I'm just so nice to you guys :) This is a really long post. I couldn't
justify breaking it up. It would destroy the momentum, and I couldn't have
that. This is my first attempt at any type of action...so be nice.
Shar'tel entered the passenger area of his ship at the exact same moment that Qui-Gon entered from an opposite entrance. Their eyes locked and silence reined as each man sized up the other.
Qui-Gon's eyes never left the bounty hunter's as he purposefully walked to the exact seat that Obi-Wan had been strapped to. His hands trembled slightly as he reached to grasp the back of the seat.
He took a moment to center himself as conflicting emotions of anger and outrage threatened to overwhelm him. Something told him he would not get what he sought if he dealt with this man in anger. A quick force scan also alerted him to the folly of using any type of mind trick as well.
Trusting in the force to guide him, Qui-Gon spoke plainly with no threat or malice in his tone.
"Where is he?"
Shar'tel said nothing as he considered the man before him. He could play dumb and pretend that he had no idea what the jedi was talking about. But they both knew that he did. He wasn't sure how the jedi knew that, but he did.
Now though, how was he going to handle this? He could be facing some serious criminal charges when all is said and done. Though he felt guilty about the young jedi, self-preservation was his top priority. He decided not to lie, but he had to tread carefully.
"Gone." He said matter of factly.
"Where?!" Qui-Gon was doing his best to remain calm, but he was starting to feel desperate-as if time were running out.
That sense of desperation was not lost on Shar'tel. He stood watching the jedi curiously. His next question was based solely on that curiosity.
"You jedi aren't' so calm and serene when it comes to one of your own, are you?"
He watched as fire flared briefly in azure eyes, it was quickly replaced with anguish. Qui-Gon was clearly uncomfortable with his emotions on display, but again the force was urging him on.
"Please. He is my son." Qui-Gon did not feel the need to relay the actual specifics of his relationship to Obi-Wan. For all intents and purposes, Obi- Wan was his son in all ways that mattered.
Shar'tel could tell that the anguish in the man's eyes was real. But he was still undecided. His good intentions now would not make up for his previous actions. He sighed. His conscience would not let him rest. He knew that if it were his own son in the boys position he would be just as desperate. Strained relationship or not.
Qui-Gon spoke again, sensing that the bounty hunter had reached a decision. "Where is he?"
"Not so fast jedi. I will tell you what you want to know, but I want something in return."
Shar'tel was surprised at how quickly the jedi answered with, "Anything."
"I want off this planet. Now. And your word that I will not be brought up on charges."
"Done." I was spoken quickly, but honestly. Shar'tel had no doubt that the jedi would keep his word. It was a small price to pay really, for the love of a son. "Tell me."
He motioned for Qui-Gon to follow him to the communications console. He heard the jedi gasp as he replayed the message from the dark lord. However, that was nothing compared to the reaction he got when the location of the drop off was revealed. He thought the jedi was likely to suffer whiplash.
Stormy blue eyes met his, and Shar'tel could only be thankful that he had not had to come to blows with this man. He stood silent as Qui-Gon regarded him. He never noticed the quick yet efficient mind probe that was administered. He was telling the truth. He knew that, and after a moment so did the jedi.
Qui-Gon spoke as he turned to leave. "You are cleared for take off. Leave now. I trust our paths will not cross again."
Shar'tel did not misread the threat inherent in those words. Still, he called out to the jedi. "Wait."
That was the last thing Qui-Gon wanted to do. But he stopped, allowing his impatience to show.
He watched as Shar'tel opened a compartment under the console. There was no mistaking the object that the bounty hunter now held in his hands. Qui- Gon walked slowly back to the console. He took the lightsaber in his hands gently, as if it were made of glass. He held it reverently as time seemed to stand still for a moment.
His lightsaber. The one he thought never to see again. The one he had thought lost in his battle with the sith. His heart swelled in both pride and shame as he realized that Obi-Wan must have used his saber to defeat the sith and had been carrying it as his own ever since.
~Force, what a fool I've been~ he thought.
That Obi-Wan would continue to carry HIS saber, after all that he had done and not done spoke volumes to Qui-Gon. Never in his life had he felt such shame for his own actions. It was almost unbearable.
Turning away from his own feelings, he focused on the man before him. There was no way he could express his range of emotions. He felt gratitude, disgust, anger, hope, outrage...and so much more for this man. Turning his back to the hunter he asked one final question.
"Did you hurt him?"
Shar'tel rightly understood the importance of this question. Thank the Gods he had the right answer. The consequences of the wrong one did not bear thinking about.
"No, I did not."
Sensing the truth, Qui-Gon let that small relief infuse him as he we walked from the ship and headed back towards the palace.
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Anakin was feeling much better by the time he reached the palace, much to his delight. Going back to help Qui-Gon with the investigation did not occur to him at all. He had a new mission at this moment..... to find his queen.
The only problem was that he had no idea where Padme was. He wandered leisurely around the palace, hoping to bump into her. Somehow he was not surprised to end up at the beautiful mural with the mysterious waterfall.
He lingered for a moment before deciding, what the heck. He walked to the waterfall, turned, and pressed his entire body to the wall. Not expecting anything to happen, he was surprised when the wall gave way. He was dumped unceremoniously on his backside as the panel he fell through promptly closed, taking all traces of light with it.
Anakin stood up slowly and dusted himself off. He felt the wall before him for any traces of the secret panel. Nothing. Never one to be scared of the dark, he stretched out with his senses. He could see nothing with his eyes, but he could sense the maze of tunnels all around him. He started forward; intent on exploring whatever mysteries they had to offer.
``````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Chancellor Palpatine approached the mural with an expression of satisfaction. It had been entirely too easy to lead the boy here, so caught up in young love was the padawan.
He sensed no fear in the padawan, only a sense of adventure as he moved further into the darkness. He waited until he was sure the boy was well on his way before stepping into the darkness himself.
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Qui-Gon could not escape the feeling of deja-vous as he entered the secret passageway behind the waterfalls on the north side of the palace.
The last time he'd entered these tunnels he'd had Obi-Wan at his side. They had helped the queen successfully infiltrate and reclaim the palace from the viceroy.
Funny. He had been calm then. He'd had the weight of a world, literally, on his shoulders and he'd been calm. Now though, he was anything but.
His Obi-Wan was in terrible danger. If he were correct in his assumptions, that danger could very well be a fate much worse than death.
Qui-Gon had no doubt that the dark cloaked figure who had put the bounty on his Obi-Wan was a Sith. He had known that the remaining sith would emerge eventually; always two there are, no more no less. Until now though, there had been speculation as to which remained-the master or the apprentice?
There was no question in Qui-Gon's mind that the remaining sith was indeed the master. It also stood to reason that the master would need a new apprentice. Qui-Gon's blood ran cold at the thought. That would never happen. He knew without a doubt that Obi-Wan would not turn. That thought only served to increase his pace and his desperation. Once the sith realized the futility of his efforts to turn Obi-Wan-he would more than likely kill him.
Qui-Gon could not allow that to happen. He could not imagine his life without Obi-Wan in it. Though he had been doing exactly that this past year, he had always known that Obi-Wan was out there. Somewhere. That was no longer enough. He wanted Obi-Wan back in his life.
He wrapped himself tightly within the force, masking his presence, as he proceeded deeper into the tunnels.
```````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Obi-Wan sighed in frustration. He could feel the force within him now, but was still having trouble manipulating it. He had tried several times to release the manacles binding him. To no avail.
He did not know how long it would be before Sideous returned, but he sensed he did not have much time. He closed his eyes, forcing away his anxieties. He centered himself within the force, comforted by the familiar presence.
Reaching out with his mind he pictured the locking mechanism with the manacles. He smiled when he heard a soft click. His feet were free. Moving his focus to his wrists he was startled by a soft gasp. His eyes flew open to meet the wide-eyed stare of Anakin Skywalker.
Time seemed to hang suspended as Obi-Wan and Anakin stared at each other in shock. In reality it was only seconds, and Obi-Wan's eyes shifted behind Anakin as if expecting Qui-Gon to be there. When it became apparent that he was not, he finally spoke.
"Anakin, where is Qui-Gon?"
Anakin moved forward slowly, seemingly still in shock.
"He...he's at the spaceport." His tone was uncertain, as was the look he favored the knight with.
Obi-Wan realized the sight he must present. He was clad in only black leggings. Dried sweat and grime clung to his skin, which still showed evidence of his torture. His hair hung limply about his face and his hands were still bound above his head.
His ability to feel and sense the force was returning rapidly. He could feel a steady surge of power building within him. The sheer strength of it surprised him, but he quickly attributed it to a side effect of being force suppressed for so long. He had no reason to think otherwise.
"Anakin. I don't know how you found your way here. I'm not even sure where here is, but it's not safe. We need to get out of here now."
"We're under the palace. I..I found a secret passageway." Anakin's tone remained uncertain. As he spoke he took in his surroundings and continued to move steadily towards Obi-Wan.
Obi-Wan was aware of a slight disturbance within the force as Anakin approached. He did not sense outright darkness. It was more of an uncertainty within the force; it felt as if both darkness and light were vying for dominance within the boy. Obi-Wan was startled by the gray aura that seemed to surround him. The fact that he could see all this so clearly was also a bit of a surprise. He'd not had this ability before.
The course of his thoughts took less than a few seconds and his attention remained on Anakin as he slowly advanced.
The force was coursing through him now. It was almost electric in its intensity. He could easily free his wrists now, but the force was urging him otherwise.
"Anakin. I need you to help me. Can you release the manacles?"
Obi-Wan ruthlessly crushed his impatience. Obviously the force was willing this for a reason. Obi-Wan watched as Anakin cocked his head to one side. The boy's uncertainty mingled with a contemplative gaze as he studied Obi- Wan.
Obi-Wan could only watch as a various array of emotions played themselves out within the boy's eyes. Finally, after an all too long hesitation, he heard the small click of the lock releasing him.
Anakin regarded him speculatively before speaking, his tone somewhat accusatory, "You could have done that."
Obi-Wan smiled, "Yes. I could have." He moved past Anakin and began rummaging through various boxes and containers hoping to find his light saber.
"Then why the game?" Anakin sounded impudent, as was his intention.
"This is no game, padawan." Obi-Wan spoke matter-of-factly and used the boys title to remind him of his place. "The force is testing you. Perhaps you should look within for why?"
"Perhaps you should just mind your own business. You are not my master." Anakin was beginning to rethink his decision to help the knight. The force had urged him to do the right thing, and he had relented. But it had not been his first instinct.
Obi-Wan stopped rummaging and turned to the boy before him.
"Take care Anakin. Your thoughts betray you. This is not the time or the place to indulge such dark thoughts."
Anakin for his part seemed slightly taken aback that his thoughts had been so easily read. He quickly checked his shields and found them still firmly in place.
Obi-Wan flashed him a quick smirk, letting him know that action had not gone unnoticed either.
Anakin stood silently seething as Obi-Wan abandoned hope of finding his light saber. It was gone. It saddened him deeply, knowing that he had lost the last piece he had left of his master. He would mourn later. If there was a later. He was not entirely certain he would yet survive this.
He felt a desperate need to leave this place, where he had been held captive and tortured. The darkness of it quite literally and figuratively seemed to be closing in around him. There were three tunnels that emptied into the antechamber. All he had to do was pick one.
"Come on, we're getting out of here. Now." He moved towards Anakin urging him back towards the tunnel that had brought him there.
As they approached, a cloaked figure as black as the shadows it came from detached from the tunnel wall, halting them in their tracks. Obi-Wan immediately stepped in front of Anakin and pressed them back a few steps.
"My, but you are a resourceful one my young knight." The oily voice sounded vaguely amused, but Obi-Wan could clearly hear the controlled rage simmering beneath the façade.
"This is unexpected indeed," Sideous said as he looked to Kemar's lifeless form with disgust. "But then again, I would expect nothing less from..." his words trailed off as his gaze fell to Anakin. With an eerily haunting smile he continued speaking, returning his gaze to Obi-Wan. "..a knight of your stature."
Anakin did not miss the mocking nature of the words or the glare that was directed at him. Like Obi-Wan he too could feel the darkness closing in around him. It was a darkness much more powerful than anything he'd ever felt before. It was intoxicating, it was all consuming, and it was suffocating. Suddenly feeling very claustrophobic, he instinctively reached for the reassuring presence of his master.
Obi-Wan felt the surge of dark energy directed at Anakin less than a full second before Sideous crudely severed the training bond. He was not quick enough to prevent it, but he did his best to ease the shock and soothe the ragged edges of the torn bond. Still, Anakin crumpled to the ground holding his head in his hands, gasping in pain.
"Now, now. I couldn't have that young one. It seems my hands are quite full at the moment. It just wouldn't do to have an overprotective master hovering about." Sideous said, totally uncaring of Anakins pain.
Obi-Wan had crouched next to Anakin and was regarding him with a small amount of worry. At the sith's words both regarded him with a glare of contempt. It went unnoticed as the sith continued.
"Time is of the essence, young one." This time his words were directed at Obi-Wan. "You have a decision to make."
`````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Qui-Gon Jinn tried to quiet his ragged breathing as he sat slumped in darkness against the tunnel wall. He had managed to bring the pain in his head down to a level where he could once again think.
He had been traversing the tunnels for several moments before he encountered a force field a few hundred yards in from the entrance. Any non- force sensitive would not have sensed anything other than a powerful urge to turn back or to take one of the many other tunnels leading away from this one.
It was a strong force field. Qui-Gon himself had had a strong urge to turn away and explore another tunnel. But he was not a jedi master for nothing, and he easily read the dark energy feeding the force field.
He had only preceded a few steps when he had dropped to his knees in excruciating pain. His training bond with Anakin had been severed. His thoughts raced as he tried to slow his breathing and regain his center. The sith was on to him, and now Anakin was in danger as well. He could not feel anything from Anakin, but he refused to believe that the boy could be dead. He only knew he had to hurry. Time was running out, for all of them.
His steps were silent as he continued. The torn bond was throbbing in his head and was distracting him more than he would have liked. Now he had two padawan's to worry about.
~Force help me if I have to choose one over the other~ he thought.
He heard the indistinct murmur of voices echoing from the tunnel walls. Up ahead he could see the faint glow of flickering light. He moved cautiously forward, wrapping himself tighter within the force. He was within hearing distance now, but he couldn't see anything without stepping into the light and giving away his presence. He lingered in the shadows, just beyond the flickering torchlights. Waiting for the appropriate time to make his presence known.
He closed his eyes in an effort to again center himself. He had almost achieved it when he heard the unmistakable voice of his former padawan. That beautiful lilting accent that was unique only to Obi-Wan.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"I've made my decision. I will not turn." Obi-Wan said firmly as he stood protectively in front of Anakin, who was still slightly whimpering on the ground behind him.
"Yes, so you've said." Sideous said with an impatient sigh. "However there is more than just yourself to consider now." He looked to Anakin meaningfully.
Obi-Wan felt as if his entire body was ablaze with the force, just waiting for him to set it free. He was not sure why, but he felt extremely confident. This level of confidence in his abilities was entirely foreign to him. He wasn't sure where it came from, but he liked it. It gave him hope that he may just be able to get himself and Anakin out of this alive.
"So there is," Obi-Wan said as he half turned to regard Anakin. Turning back to the sith he spoke again. "Anakin. I want you to get up." When the boy slowly complied he continued.
"I want you to leave us and go back the way you came."
Anakin looked uncertainly back and forth between Obi-Wan and the sith. When he didn't move Obi-Wan spoke again causing him to flinch.
"Now! Move!" When Anakin began to slowly move towards the tunnel entrance Obi-Wan turned his full attention back to the sith.
"It's me you want. Let's finish this now." Obi-Wan spoke with a calmness and surety that surprised even himself.
"Very well," Sideous said as he kept track of Anakin's progress out of the corner of his eye. "But unlike you, I am not above using an 'innocent' as a bargaining chip." He spoke mockingly with an emphasis on the word innocent.
All in the chamber could feel the powerful surge of dark energy that was being harnessed. Anakin froze in his tracks as three things happened at once.
Sideous flung an arm at Anakin, sending electric blue force lightening crackling towards him; Qui-Gon Jinn came out of nowhere throwing himself at Anakin, sending them both to the ground; and Obi-Wan Kenobi stepped easily in front of them, arm outstretched and caught the unharnessed energy in the palm of his hand.
The tableau held for seconds and everyone except for Obi-Wan held an almost comical expression of shock on their face. Obi-Wan withdrew his arm slightly then pushed the energy back towards the sith. The force of it sent Sideous stumbling backwards and the sith almost lost his balance.
The silence that fell after the last crackle of energy dissipated was almost deafening. It was a full 30 seconds before Sideous finally broke it.
"I knew it" Upon reflection later, those present would question the wonder in that gravelly voice. "You are the one."
Obi-Wan for his part looked a little confused. He looked to his outstretched arm and slowly lowered it. He then looked to the sith and behind him to Anakin and Qui-Gon.
He met his master's gaze for a moment. It had been so long since he'd seen this man in person. He searched the blue depths cautiously, looking for disappointment or reproval. All of a sudden he felt like that 13-year-old that had been rejected time and again. As usual, Qui-Gon's expression was inscrutable.
His mind was flooded with all the horrible images forced upon him in his captivity. Qui-Gon's disapproving glare, his harsh words, the cold demeanor. He knew that they weren't all real. But some of them were. He couldn't differentiate at the moment. Much to the sith's delight, Obi- Wan's confidence and surety all but disappeared upon the arrival of Qui-Gon Jinn.
Obi-Wan let his eyes slide from Qui-Gon's down to the ground, before turning to face the sith once again.
"Let them go." He said.
Sideous regarded the knight speculatively before speaking.
"They will not be harmed. On one condition." Recovered form his earlier shock, Sideous was more adamant than ever to claim the knight as his apprentice. "You must come to me willingly."
Obi-Wan slumped his shoulders, feigning defeat. He had no intention of submitting to the sith, but he had to insure Anakin and Qui-Gon's safety first. He had felt the power he was capable of wielding, but the dark energy had only been directed at Anakin. He was not sure he would have been as effective if the sith had chosen to reveal the full strength of his power.
Obi-Wan allowed the very real anguish and vulnerability he felt to show on his face. With one last look to his master he moved to Sideous, his head lowered in submission.
"Obi-Wan, No!..." Qui-Gon started.
"Silence! The sith roared, causing Anakin to flinch again.
Sideous turned his full attention to the young man before him.
"Kneel, child." He said almost, almost gently. When Obi-Wan complied he continued.
"Will you give yourself to me freely?"
"I will," Obi-Wan whispered softly.
"Will you embrace the darkness that awaits you?"
"I will," softer than before.
"Then rise my young apprentice and face your new master."
Obi-Wan slowly and with less than his customary grace, rose to his feet head still lowered. As his new master lifted his chin he was again struck by a familiarity that he couldn't place.
When his eyes met those of the sith, he shuddered at the feral grin that split that hideous countenance. He could do this, he had to. He would end this today.
"You are mine now," said Sideous.
"Yes, master." Was the flat response.
Qui-Gon watched the whole scene in horror, almost oblivious to Anakin beside him. The entire scene was surreal and he felt as if time itself had stopped. His Obi-Wan, his child of the light had given himself over to darkness. Willingly.
He could only watch as Obi-Wan turned to face him, eyes chillingly blank and emotionless. Qui-Gon knew there were rites of passage and ceremonies to perform before Obi-Wan would be considered a true apprentice of the darkness, but he had just taken the first step by willingly submitting to the sith.
He watched with barely veiled repulsion as the sith approached the knight from behind, wrapping a possessive arm around his waist and holding him. From over Obi-Wan's shoulder he smiled at Qui-Gon as he urged the knight towards the tunnel in which Qui-Gon had entered.
Taking Obi-Wan with him, the sith left, leaving him with these final words. "Until next time, Master Jinn. And there WILL be a next time."
Qui-Gon could not speak past the lump that had formed in his throat. He sat helplessly and watched as the sith disappeared into the darkness-taking his Obi-Wan with him.
How could he have been so wrong? He had been so sure that Obi-Wan would not turn. He was so lost in his own misconceptions that he did not see the real purpose behind what Obi-Wan had done. Far longer than it should have taken for him to realize the truth, he did. Obi-Wan had been trying to protect him and Anakin. He had given himself over to the sith, to save him. He was becoming entirely too familiar with shame these days. Again, he had underestimated Obi-Wan and in doing so had let him down again.
Not knowing how long he sat there, Qui-Gon finally came to life.
"Anakin, can you find your way back to the palace?" There was an urgency in his voice that would not be denied.
"I ...I think so, master." He sounded uncertain, but determined as well.
"Good, go quickly. Find Captain Panaka and get security down here immediately." Qui-Gon was on his feet and urging Anakin towards the tunnels.
"Where are you going?" Anakin asked worriedly.
"I'm going after Obi-Wan." Qui-Gon did not wait for a reaction as he whirled and headed down the same tunnel the sith had taken Obi-Wan.
He did not get very far when he sensed a massive disturbance in the force. He ran quickly forward, his heart in his throat. He could not let Obi-Wan down. Not again.
He had just about reached the entrance to the ledge behind the waterfalls when he was hit by the most powerful force shove he had ever and would ever feel. He was slammed full force into the hard tunnel wall. The wind was knocked from him and he slid slowly to the ground gasping for air. The seconds ticked by as he struggled to gain control of his breathing and to get to his knees. Still shaking, he finally managed to get to his feet. He moved unsteadily towards the opening. The urgency that had driven him seemed to have left. It worried him greatly.
The sound of the waterfalls hit him with a deafening roar as he emerged from the passageway. His heart, which had never really left his throat, suddenly plummeted to the depths of his stomach as his eyes fell upon the crumpled form of his precious Obi-Wan.
To Be Continued.........
A/N Okay, you are now caught up to the readers at TF.N :) Hope you enjoyed the nice long post. This was probably the hardest post of the entire fic for me to write, so as usual I would appreciate feedback. That goes for you lurkers out there too :) Thanks so much to those of you who have reviewed faithfully as well. I'll post the next part as soon as it is done.
Shar'tel entered the passenger area of his ship at the exact same moment that Qui-Gon entered from an opposite entrance. Their eyes locked and silence reined as each man sized up the other.
Qui-Gon's eyes never left the bounty hunter's as he purposefully walked to the exact seat that Obi-Wan had been strapped to. His hands trembled slightly as he reached to grasp the back of the seat.
He took a moment to center himself as conflicting emotions of anger and outrage threatened to overwhelm him. Something told him he would not get what he sought if he dealt with this man in anger. A quick force scan also alerted him to the folly of using any type of mind trick as well.
Trusting in the force to guide him, Qui-Gon spoke plainly with no threat or malice in his tone.
"Where is he?"
Shar'tel said nothing as he considered the man before him. He could play dumb and pretend that he had no idea what the jedi was talking about. But they both knew that he did. He wasn't sure how the jedi knew that, but he did.
Now though, how was he going to handle this? He could be facing some serious criminal charges when all is said and done. Though he felt guilty about the young jedi, self-preservation was his top priority. He decided not to lie, but he had to tread carefully.
"Gone." He said matter of factly.
"Where?!" Qui-Gon was doing his best to remain calm, but he was starting to feel desperate-as if time were running out.
That sense of desperation was not lost on Shar'tel. He stood watching the jedi curiously. His next question was based solely on that curiosity.
"You jedi aren't' so calm and serene when it comes to one of your own, are you?"
He watched as fire flared briefly in azure eyes, it was quickly replaced with anguish. Qui-Gon was clearly uncomfortable with his emotions on display, but again the force was urging him on.
"Please. He is my son." Qui-Gon did not feel the need to relay the actual specifics of his relationship to Obi-Wan. For all intents and purposes, Obi- Wan was his son in all ways that mattered.
Shar'tel could tell that the anguish in the man's eyes was real. But he was still undecided. His good intentions now would not make up for his previous actions. He sighed. His conscience would not let him rest. He knew that if it were his own son in the boys position he would be just as desperate. Strained relationship or not.
Qui-Gon spoke again, sensing that the bounty hunter had reached a decision. "Where is he?"
"Not so fast jedi. I will tell you what you want to know, but I want something in return."
Shar'tel was surprised at how quickly the jedi answered with, "Anything."
"I want off this planet. Now. And your word that I will not be brought up on charges."
"Done." I was spoken quickly, but honestly. Shar'tel had no doubt that the jedi would keep his word. It was a small price to pay really, for the love of a son. "Tell me."
He motioned for Qui-Gon to follow him to the communications console. He heard the jedi gasp as he replayed the message from the dark lord. However, that was nothing compared to the reaction he got when the location of the drop off was revealed. He thought the jedi was likely to suffer whiplash.
Stormy blue eyes met his, and Shar'tel could only be thankful that he had not had to come to blows with this man. He stood silent as Qui-Gon regarded him. He never noticed the quick yet efficient mind probe that was administered. He was telling the truth. He knew that, and after a moment so did the jedi.
Qui-Gon spoke as he turned to leave. "You are cleared for take off. Leave now. I trust our paths will not cross again."
Shar'tel did not misread the threat inherent in those words. Still, he called out to the jedi. "Wait."
That was the last thing Qui-Gon wanted to do. But he stopped, allowing his impatience to show.
He watched as Shar'tel opened a compartment under the console. There was no mistaking the object that the bounty hunter now held in his hands. Qui- Gon walked slowly back to the console. He took the lightsaber in his hands gently, as if it were made of glass. He held it reverently as time seemed to stand still for a moment.
His lightsaber. The one he thought never to see again. The one he had thought lost in his battle with the sith. His heart swelled in both pride and shame as he realized that Obi-Wan must have used his saber to defeat the sith and had been carrying it as his own ever since.
~Force, what a fool I've been~ he thought.
That Obi-Wan would continue to carry HIS saber, after all that he had done and not done spoke volumes to Qui-Gon. Never in his life had he felt such shame for his own actions. It was almost unbearable.
Turning away from his own feelings, he focused on the man before him. There was no way he could express his range of emotions. He felt gratitude, disgust, anger, hope, outrage...and so much more for this man. Turning his back to the hunter he asked one final question.
"Did you hurt him?"
Shar'tel rightly understood the importance of this question. Thank the Gods he had the right answer. The consequences of the wrong one did not bear thinking about.
"No, I did not."
Sensing the truth, Qui-Gon let that small relief infuse him as he we walked from the ship and headed back towards the palace.
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Anakin was feeling much better by the time he reached the palace, much to his delight. Going back to help Qui-Gon with the investigation did not occur to him at all. He had a new mission at this moment..... to find his queen.
The only problem was that he had no idea where Padme was. He wandered leisurely around the palace, hoping to bump into her. Somehow he was not surprised to end up at the beautiful mural with the mysterious waterfall.
He lingered for a moment before deciding, what the heck. He walked to the waterfall, turned, and pressed his entire body to the wall. Not expecting anything to happen, he was surprised when the wall gave way. He was dumped unceremoniously on his backside as the panel he fell through promptly closed, taking all traces of light with it.
Anakin stood up slowly and dusted himself off. He felt the wall before him for any traces of the secret panel. Nothing. Never one to be scared of the dark, he stretched out with his senses. He could see nothing with his eyes, but he could sense the maze of tunnels all around him. He started forward; intent on exploring whatever mysteries they had to offer.
``````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Chancellor Palpatine approached the mural with an expression of satisfaction. It had been entirely too easy to lead the boy here, so caught up in young love was the padawan.
He sensed no fear in the padawan, only a sense of adventure as he moved further into the darkness. He waited until he was sure the boy was well on his way before stepping into the darkness himself.
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Qui-Gon could not escape the feeling of deja-vous as he entered the secret passageway behind the waterfalls on the north side of the palace.
The last time he'd entered these tunnels he'd had Obi-Wan at his side. They had helped the queen successfully infiltrate and reclaim the palace from the viceroy.
Funny. He had been calm then. He'd had the weight of a world, literally, on his shoulders and he'd been calm. Now though, he was anything but.
His Obi-Wan was in terrible danger. If he were correct in his assumptions, that danger could very well be a fate much worse than death.
Qui-Gon had no doubt that the dark cloaked figure who had put the bounty on his Obi-Wan was a Sith. He had known that the remaining sith would emerge eventually; always two there are, no more no less. Until now though, there had been speculation as to which remained-the master or the apprentice?
There was no question in Qui-Gon's mind that the remaining sith was indeed the master. It also stood to reason that the master would need a new apprentice. Qui-Gon's blood ran cold at the thought. That would never happen. He knew without a doubt that Obi-Wan would not turn. That thought only served to increase his pace and his desperation. Once the sith realized the futility of his efforts to turn Obi-Wan-he would more than likely kill him.
Qui-Gon could not allow that to happen. He could not imagine his life without Obi-Wan in it. Though he had been doing exactly that this past year, he had always known that Obi-Wan was out there. Somewhere. That was no longer enough. He wanted Obi-Wan back in his life.
He wrapped himself tightly within the force, masking his presence, as he proceeded deeper into the tunnels.
```````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Obi-Wan sighed in frustration. He could feel the force within him now, but was still having trouble manipulating it. He had tried several times to release the manacles binding him. To no avail.
He did not know how long it would be before Sideous returned, but he sensed he did not have much time. He closed his eyes, forcing away his anxieties. He centered himself within the force, comforted by the familiar presence.
Reaching out with his mind he pictured the locking mechanism with the manacles. He smiled when he heard a soft click. His feet were free. Moving his focus to his wrists he was startled by a soft gasp. His eyes flew open to meet the wide-eyed stare of Anakin Skywalker.
Time seemed to hang suspended as Obi-Wan and Anakin stared at each other in shock. In reality it was only seconds, and Obi-Wan's eyes shifted behind Anakin as if expecting Qui-Gon to be there. When it became apparent that he was not, he finally spoke.
"Anakin, where is Qui-Gon?"
Anakin moved forward slowly, seemingly still in shock.
"He...he's at the spaceport." His tone was uncertain, as was the look he favored the knight with.
Obi-Wan realized the sight he must present. He was clad in only black leggings. Dried sweat and grime clung to his skin, which still showed evidence of his torture. His hair hung limply about his face and his hands were still bound above his head.
His ability to feel and sense the force was returning rapidly. He could feel a steady surge of power building within him. The sheer strength of it surprised him, but he quickly attributed it to a side effect of being force suppressed for so long. He had no reason to think otherwise.
"Anakin. I don't know how you found your way here. I'm not even sure where here is, but it's not safe. We need to get out of here now."
"We're under the palace. I..I found a secret passageway." Anakin's tone remained uncertain. As he spoke he took in his surroundings and continued to move steadily towards Obi-Wan.
Obi-Wan was aware of a slight disturbance within the force as Anakin approached. He did not sense outright darkness. It was more of an uncertainty within the force; it felt as if both darkness and light were vying for dominance within the boy. Obi-Wan was startled by the gray aura that seemed to surround him. The fact that he could see all this so clearly was also a bit of a surprise. He'd not had this ability before.
The course of his thoughts took less than a few seconds and his attention remained on Anakin as he slowly advanced.
The force was coursing through him now. It was almost electric in its intensity. He could easily free his wrists now, but the force was urging him otherwise.
"Anakin. I need you to help me. Can you release the manacles?"
Obi-Wan ruthlessly crushed his impatience. Obviously the force was willing this for a reason. Obi-Wan watched as Anakin cocked his head to one side. The boy's uncertainty mingled with a contemplative gaze as he studied Obi- Wan.
Obi-Wan could only watch as a various array of emotions played themselves out within the boy's eyes. Finally, after an all too long hesitation, he heard the small click of the lock releasing him.
Anakin regarded him speculatively before speaking, his tone somewhat accusatory, "You could have done that."
Obi-Wan smiled, "Yes. I could have." He moved past Anakin and began rummaging through various boxes and containers hoping to find his light saber.
"Then why the game?" Anakin sounded impudent, as was his intention.
"This is no game, padawan." Obi-Wan spoke matter-of-factly and used the boys title to remind him of his place. "The force is testing you. Perhaps you should look within for why?"
"Perhaps you should just mind your own business. You are not my master." Anakin was beginning to rethink his decision to help the knight. The force had urged him to do the right thing, and he had relented. But it had not been his first instinct.
Obi-Wan stopped rummaging and turned to the boy before him.
"Take care Anakin. Your thoughts betray you. This is not the time or the place to indulge such dark thoughts."
Anakin for his part seemed slightly taken aback that his thoughts had been so easily read. He quickly checked his shields and found them still firmly in place.
Obi-Wan flashed him a quick smirk, letting him know that action had not gone unnoticed either.
Anakin stood silently seething as Obi-Wan abandoned hope of finding his light saber. It was gone. It saddened him deeply, knowing that he had lost the last piece he had left of his master. He would mourn later. If there was a later. He was not entirely certain he would yet survive this.
He felt a desperate need to leave this place, where he had been held captive and tortured. The darkness of it quite literally and figuratively seemed to be closing in around him. There were three tunnels that emptied into the antechamber. All he had to do was pick one.
"Come on, we're getting out of here. Now." He moved towards Anakin urging him back towards the tunnel that had brought him there.
As they approached, a cloaked figure as black as the shadows it came from detached from the tunnel wall, halting them in their tracks. Obi-Wan immediately stepped in front of Anakin and pressed them back a few steps.
"My, but you are a resourceful one my young knight." The oily voice sounded vaguely amused, but Obi-Wan could clearly hear the controlled rage simmering beneath the façade.
"This is unexpected indeed," Sideous said as he looked to Kemar's lifeless form with disgust. "But then again, I would expect nothing less from..." his words trailed off as his gaze fell to Anakin. With an eerily haunting smile he continued speaking, returning his gaze to Obi-Wan. "..a knight of your stature."
Anakin did not miss the mocking nature of the words or the glare that was directed at him. Like Obi-Wan he too could feel the darkness closing in around him. It was a darkness much more powerful than anything he'd ever felt before. It was intoxicating, it was all consuming, and it was suffocating. Suddenly feeling very claustrophobic, he instinctively reached for the reassuring presence of his master.
Obi-Wan felt the surge of dark energy directed at Anakin less than a full second before Sideous crudely severed the training bond. He was not quick enough to prevent it, but he did his best to ease the shock and soothe the ragged edges of the torn bond. Still, Anakin crumpled to the ground holding his head in his hands, gasping in pain.
"Now, now. I couldn't have that young one. It seems my hands are quite full at the moment. It just wouldn't do to have an overprotective master hovering about." Sideous said, totally uncaring of Anakins pain.
Obi-Wan had crouched next to Anakin and was regarding him with a small amount of worry. At the sith's words both regarded him with a glare of contempt. It went unnoticed as the sith continued.
"Time is of the essence, young one." This time his words were directed at Obi-Wan. "You have a decision to make."
`````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Qui-Gon Jinn tried to quiet his ragged breathing as he sat slumped in darkness against the tunnel wall. He had managed to bring the pain in his head down to a level where he could once again think.
He had been traversing the tunnels for several moments before he encountered a force field a few hundred yards in from the entrance. Any non- force sensitive would not have sensed anything other than a powerful urge to turn back or to take one of the many other tunnels leading away from this one.
It was a strong force field. Qui-Gon himself had had a strong urge to turn away and explore another tunnel. But he was not a jedi master for nothing, and he easily read the dark energy feeding the force field.
He had only preceded a few steps when he had dropped to his knees in excruciating pain. His training bond with Anakin had been severed. His thoughts raced as he tried to slow his breathing and regain his center. The sith was on to him, and now Anakin was in danger as well. He could not feel anything from Anakin, but he refused to believe that the boy could be dead. He only knew he had to hurry. Time was running out, for all of them.
His steps were silent as he continued. The torn bond was throbbing in his head and was distracting him more than he would have liked. Now he had two padawan's to worry about.
~Force help me if I have to choose one over the other~ he thought.
He heard the indistinct murmur of voices echoing from the tunnel walls. Up ahead he could see the faint glow of flickering light. He moved cautiously forward, wrapping himself tighter within the force. He was within hearing distance now, but he couldn't see anything without stepping into the light and giving away his presence. He lingered in the shadows, just beyond the flickering torchlights. Waiting for the appropriate time to make his presence known.
He closed his eyes in an effort to again center himself. He had almost achieved it when he heard the unmistakable voice of his former padawan. That beautiful lilting accent that was unique only to Obi-Wan.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"I've made my decision. I will not turn." Obi-Wan said firmly as he stood protectively in front of Anakin, who was still slightly whimpering on the ground behind him.
"Yes, so you've said." Sideous said with an impatient sigh. "However there is more than just yourself to consider now." He looked to Anakin meaningfully.
Obi-Wan felt as if his entire body was ablaze with the force, just waiting for him to set it free. He was not sure why, but he felt extremely confident. This level of confidence in his abilities was entirely foreign to him. He wasn't sure where it came from, but he liked it. It gave him hope that he may just be able to get himself and Anakin out of this alive.
"So there is," Obi-Wan said as he half turned to regard Anakin. Turning back to the sith he spoke again. "Anakin. I want you to get up." When the boy slowly complied he continued.
"I want you to leave us and go back the way you came."
Anakin looked uncertainly back and forth between Obi-Wan and the sith. When he didn't move Obi-Wan spoke again causing him to flinch.
"Now! Move!" When Anakin began to slowly move towards the tunnel entrance Obi-Wan turned his full attention back to the sith.
"It's me you want. Let's finish this now." Obi-Wan spoke with a calmness and surety that surprised even himself.
"Very well," Sideous said as he kept track of Anakin's progress out of the corner of his eye. "But unlike you, I am not above using an 'innocent' as a bargaining chip." He spoke mockingly with an emphasis on the word innocent.
All in the chamber could feel the powerful surge of dark energy that was being harnessed. Anakin froze in his tracks as three things happened at once.
Sideous flung an arm at Anakin, sending electric blue force lightening crackling towards him; Qui-Gon Jinn came out of nowhere throwing himself at Anakin, sending them both to the ground; and Obi-Wan Kenobi stepped easily in front of them, arm outstretched and caught the unharnessed energy in the palm of his hand.
The tableau held for seconds and everyone except for Obi-Wan held an almost comical expression of shock on their face. Obi-Wan withdrew his arm slightly then pushed the energy back towards the sith. The force of it sent Sideous stumbling backwards and the sith almost lost his balance.
The silence that fell after the last crackle of energy dissipated was almost deafening. It was a full 30 seconds before Sideous finally broke it.
"I knew it" Upon reflection later, those present would question the wonder in that gravelly voice. "You are the one."
Obi-Wan for his part looked a little confused. He looked to his outstretched arm and slowly lowered it. He then looked to the sith and behind him to Anakin and Qui-Gon.
He met his master's gaze for a moment. It had been so long since he'd seen this man in person. He searched the blue depths cautiously, looking for disappointment or reproval. All of a sudden he felt like that 13-year-old that had been rejected time and again. As usual, Qui-Gon's expression was inscrutable.
His mind was flooded with all the horrible images forced upon him in his captivity. Qui-Gon's disapproving glare, his harsh words, the cold demeanor. He knew that they weren't all real. But some of them were. He couldn't differentiate at the moment. Much to the sith's delight, Obi- Wan's confidence and surety all but disappeared upon the arrival of Qui-Gon Jinn.
Obi-Wan let his eyes slide from Qui-Gon's down to the ground, before turning to face the sith once again.
"Let them go." He said.
Sideous regarded the knight speculatively before speaking.
"They will not be harmed. On one condition." Recovered form his earlier shock, Sideous was more adamant than ever to claim the knight as his apprentice. "You must come to me willingly."
Obi-Wan slumped his shoulders, feigning defeat. He had no intention of submitting to the sith, but he had to insure Anakin and Qui-Gon's safety first. He had felt the power he was capable of wielding, but the dark energy had only been directed at Anakin. He was not sure he would have been as effective if the sith had chosen to reveal the full strength of his power.
Obi-Wan allowed the very real anguish and vulnerability he felt to show on his face. With one last look to his master he moved to Sideous, his head lowered in submission.
"Obi-Wan, No!..." Qui-Gon started.
"Silence! The sith roared, causing Anakin to flinch again.
Sideous turned his full attention to the young man before him.
"Kneel, child." He said almost, almost gently. When Obi-Wan complied he continued.
"Will you give yourself to me freely?"
"I will," Obi-Wan whispered softly.
"Will you embrace the darkness that awaits you?"
"I will," softer than before.
"Then rise my young apprentice and face your new master."
Obi-Wan slowly and with less than his customary grace, rose to his feet head still lowered. As his new master lifted his chin he was again struck by a familiarity that he couldn't place.
When his eyes met those of the sith, he shuddered at the feral grin that split that hideous countenance. He could do this, he had to. He would end this today.
"You are mine now," said Sideous.
"Yes, master." Was the flat response.
Qui-Gon watched the whole scene in horror, almost oblivious to Anakin beside him. The entire scene was surreal and he felt as if time itself had stopped. His Obi-Wan, his child of the light had given himself over to darkness. Willingly.
He could only watch as Obi-Wan turned to face him, eyes chillingly blank and emotionless. Qui-Gon knew there were rites of passage and ceremonies to perform before Obi-Wan would be considered a true apprentice of the darkness, but he had just taken the first step by willingly submitting to the sith.
He watched with barely veiled repulsion as the sith approached the knight from behind, wrapping a possessive arm around his waist and holding him. From over Obi-Wan's shoulder he smiled at Qui-Gon as he urged the knight towards the tunnel in which Qui-Gon had entered.
Taking Obi-Wan with him, the sith left, leaving him with these final words. "Until next time, Master Jinn. And there WILL be a next time."
Qui-Gon could not speak past the lump that had formed in his throat. He sat helplessly and watched as the sith disappeared into the darkness-taking his Obi-Wan with him.
How could he have been so wrong? He had been so sure that Obi-Wan would not turn. He was so lost in his own misconceptions that he did not see the real purpose behind what Obi-Wan had done. Far longer than it should have taken for him to realize the truth, he did. Obi-Wan had been trying to protect him and Anakin. He had given himself over to the sith, to save him. He was becoming entirely too familiar with shame these days. Again, he had underestimated Obi-Wan and in doing so had let him down again.
Not knowing how long he sat there, Qui-Gon finally came to life.
"Anakin, can you find your way back to the palace?" There was an urgency in his voice that would not be denied.
"I ...I think so, master." He sounded uncertain, but determined as well.
"Good, go quickly. Find Captain Panaka and get security down here immediately." Qui-Gon was on his feet and urging Anakin towards the tunnels.
"Where are you going?" Anakin asked worriedly.
"I'm going after Obi-Wan." Qui-Gon did not wait for a reaction as he whirled and headed down the same tunnel the sith had taken Obi-Wan.
He did not get very far when he sensed a massive disturbance in the force. He ran quickly forward, his heart in his throat. He could not let Obi-Wan down. Not again.
He had just about reached the entrance to the ledge behind the waterfalls when he was hit by the most powerful force shove he had ever and would ever feel. He was slammed full force into the hard tunnel wall. The wind was knocked from him and he slid slowly to the ground gasping for air. The seconds ticked by as he struggled to gain control of his breathing and to get to his knees. Still shaking, he finally managed to get to his feet. He moved unsteadily towards the opening. The urgency that had driven him seemed to have left. It worried him greatly.
The sound of the waterfalls hit him with a deafening roar as he emerged from the passageway. His heart, which had never really left his throat, suddenly plummeted to the depths of his stomach as his eyes fell upon the crumpled form of his precious Obi-Wan.
To Be Continued.........
A/N Okay, you are now caught up to the readers at TF.N :) Hope you enjoyed the nice long post. This was probably the hardest post of the entire fic for me to write, so as usual I would appreciate feedback. That goes for you lurkers out there too :) Thanks so much to those of you who have reviewed faithfully as well. I'll post the next part as soon as it is done.