p_stotts_Bonded_By

�Bonded By Demons�
BY: p_stotts
CATEGORY: JA, AU, angst, H/C
SUMMARY: sequel to �Old Demons, New Demons, Demons in the Dark.� The Jedi try
to adjust to Obi and Xan�s new bond, and learn some interesting things about it and how it
may impact their future. Stories in this series thus far are: �Old Demons Die Hard,�
�Dealing With Demons,� �Old Demons, New Demons, Demons in the Dark,� and
�Bonded By Demons.�
RATING: I�d say PGish.
DISCLAIMER: I don�t own them, I just play with them.
FEEDBACK: Force Yes!
SPECIAL THANKS TO my beta-buddy Moonscribe, for keeping me sane and on the
right track. Keep up the good work girl!

Part 1

Obi-Wan Kenobi sat in classic meditative posture, back straight, his body�s weight resting on his knees, feet tucked under him, hands resting lightly on his thighs. With his eyes closed, the Jedi padawan could feel the living Force resonate around the gardens, coming back to him time and again in gentle waves that brushed against his senses, refreshing his psyche.

It had been three weeks now since his fateful encounter with the dark Lord Sidious, three weeks since he�d awakened in the Temple infirmary to discover not only his master�s presence in his mind, but also the presence of another.

The discovery had at first sent him into a panic, thinking that the dark lord had somehow managed to connect to him in some way. His master had quickly explained to him what had happened, as far as they could tell, and with whom he was now also bonded to...Xanatos, his master�s former apprentice.

That revelation had sent him into a new kind of panic. Knowing how Qui-Gon felt about his former apprentice, Obi-Wan had at first been afraid that the Jedi master would now reject him, thinking his apprentice had betrayed him, too. Again his master reassured him, telling him that the bond�s formation was not his fault, and that he had in fact been carrying the bond within him for months now, completely unaware of its existence.

The bond itself was a source of confusion for all those concerned. There was no indication of how the bond had came to be or, of the nature of the bond itself. Xanatos swore that he hadn�t initiated it, and Obi-Wan knew that he certainly hadn�t...so where had it come from, and what was its purpose?

When Xanatos had first realized the bond existed, he�d done everything possible to ignore it, knowing it would be the source of a lot of trouble if Qui-Gon ever found out about it. The only time the other man had accessed the bond was in a desperate attempt to find and rescue Obi-Wan before Lord Sidious could kill him, a move that had saved the padawan�s life.

Obi-Wan sighed heavily as he came out of his meditation. The Force had once again remained silent with regards to this strange bond, as it had for the past three weeks. Getting to his feet, the young man left the confines of the meditation garden and headed to the healer�s wing for another barrage of tests.

Over the previous three weeks, he�d been poked and prodded by healers and soul healers alike, as well as examined by Masters Yoda and Yaddle...all to no avail. They were still no closer now to finding out about the bond than they were when they�d first discovered it. His one consolation in all this had been that Xanatos had also had to suffer through the same series of tests; a fact that made the whole thing a little more bearable.

Obi-Wan nodded to the receptionist on duty as he entered the infirmary and headed for Master Paioloo�s office. Audrena stuck her head out her office door when she sensed the padawan�s approach. �Just take a seat, Obi-Wan. I�ll be with you in a minute.�

The young Jedi sat down to wait as instructed, trying not to fidget. A few moments later, the soul healer�s office door opened and Xanatos walked out. �Next victim,� he announced with a wry smile when he saw Obi-Wan was waiting.

�Very funny, Xan,� answered Obi-Wan as he got up from his chair and brushed past the other man on his way to the soul healer�s office. Xanatos continued to smile as he watched the teenager enter Master Paioloo�s office, closing the door behind him. Having nothing else scheduled for the day, the former Jedi left the infirmary and headed for the archives in the Temple basement where he knew he�d find Master Yettle doing research on obscure bonds.

*****

�Well, Masters,� said An-Paj as he stood before the Jedi High Council to give his report, �it�s been three weeks, twenty different tests, fifteen examinations, and I�m still not sure what we�re dealing with.�

�If you can�t tell us what it is,� put in Mace Windu, �can you tell us what it is not?�

�It isn�t a training bond, and it isn�t a life bond,� answered the Temple�s chief healer. �That much we know for sure, and if we can believe Padawan Kenobi and Xanatos, the bond wasn�t created by either of them.�

�This is very perplexing,� observed Ki Adi Mundi.

�One thing I have discovered that I believe to be noteworthy is the fact that the bond now seems to have become dormant,� An-Paj added.

�Dormant?� asked Mace. �What do you mean?�

�Well, when Padawan Kenobi first woke up after his rescue, he could feel Xanatos in his mind very strongly,� explained the blue healer, �and vice versa, Xanatos also felt strongly connected to Padawan Kenobi. But, as time has progressed, their presence in each other�s mind has all but faded into the background, and at no time has the bond ever overshadowed or interfered with the training bond that Padawan Kenobi has with Master Jinn.�

�Hmm,� remarked Yaddle. �Sounds familiar this does. Read something similar I have.�

�Do you know what it is, then?� asked Adi Gallia.

�Search for the reference I will have to,� answered the smaller master. �A long time it has been.�

�In light of that, I think it would be prudent to adjourn until we have further information,� suggested Mace.

�One more thing,� interjected An-Paj. �Padawan Kenobi is requesting that the bond be dissolved as soon as possible.�

�Hmmm,� remarked Yoda, closing his eyes. �Fears it he does. Overcome this fear he must.�

�Have you seen something?� asked the healer.

Yoda sighed deeply and opened his eyes. �The will of the Force this is. Dissolved the bond cannot be.�

The other masters murmured in surprise as they reacted to the ancient master�s statement. Yoda sat complacently in his chair, waiting for the noise to die down. �Meditate we all should,� he said by way of dismissal.

*****

�It�s not fair, Master,� protested Obi-Wan. �Both An-Paj and Audrena have declared me fit and ready for duty, but the Council is still keeping us planet bound.�

�Calm yourself, Padawan,� soothed Qui-Gon. �They want to know more about this mysterious bond you have before we go on any assignments. They�re only concerned for your well-being.�

�Why can�t An-Paj just get rid of it!�

�Because until we know more about the bond, we can�t be sure if doing that would be harmful or not,� explained his master. �Believe me, Obi-Wan, I�m just as anxious to get back to a normal schedule as you are, but we must be patient.�

Qui-Gon didn�t like the idea of his apprentice being bonded to Xanatos anymore than Obi-Wan did. Even Xanatos had said he would be more than glad to have the bond dissolved, but Yoda had forbid it for the time being. And, that meant no missions until more could be discovered about the bond�s nature and function.

�You know, I can hardly feel the thing anymore,� said Obi-Wan hopefully. �Maybe it�s going away on its own.�

�No, I�m afraid not, Padawan,� answered Qui-Gon. �An-Paj says the bond is just dormant.�

*****

�Just where do you think you�re going?�

Xanatos cursed under his breath as he turned to face Master Gallia. �I must be losing my touch. There was a time when I could sneak in and out of the Temple five times in one night without getting caught.�

�Old age must be slowing you down,� retorted the female master. �You are not supposed to leave the Temple, Xan. You know that.�

�Yeah, well I�m not a Jedi anymore,� he answered, �and I don�t obey orders very well. Besides that, if I don�t get out and do something, I�ll go crazy. Believe me, that will not be a pretty sight.�

Adi stood looking at him, arms crossed, an �I�m not buying it� look on her face. Xanatos had been staying in her quarters since shortly after Obi-Wan�s rescue. His presence kept her from becoming depressed over the tragic death of her padawan, and her presence kept him sane.

�Come on, Adi,� Xanatos pleaded. �I�m a grown man for Force sake! I can take care of myself.�

�Alright,� she relented, �but I want you back by tenth bell.�

�Great! First I get restricted...now I have a curfew!� complained the former Jedi. �It�s like being a padawan all over again.�

�Careful,� Adi warned, �I could make you do extra meditations, and scrub the floor of the Temple entryway.�

�I�d like to see you try, old gal,� he challenged. �Okay! I�ll be back by tenth bell,� he put in quickly when Adi took a menacing step in his direction. �Just stop acting like my mother.�

�Would you like to rephrase that?�

�Uh...stop acting like my sister?� he squeaked.

�Better,� she smiled. �Now, stay out of trouble.�

�Yes, Mom,� he laughed, quickly darting out the door.

Part 2

Xanatos wanted to avoid being seen once he left the Temple, so he�d made arrangements to meet Hermano at one of the service entrances. Sneaking past security had been a whole lot easier than getting past Adi and they were soon outside and free to go about their business.

�My Lord,� said Hermano as they walked together, �I don�t understand the need for this secrecy from the others.�

�I just need to check with a few of my contacts to see if they have any new information for me regarding Lord Sidious,� he explained. �Something in Zedda�s journal struck me as odd. She said her contact in Valorum�s office said he was working for the Senate Security Council.�

�Yes?� prodded Hermano, clearly not seeing what his master was getting at.

�I thought maybe a visit to Senator Palpatine might be in order,� replied Xanatos. �He is after all the chair of that body. Maybe he could shed some light on this.�

�But, Master,� Hermano objected, �what if Jorg was lying?�

�I know, I�ve considered that,� agreed the other man. �I�ll just have to see. I haven�t decided on a course of action quite yet. I�m also not convinced that the dearly departed Mr. Jorg was the real operative.�

�What makes you say that?� the servant inquired. �The documents in his apartment...�

�Documents can be planted,� interrupted Xanatos. �Up until this happened, Jorg was never even under suspicion. If he was the operative, then he was very good, and very good operatives don�t just up and commit suicide.�

�I see your point, Master,� acquiesced Hermano. �Has Padawan Kenobi ever identified Mr. Jorg as the man who lured him into that trap?�

�No, and that�s another loose end I don�t like. Obi-Wan says he can�t remember what the man looked like,� answered Xanatos. �Unfortunately, being zapped within an inch of your life with Force lightning will do that to you.�

*****

Qui-Gon entered his apartment quietly, being aware of the late hour and trying not to wake his apprentice. He�d just spent the past several hours in conference with Obi-Wan�s soul healer, Audrena Paioloo discussing the young man�s progress...which to say the least was nothing short of remarkable.

Lost in thought it took the Jedi master a moment to recognize another presence with him in the common area. �Obi-Wan, what are you doing up so late?�

�I couldn�t sleep, Master,� answered the apprentice with a half smile and a shrug. �I thought some herbal tea and one of your Jedi philosophy books would do the trick.�

�And has it?�

Obi-Wan sighed deeply. �No.�

Qui-Gon walked over and sat down beside his padawan on the sofa. �What�s troubling you?�

The young Jedi smiled at the tone of concern in his master�s voice. �I can�t hide anything from you, can I?�

�Not much,� answered the Jedi master, returning the smile. �Now, don�t change the subject.�

�Master...I�m not sure what�s wrong,� Obi-Wan tried to explain. �I just feel...apprehensive, like something bad�s about to happen.�

�A premonition?�

�No, not exactly,� replied the padawan, trying his best to put his feelings into words. �It�s more like a knot in the pit of my stomach.�

�Have you tried meditating about it?�

Obi-Wan gave his master a sour look. �Master, while I realize that you put a lot of stock in meditation, I really don�t think it�s the answer to all of life�s ills.�

�It might not provide you with any answers,� replied Qui-Gon, gracing his apprentice with an indulgent smile, �but it might help you to relax enough so you can get some sleep.�

�Seriously, Master. I really think something horrible is about to happen.�

�And, what do you think you should do about it, Padawan?�

Obi-Wan groaned. �Not another lesson now, Master. I really don�t think there�s time for me to try to figure this out on my own.�

�Padawan, I�m not the one that the Force is trying to tell something to. Now, I�ve already told you what I think you should do. If you�re not willing to do that, then you WILL have to figure it out on your own.

The younger man stared at his master for a moment, and then sighed heavily. �Yes, Master,� he said, getting up off the sofa to retrieve his meditation mat.

As Obi-Wan suspected, meditation provided no clues as to the impending disaster that the young Jedi was anticipating. It did, however help him to relax�just as his master had said it would.

Opening his eyes, Obi-Wan regarded his master who was still seated on the sofa watching him. �I hate it when you�re right.�

�Sorry,� replied Qui-Gon. �I just can�t help myself.�

Obi-Wan tried glaring at his master in response but couldn�t keep a grin from his face. �I�m going back to bed, Master.�

�Good night, Padawan,� chuckled Qui-Gon.

*****

As Hermano and Xanatos made their rounds of contacts a sense of unease was steadily growing in the back of the former Jedi�s mind. He repeatedly scanned the surrounding area, but each time detected nothing out of the ordinary.

�Master,� whispered Hermano, picking up on his master�s alertness. �What is it?�

�I�m not sure. Let�s start heading back toward the Temple.�

The pair walked in silence, a sense of urgency spurring them to hurry. /Something�s not right, / thought Xanatos. /I can feel it, but I can�t pinpoint the source. /

At the sound of footsteps behind them, the former Jedi whirled around, igniting his lightsaber. Beside him, Hermano drew his blaster. Neither man could see anyone following them. Again Xanatos scanned the area, Hermano doing the same, but again, neither of them could detect any danger.

�Someone is playing games with us,� growled Xanatos in a whisper, �and, they are starting to seriously annoy me.�

Suddenly, a single blaster shot came from behind them. Xanatos spun around to deflect the blast, but wasn�t quite fast enough. He heard Hermano cry out beside him and then fall to the ground. Quickly moving to protect his fallen friend, the former Jedi stood between Hermano and where the blast had come from, lightsaber ready to deflect the next shot, but their assailant seemed to have vanished.

Xanatos stretched out with his feelings, all his senses straining to detect where the next shot would come from. The Force told him the attack wasn�t over yet, but he couldn�t find where their enemy was. �Come on!� he shouted into the night. �Show yourself! Or are you afraid to look your opponent in the eye when you shoot him?�

The challenge was met only by eerie silence.

Part 3

Obi-Wan sat up in his bed with a start; his mind automatically linking with Xanatos as their bond surged to life. He could clearly see and hear everything that was happening, just as if he were there himself. Hermano was lying on the ground, not moving, with Xanatos standing over him, ready to defend his friend from further harm.

Automatically reaching out to the surrounding area using the Force, the young Jedi detected movement behind his friend. *Xan! Behind you!* he shouted.

Reacting to the warning, Xanatos whirled around to meet the coming assault, easily deflecting the blaster shot back at his attacker, killing him instantly. When he was sure the danger was over, Xanatos powered down his lightsaber and knelt down to see how badly Hermano was hurt. The other man�s vacant glassy-eyed stare told him the worst before he even checked for a pulse.

Gently gathering his faithful friend to him, Xanatos held him close, clenching his eyes shut against the pain that gripped his heart.

Obi-Wan was out of bed and pulling on his clothes before he even realized what he was doing. *I�m on my way, Xan!* he sent as he rushed from his room. His sense of urgency was so great now that he didn�t even notice his master sitting in the common area as he hurried to the front door.

�Obi-Wan!� yelled Qui-Gon as he followed after his apprentice. �Where are you going?�

�Xan�s in trouble!� the young man shouted over his shoulder as he raced towards the lift. �Hermano is down!�

�Where are they?� asked the Jedi master as he caught up with his apprentice.

�I�m not sure,� Obi-Wan answered, looking worriedly at his master as they rode the lift down. �But, they�re somewhere outside the Temple.�

Qui-Gon pulled out his comlink as they exited the lift on the main floor, calling for Temple security to meet them at the front entrance immediately.

Obi-Wan didn�t even slow down when they met up with the other Jedi. He just took the point as they rushed out the doors, taking the steps five and six at a time, with Qui-Gon and the four other knights right behind him.

They found the pair two blocks from the Temple, Xanatos still cradling the body of his friend, rocking him back and forth as if he were trying to lull the other man to sleep. The knights automatically fanned out to search the surrounding area, finding the body of the assassin, but no other clues to tell them who was responsible for the attack.

Obi-Wan knelt down beside his friend, gently laying his hand on Xanatos� shoulder. �Xan,� he said softly, �you need to let him go. He�s gone. There�s nothing you can do for him now.�

Xanatos only whimpered in response, burying his face in his dead friend�s hair.

�Xan,� Obi-Wan tried again, �we�ve got to get back to the Temple. Patri will need you.�

At the mention of his friend�s wife, Xanatos raised pain-filled eyes to look at Obi-Wan. �I wasn�t quick enough. I didn�t feel it coming.�

�You did your best,� soothed Obi-Wan. �Come on, let him go now. The others will send for a transport to bring him back. We need to get you out of the open.�

Qui-Gon stood off to the side, allowing his padawan to comfort the stricken man. It was an awkward situation for him, not knowing whether to intrude on the link the two of them shared. He wanted to help his former apprentice, wanted to reach out to him, but he didn�t know whether the gesture would be accepted right now. Obi-Wan seemed to be handling the situation fine for now, so he let it be, content to simply watch over them.

*****

�How�s Patri?� asked Qui-Gon. Hermano�s wife had taken the news of her husband�s death hard, becoming so upset at one point that the Jedi master had put in a call to the Temple�s chief healer to come see the stricken woman.

An-Paj gave Qui-Gon a sad smile as he quietly closed the bedroom door and walked back to the common area of Patri�s quarters. �I gave her something to help her sleep. That�s about all I can do for her at the moment. I�m going to have one of the soul healers come see her in the morning.�

Qui-Gon nodded to acknowledge the healer�s answer. �Yoda is having one of the female docents come stay the night with her.�

�I think that�s wise,� agreed An-Paj. �I doubt she�ll wake up during the night, but it would be nice to have someone here in case she does.�

�I�ll wait here until the docent arrives,� added Qui-Gon, walking the healer to the door. �I appreciate your taking the time to see to Patri personally, I know how busy you are.�

�Oh, you�d be surprised,� quipped the healer. �Things are usually pretty slow in the infirmary when you and Obi-Wan aren�t around.�

Qui-Gon chuckled. �Good night, An-Paj.�

�Good night, Qui-Gon.�

*****

A small memorial service was held the following day to honor Hermano. Although he wasn�t a Jedi, he had been responsible for rescuing Obi-Wan from slavers the year before, and he had been a loyal friend to the Jedi ever since. Thus, the Council had wanted to honor their fallen comrade the only way they could, by gathering together to remember the good that he had done.

Patri stood at the front of the assembled group, listening to Yoda speak, Xanatos beside her with his arm around her shoulders. When Yoda was done, Obi-Wan got up to speak.

�I...I didn�t know Hermano for very long; only a little over a year,� the young man began, obviously straining to keep his emotions in check. �All of you know how he saved my life, but...he was also a good friend, an honorable man, and a trusted comrade. I shall never forget him.�

Turning to where Hermano�s body lay on the pyre, Obi-Wan bowed deeply, honoring the man who had played a small, yet vital role in his life. Straightening up, the padawan took a deep breath and then retook his place by his master�s side.

Xanatos was the next to approach the dais. Turning to the assembly, he took a few moments to look around the room. �Hermano would be in awe at the number of Jedi and friends who have come to honor him,� he said with a small smile. �He was a meek man, always seeking to learn...always willing to give his utmost. He was a trusted friend; someone I knew without a doubt that I could always depend on. I�ll miss him greatly.�

Turning to the body of his fallen friend, Xanatos approached the unlit pyre to say a private goodbye. After a moment or two, he leaned over and placed a gentle kiss on the dead man�s forehead. �Goodbye my friend. I�ll see you again when we are both one with the Force.�

Straightening his shoulders, Xanatos turned back to the assembled group and retook his place by Patri�s side. Mace then approached the pyre. Igniting his lightsaber, he saluted Hermano solemnly, and then touched the weapon to the kindling below the body. Flames jumped up immediately, eager to consume everything within their reach. Mace stepped back from the pyre and went to stand on the other side of Patri, his presence lending additional comfort to the grieving widow.

*****

�Qui,� spoke the image of Adi on the com unit in the Jedi master�s apartment. �I�m worried about Xanatos.�

�What�s happened, Adi?�

�He hasn�t left this apartment for days now,� she explained. �He hardly sleeps, and he hasn�t eaten anything since before the memorial service. I think maybe you and Obi-Wan should come see him.�

Qui-Gon sighed. �Obi-Wan has sensed all this over the bond he shares with Xan, but he also senses that Xan wants to be alone.�

�He may want to be alone, Qui,� replied Adi, �but I don�t think that�s what�s best for him right now. He won�t talk to me, but I think he�d talk to you and Obi-Wan. Will you come?�

�I�ll speak with Obi-Wan,� answered the Jedi master with a sad smile. �My padawan hasn�t exactly felt like himself these past few days, either.�

�I know,� said Adi softly. �Perhaps this will do them both some good.�

*****

Xanatos stood by his bedroom window staring out at the lines of traffic with unseeing eyes. The death of his friend had hit him hard, especially since he felt responsible for what had happened. He just couldn�t get over the feeling that if he�d been even the slightest bit quicker in responding to the attack, then Hermano might still be alive.

The former Jedi felt Obi-Wan�s approach even before the young man knocked on the bedroom door. *Xan, come on out for a little while. It�s not good for you to be alone all the time.*

*Please, Obi-Wan,* he sent back, *just leave me be.* He could feel the padawan�s frustration at his reply. Their bond had remained quite open and active ever since the fateful attack that had taken his friend�s life. It was almost as if the bond sensed when he needed the young Jedi�s presence in his mind, and when he didn�t...almost as if the bond had a mind all its own.

Xanatos sensed Obi-Wan�s resolve to somehow get through to him, and turned his head to scowl at the young man as he opened the bedroom door. Undeterred, Obi-Wan walked over to stand by his friend, laying a compassionate hand on his shoulder, sending him feelings of support and comfort over their bond.

The older man closed his eyes, grateful for the youth�s presence in his mind, despite his protests to the contrary.

Qui-Gon entered the bedroom quietly and stood just inside the doorway. Reaching out to his padawan over their training bond, he sent the young man his own feelings of comfort, letting him feel his pride in the youth�s determination to help his friend.

Looking back over his shoulder at his master, Obi-Wan gave him a small smile, sending his gratitude back in response. The result of the return contact created a sort of sensory loop that drew Qui-Gon further into his padawan�s mind, past his inner-most shields, pulling him toward the threshold of the bond that the young Jedi shared with Xanatos.

Shock prevented either man from reacting for a moment, but Qui-Gon regrouped quickly, resisting the pull of the bond, not wanting to invade Obi-Wan�s privacy. But, still the bond kept pulling him closer.

*It�s all right, Master,* sent the padawan, feeling his master�s struggle. Looking at his master, he nodded his assent to the question in the Jedi master�s eyes. *Go ahead. Xan needs you.*

Qui-Gon hesitated a moment longer, wanting to be sure that this is what Obi-Wan wanted, at the same time being awestruck by the bond that he saw in his mind�s eye. Never in all his life had he witnessed something so wondrous. The bond literally pulsated with the light of the Force, almost as if it were a living, breathing thing.

Another mental nudge from Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon gave in. Sending feelings of gratitude to his padawan, the Jedi master allowed himself to be drawn into the bond, joining with the Force essence of his former padawan for the first time in over eleven years.

Xanatos gasped in wonder as he felt the presence of his former master slip into his mind, and turned quickly from the window, his eyes darting back and forth between the two Jedi. Obi-Wan nodded once to indicate his approval and then gave his friend a slight push to propel him in Qui-Gon�s direction.

The former Jedi took a few hesitant steps, Qui-Gon reaching out to meet him halfway and drawing him into a firm embrace. Xanatos sensed, rather than saw Obi-Wan�s approach from behind, and felt the young man�s hand on his back a moment later. Wrapped in the presence of the two men he trusted the most in life, Xanatos finally let his emotions go, allowing release for the grief and regret that he�d kept bottled up since the death of his friend.

Qui-Gon held on tightly, whispering words of comfort, while Obi-Wan rubbed his back gently, both Jedi communicating their love and support for their friend. After what seemed like an eternity, the shuddering sobs started to lessen, finally stopping altogether. Lifting his head, Xanatos looked at his former master, his eyes communicating his gratitude more than words ever could.

�I�ve missed you so much, Master,� he whispered finally.

�As I have you, Xani,� answered Qui-Gon, giving the other man�s shoulder a squeeze before he released him.

Xanatos then turned to Obi-Wan. �Thank you, little brother.�

Obi-Wan smiled. �Any time, Xan. It was my pleasure.�

Part 4

The following day found Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, and Xanatos standing in front of the Council along with An-Paj. Qui-Gon�s experience of being drawn into the bond was something totally new and unheard of, as well as the possible key to identifying it.

�A part of the bond you are now?� asked Yoda with surprise.

�No, my Master,� answered Qui-Gon. �I don�t believe so. We no longer feel connected to one another.�

�It appears it was a temporary anomaly,� added An-Paj. �I haven�t been able to detect any bond in Master Jinn�s mind that wasn�t there before, and when I had him try to access the bond again, he wasn�t able to.�

�I must say, this is nothing short of astounding,� observed Saesee Tiin, the Jedi master on the Council most noted for his telepathic abilities. �I�ve never heard of any kind of bond allowing access by those not a part of the bond.�

�Plus, there�s an added dimension to their bond when one or the other of them is in peril,� put in An-Paj.

�Explain,� requested Mace.

An-Paj turned to Xanatos. �Tell the Council what you told me.�

�When Obi-Wan was under attack in the warehouse, it was as if I was in the room with him,� the former Jedi explained. �I could clearly see what was going on, and I was able to communicate with Obi and lend assistance.�

�The same thing happened to me when Xan came under attack,� offered Obi-Wan. �I could see everything that happened.�

�Seeing through each other�s eyes you are?� asked Yoda.

�No, Master Yoda,� answered Obi-Wan. �It was as if I was a separate observer. I wasn�t seeing it through Xan�s eyes, although I could clearly feel whatever he was feeling.�

Xanatos nodded his agreement. �Plus, Obi-Wan was able to anticipate the second attack on me before I did. His warning saved my life, and I was able to repel the blaster shot in time, killing the assassin.�

�Have you tried to duplicate this...experience since then?� asked Eeth Koth.

�I�ve had them both try to do just that,� reported An-Paj. �Thus far they haven�t been able to, and the bond�s still very active between them.�

�It sounds almost as if the bond itself is controlling the level of access,� observed Saesee Tiin, �rather than the bonded pair.�

�Based on everything we�ve been able to determine over the past three weeks,� answered An-Paj, �I�d tend to agree with that assessment.�

*****

�Identified Hermano�s assassin has been,� said Yoda. The ancient Jedi had called a meeting in his quarters with the other five members of the team that was investigating Sidious.

�Ren Tavin his name was. An initiate he was at one time. Disappeared from Agricorps five years ago he did.�

�Well isn�t that ironic?� smirked Xanatos. �An ex-Jedi sent to kill and ex-Jedi.�

�The target you were not,� replied Yoda.

�What?� asked Xanatos in confusion. �Of course I was the target.�

�Expert marksman was Tavin,� argued the elder Jedi master. �Strong in shielding he was. If his target you were, then dead you would now be.�

�So, his target was Hermano?� asked Obi-Wan. �But, why? What would Hermano�s death profit anyone?�

�It�s Sidious,� stated Xanatos in a deadly voice. �He�s trying to draw me out...and I intend to take him up on it.�

�This challenge you must not accept,� warned Yoda.

�Master Yoda,� argued the ex-Jedi. �I have no intention of leaving my friend�s death unavenged.�

�A time there will be for that,� answered the Jedi master. �Patience you must have. Wait on the Force you will.�

�Why did I know you were going to say that?�

�Master Yoda�s right, Xan,� said Qui-Gon. �A move against Sidious has to be carefully planned. Rushing headlong into who knows what, is foolhardy at best, and a death sentence at worst.

*****

�Identified the bond, I have,� state Yaddle. �Know now I do, what it is.�

The small Jedi had spent weeks in the archives researching bonds, trying to determine if there was a precedent in Jedi history for the bond that Xanatos and Obi-Wan shared. Once she found the reference she�d been searching for, an emergency Council session was called.

�Please elaborate, Master Yaddle,� urged Mace Windu.

�A knight�s bond it is called,� explained Yaddle. �Rare it is. Created only by the will of the Force it can be.�

�But, neither one of the two is a knight,� countered Adi Gallia. �Why were they chosen?�

�Never before has a padawan or a non-Jedi been chosen,� answered Yaddle, �but only twice before has the bond existed.�

*****

�Only two times in all of recorded Jedi history?� asked Xanatos in shock. �Just what�s the purpose of this bond, anyway?�

After the Council had met to discuss Yaddle�s findings, Xanatos, Qui-Gon, and Obi-Wan had been summoned to appear before them.

Yaddle glanced over at Yoda, who nodded for her to continue. �Always this bond has precipitated a confrontation with the Sith.�

The three men met the statement with a moment of stunned silence.

�Are you saying the appearance of this bond means the Sith have come back?� asked Qui-Gon.

�Most likely explanation that is,� answered Yoda. �But, whether the Sith are among us now, or will be in the future, is unknown.�

�Just what has the role of the bonded pair been in the past?� asked Xanatos.

�To bring about the downfall of the Sith,� answered Yaddle simply.

�But, what can the two of us do against the Sith?� asked Obi-Wan.

�For the Force to determine that is,� answered Yoda. �Patience you must have. Learn more about the bond you will.�

�You foresaw this, didn�t you?� Qui-Gon asked his former master. �That�s why you encouraged the friendship between Obi-Wan and Xanatos.�

�Foresaw a need for their friendship I did,� answered Yoda, �not the knight�s bond.�

�How soon before this supposed confrontation with the Sith takes place?� asked Qui-Gon.

�Unknown that is,� answered Yaddle. �Years it may be.�

�Or only days,� added Yoda. �The will of the Force that is.�

Part 5

�Master, please don�t worry about me. I�m sure I�ll be fine,� said Obi-Wan with as much bravado as he could muster. It wasn�t actually the way he felt, but his own doubts could be dealt with later. Right now his master was upset, and had been ever since Yaddle had revealed the true nature of the bond to them.

Qui-Gon looked at his padawan from across the common area of their apartment and forced a smile onto his face. �I worry because I don�t want you to get hurt again, Obi-Wan. You�ve already been through too much these past few years, and confronting a Sith was not on my top ten list of things to teach you right now.�

�Well, Master,� grinned the padawan in response, �you are always telling me we should live in the moment, and well...I think this is a moment.�

The Jedi master scowled at his apprentice. He hated having his own words used against him...something that Obi-Wan was especially good at. �Come, Padawan. Master Yoda wants to see us.�

*****

�But...my Lord, I wish you would reconsider,� pleaded Patri.

Xanatos smiled warmly at the small woman. �Patri, you know I�m not suited for these waiting games. I refuse to stay cooped up in this Temple another moment. Hiding just isn�t in my nature.�

Patri turned her back on him and clenched her eyes shut. /I�m not going to cry. I�m not going to cry, / she told herself over and over. Ever since Hermano had been killed, Xanatos had been a source of comfort and stability for her. Now, he was leaving her too, and she was afraid something horrible might happen to him.

The former Jedi approached the grieving widow, gently placing his hands on her shoulders. �Don�t worry about me, Patri. I�ll be just fine. I always am.�

Patri merely nodded her head in response, afraid if she said anything that all her emotions would come spilling out. Xanatos kissed the back of her head, giving her shoulders an affectionate squeeze before turning to leave the apartment.

With Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan going out on missions again, and Adi busy with Council business all the time, there just wasn�t much for Xanatos to do. Feeling he could be more of an asset out in the field, he�d resolved to leave while almost everyone�s attention was focused elsewhere. But, he couldn�t leave without telling Patri goodbye. He knew it upset her, but there really wasn�t anything he could do about it.

�I�ll send you a holo-message now and then,� he said just before going out the door. �Tell Obi-Wan I�ll be in touch.�

*****

�Of all the irresponsible, selfish...� growled Qui-Gon when he found out about Xanatos� disappearing act.

�Master!� whispered Obi-Wan through gritted teeth, cutting his eyes towards Patri, who at the moment was looking like Qui-Gon had just slapped her.

Taking a deep breath, the Jedi master turned to the small healer. �I apologize for losing my temper. I assure you, I�m not upset with you.�

The master/padawan pair had just returned from a week-long mission that had, for once gone smoothly and as planned.

�I tried to talk him out of leaving, Master Jinn,� Patri explained. �I really did...but, my master has a restless soul, and he is anxious to bring the man responsible for Hermano�s death to justice.�

�Patience never was one of Xanatos� virtues,� replied Qui-Gon with a grimace. Placing his thumb and index finger on the bridge of his nose, he tried to bring his chaotic thoughts into focus. �Did he happen to say where he was going?�

Patri shook her head. �I don�t think he wanted to take the chance that I�d tell you.�

�Obi-Wan?� he asked, turning to his padawan. �Can you feel him over your bond?�

�Not very well, Master. I�m afraid the bond has gone back to being dormant.�

�Which means you probably won�t sense anything until after something catastrophic happens, and by then it will be too late,� he said with a disgusted sigh.

�Well, I could always injure myself,� teased the young Jedi in an attempt to lighten his master�s mood. �That might bring him running.�

�Let�s just avoid that if at all possible, shall we?� responded his master with a small smile.

*****

Xanatos stared out the viewport of his transport, lost in thought. The last time he�d made this journey Hermano had been with him. This time he was alone. /Well, not totally alone,/ he told himself with a smile, thinking of Obi-Wan, whose muted presence he could still feel in the back of his mind.

His life seemed to have changed dramatically over the past five years. First, his secret alliance with the Jedi to flush out Lord Sidious, then his uneasy reconciliation with Qui-Gon, and lastly...the knight�s bond with Obi-Wan.

The thought of the bond caused his features to grow serious again. /Why in Sith�s hell did the Force have to choose me? Obi-Wan I can understand...at least he�ll be a knight someday. I should at least have a say in the matter./

And, that was the crux of why he�d left Coruscant, he realized. He hated having his life laid out for him. Leaving had been his way of protesting against the constraints of the bond. /I may not have a choice in having this thing,/ he thought wryly, /but, that doesn�t mean I have to let it rule my life./

�Besides, old boy,� he said out loud, �you have business to take care of.�

*****

�I�m sorry, Qui,� said Mace. �Our resources are stretched thin enough as it is. We can�t spare our best master/padawan team to go traipsing all over the galaxy trying to find one missing operative.�

�Mace, Obi-Wan�s premonition is back,� Qui-Gon tried to explain, �and it�s stronger this time. He really thinks something bad is going to happen to Xanatos.�

�I know how worried you both are about him,� said Mace, laying a compassionate hand on his friend�s shoulder, �but, where would you look? Does Obi-Wan even have any idea where Xanatos is?�

�No,� sighed Qui-Gon. �Mace, I...we just found each other again. As much of a pain in the...�

�Careful,� warned Mace. �Watch your language in the Council room.�

Qui-Gon couldn�t help grinning at his friend. �Seriously, Mace. Xanatos has been a constant source of worry and heartache for me for years...now more so than ever. If something were to happen to him now...I don�t think my heart could take anymore.�

�I�ll tell you what,� offered the Councilor, �you find out where he is, and I�ll be more than happy to send the two of you to retrieve him.�

�Thank you, my friend.�

�Just don�t let this interfere with your regular duties,� Mace warned seriously.

�Yes, Master Windu,� bowed Qui-Gon mockingly, backing away just in time to avoid his friend�s playful swat at his head.

*****

/Well, it certainly looks deserted enough,/ thought Xanatos as he stood in the alley across from his estate on Romedin. His hurried retreat from this stronghold two years before had not allowed enough time to be able to bring everything with him. In his rush to see the Jedi to safety, he�d had to opt for hiding many of his data files...files that held all the information he�d accumulated over the years regarding Sidious.

He wasn�t worried that someone had found the files in his absence. They�d been stashed in a place so obvious that no one would think to look for them there. No, what worried him was that the estate looked as if no one had been there since he�d locked the doors and left...a fact he knew to be false. Sidious would have surely sent someone to look for him here. The problem was that he didn�t know for sure if they were still lurking about or not.

�Well,� he sighed, �there�s only one way to find out.�

Very carefully, shields at full strength, Xanatos crossed the street and slipped over the wall that surrounded the estate. /It�s pretty bad when a person has to sneak into their own house,/ he thought ruefully.

Once over the wall, he hunkered close to the ground, scanning the entire courtyard. So far, so good. Sprinting across the open places quickly, he scurried from cover to cover until he�d finally arrived at the side door. Keying the access code, he silently slipped inside.

Looking around, moving carefully from room to room, and hallway to hallway, Xanatos ascertained that the main floor was empty. Relaxing a little, but still highly alert, the former Jedi made his way to the back of the house and the kitchen. Yes, so far everything seemed to be just as they�d left it...cooking implements on the counter and in the sink, plates of half-eaten food on the table, a fine layer of dust covering everything.

Walking over to the cabinets, Xanatos opened first one, then another as if he were searching for something. Sensing danger too late, he whirled around but was hit by a stun blast before he could draw his lightsaber. Cursing his momentary lapse of vigilence, he suddenly found himself on the floor looking up into the face of his adversary.

�My master said you�d come back here eventually,� smiled Sidious� apprentice evilly, �but I didn�t think you�d really be stupid enough to do it.�

Another stun bolt hit him before he could respond to the taunt, rendering him unconscious.

Part 6

Obi-Wan had never laughed so hard in his life. He was having lunch with his best friend, Bant, something that was a rare treat these days. Bant had been telling him about a humorous episode that had occurred on her last mission, and Obi-Wan had found it so funny that he�d almost spewed his drink across the table.

Ending his laughter with a contented sigh, the young Jedi smiled at his friend. This was the first time in more than a week that he�d been able to truly relax. His feeling of impending doom was still with him, but since nothing had happened, he was inclined to write it off as indigestion. Perhaps what had happened just before Hermano�s attack had been mere coincidence. Whether the feeling was real or imagined, he did wish that Xanatos would check in with them. /He�s probably ducking Master Qui-Gon,/ he thought.

Bant smiled broadly at her good friend. Obi had been through so much in the past two years that it warmed her heart to see him so happy now. But, Bant�s thankfulness soon turned to concern when Obi-Wan suddenly gasped and grabbed his head as if he were in pain.

Reaching across the table to her friend, Bant grabbed his arm. �Obi, are you okay?�

Obi-Wan looked at her with an expression of dread on his face. Stumbling back from the table, he overturned his chair in his haste to stand. �I�ve got to find my master!� he said as he rushed from the dining hall.

Bant followed after her friend quickly, concerned that he might be ill. �Obi! Wait up! What�s wrong?�

But, Obi-Wan didn�t stop to explain. He knew he had to find his master quickly. The bond was back with a vengeance, and wherever Xanatos was, he was in a great deal of pain.

*****

Half-way across the Temple, Qui-Gon felt his apprentice�s sudden emotional turmoil and started heading towards the young man, tracking him through their training bond. They met up with each other outside one of the main meeting halls, Obi-Wan falling into his master�s arms. �Master, it�s Xan!� the young man exclaimed. �He�s hurting so badly.�

�Calm down, Padawan,� admonished the Jedi master. �Now, tell me what�s going on.�

�The bond...Master, I can feel Xan over the bond,� Obi-Wan tried to explain.

Qui-Gon felt his heart clench in fear. If Obi-Wan could feel Xanatos strongly through their bond, then something terrible must have happened.

�Master, I...I think he�s being tortured.�

�Obi-Wan,� replied Qui-Gon urgently, taking his apprentice by the shoulders, �can you find out where he is?�

Obi-Wan took a deep breath to calm himself. He wouldn�t do Xanatos any good by panicking. �I�ll try, Master.�

*****

Xanatos couldn�t suppress a scream as the dark apprentice�s lightsaber again touched the skin of his exposed back. His bare torso was now covered with a myriad of similar burns from the weapon.

He�d awakened from the stun blast to find himself in the basement of his estate, kneeling on the floor, his arms chained above his head, a Force collar around his neck. �I�ve been waiting patiently for you to awake,� the apprentice had said. �Now the fun begins.�

The former Jedi�s eyes had widened in surprise when the dark apprentice had ignited his lightsaber, turning down the power so it wouldn�t cut off any body parts...not yet. But, the saber did leave horrible burns wherever it touched him...something his inquisitioner had done quite a few times, even before he�d asked any questions.

�Where are those files?� asked his tormentor.

�You go to...aaaaahh!�

�Don�t worry, we can take all the time you need,� threatened the other man. �I assure you that you will grow tired of this before I will.�

Xanatos screamed again as the saber touched his chest, his interrogator leaving it there for a full minute. At first he�d wondered why he didn�t lose consciousness, but then he�d spied the hypospray laid out on a nearby table, and he knew...the other man must have injected him with stimulants, mixed with pain enhancing drugs, he was sure.

And then he felt the bond...and Obi-Wan. *I�m with you, Xan, * the young Jedi sent, sending him Force energy at the same time. *Tell me where you are! Let me help you!*

�Tell me where the files are!�

�Nooooo!� Xanatos screamed his answer as the blade again seared his skin. *Obi?* he cried out in his mind.

*Xan, where are you?*

*Ro...* The thought was interrupted by another scream of pain that tore from his throat. *Romedin. Please...hurry.* The blade touched him again, and this time Xanatos did lose consciousness...Obi-Wan made sure of it.

*****

Obi-Wan leaned his head against the observation window of their Republic transport, staring at the stars speeding by as the ship whisked toward Romedin at maximum speed. As soon as Obi-Wan had realized what was happening to Xanatos, he�d rushed to find his master, after which Qui-Gon had demanded an immediate meeting with the Council.

Yoda and Mace had been shocked by what Qui-Gon�s apprentice told them, and ordered the master/padawan pair to go immediately to Romedin, accompanied by a team of knights and healers to assist them.

Obi-Wan knew Xanatos was running out of time. It had taken them over a week to get this far, and still they had to come up with a plan for rescue that wouldn�t get Xanatos killed. The young padawan did his best to keep his friend unconscious as much as possible, but each time, whatever drug his tormentor was pumping into him would eventually wake the man ...and Obi-Wan would again hear Xan�s screams in his mind.

Pressing his fingers to the transparent surface, Obi-Wan suppressed a sob as a single tear rolled down his cheek. His master�s hand on his shoulder gave him some measure of comfort...a feeling he sent to Xanatos in an effort to comfort his friend as well.

�One more day, Obi-Wan,� Qui-Gon whispered, giving his shoulder a squeeze. �Tell Xan to hang on for just one more day.�

�Master, he�s in so much pain...he...he just wants it to end.�

�I know.� Qui-Gon closed his eyes as he tried to stem his own emotions. As hard as this was on him, he knew it was a hundred times harder for Obi-Wan. The Jedi master could only imagine what Xanatos was going through...but Obi-Wan knew. He was living it right along with his friend.

Part 7

As the transport made it�s final approach to Romedin, the Jedi hurried to gather their things and make last-minute plans and preparations. The healers on board had wanted to accompany the other Jedi on the rescue mission, but Qui-Gon had overruled it, wanting them to stay with the transport. Knowing how badly Xanatos was hurt, the last thing they needed was for the healers to get killed or injured themselves.

�Master Jinn,� Healer Da-Mar addressed him, �take this medical pack with you. It contains a bacta blanket and several hyposprays of pain medicine. When you find Xanatos, wrap him up in the blanket, give him as many shots as it takes to render him unconscious, and then get him back here as quickly as possible.�

Qui-Gon smiled his thanks as he accepted the medical pack. Da-Mar was the same species as An-Paj, and had in fact been one of the blue healer�s first apprentices. The fact that he was in charge of the healing team brought the Jedi master much comfort.

�Thank you, Da-Mar. Hopefully we�ll be back within the hour.�

*****

Obi-Wan was out the hatch before the ramp had even settled onto the ground, the other Jedi close on his heels. Taking a second to get his bearings, the apprentice took off at a dead run in the direction of where Xanatos was being held. Now that they were on the ground, and close by, Obi-Wan could tell exactly which way to go as he tracked his friend through their bond.

*Xan!* he sent as they drew closer. *Xan...can you answer me?* Swallowing his dread at the lack of response by the other man, Obi-Wan continued to talk to him over the bond as they made their way to his location. *We�re on planet now, Xan. Hang on, we�re coming!*

It came as a surprise to no one when the bond led them to Xanatos� estate. �He�s inside,� the padawan informed the others.

�Come on,� urged Qui-Gon as he started across the street. �We can�t afford to wait. We�ll just have to pray that the Force will be with us.�

Sneaking over the wall, the Jedi were careful to maintain the strongest shields possible so as not to be detected. They could only detect one other life form in the house besides Xanatos, so they hoped their job would be easy.

Making their way around to the back of the house and to the transport pad, the Jedi slipped into the house via the kitchen entrance, after first overriding the locking mechanism.

Once inside, all eyes focused on Obi-Wan, waiting for him to guide them to Xanatos. �He�s downstairs,� the apprentice whispered urgently. �We have to hurry. He�s very weak.�

Qui-Gon nodded, and followed behind his padawan as the younger man again took the point, the other Jedi bringing up the rear. Once they�d descended into the basement of the house, they made an amazing discovery. �Xanatos is alone!� whispered Qui-Gon. �I feel the other presence somewhere else in the house. Quickly, let�s get him out of here!�

*****

�My Master,� bowed Darth Maul to the holographic image of his master. �The former Jedi�s will is strong. His condition is dangerously weakened, yet his shields still hold. I regret that I have been unable to obtain the information you desired.�

�Don�t fret, Maul,� his master responded. �In time, he will tell you what you need to know. But...for now, cease the interrogation. He needs time to heal and recover his strength. After that, you may begin again.�

Maul nodded his understanding. �I shall need to move him if I am to heal him. This place does not have the equipment I would require.�

�Very well,� answered the dark lord, �bring him here to me.�

�Yes, Master,� answered Maul with a final bow.

*****

Xanatos cracked open his eyes as he slowly regained consciousness. For over a week now, he�d suffered through almost constant torture, with no food and only enough water to keep him alive. His arms had been suspended above his head so long that he�d long since ceased to feel them...except when Maul touched them with his lightsaber. Even breathing was agony, as even the smallest expansion of his lungs caused the burned and blistered skin on his chest and back to pull and crack.

Gritting his teeth and biting back a moan of pain, the former Jedi lifted his head long enough to note that he was alone in the room, the effort almost making him black out again. Hearing a noise outside the door, he assumed that Maul was returning, and closed his eyes, praying for death to take him soon. At least he�d die knowing the data files were still safe.

*****

Obi-Wan led the team of knights through a maze of corridors until they came to the room where he felt Xanatos was being held. Finding the door unlocked, he quickly opened it, and froze in horror at the sight of his friend.

�Come, Obi-Wan,� urged his master as he quickly brushed past the young man, �we don�t have much time. I feel the other presence coming this way. We need to get Xan out of here now.�

The young Jedi nodded and quickly ignited his lightsaber to cut through the chains that held the injured man up. Using the Force, he kept Xanatos from falling until Qui-Gon had spread the bacta blanket out on the floor, and then he gently lowered him onto it.

Xanatos couldn�t help screaming and arching up in agony as his abused back came in contact with the hard surface.

�Shh, Xan,� whispered Obi-Wan, as he leaned close to his friend�s face, gently caressing his forehead in a comforting gesture. �It�s over now. We�ll get you out of here.�

�O...Obi?�

�Yes, Xan...it�s Obi-Wan. Try to lie still. We�re going to give you something for the pain that will knock you out, and then we�ll get you out of here.�

�No...wait,� he pleaded, groaning from the pain the effort caused him.

�Xani,� said Qui-Gon gently as he knelt down on the other side of the injured man. �We need to get you out of here, now. Just relax.�

�No...files...must...�

�Shh, Xan,� comforted Obi-Wan. �Don�t try to talk. Tell me through the bond.�

*There are...data files hidden...in...kitchen,* he sent with effort. *Crucial...you...get them.*

*Where are they?*

*Cabinet...above cooking unit...recipes...* Xanatos closed his eyes as he slipped into unconsciousness once again.

�He says we need to retrieve the recipe files from the kitchen,� Obi-Wan told his master. �He says it�s vital we take them with us.�

�Alright,� nodded the Jedi master as he held a hypospray of painkiller against Xanatos� neck. �Maybe this will keep him from waking up until we can get him to the transport.�

�Master Jinn,� urged one of the knights guarding the door. �Someone�s coming.�

�Come on,� said Qui-Gon as he gently lifted Xanatos into his arms, �let�s get out of here. There�s another staircase further along the corridor.�

Exiting the room, the team headed down the hallway in the opposite direction from the way they�d come, turning the corner just moments before Maul appeared at the opposite end.

Seeing the chamber door open, Maul ran into the room, already knowing what he would find. Growling in frustration and anger, he ignited his lightsaber, slashing through the table against the wall.

Fleeing the room, he stopped to carefully scan the house, his eyes widening as he detected what he�d previously overlooked...a total of six Jedi besides Xanatos. Resisting the urge to pursue after them, Maul silently turned and hurried back the way he�d come, making good his escape before the Jedi came back after him.

Running went against every dark instinct he had, but with so many Jedi, he�d be hard pressed to retrieve his prisoner. He knew his master would be furious that he�d let Xanatos escape, but Maul also knew that he�d be even more angry if the dark apprentice prematurely revealed himself to the Jedi.

Part 8

As the Jedi team ascended the stairs back to the first floor of the house, Qui-Gon contacted their transport over his comlink. �Rendezvous with us on the transport pad at the back of Xanatos� estate. I fear he�s too weak to make the trip to the transport station.�

�We�re on our way,� responded the pilot of the transport. �We should be at your location in five minutes or less.�

�Make it less,� replied the Jedi master. �Come on, let�s get outside quickly.�

Passing through the kitchen on their way to the transport pad, Obi-Wan made a quick detour to the cabinet above the cooking unit to retrieve the box of recipe files. Then he rejoined the others just as their transport landed.

Unseen by the Jedi, Maul watched from the shadows, silently seething. /Someday, Jedi...someday you�ll pay./

*****

The healers went to work on Xanatos as soon as he was brought aboard the transport, immediately removing the Force collar. After a quick examination, Da-Mar lifted his head to regard the master/padawan pair who stood off to the side, anxiously watching and waiting. �It doesn�t look very good, I�m afraid. But, we�ll do everything we can. He�ll need to be in the bacta tank at least the whole trip back, and possibly longer than that.�

�Do what you have to, Da-Mar,� said Qui-Gon. �We�ll help in anyway we can.�

The blue healer nodded to acknowledge the statement and then signalled the other healers to prepare their patient for immersion in the bacta. Once Xanatos was situated inside the red gel, Obi-Wan pulled a chair over by the tank and sat down, silently linking with his friend through their bond, sending him a steady stream of Force energy.

Da-Mar kept careful watch over both the master/padawan pair and Xanatos during the whole trip home, making sure the Jedi didn�t deplete their energy reserves too much. Sometimes Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan sat with their friend together, sometimes separately, each one resting when needed. In that way they were able to bolster their injured friend�s strength without overly taxing their own.

Once back at the Temple, An-Paj took over Xanatos� treatment, electing to retrieve him from the bacta tank for the time being. �I think he�s been immersed long enough for right now,� he explained to those who had assembled outside the intensive care unit. Yoda, Mace, Patri, and Adi had joined Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan down in the infirmary as soon as they�d come in.

�I think he�ll probably need one or two more treatments, but I want to give him some time to recover some of his strength before we do anything else. We need to get some nourishment into him...he�s lost quite a bit of weight, and that in and of itself is causing a strain on his system.�

�Master An-Paj?� asked Obi-Wan. �What are his chances?�

An-Paj gave the youth a sympathetic look. �I won�t lie to you, Obi-Wan...they�re not very good. But, then you�ve come in here before in worse shape, and you�ve survived,� he said, trying to cheer him. �So, there is hope.�

*****

�Well, this seems familiar,� sighed Obi-Wan as he handed a cup of hot tea to Qui-Gon, pulling a chair over to sit beside his master by the bed.

�Yes,� agreed the Jedi master as he watched Xanatos sleep. �Let�s hope things turn out as well as they did the last time.�

�Has Master Gallia had any luck decoding those disks we brought back with us?�

Qui-Gon shook his head. �I�m afraid we�ll have to wait until Xanatos is better before we�ll be able to figure out what�s on those disks besides recipes. It was a brilliant way to hide the information...whatever it is.�

Obi-Wan nodded and returned his attention to the unconscious man on the bed. �Master, do you think he even realizes he�s been rescued?�

�I don�t know, Obi-Wan,� sighed the Jedi master. �I hope so. He�s got to realize that something is different.�

*****

As Xanatos slowly regained consciousness, the first thing he noticed was that his pain was considerably less than it had been the last time he was awake. The next thing he noticed was that he was no longer chained to the ceiling in the basement of his house.

Frowning in confusion, he looked around the room trying to figure out where he was...until he saw someone asleep in the chair by his bed. /A guard,/ his muddled brain thought. Closing his eyes once again, he tried to think of a way to escape this prison. /I�m obviously in some sort of medical facility, but why would Maul want me healed?/ And, then the answer came to him. /So he can torture me all over again,/ he thought in a panic. /I�ve got to get out of here./

Stifling a groan, Xanatos carefully rolled over in bed and slowly pushed himself to a sitting position, his arms shaking violently from the exertion. Hit by a wave of dizziness, he stopped a moment and reached out to the Force to try and steady himself. /Fools took off the collar,/ he thought with relief.

With another look over his shoulder to make sure the guard was still asleep, he carefully slid off the opposite side of the bed. He had to grab the bed for support to hold himself up on weak legs, but Xan was able to remain upright somehow. /Okay, you can do this,/ he told himself. /Just put one foot in front of the other./

He only got two steps before his legs gave out and he crumpled to the floor, jarring every bone in his body. Stuffing his fist in his mouth, he bit back a scream of pain, just laying there breathing rapidly until the discomfort eased somewhat. /I�ll crawl out of here if I have to, but I�ve got to get away somehow./

A hand on his back sent him into a panic, and he lashed out with all the strength he had left, trying to break free from his captor.

*****

Qui-Gon woke with a start, his eyes immediately going to the bed, panicking when he didn�t find Xanatos there. /Was I sleeping so soundly that I didn�t hear the healers come in and take Xan somewhere?/ He fervently hoped that was it, but the thought still disturbed him.

Rising from the chair, he headed to the door, but stopped in shock at the sight of his former apprentice lying on the floor on the other side of the bed, obviously in pain. Quickly going to the injured man, Qui-Gon layed a hand on his back as he stooped down beside him.

Seemingly taken off guard, Xanatos panicked and lashed out at his former master with everything he had left. Qui-Gon tried turning the younger man onto his back in an effort to restrain him, but Xanatos fought back, trying to crawl away from him. �Xani, stop...it�s me. Calm down, you�re going to further injure yourself,� said the Jedi master, grabbing the other man from behind. �Xan! It�s Qui-Gon! Calm down!�

Xanatos was in a panic. �NO!� he shouted. �Let go!� He knew he had to get away...if he could only break free! But, what little strength he had finally gave out, and he collapsed onto the floor again, crying in frustration. He knew they�d put the Force collar back on now for sure, and probably put him in restraints, too.

Waves of calm caressed him through the Force as he felt a gentle hand stroke the back of his head. �Xan,� the guard whispered in his ear. �Shh, you�re safe. Come on, let me help you back to bed. Lying on the cold floor isn�t going to do either one of us any good.�

Xanatos squeezed his eyes shut, shaking his head in an effort to clear away the fog. There was something familiar about that voice, something...safe. Slowly turning his head, the former Jedi blinked his eyes in an effort to bring his vision into focus so he could see the face of the guard who was now kneeling beside him, whispering calming words to him.

�Don�t you know me, Xani?� whispered Qui-Gon, his face only inches from the other man�s.

�Master?� the injured man asked in confusion.

Qui-Gon breathed a sigh of relief. �Yes, Xan. You�re safe in the Temple infirmary. We rescued you...don�t you remember?�

Xanatos closed his eyes in relief, letting his head rest on the floor. �No,� he mumbled, as exhaustion started to take its toll on him.

�Come on, Xan,� said his former master as he gently rolled him onto his back and helped him into a sitting position. This time, Xanatos didn�t resist his efforts. �Let�s get you back into bed.�

Qui-Gon�s voice barely registered in his mind now; he was just too worn out. Distantly, Xan felt himself being lifted and layed on something warm and soft. Letting himself surrender to the comfortable feelings, he slipped back into a deep sleep.

Tucking the covers in around his former apprentice. Qui-Gon carefully brushed the hair out of the younger man�s face, breathing a heavy sigh. �Sleep, Xani,� he whispered as he sent him a gentle Force suggestion. �Sleep and heal,� he whispered, continuing to stroke Xan�s hair long after the other man had succumbed.

*****

Qui-Gon was again awakened sometime later by Xanatos groaning in his sleep. Sitting up quickly, he was relieved to find Obi-Wan sitting on the bed. �He�s having a nightmare, Master. I can feel it over the bond.�

Nodding his understanding, Qui-Gon watched his apprentice reach out to Xanatos over their bond, ready to help if needed.

*Xan,* sent Obi-Wan. *Come on Xan, you need to wake up now.*

Xanatos groaned louder and started thrashing on the bed. Grabbing hold of his shoulders, Obi-Wan gently shook him. �Wake up, Xan!�

Eyes flying open with a start, Xanatos struck out with Force and fist, trying to break free of whoever was holding him down.

�Xan!� said Obi-Wan urgently, easily deflecting the weaker man�s blows. �It�s okay. Shh, calm down. You�re safe. You�re safe.�

Slowly, Obi-Wan�s voice broke through the other man�s confused state of mind. Focusing on the face of his friend, he forced himself to relax. �Obi?�

Obi-Wan sighed in relief when Xanatos finally recognized him. �Yes, Xan. It�s me...just relax. You�re safe. It was only a bad dream.�

Clenching his eyes shut, Xanatos tried to banish the still-fresh images of the nightmare from his mind, but shook his head in frustration. Everytime he closed his eyes, he saw the red and black tattoed face of his tormentor. It was just too much.

Feeling a strong pair of arms lifting him gently, Xan opened his eyes to look into the calm blue depths of his former master. �It�s going to be all right, Xani,� whispered Qui-Gon. �I promise. Obi-Wan and I will help you through this. You won�t be alone.�

Feeling the tears brimming up in his eyes, Xanatos buried his face in his former master�s robes and let himself cry for the first time since the whole horrible ordeal had begun.

�That�s it, Xani,� whispered the Jedi master as he gently rocked the distraught man, �let it all out. Then you can begin to heal.�

Part 9

It took nearly a full month before Xanatos began to feel anywhere near like his old self again. The soul healers helped him a lot in dealing with the nightmares and other trauma that resulted from his incarceration and torture, and of course Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon were there to help him each step of the way.

For the time being, the master/padawan pair had refused to go out on any other missions until they were sure that Xanatos would be okay on his own, a gesture that Xanatos appreciated more than he would admit. The thought of being anywhere on his own, even the Jedi Temple, scared him to death. He knew he would have to force himself to overcome that fear soon, or he�d never leave the safety of the Jedi haven again.

With Xan�s help, Adi was able to decipher the data files that he�d collected on Sidious. The information was helpful, but it still didn�t get them any closer to finding out who the mysterious darkside user was...although they were beginning to suspect that he was possibly...probably in Xanatos� mind...the Sith that they�d been expecting.

Through the entire recovery period, the knight�s bond kept Obi and Xan strongly connected. But as time passed and Xanatos grew stronger, they both felt the bond ebbing back to its dormant state, a sign that told the former Jedi that it was time to leave.

Obi-Wan headed to Xanatos� quarters on the morning of his departure, passing his master coming out of the other man�s apartment as he did. The look on Qui-Gon�s face as he passed the apprentice left no doubt in Obi-Wan�s mind that his master and Xanatos had quarreled...again. Over the past week, Xan�s plans to leave had been a bone of contention between the two, and had even caused a rift of sorts in their relationship.

The young Jedi watched his master�s retreating back for a moment, sadly shaking his head before knocking lightly on the door and then entering. He found Xanatos staring out the window of the common area, arms crossed in front of him, his back rigidly straight.

�Xan,� he said softly, �I came to say goodbye.�

�Why can�t he understand that I have to do this?� the other man responded.

Obi-Wan walked over until he stood beside his friend. �He�s worried about you, Xan. We almost lost you...and it scared both of us a great deal, but especially our master.�

Xanatos closed his eyes and drew in a deep breath. �I know...but, this is something I have to do. I have to face my demons head on, and if I don�t do it now...I don�t think I�ll ever have the courage to do it later.�

�I understand, Xan. Don�t worry about Master...he knows in his heart that you�re doing what�s best. It�s just that...this is very hard for him. He doesn�t want you to be out there alone.�

Xanatos smiled and looked at his friend. �Ah, but I�m never really alone, am I little brother?�

The young man returned the smile. �No, and you never will be again.�

�Well,� said Xanatos, turning to Obi-Wan, �my things are already on board my transport. I�d better get going.�

�I�ll walk with you,� replied his friend.

When they reached the transport, Xanatos gave the young man a hug, closing his eyes to hold back the tears that threatened. Letting Obi-Wan go, he took one step back, smiled one last time, and then boarded his transport. Neither man noticed Qui-Gon watching from the shadows of the entryway.

Master and apprentice saw Xanatos from time to time over the ensuing years, but never as often as those two years when the bond had drawn them all together. From time to time, the bond would flare to life when one or the other of the two men was in trouble, but rarely did either have to lend any real assistance other than sending guidance and support over the bond...until Naboo.

*****

The two men stood side by side at the top of the waterfall that overlooked Theed. Obi-Wan had been silent for quite awhile, and Xanatos was content to leave him alone. He could feel over their bond how upset his friend was.

Looking back over the preceeding two days, Xanatos remembered how the bond between them had suddenly surged to life, taking the former Jedi�s awareness to the melting pit in the Theed palace. Witnessing the death of his former master was the hardest thing he�d ever done in his life, but he was glad that he had been there for Obi-Wan. To be alone at such a time would have been a terrible thing for the younger man to bear.

Glancing at the young knight now, Xanatos noticed the tears silently flowing down his friend�s face. Putting his arm around Obi-Wan, the older man drew him into a hug. �Shhh, it�s going to be all right,� he comforted. �It�s okay to cry. Just let it out.�

Hearing the soft words somehow broke down the walls that Obi-Wan had built up over the past few days. Finally letting go, he buried his face in his friend�s robe and openly sobbed...allowing himself to grieve the loss of the man he loved more than a father.

�I...I wasn�t fast enough,� the young knight said through shuddering breaths. �I couldn�t...couldn�t get to him in time.�

�I know, Obi,� soothed Xanatos as he held him firmly, �I know. You did your best. That�s all anyone can do.�

They stood that way for a long time, each man comforting the other, sharing the loss of their father together, when they were suddenly joined by a third presence...a familiar, comforting presence that wrapped itself around them like a warm blanket.

*Don�t grieve for me,* they each heard over their bond. *I�m not dead...not really. We�ll see each other again someday.*

*Master!* gasped Obi-Wan, pushing away from Xanatos. Looking into the other man�s eyes told him that he too was hearing the voice of their master.

*Obi-Wan, don�t blame yourself for what happened. It was my time, and nothing you could have done would have prevented this. You both must be strong now. There are dark times ahead...the two of you must stand together if it is to be defeated. Remember...as long as there is even one light to stand against the darkness, then the darkness cannot prevail.*

Slowly they felt Qui-Gon�s presence melt away, leaving them with a peaceful feeling of contentment. Looking at each other, the two men smiled.

�Leave it to Qui-Gon to get in the last word,� said Xanatos, �even in this.�

*****

Over the years that followed, the times did indeed grow dark, as one by one, the lights in the galaxy were extinguished...until one fateful day, Obi-Wan felt the one thing he feared the most. Sitting in his quarters onboard the Republic battle cruiser, General Kenobi once again felt his bond with Xanatos flare to life, and he was there with his dear friend...just as Xan had been with him when Qui-Gon had been killed.

Helplessly he watched as Xanatos battled against overwhelming odds...the troops he had been leading all but wiped out, until a blaster shot finally found its target, striking the former Jedi in the chest.

*Xan! Xan, answer me!*

*Obi,* came the weak reply...and Obi-Wan saw his friend smile. *Remember...it only takes...one.* With that, Obi-Wan felt the bond surge once, then falter and die altogether, leaving him alone in his mind for the first time in nearly thirty-five years.

Obi-Wan broke down and wept bitter tears. He�d recently lost his apprentice to the dark side, and now he�d lost his best friend. It was too much pain to bear at one time, and the Jedi thought his heart would surely break into a thousand pieces. But, then he felt that same warm presence wrap itself around him, bringing him comfort as it always did, telling him things would be all right...the loving presence of his master. And he heard Xan�s words echo in his ears... �It only takes one.�

*I understand, Master,* he sent into the Force. *If I have to be that one, then I will be. Darkness will not prevail.*

*****

Fifteen years later:

Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi stood, lightsaber in hand, facing his former apprentice...Darth Vader. Older now, and worn down by years of hardship, the Jedi fought valiantly, trying to buy his comrades enough time to escape the Death Star.

He felt the group make their mad dash for the Falcon while the storm troopers were distracted by the confrontation. Feeling Luke falter and stop, he knew what he had to do...the youth would never leave him behind while he was still alive.

Giving Vader a small smile of triumph, Obi-Wan brought his lightsaber up into the salute position. *It only takes one, Master,* he sent into the Force. *Luke will be that one. I�m sure of it.*

Closing his eyes, he felt a brief flash of pain, followed by a glorious newness of life. Looking around him in wonder, he gazed at the bright light that surrounded him and penetrated his being all at the same time...and he knew...knew that everything would be all right. The light would prevail.

Turning around as he felt the approach of a familiar presence, Obi-Wan found himself engulfed in a strong embrace. �Welcome home, Padawan. You�ve done well.�

The End

�And the light shineth in the darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.� - John 1:5

�Darkness cannot dispel darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot dispel hate, only love can do that.� - Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.