Vader's Angel
By: wertman25
Disclaimer: Sadly, I don't own Star Wars…. Or Anakin Skywalker… Which is a pity…
2nd Disclaimer: Stole a line or two from the actual Star Wars Prequel Trilogy book… I don't own it. Don't sue me. Read it if you got time.
Obi-Wan felt his arms chained tightly above his head, restraining him to a hard object that stood behind him. He tried to look around to find answers, but did not find anything helpful. He took note that he was in an arena and apparently the source of the entertainment to the roaring crowd around him. Three other sturdy posts, about a meter in diameter, were centered on the arena floor around his own. His, however, was the only one that held a prisoner.
He almost laughed at the situation and how inconvenient it was. He had no idea where he was or how he had got there. He was alone tied to a post, with what seemed to be his death moments away… and yet, he felt like he had all the answers in the world, because he done it all before.
The fact made him utterly confused. Obi-Wan knew he had never experienced this situation before. He would have remembered it – But it felt like he was remembering it. It felt like a memory… Just like before.
The answer screamed to him, making him realize the situation he was in. He was not in danger; at least any real danger because he was experiencing a vision. The Force was showing him another vision just like before… but if that were true, where was the boy?
As if being controlled, annoyance, anger, and fear came over Obi-Wan as he turned his head towards the approaching cart. He couldn't explain it, but just like before, he was unable to stop himself. He knew the emotions swelling inside of him were not the Jedi way… but still he felt them. He felt as if he had been ignored… disobeyed… disrespected. He felt annoyed at being ignored. He felt angry for being disrespected. He felt scared– why? He didn't know. He wasn't even sure if those were the emotions that he was feeling. He couldn't explain it. He didn't know what he was feeling, or more importantly, why he was feeling them.
Obi-Wan continued to scowl until the cart paused before him. He took quick note of Senator Amidala, before turning to the boy beside her. It was him. As soon as he saw the boy's face, he knew it was him. It was the boy. The Chosen One.
"Obi-Wan!" The now older boy cried as he was pulled down from the cart, dragged over, and chained to the post beside him.
"I was beginning to wonder if you had gotten my message," Obi-Wan replied automatically, unable to stop himself. Both he and the boy winced as Senator Amidala was similarly, roughly dragged over to the post next to the boy, and chained up.
"I transmitted your message just as you had requested, Master." The boy explained seeming a bit embarrassed, "Then we decided to come rescue you."
"Good job!" came Obi-Wan's quick and sarcastic response, as he turned to look between the chains that still held him and the boy that had apparently tried to save him. Due to the boy's confession, he was slowly beginning to understand some of the unknown emotion racing inside of him. But still, so much was unknown.
"Don't be mad, Obi-Wan," A voice said from beside him, interrupting his train of thought, "That senator talked him into it. I think she may be even more foolish than he is."
Obi-Wan's head snapped towards the voice, immediately recognizing it. He felt his eyes widen as his eyes laid upon the voice's owner. "Master!" He said in shock and amazement, as his gaze froze on the man that now stood beside him, "How– What are you doing here?"
The old man laughed for a moment as he walked forward, "Never were much for surprises were you, Obi-Wan?"
Qui-Gon neared his old padawan, using what Obi-Wan thought was the Force to make the chains that held him against the pillar disappear. As he was freed from his bonds, Obi-Wan remained silent. He rubbed his hands over his wrists, more in comfort than actual hurt. He was confused and shocked… far beyond words.
Knowing he could not push off the meeting forever, he slowly raised his gaze from his wrists to the arena. Obi-Wan quickly noted that everything around him had paused. Frozen as he had left it. He turned to his Master that remained quiet near the pillar where he had been released, allowing him to take in the new situation.
"Master," Obi-Wan asked finally, gesturing to the situation around him, "What is all of this?"
"The Force's way of trying to explain." Qui-Gon answered quickly, before he walked around Obi-Wan to pause in front of the Chosen One.
"I'm afraid I don't understand, Master." Obi-Wan replied, following his Master to get a better look at the boy as well, "Not even Master Yoda understands."
They both were silent for a long moment, starring at the boy that remained frozen to the post. Obi-Wan noted the boy's features, trying to engrave them into his memory for his later search when he awoken from his vision. He memorized the boy's face, eyes, and hair color; any factors that would not change now that the boy before him was becoming a man. He knew the boy looked older than the previous time he had seen him, about ten or so years older, but he also knew that the boy was probably still older in his world. The elements of the boy that he was memorizing, however, had a good chance of being the main features of the boy that remained the same, no matter his age.
Obi-Wan knew he needed a Jedi, and the boy before him was only a padawan. The boy before him now was young, much too young to be considered ready to take upon the title of "The Chosen One."
"What is his name?" Obi-Wan asked softly, feeling another deep connection to the boy.
"It will take time for you to fully understand, Obi-Wan." Qui-Gon said, ignoring his question as he removed his gaze from the boy to look at his padawan, "The Force works in mysterious ways."
"Understand what, Master?" Obi-Wan asked confused, "I must know his name to find him."
"You must do this alone." Qui-Gon stated sternly with a shake of his head, "I cannot interfere."
Obi-Wan frowned as he felt his chances of finding answers slowly fading away. "Then why are you here, Master?" Obi-Wan continued, "If it is not to help me?"
Qui-Gon laughed, easing Obi-Wan's nerves as his Master put his hand on his shoulder, "Patience, Obi-Wan." Qui-Gon reminded him, "I am here to help you. I just cannot give you all the answers that you seek."
"Any help would do, Master." Obi-Wan pleaded, "I don't understand what the Force is showing me."
A large smile formed itself on Qui-Gon's face as he pointed towards his padawan. "That." He laughed, "I can help you with." He paused again for a long moment, walking between the pillars of the senator and the boy, before turning back to Obi-Wan. "This is what should have happened." Qui-Gon stated softly as he gestured to the arena around him, "If all would have gone according to the Force's plan."
Another frown formed on Obi-Wan's face as confusion began to overtake him once more. "The Force has a plan, Master?" Obi-Wan asked with a small raise of his eyebrow.
"Of course not, Obi-Wan!" Qui-Gon yelled, before another large smile appeared on his face, "But also, in a way, yes."
"I still do not understand, Master." Obi-Wan admitted, still entirely confused and itching with questions.
Qui-Gon sighed, a low regretful sigh as his gaze locked onto the Chosen One, "You were destined to train him, Obi-Wan."
"But I didn't, Master." Obi-Wan interjected before gesturing to the arena around him, "None of this ever happened."
"But perhaps it did."
But it didn't! Obi-Wan yelled, moving towards his Master in a desperate need to make some sense. He needed answers, but seemed to be just getting more questions.
"People are destined for things, Obi-Wan." Qui-Gon stated simply, ignoring the fact that his padawan was nearly on top of him as his gaze remained locked on the boy, "And sometimes others interfere, but that does not mean the destiny changes."
Obi-Wan's frown soften as he tried to make sense of his Master's riddles. "So even though I did not find and train they boy in the past…" Obi-Wan asked, "I can find him now? He is still out there? He is still the Chosen One that will being balance to the Force?"
"Perhaps." Qui-Gon nodded, raising his hand to stroke his beard.
Obi-Wan, however, instantly smiled. "I knew the return of the Jedi was coming!" He exclaimed happily, ecstatic from hearing his Master's words, "I knew it! Where is he, Master? How can I find him? Is he alrea –"
"But perhaps," Qui-Gon interrupted, raising his eyebrows as he turned towards his padawan, "The outcome is the same no matter the story."
Obi-Wan's excited was instantly taken over by his confusion as a frown once again formed over his features. "I'm sorry, Master?" He questioned in confusion, "I still do not understand."
"You must listen, Obi-Wan!" Qui-Gon exclaimed, turning towards Obi-Wan as everything began to disappear around them, "The answers are being given to you. All you have to do it listen!"
"Answers?" Obi-Wan cried, shaking his head in more confusion, "There are too many questions, Master! Who is the boy? Where is the boy? What are these visions?"
His Master did not respond. Qui-Gon only closed his eyes, as he began to fade into the disappearing world around him.
"You can't leave, Master!" Obi-Wan yelled frantically witnessing his Master begin to disappear before his eyes, "I have more questions!" He tried to reach out to Qui-Gon, to make some connection to save his Master. He needed him. He needed his help. Needed his guidance. Needed his wisdom.
"I will be back, Obi-Wan." Qui-Gon stated softly, "When you have more answers, I will be back."
But that wasn't good enough for Obi-Wan and before he could stop himself, he let out a scream, "Master!"
"Master!"
Obi-Wan lurched forward in his sleep, pushing himself out of his vision. He pushed away the sweat falling from his forehead as he breathed in deeply. It was all too real, too confusing. He, as well as Master Yoda, had been searching for clues about the boy for days; even the Rebellion itself had done their part. Keeping their eyes and ears open for everything or anything concerning the location or identity of their Chosen One. Obi-Wan had been hoping for another vision, another clue to the mystery, but now he regretted it. Now, he had received a vision, and awoken with more questions than answers. He was even more confused than before.
Acting quickly, he pushed himself out of his bed, as be began to ready himself for the day. He showered and dressed in a matter of minutes, before he left his room in search for Master Yoda. Just like before, he found himself rushing through the Rebellion Base's halls, hoping to not be bothered. However, this time he was not as lucky.
"Master Kenobi!"
Obi-Wan paused immediately to turn towards the man running towards him. He thanked the Force that it was at least someone that he considered to be an honest and fair man, unlike many of the others that he could account for that were in this place. "Senator Organa." He said with a small bow and smile as the man stopped before him, "How good it is to see you."
"Likewise, Master Kenobi." Bail agreed with a small bow, "I hope I am not bothering you."
"Not at all," Obi-Wan said respectfully as he gestured to the hall before him, "I was just on my way to find Master Yoda."
"Master Yoda was last in the east mediating room," Bail said as he pointed to the correct hallway, "I hate to keep you, but perhaps I could join you until you reach him."
Obi-Wan remained silent for a short moment, reaching out into the Force for answers. Usually, he would have preferred to make the walk to his Master alone. It would give him time to regain his complete composure, and also give him time to be alone to his thoughts; but he could feel that something was bothering the senator before him. Unfortunately, he could not tell what that something was. Still, he felt it was his duty to help such a man with his problem, especially if he had called him out specifically for the job.
"It would be an honor, Senator." Obi-Wan finally said, gesturing for Bail to accompany him, "Tell me is something bothering you?"
The man let out an embarrassed laugh as he joined the Jedi on this stroll. "That easy to read, am I? He asked with a small raise of his eyebrow.
Obi-Wan laughed too, welcoming any small distraction to take his mind away from his vision, even if only for a few minutes.
"To a Jedi, I'm afraid you are." Obi-Wan said, regaining his composure as the man beside him did the same.
"I'm concerned for Senator Amidala." Bail finally admitted, his voice void of any and every emotion, but that didn't matter, Obi-Wan could feel his concern even if he didn't show it.
"Understandable." Obi-Wan said with a small nod, trying to understand the situation deeper, "The Rebellion leaders were at quite a decision when I arrived, but forgive me, Senator, I was under the impression that they changed their vote."
Bail gave a small nod of agreement, "They did… " He said, before a frown appeared on his features, "but I'm concerned on the lack of action being taken for her protection."
Obi-Wan fought the urges inside of himself. He could feel something being hidden from him. This was a large reason of why he disliked politicians, even the good ones. One said one thing, while one said another. They never got along, and they never came out to say exactly what they were thinking; there was always an underlining reason or fact, never a clear answer.
"You'll have to forgive me, Senator," Obi-Wan said quickly, with a small gesture of apology for his confusion, "But again, I was under the impression that the Rebellion leaders thought it best to wait to take action due to having proof that the Senator returned to her work unharmed?"
"You and I both know it is only a matter of time before Palpatine stops playing our little game." Bail interjected, knowing that Obi-Wan knew as well as he did that Palpatine's act was a lie. It was only a matter of time before Senator Amidala was truly harmed and they both knew it.
"Indeed." Obi-Wan agreed, deciding to voice his true opinion.
"I understand the hiding, for the time being." Bail explained reasonably, "But all we have done in the past few days is search for a man that we don't even know really exists, when we could be coming up with a plan to rescue Senator Amidala."
"He exists, Senator." Obi-Wan argued quickly, not taking the chance of beginning an argument, or worse a discussion of the matter, "We just need to find him."
Bail nodded, with a look of apology on his face. "Yes, forgive me," He said softly, "I did not mean to question you, Master Kenobi. I am just a little on edge from the reports we received this morning."
Obi-Wan frowned as he turned to the senator beside him. "What reports?"
A look of shock and regret passed upon the senator's face, before he quickly noticed his mistake and covered his emotions with his usual neutral look. "I'm sorry," He apologized, "I assumed you heard." He paused for a moment, allowing them to walk a few steps in silence before he spoke again, "Vader has killed more of our spies and sympathizers." He finally admitted, "We have almost no one left within the Imperial Senate."
Obi-Wan was shocked. "Within the entire, Senate?" He asked, unable to hide his horror.
If the Rebellion had no one left within the Senate, they were done for. They could not rely on the Force alone, not with only two Jedi. The entire operation would fall apart. They would all be exterminated. The Empire– the Dark side would win.
"I'm afraid so." Bail answered, sounding just as aware of the fact as Obi-Wan. "Almost everyone has fled back to their home planets or has gone into hiding. It will be sometime before we can get others to take their places."
If you can find anyone to take their place.
Obi-Wan pushed the negative thoughts away, knowing they would do nothing to help him; instead, he turned his thoughts to getting answers. "When did Darth Vader execute the spies?" He asked, turning his head to face the senator while they walked.
"He exposed and executed them yesterday." Bail answered, his voice regaining its professionalism, "The Emperor's cover up was as flawless as ever. It made even some Rebellion sympathizers question their stance on us. Because of Vader, almost everyone fears for their lives over their freedom."
Obi-Wan shook his head in disbelief, his hand moving to his head to push back a few strands of his hair that had fallen out of place. "This is madness." He stated; his words laced with astonishment.
"Indeed, Master Kenobi." Bail agreed with the same emotion, "This is why I feel we must make an attempt to rescue, Senator Amidala. She is the only Rebellion leader left within the Senate, and Vader is on a rampage for Rebellion blood."
Obi-Wan nodded with respect, "I understand your concern, Senator, and I am no politician, but isn't that a good thing to have someone on the inside for the time being"?
Bail returned the nod, "We originally thought so." He said with a sigh, "But as you know, Vader executed nearly our entire Naboo staff. We have now learned that Vader has made it his personal mission to kill everyone on that list."
Obi-Wan paused, turning towards Bail with a frown, "You think Vader will make Senator Amidala his next target? His next source of Rebellion blood?"
"I do not know, Master Kenobi." Bail admitted as they continued their walk, "My concern is that the Queen of Naboo was able to relay a message to Senator Amidala. However, after the message was cut, Senator Amidala disappeared. She has not returned to the Senate, she has not tried to contact us, there has been absolutely no sign of her."
Obi-Wan gritted his teeth as his thoughts went to the worst possible outcome. "Has any precautions already been taken?" He asked, hoping that his thoughts of the young senator would be untrue.
Bail frowned; a look of hurt and fear crossing over his face, "You think she is already dead?"
"No," Obi-Wan replied quickly, "but the Force only knows what Vader has done to her, or at the very least what he has planned for her. We may have to expect the worse until we can rescue her."
"She would never expose anything about the Rebellion," Bail inserted quickly, his words hard showing that he believed with ever fiber of his being that they were true. "She is young and has much to learn," He admitted, "but she has the strength where it counts. She would not betray us."
Obi-Wan nodded, "I do believe you, Senator," He responded truthfully, "and I do agree with you." He paused making sure Bail was looking at him, to make sure the man knew he spoke the truth and meant every word with complete faith and hope. "I want to rescue her as much as you, but we need proof of Senator Amidala being alive before we plan a rescue. The Rebellion is at state with a mission of this kind."
"We will have proof, Obi-Wan." Bail argued before he informed the Jedi of information he had been holding out of the conversation, "One of our sympathizers that remain in the Senate has requested that Senator Amidala sit in on a meeting concerning her planet."
"Won't Palpatine become suspicious?" Obi-Wan asked with concern, already fearing for Senator Amidala's life.
"Perhaps," Bail agreed with a nod, "but it has to do with a blockade of a planet, something that Senator Amidala has experience with during her time as the Queen of Naboo."
"I remember." Obi-Wan said quietly, the memories of the young Queen flashing across his mind, before he turned his attention back to the subject, "What if the Emperor does not allow this?"
"If he does, we may assume the worse." Bail replied softly, "But if he allows it, and Padme is alive; our plan begins. We need her away from Vader's clutches before Palpatine releases his leash."
"What makes you think Lord Vader is back on his leash?"
"Palpatine can't afford to allow Vader to kill hundreds within the Senate in the matter of weeks." Bail said with dominance, "He would lose too much support. He has to put Vader on his leash sometime, and I believe if Padme shows up to this meeting, that now is the time."
They reached the east meditation room when Bail finished his sentence. Obi-Wan looked at the door before him, sensing the little green Master just inside before he slowly turned back to the senator with a slight bow, "Thank you for informing me, Senator Organa. I trust, until the time is right that this will stay between us."
"Of course." Bail agreed, before quickly adding, "Until the time is right."
Obi-Wan nodded, knowing the man's meaning. "When you receive news of Senator Amidala," He said lowly, "please inform me, immediately."
"Yes, Master Kenobi." Bail replied, with a small smile, "Thank you for allowing me to join you, and for listening to my request."
Obi-Wan returned the smile, "Of course, Senator."
Both men gave slight bows, before Bail walked in the opposite direction and Obi-Wan entered the meditation room. Yoda sat in the middle of the room, facing towards the door with his eyes shut.
At first, Obi-Wan wasn't sure the little green Master was even aware of his presence, since Yoda did not move as he walked across the room, but as Obi-Wan sat down beside the small Master, Yoda finally spoke, "Feel the disturbance in the Force as well did you, Obi-Wan?"
Obi-Wan tensed instantly, that wasn't what he was expecting.
"A disturbance?" Obi-Wan asked confused, "I didn't feel it, Master."
Yoda frowned, his ears moving upwards with his face as he opened his eyes to look towards the Jedi beside him. "Strange." He said in concern, "Something bothering you there is, Obi-Wan?"
"Yes." Obi-Wan admitted.
"Ahh." Yoda exhaled, "The disturbance. Came from you, it did."
Obi-Wan frowned, "Me, Master?"
"It did, I believe." Yoda nodded, before he pointed his short green finger at Obi-Wan, "Been shown to you, another vision has?"
"Yes, Master." Obi-Wan replied, before adding his thoughts of the visions, "I don't think they are just visions. I think they are signs– clues, perhaps."
"Clues?" Master Yoda asked, his ears rising ever so slightly as his attention moved completely towards the Jedi sitting beside him.
Obi-Wan shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts to make sense of what he was trying to say. He couldn't. "I can't explain it." Obi-Wan admitted, "I just feel –"
"Trust your feelings, Obi-Wan." Yoda interrupted, "Doubt yourself, you should not."
Obi-Wan sighed, "I don't know what my feelings are, Master Yoda."
Yoda pulled his hand back, allowing both his hands to fall into his lap as he took in the young Jedi Master's confusion, "Hmmm… Start from the beginning, shall we?
"Yes, Master." Obi-Wan agreed quickly, hoping it would help.
"Good." Yoda nodded before he began his questioning, "This vision… Like the ones before, was it?"
"Not exactly, Master." Obi-Wan answered quickly, trying to think of a way to explain it.
"Different, it was?" Yoda asked, a little surprised, "But see the Chosen One again, did you?
"Yes, Master." Obi-Wan said, "The boy was there in a vision like before, but this time, Qui-Gon was there. He interrupted the vision to give me a message."
"A message?" Yoda asked, this time in complete surprise.
"Yes, but he wasn't clear." Obi-Wan admitted with a frown, "He seemed to be talking in riddles."
"Strange." Yoda frowned, a look of deep thinking on his face, "Answers, he did not give you?"
Obi-Wan let out a small laugh, before he could stop himself, but quickly regained his seriousness to continue his report, "He gave me more questions than answers." He said, unable to hide his stress. He paused for a moment, thinking about his Master's words before relaying them to Yoda, "He said that he could not interfere, that it was all in the Force's plan. That I wasn't looking hard enough."
"See what is being given to you, Obi-Wan, you cannot," Yoda retorted, before his years fell, "but neither can I." The small Master paused closing his eyes as he breathed in deeply, calling upon the Force, "Weaker than I feared, is our ability to use the Force. To find what we have missed, mediate, we must."
"Yes, Master." Obi-Wan replied automatically, too caught up in his thoughts to fully take in what Yoda was saying to him.
Yoda frowned slightly, opening his eyes and pointing at Obi-Wan. "Much on your mind, there is." Yoda said sternly, "Clear your mind must be. Your visions, forget. Your plans, forget. Your concerns, forget. Feel the Force. Find the answers you seek, we must."
"Yes, Master." Obi-Wan answered again, closing his eyes tightly as he reached out into the Force.
Yoda followed Obi-Wan's lead, as he too closed his eyes and reached out into the Force. "With the Force as our ally" Yoda said quietly, his voice conveying more hurt than he would ever admit, "Find a way, we will."
Author's Note: Drop a review!