**************
The
Lost One
By: Katie
**************
Rating would be PG
Summary....Obi-wan is abducted by a dark Jedi
and taken to a place of evil.
Qui-gon will have to put his past behind him
long enough to save his padawan.
Discalmer:
George Lucas and owns Qui-gon,
Obi-wan, and the Star Wars
universe.
I'm just having some fun.
He opened his eyes and felt content. The days meditation was complete. Yet
today was different, today was the mark. The large man stood from his
meditation in the center of the grand room. The room was dark; he liked the
darkness. He would not trade it for anything. Well, except maybe for...no, he
could not let his mind wonder to that now. It would cloud his judgment, it
would try to make him back down from his task. But he would not bend to it, he
knew that this was something that he must do. Perhaps after his mind could
rest, finally rest. He strode out of the room that had become sacred to him,
dispite what had happened here. It served as a reminder to him, it always
helped to remember. Even if he could never possibly forget what had happened.
He walked down the long corridor when an alien being cautiously walked up to
him, and bowed. His glittery eyes looked at him with a sense trace of fear,
although they were attempting to remain calm. “We are ready to depart.” the
still voice informed him. “The coordinates are set. We await your orders.”
“Very well.” The man said looking down at the alien. “I will be there shortly.
We will depart as soon as I board.” The alien bowed respectively , turned and
left.
An amused smile appeared on his face. “I look forward to seeing you again, my
friend.” He said, though there was no one there to hear him.
****
The streets in the capital of Contsun were the busiest they had been since they
day that they had arrived Obi-wan realized happily. It meant that they’re come
here had been a quick success. Of course it normally always was when Jedi were
sent in. Yet it still always amazed the Apprentice on how the appearance of two
Jedi could turn an event around this quickly.
He and Qui-gon were greeted warmly on their arrival. It had only been a day and
a half since then, and things were already mostly back in order. He had seen
events like this unfold before in his Jedi training. The chief of the main food
plant needed more workers to provide food for the rapidly growing population.
Due to that fact, not enough food was being distributed to the Contsunians. The
planets treasurer said that there simply wasn’t enough money to hire the people
they need and no way to get it. An argument broke out and no one seemed to be
hearing anyone else. Yet, with a few words of wisdom from the Jedi master, a
compromise was quickly reached and the planet seemed to be back on track.
They were asked to stay a few more days to make sure that everything was
correctly followed though. They accepted, and took to the streets to see how
the citizens were reacting. Qui-gon was ahead of him, weaving in and out of the
crowd of people. Obi-wan was not far behind. All seemed well as far as Obi-wan
could tell. However his master was always telling him that things were not
always as they seemed and to look deeper, much deeper at times. But everything
was peaceful.
Obi-wan had been Qui-gon’s apprentice for years now. He was sixteen, and would
be seventeen in a few months. They had been on several diplomatic missions that
were suppose to be “routine” however turned out to be not so routine after all.
But, Obi-wan thought with a smile as they passed a dark alley, this mission was
quite possibly the most peaceful , and quite certainly routine, that he had
ever been on.
With that last thought Obi-wan let out a quick gasp of surprise. Hands seemed
to grab him hard by his shoulders and pull him off his feet, yet there was on
one there. He fell hard to the ground on his back. Dispite the pain he
immediately began to rise to his feet, but once again the mental hands picked
him up and through him against a nearby wall in back of the alley. For a brief
second he wondered what could be behind all this, but the thought was quickly
banished when pain was sent tingling up his spine. Then he felt something dark
around him. It hit him like hot knives on his skin. He reached out for the
Force, but whatever this was, it was stronger than him, far stronger. It
entered his mind, and melted the mental shield he had quickly put up to protect
himself. Then, there was only darkness...
***
Qui-gon was pleased with what had unfold here on Contsun. All had gone well, as
he new it would. Small disputes like this were never much of a problem. The
people just needed an outside source to hear both sides and point them in the
right direction. Yes all had gone well. So why was there a sense of dread
lingering in his mind?
He looked behind him. His Padawan was having a little more trouble than he
moving past the waterfall of people, but still managed to keep up at a close
distance. Qui-gon smiled. The boy was probably the best thing that had happened
to him in a very long time, he couldn’t imagine ever losing him. Qui-gon
stopped his thought and frowned. Now why would he think of something like that
so suddenly? He pondered at his. He had no reason to, Obi-wan was not going
anywhere. It was that feeling of dread. Was it because it was nearing the time
when...no, he thought. It was long behind him, it was out of his control and it
would not bother him any more.
He reached out with the Force to calm himself. Then something happened. A dark
ripple in the Force passed by him suddenly. He heard Obi-wan gasp and turned
quickly to see the boy being lifted off his feet and thrown into the near by
alley.
“Obi-wan!” Qui-gon shouted. He turned and quickly tried to reach his
Apprentice. His attempt was in vain though. Contsun was one of the most
populated planets in the Galaxy, and the river of people blocked his path. By
the time he shoved his way to the spot where the boy had fallen, he was to
late. Obi-wan was gone. He reached out with the Force to touch the mind of his
Padawan, but what came back to him in return made him stager back. A wave of
darkness washed over him, but this darkness was familiar. He didn’t think he
would ever feel it again, at times he hoped he wouldn’t. Yet here it was, he
was here and he had taken his Apprentice.
Qui-gon closed his eyes, trying to clear his thoughts. He should have been more
prepared for this, but he never thought he would come after him. He thought
there was still some good left in him. But now it was worse. Because instead of
coming after him, he had taken Obi-wan. He supposed that is what he would have
done, but Qui-gon never believed it possible. But now it was true, and he would
have to face him all over again. He opened his eyes which were now distant,
looking back toward the past, “Jaron.” He said the name softly, his voice
filled with pain and regret.
******************
The Lost One
Part 2
A slit of light came to him thought the darkness. Obi-wan cautiously opened his
eyes. Everything was burly for a few moments then his vision grew clearer ,with
the exception of the blue and purple spots that seemed to dance in the air. His
head was pounding uncontrollably, his muscles ached, but for the most part he
was all right.
His mind cleared enough that was able to take in the surroundings and the situation.
He was in a mid-sized, dimly lighted room. He was laying on a sleep-couch, his
lightsaber, belt, and cloak were gone. His mind fuzzed in and out. Where was
he? Why was he here? Then he remembered. Remembered the pain. Remembered the
darkness...
His thoughts were interrupted when the door slid open and four alien creatures
strode in. Obi-wan sat up, looking at the them. They were mid-height, with
glossy, gleaming skin and glittering eyes. All four held blasters pointed at
his chest. Guards no less. Without a word, one of the guards motioned for him
to stand. He did so quickly, ignoring his throbbing head. He was already
forming a plan. ‘Four guards with blasters were still no match for a Jedi,
Apprentice or not, even without a weapon.’ Obi-wan thought. The nearest guard
was moving around him to cuff his hands. Obi-wan was gathering the Force around
him to rip the man’s blaster right out of his hand. However before he could
complete his attempt, an onslaught of pain ripped though his mind. It felt as if
someone was sticking him with hundreds of hot needles. The sensation almost
sent him crashing to his knees. The guards took this opportunity to quickly
cuff his hands behind his back and shoved him though the door.
The walked down a long corridor for what seemed like an eternity. The pain in
Obi-wan’s mind subsisted some, enough to notice that they were in what looked
like an ancient tomb of some sort. As they walked, he could feel a sense of
doom drawing closer to him. He looked around him, all four blasters still
pointed at him. No windows, no open doors, no where to run to, and for the
moment, no escape. Yet he didn’t even know what he was trying to escape from.
Finally they reached what he assumed was their destination. They halted in
front of a large and decorated door. When it swung open Obi-wan staggered back.
The room before him was overflowing with dark energy, doom, death, hatred, the
Dark Side. Obi-wan felt fear start to bloom inside of him as the guard shoved
him into the room, and slammed the door shut behind him.
The darkness was overwhelming, there was no where to run from it. He remembered
a lecture from Yoda which seemed like eons ago, “Places there are which are
strong with the Dark side.” The master had said. “Domains of evil they are. Strong
you must be to save yourself, and others.” Obi-wan tried to calm his mind and
banish the darkness. His attempted to concentrate was broken when a voice cut
through the room.
“Welcome Obi-wan Kanobi. I am glad to see you awake and well.” the man’s voice
said.
Obi-wan could not see. He reached out with the Force to be his eyes. There, in
the middle of the room. A man, human, as tall, if not taller than Qui-gon.
Under any other circumstances he would have been able to get the entire picture
of the man. However with the darkness swirling about his mind. He was finding
it difficult to concentrate.
“Perhaps this will help.” The man said. And instantly the room became dimly lit
by candles that flickered on around the chamber.
Now Obi-wan could see him clearly. His hair was dark brown which went down past
his ears. His eyes were the color of Qui-gon’s lightsaber. He wore black, which
was the color Obi-wan senses from this man.
“I am sorry for any discomfort I might have caused you, young Padawan. But it
was important for me to stop your use of the Force.” He said with an amused,
but seemingly vicious smile. Yet at least Obi-wan was getting some mild
answers. But he needed more.
“Who are you?” Obi-wan said in a demanding voice. “What is this...place?” A
coldness developed around him. Obi-wan wanted to shiver, but managed to push it
aside.
“Allow me to introduce myself. I am Master Jaron Nien.” He said bowing toward
the apprentice. “And you are on Randon.”
“Master?” Obi-wan sounded disgusted. “Master of what?”
“Why, Master of the Force. Just not the side you are familiar with I’m afraid.”
Jaron said, taking a few steps in Obi-wan’s direction.
Obi-wan believed this. He had never felt so much dark power before. He
shuttered at the thought. “Why have you brought me here?” he asked struggling
to meet Jaron’s gaze, who was only a few feet away from him now.
“Quite simple really.” He said, looking down at the Padawan. “Your coming here
is somewhat of an invitation to your master.”
‘Which is a nice way of saying I’m bait.’ Obi-wan wanted to say aloud, but
decided against it. This meant that his master was in danger, and he had no way
of warning him. “What do you want with Master Qui-gon.” Obi-wan asked, his
voice icy.
“We were friends, long ago. Yet he betrayed me. In the worse way a person could
be betrayed.” Jaron’s voice was bitter, with fragments of hatred.
“I’ve heard that line before.” Obi-wan spat, remembering his Qui-gon’s former
apprentice. Who had tried to turn him away from his soon to be master. “It
didn’t work then and it wont work now.”
“I thought as much.” Jaron said, a smile beginning to crawl up his face. “But I
do wish you to hear my side before you close your mind to me. After all, isn’t
that what your master has taught you? To hear both sides first, then make a
decision.”
“Take your time.” Obi-wan said with more than a hint of sarcasm. “It doesn’t
look as if I’m going anywhere anytime soon.”
Jaron laughed , “Now I can see why Qui-gon chose you for his apprentice.” He
said, cupping his hand around Obi-wan’s chin. “You are just as headstrong as he
once was, so many years ago.”
Obi-wan jerked his face away from the man’s grip and lost his gaze, not really
wanting to return it.
Jaron smiled , “They had a name for Qui-gon and I when we were children in the
Jedi temple.” He began. “They called us “The brothers.” for we were as close as
any blood brothers, friends till the bitter end. We were never far apart from
each other. Where one of us was, you could bet the other was not far behind.
Some said we even looked the same, and could only be told apart by our
lightsabers.” The man said. Obi-wan turned his head back and looked at the man,
but this time the cold gaze of the man was not on him. He was looking beyond
Obi-wan, looking back toward the past.
“We were taken on as Padawan learners at the same time. Even though we were
unable to see each other all the time we were still friends. I had thought we
always would be...but I was wrong.” The voice was filled with what Obi-wan
thought was sadness and regret, Obi-wan continued listening.
“He became a Jedi Knight before I did. I remember being there to wish him well
on his first solo mission as a full Jedi. Reminding him that if he needed me,
if he ever needed me, I would be there to help him.” Jaron’s said, the last of
those words become harsh. “While he was on that mission I was here, on Randon
with my Master. Trying to settle disputes with the near by system of Mandor,
who were on the verge of attack.
“The Randonians believed that the appearance of two Jedi would be enough calm
the neighboring system and allow them to reach a compromise. But they were
wrong. Our coming here only enraged the Manorians further, and there was to be
no compromise.
“But my master did not give up. He believe that a settlement could be made, and
arranged to have a meeting with the Prime Minister of Mandor, alone, in a
neutral place.” He circled his hand in the air, “In this place.” he grew quite
now, but continued speaking. “As much as I advised against it my master came to
this place to discuss peace, ordering me to stay and protect the Randonians. It
would be the last order he would ever give me.” He closed his eyes and slowly
walked toward the center of the room. Then he turned back to Obi-wan and looked
in the boys eyes. “Even a Jedi Master can only hold off thirty well trained
Mandorian guards firing at him at point blank range for so long, young Kanobi.
As I’m sure Qui-gon has told you, we are not invincible.”
‘We? Meaning We Jedi?’ Obi-wan thought. ‘How could he still consider himself a
Jedi when he has become everything a Jedi is not.’ He pondered this silently
and listened on.
“I knew when it happened. I ran here as fast as my legs could carry me. Hoping
that there was still something that I could do, but it was to late.” He gestured
to the spot where he was standing. “I found him laying here, cut down but a
storm of blaster fire. My great master, who had been closer to me than even
Qui-gon, was dead.”
The hurt in the man’s eyes made the Apprentice’s heart wrench. Obi-wan had
never lost anyone that close to him. All of his friends had become Padawans,
farmers, or healer Apprentices by now. True he did not see or talk to them as
much anymore, but they were still there, they were still alive. And to lose his
master. Obi-wan could not even begin to consider what would happen if Qui-gon
were dead. The Jedi Master had taken him as his apprentice, although it took a
bit of convincing. And even if they didn’t agree all the time, Qui-gon was
still his best friend, mentor, and family. His heart went out to the pain that
Jaron must have felt.
Then Obi-wan remembered that his hands were chained behind his back. He gave
himself a mental shake. ‘Stop it.’ He told himself firmly. ‘This man has
kidnapped you, filled you with darkness, and is using to lure your master here,
no doubtedly to try and kill him. So stop feeling sorry for him and start
trying to figure out a way out of this!’ His musings were interrupted by Jaron,
resuming his story after a long, reflective pause.
“Never will I understand why my master trusted the Mandor. I told him not to
go, I warned him of a possible trap, I told him not to trust them. But he told
me that if there was to be peace there must be a certain amount of trust. I
don’t know if he sensed the ambush before it happened. Perhaps he did, or
perhaps he didn’t. But what I do know is that his death left a hole in me, that
never healed.” He paused, then began again.
“And, adding insult to injury, the ones who did this could not be brought to
justice. After my master’s death the Jedi Council and the Republic got
involved. But there was no evidence to link it to the Mandarians. It seemed,
coincidentally, that the speeder they were using to reach the temple from their
camp in the outskirts had technical problems and never reached the destination.
“And the death of my master, why it could have been a group of smugglers who
had taken refuge in the ancient temple and didn’t like an unexpected visor
dropping in. There was no evidence to confirm or deny, so the courts had no
choice but to drop the case.” Jaron’s brow curled, his eyes glaring. “But I
needed no proof. I didn’t need a court to tell me what was and what was not.
The Manorians like to use fear to manipulate. They knew that if they could show
their power by killing a Jedi Master, that Randon would bow to their wishes.
Perhaps they did not think that the Republic would get involved as they rarely
do.” He spat out the words. “And they got away with such a crime. For awhile at
least.”
“I begged the Jedi council to bring justice by allowing me to track down my
master’s murderous. But they told me no. Their old Jedi ways thought it better
to move on from the past then to make a wrong right. Yes it was a terrible
tragedy that my master was gone, and he would be missed by all Jedi, they told
me. But there was peace in Randon and Mandor again, perhaps because of my
master. And he died nobly doing what a Jedi does, trying to bring peace.” His
voice was full of disgust.
Obi-wan still wasn’t seeing how his master fit into all of this. All of this
was quite unfortunate, but what of Qui-gon and his “supposed” betrayal? At this
thought Obi-wan got his answer.
“Because the Council denied me I went to the one other person I knew I could
trust. I asked Qui-gon to help me. I wanted to avenge my masters death, and I
new I couldn’t do it alone.” Jaron returned his gaze at Obi-wan now, but it was
different, as cold a night on a planet with a far way sun. It sent a shiver up
Obi-wan’s spine. “The last person in the galaxy who I thought would refuse to
help me did. He agreed with the Jedi council and told me to try to move on. I
don’t believe I had ever felt so alone in my life. I told him that I would
bring justice to those who deserved it, and to those who refused to help me
would one day suffer. At that I left the Jedi and came back to Randon.”
“I helped them settle some lingering disputes, and rebuild their planet which
was almost lost.”
“But not without cost.” Obi-wan spoke up for the first time in what seemed like
forever. What he said was not a question. Jaron smiled at him amused.
“Very perceptive of you, young one. Yes there was a cost. I was in no mood to
do anything out of the kindness of my heart..” He told the Padawan. Obi-wan
wondered if the man had any of a heart left.
“The cost of my service to them was only two things. This place,” he gestured
around the large room. “I meditated here, for hours on end. Focusing on my
anger and want of revenge,”
‘Dark meditation.’ Obi-wan thought silently. ‘No wonder this place is crawling
with darkness.’
“Once I felt I was strong enough I left for awhile. A few days later the Prime
Minister of Mandor was found dead. With no one to link to the killing.” He
peered at Obi-wan, smiling evilly.
“After that I stayed here, for many years. All the while becoming stronger and
more powerful. Now my power is at its peek. I am ready to make the others
suffer.”
“And the other part of your deal with the Randon people?” Obi-wan asked, almost
afraid to hear the answer.
“A favor.” Jaron said simply. “To be called on whenever I needed it.”
“And that was for them to help you with your plan to make Qui-gon suffer. Is
that it?” Obi-wan said assertively.
“Quite right. But don’t flatter your Master to much.” He said mockingly. “I
plan to go against all those who refused me. The entire Jedi Council if I must.
However Qui-gon is first, because his betrayal of me hurt almost as much as my
master’s death.” There seemed to be real hurt in his voice.
“Why are you telling me this?” Obi-wan asked, genuinely curious. Jaron apparently
didn’t expect Obi-wan to live much past today. He had just told him that he was
going to move against the Jedi Council. He wouldn’t risk Obi-wan’s being able
to warn them. Or perhaps he would try to turn the Apprentice against his master
and over to the Dark side, which was a fate worse than death. ‘But he’s not
going to get the chance to do either.’ Obi-wan thought.
“For your own benefit.” he said, sounding truthful. “Qui-gon cannot be trusted.
I found this out the painful way. After all I had done for him, and all we had
been through together. Always with the talk of being there for each other no
matter what. But the one time I asked for his help he refused me. Don’t place
to much trust in him Obi-wan, you are likely to regret it in the end. And be
hurt by it as I was.”
Obi-wan shook his head. “There was no way Qui-gon could have done what you
asked of him.” He said, with a voice that was almost respectable...almost. “You
were asking him to go against his training, his own master, and everything that
he believed and knew was right. Maybe if things were turned around you would
have made the same decision. I would have, and I would stand by it. As I stand
by my master.”
Jaron gave him an icy stare, yet the Jedi Apprentice caught the gaze and kept
it. After moments that seemed like hours, Jaron’s look on Obi-wan softened, and
he smiled. “As I said, I thought as much. I would have stood by my master till
the bitter end as well, were I given the chance.” He walked back over to where
Obi-wan was standing. “Yes I must say I admire Qui-gon’s choice in his
Padawan.” He smiled, then strode to the door.
“I must bid you farewell for now, young Kanobi. It is becoming late and I must
prepare for my friends arrival.”
Obi-wan felt his jaw drop. He was going to leave him here, in this place full
of darkness? Then his thoughts turned to Qui-gon. How would he warn him of the
dangers that awaited him?
“Don’t strain yourself with the attempt, Padawan.” He smiled at Obi-wan’s
thought. “Something tells me you will be needing your strength.” He laughed,
and as the door shut, the candles went out at once. Obi-wan was alone, in the
darkness.
He forced himself to remain calm, dispite the dread he felt. Then he saw
something out of the corner of his eye. He turned quickly, but nothing was
there. ‘Don’t panic.’ he told himself. ‘It wont do you any good. Stay calm!’ he
focused his energies on the cuffs that bound his hands. He managed to bend the
Force enough to remove them. He rubbed his wrists, glad to have his hands free.
Now he tried, with all his might, to send a warning to his master. But as
before with the guards, a shot of pain went through him and he could not
complete his thought.
Again he thought he saw something, a form in the darkness. His eyes grew wide.
“No!” he said aloud. “Its not true, its not real.” He said into the void.
Things were crawling at him now, on his skin, in his mind. And this time, the
pain would not go away, not allowing him to focus, try as he might.
It was overwhelming now. Between the pain and the darkness, he groaned and sunk
to his knees. Trying desperately to remember the light, and call on it. But it
was no use, and the darkness kept crawling around him.
Just outside the room, Jaron was smiling.
*****************************************
The Lost One
Part 3
Qui-gon sat in the cockpit of the Constunian ship, trying to remain focused.
But his mind kept wandering.
Once he realized what had happened, he immediately went to the Constun Council
and told them that there was an emergency and he needed a ship. The treasurer
was reluctant to loan one of their scares number of ships to the Jedi Master.
However, the Prime Minister graciously allowed the use of the ship and anything
else that he needed in thanks for the help that the Jedi had shown them.
When he entered the ship he sent a transmission to the Jedi Council, which was
answered almost this instantly by Yoda.
Qui-gon thought back to the conversation.
*****
“Felt it, I have.” The holographic transmission of the old Jedi said. “certain
you are of who wields it?”
“Yes.” Qui-gon said grimly. “It is Jaron. His touch of the Force is one that I
could not forget.”
Yoda nodded thoughtfully. “A bond as deep is not forgotten.” Yoda said,
catching Qui-gon’s eye. “Why this is, go you should not.”
Qui-gon was about to open his mouth to protest but Yoda put up a quick hand to
silence him. “To strong are your emotions Qui-gon. Cloud your judgment it will.
Sending other Jedi am I. Those who did not hold the bonds you held with him.”
As Yoda said this Qui-gon was shaking his head. “That will take to long
Master.” He countered. “And I will not leave Obi-wan there.”
“Help your Padawan you will not by walking into a trap. Know this you do.” Yoda
remarked.
“Yes I know.” He replied. “But it is me that Jaron is after. Thats why he took
Obi-wan. If another Jedi shows up Jaron will kill him.”
“Know this you do not Qui-gon. Patience you must have, think of your Apprentice
you must.” Yoda said quickly.
“I am.” Qui-gon said softly. “This is the only way Master Yoda.”
Yoda paused and looked away for a second. Then he looked back up, once again
caching Qui-gon’s gaze. “Go then.” he said. “But the Jaron you face will not be
the Jaron who you look back to see. Remember this you must.”
Qui-gon seemed to look distant, he only nodded in response.
“May the Force be with you.” Yoda finished, then disconnected the transmission.
At that, Qui-gon leaned over and set the coordinates for the Randon system...
****
Qui-gon tried not to let the guilt pass over him. But try as he might, he
absorbed it more and more. Obi-wan had nothing to do with this. He was not even
a thought in the Force when this happened. Yet Jaron was using him to make
Qui-gon feel pain. And what of the pain that Obi-wan may be feeling? Every time
he had tried to contact his Padawan through the Force, all he got in return was
the same darkness he had felt earlier.
Had he failed his Padawan by not telling him about Jaron? Was he to tell his
apprentice of every former enemy? ‘No’ Qui-gon told himself. That was not the
way. He had no way of knowing that Jaron would come after him like this. Even
with the threats of revenge he made long ago. But perhaps, because of the day,
he should have seen something coming.
Master Dundeen Hunen, Jaron’s former master, had been a great Jedi. And on this
very day, many years ago, he was killed.
This day had always been a hard one for Qui-gon. He remembered the look on his
former friends face when he had refused to help in his attempt for revenge. The
sound of his voice when he spoke the words of a curse of pain and suffering to
the person he considered his last friend. Qui-gon often thought of it, but it
always seemed stronger on this day.
As the years passed with no word from Jaron, he wondered if the threat would
ever be carried out. He had never thought it true. He always believed that
there was some good left somewhere in Jaron and that he only needed help
finding it. This was why he was so unprepared for the unthinkable. But this was
worse. Because it was not his life in jeopardy, but Obi-wan’s. Would Jaron try
to turn him to the Dark Side? To lose him, as he had lost Jaron and Xanatose?
His heart wrenched at the thought.
A silent thought crossed deep within his mind. ‘How many people must I lose?’
it said.
“Help your Padawan it will not.” Yoda’s voice came into recollection. Qui-gon
held tight to that thought.
“Yoda is right, as usual.” He said allowed. “My bond with Jaron is not what it
once was. And the one I hold with Obi-wan is far stronger.”
Qui-gon pushed his thoughts of the past and of Obi-wan aside, and sat in
meditation. Not knowing, yet knowing in a way, what was to come.
*****************************************************************************
Obi-wan sat in the pure black room; his eyes closed, breathing heavily. It was
only by sheer will that he didn’t fall clear on his back and just sleep. If he
did that then he new the darkness would win. It would cover him completely, and
take him away. He wouldn't allow that to happen. He had fought this far. And
even if the evil still swirled in his mind, it hadn’t taken him.
Although he told himself he was stronger than it, he wasn’t sure how much
longer he could withstand it. It had been so strong the first time, and when it
came back, it would be even stronger.
***
They were all around him now. The people who he cared for the most, but he
wasn’t happy to see them.
One by one they were being cut down by something he could not see...and could
not fight.
He heard them scream in pain. They were being tortured, and he was meant to
watch.
There in the corner, it was Brant. He only heard her scream, then the blood was
on the floor. He tried to go to her, but the pain in his head...he couldn’t
stand. He pushed it aside and managed to get to his feet. Then he felt things
crawling on him, all over his body. He felt the urge to brush them away, but
there was nothing there. They forced him back to his knees, and to watch
another of his friends die painfully.
“No.” he said softly. “This can’t be.” But the worse was yet to come.
He saw a small figure before him. It was Master Yoda. Yoda who had taught him,
and who always seemed to believe in him, who was the strongest Jedi Master,
like the others, was cut down right before him.
Obi-wan felt the fear in him growing stronger. He had the wanted run and hide,
but he could not hide from this. It was everywhere. He then wanted to fight.
His thoughts were interrupted when a new figure came into view. It was a tall
man, with hair that went past his shoulders, and eyes the color of a clear sky.
“Master?” Obi-wan said in horror. Knowing what was to come. And his thoughts
were correct. In the blink of an eye, Qui-gon staggered back, pain was written
on his face. Obi-wan looked down and there was a large gash across his master’s
midsection from what looked like a lightsaber. Then, the person he considered
his father, fell dead.
“NO!” Obi-wan cried. The want to fight suddenly because a ocean of rage that
washed over him. The dark things that griped him slowly let go, and he was on
his feet.
His teeth clenched, his body stiff, and with anger all around him, he beckoned
at the things that hurt the ones he loved.
“Come out and face me!” he yelled into the black room, his anger only growing.
Then he felt it. The darkness seemed to be happy with his anger, urging him to
turn it to hate.
*yes* it told him, *give into your anger, make it hate. You will become
powerful and they will be avenged.*
Obi-wan suddenly realized what was happening. Tears formed in his eyes. This
was not him he new. And what was happening around him was not real. He would
fight it like he fought any enemy, with the Light Side of the Force.
He closed his eyes, blinking back tears, and tiredly let his body relax as much
as it would allow. Then he concentrated on the Force, but he side he new. The
side of warmth, of goodness, and of hope. Then the vision of evil began to
fade, and he was alone in the room once more.
In that state of mind he had almost enough strength to contact his master. But
once again the darkness crawled at him and, knowing he was weakened by his
struggles, brought him to his knees once more...
******
And there he stayed. And although the darkness threatened to bring him down he
fought them with what little strength he had left. And he would keep fighting
until he were dead if it came to that. But he would not give into the Dark
Side.
He had come close to it though. Even if it was only an image seeing his master
fall dead was more than he could bear. But then he remembered Jaron, and what
he had become. He understood now what Jaron had went though, and could grasp
what he had felt. But there was one thing that Jaron forgot when it had
happened; one very important thing. He forgot his master. All of the teachings
of his master, all the training, all the emotions that he had felt for him.
Jaron had gotten so caught up in himself and his want for revenge, and he
forgot it all.
‘But I will not forget.’ Obi-wan thought silently. ‘I will never forget.’
Just then the door opened, and Jaron strode in. He was standing over him.
Although Obi-wan didn’t look up, he could feel Jaron’s eyes piercing through
him.
“I see you have gained Qui-gon’s stubbornness as well.” An amused Jaron said.
“He never knew when to give up.”
Obi-wan looked up to where Jaron’s voice was coming. His eyes had adjusted to
the dark and he could make out the lines of the man’s face.
“I can sense your weariness, young Kanobi. Give into the dark side. Save
yourself the agony and just let go.” Jaron willed him.
Obi-wan pushed himself to his feet, his legs wavering. He shook his head clear,
ignoring the eerie things still pulling at his mind. He once again stared at
Jaron. “Never.” he said with as much confidence as he could manage. “I will
never give in. Not to the darkness...and not to you.” Jaron looked as if he was
going to speak, but before he could his comlink buzzed.
“Yes?” he said clearly into the small communicator.
“A ship has just landed sir.” The voice answered. “Constunian Class.”
An ear to ear smile appeared on Jaron’s face. “Excellent.” he replied, “Allow
him to enter and have it so he finds his way here. But captain tell the guards
to be alert. We wouldn’t want things to be to easy on him.”
Obi-wan listened in horror. Qui-gon was being led into a trap and there wasn’t
anything he could do about it. He wouldn’t give up. Perhaps if he caught Jaron
off guard. He knew his effort would most likely be in vain, but he had to try.
*’Master don’t! Jaron...’* The pain again, in his head, stronger this time. He
instantly fell to his knees catching himself with his hands.
“Save yourself some pain, Obi-wan.” He heard the voice say. Obi-wan looked up
at Jaron with blurred eyes.
“You can’t do this.” Obi-wan croaked out.
“Oh yes I can. And I will.” He said mockingly. “This is my time now young
Padawan. All that is left to do is wait.”
*******************************************************************************************
Qui-gon stepped off of the ship and started through the woods of Randon. He
could feel the point of darkness, all he needed was follow it. He was lost in
his own thoughts when he heard Obi-wan’s voice in his mind sending him a
warning. He message was cut short though, followed by pain and darkness.
Qui-gon cringed at Obi-wan’s pain. He managed a small smile. ‘Loyal Padawan.’
he thought to the boy although knowing he could not hear him. ‘I know of the
dangers of which you speak. But his is the only way. The past has caught up
with me once again, and I must turn to face it.’
He had reached his destination now. An old temple with high towers and broken
statues scattered about. The beautiful piece of ancient architectury was
overflowing with darkness. What once might have been a place of protection from
evil, was now a pillar of evil itself.
The door was not guarded and Qui-gon casualty walked in. He looked around as he
entered, still nothing. ‘To easy.’ he thought to himself. His senses were on
full alert. All he had on his side now was the Force.
In an instant his lightsaber was activated and deflecting a blaster bolt that
came out of the shadows. It was followed by another, then another. But he
deflected them all with ease. From another corner came more firing. Qui-gon
decided that he best leave this place, but something pulled at his mind. He
ignored it for the time, the blaster fire becoming heavier.
He chose a hallway and ran down it, his lightsaber still humming. He jumped
back when the Force warned him of danger, and more blaster fire came from
another hallway. He turned into another hall, yet the same thing happened. A
storm of blaster fire by the shimmery skinned Randonian’s, and he was forced
down another hallway.
‘They are driving me somewhere.’ he knew. ‘Into the trap that Obi-wan warned
of.’ Yet wherever he was going he knew it would lead to Jaron, and Obi-wan.
Therefore he played into their game of cat and mouse. As he turned the a corner
again, he could feel the sense of doom growing.
He was in a long corridor now, and the blaster fire was coming from behind him.
Then in a blink it was coming from ahead of him as well. He noticed he was
stopped in front of a door. It opened, and a flood of darkness washed over him.
The blaster fire becoming increasingly heavy, he was forced inside. The door
slammed shut, and there was only darkness.
He remained calm, remembering the light. Knowing that although the darkness was
strong, he was stronger.
His lightsaber gave off a faint green glow in the darkness, but its light
wasn’t enough to see by. He stretched out with the Force to search the room. A
familiar voice pierce through the dark room.
“It is good to see you again my old friend. I have been expecting you.”
“It has been a long time Jaron.” Qui-gon answered.
“Yes Qui-gon.” Jaron replied amused. “A very long time.”
*****************************
The Lost One
Part 4
Obi-wan was brought back to a semi-conscious level. He could hear the voices,
sense another presence in the room, see the green glow. His mind snapped at the
sudden realization...’Master?!’ the thought went through his throbbing mind.
He felt Qui-gon sending him strength though the Force. The sensation lasted
only for a second, then there was pain again. He groaned and fell to the cold
floor, landing hard on his shoulder. But with the slight touch of the Force
that his master had given him, Obi-wan felt some hope. And as long as there was
hope, there was life. And as long as there was life left in him he would stand
by his master.
****
Although Qui-gon was facing his main threat in this mater, he let his attention
go to his main concern, Obi-wan. He scanned the room and found his Apprentice.
The weary boy noticed him, and Qui-gon sent him ripples of energy through the
Force. Yet to his horror Obi-wan gave a quiet cry of pain and collapsed.
“You are causing your Padawan pain, my friend.” Jaron stated with a mocking
tone. “You seem to have that way about you, wouldn’t you say?”
Lights abruptly jolted on. Although they were dim, they were enough to see by.
For the first time since he had entered this dark place Qui-gon could see, with
his own eyes, his one time close friend. He looked the same as he had
remembered, except he no longer wore his hair in the Jedi Padawan style as it
was the last time Qui-gon saw him. Yes he was the same on the outside, but the
inside was a different matter. Was there any of the Jaron he remembered left in
there? Hidden deep away for no one to see.
He looked beyond his one time friend now. Just behind him, laying crumpled on
he floor unmoving, was his young apprentice. Once again the guilt washed over
him. Jaron saw his change, using it against him.
“Quite a remarkable young boy.” Jaron said gesturing to the semiconscious
Obi-wan behind him.
“Let him go.” Qui-gon said, knowing his words would mean nothing. “This has
nothing to do with him, and everything to do with me.”
“Oh but you are wrong, Master Qui-gon.” Jaron said, a small smile appearing.
“Master and Padawan are as one person. What affects one will affect the other.
I found this out many years ago on this day. You do remember what happened on
this day, do you not Qui-gon?” Jaron met Qui-gon’s gaze and held it. It had
been so long since he had looked into those green eyes, now he wished that they
would just go away. “I died that day along with my master, although it was not
in body, but in spirit. And no one seemed to care, not the counsel, and not
you.” Qui-gon listened hurtfully, but he pushed it away. He must think, he
cleared his mind as best he could, he must get Obi-wan out of here. “So did I
plan for you and your young apprentices.” Jaron continued. “However I
discovered the length of his potential, it would be a shame to waist it.”
Qui-gon snapped to attention at the sound of these words. “I will look forward
to completing his training once you are gone.” Bits of anger came though the
calm state of mind that Qui-gon had managed to put himself it. Obi-wan? An
Apprentice to the evil that had enveloped his friend? It could not be. He would
never allow that to happen. The anger was peaking though him now, it seemed to
make the darkness around him swirl. Jaron’s smile widen, “Do your thoughts betray
you my friend?”
Qui-gon thought, anger would get him no where. Jaron would feed off of it, as
would the darkness. He calmed his mind once more. And although the darkness was
tugging at him, he managed a small amount of peace of mind. “It has been many years
Jaron. You have let your own hate consume you, it led you to darkness. But you
can be led back into the light.” Qui-gon said, still believing that there must
be some ounce of good left in Jaron. “Let me help you.”
Jaron gave a quick laugh, “Is this our old friendship you speak of, brother?”
Jaron said, using their nickname from long ago. “Our promise to always help
each other. You already broke that promise.”
“You asked me to do something that I could not do.” Qui-gon said shaking his
head. “Think of your Jedi Training Jaron. All that your master had taught you.
That fear, anger, hate, and revenge, all lead to the Dark Side. You were asking
me to follow you there, and I could not do it. But I can help you know. You
have been consumed by the darkness, but there is still light. One can’t exist
without the other, this you know. Therefore there is hope that you can come
back into the light. As long as there is the Force there his hope.”
“Do not lecture me Qui-gon. I have heard this before. I am one with the
darkness now. It has given me power, power enough to stop those who have made
me suffer so they can suffer the same.” Jaron said, his voice never faltering.
“All those who refused to help me became my enemy...you became my enemy
Qui-gon.” Jaron’s voice was icy, his eye’s locked with Qui-gon’s, glaring.
Qui-gon remembered what Yoda had told him about the Dark Side when he was but a
boy in the Jedi Temple, ‘Once you start down the dark path, forever will it
dominate your destiny.’ Although Qui-gon realized this, he always assumed that
there was some way to bring someone who was lost to it back into the light. Now
he wasn’t so sure. With all that he had said, Jaron hadn’t even heard him.
Qui-gon realized then and there that the Jaron that he had once known was gone,
perhaps for good. Even though it was hard, he must accept that.
Obi-wan stirred in the background. Qui-gon’s eye’s drifted to the boy. Jaron
may be lost, but his Apprentice wasn’t. The good person Obi-wan was would not
be taken by the Dark Side. His Padawan was stronger than that, and he himself
would not allow that to happen.
Obi-wan’s enthusiasm, his want to learn, his strength, his very presence, had
always been able to bring Qui-gon out of any dark time he found himself in.
Obi-wan had said that Qui-gon had done so much for him. But in truth, the
apprentice had done just as much for the master.
‘And that is what matters now.’ Qui-gon thought silently. ‘Jaron and I may have
been “brothers” many years ago. But Obi-wan is my *son*. And I will not fail
him.’ With that though, Qui-gon was now confident that he could face whatever
came before him now.
Once again Jaron sensed his change. His time for talking was over. From under
his cloak a lightsaber appeared in his hand. Yet this was not the lightsaber
that Qui-gon remembered from their childhood. And as Jaron ignited it, the
orange blade that had been so vivid in his memory did not appear. Instead a
black stream of light came from the weapon. Qui-gon was taken back with the
sight of the black lightsaber, but hid his emotions and ignited his own weapon.
Jaron smiled. “I’ve waited a long time for this.” he said.
In a blink, the lights in the room went out. Qui-gon realized that he could not
see Jaron or his weapon. He could only hear the hum of the dark saber. A pang
of panic came to him, but he pushed it aside. He had the Force to guide him.
Jaron was striking at him before he knew it. Qui-gon managed to block the
lightning fast blows, but only just. His ability to use the Force as his guide
was clouded with darkness circling around him. The darkness combined with the
heightens lightsaber battle, Qui-gon was finding it seemingly difficult to use
the Force. Yet he still matched Jaron blow for blow. Avoiding the kicks that
were thrown at him as well as the hot dark light that seemed to come closer and
closer to him with every strike.
“You destroyed everything for me.” he heard Jaron say. “My master is gone, I
begged for your help yet you ignored it.”
More blows, more strikes, stronger, quicker now, and he still could not see
from where they came. He let the Force tell him where his lightsaber should
land. Jaron was strong. Although he could feel himself weakening he still
matched Jaron. The fight was no where near over.
Again and again the lightsaber crashed and sizzled together, hissing apart,
then coming together once more. Even though Jaron seemed to have all the
advantages in the battle, for the movement they were evenly matched
They broke away from each other, both breathing hard. The match still far from
over, at least in Qui-gon’s mind. He could feel another presence in the room
stir, besides the darkness. He realized that it was Obi-wan who was rising to
his slowly feet. His Padawan’s movements gave him more strength, he felt he
could go on for as long as he was needed.
Just then he felt the dark energy in the room spinning and move toward Jaron.
He was collecting the darkness now, he would use it in the battle. Jaron was
now sending the darkness back at him. A wave of darkness meant to push him back.
Qui-gon braced himself for the impact, but to his surprise the darkness went
right passed him and hit his apprentice instead.
Obi-wan cried out as he was swept off of his feet by the darkness and smashed
into a near by wall and then crashed to the ground.
Shocked and horrified at what had just unfolded, Qui-gon didn’t sense Jaron’s
advance on the attack. Before he had time to block, his lightsaber was kicked
from his hand. Without a second thought he jumped back quickly, yet it was not
quick enough. Jaron slashed with his lightsaber, and Qui-gon found pain connect
with him. Jaron’s blade had caught him across his midsection. It was a fairly
bad burn and laceration, it would heal with time, yet now it would lead to his
undoing. For as he tried to control the pain to continue with the battle, his
concentration wavered. Suddenly he felt a powerful kick to his jaw. He fell
backward, hitting the floor with a thud.
His mind dazed, and with spots dancing in front of his eyes, Qui-gon forgot
where he was for a second, but was called back again when he heard a familiar
laughter. He tried to stand, but was forced back down when Jaron’s foot slammed
on his midsection where his wound was still sizzling. Qui-gon cringed in pain,
the sound of Jaron’s laughter became more mocking in tone.
“The Great Master Qui-gon Jinn, killed in the very place the Great Master
Dundeen Hunen. You should feel proud.” Jaron said. He then rose his lightsaber
into the air. Through the pain and the dark Qui-gon could see the outline of
Jaron, arms raised ready for the kill. ‘I’m sorry Obi-wan.’ he willed toward
his Apprentice. Still struggling under Jaron’s weight, Qui-gon readied himself
for the final blow.
****
Obi-wan remembered this touch. It was the same one as on Constun that had happened
what seemed like decades ago. The darkness, the invisible hands that grabbed
him. But this time the hands pushed him, with all of their might. He didn’t
feel himself hit the wall, he only heard the sound his body made at the impact.
He was on the floor again, he was conscious, but only just. Something was
happening around him, something was going terribly wrong.
He heard something clink to the ground beside him. He looked with blurred
vision. He could hardly make out the lines in the dark, but he knew instantly
what it was. Qui-gon’s lightsaber. Panic surged through him. His master never
dropped his weapon. Not when there seemed to be no chance left, not when the
fight didn’t seem worth fighting anymore. His lightsaber was always in hand,
always ready. But there it lay. Then Obi-wan realized, so did Qui-gon.
Obi-wan remembered the image of his master falling dead in the darkness. The
image had not been real, and he would not let it become real. Qui-gon had known
that Jaron had set a trap for him. Yet dispite that he came to his Padawan’s
aid, as he had done countless times before.
Now Qui-gon was in danger. Obi-wan could hear the sound of Jaron’s laughter,
see him rays his lightsaber high above his head. Obi-wan could just hear his
master’s voice in his mind, sending him a plea of forgiveness.
He had only seconds he knew. He called on the Force, bending it to his will.
The dark things in his mind crawled at him once more, screaming in his mind.
‘Silence!’ He demanded at them. ‘You are of no part of me, and I want no part
of you!’ The screaming became only a whisper ,allowing him for the first time
enough peace of mind to use the Force as he needed.
Then, with all of the strength left in him, he let the Force flow through him,
and flung the weapon that lay near him into his master’s hands.
****
Qui-gon felt his lightsaber once again in his hand. He ignited the weapon, and
before Jaron could come down on him, the green blade went though the man’s
chest. Qui-gon instantly pulled it away, stunned at what he had just done.
Jaron took a step back then stumbled to the ground. “Well old friend.” Jaron
said weakly. “I suppose...” he continued, pausing for a breath in his pierced
lungs. “I underestimated you.” He breathed again, wincing at the efforts. “ I
didn’t think...you had it in you.” His energy was fading now, the Force in him
leaving him.
Qui-gon looked sorrowfully at the fallen man who had once been his dearest and
most trusting friend. “Rest now Jaron.” Quietly, and even now with care in his
voice. “Go back to the Force. Perhaps you will find peace there.”
“Yes...” Jaron said, his voice becoming even weaker. “You are....most likely
right...you always...were about....that sort of thing. Weren’t you?” With those
words, the last of Jaron’s energy left him, and his green eyes closed forever.
After a reflectful moment, Qui-gon quickly turned his attention to his fallen
Apprentice. Obi-wan lay still, not sure if the boy was even breathing. Qui-gon
turned him to his back, cradling the boy by his shoulders. Yes, he was
breathing. Although his body was wracked with pain, knowing that his Padawan
was alive eased some of the pain in his mind.
“Obi-wan?” he called to the silent form in his arms. The boy stirred and
moaned. “Obi-wan?” Qui-gon said again. Obi-wan’s mind was still distant,
perhaps in another time and place.
Obi-wan could hear his master calling to him. He wanted to reply, to know
finally that everything was all finally as it should be. But he surpassed the
urge. Because still nothing was as it should be. Something was still very
wrong. The voice came back to him, echoing in his mind.
“Even a Jedi Master can only hold off thirty well trained Mandorian guards
firing at him at point blank range for so long.” The voice said, Jaron’s voice.
“Even a Jedi Master can only hold off...”
Then...he knew...
Obi-wan snapped to attention, his eye’s opening as wide as a Getalian Moon.
Qui-gon was somewhat startled when his Apprentice had come from a
half-conscious state to sudden total alertness.
“Master, Jump!” Obi-wan cried. Qui-gon did not question his Padawan, he only
acted. Obi-wan still in his arms, he used the Force to lift them off of the
ground toward the high ceiling.
The same instant that he jumped, a storm of blaster fire came from the door
opening. Thirty, perhaps more, Randonians were firing at them. It was dark and
the guards could not see in the blackness of the room, yet they kept firing.
They had most likely been ordered to fire at once at a specific time.
It was all so well planed. Giving Jaron his time to fight the Jedi Master, let
him think that the battle with him was all that was to come. But in reality,
things were not what they seemed. It was only because of Obi-wan’s quick
realization to the matter that they were alive. His Apprentice had saved him
more than once today, and Qui-gon would not soon forget that.
A second passed, then two. It would not take them long to figure out that they
were firing at nothing. Qui-gon used every once of power left in him to will
them toward the door. He felt Obi-wan’s power meld with his. Even now, the
battered boy was still fighting.
They seemed to hang in the air for what seemed like an eternity. It was really
only seconds. They started do descend, gravity catching up with them. For a
moment it seemed as if they would not make it. But they did. Through the wide
doors and over the heads of the guards.
They tumbled down to the ground. Unfortunately Qui-gon landed face down. Pain
was sent searing to every part of his body as he hit the floor hard on his open
wound. A groan caught in his throat. But he would not quit, he struggled stand.
He then saw Obi-wan beside him, he helped the boy to his feet.
Together Master and Apprentice raced toward freedom.
***
They ran as fast as their bodies would allow, Qui-gon leading the way through
the labyrinth of hallways. Yet they were not alone. The guards chased after
them. Even though the one they had been taking orders from was now dead, they
still were following the last command they had been given, “Do not let the Jedi
escape.”
Qui-gon’s lightsaber deflected a blaster bolt as they ran. Both Jedi knew that
their only hope was to escape, for there would not be much of a fight if there
was one. Two battered Jedi with one lightsaber were not much of a match for as
many as forty guards, all with weapons, all well trained at what they were
doing.
Qui-gon turned and deflected another bolt that had come to close, then another.
The fire was becoming heavy again.
Obi-wan wished for his lightsaber. At the thought a stray fire caught him
across the arm. Only a flesh wound, but it put a shocking realization on
things. Time was running out.
They ran again, turning down another corridor. A blaster bolt sizzled by
Qui-gon’s ear, taking a few strands of his hair with it. The bolt was
deflected, but not by him. Something, or someone, else was ahead of them. More
blaster fire flew down the hallway ahead of them, all came back to where they
had come from.
Qui-gon saw it then, three streams of light ahead of them in the darkness. One
blue, one green and the last yellow. Qui-gon reached out weakly with the Force.
Waves of energy came back to him, of light, of friendship.
They were caught up with them now, and he could put faces to them now. Two were
Jedi Knights that he did not recognize at the moment. And the other was...
“I don’t think I’ve ever been quite so glad to see you Mace Windu.” Qui-gon
said a smile appearing on his face.
“Thats because normally you’re never very happy to see me.” Mace Windu said, as
sarcastic smile searing across his face. The blaster fire was coming close to
them once again. “This way.” Mace said, putting one of Qui-gon’s arms around
his shoulders, letting the weary Jedi master lean on his friend. One of the
other Jedi did the same for Obi-wan, as the third continued to repel the shots
that found them.
Finally they were out of the old temple...and they were free.
***
As they stepped from the darkness of the temple into the sunlight, Obi-wan
thought that he would be glad. But his eye’s immediately flung shut in
brightness. He had been in total darkness for hours, days? He had no idea. All
sense of time was gone. The darkness was still in him, still in his mind, still
willing him to go to them. They were whispering at him still, softly, their
words laced with evil. But they could not hurt him, this he knew. And he was so
tired, so very tired.
He slowly opened his eyes, the light, it was beautiful. He could see clearly,
he was glad to be in the light once more. He had almost forgotten what it was
like. The darkness seemed to loosen his grip on him allowing him to see clearly
with his mind as well.
And with that peace of mind he let himself fall into unconsciousness.
***
They ran up the ramp of the ship, the blasters still firing. Yet they were
harmlessly repealed by the ship’s strong shields. The ramp door shut, were they
safe? Qui-gon would not be satisfied until they were in lightspeed back to
Coruscant.
Obi-wan was unconscious now. Qui-gon looked at him wordily, the guilt again
washing over him.
“Take off.” Mace told one of the Jedi, who swiftly ran to the cockpit. “Take
Obi-wan to cabin one.” He told the other. “Master Qui-gon will be in cabin
two.” Qui-gon opened his mouth to protest. He wanted to stay with his Padawan,
to be there to help heal him. Mace stopped him before he could argue. “You need
to rest and heal.” came the commanding yet concerned voice. “You wont do that
by sitting in an uncomfortable chair looking wordily over your Apprentice.”
The other Jedi had already taken Obi-wan into the cabin, Qui-gon looked after
them.
“Should I even bother arguing?” He asked, smiling up at Mace who was leading
him into the next cabin. As they entered, Mace helped him to the bed. Qui-gon
flinched as he lay down, his wound still burning, but then relaxed gratefully
into the soft bed.
“You know it wont get you anywhere so you may as well save your strength.” Mace
countered at him. Qui-gon managed a laugh. “You need not worry about Obi-wan.
He will be well cared for. I will see to that myself.” Mace assured him. He
turned to leave the room. “Sleep now and heal my friend. We will be far away
from here and toward home when you awaken.”
Qui-gon didn’t hear the last part of what Mace said. He was still back at “my
friend.” Glad to hear those words meat not as a taunt, but as the truth.
Knowing Obi-wan was safe, and in the hands of people who would help and care
for him. Qui-gon let his weary mind and body rest.
***************************************************************
The Lost One
Part 5
They were boys again, playing in the river behind the Jedi Temple. All was
well, and nothing could hurt or come between them.
Then one boy cringed in pain, looking down at a hole in his chest. “How could
you do this Qui-gon? I thought we were friends?” The young voice of Jaron said
hurtfully.
A young Qui-gon looked at his friend, frightened. “I’m sorry Jaron...I didn’t
mean...please forgive me!” He pleaded.
But before he could receive an answer, Jaron fell. And the river carried him
away...
***
Qui-gon woke with a start, bead of sweat trickling down his face. It had been a
dream.
He sat up in the cabin’s bed. His wound had been bandaged, but had not healed.
‘If only this had all been a dream.’ He thought. But it hadn’t. Jaron was gone,
killed at his hands. Obi-wan was hurt, perhaps not by his hands, but in a way
it was so. The guilt that had never gone away had come surfaced again. How was
he ever to forget it?
Just then the door opened and Mace Windu strode in. “How are you feeling?” he
asked.
“Is Obi-wan all right?” Qui-gon asked, ignoring what Mace had just asked him.
Mace nodded, “He is stable. The injuries in his mind are more severe then the
ones on his body.”
‘Obi-wan. This is all my fault.’ Qui-gon thought, his mind brimming with guilt.
Although Mace could not sense exactly what his friend was thinking, he knew
what he was feeling. “You are a Jedi Master Qui-gon.” he said. “Jedi Masters
know when they have made a mistake, then they act on it, ask forgiveness if it
is needed, they may even feel guilty. Yet they shouldn’t do those things if the
fault is not theirs.”
“Jedi Masters also shouldn’t get their Padawan’s into situations such as the
one I allowed Obi-wan in.” Qui-gon countered, staring out the window at the
purples and blues of hyperspace.
“No one could have foreseen what would happen. The Dark Side is hard to see,
you know that as well as I do. Jaron was the reason for this Qui-gon, not you.”
Mace comforted.
“I should have tried to save him long ago. I could have brought him back then,
stopped this before it happened.” Qui-gon said painfully.
“He chose the path, he followed it to its end. You killed him yes. But in the
end it was the path destroyed him Qui-gon, not you.” Mace said, placing a hand
on his friends shoulder.
Yes, Mace was right he knew. Qui-gon did not lead Jaron to the Dark Side. The
choice had been his, and Qui-gon could not have changed that. True there are
things in the past that he would have changed, but those things were behind
him, and they can not be recaptured. He was always telling Obi-wan to
concentrate on the Here and Now. It was time that he start taking his own
advice.
“All will be well in time, my friend.” Mace said, interrupting Qui-gon’s
thoughts. “However may I make a suggestion?”
“Of course. Please don’t stop speaking your mind on my account.” Qui-gon
answered in a playful fashion.
“Oh don’t worry I wouldn’t dream of it.” Mace said cheerfully. His cheerfulness
suddenly vanished, becoming more serious. “I suggest you go see your Padawan.”
he said, “He has been asking for you in his sleep. The darkness still has some
hold on his mind.”
Qui-gon nodded.
“And give him this.” Mace added, pulling a lightsaber off of his belt.
Obi-wan’s lightsaber.
Qui-gon stared at it, almost in disbelief.
“I found it before we entered the temple.” Mace said before Qui-gon could ask
where he had uncovered his Padawan’s weapon. “It was on a stone table. Judging
from the dried blood, it was where sacrifices were once made.” Mace said,
looking at Qui-gon thoughtfully.
Qui-gon stared at Mace for a second, but said nothing. There was nothing to
say.
Slowly he let his hand grip around the cool metal of the lightsaber. The Jedi
gazed at the weapon; wondering what would have happened if things had not gone
the way they had.
After a moment or to he remembered where he was, and what was important.
Obi-wan needed him now. He stood and headed toward the door. Yet before he left
he turned toward Mace. “Thank you, my friend.” he said. Then he made his way
down the ship to where his Apprentice lay injured.
***
There was no where to run from it. It was all around him, and it would not
leave him alone. There was no light, there was only darkness. It was holding
him, speaking softly into his ear, whispering words of evil. All was lost.
“Obi-wan?” a voice said to him though the blackness. He recognized the voice.
“Master?” He said doubtfully. Because it couldn’t be his Master. His master was
dead. He had seen him cut down by the darkness, as he did all of the people he
cared for. Yet...
No, something wasn’t right. It was slowly coming to him. His master wasn’t
dead. They had escaped. He had been in the light, the warm, beautiful light.
The darkness had given up his hold on him then, but it had reclaimed him. But
he would not let it continue. He had had enough of their words, their evil. He
remembered the light, and remembered that he was a Jedi, and he would fight.
Then the darkness lifted like fog, and there was light once more.
Obi-wan’s eyelids felt like they weight a ton, yet he forced himself to keep
them open. His vision was blurred, and could only make out the faint lines of
the objects around him.
“Obi-wan?” he heard the voice beckon him again. He turned his head to the
direction where the voice came. His vision was still clouded, but he knew who
the voice belonged to without having to see the face.
“Master?” he said weakly. He felt Qui-gon place a hand on his forehead. Moments
later his vision cleared, and he was able to see what was happening around him.
He was on a ship, moving quickly through hyperspace. To Coruscant? To home? And
there was his master, standing over him, always watchful. But his eyes, they
seemed different somehow. They were distant, and sorrow filled.
“Are you all right, my Padawan?” Qui-gon asked him, his hand moving from
Obi-wan's forehead to his hand.
“Yes,” Obi-wan said, his voice not as curtain as he would have liked it to be.
“I think so. Are you all right Master.”
Qui-gon’s eyes looked deeper into Obi-wan. He knew that all was not well with
the boys mind. “Are you all right, Obi-wan?” he asked again, his voice stronger
than before.
Obi-wan closed his eyes, not able to keep his master’s gaze any longer. “There
was...so much darkness.” he said quietly with a hint of fear that he dare not
show. He did not want fear to bring them back, the voices, the whispering, the
darkness.
Qui-gon must have sensed this. His hand griped tighter around Obi-wan’s. “I
know.” Qui-gon replied comfortingly. “And I am very proud of you.”
Obi-wan looked at his master, surprise written all over his face. “Proud of
me?”
“There comes a time in the life of every Jedi when they must face a place
filled with darkness.” Qui-gon began. “At times it is a test that the master
will give to an apprentice. Other times it is unexpected, and unprepared for.
The darkness sends forth images of evil, images that will sway a person from
the Light Side of the Force to the Dark Side.
“Many times the person will give into their anger, and use that to fight the
images. Not realizing that this is what the darkness wants, until it is to
late. They give into the darkness. Even if it is only for a few moments.” The
Jedi stated, he said calmly and purely “But I did!” Obi-wan cried, his voice
straining. “I was angry. I called to the darkness. I wanted revenge, I wanted
it to feel pain for what it had done. And it spoke to me...” He closed his eyes
again. Afraid that if he talked of it any longer the voices would return.
“But you pulled away, Obi-wan. Even in the mists of all that darkness, all of
the anger and evil, you were able to remember the light and call on it. You
succeeded where many have failed. Where I once failed.” Qui-gon smiled down at
him. Then said in a softer manner, “And because of that we are alive. You saved
us both, Obi-wan.”
The weary Apprentice turned to his master and smiled slightly, yet it faded
quickly. There was still something in Qui-gon’s expression, in his eyes, that
told Obi-wan that not all was well in his master’s mind. He saw the bruise on
his Master’s jaw. The realized then what it was. “I’m sorry Master.” he said
with regret.
Now it was Qui-gon who was barring a look of utter surprise. “For what?”
“For Jaron.” Obi-wan said simply, yet his voice remorseful.
Qui-gon’s composure changed at the sound of the name. “There are many things,”
started the anguish filled voice, “in the past which we would go back and
change were we given the chance.”
The heartache that was written on Qui-gon’s face made Obi-wan want to burst
into tears. He listened on though. Not wanting to miss one of his master’s
words.
“Things always seem different when we look back on them. Jaron had been a good
friend, and that was what I looked back on. Our friendship. But that was not
the Jaron who I knew in that room. The Jaron I remember would not have taken
someone who I care about to make me suffer.” The Jedi said.
“It was because of his master’s death.” Obi-wan said before he even knew he was
speaking. “He wanted revenge on you, the Jedi Council, everyone who didn’t help
him. He felt betrayed.” Obi-wan didn’t quite know why he was saying these
things that Qui-gon already knew.
“And what do you think, Obi-wan? Did I make the right choice by refusing to
help the person who was my most trusted friend?” Qui-gon asked, knowing his
Padawan’s answer before it came. And it came quickly.
“Of course.” Obi-wan said without a thought. “You could not do what he asked
you to do. You could have helped him work though his feelings of his master’s
death. But he didn’t want that. He only wanted revenge. He made the wrong
choice, not you.”
Qui-gon smiled at his Apprentice’s words. “Jaron forgot a great deal.” Qui-gon
stated. “Such as how his master would live on in death.”
“Because he went back to the Force.” Obi-wan replied.
“Yes, Obi-wan, but in another way as well.” Qui-gon explained, staring at his
Padawan who looked genuinely confused. “One day you will become a Jedi Knight,
and you will take on a Padawan as all Jedi do. You will train them with the
best of your ability using the teachings which I have taught you. Then when
your apprentice is a Jedi, they too will take on a Padawan and teach them. And
so on and so forth. So you see Obi-wan, we do not die, because we live on in
others.
“And even though Jaron never took on an apprentice, his master still lives on
because he is remembered. He is remembered by those who cared for him, who will
not let his memory die.” Qui-gon paused, his smile fading slowly. “Which is why
that I hope that the memory of the Jaron I remember from our childhood will
live on, not the Jaron who was consumed by the Dark Side.
“That man in black was not a friend, was not my “brother” from long ago.” The
Jedi Master said. He looked warmly at Obi-wan. “He was a man who was trying to
steal my son from me.”
At those words, Obi-wan felt a tear roll down his cheek. Obi-wan sat up and embraced
his Master, who returned the gesture.
“These are hard times, my boy.” Qui-gon said to him softly. “But we will get
though them. Not only as Master and Apprentice, but as Father and Son.”
A few more tears slid down Obi-wan’s face. The embrace seemed to last for a
lifetime. It was broken when the sounds of footsteps which entered the room.
“Forgive me, Obi-wan.” The familiar voice of Mace Windu said. “But your master
needs to rest as do you.”
“Yes, Master Windu.” Obi-wan said while wiping his damp cheeks with the back of
his hand.
Qui-gon helped Obi-wan back down to the pillow. “Rest now, my Padawan. I’m
curtain that by the time you awaken we will be home.” Before standing to leave
Qui-gon placed Obi-wan’s lightsaber beside him on the bed.
Obi-wan’s hand found his weapon which he had thought was lost for good. Glad to
know that it was with him once more.
His Master smiled down at him, then turned to leave the room.
“Rest well young Apprentice.” Master Windu said, then he too left the room.
Obi-wan closed his eyes, but did not sleep. After all that had happened, being
on a ship on his way back home seemed so unreal. Being back in the apartment in
the Jedi Temple would be a welcome gift. But once they were there, would things
return to the way they were? Would things ever be the way they were ever again?
His mind wondered to thoughts of Jaron, who was dead, gone back to the Force.
He truly believed that Jaron was not a bad person. Just someone who had gotten
lost. Obi-wan still wished things could have been different. But it could only
be that, a wish.
Not wanting to think anymore for the moment, Obi-wan quieted his mind. After a
short time he was deeply asleep.
*****************************************************************************
Back at Coruscant, things still were not as they should be.
They had been home for three days now. Although the healing proses should have
already begun, it had not.
Qui-gon’s wound had not healed, and the pain was still there as well. It had
been made with evil and such things take longer mend. As was true for the pain
in his mind.
Obi-wan had not gotten a full nights rest since their return. He would thrash
in his sleep, pleading with the darkness in him to leave him and the one he
cared for be. He would awaken in a cold sweat, taking quite awhile to remember
where he was. Or he would not awaken, and Qui-gon would have to take the boy by
his shoulders and send him warm and caring thoughts through the Force. At those
thoughts he would wake in a frightened start. Qui-gon would hold the stiff
figure then. Reminding him that he was safe, that the darkness couldn’t touch
him, because he was stronger than it, that *they* were stronger than it.
But Qui-gon wondered, if they were stronger than it, why wasn’t it going away?
Even with the hours of peaceful meditation they put in to clear their minds.
With the work the healers had done to help their bodies recover. And the work
the Masters had done to help put their spirits at ease. Nothing seemed to be
helping. A worried thought crossed Qui-gon’s mind. ‘Something is still in us
both, something that wont quite let go. What will help it let go?’ He could
only wonder.
Night had fallen, and the lights of the capital of the Republic had come on
like that of a star filled sky.
Qui-gon sat in the comfortable chair in their apartment in the Jedi Temple.
Watching his resting Padawan.
Obi-wan had tried to stay awake as long as possible. Although he did not admit
it to his Master he didn’t want to fall asleep. He knew that once he was in
that state, the darkness would return as it had for the past two nights. But
his weariness soon caught up with him. And there was nothing he could do but
shut his eyes and let the sleep take him.
Qui-gon stared at Obi-wan minuet after minuet; half expecting the boy’s
nightmares to begin once again. Qui-gon would have to pull him out before he
got to far into the dream. But his Padawan seemed to be sleeping soundly for
the time being. Yet that may change at any given moment. So he sat watchfully,
not paying attention to how exhausted he was. The guilt was still there, still
the thought that he had done this to his ever eager apprentice. Therefore his
pains could wait.
Perhaps it was his tiredness, perhaps it was the pain that still wracked his
body, or perhaps it was his state of mind. Whatever it was, it made him turn
his head to the back of the room. What he saw had him in a state of shock.
For standing in the corner of the room was Jaron. His body was transparent,
with a slight green glow around him. He wore off white trousers and tunic,
brown boots, and a brown Jedi Robe. His hair was caught up in the style of a
Jedi Padawan.
Qui-gon realized then that this was not the same Jaron that he faced on Randon.
This was a younger Jaron, the way Qui-gon remembered him.
A vision through the Force.
The figure moved across the room and stood beside the Jedi Master. “I have come
to say goodbye Qui-gon. And to thank you.” The spirit of Jaron said to the
still stunned Jedi. “I was not able to let go just yet. That was why you and
Obi-wan have remained somewhat in the dark since what happened on Randon.” He
explained. “But I know now that I must move on. It took me this long to
understand that, but I finally did. You never betrayed me, my friend. If
anything I betrayed you.”
“No Jaron, that is not true. You were consumed by the Dark Side. That's not
your fault.” Qui-gon soothed.
“Never the less, I was wrong. You were right long ago when you offered to help
me move on, but I refused. But you were right now as well. I am at peace now.
More at peace than I believe I have ever been. I will have to pay for what I
have done, but I am prepared for that.
“But you were right Qui-gon, about a great many things. You always believed in
me, even up till the end. There was still some good in me, you were the only
one who saw that.” Jaron said.
“Honestly I had my doubts.” Qui-gon said truthfully. “I couldn’t believe what
you had become.”
“And I don’t blame you. Looking back, I can’t believe what I had become. But
even after all of that. After my taking your apprentice, filling him with
darkness, injuring you. You still wished me peace when I felt the life draining
from me. You saved me Qui-gon, by saving me from myself.” The spirit explained.
“I only wish I had done so sooner.” Qui-gon said while shaking his head.
Jaron smiled at him and said. “It was not to be. I would not have let it go in
that directing. I had chosen the path before I asked you for help that day. I
had already taken those fateful steps.
“Your Padawan was right. If things had been turned around I would have made the
same decision you did. The fault was by no means your Qui-gon. And now it is
time to move on. I have, and I am at peace. Now you must do the same.” Jaron
placed a transparent hand on Qui-gon’s shoulder. “But I must ask one more thing
of you, my friend.”
Qui-gon nodded. “Anything.” he said.
“Please forgive me. Even if you don’t blame me, just forgive me.” Jaron
pleaded.
“I do not forget the times we had Jaron.” The Jedi said gently “You were not
always an agent of evil, and that is not how I plan to remember you. You were a
good person, and a good friend. And I forgive you.”
Jaron smiled at the words. “Thank you.” he said softly. He then looked down at
the sleeping figure of Obi-wan. “He is an extraordinary boy.”
“Yes he is.” Qui-gon agreed, smiling.
“Train him well Qui-gon. He will become a great Jedi some day. This I am sure
of.” Jaron said affectionately, a warm smile creeping across his face.
“It is time that I go. You must rest now Qui-gon. You are weary and wounded and
you must heal. I will see you again.” The figure said, slowly fading and
becoming more and more transparent.
“Yes.” Qui-gon replied. “Some day.”
“Until then, I bid you farewell Brother.” The spirit of Jaron bowed, then faded
into the night.
Instantly Qui-gon was asleep.
*****
In the morning Qui-gon woke, feeling strangely calm. He had not forgotten the
conversation with Jaron’s spirit.
He had no more guilt, no more regret. Jaron was at peace...and so was he.
He put a hand to his midsection, but there was no pain. He saw that the wound
was gone.
And then noticed that Obi-wan had slept peacefully though the night.
The End
Authors notes:
Just a few people I’d like to thank. The people who are kind enough to post my
fanfic on their page. Thanks so much! To my sister who gave me the idea for the
invisible lightsaber. She’s always thinking. To Gorge Lucas for making the
characters Qui-gon and Obi-wan. Because if he hadn’t I would have had much of a
story now would I ;D
And finally to all of you who took the time to read my story. Thank you all!
Katie