Title: Hidden Shadows Seeking Light
Rating: I wish I knew. I am putting it at PG-13 just because I don't know any better and would rather err on the safe side.
Genre: Drama/Mild Angst
Feedback: I would love to get feedback on this story. I would appreciate it if everyone would put down their flame throwers though because this is only my second time out and I know I made mistakes on the first story and have no doubt I will make many on this one. I need constructive criticism so that I will get better not mean comments that will only serve to make me cry. I thank each and every one of the readers who take the time to review this story. I love fan fiction and hope to write stories that can entertain others as much as their stories have entertained me.
Disclaimer: I own none of the characters in this story. They are, were and will always belong to Mr. George Lucas creator of an amazing universe. Not only does this story contain elements of the universe that Mr. Lucas created but also the Alternate Universe (AU) found in a wonderful story called An Untimely Frost by CYNICAL21.
Just to a little guide as to what things mean:
/-/ Bond thought //-// Private thought "-" Speaking aloud
**********************************************************************
"So this person comes in once a day feeds and waters you and then leaves?" Anakin asked.
"Yeah that's it." Laroon sighed.
"Not much." Anakin commented feeling around with his hands to see if there was anything around that he could use to get out of his manacles or use to remove the stupid collar blocking his ability to use the Force.
"I've already searched." Her voice full of defeat Anakin could almost feel Laroon's despair. He wished that he could say something hopeful but nothing came to mind.
"I don't think that he brought you here though." She commented as if piecing a puzzle together.
"Why do you say that?" He asked.
"Well because he had just finished feeding and watering me as he always does and then he left but came back in a few minutes with you. He didn't increase the food or water, so I wonder if someone else brought you perhaps surprising him. He barely brings enough for me so I would have thought if he had known there would be two of us that he would have brought more." Her voice sounded much more confident as she saw the reason to her argument.
"Well we are prisoners. I don't really think that our comfort level is very important to our captors." Anakin said sarcastically shaking the chains to emphasize his point.
She rolled her eyes and shook her head. He had a point but tonight they would know for sure. When the person came with food and water, if the portions were larger then they would know. She wondered who it was that was holding her. She realized that she was in an abandoned facility. It had been dark when she had awoken here and she had been taken when it was dark so it couldn't be too far from the State House. She ran through her mind all the abandoned factories around the State House. She wished for the hundredth time that she had paid more attention to her surroundings when she had been free.
"You know I think maybe we aren't too far from the State House." She announced. "I was in bed when I was taken. It was late at night and when I woke here it was still dark outside."
"How could you tell?" Anakin asked.
"Well when the sun is out the darkness isn't quite as dense. Look in that far corner." She took Anakin's hand and held it out in the direction she wanted him to look. Now that Anakin concentrated he did notice that it was a bit lighter over there.
"Well maybe you were out for a long time? Maybe it was a short ride on a transport?" He speculated. "You have no idea how long you were out for just like I haven't a clue how I got here and how long it took me to do so."
"Yeah but maybe we can find out. " She quipped.
"Such as?" Anakin asked.
"Such as the fact that you can't use the Force to get free but surely you can search your memories and discover how it is that you got here." She was sounding impatient but didn't care at this point.
Anakin considered for a moment. He had taken Obi-Wan's approach and attempted to learn all that he could about his situation now perhaps he should follow Qui-Gon's example. After all as a team they had been legendary; surely their individual strengths had been the reason for that.
"When will the person be back to feed and water his pets?" Anakin asked his bitterness at being held captive flowing through his words. He had been fighting the desperation welling inside of him. He hated being owned, held, a slave and he would fight to be free. After only a few hours of captivity he was more determined than ever to go after his mother and free her.
"He won't be back until later. He comes when it is dark." Anakin could tell from the sound of the girl's voice that she was looking away towards the part of the room that was now a faint grey. He too considered the lucky corner where light had found a way to penetrate a fraction of the darkness. He thought for a moment how little light it took to impact the dark and yet it took so much more darkness to overtake the light. There was something to that. Somewhere inside of him he knew he needed to consider that in light of what he had been doing with the darkness over the last few months.
"I need to meditate to see if I can find out anything about how I arrived here. If you hear him coming back wake me." He felt her hand on his arm as she gave it a tiny squeeze.
"I'm sorry you are here Anakin, but yet I am so grateful that you are." He could hear the tears in her voice. He hadn't thought about how long she had suffered here in this room, cold, alone and afraid. He certainly wasn't happy to be there either but somehow felt important that his presence could comfort her.
"We'll be alright Laroon. You will see." He took her hand and removed it gently from his arm and moved to the limits that his chains would allow. Once there he settled himself and sunk into meditation. He tried reaching out to the Force out of habit but found nothing. Refusing to give in to his own despair he found his center and turned within himself searching for answers.
*******************
"So we will break up into teams?" Qui-Gon asked trying to clarify what the four Jedi had decided upon as the best course of action.
"Yes. You and I will work together as will Master Yoda and Obi-Wan." Adi's voice was as clear as her radiant blue eyes. She had not been on a mission of this sort in some time and was relishing the feel of being back in the thick of things.
Obi-Wan caught himself a little distracted by her eyes which had made the necessity of the pairings much easier to accept. Master Yoda had left to send a transmission to the Council notifying them as to the concerning turn of events that they were now dealing with. Obi-Wan could sense Qui-Gon's growing apprehension that they had received no word concerning the boy. He still found himself amazed at the man's ability to release his fears and anxieties into the Force and concentrate on the mission. Qui-Gon caught the knight's observing eye and gave him a brief smile. Obi-Wan attempted to send what reassurance he could toward the man.
The sound of Yoda entering the room caught their attention.
"Master Yoda were you able to speak to Master Windu and the Council?" Adi asked.
"Speak to them I did. Concerned they are. Three more planets have petitioned to be removed from the Republic." Yoda shook his head and grimaced as he leaned upon his walking stick.
"Did they have any advice as to how we should proceed?" Qui-Gon asked not caring at the moment about the rest of the Republic but finding his concern narrowed to that of the welfare of a young boy who was missing on Tiress.
"Sensed they have the darkness that you have mentioned. Concerned they are that this is linked with the growing presence of the Sith. Fear they do that Anakin will be too young and untrained to resist its temptations." Yoda spoke softly but the words were hard to hear and impossible for the boy's Master to accept.
"He will not turn." Qui-Gon emphatically stated. "He will not turn to the dark side. He is the Chosen One."
"All the more reason for us to be concerned if he does." Adi stated to no one in particular.
"Master will you and I be going along with Adi and Qui-Gon in search of Anakin?" Obi-Wan asked trying to get things moving. There was no time for speculation not now not when there was still a chance that they might be able to locate the boy in time to prevent his fall or worse. Obi-Wan checked his thinking for a moment wondering which would be worse for the boy to die or to turn. He had always believed that dying would be the only option for him. He could not imagine one day lost to the light living and serving the dark.
"We will follow but not right away. Suspect I do that the man Den is involved in this somehow. We will follow him instead. If he does not lead us to something then catch up with the other Masters we will." Qui-Gon and Adi both nodded as they began gathering the items that they would need to carry with them on their search.
"I am going to retrieve my pack from my quarters." Qui-Gon began making his way to the door. "I will meet you at the exit Master Gallia." He turned and disappeared down the corridor.
Obi-Wan watched as Adi continued to check her gear. She felt his eyes on her but wasn't sure what he wanted to say to her or if he was waiting for her to speak. Finally she looked up and met his concerned gaze.
"I will be careful." She sighed continuing in her work.
"I know you will." He sounded sure. "You owe me an evening on my couch." She looked up at him quickly catching his playful smile.
"Yes." She sighed finishing up her work and setting her pack aside for the moment she made her way over to the knight. "I do don't I?" She fell into his arms.
She laid her head momentarily upon his chest. She could hear the steady beat of his heart in her ears and feel the heat of his body seeping through his tunic. She realized that there was no other place she would rather be for the rest of the day than in his arms listening to his heart beating beneath her. She pulled back and felt his lips seal her mouth. He parted his lips gently caressed her lower lip. She drew him into her mouth and held him there.
She felt his signature as he filled her with his calm and light increasing her own. She felt him reaching out to her sending waves of care and strength. It felt so good to be loved and held. She had waited for this moment for so long. She moaned into his mouth and felt his answer by deepening the kiss further. He ran his hands down her back and pulled her tightly to him. Finally breathless they pulled away.
"Kenobi you're going to kill me with kindness." She laughed. He joined her giving her one last hug.
"Just come back and let's see if I can." She picked up her pack and headed to the exit.
"May the Force be with you Obi." She whispered.
"And with you." He smiled. Then she was gone. He wanted to go with her. He wanted to give her one last warning. He wanted to once again reiterate the ominous feeling he had about Anakin's disappearance and the circumstances the he feared she and Qui-Gon were walking into. He wanted to say all of these things but had chosen to remain silent. She didn't need last minute warnings. She didn't need an overprotective Knight reminding her to double check her rations and pack her comlink. She needed him to trust her and believe in her. He had known her long enough to realize that she was a talented and capable Jedi. He had seen her in action before and knew how amazing she could be. He had never doubted her before, but then again he had never had so much to lose. He knew the image of her walking away would stay with him until he had her again in his arms. He could only hope that he would be holding her very soon.
Sighing he set his chin clearing his mind and releasing his anxiety into the Force. He turned to find his Master. He reached out with his mind and sensed Yoda not far ahead of him. He was heading to the security center. Obi-Wan had also had his suspicions about Den. He was relieved to know that Yoda had picked up on the man's deceit as well.
He found himself thinking of Qui-Gon. The man had seemed almost beside himself with worry over Anakin. He had never seen Qui-Gon like this before. He wondered for a moment if the man had acted this way on the numerous occasions when he had been abducted on a mission or injured during its execution.
"Worry over you he did. Just as desperate for your safety he was. Impossible was he in the infirmaries. Healers dreaded the sight of him. Always allowed him into restricted areas to be with you they did. Impossible to argue with him it was. " Yoda surprised Obi-Wan with his comments as the man reached the smaller Master's side. "Love you he does. Love you he always did. " Obi-Wan smiled even though his doubts still remained.
"Strange way of showing it he has." Yoda chuckled.
"Strange indeed." Obi-Wan commented dryly wanting to change the subject.
"Peace you have made with him." It was a statement not a question so Obi- Wan felt no need to reply. He focused instead on their progress to the security center.
"Proud of you I am. Hurt you he did. Hard to forgive when someone we love hurts us. Harder still it is to trust them again." If Yoda was fishing his line would remain empty. Obi-Wan had no intentions of revisiting his relationship with Qui-Gon. He had managed to forgive the man but knew that he would never forget
"I am glad that you chose to come to Tiress Master. I have missed you." Obi-Wan sent a mental nudge to his Master causing the older being to chuckle aloud at the knight's gesture.
"Much there is to resolve here. Near the darkness is. Underestimate it we did. Shadows surrounding Skywalker's future I see." His words sobered the mood as they finally reached the security center. Ignoring the questioning expressions of the men manning the console Yoda made his way directly to the current imaging screens and began his search for the whereabouts of a particular man. Finding Den nervously sitting in his office Yoda settled himself into a seat before the display. Obi-Wan fought the helplessness and impatience he felt now as he realized that they would be monitoring the man instead of confronting him.
"Patience my Padawan. Elusive the darkness is. Shadows always disappear in the light of confrontation. It is only from the shadows that darkness can be seen." Yoda continued watching the man. He was obviously agitated. He wasn't thinking clearly. He would make a mistake and when he did they would see it.
"I just wish we could be of more assistance to Qui-Gon and Adi. I sense that they are walking into a dangerous situation." Obi-Wan rolled his lips into his mouth and once again released his growing sense of apprehension into the Force.
"Strong are your feelings for your ex-Master and also for Master Gallia as well." Yoda commented. "Serve you well these feelings may but only if you do not allow them to interfere with your connection to the Force. Seek it first you must. It alone will guide you to the right actions." Yoda's lesson went straight to Obi-Wan's heart. He knew that his master was right. He knew that he could not allow his personal feelings for the other Jedi to dictate his actions.
He took a deep breath and reached out to the Force. It came to him and surrounded him. In that moment he knew that his place was here with Yoda waiting and watching. He wasn't sure what Den was about to do but whatever it was it was important that he be there to see it and react to it.
He settled himself into the seat next to his Master. The sun would be setting soon. He thought about Adi and Qui-Gon out in the darkness. He continued to stare at the screen willing the man to make a move. It reminded him of the many strategic games he and Qui-Gon had played over the years. He would make a move and then wait endless moments waiting for his Master to make one in response. He had learned a great deal about patience during those long matches. He leaned across the console watching Den. The man was obviously agitated as he nervously shuffled papers from one side of his desk to the other. He continued to look out of his window. What was he waiting for? The sun continued to sink and the light in the office dimmed noticeably. Moments later Obi-Wan's patience paid off and Den leapt to his feet making his next move. He had been waiting for the dark.
*********************
The sun was setting. Never had a day seemed so long. Den knew that he had to return to the factory. He had to take food and water to his captives. He resented the addition of the Padawan. He had considered not providing food and water for the unwanted burden but had then decided that he had better take care of the dark one's prisoner as well. The last thing he wanted was to anger the other man. He had felt the invisible fingers around his throat before and had not intention of dying that way.
He quickly gathered the supplies that he needed. He would need to use an alternate route. He couldn't risk running into a Jedi along the path through the wood. He would instead take his hover craft and proceed through the neighborhood. He would have to find a way to get away from the State House without a security attachment.
He made his plan as he walked toward his transport. Things were unraveling fast and he hadn't expected the addition of the other two Masters. He wasn't sure why he hadn't known that they were coming. Perhaps Jinn and Kenobi had mentioned their upcoming arrival but he had been too distracted to have registered it. Or perhaps La'Kol had kept it from him intentionally. Den bit down on his bitterness. He was so close to having all that he had worked so hard to achieve and now once again the meddling Jedi were mucking it up.
He was glad to know that he would be turning Jinn, Skywalker, and Kenobi over to the dark one. He had Skywalker but he still had to find a way to get Jinn and Kenobi away from the other Masters so that he could capture them, attach the collars and get them to the dark one. He felt his breathing becoming ragged from the stress of all that he still had to accomplish and the obstacles lying before him.
//One thing at a time Den old boy.// He told himself. //Get food and water to the girl and boy without being detected. Then once you are safely home you can sort out the rest of your plan. You are smarter than these Jedi. You know the planet better. You have the assistance of the dark one. You will prevail. You will be Commander. Tiress will be yours.//
Comforted by his thoughts he lowered himself into his craft and started the engine. He glanced about relieved that he had eluded the security guards. A smug grin made its way across his lips as he pulled out of the State House port. He failed to notice the other craft pulling in behind him. In his haste he had made a mistake one that could prove to be his undoing that is if his demise had not already been well planned.
********************
She thought that she heard something but it was still too early for the person keeping them to be arriving. Perhaps someone had found them maybe some kids who were had decided to explore the abandoned building. It didn't matter to her. She didn't care what had caused her rescuers to arrive just was just grateful that they finally had.
"Help! Is someone there? Anyone? Help me!" She called. She waited and listened between crying out. She definitely heard something. She rushed over to where Anakin was still meditating. She gently shook him.
"Anakin. Anakin." The urgency of her voice awakened him. He came to himself slowly. He had made much progress during the time he had spent seeking answers.
"What?" He asked sounding a little drowsy.
"Someone is near. I don't believe it is the person who usually comes. It is too early for that, but I heard something. I have been calling but no one has answered."
Anakin rose to his feet his legs immediately complaining after hours of disuse. He rubbed his thighs as he strained his ears against the silence surrounding them. Then suddenly he heard it too. It was someone walking. They had been above them but were now making their way down to their level.
"Help!" Laroon called. Anakin grabbed her suddenly for some reason unsure if alerting the newest arrivals to their presence would be the wisest course.
"Shh!" He hissed and urged her to squat down on the floor next to him. He could see nothing as he stared off into the direction of the footsteps echoing ever closer.
"What are you doing?" She angrily protested struggling to get to her feet once more.
Anakin brought his hand up and with only a few misses managed to cover her mouth.
"We don't know who this is and we have no way to defend ourselves so are you so sure you want to bring them to us before we have a better idea of who they are? Think Laroon. Who would be wandering around an abandoned building such as this?" He was thinking now. His mind racing at all that she had told him trying to remember if he had felt anything that could be used as a weapon. There were the dishes in the far corner that he could use to inflict a bit of damage that is if he had the element of surprise on his side. He once again wished he had the Force at this disposal.
"Mmmnds" She muttered against his hand.
He removed his hand holding it at the ready to cover her mouth once more if she chose to scream out again.
"Kids." She spat at him in anger.
"Listen." He hissed angrily waiting a moment for her to comply. The foot steps were slow and methodical and headed their way. It was clearly two individuals. One was heavier than the other. "Does that sound like kids to you?" He felt Laroon shake her head and knew that she was now in agreement with him as to the need to conceal themselves just in case.
"Hello?" Came a voice from across the way. Both Anakin and Laroon resisted the urge to answer.
"We've come for you. We've come to rescue you." They both paused. Laroon waited for Anakin to give her permission to answer but he wasn't doing that. Instead he was quietly making his way over to their forgotten food and water dishes.
She could hear him but only slightly and wondered if the approaching figures could hear him as well.
"Anakin." She whispered once he had returned. "They are here to rescue us. " She explained trying to convince him.
"You think?" He questioned. She immediately nodded and whispered a hopeful "Yes."
"Then why aren't they carrying lights with them?" His words erased her hope. Why weren't they carrying lights and why if they knew that she and Anakin were being held here weren't they searching with more speed? She felt her breath catch in her throat and her mouth go dry. Staring out into the darkness hearing the approaching strangers she found herself for the first time since her ordeal had begun realizing she would never see the light again.
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Ok so this is what happened. I didn't mean to have a big tease on Chapter 10 but I screwed up uploading my chapter and it was my only option. Either that or you would have had a repeat of Chapter 9 labeled Chapter 10. Anyway sorry for leading you guys on that way. I did rush this post along to help with the suspense. I hope ya'll like it. I would appreciate in your reviews this time if you would tell me what loose ends you see and in the story so far. I feel like maybe I am juggling too many elements and leaving too many loose ends. And as Sidious said.we can't have any loose ends.help me cut them off will ya? Just trying to get better at this whole writing thing and once again need my readers to show me how. Hope everyone had a good holiday. Thanks
Rating: I wish I knew. I am putting it at PG-13 just because I don't know any better and would rather err on the safe side.
Genre: Drama/Mild Angst
Feedback: I would love to get feedback on this story. I would appreciate it if everyone would put down their flame throwers though because this is only my second time out and I know I made mistakes on the first story and have no doubt I will make many on this one. I need constructive criticism so that I will get better not mean comments that will only serve to make me cry. I thank each and every one of the readers who take the time to review this story. I love fan fiction and hope to write stories that can entertain others as much as their stories have entertained me.
Disclaimer: I own none of the characters in this story. They are, were and will always belong to Mr. George Lucas creator of an amazing universe. Not only does this story contain elements of the universe that Mr. Lucas created but also the Alternate Universe (AU) found in a wonderful story called An Untimely Frost by CYNICAL21.
Just to a little guide as to what things mean:
/-/ Bond thought //-// Private thought "-" Speaking aloud
**********************************************************************
"So this person comes in once a day feeds and waters you and then leaves?" Anakin asked.
"Yeah that's it." Laroon sighed.
"Not much." Anakin commented feeling around with his hands to see if there was anything around that he could use to get out of his manacles or use to remove the stupid collar blocking his ability to use the Force.
"I've already searched." Her voice full of defeat Anakin could almost feel Laroon's despair. He wished that he could say something hopeful but nothing came to mind.
"I don't think that he brought you here though." She commented as if piecing a puzzle together.
"Why do you say that?" He asked.
"Well because he had just finished feeding and watering me as he always does and then he left but came back in a few minutes with you. He didn't increase the food or water, so I wonder if someone else brought you perhaps surprising him. He barely brings enough for me so I would have thought if he had known there would be two of us that he would have brought more." Her voice sounded much more confident as she saw the reason to her argument.
"Well we are prisoners. I don't really think that our comfort level is very important to our captors." Anakin said sarcastically shaking the chains to emphasize his point.
She rolled her eyes and shook her head. He had a point but tonight they would know for sure. When the person came with food and water, if the portions were larger then they would know. She wondered who it was that was holding her. She realized that she was in an abandoned facility. It had been dark when she had awoken here and she had been taken when it was dark so it couldn't be too far from the State House. She ran through her mind all the abandoned factories around the State House. She wished for the hundredth time that she had paid more attention to her surroundings when she had been free.
"You know I think maybe we aren't too far from the State House." She announced. "I was in bed when I was taken. It was late at night and when I woke here it was still dark outside."
"How could you tell?" Anakin asked.
"Well when the sun is out the darkness isn't quite as dense. Look in that far corner." She took Anakin's hand and held it out in the direction she wanted him to look. Now that Anakin concentrated he did notice that it was a bit lighter over there.
"Well maybe you were out for a long time? Maybe it was a short ride on a transport?" He speculated. "You have no idea how long you were out for just like I haven't a clue how I got here and how long it took me to do so."
"Yeah but maybe we can find out. " She quipped.
"Such as?" Anakin asked.
"Such as the fact that you can't use the Force to get free but surely you can search your memories and discover how it is that you got here." She was sounding impatient but didn't care at this point.
Anakin considered for a moment. He had taken Obi-Wan's approach and attempted to learn all that he could about his situation now perhaps he should follow Qui-Gon's example. After all as a team they had been legendary; surely their individual strengths had been the reason for that.
"When will the person be back to feed and water his pets?" Anakin asked his bitterness at being held captive flowing through his words. He had been fighting the desperation welling inside of him. He hated being owned, held, a slave and he would fight to be free. After only a few hours of captivity he was more determined than ever to go after his mother and free her.
"He won't be back until later. He comes when it is dark." Anakin could tell from the sound of the girl's voice that she was looking away towards the part of the room that was now a faint grey. He too considered the lucky corner where light had found a way to penetrate a fraction of the darkness. He thought for a moment how little light it took to impact the dark and yet it took so much more darkness to overtake the light. There was something to that. Somewhere inside of him he knew he needed to consider that in light of what he had been doing with the darkness over the last few months.
"I need to meditate to see if I can find out anything about how I arrived here. If you hear him coming back wake me." He felt her hand on his arm as she gave it a tiny squeeze.
"I'm sorry you are here Anakin, but yet I am so grateful that you are." He could hear the tears in her voice. He hadn't thought about how long she had suffered here in this room, cold, alone and afraid. He certainly wasn't happy to be there either but somehow felt important that his presence could comfort her.
"We'll be alright Laroon. You will see." He took her hand and removed it gently from his arm and moved to the limits that his chains would allow. Once there he settled himself and sunk into meditation. He tried reaching out to the Force out of habit but found nothing. Refusing to give in to his own despair he found his center and turned within himself searching for answers.
*******************
"So we will break up into teams?" Qui-Gon asked trying to clarify what the four Jedi had decided upon as the best course of action.
"Yes. You and I will work together as will Master Yoda and Obi-Wan." Adi's voice was as clear as her radiant blue eyes. She had not been on a mission of this sort in some time and was relishing the feel of being back in the thick of things.
Obi-Wan caught himself a little distracted by her eyes which had made the necessity of the pairings much easier to accept. Master Yoda had left to send a transmission to the Council notifying them as to the concerning turn of events that they were now dealing with. Obi-Wan could sense Qui-Gon's growing apprehension that they had received no word concerning the boy. He still found himself amazed at the man's ability to release his fears and anxieties into the Force and concentrate on the mission. Qui-Gon caught the knight's observing eye and gave him a brief smile. Obi-Wan attempted to send what reassurance he could toward the man.
The sound of Yoda entering the room caught their attention.
"Master Yoda were you able to speak to Master Windu and the Council?" Adi asked.
"Speak to them I did. Concerned they are. Three more planets have petitioned to be removed from the Republic." Yoda shook his head and grimaced as he leaned upon his walking stick.
"Did they have any advice as to how we should proceed?" Qui-Gon asked not caring at the moment about the rest of the Republic but finding his concern narrowed to that of the welfare of a young boy who was missing on Tiress.
"Sensed they have the darkness that you have mentioned. Concerned they are that this is linked with the growing presence of the Sith. Fear they do that Anakin will be too young and untrained to resist its temptations." Yoda spoke softly but the words were hard to hear and impossible for the boy's Master to accept.
"He will not turn." Qui-Gon emphatically stated. "He will not turn to the dark side. He is the Chosen One."
"All the more reason for us to be concerned if he does." Adi stated to no one in particular.
"Master will you and I be going along with Adi and Qui-Gon in search of Anakin?" Obi-Wan asked trying to get things moving. There was no time for speculation not now not when there was still a chance that they might be able to locate the boy in time to prevent his fall or worse. Obi-Wan checked his thinking for a moment wondering which would be worse for the boy to die or to turn. He had always believed that dying would be the only option for him. He could not imagine one day lost to the light living and serving the dark.
"We will follow but not right away. Suspect I do that the man Den is involved in this somehow. We will follow him instead. If he does not lead us to something then catch up with the other Masters we will." Qui-Gon and Adi both nodded as they began gathering the items that they would need to carry with them on their search.
"I am going to retrieve my pack from my quarters." Qui-Gon began making his way to the door. "I will meet you at the exit Master Gallia." He turned and disappeared down the corridor.
Obi-Wan watched as Adi continued to check her gear. She felt his eyes on her but wasn't sure what he wanted to say to her or if he was waiting for her to speak. Finally she looked up and met his concerned gaze.
"I will be careful." She sighed continuing in her work.
"I know you will." He sounded sure. "You owe me an evening on my couch." She looked up at him quickly catching his playful smile.
"Yes." She sighed finishing up her work and setting her pack aside for the moment she made her way over to the knight. "I do don't I?" She fell into his arms.
She laid her head momentarily upon his chest. She could hear the steady beat of his heart in her ears and feel the heat of his body seeping through his tunic. She realized that there was no other place she would rather be for the rest of the day than in his arms listening to his heart beating beneath her. She pulled back and felt his lips seal her mouth. He parted his lips gently caressed her lower lip. She drew him into her mouth and held him there.
She felt his signature as he filled her with his calm and light increasing her own. She felt him reaching out to her sending waves of care and strength. It felt so good to be loved and held. She had waited for this moment for so long. She moaned into his mouth and felt his answer by deepening the kiss further. He ran his hands down her back and pulled her tightly to him. Finally breathless they pulled away.
"Kenobi you're going to kill me with kindness." She laughed. He joined her giving her one last hug.
"Just come back and let's see if I can." She picked up her pack and headed to the exit.
"May the Force be with you Obi." She whispered.
"And with you." He smiled. Then she was gone. He wanted to go with her. He wanted to give her one last warning. He wanted to once again reiterate the ominous feeling he had about Anakin's disappearance and the circumstances the he feared she and Qui-Gon were walking into. He wanted to say all of these things but had chosen to remain silent. She didn't need last minute warnings. She didn't need an overprotective Knight reminding her to double check her rations and pack her comlink. She needed him to trust her and believe in her. He had known her long enough to realize that she was a talented and capable Jedi. He had seen her in action before and knew how amazing she could be. He had never doubted her before, but then again he had never had so much to lose. He knew the image of her walking away would stay with him until he had her again in his arms. He could only hope that he would be holding her very soon.
Sighing he set his chin clearing his mind and releasing his anxiety into the Force. He turned to find his Master. He reached out with his mind and sensed Yoda not far ahead of him. He was heading to the security center. Obi-Wan had also had his suspicions about Den. He was relieved to know that Yoda had picked up on the man's deceit as well.
He found himself thinking of Qui-Gon. The man had seemed almost beside himself with worry over Anakin. He had never seen Qui-Gon like this before. He wondered for a moment if the man had acted this way on the numerous occasions when he had been abducted on a mission or injured during its execution.
"Worry over you he did. Just as desperate for your safety he was. Impossible was he in the infirmaries. Healers dreaded the sight of him. Always allowed him into restricted areas to be with you they did. Impossible to argue with him it was. " Yoda surprised Obi-Wan with his comments as the man reached the smaller Master's side. "Love you he does. Love you he always did. " Obi-Wan smiled even though his doubts still remained.
"Strange way of showing it he has." Yoda chuckled.
"Strange indeed." Obi-Wan commented dryly wanting to change the subject.
"Peace you have made with him." It was a statement not a question so Obi- Wan felt no need to reply. He focused instead on their progress to the security center.
"Proud of you I am. Hurt you he did. Hard to forgive when someone we love hurts us. Harder still it is to trust them again." If Yoda was fishing his line would remain empty. Obi-Wan had no intentions of revisiting his relationship with Qui-Gon. He had managed to forgive the man but knew that he would never forget
"I am glad that you chose to come to Tiress Master. I have missed you." Obi-Wan sent a mental nudge to his Master causing the older being to chuckle aloud at the knight's gesture.
"Much there is to resolve here. Near the darkness is. Underestimate it we did. Shadows surrounding Skywalker's future I see." His words sobered the mood as they finally reached the security center. Ignoring the questioning expressions of the men manning the console Yoda made his way directly to the current imaging screens and began his search for the whereabouts of a particular man. Finding Den nervously sitting in his office Yoda settled himself into a seat before the display. Obi-Wan fought the helplessness and impatience he felt now as he realized that they would be monitoring the man instead of confronting him.
"Patience my Padawan. Elusive the darkness is. Shadows always disappear in the light of confrontation. It is only from the shadows that darkness can be seen." Yoda continued watching the man. He was obviously agitated. He wasn't thinking clearly. He would make a mistake and when he did they would see it.
"I just wish we could be of more assistance to Qui-Gon and Adi. I sense that they are walking into a dangerous situation." Obi-Wan rolled his lips into his mouth and once again released his growing sense of apprehension into the Force.
"Strong are your feelings for your ex-Master and also for Master Gallia as well." Yoda commented. "Serve you well these feelings may but only if you do not allow them to interfere with your connection to the Force. Seek it first you must. It alone will guide you to the right actions." Yoda's lesson went straight to Obi-Wan's heart. He knew that his master was right. He knew that he could not allow his personal feelings for the other Jedi to dictate his actions.
He took a deep breath and reached out to the Force. It came to him and surrounded him. In that moment he knew that his place was here with Yoda waiting and watching. He wasn't sure what Den was about to do but whatever it was it was important that he be there to see it and react to it.
He settled himself into the seat next to his Master. The sun would be setting soon. He thought about Adi and Qui-Gon out in the darkness. He continued to stare at the screen willing the man to make a move. It reminded him of the many strategic games he and Qui-Gon had played over the years. He would make a move and then wait endless moments waiting for his Master to make one in response. He had learned a great deal about patience during those long matches. He leaned across the console watching Den. The man was obviously agitated as he nervously shuffled papers from one side of his desk to the other. He continued to look out of his window. What was he waiting for? The sun continued to sink and the light in the office dimmed noticeably. Moments later Obi-Wan's patience paid off and Den leapt to his feet making his next move. He had been waiting for the dark.
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The sun was setting. Never had a day seemed so long. Den knew that he had to return to the factory. He had to take food and water to his captives. He resented the addition of the Padawan. He had considered not providing food and water for the unwanted burden but had then decided that he had better take care of the dark one's prisoner as well. The last thing he wanted was to anger the other man. He had felt the invisible fingers around his throat before and had not intention of dying that way.
He quickly gathered the supplies that he needed. He would need to use an alternate route. He couldn't risk running into a Jedi along the path through the wood. He would instead take his hover craft and proceed through the neighborhood. He would have to find a way to get away from the State House without a security attachment.
He made his plan as he walked toward his transport. Things were unraveling fast and he hadn't expected the addition of the other two Masters. He wasn't sure why he hadn't known that they were coming. Perhaps Jinn and Kenobi had mentioned their upcoming arrival but he had been too distracted to have registered it. Or perhaps La'Kol had kept it from him intentionally. Den bit down on his bitterness. He was so close to having all that he had worked so hard to achieve and now once again the meddling Jedi were mucking it up.
He was glad to know that he would be turning Jinn, Skywalker, and Kenobi over to the dark one. He had Skywalker but he still had to find a way to get Jinn and Kenobi away from the other Masters so that he could capture them, attach the collars and get them to the dark one. He felt his breathing becoming ragged from the stress of all that he still had to accomplish and the obstacles lying before him.
//One thing at a time Den old boy.// He told himself. //Get food and water to the girl and boy without being detected. Then once you are safely home you can sort out the rest of your plan. You are smarter than these Jedi. You know the planet better. You have the assistance of the dark one. You will prevail. You will be Commander. Tiress will be yours.//
Comforted by his thoughts he lowered himself into his craft and started the engine. He glanced about relieved that he had eluded the security guards. A smug grin made its way across his lips as he pulled out of the State House port. He failed to notice the other craft pulling in behind him. In his haste he had made a mistake one that could prove to be his undoing that is if his demise had not already been well planned.
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She thought that she heard something but it was still too early for the person keeping them to be arriving. Perhaps someone had found them maybe some kids who were had decided to explore the abandoned building. It didn't matter to her. She didn't care what had caused her rescuers to arrive just was just grateful that they finally had.
"Help! Is someone there? Anyone? Help me!" She called. She waited and listened between crying out. She definitely heard something. She rushed over to where Anakin was still meditating. She gently shook him.
"Anakin. Anakin." The urgency of her voice awakened him. He came to himself slowly. He had made much progress during the time he had spent seeking answers.
"What?" He asked sounding a little drowsy.
"Someone is near. I don't believe it is the person who usually comes. It is too early for that, but I heard something. I have been calling but no one has answered."
Anakin rose to his feet his legs immediately complaining after hours of disuse. He rubbed his thighs as he strained his ears against the silence surrounding them. Then suddenly he heard it too. It was someone walking. They had been above them but were now making their way down to their level.
"Help!" Laroon called. Anakin grabbed her suddenly for some reason unsure if alerting the newest arrivals to their presence would be the wisest course.
"Shh!" He hissed and urged her to squat down on the floor next to him. He could see nothing as he stared off into the direction of the footsteps echoing ever closer.
"What are you doing?" She angrily protested struggling to get to her feet once more.
Anakin brought his hand up and with only a few misses managed to cover her mouth.
"We don't know who this is and we have no way to defend ourselves so are you so sure you want to bring them to us before we have a better idea of who they are? Think Laroon. Who would be wandering around an abandoned building such as this?" He was thinking now. His mind racing at all that she had told him trying to remember if he had felt anything that could be used as a weapon. There were the dishes in the far corner that he could use to inflict a bit of damage that is if he had the element of surprise on his side. He once again wished he had the Force at this disposal.
"Mmmnds" She muttered against his hand.
He removed his hand holding it at the ready to cover her mouth once more if she chose to scream out again.
"Kids." She spat at him in anger.
"Listen." He hissed angrily waiting a moment for her to comply. The foot steps were slow and methodical and headed their way. It was clearly two individuals. One was heavier than the other. "Does that sound like kids to you?" He felt Laroon shake her head and knew that she was now in agreement with him as to the need to conceal themselves just in case.
"Hello?" Came a voice from across the way. Both Anakin and Laroon resisted the urge to answer.
"We've come for you. We've come to rescue you." They both paused. Laroon waited for Anakin to give her permission to answer but he wasn't doing that. Instead he was quietly making his way over to their forgotten food and water dishes.
She could hear him but only slightly and wondered if the approaching figures could hear him as well.
"Anakin." She whispered once he had returned. "They are here to rescue us. " She explained trying to convince him.
"You think?" He questioned. She immediately nodded and whispered a hopeful "Yes."
"Then why aren't they carrying lights with them?" His words erased her hope. Why weren't they carrying lights and why if they knew that she and Anakin were being held here weren't they searching with more speed? She felt her breath catch in her throat and her mouth go dry. Staring out into the darkness hearing the approaching strangers she found herself for the first time since her ordeal had begun realizing she would never see the light again.
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Ok so this is what happened. I didn't mean to have a big tease on Chapter 10 but I screwed up uploading my chapter and it was my only option. Either that or you would have had a repeat of Chapter 9 labeled Chapter 10. Anyway sorry for leading you guys on that way. I did rush this post along to help with the suspense. I hope ya'll like it. I would appreciate in your reviews this time if you would tell me what loose ends you see and in the story so far. I feel like maybe I am juggling too many elements and leaving too many loose ends. And as Sidious said.we can't have any loose ends.help me cut them off will ya? Just trying to get better at this whole writing thing and once again need my readers to show me how. Hope everyone had a good holiday. Thanks
