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Anakin's cry shivered over Padmé's skin. If possible, he looked more distraught than the night he had told her about slaughtering the Tuskan Raiders that had killed his mother. His face was as white as Artoo's body.
Padmé crawled across the rubbery floor of the raft and snuggled against Anakin's side, needing comfort as much as she wanted to give it. She coiled her arms around his midsection and held tight. He didn't react.
He felt so cold. Worry mixed with the grief. "Ani? Ani, please talk to me." A tear escaped and flowed down Padmé's cheek.
Oh, Obi-Wan. What had he told her once, that he was a difficult Jedi to kill? A trickle of tears followed that first one. Obi-Wan hadn't been killed. He had died making sure everyone else made it to safety.
A swell lifted the raft momentarily. A shadow swept over them.
Padmé peered into the sky. Her eyes grew round. She straightened and shook Anakin's shoulder. "Ani, we have a problem."
Anakin blinked but his eyes didn't focus. Padmé shook him harder. "Anakin! Snap out of it!"
His eyes cleared. She winced at the depth of pain glittering there. He frowned. "What?"
Padmé pointed skyward. Still frowning, he looked up. His jaw dropped.
Above them, a silvery creature circled. It looked to be nearly half the size of the cruiser, with an oblong body and a wing span at least a third wider than its length. Powerful legs were tucked against the massive body.
As they watched, it spiraled higher, then closed its wings and began to dive, streaking toward the water. Toward them.
It took Anakin a heartbeat to register what was happening. That thing thought they were its lunch. He glanced at Padmé's fearful expression. She was never afraid. He scowled. She'd be killed if he didn't do something.
"Artoo, get us moving."
Anakin squeezed his eyes shut and stretched for the Force with swelling desperation. It crashed over him, fed by his fear. He flashed his thoughts outward, to the creature. Its mind was ... ravenous. He tried to wedge his thoughts in, to take control, but the animal was too focused on food. On them.
Chest heaving, Anakin gathered the Force and struck. He opened his eyes to see the creature veer and dive into the water, a mere two meters from the raft, which bobbed over the waves created by the impact.
The creature shot out of the water several meters away, a man-sized green fish wriggling in its beak, and flew toward the island, its great wings lifting in slow, graceful flaps.
"That could have been us," whispered Padmé.
"It wasn't." Anakin scrutinized the skies for more of the creatures. He could see dozens of specks circling the far-off island. Their destination. He grimaced. "But it looks like we're heading toward its nesting grounds."
"How far away is it?"
"I'm guessing at least fifteen kilometers." Anakin tilted his head. "Artoo, can you propel us that far?"
The droid emitted a mournful drone.
"That's sounds like a 'no'," Padmé said.
"The salt water is probably seizing up its circuits." Artoo gave an affirmative beep and Anakin nodded. "I thought so. Take us as far as you can, Artoo, then we'll haul you into the raft."
"What about those creatures? This bright orange is sure to attract more of them."
"I'll take care of them." Anakin scanned the overcast skies, almost wishing another one would make an appearance - anything so he didn't have to think about ... Anakin sniffed and pressed his lips together, barring any thought of ... what had happened.
He walled himself in, walled the pain out, focused on the moment. Only the moment.
It wasn't long before he got his wish. Every so often, one of the distant creatures would leave its orbiting of the island and head out to sea. Hunting. Anakin tracked each one with utmost care. Now, one of the creatures was heading in their direction.
Anakin found the creature in the Force. He could tell by its vague hunger that it hadn't spotted them yet. Before it could focus on them, Anakin took control of the primitive mind and steered it away from them. It made a wide circle and sailed westward.
Two more creatures met the same harmless fate. After an hour of zigzagging, Artoo struggling against crosscurrents, the small droid signaled that it was unable to continue. It took Anakin and Padmé together to pull the droid into the raft. It landed on its side.
"Sorry, Artoo," Anakin said, "I think you'll have to stay like that for now." He patted its dome.
Padmé took the oars before Anakin could protest. "You have to keep those, those draigons at bay."
Less than fifteen minutes later, Padmé admitted defeat. "The currents are too strong."
Before they traded places, Anakin gave her a kiss. "Thank you for trying." She nodded but looked disgruntled.
The shore was much closer. Artoo had to have gotten them halfway there. Now Anakin could see cliffs, and beyond those, smoking cones that could only be volcanoes. Not his idea of a pleasant retreat, but he doubted Dooku had pleasant in mind. The draigons, for lack of a better name, were certainly effective sentinels, for they had to have been what had knocked the ship from the sky. Had they behaved naturally, attacking an intruder, or had they been driven to attack? Anakin sighed. It didn't matter at this point. He began to row.
Padmé acted as lookout, reporting any move in their direction by the draigons. Each time one headed their way, Anakin continued rowing as he stretched out through the Force to turn the draigon away. Each successive warding off drained a little more energy, took a little more concentration. The mindlessness of rowing helped to keep his mind clear and open to the Force, though except for that one channel of power, he kept his innermost self ensconsed behind thick walls, safe from the threatening grief.
Thirst soon parched his throat. Padmé discovered a pouch set into the rear panel that contained a collapsible jug and water purification tablets. The resulting potable water was flat, but did the job.
The afternoon wore on. As they neared the island, the number of draigons spotting them increased, as did the effort it took to turn them away. Three times Anakin had to resort to knocking them away with an invisible fist.
They could hear the crash of the surf when the attacks stopped. Relief surged as Anakin decided the water had be too shallow for diving this close to shore. His muscles quivered as he leaned into it, putting what little energy remained into a final push for the shore. Artoo whined when a wave picked them up and hurled them toward the rocky beach. The bottom scraped against rock as the raft came to a rest.
Anakin slumped over the oars, nausea stirring his stomach. He swallowed rising bile and tried to inhale enough oxygen to get his limbs to stop shaking.
The memory, of the water gushing through the hole in the ship's hull, slammed into him. Anakin threw himself to the side, doubling over the inflated wall as he retched and heaved until his stomach could offer up nothing beyond painful spasms.
He heard Obi-Wan's voice saying, "This is hardly your fault, Padawan." But it was. It was.
Yan Dooku peered through the electro-binoculars. The scene - tinged amber by the hologram through which he looked - was one that brought frustration boiling to the surface.
A droid. The padawan. The senator.
Where was the master? Yan's eyes narrowed. Kenobi was attempting to play with him. Concealing himself, trying to outflank his position. The fool would soon find that he had picked the wrong opponent in a battle of wits.
And what if Kenobi hadn't escaped the ship? What if he were dead? Highly unlikely. Yan zoomed in closer, focusing on the padawan. But if Kenobi had not survived his welcoming committee ... the padawan would pay for failing to safeguard his master, for failing to keep him alive for the death that was planned for him.
Yes, no matter what Master Sidious had said in regards to the boy, Skywalker would pay dearly, Yan promised himself. And he was a man of his word.
Padmé rubbed Anakin's back as he vomited, then fought dry heaves for several moments. Her eyes brimmed with tears. She was certain he was suffering from more than just exhaustion. She didn't know how to ease his pain when she could barely keep her own from spilling over.
She lifted her face to the sky and watched the monstrous draigons circle high overhead. The way they floated with wings outstretched made her wonder if some of them were sleeping on the fly. How long until one noticed them here?
Anakin sat up and turned toward her, misery distorting his features. "I was too slow. Just like with Mom. Too slow ..."
"No, Ani." Padmé pulled him into her embrace. "You did everything you could." She held him for a minute, feeling his tears soak her flightsuit. Finally, she whispered, "I'm sorry, Ani, but we have to get off this beach before a draigon comes to investigate."
He pulled back and nodded, looking almost relieved to have something else to think about. "It's ... going to be dark soon. I think we should, should just hide until morning, when we'll both be more rested."
"Yes. Let's get Artoo unloaded." Padmé considered the rocky shore. "Maybe we can turn the raft upside-down and jam it between two boulders. It would provide us with a little shelter."
They set to work. After releasing a little air from the front and rear sections of the raft, they searched for a suitable site. Anakin spotted it first. When they flipped the raft over, they were relieved to discover the underside was a dark brown, far less eye-catching than the top and sides. They wedged the raft between two boulders sheltering a narrow strip of sand, causing it to buckle in the middle like an inverted 'V'.
Padmé brushed her hands on her flightsuit, and surveyed their makeshift tent with satisfaction. It was almost dark. Already a moon had slipped over the horizon. Anakin helped Artoo get positioned in a rock cleft where the droid could stand watch.
He returned to her side. "How's your leg? I'm sorry if I made you do too much."
"It's okay." Padmé took Anakin's hand and squeezed. "It's aching a little, but not much more than a fresh bruise might." She peered up at him. "What now?"
Anakin shrugged. "Sleep, I guess. I'm sure a plan will present itself in the morning."
Padmé smiled weakly. She wondered if Anakin knew how much he sounded like Obi-Wan sometimes, using his phrases, his inflections. She looked away, and her breath caught at the sight of a third moon rising over the ocean. One red; two blue. "Look, Ani. Isn't it beautiful? How many moons does this planet have?"
"I think the data mentioned five."
Though she could have soaked in the vision of the multi-colored moons for longer, she could hear the fatigue in his voice. "Let's get some sleep."
Under their raft-tent, Padmé stretched out on Anakin's left side. She laid her head on his chest and draped her arm over his stomach. His heart beat a steady rhythm beneath her ear. His arm curled around her shoulders. His fingers caressed her upper arm.
Moments later, Anakin took hold of Padmé and rolled her over him so she was on her back. He propped himself up with his metal arm and brushed trembling fingertips over her cheek.
"Don't hate me, Padmé."
"I could never hate you, Ani." His lips silenced her, tentative, exploratory.
He lifted his head. "I need ... " He drew a shuddering breath. "Force help me, Padmé, I need to know ... to know we're alive. To ... to fill this emptiness before it swallows me whole." He kissed her again, more insistent this time. "I love you so much. I would die if anything ever happened to you. I just want to ..."
Padmé framed his face between her hands. "It's all right, Anakin." She smiled, though he couldn't see it in the darkness. "We are married after all."
Anakin groaned. "Are you sure?"
"Oh, yes, darling padawan." Padmé stopped, afraid she had said the wrong thing.
A second later Anakin's lips whispered over hers. "Teach me to love you even more."
"I don't think that's possible. You're already a master in that." Before she could say more, Anakin kissed her again and swept her away on a tide of passion.
Anakin woke with a start, his heart pounding in his ears, drowning out the nearby surf. He sat up, trying to pinpoint the source of the disturbance. Something didn't feel right.
Moving slowly, so as not to disturb Padmé, Anakin untangled his limbs from hers, groped around until he found his belt, and backed out of the shelter on his hands and knees. He straightened, a shiver causing him to remember his leather stolla, still draped over Padmé.
Memories of their fierce, desperate loving flickered through his mind. Not loving - more like impassioned comfort. He set the thoughts aside to focus on his unease as he fastened his belt, his fingers seeking his lightsaber's reassuring feel.
Picking his way over the rocky beach, Anakin made his way eastward along the shore. The horizon was melting from grey to a pale gold. He had to skirt around several immense boulders, shallow waves lapping over his boots. The brine clogged his nostrils with its sharp tang.
The nearby cliffs retreated slightly, giving way to a wider shore. Anakin stopped. Ahead a dark form lay amongst the rocks, half in water. Anakin approached cautiously.
The sun broke over the horizon, revealing the form to be human. Heart in his throat, Anakin sprinted forward. Before he even got there, he could tell. The layered tunics. The belt. The high boots.
Obi-Wan.
Anakin fell on his knees beside his master, barely noticing the pain that spiked up his legs. He rolled Obi-Wan onto his back and scanned his deathly pale face. Anakin held his breath and touched his fingers to Obi-Wan's neck, seeking a pulse, as he stared at the breathing apparatus still lodged between his master's lips.
A pulse. Anakin could just feel it over his quivering fingers, but it was there. A laugh of sheer joy exploded from him. It was answered by a moan, barely audible. Anakin swiped at the stray tear and gently extracted the breather from Obi-Wan's mouth.
His master inhaled reflexively, the breath shuddering through his frame.
Anakin took an icy hand, eyes fixed on it as he rubbed vigorously. His relief flowed out in a whispered stream. "Thank the Force, Master. Don't ever scare me like that again. Do you have any idea how, how much I ... Never mind. You'd probably lecture me for worrying too much. But why didn't you contact me, let me know? I know, I know. Don't focus on the negative. All that matters is that you're alive. And I found you. Thank the Force. I found you."
A hoarse voice said, "What ... took you ... so long?"
Anakin's gaze shot to Obi-Wan's face. The sight of those bloodshot blue-grey eyes under salt-encrusted eyebrows brought a grin to Anakin's face. "Sorry, Master. You should have called."
Obi-Wan licked at cracked lips. "Did." He closed his eyes. "A wall."
His hand stilled. Anakin stared at his master as realization sank in. The shield he had created in his mind to keep the pain at bay ... had also prevented Obi-Wan from connecting through their bond. Guilt eroded his happiness. He forced the feeling aside. There was nothing he could do about it now. Obi-Wan was alive, he reminded himself. Focus on that.
"Come on, Master. Let's get you back to the shelter."
Anakin stepped over his master and slid his robotic hand under Obi-Wan's shoulder blades, then hoisted him to his feet. Though Anakin could see Obi-Wan struggling to stand, he sagged, a dead weight.
Blowing out a breath, Anakin shifted and bent his knees to swing Obi-Wan over his shoulder in a rescue lift. Obi-Wan grunted, but didn't protest. After a moment, Obi-Wan's limbs dangled slack and Anakin knew his master had lost consciousness. Probably for the best. Over someone's shoulder wasn't the most comfortable way to be transported.
His long strides ate up the distance back to the overturned raft. When the shelter came into sight, Artoo started to whistle and beep. The sound brought Padmé scurrying out of the temporary tent, blaster in hand. She froze when she spotted Anakin.
Another grin broke free. "He's alive, Padmé."
Padmé gaped at the figure flung over Anakin's shoulder as he drew near. "Obi-Wan? But how?"
"I don't know. He didn't stay conscious long enough for me to find out." Anakin halted by the shelter entrance and absorbed Padmé's expression of growing wonder. "His breather was still in his mouth, so I have to assume ..."
"That he swam? All that way? No wonder he's unconscious." Padmé pointed at the shelter.
Anakin nodded and lowered himself to his knees. With Padmé's help, Obi-Wan was soon comfortably positioned. Anakin regretted the lack of blankets as he laid his stolla over his master's chest. He sat cross-legged at Obi-Wan's head and simply stared, recalling the abject grief he had suffered yesterday, amazed at the difference a day could make.
If only his mother could have survived her deadly ordeal. Would a day have made the difference for her? If he had been a day earlier, she might still be alive. He had been too slow.
Obi-Wan frowned in his sleep. Anakin's fingers reached out and sought to smooth his brow. Anakin hadn't been too slow in this case - he had been too ... selfish, too absorbed by his own pain to hear his master's call. Obi-Wan had spent close to eighteen hours in the water and had been saved ... by his own stubbornness, no doubt. Not by his padawan as should have been the case.
Anakin hadn't thought he would ever be thankful for Obi-Wan's obstinacy. But he was.
Padmé dribbled water over Obi-Wan's parched lips. She looked up and they shared a smile. Her brown eyes glowed with the knowledge that it would be all right.
Left hand still resting on Obi-Wan's head, Anakin extended his artificial limb. Padmé wrapped her fingers around his golden digits and squeezed. Thanks to a myriad of sensors, Anakin could feel it, could almost pretend that she was holding his real hand. They were all alive - that's all that mattered at this moment. Not Dooku, not the fact their ship was lost.
The Force ensconced them in a bubble of serenity. Anakin reveled in the warmth, made sweeter by Padmé's presence and love. Everything would be fine. He could feel it.
He had felt worse, he knew he had. He just couldn't seem to dredge up a memory of when. It wasn't pain so much as ... helplessness. He felt so weak, he could barely wiggle his little finger. Liquid trickled over his lips. He licked at it.
Finally, Obi-Wan summoned the energy required to open his eyes. Two concerned and hopeful faces floated above his, surrounded by halos of garish orange.
He tried to speak but only managed a rusty croak. Padmé shushed him and lifted his head. She could be very bossy, at times. Brackish water trickled over his lips and down his throat. He swallowed to keep from choking, then whispered, "More, please." Padmé obliged and more soothing liquid squirted into his mouth.
She lowered his head to a pillow of sand. Obi-Wan closed his eyes and spoke quietly. "How long since you found me?"
"Four hours, Master. You really should rest some more."
"Yes. I don't think ... I have any choice." Obi-Wan sighed and slipped back into troubled dreams. Of his padawan's fear and Dooku's laughter and water washing him away, always away, when he needed to get closer. Finally the dreams were swept aside as the soothing river of Force engulfed him and submerged him in its timeless healing flow.
When next he awoke, he was alone under what he could now see was the overturned raft. The air was heavy, stifling. Sweat gathered in his hair and pooled at the base of his neck. Dooku came to mind and his thoughts flew to his lightsaber. He was relieved by the comforting feel of its hilt resting against his thigh. Cloaks were easily replaced, but his lightsaber ... was the only thing that stood between him and whatever death Dooku had planned for him.
Anakin's head popped into view and disappeared again. "Padmé, he's awake."
The two young people crawled under the shelter, their body heat immediately adding to the rising temperature. Obi-Wan eyed the clear jug in Padmé's hand. This time, he propped himself up on his elbows while she gave him a drink.
Obi-Wan grimaced. "That's terrible water."
"I know," Padmé said. "Purification tablets only do so much to make salt water drinkable."
With a nod, Obi-Wan laid back. His energy was returning, but he didn't see any reason to exert himself at the moment. He wanted to be as rested as possible before facing Dooku. Something that would happen soon, he was certain.
"Master? May I ask what happened? I was so sure ... I mean, when you never surfaced ..."
Obi-Wan closed his eyes, only to have a flood of memories overtake him. The water pouring into the ship with such force he knew he could never get past its flow. Getting his breather in place with seconds to spare. Anchoring himself while water flooded the ship and pulled it under the surface. The dive to the ocean floor, too fast, almost causing him to black out. The jarring impact. Swimming out the hole Anakin had carved and getting clear of the ship before it slid off the shelf that had temporarily arrested its descent. Swimming back to the surface, slowly, so bends didn't incapacitate him. Too slowly.
Surfacing to ... nothing. No raft in sight. No answer to his call. Just a wall of pain. And the realization Anakin thought him dead. Hours of crawling through the ocean, mostly underwater where the surface waves didn't bother him. Endless swimming, floating on the surface to rest, followed by more swimming. Fighting currents, one predatory fish, and closer to shore, the rip tide that had almost dragged him back to the depths. His connection with the Force becoming tenuous as his energy waned.
Obi-Wan frowned. He didn't recall the last kilometer or so. He remembered surfacing and seeing the island, silhouetted by the light of five moons, unsure whether he had the strength to reach the shore. But after that ... he couldn't say whether he swam the distance or was carried by the rising tide.
"Master? Are you okay? If you'd rather rest some more ..." Anakin trailed off into a quiet sigh. Not quite frustration, but edging that way.
"No. I don't want to sleep any more." Obi-Wan took a few breaths, centering himself, then, as a Jedi reporting to the Council, he recited what had happened after he had levitated Artoo out of the opening with rather more force than necessary.
When he finished, the silence was almost as thick as the heat.
Finally, Anakin said, "See? Didn't I tell you he was stubborn?"
Obi-Wan snorted.
"Ani, that's terrible." Padmé took Obi-Wan's hand, her fingers running over his knuckles. "We're both very thankful you're so ... tenacious, Obi-Wan."
"My padawan's assessment is a fair one, Senator. But I do appreciate your concern."
"Concern?" Padmé said. "Anakin was ... You have no idea how -"
...distraught Anakin had been, Obi-Wan finished silently. Oh, he knew. He had felt the fear. It was heartening in one aspect, but totally inappropriate. A Jedi should never be ruled by his feelings to the point of incapacity. Anakin should never have shut himself off the way he did. But Obi-Wan couldn't bring himself to point out that fact. He knew the pain of losing his master. After all, it was a flash of inappropriate emotion - anger - that had given him the wherewithal to defeat that Sith creature when Qui-Gon had been killed. A moment of pure rage born of pain. One that still shook him if he unlocked the memory. Yoda was the only one who knew of it - the Jedi master had searched his soul and declared him free of the tainted shadow.
Obi-Wan's diligence against a repetition of the event was extreme. As was his concern when his padawan exhibited impatience, even hints of anger. Obi-Wan knew the vile taste of darkness. He sometimes wondered if he were too hard on his padawan in his efforts to protect him.
Pushing to a sitting position, Obi-Wan studied the rocky beach beyond their shelter. Slender shadows falling to the east. Past midday. He suddenly felt that they needed to be moving.
"I don't suppose either one of you has a stash of nutrient bars tucked away?" Obi-Wan asked.
"No," Anakin replied. "Do you?"
Obi-Wan checked a pouch. He pulled out a single bar, its wrapping sodden. He opened it and sniffed, unable to hide his grimace. "A bit salty, I'm afraid." He held it out. "Any takers?"
In unison, Anakin and Padmé said, "I'll stick to water."
Tossing the bar aside, Obi-Wan said, "Good choice. Now let's see this island that harbors Dooku's next trap."
Obi-Wan crawled into the open. He sat back on his heels and looked around. Ocean in front of them, cliffs behind, draigons overhead. Obi-Wan blinked.
Draigons. His mind folded. An emergency stopover at a nameless planet on the way to Bandomeer. He shook his thoughts clear and scanned the cliffs, noting the caves dotting the rock faces - caves dug by the sharp-clawed draigons. How had Dooku found this place? And why?
Deep down, Obi-Wan recognized that he was bothered by how much Dooku knew of his own years as a padawan. Obi-Wan had met Dooku a few times, but only in passing. It was obvious that Qui-Gon had remained close to his former master, to the point of discussing his own padawan's successes and failures. Likely Qui-Gon had sought Dooku's advice when he could. For how many years? Right to the end, when Obi-Wan's and Qui-Gon's differing philosophies had caused friction between them? Friction, Obi-Wan reminded himself, but never disunion. They had always worked and fought as a team, their bond forging them into a single unit.
Something he had always strived for with his own padawan. Something he had never quite achieved. Another failure. No. Obi-Wan rejected the negative thought. Dooku was waiting. There was no room for failure this day, not even for thought of failure.
Obi-Wan stood, pleased he felt no weakness in his legs. The Force had restored his energy. His fingers rested against his lightsaber."Have you searched for Dooku's lair?"
Anakin and Padmé flanked him. His padawan said, "A little. I didn't want to explore too far afield with you ..." He gave Obi-Wan a quizzical glance. "Are you sure you feel up to facing Dooku, Master?"
"Very sure. Now, what did you discover?"
Anakin pointed at a promontory that stood out from the nearest cliff like one of the free-standing towers on Coruscant. "I can't explain it exactly, but near the top of that outcropping, there's ... a presence. Not Jedi, but ... with echoes of it."
Obi-Wan nodded. "Who else but Dooku? Very good, Padawan." He squinted as he studied the slender cone of rock, with tapering sides, not quite vertical, that would make for a relatively easy climb. "I don't see any cave openings up there." After another moment's scrutiny, he said, "There's something - a discoloration in the rock."
"It could be the play of light," Anakin suggested.
"Or it could be Dooku concealing an entrance." Obi-Wan glanced at Padmé, then Anakin. "There's only one way to find out."
"We're going to climb up there?" Padmé sounded dubious.
Obi-Wan tilted his head. "Your leg is still recovering. I think you should stay behind with Artoo."
"Not a chance. There's extra carbon rope with the raft. I'll tether myself to Ani."
Obi-Wan heard the obstinacy in her tone. And they called him stubborn. He turned his gaze back to the waiting precipice.
"I won't let her fall, Master." Anakin paused. "We did have some difficulty with those draigons on the raft. If they spot us on the cliff, we won't have any protection."
"How did you defend against them on the raft?" Obi-Wan asked.
"With the Force."
"And I can assure you that the Force will be with us on that cliff, young one. You should know that by now."
"Yes, Master."
Do you know I'm here, Dooku? Obi-Wan flung the silent challenge at the towering rock. Prepare yourself to meet my blade. Unless you cede, its justice will be swift and sure.
Lowering the electro-binoculars, Yan Dooku smiled. He knew Kenobi had survived. The fool didn't have sense enough to succumb to a simple death like drowning.
It wouldn't be long now. He relished the coming confrontation. It was not just his master's vengeance that would be meted out this day. Obi-Wan Kenobi would pay for both the deaths he had caused all those years ago on Naboo - though Master Sidious need never know about his desire to avenge Qui-Gon. The last pure acolyte of the Living Force. If there had been more like him, more willing to stand up and do as the Force willed instead of what the Council demanded, perhaps Yan would not have forsaken the Order ... But in the end even Qui-Gon had rejected Yan's quest for understanding the arts few had the courage to even think about, never mind study. Their convictions had diverged on that one point, and though it had declined after Kenobi's initial betrayal, their friendship had remained. Until Kenobi had failed to protect his master.
Yan scanned the sky, green when seen through the amber hologram screen that hid his sanctuary from the ravenous eyes above. Green with a few golden clouds floating on the breeze. Quite pleasant.
A perfect day for a Jedi to die.
"Freeze," Anakin whispered.
The others did so, Obi-Wan above him, Padmé below him. For what had to be the tenth time, Anakin extended himself through the Force, entering the mind of the draigon falling from the sky toward them. He planted the vision of rock, just rock, nothing to eat on the cliff. He pictured the ocean. A fish. Big, green, juicy.
A gust of air ruffled his clothes as a translucent leather wing, twice his own height, flapped less than a meter from his face. The draigon caught an air current and drifted out to sea.
"That was a little too close," whispered Obi-Wan. "Sometimes I think you enjoy seeing how long you can leave it before you turn them away."
"Not true, Master. This one was very hungry."
"Well, I have no desire to see myself served up as the main course for a nest of squawking baby draigons." Obi-Wan resumed climbing.
Anakin grimaced at the image that brought to mind. "Nor do I, Master." Drowning was bad enough; how could he explain that one to Master Yoda? He reached for the next handhold, taking extra care to remain aware of his surroundings. He was glad they were almost there, and that the steep climb wasn't overly difficult, just time-consuming. Still, the combination of physical and mental exertion was draining.
Minutes later, he sensed the rope go taut a nanosecond before it happened. Below him, Padmé stifled a gasp as she slipped. Anakin braced, barely giving at all when the rope jerked against his waist. He peered under his right arm, watching as Padmé regained her footing, then gave him the okay signal. The rope slackened as she pulled herself up. Force, but Padmé was brave. This was the third time she had slipped. The first time she had cried out, but now that she knew Anakin wouldn't let her fall, she was close to silent.
Anakin shifted his weight and allowed himself a moment's rest, pressed against the cliff. A rock jutted against his belt, digging his med-kit pouch into his side. He could feel the outline of the holocron. He peered out at the watery horizon and wished he had left it in his cabin. It had been in his hand as he had searched the room for a hiding place, but at the last second ... he had slipped it back into the pouch. That holocron should be at the bottom of the ocean right now. That's where it belonged. Not -
Inhaling sharply, Anakin pushed all thought of the holocron aside. Focus on the moment. He lifted his gaze, studying the rock for his next handhold while his artificial limb held him securely in place.
He had finally found a use for his metal hand. With a thought, he had deactivated the pain signals, so it remained unaffected by scrapes and bruises - unlike his aching left hand. He found himself relying on it more as they ascended the cliff, knowing its grip would not fail, knowing he could trust his and Padmé's safety to its golden fingers.
Above him, Obi-Wan stopped frequently, clinging to the rock face as he marshaled his strength. Anakin suspected he was coming close to overtaxing himself after exhausting himself in the ocean such a short time ago, but there was no point in saying anything now. They were over three-quarters of the way to the top. Obi-Wan only had to find the energy to go a short distance more.
And then he had to face Dooku.
Anakin shunted aside his negative thoughts. And was immediately glad he did. Another draigon was heading toward them, drifting in downward spirals. This one was only curious. Anakin stretched out through the Force and easily turned it aside.
Peering upward, Anakin saw that Obi-Wan was only meters from a ledge that was directly below the increasingly visible hologram of rock. From this angle the holo shimmered in the light, like a midday mirage on Tatooine. Anakin paused to rest again, letting his prosthetic take most of his weight, as he tracked Obi-Wan's progress. He felt Padmé's hand brush his heel, but didn't look down. Obi-Wan was trembling, ever so slightly.
As Anakin watched, his master's grip gave way.
Obi-Wan felt himself sliding. Down the slope. Into the past.
His fingers brushed over a crack and he jammed them in, his left shoulder wrenching as his slide came to an abrupt halt. Finding purchase for his feet, he hugged the warm rock and squeezed his eyes shut.
Now he knew why Dooku had chosen this place. Another reminder of failure. It was here that a young boy, aching to be Qui-Gon Jinn's padawan, had finally realized his dream was dead. That Qui-Gon didn't want him, would never want him. The pain - the agony of defeat - rose, fresh as the day he had first felt it almost twenty-three years ago. Obi-Wan exhaled. No. He pushed past the pain to touch the Force. The Light absorbed and dissipated the remembered hurt. This place had not been the end of the path, but merely a rocky beginning that he and Qui-Gon had overcome. It had strengthened their bond, not weakened it.
Obi-Wan smiled. Dooku had not chosen wisely this time.
"Are you okay, Master?" came a whisper from below.
"Yes, Padawan. More than okay."
Feeling suddenly invigorated, Obi-Wan pulled himself up the remaining three meters to the ledge and settled down on it to await his padawan's arrival. He slipped into a light meditation that was more reflection than contemplation. He lifted his face to the warm sunlight, recalling sparring and laughter and learning. Battling together, healing together, meditating together. Master and padawan. Together. More than just teacher and student. More than comrades in arms. Not quite father and son. But friends.
The breeze caressed his cheek and Obi-Wan's eyes sprang open. Master? He shook himself and watched Anakin as he helped Padmé onto the ledge. The Force seemed to whisper, and he tilted his head to listen. He hadn't been enough of a friend to his padawan, too much the teacher, too focused on being a good master. Obi-Wan nodded. That needed to change. Luminara had hinted at that fact. He only hoped it wasn't too late.
Anakin echoed Obi-Wan's cross-legged position. Padmé slumped against Anakin, massaging her thigh. His left arm draped across her shoulders. Obi-Wan studied them. In ways, they seemed to have become more of a team in a few short months than he and Anakin had ever been. Which made it less likely Anakin would leave Padmé, and more likely he would be banished from the Order. Obi-Wan looked away. That worry was a distraction he could ill afford right now.
"How long do you want to rest, Master?"
"I had fifteen minutes while I waited for you. We don't want to try Dooku's patience too much, my young padawan. Five minutes more, then if you feel ready, I think we should proceed."
"Very well, Master. I'm ready when you are."
After a few more moments of letting the Force refresh him, Obi-Wan stood, his head just reaching the bottom of the hologram and what could now be discerned as a cave entrance.Anakin crouched and motioned for Padmé to stand. Of the three, she looked the least prepared to face conflict - the climb had strained her injured leg.
Obi-Wan nodded at his apprentice. "Follow my lead."
The young couple exchanged glances. Obi-Wan quirked a brow. So they had discussed his right of leadership on this mission, had they? They would just have to live with it. Dooku had set a trap for him - he wasn't about to let anyone else walk into it first.
Without another word, Obi-Wan curled his fingers over the ledge and sprang up with a boost from the Force. He passed through the electrical warmth of the hologram and landed a meter inside the cave, hand on his lightsaber. He was greeted by silence.
As he looked around, he heard Anakin helping Padmé up from the ledge. The large cave, almost circular, stretched the whole diameter of the rock spire. On the far side, another hologram hid a second entrance. Sunlight filtered through the holo, casting an amber glow over everything.
Dooku stood silhouetted against that far opening. Silent and alone.
Obi-Wan took two steps forward. The cave had once been two semi-circular caverns and now only a narrow stone arch separated them. This half contained nothing but an acceleration couch with two silver crates stored under it. Another step. No obvious signs of technology. This place was no command center. It served a single purpose.
"Greetings, Master Kenobi." Dooku's deep voice echoed slightly in the empty chamber. "How pleasant of you to visit me in my humble abode."
"How could I refuse such a ... carefully worded invitation?" Obi-Wan continued his cautious approach, eyes scanning the cave, ears listening for the arrival of a ship carrying droids. He glanced at Padmé and Anakin, noting his padawan's tense posture, lightsaber already unclipped.
Anakin started forward. Obi-Wan held up his hand and motioned for the padawan to circle around to the left while he continued a direct approach. "Together this time, Padawan."
Amusement entered Dooku's face. He arched his dark brows. "Surely you haven't come to receive a second lesson in defeat, Master Kenobi? There is no Yoda to save you this time, you know."
Obi-Wan smiled. Dooku's needling couldn't harm him while he was centered in the Force. He crossed under the stone arch and paused, four meters away from the older man. "You'll find I'm a quick learner, Dooku. But I have no desire to fight you. In fact, I need to thank you."
Though it was quickly hidden, the surprise that flashed across Dooku's face was satisfying. From the corner of his eyes, Obi-Wan saw Anakin stop and glare at him as if he'd sprouted brain tails.
Dooku lifted his chin, his silver beard appearing gold in this light. "May I ask why ...?"
Inclining his head, Obi-Wan said, "For leading me to Melida/Daan, of course. What you meant for harm, the Force used for healing and enlightenment."
"How unfortunate that your ... enlightenment will not save you." Dooku's smile didn't reach his eyes. He pointed at the near wall.
Obi-Wan spun, but too late. A blue forcefield sprang into existence between the two chambers, powered by transmitters hidden in the arch. On the other side of the energy barrier, Anakin and Padmé stared at him, horror stamping their faces.
Yan could feel the fear emanating from young Skywalker, and he reveled in it. The padawan was terrified of losing his master - and well he should be. Yan clasped his hands behind his back and strolled along the mouth of the cave before turning to face Kenobi.
"Do you understand, yet, why I have chosen this setting, Kenobi? Why I led you first to Melida/Daan before bringing you here? Please, share your new insights."
Kenobi's hand flexed over his lightsaber, but he left his weapon untouched. His gaze kept flicking to the forcefield. Yan knew the truth would occur to the man soon - even Jedi caught on eventually.
Finally, Kenobi said, "You wanted to crush me with the reminder of how I betrayed the Jedi."
"Not just the Jedi, young fool."
Kenobi conceded the point with a nod. "True. I betrayed my master, but he taught me the power of forgiveness."
Yan glimpsed Senator Amidala limping around the perimeter of the other chamber. He dismissed her. The padawan stood before the glimmering barrier, repeatedly clenching his golden fist, frustrating rolling off him with the power of the ocean's surf. And something else. Yan narrowed his gaze. A faint shadow of ... himself. Well, well. He had received the transmission that the holocron had been activated, and now Skywalker carried it with him. Odd that Kenobi hadn't mentioned it.
Yan's gaze flicked back to the open features of his opponent. Kenobi didn't know about the holocron. How interesting. In a gesture of studied grace, Yan unhooked the chained medallions holding his cape and swirled it over his head before tossing it aside. The metal clinked as it landed on the floor. Kenobi tensed, ever so slightly.
With a dismissive flick, Yan said, "Forgiveness is a sign of weakness. Only one response is suitable for betrayal." He paced away from the lip of the cave's mouth. "Qui-Gon never wanted to take you as his padawan, you know. Yoda forced him to it." Kenobi's stillness was irritating. "He didn't want you, just as you didn't want your padawan."
A trace of hostility rippled out from Skywalker. Yan smiled. "Did Yoda force you to it, as well?"
"No." Kenobi finally moved, sidling toward the center of the floor. "Against Master Yoda's wishes, I took Anakin as my padawan, to fulfill a promise to my master." Kenobi glanced askance at the boy. "I have never regretted my decision."
"How fortunate for you. I'm sure Qui-Gon did regret his. In fact, I know he did." Yan dropped his voice to a whisper. "Twice betrayed."
Kenobi returned to stillness. Yan could see the understanding beginning to dawn as the Jedi's gaze jumped from him to the forcefield and back. "You wish for my death to echo Qui-Gon's. With my padawan watching helplessly." His jaw clenched.
A reaction at last. Yan was beginning to wonder if the fool was more machine than man. He nodded. "The only suitable death for one such as you, for a master of betrayal."
Skywalker began to pace along the wall of energy, his entire focus on his master. The senator continued running her hand along the cave wall. If not for Master Sidious's express orders against it, he would have enjoyed dispatching them after he was finished with Kenobi.
"If you think to shock me with such a charge, you're sadly mistaken, Dooku. I've accused myself of the same thing for years. But again, I must thank you for opening my eyes to something that only became clear when you activated that forcefield." Kenobi glanced at his padawan and Yan could almost feel the pulse of warning in that look, the signal for the boy to calm himself. It didn't work. Kenobi said, "Qui-Gon ran ahead. When he should have waited for me to back him up, he didn't. Just as I should have kept my padawan at my side while approaching you. We both cut ourselves off. I carry a measure of blame for his death, but ... so does he." There was wonder in Kenobi's voice. Yan pressed his lips together. The fool continued, "Anakin will carry no blame for my death, if it comes this day." His expression turned thoughtful. "Some believe you left the Order because of Qui-Gon's death. And now you stand denouncing me. You've turned yourself into a judge, but you judge wrongly, Dooku. I ask you to reconsider. Return to the Temple with me. Stand before the Council and explain your actions, accept your responsibility. I will guarantee your safety if you need such assurances."
Shock and growing anger radiated from Skywalker. Kenobi's offer did not sit well with his padawan.
"Very good, Kenobi." Yan stepped toward the man. "Ever the faithful Jedi, seeking reconciliation even where there can be none. Seeking peace when what you desire is vengeance. Think of all the dead Jedi on Geonosis and ask yourself if you truly wish to safeguard me, the author of such destruction. Those Jedi were as foolish as you, Kenobi. They only met the fate they deserved, as you will meet the fate you deserve." He glanced at the padawan, who was nearly quivering with frustration, his lightsaber clenched in his left hand. "Prepare to see your master die, boy." Hatred filled Skywalker's eyes, almost causing Yan to laugh. He was going to enjoy this.
Yan unclipped his lightsaber. His thumb hovered over the switch. He felt the power swelling and welcomed the familiar sensation.
Anakin's anger was palpable. Obi-Wan tried to connect through their bond, but it was walled off. Raising his lightsaber, he said, "Padawan, calm yourself." The words had some effect: he felt Anakin's turmoil shift as he struggled to rein in his emotions.
"Yes, boy," Dooku said. "You must greet your master's fate with Jedi acceptance."
Obi-Wan could sense Anakin's control slip. He suddenly realized that Dooku was playing on Anakin's fear to distract him. Though he regretted the necessity, he set aside concern for his padawan and focused on Dooku alone.
As if sensing his attitude shift, Dooku assumed the en garde position. Obi-Wan did likewise, shifting his weight to the balls of his feet. For a moment, gazes locked and neither moved. Dooku powered up his blade.
The forcefield winked out.
Obi-Wan stepped back, repelled by the shock of anger that burst from Dooku. The Count flung out his hand. Blue lightning streamed from his fingertips, hurling Padmé away from the hidden control panel she had discovered. She struck the wall with a thud and crumpled to the floor.
"No!" Anakin's tormented wail echoed as he leaped and blocked the lightning with his lightsaber.
Dooku waved his hand. The acceleration couch sailed toward Anakin, clipping his arm as he jumped back. His lightsaber appeared to be yanked from his grip by an invisible hand. It flew between Dooku and Obi-Wan, out the cave's entrance. Anakin charged at Dooku.
"Enough!" Obi-Wan's command halted the padawan. "Anakin, see to Padmé. This isn't your fight. I will handle it."
Emotions warred over Anakin's features. He clearly wished to inflict harm upon Dooku - reason enough to keep him out of the way. He was perilously close to losing all control. Obi-Wan silently willed his padawan to back down.
"Yes, boy. Stay out of the way, or you will lose more than just an arm." Dooku gave Obi-Wan a condescending look. "Let your master die the honorable Jedi death he so desires."
Anakin shot Obi-Wan a glance, one that seemed to contain a shadow of regret. Obi-Wan nodded and Anakin ran to Padmé, who was just beginning to stir. Obi-Wan fixed his regard on his opponent.
"Not quite the well-trained puppet that you are, Kenobi. Too bad you will never get the chance to rectify your poor instruction."
Obi-Wan smiled. "Do you plan to kill me with words, Dooku? You certainly seem to have a surplus of them. If you seek to gain the satisfaction of seeing me strike first, you will be waiting a very long time."
Dooku sneered. "Ah, yes. Another foolish Jedi teaching rears its head. Defense, never attack."
Instead of responding, Obi-Wan let himself savor the refreshment of the Force infusing the stillness within. He waited, saber unlit, for Dooku to make the first move. The golden light filling the cave glimmered with the awareness of impending conflict. On the edge of Obi-Wan's awareness, Anakin's presence hunkered, not focused on him, but on Padmé. For all intents, it was just Dooku and himself, as if the forcefield were still activated.
Dooku struck. The blow drove Obi-Wan back a step. Blue and red blades spat as they locked. Obi-Wan had forgotten how strong Dooku was - strength enhanced by darkness. He twisted his wrist, forcing the red blade to the side.
The battle began in earnest. Furious strikes and counterstrikes. Dooku stayed close, seeking to breach the inner circles of defense. Obi-Wan repelled his attacks. Step by step, he retreated under the onslaught. It took all his concentration to ward off Dooku, anticipate his moves, block his laser-fast blows.
Sweat trickled down Obi-Wan's neck. He wheeled away from an undercut. A whisper in the Force sent him backpedaling out of Dooku's reach. His chest heaved as he listened.
Dooku advanced, victory gleaming in his eyes. He circled. Obi-Wan pivoted. Dooku attacked. Obi-Wan parried and retreated out of blade's reach. In a heartbeat, the Force reminded Obi-Wan of the other reason this place was important to his past - and his future. It was the first place where he had ever given himself totally to the Force, in a desperate battle against swarming draigons.
Nothing held back. Not even his life.
Marshaling his strength, Obi-Wan warded off another flurry of blows and retreated again. He could see the certainty of his death in Dooku's expression. Obi-Wan offered acceptance of that fact to the Force - he would fight the remainder of this battle as it should have begun: not anticipating, but letting the Force anticipate.
Letting go ... letting the Force ...
Obi-Wan smiled as the Light heeded his invitation and took control of his fate.
Foolish Jedi. Defeat was at hand, and he smiled.
Yan felt the re-direction of the Force. He hesitated, taking in Kenobi's serene countenance. From a long-forgotten corner of his mind, Master Yoda's voice whispered, "Luminous beings are we."
At the intrusion, his thoughts turned to stone. Kenobi's pathetic powers were no match for his. Luminous or not, this Jedi's crude matter was about to be dispatched.
Had Qui-Gon exhibited the same tranquillity before his death? Quite likely. His padawan had never feared death.
Yan lunged. His red blade hissed. Kenobi parried the attack and fought back with a skill that surprised Yan. Early in the fight, he had wondered if Kenobi had been studying sword play - now he knew.
The battle fluctuated, neither side giving way. Yan broke off and circled warily, looking for an opening. His breath was coming hard and he worked to control it. "I commend you, Master Kenobi. You haven't been idle since last we met." He sought to give himself a moment to regroup.
Kenobi didn't move, not even to protect his back when Yan paced behind him. "A Jedi never passes an opportunity to study an opponent. I'm not quite the fool you take me for, Dooku."
"I prefer Count Dooku, or my lord, if you please."
"A stolen title doesn't make you worthy of respect, ... Dooku."
Yan channeled the flare of anger to his waning energy. He would not be pricked by mere words. He said, "I will enjoy teaching your padawan learner the true nature of the Force, Kenobi."
The Jedi blinked. As quickly as Yan had felt the tremor of unease, it was gone. Yan circled again, until he faced Kenobi's back. He thrust his blade forward.
Kenobi spun and blocked the strike.
The Force consumed Obi-Wan, transformed him into a mere conduit for its power. He had felt such purity of Light only a few times in his life as a Jedi, and each time it filled him with awe of the majesty that was the Force.
Dooku was transparent. The Force revealed his every move before he made it, exposed every tell-tale muscle twitch and eye blink. Time slowed, lengthened, allowing Obi-Wan ample time to follow where the Force lead in a deadly dance as intricate and beautiful as the Force itself. Obi-Wan gave no thought for himself; there was only the Force.
He danced.
In the back of his mind, he could feel Anakin and Padmé's attention, their silent encouragement feeding into the positive flow of energy.
And he could feel the warmth of Qui-Gon's smile.
Yan stumbled back, barely shifting his blade in time to block Kenobi's blow. Frustration roiled through his veins. His age was working against him. He hadn't thought the contest would become one of perseverance.
For the first time he considered the possibility of defeat. The thought summoned a fresh wave of wrath and power. And a vague disquiet deep in the shadows of his mind - a disapproval that prevented him from using less than honorable means to defeat Kenobi, that came from ... he wasn't sure.
Yan fought, wielding the full force of his anger, raining down a storm of powerful blows. He banished the disquiet, banished the doubt. But still, he couldn't breach Kenobi's defenses.
If he could not achieve physical conquest, he would do the next best thing. The victory was his, regardless, for as long as Kenobi's padawan kept his holocron a secret.
Yan reached out his thoughts and called the creature chained to his will.
Kenobi pressed the attack, forcing Yan backwards until he felt the gaping void behind him. As Kenobi arched the blue blade toward his torso, Yan smiled.
And powered down his lightsaber.
The red blade vanished. Obi-Wan stemmed his attack, his blue blade halting only centimeters from Dooku's chest.
Mockery entered the older man's eyes. "Ever the Jedi. It makes you quite predictable, Master Kenobi."
Obi-Wan didn't answer as he sought to regulate his breathing. Neither did he move his blade. He noticed Dooku's heel sliding backwards.
Anakin bellowed. Obi-Wan half turned to see his padawan charging, then spun back as Dooku launched himself through the hologram and out of the cave. Anakin lunged at him and overbalanced. Obi-Wan snatched his padawan's tunic hem and yanked him back to solid ground.
Switching off his lightsaber, Obi-Wan watched Dooku land on the back of a draigon. The creature flew over the ocean, its great wings flapping with lazy grace.
"You had him!" Anakin shouted.
"Calm yourself, Padawan."
A ship dropped out of a cloud and vectored toward the draigon. Dooku's sailship - Obi-Wan recognized it from Geonosis. The craft matched the draigon's speed. Dooku reached up to grab a cable Obi-Wan couldn't see, and was lifted off the draigon's back.
"You could have ended this! Why didn't you kill him when you had the chance?" Anakin shook his golden fist in Obi-Wan's face. "He deserves to die!"
Obi-Wan turned from watching Dooku's escape, his expression severe. "A Jedi does not kill unarmed opponents, my very young padawan."
Nostrils flaring, Anakin flung his arm outward. "You let him get away! The victory was yours!"
"A victory gained by murder is the meanest defeat. Outcome is not everything. If you compromise your integrity to achieve your goal, all you are ... is compromised. And the Force is no longer with you. A Jedi without the Force as his ally is a mere shadow of what he was meant to be. I know who I am, young one. Compromise is not an option." Obi-Wan peered across the rocky headlands, turned golden brown by the hologram, butting against emerald waters.
Obi-Wan felt Anakin's anger seeping away. They would have to talk about this further. A glint caught his eye. But not right now. Apparently, they were about to receive company.
Glancing at Padmé, who had joined them and was holding Anakin's hand, Obi-Wan hesitated. Was her presence the only reason Anakin had released his ire? Setting aside the thought for later consideration, he noted she appeared unscathed by Dooku's attack. He nodded. She returned the gesture.
"You distracted Dooku at a critical moment, Senator, finding that control panel. I hope you are not paying too dearly for your bravery." When Padmé shook her head, Obi-Wan asked, "Does the panel you discovered also control the holograms?"
"Yes," Padmé replied.
"Anakin, de-activate this one so our guests can see where we're situated." He indicated the blip that was taking the form of a Republic Cruiser.
"I'll do it." Padmé headed across the cave with a barely discernible limp.
The hologram winked out. The cruiser approached the cave entrance and hovered, rotating and sliding into position so the landing ramp was aligned with the mouth of the cave. The ramp extended to reveal a very small, very familiar form.
"Master Yoda!" Anakin cried. "How did you know where to find us? You're too late, though. Master Kenobi ... let Dooku escape."
Yoda's ears flattened. His lips pursed. He leaned on his gimer stick and said nothing.
Obi-Wan folded his arms. "You used us as bait." He caught sight of Jedi robes in the shadows behind Yoda. His cloudy gaze held Yoda's green one. "No, that's not quite right. We were ... a distraction. Don't you think I had the right to know such a thing?"
Yoda lifted his chin. "Use that tone with me, you will not, Master Kenobi. Tell you, I could not, for Dooku would have seen the knowledge in your eyes. Appeared alone, you had to, or the surprise was lost."
Obi-Wan snorted silently. "Anakin was right. You were too slow."
"Wasted time, we did, tracing our tracking device to the bottom of the ocean."
"I'd offer to retrieve it for you, but I've had enough swimming for quite some time." He had never dared, nor ever been able to hold onto irritation when facing Yoda. He gave the ancient Jedi master a slight smile. "Do you have room aboard for a few passengers?"
Yoda's expression lightened; his green eyes sparked. "Room, we have, Master Kenobi."
Obi-Wan inclined his head. "Thank you." He paused. "Could we land on the beach for a few moments? We need to retrieve Senator Amidala's droid and my padawan ... needs to find his lightsaber."
Yoda directed a heavy scowl at Anakin. "Lightsaber, hmm? A Jedi's life, his lightsaber is. Never, should a Jedi lose it. Careless, that is."
Anakin lowered his head. "Yes, Master Yoda." From the corner of his eye, he gave Obi-Wan a withering glance.
Obi-Wan swallowed his laughter and leaped across the small gap to the landing ramp.
Obi-Wan finished his verbal report, the last words seeming to echo around the Jedi Council chamber. He stood, hands clasped before him, and stared over the heads of the only two masters present.
When neither Yoda nor Mace spoke, Obi-Wan's gaze drifted around the perimeter of the room. It felt almost desolate with all the other masters' chairs removed, a mere shell of what it had been. Certainly not the focal point of power he remembered from when he had served as Qui-Gon's padawan. The masters who had survived Geonosis had abdicated their Council seats, opting to serve the Jedi in the field where they were needed most. Only Mace and Yoda remained, with the unanimous approval of the Jedi.
Still the silence stretched. Obi-Wan closed his eyes and strove for patience.
Mace finally spoke. "How did you feel about your padawan's ... secrecy?"
Staring into obsidian eyes, Obi-Wan repeated what was in his written report and what he had already explained, "It took me some time to realize, but ... mostly I felt betrayed."
"And now?"
"Now ... I have forgiven him. I could do no less than my master did for me."
Mace leaned forward and studied Obi-Wan. Apparently satisfied, he sat back. "Have you told him?"
Obi-Wan considered this. "Not in so many words, I suppose. I should ... all things considered."
Yoda said, "And what things might those be?"
Obi-Wan gave Yoda a puzzled look. "Considering that he's facing banishment, of course."
The two masters exchanged hooded glances. It was Yoda who broke the awkward silence. "Know the will of the Council so well, do you, Master Kenobi?"
A frown settled on Obi-Wan's brow as he stared at Yoda. "What do you mean? Surely you aren't going to let him continue as a Jedi? He has shown no remorse. He continues to refuse to consider annulment of the marriage. We have no alternative but to -"
"Obi-Wan, you must understand." Mace stood, drawing himself to his full height, forcing Obi-Wan to look up. "The Dark Side is rampant right now. It cloaks its acolytes from our view, including the Sith that has remained outside our abilities to locate for over ten years. It draws powerful Jedi like Count Dooku into its web of deceit. We cannot allow someone as ... gifted as Anakin Skywalker to venture out from under our protection. He must remain a Jedi."
Blowing out a breath, Obi-Wan strove to come to terms with what he was hearing. "I should very much like to know how you plan to handle this illicit marriage then. Will you make it public? Are Jedi now allowed to seek such intimacies, the prohibition shattered by a headstrong teenager?"
Mace gave Obi-Wan a quelling look. "The marriage will remain a secret, known only to the beings in this room, along with those on Senator Amidala's staff who already know."
"That's ridiculous!" Obi-Wan spun and marched to the window, to the spot where Even Piell used to sit. "I refuse to be party to such a deception." He stared at the late afternoon traffic; it blurred in his vision.
"You have no choice." Mace's tone was stony.
His padawan: the Chosen One, the exceptional one, and now ... the exception to the rule. Resentment whispered through his thoughts; he shunted it aside. Not turning, Obi-Wan braced his hands on the ledge. "A Jedi always has a choice. The paths of obedience and disobedience are always before him. This cannot be the will of the Force. I cannot train Anakin under such conditions."
"Why not?" Yoda's voice grated across Obi-Wan's nerves.
Why not abandon integrity? Why not abandon truth? Obi-Wan unclenched his jaw. "Because I will no longer have a shred of validity in Anakin's eyes. Nothing I say will hold any authority. I assured him that he would be facing banishment, as I live and breathe the Jedi Code, I assured him. And now ..." His voice dropped to a whisper. "... it appears I have lied. How can I possibly continue as his master?" Pain knifed between his ribs. Pain of defeat, of failure. He labored to accept it, to release it to the Force.
"Very well," Yoda said.
Hope rose, soothed the hurt.
The ancient Jedi master said, "Too old he is, to be given a different master. If continue to train him, you will not, then take his trials, he will."
"No!" Obi-Wan spun around, horror welling up at the thought. "You can't do that!"
"Master Kenobi, calm yourself." Yoda slapped the tile floor with his stick.
"But you can't! He's not ready!"
"Stop! Difficult you are being, and tolerate it, I will not. Do not speak again until under control, you are."
Obi-Wan glared, chest heaving. He closed his eyes and swallowed, then sank to the floor and leaned against the wall below the window. Cool seeped from the stone into his body. He focused on the caress of its smooth touch, the fine grain of texture not even noticeable through his tunic, except for his awareness through the Force. The pattern of tile beneath him. Obi-Wan let the flow surround him, infuse him, show him the truth. He caught an echo of a vision that lingered in the room: a dark valley with multiple shadowy paths. Perhaps he judged Yoda and Mace too harshly. They did only what they thought best; they did not choose lightly to set aside tradition and walk this questionable path.
When he opened his eyes, Obi-Wan stared at the chamber doors, beyond which Anakin waited. No matter what, Anakin had now passed out of his reach. He could no longer shape the young man's destiny. As he accepted that painful truth, gave up all thought of control, a burden lifted, replaced by the soothing presence of the Force.
Quietly, Obi-Wan said, "It doesn't feel right. I'm certain that Anakin will be able to overcome any physical obstacle you present to him. The more difficult, the more he will excel. But he needs guidance. He is too often governed by his emotions. I admit that Padmé is a calming influence in his life, but ..."
Yoda said. "Know what happened on Tatooine, do you? When young Skywalker found his mother?"
Obi-Wan didn't comment on the change of topic. "He told me she died in his arms, that he had to fight his way out of the Raiders' camp."
"Mmm." Yoda's eyes were hooded. "Felt nothing, you did, when he found her?"
"When Anakin was on Tatooine ... I was exploring Dooku's lair on Geonosis. My senses were strangely muted - the cloaking effects of Dooku's Dark Side powers, I expect. Then when I was enjoying the hospitality of the dungeon, the forcefield restraints were modulated such that I couldn't even sense Dooku when he stood two meters away. Why do you ask?"
"No reason."
Obi-Wan almost scoffed. Yoda had a reason for everything he did or said. He would have to question Anakin about the incident again. He scowled, realizing he no longer held that right, that Anakin was under no obligation to answer any of his queries.
Yoda said, "Afraid, you are."
The frown faded and a smile flitted over Obi-Wan's lips. Still he stared at the door, tracing its sunburst patterns. Was the sun rising or setting? "Only in the way a master worries over and hopes for his padawan's success. I feel ... the Force's presence. I know now the path I must walk. No, Master Yoda, I am not afraid."
"Then accept the Council's ruling, you will?"
Obi-Wan inhaled several times, deep and slow. He rose and moved to the center of the room, finally turning to face Yoda and Mace. He studied each in turn, noting their serious expressions, their concerned eyes. They were as doubtful as he. Even so, Obi-Wan felt a familiar tug. Why would the Force lead them down such an uncertain path?
He bowed low, acquiescing to a presence only felt. "I accept the will of the Force, Masters. May it be with us all."
As he spun to leave, he caught Yoda's mildly disapproving gaze. He strode out of Council chambers that seemed suddenly devoid of authority.
Outside the chambers, Obi-Wan halted in front of Anakin and folded his arms. The doors slid closed, shielding them from curious eyes. First acknowledging Padmé's presence with a nod, he studied the young man for long moments. His padawan no more.
Concern darkened Anakin's blue eyes. Finally, some hesitation over his fate, perhaps even remorse over his actions. Obi-Wan arched one brow. No. Not likely.
Obi-Wan's own words filtered through his thoughts. Honor is a choice. Obedience is a path we choose. It lay before him now. The Force beckoned. It only required a single step. Each moment was but a single step. Focus on the moment.
"Qui-Gon never let me forget that a Jedi's life is a hard one," Obi-Wan said. "Not all are suited to it. But for those who succeed, for those who do what they thought they could not, the reward ... is truly knowing who they are. A priceless gift that few receive."
He could see the knowledge in Anakin's eyes now - the certainty that he was about to be cast out of the Jedi Order. Obi-Wan didn't disavow Anakin of his notion. It was Yoda's place to reveal the will of the Council, not his. Obi-Wan reached out and clasped Anakin's shoulder. "I'm sorry I could not be the master you needed." When Anakin would have spoken, Obi-Wan rushed ahead. "I only have one thing left to offer you."
Obi-Wan dropped his hand and watched the creases on Anakin's forehead deepen. No one could scowl quite so earnestly as his pad-, as Anakin.
"What is it, Master?" the younger Jedi whispered.
"My friendship." Obi-Wan extended his right hand and took the first step on the path.
Anakin stared at the offered hand with a blank expression that turned to puzzlement when he lifted his face. "I don't understand, Master."
A smile tugged at Obi-Wan's mouth as he savored the sweetness of obedience. "My friends call me Obi-Wan." He shot Padmé a wry glance. "I'm asking for the chance to be a better friend than I was a master."
Anakin started to protest; Obi-Wan silenced him with a look. He cleared his brow. Some habits would be difficult to break.
After searching Obi-Wan's face for a minute, Anakin reached out with his metal hand. It was warm as it clasped Obi-Wan's.
The older Jedi nodded and released his grip. "Now, Pad-" He shrugged and offered a slight smile. "Best not keep the Council waiting any longer, Anakin." As the young man turned away Obi-Wan whispered, " The Force be with you."
The chamber doors closed behind Anakin. Obi-Wan felt a worried gaze. He set aside a faint sadness and turned to the young woman still standing beside him. "Anakin will need you more than ever, Padmé."
A smile broke through her concern. "So I'm Padmé again, am I?"
"If you can tolerate the friendship of one rather obnoxious, elitist Jedi."
"I might be able to ... if he will forget what I called him during a trying time."
"Becoming my friend was a trial?"
"You're being deliberately difficult, Obi-Wan."
"But not obnoxious, I hope."
"I see what you're up to." She shot a glance at the doors. "But, I'm afraid you failed, Master Kenobi. You can't distract me from my worries today."
"Failure and I are old friends." He bowed, preparing to take his leave.
The fear in Padmé's voice stopped him. "What's happening in there?"
"That's not for me to say." He reached out and traced her jaw with his index finger. "You're a brave woman, Padmé. You'll face whatever comes with grace. If you and Anakin ever need my help ... just ask. I won't fail you again."
Obi-Wan wheeled and strode to the stairs. He jogged down a level and slipped onto the balcony ringing the spire. Countless times, he and Qui-Gon had discussed their Council debriefings here, a tradition he had continued with Anakin. A sense of Qui-Gon still lingered here; perhaps that was why Obi-Wan kept returning.
He longed to talk to his master, just one more time. But wishing was pointless. Regardless, he knew that Qui-Gon would tell him to -
Let it go.
Obi-Wan's heart stopped. When it re-started, it was hammering. He had often heard Qui-Gon's voice in his head, but had attributed it to his own subconscious recalling his master's teachings. But this ... this voice had been outside his head. Obi-Wan turned slowly, his hands reaching behind to grip the balustrade. He searched the empty balcony. There was something ...
He had heard it. He wasn't mad. Tentatively, Obi-Wan said, "Master?" He felt suddenly foolish, speaking to the air. Chiding himself, he stepped away from the rail.
Release it to the Force, Padawan.
Obi-Wan's knees wobbled. He grabbed the railing again and closed his eyes, fighting back surging emotion. How could this be? He took a shuddering breath. Did he care? It was real, that's all that mattered.
"Why?" Obi-Wan whispered. "Why did you take so long to come to me? I've needed your counsel so often ..."
You are ... difficult to connect with, my friend.
A strangled laugh escaped. Difficult. Anakin would be the first to agree. "I failed you, Master. I didn't train him the way -"
Let it go.
Obi-Wan nodded. He would leave the past where it belonged. It had been the Force's leading to offer Anakin his friendship, and he had obeyed. They would be friends, he could feel it. There was so much he wanted to tell Qui-Gon, so many questions he wanted to ask. Obi-Wan smiled. "I talk to you sometimes, you know, as if you're really in the room."
I hear.
The smile turned to a broad grin. Obi-Wan opened his mouth to speak, but was interrupted by pounding footsteps.
Luminara burst onto the balcony, looking as if she had run up the spire's stairs instead of using the turbolift. No cloak, head covering askew, chest heaving. Obi-Wan laughed, drawing her puzzled gaze. As she walked toward him, she shed all signs of upset, dignity and grace returning to her movements.
Halting before him, Luminara planted her hands on her hips and turned her face up to his, subjecting him to close scrutiny. "Obi-Wan, I thought ... I was certain I felt ... that you needed me ..." Her voice trailed off and a slight pucker appeared between her brows. "But you are ... fine. I can feel your tranquillity." A scowl crept onto her brow. "Why are you so peaceful?"
"My apologies. I can try to regain my previous state of agitation, if you wish."
She tapped him on the chest. "Don't be foolish. What happened in the Council? Can you talk about it?"
Obi-Wan shrugged. "I don't see why not. It will soon be common knowledge." He released a slow breath. "Anakin is to take his trials."
"But he's not ready, you've said so many times."
"My opinions on the matter are no longer relevant. I ... need to tell you something, my friend, to have someone to whom I can speak openly ..."
Slender dark brows arched. "Something I'm not supposed to know?"
Obi-Wan nodded.
"Your secret will be safe with me, Obi-Wan. You know that."
Hesitating, Obi-Wan stretched out his senses, expecting a cautionary feeling, but the Force was silent. Thankfully. In remarkably few sentences he detailed Anakin's secret marriage and what the Council had decreed.
When he was finished, Luminara studied him for a moment. "You were right that he was hiding something. More than either of us ever imagined. I sense ... that you've already forgiven him. You've accepted the Council's ruling and moved on." She reached up and cupped her hand along his jaw. "I'm proud of you, Obi-Wan."
Laying his hand over hers, Obi-Wan smiled. "I've released it all, my friend. My hopes, my disappointments. I see the path before me - the path of obedience."
"Yes, you have released everything. I can feel it." Luminara's expression turned questioning. "I know I have no right to ask ..."
"Ask anything. You are my closest friend."
"That night, in your apartment ... What I saw in your eyes that night is gone now, and I know it's for the best. I treasure your friendship, Obi-Wan." She bit her dark bottom lip. "Now that it isn't a problem, could we ... could you ..." She took a sharp breath. "Would you kiss me? Just once?"
Obi-Wan stared. "But you were ..."
"So very tempted that night, Obi-Wan. If I hadn't tried to flee, I might have ..."
"You want to kiss me." Amazement filled his thoughts.
"Oh, you can be so difficult sometimes, Obi-Wan." Luminara slipped her hand from beneath his. "Yes. I wanted to that night, and I want to right now. To ... see what it might have been like."
"Several people have told me, today, how difficult I can be." When Luminara would have stepped back, he rested both hands on her shoulders. "I would very much like to kiss you, Luminara. Just once." Obi-Wan smiled as he leaned toward her.
Let it go, Padawan.
Luminara's eyes grew wide. Obi-Wan touched his finger to her lips and quietly said, "I will, Master. In a minute."
Obi-Wan stared into Luminara's vibrant blue eyes, and slid his hand around to cup the back of her neck. Her hair teased his fingers. Lost in the depths of her shimmering gaze, he lowered his head until her breath whispered against his cheek. He closed his eyes as their lips met.
