Saiyan Jedi-

Wow…I don't think I'm quite as good as Jude Watson, there is a reason why she is published and I am not. But I still like the compliment!

Ahn-Li Steffraini-

Hmm…I'm very curious as to the origin of your name…

O well, the other person was not Dooku that Miro was talking to, just a person, I have really no idea who it was myself, just a person. And I've heard that I'm an evil author more than once…I guess it must be true.

The uncle…not nice…go ahead and slap him…he's not important at the moment…just don't kill him yet, I may still need him.

Lol…Adi has her work cut out for her if she has to watch over Qui all the time…She would never sleep, especially if I'm the one writing.

Not quite the last chapter no…and the Queen of cliffhangers? Hey…I kinda like that title. –Beams- Here is the next chapter, enjoy!

Halfling-

Hmm…curves…well, this next part might be a full circle. Thinking in new ways? Is that good or bad? Another short chapter…but it's hard to write with work and all…I worked 13 hours Friday, so I was pretty zonked and didn't fell like doing much writing. But there will be another next weekened.

Mistress Wolf-

Eek! I don't wanna fight! –hides- sides, I'll never kill Qui-Gon, I could never do that too my Obi-Wan. Lol…who's the one writing the story? Wonderful ideas, and you'll see what all happens, I have a pretty nifty stuff planned.

Mellaithwen-

Teehee

I would never kill any of the characters! Torture, maim…near death experiences…maybe…but never kill. Yay, more stories! I already have the next to stories plotted out, well, mostly. The next one is pretty much ready to go. But the next one will be a lot of obi angst. Something along the lines of false murder…Bruck…ect….

You'll see soon enough anyways.

MusicDreamer-

I'm being nice to Qui-Gon! It's Obi-Wan you should worry about –runs off laughing- I won't hurt them…to bad. And Serr…well, you'll find out soon enough

K-Rock-

-Is tied to a chair- Must keep typing! –reaches for the keyboard- So hard! Figure out that problem, it's a little hard to type like this

Kynstar-

-Hands of Qui-Gon to Kynstar-

Just don't go too far with him…I need him for my stories

Your wonderings will be proven this chapter too, or so it seems

Chapter Nine

Obi-Wan was moving before the gate came to a close, sliding through as the guards exited. The guards went to stop him, but it was too late, he had already passed by. Obi-Wan ran full tilt into the arena, his lightsaber drawn, calling out to Qui-Gon.

He watched as his Master turned, shock and surprise lining his face, but he composed himself a moment later as his padawan cut through the chain that held him prisoner. Qui-Gon held his hands apart as Obi-Wan carefully cut the cuff links, allowing him movement with his arms.

They had hardly a moment before the creature was after them, something resembling a rycrit, but larger in size. Without a word, Obi-Wan tossed Qui-Gon's lightsaber towards him, the pair turning to face the new threat.

Obi-Wan let the Force surround them, flowing in and around his Master to give him strength. He had never seen his Master this weak before, and it scared him. Only once before, when Jenna Zan Arbor captured him, and she had drained him of his blood, had he been weakened. This was far worse, and it was truly frightening to see. But now was not the time for fear, he allowed it to leave him, with each breath.

The cheer of the crowd spurred on the beast, as the rycrit came closer, its hooves stamping into the ground. It was weary of the strange lights, but it did not stop its pursuit. As the creature charged, Obi-Wan jumped to the left, Qui-Gon to the right, the two coming to circle behind him.

So focused on the rycrit, Obi-Wan did not feel the warning at first. Qui-Gon called out to him in warning, but the boy was already moving, parrying a blow awkwardly. Xanatos' fury was notable, and it was all Obi-Wan could do to keep himself from being cut in two.

Qui-Gon grasped his lightsaber, jumping over the confused rycrit and landing behind Xanatos, drawing his attention away from the boy so that he could recover. But his strength was no match, he was too weak, and Xanatos threw him back with little effort. A wave of Force carried him backwards, slamming him into the wall.

The impact took his breath away, pain coursing through his back. He heard Obi-Wan cry out, as he struggled to his feet. His first instinct was to go back and help Obi-Wan, but he had bigger problems. The rycrit had chosen to come after him. Raising his lightsaber he watched as the creature guarded him warily, the crowd's cheers increasing.

As the rycrit lunged, Qui-Gon dropped down to his knees, slicing his lightsaber up, cutting through the soft skinned belly. A foul smell surrounded him, as the creature screamed, dropping to the ground. Qui-Gon dealt another blow, ending its suffering. Well, that was a lot easier than last time, he thought.

Without a moment's pause, he raced back to help Obi-Wan. He could feel the darkness pouring from his former padawan, and the struggle Obi-Wan had trying to deflect it. Obi-Wan pulled back as his Master came into the battle, allowing time to gather himself.

He readied for another attack, but Xanatos did something then that he did not expect. He turned toward Qui-Gon, dealing his master a harsh blow, one that caused him to stagger. Xanatos kicked out, using the hilt of his lightsaber and connecting with his chin. The blow dropped Qui-Gon to the ground, and Xanatos held his lightsaber over his former Master.

Obi-Wan came to halt, standing in a defensive posture. He could hear the crowd around him become quiet. Xanatos smiled. "I've been expecting you," he told him softly. He nodded to the guards that were beginning to surround him. "Make a wise decision for once," he mocked the boy.

"Leave him be," Qui-Gon told, trying to sit up. Xanatos held the blade close to his chest, allowing him little room to move.

"So he can spoil my plans again. I think not," he glared at the boy.

Obi-Wan held his gaze. "I'm not playing games with you anymore Xanatos. Let us go, our own separate ways. Let the past go behind you. Nothing you do will change it."

Xanatos frowned, rage burning in his eyes. "I am not playing games foolish one. I give you a choice, either you give in now, and things will go much easier for you, or I will take you by force, and you precious Master here will get the blunt end of the deal," he threatened, lowering his lightsaber even closer. "Either will not save you from my ire afterwards."

Obi-Wan held his ground, his face smooth, without emotion. But inside, he was burning in turmoil of confusion and uncertainty. He had come to far to be stopped now. Siri and Adi were out there somewhere, now would have been more than a wonderful time for them to show up.

He gazed at his Master, hoping for any signs of what to do, any clue. Qui-Gon held an intent look, the same look he always had after Obi-Wan had done something that was irrationally stupid. He turned away, looking back up at Xanatos.

"You let him go," it was a statement, not a request.

Xanatos grinned. "Is that all?"

"No Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon started, but was cut off when Xanatos kicked him roughly in the side. Obi-Wan bit his lip. This is why he had to do this.

"Yes," he said.

Xanatos nodded. "Take him away then."

The guards started forward, but Obi-Wan readied his lightsaber. "Do I have your word on it? At least your word should be good."

Xanatos nodded. "You have my word, Obi-Wan Kenobi. I will let him go."

With a solemn sigh, Obi-Wan disarmed himself, allowing the guards to put him in chains. He locked eyes with Qui-Gon as they bent his arms roughly behind him back. His Master was still shaking his head, his breathing heaving. I'm sorry Master.

"Take them both away," Xanatos informed them. "Separate cells for now at least. And clean up that mess," he said motioning to the carcass in the corner.

"You said you would let him go!" Obi-Wan cried.

"And so I will," Xanatos interrupted as the guards started to take the two away. "When he is dead anyway. You forget details, when bargaining. I will stay to my word. You will see to that."

Obi-Wan struggled to get free of the guard's grasp. "When are you going to let your past go?" he cried. "You can't live in it forever!"

Xanatos stepped up to him, not saying a word. His eyes were full of fury, and hatred. The dark side of the Force was strong in him and for a moment, fear flickered past Obi-Wan's eyes, but it was gone the next second.

"The past is all I have, and I will make sure it is done away with," he spat with an icy tone. He drew back his fist, striking the boy in the stomach, dropping the young padawan to his knees, leaving him gasping for breath.

"You leave him alone Xanatos!" Qui-Gon warned him. He was too weak to fight against the hold, but he would not stand to watch his padawan be tormented.

Xanatos smiled, "Don't worry old friend. He will get what he deserves. You two may have gotten away if it wasn't for my assistant," he added, his grin widening. He motioned behind them and Obi-Wan shook his head.

"Serr? How could you?" he asked, still regaining his breath.

The young prince locked eyes with him before turning away. "I'm sorry Obi-Wan, I had no choice."

"You did your job well, be proud of yourself," Xanatos told him, placing a hand on his shoulder. He turned to the guards. "Take them away, I will tend to them later."

TBC

Also, I posted another short story, only one chapter, but it is song fic about Obi-Wan after his Master dies, Some of you have already read it as I have seen, and thank you for all your reviews. But if you want to, go ahead and read 'Cry a Tear'

Until next post, Cheers!