Well. I'm sick (probably from all the stress mounting on me lately :(), unable to talk (again - see sick), head hurts, but it's raining and I'm listening to Taylor Swift and still writing. *weakly punches fist into the air* Yeaah...and I can even smell the Christmas tree my parents got last night - heh. That's a definite plus.

Managed to type this up last night - well, more like early morning. (As in, one o'clock in the morning...whoops.) Enjoy!

Chapter Three. The Mark of Ventress

Part four of chapter three

Going down to the underground water supply was a new experience for Obi-wan. It was dark down there, for one thing, so he had to carry along a torch. It cast eerie shadows along the rocky walls, sometimes making images and forms that weren't even really there. It was a long trip as well – and there were many tunnels leading off to different branches of the water supply.

After a couple of waters walking around the tunnels, Qui-Gon came to a stop in front of a pool of water. He gave it a grim stare and then, he said, "This water supplies the whole town. Take a sample."

Obi-wan nodded, handing the torch over to Qui-Gon. He reached into the satchel and yanked out a small vial. Pausing, Obi-wan took a look at the water. It was dark, and the light of the torch didn't exactly illuminate the bottom of the pool. He shuddered at the thought – what if it didn't have a bottom? That was probably scientifically impossible – or at least, Qui-Gon would be able to tell him if he asked, but right now, being stuck underground, Obi-wan figured he didn't really want to know.

Obi-wan carefully uncorked the vial and stuck it into the water, gathering enough water. He dripped out some excess water and corking the vial again, turned to Qui-Gon for confirmation. The physician gave Obi-wan a nod. "Let's take it back and examine it," he said quietly.

However, just as Obi-wan stepped away from the pool, a loud, deep roar sounded from behind him. He felt a shiver run up his back and instantly, both Qui-Gon and he turned around to face the source. To his great shock, a large, dark creature had emerged from the pool – but before Obi-wan could take a proper look at the details, it disappeared back into the water.

"What the hell was that?" Obi-wan asked, eyes wide at the spot where the monstrosity had been only moments ago.

xXx

"There," Qui-Gon said, jabbing a finger at a description in one of his books. He held up the book for Obi-wan to see, murmuring, "It was an afanc." Obi-wan stared at the carefully-written words of the book. "An…a what?" he asked, bewildered. Obi-wan tapped his fingers against the pages. "An afanc," he repeated simply. "A beast born of clay and conjured only by the most powerful Force users and sorcerers – probably one of the Night Sisters." He looked up, his expression dark. "Only now, we need to find a way to destroy it."

"Night Sisters?" Obi-wan asked, frowning at the new term. "What're they?"

"Not what, who," Qui-Gon corrected, placing the book back on the workbench. "The Night Sisters are one of those societies of darker Force users – only combined with magic powers. They're all females – and all incredibly dangerous. I'm assuming one of them is working to bring Coruscant down as we speak."

Before Obi-wan could ask for more information, Qui-Gon looked up at the bookshelves. "But where could we find a way to defeat the afanc?" he murmured. Obi-wan followed the older man's gaze, heart falling at the sight of the thick, dusty volumes atop the wooden shelves. "That could take days," he whispered. "Padmé could be dead by the time we're done with reading all that."

"Do you have any better ideas?" Qui-Gon asked.

xXx

Obi-wan had to make another quick stop to the dungeons – only to make sure that Padmé was still there. However, to get to them, he had to cross the courtyard – and that meant looking at the stake that was being prepared by the soldiers of Coruscant. Obi-wan took a few seconds to stare at the piling wood, feeling his stomach churn just at the idea that Padmé might be mounted atop it if he didn't prove her innocence.

When Obi-wan finally did reach Padmé's cell, he was greeted with the image of her back. She was laid out on the cell floor, head resting on her arm – her entire face was looking away from Obi-wan. He wrapped a hand around one of the bars and called softly, "Padmé?"

Padmé didn't turn around. Maybe she was upset – or maybe she didn't want to talk to Obi-wan right now.

Either way, Obi-wan whispered, "I'm going to get you out. I will."

xXx

Visiting the Force Wielder was almost just as painful. Obi-wan cast the torch over the great room, looking up at the dimensions of the prison. "Hello?" he shouted. There were a few minutes of tense silence – and then, a familiar winged figure flew down in front of Obi-wan.

"Hello," the Force Wielder replied, slowly morphing back into a more human-like form. (Obi-wan was still trying to get used to that.) "And so the young Jedi returns, as I knew he would." Obi-wan decided to brush that comment away. He held the torch up a bit higher above his head, saying, "I need to know how to defeat an afanc."

"Yes, I suppose you do," the Force Wielder responded passively. Obi-wan felt a flutter of hope take life in his heart. "Will you help me?" he asked. The Force Wielder paused. Then, clasping his hands in front of himself, he said, "Trust the elements that are at your command."

Obi-wan frowned. "Elements? But what do I have to do?"

"You cannot do this alone," the Force Wielder replied, ignoring Obi-wan's question. (Much to the young man's annoyance.) "You are but one side of a coin. Anakin is the other." Obi-wan had to resist the urge to shout something – again with the Anakin comments. Again with all of this destiny-talk. For once, Obi-wan would like to get a straight answer from the Force Wielder.

"I don't understand!" he said, throwing an exasperated arm up in the air. "Just tell me what I have to do." However, the Force Wielder did not respond. He transformed back into the winged figure – and started to fly into the darkness of the vast place. "No!" Obi-wan shouted frantically after him, but the Force Wielder did not look back. "Please, help me!"

"I have!" the Force Wielder replied over his shoulder. With a laugh, he disappeared.

Obi-wan stared resentfully into the blackness. "Oh, yes, right," he muttered under his breath. "Thanks."

xXx

"Have you found anything more?" King Palpatine asked when Anakin walked into the throne room. The prince had to swallow back the bitterness in his voice when he spoke. "I've tried," he replied quietly. When his father did not respond right away, he added, "But then I'll keep looking."

"People are dying – we can't wait any longer." Palpatine replied, standing up. He turned to look at Anakin. The prince's entire body tightened at the following words, "We must kill the witch. Bring her execution forward to tonight." Anakin's heart sank at that. He managed to give the king a curt nod, but as he headed back out of the room, couldn't help but to wonder if his father would ever change his prejudice. It didn't seem right to burn a maidservant for trying to save her father – wasn't right at all.

xXx

"Obi-wan, what are you doing?" Qui-Gon asked as the younger man shifted around the workbenches and bookshelves. Eyes still trained on the shelves, Obi-wan answered, "Looking for a book." When not finding anything, he pushed himself away and started to rifle through the books on the other workbench. He could sense Qui-Gon's bewilderment as the physician asked, "Care to tell me which one?"

"A book – on elements," Obi-wan murmured, clearing another table. There had to be one somewhere!

"Elements?"

"Yes," Obi-wan replied, crouching down to the floor. "Which book would I find them in?"

"Well, most of them," Qui-Gon said, heading over to Obi-wan. "The study of base elements is at the very heart of the scientific process." Obi-wan looked up from the book he was scanning through. "But how would that help me kill the afanc?" he asked helplessly.

"Well, the afanc is a creature made of earth and water – that's two of the four base elements." Qui-Gon explained slowly. Obi-wan slowly closed the book. "Then what about the other two?" he asked. The physician paused. "Perhaps that would destroy it! You'll need fire. Wind and fire." Obi-wan stared up at the older man. Wind and fire, he thought excitedly to himself. Now he was getting somewhere!

He quickly stood up and placed the book back on the table as Qui-Gon asked, "How did you find this out?"

Obi-wan paused. He couldn't tell Qui-Gon about the Force Wielder – that was a secret that would come out of the bag another time. As casually as he possibly could, the younger man replied, "I just knew, yes? Part of my powers, I believe."

"And what else does your powers tell you?" the physician asked, confused.

Obi-wan drummed his fingers against the table. "That…I am only one side of a coin," he said, choosing his words carefully. Then, puffing out a sigh, added, "The brightest side, obviously." The older man didn't look too convinced. "And who's the other side?" he asked with a lift of his eyebrow. Obi-wan pressed his lips together and turning to Qui-Gon, replied, "I think that'd be Anakin."

Before Qui-Gon could reply, the door slammed open to reveal Lady Ahsoka. "They're bringing forward the execution today!" she said, outraged. She strode into the room, hands clenched deliberately by her sides. "We have to prove Padmé's innocence." Qui-Gon gestured around the room. "We're trying," he said simply. Ahsoka shook her head firmly. "Please," she replied. "Just tell me what I can do to help."

Obi-wan sprung at the chance. "We need Anakin," he said – and though the words tasted bitter in his mouth, he figured that he might as well. Why else would the Force Wielder tell him about the coin analogy? (And though he was unwilling to admit it, the Force Wielder had been correct about everything that had happened so far…)

Ahsoka looked just as flabbergasted as Obi-wan had felt when the Force Wielder had told him the news. "Anakin?" she asked, her brow furrowing. Obi-wan quickly walked forward, saying, "There's a monster – an afanc – in the water supply – that's what's causing the plague."

Ahsoka frowned. "Then we must tell Palpatine!"

"The afanc was forged by magic – with assistance from the Force, no doubt," Qui-Gon put in helpfully. "Telling Palpatine wouldn't save Padmé; he'd just blame her for conjuring it."

Ahsoka bobbed her head up and down into another nod. "So what do we need to do?" she asked, determined. "Destroy it," Obi-wan responded. "Then, the plague will stop and then Palpatine might see sense." Ahsoka nodded slowly at that answer. "And that's why we need Anakin," she said quietly. Well, something along those lines, Obi-wan thought to himself, but simply replied, "He's our best chance." After a moment of hesitation, he added, "But he won't want to disobey the king."

Ahsoka bit down on her lip. Then, crossing her arms, responded, "Leave that to me." With that, she turned on her heel and walked swiftly out of the room.

xXx

"You alright?" Anakin asked, glancing over at Ahsoka's pale face. The two were standing in Anakin's bedroom – Ahsoka nearby the dining table and the prince at the other side of the room. "Sorry about the mess," Anakin added after a pause. "Obi-wan hasn't been here all day."

A small smile twitched at the corner of Ahsoka's lips. "Poor Obi-wan," she commented. Anakin rolled his eyes, picking up one of his tunics. "Yeah," he agreed, sarcasm dripping from his voice. He started to make his way to the dresser, but Ahsoka wasn't quite finished with her statement. "To offer his life to save Padmé's…I certainly can't imagine a man loving me that much."

Anakin looked back at Ahsoka and then, with a smirk, shot back, "No, I certainly can't imagine that, either."

Ahsoka looked down at the floor, uttering a quiet snort. "That's because you're not like Obi-wan," she responded loftily. "He's a lover." At that, the prince grinned. He threw another tunic over his shoulder and said, "Maybe I haven't found the right person to love." He started to move back towards his dresser, listening to Ahsoka continue, "Sadly, the age of gallantry seems to be dead. You look around and all you see are small men not big enough to fit their armor." Anakin sighed, heading back to Ahsoka. The blonde went on, "There's not one of them able to stand up to what is right."

Anakin leaned against a chair, shaking his head. He knew the game Ahsoka was playing – ever since they were children, Ahsoka had been the one to aim at Anakin's weak spots to get him involved in something. So really, this wasn't that different. "What do you want me to do?" he asked tiredly, but couldn't help the amused smile flickering across his face.

xXx

Whatever Ahsoka had said to Anakin worked, to Obi-wan's great relief. Anakin didn't even say anything to Obi-wan – only gave him a small nod and without another word, the trio made their way to the underground tunnels. It wasn't until the only source of light was the torch that Anakin held did the prince say, "You better be right about this, Obi-wan."

Obi-wan didn't bother replying. He silently made his way around the tunnels, every so often looking at the walls to avoid any more conversation with the royal prat.

But conversation really couldn't be avoided, especially when a low growl slithered its way around the tunnels. The group stopped in its tracks – and Ahsoka uttered a small, shaky gasp at the sound. Obi-wan couldn't blame her – the growl sent a chill up his spine, and even Anakin looked uneasy about whatever was to come next.

"You should stay here," Anakin finally said, turning to look at Ahsoka.

"I'm coming with you," Ahsoka instantly protested.

"No." Anakin argued, unsheathing the sword at his side. A corner of Ahsoka's lips turned up, but she still didn't look too confident. At least she was trying. "Scared I'll show you up?" the blonde challenged. Anakin shook his head. "Father will slam us both in chains if he knew I'd endangered you," he rebutted.

Obi-wan couldn't help but to watch the exchange with amusement – this was something he didn't really get to see, not to mention that he still didn't know too much about Lady Ahsoka, or her interaction with Anakin. It hadn't ever occurred to him that there was a slight possibility that the younger woman made quite the rallying match with Anakin.

"Good thing he doesn't know about it, then," Ahsoka replied, tilting her head.

"I'm telling you, Ahsoka, turn back. You could get hurt," Anakin said, giving the blonde a glare.

"So could you," Ahsoka responded quietly. Obi-wan watched as Anakin startled, surprise entering his eyes. He hesitated, but before he could say anything else, Ahsoka added with a wide smile, "If you don't get out of my way." Holding up her own torch, Ahsoka pushed past Anakin and Obi-wan to venture deeper into the tunnels. Obi-wan looked over at Anakin and gave him a small shrug. The prince responded to the gesture with another shake of his head and a roll of his eyes, as if to say, can you believe her?

The two quickly caught back up with Ahsoka, whose smile had faded and been replaced with another apprehensive-eyed look. "How are we going to find it?" she asked, quickening her pace. "Just hope we do, before it finds us," Obi-wan replied slowly. He looked at the shadows on the rocky walls, careful to make sure that there were only the three of himself and Anakin and Ahsoka.

"Stop!" Anakin suddenly said, stopping short in his tracks.

"What?" Obi-wan asked, turning to the prince.

Anakin lifted his sword, his arm tensed undoubtedly for a fight – but as a minute ticked by, he lowered it. "Just a trick of the torch," he murmured. Both Obi-wan and Ahsoka let out a low breath at that – and unwilling to look back, all three hurried down the tunnel. At long last, they reached the water supply, which looked as still and dark as ever.

"Spread out," Anakin instructed. Obeying, Ahsoka went down one tunnel and Obi-wan took a few steps into the other, but both weren't too far from Anakin. Obi-wan's nerves were jumping around – as they have been ever since he took a step into Coruscant. Crazed and grief-struck Force-using mothers, check – greedy knights carrying around Force-riddled shields, check – monster damaging the water system, check, Obi-wan thought grimly to himself. There really wasn't such thing as peace in this city, was there?

Just as those thoughts formed in Obi-wan's mind, the sound of a sword clanging against a surface was heard from the main room. Immediately, he ran back in to find Anakin with his sword extended in front of himself – and Ahsoka shouting, "What is it? Are you alright?"

"Yes," Anakin replied, clutching tightly to his sword.

"Did you see it?" Obi-wan asked, turning to Anakin. "Yes," the prince replied. "It's…it's quick! I couldn't even really tell if it was there until –"

Anakin never got to finish his sentence. It was drowned out by the sound of Ahsoka's scream, quickly followed by the roar of the great afanc itself. For a second, Obi-wan could make the figure out – he could see the chillingly long, sharp, white teeth and the moist, dark skin of the creature. But in the next, the creature was gone.

"Where is it?" Anakin shouted impatiently, swinging his torch and sword. "Where did it go?"

Obi-wan couldn't tell if it was his powers or just his ears that heard the sound of pattering feet down the tunnel. Either way, he turned and shouted, "I think it's gone this way!"

Sure enough, just a few steps away, the trio were re-encountered by the afanc. This time, it didn't move as quickly – instead, it walked across the tunnel from side to side, its beady, dark eyes watching their every move. Anakin was the first to react – he instantly swung his sword, only to have it clatter out of his hand and onto the ground. The afanc let out another fearsome roar and started to bolt towards Ahsoka, who blindly stuck the torch out in front of herself. The terror on her face was evident – the discomfort was clear.

On the other hand, Anakin was trying to distract the afanc with his own torch. He shouted at the beast, occasionally trying to get close only to be pushed aside by one of its swipes. Obi-wan stood at the side, eyes searching for another answer – use wind and fire. Wind and fire, wind and fire, wind and fire.

Closing his eyes, Obi-wan shouted, "Use your torch, Anakin!"

The prince, whether he had been listening to Obi-wan or not, all the same stuck out his torch. Obi-wan called on the Force – he willed the air to stir, for something to help along with the fire. For a frightening moment, the man couldn't feel anything – he couldn't tell if his powers were working or if he would be caught.

But then, an unearthly, guttural roar echoed around the tunnels, followed by a cheer from Anakin.

Obi-wan re-opened his eyes. The afanc was nowhere to be found – but instead, there were only a relieved and worn Anakin Skywalker and Ahsoka Tano. "It just…died, I think," Anakin said, shaking his head. He ran a hand through his hair. "Look at that."

Obi-wan leaned against the rocky wall. So no one had seen him use the Force.

And Padmé would be freed.

xXx

"Good news, sire – there are no new deaths and the sick are recovering," Qui-Gon said crisply, walking into the throne room. He carried a cloth in his hands, though he hadn't revealed to anyone what was inside. It was for the king's eyes, it seemed, and for the king's eyes only.

"Good," King Palpatine said. "It's all very strange – I haven't heard of an afanc before."

"It's conjured from clay and magic with the assistance of the Force," Qui-Gon recited, holding up the cloth. "And it's the type that only a powerful, ancient user can harness – one who has the power to mirror the spirit of life." He unwrapped the cloth slowly to reveal a white capsule, scratched with the strange markings that seemed all too familiar to him. "This bears the mark of Ventress," the physician explained, but the look on King Palpatine's face told him that it didn't need an explanation.

King Palpatine shook his head. "She can't be here," he said slowly.

"We must be vigilant, sire," Qui-Gon only replied.

"Will I never be rid of her?" Palpatine asked quietly.

"Sire –" Qui-Gon started to say, but the king wouldn't have any of it.

"Leave me!" he thundered.

At his wish, the throne room quickly emptied.

xXx

"Father!" Padmé sobbed, throwing herself at her parent when the cell door opened. Obi-wan and Ahsoka stood from outside the cell with identical happy smiles as the daughter and father were reunited. Padmé clung to her father with watery eyes and wide smile. The moment the two separated, however, Padmé rushed to Ahsoka. "Thank you," she said breathlessly, clutching the lady's hands.

"Don't thank me," Ahsoka replied, grinning. "It was more Obi-wan than me."

Padmé turned to Obi-wan, eyes shining. "Really?" she asked.

Obi-wan turned to Ahsoka as well, who added, "He's the real hero here."

Padmé let out a small laugh. "I don't know what to say," she said, wiping at her eyes. Obi-wan smiled. "I – I didn't do anything," he quickly replied, looking down at the ground. Padmé's father beamed at Ahsoka and Obi-wan. "I'm grateful to you all," he said kindly. He placed a hand over his daughter's shoulder. "Come along, Padmé." The maidservant nodded happily and giving both Obi-wan and Ahsoka one last smile, quickly exited the dungeons.

Obi-wan started to make his way out as well, but just before he could, Ahsoka called after him, "Obi-wan?" The man turned around. "Yes?" he asked.

"I just wanted to let you know – your secret is safe with me," Ahsoka replied matter-of-factly. Obi-wan stared at the blonde, stunned and heart pounding loudly against his chest. So he was seen? "My secret?" he asked weakly. "Obi-wan, don't pretend," Ahsoka responded, crossing her arms. "I know what you did."

"You do?" Obi-wan inquired, brow furrowing.

"Saw it with my own eyes," Ahsoka nodded.

"You did?"

Ahsoka nodded again. She pressed her lips together and in the same solemn tone, said, "I understand why you don't want anyone knowing." Obi-wan could only let out an incredulous laugh. "Well, obviously," he said. He clutched his hands behind his back, mind reeling – Ahsoka had seen him use the Force. His secret was out. Oh, dear –

"But I won't tell anyone," Ahsoka said with a smile. At that, Obi-wan's smile broadened. "But you don't mind me talking to you about it?" she asked hesitantly.

Obi-wan's relief was practically exploding through his chest. "Er – no," he replied, trying to keep the joy out of his voice. Someone knew his secret – and someone understood! Ahsoka understood! He leaned forward, shaking his head. "You have no idea how hard it is to keep it hidden!"

Ahsoka giggled into her hand. "Well, you can continue to deny it, but I think Padmé is a very lucky woman."

Obi-wan blinked. "Padmé?" he asked quizzically. What did Padmé have to do with this?

Ahsoka lifted a finger to her lips. She gave Obi-wan a knowing wink and replied, "It's our secret." With that, the blonde headed out of the dungeon. Obi-wan stared after her, feeling his heart slow down. He pressed his lips together, disappointed. So Ahsoka hadn't known about the Force – and that meant he still didn't really have anyone to turn to, either.

Closing his eyes, Obi-wan turned his head up to the ceiling and sighed.

xXx

"The…fish didn't come from the water, did it?" Obi-wan asked slowly, poking at his dinner. Qui-Gon lifted an eyebrow at him. "Well, of course it came from the water. Where else would it come from?" At Obi-wan's hesitance to eat more of the meal, Qui-Gon added, "Water is fine now, though. That's not your worry. This is the work of a very powerful Force user. I only hope you didn't come to her attention."

Obi-wan shook his head. "Doubt it," he replied halfheartedly. "No one else seems to appreciate my skills. I just want someone to see me for who I am!"

"One day, Obi-wan," Qui-Gon said simply, standing up from the table. "One day."

Obi-wan turned to watch him. "One day what?"

"One day, people won't believe what an idiot you were," Qui-Gon replied, placing a hand over the younger man's shoulder. Obi-wan grinned as the physician sat back down at the table. "Thanks," he said dryly. The older man only laughed – and Obi-wan couldn't help but to join in as well.

xXx

From her spot by the stone basin, Ventress hissed at the image of Obi-wan Kenobi floating in the water. "Curse you! You will pay for this!" she shouted, dashing the water with a flick of her wrist. This Obi-wan was not to come in between her and her plans for Coruscant's ruin, and she'd make sure of that.

A/N - Heh. I'm afraid both Anakin and Ahsoka have the wrong idea about Obi-wan. And his secret. Hee. (Still not an Obidala, though!) Omigoodness the rain just intensified outside and right now all the fandom feels are whirling around in my gut and it's not okay. Oh, and I watched Big Hero 6 again last night with my family - cried harder than ever. If you haven't watched that movie yet, watch it now. I don't care if you're eleven years old or thirty-two - you will love it. But bring tissues. Because you'll cry your eyes out. I certainly did. My heart...broken...gah.

Anyways! Reviews are always great! Constructive criticism is welcome, but flames are not!