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

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It started like a small ripple moving out from the center in ever expanding waves. Much as the clear surface of a lake that is broken by an object dropped randomly into its depths forever shattering its tranquility. A shock sending out waves in all directions growing in size and strength until the entire body of water reacts to the sudden impact. From the moment he accepted his place, Obi-Wan Kenobi acted upon the Force like the object tossed casually upon the water, sending out waves in all directions disrupting the glass like surface of the Force, forever changing the tide of the universe. Expanding and contracting the particles that compose all life crying out that the time had arrived. The moment long hoped for was finally here. He had survived. He had withstood the tests of life though he had been a player for a relatively short period of time. Pulled and tugged by forces beyond his control or understanding and yet he had clung to the light.

Moments of despair, regret, disappointment, dismay, hurt, pain, and anguish coming and going throughout the course of a young life. It was in those moments when the darkness would come. It was in those dark and lonely hours when doubt and uncertainty would sit upon the Knight's heart and tempt him with the comfort of surrendering his destiny and accepting another. Shadows of hurt and longing filling corners within his mind, where light struggled to continue blazing. These were the moments where a man was tested. Not when faced with impossible odds of survival on planetary missions light years away. No the testing came in quiet solitary moments when no one was watching. When it was easy to slip up and give in. Those were the moments of definition.

It was in those moments that something within this man, this Obi-Wan Kenobi rose up and encouraged the flame of light to keep burning. He found the strength and courage to grasp the torch and banish the shadows. To carry it forward as he refused for one moment to be a servant to the darkness.

Qui-Gon and Bant watched in fascination as the Knight assumed his role. He fairly glowed with energy as the power he now possessed infused and settled around him. They both smiled in wonder as they watched him easily remove his energy binders with the mere flick of a wrist. There was a glimpse of the padawan Qui-Gon had trained as even the Knight seemed to stop and consider what he had just accomplished. Like a child discovering a new toy, Qui-Gon watched in amusement as Obi-Wan explored the possibilities of his new found abilities.

Qui-Gon relished the glint of mischief that sparkled from his Obi-Wan's eyes as he sent the same favor in their direction. Qui-Gon and Bant both marveled at their sudden freedom Arms aching they struggled to regain their footing, their leg muscles protesting from hours spent assaulted by the constant energy flowing unchecked through their limbs.

There is something about childhood friendships that transcend notoriety or reverence. Qui-Gon accepted this fact as he watched Bant race across the room to her friend. As he witnessed this reunion he realized that it was the individuals who had accompanied this young Knight on his journey that would keep him grounded now that he had arrived. He watched with unveiled amusement as Bant raced across the short span of the room practically leaping into the man's arms. He was not the Chosen One at the moment. He was, as he had always been to the young Mon Calamarian, her friend.

Throwing her arms around the man she pressed her cheek to his drinking in the feeling of relief at having him safely in her arms once more. She had come to save him and even though her efforts had fallen short, she gave thanks to the Force that she was holding him now. She was grateful that her fears had not been realized and once again he had overcome all obstacles to survive.

"I've been wanting to do that since the moment Master Windu told us you had been taken." She whispered the words into his ears her voice choked with emotion. Pulling back the Knight was rewarded by a huge smile on his dear friend's face as well as eyes brimming with unshed tears.

"Thanks for coming to save me, Bant." He said sincerely. Glancing past his friend he stared into his Master's eyes. He liked what he saw there. It was familiar and yet there was something else in those blue eyes. He had seen it on rare occasions when he had exceeded the man's high expectations during training or devised a unique solution during a negotiation. He couldn't quite place the emotion. It had been a long time since he had felt it wash over him from his Master, but he knew that he liked it and relaxed back into it comfortably.

For a moment he was reminded of his favorite workout tunic. Old and tattered, he loved the feel of it against his skin. It was comfortable as it molded so easily to his body. That was how this moment felt, like wearing that tunic, like the smell of the workout arena, like the sight of the Temple, it was the touch of his Master and it felt like coming home. It was a home he had not had in over a year. It was only in that moment that he truly understood how deeply he had missed it. Smiling at his Master he pushed the racing thoughts aside realizing that time was short.

"Are we ready?" He asked. Qui-Gon raised an eyebrow as he fought a smirk.

"Do WE have a plan?" Qui-Gon asked sarcastically the slight laughter in his voice smoothing out the edges.

"No WE don't but We need to get moving." Obi-Wan quipped back his voice lilting with humor.

"Siri and Garin are here somewhere." Bant announced. Obi-Wan nodded as he marveled that somehow he already was aware of that fact. He could feel them through the Force as well as Windu and Adi. He smiled at the last revelation and paused for a moment of personal indulgence to linger over the woman's signature. He felt a world of anxiety lift off of his shoulders as he realized that she was unharmed. He recoiled in revulsion as he felt the dark ones as well. He could pinpoint now the location of the various sith moving within the structure. There seemed to be massive amounts of confusion and panic. He smiled as he realized he was the source of their distress.

"We need our sabers." Qui-Gon announced as Obi-Wan opened his eyes.

"I've no idea what Sidious could have done with them." The Knight replied honestly. He reached out once more and realized that the dark lord was not in the structure though Dooku was. He knew exactly where the fallen master was. He could only hope that he was serving in Sidious' stead and would be located near their stolen weapons.

There was a noise from outside the chamber causing Qui-Gon to move along side the two Knights. Someone was coming. Bant cast her eyes about as did Qui-Gon searching for anything that could be used for a weapon. At the sound of the door they realized it was too late.

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Siri and Garin both leaned back harder pressing their bodies into the cold surface of the wall as waves of energy rocked over them. Never had they ever experienced anything so powerful and yet completely indescribable. Siri reached over taking Garin's hand in hers. She needed an anchor against the onslaught as she worked to understand what it was that the Force was telling them. It was speaking to quickly for her to grasp all that it had to say. She wanted to scream out ordering it to "Slow Down!" But knew it would do no good, so instead she continued to work furiously in order to discern what she could.

Siri struggled to comprehend what it was that the Force was telling her. It was joyous and expectant. It was singing and though the words were coming too quickly for her to grasp the tune itself brought a smile to her face. She felt as though she had suddenly been invited to an impromptu celebration. Closing their eyes the two Knights could almost see the Force as it bounced off of objects frantically working to impact ever last particle of matter. It had an urgent message to deliver and was desperately working to ensure that the entire galaxy received it both loud and clear.

In a matter of minutes the waves began to dissipate. As the Knights began to recover they both realized that their lungs were now screaming for air. They had both been so intent on what they were experiencing they had forgotten to breathe. Laughing softly they both took in huge gulps of air.

"It should be different." Garin stated sounding a bit disappointed. Siri understood what it was that he was referring to as she found herself equally disappointed to find that nothing had changed in their surroundings.

"It all looks the same." Siri agreed her disappointment evident in her tone as well.

"And yet." Garin began a smile once again tracing itself upon his thin lips. "Everything is different." Siri felt it as well. It was different; everything was different.

Feeling both uncertain and invigorated, they looked to one another searching for answers they wouldn't find. They both smirked knowing that the other was as clueless as they felt. So in lieu of answers they both settled for taking a moment just to enjoy the Force as it sizzled with light around them.

Siri stole a glance in her friend's direction. She watched as the Knight remained silent reaching out trying to discern what had just occurred. It was then that he felt it. Glancing at his companion he saw that she too had perceived it as well. It was the ghost of a signature, familiar and comforting. It was the signature of their friend. The light that had impacted the Force, that had rocked the universe, and rushed over them, filling them with a renewed sense of purpose and power was none other than their very own Obi-Wan Kenobi.

"He has to be close." Siri bubbled with excitement as she set aside her questions as to Kenobi's role in the event settling instead upon her paramount focus which was that her friend was still alive. It wasn't too late. He was going to survive. They were all going to survive. She knew that now. It filled her with relief and joy.

She glanced out from the recess in the wall where she and Garin had taken up hiding and found that the corridor was vacant. Reaching out beyond their location, she sensed massive amounts of chaos and confusion around her. It caused her confidence to surge.

"They're panicking." She laughed as she began moving out.

"They're smarter than they look then." Garin smiled over at her. "We have to find Obi-Wan then decide how to prevent their escape." The Knight spoke with conviction as he realized the shift in their mission's objective. They were no longer attempting to rescue the Chosen One, they were now working along side him in order to prevent the sith from escaping. Garin smirked at this sudden turn of events. The pursued becoming the pursuers in the blink of an eye.

"Let's go." No longer fearing the sith who were obviously more intent now on escape than confrontation, the two Knights began racing with all speed to the area where they had last sensed their friend.

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The door slid open revealing Pratell and Sador their mouths gaping in alarm at the sight before them. They both immediately reached for their sabers. Qui-Gon, Bant and Obi-Wan took a defensive stance even though they lacked their weapons.

Acting out of instinct, Obi-Wan reached out his hand. Suddenly Sador and Pratell felt their weapons wrenched from their grasp. They stared in shocked horror as their sabers were quickly turned in mid air as they traveled across the room and found new homes in the hands of Bant and Qui- Gon.

The two Jedi tried to mask their own shock but failed miserably as they struggled to stay focused on the threat in front of them and not the Knight at their side.

"Not yet." Sador muttered angrily. He had known that the Knight, if he truly was the Chosen One, had a vast store of untapped talent. He had hoped as had his Master that he would be turned before he too learned of his immense ability.

"You are the Chosen One." Pratell's voice was filled with awe and wonder. She had hoped to live to see him. She had known that Sidious had believed him to be that mythical being, but somehow the deceptions that she had been forced to endure made it hard for the young Twi'lek to trust and believe in anyone anymore. She smiled in spite of her dire circumstances knowing that now the darkness would truly end.

Sador didn't wait to discover what other powers the Knight had developed as he immediately fled. Pratell instead chose to remain. She wasn't afraid anymore. She marveled at this because until this very moment she could not remember the last time she had not felt afraid. The darkness preyed on the fearful. It fed itself full and spit out any meager leavings of hope or courage. It had no use for the likes of those characteristics. Fear, anger, hatred, those were the makings of a sith.

"I did as you asked." She said her voice as steady as her gaze. "I released the woman. She is coming for you." Obi-Wan nodded. He watched the young female moving steadily towards the three Jedi. Her expression was full of determination and peace.

"In return for granting your wish, I make a lone request." Obi-Wan raised one brow trying to get a sense of the sith approaching steadily in his direction.

"I ask that you make my death quick in return." Upon coming face to face with the Knight, Pratell immediately fell to her knees and knelt lowering her head in order to give the Knight better access to her neck. She waited silently for the man to strike her down. She had longed for this day.

Since her first days at the facility, Pratell had known that she didn't belong among the sith. She had not the heart to enjoy the cruelty and malice they so willingly extended towards one another. She had tried to end her life on several occasions only to be thwarted in the end each time. Now she was certain that her moment had come. She would leave this place once and for all, free from the darkness that haunted her nights and encompassed her days.

Obi-Wan watched as the Twi'lek knelt at his feet awaiting her execution. He sensed the shift in her. He felt her resignation and relief. She was one who had fallen upon the wrong path. He realized how easily it could have been him. Had he but chosen to give in to his darker emotions when he was asked to leave the Temple six years earlier, he could have very easily been lured to this place. He could have easily given in to hurt, anger and despair.

Staring down at the slight figure beneath him Obi-Wan realized that there was good in this being. He wasn't sure if she could ever be purged of the shadows enough to be a servant of the light, but surely there was a place in the universe for one so eager to be released from the darkness. She had made a mistake. Perhaps it had not even been her choice. Obi-Wan refused to believe that the universe demanded perfection in all things. There had to be place for forgiveness of faults and weaknesses. His own experience with humans proved this to be true for they all failed or fell short at one time or the other. It wasn't perfection that gave a being worth. It was the ability to see the error, accept it for what it was, and then endure in spite of it. Looking to his side his eyes caught those of Qui-Gon. Obi- Wan felt a light touch in his mind and knew that his Master shared his beliefs. Obi-Wan sighed as he felt the hope of mended memories between them.

Kneeling down beside the young sith, the Knight reached for her hand. She lifted her face until her gaze locked with his own. His expression seemed pained and concerned.

"I will not take your life though you seem so willing to sacrifice it. You do not belong here. I have no idea what series of errors started you down this path, but I feel certain that you have somehow always known that this was a mistake. Even surrounded by so much evil though, I sense good in you yet." He watched as tears formed in Pratell's eyes. They silently fell down her cheeks as she clutched his words to her heart with gratitude knowing that someone had seen and noticed. Her struggle had not been in vain. Some of what she had once been had survived.

Obi-Wan continued speaking to her, a small encouraging smile curving his lips upward as he gently wiped her tears away. " Do not give up hope so easily. People can surprise you."

Qui-Gon smiled hearing the Knight's words. He knew that even though they had been aimed at the young Twi'lek, that they were the words that Anakin, his Padawan, desperately needed to hear as well. If Obi-Wan Kenobi, the Chosen One, could see hope for this young sith then surely there was still reason to be optimistic about Anakin's future. It wasn't too late. He would have his place in the universe as well, maybe not as a Jedi, but there would be a place for Anakin. Qui-Gon felt determined in that moment to help the boy find that place. He would fight for the boy. He owed him that much and it was past time for the Master to settle his debts.

"Your words touch a heart that had long since grown cold." Pratell began softly, "I am grateful for that touch, but I must be honest with you." She cleared her throat seeking the courage to utter the words she knew she must. " I know that it is too late for me. I am tainted by the darkness you feel all around you. It is in me. I can no longer separate it from myself." She spoke, surprised by the sorrow she felt welling up from within. She had worked for a long time to stop feeling and yet now just as she needed to be her strongest she suddenly felt so weak. There was a part of her wanting to cling to the Knight and to the hope that he so easily offered her. Perhaps it was what remained of the child that had been brought here so long ago, That young girl who was still seeking a happy ending to the nightmare of her existence.

"It is never too late. Besides I need your help." He said firmly. She glanced up taking in the wary expressions of the Knight's companions before turning back to look into mirth filled green eyes. He offered her his hand and she hesitantly took it. Feeling his grip tightly around her fingers, she smiled and even laughed softly feeling hope flood into her body from his very touch. It was as though it were being transferred from his body into hers. She felt something distantly familiar and it filled her with joy and broke her heart at the same time. How could she have forgotten what this felt like? How could she have let this feeling slip away? Pratell realized for the first time in years, she felt alive.

"I live but to serve you." She whispered stifling a sob as she lowered her head in obedience.

"Live to serve the light, not me." He said firmly. She glanced up nodding as he pulled her to her feet once more.

"What can I do?" She asked feeling a bit at a loss.

"Our weapons." Bant replied instantly. Pratell nodded taking in the appearance of the other Knight. She saw her differently now. She wasn't the enemy any longer. They were allies. She wondered how old the Mon Calamarian was and if they would have been friends had Pratell made it to the Temple.

"I'm sure that lord Sidious has them in his chamber. I can lead you there but I must warn you Dooku will be there as well." Pratell moved as she spoke leading the group from the ancient senate chamber which had served as their prison.

"Leave him to me." The sound of Qui-Gon's resolve causing both Obi-Wan and Bant to glance in his direction before continuing to follow the sith.

"I'll flip you for him." Pratell confidently threw back over her shoulder smiling for the first time in ages.

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Adi and Mace froze both looking curiously at the other.

"Is that what I think it is?" Adi asked furrowing her brow as she worked to sort through the energy flowing around her.

"I do believe the Chosen One has arrived." Mace marveled following her lead. They both exchanged relieved and elated expressions. Adi felt Obi- Wan's presence linger over her senses. She could feel their signatures mingle in the midst of the Force. Her smile brightened as she realized he was brushing against her to ensure that she was safe and unharmed. His loving concern warmed her and deepened her longing to be in his arms once more. For now though she would settle for knowing that he too was safe and unharmed.

As she felt the Knight's touch lift from her, she glanced up and found Mace staring at her in amusement. She felt a blush creep up her cheeks but she refused to look away. He nodded acknowledging her unspoken admonishment and filed the relationship away under classified information. Just as Mace was about to reach out once more into the Force for direction, they both found themselves sobered by the sound of footsteps pounding down the corridor. From the sound of it there were many and they were headed directly for the two Master.

To both of their surprise when the sith cleared the corner they were heading for the Masters in a dead run. It was obvious that they were not coming as pursuers but escapees. This amused both Masters until they both realized that it was up to them to prevent the sith from succeeding.

They exchanged a look and fell back into their attack stance, Adi falling slightly behind wishing she had her saber. She glanced about the area for anything she might wield as a weapon.

Upon seeing the two Jedi blocking their escape route, the sith slowed as if considering their options. As the number of beings escaping continued to grow, Mace realized the futility of trying to hold the warriors off until help arrived. Mace knew that there was no way that he and Adi could hope to win this battle. He saw no benefit to martyrdom as he realized that this was a fight they would have to pursue another day. Glancing at Adi he realized she had arrived at a similar conclusion and was desperately scanning the area for an escape route of their own.

The sith began to approach with stealth and determination. They knew that they had the advantage of numbers and seemed to relish the thought of having two Jedi pay for the loss of the Chosen One. Their order was unraveling just as the Jedi was solidifying. Someone had to pay. In the absence of their own Master these two would serve as suitable currency.

Just as the first two came into striking distance a loud voice boomed from behind the two Jedi catching them both by surprise.

"Leave them." Dooku ordered. Mace and Adi hesitantly threw a glance in his direction but refused to completely turn their backs on the sith approaching them. There was a moment of hesitation in the group. Mace and Adi both held their breath as they kept their senses on high alert ready to react to the first blow. As if on cue the sith all lowered their sabers and began filing past the two Masters one by one. Once the last had gone by, the two the Masters turned to confront the fallen Jedi.

"Dooku." Mace spat. "Imagine finding you here." His sarcasm having little effect of the other man.

"Imagine indeed." He considered Adi for a moment. "I see that you managed to escape, but that's of no matter now." Raising his hand Mace whirled feeling the approaching object at the last moment. It caught Adi in the shoulder sending her to the ground. Mace felt torn between reaching for his friend and attacking the fallen Jedi.

"She's injured. She won't be able to continue along side you." Dooku's voice was confident. Mace spared a glance down and was striken by the look of pain on the woman's face.

"Get him Mace." The woman hissed in spite of her condition. He smiled in response to her spirit until Dooku's voice cut through his admiration.

"Master Gallia how brave of you. I'm sure the Chosen One would beam with pride." He hatefully spat. He turned his gaze upon Mace. "But that would not be wise. You still need me." Dooku offered waiting for the man to approach. "You don't have him yet. Sidious. You don't have the dark lord. You have no idea where he is. You have no idea who he is. You have no idea where the others are. There are more you know? There are so many more." Dooku threw back his head laughing at the superiority of his position. Mace furrowed his brow.

"How many?" He queried.

"Enough." Dooku said. "And the corruption runs deep in both the Senate and planetary governing councils." He smiled wickedly. "You will definitely need names if you hope to turn this tide once and for all."

"You will tell me everything." Mace declared his voice low with a menacing anger. He wished for the millionth time that Yoda was with him. He knew that Yoda would know how best to deal with Dooku.

"I will tell you everything. " The man agreed. "But it will cost you dearly." Mace raised his eyebrow waiting for the man to drop the other shoe. Dooku watched as Adi struggled to regain her footing, her shoulder obviously dislocated.

"I'm not in the mood to make deals Dooku. You are hardly in a position to be making any demands." The Master spat evenly.

"Oh, but I am and whether you are in the mood or not has no bearing on this negotiation." He hissed "I'll make it easy for you. I hand over Master Sidious and his legions of sith in return for one thing." Mace held his breath as did Adi dreading the next words that would come from the evil man's mouth. He cleared his throat before stating his demand. " The Chosen One."

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Hey all, Just wanted to give you all a heads up, this is much tougher writing for me so if, and that is IF, the next post is a day or two late just know it is because I am trying to get it right. I want to finish up strong. I know each of you has dedicated a lot of your time over the last few months being loyal readers. I don't want to fail you now. So I ask for your continued patience.

Thanks...Jesse