Okay, Sorry for the long wait in updating, I have about a million and one reasons for that as well, main ones were: I was sick for a while, busy and behind in school. But really, I doubt you guys want to sit there and listen to what I have to say, so I'll get onto R2R

Mrs. Omi Tsukiyono-

I'm glad you liked it, and your questions will be answered in this chapter

Risa-

LOL, sorry for the long update, and all of your questions will be answered as well. I've had quite a few people say that this is as good as Watson's work, so it is a great honor to hear it.

One of my pet peeves is messing up the character's personality. I know whether or not I'm close to having them right, and if I can't get them right I don't use them, simple as that. The explanation took some thinking, but it was Watson who led me to thinking about it, cause she claims (In Qui-Gon's words) that 'Xanatos always has a back door'

Yes, I agree, it is strange to hear him speak of Obi-Wan in that way. But…I don't know, hope you enjoy this chapter

Laura Dogwood Blossom-

JA is one of my favorite (If not the favorite) Series I have read, and I love reading her work, it's is amazing. And all of your compliments are wonderful as well. Glad you're liking it so far

Snowprincess-

!Si! Yo nessecito escribe rapidamente mucho, pero yo ser muy enferma, lo siento. !Adios!

Master Elora Dannan-

You will find out all the answers soon enough, hope you enjoy the read!


Chapter 13: A Time of Hopes and Darkness.

4:25. Qui-Gon growled softly as he looked up from the timer. Obi-Wan should have been here by now. Shifting ever so slightly he let out a sigh. Time after time he had told Obi-Wan to be patient. Now that it was his turn to wait, the irritation was almost unbearable.

He glanced uneasily at the timer again. 4:18. He shook his head in disapproval. He wanted to search for Obi-Wan, but any signals, physical or mental could endanger the boy. It was a risk he was unwilling to take. His thoughts were tuned out when the door slowly opened. A dim light spilled inside and Qui-Gon positioned himself further behind the crates, listening attentively.

Slowly, as if time itself stood still, Obi-Wan's voice floated through the dim grayness.

"I have collected a total of 154 data files, all of which I'm sure you will need. They contain valuable information on the layout of the Temple, some of which you already know, like the water tunnels."

"Well done, my young apprentice," Xanatos answered. Qui-Gon flinched involuntarily at his former apprentice's voice. "Tell me, how did you mange to gain access to all of this?"

"Easy, I am currently helping O-Shen Canari with maintenance. He had find the files on all the pathways around the Temple. While I did so, I was also able to bring up excess information on the other students who could possibly stand in our way. I've rigged the system to call them to the Night Training room about an hour before the teams arrive here. They will find themselves locked in the room until it is too late for them."

"You seem to be able to access a lot for your…position," Xanatos finished off, a iciness locked deeply in his voice.

Qui-Gon was ready to spring out now, but he held himself at bay. Wait for the single, he scolded himself fiercely. He glanced at the light above, the one single he was waiting for. It was rigged with a silent alarm that would activate when the light was turned on. The brightness of the light would hopefully startle Xanatos long enough for Obi-Wan to reach safety. Then the beginning of the ending would start.

'You and Obi-Wan will have to hold him, it will take us minutes to enter the corridor, although we do not wish too, we have to close the section down, to help convince Xanatos that the floor is indeed closed," Mace Windu told him. "It will take at least seven minutes for the doors to reopen, then we will be able to reach you soon after that. Can you do it?"

Qui-Gon had nodded. He remembered what he had said. "I will do whatever I must to protect Obi-Wan. This fight is not his and I refuse to see him pay."

"Remember Qui-Gon, do not act out of anger or fear. Do not spill unnecessary blood. Capture him and the Council will decide his fate, not you."

"You did not trust I could get the job done?" Obi-Wan asked, his voice breaking through his thoughts.

Even though it did not waver, Qui-Gon could feel the fear that built up inside him. Do not fear the unknown padawan. He could not see Obi-Wan, but he could tell that his message was received.

Xanatos laughed. "Not at all padawan. You have proven yourself well."

"Good then, allow me to show you all of what I have found. First, we need light."

*~*~*~*

His heart was beating fast, pounding in his chest, it took all of Obi-Wan's strength to keep his voice steady. He had gone over what he would say to any possible question Xanatos would ask. Now it was hard to continually convince him. But that part was over now, as he moved swiftly over to the light. Before Xanatos could disapprove he pressed his hand against the white pad.

With a sudden flicker the bright light shone fiercely, Obi-Wan squeezed his eyes shut anticipating the sudden shock of light. Using the force he was about to leap to safety as Qui-Gon flipped through the air, the green light pulsing easily. An arm however, grasped him by the sleeve as a saber was pressed against his throat. He struggled to reach his lightsaber, but Xanatos' cruel laughter halted his motions.

"You can try, but it won't work," he glanced up at Qui-Gon, though his conversation was still directed to the boy. "I removed the crystals the first day suspecting that you would never turn. You're foolish for listening to him, foolish!"

"His teachings are anything but foolish, you yourself is the fool, for you walked into a trap," Obi-Wan growled.

His statement only gained him a sharp strike to his head. Falling to his knees Xanatos tightened his grip on his arm, twisting his arm behind his back as Qui-Gon advanced.

"I wouldn't think of it," Xanatos sneered, brushing his lightsaber lightly against the boy's skin. Obi-Wan flinched as the red beam burned his flesh.

"Leave him Xanatos, you have caused him enough suffering. Come fight me, for it I who you want," Qui-Gon growled softly. If Xanatos hadn't been holding the boy, then he would had lunged at the dark warrior.

"Indeed yes," he spoke so softly that his voice was barely audible. "But you see, I figured that death was far too easy for you. Instead you will battle me, and if you loose it will not be your life that is lost, but the life of another."

It was not hard to figure out who he had in mind. Watching Qui-Gon carefully he pulled out a thick rope, bounding Obi-Wan's wrists together. The young apprentice flinched as the fetters cut into his wrists. He could not push down the fear as it rose in his mouth, bitter and unwanted.

"Xanatos I warn you, if you harm him…"

"Ah, anger I see. Why not give into it? Become a master of the darkness as I have."

"I will never follow the path you choose Xanatos. Let him go."

Obi-Wan struggled weakly in his grasp, ever careful of the blade that had once again returned to his throat's side.

"That is not your choice," Xanatos smiled cruelly. "It is mine." His smile faded quickly as he raised a fist, smashing it into Obi-Wan's skull. The boy fell forward limply, supported in Xanatos' hold. Qui-Gon took a step nearer, but backed off as Xanatos threatened the boy's safety once more.

"If you pursue I will kill the boy. I will be expecting you on the eastern platform at dawn, no earlier, no later. Alone as well. If you do not follow the rules Obi-Wan will die a most painful death, I guarantee you of that. You know I can," Xanatos warned as he threw the boy over his shoulder.

"I do think I should be going now, After all, three's company, but more…is a crowd."

TBC…