With the tractor beam deactivated, Obi Wan had almost reached the hangar once again when a black-cloaked form stepped out in front of him, blocking his way. A angry red lightsaber blade ignited with a hiss and a familiar voice spoke from the deep shadows inside the hood. "Obi Wan. You should not have come here."
He activated his own saber, the green blade filling the area around him with light. The last time they had met, she had been weakened and in pain; this time, he was weakened and old. There was little chance he could defeat her. And yet, this meeting felt like it was meant to be. The Force had led him here.
Their blades met and sparks of red and green energy showered the walls and floor. Obi Wan's arms ached with the stress of the blow, and he backed away. He could feel her anger and hatred through the Force, reaching tendrils out toward him as he retreated.
"You are weak, old man," his one-time apprentice taunted him, her boots ringing on the deckplates as she followed his retreat.
Yes, and not simply physically. The last time they had met, he had held back, not willing to hurt her, and the years had not changed his feelings. She had been like a daughter, like a sister, to him. This was why attachment was forbidden.
No, another voice from his past whispered in his ear. Love doesn't make you weak, Obi Wan. Love makes you strong.
He had never thought to hear that voice again. Qui Gon?
It was not your fault, Obi Wan, his old master continued. She made her own choice. You have done well, my friend.
She raised her saber. "Tell me where they are, and I'll let you live."
He shook his head, his heart heavy. "I cannot do that."
"Then you will die." The air between them shimmered with the strength of her rage.
He sighed, letting the peace of the Force flow through him, filling him. "You cannot win, Anneke, even if you kill me."
"Oh, I think I can." She struck again—and again… a flurry of blows meant to break through his failing defenses.
He continued to retreat slowly before the onslaught, the Force giving him the strength to continue to lift his saber when his physical body would have long since given up.
The walls fell away around him, and they were in the hangar. He hadn't meant to bring Anneke here, to where Lucia awaited him. A jolt of fear spiked through him, and Anneke's next strike nearly broke through his guard. If Anneke saw Lucia—!
Obi Wan. It's time to come home.
Lucia…
Her destiny is to bring all back into balance. See, she has already found her brother.
Obi Wan looked over his shoulder. Hanna and Chewbacca led Lucia and a dark-haired boy around her age across the hangar toward the Falcon. The two of them shone in the Force like twin suns, and Obi Wan's eyes filled with tears. Spotting the duelists, Lucia stopped and pointed, saying something to the others.
It is time, Obi Wan.
He closed his eyes and raised his saber in salute. He felt Anneke's satisfaction rage through the Force as she brought her blade down, and he felt Lucia's horrified grief as he collapsed, but he felt no pain. He was at peace. He was one with the Force.