Disclaimer- All recognizable character and settings belong to LucasFilms or any company from there. In short, Lucas owns all.

Dark Reflection in a Shattered Mirror

By: KrystalBlaze

Reviews at end of chapter.

A/N: This is a short part, and I'm sorry about it. Next chapter will be up sooner, I promise.

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Part Three

The sun wasn't quite in the middle of the sky when Obi-Wan returned his quarters. Although Garen had been very persistent in his pursuit of a training match with him, Obi-Wan had decided he needed to clear his mind with meditation, and possibly a talk with his Master. However, that did not stop Garen from chasing Obi-Wan down the hall and shouting after him he was a coward. Obi-Wan had smiled dolefully at him, taking his lightsaber hilt and saluting his friend.

He would have liked to stay and battle Garen; the Force only knew how long it had been since their last training together, but he knew he needed the break to calm his mind. Thoughts were tumbling off his mind's walls in so many directions. What he needed was an opportunity to stand back and take a deep look at the events of the days. Meditation would give him that.

Qui-Gon was not in their quarters, and Obi-Wan took no surprise in the fact. Qui-Gon had others things to do besides wait for his Padawan to return home. Obi-Wan felt guilty about not contacting his Master the entire day, but shook it off. Qui-Gon would understand Obi-Wan's need for privacy.

He went immediately to his room, shrugging off his cloak and then sitting cross-legged in the center of his room. Meditation would clear his mind. He needed clarity to calm the raging in his head. Who was Master Sifo-Dyas, and why was it aggravating him so? In the years he had spent as Qui-Gon's apprentice, he had met many people, both loyal and traitorous. None of them had ever given him a case of the head chills as badly as Sifo-Dyas, and he was a Jedi. So what if he came from Yanari? That did not add up to his terrible paranoia of it.

He scolded himself. He needed to focus. He took a deep, even breath and drew his thoughts inward towards his heart, summing up his fears of the mission and his fear of failure. He allowed himself to feel it, to want to ache with the force of it all, and then breathe again. The tension relaxed, guiding him to a place in his mind where the fear would not touch, and there was only he and his thoughts.

Master Sifo-Dyas.

He meditated.

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There was a drawing evil from the name, a kind of power that radiated not from the name, but from far away. It reached towards him, and he drew away, struggling not to be touched. He had been touched before by that raw power, and he could not allow it to continue and handle his ragged mind. The evil had to be tamed.

He left the darkened corridor, reaching for the handle of the door to open it. It was locked. He kicked it, the noise a buzzing in his ears. He stared for a moment at the door, examining the handle. It was pure gold, and when he touched it again it hurt his hands. He looked at them, amazed, and then behind him. He saw the evil, a dark red jet of light extending towards him.

He had to get away from it, from everything.

He turned back to the door.


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Qui-Gon was back when Obi-Wan resurfaced from his meditation. Startled, Obi-wan gazed out his window at the sinking sun. How long had he been in meditation? What, in fact, had it done for him? He stood, his mind still holding onto the last remnants of the dark corridor. What had that meant? Obi-Wan knew enough about his mind and the way of the Force to know it was speaking in metaphors, but he still had no idea what it meant.

He felt refreshed, now, even though he was still without a clue. That was what the meditation had done for him. The corridor left him with a raw, tingling feeling that seemed foreign in his body, but it did not startle him. That surprised him. He had been walking around with a name in his head, and that had frustrated him to death, but now, with the black corridor and electrifying light, he felt very little.

What did it mean?

Qui-Gon was looking over a holopad when Obi-Wan stepped out of his room into the living space. Qui-Gon graced him with a smile. "How was your day, Padawan? Hopefully, it was quite busy. When did you get back?"

Obi-Wan walked over to furniture and threw himself into his chair. He faced Qui-Gon. "Master, I got back right before the midday meal."

Astonishment registered on Qui-Gon's face. "I went out to help Master Eotal teach a class." He looked thoughtful. "I came back just after the midday meal, and I thought you were still out. Have you been meditating this entire time in your room?"

At Obi-Wan's nod, a weary smile spread on Qui-Gon's face. "And did it help you?"

Obi-Wan had to think about that. Yes, he felt refreshed, but his musings on Sifo-Dyas had not been eased; rather he was now faced with the image of a long, dark corridor, and a sinister red light blinking towards him. "No, Master, it did not."

His Master tossed his holopad on the floor. "Anything I can help you with? I assume your frustration has to do with your mission."

"Yes, Master." He gathered his thoughts in his head, wondering how Qui-Gon could help him. "Did you know Master Sifo-Dyas?"

Qui-Gon closed his eyes, seemingly in a battle of wills with himself. Obi-Wan watched his Master calmly, although he was intrigued by the struggle. Qui-Gon obviously had met with the Jedi Master before, and knew something about him.

"Yes, I did," Qui-Gon said finally. "What I am going to tell you will never leave this room. The Council wishes no one to know about it, but I see now that you must. I think they were planning on telling you anyway. I will inform them of our discussion."

Obi-Wan sat up straighter despite himself.

"Sifo-Dyas was a friend of mine, back when we were both Padawan Learners. He was older than I, but that never tarnished our relationship. He was Knighted around the time as I. He was smart and kind, and went onto train two wonderful people. Anyhow, we lost contact over the years; with the travel a Jedi Knight is required. Two years ago the Council sent him on an unauthorized mission to Yanari."

This time Obi-Wan had to stop himself from jerking. "But, Master, I thought… I was under the impression I would be the first Jedi sent to Yanari. Isn't Sifo-Dyas, then, important? Why was the mission unauthorized?"

Qui-Gon favored his apprentice with a tired look. "I am sorry for withholding information from you, Obi-Wan. Yes, I thought it would be important, but I was not sure the Council was ready for you to know. However, I think you are ready to know."

He waited for another outburst from Obi-Wan, but when one did not come, he nodded slightly. "The mission did not come from the minds of the Council. Sifo-Dyas knew his home world, of course, and had heard of the misfortunes that had plagued the world. By that time, the emissary was already lost. Sifo-Dyas was concerned. You must know, Padawan, Master Sifo-Dyas was a caring person. He could not walk away from his home world when it was in need, even if it was Yanari. He was well-aware of the fact they did not welcome Jedi.

"He requested to investigate. The Council spent many days in meditation about the fact, because even though they were not asked specifically by Yanari to investigate, many of them were concerned and moved by Sifo-Dyas's obvious love of his home world- especially Even Piell, his former apprentice. It was decided, however, Sifo-Dyas had a conflict of interest. He was too caught up with his world. He was a very compassionate and moving person. They did not forbid him to go, but they did not sanction it. He left for Yanari, and I do not believe he ever contacted anyone again."

Obi-Wan stared at him, mind fumbling. This was why the name Sifo-Dyas had been with him. All Force-sensitives were connected through the Force, and of course Sifo-Dyas's plight would end up in his mind. It was only logical. He fought the relieved grin off his face. Now, maybe, he could live without the air of tension in his head.

"You believe he was lost to the Yanarians like the emissary?" Obi-Wan asked. "That they discovered him and possibly murdered him? Madame Jocasta Nu showed me his bust in the Archives. Why would the Council hold him in such high esteem if they did not agree with his reason for leaving?"

Qui-Gon leaned back in the sleep-couch. "Master Sifo-Dyas was a renowned Jedi. He was an excellent pilot, and his diplomatic skills had stopped many worlds from warring. He often followed his heart rather than his mind, but that often proved to be the thing to do. He was an exemplary Jedi, and the Council feels indebted to him for his many contributions. A Jedi is often remembered more for his achievements rather than his failures, despite what the rest of the universe believes."

Obi-Wan gathered his feelings together, pushing them into the corner of his mind where he could touch them more easily. He breathed deeply, exhaling his tension and anxiety, bidding rid of the name Sifo-Dyas from the rest of his fears. He did not need to fear the name Sifo-Dyas anymore. Qui-Gon had just put to ease what had been bothering him.

Sifo-Dyas had vanished on his self-proclaimed mission to Yanari. That was reason enough for his feelings on the place, and why the name bothered him. Qui-Gon's presence helped him move past the name and the tension, shifting it from his mind to his heart, where he could let it go. He breathed out, letting the name flow from him and his thoughts.

He was through with Sifo-Dyas. He would go to Yanari and complete his mission, keep an eye out for the Jedi, and leave with that. That was enough. It would be enough.

He looked at Qui-Gon gratefully. That, at least, was one worry he would not have to go through. He had enough worries about this mission as it was.

"Thank you, Master," he said.

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Of all the days he had come to dread in his lifetime, Obi-Wan figured this day ranged with worst. The moment he awoke from his troubled sleep, he had immediately remembered the reason why his stomach felt cramped, and his palms felt clammy. Pulling the sheets tightly around him, he had tried to tell himself the day was false, but of course it was not.

Much had happened in the days following the discovery of why Sifo-Dyas was bothering him. He had gone through a refresher course with Qui-Gon over everything he had ever learned, despite Qui-Gon's amused protests. Obi-Wan winced when he thought of how bothersome he was being.

After that, there had been a short trip to the Council Chambers, where Yoda officially granted him permission to take leave on his mission. There was no ceremony, of course, but each Council Member had taken care to stop him in the corridors or the mess of the Temple to give him encouragement. He had serious doubt anyone but he would ever know how much the encouragement had touched him at the very core of his being.

And still, after that, he had to take a blaster handling case, because he definitely did not have the skills that would be required of the man he was impersonating. Although the persona was fabricated, the Republic had gone to great lengths to make up a man who would return to them their own. Obi-Wan had been head security for three worlds, and had gone through the Coruscant Armed Forces Academy, an elite school in the very lowest levels of Coruscant very few were chosen to attend.

Once he had proved adequate with the blaster, Obi-Wan spent a day trailing one the top security officials of Coruscant, who had given him one look and glanced away, sneering. He had basically abused the young Jedi the entire day, taking him to his security hangouts where the rest of his squad had poked fun at the Jedi in general, and Obi-Wan's braid. It killed him on the inside, but Obi-Wan found it useful. He now knew the jargon and the way to act when arresting criminals, for the man he had followed was good, despite his attitude. His parting words to Obi-Wan had been, "Basically, Jedi kid, take no snak from any rank, and don't ever tell anyone you knew me."

Touching, but true.

Then there was the matter of his braid cutting and hair cut. Obi-Wan had wanted to weep when Qui-Gon gently severed his braid. He could barely find solace in the fact they would reattach it when he returned; he felt naked without it. Obi-Wan had not taken Garen up on his offer to help with the haircut, choosing instead for his Master to trim his hair close cropped style, in the fashion Obi-Wan had seen many of the security officials sporting. One or two modeled flowing hair past the collar, but he would go with the majority on this one.

His birthday had dawned on a rainy day, which Obi-Wan found very ironic. There had been no celebration, as per Jedi custom (the party last year had been a dreadful surprise party involving Bant, Garen, Reeft and a tube of salve that wasn't entirely sanctioned), but Qui-Gon and his friends had wished him a happy birthday. Garen and Reeft had not presented him with gifts, but Bant's had been a fresh basket of muja fruit which Obi-Wan found very thoughtful. He had gone through the reflection required of a Jedi on a birthday, and when he came out of his meditation, Qui-Gon was there with a dagger. He had been very surprised to awake from meditation to find Qui-Gon holding a knife over his head, and despite his shout of surprise, his Master had found it very amusing. They had meditated together, cementing their ten-year partnership.

It was very fulfilling to Obi-Wan, and it made him laugh whenever he thought of the fact that Qui-Gon had put up with him for ten years. So much had happened in that time, but there was still so much to do. He was grateful for his Master's constant presence at his back, as he would always be.

And then his bag was packed, five thousand credits had been handed to him for basic needs, the Council was giving him their departing praise, and Bant was hugging him hard around the neck. He said good-bye to his friends in the Room of a Thousand Fountains an hour before he was set to leave. Bant had taken one look at his pale face and had almost suffocated him in her embrace. Garen had shaken his hand firmly, and Reeft was patting him on the back.

It was time to leave.

He stood on the landing platform with Qui-Gon, his pack clenched so tightly in his hand he decided to drop it. He was still dressed in his Jedi tunics and robes, but the Republic had arranged a good transport which offered a private room where he could change into the garb he and Qui-Gon had purchased from an open market vendor giving a bad deal on good clothes. Nervously, he wiped his sweaty palms on his trousers.

Qui-Gon had taken note of his nervousness but had said nothing of the fact. Obi-Wan waited for his Master to speak, to say something, but Qui-Gon remained quiet for the longest time. Five minutes before his transport was due to arrive, his Master spoke.

"You will do good, Obi-Wan. I know the Force will be you. Listen to the Force, and all shall go well. In the absence of certainty, remember that your instinct is all that you can follow."

Obi-Wan glanced at his Master. That was a new lesson. "Yes, Master."

"You understand that, don't you, Obi-Wan? You can't always be certain. Follow your instincts above everything else. The Force will guide you through them. There may be a moment when you lose a fact, or do not know where to turn. Follow your instincts, because your instincts come through the Force."

Obi-Wan opened his mouth to say something, but Qui-Gon raised a hand. "Do not comment on this. Remember it, for it will serve you well." He paused delicately, and reached out to touch Obi-Wan's arm. "Be safe, my Padawan. Do well, and be safe."

Be safe. Obi-Wan wanted to latch onto Qui-Gon's arm at that moment and never let go. It truly touched him that he would be leaving the Temple on an unknown transport to an unknown world for the first time without Qui-Gon. Fear arose in him like a snake, but he beat it away. He had done away with the fear by now- he needed to concentrate, to banish it from his thought if he were to succeed.

Obi-Wan reached out and grasped his Master's arm, and they turned to face each other. Without warning, Obi-Wan dropped to a knee in front of his Master, emotion taking him over. "Thank you," he stammered before Qui-Gon could come to his senses and demand his apprentice to raise. "Thank you for your confidence in me. Master, I can't express-"

"Get up!" Qui-Gon demanded, although his eyes were gentle. "Obi-Wan, I will not have you kneel in front of me for thanks I do not deserve." He pulled Obi-Wan to his feet. "I did nothing but guide you. You're acting like you're being Knighted- which you are not, by the way. This is just a step to that point." He gave Obi-Wan a funny look. "I thought you weren't sentimental, Obi-Wan, I really did."

Obi-Wan forced a laugh. He had meant the words he had just said, and it hollowed him how true they seemed. "Master, I must maintain some sense of self, mustn't I?"

"That does not mean you have to fall at my feet," Qui-Gon replied. He suddenly pointed. "I believe that is your transport. Remember you need to get off at Candalas and find your next transport there. You have the arrangements."

They watched his ship slowly descend towards them, its outer covering glinting silver in the sun. When it finally docked, and the male pilot stepped out of the ship to handle procedures, they turned to each other again. This time, Qui-Gon seemed at a pure loss for words, and Obi-Wan could not think of how to put his emotions in the open.

Qui-Gon sighed. "I have said all I need to say. Be safe, Obi-Wan, above all else." He cracked a smile. "It takes time and energy to wear in a new Padawan."

"Don't worry, Master, I'm sure I'll be back soon," Obi-Wan said. He extended his hand, and Qui-Gon took it. "I meant what I said before you stopped me. Thank you."

"Well, then, you're welcome," Qui-Gon said. He stepped away. "May the Force be with you, Padawan."

"May the Force be with you, Master," Obi-Wan said, his voice almost catching. Abruptly he reached down and grabbed his bag, turning as he did so. He stalked towards the ramp, talking quickly to the pilot and boarding. When he reached the door, he turned and looked at the Temple and Qui-Gon one last time, feeling his heart quiver as the thought he would never see either one of them again shot through him.

Stop thinking like that! He scolded himself. Just stop!

He turned away and headed inside.

As the ship rose and shot away, Qui-Gon did not move, his eyes fixed on the spot where the ship had disappeared from his view. He did not move for a long time, a tornado of emotions blowing through his insides.

He turned away finally, looking back at the Temple that suddenly seemed so lonely and desolate against a golden background.

Please let him be safe.

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Stranded Stargazer – Oops. I seemed to have forgotten my responsibility to this thing. Sorry about that. I guess I took more than the week off. -cackle- Sorry about the wait. Thanks so much for sticking with the story! I really appreciate it.

moon's shadow AMJ – New reader! Woot. I'm so glad you found something worth reading in this story. I know what you mean about not finding something good to read a lot of the time, and I'm glad I cleared the problem for you, at least temporarily. Thanks for all the kind words!

Ivy3 – To answer your question, yes, Xanatos simply didn't die, although it will be explained in later chapters, and really fleshed out in FAR later chapters. A really big reason I wanted this plot bunny was the interaction between Xanatos and Obi-Wan. I've never written an Xanatos character that isn't pure-cut evil(I drabbled once in a straight evil Xanatos with dire results) and I want to get the feel of the character. Thanks for the comments and joining onto the story.