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: Finally Revenge of the Sith is on DVD! This makes me so happy…and that's all I really have to say this time. Enjoy!
Out of Phase - Aww...I'm sorry. Actually, I'm not. I've been planning thatscene since I first started Jealousy. You don't know how relieved I am to finally have written it.
PuffyCheese - Well, you'll just have to wait and see if he's wrong. I'm not saying one way or the other.
The Strange - Thank you, I'm glad you liked it.
Ally127 - Hey, I didn't like writing it either, but I had to.
Sirithiliel - Viola! Here's more for you. Enjoy it!
Anakin's Girl 4eva - You don't know how many people I had thought of before I picked Palpatine. I thought of Xanatos (before I remembered that he was dead), then I considered Granta Omega, Dooku, an evil Ani...the list goes on. I guess that just goes to show how the writing process works. To answer your question, Obi-Wan is 35, and Anakin is 19.
Estel la Rodeuse - Nope, Qui-Gon doesn't even realize he's missing yet.
Charie - Here's the next chapter for your enjoyment.
Onesmartgoalie - My lips are sealed...thanks for the review.
MusicDreamer7 - Yeah, Obi-Wan is definitely not having a good time...and it will only get worse quickly. Were you going to suggest that I be nice to Obi-Wan? Ha...that's funny. What on Earth, the Milky Way, or a galaxy far, far away make you suggest that?
SWTKD - He is planning to destroy Obi-Wan...just not in the way you're thinking. Moohahahahaha...
Torture and Death
By Kekelina
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Chapter Seven: Haunting Question
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Qui-Gon walked silently down the halls of the Geonosian stronghold, lost deep in thought. The walls twittered with noise, and he knew that he was not alone. But the Geonosians would not harm him. No, Qui-Gon was on his way to quickly becoming a prominent figure in their rebellion against the Republic.
Was he doing the right thing? Count Dooku, Qui-Gon's former Master, had spoken with such a passion for their separatist movement that Qui-Gon had wanted to believe every word he said. He wanted to believe that in one swift strike against Palpatine, the Republic would be free and he would be able to return to Anakin, knowing that he had ensured his safety and the safety of the Republic for years to come.
But the truth was he wasn't sure that he had made the right choice. He wasn't sure that this was the only way to rid the Senate of the Sith Lord known as Darth Sidious. Dooku had spoken of war, and a march against the Senate. Qui-Gon knew those were simply fancy words for death and destruction. Could Qui-Gon help lead an attack that would end lives? Was the loss of a few worth the safety of a billion?
His Jedi training told him he should take no part in this upcoming war against the Republic, but then again, Qui-Gon was no longer a Jedi. He was no longer a Jedi because he knew the Council would never agree with Dooku's way of dismissing the Sith Lord of his power. But Jedi or not, Qui-Gon still didn't like the prospect of war. He would try to make sure Dooku only used it as a last resort, but even Qui-Gon wasn't able to control the reigns of his former Master.
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Was this right?
As Qui-Gon sat in his makeshift quarters later that night, the question returned to haunt him again. He had met many of the other Separatist leaders that afternoon, all of whom believed deeply in Dooku's – now also Qui-Gon's – cause. They had been extremely friendly towards Qui-Gon, some even expressing how happy they were that they now had two Jedi leading them against the Republic.
Of course, there were a few of the other leaders who were not excited by Qui-Gon's presence. They included Viceroy Nute Gunray and Rune Haako from the Trade Federation. Qui-Gon had a bit of a bad history with them, for over ten years ago; he had been a crucial figure in the war between them and the Naboo. He, along with Obi-Wan, Anakin, Senator Amidala (the current queen at the time), and Representative Jar Jar Binks, had rid the system of their blockade and ended their trade franchise. It was no surprise to Qui-Gon when he saw them glaring at him as he was formally introduced to them. He would have to watch his back.
One thing that struck him as odd during the introductions was the fact that while everybody spoke of moving against the Republic and getting rid of corruption in the Senate, no one specifically spoke out against the Sith Lord. Hadn't that been Dooku's whole reason for creating the Separatist movement, to rid the Senate of the Sith? After all, that was what he had told Qui-Gon. However, the other leaders were just talking about generic corruption. It was all very fishy to Qui-Gon, something he would have to keep his eye on.
Yawning, Qui-Gon strode over to his sleep couch and lay down, the numerous thoughts still plaguing his mind despite the lateness of the hour. How he would love to call the Temple right now, and discuss his concerns with Master Yoda. The short, wise Jedi Master would know what to do and how to proceed. He wished for the Council's guidance, but mostly he wished to speak to Anakin.
Qui-Gon hadn't realized just how much he would miss his Padawan. What was happening to him at this very moment? Was he safe? Had the Council already found him a new Master? Who was training him? Qui-Gon's heart ached at the thought of Anakin calling another Jedi "Master". But this was the only way he could be sure that Anakin would live for many years to come. He had to protect the boy against the Sith Lord.
Someday soon, Qui-Gon would comm Anakin and explain everything to him. He would tell him how sorry he was for abandoning him, and beg to be forgiven. He would watch as Anakin stood proudly next to his new Master, and Qui-Gon's heart would break knowing that that was his punishment, not being able to be Anakin's Master.
Once the Sith Lord was dealt with, he would return to the Temple to watch Anakin be Knighted. He would stand silently as Anakin's Master cut off his Padawan braid and declared him a Jedi Knight. Tears would pour from his eyes like waterfalls as Anakin would smile gratefully at his Master and then bow, thanking his Master for that he had done to train him.
That would be Qui-Gon's punishment.
With those last few thoughts, Qui-Gon fell into an uneasy sleep where nightmares haunted his dreams, and he was unable to escape…
This nightmare was familiar to Qui-Gon. It had replayed in his dreams many times over the past few nights. But it was different this time. Qui-Gon wasn't standing on the side of the streets, close enough to the battle that stray blaster fire singed his tunic. He was up on a ship, watching the battle from above, though it was as clear as if he were still standing right next to it.
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 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 innocent people died as stray blaster fire hit them in the backs. But many of the citizens survived, thanks to the skilled Jedi who were risking their lives for these people – people they didn't even know.
Anakin 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. He wouldn't let his home be overtaken. He would protect the things that he loved.
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 watched nervously as 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, just like Qui-Gon was.
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 – the same one he always did. Qui-Gon tried to close his eyes, so he didn't have to watch his Padawan's horrendous death, but his eyes stayed wide open, unable to tear themselves from the scene in front of them. 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.
"OBI-WAN!"
Qui-Gon froze. Anakin's crumpled figure had been replaced by that of Qui-Gon's former Padawan, Obi-Wan Kenobi. Shock filled his bones, and even if he had wanted to look away, he couldn't have. His dream had changed. Obi-Wan was lying on the ground instead of Anakin. Grief and despair filled Qui-Gon just as it had when he had first witnessed Anakin's death.
The Sith sneered down at Obi-Wan. Obi-Wan mumbled something to him that went unheard by Qui-Gon, no matter how much he tried. The Sith kicked Obi-Wan in the ribs angrily, causing him to double over in pain. Suddenly, the Sith smirked again and bent down to Obi-Wan'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. The Sith hissed one word to Qui-Gon:
"You."
Qui-Gon's head exploded in pain.
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The Other Author's Notes: The dream has returned, and, I'm sure, so have more questions. Continue your guessing – some people are closer than they think. Of course, don't expect a clear answer from me. Keep reviewing!
