Chapter 13. Release
He was drifting in the same suffocating blackness, in the swirling waves of shadow, gnawing at him, polishing as if he were a glass thrown into the sea, taking away senses, sapping at his strength, stripping the reality around him of colours and sounds until there was nothing left, nothing except the hollowness and the cold in his bones, the numbness of his limbs and the dull pain, pulsing like a second heart. His throat was still swollen and sore, icy metal of the collar tightening with each dry swallow he took, and he did everything to avoid that excruciating contact, making his breaths shallow and accepting the scratchy desert of his mouth. He no longer moved, lost in the ocean of darkness, without time or space. He was nowhere, immersed in nothingness. Every time he accidentally swallowed and the contraption painfully reassured him of its existence a dim awareness crept into his mind, something inside himself stirring to life, growing, spreading its vines. He wanted to fight it. It felt oily and black, but with every effort Obi-Wan made this bog of darkness was sucking him in. He felt weak. There were whispers, some energy was building inside his mind, springing into existence out of its own accord. Obi-Wan dearly wished to resist it. It was sticky and evil, but he was trapped. His head swam as another wave of blackness swept over him.
Was he falling asleep? For what seemed like an eternity there were no more borders between dreams and wakefulness. Sleep. Not being aware of anything. However, dreams brought no reprieve, they only took away his feeble struggling. Sleep. The wave dragged him down, pulling him further away from the coast, and he could no longer resist the tide.
– I don't suppose you have a plan, do you, Lemmy?
– Plan? What plan do you want? – the ex-Jedi smirked grimly, studying a map on the holopad.
– Well, I'd say you owe us one, – Mace pointed out, drawing his gaze away from the controls and sitting down beside him. – It isn't a Council mission. More like a personal undertaking.
– It isn't much of a mission. Rhad is no Sith. Dark, yes, but no exceptional power.
– Nothing exceptional? That's how you call it? – Mace's eyebrow flew up. – How then you explain the way nobody suspected him all those years?
– We did, –interjected Qui-Gon. –Tahl did, at least. She felt something was off. But without Obi-Wan talking she couldn't do anything, let alone realize what exactly was happening.
– He had remarkable shields, –muttered Tur. – They were stuck, probably the shock and injuries taking their toll, and I had one Sith of a time relaxing him and getting them back to normal.
– You did what neither of us could.
– What neither of you did, – corrected the ex-Jedi bluntly. –But it wasn't your fault. At least, – a mirthless smile sparkled in the corners of his eyes, – not entirely.
– "Should have". The best substitute for "what idiots we were".
– True. Too much serenity does prevent you from stopping a sick son-of-a-Sith from damaging a child's mind. But that doesn't matter now. From what I know, the area is deserted. An ideal place for quiet research. The building is more of a slum. Been there, as you must know. Unfortunately, had no time to look around, – Tur rubbed the bridge of his nose.
– Escaped with your eyes closed, Lemmy?
– Got out of the window. Someone must have paid for that dearly, I have a strong suspicion I wasn't meant to be held in that room. But there was no… ah, landlord to supervise and people are prone to mistakes. What was I saying? Right, the place is a piece of cake. The owner is a bit harder to get. Obi-Wan… Let's just say that I'll deal with that matter.
– What do you mean?
– As you probably know by heart by now, there's the remainder of this broken Force link still festering in his mind. Rhad has Force collars, he understands how to use them. What I saw back there at the hangar confirmed my suspicions.
– Force! He's just a kid, Tur.
– Indeed. But I don't mean the reaction Obi-Wan had when I needed to use it on him. Then he began asphyxiating. Rhad will not let him die, not yet. But there's something else. The dark imprint is a Force creation. With no access to the Force outside, there's plenty of it inside. This thing is not suppressed. It will drag him into the darkness, if it doesn't succeed, it'll kill him.
The cabin fell quiet, except for the softly rustling of the machines. Lights of many colours were dancing on the control panels.
– What about Rhad? – Qui-Go broke the oppressive silence.
– You must know him better. On the other hand, we spent quite a time together. From all I know, he's no Sith. That's what matters. But we shouldn't underestimate him. He will most certainly have support.
– We'll be dropping out of hyperspace soon, – Mace informed them. – You should have a look at this, Tur. We need to know where to land.
– Aye, Captain.
Grey landscape stretched below them, deserted and dull. Eo'ra-A. Not much of a planet, really, That's why when its mineral base was finally used up nearly all of the workers deserted it. The buildings grew old, cities turned into run-down areas, the weary local wilderness stretching to claim its territory once again. It mostly looked the same, and they would have had to orbit the rock many times in a row if not for the data they got from the three padawans. The kids may have discovered the place by chance, but luckily the coordinates were archived in memory of the navicomputer.
– We'll probably have a nice warm welcome, – said Tur, clipping to his belt a lightsaber he borrowed from the training rooms and a small pouch with medical supplies he needed. – The guy's no fool and prefers to remain in control.
– He must be very good at it indeed if you think he's a match for the bunch of us, – joked Qui-Gon.
– I didn't have the pleasure of sparring with him. But once again, it will not do to underestimate the enemy. There were battle droids, though old-fashioned at that. Not many people, though.
– Good. I don't think it really matters where we land, – said Mace, standing at the controls.
– Probably it does, but we have no information to make a calculated decision, – Tur grinned, fingering the cool metal of the lightsaber hilt.
– I hope you haven't forgotten how to use it, – smirked Qui-Gon, amused at the carefully concealed excitement in his friend's eyes.
– I hope so too. Otherwise you're dead, guys.
– Hey, have you forgotten Mace here?
– Oh, but you two have no idea of my Dark Side practices when I left the Order.
– I knew it! That's the secret of that sharp tongue of yours.
– Quit bantering, we're landing, – Mace interjected, his face serious and concentrated.
– Sure thing, Cap'n, – replied Tur, his glance once again cool and sombre. – We'll engage him in a fight. I'm not an Order member, so I don't really care if Rhad's captured or killed, that's up to you. But I need to get Obi-Wan out of there alive, – he suddenly stopped, his expression darkening. – Scratch that, we. I will sever the link. You must get him out of there.
– We? What about –
– Never mind. There's always a risk. Nothing's certain. Just… remember that he must return to the Temple.
The two Jedi exchanged glances, nodding. They understood.
The spacecraft landed, the ramp opening, and they made their way out, scanning the surroundings for any signs of life. Everything was quiet, the grey building slumbering in dust and dim light.
– Left! – cried Tur, whirling around in time to deflect a blaster bolt.
– Droids, – Qui-Gon's green blade swished in the air, reflecting the shots back at the machines.
– Go! We'll cover you, – Mace pushed his friend in the direction of the building, defending his back.
The slum was getting closer, its windows and doors already visible. It was too simple. The blasts whistled through the air, deflected by the lightsaber blades. Tur was close, when the Force exploded in warning, and he ducked just in time to avoid… a red blade.
– Now, isn't it a pleasure to meet an old friend? – red met the blue, the force of the unexpected blow nearly causing Tur to release the handle.
– Especially if you were careless enough to let him escape your hospitality.
– Ah, I forgot the excellent company you graciously offered me. And… should I also mention your… screams? – Rhad nearly whispered, his voice gleeful and mocking, but Tur's face never lost its concentration.
– So you prefer me unarmed when I won't wound your self-esteem?
Rhad struck again, his offensive becoming more aggressive, but hardly a match to Tur's skill.
– Such a silly coincidence… let yourself be exchanged for a boy so that he'll suffer instead of you. I must say he was more eager to oblige. He did seem to appreciate my entertainment.
Tur didn't respond, watching the way the Dark Jedi backed away, gradually losing ground.
– Maybe I may even tell you what we did together. We go way back, you know. Or maybe he could relay that to you first-hand. I would be more than happy to provide you with accommodation.
Rhad's words passed right through him, and he would have paid no heed at all, but thinking of what Obi-Wan had been through in Rhad's hands, because of himself, his fault… Concentrate. Focus. Parry.
– You are already be aware of this curious… method I have developed years ago. I've told you a bit during our pleasant stay together. But you know, I've neglected to mention one interesting detail. Just what exactly a Force collar and a little mind-bond can do… especially to ladies.
– What are you talking about?! –Tur growled, pressing his blade harder against Rhad's.
– Oh, I see recognition in these eyes. We've met before. I was young, full of passion, and in the mood for a bit of experiment. Wasn't it a shame that you came just slightly ….late?
– Tur! The droids are gone. Tur! – out of the corner of his eye the ex-Jedi saw Mace and Qui-Gon running to him, but he had no time to answer them.
– What do you have to do with it?
– Not much, – Rhad deflected Tur's strike and stepped aside. – This little Noorian girl… I'm afraid I've forgotten her name… but she provided most valuable assistance. Not that it can't be perfected. That's why I really admire the boy. Only thirteen where he first tried on this magic implement.
– You… - Tur tried holding his own as the realisation hit him like an avalanche. - It was you all along…
- I doubt she remembered me, - Rhad smirked. - Nobody did. All of you forgot how we studied together. I've loved her more than you ever could, and it was so easy to bind her to me. But it was only after your wise Council severed it did I realise just what exactly I have created… believe me, watching the both of you suffer was the best thing in my life.
- You're lying! They said she was captured -
- Of course they would tell you that. They can't very well say they had no idea how that bond was created and who did it. - Strike. Parry. Parry. - It wasn't like they could suspect someone like me. And I was watching how this little drama developed… and when it worked out so well, I just had to take on a padawan to continue with my research.
- That'll be the last thing you do, - Tur lunged and missed, Rhad stepping away with a mocking ease. He was rusty, and getting tired already.
– I'm really sorry to interfere with this pleasant chat, – Qui-Gon's green blade flashed, joining the red and the blue as he pushed his friend away from the fight. – Go, I'll finish this!
– No! He's mine, he's going to pay –
– An admirable suggestion. One to one, wouldn't that be best? – Rhad smirked, lazily swishing his lightsaber and stepping aside to avoid Qui-Gon's weapon.
– Leave him to me!
– No, Tur, remember what you said, – Mace appeared at his side, joining the fight. – You have things to do. Go!
Tur hesitated, then thumbed off his blade and ran in the direction of the building. Mayte would be avenged. But he was needed elsewhere.
The sounds of the fighting were fading out, falling behind him. Tur didn't bother to turn, the Force promised him he was not followed, and he believed it. Rhad had more important matters to attend to. However, the lack of any pursuit and the lazy mockery of the Dark Jedi unsettled him. Rhad was confident that Obi-Wan couldn't be saved. That was the only explanation.
The building was old and dingy, never originally designed for keeping anyone out, or preventing anyone from escaping, for that matter. Even now when Rhad chose it as his dwelling the things remained unchanged. He didn't expect anyone to run away. His prisoners were special and few. Like Obi-Wan.
Tur made his way cautiously, looking out for possible danger, cutting the locks on the doors with his lightsaber. Doors lined the walls of the corridors. He couldn't afford to get lost in this place, he had no time for that. Stopping, Tur, closed his eyes, concentrating on the Force, dimmed and murky in this land of shadow. There was no presence to be felt, but something was beckoning to him like a magnet, a hollow, a hole, desolate and empty, darkness brewing inside it.
The corridor led him to the stairs descending into a tiny dungeon. Dying mosses became discernible in the light of Tur's glowing blue blade. A door, surprisingly new and untouched by the omnipresent decay. And behind it…
The blade burned through the material, sparkles falling to the stone floor as Tur stepped inside, taking in his surroundings and gasping at the sight.
He was prepared for everything. After all, he had already seen much. But now, as he stood there, staring at the small lifeless body lying in cell, shackled to the floor with heavy manacles, the abominable contraption constricting the boy's neck, Tur couldn't suppress the dread and fury flaring in him.
– Obi-Wan! –he rushed to the youth's side, holding his lightsaber to cut off the chains, efficiently loosening the bolts on the manacles and easing the thin wrists and ankles out of the restraints.
Obi-Wan remained unresponsive, his skin pale and clammy, covered in cold perspiration, but he wasn't even shivering and only the shallow rising and falling of his chest showed he was still alive. Tur took off his cloak, wrapping it around the youth's body, and cradled his head, gently tapping Obi-Wan's cheek.
– Come on, kid, you must wake up.
Nothing. With each second the collar was stealing more of Obi-Wan's strength, but there was no knowing what taking it off when the boy was unconscious would do. Tur quickly assessed the injuries, but treating them now was out of question. Time was precious. He couldn't be late. He could already sense the darkness spreading inside the youth's mind, weakening it.
As soon as the ex-Jedi's fingers touched the translucent skin, the padawan tensed in anticipation, making feeble attempts to get away from the man's hands.
– Sh-sh, child, – Tur whispered. – It's me, I'm going to help you. Come on, open your eyes. – the heavy lids fluttered, a glimpse of faded blue becoming visible. –That's it, here we go, just a little more.
– M-ma –
– Sh-sh, save your strength. Sip this, – drops of water trickled into Obi-Wan's mouth from a tiny vial, and he swallowed greedily, wincing at the choking collar.
– I'm going to take this off, Obi-Wan. But I need to cut the link Rhad built between the two of you. When I open the lock, you'll need to lower your shields so I can see the bond. It will hurt less if you relax. Do you understand me?
The boy nodded shakily, and Tur closed his eyes for a second, releasing a breath. He could do this. He needed to. Whatever the price.
The metal fell off, clattering on the stones, and Obi-Wan shuddered, shaking under the onslaught of the Force flooding through him. Warm fingers were pressing at his temples.
– Lower your shields, padawan. That's it.
Tur felt the waves slam him into the black pool. He gathered all his energy, sensing the Force all around him, luminous and white. More aware of his surroundings, he pulled at the shadows, watching them shrink, wind together, an inky rope cutting into Obi-Wan's crystal presence. It was thinning, burning out, giving up as he poured light onto it, channelling it, his fingers tingling as if pierced with millions of needles. But the thread persisted. It was barely visible, but still there, oily and evil. And Tur's power was running out, as was time. Obi-Wan was too weak for the struggle, which was taking a toll on his body.
The man gritted his teeth, struggling to keep his hold on the elusive bond that was no longer dissolving. And then with a final effort he threw himself on it, his very Force presence, his remaining life. Flames erupted, as if his body had been flung onto open cable, short-circuiting the electricity, and the blackness flared, crackling and burning, its ashes scattering and vanishing. It was giving out under the onslaught of his life Force, and Tur exhaled, triumphant, immersed in the glory of melting gold, fiery and blazing. He did it. Everything he needed to complete was finally done. It was over. And Tur's body no longer obeyed him as he sank next to Obi-Wan, his head lolling on the cold floor.
– Master? M-master Tur? – a voice, still weak and emanating concern, trickled into his foggy mind.
– Hey, kid… he's… gone… – a breathless smile adorned Tur's lips, open and full of joy, as if all sorrows and years have been washed away, burned in the flames consuming him.
– Master, a-are you alright?
– Yeah, kid… I'm… more than alright… I… - He was floating. Flying? It was good. Everything was okay now. Everything was fine. If he only just could form the words and string them in a coherent sen…-
– Master, st-stay awake, please! – Tur lifted his lids, Obi-Wan's face coming into focus.
– You're free… – Tur whispered, bringing his hand to his apprentice's cheek to wipe away the trickling tears. - Why are you crying?
– What's wrong? Where are you injured? – Obi-Wan's voice was still weak and hoarse, but he would recover. He would recover…
– Nothing… – Tur whispered, his smile absent and carefree. – 's alright… everything… alright… Th-thank y-you, kid…
– Master? Master, come on, you can't go to sleep.
He wanted to stay, but he couldn't. His mission was accomplished. The tide was pulling him in, and he could no longer resist.
– Tell… Qui… train you…
– No! Master, you can't!
– S-sorry… tell… Tahl… Mace… comlink in my… p-pocket…
– No! Master! I'll call for help, you must hold on!
– My… padawan… – Tur reached for Obi-Wan's hand, relishing the slight warmth that welcomed him. Weary green eyes met the blue ones brimming with tears. Everything was...
– Master, please!
– Force… – Tur gasped, his eyes drifting shut, his chest heaving with shuddering breaths.
Golden stars burst around him, liquid citrus gold. Her skin, her eyes, a valley of glimmering flower petals, floating, carrying him…
– Mayte…
Tur's head rolled to the side, and he knew no more, the universe erupting in a golden halo. He didn't even feel the boy's face buried in his tunic, sobbing at his chest. He didn't hear the whispering stumbling words, pleading him, begging him. Gold… green… he smiled… gold… and there must also be green… and gold…