Disclaimer: We don't own Star Wars.
Full summary: Sequel to Reunion. A year later our Jedi cohorts are brought together again. This time to protect Lady Amidala from the attempts on her life. How will these familiar tidings ride differently now that Qui-Gon lives, Anakin loves him, and the cold fires of bitterness burn in Obi-Wan's heart?
Warnings: Slash, JA reference, drugs, and violence
Pairing(s): Eventual Qui-GonxAnakin (subdued GarenxObi)
Fic type: AU, romance
Bizarre speaks: So. RENT? Best movie I've seen in a while. -sings.- So, Tuesday for more. We're gettin' there, can you tell? I actually like this chapter. Two more in this Volume. Keep pimping the story to your friends?
Chosen
Volume Four
Immolated Destiny
Chapter V: Strung
When Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan set out after the bounty hunter, Jango Fett, they never imagined they'd end up being arrested by the Geonosians and hung up in energy binders. That is exactly where they were now, however.
Luckily, they had managed to get a message out to Anakin before being overrun by the winged natives and a squadron of battle droids. Master Qui-Gon had to wonder why his Padawan was on Tatooine instead of Naboo. In any case, he hoped the boy would relay the distress call to the Jedi. Reinforcements might even now be speeding to the rescue.
In all honesty, the prisoners were fairly well treated, restraints aside. That may have had something to do with the man now questioning them.
"Well now, my old Padawan," Count Dooku smiled unpleasantly. "You seem to be in quite a mess, eh."
Though he really wanted to ask his former mentor why Dooku had become a Separatist leader, Qui-Gon decided he was better off not knowing. "Would you happen to know a bounty hunter called, Jango Fett, Master?" he asked instead.
"You mean, you didn't come to visit your old Master?" the elderly Count sighed tragically. His gaze strayed to Obi-Wan. "I see this one seems better disposed despite your, no doubt, horrible treatment of him, Qui-Gon," the man slowly circled the pair of incapacitated Jedi. "You know, Qui-Gon you were always kind to strangers. But, when it comes to those closest to you, such as your Padawan here, you are oblivious."
"Obi-Wan is no longer my apprentice," Qui-Gon said evenly. "He is a Jedi Knight in his own right."
"Oh," Dooku smirked. "You have taken another then?"
Despite his silence, the Count could see that Qui-Gon had indeed. "Glutton for punishment, aren't you, Jinn?"
Obi-Wan stayed silent throughout this exchange. He was inappropriately enjoying the way Count Dooku was speaking to Qui-Gon.
"He is the 'Chosen one', Dooku," Qui-Gon informed the old man confidently. He was firmly convinced of Anakin's place in the prophecy. "If I had not trained him, someone would."
"My dear Qui-Gon," Dooku sighed, "I no longer concern myself with matters of the simple Jedi," he strolled casually closer to Qui-Gon, smiling still. "My sights are set on something much larger. In case you had not noticed your precious Republic of the People has fallen into corruption. It no longer serves the people," he glanced at the silent Obi-Wan with watery blue eyes. "I want to change that."
"Your business is your own, Master," Qui-Gon managed a smile of his own. "If you would release us we will be about ours."
"I come to ask for your help, Qui-Gon." It was very strange to hear the word 'help' coming from the supremely confident Dooku. "You of all people should understand."
"I do." Qui-Gon was well aware of the corrupt state of the Senate. "But I will not abandon the Order and I doubt the Council would support your cause."
Dooku rolled his eyes. "Ah, but of course, the Council. I was always under the impression that you did not put much stock in their rulings, Qui-Gon," he gave Obi-Wan a wink. "Rebel, rouge, trouble maker, isn't that what they used to call you, Master Jinn?"
The stately Count strolled closer to where Obi-Wan hung suspended. "From what I understand it is Kenobi here who defies the Council's will. I don't suppose you are interested in joining me, Obi-Wan?"
"With the Senate fattened the Jedi benefit," Obi-Wan replied mildly.
Count Dooku laughed with amusement.
"Dooku," Qui-Gon, however, was scowling. "We are on serious business. Release us," the Jedi Master's tone was sharper now.
"Oh, my dear Qui-Gon," Dooku shook his head sadly. "I'm afraid I cannot do that. I will of course plead your case. Ultimately, your fate lies with the Geonosians, not me," he shrugged helplessly.
"I know you hold sway here, Master," Qui-Gon was getting angry now. Dooku was toying with them.
"Besides," the trim elder countered. "I don't think I want you poking around my affairs, anyhow." With that he left, sealing the door behind him. Leaving the trapped Jedi with only the humming of their energy restraints.
"He has not changed," Qui-Gon commented irritably. "Still infuriating."
"I believe that's a job requirement for becoming a Master," Obi-Wan deadpanned.
Master Qui-Gon shot him a dirty look but stayed calm. Arguing with Obi-Wan would avail them nothing.
"I cannot have been that bad," he muttered. "And I certainly would not string you up for disagreeing with my politics."
The younger man snorted. "That's not why he's holding us, Master Jinn. And really, is that our prime concern right now?"
"You are right, Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon sagged in resignation. "Our first concern is getting free," the Jedi Master agreed. He held out hope that Anakin was able to rally aid for them. It was best not to count on that, however. "If he would just release us," Qui-Gon muttered. He felt certain that was not going to happen, however.
Obi-Wan had closed his eyes. He was sweating and labored to breathe. He felt so terrible. He was a long time without a fix and it was starting to take its toll. Such is the fate of a junkie and he knew it was only going to get worse. He dimly wondered if Dooku would supply him if he acquiesced. He didn't really think so, but as his condition was worsening he started to consider it.
"Stop telling me things I already know, Qui-Gon, and start thinking of how to escape!" he snapped irritably.
They did not have many options available. Ultimately all they could do was to wait for sentencing and try to survive any execution order.
Obi-Wan's nerves were frayed to the breaking point by the time Count Dooku returned with the sentence.
"You have been found guilty of spying for the Republic and will be summarily executed in the arena," the Count informed them mildly.
Obi-Wan was secretly relieved to hear the end was near. He couldn't take any more!
"We are expected to fight for our lives?" Qui-Gon asked. He was very calm for someone who'd just been given a death sentence.
The Count smiled and nodded.
"Will you give us weapons?"
Dooku laughed. "Oh no, my dear Qui-Gon, no weapons," he glanced at the pale Obi-Wan. The young Jedi looked very sickly. "And you will be manacled to the pillars," Dooku informed them. "Such displays are very entertaining."
"Well, as long as we can entertain you, Master," Qui-Gon replied coldly. He was very glad they'd reached Anakin now. Perhaps help would arrive before they were ripped to pieces in this barbaric rite.
Unfortunately, any hope of that was dashed when they emerged from the dark holding cell, blinking in the harsh sunlight. Not only was Anakin out there, chained to a tall stone plinth, but Senator Padmé as well. Held on an adjacent pillar, manacles at her slender wrists.
Anakin didn't look completely miserable. "We got your message, Master," he stammered shyly. "And we came to rescue you."
"I see," the old man said evenly, trying to mask his disappointment and concern for the youngsters.
"Don't worry," the Padawan whispered as the big Jedi was marched past. "I alerted the Council, Master." Then he saw poor Obi-Wan. His friend looked terrible. What had they done to him! "Help is coming, Obi-Wan," he called out encouragingly.
"Before we die?" Obi-Wan snarled as his captors dragged him along.
"I have no control over how fast the Council reacts, Obi-Wan," Anakin shot back.
While they bickered, Padmé got busy. When the executioners appeared, a trio of monstrous creatures, she scaled the pillar to safety, using the chains holding her to the plinth. The Jedi had to fend for themselves. Easier said than done, but somehow each managed. Though Obi-Wan was badly gored by a tusked armodon. In his strung out state his reflexes were very shaky.
It was just starting to look hopeless when their rescue arrived. Anakin looked up at the roaring whine of repulsor engines. When the Council said they'd send backup, they really meant it! He watched in thrilled awe as nearly a hundred Jedi and hundreds of clone troopers descended on the arena. The cowardly Geonosians took to the sky in a flutter of wings. The Jedi and their soldiers waded into the droid forces with an unstoppable purpose. Smoldering bodies and blasted metal droid parts littered the arena's sandy ground. Master Windu crossed weapons with the notorious Jango Fett, decapitating the bounty hunter.
Once the dust settled it was discovered, much to Qui-Gon's dismay, that Count Dooku had escaped. He and his Padawan gave chase as the army and their Jedi commanders swept up the remaining resistance.
Master Qui-Gon and his apprentice caught up with the nefarious Count as the old man was trying to leave the planet. They approached the one time Jedi Master in the mountainous hangar. In true Jedi fashion Qui-Gon offered Dooku mercy if he laid down his weapon and admitted defeat. The Count laughed and the final battle began.
It was a disaster.
"Come now, Qui-Gon," Dooku taunted, "You know you cannot defeat me. I am the one who trained you, my Padawan." The Count was slowly inching away from Anakin, who stood beside Qui-Gon, lightsaber at the ready. The Count knew nothing about the boy and Qui-Gon's words rang in his ears. He is the 'Chosen One'…Perhaps if he quickly took out the Master this apprentice would lose that confident look.
With a sudden motion Dooku was upon Qui-Gon swinging. The lambent red glow of his weapon flashing around the Jedi with uncanny speed. Qui-Gon managed to block the first series of strikes while backing up. He deftly avoided Anakin as the Padawan tried to come to his aid.
"Anakin, no!" the Master cried as the boy jumped in front of him.
Dooku was smiling as he struck. The apprentice screamed in pain and the smell of burning flesh floated on the air.
"You," Qui-Gon lost all composer seeing the severed limb and Anakin writhing at his boots. "I will kill you, Dooku," he hissed and launched for the vile Count.
They spun about the cavern for several furious moments. Slashing and dodging each other's blows in a graceful dance of death. Then Dooku feinted to the right and rolled to the left. Qui-Gon fell for it. As their weapons clashed the Count spun round and came in to close with the big Jedi. The heavy hilt of his weapon smashed down onto Qui-Gon's grip, crushing one wrist. With a strangled snarl Qui-Gon staggered back, clutching the broken arm.
"Tsk, tsk, Qui-Gon," Dooku wagged a finger at the panting Jedi. "You should know better."
The Jedi Master made no reply, merely straightened up with his weapon held in his good hand. His off hand…
"You are in no condition to duel further, Qui-Gon," Dooku smirked extinguishing his weapon with a hiss. "I will not waste my time on you now."
"Then I should have no trouble killing you," Qui-Gon said calmly, advancing on the villain.
"Is that so?" Dooku smiled and raised a hand. Energy, lightning bolts of crackling power leapt from his fingertips to strike Qui-Gon square in the chest. The big fellow was lifted off his feet and sent flying backward to slam into the stone wall of the cavern with a sickening crunch. He slid to the ground and lay still. The front of his tunic blackened and smoking.
Anakin, who saw the whole thing, moaned in horror. Master!
Count Dooku left them there. Master and apprentice battered and beaten. He just left, returning to his dark Master with the good news.
"Master?" Anakin crawled slowly to Qui-Gon's side. "Master!" he cried.
Nothing.
He didn't even feel Qui-Gon in the Force.
No…
"Master!" he sobbed, finally reaching the still form. The wounded apprentice managed to get to his knees, clutching the smoldering stump of his arm to his chest. The smell was terrible, as was the pain.
That's how they found him.
To Be Continued...