Archive: m_a, padder's and my site.
(angelfire.com/scifi/tallyfiction)
Rating: NC-17
Category: AU, Angst, H/C
Warnings:Other than the fact the romance is between to blokes
this is very fairy tale like. True love, honour, saving the
world etc.
Summery: A world surrounded by darkness waits for their chosen
one.
Disclaimer: Not mine. George Lucus owns them (lucky him) I make
no money from them
Feedback: Yes please, this is my first finished long fic, tell
me what you think.
Thanks to: Mady and Boots for beta reading and Dane Dream Wyeth
for all her help
Notes: I have messed about with character ages in this fic to
make it work properly.
Prologue- THE TIME BEFORE
She brought her hands together as if in prayer. Bowing her
head, closing her eyes against the pain that lay within her
soul. Silver, white hair that told of her Jedi heritage
cascaded over her shoulders giving her a halo of shimmering
light. Her hands opened to form a cup revealing a small sphere
of sparkling gold. She gently blew on it, her tender breath
lifting it effortlessly up into the air and high above her
head. The dark shadows of the forest were banished by its
beauty. Without lifting her head she spoke, her voice gaining a
power that did not break the spell but wove it into the fabric
of the world more tightly.
"This is my legacy and my prophecy. I will not be the last. I
give a part of my soul to make another, one strong enough to
finish my fight. They will come fifteen years after my death,
when almost all hope has gone. In your darkest hour the
brightest light will be seen, leading you towards eternal peace
and light." The ball of magic rose higher and higher until it
disappeared into the mist.
She looked about her. These were her final moments, but she was
ready. She had died fighting but alas, even she was not strong
enough to fend of the poison off darkness. She looked once more
to those gathered around her. Her family, her friends, her
subjects.
"I can finally rest, my body is tired from the fight, but my
soul is strong. I will return, at least in part. The soul is a
majestic thing so never doubt the power of mine." She laid her
head down, closed her eyes and drifted away. An old man looked
to those around him who had gathered at their Queen's bedside.
He spoke,
"The last is dead and all hope with her." A young man wearing a
hooded dark robe with the crescent of the Jedi brotherhood
stepped forward, out from the shadows.
"Not the last, not all hope."
"You believe her prophecy?" It wasn't really a question but a
plea. The younger man spoke with the confidence that only a
force user possessed.
"I believe in her soul. We will be set free of the darkness."
Many hundreds of years ago a planet with seas of blue and lush
green continents shone in the cold darkness of space with light
and magic. Its people were peace loving led by the Jedi Sisters
and counselled by the Jedi brotherhood. The Jedi held the power
of the force within them. The Sisters also held magic, giving
them the power they needed to lead their people and maintain
peace but a great evil had descended on this beautiful planet.
Snatching the peace, stealing the magic and suffocating its
soul. The Sisters were poisoned by The Darkness. After five
hundred years of fear, hate, suspicion and war the last of the
Jedi women had died leaving a planet in darkness with only a
few remaining Jedi Brothers to lead them.
Qui-Gon had not been born when the Darkness had first closed
its grip on his world, but he remembered it. All Jedi men did.
Memories passed on through the force down the bloodline through
the generations. Father to son. It was their gift. It was their
curse. As the Jedi sisters had held the magic of this lost
world causing them to be the ones to lead the people into
battle when the Darkness had first appeared, the Jedi Brothers
held its soul and its history. They were not warriors, their
gift allowed them to give counsel and teach the young, they
were not prepared to lead the armies into war. Their number too
was declining, only a few full Jedi remained. Jedi with two
Jedi parents and full Jedi powers were becoming more and more
scarce. Qui-Gon knew that the Brotherhood would soon follow the
fate of the sisters.
Qui-Gon looked down at his son cradled in his arms. He had lost
his Queen that night but with her he had lost his wife and
mother of his child. He feared for his son, and for himself. He
didn't know how he was going to protect his son from the
darkness which lurked everywhere. A single tear fell from his
eye and rolled down his cheek unhindered. He looked up into the
heavens where tiny pinpricks of light shone in the expanse of
space.
"I know you can hear me my Queen, my beloved, my soul mate. At
least I pray you do." Qui-Gon took a moment to gather his
thoughts. "What should I do now that you are no longer with
me?" He felt a tingle at the back of his mind where a bond once
lay, full of life, but now lay dormant and through it he heard
a whisper on the wind.
"I am still here my love, watching over you and our son. Don't
give up on him. Hold him up to the light."
"But the light has gone." He closed his eyes willing the flood
of pain and memories back.
"Then find it my heart. Fight for it as I have spent my life
doing, like so many before me. You have the strength. Be the
first of your kind to be a warrior."
"But I don't have the power."
"Then take it from me. As I gave the power of my soul to my
prophecy I give you the power and knowledge of my mind. Use it
well. Goodbye my brother."
"Goodbye my Queen" Loneliness once again swept around him but
now he had something to protect his son from it, he now had a
purpose. He could feel the power of her being flow through his
blood, the skill to be a warrior was now his, and perhaps it
always had been. Now the fire in his heart burned brightly.
"One day I will join you my Queen, but first I have your battle
to fight. To hold out until the one whose coming you foretold.
I will use the weapon you have chosen to bestow on me. Thank
you." He wrapped his robe tighter around him and his son and
disappeared into the night.
Chapter1- THE FORCE WILL HAVE ITS WAY
Fourteen years later
Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn walked through the deep shrub of the
Border Forest, his Lightsaber knocking against his hip with
every step he took. The Jedi was a tall, powerfully built
middle aged man. He had seen much in his lifetime, the age of
his experiences showing clearly in his crystal blue eyes. His
grey hair spilled over his shoulders and down to his waist,
wisps falling into his eyes, blown there by the gentle, evening
wind. He wore a heavy Jedi robe and thick tunics but they did
nothing to hide his muscular form or the various weapons that
he carried. The only Jedi Brother to do so, marking him as the
legendary Jinn.
Qui-Gon was tired and hungry. He desperately needed somewhere
to rest and perhaps somewhere warm and safe to spend the night.
His footsteps carried him on, deeper into the forest that sung
with life and spoke deep into his soul. He cast his gaze about,
looking for some kind of shelter. He would have stopped where
he stood if not for the gentle, persistent nudges from the
Force. He was about ready to give up when he saw a thin wisp of
smoke rising into the sky. He followed the smoke trail down and
saw a chimney popping up from beneath the smaller trees. Just
ahead lay a small cabin, nestled within a clearing. A sigh of
relief escaped the Jedi Master's lips at the sight.
Thank the Force he thought and walked towards the little
dwelling. As he grew close he could see a figure working in the
cabin's little garden. Qui-Gon studied the young, fit body from
a distance. The man was shorter than the Jedi but he was
muscular, he had hair the colour of chestnuts that was set
aflame with gold when the light touched it. There was something
else about him, something that drew Qui-Gon to him.
Like a moth to a flame. Qui-Gon mused.
He approached slowly, not wishing to startle the younger man.
When he was a ten yards away the youth looked up, straight at
Qui-Gon. The Jedi Master looked deep into misty green eyes that
seemed far to knowing for the boyish, young face. Qui-Gon
forcing a smile to his lips, which he found easier than he
expected, he stepped into the clearing. The other man stood
perfectly still as Qui-Gon drew closer to him.
"Greetings. I have been travelling a long time and was
wondering if I may rest here awhile." Qui-Gon wasn't sure if
the boy would answer, when finally the smooth face broke out in
to a generous smile.
"Of course, my Lord." He bent low in a deep bow of respect.
"Would you like some refreshments?"
The Jedi warrior stepped closer to the other man, feeling more
relaxed by the courtesy extended to him. He was led to the
porch where he was offered a seat facing outwards onto the
forest. He was left alone for the briefest of moments as his
host went inside to gather food. He returned with a tray of
fruits and bread.
"How rude of me, I didn't identify myself. I'm..." He was cut
off.
"Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn." The look of surprise must have
showed on his face for the boy went on to explain. "You wear
the robes of a Jedi but you also carry weaponry. There is only
one warrior Jedi, my Lord." Qui-Gon smiled and was treated to a
shy smile in return.
"You have me at a disadvantage, what is your name?"
"Ben."
They sat quietly for awhile, enjoying the presence of the other
without realising why. A quiet contentment swept over Qui-Gon,
something he had not felt for fifteen years. He felt safe. He
smiled to himself.
"So, My Lord Jedi, what brings you to the Border Forest?" Ben
gazed at Qui-Gon through thick eyelashes, his green eyes
flashing with lust.
"I am on my way to meet the Jedi council before they move south
for the winter."
"Have you been travelling long?"
"Yes, weeks." Ben put his hand on Qui-Gon's knee in mute
sympathy.
"You must be exhausted, is your journey nearly at an end?" The
Jedi Master hadn't missed Ben's subtle body language. The
casual touch, the searching looks, the way he leaned slightly
towards him when he spoke.
"I hope so, Ben. I hope so." He was about to cover Ben's hand
with his own when the younger man sat back, withdrawing his
touch.
"I'm glad." Qui-Gon tried not to think of the lingering warmth
left be Ben's hand or his gentle touch.
I must be getting old, I'm starting to miss the small
comforts in life As that thought occurred to him a familiar
presence swept across his shields, bumping them slightly.
Qui-Gon sat very stiffly, waiting for a reoccurrence of the
phenomenon, but none came to confirm the presence he felt.
"Are you alright?"
Qui-Gon turned to his companion who was staring at him
intently. He looked down at his own hands and realised they
were shaking. Hastily he tucked them into his robes.
Answer him, you foolish old man, before you scare him any
more.
"Yes, I'm fine. Just a little tired."
"Oh... Then please come in, there is a spare bed if you wish to
spend the night here."
Qui-Gon had the sudden desire to stay as long as possible with
this man, his bright smile, his cultured voice and his obvious
intelligence.
"That would be wonderful, lead the way."
Ben led the Jedi warrior into his home to the spare bedroom at
the back of the cabin. The tiny room had a small bed on one
side facing a window with a view of the Border Forest. Ben kept
shooting glances at the Jedi. He hadn't expected that kind of
reaction from his probe; maybe it had been a coincidence.
You don't believe in coincidences. He reminded himself,
but when Qui-Gon had turned a deathly shade of white he knew it
was because of him, all he needed to know now was why.
Qui-Gon's voice broke Ben from his thoughts.
"It's very kind of you to let a stranger into your house,
especially when you live so close to the dark border. I could
have been anyone."
"If you can't trust a Jedi, who can you trust?" Humour seemed
to dance behind Ben's eyes as he looked at the Jedi.
"I could have been a dark Jedi." Qui-Gon reasoned solemnly
"No you're not."
"And how can you tell?" Qui-Gon was surprised by the answer.
"The same way you know I am not an agent of the dark. Sometimes
you just know." Looking at the Jedi for a moment Ben spoke
again. "If you give me your robes I would be happy to wash them
for you."
Qui-Gon thought for a moment deciding to take the young man up
on his offer. Clean tunics and a goodnight's rest would refresh
him before continuing his journey. The Jedi Master nodded his
thanks and began to undress.
First he took off his heavy robe that had the brotherhood's
emblem embroidered on it in shades of purple and turquoise, the
only colour on the voluminous black cloak. He sat on the bed to
remove his boots, the whole time conscious of the other man's
eyes on him. Before he could get distracted he focused his
attention on the clasps of his boots. He let out a small sigh
of release as they slipped from his feet. He stood to remove
the rest of his clothes.
Next to come off was his leather belt that had a pouch for all
his keepsakes. He left that on the bed with the robe. He took
of his sash next which he handed to Ben. He undid his outer
tunic, shrugging out of it noticing Ben's sharp intake of
breath. Qui-Gon smiled to himself. He moved his hands up his
body, skimming over thin material with well toned flesh beneath
it. He stretched up wards letting out a small groan as his
muscles pulled tight. Pretending not to notice Ben's expression
he removed his inner tunic, revealing a body finely tuned over
years of conditioning. He handed Ben both his tunics.
Ben absently put his hand out to take the clothes but his eyes
were raking over Qui-Gon's torso. Seeing the ripple of muscle
as he moved and noting every scar and wondering at the story
and adventure behind them. Realising he was staring, Ben
blinked and dragged his eyes up to meet Qui-Gon's. The Jedi was
smiling down at him. Resisting the urge to gulp, Ben met the
older man's gaze squarely.
"Leggings?"
Without a word Qui-Gon bent over and slipped his trousers down
his long legs, slowly revealing powerful thighs. When the
leggings were pooled at his ankles he stood up straight,
completely naked. He stepped out of the clothing at his feet
and handed then to Ben who was now staring at the floor, trying
not to look at the Jedi's magnificent body.
"I'll have them ready for you by tomorrow morning."
"Thank you." Qui-Gon practically purred at Ben who visibly
melted under the vocal cures. Ben looked at Qui-Gon and
whispered in a voice hoarse with lust,
"Goodnight my Lord Jedi." He gave the older man a shy
smile as he bade the warrior goodnight and left him alone in
the tiny room. Qui- Gon hadn't missed the emphasis on 'my'.
Sleep didn't come easily to either man that night, but it
remained elusive for different reasons. Qui-Gon lay on his
narrow cot, staring out the window that let in the ghostly
light of the stars and the full moon. From where he lay he
could see it in all its beauty, its peace and tranquillity
reflected in his own soul. He felt content to be in this house,
to be near a man who was almost a total stranger, but there
was, within that young, beautiful body a presence that was so
familiar, but he was still unable to say why or give it a name.
Almost like my soul's reflection.
For that night he lived in the moment, enjoying the unknown,
but not unwelcome, presence. He would ask the questions
tomorrow when what he felt wasn't such a precious comfort, in
the morning when the light of the suns banished the cold
darkness, tomorrow when the golden light touched the Border
Forest. When the night had withered away he would no longer
need the shield the presence provided and so he would be free
to exam what he felt and why.
Ben lay within his bed on the other side of the cabin; unlike
Qui- Gon's room Ben's room was dark and sheltered away from the
shimmering, pale light of the moon. His thoughts matched his
surroundings, influenced by the dark presence that never seemed
to leave his side. It wasn't part of him but it was always
there none the less. Ben spent that first night shivering
beneath his blankets, terrified. He didn't understand what he
felt from the Jedi warrior, all he wanted was to be in those
powerful arms. In those brief minutes together the darkness
seemed to lift, retreating from the Jedi's light. He wanted
that back but was afraid of what it would cost him so he lay
awake, his thoughts a tumbling mess of emotions.
In the morning Qui-Gon found his clothes neatly folded at the
foot of his bed. When he rose to do his morning exercise and
meditation, he was pleased to see Ben as he went outside. The
younger man greeted him with a nod of his head before
continuing with his task. Qui-Gon found a soft patch of grass
to sit on while he sank into a moment of quiet reflection. One
thought and explanation kept resurfacing, but it was a 'what
if'... he could not stand by another 'what if'... and this one,
to his mind, was illogical. Finding meditation unsuccessful he
opened his senses to the Living Force that surrounded him and
began the Kata of Beauty. As he went through the positions he
became more aware of his surroundings and his place within it.
The trees rose high above him on all sides but sun light had a
clear path through the roof of foliage to the clearing where
Ben's home stood. The beauty of the place struck Qui-Gon but as
his connection grew deeper he felt something else. A taint. It
wasn't Ben but there was something here. He wished he had time
to find out what it was but he needed to meet up with the Jedi
council. He could not stay here forever, however much he may
wish to.
Maybe he'll go with you.
The thought came from nowhere, as if someone else had spoken it
deep within his soul, he also realised that he would like it
very much if Ben would accompany him on his journey. His eyes
rested on Ben's form as he worked in the garden, weeding the
carrot patch. He sighed,
The simple pleasures in life.
Qui-Gon brushed himself off, smiling as he did so. Perhaps he
could help out a little while he was here, to repay the young
man for his kindness. With that thought he began walking
towards the cabin's garden.
The moment the Jedi Master began walking towards him, Ben was
aware of it. All of his senses seemed to be in tune and in
perfect harmony with the older man. There seemed to be an
intimate touch between their souls, and the sheer possibility
sent a shiver of joy down his spine. He straightened from his
digging to look at Qui-Gon as he walked towards him. What he
saw took his breath away. Every time he saw the Jedi his desire
for the man grew, the way the suns shone on his silver hair and
the way he moved with unconscious grace and the way his soulful
blue eyes looked deep within him. Time stood still for both as
they gazed at each other. There was a subtle shift in the Force
around them, as if another was there, then both lent forward to
steal a light kiss.
Amazed at his own actions Ben pulled away hurriedly,
embarrassed of his presumptions. He looked back up to the Jedi
who was smiling at him fondly.
"Is there anything I can do to help?"
"We could do with some more fire wood." He gestured over to an
axe and a large pile of logs. Qui-Gon smiled and moved to
comply, briefly wondering what Ben meant when he said we. Was
it Ben and himself or another? A new emotion sprang into
Qui-Gon's mind, an emotion he had not been acquainted with for
some years. Jealousy. What if there was another? What did he or
she mean to Ben? How much of his life did he share with this
unidentified person? Where they intimate?
Qui-Gon mentally shook himself; he was jumping to conclusions.
He was a Jedi Master and these were not thoughts befitting a
man like himself. To distract himself further, Qui-Gon began
his task.
He took off his tunics, revealing a fine toned, muscled torso
with sun kissed skin. The morning sun shone on Qui-Gon's back
causing him to sweat. Ben's mouth went dry as he watched drops
of perspiration roll down the muscular body. With the strength
befitting a warrior, the Jedi Master set about his task.
Why would someone like that ever want me? Sighing
regretfully, Ben returned to his work.
Out of the corner of his eye, Qui-Gon saw Ben gazing at him
with undisguised lust. The young man sighed suddenly. Qui-Gon
wondered what he had been thinking to cause such a heartfelt
sound. He shook his head in frustration, it was no good, he
couldn't stop thinking about the man who was now back at work,
fifteen yards from where he was.
And that kiss hasn't helped anything.
Ben seemed to be in his blood and the attraction grew with
every beat of his heart.
What bewitchment is this? That I could fall in love with
someone I don't even know. He suddenly understood what it
was he was feeling. Love, as simple as that. My Queen, My
Adi, I love you still but I am unable to resist him. I wish I
could talk to you.
Bitterness filled Qui-Gon for the briefest of moments. He was
alone and had been for fifteen years and now this boy had
broken into his heart with a kind word and a smile. But then
just as suddenly it was gone, the bitterness of fifteen years
evaporated with the memory of love that could be again.
Live in the moment. He smiled and for the first time in
fifteen years it was a genuine one of complete joy.
After an hour Qui-Gon put down his axe, stretching his back. He
looked around for Ben who had been working his way along the
beds of shrubs but when he looked around the garden only a lone
shovel stood. The Jedi Master heard a door bang behind him.
Qui-Gon turned to see Ben walking towards him carrying a
pitcher of water, two glasses and a bowl of fruit.
Qui-Gon smiled at Ben who blushed as he set the tray down. The
Jedi warrior walked over to his companion, and when he stood
before him he leaned forward, moving his body closer until he
could feel the heat from Ben's body.
Ben was acutely aware of Qui-Gon's body as he leaned closer to
him. The well toned flesh was mere inches from him. He watched
a droplet of sweat run down Qui-Gon's chest, slipping over well
defined muscle. He tracked it down with his eyes past Qui-Gon's
nipple down to the top of the Jedi's leggings where it soaked
into the material. Ben looked back up to the Jedi's face, lust
filled green eyes met inflamed blue ones.
"You look hot, my Lord Jedi."
"Indeed I am, Ben."
"Perhaps you should have a drink." Qui-Gon didn't answer;
instead he put his arm around the younger man. Ben held his
breath but instead of the embrace he had been expecting Qui-Gon
withdrew with a piece of fruit in his hand.
"Tease." Slipped out of Ben's lips before he remembered who he
was talking to and could censor the thought. Completely
straight-faced Qui-Gon replied,
"Jedi don't tease." And with that he took a bit out of the ripe
fruit allowing the juice to trickle over his chin.
"Oh, really." Ben watched as a smug grin spread across the Jedi
Master's face. The only warning Qui-Gon got was the mischievous
glint in Ben's eyes before he found himself drenched in water
with Ben standing before him holding the now empty pitcher.
"You don't look hot now, my Lord Jedi." Qui-Gon felt the cool
water taking the heat from his body as it evaporated in the
suns' heat, and the triumphant look on Ben's face told him he
had lost.
"Thank you, Ben. I feel very refreshed." With an air of
satisfaction Ben returned to tending his garden and after
watching for a few moments, so did Qui-Gon.
Midday meal soon approached and with the strenuous activities
he had been doing Qui-Gon found he had quite an appetite, and
not just for food. He wanted to hear Ben's quiet spoken voice
and see his radiant smile.
Love smitten fool. Qui-Gon thought but decided he didn't
mind in the slightest.
Ben moved around the kitchen with ease, preparing a light meal
for himself and his guest and as he did so, Qui-Gon took the
time to look closer at his surroundings. The inside of the
cabin, like the outside, was neat and well kept but this place
didn't feel like Ben somehow, another presence was here,
drowning out Ben's. Ben couldn't have been here long enough to
create a powerful imprint on the cabin. There were no books in
the house which surprised Qui-Gon. Ben seemed like a well
educated man, yet there were no signs of it here.
"Lived here long?" Ben turned to look at the Jedi.
"Yes. This was my childhood home."
Huh. From what he was sensing Ben had not been here that
long. And there was something else too, niggling at the back of
his mind.
"Live alone?" Ben froze for a fraction of a second and if
Qui-Gon hadn't been watching closely he would have missed it.
"No, I live here with my step brother." Ben wouldn't look at
him now.
Odd
"Where is he?"
"He goes off days at a time, I never know when he'll be back."
There was hidden meaning to that but Qui-Gon didn't push any
further. Ben was clearly uncomfortable with the conversation.
He didn't want to pry.
Well, not yet.
After a long tiring day of chores, the two men sat in front of
a blazing fire. It was still summer but with winter's approach,
the nights were becoming longer and colder. Night was also the
time when the dark was most powerful and in the coming months,
its strength would grow. A fire's light offered some comfort
even if it was only superficial. They talked well into the
night, nothing personal, just each taking joy in the other's
intelligence. They talked about the state of their world and
the war and of the forest outside. Qui-Gon was pleasantly
surprised by Ben's level of understanding in both natural and
human matters. As the evening pen not pulling away
like before, he deepened the kiss, seeking entrance into the
velvet softness. Ben submitted easily and soon both men had
their arms wrapped around the other, desperately seeking the
love the other was offering. They regretfully pulled back and
as they did, the world snapped back into focus around them.
"I'm sorry."
Before Qui-Gon could answer, Ben was pulling away and
retreating to his own room. Qui-Gon was hurt by Ben's sudden
withdrawal but he had the feeling it wasn't him that had caused
it. Ben was upset about something and Qui-Gon was determined to
find out what it was, he had felt the love in Ben's kiss and he
needed to know what was holding Ben away.
Qui-Gon tried to follow Ben but found he couldn't. There was a
pressure inside of him, pushing him to his own room instead of
Ben's. He wanted to question what was happening but found his
mind sluggish. He made it to his bed before falling into an
unnatural sleep.
Qui-Gon had a restless night, his thoughts churning over what
had happened between Ben and himself. He awoke more than once
from a nightmare that faded away into his subconscious until no
memory of it remained. Near sunrise Qui-Gon awoke to a sharp
banging noise, he was sure he could hear hushed voices, one
angry and the other afraid. He was about to get up and
investigate when the whispering abruptly stopped. He thought he
heard a thud as something hit the floor but he couldn't be
sure. After several minutes of silence, exhaustion claimed him
and he slipped into a light sleep.
Outside his door a figure stood hidden in shadow, his ear
pressed to the door listening for any further movement.
"I'm sorry Qui-Gon to do this to you twice."
If the Jedi had been prepared for such an attack he would never
have succumbed to Ben's gentle prodding but Qui-Gon trusted
Ben. Ben pulled his senses back into himself feeling guilt over
his manipulation of the Jedi Master and the abuse of his trust
but he had seen no other way.
Qui-Gon awoke with the dawn. He lay in his bed, watching the
world become alight with the flame of the suns. The golden
light began to cascade over the tree tops giving the Border
Forest a glowing halo of fire and for the moment he could
almost forget the Dark Border that lay beyond. Soon after he
woke Qui-Gon herd noises coming from the kitchen. He rose in
search of breakfast.
He wandered into the kitchen to find Ben hard at work preparing
a cooked breakfast.
"Can I help?"
"No, please sit down." Ben didn't turn around when he addressed
the Jedi and Qui-Gon detected a note of strain in his voice.
Qui-Gon crossed the small kitchen area to stand behind Ben.
"Are you alright?" Taking the other man's arm he gently turned
his so they were face to face. He gasped in surprise. A dark
bruise marred Ben's cheek and there was a nasty cut above his
eyebrow. The Jedi began to bring his arm up to heal the minor
wound but he was stopped by Ben's grip on his wrist.
"Who did that?"
"No one." Ben's eyes betrayed his misery. "I fell." Ben quickly
turned back to the cooking food, ignoring Qui-Gon. "Please sit
down." Just then he heard footsteps approaching and then there
was another man entering the kitchen.
"My lord, this is my stepbrother, Bruck." Qui-Gon bowed to the
other man noticing the startling differences between the two
men. Bruck was taller than Ben and had long white hair. His
skin, like his hair, was pale, white in comparison to Ben's
tanned body. With his Jedi senses Qui-Gon also detected a faint
taint in his aura, nothing too obvious but there was definitely
something there, shaded away from everything else.
"Ah yes, my brother said we had an honoured guest last night
when I returned home. I hope I didn't disturb you." Qui-Gon
shook his head; he did not miss the flash of jealousy that
flashed across Bruck's blue eyes or the anger that accompanied
it. Nor did he miss the mocking tone that he used when he
referred to his step brother. "Good, please sit down with me, I
am no chef so I leave the cooking to Ben who is quite
exceptional." Qui-Gon sat down with Bruck talking to him about
the army's activities. He spoke often without giving anything
away. He noticed Ben's absence, as soon as breakfast was set on
the table he had left, going out into the yard. Qui-Gon felt
that the room was oddly darker with out him in it.
"How did the two of you come to living together?" He asked in a
casual tone but he was anxious to hear the answer. He wasn't
sure if he wanted to know but he felt that he should, between
the man's aura and the warnings in the Force he had deduced
very quickly where the bruise on Ben's cheek had come from. He
had only know Ben for little over a day but he felt protective
of the youth and so he felt compelled to ask.
"My father and his mother were married for a short time. She
died when Ben was seven, leaving him in my father's care."
"And Ben's father?"
"Died when Ben was five, my own father died last year, Ben
returned here shortly after leaving the army."
"The army?"
"Yes, he never made much of himself though, he is still a weed
like he was as a child." Bruck was easily ten years older than
Ben and Qui- Gon wondered at their past relationship.
"I think I may go out for my morning meditation." Qui-Gon
walked away from the cabin, making sure it was still within
view he sat down to meditate and watch. Bruck had been very
polite to him during their morning meal but it had seemed so
fake. At that moment Bruck came out of the Cabin, approaching
Ben from behind. When he was ten yards away he stopped and look
around him,
Checking for me.
Believing Qui-Gon was nowhere around, Bruck began shouting at
his stepbrother. Qui-Gon was too far away to hear what was
being said but he suspected he was the cause of Bruck's
outburst. His suspicions were confirmed when a wave of jealousy
and anger hit him, its source was clearly Bruck, but what did
surprise the Jedi was the sympathy which rolled off of Ben and
reached out to Bruck. Ben said nothing as he was laid into for
no reason other than to show compassion to another person. He
took the verbal abuse, showing no signs of defence. The
one-sided argument ended when Bruck stormed back inside the
house, slamming the door behind him.
The gentle peace that Qui-Gon had felt upon arriving and
meeting Ben was shattered. He wished he could do something but
he could not linger there much longer, he had to meet up with
the Jedi council before they began their southward journey for
winter. But the Force had led him to this isolated home among
the trees. Frustration gripped his mind for an instant. If only
he knew what needed to be done.
I will see how things progress and if necessary I'll take
him with me.
What if he won't leave?
Qui-Gon didn't even want to think about the possibility. Ben
had been terrified last night when he had kissed him but it had
felt so right. He could not imagine being without the quiet
thoughtful man. After a time Ben had come out of his shell and
the Jedi was delighted to find a keen intellect and a wicked
sense of humour. He didn't want to lose what they had found
together. They were meant to be together, the Force was
practically telling them that and Qui-Gon was sure that Ben
felt it too.
Later that afternoon Ben was once again working in the yard,
and Bruck was in the barn tending to the few animals the two
men owned. This was the ideal opportunity to approach Ben. The
closeness they had built up seemed to have vanished but Qui-Gon
was not deceived by the surface feelings he could sense.
Or maybe I'm just plain stubborn.
"Ben, may I speak with you?" Ben whirled around, clearly
surprised by the appearance of the older man. He glanced over
at the barn, nervously.
"Of course, my Lord. How may I help?"
"I was hoping you would let me help you."
"I'm sorry, my Lord, I don't understand." Ben began to fidget,
growing more nervous with every passing second.
"Ben, what happened? I thought we had become friends."
Qui-Gon's proximity made Ben nervous, he kept glancing over to
the barn where he knew Bruck was. He leaned forward, whispering
to the older man.
"Please, Qui-Gon, not now." Not daring to remain any longer,
Ben stepped away heading towards the house. Qui-Gon didn't let
his irritation take over. Instead he followed the other man,
determined to get an answer one way or another.
"Ben, please let me help you."
"What can you do?" his voice held the dull tone of inevitable
failure.
"Leave with me."
"Don't you think I've tried that? He always finds me. He has
allies, powerful allies."
"Don't you feel it? There is a connection between us. I don't
believe I could live without it now that I have found it. I
don't understand it but I know what it is, it's love. I love
you Ben and I want you. Let me help you." Tears streamed down
Ben's face, Qui-Gon's confession reaching deep within him to
the part he had hidden away.
"I love you too." The power of his emotions caused Ben's voice
to come out in a harsh whisper, "but how can that help?"
"You have lost your faith," Qui-Gon said. Ben didn't answer so
he continued. "I can feel the Force all around us, this love is
born from it, it is light itself. It is meant to be. The Force
will protect us if we follow it. Please give me the chance to
prove it to you, to restore your faith." The conviction in
Qui-Gon's voice stopped Ben's flow of tears but it left the
ever present sadness.
"I don't understand how but I know I love you, Qui-Gon. It may
be the will of the Force, it could be fate, but even if it is I
am still afraid." A gentle sigh escaped Ben's lips. "I will
stay here, the dark is close by and Bruck is strong because of
it. He's half Jedi you know?" The Jedi Master didn't try and
hide his surprise, he hadn't sensed any thing from Bruck which
perhaps showed how strong he was, at least in this place. Ben
turned away, gazing out into the deep forest. His voice dropped
as he remembered a time long ago. "His father was a Jedi,
although I question his allegiances to the light; a fallen Jedi
perhaps. But what do I know, the son of a simple farmer."
"And a soldier from what I hear." Qui-Gon saw a smile blossom
across Ben's face before he schooled his features back into a
neutral mask.
"Yes, I was a soldier, but I returned here hoping Bruck was
different, that I could help him and in my ignorance I have
become a prisoner in my own family home. These are the things
that the Force has given me. I see no light here, it is
obscured by there trees and I am unable to pass beyond them so
you will forgive me if I do not believe that love will save me.
The dark is too powerful and for now I am to weak to fight it."
Ben strode away from the Jedi Master. Qui- Gon couldn't bring
himself to follow, he could now feel the darkness that
surrounded Ben, but he could also sense that the darkness was
not part of the younger man.
He said for now. That means there is still hope deep within
Ben and hope is definitely of the light. Qui-Gon returned
to his meditation determined to show Ben what he already knew.
He spent the evening with Bruck, learning all he could about
the man, his strengths, his weaknesses and ways that he could
exploit them. He retired for the night confident in his ability
to free Ben from this man.
It was late when he was once again woken by noises. He rose,
hoping to stop Bruck before he went too far. As he reached the
door that led into the corridor a loud crash from the main
living area broke the silence of the night. Fearing the worst
Qui-Gon rushed out of his little room.
The Jedi Master halted when he reached the other part of the
cabin; the sight and the feeling of darkness that emanated from
what felt like everything stunned him. The room was completely
destroyed. All the furniture was turned over, bits of plates
and glass were scattered all over the floor and amongst them
lay splinters of wood. A sharp gust of wind swept through the
cabin through the open door extinguishing all the candles that
remained alight. He carefully walked over the debris to close
the door. As he lowered the latch he heard a muffled sob from
the corner of the room.
As Qui-Gon squinted into the darkness, the silver light of the
moon revealed a figure huddled on the floor. Terror radiated
from him in waves. The sandy hair revealed the figure to be
Ben. Slowly he walked forward not wishing to frighten him any
more than he already was. When the boy made no move he crouched
down by his side.
"Ben?"
Ben's face was hidden in shadow but Qui-Gon could see the
mottled bruises on his arm and neck. Qui-Gon sent his Force
sense outwards, searching for the tainted aura of Bruck. All he
could feel was the Border Forest and the night creatures that
lived there. They were alone, for now.
"He has gone, Ben. Let me help you." He didn't get an answer
but Ben reached forward grasping Qui-Gon's sleeping tunic. The
Jedi's hands came up smoothing over the tight grip. He gently
held the younger man's hands between his own.
"It will be alright" Qui-Gon gathered Ben into his arms picking
him up off the floor. Ben shivered in his arms as he carried
him over the devastated furniture. Ben's sobs reduced to quiet
hiccups as he snuggled into the reassuring warmth.
Gently Qui-Gon put Ben down on his bed. He left the youth for a
moment to light a candle. The orange glow from the tiny flame
flickered across the room and Ben's face. There were streaks of
tears on his cheeks and his green eyes glittered with unshed
tears.
"Sssh, it'll be alright. Lie down." Qui-Gon helped Ben under
the covers, they would have to leave in the morning, but for
now Ben needed some rest. Qui-Gon rose only to be stopped by a
white hand gripping his wrist.
"Don't leave me." The desperate behind the plea wrenched at the
Jedi's heart.
"I won't." Ever. He added to himself. "Sleep now, we'll leave
at dawn if you are willing to come."
"I'll go with you." A ghost of a smile swept over Ben's lips as
he drifted into an uneasy sleep. Qui-Gon began packing, the
suns would rise soon and they must be on their way by first
light.
When the first touches of light came to the forest Qui-Gon Jinn
was ready. He had packed up his things and salvaged some food
from the kitchen. He now stood on the porch waiting for Ben to
finish collecting his things and join him.
Bruck had not returned during the night but Qui-Gon was ready
for him if he did reappear. There was more to Bruck than what
met the eye. And even though Qui-Gon was a full Jedi Master he
was weary. Despite knowing there was still something not right
around them Qui-Gon was determined to succeed in helping Ben
escape. He loved the youth, of that he was sure, even if he
couldn't understand how. And now he knew that Ben loved him and
wanted to be with him. All that stood between them was this
place.
Ben appeared on the porch next to Qui-Gon carrying a small bag.
"This is all I want." Ben look around sadly, at what had once
been his family home, a place of happiness. And what had later
it had become his prison. But now he was free. Ben looked at
the tall Jedi and loved filled his senses. This was right, what
he felt was right and leaving was right. He inhaled deeply,
savouring the crisp morning air and a small, happy smile
adorned his lips and contentment showed in his eyes.
"Let's go."
He held out his hand to Qui-Gon who took it with gentle
strength. Ben led the Jedi around the cabin to the barn where
the animals were kept. Within it were two beautiful horses, one
black, and the other white. They were stark contrasts and total
opposites to each other but they seemed to go together so well.
Like us.
"Thunder and Lightning."
Qui-Gon didn't need to be told which animal was which. Their
beauty and power shone from within and their colouring gave
them their names. Ben began pulling tack from hook and putting
saddles on the pair of horses.
"I brought them with me when I left the army. Lightning is
faster, but Thunder, with his sturdier build, is more suited
for battle." He looked away from the stall to see blue eyes as
he spoke next. "Bruck's been riding Thunder."
Ben finished putting the tack on the horses in silence; the
Jedi watched his gentle but confident movements from the barn
door. Both men jumped when a sound of glass shattering broke
the relative calm, breaking them both from their hypnotic
actions. Ben tensed in fear, glancing towards the larger man,
desperate to see reassurance.
"What was that?"
"I'll go and see."
"Take Thunder with you."
Qui-Gon mounted the horse and trotted him out to the front of
the cabin. The wooden building was in flames. Fire licked at
the windows and roof, burning through them, setting the whole
building alight. Qui-Gon looked on with horror, his paralysis
broken by the startled cry from the Barn. Turning his horse
around Qui-Gon hurried back to Ben only to find him trapped in
the barn, the doors obscured by fire. Bruck stood watching with
a torch in his hand, admiring his handy work and feeding off
Ben's fear.
"Ben, jump." There was nothing Qui-Gon could do as he watched
the flames grow higher devouring the wooden structure. "Bruck,
why?"
"I won't let him go."
Out of the corner of his eye Qui-Gon saw Ben mount Lightning.
Turning fully he was in time to see Ben urge the horse into a
gallop heading straight for the burning exit. As the horse
leaped into the air the wall of flames seemed to shrink back,
making a gap for the mare and her rider. Bruck was furious at
Ben's escape and he began screaming his anger at the retreating
forms of Ben and Qui-Gon.
The two men raced off, side by side, away from the burning
cabin and Bruck's hateful words. The flames fed on the little
dwelling, cleansing it of the Darkness, which had choked it for
so long.
"Damn you Ben, I'll find you."
Ben ignored the threats as he rode away next to the man who he
loved and who had the power to set him free.
Chapter 2- A SPACE FOR US.
They rode through the Border Forest for two days. They were in
reconquered land, a place for the light, yet their path led
them very close to the Dark Border bringing them closer to
their fears. Both could feel the darkness pressing down on
them, even from a distance. The horses too felt something and
began to get restless, reluctant to carry the two travellers on
their chosen path. On the second night they were on the part of
the trail that was closest to the dark border.
Qui-Gon had hoped to put some distance between them and the
border before night fell. They could either press on and sleep
during the day when they were a safe distance away, or they
could camp where they now were. One look at Ben made Qui-Gon's
mind up. The closeness of the Dark was having an effect on him.
The boy radiated fear and jumped at every whisper of sound.
They continued on and as their path began to lead them away
from the dark, relief flooded Ben's eyes.
The night was passing them by quickly as they rode through the
Border Forest. As they grew closer to open land, they began to
relax and that was the moment they were attacked. From out of
nowhere men came, riding horses as black as the night itself.
"Bandits." Qui-Gon hissed to his companion.
Each wore a blood red mask and was holding aloft a blade that
flashed in the near total darkness. Each was ready for battle,
prepared to kill. There were only five in the group, but they
still out numbered Qui-Gon and Ben, even if one of them was a
Jedi Master.
Before he could order Ben into a defence strategy, the younger
man kicked his heels into his mount's sides and galloped into
the darkness, two bandits close behind, chasing him away from
Qui-Gon. The Jedi Master had no time to worry about Ben as he
was attacked by those that remained. He dodged the three blades
as much as he was able, attacking only when he saw and opening.
Within a few seconds, one of the masked men lay dead, his horse
galloping off back into the perpetual night.
The bandits were skilled swordsmen but Qui-Gon had the
advantage of experience and the Force. He moved faster than
they could see, inflicting a dozen minor wounds. Just as the
fight began, it was over, the two remaining men retreating.
Qui-Gon remained on his horse, sword at the ready in case of
another attack. His loud gasps for breath was the only sound he
heard until he heard the rustle of fallen leaves as a horse
walked over them. He readied himself for another round when he
saw a white mare with a familiar figure riding it.
Qui-Gon was surprised to see Ben so soon and with no wounds at
all. Ben was also sporting a very cocky grin. Seeing Qui-Gon's
surprise the young man's smile grew wider.
"You forget, I spent fourteen years as a soldier. You pick up a
few tricks." The Jedi Master let out a deep laugh that sent joy
straight to the Ben's heart. Smiling at Ben Qui-Gon dismounted,
he said
"Come, let us build a fire and camp here for the rest of the
night."
They soon had a blaze going, warming their chilled limbs. As
Qui-Gon tended to some minor scratches, Ben looked over the
body of the bandit Qui-Gon had killed. He was dressed all in
black, the only colour was the red hood over his head. He had a
number of daggers concealed within his clothes and a sword that
now lay useless by his side. He also had a small number of
coins in his inside pocket and a hand drawn map of the area.
Ben searched all the bandit's pockets but he knew he was
putting off removing the hood.
No time like the present.
He reached his hand up to the bottom of the Red material when
suddenly a hand was gripping at his throat. Choking him. Their
would be killer's body was dying and as it did the grip on
Ben's throat got tighter. Qui-Gon was at his side instantly,
prying the fingers away from the vulnerable flesh. Finally the
bandit died, his hand loosening and falling back to his side.
In the light of the fire the Jedi Master examined Ben's neck.
He would have some nasty bruises by morning but other than
that, he would be fine.
This time Qui-Gon reached for the hood, pulling it off in one
fluid motion. The man was young, perhaps 30, had closely
cropped black hair and a scar down his left cheek. His now
unseeing eyes shone black in the firelight.
"A Dark Agent." Qui-Gon whispered, knowing that the eyes were
the only sign that this body was not natural but had been
created to fight another's war.
They spent the rest of the night a respectable distance away
from the corpes, neither feeling very comfortable with it so
close by. When dawn came they were already preparing to leave
the temporary camp. Wanting to get away from that place as soon
as possible.
They spent another day riding through the forest. As night once
again closed in, the trees seemed to loom over them menacingly,
blocking out the small amount of light cast down upon the earth
by the stars and moon. In daylight hours the forest was
beautiful and splendid, the trees soaring high, arching to
reach the sky. The living Force resonated in their being, the
green leaves seemed to sparkle in the light creating the
illusion of another worldly glow. But in the hours between dusk
and dawn that magnificence was forgotten, overshadowed by fear.
The comfort the travellers had gained during the day was taken
away with the sight of the declining sun.
They set up camp well before dusk, both exhausted from their
previous night's fight. They sat together in front of the fire
not touching, but close enough to feel the heat of the other's
body. Nothing had been said of the kiss they had shared or the
growing bond that connected them. They didn't need to; they
were patient in their acceptance of it. They would wait to see
where it led, not rushing in before they understood completely
what it meant.
With the fight behind them, Qui-Gon noticed Ben finally
relaxing and returning to the man he had gotten close to in
those first few days. The frightened boy that Bruck had brought
out disappeared once again to the back of Ben's mind. Qui-Gon
was glad of the change, relieved to see his companion's sense
of humour returning and radiant smile that accompanied it.
Instead of terrified glances, he got shy smiles and bashful
looks. As the day wore on Ben, came out of his shell more and
more until he was back to 'normal'. To talk to him you would
never guess of the troubles that lay beneath his eyes and his
past.
The darkness takes so much from us, including our
childhoods. Some worse than others. Now that he had Ben
back, they began to talk.
"Twenty three years ago my father died. I was five at the time
and didn't really understand what it meant. My mother was
devastated, my parents were very close, bonded at the deepest
level. She knew she would not live many years without him, so
she married Ethes K'arn, so that when she passed on to be with
him, I would not be alone. Ethes was a Jedi but my mother was
so blinded with grief that she did not see that he had fallen.
"She died when I was seven.
"I was left in Ethes' care. What he hoped to gain from his
marriage to my mother I didn't know. All I knew was that I was
suddenly alone. Ethes had a son named Bruck, he was older than
me and for a time we were rivals, but when my mother died we no
longer had a guardian to protect us. Ethes turned his anger on
us and we turned to each other. We became friends as close as
brothers. I honestly believed that we would be together
someday, that we would be more than friends and I think he
believed that too. I loved him but I fear it was too late for
him even then.
"It wasn't his fault he had been mistreated by his father ever
since he was a baby. Gradually he began to turn on me, once
again seeing me as a rival, this time for his father's warped
affection. That hurt more than any physical pain.
"I was growing tired of life; all I wanted to do was sleep and
never wake up. I was thirteen and ready to surrender to
oblivion when I suddenly felt stronger again. Hope seemed to
spring out of nowhere. I decided to try and slip away. I tried
to get Bruck to go with me, escape the darkness that was
clouding us both but it was too hard for him to fight. He had
been snared by his father's net of pain and dependence.
"But I was not.
"So I ran. For days I ran, barely resting. By luck I stumbled
upon an army camp. It was the Jedi councils' regiment. I joined
their ranks, learning every thing I could, from sword play to
diplomacy. We travelled all over. Our duty as soldiers was to
protect the remaining Jedi as they met up with the army's
generals to discuss the war against the dark. We often fought
battles to protect them and many lost their lives, but it was
necessary.
"Each General has its own guard, like the council, and each
general commands five companies of soldiers and within each of
these are two Jedi Brothers. I met many of your kind, Qui-Gon,
and I learned much from the other platoons we came into contact
with. There was no lesson I would turn down. Then a year ago I
received word that Ethes was dead.
"I left the army. I was concerned for Bruck. I thought that
with his father gone I could help him as I was unable to as a
child. But I couldn't.
"After fourteen years of being away, Bruck's belief that we
would be together one day had not faded as mine had. I let him
use me, hoping that my unconditional love would bring him back
to the light. Instead it just put me in his power; unable to
escape the place I had once called home. The closeness of the
dark border fuelled his power and his Force abilities. There
was nothing I could do until you came."
Qui-Gon spoke of his own past, sharing everything with the
younger man.
"Both my parents were Jedi. I stayed with them until I was
fifteen. They sent me to be trained by Master Yoda. I learnt
hing so powerful, so strong, that I knew
I would never stop fighting for him, for them both. She gave me
the other half of herself to complete me. I became the warrior
she had been. But I failed her. The Dark knew of Anakin. They
knew he was the last Jedi with full powers. They knew he was
our Queen's son. They sent a dark warrior after him, Ethes
K'arn. Yes, I know that name also. He took all I had left of my
Queen. I loved Ani and he took him from me.
"I know Ani still lives. I would have felt it if he had died.
But I have been unable to find him. I've wandered our lands,
going between army camps and the villages. Fighting where I
found darkness, determined to find my son.
"I never did.
"And now I return to the Jedi council without him but with
another soul that needed my help. I know you are strong Ben and
I know you will find yourself again now that you have escaped
the Dark. Your guilt holds you back, I can sense it, but you
shouldn't let it. I am only beginning to understand the effect
that the loss of Anakin and the guilt that followed has had on
me. I searched but I could not see. I return to the Jedi now
with a deeper understanding of myself. I have not given up on
Ani, but I will not give up on my people. They are part of me
also.
As Ben told his story Qui-Gon listened with sympathy but also
with the feeling something was being left unsaid. He in turn
told Ben his story, not shying away from any of the things he
had avoided for years. As Ben spoke of his childhood, he wept
for his lost youth. Qui- Gon held him as he cried believing it
to be the first time the young man had mourned his childhood.
Nothing could be done to change the past, but the Jedi Master
would make sure the future was brighter; for both of them, for
everyone.
"I love you, Ben." Qui-Gon murmured, and as a result Ben
pulled back, wiping his eyes on his sleeve.
"How can you say that? There is so much I haven't told you.
What if you change your mind when you find out? I don't think I
could bear losing you, not now that I know what it's like to
have you; to feel complete." Qui-Gon took Ben's face in his
hands and spoke to him in a voice hushed by emotion, his eyes
never leaving Ben's.
"There are still many things for us to find out about each
other, Ben. But I know this, I love you and it's that simple
and it won't change." He leaned forward and kissed the younger
man softly on the lips. "I love you and I want to be with you."
"I love you too." Ben looked as if he would begin crying again
so the Jedi Master gathered him in his arms and held him close.
They sat together, quiet for a long time. Revelling in the
feeling of having the other close.
In the back of Qui-Gon's mind, still unknown to him, an old
bond began to awaken, opening once again. Forging a path
between two who share a soul.
The Jedi Master looked at his companion but found him staring
out into the dark, his eyes not seeming to see anything.
"Ben?"
"Something is out there." It was a whisper and its meaning sent
a shiver down Qui-Gon's spine. Reaching out with his own Force
sense, the Jedi searched and found,
"Nothing. I sense..." He didn't get to finish, because from out
of the darkness rode ten black horses, each carrying a shadow
warrior. Unlike the dark agents, they were sentient beings; men
and women with Jedi in their blood. Not full Jedi but strong
enough in the Force to be of use to the Dark. After the Sisters
had died the other, weaker forces sensitives had become the
next targets, but instead of poisoning them the Dark infected
them with hate that did not kill them but turned them to the
dark side.
They would not be able to win this fight, but Qui-Gon
unsheathed his Lightsaber anyway. He may not win but he would
not give up. They were quickly surrounded. The Jedi edged
towards Ben, not wanting to be separated. When he had reached
the other man's side, a faint clapping sound filled the air.
Both the travellers turned to see Bruck riding another black
horse towards them accompanied by a man in a black clock, his
face concealed in its shadow.
"Well, Ben, you got further than last time. But then, you did
have help this time around."
"So did you." Ben retorted, not showing his fear to his
tormenter, though Qui-Gon could see it in his eyes as they
turned to a misty grey.
"Watch your tongue boy and remember your place. You will be
punished later."
"Why Bruck? Why sell your soul to the Dark? We were friends
once. I often wonder what happened to that boy who used to
protect me." Ben could almost convince himself he saw a flash
of his friend, until Bruck's face contorted into a sneer.
"Because they give me power, power that I deserve." He moved
closer to the two prisoners. "Jedi, you have stolen something
that belongs to me." He said nothing else but the deep growl of
his voice portrayed a threat. Qui-Gon wasn't given a chance to
answer. Ben stepped forward, standing tall and proud.
"I challenge you to a duel for our freedom, do you accept?"
"Not only will I beat you, but I will enjoy it too."
"Ben?" The fear in that one word was almost too much for the
young man He turned to face the man who had helped him escape
with dread, unsure what he would see in his eyes.
"I need to do this." A faint smile accompanied his words,
"Besides he thinks I was a failure in the army. He is about to
have a very nasty surprise." Ben took a moment to study the
Jedi. He was regal and powerful, his stance not betraying a
single thought but then he looked into his eyes and saw love
and fear. Both for him. "I will be well, I promise." The young
man winked as he turned to meet his foe, and Qui-Gon saw a
sparkle in his eyes that he suspected hadn't been there since
Ben had returned home.
Even if he loses you have freed him. It was little
consolation to the man that lay beneath the Jedi exterior
and you had the privilege of knowing his. Before him the
battle began to play out.
The two men squared off against each other, swords at the
ready. Bruck lunged forward but Ben was ready for him. He
brought his own sword up to deflect the would be killing blow.
The deadly dance of battle began, Bruck not giving an inch, his
intentions clear. He meant to win and he would do whatever was
necessary to ensure Ben was his again.
The two men appeared evenly matched. Bruck's Jedi heritage
giving him an edge he believed would defeat his stepbrother,
but Ben had experience on his side. They danced back and forth,
two clear styles evident. While Bruck moved in a frenzy of
attacks so fast they seemed almost impossible to defend
against, Ben moved with calculated precision. Bruck leaped
forward hoping to knock the younger man over, but left himself
open. Ben saw this and was immediately on the offensive. He
sprung forward a split second after his attacker and slipped
through his stepbrother's defences and drew blood.
Resentment filled the air as it spilled from Bruck's soul. The
darkness swelled around him, feeding off the emotion and in
turn Bruck fed off its power. Qui-Gon swayed under its
intensity, trying to fend of its touch while trying to protect
Ben from it also. But he didn't need to, Ben was unaffected by
the darkness that swirled around them. He shone within the
Force, a layer of light surrounding him, shielding him from the
hate that reached out to him, hungry for his corruption. But as
it touched the light, it seemed to wither and die.
The battle raged on but Ben had the upper hand now, with skill
and finesse the Jedi Master was amazed by, he disarmed Bruck,
leaving a deep cut on his opponent's cheek. Blood dribbled down
Bruck's neck, the pain and surprise causing him to drop his
weapon. The smile fell from his face as the sword fell to the
ground.
"To remember me by."
"Seize them." Bruck's anger was at its pinnacle, his disbelief
at losing to a man he considered a lesser man clouding his
mind. The Shadow Warriors did not move to take the prisoners,
instead they looked to the cloaked figure who had his hand
raised high, halting the attack.
"Why?" The defeated man begged. A deep voice from within the
confines of the hood answered the bewildered man.
"Because you lost. We may be Shadow warriors, but we are still
honourable warriors. You agreed to the conditions of the duel,
now you will fulfil your bargain. They are free to go. To
imprison them now would not be the act of a Warrior, but a
coward." He turned to speak to the Jedi and his companion, his
face still hidden from their eyes.
"Be on your way, but if you are not away from the Border by
tomorrow's night, I will kill you myself." With no further word
the Shadow Warriors disappeared back into the darkness, their
presence once again concealed by the Force.
"Ben, are you alright?"
"Yes Qui-Gon, I'm fine. Lets get some sleep so we can have an
early start tomorrow. I want to be away from here soon." They
spent the night in each other's arms, offering warmth against
the chilled night air. In the light of day, Qui-Gon saw in Ben
what had been missing. The Light. It shone in him now, in his
very being, like it did for most souls. Over time, the light
would be tainted by the world they lived in, but Ben, despite
his life, remained whole inside.
"I see the same in you." Ben had his back to Qui-Gon as he
spoke.
"How?" The Jedi Master did not believe what Ben had said. The
Jedi saw the taint within himself. Ben turned to him, an
understanding in his green eyes that spoke of wisdom beyond
this world.
"Because you are my Jedi Warrior." He turned back to the path
ahead not needing further explanation. Both understood in their
own way.
For three days they rode, galloping through the trees until the
forest gave way to rolling hills of lush green grass. A
shimmering river weaved through, passing by copse and
heathland. They flew over the country on their mounts, riding
to meet up with the Jedi council. As the distance between them
grew less, Qui-Gon could feel his friends within the Force, the
presence acting like a beacon, finally showing him the way
home.
"Promise me, Qui-Gon, that once we are there, whatever happens,
you will still love me?"
"I will always love you, Ben. Eternity is for us."
"I'll hold you to that."
They rode to the top of a hill that looked over a valley coated
in trees and farmland. Nestled below them was the army camp
that protected the Jedi council. The presence of the camp did
nothing to mar the valley's beauty; in fact it glowed with the
light of the Force, which was beauty beyond all comprehension.
The sun would set soon, but for now it shone onto the gathering
of people making the metal gleam and the river sparkle gold.
"I have always loved this view." Qui-Gon looked at Ben
surprised, understanding that the younger man had been here, so
close to his home yet almost an age away.
"Shall we... Beloved?" he was a little hesitant using the
endearment, but the smile he received in return dashed all the
fears he had carried.
"Yes, my heart. Let us see what we will find."
Chapter 3- THE GIFT OF ANOTHER.
The two riders depended into the valley at a trot, no longer
racing against the time of the seasons. They entered the camp,
which was based at the foot of a vertical rock face leaving
only three sides to defend. The Jedi council's tents were
pressed up against the rock with the camp forming a defensive
barrier around them. As Qui-Gon and Ben, rode through the camp
the Jedi Master noted that there were too many soldiers to just
be the council's guard, but not enough to form a regiment. That
meant that these other soldiers were the companies designated
to protecting the generals.
After the last Jedi sister had died, the army was taken over by
the Jedi council with ten generals to guide them. Looking
around and judging from the size of the camp, Qui-Gon guessed
there must be two generals in meetings with the council, which
was unusual. Something was going on. Becoming more suspicious,
Qui-Gon looked closer at the camp and noticed it was divided
into three individual companies. However, one group was being
ostracised by the other soldiers. They reached the Jedi
council's tent but were stopped by a sentry.
"Master Jedi, you may go in. He must say out here." Qui-Gon
turned to his companion.
"I'm sorry, Ben."
"That's okay, Qui-Gon. You go in." The Jedi Master dismounted,
handing the reigns to Ben, his hand lingering at the slight
contact. He gave the other man a faint smile and left him
alone. Qui-Gon entered the tent to find the Jedi council and
two generals sitting around a large, oblong table. Master Yoda
was the first to notice his arrival. He stood from his place at
the head of the table and made his way to his Padawan. Yoda was
the oldest Jedi alive. He was very short and he spoke with an
unusual speech pattern, but he was considered wisest among the
council and rumoured to be the most powerful Jedi in the
brotherhood.
As Yoda stood, the other occupants stopped talking and noticed
Qui- Gon, who moved further into the tent to greet his Master.
"Back you are."
"Yes, my Master and I bring news of the enemy."
"Then sit and tell us what you know." Qui-Gon sat in an
unoccupied chair, offering greetings to friends and colleagues.
Mace Windu introduced the two generals and their aides who also
sat in on the council meeting.
"This is General Deni Woon and his aid Jez K'ans," the two men
turned to the newcomer nodding in respect. "And this is acting
General Lang Ki'son." This General didn't turn to Qui-Gon but
remained staring at the dark skinned Jedi Master, anger written
all over his face. "Now, my friend what is it you have to tell
us?"
Ben waited outside the tent for all of five seconds then, with
a little regret for not telling his new companion where he was
going he slipped away further into the mass of soldiers.
"I have seen the Border. The darkness is already eating into
our hard won territory. Their agents get bolder, venturing
further into our lands. I did manage to question a shadow
warrior before he died. There is an army growing under the
command of a new Dark lord who goes under the name Darth Maul.
It is rumoured he has Jedi powers and it is possible he is a
full force user.
"More and more people are turning, specifically force
sensitives are targeted as they have more use. They are joining
the army that will one day attack us in what may be the last
battle." Qui-Gon fell silent looking at the bleak faces that
gazed back at him.
"Can the people who've turned be saved?"
"I don't know. It is possible, but there are so many and so few
Jedi left, I'm not sure that we would be enough to help them."
"Forgetting Adi's prophecy you are." All eyes turned to the
diminutive Jedi Master, "Fifteen years it has almost been, come
soon they will."
"We cannot put all our hopes on a prophesy, a chosen one."
Qui-Gon listened to the argument go around and around, it
sounded as if they had been through this before.
"There is more."
Ben avoided the two other units of soldiers and headed straight
for the section that was set apart from the others. He knew why
their fellow soldiers were shunning them and he was sorry for
it. Looking around, Ben noticed all the little things that had
changed since he was last here, reminding him of the length of
time he had been away.
I didn't mean to be away so long. The situation with
Bruck had not been what he had expected. He hadn't realised his
stepbrother had friends in high, dark places. I didn't think
Bruck had fallen so far
Could he still be saved? Ben didn't know but in his eyes he had
already tried and failed. What else was there left to do? With
the thought of his stepbrother, the weight of his failures
crashed down onto him, but there was little to be done about it
except to fight the darkness the only way he knew how and that
was within the ranks of the army.
"What more bad news is there, Qui-Gon?" Qui-Gon looked at his
childhood friend, Mace Windu. Time had not been kind to either
of them but Mace looked tired and weariness dulled his brown
eyes.
"It is of a more personal nature. As I was returning I was
attacked by shadow warriors, I was unable to sense them. They
are apt at using the Force and concealing themselves."
"How did you escape?" General Woon spoke for the first time.
"They attacked me because I was traveling with a man that one
of their number, a man named Bruck, wanted. He challenged him
and won. Bruck ordered our capture but it was halted by a
hooded figure, he seemed very powerful and was definitely in
charge. No one disobeyed him, so we left. It is possible he was
Darth Maul, but I never saw his face."
"Who is this companion you speak of?"
"His name is Ben."
"Can he be trusted?" Qui-Gon frowned at the man who spoke, the
acting general had more or less ignored him throughout the
meeting and now he was questioning him.
"I trust him."
"With all due respect Jedi Master Jinn, but you said yourself
that you could not detect the shadow warriors, how do you know
he is not one of them sent to infiltrate our resistance?"
Qui-Gon could feel his anger rising, he did not like what the
acting general was implying about Ben. Reminding himself of the
code, the Jedi Master explained to the others about Ben,
deliberately turning away from Ki'son.
"He was a soldier in the Jedi's guard, I believe he has some
Force sense, as he seemed to anticipate the Shadow Warriors'
approach. There also seems to be a bond forming between us. I
can't really explain it but we seem to be drawn to each other."
"How meet him did you?"
"I was on my way here when I felt an urging in the Force. I
followed it and came upon his cabin in the middle of the Border
Forest. We spent a couple of days together when his stepbrother
Bruck returned. He attacked Ben so I brought him here. That is
why Bruck and the Shadow Warriors attacked us."
"Where is he now?"
"Waiting out side. I thought if I got him here he could rejoin
the army and find some kind of life again."
"Talk more of this later we will, Padawan, but privately. Now
we have other matters to discus."
"Yes, I noticed the tension in the camp. What is going on?"
Before Acting General Ki'son could object, Mace explained the
situation.
"About a year ago one of the army's generals left. He said he
would return, but he remains missing. No one has been able to
find him. The problem is that the company assigned to him
refuse to be reassigned and when we try to bring in a new
general, like Ki'son, they refuse to obey. We need them in the
main army or as a guard unit. We are short on men but their
loyalty to this missing general is unacceptable."
"Soldiers are appointed posts in guard units because of their
loyalty, Mace. You can not blame them for that."
"I know, but for the moment all those troops sit out there
waiting for him to return."
"Did he say where he was going?"
"Apparently he received news about his family and had to leave.
He headed northwest into the Border Forest but no one has heard
from him since. In all likely hood he is dead."
"Believe him dead I do not, the best fighter we had he was.
Promoted at a young age for a reason he was."
"Yes I've heard of him, he is well known to the peasants and
soldiers as a hero. What was his name?"
"Obi-Wan Kenobi."
"Very like you he is Qui-Gon, believe he could survive out
there alone I do."
"Then I wonder what happened to him."
When he reached the other camp the faces around him became more
familiar. He smiled as many scrambled to their feet, knocking
over things in their haste to salute him. From the corner of
his eye he saw Ensign Damy Ogter run on ahead to the main
meeting area where a large fire burned all day long.
At least she will be expecting me.
He continued his own leisurely pace to where he knew Lieutenant
Riva, his aide and friend, awaited. He entered the large open
area among the sea of tents, all present saluting, showing
their respect to the estranged officer. Relief flowed around
him, pouring from all those present. Soon it would spread to
the rest of the camp as news of the general's return reached
them.
"We had just about given up on you."
"Really?" skepticism was clear in Obi-Wan's voice, "Then why
are you being avoided by the other soldiers?" Lt Riva casually
smiled at one of her oldest friends. She had taken him under
her wing fourteen years ago and now he was her commanding
officer. She didn't begrudge him his success, there was no
need, they were friends.
"Because we didn't give up sooner." Obi-Wan returned the smile;
he pulled her into his arms, emotions over welling both of
them. They clung to each other for the briefest of moments,
gathering their emotions before pulling apart. When they did
Obi-Wan wore a mask of cool detachment.
"Listen, Lieutenant I don't have time to explain now but I need
my things." Realising that it was her commanding officer
speaking and not her friend Riva snapped to attention.
"Yes, Sir. They are in your tent."
"My tent? Aren't you taking the loyalty thing a bit far?"
"Yes, Sir." The role slipped a little, "We always knew you
would return." Obi-Wan turned to those present addressing his
men for the first time in a year.
"I thank you all for your faith and I promise I will explain
all that I can, but later. Right now I have business with the
council." He nodded to his Lieutenant who turned and led him to
a large round tent just off the meeting area.
Everything he owned that he had left behind was in the tent,
neatly put in their places by an unknown, caring hand. He
turned to his companion.
"You?" He didn't need to elaborate on his question.
"Yes, it comforted me to have your things set out how you liked
them as if you were going to return any moment. It made it
easier to believe you were coming home." He moved over to the
bed and pulled out a heavy wooden chest from underneath it. It
was decorated with carvings of knights fighting, the detail of
each person giving the chest life. There was a Jedi crescent
carved onto the lid. He opened it to reveal his uniform and his
weapons.
"So... Where have you been?" the tone was casual but Obi-Wan
could feel the emotion behind it. The desperate need to know.
He pulled out his uniform, the black material of a general.
"Attending to some family business."
"That's all you're going to say? You can't leave for a year and
give that as you only explanation. We... I deserve more."
Obi-Wan shrugged into his jacket, his shoulders slumping with
her words.
"I know, Riva but there isn't time now, if you come with me to
see the council I will sort out our unit's problem and then
I'll explain everything, to everyone." There was hidden meaning
that Riva picked up on instantly.
"I get the feeling there is a specific person in that
'everyone'"
"I met someone. I didn't tell him everything, I kind of left
bits out."
"Huh... like what?" Obi-Wan continued to dress, adding weapons
to his attire.
"Oh, like being a general." The tone was flippant and Obi-Wan
wouldn't look at her, as he could imagine the look on her face.
But when he did finally turn to see her, all he saw was
sympathy.
"Why?"
"It's complicated, now pass me that bag." He pointed to the
pack he had dropped when he had entered the tent. Riva did so
and watched as Obi-Wan pulled out a large, long, dark brown,
hooded cloak and put it on. When it was straightened out she
saw the Jedi Brotherhood crescent on its breast.
"Where did you get that?" shock coursed her speak out of turn
and a little fear was evident in her voice.
"It was my father's." He explained as he began unwrapping
something long and metal from a blue, velvet cloth.
"You have Jedi powers and you didn't tell me?" The fear
remained, colouring her voice and the anger had been replaced
by hurt, but that did nothing to diminish her curiosity. "What
is that?"
When revealed, the object was obviously a silver sword, but not
just any sword. It was a Lightsaber, the weapon carried by the
Jedi Sisters before they had been wiped out. Only one was known
to still exist and that was carried by Qui-Gon Jinn.
Lightsabers weren't like normal swords; they were stronger and
almost impossible to break. The owner usually forged them, the
Force sensitive pouring light into the metal as it took shape.
When it was used during battle it shone, when the Force flowed
around its owner giving it a holy hue. The Shadow warriors had
something similar but instead of resonating light, their
weapons radiated darkness and hate.
"A Lightsaber."
"Dare I ask?" Riva's voice was slightly breathless by her awe
of the magnificent weapon. Obi-Wan spoke softly as he attached
the saber to his belt.
"It was my mother's." With that he left the tent with an irate
Lieutenant at his heels.
"You are a full Jedi and you didn't even bother telling me?
Why?" Taking a deep breath to calm her self, she asked again
with a less accusing tone. "Why, Obi-Wan?" He turned suddenly,
confronting her question with a deep sadness etched on his
face.
"I can't explain now, but I needed to hide. Not even the
council knew about it. Except Master Yoda."
"Is this another one of those gaps you left in your story when
you met this friend of yours?"
"Yes. He is a Jedi too." Those were the last words he said to
her before once again striding towards the Jedi council's tent,
Lt. Riva matching every step.
As the debate about what to do about the missing General flew
around the room, Qui-Gon sat back, quietly feeling within the
Force, tension of an important event about to take place.
He was right.
Two figures stood in the doorway, a woman in an army uniform
with lieutenant tabs on her collar. She was tall and slender
but was not lacking muscle. Instead of taking away from her
femininity it only added to her beauty. Qui-Gon cast his eyes
over the other, very familiar figure wearing a General's
uniform underneath a Jedi robe and something silver attached to
his belt caught his eye.
A Lightsaber.
The General stood for a matter of seconds before clearing his
throat. Everyone else suddenly noticed the new arrivals.
"Obi-Wan."
So Ben was the General. Qui-Gon couldn't understand why he
hadn't made the connection sooner, but he put those thoughts
out of his mind to listen to Ben, no, Obi-Wan, talk.
"My apologies, but I believe there is a matter I can clear up.
I'm sure Master Jinn has already explained a little as to why I
was detained."
"Good to see you again it is, come, have a seat and speak to us
you will." Obi-Wan moved further into the tent shadowed by the
lieutenant. He sat down opposite Qui-Gon offering the other man
a shy smile before he once again turned his attention to the
council. Mace spoke then, with suspicion in his deep voice.
"Where did you get that robe and Lightsaber? You show us
disrespect by wearing clothes of the Brotherhood when you are
not a Jedi."
"I am a Jedi. My parents were both Jedi. I wear my mother's
sword and my father's cloak as is my right."
"How can this be? We have looked for full Jedi for a long time
and all this time there was one among us."
"True it is, started his training I did. Look what's in front
of us we often don't, especially if found the person does not
wish to be." Yoda gave Obi-Wan and understanding look.
"You knew?"
" his
father. Master Jinn freed me and for that I will be eternally
grateful." Qui-Gon studied Obi-Wan and noticed all the small
changes in the youth. The scar within him remained, but it was
no longer an open wound giving back the life to his soul that
the dark part of his stepbrother took.
"I'm sorry I didn't tell you everything, Qui-Gon but I was
unsure of what you would say, I was afraid you would leave me
alone again." Qui- Gon leaned forward, gazing deep into
Obi-Wan's eyes, his own turning a misty shade of blue.
"I promised I wouldn't." He whispered. His voice was a low
caress that only the young Jedi heard. Obi-Wan shivered from
the inside, the fear he had carried for days lifted without a
trace as he fell into the blue eyes of the Jedi Master. He
leaned forward too, wanting to reach out and touch the other
man.
"Now I know you were telling me the truth, thank you." Both had
spent so long alone that the realisation that there was another
like them who loved them was almost inconceivable. Yet it had
happened and the emptiness that never seemed to be gone was
filled.
"Alone you are not," The ancient Master seemed to speak their
very thoughts. "Managed to find the only other you have. Take
over his training you will Qui-Gon. A warrior he already is.
Needs to learn the currents of the Force now. The two Jedi
warriors there will be. Stronger you will make each other, too
old am I to keep up with an apprentice. Need each other you do.
End this meeting now we will, other matters can wait till
morning." Yoda left the tent and the other occupants soon
followed until only Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan and Riva were left.
"Master, this is Lt. Riva. Lieutenant this is Master Jinn."
Qui-Gon tried not to show the thrill he felt at hearing his new
apprentice call him Master.
"Please, call me Qui-Gon, Lieutenant."
"Only if you call me Riva."
"It would be an honour." The Jedi Master bowed to the young
woman, offering his respect.
"Now that that's over with do you think there is any where I
could get some food?" Riva looked at Obi-Wan before bursting
into laughter.
"Some things never change, do they General?"
"But I'm hungry." He reached out taking Qui-Gon's hand. "And
some things have changed."
"You are right, it's good to see you happy." He gave her a huge
grin that he had found difficult to suppress.
"Thank you." A faint blush coloured his cheeks at the
statement, "I will see you later Lieutenant." Riva took the
dismissal as a hint to get lost. She had known Obi-Wan for
years and was not offended by his words. Bowing to them, she
disappeared into the writhing mass of the camp.
"Ben? Or do I call you Obi-Wan?"
"Either, whichever you prefer." They smiled at each other,
basking in the light of their love.
"I hear Generals get their own accommodations."
"That is true."
"I don't suppose you would be willing to share with a
shelterless Jedi Master?" Suddenly the air of humour and the
joyful tone left Obi- Wan and he grew uncomfortable.
"I'm sorry, Qui-Gon but I do not believe I am ready for that
stage in our relationship." He didn't look at the older man, as
he spoke not wanting to see the disappointment in Qui-Gon's
eyes. But the Jedi Master's hand came up to his face tilting
his chin back so he looked into the face of compassion.
"I will not push you Obi-Wan and that is not the reason I wish
to be with you." Obi-Wan tried to say something but he was
hesitant, afraid of sounding foolish. "Do you believe me?"
Obi-Wan nodded unable to form the words. " Then what is it, my
Obi-Wan?"
"At night I feel the Darkness all around me, reaching out. If I
do sleep, I am plagued by dreams of pain and suffering."
Obi-Wan's voice was barely a whisper. "When I lie awake, alone,
I can still see his face, hear his voice and feel his touch."
Qui-Gon's heart wept for his apprentice's pain.
"I will stay with you and protect you from the dark if you wish
safety in my arms. And never fear, it will never go further
until you are ready."
"Thank you." They turned together and like Riva, disappeared
among the hundreds of people that were the Jedi council's army
camp.
The night closed in on the group of soldiers, threatening to
consume all light in its complete darkness, but then the stars
shone down offering light and reminding all of the power of
light over dark and that there was hope.
Obi-Wan was in his tent, so he could not see the stars so he
found no solace in their presence. He could feel the Darkness
of the world seeping out of the boundaries and back into the
land they had won back through war and bloodshed. Night was
when it was most powerful. Night was its domain. When feelings
of despair were strongest. It fed on uncertainties like a
leech, gaining strength and power over the suffering human
souls.
The young General lay alone in his bed. Qui-Gon was with Master
Yoda and had yet to return to his side. He ached inside from
the Jedi Master absence. Now that he had found his light, the
dark seemed that much worse when he was gone. Words of hate
whispered across his mind, imaginary or real, they still
brought fear to the bold soldier.
Please Qui-Gon, come back. As if hearing him, Qui-Gon
came through the tent flap. He glanced over at the lone figure
huddled beneath the covers of the bed, saw the slight shoulders
as they shivered, but not from the cold. He crossed the small
distance that lay between them and sat next to Obi-Wan.
"Beloved?" as soon as the name left his lips he found his arms
full with a warm muscular body. He pulled Obi-Wan closer. "I'm
sorry, I should have been here sooner."
"Not your fault. You're here now. I missed you."
"I missed you too." Obi-Wan pulled back a little to look at his
face.
"Really?"
"Oh yes. Now lets get you back into bed. It's late and I find I
am exhausted from our ride." Obi-Wan nodded, pulling back,
allowing Qui- Gon room to remove his boots, cloak and outer
leggings and tunics. Once removed, Qui-Gon laid down beside
Obi-Wan who instantly snuggled down beside him, seeking contact
and warmth.
"Love you." Obi-Wan muttered before he finally let go of
consciousness, trusting Qui-Gon to protect his soul from the
scratching claws that grabbed at him from beyond the abyss of
night.
Qui-Gon lay with Obi-Wan held tightly in his arms, taking
comfort in his presence. As the previous day's journey finally
caught up with him, he found it impossible to stay awake and
soon fell into a dreamless sleep with his beloved shielded in
his arms.
Chapter 4- Two Jedi Warriors.
Obi-Wan woke with the warm contentment of waking up in the arms
of his love. The loneliness had all but gone since he had met
Qui-Gon and he also felt he had finally found himself and shown
it to the world. He was a fighter, a soldier but he was also a
Jedi, a man of honour and light. He owed so much to the man
that lay slumbering by his side. He hoped he was capable of the
love Qui-Gon deserved.
He had been shut away so long, deep within himself, it seemed
impossible to share himself with another, but he would. He
would do almost anything for Qui-Gon. He laid his head on the
Jedi Master's chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his
heart.
"Mine beats for him," he whispered to know one but the Force.
He lay like that for some time before Qui-Gon began to stir,
his body reacting to the growing light, waking his mind from
the fuzzy haze of sleep. He blinked away the tiredness and
looked down into eyes of jade. The level of trust he beheld in
them filled him with awe, that this soul of light who had been
mistreated by those closest to him had turned to him so
completely. He would fear it if he didn't know its nature.
"Morning, love." He wasn't gifted with a verbal reply but
instead a smile that outshone the light of the heavens and a
wave of love through the Force that took his breath away. They
rose from bed quickly, ready to begin Obi-Wan's lessons in the
Force, but there was still much left to learn.
Qui-Gon led Obi-Wan away from the camp, wanting to draw him
away from the distractions there, and his responsibilities as a
general and leader. Atop a small rise was a copse with a
clearing at its centre. The camp was still within view through
the trees and ahead of them the Border Forest could be seen. In
contrast to the noise of the camp and the darkness of the
forest, the clearing amongst the few trees was calm and
peaceful. Neither presence penetrated its surface and within
the safe cocoon they knelt together.
Qui-Gon watched as his new apprentice slipped into a meditative
trance as he had been taught many years ago. The Jedi Master
began hi own meditation and soon was connected deeply with his
Padawan. Through their bond he began teaching Obi-Wan of the
Force, the gifts it gave and the power it offered. They knelt
among the living things in that place of peace and learnt of
each other and their place within the web of the Force's
influence.
Qui-Gon found Obi-Wan a joy to teach, as the younger man was
eager to learn and picked things up quickly. Between lessons
they attended council meetings to discuss strategy and plans.
Soon after General Kenobi's return, General Woon pulled up camp
and went to rendezvous with one of the larger companies under
his command. The army was slowly moving south before winter
came. Soon the council would head south also, but they were
needed to co-ordinate the effort and there was still much to be
done.
The days passed in a flurry of activity. Winter, the season of
the Dark, with its cold bringing death in the form of hunger,
rapidly approached. All the Light that had taken three quarters
of a year to gain would be lost to the Dark again in a matter
of months. Despite the looming dead line of the changing
seasons, Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan found time to return to the
clearing everyday. Not only to practice Obi-Wan's lessons, but
also to just be together. It was in the third week that the
lessons changed, the day had come for the Jedi Master to teach
his apprentice the power of the Jedi's weapon, the power of a
Lightsaber.
General Kenobi was one of the best fighters in the army, but
Qui-Gon was a Jedi Master and the Jedi Sisters had been the
best warriors for centuries. Qui-Gon had their knowledge and
now he would pass it on to another of his kind. He would teach
Obi-Wan to be a Jedi Warrior and he knew Obi-Wan would surpass
him in skill. It came naturally to him; the ebb and flow of
battle spoke to the young General, but instead of making the
young man war hungry, it made him more desperate for peace. He
could feel war so he understood it deeply. Death and bloodshed
were part of his being, causing him to loathe it and yearn for
its end.
Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan squared off against each other, Obi-Wan
using his mother's Lightsaber for the first time. Its weight
and grip seemed to fit perfectly. It was right in his hands.
They began to spar, and though Obi-Wan held his own against the
Jedi Master, he was no match to Qui-Gon's grace. He fought
harder, his opponent responding by stepping up the pace.
The Jedi Master slipped into a conscious meditation and began
weaving the Force around him. His Lightsaber began to shine
silver with a hint of green from the connection to the living
Force. Obi-Wan's eyes widened as he felt the change in the
metal, seeing the change made him gasp in surprise. In two
moves Qui-Gon disarmed him, his mother's Lightsaber at his
feet. His Master smiled at him from the other side of his own
weapon, the eerie glow fading away as its wielder let the Force
go. The sword once again looked normal.
"What was that?" Obi-Wan was out of breath, his body fighting
to bring oxygen to his overtaxed muscles.
"That is how a Jedi fights."
"Show me?"
They began again, but this time Qui-Gon guided his apprentice
through their bond, helping him to reach the right level of
trance; from the mind's normal perception into that of the
Force. They fought, becoming faster and faster, both men
submerged deeply within the Force. In a move that surprised
both of them, Obi-Wan flipped over his opponent's head, the
Force carrying him. Obi-Wan landed behind Qui-Gon but stumbled
backwards. The Jedi Master turned quickly and defeated his
Padawan by using his backward stumble to push him over. Obi-Wan
fell to the ground more surprised by his acrobatics than his
defeat.
"What happened, Master?" The younger man made no move to stand,
he just sat where he had fallen, looking closely at his weapon.
"You're beginning to find your own natural style within the
Force. It may take some time to develop fully. However I get
the feeling you'll be a very energetic fighter." Qui-Gon held
his hand out to his fallen companion. "Shall we try that
again?"
Obi-Wan smiled.
"It would be my pleasure." They bowed to each other showing
their respect for the other's skill and began the deadly but
beautiful dance again.
It had been another hard day of lessons. Obi-Wan's ability was
growing but he was not progressing as his Master thought he
should. There was a wall in him that he seemed unable to scale.
Qui-Gon feared that the floodgates of the Force within his
apprentice would open all at once and that Obi-Wan would be
overwhelmed by years of suppressed Force ability.
The Jedi Master lay awake, staring into the dark long after
Obi-Wan had fallen asleep in his arms. It was amazing how their
closeness felt so right. He cherished these moments of silence
where he could absorb the comfort of holding his beloved. His
concerns for the young Padawan persisted at the back of his
mind still. He finally fell asleep only a few hours from dawn.
Light, the clang of metal as sword met, the scent of blood and
death, a whirlwind of sounds, smells and visions assaulted his
senses, drowning him in their clarity. He couldn't escape, all
he could do was scream.
Qui-Gon awoke with a start, something was wrong. He turned to
Obi- Wan, but found himself alone in bed. He was instantly wide
awake, throwing off the blankets, he jumped out of bed to
finally see all the loose objects in the tent levitating. He
turned slowly back around to face the bed. Obi-Wan hovered a
meter in the air, his face contorted in pain. As the young
General's nightmare continued and he became more distressed,
the objects that floated in the air responding to his
unconscious command began to fly around the tent. They crashed
into each other creating a tornado of debris, at its centre
Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon.
"Obi-Wan, wake up." The Jedi got no response from his Padawan.
Obi-Wan, please.
The mind to mind contact shocked the distraught Jedi back to
reality. All at once the flying debris plummeted to the ground.
The General landed on the bed with a choked sob.
"Obi-Wan?" Obi-Wan turned away from his Master, curling into a
protective fetal position. He began to shake from the shock.
"Obi-Wan what did you see?"
"I... I don't know." The horse whisper was loud in the
deafening silence. "I don't remember much except the pain."
Obi-Wan seemed to curl further into himself.
"Shh, My love." The Jedi Master returned to bed, pulling the
younger man into his arms. "Let me comfort you."
They lay in bed together, neither speaking, just listening to
the other's heartbeat and the sound of them breathing. In the
morning nothing was said. Obi-Wan was reluctant to talk and
Qui-Gon, unwilling to push, didn't ask. They began that day as
they had all the others; they headed for their little clearing
away from the camp. It was a place where the living Force
flourished, where Obi-Wan could learn in peace and it was a
place he felt safe.
A bright light blinded Obi-Wan, leaving him disorientated. As
the glow faded he found himself in a battlefield, swords
clashing around him, fighting for an unknown price. He stood
among its violent roar, a lone figure in cream immune and
separated from the events that transpired. The masked warriors
were winning; they seemed to wield an ungodly power and skill.
Countless numbers fell creating a river of red. Atop a hill
stood a man in robes similar to his own. He was not part of the
fight, it was not his place or his skill, a Jedi Brother stood
alone watching.
From behind him four riders came, each carrying sharpened
weapons, Obi-Wan tried to cry out in warning but found himself
frozen, his breath court on his lips. The horsemen rode up to
the Jedi Brother but his death did not come, instead he was
willingly pulled up onto the back of one of the beasts and
carried away. This time Obi-Wan was able to cry out. Betrayal,
that Jedi had sentenced his own people to death, their blood
was on his hands.
Across the battlefield a woman with silver hair went down.
"Obi-Wan, are you alright?"
"Qui-Gon?" Bewilderment stained Obi-Wan's voice. He lay on the
ground staring up into a clear blue sky, the older Jedi knelt
by his side.
"What happened?"
"I don't know, I was suddenly somewhere else." Qui-Gon looked
concerned, he pulled his apprentice to his feet, looking over
him for any signs of injury.
"You blacked out, are you sure you're okay?"
"Yes, I believe so." Obi-Wan's gaze seemed to go inward for a
moment, he spoke as if to himself. "It seemed so real though."
"What did you see?" The older man watched his pupil carefully,
noting every tense muscle.
"A battle." The words were almost dreamlike as if he was still
there, seeing it all again away from Qui-Gon.
"Why don't you get something to eat while I talk to Yoda?" The
Jedi Master suggested, wanting to ground Obi-Wan back in the
now. The young general walked into the camp, his gait tired and
stiff. Qui-Gon watched him go then turned in the opposite
direction to seek out Master Yoda.
Yoda sat within the small copse that was away from the camp,
and when Qui-Gon approached, he knew his master had been
waiting for him.
"Master?"
"Yes, Qui-Gon?" when the younger Jedi Master made no move to
speak further, Yoda prompted him, "Have questions, you do?"
"Yes, Master."
"Then sit, and then try and answer them I will." Qui-Gon
gracefully sat on the forest floor before his aging master.
Unsure of where to begin he just began to speak.
"I have concerns, Master about Obi-Wan. He had a vision of the
past."
"Strange this is for one so old, suppressed his power a long
time he has, hid it to protect his future. Stopped the visions
from surfacing earlier it did."
"I understand that Master, but now that he is free, I am afraid
that the visions will come quickly and overwhelm him, and I am
afraid I won't be able to save him."
"If happens this does, your place to save him it is not. A test
for him, perhaps."
"But he doesn't understand what it is that is happening."
"Then tell him we must, warning and advice will be enough to
save him if the need arises. Meditate with me Qui-Gon, find
your centre again before we speak to the boy. Needs calm he
does, follow your example he will." Led by his Master, the Jedi
Warrior slipped into a light meditation, reaffirming his
connection to the living Force and his centre. He let go of his
fears for Ben and himself, offering Obi-Wan his steadiness as a
foundation.
Obi-Wan sat alone in his tent, seeing again and again the face
of the Jedi Brother who had betrayed his own people. The
slaughter of the army and the Queen filled his eyes until he
saw nothing else. Night gathered around him and still he
remained motionless, the twilight adding shadows of its own.
Yoda and Qui-Gon found him there later, when night had finally
cast out all light, alone in the dark.
"Obi-Wan?" Qui-Gon whispered to him, kneeling by his chair.
"Yes, Qui-Gon?" Obi-Wan didn't look at him, he remained staring
ahead seeing something that lay beyond the physical.
"Obi-Wan, we need to speak with you." The Jedi apprentice
nodded but said nothing. Sighing, his Master sat down on the
other chair while Master Yoda made himself comfortable on the
bed.
"Obi-Wan, what you experienced was a vision of the beginning.
All Jedi Brothers have them. They usually begin when they are
very young and as time goes on they learn to control them. We
believe that because you hid your gifts so long that the
visions never surfaced, at least not until now. They will only
get worse, Obi-Wan, but you must remember they aren't real;
they are merely shadows of the past. Do you understand?" The
Jedi General didn't answer or make any other sign that he had
heard. "Obi-Wan?"
"I understand, Master. If you will excuse me, I need some air."
He left the two Jedi Masters alone, lost within his own
memories and those of others.
"His trial this is, nothing more there is for you to do."
When the blinding light filled Obi-Wan's vision this time he
was more prepared and he understood what it was. After his
vision cleared he looked at everything, noticing every detail,
scribing it into his mind.
The sun was shining, he was in a little village with only about
a dozen huts. The land around him was full of crops, the
villagers working in them tending to their plentiful harvest.
Children laughed and played. There was no Darkness. Travellers
and strangers were welcomed and treated as one of their own.
In the space of seconds, Obi-Wan watched years go by. He
watched the children grow and have their own families. These
people were too innocent and unknowing, never expecting the
attack that came out of the night. Masked horsemen, carrying
torches, set alight the crops and homes. Women screamed as they
watched their husbands and sons slaughtered and then cried out
when they themselves were ruthlessly attacked. When dawn came
there was no one left, just smouldering ash and blood.
Obi-Wan watched, knowing this had been the beginning, the way
the Dark had made its presence known a little at a time, slowly
gaining power. The world shimmered and dissolved, becoming
instead a larger village some miles away. Instead of the Light,
fear had spread its claws and dug into the planet's soul.
Travellers and those in need were turned away, people huddled
together, away from what might wait outside. But the Dark was
becoming bolder and soon there was no longer safety in numbers.
Slowly, fear and hate reached out, poisoning the peoples'
souls. Many turned to the Dark, seeking to join its army,
hungry for power. Again the world shimmered and Obi-Wan found
himself in a small hut with a lone figure lying on a crude
mattress. Like the women of his first vision she had silver
hair. She was a Jedi Sister, and she was dying. She was the
first Jedi victim of the murderous darkness. Its poison seeped
into the Jedi bloodline and in years to come it led to the end
of their kind.
The Jedi Queen raised her arms, leading her people into battle
with the masked men sometimes winning, but often falling back,
giving up more land. And then by chance a Jedi Brother found
the whereabouts of the Dark Lord. The Queen, in a last effort
to return the Light mounted an attack, but somehow the enemy
had been expecting them. They never knew why the battle had
failed, but Obi-Wan understood. The Jedi Brother who had learnt
of the Dark Lord's location was familiar to him. It was the
same man he had seen atop that hill, riding off with his
co-conspirators.
The Dark now had a firm foothold and the Jedi Queen had been
killed in combat, her heir coming to power only to carry on the
war. Obi-Wan closed his eyes against the agony of all he was
learning. When he opened them he was in a cave bathed in
firelight. Jedi Sisters and Brothers stood in a large circle,
the new queen stood slightly forward. She began her spell,
weaving words and a power unreachable to all others into a
summons. The fire flickered then grew bigger, its flames taking
on a blue hue. Amid the flames a face appeared ghostly in
complexion. The Queen spoke,
"My lord, we summon you for help, our world is ending. Help us,
your loyal subjects. You bestowed the power of magic to our
kind many thousands of years ago to help peace in our world and
now that peace is threatened." The lips of the apparition did
not move but a voice was heard in the large cavern.
Out of the Darkness of evil will come a warrior pure of
heart, strength of many and a will of iron. He will come to
raise a Light of immense power that will conquer the Dark. He
will come when he has almost been forgotten and almost all hope
is lost. I can do nothing to help you, but this is what I see
in your world's future. The endless eyes of the being
stared at the Queen. Go now, Jedi, your future is certain as
you know it to be but there will come a time when the
inevitability of the Dark is no longer true. Go now and let
your kind continue the fight until that time comes to pass.
The blue light faded from the cave and once again the gathered
Jedi were bathed in the soft glow of natural firelight. A voice
from the crowed called out,
"What do we do now?"
"The only thing we can do," the Queen said as she turned to
them, "We fight."
Skirmishes, battles and fights of years gone by passed before
Obi- Wan's eyes in a matter of minutes. The constant struggle
to maintain all the light they still possessed continued until
he was brought to a time, hundreds of years after the
beginning. A moment only fourteen years before his present,
when a younger Qui-Gon watched his bond mate create a prophecy
of her own that would fulfil a god's promise. He watched the
last Sister die, Qui-Gon sitting with a child cradled in his
arms and then he watched him disappearing into the darkest
night.
"Qui-Gon."
Night was all around him, the only light coming from the stars
and the camp's small fires. The world was as it had been when
he had stepped out of his tent. The confusion he had felt after
his first vision was no longer present but now he needed to
speak to his Master.
He headed back, following his sense of his Master, to the Jedi
council's tent. Inside he found Qui-Gon, Yoda and the rest of
the council.
"Come in, Obi-Wan. Tell us what you saw you will."
"Yes Master Yoda." General Kenobi sat at the foot of the table.
"I saw the beginning, I saw the final battle and the god's
promise that followed and I saw Queen Adi's prophecy."
"You couldn't have seen that battle." Mace looked angry.
"Why?"
"No Jedi ever has, there seemed to be a powerful spell on that
moment of time." The anger faded from the Jedi's voice as he
explained a hint of weariness replaced it.
"But I saw it, I saw one of our own betray us." The whole Jedi
council sat shocked, though Master Yoda seemed to be the only
one unaffected.
"Late is it, tired we all are, talk more another time we
shall." As everyone filed out the ancient Master remained
behind, his eyes never leaving the younger of the two Jedi
Warriors as they left. With no one to hear he said, "Know what
you are, I do young one."
"Qui-Gon?"
"Yes, Obi-Wan?" he turned to his apprentice who seemed hesitant
to speak.
"I saw your son, I saw Anakin." Qui-Gon didn't answer straight
away, finally he asked.
"When?"
"The night Adi died, I'm sorry."
"It's alright, Obi-Wan. Get some sleep, it's been a long day."
"Stay with me?"
"Always." They lay silently together for a long time, Obi-Wan
taking solace from the horrors he'd seen in his Master's calm.
"I saw everything." Minutes passed before the younger man spoke
again. "I saw everything from the time it began until Adi's
death, but I didn't see the time between her gift to the world
and where we are now. Time is approaching, Qui-Gon and I don't
see anything that could help us or our r,
Obi-Wan looked to the future, trying to find some clue as to
the out come, of a five hundred year old promise and a prophecy
foretold on a death bed.
Qui-Gon's thoughts weren't as peaceful as Obi-Wan believed. He,
too, was thinking of his apprentice's vision. How was it
possible he had managed to see the lost battle when hundreds of
Jedi Brothers before him had failed in their attempts to bring
that failed battle before their eyes?
Was it real?
Qui-Gon believed it had been, but the explanation why seemed to
be beyond his grasp. Something obvious but unimaginable to the
Jedi Master was the answer. They continued Obi-Wan's training
in the morning but the Jedi Padawan's mind kept slipping back
to the past. He seemed unable to move past it. After several
failed attempts of slipping into a meditative state, Obi-Wan's
Master decided to try something else.
"Obi-Wan I want you to sink into a light meditation and I want
you to let me guide you."
"Yes, Master." Obediently the General of an army allowed the
Jedi Warrior into his mind. Qui-Gon wanted to help his Padawan,
as he believed he had lost his centre from the experience of
the vision and fear was stopping him from finding it again.
Tentatively the Jedi Brother stepped into the younger man's
mind but he did not find what he had been expecting. Jedi
Brothers were usually very strong in the living Force, this
connection offers them the calmness and the ability to help
others in need with words of council. The only connection to
the unifying Force was through their visions but in Obi- Wan it
was different.
The young Jedi had his centre but it was different from
Qui-Gon's. It didn't offer the gentleness of the moment with
everything else in the background; the Living Force was drowned
out by the Unifying Force. Qui-Gon reached out to touch it, and
when he did, he found a very familiar trace.
It can't be. he reached within himself and found the
same trace of a presence. Beloved. the Jedi Master
pulled himself from Obi-Wan's mind. He opened his eyes to see
the younger man before him in a new light. Eyes of the deepest
forest green gazed back at him.
"Qui-Gon?"
"I must go, Padawan." Without another word he stood and all but
fled from the other's presence. Fear and confusion swallowed
his mind. He realised he was deserting the boy, but could not
speak of his suspicions yet. He stumbled blindly on, seeking
out his Master.
Obi-Wan remained in his place below a tall oak tree, he could
feel its life pulsing within it but his connection was not as
deep as Qui- Gon's and it offered little comfort. Instead of
the life in the tree, he felt its years, both past and future.
In its own way this offered comfort to the confused young man,
but his soul was like fire and it burned.
"You knew?"
"Suspected I did, when years ago he arrived with an army unit.
Ororra son he is, our Queen's sister. Who better than a blood
relative? Picked him for another reason she also did."
"Why?"
"Get to that we will. Tell me what you have felt you must."
"When I was returning to the council I was drawn along a
particular path by the Force. I found Obi-Wan at the end of it.
When I first spoke with him I felt a familiar presence brush my
mind, I never thought it could have been Obi-Wan. I felt it a
number of times and just now I saw inside of him as I have seen
inside of Adi. They are so alike, just as Adi and I are."
"Share a soul you do, meant for each other you were. Picked
someone you would love Adi did. Meant to be together you always
were."
"After all these years... I miss her still but when I'm with
him it's even better, but he cannot be the one to save us."
"Doubt it still you do? Nearly fifteen years it has been since
the prophecy was made. Time will begin soon, Qui-Gon, the one
of prophecy and promise will come."
"But, Obi-Wan is... I..."
"Blinds you love does, like the Dark you believed Anakin to be
the Chosen One. The last full Jedi born he may be and Adi's son
but makes him the chosen one it does not. Picked Obi-Wan she
did not just for us, but for you also. Look beneath the
presence of Adi you should. Bonded you already are through
Adi's soul, but question how she found him I do not. Know I do,
so should you."
"What are you suggesting?"
"A link there already was, Qui-Gon, traced it back to him she
did. In doing so ensured you would meet your soulmate because
seek the one you would. Remember do you what the god promised?"
Yoda waited for his old Padawan's affirmative nod. "Mention he
did not then event before the beginning of time. Vague he was.
Two Jedi warriors we now have, ask yourself why you should."
Qui-Gon spent much of that day in meditation. He feared going
back across the bond he shared with Obi-Wan, he feared that
Yoda was right, but then, what if he was wrong? Both coursed
the Jedi Master disturbing thoughts and now he was beginning to
question other things too. He didn't see much of Obi-Wan that
evening, as the boy hid himself away in his own meditations and
fears. Both needed the other to answer their questions but they
both held back. Qui-Gon knew he should be helping his Padawan
through this difficult time, but Yoda's revelations echoed
within his mind. He returned to the tent late to find his
apprentice already asleep. He lay down beside him, once again
surprised by the peace the other man's presence offered even in
sleep.
Perhaps there is more to us that what I let myself
believe.
Qui-Gon found his centre and the maelstrom of emotions faded
almost all together. Everything seemed much clearer to him with
the source of his questions lying by his side. He curled up
next to his love and drifted into a dreamless sleep. Beside
him, Obi-Wan's dreams became still, the night terrors fading
back into his subconscious as he was once more protected by his
Master and Beloved. Together they slept the night through.
Qui-Gon left early the next morning, still trying to put all
his thoughts together so he would be ready for all his
student's questions. Obi-Wan woke up as he has fallen asleep,
alone. He donned his robes and set out to find his first
Master, who had helped him when he was a boy.
"Master Yoda, how is it the Brothers are only able to see the
past of Darkness?" Yoda and Obi-Wan sat together within the
little copse, the sun shining down through the trees creating
shafts of light even in the bright light of day.
"Before the dark the gift of prophecy the Jedi Brothers had,
and when the Darkness came, poisoned the land it did but not
just that. Poisoned our Sisters' bodies, it did but untouched
the Brotherhood was not. Poisoned our gift was. Prophecy passed
down the bloodline was not, turned into memories of death it
did until see only the beginning of the Dark and when time all
but stopped. See nothing before it, no Light could be seen nor
the future. Blinded we were, unable to see what may come, so
like the people our hope was taken.
"Even now, more than the land is poisoned, young Obi-Wan. Its
soul poisoned also it is. Purged the evil must be from the
magic, the Force and all our lives. Leave the Darkness must.
Hope we need, knew this Adi did years ago, gave herself she
did, hope we now have, Obi- Wan, in you. Knew she was
fulfilling a god's promise she did not, but sure of it I am."
The most wise of the Jedi Brothers peered at his companion
seeing more than most.
"Spoken to you Qui-Gon hasn't." Yoda gave much away in his tone
of voice, but Obi-Wan thought he heard frustration hidden in
its gravely texture.
"About what, Master?"
"Your Master's doubts are his own folly, Obi-Wan." In a quiet
voice that seemed reluctant to give up its secret he said, "The
Chosen One you are."
"Master Yoda!" Both Jedi turned in surprise to the owner of the
voice, as Qui-Gon Jinn, Jedi Warrior, stood staring angrily at
his Master. "Obi-Wan, Riva asked me to find you, you are needed
back at the camp."
"Master..."
"Go, Obi-Wan, I'll find you later." The Jedi Padawan gave both
Masters a surreptitious glance before disappearing back through
the trees.
"Padawan, come sit." Yoda was sorry he had betrayed his old
apprentice's trust, but the boy needed to know. Qui-Gon made no
move to sit with his Master and remained standing where he was.
"Why did you tell him that?"
"The truth it is, came to me for answers he did when none you
would give him."
"I was waiting for the right moment. You had no right, we don't
even know if he is the one." Qui-Gon's voice seemed to plead
with his Master, but Yoda could do nothing to change what was.
"Love and fear for him blinds you, Qui-Gon. Clear your sight
you should. Have something of yours I do, time to pass it on it
is. Know the truth your mind does, but your heart is reluctant
to believe. Our wait is over, Padawan, let go of that fear you
can. Come, I will give you what was always meant to be his."
Qui-Gon held the wrapped parcel close to his chest. The
tattered material had kept the object beneath safe for many
years. It had belonged to a great leader, and after her death
Qui-Gon had given it to Yoda for safekeeping. Its presence had
been a constant reminder of his loss until he had passed it on
to his Master, and now he was passing it onto someone who could
use it. He walked across the army camp in search of Obi-Wan.
Qui-Gon entered their clearing to find Obi-Wan kneeling in its
centre. He seemed at peace and his inner self was calm. Slowly,
the rocks that lay scattered around him began to rise. One at
first, but quickly, more joined it. With each success Obi-Wan's
confidence grew and with it, so did the size of the objects he
chose to levitate.
As if sensing his Master's presents for the first time he
gently lay the stone back on the earth exactly where he had
lifted them up from. Smiling he opened his eyes.
"Well done, Padawan."
"Thank you, Master." There was an uncomfortable silence when
both remembered Qui-Gon's anger earlier that day.
"Is everything alright at the camp? Riva seemed a bit anxious."
Obi- Wan smiled very slightly remembering his Lieutenant's rant
on the state of everything and how she may as well give up now.
It was a conversation they had had many times over the years,
with different things setting her off, but it always ended the
same. General Kenobi won and Riva had gone back to what she had
been having problems, with feeling better and gotten it done.
"Yes, everything is fine. What's that?" Obi-Wan's curiosity had
been caught by the strange parcel his Master had been carrying
the moment he had opened his eyes. Wrapped in a filthy cloth,
it appeared worthless, but the way Qui-Gon protected it with
his body suggested its priceless value.
"This is a gift for you." He walked toward the kneeling general
and held it out to him. Obi-Wan took it gently, understanding
the importance of the moment. He held the object for a moment
feeling the rough material that covered it. He looked at
Qui-Gon and then unravelled the package. Beneath the shabby
wrapping was a beautifully bound leather book. Its pages tipped
with shimmering gold, and on its cover was the crest of the
Jedi.
"What is it?" Obi-Wan's voice was hushed, awed by the exquisite
book.
"It was Adi's. I want you to have it."
"Adi's? I couldn't."
"Please, Obi-Wan." Obi-Wan still seemed reluctant, but he
didn't argue anymore. "Open it."
Carefully Obi-Wan turned the cover. The first page was
gloriously decorated, the border a mass of colours and lines
blended together for a pattern of beauty. The writing flowed in
curves and sweeps written by hand hundreds of years ago. It
read:
Book of Shadows of the Jedi Sisterhood.
Obi-Wan could do nothing but stare.
"I can't take this, it is meant for the Jedi's eyes only and I
am only a Padawan."
"Obi-Wan, all the Sisters are dead, we need someone to carry us
on."
"No, save it for the One."
"I did, I have."
"No, Qui-Gon I am not the One." The Jedi Master could
understand Obi- Wan's denial, but time was approaching and they
needed to be ready.
"Obi-Wan, our connection goes beyond fate, it is part sorcery
and part the Force. Just try, please." Obi-Wan looked at him,
fear in his eyes, but the desperation on the other man's face
spurred him to act. He opened the book at random and found a
spell on mist and read it through.
Aim high.
Obi-Wan settled himself down as he would for meditating. He
then reached out not only with the Force but also with the part
of himself that made him human, his soul. He closed his eyes
and tried to weave his consciousness into the world, asking it
to do his will. He tried for a long time urging the effect he
desired, visualising it within himself and projecting it onto
the world.
"It's not working Qui-Gon, and it won't ever. I'm sorry." He
could barely look at his Master as he rose and left the
clearing.
Qui-Gon watched as his apprentice closed his eyes and sank into
a light meditation. Through the bond, he could feel Obi-Wan
reach out to the world in the same way Adi had once done and in
a way that no one else could.
He held his breath and waited.
He looked around him but saw no change; the clearing was as it
had been, but when he looked with the living Force he felt a
subtle change. A difference that was not entirely natural.
Something had changed and was continuing to do so, but then it
faded away again to nothing.
"It's not working Qui-Gon, and it won't ever. I'm sorry." The
Jedi Master did nothing to stop Obi-Wan leaving, he picked up
the book and carried it back to their tent, not to be wrapped
up again.
"Thank you, Adi." He smiled a smile of great joy and relief.
"He will find his way and because you chose my soulmate I am
here to help him."
Obi-Wan walked alone in the little wooded area for a long time,
his surroundings quiet and his mind anything but. He knew he
should be feeling grief but instead felt a rightness. Could he
be the Chosen One? It seemed unlikely but what Qui-Gon had said
was true. Their connection went beyond the Force. It was more.
Was he meant to return home so his new Master would find him?
Nothing happens without a reason.
Perhaps I was meant to fail Bruck. He continued to pace.
No I am not the Chosen One, I can't be. The disbelief in
himself blinded the Jedi Padawan to his gifts and abilities. He
saw a lost boy when the world saw a great leader and warrior.
His self-worth blinded him, but then perhaps, it was meant to.
Time by himself resolved Obi-Wan's opinion. He was not the One
it was impossible.
But how do I convince Qui-Gon of that? He seemed so
eager. The trees of the copse near the camp were smaller
than those found in the Border Forest, letting light down to
the earth and the smaller plants below. The sun shone on
Obi-Wan and he basked in its heat and light. It offered comfort
when nothing else would.
That's how Qui-Gon found him later, head lying back, eyes
closed, facing up through the leaves where the sun passed
through. At the approach of his Master, Obi-Wan opened his eyes
and tensed. He turned to Qui-Gon and was relieved not to see
the book in his hands, glad that its presence was not here to
remind him of his failure and Qui- Gon's disappointment.
"Obi-Wan?" his voice was almost a whisper, reluctant to disrupt
the tranquillity of the wood.
"Yes, Master?"
"I just wanted to make sure you were all right, and ask you not
to give up. Everything comes in time." Obi-Wan sighed, a sound
of heart- filled pain.
"Not this, Qui-Gon, it's not me."
But Qui-Gon wasn't convinced, as he had felt the steirring of
power within his apprentice. It was a strange sense of peace
that settled on him as the truth of Yoda's words was proven to
him. Time was approaching, time to fight the final battle and
now they had a weapon. Obi-Wan's doubt in himself lay between
him and the vast untapped power that lay beneath the exterior
of Jedi calm. Within a fire was burning but its light and heat
were held back.
"Obi-Wan, you are the Chosen One. I believe in you so does
Master Yoda. Now you need to believe in yourself."
"But I am only one man, I am nobody."
"Adi picked you because she knew we belonged to each other. She
chose you because we would make each other stronger. She picked
you because she loved you, because she knew you would complete
me. She chose you because of love, Obi-Wan and that's what made
the spell so powerful."
Obi-Wan Kenobi gazed out over the hill spread before them; he
could see the Border Forest and within it he could feel the
seething mass of the Dark. Qui-Gon's answers explained much,
his powerful senses, his visions of the past, his love for the
older man, but if it was true, all those people in the camp and
those beyond, relied upon him to deliver them from the
Darkness, to bring the Light.
No, he was not the One, he did not believe.
Chapter 5- Time Approaches.
Dawn is a time of hope for the people of this planet, for it
represents the possibility of Light winning over Dark and
although they know Light will again lose to the Dark it is
still time enough to live. But this dawn is different.
Unbeknownst to the Jedi army camp, soldiers gather at the edge
of the Border Forest. They will enter the Light side's
territory and begin taking it back as they do every year, but
this year is different, this year they have the power to
destroy the Jedi forever and that would begin today, in the
coming battle.
As the suns first appears over the eastern horizon, the masked
riders gallop towards the Jedi camp, carrying silent death with
them.
Obi-Wan shot up out of bed.
"Qui-Gon, wake up."
"Obi-Wan?"
"Something's wrong, something is... something is..." All colour
drained from Obi-Wan's face as the sensation he felt was
recognised. This is what it had felt like just before the
Shadow Warriors had attacked them in the Border Forest, but now
it was larger and more insistent. "We have to warn the
Council."
"Of what? Obi-Wan?" The Jedi Master called after his apprentice
as he ran out into the morning air. Sighing Qui-Gon followed,
only to stop in his tracks just behind the younger man. From
the valley's slopes a shadow spread, riding towards them. Men
consumed in Dark and their Dark purpose.
"There is no time."
Through the Force, Qui-Gon sent a warning to his fellow Jedi.
The camp began to stir, but it wasn't enough. In minutes the
camp was blanketed by a living shadow. The two Jedi warriors
drew their Lightsabers and began to fight. Around them Shadow
Warriors fought the Jedi army. With no time to dress in armour
the Light soldiers went down. The camp was surrounded and
infused by the Dark, but still they fought on, the alternative
unthinkable. Among the soldiers were the Jedi, untrained and
unable to fight, however, their presence and Light gave hope to
the dying men.
Time slowed for Obi-Wan Kenobi. He fought within the Force as
his Master had taught him. Beside him, Qui-Gon battled fiercely
but they were losing. The leader and general in Obi-Wan mourned
the lost lives of his men. The resistance was being crushed,
the Jedi camp captured, the remaining soldiers chained, among
them he saw Riva standing tall and defiant. But they stood in
blood and they stood defeated.
Through the throng of masked and defeated soldiers rode a
hooded figure, Bruck riding to his right. They came to a halt
before the two Jedi Warriors. This man was the Shadow Warrior
who had spared them from Bruck in the Border Forest. He had
known this moment would come and that their lives would once
again be in is hands. The man pushed back his hood to reveal a
scarred face, deep lines etched into his skin years ago to form
a ghastly and terrifying pattern.
"Qui-Gon, it's a pleasure to see you again."
"Ethes."
Ethes K'arn smiled down at the man whose son he had stolen, but
it was Obi-Wan who drew his attention and fascination.
"General Kenobi, you have caused me more trouble than you know
but I'm glad to see you have grown into the beautiful, sensual
creature I always knew you would be," he leered at his stepson.
"I hope to taste you again soon, Ben."
Bruck too had been staring hungrily at the Jedi Padawan but at
his father's words, a look of jealousy crossed his fine
features. Ben was his.
"Secure the prisoners, the Jedi and general's guard are famous
for their skill, they will be a valuable asset to our army once
they have turned. Bring the Jedi to our camp over the border."
With that K'arn and his son rode off, knowing the orders would
be followed.
The Jedi Council and the two warriors were shackled and marched
away. Riva watched General Kenobi marched off with the others
of the brotherhood. She stood among his men feeling the same
hopelessness the other soldiers felt.
"Lt. Riva, what do we do now?" Riva turned to the ensign who
had spoken to her, he looked afraid; he had only been in the
army a few months and was unused to combat and capture.
"We do as we did before Ensign, we wait for him." The seasoned
troops around her seemed to sigh in relief. Waiting for their
commander was something they could do. They would have gladly
followed the general to the gates of hell and this seemed to be
exactly where he was being taken. They would follow but they
had to escape first.
The Shadow Warriors rounded the Light Soldiers up into groups,
surrounding each group lessening the chance of conspiracy and
escape. Riva watched the camp's division and then turned to the
ensign by her side.
"Johnson, find out which group Commanders Rise and Langston are
in and see if the Council's adjutant Major Hunt is still
alive."
"Yes Sir." The young man hurried off through the crowd to speak
to others who might have seen where the other officers were.
Riva was left with two officers, Lt. Anes and Lt. Commander
Ja'don, both old friends of hers and Obi-Wan's.
"Ja'don, we need a plan."
"That we do, Riva."
"Any Ideas?"
Obi-Wan's face was passive as he was cuffed to Qui-Gon, which
worried the Jedi Master. Through the bond he could feel very
little; his apprentice was shielding against him, which in its
own way scared him. He had no idea of what was going through
the younger man's mind; he had no way of gauging his mental
state. Qui-Gon continued to watch him as they were marched
towards the Dark Border; he seemed indifferent and hollow of
any kind of emotion.
Obi-Wan was not lacking in emotion but he refused to show his
fear. He blocked everyone out and just walked. He was sorry he
had lost his connection to his Master by blocking the bond, but
he needed to concentrate, to think of something before it was
too late to act. Inside his own mind he was running through
strategy and plans, trying to find one that would work. He
watched the Shadow Warriors, searching for a weakness to their
defences and attacks. On the outside he was beaten but on the
inside he was planning, just like the soldiers left at the
camp.
They didn't go into the Border Forest but skirted around it,
the Shadows knowing it to be easier to guard their captives in
the open instead of spread out among trees. It would take
longer to get to their camp but they weren't going to risk
losing their prisoners, they were too valuable. The Jedi could
feel the Darkness beyond; they could feel themselves getting
closer as they walked. The valley they now walked in began in
the Dark's territory and soon they would leave the place where
Light was beginning to flourish again and be cast in Darkness.
With every step their hope seemed to diminish, and with every
step they were further away from salvation.
Huddled together, hidden amongst the other soldiers, six
officers of the Light army planned. Among them were Lieutenant
Riva, general Kenobi's aide and friend, Ensign Johnson, newest
of all the people gathered to the rank of an officer, Major
Hunt, adjutant to the Jedi council, he was old which was why he
had been assigned his post, but he had seen more combat than
any of the others there, Lieutenant Anes and Lt. Commander
Ja'don, both from the ranks of General Kenobi's guard, and
Commander Rise of the council's guard. Between them they were
the most experienced of the soldiers.
"Ensign, Where is Commander Langston?" Riva looked at the young
man, waiting for an answer.
"She is in the group on the far side of the camp, we can't
communicate directly with her using hand signals but we do have
a network of people in each group to keep everyone informed."
"So, once we have a plan we can tell everyone without letting
the Shadows know?"
"Yes sir." Johnson looked pleased, he had done everything he
had been asked and also created a primitive form of
communication. Riva turned to the others.
"Good. Anes, report."
"Ethes has left which means one of his captains is in charge.
Most of their soldiers are only Dark agents, which aren't hard
to deal with. It's the Shadows we need to worry about. They are
real, thinking people, plus many of them have some use of the
Force. They have an advantage, so we need to turn that around.
Of course we have the advantage of numbers but that means
nothing without weapons." Major Hunt nodded his agreement. His
hand idly twisted in his greying beard; he spoke his thoughts
quietly, trying to think of a solution as he put forth the
problem.
"We need to get to our weapons and distribute them amongst the
men. What did the Shadows do with them when they confiscated
them?" They all looked at Anes but it was Ja'don who answered.
"There are a few piles scattered about the camp, but most are
on the far side. Commander Langston is closest. If we could get
her group to liberate the weaponry while the guards are
distracted trying to put the resistance down, we could get free
and find the one who's left in charge, the Agents' Leader. If
we manage that we may have a chance. The Leader has a bond with
the Agents under his command. Without the one assigned to lead,
the Agents won't know what to do. They won't obey another's
orders because there is no Dark Lord to create another Leader
to which they are bonded. Without them it should be easy to
overwhelm the Shadows."
"But won't the Leader come out to investigate the commotion?"
Riva's brow rose as she frowned in confusion, but Rise shook
his head.
"No, that many bonds can be overwhelming for a single person,
so for about an hour a night the Leader is totally shielded and
goes into a trance-like sleep. This is when he rebuilds some of
his power base. It is also when he's most venerable. We
shouldn't have a problem if we time it right."
"How do you know this?" Riva looked at Rise, concerned about
the information that he knew.
"Does it matter?" It didn't.
At least it doesn't matter yet. Riva thought out the
rest of the plan in her head. It was risky, but what else could
they do?
"Major, do you think it will work?"
"We'll just have to wait and see, won't we, Lieutenant."
"Ensign Johnson, get word to Langston, we need this to be well
coordinated, so tell her to get ready."
Across the captured army camp Lt. Commander Langston sat with
her own officers. From the crowd of infantry soldiers ran a
lance corporal bringing word from across the camp. They would
attack soon, she could see the pile of weapons from where she
sat. In a matter of moments her section would surge forward
towards the discarded swords and knives, creating a distraction
while another section slipped away to even the odds. Between
them th He would give anything for it to end, but it asked too much. He
would not sacrifice the Light for the twisted peace it offered;
instead he faced forward, meeting the threat head on with
dignity, not cringing in fear or on his knees in submission.
All the Jedi felt it as they passed over the border into the
enemy's lands. A small shudder went through each of them but
none of them spoke and they continued to march with dignity;
when they were pushed they held their heads high. They were the
Jedi Brothers, the leaders of the people of the small defeated
planet. They may have lost, but their honour could not be
stolen from them. They were born Jedi and they would die Jedi.
Amongst them was an army General and Jedi apprentice. A man who
felt the difference between the two lands; he felt the others'
determination, perceived the Dark Lords waiting ahead, sensed
the Light that was behind them, but he could also feel the
Light that remained in the Dark's lands. It gave him hope. It
gave him determination. He did not carry his head high because
he would meet his end with dignity; he held his head high
because they could win. They were Jedi. And somewhere hidden
deep within his mind, Obi-Wan Kenobi began to believe.
It was barely a whisper that swept through the camp but it was
the signal to begin. Lt. Commander Langston lead her men agents
the Shadows and Agents in an attempt to reach the weapons that
had been taken from them. They charged through the barrier of
men that surrounded their groups, their numbers pushing the
enemy back. Many died, but they would reach their swords and
they were causing a distraction.
Across the camp Shadow Warriors hurried away from their posts
to help their comrades, five soldiers escaped unseen by their
captors. They headed for the main tent where the leader of the
Dark Agents slept.
Riva heard the commotion from the other side of the camp and
saw some of the soldiers left to guard them run to help put the
rebellion down. She signalled the others to follow her. Ensign
Johnson was the first to reach her side beyond the camp's
boundaries. Next came Ja'don and Anes, together as always. They
waited hidden in the brush waiting for Commander Rise to
appear, holding their breaths, expecting detection and capture
at any moment.
From out of the darkness stepped the other officer carrying a
knife and a sword on his hip.
"Where did you get those?" In any other situation Riva's tone
of voice would have made the others laugh but the severity of
their situation stifled their laughter.
"I found it," A glint of mischief apprised in his eyes. "In the
hand's of an Agent."
"Rise." Riva smiled at her friend but couldn't help her
disapproving tone.
"I couldn't help it, he started it."
"And you wonder why they busted you down from Captain to
Commander?" He grinned at Riva, a smile that caused a shiver to
run through the lieutenant's spine.
"Oh that, not my fault either. Anyway the life style didn't
suit me. You know how it is?" Riva didn't answer but instead
turned her attention to their mission. However beside her, Anes
and Ja'don gave each other a knowing look. As they began to
move out, Anes whispered to her lover.
"I bet they're together before autumn's end."
"I bet they're together before we rescue the General."
"You're on."
They shook on their bet and followed the others around the
camp's edge to where the man in charge slept. Behind them they
could still hear the commotion Commander Langston was kicking
up, they just hoped she could keep it up.
There were only two guards outside the Leader's tent, who were
dealt with quickly and cleanly. The Light soldiers took their
weapons and shared them between them. The others stood guard as
Riva and Rise entered the tent. It was dark inside but they
could make out the outline of a man asleep on the crude
sleeping mattress.
Riva had done many things in her life for the Light, she had
killed and maimed but it had always been in defence. As she
approached the prone figure she could not help feeling like she
was about to murder a man. He was the enemy and he had
undoubtedly done terrible things in his life, but did he
deserve death without being able to defend himself? And if they
did this act would they lose part of their own Light? Suddenly
unsure of their plan, she held back, terror for her own soul
freezing her in place.
Beside her Rise had no such worries. He stealthily crept
forward towards his prey, walking with the skill of experience.
Riva watched as he lunged forward, sinking his dagger deep into
the other man. A low cry of pain was heard and then nothing, as
blood soaked the sheets and dripped onto the ground. Rise stood
looking down at his victim. He had done what he believed
necessary. He had killed the enemy. Outside the battle turned
as the Dark Agents became disorientated. Their link to their
Leader severed by his death. The Light soldiers swarmed
together defeating the Dark. Within the small tent two figure
stood, the gap between them was like an abyss, endless and
dark. Riva could only see the blood and Rise could only see the
victory.
Night fell around them and still they marched. Weariness
dogged the Jedi's steps but they did not stumble or complain.
Slowly the night passed into early morning and finally the suns
began to rise. But the light of the suns here seemed cooler and
dull; it held no life like it did where the Light side of the
Force dwelled. It offered no comfort, only the reminder of
their destination and the possibility of their fate.
The suns ascended into the sky, as it did the Jedi and their
escort reached the top of a large hill. As they reached its
summit, the suns' light exploded over the hills and into the
valley beneath them. Each Jedi stood motionless with the sight
before them.
Ahead of them, nestled in the deep valley was the Dark Ethes'
camp. It oozed Darkness and hate. Pain seemed to emanate from
it like a living entity. Despair crushed the Jedi; hope seemed
to be lost forever as they were moved forward toward the Dark
place. As they drew closer they could see the Shadow Warriors
amongst the tents. They could feel their presence within the
Force. They could feel their Darkness.
Obi-Wan walked at the back of the group of prisoners. He saw
the camp, he saw the Shadows and he felt the Dark but the Force
was speaking to him. It whispered of destiny, of what was meant
to be. Some thing would happen soon, in that place of Dark.
Something important would take place. The Jedi Warriors were
where they needed to be; in the middle of where the fighting
must be done.
Riva stood alone in the bustle of movement as the Army guard
prepared to pull up camp and follow the Jedi over the Dark
border. It had been discussed among the higher ranking officers
that they should go through the Border Forest. It would be
quicker than going around, and with their numbers they would be
able to fight off Bandit attacks and defend themselves against
patrols.
Dismantling an army camp took time and Riva spent that time
deep in thought. She could only see the redness of the Leader's
blood, seeing its stickiness as it dripped to the ground. The
sound of his dying cry echoed in her ears, accusing and
insistent. She avoided Rise as much as possible, unable to look
at him, expecting to see the Dark around him. He smiled at her
the way he always had, like the other officers, expecting
something to happen between them. But Riva's heart felt like
ice. She looked at him and saw the blood. She gazed into his
eyes only to wonder where he had learnt such things. His
touched caused her to tense in fear.
She wanted to talk to her friend, she wanted to speak to
Obi-Wan but he was miles away, deep within enemy territory. She
hauled her pack to her shoulders, her determination set into
her features. They would find the General and the Jedi council;
they would bring them home and then she would cry her heart out
on his shoulder. It wasn't much of a plan she thought, but it
was all she could do. She feared for Rise, she knew him to be a
good man but maybe he had been exposed to the Dark too much.
She feared he might turn. Obi-Wan was the only one who could
help and until he was with her again she would keep an eye on
Rise, but from a subtle distance.
I hope it's not too late for him. He was beginning to mean
something to me.
The Jedi Council's and General Kenobi's Guard units moved out
in pursuit of their leaders. They marched in lines, their
discipline coming to the fore. They entered the Border Forest
and at dawn they crossed over the border.
The Jedi Council and its two Warriors stood amidst the Dark
Lord's camp. They were surrounded and had nowhere to run. They
stood in the bitter morning cold; autumn already coming to a
close and the onset of winter was promised in the chilling
wind. They stood for an hour before Ethes K'arn came to them.
His smile told of victory, a smugness of owning your enemy
clung to him, as did the Dark Force. His welcoming smile was
almost a sneer, his eyes danced with hate and the precipice of
madness from power.
"Welcome my friends. You are welcome here until you are
required by our Lord." He bowed in mock respect, his demeanour
shouting defiance to the Light. "Show our guests their
accommodation." Shadow Warriors brought their swords to bear as
they shoved their captives to a small tent at the camp's
centre. Surrounded by soldiers, surrounded by the Dark.
Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon moved to follow only to be held back.
"Oh no, you two will have special quarters. See you soon Ben."
The Jedi Warriors both stared at the gloating man, both fearing
for the other and what was to happen to them. They were led off
in the opposite direction of the Council and taken to a smaller
tent attached to a larger one.
Qui-Gon barely remembered his training as he and his apprentice
were forced into their prison and shackled to the centre wooden
post. He was angry and a little afraid for them and the other
Brothers. Obi- Wan's cool composure calmed him, the young
General seemed unconcerned by their situation, in fact the Jedi
Master could almost see a smile on his lips and a subtle sense
of humour behind his apprentice's green eyes.
Qui-Gon stood silently as the guards left to stand outside, as
soon as they were out of earshot he turned to Obi-Wan, hoping
to find some answers.
"Obi-Wan, are you alright?"
"Fine, Master." Qui-Gon searched Obi-Wan's face for any change,
any clue as to what he was thinking but Obi-Wan remained
unreadable both physically and through the bond.
"Obi-Wan?" He waited for his companion to turn to face him but
Obi- Wan remained as he was. "Obi-Wan, look at me." His tone
bespoke of an order given from a Master to a Padawan. The
younger man did turn then, looking at his friend and soulmate.
He had shut out everyone including Qui-Gon. Why? He had no
answers to that but he was doing as the Force nudged him to do.
"I'm fine, Qui-Gon. I can't explain it to you but something
will happen soon and we must be ready. I love you very much but
I fear I must be alone in my mind, please understand I am only
doing as I believe the Force wants me to do."
Qui-Gon looked at Obi-Wan and saw the age and knowledge in his
eyes. He was what his life had made him and more. His Jedi
training and control lay above all else but below that Qui-Gon
could see the General, his bondmate and deeper still the place
where his lover was joined to the prophecy of the Chosen One.
He was becoming the man he was meant to be and Qui-Gon would
not stand in his way, for when Obi- Wan was once again whole in
his own way, it would be time for them to be together; to
complete each other through their soul bond.
"I understand, Beloved, but remember I am here. We will fight
together."
"Of course Qui-Gon, I wouldn't want it any other way."
They sat together on the mud floor, facing each other with
their chains between them. They meditated each finding their
own centre, Qui-Gon amongst the living Force and Obi-Wan within
the Unifying Force. Between both their strengths they were all
the Jedi Brotherhood could be. Obi-Wan may have been the One
but without Qui- Gon he was nothing; the Jedi Master was the
faith and courage and the General the raw power of the Light in
a physical form. Around them the Dark flowed, but it could not
touch them.
"Well gentlemen, I hope the accommodation is to your liking."
The voice of their captor startled both Jedi from their
meditation. They stood, not wanting to be lower than Ethes, not
giving him the perspective of power. K'arn walked around the
two chained men, admiring their physique. Both men were
stunning in their own way. Qui- Gon was a bear, large and
powerful but gentle with its own and Obi- Wan was a fox, quick
and agile. They were the perfect fighting pair; the other
making up for his partner's weakness.
He reached out to touch Qui-Gon's muscular chest, to feel the
power beneath his robes, only to be stopped by a low growl. He
looked at the young Jedi, and saw that the submissive boy he
had used years before was nowhere to be seen in the young man.
He was strong in his determination to keep his mate safe, and
Ethes was sure the Jedi Master's resolve was the same when it
came to his apprentice.
"Well Ben, you have done well for yourself, a Jedi Master no
less. Tell me, have you been putting all my lessons to good
use?" Before the general could answer Qui-Gon spoke, trying to
deflect the Dark warrior's attention and Obi-Wan's anger.
"What do you want, Ethes?"
"I came to make a deal with you. Jedi Warrior Jinn and General
Kenobi, between you, you should know of all the Light army's
defence measures and strategies. If you tell me them I will let
you and your Brothers live, and if you don't I will execute you
all, one at a time." He smiled, and it was one that bespoke of
victory. "To be perfectly honest, I don't much care if you take
my deal or not. If you do, I have a way to defeat the army and
if you don't, I will be rid of the Jedi Brotherhood. It's a win
win situation for me. I'll leave you to think about it and to
decide which is the lesser of two evils. Good day to you both."
He tilted his head in polite farewell and once again left them
alone.
"We can't tell him the army's plans, Qui-Gon."
"I know, Padawan."
"But if we don't..." he trailed off, unwilling to finished the
thought.
"I know that too, Beloved but we must be strong and trust in
the Force."
"There is no death." Obi-Wan's whispered voice was a reminder
of the Jedi belief, but it held little comfort.
The suns were high in the sky when the two Jedi Warriors were
brought out of their tent into the open air. They were escorted
to the centre of the camp and made to stand in the centre of
the meeting point. Around them Shadow Warriors and Dark Agents
went about their daily tasks, taking no mind of the two Jedi in
their midst. Ethes K'arn stepped in front of the two shackled
men, ready to begin the event he had planned.
"Well, Jedi, have you made your choice?"
"We will not help you, K'arn."
"As much as I would have liked the information, I will not deny
that your decision delights me." He turned his back to them and
nodded to one of his men. "It took me a while to decide who
would be first, but I think my final choice will have a great
effect." Through the army of Shadows a figure was pulled forth.
He was stooped and could barely walk. Due to his age, he had
not held up well to the enforced march and now it looked as if
he would die. A lump came to Qui-Gon's throat as he saw who was
first.
Master Yoda was forced to his knees in front of the two other
Jedi, and facing them, his face showing no fear. Obi-Wan
watched as K'arn drew his sword and held it aloft for all to
see. The light of the noon suns shone down on it making it
shine with its deadly purpose. The blade came sweeping down in
a graceful arc and sliced through the ancient Jedi Master's
neck. Blood splattered the ground and the robes of all those
who stood close enough. Qui-Gon was frozen in place as he
watched his Master's life end in an act of violence. His Master
had always been kind and gentle and Qui-Gon had always believed
Yoda would pass peacefully.
Beside him Obi-Wan stood numb, but his gaze was not locked on
the headless corpse of the old Jedi Master as Qui-Gon's was,
but instead he stared at Ethes. Something within the Force was
urging him to see something, to notice something, but all he
could see in the cold light was the smile and blood the other
man wore.
"Take them back to their tent and let them ponder what they
have seen, you never know, they may change their minds."
Obi-Wan and Qui- Gon went willingly back to their prison,
neither able to speak yet. Neither knowing what to say.
Bruck was among the crowd of men that surrounded the Jedi
Warriors. He heard what his father said and he feared what Ben
would decide. Seeing his stepbrother again after all those
months was difficult for the young man. Ben looked amazing; he
was clearly General Obi-Wan Kenobi, completely in control of
his own fate even in the clutches of his enemy.
Bruck had genuinely loved Ben when they were young but
somewhere along the way that love had been twisted around.
Seeing him now, as he was truly meant to be, Bruck couldn't
help but miss the affection his stepbrother had shown him years
ago. He realised then that by helping his father he had
betrayed the only one who had ever shown any compassion for
him. He had turned just as his father had, just as Ben had
warned him he would. Bruck shuddered; Ben had even come home to
help him after he believed Ethes had died.
His thoughts were wrenched back to the scene in front of him as
one of the other Jedi Masters was brought forward. Through his
sense of the Force he could feel Qui-Gon Jinn's distress and
the other Master's cool determination and from Ben, through a
bond he had almost forgotten, he felt a sting of grief not for
the Jedi who now lay dead, but for him. He looked up to meet
knowing green eyes as Ben was led away, but he was not Ben any
longer. He was Obi-Wan. He had failed the child Obi-Wan had
been, but he would not fail the man Ben had grown up to be. If
there was a path back to the Light, he prayed his stepbrother
would help him find it.
"What are you thinking, Obi-Wan?"
"I don't know, there was something about K'arn that the Force
wanted me to notice but I can't think what. I keep going over
it in my mind, but I get distracted." He was silent for a
moment trying to gather his thoughts. "Will there be more,
Master?"
"I hope not, Obi-Wan but I believe Ethes will carry out his
threat."
"Then we need to think of a way to escape."
"I agree, but how?" At that question Obi-Wan fell into his
General persona, thinking through all he had seen of the camp
and all its weaknesses.
"We're surrounded by Shadow Warriors and Dark Agents, all of
whom have weapons. The Jedi Council members are in another
tent. We need to be subtle, anything obvious and flashy is
going to get us killed."
"We need an ally."
"I agree, Qui-Gon. I just hope he makes the right decision."
Qui-Gon didn't ask who. He had thought his apprentice had given
up when they had been captured, he had believed Obi-Wan had
accepted his fate; but now he realised General Kenobi had been
watching and planning. They may not survive, but knowing his
Padawan was by his side in his defiance of the Dark, it didn't
matter.
As the day passed around them and dusk began to fall, they
waited to see if they had an ally and a chance. They waited to
see if he would come.
There was a whisper of sound followed but two thumps as
something heavy hit the earth. The two Jedi looked at the
entrance to their prison, and through it walked Bruck, knife in
hand, senses alert. Without a word he came towards them holding
the key to their chains. Qui-Gon took the key first unlocking
his apprentice and then himself. He wanted to ask the younger
man why, but knew that time was against them and that all
questions would have to wait untill later. The moved out of the
temporary prison as one, working together as if commanded by
one mind. The Force guided them all, leading them out the tent
where the two guards lay dead, through the sleeping camp and to
the tent where the other Jedi were being held.
There was no guard, which worried Qui-Gon, but wordlessly they
entered. Inside they found the Jedi Council chained together,
Ethes K'arn standing before them with three of his Shadow
Warriors.
"Betrayed by my own son, though I can't say I'm surprised, you
never did know which side your loyalties lied upon." He sighed
in mock exasperation before he drew his sword and pointed it at
his son. "I should kill you now for your weakness but I think
it can wait untill morning when I execute your stepbrother's
lover. What do you think of that, Ben? Will you tell me what I
want to know for your bondmate?" he turned his sword on
Obi-Wan, the tip of its blade brushing the Jedi apprentice's
chin. It was then that Obi-Wan noticed what the Force had urged
him to see and confirmed what Qui-Gon had feared.
"You carry a Lightsaber. You must be Darth Maul."
"Ah, I see you finally realise who I am. You may have become
General Kenobi and found a Master to teach you the Jedi way,
but I have my own following." Qui-Gon looked at the man who had
pretended to be his friend in order to steal his son.
"You are a Sith Lord? To think I didn't realise it. Where is my
son, Maul?"
"Your son is dead Qui-Gon, or at least he may as well be to
you. He is with my Master now. He is one of us and he cannot be
turned back. We have as good as won, the Light fades more every
day and you are the last of a dying race. The Brotherhood is
finished and the Sith will rule!" The Dark Lord turned his
attention to the other Shadow Warriors, "Take these two back to
their tent, and him," He pointed to his son. "Take him to the
execution block and tie him there. Let him sleep where he will
die."
"Father, please." The man who had been Ethes K'arn took Bruck's
face in his hands.
"I am no longer your father, and you will die come morning or
you will freeze waiting for the suns to rise. Take them away."
The three men where dragged to their places of imprisonment.
The last thing Obi- Wan saw before he was roughly forced back
into his prison was his stepbrother kneeling at the camp's
centre, where Yoda's blood still soaked the ground, his hands
tied and a sword at his back.
Bruck Chun looked up to see Obi-Wan's eyes gazing at him, and
in them he saw the forgiveness he had hoped to gain and the
grief the younger man felt. He did not want to cause his
stepbrother any more pain, but he had to do what he must and if
that meant dying come dawn,
Then let the skies open and the Light of the suns rain down.
I am ready.
It was night but they continued to ride through the Border
Forest. Riva was at the centre of the mass of soldiers. Her
thoughts distracted by Rise and the two swords she carried on
her horse. Among the piles of discarded weapons, they had found
two Jedi Lightsabers; Qui-Gon's and Obi-Wan's. She carried them
now in the hope that she would be able to return them to their
rightful owners, one way or another. Whether it would be to put
them in their hands to do battle or to lie them at their side
in their graves. They were the Jedi Warrior's weapons and they
should be with the last of their kind, in life and finally in
the endlessness of death.
Bruck knelt unrepentant of his decision to help Obi-Wan and the
other Jedi. He knelt with the clarity of mind that comes before
death. Night passed by but the fear he had always expected with
the knowledge of his own end never came. To his mind it was
strange to find such understanding just before you were to die;
to spend your life in confusion and misunderstanding only to
know truth and understanding when you reach your end. He knew
his decision had been right; he was sorry for the years he had
strayed from the Light, he was sorry for turning his step
brother away all those years ago when the help he needed had
been offered. But most of all he was sorry that he had little
time to serve the Light, to atone for what he had done. He
hoped that his life would be enough to save him, and he hoped
that he would still be able to love Obi-Wan from the other
side.
They sky began to brighten, the suns began to rise and the camp
began to stir, but Bruck was riveted by the sight of the
morning suns, its beauty so stunning it left him breathless.
The colours it painted in the sky so spectacular he believed it
to be heaven. So be it, he would die this dawn but the Force
would welcome him into its embrace with the beauty of day's
first light in his eyes.
Ethes K'arn had had a peaceful night's sleep. He cared little
for his son and the thought of his impending death did little
to disturb his dreams. The Sith Lord rose with the dawn to get
the Jedi gathered around the execution clearing. He was tired
of waiting. Today the Jedi would follow Bruck into death, and
the last of their kind would be enslaved to him after he
watched his bondmate, Qui-Gon Jinn, die. He had wanted Obi-wan
Kenobi for a long time and now he would have him.
It was a sombre party that stood before the place of execution.
The Jedi, including Qui-Gon stood to Bruck's right with Ethes
K'arn standing before them, the Jedi General at his side.
"It's too late to help my son, Obi-Wan, but if you tell me what
I want to know, I'll spare your lover." Obi-Wan looked at the
man who had married his mother in order to gain a child with
full Force sensitivity; he looked the betrayer in the eye and
said,
"I don't believe you, Maul." A look of anger crossed the older
man's face, his Darkness danced in his eyes, the air alive with
its power. "Do what you feel you must, I will not betray the
Brotherhood."
"Begin." But before the Dark Agent could lift his sword to
strike Bruck, a mighty cry rose from beyond the army camp. From
across the open land, spilling out of the Border Forest came
hundreds of men, each upheld by the power of the Light.
Just as the Shadow Army had attacked the Jedi camp, the Light
Army swarmed their enemy's camp. Their victory the night before
gave them hope that was unstoppable. They surrounded the Shadow
warriors and attacked. All around the Jedi, swords crashed
together for the victory of life. Through the crowd of men came
a woman on horseback carrying two Lightsabers. And then the
battle really began.
Jedi Warrior Qui-Gon Jinn took his Lightsaber from Riva and
joined the other Light soldiers who had surrounded the Jedi
Council in order to protect them. Through the crush of bodies,
Qui-Gon saw his apprentice take up his own Lightsaber and begin
to duel the Sith Lord, Darth Maul. Then the mists began to rise
from nowhere, hiding the Light soldiers from the Dark, letting
them keep the advantage surprise had given them.
Obi-Wan had watched silently as the Jedi Brothers were gathered
and his Master was put with them. He had tried to show
indifference when Darth Maul, the man who had once been Ethes
K'arn, stood beside him offering him the life of his love for
his betrayal. Obi-Wan didn't fear death, his or his Master's
but he did fear the pain Maul might cause his lover. He looked
into eyes that held no Light, only the all consuming power of
the Dark and knew that this man would never uphold anything he
promised.
"I don't believe you, Maul, do what you feel you must, I will
not betray the Brotherhood." He was firm in his belief and
decision, which angered the man before him. With anger in his
voice Maul ordered it to begin, but the Sith Warrior did not
realise what he was starting. Out of the forest came the Jedi
guard and the General's own men, and among them rode Riva
carrying his 'Sabre. He took up his weapon and began to fight.
When he began, his whole mind was not on the duel he was
fighting but with the battle that raged around him. The Light
soldiers had the advantage of surprise but that would only
carry them so far. He reached into the place where the magic of
the Force lay and called upon the spell hller
man relentlessly. Obi-Wan held back, knowing Maul would be
unable to fight like this long; Maul would tire first and then
he would strike. But Maul was not unknowing of battle. Within
the Dark you used your anger and hate to fuel your actions, but
not to the point of self-destruction. Knowing he would lose if
he continued in his frenzied attack, he reigned in his anger
and channelled it. Men fought and died in that camp and at its
centre the most amazing of duels was being fought as two of the
best swordsmen on that planet locked blades.
To begin with, no one was able to see the deadly dance, but as
the mist began to clear, more and more of the soldiers saw and
stilled in their own fight. The victor of this battle would not
be determined by any of them but by the duel that took place at
its centre. All watched in awe as the two men spun around each
other, and even the non-Force sensitives could feel the prickle
of power in the air.
The Jedi Brothers seemed surprised by the display, but Qui-Gon
understood. This was the true test for the Light. If Obi-Wan
won today then it could turn the direction of the war; the
Light could win and they may one day be free. Qui-Gon watched
his apprentice fight the Dark Lord and thought he had never
looked more beautiful. The Force flowed through him; he had an
aura of Light that was always there, but now seemed to outshine
the suns. He was not Obi-Wan Kenobi now, he was the Chosen One.
The Force was fighting the dark through him, using his body as
a vessel to do its will.
Maul was amazed at his stepson's abilities and was afraid. He
would lose he realised, and in his moment of doubt, the Light
of Obi-Wan reached out and absorbed into him. He had been
without Light so long that its sudden return gave him nothing
but pain. He gasped out in agony as both the Light and
Obi-Wan's Lightsaber pierced him.
There was silence so quiet that it was deafening. No one dared
breathe in case they disrupted the tense peace that blanketed
them all. They waited for the moment to pass, when the silence
no longer forced the air from their lungs and held their
tongues still. Seconds ticked by and then the tension bled away
back into the men, who up until a moment ago had fought so
vigorously and without mercy.
Maul looked into the eyes of his nemesis for the last time and
died. Around the fallen man the Shadow Warriors fled or
surrendered, and the Dark Agents did from their broken bonds.
The victory was theirs. But it was more than that. It was more
than a physical battle. For the place they all stood, the place
that had been shadowed by the Dark, soon vanished. The Light,
kept away for so long rushed back into it, re-emerging so the
Dark fell back, away from the shinning Light that had
infiltrated its territory.
Obi-Wan Kenobi was the Chosen One and he had begun the
banishing of the Dark and the welcoming of the Light.
Riva oversaw the containment of what was left of the Shadow
Warriors, while General Kenobi was off somewhere organising the
move south. Master Jinn had walked alone for a time and then
said something about meditation. Bruck who had been with Rise's
group, burying the dead and removing weaponry and had
disappeared shortly after in search of food. And the Jedi
Council was gathered around one of the many fires discussing
something in earnest.
Riva was still reeling from the discovery of Master Yoda's
body; she could not imagine what it must be like for the
Brothers who had watched. She badly wanted to speak to Obi-Wan,
but they both had their duties to perform so neither sought out
the other's comforting words. The battle had been tiring but
the image of Obi-Wan's blade glowing silver just before he had
plunged it into Maul gave here a sense of peace she couldn't
explain. Everything was changing, the world spiralling out of
control, but for the first time it felt as if it should be.
She continued with her task, burying herself in it until the
Force's lofty purpose for them all no longer mattered.
On the outside, Obi-Wan was every bit the Jedi General he was
meant to be. But inside, he was grieving. Master Yoda was dead.
He had loved the old Jedi as a father, his own dying when he
had been very young. Yoda had taken him under his wing years
ago and never treated him as if he was useless, as other had
always done. Qui-Gon was distant now too. He was grieving for
his Master also, but Obi-Wan didn't know how to reach out and
ask for his comfort. He loved Qui- Gon and constantly feared
being rejected. He wanted to be strong for his Master, so he
remained alone within himself as hundreds of men and women
moved around him.
The valley was beautiful, as it once again sang with life and
Light. Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn meditated deep within the
Living Force. The solidarity of the life around him gave him
peace as he came to terms with the loss of his Master. Yoda had
raised him since he was very young; he had guided him through
his training and had shown him the beauty of the Living Force.
Qui-Gon smiled, for that would be how he remembered the little
Master. Not by the violence of his death but by the gift of the
Force he had given. He opened his eyes to see the world, the
rolling green hills, the edge of the Border Forest that no
longer seemed so dark, and the shrubs and plants that gave
shade and food to the smaller animals. With his Force sense he
could feel the animals that lived in the Forest and on the
slope of the hill. The suns shone freely into the valley; the
air was clear and refreshing. Winter was coming and soon they
would move on to rendezvous with the rest of the army, but
Qui-Gon knew that winter held its own beauty.
He looked upon the beauty of the world and remembered his
Master. He felt the Force and could feel his Master through it.
Good bye, My Master. Qui-Gon rose from his kneeling
position and went in search of his apprentice. Behind him a
small hunched figure stood watching him leave. A smile played
on his shimmering blue lips. Then, as if he had not been there
at all, he disappeared back into the Force, having made his
goodbye to his Padawan.
Qui-Gon is right, we are too set in our ways. Master
Mace Windu stood with the other Jedi Brothers. The others were
discussing the Prophecy while he watched. He wished Yoda was
still with them, for now that he was gone, Windu was head of
the Council and he was already feeling the strain. To his mind,
Obi-Wan Kenobi was the Chosen One they had been waiting for,
but others still believed it was Anakin, the last full Jedi
ever born. They had seen and felt the Dark retreat after
Obi-Wan had fought the Sith lord. But it was easier to believe
the chosen one was yet to come forward, than hope he was
already among them.
"Enough. We will discus this later when we are all calmer and
had time to rest. Do not forget your training. We are Jedi and
we have lost one of our own. This bickering would appall Master
Yoda." Mace sighed, understanding his Brothers' reactions to
their current situation. "We should all meditate. We will talk
about this when we reach the winter camp when all the Jedi
Brothers are together again."
The group broke up, each going for their horses and aides. As
Mace walked to his own, his responsibility weighed heavily upon
him.
There are less and less of us each year and now the most
wise of us had moved into the Force.
"My life sacrificed for nothing it was not, the chosen One
Kenobi is. Forget your duty you should not, but forget that he
is only a man, you should not either." There was no one there,
but Mace was sure he had heard a whispered voice. "Confidence
in you I have." The presence within the Force was gone, but
Mace was not the same inside.
You always know what to say, glad to see death hasn't
changed you. There was a smile on the Jedi Brother's lips
as he mounted his horse.
The Jedi and their Guard of soldiers all sat upon their horses.
In front of them rode one of the army's Generals and his
soldiers. Obi- Wan rode at the head of the convoy of men with
Qui-Gon to his right and his stepbrother to his left. The world
was changing and they were the men to change it further. It was
a strange feeling for the young Jedi. He had become a leader of
the Light army very young; he had proven himself and was
respected. But now he must also be the Chosen One.
His Lightsaber was heavy at his hip, its weight a reminder of
his heritage. The Jedi Sister book of Adi Gallia's was in his
saddle bag and its presence was a reminder to the Prophecy he
must fulfil. And the Lightsaber of his enemy, which he also
carried, reminded him of what he must yet face. He kept to
himself, keeping the walls within his mind firmly in place.
At dusk they stopped for the night, setting up a temporary
camp. No tents, but plenty of fires and blankets. Obi-Wan
walked away from all the others, deep in thought; he found a
place of isolation and sank to his knees.
There hadn't been time to really grieve before, but now that
they had won there was nothing but time. The others saw the
victory; they had the long awaited Chosen One, they had Bruck,
who was proof enough that the loved one they had lost to the
Dark side could be turned back. But all Obi-Wan could see was
Yoda's death and those still held by the Dark including Anakin.
"Hope there always is, young Obi-Wan."
"Master?"
"Told you many times I have, no death there is, only the
Force." A shimmering blue figure sat before the young Jedi,
"Wondered have you why we call them Shadow Warriors? A reason
for this there is. Agents are called Dark because nothing else
is in them, created by the Sith Lord to fight the Dark's
battle. But Shadow Warriors, people they once were. Still there
they are. Not completely dark nor completely light, but
somewhere in between. People, they are not Sith or Jedi. They
lie between us, Light and Dark joined making a Shadow. With the
Sith's influenced the Dark outweighs the Light but soon change
that will. The Light grows more powerful, Light will become one
with them again. Hope there is Obi-Wan Kenobi; learn this you
should, a powerful tool it is. Rest you should, only just began
your fight has."
Obi-Wan felt his eyes closing from the phantom's subtle
suggestion. Later, Qui-Gon carried him back to their bed, still
deeply asleep, a luxury he had not indulged in since being
captured by the Sith. Qui- Gon had felt it the moment Obi-Wan
had dropped his shields and let him back into his mind. He had
found his own peace with his Master's passing and now he knew,
so had Obi-Wan. The hope was there, but sometimes it was hard
to see. Together they would bring it out into the light for all
to share.
Epilogue - And So It Begins
"I have tried to deny it but now I find I cannot. It pulses
within me as surly as it did within my mother and our queen. To
me it makes little difference, except maybe the added weight of
responsibility. But that weight is nothing when I see all the
grateful smiles, signifying the relief that the wait is over
Soon the darkness will be gone, well, that's what we hope, but
at least there is hope now; before there was nothing.
"For Qui-Gon and I it is a sign that we are meant to be
together. It was our shared soul and power that drew us
together, but Adi Gallia chose me because she knew that I was
meant for Qui-Gon. She knew in him I would find a protector and
the strength to fight the battle she had left to me. I do not
find the task ahead daunting. How could I? The Light blossoms
from me, reaching out to everyone near and far. This gives me
the confidence to know we will win the day and I have no fear
of being alone or even of death because I know Qui-Gon will be
with me.
"This is true immortality, to have a love that soars so high
that nothing can contain it and nothing can break it. We will
spend forever together and I would have it no other way. But
before I can turn my thoughts to a peaceful rest nestled in
eternity's Light I have duties to perform and it is with a
heart of a warrior and Jedi that I step up into a prophecy of
hope."
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