FIGHTING THE DARK SIDE (PG)
By: Flip-Wan
Author's Email: jediflip1fanforce.net
Summary: Nine years later after the death of his Master, Qui-Gon Jinn, Obi- Wan Kenobi is faced with the nightmare all over again of seeing his Master's death. Obi-Wan is confronted by the words of his Master of the future. The powers of the Dark Side cloud his future and even his apprentice, Anakin Skywalker, can feel the power of it.
Disclaimer: All recognizable Star Wars names, places and resources aren't owned by me, but by the great Jedi Master himself, George Lucas and Lucasfilm Ltd. Nothing was settled for me to get paid to write the story out of his characters, but only wanted to write it because the Force was telling me to–and one cannot deny the call of the Force. It calls, I follow. To those who have contributed to the Star Wars genre in any way, I give you credit, too. Unfortunately, for me, the idea is my own under my label of Flypsyde Pryde Production (which isn't in existence–but will be).
Key Characters: Obi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin Sywalker, Qui-Gon Jinn
Spoilers: "Caught Between Feelings"--if you haven't read that story, this may be a little confusing.
Genre: AU
Time Frame: Nine years after TPM. Obi-Wan is 34 and Anakin is 18.
Feedback: Yes; please.
Author's Note: Be aware that the rumors sparking up about the climax battle of Ep. 3 is noted in the story. If you aren't much on the spoilers, don't expect to read this. But I guess that's more out of your own free will. Again, indicates the bond shared by a Master and their apprentice. Things in italicized and color () indicate thoughts or words from that certain person. The voice indicated within : : is that of an evil being of the dark side – Obi-Wan's dark side.
Part One: A Place To Relax
For once, Anakin didn't have to stay in the interior of the Temple. Even if every now and then, he and I were sent out on a field mission, it was good to be out of there, for both of us. I could tell he was confused at where we were going. I only directed him to follow me out for a walk. Knowing Anakin, he'd follow with just as much confusion and anxiety as someone who didn't seem to care much. They were always lost among themselves, before getting the answers they had wanted. He followed close behind me, in silence.
Anakin had grown to fit the look of an eighteen-year-old boy. His hair was cropped in the fashion as a typical human Padawan and he had eyes that could, easily dart from place to place without problems. He has come to be a favorite to the Council. That's not any surprise to me. First off, he was a quick learner. Much quicker than me. He has become quite the lighsaber wielder, but nothing like Master Qui-Gon or Master Yoda. There is some cockiness in his style, with the tight-fitted Jedi uniform to reveal his well-toned muscles underneath. I guess I don't blame him for that, I'm sure we're all like that at times.
As for me, well I had grown into the more mature look of a wise Jedi. Now, sitting at the age of 34 standard years, hair reaching the top of my shoulers and a bread, which I kept unkempt. I'm not lazy, it just matched the hair. Many Jedi would say I was almost the spit image of Qui-Gon Jinn. I would have to disagree. I loved the man, don't get me wrong, but the look...well, I guess I have to owe some credit to him for that. It's not that I thought leaving it short would make me look like a padawan, I guess, I still needed to honor him. Now, that he's gone. One with the Force. I still have nightmares about that day, and even if I prayed it would all go away, it wouldn't. It won't and I'm not ready to let it go.
The only sound came from our footsteps and swishing cloaks among the conversations of others around us along the pathway. Onlookers stopped with fear of thinking we were there to stop them from doing something illegal. It wasn't that way at all. I just needed some time to relax.
Anakin leaned in, and whispered into my ear. "Don't you think we're making a scene, Master?"
I continued to walk along the pathway, this time closer to the view windows set along both sides of us. The pathway was long and stood in midair along the high class of the planet. It formed a circle around the entire Senatorial District. "I see nothing wrong with a simple walk, Anakin."
"But what about every--"
I stopped and looked at the young Jedi. He stood up straight, his eyes wondered. "Why are you making them a part of our walk, Anakin? Knowing you, you don't seem to care what anyone thinks except how much of a better wielder you think you are beside Master Yoda."
Anakin's head hung low. "You're right. I'm sorry, Master."
I turned halfway and continued up the walkway. Anakin held his head low, and followed. He knew I knew him the best, but even there were things Anakin didn't know about me. And there was reason for that. He was not ready to hear them. He hated the fact that I would isolate myself so much in the Jedi training, but Inever did when I was in my room. He was still learning and if he can't learn to understand what I do to set him up to standards for becoming a Jedi, he won't get there any sooner. But I wasn't afraid to admit he has taught me a thing or two.
I stopped as the walkway began to grow wider. Anakin peered up, and literally, felt a sight of shock and excitement. I could feel it through our bond. That made me smile.
"Wow!" his voice was dry.
I chuckled softly. "Surprised?"
He nodded, his mouth gaping.
There standing before us was a huge plaza hanging at midair. There were trees and grass with pathways leading deeper into the plaza. A fountain greeted us from the entrance. A protective shield concealed the contents of the plaza from harm of the traffic around and any attacks from outside. It was much like the Room of a Thousand Fountains but out among the walls of the Jedi Temple. It was a beautiful sight to see and the air was so much more cleaner.
"What is this place?" Anakin was the first to step into the beauty of the plaza.
I joined my apprentice beside the fountain. "A calm and soothing place to come to when you need to get away from the chaos of the Temple. Most of the Jedi Masters come here to meditate in ways the Temple could not provide. Even Senators come here to just talk and take in the relaxing environment of the place."
"Do you come here, Master?"
"Often, Anakin. It's where I usually come to meditate in my free time."
"That's all you do." he said, quietly.
I turned to confront him, face to face. He looked down, feeling like he had said something wrong. Which he did. I didn't take it as an offensive. It had gotten old and I was used to hearing it. "You just want me to tick like always, don't you, my young padawan?"
The apprentice shook his head. "No, of course not. I didn't mean that--" he paused. He thought quickly to change the subject. "How come you never told me about this place? Or took me here before to train?"
"I don't want you to think that this is a place to train. I just want you to relax and take in its contents." I took a deep breath and closed my eyes. "Feel free to roam around freely."
His face contorted to show some confusion, thinking I was a fool. But he surrendered and followed. I peered at him and began the walk up one of the pathways. Anakin followed slowly.
"You were always one who never liked to spend time with me meditating, Anakin. You always hated them."
"It doesn't mean I never do it, Master. It's just sometimes I want to do it my way."
I nodded. "And that's what makes you different, Anakin. You always want to stand out, whether in a sparring drill or a Force exercise. You were always making new things in the apartment, droid parts everywhere." Anakin looked down a little embarrassed. I continued, "You never seemed to enjoy nature as much. Never liked to get in tuned with the Living Force like you should."
I ignored the look on Anakin's face. He was appalled by my comment, but it wasn't meant to be offensive. Even I still had a lot to learn about the Living Force. I could still feel his crushed feelings through our bond, but ignored it. He did like to come with me to look at the stars in the Room of a Thousand Fountains on late nights, when neither of us couldn't sleep.
To be continued.........