fear anything- you are the cause of fear. Now go." ****
He rolled over again, the sheets tangling firmly around him. Sweat lined his forehead as he dreamt.
*Eyes, blue as a sea, but colder than the winters of Hoth glared at him. The man circled him, checking him over intently.
"You were not injured?" Obi-Wan flinched from the uncaring tone, and from the pain in his shoulder. Instinctively, he checked his shields.
"Of course not, Master. The situation was easily controlled." Qui-Gon stopped his circling, to stand directly in front of his apprentice. The large man reached out and grasped the Padawan's chin firmly in his hand.
"The situation could have proved deadly- and I will not have any apprentice of mine killed because he was showing off." Obi-Wan closed his eyes, silently accepting his punishment. Qui-Gon's other hand came up to land firmly on his shoulder, and shake him. "Look at me, Padawan." Obi- Wan's eyes opened, once again meeting his Master's gaze.
"Your punishment- you are confined to quarters for three weeks- no exceptions. You will not leave for classes- food will be brought to you- and you can get your class information sent to your 'pad. Contact with friends is prohibited. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Master." Obi-Wan turned, ready to leave, but was stopped by the Jedi Master's voice.
"Obi-Wan, allow me to warn you. This was your first misconduct under me. Your later punishments will not be so. lenient."
"Yes, Master." Silently, Obi-Wan entered his room, sat on the floor and started to meditate- as an apprentice should. *
A silent cry woke Obi-Wan from his dream. A cry that he recognized- but was not one he heard aloud.
"Remember me?" A startled gasp escaped Obi-Wan as he searched frantically for the intruder. "You won't find me using the Force, Obi-Wan."
"Who are you?" The voice laughed quietly.
"Oh, my dear Obi-Wan, you know me quite well."
"How do I know you? Who are you?" Pure panic rose, choking the former Jedi to the point of not being able to breathe.
"Search your heart for answers- they lay there. Good bye, old friend." ****
The door to Healer Tzila's office was ripped off its hinges, and thrown into the far wall. Sidous walked calmly into the room- his face distorted into an ugly face of rage.
"The memory wipe is failing."
"My Lord, that is impossible- it was complete." Completely calm, Sidious lifted a hand, and cut the Healer's air supply with the Force.
"I said- the memory wipe is failing- I want it done again- thoroughly." Tzila yanked at the collar of his tunic until the pressure was released. The healer fell to the ground gasping for breathe.
"Yes, My Lord. Bring him to me, and I will do it again."
"Very good, Tzila." ****
"My apprentice, come to me." Obi-Wan glanced warily at his Master.
"Yes, Master." The young man knelt in front of him Master, glancing at him warily under hooded eyes. The Sith Lord pressed against the apprentice's shields.
"Your shields are up."
"Yes, Master."
"Lower them- now." Obi-Wan shook his head, slowly.
"No, Master." Momentarily shocked, Sidious glanced incredulously at Obi- Wan.
"Lower them- or I will make you lower them." He raised a hand, aiming it precisely at Obi-Wan. "Now, apprentice."
Obi-Wan stood, backing away from the Sith Lord. "No- get away from me- now!"
Sidious raised both hands and allowed the Force to flow, causing an explosion to shoot from his hands. Obi-Wan calmly raised a hand- and ricochet the blast back towards the sith.
"You will allow me to leave- and tell no one of my existence." Sidious allowed a bland smile to cross his face.
"The apprentice threatens the Master. You could not survive without me- I am your Master. And you always obey your Master." Obi-Wan blinked, before his eyes lost the spark of defiance.
"I am sorry, My Master." The apprentice once again knelt on the ground. ****
"You called another Master, you know." Rage filled Obi-Wan, as he once again searched for the source of the voice.
"Who are you? I demand you tell me!"
"I told you- you already know."
"How can I know someone I've never met- and how come you don't have a physical body."
"The spirit once outside the body can't repossess it if the body is dead, or the spirit forced away. I am a spirit."
"Why do you haunt me, then?"
"Because, my friend, I am you. I am the past- and will be the future, if you ever gain control."
"No." Obi-Wan shook his head, trying to erase the voice that now sounded so familiar to him. "No!" ****
"My Masters, Qui-Gon Jinn requests to come before you." Mace Windu nodded his approval, and watched the assistant leave. Moments later, Qui-Gon walked through doors to the chambers. He came to stand in the middle of the room, before inclining his head in respect.
"Speak with us, you wish, Master Qui-Gon?" Qui-Gon sighed, before nodding.
"Masters, I wish to go search for my apprentice- I could be of assistance in finding him- I have reason to believe that a remnant of the bond remains."
Mace Windu's eyes narrowed. "There was no bond, Jinn. Unless you failed to mention it."
"There was no bond, Windu."
Adi Gallia spoke, her voice stern. "Master Jinn, you contradict yourself- if there is no bond- then why do you say there is?"
A small gasp caught the attention of all in the room. Depa Billiba stood, and walked over to stand directly in front of Qui-Gon.
"Qui-Gon, will you permit me to search your mind?" Qui-Gon stared incredulously at the slight Master.
"Why?" Depa sighed, before turning her intense gaze from Qui-Gon to the rest of the council.
"I have reason to believe that there was a bond formed on a subconscious level- through the Force- though neither you nor Obi-Wan wished one."
"Submit to a mind probe from Master Billiba you will, Master Qui-Gon." Yoda spoke, his voice stern and brooking no argument.
"Very well, Masters. As you wish." The two knelt on the floor, focusing on the Force. Qui-Gon carefully lowered his shields, aware of all the inquisitive minds in the room. An unfamiliar presence entered his mind. It left as quickly as it had come- and Qui-Gon immediately slammed his shields back into place. The Master opened his eyes, and glanced around him- before resting his gaze on Billiba.
"So?"
"You have a bond with him, Master Jinn. It lies dormant in the furthest part of your mind."
"Can I access it?"
"You can- but I don't suggest you do. It could prove harmful for both you and Obi-Wan."
"Use it we can to find Obi-Wan, Master Depa?" Depa turned towards the diminutive Master who had spoken.
"We could. Again, I don't suggest it- though it wouldn't be as risky." Yoda nodded.
"Help Master Qui-Gon reach Obi-Wan I will. Get the boy back we will, but save him we may not." ****
The two had chosen the gardens to try and reach Obi-Wan Kenobi. The most peaceful place in the whole temple, the gardens were often used for ceremonies- and were well known for the ability to strengthen a person's access to the living Force.
Qui-Gon knelt on the ground, with Yoda standing, resting a clawed hand on his head.
"Fall into the deepest level of meditation you will. Anchor you I will, so search with your full abilities you will.
The Master slid into the deepest meditation he could, and immediately started to search for his ex-Padawan. The Force flowed around him, directing forcefully to a presence- distorted, pained, and alone.
Qui-Gon gasped as he recognized Obi-Wan's force signature. At the moment, the boy appeared to be sleeping, though it wasn't restful. Out of compassion, Qui-Gon reached with his mind and soothed the others.
The boy responded. A frightened voice echoed through the Force, not sounding anything like the emotionless young man he had left. [i] Who's there?[/i]
Again, Qui-Gon soothed the young man. [i]Hush, I'm here.
You are speaking to me through my mind. you are Jedi aren't you?![/i] Qui- Gon struggled to keep contact with the boy.
//Padawan, calm down!// A scream of hatred echoed through the bond, now pulsing with emotion.
//Don't call me that! Get out of my mind! I hate you, Jedi. I hate you all.//With a final push, Obi-Wan thrust Qui-Gon from his mind.
The Force once again tugged Qui-Gon, this time away from the now angry young man, and back to the insistant call of Yoda. Qui-Gon surfaced from meditation, eyes focusing on Yoda.
"Found him, did you?"
"Yes, Master, I found him. We spoke. briefly." Jinn stood, and dusted himself off. "More there is."
"Yes- his Force signature was distorted. It had been altered."
"Change signatures do when fall to the darkside a person does."
"Not like this." Yoda hobbled off.
"Curious, this is. Report it to the council I will. rest, I suggest you do."
"Yes, Master." Qui-Gon watched Yoda hobble off, before heading towards his own quarters.
/What has happened to Obi-Wan?/ Instinctively, Qui-Gon reached out to the Force. It gave no reply.
****
Sidious's was well aware of the turmoil that beset his apprentice's thoughts. The young man's eyes, normally bright, yet filled with cold purpose, were dim, and shadowed.
"Apprentice." The Master sternly looked upon his protégé, and continued, his voice harsh. "It is past time- I have waited far too long. You must now show your devotion to me."
Obi-Wan warily crossed to his Master, and dropped to his knees before him. "How can I serve you, my Master?"
"A great offense has been committed against us. The Jedi refuse to believe in our existence. Go- infiltrate the temple. Be wary, apprentice. The numbers of the Jedi are strong, though they themselves are weak. Observe, calculate. The time draws near- we shall bring the downfall of the Jedi." ****
Shadowed eyes glared into the brightness of the temple. The Force washed over him, calling to him. Silently, he leapt out of the shaft he had been hidden in, slinking to the shadows. He carefully checked his shielding before continuing to bid by the Forces rule. Obi-Wan paused, looking carefully into the room he had been pulled to.
It was magnificent. A blanket of lush green grass was littered with patches of flowers of different colors. And among it all, were fountains with water crystal clear. Obi-Wan walked in, feeling strangely comfortable in peacefulness. He blinked, as memories that couldn't be his flashed through his mind. The apprentice fell to the ground, hands gripping his head. An anguished cry escaped his lips, as he pressed his forehead into the soft grass- and remembered.
*"Lead to the darkside anger does, young ones. Remember this, you should, if fall you do not. Tempted you will all be, face it you shall- and overcome it. Darkness should not be feared. Answer why can anyone?"
A young Obi-Wan raised his hand, his boyish features solemn. "Because fear leads to the darkside, Master."
"Correct you are, young Obi-Wan. If fear you feel, then rely on the force, you should. Lead you it will, help you it will. Meditate, you will on what you have learned today. May the Force be with you, little ones." Ten childish voices responded, before the children scampered out of the gardens eager to play. Only one remained, waiting patiently for the Master to acknowledge him.
Yoda smiled kindly on the boy. "Questions you have, young Obi-Wan?"
"Yes, Master. Master, what is the darkside?"
"Sit, young one. Represents evil, the darkside does. Once upon the path of darkness you are, then return you never fully will. Worry you it should not. Light you are, Obi-Wan Kenobi, light you will remain. Play with your age mates you should." Obi- Wan climbed to his feet, bowing towards the Master.
"Yes, Master!" He quickly followed the others to the crèche.*
Obi-Wan opened his eyes, ignoring the pounding headache. He climbed to his feet, bracing his knees against the weakness in his legs.
"Going somewhere, are you?" A gasp of surprise escaped the apprentice's lips.
"No where that concerns you, Jedi." A snarl of hatred escaped Obi-Wan, as he turned to leave the temple.
"Inside the temple you are, feel safe do you?" Yoda watched the fallen Jedi carefully.
"Safety is illusion. There is only power."
Yoda shook his head. "Believe that do you?"
"It is what my Master has taught me, I need no other belief."
"Allow you leave, I can not. Searching for you, we have been."
"To kill me, Jedi?" Yoda looked sadly at the defiant young man. "My Master has warned me of you. You aim only to kill us, and others that defy you. You wish only for control."
"Blinded you are, Obi-Wan." Yoda lifted a gnarled hand, and using an incredibly powerful Force suggestion, immobilized Obi-Wan. "Help you we can."
"I don't need your help, Jedi!" The Master hobbled warily over to Obi- Wan.
"Sorry I am, young one." He brought the full abilities the Force to bear on Obi-Wan, tearing down the young man's shields. The Force echoed with emotion- pain, sorrow, fear, hatred. For the second time that day, Obi-Wan cried out, as he curled into a fetal position on the ground. Torn, and shaken, the young man flinched away from the lightest of touches on his arms. "So sorry."
"I hate you, Jedi." Sobs wracked his trembling frame, as Master Yoda looked up, eyes coming to rest on the shocked faces of Mace Windu and Qui- Gon Jinn. ****
"Master Yoda! How did you find him?" Yoda shook his head, refusing to answer. He instead stared into the solid white room, watching the forlorn figure resting in the corner of the room- knees drawn up to his chest.
"Fear us he does."