Chapter 11

Before the dawn

"Good Evening Master" he said causally, taking a seat at the table.

"Why?" Qui-Gon said taking the opposite seat, gesturing to the two plates of food sitting on the table.

"Well you're leaving tonight and I thought it would be nice to have dinner together" Obi-Wan shrugged.

With a hesitant smile on both sides, the two dug in hungrily to the food.

The scene changed.

"I miss you so much" Qui-Gon said.

Obi-Wan sighed "clearly," he said pointedly looking around him.

Qui-Gon grimaced. "I didn't know what else to do with myself after you…" he let the sentence trail off.

"Ran off?" Obi-wan continued.

Qui-Gon raised his eye brows.

At this Obi-wan crossed his arms, "Look Master, I'm not dead"

"But then how-" he stuttered.

"Let me just say I have a good grip on the force right now" he said not looking to happy about it,

"Why are you here then?"

"Well someone had to tell you to get on with your life" Obi-Wan replied.

Qui-Gon frowned. "But if you're still alive?"

"It's no use Master" At this Obi-Wan looked pained. "Though the force is strong in me, it is stronger in my body, I cannot over power it"

He watched as Qui-Gon face crumpled in grief.

"You must kill my body"

"No" Qui-Gon replied. "There has to be a way"

"You have to let me go Master," Obi-Wan said cryptically.

"No!" Qui-Gon said desperately.

"Just let go Qui-Gon," Obi-Wan repeated as he started to fade away.

"Obi-Wan!" Qui-Gon yelled reaching out at the space Obi-wan had been in.

Let go.

"I will not kill you!" he yelled.

I will always love you Master.

He bolted up in his bed.

He had loved Qui-Gon? The man who had hurt him so much? What was this?

Throwing his feet over the side of his bed, he let his head fall into his hands as he worked furiously to comprehend what he had just seen.

Was this a memory? Or a dream?

In the dark days when he had been at the Jedi temple his heart had always longed for what he had seen in these dreams; for lack of a better term. But he had never been granted his wish. He had been forced to eat his meager rations in the darkness of his room. He been forced to endure looks of hate rather than the looks of concern and care that he had seen in his dreams.

So were these dreams just a manifestation of what his heart of longed for? Or were they more?

Shaking his head, he stood up and moved to his small view port. He then looked to the stars to see what answers they could give.

The light was fading from the sky as Obi-Wan continued to stare outside his view port. They were now approaching the grandeur that was Coruscant. The light was barley starting to fade from the sky.

His emotions were a mixed bag of confusion right now. While he felt anger at what the Jedi had done, what Qui-Gon had done to him; at the same time, he felt doubt seeping through. The dreams had moved him to reconsider everything he had been through. If there was a chance that Qui-Gon was not the hard cruel man he thought he was, then there was a chance that the torture he had faced at the man's hand, wasn't real.

"You ready?" a voice spoke from behind.

Turning around, Obi-Wan saw it was Xanatos. He didn't answer.

A calculating look came across Xanatos' face, "What's going on?"He sat down on the bed.

"I have a bad feeling about this," Obi-Wan said, "Something is very wrong here."

Obi-Wan couldn't help but notice the way Xanatos clenched his fists together at his words.

"Don't be going all Jedi on me Obi-Wan," Xanatos said with a weak smile, his attempt at humor failing miserably at his suddenly uneasy appearance.

Obi-Wan cocked his head, "Who said anything about the Jedi?"

"No one" he said regaining his characteristic nonchalant attitude, "You just seem to be going soft at a critical time."

There was an edge to his voice that Obi-Wan had only heard when Xanatos talked about their old master Qui-Gon.

"Remember what Qui-Gon has done to you" Xanatos said standing up, "Think of that and the anger will serve you well"

Without a backward glance, he left the room.

Obi-Wan turned back to the window. If anything, that little conversation had served to only increase his doubt. He felt the ship land with a slight thump. Sighing, he turned away from the window once more and made his way toward the door. Stumbling suddenly, he felt a wave of dizziness overcome him. Grasping to the edge of the bed, he slowly steadied himself while a bright flash of light exploded in his brain.

Ever since he had had those weird dreams, the attacks had become more frequent and intense. Shaking it off, he continued on to the door and what lay beyond.

Qui-Gon mournfully gazed at the dwindling light outside. It only served as a reminder to him that yet another day had come to an end. Soon it would be time for sleep. Qui-Gon dreaded that time. In his dreams Xanatos, and now Obi-Wan, would taunt him at his ability to push them to the dark side. It was torture.

But so were the waking hours. Everyone looked at him differently now. It was either with pity or wonder at the man who had two failed apprenticeships under his belt.

He had only been on one mission in his time alone and that had been a failure. It had been a simple peace negotiation. But it had reminded him too sharply of the mission that had taken him away from Obi-Wan in what had been a crucial time for his former padawan. He hadn't been able to focus properly and the negotiating parties did not appreciate that. He had been replaced and ordered to meet with the mind healers back on Coruscant.

Ever since then, he had been declared un-fit for duty and spent his days in front of surveillance holo's. It was the council's way of giving him something to do, while separating him from the rest of the temple and their curious glances. Whether this was for his own benefit or for the benefit of the rest of the temple was yet to be seen.

Here at the end of yet another day, he couldn't bring himself to care.

He was alone.

He had vowed never to take another padawan and this time, no amount of persuading from a certain Jedi would change his mind, no matter if said Jedi had not done anything of the sort yet. It was only a matter of time.

From his vantage point in his quarters, he had a clear view of the space port. He watched as the ships came and went as they pleased. One ship in particular, though, caught his eye. He couldn't explain it, but something about that ship caused a shiver to run down his spine. Taking that as a sign he had been standing by the window too long, he turned away to the kitchen to get himself something to eat.

Though he knew he had been here before, it didn't feel like it. His memories were hazy and conflicting. The abundant life around him and energy in the force was almost suffocating as if he had been starving himself for the past few months.

"Over here!" A hasty voice shouted.

Obi-Wan turned to the voice and saw an annoyed Xanatos motioning for him to follow him. Quickly he obeyed and before he knew it he was out in the open air of the city. He looked around at the various buildings and thought of his comrades who were infiltrating them as he walked with Xanatos. Silently he wished them luck.

Up ahead, he could see the Jedi temple, its spires gleaming in the last light of the day.

He was nervous.

His doubts were messing with his commitment. The dreams had moved him to re-examine his memories and the more he looked at his memories, the more he was confused at what really happened and what did not. He couldn't explain how he knew some of his memories weren't real, but he just knew.

Suddenly, he felt dizzy again. He stumbled. Xanatos caught him before he could fall.

"Are you ok?" he asked.

Obi-Wan blinked at Xanatos, if he just saw correctly, Xanatos had a rather hopeful expression on his face.

"Obi-Wan?" Xanatos repeated.

He shook his head. He must of imagined it.

"I'm fine."

They continued on.

Sometime later, they arrived at their destination. They were standing a short distance away from the entrance to the temple. The sky was now black with darkness. They had picked this very time to approach the temple because of the lessened amount of guards that would be posted at the entrance.

Slowly they approached the entrance. The two shared a quick glance before they finally were spotted by the guard. Before the guard could even speak, Obi-Wan waved his hand.

"We're here to see Master Jinn" he said powerfully, the force practically dripping from his voice.

The guard numbly nodded; the power of the force being exerted on him too much for him to counter or even be aware enough to counter.

Xanatos and Obi-Wan quickly passed by, but before they were completely out of sight, Obi-Wan looked back at the guard and concentrated. Then, seemingly satisfied, he turned back to Xanatos and nodded. They walked on in silence.

Internally, Obi-Wan was frustrated. He hated having to do that to people. He knew how it felt to question your own memories or the lack of memories and to do that to another person made him feel like the worst sort of person. Just as he thought that, a familiar wave of dizziness came across him, but this time he was better prepared and was able to conceal it from Xanatos.

"You ready for this?" Xanatos asked not looking at Obi-Wan.

He only nodded as a look a concentration passed over his face.

As they passed by other Jedi, the two were greeted with short smiles and waves. Never once were they looked at with fear or surprise. It was as if the other Jedi were seeing something else then what was really before them.

Xanatos rolled his eyes at every greeting, muttering about incompetent Jedi who couldn't see the truth in front of them if their lives depended on it.

Soon enough, they reached a part of the temple that was empty. As Obi-Wan followed Xanatos, strange flashes of memory came to him. He had been here before.

Well duh, he thought.

But the memory was of more than just passing by. There was something more that had happened here, something that he should remember. But he couldn't.

"We're here," Xanatos said.

Obi-Wan let out a breath he didn't even realize he had been holding and leaned against the wall slowly sliding down until he was sitting on the floor.

"We're not done yet," Xanatos said annoyed, looking down on Obi-Wan's tired form.

Obi-Wan didn't like the side of Xanatos he was seeing. But he had no choice but to obey. He had given his word. He stood back up, wearily.

"You know doing that tires me out," Obi-Wan said.

"Well you'd better get going with the next part," Xanatos said, as if he hadn't heard a word Obi-Wan had said, "Call him here."

Obi-Wan sighed. He closed his eyes and reached out using the force to touch the said man's mind..

"It's done" he said.

Xanatos smiled.

Obi-Wan sighed. Nothing good would come of this, he was sure of it.

He couldn't quite explain it, but ever since he had seen that ship land he had been unable to think of little else. Something was up and he was afraid that he would find out soon. He couldn't put his finger on it, but somehow he knew that he was at the center of this brewing trouble.

Suddenly a voice yelled out in the force, calling desperately.

Master!

Qui-Gon bolted up from his bed. He had been trying to sleep, but that was not going to happen now. Frantically he called out.

Obi-Wan?!

To his surprise and horror, he was granted a response.

Help me master!

Where are you? he responded quickly.

A picture came to his mind. It was the place he had seen in the security holos; the place where Obi-Wan had seemingly disappeared in the first place.

I'm coming! he echoed into the force.

Just as he was about to leave his quarters, he paused to think. He was acting very rashly by rushing out into an unknown situation. Obi-Wan was a Sith for force sakes. Or was he? The voice he had heard had sounded so helpless and innocent; so like the Obi-Wan he had known. What if he had been kidnapped and forced into doing the things he had done?

What if this was a trap?

Deciding that there was no time to think this through, Qui-Gon shook his head and cleared his mind. Soon he would know one way or another.

Obi-Wan watched as Xanatos walked back and forth, pacing.

"Maybe he didn't hear you?" he asked, walking on.

Obi-Wan rolled his eyes. In the past few months, his force abilities had grown immensely. Even a deaf Qui-Gon should have been able to hear his force amplified shout.

Xanatos sighed.

"I know, I know" then a cruel smile came across his face, "Maybe he doesn't care for you enough to come."

Obi-Wan raised his eyebrow.

"Yeah, cause he sure didn't care when he was trying to kill me" he muttered.

Xanatos was acting stranger than normal and Obi-Wan didn't like it. The things he was saying were making no sense at all. He was being cruel and uncaring and acting as if the past few months hadn't happened. Obi-Wan could only tell himself so many times that the thought of facing Qui-Gon was making Xanatos act this way.

Abruptly, Xanatos stopped mid-stride.

"He's coming."

Obi-Wan tensed. Xanatos was now looking at him with barely concealed anticipation. But it wasn't about the upcoming confrontation. That wasn't it. Obi-Wan could feel it. It was something else...more elusive.

Slowly, barley restraining himself, Qui-Gon walked down the corridor that would bring him to where Obi-Wan was. Countless thoughts were crossing his mind of what he would find. Soon he was on the same level. Cautiously he approached the corner that would bring him to where Obi-Wan had shown himself to be. He peered around stealthily.

Obi-Wan was sitting against the wall, his arms hugging his knees close to his chest. He had never looked so vulnerable. Qui-Gon's heart ached to see him this way. The boy looked tired and worn down. Gone was the confidence and focus Qui-Gon had admired about the boy. Leaving thoughts of betrayal and darkness behind him, Qui-Gon walked to Obi-Wan kneeling down to the boy.

"Obi-Wan?" he whispered, putting a hand on the boy's shoulder.

Quickly he noticed the heat radiating off of him and slight tremor that was running thorough the boy.

"Obi-Wan?" he shook the boy, but no response.

Without warning, Qui-Gon was knocked into the wall behind him. Stunned, he slowly crumpled to the floor, watching as Obi-Wan stood up menacingly.

"Hello Qui-Gon," Obi-wan said with an evil grin, "Long time no see."

Qui-Gon's eyes grew large as he watched Obi-Wan pull out his light saber, ignite it, and point at him.

So it had been a trap after all.

He could tell that Qui-Gon was watching. He couldn't see him directly, but he could feel the other man into the force.

What he felt was different. This wasn't the hard, cruel Master that had hurt him so deeply. This was...Qui-Gon. This was the man he had seen in his dreams. What was going on? Did this mean they were real? Did this mean, that the Qui-Gon who had tried to kill him wasn't real? Still as the night, he focused on the hiding Xanatos and searched his force presence. His eyes closed in concentration.

Xanatos was hiding something. And it had to do with him.

Obi-Wan put a hand to his throbbing head. His world was falling apart. His memories were a mess of unorganized thoughts. What was reality and what wasn't? Was Qui-Gon the man he thought he was? Was Xanatos as he appeared? The more he thought the more confused he became. It was as if his mind was melting under the pressure he was currently in and forming a new entity. As the doubt and panic fought for dominance, flashes of light overcame him. Was it just him or was this room warmer than usual?

The dream flashed into his mind.

You have to kill my body.

Why would Qui-Gon have to kill his body? Why was he a force ghost while his body was still alive? How was that even possible? The questions overloaded his mind.

Slowly, he became aware that Qui-Gon was approaching him. As he thought of the man, memories of Qui-Gon, many of which he couldn't remember having ever taken place, assaulted his mind. He was so caught up the memories that he didn't even reregister Qui-Gon placing his hands on his shoulders. When he finally did thought, he found himself wanting to lean into that touch, but he couldn't even process how to anymore.

He heard the man call out his name. It had been so long since anyone had called him that name. In fact, the last person who did, was Tahl and she had ended up dead. He hated his name. It brought back memories that took him back to a time that he would rather forget. He heard his name again.

Then he was no more.

Quickly, Qui-Gon pulled himself together. Standing up, he reached for his lightsaber and ignited it. Wearily he pointed it at Obi-Wan.

"You gonna try to kill me again?" Obi-Wan smirked. He raised his hand at Qui-Gon.

Qui-Gon made to move, but found he was stuck in place. Fruitlessly he struggled.

"Don't like it so much now that the tables are reversed huh?" Obi-Wan snapped his fingers up.

Qui-Gon felt his head snap up at attention.

Obi-Wan was now speaking face to face to Qui-Gon. "Unlike you though, I like to give my opponents a fair chance when I fight them."

He stepped back from Qui-Gon as the man dropped to his knees suddenly.

Free from his invisible bindings, Qui-Gon rose from the ground once again brandishing his lightsaber in front of him. Obi-Wan had obviously grown in his force abilities and was not someone to be underestimated.

"I don't know what you're talking about," Qui-Gon said, "I have never tried to kill you."

Obi-Wan scoffed.

"It sure didn't feel that way," Obi-Wan turned his back to Qui-Gon and walked on down the hall.

Cautiously Qui-Gon followed, his lightsaber leading the way.

As they walked on, the hall became wider eventually opening up into a wide room like area with a turbo lift. It looked very familiar to Qui-Gon.

"Why choose here of all places to meet me," he asked.

Obi-Wan shrugged his shoulders, "No reason in particular."

Qui-Gon sensed the uncertainly in Obi-Wan's voice.

"You didn't choose this place did you?" he said, searching Obi-Wan's eyes for the truth, "You're not the one in control here, are you?"

For a moment he saw the doubt and uncertainty in the boy's eyes, but it was only a moment.

"Of course I'm in control here!" the boy shouted, "I could kill you right this moment if I wanted to," he boasted.

"Then why haven't you done so already?" Qui-Gon questioned.

Obi-Wan smirked, "I like to play with my opponents first."

Apparently, play time was over as Obi-Wan rushed Qui-Gon with his light saber held high.

Qui-Gon blocked his parry and held Obi-Wan's gaze.

"What happened to you Obi-Wan?"

The boy's face scrunched up in furry.

"You."

Using the force, Obi-Wan blasted Qui-Gon backward, then viciously attacked him, not waiting for him to regain his footing.

Furiously Obi-Wan aimed for Qui-Gon's head, but was blocked at the last minute by the man's green blade. Lying on the floor, the charged blades just inches from his face, Qui-Gon made another effort to reach the boy.

"I've only wanted the best for you," he pleaded, "You know I would never try to hurt you."

"Lies!" Obi-Wan yelled. He pushed the blade closer to Qui-Gon's neck, his strength never waning.

Qui-Gon grunted as he fought to keep the blades at bay. Calling on the force for strength, he was able to push Obi-Wan back, but it was only so far. Not even a moment later Obi-Wan was back on his case. But the effort had given him enough time to stand and regain his footing.

"I hate you," Obi-Wan said fiercely.

"You've been told to believe that," Qui-Gon said.

He didn't know that for sure, but it was one of his negotiation tactics and it had served him well in the past as a means to finding out information. In all his years, he had never dreamed he would have to use those skills on an apprentice in such a life or death situation.

Obi-Wan's eyes narrowed.

"You're wrong," he said, "You've shown me what it means to hate, you've made me this way!"

Qui-Gon paused in hurt. It was one of his deepest fears that he was the one who pushed his apprentices to the dark side and it hurt to have it be said so boldly to his face.

Taking advantage of his shock, Obi-Wan raised his lightsaber and went on the attack again. He struck repeatedly, wearing Qui-Gon down. He went for his legs, then for his head, then for his legs again in a classic maneuver. It broke Qui-Gon's concentration and he lost his balance. He let out a growl of pain as Obi-Wan sliced into his leg.

Taking a deep breath, he glared back at Obi-Wan.

"Only you can choose your destiny," he growled, "You did this to yourself."

His anger was slowly growing the more he thought about what was happened and what had been said.

"You have made your choice."

"Finally you've got it in your head" Obi-Wan smiled.

But that smile was wiped off his face as Qui-Gon went on the offence. Though his leg slowed him down, he still was putting forth a good effort. Experience did count for something after all.

It soon became clear that Qui-Gon was holding back previously in the hopes that he could convince Obi-Wan to back down. But now that that hope was gone, he was free to do his duty.

"So the old man can fight after all," Obi-Wan mocked. It also became obvious that Obi-Wan was holding back as well.

The two furiously went at each other giving no openings. Rather fast, the room was getting destroyed, one slash at a time. The walls had black scorch marks and long jagged holes running across them. The carpet and floor were similarly marked. The ceiling only escaped a similar fate because it was so high. But even that didn't stop them from expanding their battle to new heights. Soon the ceiling was just as marked, the two fighters using the air above them to continue on.

Qui-Gon was getting frustrated. Every time he found an opening either physical or mental, by the time he could try to use it for his advantage, it would close as Obi-Wan got notice of it and promptly fixed it. This was not the boy he had known mere months ago. His force strength had grown immensely even to the point of rivaling the council masters. The combination in which he used it, both as a boost for his own physical strength and as a weapon itself, using it to knock Qui-Gon around, was something that even masters had trouble with let alone a young padawan. It made him curious at what Obi-Wan had been doing these past few months. It was obvious to him that the boy couldn't have gotten this way by himself. There was someone else involved. But who?

Right, left, up, down, grip, swing, and slash.

It was pure luck that he was able to do what he just did. Obi-Wan stumbled in shock and took a clumsy step backward. He looked from his fallen lightsaber to the wound across his chest to Qui-Gon standing with his lightsaber still in hand. There was horror and confusion in his eyes.

He was confused. Looking around, he noticed his lightsaber lying on the ground lying a short distance away, his master standing with a light saber in hand, and a growing pain in his chest. Looking down he saw the charred wound revealed by his slashed shirt. He felt how deep it was then fell to his knees. He looked to his master who hadn't moved from his guarded stance.

"Master what happened?" he asked, taking deep breaths, "Who did this to me?"

He looked into his master's eyes and remembering his lightsaber laying on the ground with no one else around, he put two and two together.

"You?" he whispered brokenly. It was getting harder to breath now. Taking a haggard breath, he collapsed to the floor looking up at Qui-Gon who had finally lowered his lightsaber.

Qui-Gon watched the scene unfold in front of him with a sort of detached wonder. Part of him was horrified at what he done to the boy he considered his son, the other, content with removing such a threat to the galaxy. It was an odd sort of combination to feel. He didn't know which to hold on to more.

"Master what happened?" the boy said, taking deep breaths, "Who did this to me?"

Qui-Gon remained as he was. This was a trick. It had to be.

Quietly and with much effort, the boy spoke again.

"You?" Obi-Wan's breath hitched in his throat and he collapsed to the ground looking accusatorily at Qui-Gon with hurt eyes.

Qui-Gon lowered his lightsaber. He searched the boy with the force and found no trace of the evil he had just been dealing with. Quickly he kneeled next the boy deciding that even if this was a trap, surely the boy couldn't have the energy to try and kill him now.

Obi-Wan looked up at Qui-Gon in pain.

"What did I do?" he whispered.

Qui-Gon stared at him.

"You were trying to kill me" he stated.

Obi-Wan's eyes widened in horror and he shook his head; coughing at the motion.

"Did not," he mumbled, "Never."

Obi-Wan breaths were faster now.

Qui-Gon knitted his eyebrows in confusion as Obi-Wan's eyes began to close.

"Obi-Wan!" Qui-Gon yelled.

Next he found himself in a familiar position sprawled against a wall. It seemed to be one of Obi-Wan's favorite uses of the force.

"Thought you had me beat," the boy boasted.

He was hunched over, but standing none the less. He retrieved his weapon all the while holding Qui-Gon in place with the force. Then slowly, as if savoring the moment, he walked up to Qui-Gon.

"You tried to kill me again," he stated, "I guess old habits die hard."

He raised his lightsaber, not playing fair this time, and prepared to deliver the final blow to Qui-Gon.

But something seemed to be stopping him.

Qui-Gon could only watch as the blue lightsaber hung just inches from his body. The lightsaber itself was jerking back and forth, closer to him then away from him. It was if Obi-Wan was having an internal battle with himself. His mouth bound by the force, Qui-Gon remained silent as his fate was decided by the boy in front of him.

With a feral yell, the lightsaber was suddenly spinning thought he air down the hall. Qui-Gon fell to his knees with a huff, free from Obi-Wan's power. He rose quickly and assessed the situation. Obi-Wan was barley standing up in front of him. As Qui-Gon looked into Obi-Wan's eyes, emotions flickered across them like leaves in the autumn. The boy's breaths were coming in gasps and his hands were trembling.

"Kill me" he gasped.

Qui-Gon's eyes widened.

"Kill me now," the boy repeated.

Qui-Gon shook his head. This was too easy. Another trap perhaps?

Obi-Wan reached out in the direction of his lightsaber and within seconds, it was flying into his hand.

As he came to, his mind worked fast to comprehend what had just happened. The last thing he remembered was lying on the floor in Qui-Gon's lap and before that, sitting by the side of the wall. Suddenly it all started making sense. The way Xanatos had been treating him, why he had been feeling more and more out of sorts in the past few days. It had been a lie. But it was genius he had to admit. But alas. There was no time to explain. One wrong word and who knew what he would find if he ever was able to wrestle control of himself again.

Suddenly the dreams made sense

He had to admit though. Never in his life did he ever think this would be the way he would die. He dreamed of a death of honor, perhaps on a mission, protecting the unprotected, not the death of a traitor. It wasn't his fault, no. He hadn't done anything to deserve this. But no one would know the truth. Xanatos would never admit to what he had done. This was his test. And the force had presented him with an option he had to take: Death.

Either way, he was doomed. At least in death, he would be reunited with the force and his body would be stopped from going on a rampage. If not for death, then he would have to live with the awareness that he was out in the galaxy wreaking havoc, killing innocents. While he wouldn't technically be aware of this, he couldn't stand having his body out there do such things. Yes, death was the only answer.

Besides that, the force was calling to him. Its comfort and beauty assuring him of the rightness of his choice.

"Kill me," he gasped, his mind made up.

Qui-Gon didn't say anything as he had predicted. Oh how wonderful a master he was. There was so much he wanted to say, but the force was urging him on with his plan.

"Kill me now," he repeated.

When Qui-Gon shook his head in refusal, he did what he could think was the only thing that would assure his success. He called out for his light saber and ignited it. Then he limped to Qui-Gon trying to look threatening. He had to admit, he probably looked pathetic and in need of serious medical attention, but he did what he could.

Still Qui-Gon didn't move.

"What are you doing Obi-"

"I told you!" he yelled.

Quickly he raised his lightsaber and brought it down on Qui-Gon. Luckily, Qui-Gon ignited his green blade just in time. The two crossed blades hovered in the air between the two opponents as Obi-Wan spoke.

"You have to kill me," Obi-Wan gasped, slightly hunched over.

"No," Qui-Gon said.

Obi-Wan tilted his head in regret.

"Goodbye master," he whispered, "I hope you'll understand someday."

Then with that, he withdrew his lightsaber and allowed himself to fall upon Qui-Gon's green blade.

With absolute horror, he deactivated his lightsaber, but the damage was already done. Obi-Wan fell limply to the floor, his eyes staring at the wall beyond.

Qui-Gon backed away from Obi-Wan in shock as he felt the boy's life force slowly draining from his body. His light saber dropped to the floor. His mind worked furiously to comprehend what had just occurred, but was failing miserably.

How could...what just...Why?

"Obi-Wan?!" a voice shouted terrified.

Qui-Gon barley registered their presence as he backed himself into the wall behind him. He watched, detached, as other Jedi started pouring into the hall, examining the scene and taking Obi-Wan away.

"Qui-Gon?" he heard a voice say.

"Qui-Gon!" the voice repeated shaking him.

Looking in front of him, he saw his friend and fellow Jedi master Tahl staring at him with worry and grief etched on her face.

"Come on Qui-Gon!" she urged him.

Taking a deep breath he pushed her away.

"Leave me alone" he muttered. He started to walk away, retrieving his lightsaber from where he had dropped it. He then went farther down the hall to where Obi-Wan's lightsaber lay. He bent down and picked it up. It was still warm from Obi-Wan's grip.

"He's still alive," Tahl said from behind him.

Qui-Gon stood, shaking his head.

"He's still...alive?" he said in disbelief.

Tahl nodded.

"But only just."

He made to leave, but Tahl stopped him.

"He'll live Qui-Gon," she said, "Things will get better, I know it."

Qui-Gon frowned at her.

"If only I could be as optimistic as you."

He then left, not able to handle being so near and yet so far from his fallen apprentice.

To say he was angry was an understatement.

"He better not be dead," he growled furiously into his comlink. "I didn't pay you a fortune to have him dead at his first encounter with the man."

The voice at the other end of the comlink was equally angry.

"Take a chill pill Xanatos," the voice icily replied, "It's all part of the plan."

Xanatos fumed.

"Pray tell me, how this is part of the plan?"

"This is the final stage," the voice informed, "Once he recovers, he will be everything you paid for."

"That tells me nothing," Xanatos said, his voice dripping acid.

"Fine," the voice huffed, "He needs a near as close to a near death experience as possible for the transformation to take place."

"And you didn't feel it necessary to tell me that sooner?!" he all but yelled into the receiver.

"You never asked."

Angrily he threw the comlink into the wall, seething in anger as it broke upon impact, falling to the floor in tiny pieces. It may not have happened as he had envisioned, but soon he would have the power he needed to evoke some serious change in the galaxy.