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Full summary: Sequel to Immolated Destiny. As the Clone Wars rage around them, Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi attempt to rebuild the broken bridges between them. But the Master's romantic entanglements with Anakin Skywalker continue to cloud his judgment...even when Obi-Wan's life is on the line.

Warnings: Slash, JA reference, drugs, and violence

Pairing(s): Qui-GonxAnakin (subdued GarenxObi)

Fic type: AU, romance

Bizarre speaks: I forgot. Sue me. Thursday. Then Friday. Then Wednesday. Then Friday. Then Tuesday. Then Friday. Got that? Good. Dude, does anyone even read this?

Chosen
Volume Five
The Seeds of Darkness
Chapter IV: Humor

Things looked worse the next day. Obi-Wan was ashen and could not be roused.

"Damn," Qui-Gon muttered. He did not know what he could do! Anakin was scared, watching his friend slip away. The Master shifted uncomfortably. Qui-Gon had watched close friends die before. Just like this, helpless as they ebbed away. Tahl had died like this…the old man was not sure he could go through that again.

Obi-Wan was spared that grim fate, however, when a team of Jedi entered the dilapidated shack. Mistress Bant and the Knight Garen Muln were at the fore. Followed by Adi Gallia and the feathered Vergere.

Obi-Wan's friends rushed to his side, shocked and dismayed by his frightful state. At first they could not get him to respond either. But, a stiff prod in the Force from the Healer Bant and physical contact from Garen got Obi-Wan's eyes to open at last.

Garen ran his finger along Obi-Wan's lower lip, a personal gesture that reached Kenobi. And even before he looked, Obi-Wan could smell the salty tang of the water born Bant.

"We are here, Obi-Wan," the Mon Calamari Healer told him soothingly as Garen picked up the emaciated Kenobi.

Master Adi confronted the other two Jedi. "How long have you been trapped here?"

"About a week," Qui-Gon replied, watching as Bant and Garen loaded Obi-Wan onto the ship. Anakin shivered at his side.

Vergere gently prodded Adi with a feathered appendage. "We can question them later, Adi," the Fosh said quietly. "Let them get warm."

The dark skinned Jedi Master seemed eager for answers but she agreed and motioned for Master and Padawan to board as well.

Anakin immediately went in search of blankets. Qui-Gon understood his need and went to assist his apprentice. He wasn't anxious to face Master Adi's questions.

"You must tell us what happened, Master Jinn," she was not to be put off apparently. "You have been missing for weeks."

"The ship broke down," Qui-Gon started rubbing his temples. He was exhausted. "We were stuck and in search of parts for repair." He was not going to tell them of Obi-Wan's indiscretion which led to the trap at the drug house. "We were ambushed and taken to Hoth." The plot was fairly simple he realized. How easily they'd been led in. Was it Obi-Wan's addiction that plunged them into peril? He frowned wondering about that.

"Ambushed by whom, Qui-Gon?" Master Gallia prompted when he said nothing more.

"I suspect the Separatists." Qui-Gon was reluctant to mention Sidious and his interest in Anakin at this point, though he knew he should. He could feel the Padawan's eyes on him but the boy stayed silent. "I am not sure, however." He glanced at his apprentice then. "It may have been the Sith."

"Not unexpected," Vergere chirped.

Qui-Gon's eyes widened. "Oh?"

"Young Skywalker has caused quite a stir, Master Qui-Gon," Adi said flatly. "You know this well."

Qui-Gon hung his head. "I do, Master," he said softly. "In fact, the Dark Lord, Sidious, has been in contact with him."

The senior Jedi looked at Anakin then. The apprentice blushed and rose suddenly. This was too much!

"Please excuse me, Masters," he bowed and fled.

"Perhaps you should go get some rest, Qui-Gon," Vergere urged gently, seeing the man's pained expression when his Padawan ran off.

Qui-Gon started to protest that he was fine, but thought better of it. "Yes, Mistress," he said with a bow of his own and left to find Anakin. Something was bothering the Padawan. Something not shared with his Master…

A brief communiqué was sent to the Temple informing the Council of the successful rescue. As they sped across space for Coruscant, Mistress Bant worked tirelessly on the stricken Obi-Wan while Garen silently berated his wild friend for such recklessness.

"That was disastrous," Anakin mumbled. They never made it to Praesitlyn. He had to wonder what became of the comm center.

"It was," Qui-Gon agreed, "But we have survived."

"And those on Praesitlyn?" Ani asked miserably. "They were counting on us."

"I do not know, Padawan," Qui Gon said honestly. If it was that important he felt certain another team would have been sent. Whether action was taken in time was another matter.

"I am so sorry, Master," Ani said his expression woeful. "I should have done something."

"No, Padawan," the Master started.

"There must have been some way…this is all my fault," Anakin insisted. "I'm supposed to be some kind of…hero, or something, and I failed."

"A hero you may be some day, Anakin," Qui-Gon consoled him. "But the fault is not yours. It is mine."

"You!" Ani stammered. "How can it be your fault? I am the reason we were abducted. Your not the damned 'Seed of Darkness'!"

"We must not dwell on the past, Padawan," the Master said evenly. The universe did not revolve around Anakin Skywalker.

"Please, let me apologize so I can move on," the young man whined.

"No," Qui-Gon shook his head. "There is no need for that."

"This was my fault!" Anakin refused to be swayed. "Obi-Wan is sick… he nearly died because of me! You know it's true, Master!"

"Padawan Skywalker!" an angry voice called sharply. Master and apprentice both turned to look. Jedi Knight Garen Muln stood there. "Shut up, boy! Were Obi-Wan here, he would smack you so hard your head would spin. And I have half a mind to do so myself!" With that he stormed off.

With a stifled curse, Anakin fled in shame. He hadn't meant to be overheard. He should not have argued with the Master! He was no hero…

They returned to Coruscant safely with no further complications. Qui-Gon gave an account of what had transpired to the Council. Strangely, they had no prying questions and accepted his version of the story. The aged Jedi Master was instructed to get some rest and recover. He must be ready for another assignment.

Over the next few days Qui-Gon had little news of Obi-Wan. Anakin was shut away in his room, sulking, and didn't even ask about his friend. Qui-Gon sought out Mistress Bant concerning Kenobi's condition, but received only vague answers. Knight Muln was clearly reluctant to talk about Obi-Wan. Even Master Yoda would not directly answer questions about Obi-Wan Kenobi.

The diminutive Yoda hobbled his way to Obi-Wan's quarters. When he arrived the Jedi Master entered without so much as a knock. The little troll made his way to the back room where Kenobi lay abed, his wracked body trying to recover. Yoda heaved himself up onto the bed beside the still form and sat crosslegged, staring with large golden eyes at the frail human.

"Better you are feeling, Obi-Wan?" the ancient Master inquired, knowing full well that Kenobi was awake despite the man's closed eyes.

"Yes, Master," Obi-Wan croaked. "I'll be up in no time."

"Weeks, Mistress Erin says," Yoda shook his head. "Concerned I am, Obi-Wan."

"I'm fine, Master," the young man insisted, though clearly he was not.

"When next on a mission you go," Master Yoda said then. "Accompany you someone will," the little green Jedi was firm. "Watch out for you we will."

"I don't need anyone to watch out for me, Master Yoda," Obi-Wan protested.

"Humor me you will, Obi-Wan," Yoda said with an impish grin. "Perhaps Garen Muln?"

Obi-Wan returned the smile. "Yes, Master."

"Good," the puckish Jedi patted his arm and hopped down nimbly. "Rest now you must, young Jedi," he cackled. "If to recover your spirit you are."

To Be Continued...