Chapter 5:

Not even his Jedi training could keep Obi-Wan from openly gaping at the being before him. He couldn't believe, didn't want to believe that this man was related to him. He was a Sith for Force sake. But then again, nothing seemed to be right. A Sith was supposed to be completely dark and hate the Jedi. He was supposed to be ruthless and unforgiving, yet Darth Ombro had let him and Anakin go. The ginger haired Jedi had no doubt that they would not have the slightest chance against him, not even with Ahsoka and the clones, even though he wasn't sure where that knowledge came from.

A sharp tug at the back of his mind brought Obi-Wan back to the here and now. Curiously he inspected the area and he was surprised to see strong shields there. Shields that weren't his and therefore should not be there. He felt the Force presence of some of the Council members, including Yoda and Mace Windu and the truth of their words rung in his head. How could they have lied to him like this? How was he supposed to trust them when they kept secrets even among the Council, how was any Jedi supposed to trust them? And how could he have overseen this?

He felt another tug, harder than the first one and Obi-Wan gazed up at his companion. He had completely forgotten that he wasn't alone. The Sith had slightly come closer, yet not close enough to touch yet. His eyes had still a hint of gold in them, but they were mostly green-blue now. Just like Obi-Wan's own eyes.

"This can't be possible," Obi-Wan protested weakly, fully knowing that he needed more than that to convince himself and the man, who stood arms crossed over his chest before him.

"Search your feelings and the Force and you will know it to be true," the Sith answered.

Obi-Wan shook his head and abruptly stood up from the trunk to bring a few steps between himself and his pseudo brother.

"Show me your face," he ordered.

The dark clad man chuckled, "I'll show you mine if you show me yours."
"What?"

"Destroy the shields and open the bond and I'll show you everything you want to know... except the identity of Sidious, that is something I cannot show you."

"Why not?"

"Because he made sure that none of his 'students' are able to betray him. It is in the nature of Sith students to kill their Master so that they in turn become the Master. It is an unwritten rule in this time. Believe me, I would like nothing more than to reveal all his dirty little secrets to you, it would save me a lot of time." There was logic in the man's words, yet Obi-Wan still didn't want them to be true.

"What will happen if I open the bond?" finally having found his centre and balance again, Obi-Wan stopped pacing and stood across the other male, copying his position.

For a moment the other's eyes shone golden, "We will share memories... and before I forget it, you should protect you mind. Being separated for over thirty years and then sharing experiences..." he chuckled darkly and without humour, "it could be a little overwhelming."

Obi-Wan shook his head, "How is this bond even possible?"

"It was forged by the Force," was the simple answer.

"Why?" the Jedi Master asked.

Again the other male chuckled, but he didn't answer. Instead he relaxed his posture and pushed the hood of his dark robe down. Reddish short hair was revealed, as well as a braid that dangled from behind his left ear. It sported a few colourful beads and Obi-Wan wondered the meaning of this braid. Then the dark clad man's hands moved towards the mask and it too was pulled off. The Jedi Master's centre was once again saying goodbye. It was almost like looking into a mirror, except that the Sith didn't sport a full beard. He only had a beard around his mouth. There was also a scar running over his left eye.

"Because we are twins," the Sith finally answered, "We shared a bond before we were even born."

"What happened... I mean, why," his voice broke off.

"Why did the Jedi Order not take us both? Because Sidious was quicker and he only wanted one apprentice. Me being the older one was his only reason to take me, at least that is what he told me. Now destroy the shield and open the bond if you want to know more." The fingers that held the mask, twitched for a moment.

Obi-Wan was already concentrating on the part of his mind, he hadn't noticed before, when he suddenly froze. He remembered the Council's words. Was his apparent brother's intention to taint him and pull him to the dark side? What would really happen if he opened the bond?

"What is it?" the other male asked impatiently, his eyes were narrowed in suspicion.

"I won't open the bond," and he sounded more confident than he felt.

Golden eyes shown with barely concealed anger, "Let me guess, you won't because that Council of yours told you it would be dangerous." He huffed and revealed his teeth in a snarl, "They are not all knowing brother, you would do good to remember this."

"Neither are you," Obi-Wan replied boldly, "and you are a Sith. Are you not supposed to lie?"

"And you are a Jedi, so you are supposed not to feel attached or emotions at all. But didn't I feel your attachments towards Skywalker when we met? And isn't there affection when you talk to your Grandpadawan or whatever you call her?"

"That's not the same," he was interrupted before he could finish the sentence.

"Do me a favour and spare me the lecture, I am not interested," he hesitated and seemed to ponder about something, "What about a deal?"

Obi-Wan's curiosity was spiked, but he wouldn't let his guard down. "What kind of deal?"

His copy shrugged, "Allow me to try and show you the truth about the Jedi and the Sith. Let me try to make you see reason so that you join me. I won't use dirty tricks, like mind suggestions or torture or whatsoever. Just the truth and my point of view. If I succeed, you will join me."
"And what if you fail?"

"I will give my live so that you and the Jedi know everything there is to know about Sidious."

Obi-Wan thought hard about this. He had no doubt that he could withstand the darkness, but there was still something unsettling him. He had the feeling he was walking into a trap... but wasn't the information worth the risk?

"How do I know that you will keep your word?"

"We make a contract in the Force. It is binding and cannot be broken, under no circumstances," was the simple answer.

Obi-Wan had read about so called Force Contracts. They were forbidden by the Council because there was no way out of it, sometimes not even certain death. He pondered a moment about his options and finally decided what action he should take.

"I agree!"

"Perfect," the Sith purred and both men shook hands while calling upon the Force. The deal was sealed and the bad feeling Obi-Wan had developed only intensified. It had been a bad idea and he knew it, but he wanted the war to end. They all wanted the war to end, but this was not the only reason he agreed. He had seen what would become of Anakin if he didn't watch out and the defeat of Sidious, would keep his former Padawan save.

"It's done," the Sith stated.

Obi-Wan exhaled shakily and sat back down on the trunk, for his legs were shaking too. He silently asked himself what he had done. "What," he cleared his throat, "what's your name?"

Golden eyes sparkled, "Ben-Dar Kenobi, but you may call me Ben."