Chapter Sixteen – Demons From The Past

Anakin and Obi-Wan returned to the cave where the speeder had been left and started the journey back to their headquarters. Obi-Wan decided it would be a good idea to radio ahead to inform Master Yoda of what happened. He switched on his comlink and began his report.

"Master Yoda, this is Obi-Wan Kenobi, repeat, this is Obi-Wan Kenobi. Do you copy?" Obi-Wan paused, waiting for a response.

"Good to hear from you it is young Obi-Wan. Hope you are well I do."

"I'm fine Master. I was kidnapped by a mysterious man and taken to an abandoned building on the outskirts of the city. Anakin says he knows who he was, and engaged him in battle. He escaped, but we are unharmed. We should be back within the next hour."

"When you get back, tell me more you will. Worried for your safety Padawan Daniel was. Relieved he will be that you are safe. Pleased you will be to know that young Siri has returned. No Jedi did she find on her travels, but heard of the Empire's fleet she did and return to fight she has. See you soon we will." Yoda ended the call and Obi-Wan clipped the comlink back onto his belt. Anakin turned to face Obi-Wan whose face had turned slightly pale.

"Relax Obi-Wan," he said. Obi-Wan shot him an annoyed look.

"Thank you Anakin, but I am quite capable of composing myself," he replied.

"I know how much you missed Siri. I also know you had something special once, even if you won't admit to it," Anakin said with a smirk.

"I don't know what you're talking about," Obi-Wan muttered. Anakin laughed.

"Whatever you say Obi-Wan," he said sardonically. Anakin knew he was getting on Obi-Wan's nerves. He had been able to do so since he was a small boy, and it had gotten easier as he got older.

"Would you just concentrate on getting us back?!" he cried exasperatedly. Anakin tried to hide the smile playing on his lips as he returned his gaze to the front of the speeder.

When they arrived back at their headquarters they saw a small transport ship outside. It wasn't particularly big. There was a small cockpit at the front of the ship, followed by a seating area which could fit between ten and fifteen people in it if squeezed in. Anakin and Obi-Wan came to the conclusion that the ship belonged to Siri. They made their way inside the building and were met by Master Yoda on the first floor.

"Good to see you, it is Masters," Yoda greeted them with a smile. "Anakin, tell me about the kidnapper you must. To the briefing room we will go."

Obi-Wan opened his mouth to speak, but he was cut off by Yoda.

"In our quarters Siri is. Meditating elsewhere Daniel is and taken the baby with him he has. Much to talk about, I suspect you have."

Master Yoda motioned for Anakin to follow him into the briefing room, leaving Obi-Wan to prepare himself for his meeting with Siri.

Some time later, Obi-Wan found himself in his quarters. He stepped out of the elevator and into the living area. He spotted Siri meditating in the middle of the room facing towards him. She hadn't seemed to notice his entrance. He took a moment to stare at her. Her long straight blonde hair looked elegant as she meditated under the lighting fixtures. There was not a wrinkle in sight, something Obi-Wan could not say about himself. Her lips looked soft and tender, giving Obi-Wan thoughts he hadn't had since he was sixteen years old.

No Obi-Wan, you are a Jedi Master, he thought as he composed himself. He straightened his robes, rubbing a non-existent crease out of tunic and approached Siri who still showed no signs of sensing his presence. Obi-Wan cleared his throat. Siri opened her eyes, showing the beautiful cerulean eyes he hadn't realised he'd been longing to see for so long. He smiled.

"Hello there," he said as he took his place on the floor opposite his friend. Siri smiled back.

"Hello Obi-Wan. What sort of mischief have you been up to then? Master Yoda told me you'd gone missing."

"I was kidnapped by a dark side user. He wasn't an official Sith, but he was as good as. Luckily I was rescued by Master Skywalker. As is usual when situations involving the two of us arise, a duel ensued. He fought well and eventually escaped. Anakin has gone with Master Yoda to discuss this man, as he knew him before…"

"Before what?" Siri probed.

"Before we met up again about a year after the Purge began."

"About that, I heard rumours about Skywalker." Obi-Wan tried to keep a reserved look on his face as Siri paused. "Some say he was in collaboration with Darth Vader, who disappeared about eight months ago. Is it true?"

"He killed Darth Vader." Siri's brow furrowed.

"You didn't answer my question Obi-Wan."

"Well, he was… kidnapped by Vader and held prisoner by him… After nearly a year, Anakin sort of came back… and then he defeated Vader in battle."

Obi-Wan knew he wasn't telling the entire truth, but he wasn't telling any lies either. From a certain point of view, Vader did keep Anakin Skywalker locked up and Anakin did eventually defeat the Sith Lord. However, as far as Siri was concerned, the battle took place in real life when in reality, the battle had taken place inside the mind of the prophesised Chosen One. He decided to change the subject, not wanting to discuss Vader any longer.

"How have you been?" Obi-Wan asked.

"I've been doing well. I got myself a job as a courier transporting large good's around the galaxy. The pay wasn't very good, but it was still a job and it kept me going. I left that job soon after the Purge's started and bought the ship that's outside. I began searching for any remaining Jedi. My search proved quite futile until I met Daniel and his little companion. By this time news was flying around the galaxy that the Alliance had formed and that the great General Kenobi had led his troops into battle once again. So, I sent them to you and you know the rest." There was a long pause in which neither of the two spoke.

"So, uh, how have you been Obi-Wan?" Siri asked.

"Oh. I've been fine. I lived on Tatooine for a short while until Anakin found me. Then we went to see Yoda, and the two of us gave Anakin some… advanced training. After that we formed a plan and put it into action. That's what brought us here. Telos is nice, but it doesn't feel like home."

"Only home will ever make us feel at home again," Siri said softly. There was another pause. Obi-Wan could feel something keeping them apart. Something that should have been resolved two decades ago, but never was.

"Siri, there is something I've wanted to say, for a very long time."

"Don't Obi-Wan. Don't bring up the past please. It's too painful for me."

"That is why we must talk about it. The only way to be free of that pain is if we discuss it. We've kept it bottled up for twenty years too long Siri." Obi-Wan understood how hard it was for her. It had been far from easy for him, yet he had learned to live with the pain. He no longer wanted to just live with the pain. Now that they were alone together, Obi-Wan say it as a perfect opportunity to heal their rifts, to sort out a mess that had lingered for far too long.

"I suppose so," Siri muttered. She bowed her head, seemingly waiting for Obi-Wan to speak.

"I am sorry." Siri looked up at him.

"What for? You did nothing wrong. We both chose the Jedi over our love. You have nothing to feel sorry for."

"No, I do. I shouldn't have just left things as they were. Yoda and Qui-Gon had our best interests at heart, but I should have tried to discuss things with you instead of ignoring them for the next ten years. We shouldn't have agreed to stay apart. It was a bad decision and one of the only regrets I have."

"I am sorry too. I should have tried harder to face up to our problems instead of brushing them aside."

"I never… I never stopped loving you. Not really," Obi-Wan confessed.

"I've always loved you Obi-Wan."

Obi-Wan and Siri stared into each other's eyes. They were within touching distance, and both of them leaned forward. They embraced hesitantly at first, but after a few seconds any uncomfortable feelings dissolved. Obi-Wan wrapped one arm around Siri and the other stroked her hair as she rested her head on Obi-Wan's shoulder. Siri held onto Obi-Wan's tunic and closed her eyes, savouring the moment.

"I missed you Siri," Obi-Wan whispered.

"I missed you too Obi-Wan."

Anakin and Yoda were sitting next to each other on two swivel chairs in an empty briefing room. There were maps, screens and computers all over the place. In the middle of the room was a large table which doubled as an interactive screen. This screen was especially useful for planning attacks, as it allowed the person in charge to draw and write on whatever it was displaying. The two Jedi were sitting at the table.

"What of this kidnapper can you tell me?" Yoda inquired.

"Well, when Vader was hunting the Jedi, he located one on the Wookie home world of Kashyyyk. Vader murdered him, and found his son not long afterwards. The boy showed potential, and his father had already taught him most of the basics and some of the intermediate skills. He was exceptionally skilled in lightsaber combat for his age. Vader liked him and took him on as his secret apprentice. Vader gave him the codename Starkiller, and begun his dark side training. It didn't take long for him to turn, but soon after that Vader died, replaced by me. I don't know what has happened since, but he might have been continuing his training by himself in one of the abandoned academies on Korriban." Yoda stroked his green chin affectionately as he digested all he had been told.

"Doubt I do, that a great threat he will pose to us. Unless to the Emperor he goes."

"He said he said he planned to become his apprentice. With his potential and being only seventeen, the Emperor will make him his apprentice immediately. If that happens, it is likely he will become very powerful and may be sent to kill us."

"To kill us, he would not be sent. Ready he is not. Ready he will not be for a long time. Train him the Emperor would first. A long time this could take," Yoda said.

"I agree. All we can do is hope for the best." Yoda nodded.

"Something else I wished to discuss with you there is."

"Oh?"

"Hmm. Unusual it is for a Jedi to be ranked Master without training an apprentice." Anakin found himself agreeing with that statement. In the Old Jedi Order, a Jedi usually achieved the rank of Master if his or her Padawan passed their trials. The Padawan would be knighted and the Knight would be made a Master in the same ceremony.

"I suppose it is."

"Need an apprentice, you do."

"I… don't think so. I'm not the role model type," Anakin stated.

"Think you do, that a role model you are not? Forgotten the Clone Wars have you? Forgotten your legions of supporters have you? A role model you most certainly are, Master Skywalker. A good teacher you would be."

"I just don't think I'm ready for that kind of a commitment Master. I'm only twenty-four years old."

"Only twenty-five young Obi-Wan was when took you as his apprentice he did. And no previous training did you have. Made it harder for him it did, but trained you well he still did."

"Well, yes, but-"

"No buts Anakin. Need an apprentice you do, and a Master Padawan Daniel needs. A perfect opportunity this is, hmm? Help each other you can. Teach each other you can. More confidence in your abilities you need Anakin."

"What about Obi-Wan? Daniel seems to like him more than he likes me."

"Only because know you he does not. With him you must talk. Confidence I have that he will grow to like you."

Anakin didn't know what to do. On one hand, he was a Jedi Master, and there was a lot he could teach the Padawan about the Force and about becoming a Jedi. On the other hand, Anakin wasn't sure he was mature enough to take on such a big responsibility. He knew Obi-Wan was very mature when he took Anakin as his apprentice. Anakin didn't feel he had that same maturity.

"It would be nice to see him pass his trials in ten years time. I can't imagine the feeling of watching my own apprentice become a Knight."

"A joyous occasion it is."

"But if I fail then I will ruin his life. Being a Jedi is all he knows, and I cannot afford to mess that up for him." Yoda leaned closer to Anakin in his chair.

"Help you I will, and help you Obi-Wan will. Alone you are not."

Anakin ran a hand through his hair and stroked his chin thoughtfully. There were a few minutes where neither Jedi spoke while Anakin thought about his options.

"I need time to think Master. This is a big step for me, and I don't want to rush into things."

"A wise decision that is. Take your time young Anakin. Await your decision I will," Yoda said while nodding approvingly.

The Force ghost of Qui-Gon Jinn had seen many things. Some he was proud to see, some he was saddened to see, and some he wasn't supposed to see. Although neither Jedi nor dark Jedi had seen him, Qui-Gon had witnessed the entire duel in the abandoned building. He watched over Obi-Wan as he was imprisoned in his cell like room. He watched over Anakin as he duelled Vader's former apprentice. And he was still watching over them.

"Qui-Gon?"

He turned around. Another familiar Force ghost joined him. Qui-Gon returned to watching over his former pupils, and the other stood at his side. Qui-Gon turned to face the new arrival.

"It's been a long time Master Dooku," he said.

"Indeed it has Padawan."

"What brings you here?" Qui-Gon asked.

"The same reason that brings you here," he replied. Qui-Gon raised an eyebrow.

"You wish to watch over the two men you fought twice against? You wish to watch over the man who killed you in battle?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

"I have found the error of my ways in death," he said simply.

"And what would that be?" Qui-Gon inquired.

"When you died at the hands of the Zabrak on Naboo, I was a mess. I was in pain. The sadness would have overwhelmed me had I not been so terribly furious. I begged the Council to do more about the Sith. I was practically on my knees. When they told me there was nothing they could do, I became even angrier. After that I asked the Council to give Obi-Wan time to grieve alone, and give Anakin another temporary Master while he did so. They refused my request. I began to drift away from the Jedi and it wasn't long before I handed in my resignation."

"So it was your attachment to me that drove you to the Dark Side?"

"You could say that. After I left the Jedi I was alone, angry and confused. Palpatine contacted me and said I could stay with him until I got back on my feet. I was suspicious as to his reasons for wanting to help me. He just said he wanted to repay me for my years of hard work and service to the Republic. Eventually he revealed himself to me as Darth Sidious. He told me things I wanted to hear, things that made me hate the Jedi Council. I fell to the Dark Side and pledged myself to the Sith."

"I see," Qui-Gon said, his voice barely louder than a whisper.

"I don't expect your pity, or your forgiveness for what I did. However, if you could find it in you to forgive your old Master, I would truly be ever so grateful."

Qui-Gon thought briefly about what he had just heard. It was a sad story, one Qui-Gon would rather had never happened. He felt sorry for his former Master. It would be wrong not to, he thought.

"You have my forgiveness Master." Dooku smiled, placing a hand on Qui-Gon's shoulder. He gave it a little squeeze.

"Thank you, my Padawan."

Authors' Note: I liked writing this chapter. I liked the idea of taking three characters and making them face people (or talk about them in Anakin's case) from their past, while bringing back painful memories. I was originally only going to write this chapter in two halves, one half with Obi-Wan and Siri, and the other half with Anakin talking about the Apprentice. However, I thought it would be nice to bring back Qui-Gon and Dooku for a little appearance, which would make this a three part chapter. I'd like to think I've pulled it off pretty well, but I'll let you decide that for yourselves.

I must say thanks to everyone who has taken time out of their schedule to read Redemption. I must also thank all of you who have added this story to your favourites list or your alerts list. I must thank everyone who has added my to your author alerts list. And finally, a massive thank you to everyone who has submitted a review. It really is appreciated. Please keep reading, please keep adding this story or me to your lists and please keep the reviews coming.

Now I will reply to the reviews I received for the last chapter.

General-joseph-dickson: I agree. Well, Siri is back, so maybe Obi-Wan will get the happiness he deserves.

Newageexperiment: Starkiller is his codename, not his real name, according to the Star Wars Wiki. Nobody knows his real name, but I'm sure TFU will answer all our questions.

JediKnight13: I'm glad you liked it, and thanks for the compliments.

MMM73181: I hope this chapter answers your questions.

Banbi-v: Nope, we've still got quite a while to go yet, hehe.

Lily Louisea: I'm glad you like it and I hope you enjoyed this chapter as much as the others.

FireChildSlitherin5: I'm not quite sure what your question is asking me. Sorry about that.

Delta Knight: Yeah, this is the same apprentice from TFU, however I'm sure the differences in character will show come September 19 when TFU is released.

DarthKenObi-Wan: No, I haven't done that, but I will give it a try sometime. And thanks for taking time out to read MAS.