Anakin hadn't been able to stop shaking since he'd felt Obi-Wan. It had been only a brief flicker of his Force signature, but it had been real nonetheless. And even though it had lasted for only a second, Anakin had been bombarded with sensations of fear and panic. Something had happened. Something more serious than the HoloNet report was letting on about. At first Anakin had tried to convince himself that it wasn't really Obi-Wan that he'd felt, that it had only been a fanciful part of his mind trying to ease his grief. That he shouldn't have been able to sense Obi-Wan because Obi-Wan was dead. Anakin had felt him, though. He had sensed Obi-Wan for those few brief seconds and that had been enough to convince him that wherever his former master was, he was in danger.
Stretching out through the Force, following the trail of their bond, Anakin tried once again to gain some sense of Obi-Wan. Somehow Obi-Wan was still alive. That meant someone was lying to him. Anakin didn't want to believe that it was Palpatine who had lied to him. Palpatine was his friend and had long known just how important Obi-Wan was to him. But Palpatine had been lying to him for years. It was no secret that the Jedi had been searching for the Sith lord for the past thirteen years. The Chancellor had probably been laughing at him the whole time.
"You should be resting," Obi-Wan chided as he watched Anakin's approach.
Anakin wobbled slightly as the ship made an unexpected move, earning him a raised eyebrow from Obi-Wan. "I'll rest once I'm sure you're all right. No one will tell me anything."
"I'm in exactly the same state I was when we left Geonosis," Obi-Wan informed him, patting the empty space next to him with his right hand. "Now sit before you topple over."
"I'm not going to topple over," Anakin insisted even as he sat down on the bunk. He sat as close to Obi-Wan as he could manage so that they were touching from shoulders to knees.
"Why are you not with Padmé?"
Though he had expected the question on some level, Anakin still jerked slightly. "I've seen Padmé. She's fine and I was worried about you."
"It's not your fault what happened," Obi-Wan said, lifting his right hand and awkwardly turning Anakin's face towards him. "And, in case you have forgotten, I have known you long enough to expect that you will deviate from plans when it suits your mood. It is that you let your anger consume you that worries me. I am, however, grateful for the effort you made to save my life. I only wish that it had not cost you your arm."
Pursing his lips, Anakin bowed his head.
"You will not lose your ability to wield a lightsaber," Obi-Wan was quick to assure him, winding his arm around Anakin's shoulders and drawing the younger man against his chest. "The Council employs the best healers and they are very talented when it comes to prosthetics. I'm certain that you'll good as new before the end of the week, ready to irritate me."
Anakin snorted, relaxing fully against Obi-Wan for the first time.
Clutching at the dash, Anakin leaned forward, a scream building up from the pit of his stomach. He released it, his torso moving up in an arch so that so that he was leaning back in the seat, his stomach curved outwards like a bow, when he released it. Long and loud, fading into the traffic of late afternoon Coruscant. His second scream was of Obi-Wan's name.
Launching himself out of the speeder, Anakin stalked back into the Temple. He couldn't go to Palpatine, not yet. Not until he found out just what was going on. Charging past confused clones, Anakin returned to the turbolifts. He wanted to be alone until he could figure out what was going on. What had happened to Obi-Wan. And whoever had harmed his lover would experience the wrath of his newfound powers.
Anakin found his way without conscious thought, knowing the path even in his distracted state. He keyed in the code on the small panel next to the door and slipped inside, locking it behind him. Under no circumstances did he want to be disturbed.
For the first time in hours, Anakin felt calm. Sinking back against the door, Anakin allowed the calming aura of the room soothe him. His eyes slid shut and he slid down to the floor, sobbing into his drawn-up knees.
Anakin relaxed between Obi-Wan sprawled legs. Obi-Wan was going through a report on the progress of the war in the Inner Rim planets while Anakin simply relaxed, enjoying the feeling of Obi-Wan's free hand stroking his bare stomach. It had been months since they'd had an actual bed to sleep in, but Anakin didn't mind much. The camp cot was comfortable enough, especially when he slept tangled together with Obi-Wan. This time they didn't even have a cot, just a pair of bedrolls spread out in a small alcove set near the back of a cave.
It made the war bearable to have a reason to keep fighting so close.
"The Republic has regained control of Zeltros," Obi-Wan announced as he set aside the datapad, his right arm moving to join his left which was already resting on Anakin's stomach.
"Good for the Republic," Anakin yawned as he snuggled deeper into Obi-Wan's embrace. "Did they mention how long we're going to be stuck in this pit?"
"Unfortunately, no," Obi-Wan sighed.
Anakin could hear how exhausted Obi-Wan was and could feel him shifting about uncomfortably behind him. It wasn't the most comfortable position, Anakin would admit, and he felt guilty for forcing Obi-Wan to bear both their weights against the unyielding stone wall.
"Come on. Lay down," Anakin instructed as he scooted forward and turned around on his knees. "It's getting late and we don't need you creaking and falling apart in the middle of our recon mission tomorrow."
"I am getting far too old for this," Obi-Wan groaned, arching his back away from the unyielding wall.
"You're not old," Anakin snorted, grabbing hold of Obi-Wan forearms and pulling him away from the wall. "Come on, lay down on your stomach. I'm going to help you relax."
Obi-Wan began to shake his head even as he allowed Anakin to guide him onto his stomach. "Oh no. No, Anakin. I don't have the energy for that."
"This will require absolutely no energy on your part, you have my word," Anakin assured Obi-Wan as he straddled his thighs.
With his left hand he called the vial that they used when they had the energy to him. Or that they used when Anakin felt like pampering his lover. Warming the oil between his palms, Anakin pushed aside his own arousal and concentrated on soothing his lover's discomfort. And while most of the time he barely registered the difference in their ages, there were other times those sixteen years became obvious. Still, Obi-Wan was hardly a frail old man. He was still younger than Master Qui-Gon had been when Anakin had known him.
Anakin's fears were momentarily quelled a short while later when he caught sight of Obi-Wan's sleeping face. His master still looked infinitely young as he slept, even with the beard. He could hardly imagine Obi-Wan as growing old or dying.
Pressing the back of his left hand against his mouth, Anakin screamed. All of his anger, frustration, fear and sorrow came out in that scream. His body curled on itself, the scream giving way to sobs that were powerful enough to shake his entire body. Alone in the quarters they had shared it was the first time that Anakin had to give into his emotions. Events were spiraling so far out of control that Anakin no longer knew what was going on.
He didn't even know if Obi-Wan was dead or alive anymore. He was half-convinced that he had imagined feeling Obi-Wan's presence while climbing into his speeder. The same thing had happened when he'd still been a padawan and he'd believed Obi-Wan dead after the battle on Jabiim. For one brief instant more than a month later he'd been aware of Obi-Wan's presence in the Force and it had led him and Master Ki-Adi Mundi to Riflor in time to save Obi-Wan and Alpha. If what Palpatine was telling him was the truth, though, it wouldn't come to that this time. This time Obi-Wan wouldn't have been tortured by some insane woman. This time he would be brought safely back to Coruscant and Anakin would be able to heal him. And he would be granted his vengeance against those who had tried to take Obi-Wan from him.
Shrugging out of his cloak, Anakin crossed the room to a single shelf that held a variety of artifacts from the thirteen years that he and Obi-Wan had known each other. Jedi were not meant to have possessions, but Obi-Wan had occasionally allowed him to take mementos with him from the various planets they visited. In the center of it was the carved box that held two padawan braids. Anakin raised a trembling hand to touch the lid of the box. He was afraid to actually open it. Anakin knew what it contained, but there was a part of him that feared that Obi-Wan's copper braid would be missing. It was foolish, he told himself, but he still feared it. So he kept the lid closed.
"I'm sorry, Obi-Wan," Anakin murmured, tracing the carvings on the box with his fingertips. "I'm sorry for everything I did and everything that I'm going to do. Master Windu was right about me. He was right not to trust me because in the end I betrayed him and the rest of the Jedi. By now there's probably not another Jedi alive in the galaxy. Palpatine ordered them all killed and I did nothing to stop him. Instead I murdered the younglings. I slaughtered them. Mere children," Anakin's voice broke on that final word, another sob escaping his throat. "I did it so that I could save you. Because I can't bear to be without you. But how am I supposed to be able to look you in the eye when this is all over? I've destroyed everything… but at least you'll still be alive. Even if you never want anything to do with me again."
Sobs shook Anakin's entire body as he collapsed to his knees, his fingers gripping the edge of the box. The door behind him exploded inwards, clone troopers attempting to enter and destroy the lifeform their scanners had sensed within. Anakin didn't even look up. With a wave of his hand he used the Force to slam them into the wall in the corridor. Then, clenching his fist, he crushed their esophagus. The tally of innocent lives he'd taken was already great enough that two more wouldn't matter.
"Master!" Anakin cried once the blaster fire had died down. "Master, you're alive!"
Uncaring of the Jedi Master and the clone trooper that stood nearby, Anakin launched himself into Obi-Wan's arms. He started back immediately when he heard Obi-Wan let out a pained gasp, but Obi-Wan's arms wound around his middle, returning the embrace. Much more carefully, Anakin held Obi-Wan against his chest. He'd been so scared that he'd never see the older man again that Anakin didn't care about the multiple rules of the Jedi Code that he was breaking right before one of the members of its high council. Obi-Wan was alive and he was safe, Anakin not caring about anything else.
Anakin's relief was short-lived when Obi-Wan collapsed against him. "Master, are you all right? Obi-Wan?"
"I will be after a few cycles of sleep," Obi-Wan murmured, clutching at Anakin's hips as he attempted to straighten himself. "Force, but I'm exhausted."
Anakin refused to leave Obi-Wan's side, even when they returned to their ship. Obi-Wan was a mass of burns and scratches, his clothes in tatters. He refused to speak of what had happened save that he had been held prisoner by Asajj Ventress who'd meant to present him as a gift to Count Dooku.
"There is no need to hover so, Anakin," Obi-Wan chided as he wearily removed his belt. "I am well enough. A few hours rest, some clean clothes and a warm meal and I daresay I will be fit enough for battle once again."
Anakin swallowed the sudden panic those words filled him with, instead helping Obi-Wan to strip out of his ruined tunic. His fingers ghosted over Obi-Wan's shoulders then down his chest, skirting over the bruises he found there. Anakin's breath hitched as he brushed his palm over the outline of his ribs. Obi-Wan was just so tired and exhausted emotionally and Anakin wished that he'd realized sooner that his master was alive.
Obi-Wan's hand cupping his cheek had startled him. He was even more surprised when Obi-Wan's other hand lightly stroked across his brow, over his temple then down to cup his jaw. There was such an intent expression in those blue-grey eyes that Anakin hadn't been able to look away. Instead his face had inched closer to Obi-Wan's until they were close enough that the ends of their noses brushed. Turning his head slightly, Anakin increased the contact, nuzzling his nose along the edge of Obi-Wan's beard. He wasn't sure which of them did it, but their lips were lightly brushing, the tip of Obi-Wan's tongue poking out. Anakin had pulled back only far enough so that he could see Obi-Wan's eyes, to know that he didn't protest, before he leaned into the kiss.
It was rather tentative, almost chaste, and the emotions that it stirred in them were more than Anakin could understand. It felt right, though, so Anakin didn't question it.
When it ended, Anakin feared that Obi-Wan would try to reason it away. Instead, Obi-Wan merely sighed, leaning his forehead against Anakin's, his eyes closed. Anakin could feel how utterly exhausted Obi-Wan was, so instead of talking, he led the smaller man towards his bunk, helping him down onto it.
"You should get some rest," Anakin whispered, lightly stroking Obi-Wan's bangs from his forehead. "I'll come back later with something for you to eat."
When he turned to leave, Obi-Wan's hand shot out, grabbing hold of his wrist. "There is no need to rush off so. I have been too long without your presence."
Lowering himself down next to the bunk, Anakin sat with his back pressed up against the wall and his right hand smoothing through Obi-Wan's rumpled hair. He stayed there for the rest of the night, soothing him when his sleep was troubled, but otherwise just watching over him.
Sinking back onto his heels, Anakin placed his hands on his knees and levered himself upright. He very carefully lifted the box from its resting place on the shelf, holding it carefully as he walked over to the couch. Anakin slumped onto the couch and set the box down on the low table in front of it before slumping back into the padded surface.
Relaxing his entire body, Anakin continued to stare at the box. He needed to remain calm, to order his thoughts. If he could find a way to center himself he might be able to feel Obi-Wan again and know that he wasn't completely losing his mind. There was nothing, though. No matter how hard he tried to slam through that barrier of nothingness, Anakin couldn't sense Obi-Wan anywhere in the Force. Obi-Wan was truly dead and what had happened before was merely wishful thinking on his part. He'd wanted that comfortable feel of Obi-Wan on the edge of his consciousness to return and so it had. It was an illusion, though. An all too hollow illusion.
Growling in frustration, Anakin heaved himself off the couch, grabbing hold of the box on his way up. Nothing else in the apartment meant enough to him to salvage from the destruction that would before the Jedi Temple while Palpatine created his new empire. Padmé would keep it safe for him, though. She was the only one that he could trust with such an important relic.
Anakin strode quickly through the corridors, glaring at any of the clone troopers who made a move to stop him. He was their general and they didn't have the right to question him or what he was doing.
"No one is to be left alive," Anakin reminded the commander as he climbed once again into his speeder. "The Jedi are to be completely wiped out as ordered by Emperor Palpatine."
"Yes, General."
The sun was beginning its descent below the horizon, painting the sky with reds and oranges. It was a fire that resembled the one that was building inside the Temple. With the exception of the Temple's massive archives, the entire building was to be gutted and all of the Jedi artifacts destroyed.
As he sped across the city to 500 Republica to where Padmé's apartments the HoloNet was broadcasting images of the deaths of all the Jedi Masters who had been fighting throughout the galaxy. People that had been Anakin's family had all been killed because of him. He had killed all of the Jedi as though he had fired the blasters himself.
Anakin couldn't afford to let the guilt of his actions consume him, though. He had to serve Palpatine and learn all that he could from the Sith lord so that he could save both Obi-Wan and Padmé. He could only hope that they would forgive him for what he had done and what he was likely to do in the future. It would be worth it, though, even if they never forgave him. Anakin would gladly give his life so long as those he loved were kept safe.
Commander Cody couldn't help but feel a slight pang of conscious as he looked through the observation window at his general. General Kenobi had been the first to treat him as anything but a clone, but in the end he had to obey the orders of the Emperor. Had he not known better, Cody would have thought the general truly dead. In the entire half hour that he'd been standing there, General Kenobi hadn't given any sign of life. He wasn't even breathing. Cody knew, though, that the general was still alive. It was why he'd only been ordered to stun the Jedi rather than kill him outright.
As much as he would have liked to help his general, Cody knew that he couldn't go against his orders. He existed only to follow orders. He did what he was ordered and he had been ordered to make sure everyone believed that General Kenobi was dead, most especially General Skywalker.
Out of the corner of his eye, Cody caught sight of the Emperor's red-clad bodyguard stalking down the corridor.
"Don't worry, General, Skywalker will figure it out," Commander Cody murmured before continuing down the corridor and away from the red guard.