PART NINE: SAYING GOOD-BYE TO A JEDI MASTER
Obi-Wan seemed to be in a void. He didn't know where he was. He didn't want it to be reality. He had hoped it was all a dream. It wasn't true. But as he, slowly, walked farther and farther down the hall, he saw the piles of bodies being piled up around him. It made him shudder. Everything around him seemed dark.
Then he blinked and felt a gust of wind blow around him. He found himself at the door of the Jedi High Council. He wasn't sure how he got there so fast, but he was hesitant to take another step forward. He pushed past the mixed emotions and slowly pushed the doors open. The windows were smashed. Glass covered the floor like a crystal mine. The room was filled with debris from the rain pouring outside.
He walked into the room and knelt down to touch the warm bantha-skinned- made cloak near the chair. A lightsaber laid in its wet pile. He knew instantly who it was, a lone tear streaked down the side of his face. "I'm sorry, Master Windu. I didn't mean for this to happen. I'm sorry," he said, quietly.
He gasped, seeing the flashes of the past play in his head as he touched the lightsaber.
Three Days Ago
A shadowed figure entered the interior of the Jedi High Council room, unwelcomed. The lone Jedi inside didn't mind. Mace Windu was meditating in his chair for quite some time, sensing the strange presence in the room. He knew exactly what was going to happen beyond the doors. He would be the first. First to start the chain of destruction of the Temple. And all he could do was wait it out, use what little he could do to try and stop it all.
"Anakin, what are you doing here?" Mace asked, calmly, eyes still closed.
"I thought I would pay you one last visit, Master Windu," he stated.
Master Windu opened his eyes, and looked at the young man. He saw Anakin was concealed in a black cloak, hiding the boy in darkness. The radiance he gave off wasn't of a Jedi, nor was it a Sith, but more in the middle. Playing with the two skills. Mace could read the boy's thoughts, sensing the main purpose of destroying the Republic, and blaming it on the Jedi. Anakin was on the verge of searching and gaining as much power as soon as possible. He'd do it anyway he could. He had to ease the pain inside, and gaining power was his only way out of it. He could sense the confusion, but confidence in Anakin's plan.
Another figure entered the room, making Mace's defense grow even more alert.
"My old friend, Master Windu, so glad to see you're still alive," Dooku said by means of greeting. "The war has not yet destroyed your stamina and character to keep this Republic intacted. I am impressed."
"Well, I am glad you think that way, Dooku. But I will not let this Republic crumble under your rule or the Emperor's," Mace countered.
"But, of course, Master Windu. However, I hate to admit that this war has already been won."
Mace got off the chair. His hand wavering over his lightsaber underneath the cloak. He looked at both the men before him, taking a deep breath.
"The Republic is beyond repairs, my friend. I tried to save it," Dooku admitted. "Truly I did, but the influence of the Dark Side was far too strong."
"I could agree with you," Mace acknowledged. "As noble as you were to the Jedi, you still respect that aspect of being one, Dooku."
Anakin took a step forward. Mace saw Anakin charge, but Mace was still quick to deflect the attack.
"I'm sorry that your life must end so soon, Master Windu, but I cannot allow you to destroy the Republic more than you have," Dooku addressed, solemnly.
"The war is far from over, Dooku. And the Jedi will find a way to destroy the Empire, and restore the Republic to its rightful power."
"You're far too sure of yourself, Master Windu," Dooku chuckled. "You can't possibly win against our new army of stormtroopers. You've lost far too many troops in the war. The stormtroopers are now part of the Empire's command."
The two dark Jedi circled around the lone Jedi. Mace watched each of them intently, waiting for one of them to make the first move. His skills couldn't match up against two Sith, but he knew they matched up against Yoda in sparring exercises. He had another advantage. Anakin was still wavering over both the light and dark.
Anakin was the first to move, making Mace smile for a moment. He pushed the blue blade away, and countered the upcoming blow from Dooku's red blade. Every block was guarded well by the Force, guiding him to parry where it was needed. Though some attacks came out of nowhere, he managed to get away just in time.
"It doesn't have to end like this." Mace said above a whisper.
"I'm sorry, Master Windu, but it must," Anakin stated.
Mace pushed away another attack from the young Jedi, sending the other dark Jedi back. Anakin came at him with new fury, but Mace tripped him just as he came at the Jedi Master. He looked behind him, kicking the incoming dark Jedi, sending him to the ground again. Mace was tired, but he didn't let his fatigue show. Mace dusted off his cloak and headed for the door, quickly. But Anakin stopped him short, as Dooku got to his feet. Mace watched the two surrounding aggressors, intently. Alert. Armed. Again, Anakin was the first to move. Master Windu pulled away, taking Anakin's cloak and pulling him to the ground. Dooku was on the move, too. Mace rolled away from another killer blow from the lightsaber and backed into the wall. He caught his breath, realizing he had received a sailing wound from Anakin's lightsaber. He looked down at the wound, but ignored it, pushing himself back to his feet.
"You cannot win, Master Windu." Dooku began, with a chuckle. "You amuze me so. Reminds me of my old apprentice."
"Qui-Gon wouldn't have gone along with your ideas or your threats," Mace said between breaths. He grabbed his leg, calling on the Force to ease the pain trailing close behind. He watched as the two aggressors surrounded him, again.
"Oh, of course, he would. He was my apprentice, was he not? Besides a little persuasion and rebellion would of had him support it just as quickly as it was said."
"Don't be so sure. Though Qui-Gon was very much a maverick, he still valued and respected the Jedi tradition," Mace stated.
"Aww, yes. How could I forget? Look at how Obi-Wan turned out." Dooku had a respectful smile on his face.
Mace huffed. He knew exactly what Dooku was doing. He was going to blame it all on Qui-Gon Jinn for even taking Anakin to the Temple, but congratulate both him and Obi-Wan for training the greatest threat in the universe. It angered Mace to put anymore blame on Obi-Wan. It was worse claiming Dooku was tied into it--in both a good and bad way.
"And look at how Anakin turned out," Dooku smiled.
Mace glared at them, hiding his rage behind the cool collected look in his eyes. He saw Anakin step forward, but Dooku held him back.
"Easy, my new apprentice. Let him die slow," Dooku directed.
"Of course, Master," Anakin said, quietly.
"There will be time for destruction later, but first, I must bid you farewell, Master Windu. It was a pleasure working with you. Send Master Yoda the same regards," Dooku bowed. "It's good to know you will be dying with honor, Windu."
"Just as any respectable Jedi would, Dooku," Mace said sternly, making it over to his chair.
"Yes, any Jedi," Dooku agreed. "But it will also begin your destruction as well. And I am deeply sorry it had to end this way. But the corruption must stop, and it begins with the destruction of the Jedi."
"It's only begun, Dooku. You haven't won yet."
"Yet? Oh, no. But I will, Master Windu. I will."
Dooku turned away. Anakin stood there looking at Master Windu, lightsaber still ignited bright. Mace watched the wavering eyes, the uncertainty Anakin tried to hide in his soul. He couldn't do it. Not to a Jedi Master. And not to one who had kept an eye on him since the very day he stepped foot into the Temple twelve years ago. He could see the confusion of the young man. The lost child. Mace's eyes never left Anakin's, just as Dooku's blade came within inches from his neck. He didn't even flinch. He had his guard up, keeping the blade at bay through the Force, but his main focus was analyzing the young Jedi before him.
"Good," Dooku nodded. "Still have lightning fast reflexes, Master Windu. You do remember who you learned this trick from?" He lowered the saber.
"How could I forget?" Mace said, cooly. "Yet, I have learned more from many Jedi masters other than yourself."
"You have not changed one bit, old friend. I admire that," Dooku said with a smile.
Mace looked at Anakin again. I sense your fear, Anakin.
What are you talkin' about, Master? Anakin responded, mentally.
I sense and feel your fear, Anakin. You fear that nothing will ever cover the image of your emptiness once the Jedi are destroyed, starting with me.
That's nonsense, Master. But, I have talked to Palpatine–
Palpatine is the enemy, Anakin. Mace declared. Not the Jedi. Not the Republic. Not the clone army. Nor should you. What do you wish to gain from this?
Power. Anakin replied with no hesitation.
What kind of power?
The ultimate power. Anakin stated clearly.
The ultimate power does not involve total annihilation of the Jedi. Nor should it be the Republic. You are taking an awful big risk in doing this, Anakin. A Jedi doesn't do this sort of thing.
I am no longer a Jedi, Master Windu. I was expelled from the Order, remember? I am now a Sith.
What do you know about being a Sith? It is far too dangerous for you to withhold, Anakin. You can't handle the power.
What do you know about power, anyways, Master?
That it is the one thing you fear. It will destroy you. By having too much power, you will be abandoned. Destroyed. But you already have.
No. Shut up! Shut up!
If you truly are an agent of evil, you would make no hesitation to destroy me. But you haven't, and that still makes you–
Noooo!Anakin cried.
–a Jedi. Jedi knows nothing of fear, anger or hate. We only know peace, honor and strength. You still possess these things, Anakin. I feel it in you.
"Enough of this chatter," Dooku demanded. "The Jedi will be destroyed, starting with you."
"Nooooo!" Obi-Wan called out, turning his head away. "I'm so sorry, Master. I didn't mean for this to happen. I–"
You must be strong, Obi-Wan. Mace replied from beyond the room. I may be gone, but I will always be waiting until our paths cross again. You have learned to teach me that some things were meant to be. And others will take time to understand.
"But how do I know if this was for a reason? Not if it hurts so much."
You will know, Obi-Wan. Give it time.
"I'm not so sure I can. It was my fault–"
No. You will not let what has happened to me get to you, Obi-Wan. You are better than this. Stronger. It was my time to go.
Obi-Wan took a deep breath and nodded firmly. "Good-bye, Master Windu."
It's never good-bye, Obi-Wan. Not for us Jedi. I know Qui-Gon has told you the same thing. We will see each other again, but only when it is right. Don't treat it like it's good-bye. We are always with you, through the Force, Obi-Wan. Never forget that.
"Of course, Master," he chuckled. "See ya later, Mace."
And you as well, Obi-Wan. Now, it's your job to ensure that Padmé will be safe and stay safe. That is your number one priority, and don't argue with me about that. They may be the only hope this galaxy will have left to survive. Guide them well, Master Kenobi.
"Yes, Master." he nodded. "May the Force be with you always, Master Windu."
And may it always be with you, Obi-Wan.
Obi-Wan picked up the lightsaber and cloak and left the room.
To be continued....
Obi-Wan seemed to be in a void. He didn't know where he was. He didn't want it to be reality. He had hoped it was all a dream. It wasn't true. But as he, slowly, walked farther and farther down the hall, he saw the piles of bodies being piled up around him. It made him shudder. Everything around him seemed dark.
Then he blinked and felt a gust of wind blow around him. He found himself at the door of the Jedi High Council. He wasn't sure how he got there so fast, but he was hesitant to take another step forward. He pushed past the mixed emotions and slowly pushed the doors open. The windows were smashed. Glass covered the floor like a crystal mine. The room was filled with debris from the rain pouring outside.
He walked into the room and knelt down to touch the warm bantha-skinned- made cloak near the chair. A lightsaber laid in its wet pile. He knew instantly who it was, a lone tear streaked down the side of his face. "I'm sorry, Master Windu. I didn't mean for this to happen. I'm sorry," he said, quietly.
He gasped, seeing the flashes of the past play in his head as he touched the lightsaber.
Three Days Ago
A shadowed figure entered the interior of the Jedi High Council room, unwelcomed. The lone Jedi inside didn't mind. Mace Windu was meditating in his chair for quite some time, sensing the strange presence in the room. He knew exactly what was going to happen beyond the doors. He would be the first. First to start the chain of destruction of the Temple. And all he could do was wait it out, use what little he could do to try and stop it all.
"Anakin, what are you doing here?" Mace asked, calmly, eyes still closed.
"I thought I would pay you one last visit, Master Windu," he stated.
Master Windu opened his eyes, and looked at the young man. He saw Anakin was concealed in a black cloak, hiding the boy in darkness. The radiance he gave off wasn't of a Jedi, nor was it a Sith, but more in the middle. Playing with the two skills. Mace could read the boy's thoughts, sensing the main purpose of destroying the Republic, and blaming it on the Jedi. Anakin was on the verge of searching and gaining as much power as soon as possible. He'd do it anyway he could. He had to ease the pain inside, and gaining power was his only way out of it. He could sense the confusion, but confidence in Anakin's plan.
Another figure entered the room, making Mace's defense grow even more alert.
"My old friend, Master Windu, so glad to see you're still alive," Dooku said by means of greeting. "The war has not yet destroyed your stamina and character to keep this Republic intacted. I am impressed."
"Well, I am glad you think that way, Dooku. But I will not let this Republic crumble under your rule or the Emperor's," Mace countered.
"But, of course, Master Windu. However, I hate to admit that this war has already been won."
Mace got off the chair. His hand wavering over his lightsaber underneath the cloak. He looked at both the men before him, taking a deep breath.
"The Republic is beyond repairs, my friend. I tried to save it," Dooku admitted. "Truly I did, but the influence of the Dark Side was far too strong."
"I could agree with you," Mace acknowledged. "As noble as you were to the Jedi, you still respect that aspect of being one, Dooku."
Anakin took a step forward. Mace saw Anakin charge, but Mace was still quick to deflect the attack.
"I'm sorry that your life must end so soon, Master Windu, but I cannot allow you to destroy the Republic more than you have," Dooku addressed, solemnly.
"The war is far from over, Dooku. And the Jedi will find a way to destroy the Empire, and restore the Republic to its rightful power."
"You're far too sure of yourself, Master Windu," Dooku chuckled. "You can't possibly win against our new army of stormtroopers. You've lost far too many troops in the war. The stormtroopers are now part of the Empire's command."
The two dark Jedi circled around the lone Jedi. Mace watched each of them intently, waiting for one of them to make the first move. His skills couldn't match up against two Sith, but he knew they matched up against Yoda in sparring exercises. He had another advantage. Anakin was still wavering over both the light and dark.
Anakin was the first to move, making Mace smile for a moment. He pushed the blue blade away, and countered the upcoming blow from Dooku's red blade. Every block was guarded well by the Force, guiding him to parry where it was needed. Though some attacks came out of nowhere, he managed to get away just in time.
"It doesn't have to end like this." Mace said above a whisper.
"I'm sorry, Master Windu, but it must," Anakin stated.
Mace pushed away another attack from the young Jedi, sending the other dark Jedi back. Anakin came at him with new fury, but Mace tripped him just as he came at the Jedi Master. He looked behind him, kicking the incoming dark Jedi, sending him to the ground again. Mace was tired, but he didn't let his fatigue show. Mace dusted off his cloak and headed for the door, quickly. But Anakin stopped him short, as Dooku got to his feet. Mace watched the two surrounding aggressors, intently. Alert. Armed. Again, Anakin was the first to move. Master Windu pulled away, taking Anakin's cloak and pulling him to the ground. Dooku was on the move, too. Mace rolled away from another killer blow from the lightsaber and backed into the wall. He caught his breath, realizing he had received a sailing wound from Anakin's lightsaber. He looked down at the wound, but ignored it, pushing himself back to his feet.
"You cannot win, Master Windu." Dooku began, with a chuckle. "You amuze me so. Reminds me of my old apprentice."
"Qui-Gon wouldn't have gone along with your ideas or your threats," Mace said between breaths. He grabbed his leg, calling on the Force to ease the pain trailing close behind. He watched as the two aggressors surrounded him, again.
"Oh, of course, he would. He was my apprentice, was he not? Besides a little persuasion and rebellion would of had him support it just as quickly as it was said."
"Don't be so sure. Though Qui-Gon was very much a maverick, he still valued and respected the Jedi tradition," Mace stated.
"Aww, yes. How could I forget? Look at how Obi-Wan turned out." Dooku had a respectful smile on his face.
Mace huffed. He knew exactly what Dooku was doing. He was going to blame it all on Qui-Gon Jinn for even taking Anakin to the Temple, but congratulate both him and Obi-Wan for training the greatest threat in the universe. It angered Mace to put anymore blame on Obi-Wan. It was worse claiming Dooku was tied into it--in both a good and bad way.
"And look at how Anakin turned out," Dooku smiled.
Mace glared at them, hiding his rage behind the cool collected look in his eyes. He saw Anakin step forward, but Dooku held him back.
"Easy, my new apprentice. Let him die slow," Dooku directed.
"Of course, Master," Anakin said, quietly.
"There will be time for destruction later, but first, I must bid you farewell, Master Windu. It was a pleasure working with you. Send Master Yoda the same regards," Dooku bowed. "It's good to know you will be dying with honor, Windu."
"Just as any respectable Jedi would, Dooku," Mace said sternly, making it over to his chair.
"Yes, any Jedi," Dooku agreed. "But it will also begin your destruction as well. And I am deeply sorry it had to end this way. But the corruption must stop, and it begins with the destruction of the Jedi."
"It's only begun, Dooku. You haven't won yet."
"Yet? Oh, no. But I will, Master Windu. I will."
Dooku turned away. Anakin stood there looking at Master Windu, lightsaber still ignited bright. Mace watched the wavering eyes, the uncertainty Anakin tried to hide in his soul. He couldn't do it. Not to a Jedi Master. And not to one who had kept an eye on him since the very day he stepped foot into the Temple twelve years ago. He could see the confusion of the young man. The lost child. Mace's eyes never left Anakin's, just as Dooku's blade came within inches from his neck. He didn't even flinch. He had his guard up, keeping the blade at bay through the Force, but his main focus was analyzing the young Jedi before him.
"Good," Dooku nodded. "Still have lightning fast reflexes, Master Windu. You do remember who you learned this trick from?" He lowered the saber.
"How could I forget?" Mace said, cooly. "Yet, I have learned more from many Jedi masters other than yourself."
"You have not changed one bit, old friend. I admire that," Dooku said with a smile.
Mace looked at Anakin again. I sense your fear, Anakin.
What are you talkin' about, Master? Anakin responded, mentally.
I sense and feel your fear, Anakin. You fear that nothing will ever cover the image of your emptiness once the Jedi are destroyed, starting with me.
That's nonsense, Master. But, I have talked to Palpatine–
Palpatine is the enemy, Anakin. Mace declared. Not the Jedi. Not the Republic. Not the clone army. Nor should you. What do you wish to gain from this?
Power. Anakin replied with no hesitation.
What kind of power?
The ultimate power. Anakin stated clearly.
The ultimate power does not involve total annihilation of the Jedi. Nor should it be the Republic. You are taking an awful big risk in doing this, Anakin. A Jedi doesn't do this sort of thing.
I am no longer a Jedi, Master Windu. I was expelled from the Order, remember? I am now a Sith.
What do you know about being a Sith? It is far too dangerous for you to withhold, Anakin. You can't handle the power.
What do you know about power, anyways, Master?
That it is the one thing you fear. It will destroy you. By having too much power, you will be abandoned. Destroyed. But you already have.
No. Shut up! Shut up!
If you truly are an agent of evil, you would make no hesitation to destroy me. But you haven't, and that still makes you–
Noooo!Anakin cried.
–a Jedi. Jedi knows nothing of fear, anger or hate. We only know peace, honor and strength. You still possess these things, Anakin. I feel it in you.
"Enough of this chatter," Dooku demanded. "The Jedi will be destroyed, starting with you."
"Nooooo!" Obi-Wan called out, turning his head away. "I'm so sorry, Master. I didn't mean for this to happen. I–"
You must be strong, Obi-Wan. Mace replied from beyond the room. I may be gone, but I will always be waiting until our paths cross again. You have learned to teach me that some things were meant to be. And others will take time to understand.
"But how do I know if this was for a reason? Not if it hurts so much."
You will know, Obi-Wan. Give it time.
"I'm not so sure I can. It was my fault–"
No. You will not let what has happened to me get to you, Obi-Wan. You are better than this. Stronger. It was my time to go.
Obi-Wan took a deep breath and nodded firmly. "Good-bye, Master Windu."
It's never good-bye, Obi-Wan. Not for us Jedi. I know Qui-Gon has told you the same thing. We will see each other again, but only when it is right. Don't treat it like it's good-bye. We are always with you, through the Force, Obi-Wan. Never forget that.
"Of course, Master," he chuckled. "See ya later, Mace."
And you as well, Obi-Wan. Now, it's your job to ensure that Padmé will be safe and stay safe. That is your number one priority, and don't argue with me about that. They may be the only hope this galaxy will have left to survive. Guide them well, Master Kenobi.
"Yes, Master." he nodded. "May the Force be with you always, Master Windu."
And may it always be with you, Obi-Wan.
Obi-Wan picked up the lightsaber and cloak and left the room.
To be continued....