PART SEVEN: INTO THE LIGHT OR DARKNESS?
Anakin, stop. Don't do it. It doesn't have to end this way. Qui-Gon cried, heard by Obi-Wan and Anakin.
Obi-Wan slowly got to his feet. "We meet again, apprentice."
The figure stopped and pulled out his lightsaber. "So, we do, Obi-Wan. And I am far more powerful since we've last seen each other."
"That was three months ago, Anakin," Obi-Wan stated.
"Well, you always said I was a quick learner."
Obi-Wan was cautious, but began to approach his former apprentice. He saw the face of the younger Jedi, but there was hate and anger in it. It was held behind the protective mask of an oxygen supply. "Come back with me, Anakin. It's not too late. We can still get you help."
Anakin chuckled quietly. "You were always like that, Obi-Wan. Always trying to fix things that you thought were your fault. But I don't want to go back to that lifestyle. The life of a Sith is way more interesting than a Jedi could ever do in a year."
"Don't do this. I don't want to fight you, Anakin," Obi-Wan said slowly.
"But perhaps I do," Anakin took a step forward taking the elder Jedi by surprise. Anakin smiled, devilishly.
Obi-Wan looked into the younger man's eyes again, setting his lightsaber on the ground before him. He could see the face of a younger boy, Anakin at nine years old. He could see confusion, but determination to learn something new in those eyes. But it soon was demolished as the young man took the elder man by the neck, lifting him off the ground.
Anakin. Anakin. Stop. Qui-Gon called out.
Obi-Wan grabbed his apprentice by the arm, in hopes to loosen the grip around his neck.
"It's time for you to go, Master."
"Please, Anakin." Obi-Wan said between the ragged breathing. "Don't do this."
Obi-Wan looked into the younger man's eyes. He could see for a brief moment, the fear in the young man. He could sense it. Anakin moaned in pain, throwing the older man to the ground. Obi-Wan took the opportunity to take in some air from the mask that was still plastered to his face. Anakin fell to his knees, grabbing his head trying to fight the inner conflict within him. Obi-Wan could sense the conflict and rushed to his apprentice's aide.
: What are you doing? Destroy him! : the evil voice of the Sith (inside Anakin) demanded.
"I-I-I can't!" Anakin cried. "I-I-I won't!"
: Then I will be forced to destroy you both! :
"Anakin?" Obi-Wan asked, his hand wavering over the younger man's shoulder.
The young Jedi had not seen his mother in such a long time. It's been ten long years. But to see her in the condition she was in now--weakened-- crushed his spirit even more. He was glad to see her. But not in this state of mind. He needed to save her, but she just didn't look like she had the energy to go on any further. He held her in his arms, hoping it wasn't too late. The light in her eyes were so dim, the strength in the man was demolished to fear and anger.
"I lov- I love..." she strugged to say.
A lone tear streaked down Anakin's face. Don't do this, mom. Please, don't. You must be strong.
She smiled weakly. "Now, I am complete." Anakin looked into his mother's eyes again. The light was growing darker. Shmi Skywalker Lars touched her son's face one last time, then turned, now motionless in her son's arms. He looked at her in shock, slowing closing her eyes to fight the pain that grew inside. He laid his head on her shoulder for comfort, but it wasn't there. The anger grew. The fire flared up inside the young Jedi.
He got to his feet and walked out of the hut, anger and hatred followed his every step. He quickly ignited his lightsaber and took out the two Tusken Raiders guarding the hut. Others saw the danger and rushed to dispose of the man, but he was much stronger. More powerful. Angry. Alone. He didn't stop until every single man, women and child was destroyed in that clan.
Anakin. Anakin. Nooo. Anakin could hear from the distance.
Anakin knew it was Qui-Gon Jinn's voice, but that didn't seem to matter to him. He wanted to ease the pain, the hate, the anger inside. There was no way to stop it with a simple touch from a Jedi Healer. The pain inside was more to bear. He was full of hate. He wanted revenge. He needed revenge.
"Anakin?" Obi-Wan gently placed a hand on the younger man's shoulder.
Anakin quickly pulled away, his lightsaber ignited in the same movement. Obi-Wan sensed the danger seconds before it happened, pulling back inches from the tip of the blade as it ran through air. Anakin was on his feet, fury burning bright in his eyes. Obi-Wan staggered back, shakened.
"It was all your fault, Obi-Wan!" Anakin cried. "It was your fault for letting her die! If I would of known better, I should of went to my mother's aide when I knew she was in trouble, no hesitation. But you! You didn't have a care in the world because you never knew the feeling of having a family. Of having a mother!"
Obi-Wan held up in hands in surrender. "I know it was never easy to leave your mother, especially at your age. But I can admit, I don't know what it was like to have a mother or a father. But I found a home at the Temple, Anakin. I had hoped you would too."
"Save it," Anakin was disgusted. "You didn't care so much for me, only to show me off as some trophy. After being knighted, you went straight into my training in hopes to get rid of that pain you still had for your own master's death. It's pathetic. Hide behind my training in believing it will go away. It didn't. It never could. I would hear you at night, cry. Blame yourself and not truly give a care to how I was feeling or the comfort of others."
Obi-Wan caught his breath. The techniques used by a Sith to disrupt the mental concentration of their opponent were being used on him again. Taunting him. And he was alone, no one to back him up. "I don't want to fight you, Anakin." Obi-Wan said slowly.
Anakin's smile grew wide with mischief. "Typical of the older Jedi. But I am the new, improved version."
"What you possess is arrogance, Anakin! It makes you believe that you are greater than everyone else, but you're not. You are still a learner."
"You're just jealous!" Anakin snapped. "That's all it was with you older Jedi. You grew weary. Nervous of the new generation of Jedi because of the new technology. We could learn faster. We were quicker. Smarter. It made the rest of you look like nothing. And now, you try to bring me back to this "better lifestyle of a Jedi." No, that's not the case. Not here. I like this new power. Dooku told me how corrupted the Jedi truly were. Going from planet to planet, taking away the lifestyle the people of the planet grew accustomed to to live in fear."
"That's not true, Anakin." Obi-Wan replied. "And you know that. You saw how the Empire took over the planet, and we had to come in to stop it."
"No. As protectors of the galaxy, you were suppose to protect the people. Not scare them away. Many star systems slipped through your fingers than you can stop because some problems were far bigger than others. Not every problem was attended to like it should have."
Obi-Wan was appalled by the comment, but knew Anakin was only trying to mess with his mind. "How can you say that, Anakin?"
"You only want to take away this greater power from me, Obi-Wan. You could never handle it." Anakin chuckled. "I know. Dooku even told me that you were having a conflict between the dark and light side of the Force. He told me everything, taught me how to sense it and feel it in others. It's there now, inside you. It taunts you. Haunts you. Burns. The days you were so close, if not on that path down the Dark Side, still play in your head when you were alone meditating."
Obi-Wan felt offended. Lost. His knees shook with every word the young man said. "No. Stop it. Don't do this."
Anakin held up two fingers, from his gloved bionic arm. "You have two choices, Obi-Wan. Join me. Or die."
Obi-Wan held up three fingers. "Or, you can come back with me and I can get you help."
"No. It won't go down like this. I will destroy you!" Anakin snapped.
Obi-Wan slipped down onto a lower ledge. "You've only forgotten the identity behind the Jedi inside you, Anakin. Please, come back with me."
Anakin jumped down to the ledge, joining his old master. Obi-Wan backpedaled. The young man had the other man right where he wanted him; one wrong move and Obi-Wan would slip and fall into the fiery lava pit below.
"You will bow down before the new authority of the Republic, Obi-Wan." Anakin said, proudly.
Obi-Wan shook his head. "Don't do this. It's not too late. It's never too late. I'm not giving up on you, Anakin."
Anakin took in a deep breath and lunged forward. Obi-Wan dodged the blade, moving to the left against the cliff and took a leap to the top ledge, retrieving his lightsaber in the same move. Anakin followed in close pursuit as he met his opponent in a downward stroke. Obi-Wan ignited his lightsaber, deflecting the shot. Anakin brought it down again, but Obi-Wan caught it and pushed it back, sending his aggressor off-balance. Obi-Wan's eyes grew with attention as his opponent replanted his footing, a frustrated growl escaping his gritting teeth.
"I don't want to do this, Anakin. I didn't come here for a fight." Obi- Wan stated.
"Pathetic! You don't even want to know what power I now possess?" Anakin teased.
Obi-Wan shook his head in denial, just as another attack landed near him, as he pulled away. Anakin continued to take down Obi-Wan's guard, but Obi- Wan locked it away and blocked every single attack with ease. Anakin was growing frustrated.
Obi-Wan took a step back, catching his breath. "You may still be young, believe you're quicker, Anakin, but I have a few tricks up my sleeves," Obi- Wan stated.
"Enough of this! You will die and the Republic will no longer have to worry about your corruption," Anakin growled.
Obi-Wan slowly lowered his lightsaber, surrendering a sigh. "If that's all you see, Anakin, then it's all you've learned in your training at the Temple. That power is the only true way for you to reach peace in the Force and the Jedi Code now means nothing to you." Obi-Wan lowered his head, guilty. "I am sorry I failed you, my young apprentice. But, if you are eager to take me down, I shall accept it with honor."
Anakin approached the Jedi slowly, raising the blue crystalline lightsaber high over his head. Obi-Wan looked up at the blade and lowered his head again.
Obi-Wan, what are you doing? Qui-Gon questioned.
"Trust me, Master. It is the only way," Obi-Wan whispered.
Anakin took a deep breath. His hands began to shake. His entire body was in hate, but a small spark of light shined in his heart. The light of the Force was calling out to him, telling him to stop. The light, the true identity of the person inside, was pleading to stop the madness. Obi-Wan sensed it immediately.
"Don't do it. Please don't do it!" a nine-year-old Anakin cried.
"I must destroy him," another voice grumbled furiously. "He will destroy the Republic."
"It wasn't his fault. The corruption began even before the start of the Clone Wars," the young boy replied.
"He will only make it worse," the Sith replied.
"He has helped to solve it. He and the rest of the Jedi. Do not take it out on him."
"Once I destroy him, I will destroy you!" the Sith snapped.
"Nooooo!" Anakin cried.
The lightsaber fell, but veered to the right, missing the Jedi and smashing a nearby rock. Obi-Wan didn't even flinch. Anakin fell to his knees again, grabbing his head, fighting the conflict inside him.
"Anakin, listen to me, carefully," Obi-Wan called out. "Do not let it consume you. Do not listen to the dark side in you. Fight back. Be strong."
"Please, Master, don't leave–" Anakin cried, begging for help.
"No. You must destroy him! He destroyed the Republic. He killed your mother. He took away your wife!" the Sith stated.
Obi-Wan took a slow step back. He knew if he couldn't get to Anakin now, he would lose him forever. He let Anakin go once, and he wasn't going to lose him again. Not now. He was so close. So close to bringing him back to the light.
"Anakin?" Obi-Wan asked, taking a step forward.
No answer.
"Anakin, please. It's me, Obi-Wan Kenobi. Your master. Your friend."
No answer.
"Anakin?"
Again, no answer.
Obi-Wan reached out, attempting to touch Anakin's shoulder, in hopes to bring him back into reality. The air around his old apprentice was cold as Obi-Wan reached over and touched Anakin's shoulder. But he was forced to veer away, as a lightsaber flew at him, missing him, barely, and getting caught in the fabric of his cloak. The lightsaber rolled away from his hand, as Obi-Wan caught his breath from the alarming attack.
He peered back at the young man, whose eyes bore on him, like a predator on its prey, trapped. It made Obi-Wan shake. Weak. He could feel the Dark Side slowly consume the Jedi inside his young friend. He didn't want to fail, not in this way. The scars would be far too great to fix. He didn't want to live with another scar.
"Anakin, please. Don't do this to me. Don't do this to yourself," Obi-Wan pleaded.
There was nothing but hatred in the young man's eyes. "It's all your fault."
"No. You made a mistake, Anakin." Obi-Wan replied. "We all do. No one is perfect and I'm not blaming you for what mistakes you did. It's all in the past and we can't change that. But I just want to talk, as friends."
Anakin brushed away the statement. It crushed Obi-Wan. He hated the way the Dark Side had the power to cloud the visions of the Jedi. He hated how the darkness clouded his visions, even for so many years. He didn't know what to do.
Obi-Wan looked up. There was hatred in his eyes. Agony. Pain for all the Jedi.
"I can feel your anger, Master. It's so strong, it haunts you," Anakin proclaimed, seeing the elder man shake his head in denial. "No matter how much you try to deny it, you want it to stop. But it can't go away. It won't. No matter how hard you try to fight it, push it away, it's not going away. But I can make it so much better for you. Join me."
Obi-Wan shook his head again.
Anakin began to pace around the Jedi. "Let me ask you a question. Several questions actually, General."
Obi-Wan's spine straightened in fear.
"You have been a great asset to the Republic's defense system. You are one of the best Jedi in the galaxy, am I right?"
Obi-Wan was hesitant to answer. Anakin pulled out a newly-constructed lightsaber and shoved it into Obi-Wan's throat. Obi-Wan held his breath, breathing slow.
"I asked you a question, General Kenobi. I expect you to answer."
"You're not my superior. You are my apprentice." Obi-Wan replied cautiously with a sense of authority in his voice.
"Let's try this again... General," Anakin's finger wavered over the button. "Are you a Jedi?"
Obi-Wan took a deep breath. "Yes."
"Are you apart of the Republic Army?"
"Yes."
"Were you appointed to the ranks of general by Bail Organa, the man in charged of the Judicial Department in the galaxy?"
"Yes. Two years ago, after the beginning of the Clone Wars. But I still don't see a point to this interrogation process."
"I am asking the questions here, General." Anakin snapped. "How long have you served in the eye of the Republic, General Kenobi?
"For two years as a general to the army and thirty-seven years as a Jedi."
"Okay. So, you admit that you are still a Jedi serving the Republic?"
"Yes. I am not afraid to admit I am one. Why would I need to?"
"Many systems have rebelled or joined up with the Empire, failing to seek out help from the Republic. Does this bother you at all, General?"
"It was their choice. I can only help those who want the help. Those who have left the Republic are no longer under our jurisdiction and cannot be attended to until the matters within the Republic are fixed first."
"So, you admit that the Jedi helped in the corruption of the Republic?"
"That's not—" Obi-Wan tried to say.
"But you did, General." Anakin cut the general off. "You stepped down–"
"At the request of Bail Organa himself," Obi-Wan countered quickly.
Anakin chuckled again, circling around the Jedi once more. Every step grew heavier. It made Obi-Wan shake inside, but he held his ground. "So, General Kenobi, if I may make one final statement."
Obi-Wan didn't answer.
Anakin kicked the old Jedi, forcing him to the ground. "The Jedi are no longer part of the Republic. And if they are no longer part of the Republic, they do not exist. You are considered a general at large by many, fighting a war against the rallying systems of the Republic. That doesn't consider you a Jedi, but a General in my eyes. So, clearly, the Jedi don't exist. And if the Jedi don't exist, than the are extinct."
Obi-Wan couldn't take the interrogating anymore. But this wasn't a time to fight back, even the slightest response could spring up a whole array of anger from both of them. He was capable of controlling his anger, but he wasn't about ready to pull his apprentice farther down the darker path.
"You have served the Republic well, Obi-Wan. But, now, it's time to serve under the Empire," Anakin concluded.
"I won't join you. Not in this fashion. It's not too late to save the Republic, Anakin. We can work together, as a team. Side-by-side. Like we did for so long. Don't you remember? It doesn't have to be this way. You and me. As enemies. It doesn't have to end this way." Obi-Wan held out a hand, only to have it intervene with a taunting swing from the newly constructed lightsaber Anakin held. Obi-Wan fell back, pulling his lightsaber up, igniting it.
"No, I won't go back," Anakin stated, uncertain.
"Anakin, please. I will not sit here and let your life be destroyed by this menacing power of the Dark Side."
Anakin's head dropped in despair. Obi-Wan slowly approached him. The gap between them was only a few inches, but Anakin's face shot back up to reveal another new face of fury. With one upward swing, the red blade cut through Obi-Wan's black uniform, cutting the air supply. Obi-Wan pulled away the mask and looked at himself only to find out the blade had not cut through flesh.
Anakin stepped forward again, sending another deadly blow toward his opponent. Obi-Wan held his breath and caught the blow, pushing it away. Anakin came charging at the Jedi, sending Obi-Wan into a new line of defense against his old apprentice. Each move was meant to be a trap for the Jedi, but it wasn't enough to confuse him. Obi-Wan may not used a lightsaber much during his years in war, but an old technique never died with a well-trained Jedi. Obi-Wan parried, actually making contact with Anakin's right arm. Anakin grumbled and shot forward, forcing Obi-Wan back, barely catching his footing. Anakin attempted to try a horizontally attack on the Jedi, but Obi-Wan ducked and forced Anakin back with a Force- push. Anakin was on the offensive end, but none of the attacks ever got through to the Jedi. He was just as quick as his old apprentice, if not faster.
"There's much you still have to learn, Anakin," Obi-Wan took a step back. "Anger closed your style of fighting, causing you tofalter."
"I should of killed you when I had the chance. You can't kill me, Master," Anakin sneered.
Anakin sent another vertical swing toward the Jedi, but Obi-Wan dodged it and kicked his aggressor to the ground. Anakin caught his breath, quietly.
"Why are you doing this, Anakin? You still have so much to live for even without this power of the Dark Side on your shoulders. What about the love you have for Padmé? She misses you, Anakin!"
"What do you know about love, anyways? A Jedi can't love," Anakin attacked, but Obi-Wan pushed it away. "A Jedi couldn't. A human could. But you were too far along to realize that you were a human. To have the right to love. And now, you took it away from me. You took it away from her!"
"That's a lie. I only wanted what was best for you, Anakin. Love was not the answer, especially with a war raging on the galaxy. You have a duty to obtain. That should be your first priority. But I kept my promise to protect her from any harm, even if it means you."
"So, you take her away from me?"
"It was for her protection. On your request. You told me I had to protect her from anything, and that's what I did. I wasn't jealous. I never was. The threats became worse and I had to take the precautions to put my men in guarding her. I can't even go see her without proper surveillance and precautions. It's that serious!"
Anakin charged, furiously. Obi-Wan parried his blow, forcing him to the ground again. Anakin got to his feet quickly, slowing planning his next attack.
"I will not let you harm her the way you've done to myself and the Republic," Obi-Wan said firmly.
"What do you expect to get out of it? You can't keep her from me forever."
"Trust. She needs someone to trust. Someone to talk to. You couldn't even provide that for her."
"What do you know?! You don't know anything about love! And you'll never understand what it is!"
It crushed Obi-Wan to hear that. It made his lungs collapse, if it wasn't the air itself. I couldn't understand love? There were too many I loved. Not just friends. Not just family. I trusted the Order, almost claimed to loving it. I had a compassion of holding the Force in me strong. I couldn't understand love?! There was one I loved. I still love her. Sabé! Please forgive me! Then there was Qui-Gon. My friend. My mentor. My father. No. I understood it, perfectly. I know about the pain. I know about the rewards. There is just too much pain behind the heartbreak. You only think that love revolves around power. But it also involves trust, respect, compassion–the essential aspects of being a Jedi.
Anakin saw the opening to attack the preoccupied Jedi, and moved swiftly to deliver the deadly blow.
Obi-Wan! Qui-Gon called out. Look out!
Obi-Wan sensed it immediately. The Dark Jedi held out his lightsaber directly in front of him, but Obi-Wan knocked it away just in time. Anakin countered by throwing the Jedi to the ground, sending his lightsaber away. Obi-Wan kicked the younger man off him, and retrieved his fallen weapon. Anakin forced him away, catching the flying saber. Obi-Wan fell to his back, but kicked the younger man to the ground in return.
Anakin tumbled over the edge of the rim, but grabbed the Jedi's leg in return, dragging him down too. They landed on another ledge only 200 meters from the lava pit. Obi-Wan groaned from the fall. Anakin pulled off his mask and crawled around, searching for the fallen saber. The lava began to spew and the air became hot and steamy. Obi-Wan rolled over to his side, seeing his opponent retrieving the lightsaber. The Jedi quickly got to his feet and kicked away the weapon before Anakin had the time to ignite it. The lightsaber was destroyed in the pit instantly. Punches were thrown from both men. Soon, Anakin pinned down Obi-Wan, choking the Jedi. The Jedi held his breath, grabbed Anakin's arm and released a Force- sedative into him. Anakin fell back, dazed. Now, Obi-Wan had the advantage.
"Anakin, please. Try to remember." Obi-Wan pleaded.
Anakin shook his head vigorously.
"Try to remember who you are. Behind all that anger I know there's a nine- year-old boy who loved to learn many things. He's still in there somewhere."
"No. Never. I can't. I—"
"I won't give up on you, Anakin. Remember all those memories?"
"No." He shook his head.
The lava began to spew its contents onto the ledge. Both men were tired and exhausted from the battle, but the lava was pushing it, especially without the oxygen-rich masks.
"Anakin, please. I know you're still in there. Qui-Gon didn't give up on you. I am not going to give up either."
"Master?" The voice was so quiet. Weak.
Obi-Wan hinted a smile. "I'm here, Anakin."
Anakin took Obi-Wan's shoulder firmly. The touch was warm and soothing. "Promise you won't leave me?"
"I won't leave you."
"Promise?"
"I promise," Obi-Wan nodded.
The lava singed the very edge of Obi-Wan's hood, and hit the wall next to them. Obi-Wan looked at its contents and realized it was beginning to rise. Obi-Wan grabbed his apprentice, helping him to his feet. "How are you feeling? Are you okay? We gotta get outta here."
Anakin winced, but took his Master's hand. Without hesitation, Anakin took to the wall, first. Obi-Wan followed. Though, both men were tired, each helped the other up the wall. Obi-Wan was the first one out, and helped his apprentice onto the higher ledge. He, then, collapsed in a heap, exhausted, catching his breath. Anakin was sitting up, observing his bionic arm.
Obi-Wan noticed the notion, confused. "Is something wrong, Anakin?" He asked.
Anakin didn't answer. He only flexed the arm, then did the same to the other arm. Again, he appeared in deep thought. Obi-Wan sat up part-way, but felt a cold chill run down his back. The lava was still rising and spewing.
"If we may, Anakin, can we get out of here?" Obi-Wan suggested.
Still no reply. Obi-Wan grew suspicious. But before he had time to react, he was pinned to the ground by Anakin.
"How could you let this happen to me?!" Anakin cried.
"What are you–" Obi-Wan gagged.
"Are you trying to get rid of me?!"
"I don't know–"
"You know exactly what I'm talking about, Obi-Wan!"
Obi-Wan slipped his legs under his opponent and kicked him off. He rolled over to catch his breath, only to realize his apprentice was gone. He quickly went to the lip of the volcano and saw his apprentice dangling from a tiny ledge.
Obi-Wan held out his hand, panicked. "Anakin, take it! Take my hand before you fall."
The young man looked up at his old mentor, then at the fiery grave below. He continued to look at the two choices, then fixed his eyes on the man above him.
"Anakin, please." Obi-Wan's voice was barely above a whisper.
The young man took a deep breath. "I'm sorry, Master."
Obi-Wan sensed what was about to happen and almost dived in after the young man, but it was too late. The twenty-one-year old Jedi let go of the ledge and fell into the fiery grave.
"Nooooo!" Obi-Wan cried.
The body was slowly consumed by the fiery inferno. The bionic arm was still extended out for freedom and help. But the heat left in Anakin's eyes were nothing but hate.
"Nooooo!" Obi-Wan cried again.
He lowered his head to his knees. He wanted to cry. He needed to cry, but not a single tear would fall. The pain screamed inside his head. His whole body felt weak. And he wanted to cry so badly, but it wouldn't fall.
For a long time, Obi-Wan had not moved from his spot. The lava stopped spewing. It was calm, only bubbles rose every now and then. The memories, both good and bad, played through Obi-Wan's head. His body shook from the shock of the event. Of the loss. Of another failure.
"Why!?" he called to the sky.
His head dropped again and was met with the hot steam of the pit. As much as his body felt weakened and stiff, he found the strength to get to his feet. He turned and headed for his starfighter alone. Every step he took was slow and dazed. He literally fell over when his foot caught something. It was Anakin's old lightsaber. He took it and held it firmly in his hands, observing the ridges and bumps on it.
By the time he reached the confides of his figher, he felt energy flow through him. It was as if the presence of light was still giving him hope. Then he remembered something else--the Jedi Temple.
To be continued....
Anakin, stop. Don't do it. It doesn't have to end this way. Qui-Gon cried, heard by Obi-Wan and Anakin.
Obi-Wan slowly got to his feet. "We meet again, apprentice."
The figure stopped and pulled out his lightsaber. "So, we do, Obi-Wan. And I am far more powerful since we've last seen each other."
"That was three months ago, Anakin," Obi-Wan stated.
"Well, you always said I was a quick learner."
Obi-Wan was cautious, but began to approach his former apprentice. He saw the face of the younger Jedi, but there was hate and anger in it. It was held behind the protective mask of an oxygen supply. "Come back with me, Anakin. It's not too late. We can still get you help."
Anakin chuckled quietly. "You were always like that, Obi-Wan. Always trying to fix things that you thought were your fault. But I don't want to go back to that lifestyle. The life of a Sith is way more interesting than a Jedi could ever do in a year."
"Don't do this. I don't want to fight you, Anakin," Obi-Wan said slowly.
"But perhaps I do," Anakin took a step forward taking the elder Jedi by surprise. Anakin smiled, devilishly.
Obi-Wan looked into the younger man's eyes again, setting his lightsaber on the ground before him. He could see the face of a younger boy, Anakin at nine years old. He could see confusion, but determination to learn something new in those eyes. But it soon was demolished as the young man took the elder man by the neck, lifting him off the ground.
Anakin. Anakin. Stop. Qui-Gon called out.
Obi-Wan grabbed his apprentice by the arm, in hopes to loosen the grip around his neck.
"It's time for you to go, Master."
"Please, Anakin." Obi-Wan said between the ragged breathing. "Don't do this."
Obi-Wan looked into the younger man's eyes. He could see for a brief moment, the fear in the young man. He could sense it. Anakin moaned in pain, throwing the older man to the ground. Obi-Wan took the opportunity to take in some air from the mask that was still plastered to his face. Anakin fell to his knees, grabbing his head trying to fight the inner conflict within him. Obi-Wan could sense the conflict and rushed to his apprentice's aide.
: What are you doing? Destroy him! : the evil voice of the Sith (inside Anakin) demanded.
"I-I-I can't!" Anakin cried. "I-I-I won't!"
: Then I will be forced to destroy you both! :
"Anakin?" Obi-Wan asked, his hand wavering over the younger man's shoulder.
The young Jedi had not seen his mother in such a long time. It's been ten long years. But to see her in the condition she was in now--weakened-- crushed his spirit even more. He was glad to see her. But not in this state of mind. He needed to save her, but she just didn't look like she had the energy to go on any further. He held her in his arms, hoping it wasn't too late. The light in her eyes were so dim, the strength in the man was demolished to fear and anger.
"I lov- I love..." she strugged to say.
A lone tear streaked down Anakin's face. Don't do this, mom. Please, don't. You must be strong.
She smiled weakly. "Now, I am complete." Anakin looked into his mother's eyes again. The light was growing darker. Shmi Skywalker Lars touched her son's face one last time, then turned, now motionless in her son's arms. He looked at her in shock, slowing closing her eyes to fight the pain that grew inside. He laid his head on her shoulder for comfort, but it wasn't there. The anger grew. The fire flared up inside the young Jedi.
He got to his feet and walked out of the hut, anger and hatred followed his every step. He quickly ignited his lightsaber and took out the two Tusken Raiders guarding the hut. Others saw the danger and rushed to dispose of the man, but he was much stronger. More powerful. Angry. Alone. He didn't stop until every single man, women and child was destroyed in that clan.
Anakin. Anakin. Nooo. Anakin could hear from the distance.
Anakin knew it was Qui-Gon Jinn's voice, but that didn't seem to matter to him. He wanted to ease the pain, the hate, the anger inside. There was no way to stop it with a simple touch from a Jedi Healer. The pain inside was more to bear. He was full of hate. He wanted revenge. He needed revenge.
"Anakin?" Obi-Wan gently placed a hand on the younger man's shoulder.
Anakin quickly pulled away, his lightsaber ignited in the same movement. Obi-Wan sensed the danger seconds before it happened, pulling back inches from the tip of the blade as it ran through air. Anakin was on his feet, fury burning bright in his eyes. Obi-Wan staggered back, shakened.
"It was all your fault, Obi-Wan!" Anakin cried. "It was your fault for letting her die! If I would of known better, I should of went to my mother's aide when I knew she was in trouble, no hesitation. But you! You didn't have a care in the world because you never knew the feeling of having a family. Of having a mother!"
Obi-Wan held up in hands in surrender. "I know it was never easy to leave your mother, especially at your age. But I can admit, I don't know what it was like to have a mother or a father. But I found a home at the Temple, Anakin. I had hoped you would too."
"Save it," Anakin was disgusted. "You didn't care so much for me, only to show me off as some trophy. After being knighted, you went straight into my training in hopes to get rid of that pain you still had for your own master's death. It's pathetic. Hide behind my training in believing it will go away. It didn't. It never could. I would hear you at night, cry. Blame yourself and not truly give a care to how I was feeling or the comfort of others."
Obi-Wan caught his breath. The techniques used by a Sith to disrupt the mental concentration of their opponent were being used on him again. Taunting him. And he was alone, no one to back him up. "I don't want to fight you, Anakin." Obi-Wan said slowly.
Anakin's smile grew wide with mischief. "Typical of the older Jedi. But I am the new, improved version."
"What you possess is arrogance, Anakin! It makes you believe that you are greater than everyone else, but you're not. You are still a learner."
"You're just jealous!" Anakin snapped. "That's all it was with you older Jedi. You grew weary. Nervous of the new generation of Jedi because of the new technology. We could learn faster. We were quicker. Smarter. It made the rest of you look like nothing. And now, you try to bring me back to this "better lifestyle of a Jedi." No, that's not the case. Not here. I like this new power. Dooku told me how corrupted the Jedi truly were. Going from planet to planet, taking away the lifestyle the people of the planet grew accustomed to to live in fear."
"That's not true, Anakin." Obi-Wan replied. "And you know that. You saw how the Empire took over the planet, and we had to come in to stop it."
"No. As protectors of the galaxy, you were suppose to protect the people. Not scare them away. Many star systems slipped through your fingers than you can stop because some problems were far bigger than others. Not every problem was attended to like it should have."
Obi-Wan was appalled by the comment, but knew Anakin was only trying to mess with his mind. "How can you say that, Anakin?"
"You only want to take away this greater power from me, Obi-Wan. You could never handle it." Anakin chuckled. "I know. Dooku even told me that you were having a conflict between the dark and light side of the Force. He told me everything, taught me how to sense it and feel it in others. It's there now, inside you. It taunts you. Haunts you. Burns. The days you were so close, if not on that path down the Dark Side, still play in your head when you were alone meditating."
Obi-Wan felt offended. Lost. His knees shook with every word the young man said. "No. Stop it. Don't do this."
Anakin held up two fingers, from his gloved bionic arm. "You have two choices, Obi-Wan. Join me. Or die."
Obi-Wan held up three fingers. "Or, you can come back with me and I can get you help."
"No. It won't go down like this. I will destroy you!" Anakin snapped.
Obi-Wan slipped down onto a lower ledge. "You've only forgotten the identity behind the Jedi inside you, Anakin. Please, come back with me."
Anakin jumped down to the ledge, joining his old master. Obi-Wan backpedaled. The young man had the other man right where he wanted him; one wrong move and Obi-Wan would slip and fall into the fiery lava pit below.
"You will bow down before the new authority of the Republic, Obi-Wan." Anakin said, proudly.
Obi-Wan shook his head. "Don't do this. It's not too late. It's never too late. I'm not giving up on you, Anakin."
Anakin took in a deep breath and lunged forward. Obi-Wan dodged the blade, moving to the left against the cliff and took a leap to the top ledge, retrieving his lightsaber in the same move. Anakin followed in close pursuit as he met his opponent in a downward stroke. Obi-Wan ignited his lightsaber, deflecting the shot. Anakin brought it down again, but Obi-Wan caught it and pushed it back, sending his aggressor off-balance. Obi-Wan's eyes grew with attention as his opponent replanted his footing, a frustrated growl escaping his gritting teeth.
"I don't want to do this, Anakin. I didn't come here for a fight." Obi- Wan stated.
"Pathetic! You don't even want to know what power I now possess?" Anakin teased.
Obi-Wan shook his head in denial, just as another attack landed near him, as he pulled away. Anakin continued to take down Obi-Wan's guard, but Obi- Wan locked it away and blocked every single attack with ease. Anakin was growing frustrated.
Obi-Wan took a step back, catching his breath. "You may still be young, believe you're quicker, Anakin, but I have a few tricks up my sleeves," Obi- Wan stated.
"Enough of this! You will die and the Republic will no longer have to worry about your corruption," Anakin growled.
Obi-Wan slowly lowered his lightsaber, surrendering a sigh. "If that's all you see, Anakin, then it's all you've learned in your training at the Temple. That power is the only true way for you to reach peace in the Force and the Jedi Code now means nothing to you." Obi-Wan lowered his head, guilty. "I am sorry I failed you, my young apprentice. But, if you are eager to take me down, I shall accept it with honor."
Anakin approached the Jedi slowly, raising the blue crystalline lightsaber high over his head. Obi-Wan looked up at the blade and lowered his head again.
Obi-Wan, what are you doing? Qui-Gon questioned.
"Trust me, Master. It is the only way," Obi-Wan whispered.
Anakin took a deep breath. His hands began to shake. His entire body was in hate, but a small spark of light shined in his heart. The light of the Force was calling out to him, telling him to stop. The light, the true identity of the person inside, was pleading to stop the madness. Obi-Wan sensed it immediately.
"Don't do it. Please don't do it!" a nine-year-old Anakin cried.
"I must destroy him," another voice grumbled furiously. "He will destroy the Republic."
"It wasn't his fault. The corruption began even before the start of the Clone Wars," the young boy replied.
"He will only make it worse," the Sith replied.
"He has helped to solve it. He and the rest of the Jedi. Do not take it out on him."
"Once I destroy him, I will destroy you!" the Sith snapped.
"Nooooo!" Anakin cried.
The lightsaber fell, but veered to the right, missing the Jedi and smashing a nearby rock. Obi-Wan didn't even flinch. Anakin fell to his knees again, grabbing his head, fighting the conflict inside him.
"Anakin, listen to me, carefully," Obi-Wan called out. "Do not let it consume you. Do not listen to the dark side in you. Fight back. Be strong."
"Please, Master, don't leave–" Anakin cried, begging for help.
"No. You must destroy him! He destroyed the Republic. He killed your mother. He took away your wife!" the Sith stated.
Obi-Wan took a slow step back. He knew if he couldn't get to Anakin now, he would lose him forever. He let Anakin go once, and he wasn't going to lose him again. Not now. He was so close. So close to bringing him back to the light.
"Anakin?" Obi-Wan asked, taking a step forward.
No answer.
"Anakin, please. It's me, Obi-Wan Kenobi. Your master. Your friend."
No answer.
"Anakin?"
Again, no answer.
Obi-Wan reached out, attempting to touch Anakin's shoulder, in hopes to bring him back into reality. The air around his old apprentice was cold as Obi-Wan reached over and touched Anakin's shoulder. But he was forced to veer away, as a lightsaber flew at him, missing him, barely, and getting caught in the fabric of his cloak. The lightsaber rolled away from his hand, as Obi-Wan caught his breath from the alarming attack.
He peered back at the young man, whose eyes bore on him, like a predator on its prey, trapped. It made Obi-Wan shake. Weak. He could feel the Dark Side slowly consume the Jedi inside his young friend. He didn't want to fail, not in this way. The scars would be far too great to fix. He didn't want to live with another scar.
"Anakin, please. Don't do this to me. Don't do this to yourself," Obi-Wan pleaded.
There was nothing but hatred in the young man's eyes. "It's all your fault."
"No. You made a mistake, Anakin." Obi-Wan replied. "We all do. No one is perfect and I'm not blaming you for what mistakes you did. It's all in the past and we can't change that. But I just want to talk, as friends."
Anakin brushed away the statement. It crushed Obi-Wan. He hated the way the Dark Side had the power to cloud the visions of the Jedi. He hated how the darkness clouded his visions, even for so many years. He didn't know what to do.
Obi-Wan looked up. There was hatred in his eyes. Agony. Pain for all the Jedi.
"I can feel your anger, Master. It's so strong, it haunts you," Anakin proclaimed, seeing the elder man shake his head in denial. "No matter how much you try to deny it, you want it to stop. But it can't go away. It won't. No matter how hard you try to fight it, push it away, it's not going away. But I can make it so much better for you. Join me."
Obi-Wan shook his head again.
Anakin began to pace around the Jedi. "Let me ask you a question. Several questions actually, General."
Obi-Wan's spine straightened in fear.
"You have been a great asset to the Republic's defense system. You are one of the best Jedi in the galaxy, am I right?"
Obi-Wan was hesitant to answer. Anakin pulled out a newly-constructed lightsaber and shoved it into Obi-Wan's throat. Obi-Wan held his breath, breathing slow.
"I asked you a question, General Kenobi. I expect you to answer."
"You're not my superior. You are my apprentice." Obi-Wan replied cautiously with a sense of authority in his voice.
"Let's try this again... General," Anakin's finger wavered over the button. "Are you a Jedi?"
Obi-Wan took a deep breath. "Yes."
"Are you apart of the Republic Army?"
"Yes."
"Were you appointed to the ranks of general by Bail Organa, the man in charged of the Judicial Department in the galaxy?"
"Yes. Two years ago, after the beginning of the Clone Wars. But I still don't see a point to this interrogation process."
"I am asking the questions here, General." Anakin snapped. "How long have you served in the eye of the Republic, General Kenobi?
"For two years as a general to the army and thirty-seven years as a Jedi."
"Okay. So, you admit that you are still a Jedi serving the Republic?"
"Yes. I am not afraid to admit I am one. Why would I need to?"
"Many systems have rebelled or joined up with the Empire, failing to seek out help from the Republic. Does this bother you at all, General?"
"It was their choice. I can only help those who want the help. Those who have left the Republic are no longer under our jurisdiction and cannot be attended to until the matters within the Republic are fixed first."
"So, you admit that the Jedi helped in the corruption of the Republic?"
"That's not—" Obi-Wan tried to say.
"But you did, General." Anakin cut the general off. "You stepped down–"
"At the request of Bail Organa himself," Obi-Wan countered quickly.
Anakin chuckled again, circling around the Jedi once more. Every step grew heavier. It made Obi-Wan shake inside, but he held his ground. "So, General Kenobi, if I may make one final statement."
Obi-Wan didn't answer.
Anakin kicked the old Jedi, forcing him to the ground. "The Jedi are no longer part of the Republic. And if they are no longer part of the Republic, they do not exist. You are considered a general at large by many, fighting a war against the rallying systems of the Republic. That doesn't consider you a Jedi, but a General in my eyes. So, clearly, the Jedi don't exist. And if the Jedi don't exist, than the are extinct."
Obi-Wan couldn't take the interrogating anymore. But this wasn't a time to fight back, even the slightest response could spring up a whole array of anger from both of them. He was capable of controlling his anger, but he wasn't about ready to pull his apprentice farther down the darker path.
"You have served the Republic well, Obi-Wan. But, now, it's time to serve under the Empire," Anakin concluded.
"I won't join you. Not in this fashion. It's not too late to save the Republic, Anakin. We can work together, as a team. Side-by-side. Like we did for so long. Don't you remember? It doesn't have to be this way. You and me. As enemies. It doesn't have to end this way." Obi-Wan held out a hand, only to have it intervene with a taunting swing from the newly constructed lightsaber Anakin held. Obi-Wan fell back, pulling his lightsaber up, igniting it.
"No, I won't go back," Anakin stated, uncertain.
"Anakin, please. I will not sit here and let your life be destroyed by this menacing power of the Dark Side."
Anakin's head dropped in despair. Obi-Wan slowly approached him. The gap between them was only a few inches, but Anakin's face shot back up to reveal another new face of fury. With one upward swing, the red blade cut through Obi-Wan's black uniform, cutting the air supply. Obi-Wan pulled away the mask and looked at himself only to find out the blade had not cut through flesh.
Anakin stepped forward again, sending another deadly blow toward his opponent. Obi-Wan held his breath and caught the blow, pushing it away. Anakin came charging at the Jedi, sending Obi-Wan into a new line of defense against his old apprentice. Each move was meant to be a trap for the Jedi, but it wasn't enough to confuse him. Obi-Wan may not used a lightsaber much during his years in war, but an old technique never died with a well-trained Jedi. Obi-Wan parried, actually making contact with Anakin's right arm. Anakin grumbled and shot forward, forcing Obi-Wan back, barely catching his footing. Anakin attempted to try a horizontally attack on the Jedi, but Obi-Wan ducked and forced Anakin back with a Force- push. Anakin was on the offensive end, but none of the attacks ever got through to the Jedi. He was just as quick as his old apprentice, if not faster.
"There's much you still have to learn, Anakin," Obi-Wan took a step back. "Anger closed your style of fighting, causing you tofalter."
"I should of killed you when I had the chance. You can't kill me, Master," Anakin sneered.
Anakin sent another vertical swing toward the Jedi, but Obi-Wan dodged it and kicked his aggressor to the ground. Anakin caught his breath, quietly.
"Why are you doing this, Anakin? You still have so much to live for even without this power of the Dark Side on your shoulders. What about the love you have for Padmé? She misses you, Anakin!"
"What do you know about love, anyways? A Jedi can't love," Anakin attacked, but Obi-Wan pushed it away. "A Jedi couldn't. A human could. But you were too far along to realize that you were a human. To have the right to love. And now, you took it away from me. You took it away from her!"
"That's a lie. I only wanted what was best for you, Anakin. Love was not the answer, especially with a war raging on the galaxy. You have a duty to obtain. That should be your first priority. But I kept my promise to protect her from any harm, even if it means you."
"So, you take her away from me?"
"It was for her protection. On your request. You told me I had to protect her from anything, and that's what I did. I wasn't jealous. I never was. The threats became worse and I had to take the precautions to put my men in guarding her. I can't even go see her without proper surveillance and precautions. It's that serious!"
Anakin charged, furiously. Obi-Wan parried his blow, forcing him to the ground again. Anakin got to his feet quickly, slowing planning his next attack.
"I will not let you harm her the way you've done to myself and the Republic," Obi-Wan said firmly.
"What do you expect to get out of it? You can't keep her from me forever."
"Trust. She needs someone to trust. Someone to talk to. You couldn't even provide that for her."
"What do you know?! You don't know anything about love! And you'll never understand what it is!"
It crushed Obi-Wan to hear that. It made his lungs collapse, if it wasn't the air itself. I couldn't understand love? There were too many I loved. Not just friends. Not just family. I trusted the Order, almost claimed to loving it. I had a compassion of holding the Force in me strong. I couldn't understand love?! There was one I loved. I still love her. Sabé! Please forgive me! Then there was Qui-Gon. My friend. My mentor. My father. No. I understood it, perfectly. I know about the pain. I know about the rewards. There is just too much pain behind the heartbreak. You only think that love revolves around power. But it also involves trust, respect, compassion–the essential aspects of being a Jedi.
Anakin saw the opening to attack the preoccupied Jedi, and moved swiftly to deliver the deadly blow.
Obi-Wan! Qui-Gon called out. Look out!
Obi-Wan sensed it immediately. The Dark Jedi held out his lightsaber directly in front of him, but Obi-Wan knocked it away just in time. Anakin countered by throwing the Jedi to the ground, sending his lightsaber away. Obi-Wan kicked the younger man off him, and retrieved his fallen weapon. Anakin forced him away, catching the flying saber. Obi-Wan fell to his back, but kicked the younger man to the ground in return.
Anakin tumbled over the edge of the rim, but grabbed the Jedi's leg in return, dragging him down too. They landed on another ledge only 200 meters from the lava pit. Obi-Wan groaned from the fall. Anakin pulled off his mask and crawled around, searching for the fallen saber. The lava began to spew and the air became hot and steamy. Obi-Wan rolled over to his side, seeing his opponent retrieving the lightsaber. The Jedi quickly got to his feet and kicked away the weapon before Anakin had the time to ignite it. The lightsaber was destroyed in the pit instantly. Punches were thrown from both men. Soon, Anakin pinned down Obi-Wan, choking the Jedi. The Jedi held his breath, grabbed Anakin's arm and released a Force- sedative into him. Anakin fell back, dazed. Now, Obi-Wan had the advantage.
"Anakin, please. Try to remember." Obi-Wan pleaded.
Anakin shook his head vigorously.
"Try to remember who you are. Behind all that anger I know there's a nine- year-old boy who loved to learn many things. He's still in there somewhere."
"No. Never. I can't. I—"
"I won't give up on you, Anakin. Remember all those memories?"
"No." He shook his head.
The lava began to spew its contents onto the ledge. Both men were tired and exhausted from the battle, but the lava was pushing it, especially without the oxygen-rich masks.
"Anakin, please. I know you're still in there. Qui-Gon didn't give up on you. I am not going to give up either."
"Master?" The voice was so quiet. Weak.
Obi-Wan hinted a smile. "I'm here, Anakin."
Anakin took Obi-Wan's shoulder firmly. The touch was warm and soothing. "Promise you won't leave me?"
"I won't leave you."
"Promise?"
"I promise," Obi-Wan nodded.
The lava singed the very edge of Obi-Wan's hood, and hit the wall next to them. Obi-Wan looked at its contents and realized it was beginning to rise. Obi-Wan grabbed his apprentice, helping him to his feet. "How are you feeling? Are you okay? We gotta get outta here."
Anakin winced, but took his Master's hand. Without hesitation, Anakin took to the wall, first. Obi-Wan followed. Though, both men were tired, each helped the other up the wall. Obi-Wan was the first one out, and helped his apprentice onto the higher ledge. He, then, collapsed in a heap, exhausted, catching his breath. Anakin was sitting up, observing his bionic arm.
Obi-Wan noticed the notion, confused. "Is something wrong, Anakin?" He asked.
Anakin didn't answer. He only flexed the arm, then did the same to the other arm. Again, he appeared in deep thought. Obi-Wan sat up part-way, but felt a cold chill run down his back. The lava was still rising and spewing.
"If we may, Anakin, can we get out of here?" Obi-Wan suggested.
Still no reply. Obi-Wan grew suspicious. But before he had time to react, he was pinned to the ground by Anakin.
"How could you let this happen to me?!" Anakin cried.
"What are you–" Obi-Wan gagged.
"Are you trying to get rid of me?!"
"I don't know–"
"You know exactly what I'm talking about, Obi-Wan!"
Obi-Wan slipped his legs under his opponent and kicked him off. He rolled over to catch his breath, only to realize his apprentice was gone. He quickly went to the lip of the volcano and saw his apprentice dangling from a tiny ledge.
Obi-Wan held out his hand, panicked. "Anakin, take it! Take my hand before you fall."
The young man looked up at his old mentor, then at the fiery grave below. He continued to look at the two choices, then fixed his eyes on the man above him.
"Anakin, please." Obi-Wan's voice was barely above a whisper.
The young man took a deep breath. "I'm sorry, Master."
Obi-Wan sensed what was about to happen and almost dived in after the young man, but it was too late. The twenty-one-year old Jedi let go of the ledge and fell into the fiery grave.
"Nooooo!" Obi-Wan cried.
The body was slowly consumed by the fiery inferno. The bionic arm was still extended out for freedom and help. But the heat left in Anakin's eyes were nothing but hate.
"Nooooo!" Obi-Wan cried again.
He lowered his head to his knees. He wanted to cry. He needed to cry, but not a single tear would fall. The pain screamed inside his head. His whole body felt weak. And he wanted to cry so badly, but it wouldn't fall.
For a long time, Obi-Wan had not moved from his spot. The lava stopped spewing. It was calm, only bubbles rose every now and then. The memories, both good and bad, played through Obi-Wan's head. His body shook from the shock of the event. Of the loss. Of another failure.
"Why!?" he called to the sky.
His head dropped again and was met with the hot steam of the pit. As much as his body felt weakened and stiff, he found the strength to get to his feet. He turned and headed for his starfighter alone. Every step he took was slow and dazed. He literally fell over when his foot caught something. It was Anakin's old lightsaber. He took it and held it firmly in his hands, observing the ridges and bumps on it.
By the time he reached the confides of his figher, he felt energy flow through him. It was as if the presence of light was still giving him hope. Then he remembered something else--the Jedi Temple.
To be continued....