Title: Strength over fear
Author: ewan's girl
*Author's note: Ok my little ones, here is another chapter and for those who have been waiting for Obi Wan and Siri to be together I think you'll love this chapter. . .those who don't care for romance will have to just get over it (sorry padawan). As always please read and review.
Chapter 26:
The small band of Jedi kept to the shadows as they made the little over a mile trek to Dex's dinner, they began to notice different species were milling out of night clubs and homes, watching in fear and amazment as the Jedi Temple, a symbol of justice and reverance continued to burn, illuminating the night sky.
Obi Wan stopped the group in the alley that faced the small resturant, he glanced around the empty dark streets, afraid that they were walking into a trap. He glanced back at the group and noticed how exhausted they seemed to be, not from their wounds but from the weight of the sorrow they were trying to cast into the Force. He locked eyes with Yoda who slowly nodded, understanding what Obi Wan was thinking, Obi Wan at that moment felt a great sense of reponsibility to the remaining Jedi.
"Stay here." He commanded them, shooting Siri a look that proved to her that he meant business, Siri nodded and leaned against the wall.
Obi Wan moved into the open street, calling on the Force to warn him of any danger. He quickly ran across the street and glanced both ways before motioning for the group to follow him. Ferus came first with Yoda in tow, followed by Darra and the rest of the knights surrounding the children incase something happened, Siri brought up the rear limping all the way. Obi Wan led the Jedi around the back of the diner to the small apartment that housed the owner of the eating establishment. Obi Wan then rang the chime three times, and waited for Dex to answer.
Two minutes (that seemed like an eternity to the jittery Jedi) went by, when finally a light cam on inside the diner. Dex slowly opened the back door, and stared in disbelief at the gaggle of Jedi and walked up to Obi Wan, giving him a huge hug.
"I am so pleased to see you my friend, when I heard the explosions and saw the fire at the Temple I feared the worse." Dex stated, holding Obi Wan at arms length with his four appendages.
Obi Wan briefly hung his head. "You were right to fear the worse my friend." He swallowed and looked up at the rough apperance of his friend. "I will explain later, but I'm afraid we need your assistance." He and Dex looked back at the other Jedi. "And if you can't help us I understa. . ."
"Nonsense." Dex roared, leading Obi Wan to his apartment, opening the door. "You are very welcome here my esteemed guests." He held his arms wide and a smile that was even wider.
Obi Wan stood next to Dex and the two of them watched the refugees duck into the apartment. "Thank you Dex." Obi Wan said, turning to his friend. "We owe you everything."
Dex offered his long time friend a sad smile, and clapped him on the shoulder. "Come, you look like death, let's get you inside."
***************************************************************************
Siri sat in the booth, her legs drawn up to her chest and her chin resting on her knees. She aimlessly ran her thumb along the handle of her mug filled with jawa juice, not really interested in actually drinking it. She brought up her other hand and wiped the tears that had once again formed in her eyes, cursing herself for letting her emotions get away from her. Once she had rid her eyes of the annoying moisture she returned her gaze to the orange glow that still lit the night sky.
"It's still going?" A deep, raspy voice broke the silence.
Siri looked up and nodded slowly at Dex, then returned her gaze to what remained of the Temple. "It's been burning for over an hour now." She stated, her voice slightly cracking.
Dex looked out the window then returned his gaze to the female Jedi. "Mind if I join you?" He asked.
Siri really wanted to be alone, but she didn't want to be rude either. "Not at all, I mean we owe you so much."
"Nah." Dex exclaimed, squeezing himself into the booth across from her. "I do it for Obi Wan, that and I have no beef with the Jedi."
Siri offered a sad smile. "You must really care about Obi Wan, considering you are putting yourself in danger by helping us."
Dex wave his arms in dismissal of her statement. "Well he's a good friend, plus he's not a pompous stick in the mud like so many others who live on this planet."
"Are we talking about the same Obi Wan?" Siri joked, not able to resist even in the midst of her sorrow. "I'm kidding; he is a great guy." She admitted, taking a sip of jawa juice. "How long have you known him?" She asked.
Dex ran one of his many hands over his chin. "A long time, I first met him when he was probably in his early twenties." Dex chuckled. "Back when he had alot less facial hair." He laughed and Siri sadly chuckled with him. "I had just started working as the head cook, this was back when Diddi and. . ."
"And Astri owned the diner." Siri finished for him. "Yeah, I met them once or twice."
Dex nodded. "Good people them." Siri agreed, taking another sip of her drink. "Anyways, Obi Wan and Qui Gon had come in for some information or something, and I got to talking to that kid, and ended up really liking him." Siri listened intently, crossing her legs into an almost meditative position. "I remember when he came to tell Diddi that Qui Gon had been killed, I swear I've never seen someone grow up so fast."
Siri sighed. "Me either."
Dex smiled at her. "So, you're his blonde Jedi, it's great to finally see what you actually look like." He exclaimed and Siri looked at him confused. "Obi's got taste, I'll give him that."
"Excuse me?"
Dex went on as if he never said anything. "I didn't see him for probably a year or two after Qui Gon died, figured too many memories associated with this place." Dex leaned back in the booth. "Then he came in again one rainy night, looking very haggered." Siri leaned on her hands, listening. "He said he had been out all night looking for his blonde Jedi." He looked at Siri. "That's what I always referred to you as and to humor me he started to call you that as well." He explained, and Siri sat back in the booth, not sure if she should be offended or flattered.
"Wait, he was looking for me? why?" She asked.
"Said you got into some big fight or something with your master and left the Jedi." Dex related and realization dawned on Siri. "He just wouldn't accept it, said he was going to bring you home no matter what."
Siri stared at Dex. "I can't believe he went out searching for me." She stated, astonished. "That is the sweetest. . ."
"He probably would've kept looking had the Council told him not too, he was very upset about it though." Dex went on.
"Yeah, I was working undercover, only the Council knew." Siri explained.
"He told me that later." Dex smiled. "That kid was so in love with you."
Siri grabbed one of Dex's arms. "Wait, did he ever actually say that?"
"Obi Wan would never come out and actually say that. . .he's too much of a Jedi." Dex answered and Siri took her hand off of him, nodding. "But I knew he did because he always talked about those he loved the most, and there were three people he talked about more than anyone. . .Qui Gon, that kid of his Skywalker, and his blonde Jedi."
Siri held her head in her hands. "This is all too much for one night." Siri exclaimed, her voice muffled in her hands.
Dex rose carefully out of the booth and waddled over to the counter. "I'm sorry." He stated, and disapeared behind the counter. "You want a drink?" He asked.
Siri looked towards the counter. "I have one thank you." She stated.
Dex returned from behind the counter, holding a small bottle of dark brown liquid. "Something a little stronger?"
"Gods yes." She replied.
****************************************************
Obi Wan stepped into the powerful stream of water, he felt as if he was walking in a dream, or rather a nightmare. Nothing was registering in his brain, and he felt numb. He closed his eyes and lifted his head, letting the water fall over his face, soaking his beard. He called upon the Force, and felt a sick emptiness, pain and darkness resonating there, instead of the brilliant light he'd known all his life.
He leaned his head on the wall, suppressing a sob in his throat. He then felt an incredible amount of anger rise inside of him, he quickly punched the tile wall of the shower, causing it to crack. He closed his eyes again, trying to regain control of his emotions, when he heard the door of the freshener open and a familiar presence walk in.
"I need to see you." The sweet voice dripping with sorrow stated, and the door to the shower was opened. "I need to be with you."
Obi Wan turned and watched Siri carefully step into the shower. She was wearing her work out clothes that had become torn in various places during the invasion of the Temple. They stared at each other for a moment, not sure how to proceed. Obi Wan watched as the warm water began to soak her now long blonde hair, making it cling to her head, he also couldn't tell if the water streaming down her ceeks were from the shower or from her own tears.
"Say something." She pleaded.
Obi Wan shook his head and reached out, stroking her cheek with his hand, she leaned into his touch. He then pulled her to his body and held her tightly, she in turn wrapped her arms around him.
"I need to know you are really here." She stated, burying her head into his chest.
He lifted her head so her gaze met his, he leaned in and kissed her forehead, then each of her eyes, before meeting her lips. The two Jedi kissed like they had never kissed before, neither were sure if the emotion behind their kiss was passion, sorrow, or just desperation. . .neither one cared at that moment.
Siri leaned her body against his, and Obi Wan preceeded to kiss his way down her neck, running his hands up her torso and removing her tank top. He continued to kiss her neck and Siri ran her hands through his thick, matted hair. Obi Wan suddenly stopped and stared at her, he then sunk to his knees. Siri stared down at him, and realized he was trying not to be overcome by emotions.
She knelt down in front of him, holding both sides of his face. "Ben?" She asked, her own voice cracking.
He looked past her, his blue/grey eyes full of pain. "It cannot be him, tell me that monster is not him. Please Siri promise me that wasn't Anakin."
Siri closed her eyes, knowing that she couldn't lie to him, she pulled him into an embrace. "I'm sorry Ben." She whispered.
Obi Wan rose to his feet, turning his back to Siri. "Why?" Was all he was able to choke out.
Siri looked up at him. "We underestimated the dark side." She answered. "And we paid dearly for it."
Obi Wan's shoulders shook as he suppressed another sob. "But he was to bring balance."
Siri looked away, she had never joined the masses in believing the prophecy. "Perhapse he did." She softly stated.
Obi Wan looked back at her sharply, then slid to a sitting position on the floor, his back against the wall. "It's all my fault." He softly stated then looked at Siri who was avoiding his gaze. "Isn't it?"
Siri wiped her eyes again and looked back at him, and noticed the haunted look in his eyes. She crawled over, and straddled him. "No." She said with assuridly. "This is not your failure, he chose his own path as we all do." She held his face so he would look at her. "I was faced with the same path that he was, and I didn't blame anyone other than myself for coming so close to it." Obi Wan looked away from her, but she forced him back. "And if others blame you then let them, I don't and I am the only one that matters." She tried to make light of the subject.
Obi Wan offered her a very sad smile. "Siri."
She leaned down and kissed him. "And you were right Ben, that monster is not him." She told him, and he looked at her in surprise. "He said it himself, Anakin Skywalker is dead, and that is true. . .from a certain point of view."
Obi Wan felt tears briming his eyes, as did Siri. "A certain point of view." He agreed, then kissed her passionatly, lowering her to the floor of the shower. Probably one of the few times in his life Obi Wan Kenobi was able to live in the moment, because he didn't want to think about what was to come.
*****************************************************************************************
Darth Vader stormed into Palpatine's office, his rage consuming him completely. He paced the floor like a caged animal, waiting to be acknowledged by his master, Sidious made no notice of his angry apprentice and continued to watch the Jedi Temple burn through his large payne window. Vader continued to pace the floor when he realized it was getting him no where with the Emperor, he stopped and knelt before the desk.
"I assume your task is complete." Palpatine asked, not turning towards Vader.
Vader inwardly sighed, disapointed in himself. "Not quite master." He admited, waiting for his punishment.
Sidious didn't say anything, and didn't even turn to face Vader. Minutes passed then the Emperor finally spoke. "I sense your desire to seek out Kenobi." He stated, not questioned.
"Yes my master."
The decrepid old man turned to face Vader. "You will not rest until he is destroyed." Vader didn't answer, yet didn't turn away. "What you don't realize my apprentice is Kenobi has already been destroyed, in a way much more devastating than any physical death could bring." Sidious smiled then turned back to the view he had grown to love. The two Sith lords sat in silence for a moment longer before Sidious continued. "I sense you will not rest until you have completely erraticated the Jedi."
"Yes, my master."
Sidious waved his hand. "Do as you wish my young apprentice, let your hatred feed you." He turned back around to Vader. "But be mindful Lord Vader, make sure your feelings on this matter are clear, it has not been long since you lived your other life."
Vader rose to his feet. "That life is gone my master, the only feeling I have towards those people. . .towards Kenobi is hate."
"Very well my young apprentice." The Sith master turned back to the inferno that was once the Jedi Temple and let out an evil cackle.
****************************************************************
TBC: I hope this was ok, please let me know.
Author: ewan's girl
*Author's note: Ok my little ones, here is another chapter and for those who have been waiting for Obi Wan and Siri to be together I think you'll love this chapter. . .those who don't care for romance will have to just get over it (sorry padawan). As always please read and review.
Chapter 26:
The small band of Jedi kept to the shadows as they made the little over a mile trek to Dex's dinner, they began to notice different species were milling out of night clubs and homes, watching in fear and amazment as the Jedi Temple, a symbol of justice and reverance continued to burn, illuminating the night sky.
Obi Wan stopped the group in the alley that faced the small resturant, he glanced around the empty dark streets, afraid that they were walking into a trap. He glanced back at the group and noticed how exhausted they seemed to be, not from their wounds but from the weight of the sorrow they were trying to cast into the Force. He locked eyes with Yoda who slowly nodded, understanding what Obi Wan was thinking, Obi Wan at that moment felt a great sense of reponsibility to the remaining Jedi.
"Stay here." He commanded them, shooting Siri a look that proved to her that he meant business, Siri nodded and leaned against the wall.
Obi Wan moved into the open street, calling on the Force to warn him of any danger. He quickly ran across the street and glanced both ways before motioning for the group to follow him. Ferus came first with Yoda in tow, followed by Darra and the rest of the knights surrounding the children incase something happened, Siri brought up the rear limping all the way. Obi Wan led the Jedi around the back of the diner to the small apartment that housed the owner of the eating establishment. Obi Wan then rang the chime three times, and waited for Dex to answer.
Two minutes (that seemed like an eternity to the jittery Jedi) went by, when finally a light cam on inside the diner. Dex slowly opened the back door, and stared in disbelief at the gaggle of Jedi and walked up to Obi Wan, giving him a huge hug.
"I am so pleased to see you my friend, when I heard the explosions and saw the fire at the Temple I feared the worse." Dex stated, holding Obi Wan at arms length with his four appendages.
Obi Wan briefly hung his head. "You were right to fear the worse my friend." He swallowed and looked up at the rough apperance of his friend. "I will explain later, but I'm afraid we need your assistance." He and Dex looked back at the other Jedi. "And if you can't help us I understa. . ."
"Nonsense." Dex roared, leading Obi Wan to his apartment, opening the door. "You are very welcome here my esteemed guests." He held his arms wide and a smile that was even wider.
Obi Wan stood next to Dex and the two of them watched the refugees duck into the apartment. "Thank you Dex." Obi Wan said, turning to his friend. "We owe you everything."
Dex offered his long time friend a sad smile, and clapped him on the shoulder. "Come, you look like death, let's get you inside."
***************************************************************************
Siri sat in the booth, her legs drawn up to her chest and her chin resting on her knees. She aimlessly ran her thumb along the handle of her mug filled with jawa juice, not really interested in actually drinking it. She brought up her other hand and wiped the tears that had once again formed in her eyes, cursing herself for letting her emotions get away from her. Once she had rid her eyes of the annoying moisture she returned her gaze to the orange glow that still lit the night sky.
"It's still going?" A deep, raspy voice broke the silence.
Siri looked up and nodded slowly at Dex, then returned her gaze to what remained of the Temple. "It's been burning for over an hour now." She stated, her voice slightly cracking.
Dex looked out the window then returned his gaze to the female Jedi. "Mind if I join you?" He asked.
Siri really wanted to be alone, but she didn't want to be rude either. "Not at all, I mean we owe you so much."
"Nah." Dex exclaimed, squeezing himself into the booth across from her. "I do it for Obi Wan, that and I have no beef with the Jedi."
Siri offered a sad smile. "You must really care about Obi Wan, considering you are putting yourself in danger by helping us."
Dex wave his arms in dismissal of her statement. "Well he's a good friend, plus he's not a pompous stick in the mud like so many others who live on this planet."
"Are we talking about the same Obi Wan?" Siri joked, not able to resist even in the midst of her sorrow. "I'm kidding; he is a great guy." She admitted, taking a sip of jawa juice. "How long have you known him?" She asked.
Dex ran one of his many hands over his chin. "A long time, I first met him when he was probably in his early twenties." Dex chuckled. "Back when he had alot less facial hair." He laughed and Siri sadly chuckled with him. "I had just started working as the head cook, this was back when Diddi and. . ."
"And Astri owned the diner." Siri finished for him. "Yeah, I met them once or twice."
Dex nodded. "Good people them." Siri agreed, taking another sip of her drink. "Anyways, Obi Wan and Qui Gon had come in for some information or something, and I got to talking to that kid, and ended up really liking him." Siri listened intently, crossing her legs into an almost meditative position. "I remember when he came to tell Diddi that Qui Gon had been killed, I swear I've never seen someone grow up so fast."
Siri sighed. "Me either."
Dex smiled at her. "So, you're his blonde Jedi, it's great to finally see what you actually look like." He exclaimed and Siri looked at him confused. "Obi's got taste, I'll give him that."
"Excuse me?"
Dex went on as if he never said anything. "I didn't see him for probably a year or two after Qui Gon died, figured too many memories associated with this place." Dex leaned back in the booth. "Then he came in again one rainy night, looking very haggered." Siri leaned on her hands, listening. "He said he had been out all night looking for his blonde Jedi." He looked at Siri. "That's what I always referred to you as and to humor me he started to call you that as well." He explained, and Siri sat back in the booth, not sure if she should be offended or flattered.
"Wait, he was looking for me? why?" She asked.
"Said you got into some big fight or something with your master and left the Jedi." Dex related and realization dawned on Siri. "He just wouldn't accept it, said he was going to bring you home no matter what."
Siri stared at Dex. "I can't believe he went out searching for me." She stated, astonished. "That is the sweetest. . ."
"He probably would've kept looking had the Council told him not too, he was very upset about it though." Dex went on.
"Yeah, I was working undercover, only the Council knew." Siri explained.
"He told me that later." Dex smiled. "That kid was so in love with you."
Siri grabbed one of Dex's arms. "Wait, did he ever actually say that?"
"Obi Wan would never come out and actually say that. . .he's too much of a Jedi." Dex answered and Siri took her hand off of him, nodding. "But I knew he did because he always talked about those he loved the most, and there were three people he talked about more than anyone. . .Qui Gon, that kid of his Skywalker, and his blonde Jedi."
Siri held her head in her hands. "This is all too much for one night." Siri exclaimed, her voice muffled in her hands.
Dex rose carefully out of the booth and waddled over to the counter. "I'm sorry." He stated, and disapeared behind the counter. "You want a drink?" He asked.
Siri looked towards the counter. "I have one thank you." She stated.
Dex returned from behind the counter, holding a small bottle of dark brown liquid. "Something a little stronger?"
"Gods yes." She replied.
****************************************************
Obi Wan stepped into the powerful stream of water, he felt as if he was walking in a dream, or rather a nightmare. Nothing was registering in his brain, and he felt numb. He closed his eyes and lifted his head, letting the water fall over his face, soaking his beard. He called upon the Force, and felt a sick emptiness, pain and darkness resonating there, instead of the brilliant light he'd known all his life.
He leaned his head on the wall, suppressing a sob in his throat. He then felt an incredible amount of anger rise inside of him, he quickly punched the tile wall of the shower, causing it to crack. He closed his eyes again, trying to regain control of his emotions, when he heard the door of the freshener open and a familiar presence walk in.
"I need to see you." The sweet voice dripping with sorrow stated, and the door to the shower was opened. "I need to be with you."
Obi Wan turned and watched Siri carefully step into the shower. She was wearing her work out clothes that had become torn in various places during the invasion of the Temple. They stared at each other for a moment, not sure how to proceed. Obi Wan watched as the warm water began to soak her now long blonde hair, making it cling to her head, he also couldn't tell if the water streaming down her ceeks were from the shower or from her own tears.
"Say something." She pleaded.
Obi Wan shook his head and reached out, stroking her cheek with his hand, she leaned into his touch. He then pulled her to his body and held her tightly, she in turn wrapped her arms around him.
"I need to know you are really here." She stated, burying her head into his chest.
He lifted her head so her gaze met his, he leaned in and kissed her forehead, then each of her eyes, before meeting her lips. The two Jedi kissed like they had never kissed before, neither were sure if the emotion behind their kiss was passion, sorrow, or just desperation. . .neither one cared at that moment.
Siri leaned her body against his, and Obi Wan preceeded to kiss his way down her neck, running his hands up her torso and removing her tank top. He continued to kiss her neck and Siri ran her hands through his thick, matted hair. Obi Wan suddenly stopped and stared at her, he then sunk to his knees. Siri stared down at him, and realized he was trying not to be overcome by emotions.
She knelt down in front of him, holding both sides of his face. "Ben?" She asked, her own voice cracking.
He looked past her, his blue/grey eyes full of pain. "It cannot be him, tell me that monster is not him. Please Siri promise me that wasn't Anakin."
Siri closed her eyes, knowing that she couldn't lie to him, she pulled him into an embrace. "I'm sorry Ben." She whispered.
Obi Wan rose to his feet, turning his back to Siri. "Why?" Was all he was able to choke out.
Siri looked up at him. "We underestimated the dark side." She answered. "And we paid dearly for it."
Obi Wan's shoulders shook as he suppressed another sob. "But he was to bring balance."
Siri looked away, she had never joined the masses in believing the prophecy. "Perhapse he did." She softly stated.
Obi Wan looked back at her sharply, then slid to a sitting position on the floor, his back against the wall. "It's all my fault." He softly stated then looked at Siri who was avoiding his gaze. "Isn't it?"
Siri wiped her eyes again and looked back at him, and noticed the haunted look in his eyes. She crawled over, and straddled him. "No." She said with assuridly. "This is not your failure, he chose his own path as we all do." She held his face so he would look at her. "I was faced with the same path that he was, and I didn't blame anyone other than myself for coming so close to it." Obi Wan looked away from her, but she forced him back. "And if others blame you then let them, I don't and I am the only one that matters." She tried to make light of the subject.
Obi Wan offered her a very sad smile. "Siri."
She leaned down and kissed him. "And you were right Ben, that monster is not him." She told him, and he looked at her in surprise. "He said it himself, Anakin Skywalker is dead, and that is true. . .from a certain point of view."
Obi Wan felt tears briming his eyes, as did Siri. "A certain point of view." He agreed, then kissed her passionatly, lowering her to the floor of the shower. Probably one of the few times in his life Obi Wan Kenobi was able to live in the moment, because he didn't want to think about what was to come.
*****************************************************************************************
Darth Vader stormed into Palpatine's office, his rage consuming him completely. He paced the floor like a caged animal, waiting to be acknowledged by his master, Sidious made no notice of his angry apprentice and continued to watch the Jedi Temple burn through his large payne window. Vader continued to pace the floor when he realized it was getting him no where with the Emperor, he stopped and knelt before the desk.
"I assume your task is complete." Palpatine asked, not turning towards Vader.
Vader inwardly sighed, disapointed in himself. "Not quite master." He admited, waiting for his punishment.
Sidious didn't say anything, and didn't even turn to face Vader. Minutes passed then the Emperor finally spoke. "I sense your desire to seek out Kenobi." He stated, not questioned.
"Yes my master."
The decrepid old man turned to face Vader. "You will not rest until he is destroyed." Vader didn't answer, yet didn't turn away. "What you don't realize my apprentice is Kenobi has already been destroyed, in a way much more devastating than any physical death could bring." Sidious smiled then turned back to the view he had grown to love. The two Sith lords sat in silence for a moment longer before Sidious continued. "I sense you will not rest until you have completely erraticated the Jedi."
"Yes, my master."
Sidious waved his hand. "Do as you wish my young apprentice, let your hatred feed you." He turned back around to Vader. "But be mindful Lord Vader, make sure your feelings on this matter are clear, it has not been long since you lived your other life."
Vader rose to his feet. "That life is gone my master, the only feeling I have towards those people. . .towards Kenobi is hate."
"Very well my young apprentice." The Sith master turned back to the inferno that was once the Jedi Temple and let out an evil cackle.
****************************************************************
TBC: I hope this was ok, please let me know.