Part Five: A Disturbance In The Force

I continued up the path and stopped in a clearing. Kids of different sizes, shape and species played, happily. Guardians and Jedi had conversations of their own in the distant.

Anakin made his way up beside me. He felt lost and confused. "What is it?"

"I sense a disturbance, Anakin." I took a step forward.

"You are thinking about Qui-Gon, Master. You said that last time when you were thinking about him. But there's nothing more here than just kids."

I shook my head. There was nothing that was going to change my mind. There was something here. I can almost taste it in my mouth. Evil was nearby. Elsewhere. Elusive.

"Those kids are no older than me, plus some of them are Padawans. They're young and just having fun, which you really need to get into the habit of doing, Master. I never see you hang around your friends much, anymore."

I ignored his comment and scanned the area slowly. Anakin touched my shoulder, making me quiver. I turned to push it away, but was met with the face of evil. That red and black face that killed my Master nine years ago. The face I watched plummet into that melting shaft cut in two by not my lightsaber, but Qui-Gon's. My knees shook, and my stomach sunk.

I could almost feel my legs give in under me, but I managed to hold my ground. I could feel rage peak up from deep within my soul. The same rage I felt nine years ago. The Healers never could get rid of those memories. No. There was no way they could make me forget those memories. Of Qui- Gon's death. Of Sab's death. Of the possible future. Of that fiery pit leading to some end. Those memories will stay with me until I'm ready to let them go. And now isn't the time. I hid away those memories, because I knew they would mean something to me in the future. I wasn't ready to accept anything with Anakin still as my padawan.

But the memories didn't seem to go away. They seemed to spring up and surround me, attack me with their pain and rage to make me feel I've lost the battle. What battle? Or was it a war? Why do I see millions and millions of soldiers before me? A war raging on to destroy the Republic forever. I pushed back the images and was met with darkness. I felt cold.

Then I heard an energy wall drop, a lightsaber coming to life quickly only to clash with another lightsaber. I turned slightly to my left and saw a battle for survival. A battle of Jedi vs. Sith for the first time in over a millennium. I couldn't seem to breathe as I watched with horror of my Master fighting hard to send the Sith to his knees, but the Sith was just too strong and Qui-Gon was beginning to show signs of fatigue.

I felt my grip tighten around the lightsaber hidden within the sleeves of my cloak. I watched, from where I stood, the battle raged on. A Jedi Master vs. a Dark Jedi Master. Who was to come out the victor? Tension in my throat increased and my muscles seemed to freeze. Then Darth Maul parried, but Qui-Gon blocked it quickly, pushing it away. No. But the second one ran past your guard and stuck you in the midsection. I shook.

Qui-Gon gasped and dropped his lightsaber. I could feel my throat burn, heavily, but as I attempted to scream another piercing cry beat me to it. I turned my head slightly and saw behind an energy wall myself, nine years ago.

The gate dropped and he flew forward toward the Sith with new fury and rage. The Sith was faster and blocked his first attack. I swallowed hard and saw the anger and rage in those eyes. My own eyes. I felt it then and I was feeling it now. It seemed to haunt me. I could feel it in my soul flowing freely through my body.

I didn't know what to do. I thought quickly and ran to the injured Jedi.

"Master?" I questioned doubtfully, kneeling down next to my Master.

My hand wavered over my Master's shoulder. Then I touched it, but jumped back. It had to be some type of dream. I can touch him. This isn't right. What are you trying to tell me, Master? Force? Was this some cruel punishment for not letting you go?

"No," a voice answered my unspoken question.

I touched him again, tears forming. "Master, no. Please--"

to be continued......