A/N - Managed to keep on schedule this week but exams are looming so the next chapter may take a little longer than a week! Thank you for the continued support it is much appreciated!

MaryLeboneFirst - Thank you for the review! very kind words and it really brought a smile to my face :D I'm happy you found my fanfiction too!

LongLive234 - Your continued support is much appreciated, I thrive on feedback and interest so thanks for taking the time to review again :) That's very kind of you, I hope you enjoy this next instalment!

They Know - I know... Council will be popping up a little bit more now they have caught onto whats happening to our heroes

Mercury's Shadow - Thank you for the review each one is very much appreciated and always helps to lift my spirits! Hope you enjoy this one as well :)


Anakin Skywalker was worried, more than that he was disturbed. His Master's distant attitude had distressed the Padawan immeasurably, Anakin was not blind he had seen what Obi-Wan was doing when he was fighting Dooku, he had felt brief flashes of immense rage from the Jedi just a short time ago. Obi-Wan was losing control. The fact frightened Anakin more than anything Dooku or Ventress could do to him, the man he had looked up to, turned to when he could no longer keep control of his emotions was tragically succumbing to his own.

Anakin knew what a compassionate and gentle man his Master could be, always caring and selfless, to watch what was unfolding slowly was nothing short of heart-breaking. Anakin knew his duty, he had to get Obi-Wan away from these dark people pronto. It was evident Dooku was playing with his emotions and memories, Anakin shivered at his imaginings of what his Master had been through already. The thought of his Master's suffering and brutal torture actually made tremors run through the Padawan's body which in turn made his arms and hands tremble. I will not let the thoughts anger me, one of us has to stay balanced for the other…

He felt a great burden weigh against his shoulders, for a first mission this had been nothing short of disastrous. Already he and Obi-Wan had been thrown into situations that most Master's had never encountered, not to mention the continual battle with darkness which was now taking its toll on Anakin's Master. If Obi-Wan could not be their anchor anymore then Anakin would have to be, he had already realised his relationship with his Master was something he did not want to lose, not ever. If that meant he had to go up against Dooku himself then so be it, Anakin Skywalker would rather die than watch the man he had grown to love like a father fall to the dark side, to become a vile creature like their captors.

Of course he kept all of these thoughts heavily shielded from the man in question, Obi-Wan would most likely reprimand him for thinking such things, already lost in his unbelievable transition to darkness. Anakin could feel his Master's gaze burning into his back as he continued to work on manipulating the circuits, hoping that he would be able to at least short circuit or alter the flow of one which would result in the force field sizzling out. He imagined Obi-Wan thought he was sulking or something of the kind, what he was doing would look rather unusual to the outside eye he admitted to himself.

Anakin was unsure of just how long he was delved within the force's currents, following pathways and electrical currents but it must have been a considerable amount of time as inevitably a distraction from the physical world brought him back to the present moment. It just turned out that said distraction was the return of Dooku himself, Anakin was prepared to listen out for the Count's return ever since the man had billowed out of the cell leaving Obi-Wan in his care.

He stepped back to the center of the cell, standing protectively in front of a slowly rising Obi-Wan. Anakin heard his Master groan and wince as he attempted to rise off of the floor, to no avail. Stay down, Master… You'll only hurt yourself, he projected as of course Obi-Wan defiantly continued to try. He was rewarded with a scoffing sound however when his Master caught onto his thoughts, it seemed Obi-Wan was not impressed with his Padawan telling him to lay down. Tough.

The pair didn't have to wait long before Dooku waved away the force field and strolled into the cell, flanked by a handful of guards in his wake. The Count halted a few meters from the pair, taking note of Anakin's protective stance and the fact he was shielding Obi-Wan with his own body.

"I won't let you hurt him again."

The Count's gaze narrowed dangerously as Anakin's conviction slammed into him with full force, he was not pleased at all with the Padawan's insolence and continued to glare at Anakin as if he was nothing more than something under his boots. Dooku raised an arm to force push Anakin out of the way, like he had done so many times before.

This time however Anakin was prepared, he felt himself channel the force as he never had before so when the attack reached his body the Padawan simply lifted an arm and knocked the attempted force push away, as if he were swatting a pesky insect out of his face. Anakin didn't know how he accomplished it, only that he was listening and following the force's urges. He heard Obi-Wan gasp behind him as he remained unharmed, Dooku tilted his head in what appeared to be an expression of admiration, irritation and rage all at the same time. This was most unexpected… The thoughts of all three force user's were in tune as Anakin did not back down, did not move a muscle from where he stood, protecting his Master from evil itself.

"Brave of you, boy…" Dooku drawled, smirk tugging at his lips.

Anakin growled at the Count's attempt of throwing him off using demeaning words, it was true he was a boy but this boy had just shocked the seemingly unshakeable Dooku. The Padawan prepared for what might be his last stand, sinking deeper and deeper into the force and feeling the currents empower every cell in his body. His stance was not lost on any man in the room, the guards held up their rifles, Obi-Wan's worry hit him with full force and Dooku adorned a smirk at the turn of events. Anakin could feel the power in the room increase to almost immeasurable heights, dark and light alike dancing at the edges of one another hissing and spitting, only being held back barely by the two force user's who had yet to harness the raw power for themselves.

The force was in turmoil, ready to crack and explode outwards under the pressure of the two almighty opposing forces. Anakin had never felt anything quite like it, the contrast was phenomenal, unimaginable really. Both opponents were on the edge of oblivion, ready to topple into the depths of the force itself when the other made their first move.

"Anakin, stop."

The command broke through his induced haze as effective as a Saber sliced through air. Anakin regrettably let the force slip from his grasp as he registered what his Master had ordered him to do, his natural instinct to obey his Master without question was quashed to some degree by the events of the previous hours so even though he halted he did not do so without question.

"But, Master…"

Obi-Wan interrupted him before he could get far with his protests or even attempt to sway his Master's mind back to seeing sense.

"That is a direct order, Padawan." Obi-Wan's tone was strict and firm, no room for question over the order.

Anakin noted Dooku's pleasure over Obi-Wan's actions, he scowled as the Count smirked in his triumph. If Anakin was concerned by his Master's actions previously he was now worried stiff and in complete dismay over the most recent turn of events, he whipped round to stare down at Obi-Wan incredulously not even attempting to hide his turbulent feelings over the Jedi's questionable actions. Obi-Wan held his gaze defiantly, brow rising in apprehension of Anakin's upcoming rebuke, which thanks to Dooku's timely interruption never came to fruition.

"You should listen to your Master, boy, he understands the bigger picture."

Anakin would have defied any one of Obi-Wan's orders then and there to have the satisfaction of wiping the smug smile off of Dooku's face, he strove to relinquish his anger however remembering the importance of being the anchor what with Obi-Wan being so conflicted.

The guards moved over to Anakin and roughly shoved him out of the way to land in a heap on the floor, he hissed as the impact with the unforgiving ground jarred his still raw saber wound. They proceeded to haul Obi-Wan to his feet ignoring the grunts of agony emanating from the Jedi Knight and only slowing their actions when Dooku admonished further hurting Obi-Wan. When his Master got his breathing back under control from the sudden movement he turned to face the still downed Padawan, voice uncharacteristically void of emotion.

"Don't cause trouble, Anakin I will be back soon, Dooku and I have much to discuss."

So with that Obi-Wan was essentially carried out of the room, recently healed limbs unused for such a prolonged period of time not responding to neural impulses satisfactorily just yet. Dooku's grin made him look the most happy Anakin had seen since meeting the man, he was simply ecstatic over Obi-Wan's cold actions and had most definitely sensed the conflicted emotions from his Master. The Count led the precession back out of the cell, before raising his hand once more to entomb Anakin in solitude.

Anakin stared at Obi-Wan's retreating form, tears welling in his eyes over the man he was becoming, the coldness in his actions. His Master glanced backwards to focus on his young charge and a most peculiar expression covered his features for a fleeting moment, only for a split second but Anakin caught it anyway, immense regret.


Obi-Wan felt disgusted with himself, Anakin, his Padawan, had shown him nothing but loyalty and devotion and what had he repaid it with? Betrayal. That was harder than he could have ever imagined, his heart broke as the hurtful words tumbled out of his mouth. He almost succumbed to calling the whole thing off when Anakin had spun round to face him, shocked and mortified over the coldness his Master was showing him, only the consequences of doing so were too great, too consequential to the entire galaxy. So Obi-Wan remained stony and seemingly angry at his Padawan, enforcing the boy's beliefs of his Master's fall to the dark side. It was an awful thing to do Obi-Wan knew that, this was killing him.

Obi-Wan had felt some of Anakin's thoughts on the matter before Dooku had even strolled in, the boy was so worried about him that his usually strong shielding collapsed under the strain of the anxiety. Obi-Wan did not blame him, what with his questionable actions and apparent siding with Dooku it was a worrying thing to deal with. His heart swelled as Anakin strove to save Obi-Wan from himself, gratitude over the compassion and loyalty of his Padawan nearly forcing him to tears. The boy had stood, what he was prepared to be his final stand, over Obi-Wan's broken body willing to give his life if necessary to stop Dooku from corrupting Obi-Wan further. The guilt he felt ordering Anakin aside coldly was insurmountable, the only thing keeping him on track was his own conviction to protect the boy. He only hoped Anakin would understand one day…

Obi-Wan shut down the latest thought process as Dooku seemed to be interested with him again, he had to be very careful with ailing thoughts around the Count if this plan was going to succeed. Their procession came to a stop in front of a sparse room, the only furniture to be seen was a table and few chairs. He was marched into said room, sat none too gently on one of the chairs and arms cuffed in front of him before the guards left. He gasped as the sudden movement jarred all of his still healing wounds and the manacles chafed at his already red and raw wrists.

Dooku sat across from him in the other chair, filling two glasses with what seemed to be water before sliding one over to Obi-Wan with a frivolous use of the force. Obi-Wan drank slowly at first, not remembering the last time he had been given water, it soothed his still raw from screaming throat. The Jedi only stopped as the guilt over Anakin not having this comfort played through his mind, he set the glass back down on the table feigning that he had already taken his fill. The fact that he wasn't chained from the ceiling this time certainly was a positive indicator that perhaps Dooku was falling for his act, he would have to be sure to keep up the pretence.

"I apologise for Ventress' actions she went too far, she has little control…"

Obi-Wan snorted at the all but obvious statement, little control that was the biggest understatement if the year!

"You don't say," he retorted, voice laced with sarcasm.

"I imagine you're not too pleased with her…"

"Not pleased is a mild way of putting it," Obi-Wan replied voice filled with venom, allowing his eyes to darken as he spoke the words.

Dooku noted the abrupt change in tone, revelling in Obi-Wan's seeming loss of control. Obi-Wan didn't want to overplay the change in his emotions, he had to play the part well enough to fool Dooku but not too much to tip the Count off to his true motives. The Count observed the Knight with a critical gaze, mind probing the edges of Obi-Wan's with familiar prying dark tendrils. Obi-Wan in turn projected an enormous amount of rage at the thought of the Witch, alongside with beliefs in at least parts of Dooku's earlier ravings over the corruption in the republic and that something needs to be done about it. He even relented in his firm conviction of the Jedi being the answer to the Sith, well on the surface anyway, playing into Dooku's biggest hopes for the Knight.

"Something's changed within you, I feel it."

Obi-Wan allowed his gaze to fall, emotion draining from his features as he prepared himself for the answer. It was working Dooku was falling for his guise, for his projected fake feelings. Obi-Wan knew his answer now would serve as a tipping point, Dooku was watching intently picking up on any minuscule change in him. He took a long drawn out breath and glanced upwards to meet the Count's gaze, unflinching in the scrutiny he was under.

"Yes." The tone was cold, void of any emotion. Obi-Wan let his eyes glaze over completely with darkness, drawing on memories to complete the image and fully let his once brilliant blue eyes cloud behind the swirling blackness.

Dooku's smile widened at the answer, completely fooled by Obi-Wan's show. Obi-Wan could only deceive him so well because it wasn't long ago that he was this, this despicable disgusting thing he was emulating. The Count looked like he was going to question further or even add to the conversation before a message interrupted any line of thought that was running through either of their minds.

"Sir, we have an urgent message for you on the bridge."

Dooku drew in a deep breath, clearly not happy over the interruption and attempting incredibly hard to keep his growing rage under control. After answering the comm with an affirmative Count Dooku stood and strolled swiftly to the exit, cape swirling ominously in his wake. He turned back to Obi-Wan just before leaving the room, barely containing his fury over being interrupted.

"I will be back, Obi-Wan, help yourself to more water."

So with a final flick of his wrist the door locked behind him leaving Obi-Wan to his own devices, the Jedi let out a deep breath and held his head in his hands. That was certainly draining, having to keep up that much of a pretence around the dark sider. The memories of his fight with Qui-Gon and almost fall to the dark side swirled perilously in his mind after Obi-Wan had to draw his hate from somewhere, he strove to center himself once more now that Dooku was no longer here. At least the Count seemed to be playing into his hands, Qui-Gon was right he was so engrossed in the idea of Obi-Wan becoming his apprentice, that the man was blind to the deception.

He helped himself to more of the water and sipped slowly, intent on slipping into as much of the force as he could touch whilst he had this short reprieve. He would have to prepare for when Dooku came back. Unbeknown to Obi-Wan he already had somebody watching him, picking up on his stray thoughts in the force, and she was not overly appreciative of the meddlesome Jedi at all…


Ventress watched undetected as Dooku and Kenobi conversed, the Knight looked in far better shape than when she'd left him. Her Master must have spent a lot of energy healing him, expended precious energy healing the enemy. Why could he not see so clearly what she could? Obi-Wan was playing him, even now she could identify the Jedi's deception she could feel what her Master obviously could not. Kenobi had no intention of joining them, he wanted Dooku dead along with her, an end to the Sith. The problem was her Master was so intent on Kenobi joining them that he was blind to the act. She had to admit the young Knight was putting on quite a show for her Master, the projected rage was obviously enough to have him fooled. Not her.

It didn't take long to set up an emergency communication that Dooku would be forced to leave the room to attend, Ventress wanted some one on one time with Kenobi, to settle this once and for all…

Ventress removed her saber hilts from her side, glancing down at them and realising that would be too clean, his agony over too soon. She wanted this to be up close and personal, wanted Kenobi to feel every cut, every slash.

She observed her Master stroll from the room, locking the door behind him. When Ventress no longer felt his force presence lingering close did she make her move, heading out of her hiding spot and towards the entrance to Kenobi's location. She could feel the Jedi Knight release some of his blocks now that Dooku was gone, and reveled in the knowledge that she was correct. He had no intention of joining Dooku in the dark side, he was simply tricking her Master, playing him for a fool. Now Ventress would give the Jedi what he deserved, she would make him beg for his life on his knees. She would show her Master what filth this Jedi was, what a disgrace he was. She would break Kenobi, even if it was the last thing she ever did.


Obi-Wan's thoughts were abruptly halted as he felt the return of darkness, it was just outside of his door. The revelation stunned Obi-Wan, he hadn't felt anything until now, until it was almost too late. Closer inspection revealed this wasn't Dooku, his suspicions confirmed when the door to his cell swished open and none other than Ventress sauntered in.

"Missed me, my dear?"

Obi-Wan shot to his feet whilst wincing slightly at the sudden movement, the chair he had been sat on toppled over to land with a clang which reverberated around the room like an echo. Ventress looked just as she always did, enraged and smirking over the success of unsettling him. He was no fool, her intentions were very clear to him. She knew his secret, she intended to end him.

"How nice of you to drop in and see me, Ventress." He attempted to keep his voice steady, failing somewhat as the fear he was feeling crept in.

She in turn smiled sweetly back at him, like she had done when she was revelling in his torture earlier. Ventress was delighted in how she affected the Jedi Knight, Obi-Wan saw her as an extremely dangerous and unpredictable foe of course he was anxious, his heightened heart rate was another indicator to the fact.

Ventress started forwards whilst fingering the hilt of her knife strapped at her side, Obi-Wan's gaze fell to it and found his breath hitch in his throat for a second. He already had many scars because of her actions with that thing, he did not want more. Obi-Wan retreated slowly, at the same pace as she was moving forward, intent on putting the table between them and give himself a fighting chance on holding her off. Her grin only widened at his actions, following him at a slightly quicker pace with intentions on closing the distance.

Of course Obi-Wan couldn't move as fast as he would like to, what with his still injured leg and various wounds courtesy of Ventress. If he could only hold out until Dooku came back from his errand, it was then that Obi-Wan twigged it must have been Ventress' doing. They kept their eyes locked on one another as the distance was closed, Obi-Wan looking out for any aggressive opening moves from the Witch, her knife still sheathed at her side for the moment.

"I thought you knew I liked your company, Obi-Wan… I even left you something to remember me by," she purred whilst reaching out to finger the remnants of the saber mark she had branded him with, Obi-Wan tried to back away further but was impeded by his injuries once more.

She had no trouble keeping up with him in the slightest, the caressing soon turned into a painful grip which caused Obi-Wan to bat away her touch forcibly, growling slightly and stepping back before she could grab at him again. They both stood still now that they were separated, Ventress thoughtfully caressing her knife hilt once more whilst Obi-Wan attempted to take some pressure off of his wounded leg.

"I didn't know you cared…"

Obi-Wan's retort was interrupted as a vehement force push slammed into his chest knocking all of the air from his lungs, he grunted as he slammed backwards into the table and remaining furniture sending everything flying in all directions. He had been unprepared for the vicious attack, thinking she would choose a physical opening move.

"No need for that with me, Kenobi… The sarcasm, always your shield," she cackled as he slammed into the table and struggled to rise, pleased with once again seeing how weak the Jedi was.

Obi-Wan did not even dignify that with a response, anything he said would only enrage Ventress further, he was sure of that. He slowly picked himself up from the floor, stumbling with his leg which he could feel was bleeding once more. Breathing heavily against the agony raging through his bones Obi-Wan started to back away once more as Ventress started forward again.

"You forget I know you, I've seen you… I feel your fear…" She closed the distance with every word, easily catching up with the flailing Knight.

She broke the suspense first, lunging for his middle and essentially barreling him into the wall situated behind him. Obi-Wan cried out as the impact rattled his injuries, raised his still shackled arms and attempted to strike out at the Witch who hadn't released her hold on him. She was too fast for his attack as before his fist impacted with her face she had backed out of range which caused Obi-Wan to stagger forward. Before he could even figure out his next defence some part of Obi-Wan's brain registered a boot hurtling towards his face, in a staggering roundhouse kick Ventress' boot collided with his jaw with such force that he went flying to sprawl on the floor meters away.

Obi-Wan yelled out as his leg was crushed under him once more, quickly rolling to avoid a boot to his head, the force warning him just in time. He ignored his other injuries as best he could when he rose unsteadily to his feet, this was a fight for survival. Obi-Wan spit out what appeared to be a loose tooth along with a fair amount of blood and prepared himself once more for an attack.

This time Ventress went straight for the punches, Obi-Wan managed to bring his arms up to block a few of the attacks and even managed to land a few of his own before he found himself on the floor again, succumbing to the deadly assault on his person by the Witch. He gasped as his chest seemed to constrict, not allowing him to take in enough oxygen to push away the blackness that was ebbing on the edge of his vision.

Ventress circled his kneeling position, wicked glint in her eyes over his submissive state. Obi-Wan went to rise once more only to be thwarted by a punch to his face which sent him hurtling back to the unforgiving ground. He couldn't help but allow a yell escape his raw throat on the impact, soon Ventress was on top of him knife in her grip. She smirked once more at his position before plunging the knife into his good leg, his agonising scream reverberated thought the small room as the knife sliced through the muscle. She pulled out the knife swiftly and raised it for another stabbing before he brought up his knees and delivered an almighty kick to her chest.

Ventress went sailing through the air as the kick connected, Obi-Wan drawing power on the force to push her as far away from him as he could. She sprawled out on the ground on the other side, rage building over the turn of events. Obi-Wan agonisingly attempted to rise, clutching the fresh wound in his leg, fingers already slick from the blood pouring out. If this bleeding wasn't stopped soon… He had to keep her occupied, try anything to stall the inevitable. If only to give Dooku enough time to realise something was wrong, what he had to do was too important to be ruined by Ventress, people were relying on him.

"The comm for Dooku was your work, he will be back soon though," he rasped out, struggling still to remain on his feet whilst warily watching Ventress' movements.

Ventress in turn started to circle his broken form once more, grin widening at the sight of his blood adorning her knife, it was dripping from the dastardly weapon.

"Always observant… I wouldn't count on a rescue from him, Obi-Wan dear."

She attacked again, slashing with the knife full force this time. Obi-Wan danced out of the way as swiftly as he could, hissing at every movement. He held up his arms in an attempt to grab her arms or at least defend himself from the knife. She managed many slices on both arms before she lunged for another at his chest, realising he could not move away fast enough Obi-Wan force pushed her with as much strength as he could muster. The move left Obi-Wan reeling, staggering back himself to grip onto the wall for support, that defence has expended most if not all of his energy.

"Why are you doing this?" He wheezed whilst struggling for breath, vision turning hazy from the blood loss.

She seemed to still at the question, head tilting slightly and facial expression reeking of barely suppressed anger and disgust, the answer it seemed was obvious to her. Because she could…

"I know what you're doing, with him. He doesn't see through you, but I do," she finally spat venomously.

Ventress picked herself up from the floor once more, disappointed that her last attack was thwarted at the last second. She stalked forward whilst observing Obi-Wan's near collapsing state. He was nearly spent and she knew it.

"I know your secret, Obi-Wan, I know you're playing him for a fool. You want us both dead!"

Her next onslaught was powered by her anger towards the Knight, barbarically and mercilessly striking out with fists and feet at every angle of Obi-Wan that she could reach. With his wounds and arms restricted there wasn't much of a defence that Obi-Wan could attempt, he barely managed to block some of the blows and just about managed to scamper away from the wall fast enough before a fist landed where his head had been just moments ago. Ventress attempted a new tactic and raised her knife overhead aiming at his head, Obi-Wan managed to raise his arms to grab hers and halt the knife's original trajectory.

He glared into her hate filled eyes as she continually pressed downwards, hoping to defeat his dwindling strength, Obi-Wan could feel it too. This was the last stand he could make, his muscles and limbs crying out for a reprieve. He spied a wicked glint in her gaze before her knee came crashing into his gut with substantial force, he released the grip on her arms as he went crashing down to his knees, doubling over in attempt to breathe in oxygen. He could sense her circling his beaten form, drawing out the inevitable for pure pleasure. He managed to raise his head and body to be upright only to witness the hilt of her knife come sailing towards his face.

Obi-Wan cried out in misery as he impacted with the floor once more, vision ebbing at the edges, unconsciousness calling out to him. He was brought back to the here and now by a series of vicious kicks aimed at his midriff, he naturally attempted to protect his chest and curled up on himself. Distantly they both heard snaps and cracks as the merciless assault continued. Obi-Wan was just about ready to let go when suddenly the onslaught ceased, he felt himself gasping for air to fill his already oxygen starved lungs.

An invisible force clenched around his throat and he felt himself being picked up from the floor, his hands clasped to his throat as he struggled with the pressure Ventress was exerting. She could kill him here and now, and they both knew it.

"This is the true power of the dark side, Obi-Wan."

Just when he thought it was all over the pressure was released, his body crumpled back to the floor in a heap as the force no longer held him upright. He rasped and wheezed as precious air was allowed back into his body once more, screaming outright as his wounds were jarred on the unforgiving impact. He felt another force grasp him as Obi-Wan found himself rolled onto his back, Ventress' form towering above him.

Without another warning she straddled his broken and failing body, producing her knife to rest in front of his face for a few moments. He absently observed as her knife moved downwards before resting just above his chest, Ventress moved closer so her face was just a fingers width away from his. Her sadistic gaze met his and held it before she plunged the knife into his body, never once breaking her gaze with his own. Obi-Wan didn't have the energy to scream anymore, nothing more than a groan escaping his bloodied lips as the blade pierced through skin agonisingly slowly.

"I want my face to be the last thing you ever see, Obi-Wan Kenobi, the woman who beat you," she seductively whispered into his ear, eyes alight with pleasure.

Ventress continued to watch as the light started to leave Obi-Wan's eyes, they both knew this was it, the end. Obi-Wan could absently feel the blood still pooling around him, soaking his tunics, his hair. Shock was almost certainly setting in as funnily enough he couldn't even feel the knife anymore which was still protruding from his chest.

"The dark will never extinguish the light…" He muttered, intent on letting her know she did not break him. She never would.

Her face twisted in venomous anger at his defiance, his last stand. He was hers to break yet here he was, still defying her. She twisted the knife once more, maliciously taking her rage out on the Knight. Obi-Wan groaned at the sudden movement before he started to fall into the darkness that had been calling out to him, sorrow and regret over unfinished business. It would be so easy just to succumb to the calling, let go of all of this pain. Anakin. He couldn't give up, not whilst his Padawan was still with these monsters, Obi-Wan battled for all he was worth to stay conscious as he sensed the man he had been waiting for approaching. He had to stay alive, too many people were counting on him…

Count Dooku stalked towards the bridge swiftly, the interruption was a grave annoyance, an unwanted one at that. The sooner he dealt with the newest hiccup the faster he could get back to his enlightening conversation with Kenobi. The Knight's change in conscience and beliefs were exactly what Dooku wanted, what he needed.

He allowed a slight smile to quirk at his lips as the thought passed through his mind, the image of Obi-Wan by his side, his apprentice. The rift between Kenobi and Skywalker was also going as planned, trust issues rearing their ugly head every time the two were placed in the same vicinity. Dooku had been correct about Qui-Gon, those memories were key. They held so much negative emotion, so much anger and rage that Kenobi could draw from, and he had. He felt a slight feeling of guilt over the misuse of his old Padawan's relationship with Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon had meant well he just handled it all wrong. Dooku ruthlessly quashed the unbecoming weakness before it could come to full fruition, it was all for the greater good, even if the Jedi didn't see it yet Sidious was the worst option for the galaxy.

Skywalker's reaction in the cell had been a surprising one, such loyalty for his Master that the boy was prepared to die to stop his fall to darkness. Tragically for the young apprentice it was already too late, Dooku had seen the seeds of darkness growing inside Obi-Wan and they were starting to take hold, for good. The boy was of little importance now, eventually he would be a perfect victim for Obi-Wan to destroy, his death would serve as Kenobi's final fall into darkness. Their once steady and powerful bond would lay in tatters at Obi-Wan's feet, severed brutally by Kenobi's rage itself. Dooku foresaw it, the moment of Obi-Wan's rise to power.

His thoughts were interrupted by a warning in the force itself, it was a disturbance even if it had only appeared in a flash for a few seconds. Dooku stopped right in his tracks and proceeded to delve into the currents themselves, seeking out any trace of the previous disturbance he felt. Ventress! His eyes snapped open filled with malice and clouded in darkness as his rage grew, she was with Kenobi and she was killing him. His apprentice.

Dooku abruptly turned back the way he came and stormed towards the room he left Obi-Wan in, breaking into a jog as he felt the damage Ventress was inflicting. That stupid Witch could ruin everything…

It didn't take him long at his pace to race back to their location, rocketing into the room like a raging storm. Ventress was straddling Obi-Wan, face only inches from the Jedi's face as the young Knight bled out. Dooku's rage overcame him completely, he shoved Ventress against the wall with such ferocity so swiftly she didn't even have a chance to acknowledge what was happening. Less than a second later he had a death grip around her throat, squeezing the life of the pathetic creature that aspired to be his apprentice. As if he would ever let anyone as useless as this stand by his side…

Dooku took great joy from watching Ventress struggle for breath, eyes wide as the lack of oxygen started to catch up with her, arms flailing and desperately scratching at the air seeking breath. A moan from Obi-Wan had his attention split, he glanced over at the fallen Jedi and worriedly witnessed his rasping breaths, noted the growing pool of blood that surrounded him. Ventress really had almost killed him, she still might if he didn't do something now.

Reluctantly he released his grip on Ventress' throat and screamed for her to get out, she scampered away as quickly as her legs would carry her, unwilling to stick around for more of her Master's rage. If he hadn't needed her Dooku would have snapped her neck then and there, as the rage retreated the more logical part of his brain acknowledged that he did still need her, she would die soon and he would take great pleasure in watching it happen.

He commed for medical assistance before moving swiftly to Obi-Wan's side, noting the Knight was already unconscious and bleeding profusely. Dooku pressed down on the gaping wound in Kenobi's chest, pouring what energy he had left into his future apprentice's broken body, stemming the blood flow before Obi-Wan's heart finally gave out. He could sense the Jedi was very quickly going into shock and willed the medical team to get her faster, all of his plans were quite literally slipping through his fingers as Obi-Wan's life source trickled out of his body.

It was then Dooku realised Ventress must have lured him away from Kenobi, intent on resolving her petty grudge. He would have words with the Witch after he got Obi-Wan to the med-bay, this damage was too much to be dealt with by just using healing crystals. The only reason he had kept the Knight out of the med-bay last time was because of Ventress, he was no fool. Dooku could sense her desire to end Kenobi, she saw him as a threat to her position and quite rightly so. He admonished himself for being so blind to her latest trick, there would be severe repercussions for her betrayal. Severe repercussions indeed…


A/N - *runs away from Obi-Wan's fans...* I'm sorry but... it was for the good of the story, you will see why in the upcoming chapters :)

Like I stated previously things are pretty busy here so I'm not sure if I will be able to keep the usual schedule, it shouldn't be much later than usual!

Until next time...