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Full summary: Sequel to The Seeds of Darkness. In Chosen's finale: the Clone War is no longer about Republic and Separatists. For the Jedi it has become a battle of Light and Dark. Yet it is also the impromptu front for Anakin's soul, Qui-Gon's heart, and Obi-Wan's sanity. The end is nigh.
Warnings: Slash, JA reference, drugs, noncon, and violence
Pairing(s): Qui-GonxAnakin, GarenxObi-Wan, Obi-WanxQui-Gon
Fic type: AU, romance
Bizarre speaks: There's a link to the Cover Art on the Account page. You guys want to do any kind of art, go for it. Show it to us, we'll put it up.
Chosen
Volume Six
Into Ashes
Chapter III: Shatter Point
Although he tried, Master Qui-Gon was not able to confront Obi-Wan before circumstances pulled Kenobi away from Coruscant again. The War was going badly for the Republic forces. Many systems rallied to the Separatist cause and the death toll among Jedi and their trainees continued to climb. As a senior member of the Order Qui-Gon had more and more duties heaped upon him. He and Anakin rarely had any time for each other now. And, before things could be smoothed out between them all, Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi were once again assigned to a mission together.
The network of spies and informants working for the Jedi had finally tracked down a Separatist command base, on the far-flung world of Mustafar. This might be a chance to corral the leaders of this rebellion. Perhaps halting the collapse of the Republic once and for all.
For Anakin this was an opportunity to face, not only the treacherous Count Dooku, but the scheming Nute Gunray as well. The Trade Federation's slimy little leader had been terrorizing Senator Padme Amidala for years and Skywalker was eager to enact justice on her behalf. The youthful Jedi Knight felt certain his chance for glory had finally come. So, despite any reservations about teaming with Obi-Wan, he boarded the military scout ship, ready to do his duty. He was more than willing to keep his personal feelings in check and work with Kenobi. The greater goal of peace and harmony throughout the galaxy drove young Anakin very strongly.
Obi-Wan seemed tense and anxious but made no overt gestures of hostility, for which Anakin was thankful. It was going to be a long flight and they must get along or be miserable. By the grace of the Force their journey through the empty cold of space was uneventful and the Jedi made Mustafar without so much as a cross word passing between them.
Now the fiery world hove into view and both young warriors felt a rise in tension and menace. A disturbance swirled through the Force…
"I can take care of this, Skywalker," Obi-Wan said firmly.
"With due respect, Obi-Wan," Anakin replied with equal intensity. "We have been sent here together. That is the Council's will." He was not going to just sit aboard ship waiting while Kenobi walked into danger. No matter what the elder Knight said. On a more personal level Anakin wasn't missing out on the chance to confront either Dooku or Gunray.
Kenobi smiled. "You're right my, young Jedi," Obi-Wan said patting the youngster's shoulder. "This may be just what we need," his grin was very unpleasant now. "Who knows, we might work things out between us finally."
Skywalker felt a chill at his words but merely nodded mutely and followed Kenobi planetside.
Mustafar was a raging world of steaming geysers, bubbling tar pits and flowing lava. Its natural energy sources supplied the massive droid foundries with readily available power.
Anakin felt a nameless dread sweep into him upon viewing the hellish scene. Something nagged at the back of his mind as the duo crept up upon the Separatist compound, nestled against the base of a towering volcanic ridgeline. The Force screamed in warning, but young Skywalker misinterpreted the message.
It was hot and smoky inside the dark tunnels. The Jedi moved cautiously, avoiding the many droids and skirting the security net. At last they wound their way to the inner sanctum of control rooms.
Obi-Wan halted and indicated they should split up. Coming at the villains from both sides so none could escape. Anakin nodded wordlessly in understanding and slipped further down the darkened corridor of stone. Once he'd located the secondary access he signaled to Kenobi through the Force that he was in position. To his surprise, cries of pain and the distinctive hissing of a lightsaber in action came to his ears. With a muffled oath the young Jedi Knight plunged into the room.
To his dismay, Obi-Wan had already infiltrated and cut down most of Gunray's lackeys. The rouge Jedi stood before the cowering Nemoidian grinning evilly. Of Count Dooku there was no sign.
"What have you done!" Anakin snarled coming closer. They were supposed to bring the rebel leaders in for questioning, not slay them out of hand. The Trade Federation was to be brought to heel, made to stand trial for its crimes. Otherwise no compensation could be exacted.
"Kill the toad or I will," Kenobi said evenly.
Gunray fell to his knees burbling for mercy. "No, great Jeedi, please!"
"Where is Count Dooku?" Anakin asked sternly. He was still fixated on enacting his revenge on the turncoat Count.
Gunray glanced at Obi-Wan in confusion. "I not knowing, merciful Jeedi," he stammered pitifully. "Thees one do…" he started, gesturing at Kenobi.
Before Anakin could react, Obi-Wan struck off the creature's head.
"What--," Skywalker gasped and jumped back as Obi-Wan turned on him.
"Only one more loose end," Kenobi's eyes flashed with dark energy.
"Obi-Wan," Anakin whispered in horror, his weapon in his hand reflexively as Obi-Wan stalker closer.
"Are you ready, Ani?" Kenobi asked, voice cold.
"Obi-Wan, listen to me," the young Jedi tried reason. "You don't have to do this."
"No, Skywalker," Obi-Wan replied calmly. "I do."
Their shimmering blades met with a hissing scream of sparks. The Jedi brothers leapt and spun around the control room in a furious dance. Anakin was not familiar with Kenobi's style and overly confident in his own abilities.
Obi-Wan was very aggressive, almost recklessly so. Several times Skywalker managed to hit his opponent, but barely so. The elder Knight seemed preternaturally agile, almost like he could anticipate Ani's attacks. What Skywalker didn't realize was how much of his training Obi-Wan knew of. Master Jinn had taught them both!
Kenobi's relentless assault drove Anakin out of the cavernous control room and down onto the production floor. Droids whizzed and buzzed around the dueling pair unheeding. Flames and steam rose to obstruct the way…
The long forgotten nightmare flashed suddenly through Anakin's mind and he faltered, paralyzed with fear.
A cargo droid buzzed toward them…
Obi-Wan came after him, lightsaber flashing in the smoke…
Anakin leapt for the passing droid, hoping to avoid the speeding blaze of Kenobi's weapon…
The young Jedi Knight crashed to the pebble strewn floor with an anguished cry. His weapon clattered uselessly, to roll beside him. He could not even reach for it! Obi-Wan had severed his arm and both legs with a deft twirl of gleaming weapon.
The dark Knight stood over the fallen Anakin, panting. Skywalker moaned and writhed in terrible agony, fearing what was coming.
He would burst into flames…
"Will he still love you?" Kenobi said very softly. Then he turned and walked off. Leaving Anakin to his fate. The boy was as good as dead.
The Chosen One defeated…
The battle lost…
The Jedi lost…
All Anakin Skywalker knew was pain.
To Be Continued...