Chapter Sixteen

The Jedi left, and once again Obi-Wan was left to face the Mother Planet alone. Though this time there was one difference: he knew now that someone was there and fighting along side him. He was not alone. He remembered everything about his former life now.

Forget them, Father. The Mother Planet crooned to him. Thou and I wilt soon be together for eternity, balancing the evil on my shores and below them. Thou shouldst be preparing thyself.

Obi-Wan smiled serenely at her. I know who I am now, and it is not who you want me to be. I might not have a choice about you killing my body, but I do not have to obey what you want. The Force is here—I can feel it clearly. Once my body is gone, so am I.

The Mother Planet regarded him for a moment, testing his honesty. The She spun around and gestured. Suddenly, Knight Justain was there again. Thou hast poisoned him against me! She accused him.

The Knight placed his hands in the opposite sleeves of his robes and raised an eyebrow. Why should I do that?

Thou hast been trying to warn him since his arrival! The Mother Planet raged. Thou knowst why I need to balance and thou hast been trying to undermine me!

Justain smiled calmly at her. Why should I let you kill another Jedi without their knowledge of what you are getting them into? Perhaps if you'd just ask, one of us would be foolhardy enough to volunteer, though I doubt it.

The Mother Planet glared at him, her eyes turning into echoes of her air of flame. Thou art jealous of him since he is stronger than thou art.

Justain shook his head. That is what you don't understand and never have, Mother. Jedi are not like regular humans. Yes, we have access to the Force, but we do not go jealously after each other, nor do we use monetary means to get what we want. We are guardians of the Republic and champions of peace. We are always ready to accept death.

Thou weret not, She pointed out.

Justain looked saddened. Some of us are fools and would do anything to rectify a past mistake.

Obi-Wan watched their conversation carefully, seeking for some sort of guidance from Justain's wistful and regretful words. Here was someone who had already done what the Mother Planet wanted and, as far as he knew, was still balancing, though just wasn't strong enough to continue much longer. Which was why She needed him. He wondered if he was a strong enough Jedi to help Justain reach the Force when he left.

Mother Planet.

Surprised, Obi-Wan turned at his master's voice. He had thought that the Mother Planet had barred them from returning to his aide, yet here the same small group of Jedi were again, this time behind him. Qui-Gon smiled at him reassuringly, though Obi-Wan felt a lingering fear coursing through his Master that he felt had something to do with him. What are thy and thy friends doing back again so soon? The Mother Planet asked, clearly caught off-guard.

Qui-Gon turned his blue eyed gaze to the manifestation. I have a compromise for you so that we both will gain what we seek.

Her face was guarded. Thou canst have nothing that I wish.

Listen to him, you should, Obi-Wan saw Master Yoda say in his usual calm way. Gain much you can.

Fine, the Mother Planet snapped. What is it that thou hast to say? She reached out and Obi-Wan felt himself being drawn to her side, away from the Jedi. He tried to resist, but it was if he were caught in a whirlwind. He glared at her from his new position beside her.

Qui-Gon pretended not to notice as his padawan was taken away from him. His eyes were resolute, though, when he said, You say you need power to restore the balance of your planet, correct?

The Mother Planet nodded, still wary.

But you think that only by using one Jedi, in this case my padawan, Obi-Wan, can you achieve what you wish, correct?

As the Mother Planet nodded again, Obi-Wan found himself wondering what his master had thought of.

Qui-Gon's smile broadened. Why just one? What if all of us Jedi standing here offer to help restore the balance? Would that not achieve what you wish?

There was a pause as the Mother Planet took stock of how much power each had in the Force, and then how much evil and greed was running rampant below and above her ocean.

Finally, she cautiously asked, And what do thou gest out of this, Jedi Master?

Qui-Gon looked at Obi-Wan, his expression stating that the answer should be obvious. Quietly, he replied, My padawan's life.

The Mother Planet gazed at each Jedi in turn, though She skipped over Justain's waiting figure. She inquired softly, Wilt thou each do this? Thy wilt need to surrender enough power to continue the balance for years to come.

Send more Jedi we can if more you need, Yoda promised her. Volunteers there will be. Come to agreements we will.

Thou wilt do this to save my creatures?

All the Jedi, including Obi-Wan, nodded solemnly. She looked surprised at Obi-Wan's agreement.

I am a Jedi, he reminded Her softly. I just don't like being forced to my death. I have a duty to others. I will help.

She smiled at them all. Then let us begin.

NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR: I'm starting to wonder if anyone likes this or if I even still have readers. No one's said anything in a very long time. So tell you what, send me a review and I'll continue. I will not continue unless I get one so I know if I should just stop this fic right here. ::is feeling very sad::