Disclaimer: We don't own Star Wars.
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: Dude. Oh my god. What am I going to do with my life when this is over? I mean really. Are any of you people even into Batman? Cause that's the most recent piece of garbage Aurbey and I have pumped out. I mean really, our other stories are nothing like this. I think we're going to lose fans when we start uploading new things and move some of our old stuff here. Oh. Yeah. JEDI APPRENTICE SPOILERS. OH. MY. GOD.
Chosen
Volume Six
Into Ashes
Chapter IX: Fire Walkers
When the usually unflappable Master Mace Windu was angry the entire Temple trembled at the disruption in the Force. Now, Jedi and their apprentices walked on eggshells, feeling his wrath.
"The Senate has lost all reason!" the imposing negro Master raged. "The War spreads ever further, the hand of darkness closes in a death grip and they pass such ridiculous legislation!"
"What has happened?" Qui-Gon asked as he entered the Council chambers. He and Anakin had been working with a group of young Padawans, Skywalker needing to practice with his new limbs.
When Windu's fury swept the training hall several of the younglings completely lost focus. With so much turbulence upsetting the children there was no point in continuing. Master and Knight dismissed the little ones and went to investigate.
"That woman, Aurelia of Ensaide," Windu snarled, "She has taken controlling interest in the remains of OffWorld!"
Mention of the powerful interplanetary company was a blow to Qui-Gon. OffWorld was a sinister remnant of his fallen Padawan, his other lost apprentice, Xanatos.
"She is using those assets to buy influence in the Senate," Mace threw up his hands in exasperation. "In support of the Separatists!"
"Obi-Wan," Anakin murmured. The renegade Kenobi was Aurelia's lover.
Qui-Gon glanced at him with a frown. "Another Sith cohort?"
"She is slavishly devoted to him, Master."
"I don't know what they are planning," Windu went on, "But this maneuver will facilitate a union of the Trade Federation and the Techno Guild." He paced to stare out the curving windows of the tower top chamber. "Trade lanes will become evermore treacherous."
The galaxy would be torn apart if inter-world trade was halted. The Dark Legions could sweep up more and more worlds unchallenged…
"We have to move now!" young Skywalker said fervently.
Master Windu turned to face him. "I agree," Mace hated to admit that, but Anakin was right. "I will call for the Council to convene. We must consider our course of action."
"There's no time for deliberation!" Anakin huffed, "Master," he added quickly, seeing Windu's scowl. "Our resources are stretched thin while the Sith gather more backing. The Clone ranks sorely depleted and before more can be raised from Kamino, we will be wiped out. The Jedi will be destroyed!"
All this was sadly true. Master Windu clenched his fists tight, nodding in agreement.
"I can do it," Skywalker said then.
Both elder men stared at him.
"Anakin," Windu started to protest.
"This is my destiny, Master Windu. I will not be thwarted," his calm assurance sent a ripple into the Force. A dangerous warning rang around them.
"Do not underestimate my Padawan," Qui-Gon said quietly.
Mace and Anakin exchanged a look. Who was the old man speaking of?
"All you have said is true, Anakin," Master Windu broke in. "But do not rush in blindly, seeking glory…or revenge," his tone was serious.
"I'm not, Master Windu," Skywalker bowed. "But, failure is not an option. I will succeed because I must."
"Very well, young Skywalker," Windu strode to the comm. panel, "Our intelligence has noted unusual activity around New Apsolon," Mace punched up the details. "A fleet of droid transports arrived there just yesterday."
"New Apsolon," Qui-Gon repeated. An empty chill swept him. "Are you sure of this?"
"Yes," Master Windu said firmly. "What is it, Jinn?"
There was a terrible look on Qui-Gon's face. He shook out of it quickly. "Nothing," he stammered.
Master Windu handed Anakin the intel and troop orders. "May the Force be with you, Skywalker."
"Thank you, Master," Anakin bowed again. "Don't worry," the youthful Knight grinned. "I'll get him." Then he left to prepare for the mission.
Mace frowned. Him…Anakin had said him. Not the Sith, not them. But him…
Returning to his quarters after alerting the battalion of their imminent deployment, Anakin found Master Qui-Gon waiting for him.
"You must not go to New Apsolon," the old man said plainly.
"What!" Anakin didn't understand. "Why not, Master?"
Qui-Gon began pacing. "Someone else can lead this assault, Anakin."
"No." The young man rarely defied his beloved Master, but this was too much. He stopped Qui-Gon's prowling and made the elder face him. "What is this about?"
Master Jinn was silent.
Anakin could feel tremendous heartache and fear swirling in the Force. Qui-Gon was afraid…"Do you doubt me, Master?"
The old man looked into his eyes. "No, Anakin."
"Then what is it?"
Upon hearing that New Apsolon was the destination, Qui-Gon knew this was a trap. Obi-Wan was there, waiting. The Sith were waiting. Death waited on New Apsolon, as it had before. His wife had died in his arms on New Apsolon…
Anakin would die there…
"Master," Anakin broke through his grim rumination. "I must do this." He embraced the big fellow tightly. "Trust me," he whispered encouragingly. "I am the 'Chosen One'."
"Then I will go with you." If this was the will of the Force, then Qui-Gon would meet it head on.
x
The provincial Governor of New Apsolon, Manex, greeted them at the landing field. The man looked on nervously as the Clones marched out and began unloading gear and weapons.
"Master Jinn," he waved excitedly spotting the tall Jedi.
"Governor," Qui-Gon gestured to Anakin. "Allow me to introduce Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker."
"Governor," Anakin bowed formally.
"Welcome, welcome," Manex stammered uncomfortably. He glanced at the ever-growing mass of soldiers. "Of course, I'm quite delighted to see you again but this-this army you've brought with you!."
"Not an army, Governor," the young Knight, Skywalker, smiled. "That would require a much bigger ship."
"Yes, I see," the nervous man chuckled. "Well, either way, I already told young Obi-Wan that we are peaceful. No fighting here!"
"Where is Kenobi?" the Jedi Knight said sharply.
"Anakin," Master Jinn put a hand on the young warrior's shoulder, then dipped his head to the startled Governor. "You have spoken with Obi-Wan?"
"Yes," Manex gulped, not liking the look in the younger Jedi's eyes. "I told him we have no argument with the Republic."
"This is not an invasion force, Governor," Skywalker said firmly. "We are here to protect you."
"Protect us?"
"Yes, from the Dark Hand," Anakin said. He liked the way the little man reacted.
Manex's eyes went wide and he trembled. "The Dark Hand."
"That is enough, Anakin," Master Jinn said firmly. "Please, Manex, where is Obi-Wan?"
The frightened Governor directed them out toward the quiet countryside. Obi-Wan and his lady friend were said to be staying amid the pastoral splendor of New Apsolon's beautiful up-country. According to Manex, Obi-Wan was there to get away from the troubles of the Core.
The Jedi ordered the troops and their equipment to muster just outside capitol city.
"Very good, General Skywalker," the Clone Captain saluted. "When do we move out?"
"As soon as the scouts have identified the target, Captain," Anakin indicated the team he'd already dispatched. Several of his covert ops troopers were Force sensitive, they would alert him once the Sith were spotted. Once Obi-Wan was found…
"Yes, Sir," the Captain took his leave then.
Anakin glanced about and wondered where Master Qui-Gon had gotten to. He stretched out with the Force till he found the old man within one of the opulent government buildings. He followed the energy trail down the tiled hallways, lit by slender columns of glowing blue glass. Qui-Gon was standing before one, head down.
"Master?" the young Knight approached slowly. Sorrow and regret wafted over him. "What are these?" he asked when Qui-Gon remained silent.
"Memorials to the fallen," Qui-Gon said softly.
"Did you know this person?" Ani reached out to stroke the cool smooth surface. A slight tingling sensation rippled through him, though he couldn't actually feel it.
"My wife," Qui-Gon whispered.
Qui-Gon had been married! Anakin could not believe it! His lover had never told him! He looked at the Master in astonishment, but he said nothing. He did not wish to interrupt Qui-Gon's commemorative moment. Ani simply stood beside his dear friend.
Silent and still.
To Be Continued...