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): Qui-GonxAnakin (subdued GarenxObi)

Fic type: AU, romance

Bizarre speaks: I am the sum of all evil...Also known as the girl who has listened to the Heavy Metal soundtrack one too many times.

Chosen
Volume Four
Immolated Destiny
Chapter VII: Slam

Master Qui-Gon Jinn sat in the Hall of a Thousand Fountains, meditating. He must reflect on all that had happened and try to learn from it. No matter how he tried, he could not find his calm center, however. Something distracted him and he finally gave up. He rose with an irritated sigh and began to pace, wondering what it was that nagged at the back of his mind.

A pair of Jedi, Master and apprentice, strolled by, talking quietly so as not to disturb the peaceful garden and it hit him.

Obi-Wan!

He'd not spoken with the Knight, his partner on the ill-fated mission to Geonosis. They should confer. Kenobi's insights might help to unravel this mystery of assassination and rebellion. So, the old Master departed the tranquility of the gardened hall and sought out his former Padawan. It occurred to him that he had no idea where Obi-Wan lived. It had never come up before. He was forced to track down the Director of Knights and asked where he might find Obi-Wan.

Now he stood in the dim hallway, waiting. He'd knocked twice and still no answer. Perhaps Obi-Wan was not in. He was turning to go when the door hissed open. There stood Obi-Wan. Shirtless, tense…

"Kenobi," Qui-Gon dipped his head in greeting. "May I come in?"

Obi-Wan hesitated a moment before stepping aside and waving the big fellow in.

"Thank you," Qui-Gon mumbled as he strode into Obi-Wan's apartment, for the first time ever.

"What can I do for you, Master Jinn?" Obi-Wan asked. He limped quickly past Qui-Gon to scoop something off the low table and stuff it into his pocket.

"I'd like to discuss the mission," Qui-Gon said honestly, though he was having doubts about that now. Something else had drawn him here. Something disturbing that pulled at his senses. He took in Kenobi's appearance critically. The youthful Jedi Knight was pale and thin. Lines of stress were etched around his mouth and eyes and he seemed…anxious, tense. Qui-Gon noted the wrapped forearms. Had Obi-Wan taken some other injury besides the pierced thigh?

"The mission?" Obi-Wan prodded.

"Yes," Qui-Gon said evenly. "Who do you think is behind all this?"

Obi-Wan shrugged. "The Trade Federation stands to gain greatly," he offered. "But I don't believe Gunray is clever or bold enough for such a grand scheme," he concluded.

"The Sith?" Qui-Gon wondered.

"Perhaps," Obi-Wan said, crossing his arms. "But who commands them and what is the ultimate goal?"

"That is what we must find out," Qui-Gon muttered, lost in thought.

Obi-Wan said nothing more, just stood there, looking irritated.

Qui-Gon looked over at him finally. "How have you been, Obi-Wan?" he asked suddenly.

Kenobi's mouth almost fell open. "Busy," he managed to stammer. "You?"

"Also busy," Qui-Gon admitted. "Anakin is struggling."

"I heard," Obi-Wan replied with a sneer. The Padawan was having a very hard time accepting the prosthetic limb and full of anger. "Why aren't you with him now?" he practically spat at Qui-Gon.

The old man's eyes went wide. That was not the gentle, intelligent Obi-Wan he knew. In fact the Master could find no hint of the youth he had known in this hard face and taut body. Something terrible was happening to Obi-Wan and his former mentor was concerned.

"He's resting," Qui-Gon said. "The boy has suffered much."

Obi-Wan snorted in disgust. Who among them had not! He shoved past Qui-Gon for the door. It was time for the old man to go!

"What happened to your back?" Qui-Gon asked seeing the angry scar now.

Obi-Wan whirled to face him. "It's none of your concern, Qui-Gon," he snarled. Seeing the Master's shocked look Obi-Wan stood down some. No sense in getting worked up. "Vibroblade," he mumbled contritely. "Didn't heed Bant's advice is all."

"Oh yes," Qui-Gon said calmly. "I recall the incident now. Anakin was very concerned about you."

"I'm touched," Obi-Wan smirked.

"He misses you, Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon added. The big man wasn't comfortable talking about his own feelings and sought to mask them behind the Padawan. "He would enjoy it if you visited him," he paused. "As would I."

"We're all too busy for that, Master Jinn," Obi-Wan replied coldly.

Qui-Gon sighed. "Well, we shall be at Temple for some time while Anakin adjusts to his new arm, Obi-Wan, if you care to come by," the elder Jedi said evenly, moving toward the door.

"That's just dandy," Obi-Wan said nastily. "Bye-bye now." He keyed open the door and waved Qui-Gon out into the hall.

The Jedi Master paused in the portal, turning to face Obi-Wan. "Padawan…" he implored.

The lines around Obi-Wan's mouth deepened and he all but shoved Qui-Gon out. "I'm not your Padawan," he stated flatly, slamming his hand against the control pad.

The door hissed shut, leaving Qui-Gon standing there, alone.

To Be Continued…in Volume Five: The Seeds of Darkness