A/N - So after that dastardly cliffhanger here is the next part! Hope you all enjoy :)

RandomCupCake - Thank you so much for your kind words this review really brought a smile to my face :D I'm really glad you are enjoying the story!

Sad Dragon - Yeah sorry about the cliffhanger but it had to be done! All is well the chapter is here now for you read :D Thank you very much for reviewing I really appreciate it!


The azure saber swung downwards almost in slow motion, Obi-Wan's scream of anguish the only sound piercing through the crash of the waterfall. The swing was done, the choice made, he let the saber extinguish and roll from his fingertips crashing into the raging river below to bury itself alongside his former master's. His eyes were still squeezed shut as he fell to his knees amongst the icy dregs, shaking, disgusted with himself. What have I done?


Ventress took a few minutes to compose herself, she had lost control with Kenobi already and pushed a tad too far. She could feel her Master's displeasure clearly along with his warnings of him having to relieve her. The young Knight seemed to have a great skill in getting under her skin, the sarcastic comments, the righteousness. It made her sick. Annoyingly Kenobi was tougher than he appeared, she thought she had the Jedi pegged but it seems most of it was an illusion. She could feel the only reason Dooku wasn't storming in here this instant was because she seemed to be getting somewhere on the Jinn front, Kenobi's rage was increasing by the minute.

She glared back over at his captive form, feeling extremely miffed that he was still defying her need to break him. It was of no matter the more defiance the higher the satisfaction she felt when he finally cracked, and Ventress could feel even in an unconscious state that Kenobi was cracking. She moved closer as his body jerked slightly, eyes narrowing and mind probing to his unconscious state. Whatever was going on in his head was certainly affecting the young Jedi greatly, she could sense his heightened emotions his increased heart rate. As Ventress searched deeper what she found shocked her, the wave of rage and fury rolling from inside Kenobi slammed into her with full force he was furious.

Interesting… Ventress thought before heading to the side in search of something to bring Kenobi back to consciousness, she was ready to begin again and had a new point to hone in on. Encouragingly she felt her Master's pleasure radiate out to reach her in the cell, he had too sensed Kenobi's inner most thoughts and was satisfied that Ventress appeared to be breaking through. Her Master didn't need to know their goals were different, not now. For the moment she would continue to strike at Kenobi's weakness' and show Dooku exactly what she saw…

Obi-Wan came crashing back into reality instantly as shocking icy water made contact with his body, he spluttered and shivered as his muddled brain caught up with the physical world. Where was he again?

"I'm afraid you're not getting away from me that easily, dear."

Oh yes, Ventress.

He shook his head once again, hoping to rid himself of the freezing substance which was already sticking to his hair and clothes. As Obi-Wan took stock of his physical predicament all the agony of previous injuries came flooding back immediately, he gasped outright as the pressure on his damaged leg was too much. From the strain in his shoulders also it seemed he had been hanging here for some time. He tried to control his ever increasing heart rate, attempted to focus on making his injuries more comfortable, there was only one thing pressing on his mind however hard he tried to bury it. Qui-Gon.

Tremors were racing throughout his entire broken body as realisation of his actions caught up with his conscious mind, he had attacked Qui-Gon. He had… He had… Obi-Wan found he couldn't even complete the thought, his own horrific actions disgusting him, tearing him inside out. False Jedi, false Jedi…

He wanted to retch, he wanted to be free of those memories, he wanted to take back everything he had done. Too late. Obi-Wan had let these dark people get to him, they had succeeded. He had failed…

"What has been going on in that mind of yours hmm?"

Obi-Wan threw up as many mental barriers as he could muster, if Ventress found out, if Ventress saw what he had done. I'm a monster… Her fingers were on his shivering cheek again, tracing the droplets as they succumbed to gravity. Obi-Wan flinched as her grip was suddenly in his hair, untying the blindfold. He couldn't let her see, couldn't let her know. He was dark.

The heavy blindfold fell away from his eyes allowing Obi-Wan to adjust his sight to the new light levels, blinking away the dregs of unconsciousness he found himself alarmingly close to the contemplative face of Ventress. He actually attempted to squirm away as the shock of the proximity between them caught up with his still sluggish mind. At least that damn voice was gone, he felt as though the drugs were wearing off somewhat. Well they had done their damage, the combination of all of the events had pushed him over the edge, Obi-Wan should have resisted more there was no blaming his actions on anyone but himself. He should have known this would happen again after he lost control with Maul, with Dooku. He had never expected to lose control with Qui-Gon though, oh force forgive me.

Ventress smiled ever so sweetly as her prey tried to evade her presence, albeit in vain. Obi-Wan's breathing was erratic, out of control, she was assessing him attempting to work out what had the Jedi Knight rattled so much. Her hand shot out again and had his jaw in her grip painfully, eyes locking with his. She was going to search his mind…

"No… please…"

Obi-Wan couldn't believe the words had flown out of his mouth until he heard them, voice pleading, broken. Ventress cocked her head to one side intrigued, she obviously hadn't expected him to act this way, to be so… shaken.

Of course this witch had no mercy, she brutally assaulted his mind with a severe lack of regard to the agony she was causing her captive. Obi-Wan screamed. He yelled and howled as Ventress' mind probe scoured through his memories, searching for why the Jedi Knight was so rattled. He battled her tooth and nail for every precious scrap, skill matched skill as both opponents wrestled over control of his mind. Obi-Wan was adamant he would not let this witch see what he had done, never.

The agony in his skull tripled as Ventress pushed forward further, intent on stealing what she was seeking. She viciously tore down mental defences as fast as Obi-Wan was putting them up, he soon sensed her discomfort also as the sheer effort taken to keep up the battle was taking its toll on her own mind. If only he could last just a little longer…

Obi-Wan gasped as finally, blissfully Ventress staggered away from him breaking the connection. She didn't find what she was looking for, and he would never let her. Conviction burned in his eyes as he managed to squeeze them open and glare at his captor, fire rekindling his soul over the fact she would never know. His head felt like it was going to split in two, the agony was nothing like he had ever felt before. Sure he had been subject to some pretty vicious mind probe's over the years, but nothing quite like that. It was as if the pair had been tugging over dominance of Obi-Wan's soul itself.

Ventress clutched the wall for support as she too recovered from the battle they had undertook, it seemed she had never had to fight someone so brutally for information before. She glared back at Obi-Wan, confusion set in her gaze at the sudden change of events. Only a few moments ago he had literally been begging her, now, well now was a whole different ball game.

Once she had recovered the dark Witch didn't hesitate heading back over to Obi-Wan's chained form, murder in her eyes, a very sharp knife in her grip. Looking into her eyes was like staring at a fire, a raging uncontrolled fire. She reached his position in three short strides and didn't waste any time, the knife stabbed ferociously into his thigh, just above the point where there was also a deep gash, courtesy of Ventress of course.

Obi-Wan cried out in agony as the shockwaves radiated from the damaged limb, he leaned heavily onto his good leg to try and alleviate the misery the new knife wound had caused him, hissing as the movement jarred the injury. Ventress did not remove the knife, she kept it exactly where she had thrust it. Glowering vengefully at Obi-Wan, breath coming in quick wrathful bursts.

"Tell me, Kenobi. Now," She commanded, wiggling the knife's position slightly to increase Obi-Wan's misery.

Obi-Wan gasped as the weapon nudged in its place, sending new levels of pain to radiate through the limb. His conviction remained, he would not let this Witch see what she had done to him.

"No," He spat steadily into her face, leaning close enough to touch her nose with his own if he so wished.

Her gaze narrowed to slits, face shaking with uncontrolled rage. The knife was maliciously twisted in the wound, eliciting an inhumane cry from his parched throat. He let his head hang backwards as the agony wracked through his body, she thought she could break him with pain. Well the joke was on her, the pain was the only thing keeping him distracted from the demons within his own mind.

Quick as lightening the knife was withdrawn, before Obi-Wan could truly absorb the pain caused by the action Ventress was on the attack again. It seemed she now wanted to use him as a punching bag as he observed the hilt of the knife come sailing towards his already crushed nose. Blinding pain sparked as the hit made contact, he felt his head snap back with the impact. Ventress swung again and again and again, screaming out with her own rage as he stayed silent. Unwilling to depart with this one secret, his soul.

Obi-Wan's groans grew quieter with each hit, each slice, each stabbing. Ventress didn't seem to take notice, and if she had she obviously didn't care. Her rage had taken over, the beast inside unleashed. Obi-Wan thought distantly she could actually kill him if she didn't stop soon, even though he was a Jedi he was still human. The human body could only take so much, Obi-Wan found himself drift back into blackness as the brutal unchecked attack raged on, each blow left only a stinging reminder now. His nerves and muscles too numb to fully absorb the pain that each strike left in its wake, he was definitely going to pass out. Whether the final push into oblivion would be the blood loss, shock, pain, he didn't know. He just knew he didn't want to be anywhere anymore.

Suddenly the attacks stopped, he blearily recognised Ventress halt in her tracks in front of him. Rage still there yes, but also fear. What could make her afraid? Just before Obi-Wan passed out he thought he caught a glimpse of a caped man swoop into the cell, his addled and muddled brain dismissed the new information as nothing of importance, so Obi-Wan found himself falling back into oblivion.


After the last loss of control Dooku decided it would be prudent to keep an eye on Ventress and Kenobi, whilst he was content with the majority of her performance he would not stand for Kenobi to be hurt too greatly, it would be of no use to any of them. Ventress did have a tendency to lose control, it was one of the many reasons Dooku knew she was not good enough to be his apprentice. He was painfully aware of her feelings over the matter however, she was not a fool Ventress knew of his desires for Kenobi to join their side she just didn't know that he planned for her to be gone in the process.

As much as it pained him to leave this task to Ventress, the task of pushing Kenobi over the edge it was a necessary one. If Dooku himself was the one to do it then he knew Kenobi would not respond to him, not after being through that much mental and physical agony to achieve falling. No, it had to be Ventress, Kenobi already loathed the Witch even more so than he at this moment which was playing right into Dooku's plans. The more Kenobi hated Ventress the easier he would find eliminating her all together, which would surely secure the young Knight's fall to his side, his apprentice.

Just at the moment he thought everything was going to plan did Dooku sense a spike in the force, reaching out he realised swiftly Ventress had lost control once again and she didn't appear to be stopping. Dooku stormed towards the interrogation room, sending his displeasure to Ventress in an effort to get her to stop. The foolish Witch didn't even acknowledge it, she was far too wrapped in her own rage and payback for his demands to break through.

Dooku roared into the cell radiating displeasure towards her as he moved towards the pair, Ventress stopped abruptly as she realised he was there. He glared down at her, disappointment and rage emitting from his own force presence, she moved away from Obi-Wan and let the bloodied knife slip from her grip. If Dooku hadn't still needed her he would have squeezed the life from her pathetic body there and then, he forced himself to calm down somewhat so she wouldn't' pick up on too many of this thoughts, it would do no good to ruin the surprise early.

"Fetch me the healing crystals." He ground out dangerously.

He witnessed Ventress scowl once more at Kenobi before scurrying off to obey his order, he should have been paying more attention to her state, he more than anyone knew Ventress was unpredictable and volatile. Dooku turned back to the bloodied from of Obi-Wan and sighed, she really had done a number on the Jedi, not many parts of him weren't covered in blood.

Dooku lowered Obi-Wan gently to the floor and unclipped the manacles with a flick of his wrist, something strange ached in his chest for a few moments before the ex-Jedi quashed the feeling ruthlessly, emotions would do no good here. He assessed Kenobi's condition and luckily found that the damage was not as bad as it had looked when he first entered the cell, staring down at the blood soaked face of the Jedi, Dooku wondered what was running through his mind. He had felt Ventress making progress before she had lost control and only hoped that her attack had helped to seal the young Jedi's fate…


Obi-Wan felt drained, the voices that had been running rampant through his head silenced after his inner battle, all emotions quashed. He felt himself shaking as tears ran freely down his face, his knees were still submerged in the glacial temperature water. Shame was the one emotion that rose again, tainting his cheeks, stealing all of his remaining strength away from him. No matter what Qui-Gon had done, Obi-Wan had been the true monster today becoming the very thing he swore to destroy.

"Obi-Wan." The voice was gentle, accompanied by a hand applying a tiny amount of pressure on his shoulder.

"No stay away from me…" He scrambled away from the hand, stumbling once in the water before finding his footing and running away from his Master.

"I'm dark!" He sprinted away from the waterfall as fast as his exhausted limbs would carry him, tears running freely down his face as he sought a path to leave this awful place.

This once sacred ground had been so full of cherished memories of he and Qui-Gon and his childhood friends, he had desecrated it all with his violent actions. He didn't deserve to live, didn't deserve the name Jedi. He almost stumbled again as he bounded up stone steps taking them two at a time, false Jedi, false Jedi, false Jedi.

He was drenched head to toe with freezing droplets that chilled him to the bone, hair a mess of drenched sweat, blood and the river bed. Heart hammering Obi-Wan continued onwards, unsure of his destination, just knowing he had to get far away from anyone he could hurt. He was dark.

Hurtling across streams, through thick plants, leaping up inclines he found he could run no longer. Energy spent Obi-Wan went careering to the ground, knees hitting the floor sending shockwaves rattling through his body, head bent forward to touch the cool muddy ground. Breathing heavily he glanced upwards and was surprised to see his escape had ended up with him being here.

A great willow tree sat before him, gently swaying as the artificial breeze pushed against its branches. It was beautiful. Hot tears continued to run down his face as he came to terms with what he had become, what he had done. His reverie was broken by the pattering of footsteps, he whipped his head round to face the intruder and stumbled backwards as Qui-Gon Jinn calmly sauntered towards him, strangely he had a smile plastered on his face.

"Master! Stay away, I'm dangerous," Obi-Wan spluttered whilst attempting to scamper away from the impending form of Qui-Gon Jinn.

"Nonsense."

Qui-Gon reached Obi-Wan's alarmed and flailing form, placing a restraining hand on Obi-Wan's shaking shoulder. Obi-Wan in turn started to shake his head, not believing Qui-Gon could be this naive. Had he not seen what Obi-Wan had become?

"I almost killed you! I wanted to, I had it within me too!"

Qui-Gon dropped to the ground beside Obi-Wan, looking right at his former student as he replied kindly and firmly.

"Yet you didn't."

The end of their duel played through Obi-Wan's mind, he watched as if he was on the sidelines looking in.

Qui-Gon Jinn knelt in the river before Obi-Wan, eyes closed and resolute, posture in the classic meditation stance. It reminded Obi-Wan of what he saw on Naboo several years previously… The thrumming of his blue blade raised above his Master's head broke through the crashing of the waterfall.

Obi-Wan could remember the conflict and battle occurring inside himself as he stood there, lost in an seemingly never ending moment. He observed as the decision was made at the last possible moment, determination and anguish stretched across Obi-Wan's face as the light saber sailed downwards.

The inhumane cry that emitted from his throat was filled with such emotion, such pain that it seemed to splinter the air itself. Obi-Wan observed as the blade crashed down past the form of Qui-Gon, ending its journey with an almighty splash as it landed in the river, the force behind the swing sending shockwaves up Obi-Wan's trembling arms as the motion finished…

Obi-Wan's thoughts returned to the present moment as his Master's hand gripped his chin gently, forcing him to meet his now serious gaze.

"You made your choice, Obi-Wan, you chose to stay in the light."

Obi-Wan furrowed his brows together in confusion, he lost control he let himself completely be controlled by anger.

"But… But… I…" He stuttered not knowing how best to convey his mixed inner thoughts.

Qui-Gon interrupted him whilst holding a hand up to his face, smiling sadly slightly at his former Padawan's muddled thoughts.

"Obi-Wan, to flirt with darkness is not to fall, you were at the very edge of balance. Your soul battling between the two overwhelming forces."

Qui-Gon paused making sure he held Obi-Wan's gaze completely, who in turn stared right back at his Master, confusion the upmost feature sprawled over his face.

"And you served the light, my brave Padawan.'

Obi-Wan glanced downwards deep in thought, mulling over his Master's words. Could it be true? He wanted so very much to believe the words his Master was saying, deep down they sparked a feeling of truth. He closed his eyes and examined himself, astonishingly there didn't seem to be the gnawing darkness there that had been growing ever since this fateful mission had started. Obi-Wan gasped as his eyes flew open, the truth that Qui-Gon was imploring him to see strengthening his very being.

He found his face suddenly wet as warm tears started to fall down his dirty cheeks, Obi-Wan sobbed with joy as the meaning of what he had done caught up to his addled brain. He wasn't dark.

Qui-Gon beamed widely at Obi-Wan's joy, wiping away the tears gently with his hands.

"This is what you were fighting for, you just didn't know it…"

Qui-gon's hand touched his Padawan's head lightly, projecting all the memories of their apprenticeship, as well as memories of Anakin and Obi-Wan's own journey together. Love, compassion, happiness. The feelings struck Obi-Wan with full force now, the images flashed through his mind so quickly he found he couldn't keep up with all of them, the meaning was clear however. This was what was important in his life, Qui-Gon, Anakin, being a Jedi, the light.

The images started to fade as Qui-Gon withdrew his touch and placed his hand back on Obi-Wan's shoulder protectively, Obi-Wan remembered the familiar touch and reveled in it, leaning into the comforting gesture. He looked up into the smiling face of Qui-Gon who also too seemed to be having trouble keeping his emotions in check, cheeks glistening slightly with tears.

"It's really you isn't it?"

Obi-Wan's voice cracked with emotion as the impossible thought rang true, everything logical was telling him this couldn't happen, yet Obi-Wan did not care. The most important sense, the force, was telling him a different story. It had been all along.

"Yes, Padawan, I think you've known all along." Qui-Gon beamed back proudly.

Obi-Wan turned fully and flung his arms around the elder Jedi's neck, his Master. The feeling was incredible, it had been so long since he had wished to do this just once more.

"I've missed you so much…" Obi-Wan muttered into Qui-Gon's shoulder, staining his Master's tunic with a new wave of tears.

Obi-Wan pulled away slightly to look upon his Master once more, shaking his head at what was occurring.

"I know, Obi-Wan, you must know that I never truly left." Qui-Gon placed a hand firmly on his Padawan's shoulder.

Obi-Wan glanced down at the touch, brain still not quite registering the miracle that was taking place, the force truly was a powerful ally, Obi-Wan felt humbled once more.

"But how… how is any of this even possible? How can you be here?"

"I never listened to rules in life, my Padawan, do you really think I would start in death?" He chuckled, mirth glittering his eyes.

"I'm sorry, Qui-Gon, I've been ignorant and closed minded. I don't how you've coped with me pushing you away all this time." Obi-Wan muttered feeling like a junior Padawan again, how foolish had he been? He let his chin drop to his chest, shame colouring his cheeks once more.

Qui-Gon lifted his chin up with a gentle grip, a smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth, eyebrows raised sardonically. "Years and years of practice, my Padawan."

Obi-Wan felt a smile tug at his lips until all the events of the past hour came crashing back with full force, he gulped as his horrific actions played through his mind.

"I have disgraced myself today, Master, forgive me."

Qui-Gon sighed as the ugly subject reared its head once more, they had much to discuss and this would not be an easy conversation for either of them.

"There is nothing to forgive, Obi-Wan, it is I who must beg your forgiveness."

Obi-Wan looked aghast as Qui-Gon uttered the words, disbelief that his Master didn't think Obi-Wan needed to apologise. No matter the good outcome he had acted wickedly in their last few encounters and had almost gone past the point of no return. The proximity in which Obi-Wan had come to the dark side made him shudder.

"But, Master, what I did…"

Qui-Gon interrupted his apprentice once more, not willing to hear any more apologies over the matter. It was time he took responsibility for his own grievous mistakes.

"I have failed you. Obi-Wan."

"No, Master, I didn't…" Obi-Wan shockingly spluttered the reply, quick to abolish and take back his harsh words from earlier.

"Hush, please let me speak. Obi-Wan. It is past time you heard this."

Qui-Gon offered a stern gaze as Obi-Wan nearly disobeyed and retorted anyway, his Padawan nodded slowly and gave his Master his full attention.

"I realised I was attached fairly early on in our apprenticeship, you brought out a paternal side in me that was extremely dangerous for the pair of us. Foolishly I ignored all the signs and told myself that my attachment to you was not a problem."

Qui-Gon gulped slightly at the next line of thought, emotions rising already. Readying himself he glanced at Obi-Wan and noted the young man was watching attentively, taking in everything.

"When Tahl…"

He stuttered as the name passed his lips, it still hurt as much as it did when she passed into the force. The emotions simmered to the surface as the awful memory in question replayed in Qui-Gon's mind. Obi-Wan stayed silent, a sorrowful look adorning his own features as he sensed his Master's anguish.

"When Tahl passed and I nearly fell to the dark side I realised, if I nearly did that for her…"

This was tougher than Qui-Gon had ever expected, he paused once more and took a deep breath to compose himself, willing the strong emotions to subside.

"Obi-Wan, I loved you like a son, I still do. If I almost turned for Tahl… It terrified me what I would do for you."

He heard Obi-Wan gasp slightly at the truth, glancing at his Padawan's face nearly made it impossible for Qui-Gon to continue. Obi-Wan was in shock, fresh tears glistening his crystal blue eyes. He really didn't know, Qui-gon thought amazed again at how humble Obi-Wan was.

"In truth there was nothing I would not have done to protect you…"

Qui-Gon managed to finish without his voice cracking too much, emotions were really running high now on both sides. This conversation was long overdue indeed.

"I realised something needed to change and fast, I decided to distance myself from you, hoping it would help and allow you to branch out further."

"Pushing you away, it broke my heart."

Qui-Gon's voice did crack then, unable to hold back the flood of emotions threatening to overcome him. Obi-Wan also looked close to completely breaking down, the honesty from Qui-Gon was something he had always wished for. He had never known his Master's true feelings or reasons for what at the time Obi-Wan conceived as betrayal, thinking Qui-Gon had simply got bored with him. He could not have been more wrong, he saw that now.

"I did not handle the situation well, a foolish old man like me thought it was for the greater good. I should have just talked to you… I see that now…"

The pauses in Qui-Gon's sentences increased as he struggled to continue, he couldn't even look at the relief and happiness on Obi-Wan's face now without the guilt inside him welling up, threatening to drown out everything else. His foolish actions had caused the boy he loved so much pain, how could I have been so stupid!

"I am so sorry for the pain I caused you, Padawan, it was never my intent… I only wanted… what was best for you…"

Obi-Wan struggled valiantly against the breakdown that was threatening to overcome him, breathing deeply as the truth spilled out of his Master's mouth. Both Master and apprentice were toppling over the edge of an abyss now, held captive by their own emotions, multiplied in magnitude by the time that had passed.

"My stupid misguided actions have damaged your future and your potential, for that I can only beg your forgiveness."

Qui-Gon's tone became solemn as he gained more control over his rampant emotions, his hand lifted to touch Obi-Wan's cheek lightly wiping away the tears softly.

"There are no words to describe how proud of you I am, Obi-Wan, how proud I am over the Jedi Knight, the man, you have become."

He gazed into Obi-Wan's tear filled eyes and paused as his Padawan's shaking face nearly rendered him unable to complete his passionate speech. Obi-Wan could tell this was all coming from the heart. Taking another breath and fighting back his own tears Qui-Gon continued once more, voice unashamedly cracking completely with emotion now.

"You were and always will be a son to me, Obi-Wan, my pride and joy. You are my legacy, and I could not have asked for more. My brave strong brat…"

The wells of both Jedi broke at once, they toppled over into the abyss as emotions won their battle over the two. Obi-Wan leapt into Qui-Gon's embrace fiercely, face crushed against the elder man's chest as violent sobs wracked his body. Qui-Gon in turn gripped his Padawan tightly, losing his own battle with holding back the tears. They both clung to one another for comfort, for support, reveling in the new stage of their relationship, complete openness and honesty with one another.

The two could have been kneeling there for hours in that embrace, content with their new understanding and the gigantic change that occurred in their lives. Qui-Gon reluctantly was the first to pull back from the emotional exchange as he reached down to his belt for a very precious item that did not belong to him.

Obi-Wan looked down and smiled at the sight, he too leaned back and gazed back into his Master's face breaking out into a grin at the pride covering Qui-Gon's features.

"Here I think you dropped something." Qui-Gon grinned as he pushed Obi-Wan's light saber back into his open palm.

"I will never disgrace it again," Obi-Wan solemnly promised, holding his master's gaze.

"I know."

Obi-Wan knew then what ever Dooku would throw at him, he had won the real battle here. He would never fall, never.


Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon strolled side by side down their favoured path, atmosphere now back to the tranquil and serene state it should be, both Jedi content and at peace with one other. Obi-Wan was deep in thought, pondering the events of the last day.

"What Dooku speaks of, can it be true? We've all sensed a vast disturbance in the force for some time."

Qui-Gon turned to face his Padawan, surprised at the breaking of the silence they had kept since the emotional exchange earlier. He considered the question for a few moments before replying, taking extreme care with the choice of words.

"I cannot say for certain, Obi-Wan, I will say this though. Yours's and Anakin's destinies are fast approaching and you must decide for yourself which course of action to take."

Obi-Wan sighed absently as the weight of his Master's words struck him with full force, he found himself stuck at a seemingly dead end once more.

"Dooku wants me to join him. I will not turn to the dark side to defeat another."

"I know you will not, you have conquered the dark side here today, my Padawan."

"Hmm…"

Obi-Wan sighed as the force was dishing him out with an ultimatum, one he did not wish to choose. He knew Qui-Gon was right, he had fought the true dark side here today, the potential darkness within him. Obi-Wan knew now Dooku wouldn't be able to antagonise him in the same way, all of his previous words would now wash over the Knight with ease.

"I know you're brooding face, Padawan, out with it."

Obi-Wan chuckled lightly, the slight smile not quite reaching his eyes.

"I know I must have a hand in the dark Sith's downfall and Dooku will be there also, I feel it, Master. What does that mean for me? The two statements contradict each other." Obi-Wan explained with an exasperated look, not knowing how to proceed at this crossroad.

"Not necessarily, Obi-Wan."

Obi-Wan's head snapped to Qui-Gon's as a confused look spread over his face, what was his Master talking about? Qui-Gon smiled down at Obi-Wan as he sensed his befuddlement.

"You don't need to turn to fight alongside Dooku, his pride blinds him trust me on that. If you make him believe he is succeeding he will be oblivious to your true intentions, he wants you as his apprentice above all else. He sense greatness in you."

Obi-Wan turned back to face forwards, head bowed in deep contemplation. He understood what Qui-Gon was suggesting but it was a very dangerous game to play, especially as the force itself was telling him the importance of his actions this decision could not be made lightly. Dooku was as clever as he was devious, tricking him would not be some easy feat, considering the events that occurred here Obi-Wan knew he would have to do a lot of lying and deceiving on his end to make the ex-Jedi still believe there was a potential Obi-Wan would fall. Also a nagging thought played on his mind, shouldn't the council decide a decision as large as this?

"But the council… They are in a far better position to go forward with this new threat than I am."

Qui-Gon chuckled lightly at his Padawan's objection, always following the rules to the letter. He had constantly urged Qui-Gon to heed the council's instructions and cease being a maverick for once in his life.

"Obi-Wan I know you never liked me going against the council, I only did so when the force urged me to take action. That is what we do first and foremost, follow the will of the force. Do you not believe that is why you're here? Why Anakin is here? You must trust that these events are unfolding for a reason, a reason the Jedi council may not see for some time…"

Qui-Gon observed Obi-Wan take in his reasonings and nod slowly, contemplating the possibility. He would have to think all this through himself to truly understand the best course of action, Qui-Gon had the upmost confidence that Obi-Wan would be able to do just that.

"Maybe…"

Qui-Gon smiled and clapped a shoulder round his Padawan's broad shoulders, pulling him in to a one armed embrace as they continued to lightly stroll.

"Whatever the decision you make, Obi-Wan, it is yours to do so. I only offer this advice, trust in your feelings, in the force and you will be making the right choice."

Obi-Wan stopped walking and turned to look at Qui-Gon, grateful over his Master's advice and helpful words.

"Thank you, Master."

Qui-Gon beamed and squeezed his Padawan's shoulder affectionately, Obi-Wan grinned back at his Master. Abruptly the mood changed. Qui-Gon worriedly felt Obi-Wan's posture stiffen, confusion etched his previously joyous features.

"What's wrong, Padawan?" Qui-Gon couldn't help the panic that crept into his own voice.

Obi-Wan glanced down at the discomfort that was quickly transforming into full-fledged misery, his chest and stomach started to redden as blood leaked through his tunics.

"I think my physical body is calling me back." Obi-Wan grunted stiffly, eyes widening in pain before his legs gave way completely and he gasped out in agony.

Qui-Gon caught hold of his shoulder easily and helped lower his shaking body to the ground, concerned gaze bearing through Obi-Wan's increasingly blurred vision.

"Oh Padawan…"

That was the last thing Obi-Wan heard before his heavy eyelids finally closed, the room of a thousand fountains faded away once more to be replaced by the feel of cold metal hugging his back. Agony radiated throughout Obi-Wan's nerves as consciousness finally ceased eluding his muddled mind, voices started to break through the pain induced haze as he groaned and attempted to move his head.

"You've done enough leave this to me." The voice was harsh and grating, laced with anger. Obi-Wan identified it soon after to belong to Count Dooku.

"Fine." He heard Ventress grunt out before a door whooshed open and he no longer felt her presence in the cell.

Obi-Wan managed to open his eyes blearily and proceeded to blink the dregs of unconsciousness away, naturally bringing his hands up to assist in his task. He noted his wrists were now un-manacled which allowed the chafing to cease it was obvious he was no danger to Dooku in this state, Obi-Wan could not lift his arms up higher than a few inches however before his shoulder's screamed in protest. He gasped loudly as the pain radiated back up his abused muscles, the torn flesh ripping as it was jostled.

"Easy, Kenobi."

The voice was not gentle but it was commanding, rifled with authority and Obi-Wan picked up on a not so subtle amount of force suggestion as well, his gaze then fell upon Dooku. The Count was kneeling beside Obi-Wan's prone body, hands clutching what appeared to be healing crystals, which were pressed against Obi-Wan's chest. Suddenly his body seemed to be embraced by warmth as Dooku closed his eyes and put all his reserves into the task ahead.

Obi-Wan did not know how much damage Ventress had wrought, but guessing by his agony and Dooku's rage he concluded she was never meant to go this far. The misery he felt started to subside as the healing energies flowed through him freely, he actually felt the force. It was magical. Breathing in deeply and basking in its currents Obi-Wan allowed his eyes to shut close and enjoy this moment of peace. He hadn't touched the force with an unburdened heart in so long it was truly riveting, he felt more at peace and centered than ever. If Dooku had picked up on his thoughts he certainly hadn't shown any sign of doing do, he was too enthralled in the healing technique.

Obi-Wan abolished all thoughts and strove to build mental defences around his and Qui-Gon's conversation, his Master was right Dooku must not know. Obi-Wan knew this was a dangerous game but what choice did he have? The force had led him and his Padawan to this point, seeking guidance now he saw more clearly what he had picked up on before. This dark Lord of the Sith was certainly real, and was a great danger to the galaxy. Obi-Wan would do everything in his power to stop the abysmal future he had sensed from happening, the force was pushing he and Anakin on this path so they must do their upmost to prevail.

A great burden settled on Obi-Wan's shoulders as for the first time the full weight of his and Anakin's actions became known to him, their choices would alter the fate of the galaxy itself. With that deadly knowledge Obi-Wan found himself drifting back into unconsciousness again as Dooku continued his trance whilst muttering sleep suggestions at the Knight. Obi-Wan found he did not want to fight the inescapable sleep, he would be needing his full strength in the near future so he slowly succumbed to the inevitable.


A/N - Well that's all for this instalment, I hope you all enjoyed the chapter! Not an evil cliffhanger this time :) Please review if you enjoyed it really means a lot to me!

Obi-Wan's having a tough time of it recently... oops! next time we'll be heading back to Anakin and have a catchup with the council's investigation once more.

Until next time...