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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"Bring him in here." Mirilent demanded, as two healer padawans worked along side the two Knights in order to situate Master Windu onto a bed. Once they had managed their task, the two padawans disappeared. Garin and Bant remained be the Master's side, Pratell cushioned between them.
Mirilent threw a gaze up meeting the Twi'lek's eyes. She realized who this being was. She was a sith. Mirilent had never personally seen a sith before. She continued to steal glances at her while assessing the Master's condition. She wondered how many there were and felt her apprehension rise knowing now that Obi-Wan was facing them with three less allies at his side.
"He needs bacta. I will get him transferred into a prep unit then assigned to a tank. From what I see here he will more than likely need a minimum of a standard week." She declared. Neural tissue was slow to heal and with the amount of damage the Master had sustained she wasn't sure even a week would give the bacta enough time to repair the extensive damage.
"So how did this happen?" She asked glancing briefly from Bant to Garin before settling her gaze upon Pratell. The sith remained silent refusing to accept the insinuation.
"We aren't completely sure." Bant stated. "Pratell here was leading us all to the dark lord's chamber when we came upon Master Windu."
"It was Dooku." Garin spat. "He has Master Galia." He stated without emotion.
It was enough said. Mirilent knew now why the two Knights were here with the fallen Master in the company of a sith. She also knew her concern was well founded for her favorite Knight who was still among the sith, fighting to save the one he dared to open his heart to. Mirilent turned her attention momentarily back to the Master as she quickly keyed in her instructions before turning him over to the other healers.
The Knights watched as the injured Master disappeared through the door. The room was now silent except the faint hum of the evaluation equipment. Mirilent knew that this was her only opportunity so she seized it.
"You will take me back with you." The two Knights exchanged doubtful looks. Before either of them could speak the woman stated the fact again. "You WILL take me back with you."
Pratell found that in spite of he healers obvious suspicious towards her, the sith couldn't help but like this woman. She was spunky and hard nosed but obviously had some emotional connection to what was happening below them. She recognized the thinly veiled maternal desperation in the woman's voice. It was familiar and reminded her of her own mother so far away. Quickly extinguishing that line of thought she concentrated once more on the woman in front of her. Pratell hoped in time she could come to know this woman better and perhaps be counted among her friends. It seemed too much to hope for but the day had already delivered so much that she dared to continue to desire more.
"Healer Soljan, you know we can't do that. It's dangerous." Garin responded.
"He'll need me. Do you understand what I am saying to you? I have flown across galaxies when he has needed me, so do you really believe that I would allow a few levels to keep me from him?" She demanded. Garin glanced at Bant and realized that despite his earlier attempt to keep the healer safely in the medical wing they both saw the truth in the woman's words. He might need her. She had saved him before and would no doubt move an entire planet to do it again.
"I don't think Obi-Wan is going to like this." Bant muttered already conceding that Mirilent had won.
"He's never complained once about being alive. Trust me. He won't mind it." Mira smirked.
"Pratell perhaps it would be safer for you to remain here." Garin offered. He felt uncomfortable bringing her back into such close proximity with the dark lord. He wasn't sure what power the man had over this young student and felt it too great a risk to run with what was left of her life. His mind raced as he consider where he could place her within the Temple and she be kept safe from harm.
After a few moments he realized that the Healer's Wing would be the safest location. He didn't feel that she warranted any security. He sensed no malice or ill intent from her. The Healers though trained in defense arts were passive and focused on preserving life not ending it.
"May she stay here?" He asked Mira. Pratell's face furrowed with concern. She didn't like this suggestion. She didn't like the idea of being in the Temple alone. Mirilent took in the sudden change in the Twi'leks countenance and moved to reassure her.
"You have suffered." Mirilent observed. "It is time to heal. This is a place of healing. Let us help you." She knew that the sith could not remain unguarded in the Temple. The compassion in the woman's voice took Pratell by surprise. How could this woman be commanding one moment then compassionate in the next? The Healer reached out and cupped her face just as her own mother had numerous times. Pratell felt something crack deep inside of her in the moment. She had not allowed herself to think of her family is years. It had been too painful. She felt the tears sting her eyes and only managed to nod in response to the healer's words.
"I don't feel it safe for her to remain here on her own." Mira stated firmly.
"Healers are peaceful." Garin began but Mira raised her hand to stop him.
"Yes they are, but not everyone who comes into this wing is a Healer. She will need someone who can explain her presence and defend her if necessary." Garin sighed in frustration at Mira's words. He knew that they were true but he wanted to get back to Siri, Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon as quickly as possible. Mirilent understood and set about seeking a solution.
"I have an idea." She announced as she left the room. Bant and Garin exchanged a glance both noticing the lost expression on the Twi'leks face.
"It will be alright." Bant soothed the sith. Pratell sighed in response, her mind awash in memories she had hidden away for so long.
Moments later Mirilent returned her confident smile in place reassuring the Knights that she had indeed found a suitable solution to their crisis. They were both a little surprised to see Master Yoda and Qui-Gon's padawan following closely behind her. Of course Yoda, he was the perfect solution. He could begin to sort out what this being had endured and at the same time defend her against any attack sent her way.
"Look who I found wondering the corridors." She announced as she smiled determinedly at the Knights. "Pratell, this is Master Yoda and Padawan Skywalker." Pratell looked up acknowledging them but remaining aloof. Yoda reached out and sensed the conflict within the being before him. He nodded his head as he regarded Mirilent.
"Go and care for my Padawan you will. Much he will need you." He declared. "Keep this one safe we will." Anakin glanced at the sith feeling a cold shudder run through his body. He realized how close he had come to falling. He felt the urge to bolt from the room but held to the words Yoda had spoken earlier and refused to give into his fear. He would stand and lend compassion to one who had not had the Chosen One to rescue them from their fate. It was the least he could do. It was what Obi-Wan would expect.
"Is Obi-Wan alright?" He asked looking anxiously into the faces of the older Knights. "Is Master Qui-Gon okay?"
"When we left to bring Master Windu here, he was fine as was your Master, but they were still in the process of trying to locate Master Galia. It would be best if we returned to aid them." Bant replied sounding as though she were making a Council report instead of answering a concerned boy's question. She resented this boy. It was he who had caused so much pain for her friend. She felt protective of Obi-Wan. Garin watched the effect of Bant's impersonal response upon the boy and worked to soften it.
"We will do everything in our power to help keep them all safe." He smiled and Anakin smiled back. Bant threw Garin a confused look wondering how he could befriend the boy. She saw that he was more than willing to clear up her confusion once they were alone. Satisfied the two Knights, along with the healer, made their way out of the examining room.
"May the Force be with you." Yoda called as the doors were closing behind them.
"Will they be okay?" Anakin asked still staring after them.
"They will be fine." Yoda responded. "It is not these Knights that I am concerned about." He added. Anakin understood. It was Obi-Wan who was on trial. It was his moment over the pit. Anakin wanted to believe that it would be an easy choice for the Knight. If he could choose the light surely Obi-Wan could as well, but then what if the Sith had been holding his Mother, would the choice have been so easy to make? He knew that he would not have made the same decision had her life hung in the balance.
He worried about Master Galia. He had never really liked her ever since she had voiced her concern about his becoming a Jedi, but was aware of her feelings for Obi-Wan and the feelings that the Knight held for her. He was young but had lived a lifetime in these few years of his existence. He understood about love and hate better than anyone his age. He understood about losing someone you love and the inescapable pain it caused.
He swallowed hard and looked up into Yoda's patient eyes. "Will he make the right choice?" He asked knowing full well that the wise old Master was reading his thoughts.
"He will not choose the darkness." Yoda's voice was soft but confident. Anakin recognized the sorrow in the old Master's eyes and found no comfort in his words.
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Obi-Wan stood before the door but stopped short of activating it. He felt it. It was the Force. It was guiding him, warning him, showing him what it was that he had to do. He swallowed hard and steeled himself for what was to come. Turning slowly he faced both Siri and Qui-Gon. They seemed confused by his suddenly lack of action.
"I want you both to remain here." He stated firmly.
"No." Siri replied definitely. "I'm going with you."
"You can't. I have to do this alone." He stated again his voice sounding distant as if he himself were double checking that fact against some answer key no one else had access to.
"Are you sure Obi-Wan? We are beginning to see what he is capable of. He has killed Dooku. Dooku was able to over take Mace and capture Adi." Qui- Gon didn't want to undermine Obi-Wan but felt compelled to restate the facts. He wasn't sure he could remain out in the corridor while his Padawan confronted the dark master. "I would feel better if we accompanied you."
"It isn't about you. This is about me. This is something I must do alone Master. You must trust me." Obi-Wan voice was unwavering as it gently reprimanded the older man refocusing Qui-Gon on the magnitude of the moment. This wasn't one of their missions in the past where they faced adversaries together. This was his moment on the edge and Obi-Wan had to face it alone. He couldn't rely on anyone else to save him or make the necessary choices. He had to go in alone and whether he survived or not, it had to be based on his ability and character alone.
"Obi-Wan don't do this. Let us help you." Siri pleaded. She couldn't bear the thought of losing him and she knew that from the look she found in his eyes he was more than prepared to sacrifice himself to save Master Gallia.
"Adi wouldn't want you to do this." Qui-Gon offered. "She wouldn't want you to die saving her." Obi-Wan smirked amused at the sudden change in Qui- Gon tactics. He was touched that the man was having such a hard time allowing him to place himself in harm's way. Qui-Gon did care about him. That fact was becoming more and more evident with each passing moment.
"Who said anything about dying? I swear sometimes you are positively morbid." He managed a playful smile for his Master then glanced at Siri giving her a similar look.
"Obi-Wan I-" Siri began.
"I have to do this alone. The Force has destined it. I must do this without any interference from either of you. Just promise me that if I do manage to get Adi out of there that you will protect her and keep her from coming after me." He stared intently at both of them until they both gave a reluctant nod. He gratefully nodded in return.
Giving them one last smile he turned to face the door. He felt them both moving off to the side trying to draw comfort from one another. He realized that they were both afraid for him but their fears only fed the darkness. He could see that now. Releasing his fears he moved to activate the door determined to save Adi and hopefully himself as well. He wasn't sure how this was going to play out and that uncertainty threatened to overtake him.
It was then that he felt it. A sudden surge in the Force. It was coming from within the room. He had been well aware of both Adi and Sidious' presence in the room, but now one was flaring while the other waning. He didn't bother with the activation panel or even to take a moment to find his center as he rushed into the room prepared to do whatever it took to destroy the dark lord once and for all and to save the woman he loved.
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Plo could tell that the Jedi were prevailing but with heavy casualties. He had sent a message out requesting reinforcements. He had to wonder though how many knights and master were available at the Temple now. So many had been sent out throughout the galaxy at the request of the Senate in order to appeal to the the planets who were leaving the Republic.
He defended to his left as he quickly dispatched the sith who had come at him from the right. They were ruthless and relentless. He was glad that this discovery had been made now while the beings were mere students. He knew that had they been allowed to continue to full maturity in their dark manipulations, there would be no way for the Jedi to contain them.
Ki Adi Mundi moved to his side.
"They are attempting to retreat. We must reinforce our aft position." He ordered, his breathing labored from his numerous encounters. Without a word Plo began moving motioning to the knights and master around him to follow. Those who could free themselves did so.
As they made their way to the entrance of the station he glanced back once and noted the numerous bodies littering the floor of the bay. It was a dark day in the history of the Order, but with the Force on their side he felt confident that they would overcome the darkness.
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Sidious was caught off guard as the Knight entered. He wondered how he had allowed the man to sneak up on them without sensing him. He noted the alarm on the man's face and delighted in his anguish and desperation as he witnessed the dark lord's onslaught against his lover.
Obi-Wan felt the emotions run rampant through his body and even as he was giving into them realized that he lacked the luxury of time to feel anything. Immediately he assessed the situation refusing to consider the amount of damage or pain Adi had already endured. He instead chose to act and not feel. He reached out intercepting the beams of energy assailing Adi's weakened body and turned them on the dark lord himself.
Sidious was shocked at the Knight's power. He knew that Dooku had been a very strong Jedi and yet even he was powerless against this sort of dark attack. The dark lord felt a warning prick the tip of his awareness and managed to side step the beams. He was shaken but the ease with which the Knight had turned his attack, but he refused to reveal that fact to this man.
Slightly out of breath from his efforts, Obi-Wan risked a quick touch to Adi's signature and found her still alive though badly injured. Turning he faced the evil man before him.
"Palpatine or is it Sidious?" He sneered. "I would say Sidious is your true self. Palpatine merely the mask you wear in order to hide your corrupt soul." He moved his body strategically between the dark one and Adi. He longed to release her from the energy binders which held her in place but knew he dare not turn his attention away from Sidious.
"Obi-Wan Kenobi or should I call you the Chosen One?" Sidious responded using the same greasy tone he used on ignorant senators. Obi-Wan felt the fingers peeling away at his shield and immediately reinforced them. He considered how the man had used this particular ability to manipulate so many decisions in the Senate and beyond. He shuddered to consider the ramifications of this fact.
"Neat trick." He smirked hoping the man would be unsettled by his response. "But it won't work." He declared with full confidence. "I'm not a weak minded politician. I am a Jedi." Sidious felt his own desperation rise a notch at the figure before him. His mind raced trying to find the right tact to subdue the Knight.
"You have grown strong-"
"While you have grown weak." Obi-Wan interrupted. "Your students are facing the Jedi as we speak. Your numbers are dwindling."
"As are yours." He watched and noted the trace of sadness that his revelation caused the young Jedi. "Besides I have many friends in the galaxy. More friends than you could ever hope to discover." He snarked. Obi-Wan cast a glance in the direction of Dooku's lifeless body then back to the dark one.
"It seems your friends are dwindling as well. At least you're consistent in how you treat others." He smirked humorlessly.
"Friend or foe if someone gets in my way they die." Sidious reasoned. "I've no time to coddle the weak. Like your Adi there." He gestured over behind the Knight. He watched the sudden reaction and knew this was the man's weakness. Obi-Wan felt his temper flare at the reference. "She was just begging me to release her. She said she would lead you to me if only I would let her go. She was weak." He paused his tone filled with pity. "She would have eventually destroyed you. I just did you a favor." He smiled watching the Knight closely.
"You're lying." Obi-Wan declared.
"You think so?" Sidious asked. "Why do you think that?"
"Adi would never betray me. She would never help the dark side. She-"
"Loves you?" Sidious laughed. Obi-Wan pushed away the sudden doubts that were filling his thoughts in light of the man's incredulous tone. "Don't be ridiculous boy. She never loved you, just like your precious Qui-Gon Jinn never loved you. You were nothing to them. Your Master rejected you and so did this woman. When the decision had to be made between you and them, well my boy they quickly chose themselves. Now if that is love then I guess I loved Dooku." He laughed evilly glancing meaningfully at the limp body of the fallen Jedi. "As I love the Republic." He mocked. "You Jedi are no different from me." He declared harshly.
"You're wrong." Obi-Wan said with pure confidence. Sidious felt uneasy at the man's response. He was not buying this line. He would have to try something else.
"She needs immediate medical treatment." Sidous declared. "Or I'm quite certain she will die." He said with mock sympathy. Obi-Wan reached out behind him and felt Adi's signature waning significantly. He felt a sudden panic but refused to give into it. He knew it would mean the end for both of them if he let his emotions guide him now. Centering himself fully he met the man's gaze.
"Then I guess we had better get on with this." He declared.
"You agree to come with me and I will make sure she gets to the Healer's Wing in time to save her life." Sidious offered. Obi-Wan knew the man could not be trusted. He knew he could not leave with him either. He would have to defeat him quickly then get Adi the help she needed alone.
"No. You surrender to me, I make you death quick and painless, and then I get Adi to the Healer's Wing on time." Obi-Wan countered. Sidious laughed.
"I forgot momentarily of your extensive training in negotiations with your Master. Do you think that this is some petty border dispute?" He hissed angrily
"Yes that is exactly what this is and you are on my territory." Obi-Wan spat back. "I want you gone." He declared firmly.
Sidious reached out with this senses trying to get some reading on the man's new abilities. As he pushed he found the Knight pushing back with a greater force seeking to find the dark one's limitations. This was not how Sidious had planned for this encounter to go. It was lucky for him that he always had a back up plan. He slowly walked to a wall of shelving.
"I would hardly call this your territory. I had far more sith on the planet than there were Jedi. Even now the Order is no doubt scrambling to find enough Jedi to take care of my escaping students." Obi-Wan furrowed his brow as the man continued falling into this Palpatine persona. "Yes the Senate sincerely implores that the Jedi Council dispatch immediately as many teams as possible to establish contact with the planets who have resigned from the Republic as well as all planets within a two system radius." He smiled at the Knight as he watched Obi-Wan realize the depth of his treachery.
"You will not win." Obi-Wan declared placing his hand on his saber handle in his belt.
"Watch me." It was then that Sidious made a quick motion with his hand. Obi-Wan followed the action and realized only a moment before the spark that the room was wired with charges. As if to add to the confusion, Obi- Wan's eyes went wide with shock as he watched a small metallic ball arch through the air towards he and Adi. Sidious used this moment to slip through the hidden door and seal the chamber permanently behind him.
He wondered if the Chosen One truly had the power to overcome and survive the hell that had just been unleashed upon him and his fair Adi Gallia. He would hear soon enough. He had his own concerns. He had to get away. He had to regroup. He had to find a way to reestablish his order and build back all that he had lost. If the Knight did survive Sidious knew that they would meet again. He did not lose gracefully. He did not lose. This was far from over.
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Obi-Wan reached out finding the small charges that would release the massive energy of the detonation device. He felt the Force guiding him as he disengaged each one on the walls surrounding him as well as in the thermal detonator headed in his direction. He sent the ball higher into the domed ceiling hoping to buy more time. He wondered how many floors it would take to cushion he and Adi from the full force of the explosion. Even though he had weakened its magnitude, it would still be substantial.
He realized that the Senate Offices were several floors above. He would have to judge this carefully. He had mere seconds before his world would erupt in fire and destruction. He worked quickly decisions screaming at them through the Force as the midichlorians themselves raced to save the one that they had Chosen long ago. Calculations, manipulations, venues for survival raced through the Knight's mind as he desperately sought to process them and perform them as he was guided by the Force. He felt united with it in a way he had never imagined. He had no idea in those mere seconds as the device traveled silently through space of where the Force began or ended. He felt a part of it as if he no longer existed aside from it.
He then leapt away once he was certain of the device's trajectory, releasing Adi's binders with a mere thought, before catching her in his arms preventing her from falling hard to the cold steel floor. He cradled her tightly to his body as he cushioned their impact. They rolled from the momentum as Obi-Wan used his body to cover the young Master in order to shield her from the force of the blast that would come. He sent out a silent warning to both Qui-Gon and Siri hoping that they would have time to clear the corridor before the blast.
Obi-Wan saw the reaction in the Force the moment before he felt it. Slamming his eyes shut he pulled the Force violently around them shielding them from the heat and debris. He felt the searing blast wash over and against the Force bubble that he fought to hold them in. He heard Adi's groan in his ear and tightened his grip penetrating her shields seeking out any area where the heat or debris might be increasing her injury.
The roar of the blast seemed to go on for hours as time slowed down. He had thought it would only feel like seconds but instead he found himself profoundly aware of each and every impact caused by the detonators. He could see and feel the chain reactions occurring down to the molecular level. It was fascinating and terrifying all at the same time as the realization of the destruction came to light.
He felt his strength waning and reached deeper using his last reserves to protect them. He couldn't think about the one who escaped. He couldn't think about how he would once again have to confront the darkness. He could only think of the roar of the energy coursing violently around their bodies and the quickly diminishing life force he held in his arms.
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Qui-Gon and Siri raced ahead of the detonation hating to leave Obi-Wan behind, but both realizing it was too late to reach him in time. They moved quickly out of the blast path finding shelter in what must have been a vault of some sort used by the senators of old. It was musty and dark but they felt safe within its walls and only wished that they had some way of getting Obi-Wan and Adi there as well.
They sat in silence as the roar of the explosion filled and echoed throughout the facility, shaking the walls and bringing a cloud of dust down upon them. Ignoring their own precarious circumstances both Jedi found themselves lost in thought about the safety of the friends which they had abandoned.
Qui-Gon reached out but found far too much interference in the Force to locate his Padawan. They were not that far from the dark one's office and yet it felt like there were walls of energy between them. Siri wiped a tear that had found its way down her cheek. Unlike the Master she was a realist in situations such as this. She knew that there was no way that her friend could have survived the blast. As her frustration mounted so did her need to expand upon it.
"So this was why he was born? This is what the Force had in mind for him? To live, struggle, endure, find out he was the Chosen One then die that same day?" Her words were filled with anger and pain. Qui-Gon reached out and wrapped an arm around the young knight's shoulder.
"Siri I do not begin to try to understand the ways of the Force. I just serve it." She shrugged off his arm impatiently.
"And that comforts you? Obi-Wan is dead but you are able to immediately go 'oh well if the Force thinks its best must be good'?" She mocked standing quickly and placing her hand defiantly on her hips.
Qui-Gon took a deep breath calming his emotions. He too was exhausted and didn't want to enflame the woman further. He knew she was hurting and without the dark one here to attack, Qui-Gon realized that he was the only target available. He knew how much Obi-Wan cared for the woman and could see and feel that those emotions were mutual. He wished he could explain but he was enduring his own struggle with the events of the day. He found it impossible to consider that Obi-Wan was lost. He had survived too many impossible situations to be discounted so quickly.
"Siri you must be kidding. How could I ever think losing Obi-Wan is good?" His voice was soft and soothing, but Siri didn't want to be soothed. She felt raw and wanted everyone else to as well. "Besides I refuse to accept that he is gone. We don't know that he is. I won't give up on him so easily." He declared firmly.
"Since when?" She asked her tone disrespectful and challenging. "It didn't seem to bother you a year ago? Or five for that matter? You're the expert in giving up on him aren't you Master?" Her tone was harsh and sarcastic. She wanted him to hurt. She wanted him to know the pain of rejection and betrayal. She wanted him accountable for the pain her friend had endured at this hand.
"Siri." He warned but she continued.
"I just have to know though, now that you've finally lost him, did you ever realize how wonderful he was?" Her voice broke as the rage began to give over to despair. "Did you ever see how he turned himself inside out for you? How he was loyal and dedicated to the Force without question?" Her voice broke into sobs as she grieved for the loss of her dearest friend.
"Yes Siri I saw him for what he truly was and yes I admire and appreciate him." Jinn stopped not trusting his voice as his eyes filled with unshed tears. He turned away not wanting the young Knight to pull him into the inevitable knowledge that perhaps this time his Padawan would not be so lucky and would not walk away.
"How ironic is that now that he is dead?" Siri demanded. "You know all he ever wanted was for you to love him. That's it." She spat sadly at the man. "Year after year he tried but you never did."
"You're wrong." Qui-Gon shouted turning to face her accusations. "How dare you say that." Siri was taken aback by Qui-Gon sudden departure from his usual calm demeanor.
"Watch out Master you're showing emotion. Isn't that against your code?" She asked sarcastically. Qui-Gon took a steadying breath and released his anger into the Force.
"You're right. I got angry, but now I'm fine." He explained refusing to be baited any further. He had to remember that Siri was hurting and it was his job as the Master to comfort and remain focused.
"Good. I'm glad you are so fine because you'll need to be in control when we both have the pleasure of sifting through what's left of that chamber looking for the bits and pieces that were my friend and once you padawan." She swallowed forcing the lump from her throat.
She had wanted to tell Jinn what she thought of his behavior for a long time. It had felt good to begin with but now that she considered her lost friend she realized that he would not have wanted her to exact her pain and vengeance on this man. He would have asked her to be kind and supportive in spite of her feelings. She suddenly felt ashamed and filled with regret. She could see Obi-Wan in her mind's eye. They were sparring and he was laughing as he easily evaded her with yet another amazing acrobatic feat. She already missed him so much.
Looking over she noticed Jinn was starting to move back towards the door.
"The heat should have dissipated enough by now." He explained. She nodded moving behind him. Just as he reached for the panel she reached out and stopped him.
"I'm sorry Master." She said softly. "He would've wanted me to treat you with disrespect. He loved you so much." She admitted.
"I know you don't believe me Siri, but I loved him too. I loved him too." He activated the door and they moved out to deal with the remains.
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I have been trying to post this early for you guys for a change. I have been trying to upload since WEDNESDAY but couldn't ever get fanfiction to accept it. I am bald now from pulling out my hair wondering what the deal is.
Thanks to my son who is and always will be my most excellent technical advisor. He really is a huge help. And also to my husband who puts up with a less than clean house and many nights watching me type away instead of spending time talking with him. It is a blessing to have people in my life who allow me to explore my potential so selfishly.
Some of you believed that the last chapter was actually the end of the story. Sorry I wasn't more clear in my intentions. I would NEVER leave you all hanging like that. I hate it when writers do that to me. I think we have a couple of more chapters. I had hoped 40 would be it but the story says nope.some resolution please, so once we have played out the action we will do some of that. I do believe there will be a sequel somewhere down the line. I can't say when. It might not be until the fall. I really need some down time and some time to get part of it written. This writing as it comes is really NOT my thing. Too much pressure and not enough time for consideration of the plot and characters in my opinion, if there are to be posts each week. That said the next part will be handled like Broken Promises where I had it pretty much done before I posted it.
Oh and also I have heard from several of you that you can't find my story when it is updated. I am not sure what the problem is and fanfiction has never responded to my concerns so perhaps just saving it as a favorite will help and you can just check back on the weekends for the next few chapters. I apologize for the inconvenience but honestly it is completely out of my hands.
Thanks again for supporting me. It means the world really. Until next week..will Obi survive? Will Adi? Will Mace? ...find out soon. Jesse
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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"Bring him in here." Mirilent demanded, as two healer padawans worked along side the two Knights in order to situate Master Windu onto a bed. Once they had managed their task, the two padawans disappeared. Garin and Bant remained be the Master's side, Pratell cushioned between them.
Mirilent threw a gaze up meeting the Twi'lek's eyes. She realized who this being was. She was a sith. Mirilent had never personally seen a sith before. She continued to steal glances at her while assessing the Master's condition. She wondered how many there were and felt her apprehension rise knowing now that Obi-Wan was facing them with three less allies at his side.
"He needs bacta. I will get him transferred into a prep unit then assigned to a tank. From what I see here he will more than likely need a minimum of a standard week." She declared. Neural tissue was slow to heal and with the amount of damage the Master had sustained she wasn't sure even a week would give the bacta enough time to repair the extensive damage.
"So how did this happen?" She asked glancing briefly from Bant to Garin before settling her gaze upon Pratell. The sith remained silent refusing to accept the insinuation.
"We aren't completely sure." Bant stated. "Pratell here was leading us all to the dark lord's chamber when we came upon Master Windu."
"It was Dooku." Garin spat. "He has Master Galia." He stated without emotion.
It was enough said. Mirilent knew now why the two Knights were here with the fallen Master in the company of a sith. She also knew her concern was well founded for her favorite Knight who was still among the sith, fighting to save the one he dared to open his heart to. Mirilent turned her attention momentarily back to the Master as she quickly keyed in her instructions before turning him over to the other healers.
The Knights watched as the injured Master disappeared through the door. The room was now silent except the faint hum of the evaluation equipment. Mirilent knew that this was her only opportunity so she seized it.
"You will take me back with you." The two Knights exchanged doubtful looks. Before either of them could speak the woman stated the fact again. "You WILL take me back with you."
Pratell found that in spite of he healers obvious suspicious towards her, the sith couldn't help but like this woman. She was spunky and hard nosed but obviously had some emotional connection to what was happening below them. She recognized the thinly veiled maternal desperation in the woman's voice. It was familiar and reminded her of her own mother so far away. Quickly extinguishing that line of thought she concentrated once more on the woman in front of her. Pratell hoped in time she could come to know this woman better and perhaps be counted among her friends. It seemed too much to hope for but the day had already delivered so much that she dared to continue to desire more.
"Healer Soljan, you know we can't do that. It's dangerous." Garin responded.
"He'll need me. Do you understand what I am saying to you? I have flown across galaxies when he has needed me, so do you really believe that I would allow a few levels to keep me from him?" She demanded. Garin glanced at Bant and realized that despite his earlier attempt to keep the healer safely in the medical wing they both saw the truth in the woman's words. He might need her. She had saved him before and would no doubt move an entire planet to do it again.
"I don't think Obi-Wan is going to like this." Bant muttered already conceding that Mirilent had won.
"He's never complained once about being alive. Trust me. He won't mind it." Mira smirked.
"Pratell perhaps it would be safer for you to remain here." Garin offered. He felt uncomfortable bringing her back into such close proximity with the dark lord. He wasn't sure what power the man had over this young student and felt it too great a risk to run with what was left of her life. His mind raced as he consider where he could place her within the Temple and she be kept safe from harm.
After a few moments he realized that the Healer's Wing would be the safest location. He didn't feel that she warranted any security. He sensed no malice or ill intent from her. The Healers though trained in defense arts were passive and focused on preserving life not ending it.
"May she stay here?" He asked Mira. Pratell's face furrowed with concern. She didn't like this suggestion. She didn't like the idea of being in the Temple alone. Mirilent took in the sudden change in the Twi'leks countenance and moved to reassure her.
"You have suffered." Mirilent observed. "It is time to heal. This is a place of healing. Let us help you." She knew that the sith could not remain unguarded in the Temple. The compassion in the woman's voice took Pratell by surprise. How could this woman be commanding one moment then compassionate in the next? The Healer reached out and cupped her face just as her own mother had numerous times. Pratell felt something crack deep inside of her in the moment. She had not allowed herself to think of her family is years. It had been too painful. She felt the tears sting her eyes and only managed to nod in response to the healer's words.
"I don't feel it safe for her to remain here on her own." Mira stated firmly.
"Healers are peaceful." Garin began but Mira raised her hand to stop him.
"Yes they are, but not everyone who comes into this wing is a Healer. She will need someone who can explain her presence and defend her if necessary." Garin sighed in frustration at Mira's words. He knew that they were true but he wanted to get back to Siri, Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon as quickly as possible. Mirilent understood and set about seeking a solution.
"I have an idea." She announced as she left the room. Bant and Garin exchanged a glance both noticing the lost expression on the Twi'leks face.
"It will be alright." Bant soothed the sith. Pratell sighed in response, her mind awash in memories she had hidden away for so long.
Moments later Mirilent returned her confident smile in place reassuring the Knights that she had indeed found a suitable solution to their crisis. They were both a little surprised to see Master Yoda and Qui-Gon's padawan following closely behind her. Of course Yoda, he was the perfect solution. He could begin to sort out what this being had endured and at the same time defend her against any attack sent her way.
"Look who I found wondering the corridors." She announced as she smiled determinedly at the Knights. "Pratell, this is Master Yoda and Padawan Skywalker." Pratell looked up acknowledging them but remaining aloof. Yoda reached out and sensed the conflict within the being before him. He nodded his head as he regarded Mirilent.
"Go and care for my Padawan you will. Much he will need you." He declared. "Keep this one safe we will." Anakin glanced at the sith feeling a cold shudder run through his body. He realized how close he had come to falling. He felt the urge to bolt from the room but held to the words Yoda had spoken earlier and refused to give into his fear. He would stand and lend compassion to one who had not had the Chosen One to rescue them from their fate. It was the least he could do. It was what Obi-Wan would expect.
"Is Obi-Wan alright?" He asked looking anxiously into the faces of the older Knights. "Is Master Qui-Gon okay?"
"When we left to bring Master Windu here, he was fine as was your Master, but they were still in the process of trying to locate Master Galia. It would be best if we returned to aid them." Bant replied sounding as though she were making a Council report instead of answering a concerned boy's question. She resented this boy. It was he who had caused so much pain for her friend. She felt protective of Obi-Wan. Garin watched the effect of Bant's impersonal response upon the boy and worked to soften it.
"We will do everything in our power to help keep them all safe." He smiled and Anakin smiled back. Bant threw Garin a confused look wondering how he could befriend the boy. She saw that he was more than willing to clear up her confusion once they were alone. Satisfied the two Knights, along with the healer, made their way out of the examining room.
"May the Force be with you." Yoda called as the doors were closing behind them.
"Will they be okay?" Anakin asked still staring after them.
"They will be fine." Yoda responded. "It is not these Knights that I am concerned about." He added. Anakin understood. It was Obi-Wan who was on trial. It was his moment over the pit. Anakin wanted to believe that it would be an easy choice for the Knight. If he could choose the light surely Obi-Wan could as well, but then what if the Sith had been holding his Mother, would the choice have been so easy to make? He knew that he would not have made the same decision had her life hung in the balance.
He worried about Master Galia. He had never really liked her ever since she had voiced her concern about his becoming a Jedi, but was aware of her feelings for Obi-Wan and the feelings that the Knight held for her. He was young but had lived a lifetime in these few years of his existence. He understood about love and hate better than anyone his age. He understood about losing someone you love and the inescapable pain it caused.
He swallowed hard and looked up into Yoda's patient eyes. "Will he make the right choice?" He asked knowing full well that the wise old Master was reading his thoughts.
"He will not choose the darkness." Yoda's voice was soft but confident. Anakin recognized the sorrow in the old Master's eyes and found no comfort in his words.
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Obi-Wan stood before the door but stopped short of activating it. He felt it. It was the Force. It was guiding him, warning him, showing him what it was that he had to do. He swallowed hard and steeled himself for what was to come. Turning slowly he faced both Siri and Qui-Gon. They seemed confused by his suddenly lack of action.
"I want you both to remain here." He stated firmly.
"No." Siri replied definitely. "I'm going with you."
"You can't. I have to do this alone." He stated again his voice sounding distant as if he himself were double checking that fact against some answer key no one else had access to.
"Are you sure Obi-Wan? We are beginning to see what he is capable of. He has killed Dooku. Dooku was able to over take Mace and capture Adi." Qui- Gon didn't want to undermine Obi-Wan but felt compelled to restate the facts. He wasn't sure he could remain out in the corridor while his Padawan confronted the dark master. "I would feel better if we accompanied you."
"It isn't about you. This is about me. This is something I must do alone Master. You must trust me." Obi-Wan voice was unwavering as it gently reprimanded the older man refocusing Qui-Gon on the magnitude of the moment. This wasn't one of their missions in the past where they faced adversaries together. This was his moment on the edge and Obi-Wan had to face it alone. He couldn't rely on anyone else to save him or make the necessary choices. He had to go in alone and whether he survived or not, it had to be based on his ability and character alone.
"Obi-Wan don't do this. Let us help you." Siri pleaded. She couldn't bear the thought of losing him and she knew that from the look she found in his eyes he was more than prepared to sacrifice himself to save Master Gallia.
"Adi wouldn't want you to do this." Qui-Gon offered. "She wouldn't want you to die saving her." Obi-Wan smirked amused at the sudden change in Qui- Gon tactics. He was touched that the man was having such a hard time allowing him to place himself in harm's way. Qui-Gon did care about him. That fact was becoming more and more evident with each passing moment.
"Who said anything about dying? I swear sometimes you are positively morbid." He managed a playful smile for his Master then glanced at Siri giving her a similar look.
"Obi-Wan I-" Siri began.
"I have to do this alone. The Force has destined it. I must do this without any interference from either of you. Just promise me that if I do manage to get Adi out of there that you will protect her and keep her from coming after me." He stared intently at both of them until they both gave a reluctant nod. He gratefully nodded in return.
Giving them one last smile he turned to face the door. He felt them both moving off to the side trying to draw comfort from one another. He realized that they were both afraid for him but their fears only fed the darkness. He could see that now. Releasing his fears he moved to activate the door determined to save Adi and hopefully himself as well. He wasn't sure how this was going to play out and that uncertainty threatened to overtake him.
It was then that he felt it. A sudden surge in the Force. It was coming from within the room. He had been well aware of both Adi and Sidious' presence in the room, but now one was flaring while the other waning. He didn't bother with the activation panel or even to take a moment to find his center as he rushed into the room prepared to do whatever it took to destroy the dark lord once and for all and to save the woman he loved.
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Plo could tell that the Jedi were prevailing but with heavy casualties. He had sent a message out requesting reinforcements. He had to wonder though how many knights and master were available at the Temple now. So many had been sent out throughout the galaxy at the request of the Senate in order to appeal to the the planets who were leaving the Republic.
He defended to his left as he quickly dispatched the sith who had come at him from the right. They were ruthless and relentless. He was glad that this discovery had been made now while the beings were mere students. He knew that had they been allowed to continue to full maturity in their dark manipulations, there would be no way for the Jedi to contain them.
Ki Adi Mundi moved to his side.
"They are attempting to retreat. We must reinforce our aft position." He ordered, his breathing labored from his numerous encounters. Without a word Plo began moving motioning to the knights and master around him to follow. Those who could free themselves did so.
As they made their way to the entrance of the station he glanced back once and noted the numerous bodies littering the floor of the bay. It was a dark day in the history of the Order, but with the Force on their side he felt confident that they would overcome the darkness.
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Sidious was caught off guard as the Knight entered. He wondered how he had allowed the man to sneak up on them without sensing him. He noted the alarm on the man's face and delighted in his anguish and desperation as he witnessed the dark lord's onslaught against his lover.
Obi-Wan felt the emotions run rampant through his body and even as he was giving into them realized that he lacked the luxury of time to feel anything. Immediately he assessed the situation refusing to consider the amount of damage or pain Adi had already endured. He instead chose to act and not feel. He reached out intercepting the beams of energy assailing Adi's weakened body and turned them on the dark lord himself.
Sidious was shocked at the Knight's power. He knew that Dooku had been a very strong Jedi and yet even he was powerless against this sort of dark attack. The dark lord felt a warning prick the tip of his awareness and managed to side step the beams. He was shaken but the ease with which the Knight had turned his attack, but he refused to reveal that fact to this man.
Slightly out of breath from his efforts, Obi-Wan risked a quick touch to Adi's signature and found her still alive though badly injured. Turning he faced the evil man before him.
"Palpatine or is it Sidious?" He sneered. "I would say Sidious is your true self. Palpatine merely the mask you wear in order to hide your corrupt soul." He moved his body strategically between the dark one and Adi. He longed to release her from the energy binders which held her in place but knew he dare not turn his attention away from Sidious.
"Obi-Wan Kenobi or should I call you the Chosen One?" Sidious responded using the same greasy tone he used on ignorant senators. Obi-Wan felt the fingers peeling away at his shield and immediately reinforced them. He considered how the man had used this particular ability to manipulate so many decisions in the Senate and beyond. He shuddered to consider the ramifications of this fact.
"Neat trick." He smirked hoping the man would be unsettled by his response. "But it won't work." He declared with full confidence. "I'm not a weak minded politician. I am a Jedi." Sidious felt his own desperation rise a notch at the figure before him. His mind raced trying to find the right tact to subdue the Knight.
"You have grown strong-"
"While you have grown weak." Obi-Wan interrupted. "Your students are facing the Jedi as we speak. Your numbers are dwindling."
"As are yours." He watched and noted the trace of sadness that his revelation caused the young Jedi. "Besides I have many friends in the galaxy. More friends than you could ever hope to discover." He snarked. Obi-Wan cast a glance in the direction of Dooku's lifeless body then back to the dark one.
"It seems your friends are dwindling as well. At least you're consistent in how you treat others." He smirked humorlessly.
"Friend or foe if someone gets in my way they die." Sidious reasoned. "I've no time to coddle the weak. Like your Adi there." He gestured over behind the Knight. He watched the sudden reaction and knew this was the man's weakness. Obi-Wan felt his temper flare at the reference. "She was just begging me to release her. She said she would lead you to me if only I would let her go. She was weak." He paused his tone filled with pity. "She would have eventually destroyed you. I just did you a favor." He smiled watching the Knight closely.
"You're lying." Obi-Wan declared.
"You think so?" Sidious asked. "Why do you think that?"
"Adi would never betray me. She would never help the dark side. She-"
"Loves you?" Sidious laughed. Obi-Wan pushed away the sudden doubts that were filling his thoughts in light of the man's incredulous tone. "Don't be ridiculous boy. She never loved you, just like your precious Qui-Gon Jinn never loved you. You were nothing to them. Your Master rejected you and so did this woman. When the decision had to be made between you and them, well my boy they quickly chose themselves. Now if that is love then I guess I loved Dooku." He laughed evilly glancing meaningfully at the limp body of the fallen Jedi. "As I love the Republic." He mocked. "You Jedi are no different from me." He declared harshly.
"You're wrong." Obi-Wan said with pure confidence. Sidious felt uneasy at the man's response. He was not buying this line. He would have to try something else.
"She needs immediate medical treatment." Sidous declared. "Or I'm quite certain she will die." He said with mock sympathy. Obi-Wan reached out behind him and felt Adi's signature waning significantly. He felt a sudden panic but refused to give into it. He knew it would mean the end for both of them if he let his emotions guide him now. Centering himself fully he met the man's gaze.
"Then I guess we had better get on with this." He declared.
"You agree to come with me and I will make sure she gets to the Healer's Wing in time to save her life." Sidious offered. Obi-Wan knew the man could not be trusted. He knew he could not leave with him either. He would have to defeat him quickly then get Adi the help she needed alone.
"No. You surrender to me, I make you death quick and painless, and then I get Adi to the Healer's Wing on time." Obi-Wan countered. Sidious laughed.
"I forgot momentarily of your extensive training in negotiations with your Master. Do you think that this is some petty border dispute?" He hissed angrily
"Yes that is exactly what this is and you are on my territory." Obi-Wan spat back. "I want you gone." He declared firmly.
Sidious reached out with this senses trying to get some reading on the man's new abilities. As he pushed he found the Knight pushing back with a greater force seeking to find the dark one's limitations. This was not how Sidious had planned for this encounter to go. It was lucky for him that he always had a back up plan. He slowly walked to a wall of shelving.
"I would hardly call this your territory. I had far more sith on the planet than there were Jedi. Even now the Order is no doubt scrambling to find enough Jedi to take care of my escaping students." Obi-Wan furrowed his brow as the man continued falling into this Palpatine persona. "Yes the Senate sincerely implores that the Jedi Council dispatch immediately as many teams as possible to establish contact with the planets who have resigned from the Republic as well as all planets within a two system radius." He smiled at the Knight as he watched Obi-Wan realize the depth of his treachery.
"You will not win." Obi-Wan declared placing his hand on his saber handle in his belt.
"Watch me." It was then that Sidious made a quick motion with his hand. Obi-Wan followed the action and realized only a moment before the spark that the room was wired with charges. As if to add to the confusion, Obi- Wan's eyes went wide with shock as he watched a small metallic ball arch through the air towards he and Adi. Sidious used this moment to slip through the hidden door and seal the chamber permanently behind him.
He wondered if the Chosen One truly had the power to overcome and survive the hell that had just been unleashed upon him and his fair Adi Gallia. He would hear soon enough. He had his own concerns. He had to get away. He had to regroup. He had to find a way to reestablish his order and build back all that he had lost. If the Knight did survive Sidious knew that they would meet again. He did not lose gracefully. He did not lose. This was far from over.
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Obi-Wan reached out finding the small charges that would release the massive energy of the detonation device. He felt the Force guiding him as he disengaged each one on the walls surrounding him as well as in the thermal detonator headed in his direction. He sent the ball higher into the domed ceiling hoping to buy more time. He wondered how many floors it would take to cushion he and Adi from the full force of the explosion. Even though he had weakened its magnitude, it would still be substantial.
He realized that the Senate Offices were several floors above. He would have to judge this carefully. He had mere seconds before his world would erupt in fire and destruction. He worked quickly decisions screaming at them through the Force as the midichlorians themselves raced to save the one that they had Chosen long ago. Calculations, manipulations, venues for survival raced through the Knight's mind as he desperately sought to process them and perform them as he was guided by the Force. He felt united with it in a way he had never imagined. He had no idea in those mere seconds as the device traveled silently through space of where the Force began or ended. He felt a part of it as if he no longer existed aside from it.
He then leapt away once he was certain of the device's trajectory, releasing Adi's binders with a mere thought, before catching her in his arms preventing her from falling hard to the cold steel floor. He cradled her tightly to his body as he cushioned their impact. They rolled from the momentum as Obi-Wan used his body to cover the young Master in order to shield her from the force of the blast that would come. He sent out a silent warning to both Qui-Gon and Siri hoping that they would have time to clear the corridor before the blast.
Obi-Wan saw the reaction in the Force the moment before he felt it. Slamming his eyes shut he pulled the Force violently around them shielding them from the heat and debris. He felt the searing blast wash over and against the Force bubble that he fought to hold them in. He heard Adi's groan in his ear and tightened his grip penetrating her shields seeking out any area where the heat or debris might be increasing her injury.
The roar of the blast seemed to go on for hours as time slowed down. He had thought it would only feel like seconds but instead he found himself profoundly aware of each and every impact caused by the detonators. He could see and feel the chain reactions occurring down to the molecular level. It was fascinating and terrifying all at the same time as the realization of the destruction came to light.
He felt his strength waning and reached deeper using his last reserves to protect them. He couldn't think about the one who escaped. He couldn't think about how he would once again have to confront the darkness. He could only think of the roar of the energy coursing violently around their bodies and the quickly diminishing life force he held in his arms.
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Qui-Gon and Siri raced ahead of the detonation hating to leave Obi-Wan behind, but both realizing it was too late to reach him in time. They moved quickly out of the blast path finding shelter in what must have been a vault of some sort used by the senators of old. It was musty and dark but they felt safe within its walls and only wished that they had some way of getting Obi-Wan and Adi there as well.
They sat in silence as the roar of the explosion filled and echoed throughout the facility, shaking the walls and bringing a cloud of dust down upon them. Ignoring their own precarious circumstances both Jedi found themselves lost in thought about the safety of the friends which they had abandoned.
Qui-Gon reached out but found far too much interference in the Force to locate his Padawan. They were not that far from the dark one's office and yet it felt like there were walls of energy between them. Siri wiped a tear that had found its way down her cheek. Unlike the Master she was a realist in situations such as this. She knew that there was no way that her friend could have survived the blast. As her frustration mounted so did her need to expand upon it.
"So this was why he was born? This is what the Force had in mind for him? To live, struggle, endure, find out he was the Chosen One then die that same day?" Her words were filled with anger and pain. Qui-Gon reached out and wrapped an arm around the young knight's shoulder.
"Siri I do not begin to try to understand the ways of the Force. I just serve it." She shrugged off his arm impatiently.
"And that comforts you? Obi-Wan is dead but you are able to immediately go 'oh well if the Force thinks its best must be good'?" She mocked standing quickly and placing her hand defiantly on her hips.
Qui-Gon took a deep breath calming his emotions. He too was exhausted and didn't want to enflame the woman further. He knew she was hurting and without the dark one here to attack, Qui-Gon realized that he was the only target available. He knew how much Obi-Wan cared for the woman and could see and feel that those emotions were mutual. He wished he could explain but he was enduring his own struggle with the events of the day. He found it impossible to consider that Obi-Wan was lost. He had survived too many impossible situations to be discounted so quickly.
"Siri you must be kidding. How could I ever think losing Obi-Wan is good?" His voice was soft and soothing, but Siri didn't want to be soothed. She felt raw and wanted everyone else to as well. "Besides I refuse to accept that he is gone. We don't know that he is. I won't give up on him so easily." He declared firmly.
"Since when?" She asked her tone disrespectful and challenging. "It didn't seem to bother you a year ago? Or five for that matter? You're the expert in giving up on him aren't you Master?" Her tone was harsh and sarcastic. She wanted him to hurt. She wanted him to know the pain of rejection and betrayal. She wanted him accountable for the pain her friend had endured at this hand.
"Siri." He warned but she continued.
"I just have to know though, now that you've finally lost him, did you ever realize how wonderful he was?" Her voice broke as the rage began to give over to despair. "Did you ever see how he turned himself inside out for you? How he was loyal and dedicated to the Force without question?" Her voice broke into sobs as she grieved for the loss of her dearest friend.
"Yes Siri I saw him for what he truly was and yes I admire and appreciate him." Jinn stopped not trusting his voice as his eyes filled with unshed tears. He turned away not wanting the young Knight to pull him into the inevitable knowledge that perhaps this time his Padawan would not be so lucky and would not walk away.
"How ironic is that now that he is dead?" Siri demanded. "You know all he ever wanted was for you to love him. That's it." She spat sadly at the man. "Year after year he tried but you never did."
"You're wrong." Qui-Gon shouted turning to face her accusations. "How dare you say that." Siri was taken aback by Qui-Gon sudden departure from his usual calm demeanor.
"Watch out Master you're showing emotion. Isn't that against your code?" She asked sarcastically. Qui-Gon took a steadying breath and released his anger into the Force.
"You're right. I got angry, but now I'm fine." He explained refusing to be baited any further. He had to remember that Siri was hurting and it was his job as the Master to comfort and remain focused.
"Good. I'm glad you are so fine because you'll need to be in control when we both have the pleasure of sifting through what's left of that chamber looking for the bits and pieces that were my friend and once you padawan." She swallowed forcing the lump from her throat.
She had wanted to tell Jinn what she thought of his behavior for a long time. It had felt good to begin with but now that she considered her lost friend she realized that he would not have wanted her to exact her pain and vengeance on this man. He would have asked her to be kind and supportive in spite of her feelings. She suddenly felt ashamed and filled with regret. She could see Obi-Wan in her mind's eye. They were sparring and he was laughing as he easily evaded her with yet another amazing acrobatic feat. She already missed him so much.
Looking over she noticed Jinn was starting to move back towards the door.
"The heat should have dissipated enough by now." He explained. She nodded moving behind him. Just as he reached for the panel she reached out and stopped him.
"I'm sorry Master." She said softly. "He would've wanted me to treat you with disrespect. He loved you so much." She admitted.
"I know you don't believe me Siri, but I loved him too. I loved him too." He activated the door and they moved out to deal with the remains.
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I have been trying to post this early for you guys for a change. I have been trying to upload since WEDNESDAY but couldn't ever get fanfiction to accept it. I am bald now from pulling out my hair wondering what the deal is.
Thanks to my son who is and always will be my most excellent technical advisor. He really is a huge help. And also to my husband who puts up with a less than clean house and many nights watching me type away instead of spending time talking with him. It is a blessing to have people in my life who allow me to explore my potential so selfishly.
Some of you believed that the last chapter was actually the end of the story. Sorry I wasn't more clear in my intentions. I would NEVER leave you all hanging like that. I hate it when writers do that to me. I think we have a couple of more chapters. I had hoped 40 would be it but the story says nope.some resolution please, so once we have played out the action we will do some of that. I do believe there will be a sequel somewhere down the line. I can't say when. It might not be until the fall. I really need some down time and some time to get part of it written. This writing as it comes is really NOT my thing. Too much pressure and not enough time for consideration of the plot and characters in my opinion, if there are to be posts each week. That said the next part will be handled like Broken Promises where I had it pretty much done before I posted it.
Oh and also I have heard from several of you that you can't find my story when it is updated. I am not sure what the problem is and fanfiction has never responded to my concerns so perhaps just saving it as a favorite will help and you can just check back on the weekends for the next few chapters. I apologize for the inconvenience but honestly it is completely out of my hands.
Thanks again for supporting me. It means the world really. Until next week..will Obi survive? Will Adi? Will Mace? ...find out soon. Jesse
