Disclaimer: Star Wars brings in tons of money and as I have not seen a single cent of that money, I am not George Lucas and therefore don't own Star Wars. And sadly, that means I don't own Obi-Wan either.
Summary: The second story in the Jedi Trials series. Obi-Wan's been captured, Qui-Gon's left the Jedi Order, and Anakin must learn to trust his new Master. The Republic is on the brink of war and only Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon, and Anakin can save the galaxy.
Author's Notes: See, this is why I don't make promises about updates...because my life is so completely random and spontaneous and busy that I'm not even sure how I managed to find time to write this chapter. I was going to write it last Friday, and I did start it, but then I had to go shopping. On Saturday, I went over to my friend's house and watched the UofM vs. MSU game (her boyfriend's choice, not mine) and we made shirts for Homecoming. On Sunday, we worked on our float all day. The rest of the week was Homecoming Week, so I had float building from after school got out to seven o'clock at night, then two hours of homework. I also had Powderpuff games to attend on Wednesday and our Homecoming game last night (we won). After the game we went out to pizza and didn't get home until 12:30. And somehow, between my busy schedule set for today, I managed to write this chapter just for my wonderful readers.
Ally127 - You too, huh? Wow. This story must be better than drugs if so many people are becoming addicted!
Out of Phase - Yes, I hate cliffhangers, but I always write them. It's a love/hate relationship.
Katieelessar - Haha. Nope, my titles are usually quite obvious. Okay, I'm having a total blonde moment, and I can't figure out what H/C stands for. I know I know what it means but...my brain just isn't working.
MusicDreamer7 - I'm glad you like them. Yes, I am very evil, and my evilness will only grow throughout this story. It's sad, but true. I don't usually give away too many hints, but I can tell you that Anakin will not be Obi-Wan's Padawan. That doesn't mean he will be Bant's, though, either.
The Strange - You hated me? That makes me sad. Insane? Me? Obviously. Get used to more Obi-torture, cause it isn't ending any time soon. Sorry.
Funyun - Haha...yes, always more guessing games. No, Bruck's really dead. There's no way that he could have captured Obi-Wan. Dooku's already been mentioned several times, but you were the first to suggest Palpatine. Those are all excellent guesses, but as always, my lips are sealed!
PuffyCheese - I know, what a depressing story. I love it! Heehee. Well, I'll be nice and tell you that someone will go to the dark side, but their identity will remain anonymous for now! I told you it was a dark fic.
Doreenthatshot - Like I told MusicDreamer, Anakin won't be Obi-Wan's Padawan. I won't comment on the possibility of Bant becoming Anakin's Master, but I will say that we will begin to see more of several characters from the Jedi Apprentice series.
Sirithiliel - Thanks for the review!
Charie - Your wish is my command! Thanks for reviewing.
Torture and Death
By Kekelina
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Chapter Three: From One Master to Another
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"I will see you shortly."
The transmission cut out, but Qui-Gon didn't move. He couldn't move. This next step would be the hardest. This next step would make it official. He couldn't even bare to think about the look of hurt and betrayal that would be portrayed on his Padawan's face…a face he had so recently saved from the dark side. But he knew he had to do it. He had to protect the Republic from the Sith. He was protecting Anakin.
Qui-Gon slowly turned away from the holoprojector, and walked down the ramp of their ship, his face a passive grim. His boots kicked up sand as he walked towards the sand-beaten hut and down the steps into the shade.
His neutral eyes swept over the weary faces of the inhabitants of the hut until he came upon the sight of his young apprentice. Carefully, he unclipped his lightsaber from his utility belt and strode over to his Padawan. Anakin only looked at him curiously, but that curious look hurt Qui-Gon more than if Anakin had glared at him with all the hatred he could possess.
For a split-second as he put his hand on Anakin's shoulder, his face betrayed him and allowed the emotion he was keeping hidden to show. Anakin didn't see it, but he almost wished he had. That way he wouldn't have to try to convey with words how much he didn't want to leave him, how much he loved him like a son, and how glad he was that he had the chance to train him and see him grow up. But there was no time for such speech, only a few carefully chosen words.
"You have been a fine apprentice, Anakin. It has been my joy to teach you."
Anakin's eyes flickered with confusion and fear. Qui-Gon's heart tore in two. As stiff and as slow as a droid, he handed his lightsaber to the boy in the ultimate gesture of trust. He felt Anakin's newfound pain through their bond and adverted his eyes for but a second, trying to make his mask stronger.
"Take care of it for me."
Without waiting for a response or even simply a head nod, he gave his Padawan one last comforting smile then turned on his heel and simply left, not even sparing one last look back.
"…The only way."
Qui-Gon sighed as the memory ended and he was thrust back into reality. Dooku, his former Master, had been explaining for ten minutes about the corruption in the Senate, and as much as Qui-Gon knew this was extremely important information, he couldn't stop his mind from wandering back to Anakin.
His mind had been ridden with the same memories the entire trip to Geonosis. He couldn't get rid of the hurt look on Anakin's face as he simply left. He couldn't forget the begging in his eyes and he chased after Qui-Gon to try to stop him, only to see that Qui-Gon had already entered the ship and was about to leave Tatooine, him, and the Jedi Order. Qui-Gon's mind was filled with such a level of guilt that he hadn't felt in years – not since Tahl's death. He wanted to return to his Padawan immediately and beg forgiveness, but his broken heart knew this was the right thing to do.
"Are you all right, my old Padawan?"
Qui-Gon looked kindly at his friend, though a deep sadness lurked in his eyes, and nodded his head. It would do him no good to stand there feeling sorry for himself. He may not have been a Jedi anymore, but he would certainly still live by their standards. The only reason he had left the Jedi Order was the fact that they were too blind to see the Sith sitting in front of them. If they couldn't see Palpatine for what he truly was, then it was up to those who could to stop him. Sadly, because he and Dooku both knew the Council would never go along with such a plan, that meant he had had to leave the Jedi Order.
"This is very impressive," Qui-Gon stated, clearing his throat.
Dooku didn't take Qui-Gon's bait to change the subject. "You miss Anakin." It was a statement rather than a question, but Qui-Gon still nodded. Somehow, Dooku always knew what he was thinking, and it made him feel exposed. "I understand completely, Qui-Gon. It is very hard to leave someone you love. It was hard for me to leave you, but I knew I had too. I knew I had to protect you, and now you are protecting Anakin. One day, he will see this, just as you have seen this. Only by that time, the galaxy will be safe, and he will not have to leave his Padawan. Do you see how important it is that we succeed? We're doing it for the future of the galaxy."
Qui-Gon nodded and tried to take the words to heart. There was no room for distractions. This could possibly be the most important mission he was ever on. He had to be focused.
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Blaster fire zig-zagged around Coruscant. Men, women, and children fled in terror. A woman screamed as her husband was hit in the back. An infant wept next to the corpse of his mother. Droid after droid marched forward, their metallic feet clacking on the ground. The once lively city was filled with chaos and pandemonium.
Lightsabers blazed to life as the Jedi arrived. They ran out in between the citizens of Coruscant and the droids, trying to protect the innocent people from untimely demises. The sky lit up blood red, reflecting the light of the blasters. It rained heavily on the Jedi – too heavy. One Jedi fell, and then another.
They were outnumbered a thousand to one. It was a hopeless battle. But still they proceeded. Some of the Jedi broke off from the group and led the citizens away from the battle. Many died as stray blaster fire hit them in the backs. But many survived, thanks to the skilled Jedi who were risking their lives for these people – people they didn't even know.
One Jedi in particular intrigued Qui-Gon. He was first in the line, his blue lightsaber simply a blur as he tried to drive the droids back. He danced around the blaster fire as skilled as Master Yoda himself. His hair was drenched with sweat, and his eyes were filled with determination. It was Anakin.
The fire became more rapid, and it appeared that Anakin couldn't keep up with it. One by one, the other Jedi fell until he was the only one left fighting. Qui-Gon grabbed his lightsaber to go join his young apprentice, but just before he did, the droids suddenly stopped firing. Anakin lowered his weapon in confusion and peered at the droids. Qui-Gon knew he was trying to figure out what exactly was going on.
Fog rolled in over the bodies of the slain Jedi. Anakin bent down to feel the pulse of a blonde Jedi and hung his head in grief when he felt none. The Force became dark. Anakin rose steadily to greet the dark figure that had appeared from the fog. Anakin raised his electric blue lightsaber to a defensive position, his eyes just as determined as they had been when he had been fighting the droids. The Sith only stared at Anakin with a smirk on his face.
Long moments passed in silence. Qui-Gon felt a warning in the Force and yelled at Anakin to watch out. In the blink of an eye, the Sith's red lightsaber was activated and deactivated. Shock and pain contorted Anakin's facial features, and he dropped to the ground.
"ANAKIN!"
No one paid any attention to Qui-Gon, whose feet became unwilling to move. He wanted to rush to his Padawan, cradle him in his arms, and beg forgiveness, but all he could do was watch.
The Sith sneered down at Anakin. Anakin mumbled something to him that went unheard by Qui-Gon. The Sith kicked Anakin in the ribs angrily, causing him to double over in pain. Suddenly, the Sith smirked again and bent down to Anakin's level, obviously to speak to him. Qui-Gon strained to hear what he said.
"That name means nothing to me anymore."
The Sith straightened suddenly, and stared directly at Qui-Gon. Qui-Gon met his cold, cruel, yellow eyes that were so familiar yet so unfamiliar at the same time. He tried to peer underneath the Sith's hood to see his face, but before he could make him out, Qui-Gon's head exploded in pain.
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The Other Author's Notes: Qui-Gon's having a little trouble adjusting, isn't he? Heehee. The next chapter will be about Obi-Wan, so make sure to stay tuned, and as always, review.