A/N - I have just recently started posting a new short story based off of a throwaway line in chapter 12. I just couldn't get the idea out of my head! So if anyone wants to find out just exactly Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon managed to tick off some tribes members and get very very muddy check out the light hearted tale named: Aggressive Negotiations which is now complete :)

Back to this story, we pick up we left off here. The light saber fight :)

YumikoWantsCake - Ah yes the identity is clarified right here in this chapter :) Indeed not how they would like though... I honestly couldn't tell you, I've seen it around in various different places and thought it was a pretty neat idea! Thank you hope you enjoy :D

Annie Walker - Here's an earlier update than expected :D Thank you once again for the feedback and interest, hope this chapter is too your liking!

3 - I'm glad you've stumbled across my little story :D thank you for your kind words and I hope you enjoy this chapter just as much :)


Count Dooku was impressed, dazzled in fact with the show the young knight was putting on for him. Kenobi had acted as expected, after pushing on the still raw memory of his former master Obi-Wan had reacted in pure loathing, harnessing his hatred to empower his skill. It was just what Dooku wanted, if he was ever to defeat Sidious then he would need someone extremely powerful by his side. Kenobi was evidently that somebody, he was sure of it now more than ever.

The engaged Count was brought out of his reverie however when he noticed Obi-Wan's thrusts and strikes gain in strength, enough that it would require all of Dooku's concentration to hold him at bay. He had just witnessed the young Jedi finally give into his true feelings and set himself free, the result was breathtaking to witness. There was still work to be done however, he could feel Obi-Wan's slight reluctance to harness the true power, it was there for the taking if he only just reached out and grabbed it!

He had witnessed unchecked brutality in the young Jedi's assault, staggering strength crashing against his own formidable defence at an alarming rate. Qui-Gon had unquestionably been correct in his assessment of his padawan, resoundingly so. This young man was nothing short of incredible, so much potential, so much power it just had to be honed to be used in the right way.

Dooku had been on the advantage just a moment ago, but his complacency had given Obi-Wan the opening he needed, grimacing he pivoted and swept out of the way with the agility and elegance of a man far his junior. He was actually breaking out a sweat over this new deadly barrage of strikes raining down on him seemingly from all directions at once! He had definitely seen enough he decided swiftly, noting the fire and control in the young Jedi's eyes Dooku recognised the signs of impending victory and for the first time in a great many years the elder former Jedi panicked.

He quickened his pace, glaring at Kenobi's smirking form, knowledgeable in the fact that he could actually defeat Dooku. He could scarcely keep up with the young Jedi's blurred motion now, his arms agonisingly screaming to his mind with exhaustion. There was only one thing that would stop Obi-Wan now. The boy.

Dooku reached out to his faithful companion in the force, communicating with her to bring Skywalker here at once. He could feel himself starting to fail as Obi-Wan gained ground and once again marveled at the strength he was seeing, staggered slightly from the ferocity and agility of a recently healed, very young Jedi Knight.

Dooku had witnessed the bond between the two the first time he laid eyes on them, physically and in the force. It was well-founded and unyielding, something far greater than Dooku had ever experienced himself with any of his own padawan's. The ramifications of what he observed were clear for anyone paying any kind of attention, as clear as the night sky. They were attached.

His inner musings were very rudely interrupted as Kenobi performed a dizzying feat of offensive thrusts and moves so fast that Dooku could not completely keep up, his reward for his lack of sprightliness was an excruciating burning pain shooting across his arm. He just about bought up his crimson saber to block in time so as to not lose his entire arm, the after effects of the searing however brought tears to his eyes so he quickly admonished himself and ignored the misery of his arm, new conviction to stop the young Jedi before he caused any irreversible damage. This was getting out of control, Dooku no longer had faith that he could actually subdue Obi-Wan, annoyingly enough so did the young Knight.

He narrowed his gaze at his adversary perilously, evoking his displeasure at the turn of events, eyes swimming with the promise of a rebuke for the injury Obi-Wan had incurred. With afresh conviction he sent out another message to his accomplice to cause Skywalker to cry out into the force and was rewarded with the knowledge they were nearing their position. Dooku even felt Skywalker's pain traverse through the force, good this would be finished soon then and by the alarmed features swarming Obi-Wan's face he had felt the disturbance also. With the new knowledge Dooku smirked slightly, enjoying immensely the uncertain features on his opponents face as he was left out of the intel. Soon Kenobi, you will find out very soon.

With anew conviction Dooku pushed back the loathing puzzled young Jedi, relief washing through him as he seemed to have control returning to his side. Feeling the boy's pain filled cry in the force had certainly rattled Obi-Wan, that was his problem. Attachments. Dooku observed as Obi-Wan desperately tried to reach out into the force to confirm what was happening, Dooku did not give him the chance however and relentlessly pushed the younger back with reserves he didn't even knew he could tap into. Dooku could sense Obi-Wan's rage flare again as he twigged what the Count had done, it strengthened his blows once more causing the two duelists to be on rather even footings once again.

Dooku was content with the fact he would have Obi-Wan controlled once again, well as soon as Ventress and Skywalker arrived. He strove onward matching and dancing around the duel, duplicating Obi-Wan's strength and agility, endeavouring to keep the battle going until the duo arrived…


The mysterious witch had appeared at Anakin's cell door and proceeded to drag him out with such haste that he knew immediately something was up. Her previous demeanour had been erased, seriousness covered her features along with what Anakin may have wrongly identified to be a slight twinge of fear. However as the dark figure grasped one of her light saber hilts and a crimson blade shot out of the hilt Anakin knew he had not identified incorrectly. She was afraid for some reason.

The cause became very clear actually as Anakin sensed the colossal turmoil occurring in the force just a few corridors down. He had concentrated immensely on the source and had actually beamed with pride and relief as he felt his master dueling with Dooku. Those feelings had abandoned him swiftly however as he identified unchecked rage pouring of his master's force signature, he was so livid it actually terrified Anakin just feeling it from that distance.

His terror had again changed to some relief as he sensed Obi-Wan release his fury bit by bit, gaining strength with every action he took. That was when the witch had stiffened and grimaced slightly in pain, Anakin was horribly confused as she looked placidly down upon him. Confusion promptly transformed into agony however as her light saber was unceremoniously held against his bare skin, scalding and scorching a few centimetres deep on his shoulder. The inhumane cry that escaped his lips echoed down the corridor and the burning stench of human flesh reached his nostrils making Anakin nearly retch all over the floor.

Before he could ask what the hell that was for the witch had gripped his good arm in a vice like grip and once again proceeded to parade him along the remainder of the corridor. The purpose of the vicious unprovoked attack was however explained as Anakin reached out into the force to identify his master and stilled as he sensed what his pain had done to Obi-Wan's concentration. These crinking sith-spits! They were using him against his master again! Anakin strove to reach out to Obi-Wan in his mind to instruct him not to worry, Anakin was okay and that he shouldn't let Dooku get to him this way. His efforts were rebuked however, he was met with a solid wall and grimaced as the witch escorting him chuckled at his efforts. His attention reverted back to the duel, however, as they started to near the position of the two seasoned fighters.

The entire length of the corridor was awash with the flashing of blue and red lights, dancing and melding together as one, moving in perfect synchrony. The eerie quietness of the thrumming of each weapon was only disturbed when the saber's collided with walls, surfaces or each other eliciting agonising screeching sounds. The illuminated area allowed the shadows of the two opponents to be projected onto the walls surrounding them, where Anakin witnessed the most graceful duel he had ever seen before they even reached the actual duelist's positions, the agility and pace of the confrontation was staggering as he observed his master and Dooku locked in a deadly, beautiful, futile dance. The force around both combatants swirled perilously, seemingly increasing the longer the unwavering battle played out, both men ostensibly inhaling the currents as if to allow the force to flow right through their veins.

Anakin could scarcely believe his eyes, he had seen his master in training before, but this was not training. He could tell by the atmosphere Obi-Wan intended on this being a fight to the death. Unfortunately for his master Dooku had other plans…


Obi-Wan backed up slowly disengaging from the locked saber spat he had no chance of winning, he had to quickly duck once again as the fearsome crimson blade swept through the air around about the position his head was situated. The situation was deteriorating fast, all his muscles trembled, his heart rate at an all-time high as all of his straining systems cried out for oxygen. He had centered himself perfectly not a moment ago, only for Dooku to employ a very ruthless dirty trick intent on throwing him off by using Anakin against him. It had.

The worst part of the development was the fact that both parties knew this fact, Dooku's eyes glinted dangerously victory knowingly just around the corner. Obi-Wan couldn't feel his young charge anymore which caused his panicked state to further increase, as if somebody was blocking their bond? The Count had heard his suspicions obviously as his smirk widened and an eyebrow shot up confirming the fact that yes he was the reason Obi-Wan couldn't feel his apprentice in his mind.

Seething Obi-Wan proceeded to go about battering down those mental defences, only to be stopped as his full concentration was required on the battle in front of him when Dooku relentlessly caused him to pivot and flip out of his saber's seeking strikes. I can't go on much longer… Obi-Wan knew his reserves were spent, he was now purely acting on survival instinct, allowing the force to sustain him. He could sense the secondary figure approaching their position and tried to adjust his own location so as to not get caught between the two.

In the next few moments Obi-Wan completely lost his concentration in battle as a howling cry of pain reached his ears, which belonged to his padawan. He was forcefully pummelled with the misery and agony Anakin was feeling as the block on their training bond was released. Gasping out himself Obi-Wan was not prepared for the Count's next vicious attack, intent on ending their duel with his opponent so badly distracted.

Obi-Wan desperately swung his light saber to block Dooku's onslaught, getting slower each time, tunic singed all over from the very near misses. His struggle was futile, deep down Obi-Wan had known that since Dooku had employed his latest cowardly tactic. It wasn't long before Dooku found his opening and savagely capitalised on it, spinning round in a flurry of movements the Count had struck at Obi-Wan's unprotected side eliciting a scream of agony as his crimson saber cauterised the flesh on his upper arm, almost identical to the area he had marked Dooku.

Obi-Wan instinctually responded with a force push so raw with power that it sent Dooku sprawling over the unforgiving dura steel floor, completely unprepared for the defence. Glancing down Obi-Wan grimaced as he noted the wound was deep, far deeper than the one he had inflicted upon Dooku. He held his saber limply in his grip, unsure and untrusting of his own muscles capabilities to lift his arm.

Dooku raised himself to his feet, the triumphant glaze over his eyes informed Obi-Wan that the position of his new wound was not an accident, Dooku had dealt out what he had taken ruthlessly. The stench of the burnt charred skin wafted through the corridor, almost making Obi-Wan gag reflexively.

Obi-Wan sought to rejoin the duel but the sight of his apprentice stilled his heart. The two duellists had been so caught up in their own battle of wills that neither had noted the appearance of Ventress, Anakin and a dozen or so security guards.

Obi-Wan efficiently scanned his young padawan over, relieved that the wounds he had received were effectively superficial but again angered that anyone could wrought such evilness on an unarmed child! He knew how much agony Anakin was in now and fervently sent as many healing energies as he could along their now open bond.

'Anakin, are you alright?' Worry seeped into his tone so he strove to abolish it, Anakin had enough to deal with himself without the addition of Obi-Wan's burdens.

'I'm okay, Master, this witch has a real temper though,' His young apprentice scowled back at him, causing a small smile to tug at Obi-Wan's lips. That was his Anakin alright, always complaining about the less important things…

'Yes I can't say Dooku's much better I'm afraid, I'm glad you're alright, Padawan,' Obi-Wan replied sending a good deal of warmth along their bond along with the equivalent of a mental hug before returning his attention back to the ever deteriorating situation developing in front of him.

He could tell from Dooku's expression that he had noted the mental conversation taking place and his face was now plastered with a victorious smile, he knew exactly what Obi-Wan's weaknesses were and obviously was going to stoop to this level. What happened to the Jedi he used to be?

"Well, Kenobi, you must recognise defeat when you see it?" He smartly drawled, confident in Obi-Wan's next actions.

Of course he was right, Obi-Wan had already conceded once today where his padawan's life was in question. Glancing at the dark force user who had Anakin in her grip, he didn't doubt for one minute that the women would slice Anakin's head clean off. With a dejected sigh he allowed his saber to disengage and dropped it to the floor glaring darkly at Dooku the entire time, projecting some extremely visual thoughts of him running his saber through the count's heart.

"You do have the most interesting imagination indeed." Dooku's grin only widened, chuckling manically.

The guards that had, until now, hung back in the corners of the poorly lit corridor carefully moved forwards to apprehend him for what felt like the umpteenth time that day. He felt different restraints close around his wrists, they seemed to buzz slightly when moved and when he reached out to feel their mechanisms in the force he was only rewarded with sensing what seemed to be a force bubble. Oh great, force resistant restraints… That would make things interesting indeed.

Of course the next delightful object the guards produced was a syringe, undoubtedly filled to the brim with that awful force suppressant that turned his insides to goo. Not to mention the alarming void it evoked, especially when it came to his bond with Anakin, he tried reaching out to no avail as he realised Dooku must be shielding the training bond again.

The needle was thrust into his neck and Obi-Wan was once again plunged into the void that was his mind, he was getting used to the nauseous after effects now but he didn't think he would ever get used to this feeling of nothingness.

"I apologise for the need of such uncivilised measures," Dooku drawled indicating to the now empty syringe.

Obi-Wan didn't dignify the retort with a response, knowing his rage would seep into his voice if he spoke right now. He was positively livid, he would never forget what Dooku had done to Anakin, ever.

"Of course you're little display just now indicates why they are needed." This time the glint in the Count's eyes shone with amusement, if Obi-Wan didn't know any better he would have identified a small flicker of respect also.

"Have you no honour?" Obi-Wan spat into the face of his opponent, his main aim to antagonise the elder man.

Dooku's facade changed dramatically, all mirth evaporating within the blink of an eye. He purposefully strode towards the captured frame of Obi-Wan and viciously back handed him across the jaw with such force Obi-Wan's neck cracked to the side.

"I guess that's a no then?" Obi-Wan smirked whilst chuckling softly, satisfied with his brief victory.

Dooku's eyes narrowed dangerously, fire rekindled, hand subconsciously reaching towards his saber hilt. Obi-Wan did seem to have an affinity for provoking such an unbecoming lapse in control for the fallen Jedi, Dooku was aware of this fact and was swiftly becoming fed up with it. Obi-Wan felt warnings being screamed out at him as Dooku's lips started to curve into a treacherous smile and reached a hand out to touch Obi-Wan's head.

Obi-Wan stilled in the grips of the guards who were, rather roughly, stopping his attempts of escape from the count's outstretched hand. He could feel Dooku's tentative prodding on his mind and actually gasped out in pain when the prodding turned into a full out assault on his mental shields, which were severely diminished with the newly injected force suppressant. Slamming his eyes shut Obi-Wan desperately battled with Dooku's attempts to break down his barriers, albeit his struggles were in the end futile against the constant barrage of the counts onslaught.

He gasped outright as Dooku tore down every shield and sought exactly what he had come looking for, the memory of Qui-Gon's death. Obi-Wan's heart rate increased as he was forced to relive the feelings and memories of that dreadful moment. He watched achingly as his master's life force slipped away in front of him, unburied feelings resurfacing. Disappointment and misery at not being able to save Qui-Gon, resentment at the boy for being the center of his dear master's last words and finally his outrage at his master for not telling him any of the things he needed to hear before passing. He had wasted his last breath on a boy he didn't even know, Obi-Wan longed to hear praise or gratitude, anything to show that his master cared and was proud of what Obi-Wan had achieved in their long time together. Nothing. His final thoughts were of the boy…

'You know that's not true, Obi-Wan." A distant voice drifted into his mind, he shook himself free of the feelings, of the voice, of everything that was in the past. He desperately tried to force his mind to think about anything else other than what Dooku was prying out of his mind, again though his efforts were fruitless.

"Interesting, so you did care what Qui-Gon thought? Oh my dear Obi-Wan, what unbecoming thoughts of another!" Dooku snarled glancing at Anakin's very still form who in turn feigned an expression of puzzlement.

"Very Un-Jedi like indeed."

"Get out of my head!" Obi-Wan yelled out, eyes scrunched shut desperately trying to push the dark lingering tendrils of Dooku's prying efforts out of his mind. The memory of his master's death replaying in his mind continually as Dooku continued to relentlessly pry, opening up all reserves and battering down any remaining shields that Obi-Wan held in place over those memories.

"Master?" Anakin squeaked as he sensed the memory in question.

Obi-Wan felt his apprentice go rigid and his anxiety and anger levels shot through the roof as he identified Obi-Wan's feelings as Qui-Gon passed into the force in his arms. Can't he understand I didn't know him yet? He was livid at the time but none of those feelings reflect how he feels about his padawan now, Obi-Wan was young, stupid and in a lot of pain.

The hand that had gripped his head was released, Dooku's dastardly medaling had been accomplished. When Obi-Wan managed to regain some sort of control over his mind he pried his eyes open and observed the expressions of the corridor's occupants. Dooku was smirking triumphantly down at him, a mischievous glint twinkling in his eyes, Obi-Wan scowled back at him and averted his attention to the troubled form of his young padawan, Anakin.

He witnessed flickers of mistrust and rage flare over his young charge's face, a brief glimpse of uncertainness brought Obi-Wan hope though, Anakin hadn't been completely swayed. Deciding swiftly that his own memories and feelings would be the only way to get through to his stubborn young apprentice what Dooku was, rather successfully trying to do, cause a rift between them. He delved into his own thoughts, seeking joyous and loving memories of their time together as master and apprentice, conveying how raw and angry he was just after Qui-Gon passed. However he was not truly mad at Anakin, if anything the rage he felt that day was brought on by Qui-Gon himself. Obi-Wan breathed a sigh of relief as he witnessed Anakin release some of his pent up emotions and he was even rewarded with a half-smile, it would have to do for now Dooku obviously intended on causing their trust in one another to deteriorate. Obi-Wan knew he had a tough time on his hands and owed his padawan a further explanation, with that thought conveyed and Anakin's nod of understanding Obi-Wan turned his gaze back to Dooku who looked rather miffed at the most recent turn of events.

"Qui-Gon deserved better than you, you disgrace his memory every day you draw breath," Obi-Wan flatly declared, eliciting a formidably deadly glare from the ex-Jedi.

"Careful, Kenobi. You are trying my patience!" His opponent dangerously snarled back at the man still held still by the forceful guards.

"You have no more control over your emotions than a youngling. You're a disgrace to the order!" Obi-Wan once again dealt a dizzying blow to the count's patience, pushing all the right buttons to invoke a response.

Dooku just about managed to stop himself from striking Obi-Wan as realisation covered his face over what Obi-Wan was trying to do, begrudgingly he had to admit the young knight was once again doing a very good job of it. Dooku settled for glaring at the two prisoner's, some satisfaction seeping onto his features as he noted the partial rift between the two, his actions had done some harm then.

"Not the best start to an apprenticeship, it's a wonder you haven't sensed his misgivings before. I wonder what else he has kept from you?" Dooku directed his latest attack at the young padawan, smirking as the blow found it's mark, on the boy and his master.

"Leave him out of this, Dooku." Obi-Wan seethed staring daggers at the older man.

Dooku allowed himself to chuckle as he sensed Skywalker's trust wavering, feeling out for himself questioning why Obi-Wan had never told him this before. The master/apprentice relationship was built on trust, Dooku had just successfully dealt a rather substantial blow to their previously rock solid foundation, it wouldn't be long before the boy started to voice his concerns to his master. Dooku could feel his trust in his master decrease, it had helped Anakin see his master acting out in anger when they were dueling, the high regard he had held Obi-Wan in was now crumbling before his own eyes.

"Take them away," He ordered satisfied that the damage was done, holding Obi-Wan's angered stare until he was forcefully spun around and marched in the opposite direction, followed closely by his irate and confused padawan.

Yes he will do nicely, untamed fire but very, very powerful. Pleased with the events and the chance to witness Obi-Wan's skill and potential first-hand Dooku stalked off grinning slightly, oblivious to the scowl Ventress was throwing at Kenobi's retreating form…


Both Obi-Wan and Anakin were tossed into a prison cell, a little worse for wear over the recent turn of events but otherwise further unharmed. Obi-Wan scooted over towards his brooding apprentice, intent on checking over his injuries more thoroughly now they were alone. He could sense even without the force Anakin's slight mistrust, Dooku really had done a number on the boy!

"Anakin, let me take a look, that must hurt dreadfully." He tried prying at the wound, but was shrugged off before he had the chance to have a proper look.

"It's not so bad." Anakin's reply was unusually short and devoid of all emotion, blank eyes staring straight ahead.

Obi-Wan was at a loss for words, he didn't need the force to sense his apprentice's confused and muddled state. Dooku had really rattled him, both of them for that fact. He was saved from finding something to say when Anakin broke the silence himself.

"Master, what Dooku said? Was he lying?" He finally turned to Obi-Wan as he enquired into what had been on his mind ever since he had seen Obi-Wan's memories.

"Anakin, I want you to listen to me, you know how I feel about you. I could NEVER hate you." Obi-Wan threw as much conviction and warmth into the response as he could, it was the unrelenting truth and he needed Anakin to sense that.

Anakin huffed slightly, not completely satisfied with the answer and continuing to think on the count's words. He had after all sensed the memory that Dooku had dug up in Obi-Wan's mind, it couldn't have been easy to watch. Mercifully his attention seemed to sway back to another topic, however Obi-Wan knew he would have to give the boy a much better account of things if he was going to win his trust back completely.

"I thought you were dead," His young apprentice whispered meekly, head hanging low.

"It takes much more than that to keep me down, Ani." Obi-Wan grinned trying desperately to slice through the tension and misery that had built in the room.

He was rewarded with a meek smile from his padawan who then proceeded to lean back against his mentor, Obi-Wan could sense his muddled state over his actions back in the duel and chided himself for not having better control. Dooku always seemed to know exactly which buttons to press, he always pushed Obi-Wan to the limit and this time succeeded in shoving Obi-Wan over the edge of control.

His smile turned to an expression of sadness as he decided to let Anakin sort through his disarrayed thoughts before trying to explain anymore. He felt so very alone as Anakin continued to meditate, but at least was content with the actual presence of his padawan and being able to hear him breathing once again.

Leaning back to let his head rest against the wall suddenly the events of the last hour caught up with him. Obi-Wan was positively exhausted, the strain and exertion on his barely healed muscles had taken a hell of a lot out of him. Glancing down once more at his still brooding apprentice Obi-Wan drifted into an uneasy sleep, exhaustion finally catching up to his body, no longer being held at bay by the force.


A/N So up next I have planned a few more scenes from Dooku's POV, to gain more of an insight into his motives etc...

Until next time...