Disclaimer: I wish I could take credit for creating Star Wars, but alas, I am not George Lucas, and I have no intention of getting sued.

Summary: As Qui-Gon, Anakin, and Bant protect the Republic from Darth Sidious, another Sith Lord emerges – Qui-Gon's presumably dead, former apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi. Can the Jedi save the Republic, or is it already too late? The third story in the Jedi Trials series.

Author's Notes: Here is a very long chapter filled with much needed information to satisfying your thirst. Alas, this is the last update before I return to that horrid institution commonly known as school. Because of this deeply disturbing fact, updates shall not be as frequent as they have been the past two weeks, but I shall try my best to get them to you as quickly as possible.

Revenge and Regret

By Kekelina

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Chapter Eight: Padawans

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The Force was an unusual thing. Some non-Force-sensitives said it was confusing, disturbing, and just plain weird. Others found it mysterious, and though they didn't understand it, they trusted the Jedi to wield it for the good of the Republic.

And they did.

That was Yaddle's purpose. She had asked the Force to guide her, to help her discover the location of the Sith Lord so they could protect the Republic and the Jedi Order by destroying him.

Yaddle hated taking lives. However, the Sith Lord had no qualms about it. Darth Sidious was far too dangerous to be kept alive; she would do what she must.

But first, she had to find him.

She and Luminara had been granted permission to use Yoda's private meditation chambers as long as they needed to discover the location of the former Chancellor. They had both been going into deep trances for over a week now, searching for a whisper of the Dark Side. The Force flowed and crashed around them like ocean waves. It filled their minds and bodies, showing them the light amongst the growing darkness. They followed its movements as it led them across the galaxy, over hilltop and desert dune, the cold of space and the heat of the suns.

Yaddle asked it for the answer once again.

The Force replied.

It led her to a world floundering in death and darkness. Once home to the Sith Academy, the world had never recovered from the mark the Dark Side had left on the cold, scorched land.

Korriban.

Of course.

The Sith planet had always been a dark presence in the minds of the Jedi. They had grown used to its icy signature. They had grown so used to it, in fact, that they hadn't noticed the darkness growing, now more powerful than ever before.

It was the perfect place for a Sith to hide.

"Our destination, I have discovered," she said, breaking out of her trance. Luminara followed her example and waited for her to continue. "To Korriban we must go. There, the Sith lies."

"Are you sure?"

Yaddle nodded. "Darkness, I felt there. Growing rapidly, it is. Great haste we must make."

"We'll leave immediately."

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Darth Sidious, also known as former Supreme Chancellor Palpatine, snapped his eyes open, struck by foresight.

They were coming. The Jedi.

Curse the Jedi for discovering the location of his hideout. They were ruining his perfect plans. What had once looked like an easy take over of the Republic was now difficult and dangerous. He had planned it all on the fact that he wouldn't be revealed.

He hadn't given the Jedi enough credit.

He had thought them blundering idiots.

Then again, they were. They hadn't been able to see what was right in front of their eyes.

It was that insufferable Qui-Gon Jinn who had tipped them off to his true identity. That accursed fool who had sheltered Skywalker from him and passed over Kenobi's potential for a mere slave.

It was true that Palpatine would've given almost anything at one time to turn the Jedi's precious Chosen One to the Dark Side. But now he had Kenobi, who had far surpassed what Palpatine had expected. The Dark Side had made him strong, stronger than perhaps even the Chosen One.

However, he had one flaw – his mutinous thoughts.

Oh, yes. He knew all about his pathetic plan, his need for revenge, and his desire to kill him. Had these thoughts not included Palpatine's own death, he might've encouraged them. However, he would not allow himself to be slain by his own Apprentice. Only fools allowed that to happen…

But he could not kill Darth Dementor. Not yet. He still had need of him.

The Jedi were coming to Korriban. If they were smart, they would send at least two of their strongest Jedi, perhaps even Master Yoda. Obviously, it was too big of a threat for Palpatine to face them himself – but Lord Dementor could.

He wouldn't survive.

Good.

It would keep him safe and take care of his dirty work for him.

A win-win situation.

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"Luminara," the quiet voice called her over to the shadows where the silhouette of a man – a Jedi – stood, hood raised to cover his features.

But the hood could do nothing to disguise his height.

She instantly recognized him as Qui-Gon.

"Qui-Gon, my friend," she greeted. She hadn't spoken to the maverick Jedi in quite some time, her time filled with missions and reports and her Padawan, Barriss Offee, who would be staying behind on this latest endeavor.

Thankfully, the Council had decided that bringing down a Sith Lord was far too dangerous for a Padawan and had given her their permission to leave her Apprentice at the Temple while she and Master Yaddle went to Korriban. Barriss had been upset, for she had always been at her Master's side no matter what dangers lay ahead, but had released her emotions into the Force and wished her safety and speedy return. There were more important things to worry about than whether or not she was able to join Luminara. The safety of the galaxy depended upon the success of this mission.

"What can I do for you?"

"I need," he said, "to know where you're going."

She eyed him suspiciously. To prevent the knowledge of their mission from leaking out to Palpatine somehow, the Council had forbidden them from speaking of their destination. Qui-Gon's demand for information put her on her guard, though she knew he would never betray the Jedi. "Why?"

He sighed wearily. "He killed Obi-Wan. I just want to know where the body of my Padawan lies."

Guilt spread through her for distrusting him, even for that split-second. "The Council forbid – "

"Please, Luminara." He was practically pleading with her, but she thought she had felt a hint of something in those words – deception, perhaps? No, it couldn't be. It was probably just the pain he felt. She couldn't imagine what it would feel like to lose Barriss…

Therefore, despite the Council's order, she told him.

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He was twenty standard years old. He couldn't believe it.

Today was Anakin's Life Day, and while the Council didn't approve of Life Day celebrations, Bant had allowed him to invite Darra and Tru over (if their Masters gave them their permissions, of course) to relax and enjoy themselves.

The three friends were currently sitting in the common room, drinking muja juice and talking about anything that came to mind.

Anakin couldn't remember enjoying himself so much.

On his last Life Day, he had been on a deadly mission with Qui-Gon to a hostile planet teetering on the edge of civil war. Fun.

"We should go swimming," Tru suggested, eyes bright.

Anakin made a face. "Are you kidding me? I practically live in the water." He made a wide, sweeping motion with his hand, referring to the moist air that reminded his Master of her homeworld. He didn't mind it so much in his room, which was devoid of the misty, salty air, or in the common room, which Bant had kindly decreased so he would be comfortable in their joint quarters. But he dared not step foot in her room, which had been set on 'full.' He was sure he would practically drown if he walked into her room.

Shrugging, Darra inhaled deeply. She had move past Ferus's death and was now back to her usual self, thank the Force. He hated to see her in pain. "It's not that bad in here. You're being dramatic."

"A Jedi doesn't get dramatic."

His silvery-skinned friend snorted. "Since when is that written on the Council doors?" The Jedi Code was inscribed on the doors leading to the Jedi High Council room to remind the Jedi of their actions.

"Well, it doesn't say that exactly…"

"But that's what it means," finished Tru skeptically. "You're so full of bantha droppings."

The three friends laughed as there was a knock on the door. Anakin waited for Bant to get it before realizing that she had gone to the Healer's ward to work.

"Are you going to get that," Tru asked when there was another knock.

"Yes," Anakin replied, shooting Tru a dirty look before waving his hand, using the Force to open the door. On top of Life Day celebrations, the Council also disproved of using the Force for personal conveniences such as that, but Anakin was far too comfortable to get out of his chair.

The door slid open, revealing Qui-Gon Jinn.

Immediately, the three Padawans sprang from their seats and bowed respectfully, uttering variations of "Master Jinn."

"Hello, Anakin, Darra, Tru." He seemed hesitant or nervous, though neither of those feelings flickered through their bond. In fact, Anakin couldn't feel anything at all from Qui-Gon's side. He was shielding him from his thoughts.

Pain stabbed through Anakin's chest. They used to be so close… Now his former Master wouldn't even open his mind up to him anymore.

"Happy Life Day."

"Thank you."

Qui-Gon's eyes flickered from Tru, to Darra, then back to him. "I was hoping we might be able to talk."

Alone went unsaid, but Darra caught his meaning and kicked Tru in the ankle when he didn't. "Tru, don't you still have to do that…thing for Master Ry-Gaul?"

"What thing?"

"You know, the thing he asked you to do this morning. The one. You. Never. Did."

"He never – Ohhh…" Anakin stifled a chuckle. "That thing. Right."

The two Padawans hurried out of the room, past Qui-Gon. "We'll be back," Tru told Anakin. "I just gotta do that…thing."

He nodded, and with a wave of his hand, shut the door, leaving him and Qui-Gon in the room alone.

Awkward.

He sighed. When had spending time with the man he loved like a father become so awkward?

"Have a seat," he said, motioning to the now-vacant couch. Qui-Gon reached the couch in a few powerful strides and sat down, his eyes never leaving Anakin.

"Padawan-mine," he began, then shook his head as if suddenly remembering that Anakin was no longer his Padawan. "Anakin, I never…" The large man sighed. "I've been so preoccupied since returning to the Temple that I never found a chance to explain to you why I left."

Anakin's eyes went wide. That was what this was all about?

"While on Naboo," Qui-Gon began, launching into his story. "My old Master, Count Dooku, contacted me and told me about Palpatine. Though he was a Separatist, I felt no deception in his words. Then, he asked me to join him, to help him destroy the Sith. At that moment, I knew I had to go. I had to… I had to protect you from him. I had always been wary of the man; he tried too hard to be in your presence. As soon as Dooku confirmed my suspicions, I knew that had I left you alone with the Chancellor, he would've tried to seduce you to the Dark Side."

Anakin felt a shiver crawl up his spine.

"I wouldn't let him continue to try. I had to protect you, Anakin. I'm sorry I left you hurt and confused on Tatooine. I'm sorry I abandoned you and forced you to have another Master, but I did what I felt was necessary to save you, even if it hurt you at the time. I'm not sorry for that. I'll never be sorry for that. I lost one Padawan to the Dark Side and another at the hands of the Sith Lord. I'm not about to lose you too."

He did it for me… Everything became so much clearer to him. All the hidden resentment he had held for Qui-Gon disappeared in an instant. Before he realized what he was doing, Anakin flung his arms around Qui-Gon's neck and pulled him into a hug. Instantly, Qui-Gon's side of the bond opened again as he hugged him back, flooding Anakin with feelings of love, joy, and caring.

He had missed Qui-Gon so much. "I love you, Master."

"And I, you."

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"Ow!"

Bant rolled her eyes. "Sit still, Garen."

"That hurt," he whined.

Her friend could be such a big baby sometimes… "How in the name of the Force did you get this burn?" she asked, peeling back the charred edges of his tunic to inspect the wound on his shoulder.

He winced. "Ow. I was sparring," he said.

"With whom? Master Yoda?" She rubbed bacta on it gently. It was a very nasty burn, but nothing that wouldn't heal, as long as Garen managed to keep it from getting infected. She didn't want to have to watch his every movement to make sure he was keeping it clean like she had so many times before with him and Obi-Wan. Boys, she reminisced with a shake of her head.

"Are you saying I'm not strong enough to beat Yoda in a sparring match?" He shot her a faux hurt look as she giggled her answer, laying a bandage over his wound.

"Done. Make sure to keep it clean and dry. And don't forget to put bacta on it and change the dressing every day until it heals."

It was Garen's turn to roll his eyes. "Yeah, yeah. I know the drill."

"I know," Bant replied with a smile, dropping into a chair next to the bed he was sitting on.

"Long day?"

"Very slow." It seemed like no one in the Temple was in need of a Healer's attention, not even the Younglings. While she knew she should be grateful that no one was injured, it made the day incredibly boring, especially since she was the only Healer on call. She was very thankful Garen had been burnt; though, she wouldn't admit that to him.

"Bant?" he asked after a moment of comfortable silence. Sometimes friends didn't need words.

"Yes, Garen?"

"Do you enjoy having a Padawan?"

The question surprised her, but immediately, she knew the answer. "Yes, more than I ever thought I would. It's like…" She struggled with the words. She had never had to explain it before. "It's like a void I'd had since my Knighting had been filled." She smiled. "I always told Obi-Wan that taking a Padawan would be good for him. I never knew how good it would be for me."

He tilted his head curiously. "Really?"

She nodded. "Now I think I finally understand how Tahl and Kit felt."

And it was true. She had always known a Master-Padawan relationship from a Padawan's perspective, but she had never realized how attached to a Padawan a Master could feel, although attachment was forbidden. She knew without a doubt that Tahl and Kit had felt the same caring and devotion for her that she felt for Anakin. Although they hadn't even been Master and Padawan for a year, they already had formed a bond. She knew for a fact that it wasn't as strong as the one he and Qui-Gon shared, nor would it ever be. But it was still there, strong and vibrant. She didn't regret for a second taking on the Senior Padawan.

"I think I want to take a Padawan," he told her hesitantly.

Her face lit up and she hugged him, careful not to bump his burn. "Oh, Garen, that's wonderful! Do you have someone in mind?"

He paled. "Um…no?"

"That doesn't matter," she reassured him. "You can go watch the Initiates spar. Maybe the Force will guide you to someone there."

Garen mulled over her words, then asked her warily, as if afraid to hear the answer. "So you think I'll be a good Master?"

Bant just giggled. He would be the best.

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Qui-Gon hated having to deceive Luminara, and he hated that he was leaving Anakin again, but he had no choice.

He would go to Korriban.

He would fight the Sith.

He would protect Anakin.

He would be so grateful once this horrible ordeal was finally over – when Sidious was finally disposed of, when the galaxy was safe…

It was only a half-lie he had told Luminara, he realized. He wanted to retrieve Obi-Wan's body and bring it back to Coruscant for a proper funeral. He just wanted to kill the Sith before he did so.

It wasn't revenge, no matter what Mace said.

Letting out a slow, calm breath, he started up the engines to his "borrowed" ship and punched in the coordinates for Korriban.

He should arrive not long after Yaddle and Luminara.

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The Other Author's Notes: Will Obi-Wan survive against the Jedi? Will Qui-Gon discover Obi-Wan's identity? These questions and more shall be answered in Chapter Nine: Yellow Eyes. I hope you will stay tuned as the plot is quickly unfolding. Don't be too shy to review!