TITLE: Dark Sacrifice  22/36

AUTHOR: Cara & Quintus

E-MAIL:  [email protected]

RATING: PG-13

CATEGORY: Pre-TPM, Jedi Apprentice, Original Characters

ARCHIVE: Yes. Please keep headers intact.

DISCLAIMER: Star Wars is the property of Lucasfilm Ltd. No copyright infringement intended, no profit is being made from this fiction. All original characters and story belong to the authors. 

FEEDBACK: Constructive feedback appreciated.

TIME FRAME:  Pre-TPM @ 1-2 years

SUMMARY:  When Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan join a diplomatic mission to the planet Sahmly II, they uncover a strange vergence in the Force, centered around a young padawan whose actions may determine far-reaching changes in the Jedi Order. Obi-Wan’s decisions about the padawan could save the boy's life, or drive him to the power of the Dark Side.

DARK SACRIFICE

By Cara & Quintus

Chapter 22

The older Jedi was a tall Leptite, with auburn hair, a neatly trimmed beard flecked with gray, and pale, scaled skin that almost looked translucent in the sunlight. He wore brown clothing, and dark brown robes. His companion was younger, a bony Jaklian with saffron skin and a patch of ridged hair that ran from the front of his head to the back and down under his collar in one narrow strip. His eyes were yellow also, and had unnaturally large pupils for the canine face. Brown spots decorated the bare skull on either side of the hair ridge. He wore the same brown colored clothing as the other. They both had light sabers on their belts.

Relief slammed into Remii. They would help him. He would be okay.

"Look, Muat, a boy out here in the wild part of the city. All by himself," the older man said. "A Jedi padawan at that. Interesting."

The younger Jedi turned in a circle and smiled, revealing sharp white incisors. "This is our lucky fountain, Master."

Remii got to his feet and gave an uncertain smile. "Hi…"

"I greet you, Padawan," the older one said. "Where is your master?"

"I…" Remii hesitated. "I am on a mission. My master expects me back shortly." He studied the two Jedi. "I don't remember seeing you at the Residence. Are you Explorers? Like Adin?"

"Yes, you might say that. We explore the galaxy and look for…that which is lost." The older Jedi flashed a smile. "Are you lost, Padawan? We can help you find your way. What is your name?"

Remii felt the subtle probe the master sent his way. He could not block it. He glared, instead, to let the man know the intrusion was unwelcome. The probe was promptly withdrawn, but Remii didn't know how much had been learned.

"I am Remii Hajradurama. I must have made a wrong turn somewhere," Remii said with dignity. "If you will direct me on how to get back to the Diplomatic Quartering, I would appreciate it."

"He's lost, Master," the one called Muat said. "Poor boy. Let's help him."

"Yes…" The master arched an eyebrow. "The Diplomatic Sector is many, many kilometers from here, Padawan. Your master must trust you immensely to let you go such a great distance all by yourself."

"I…I had a Sahmlian escort…  something came up, she could not bring me back." Remii glanced at the master out of the corner of his eye. The man smiled slightly.

"Sahmlians are usually so dependent. Which caste was it?"

"The Ga Scree."

The younger Jedi gave his master a look, then left to roam the outskirts of the square.

The man nodded. "Terrible thing this morning, that bomb blast. So many were injured." He paced in front of the fountain.

"I came to help them," Remii said. He flinched at the pang that came when he realized his help hadn't been enough for the Lho Sahmlian.

"You are a healer, then, Padawan?" The man stopped in his tracks to peer at Remii.

"No." Remii could say it with conviction, after this afternoon. "I'm not." He couldn't hold the master's gaze and dropped his eyes. Green blood still spattered Remii's pants and boots.

The man's eyes followed. "I see…" The master walked closer to the fountain and stopped on the step below Remii. It brought him eye to eye with the young padawan. "Not to worry. We will help you find your way, Little One."

The Jacklian wandered back and gave his master a nod.

"I don't remember seeing you in the Diplomatic Residence," Remii said. He walked down the fountain steps to the open square. The Jedi stood in front of him, tall as Adin or Master Dushiko. Taller, even. Remii swallowed.

"We generally choose not to stay in the same place as other Jedi," the older man said. "The nature of our work makes that impossible. But we know where the Quartering is; we were there just last night." He stepped closer. "Who is your master, Padawan?"

"Ak’ra Dushiko…"

"Dushiko?" The man laughed. "It is such a small galaxy, isn't it, Muat Maat? I know of your master, Padawan. Oh, this is too good that the Force would deliver the padawan of Ak'ra Dushiko into my hands. We must help him, Muat."

"Yes, Master," the younger man said. He glanced around, eyes sweeping the surrounding buildings and streets. "I'll be glad to help."

"You have to excuse me, Padawan," the master said. "A friend of mine and your master were old… acquaintances. I've heard a lot about Ak'ra Dushiko. Come, we will walk and you will tell me more of your master."

"I don’t want to trouble you," Remii said. "If you just tell me the way, I can get back on my own."

"That wouldn't be responsible of me now, would it? No. I insist on showing you the way." The man came forward and dropped an arm around Remii's shoulders. "I would be remiss if I didn't set Ak'ra Dushiko's apprentice on the proper path."

The man started forward, and Remii had no choice but to go along with him.

The master walked slowly, and Remii didn't dare shrug the arm off his shoulder. It would have been rude. After a few blocks, he got used to it and even began to like the camaraderie. The master projected reassurance, and right now Remii wanted all he could get. The other Jedi walked ahead of them a good half a block, scouting the area. Remii began to relax. 

"So tell me, Padawan, what you are doing out here in the bad part of Sahmly City without your master. And do not lie this time."

Remii stopped, and the master removed his arm and faced him, arms crossed over his chest. The man's pale face held no expression. Remii tried to swallow. "I…"

"Do you think me to be a stupid master, Padawan, to not know when an apprentice is lying?"

"No…"

"No what?"

"No, Master."

"Good. You are a smart youngster. Let's hope that continues." The man unfolded his arms. "Now... tell me. Where is Dushiko?"

"I don't know. He left early this morning after the explosion," Remii said.

"And why are you not with him? A padawan's place is by his master's side."

Remii looked everywhere but at the stern man. "He would not let me go with him."

"Why not? You look like a capable young man to me. Surely you could have been of help."

"I don't know why," Remii burst out.

"Oh, I think you do, Padawan." The man reached out and placed a hand on Remii's chin, tipped it up. "You know exactly why. Tell me." His hands were cool, and the fingertips calloused. One long finger stroked the side of Remii's cheek, while the dark eyes bore into him.

Remii felt the man touch his mind and tried not to shudder. "He said it was not safe out here for me. It was too dangerous, and…" He stopped.

"And?"

"And he says I don't have enough discipline to be with him," Remii replied miserably.

"Is that all?" The master laughed and dropped his hand. "We all tell our apprentices that. You seem disciplined enough. How else could you have healed all those people?"

"You know?"

"Of course I know. We came to check on the area, and found what you had done. A wonderful job, Padawan. I would be proud, if I was your master. You saved people."

Remii dropped his eyes, feeling the heat start up his face. "I tried."

"Ah… so all the patients did not do well?"

"No. One died."

"Just one? That is too bad. But you did your best. Didn't you?"

"Yes."

The master placed his arm around Remii's shoulder again. "Not all can be saved, Padawan. Sometimes they are too far gone to bring back. Is that what happened?"

"Yes…" Remii felt himself being studied, and the intrusive probe the master put out. He was too drained to care at that point.

"Does your master know you have used the Dark Side in your healing, Padawan?" the man asked quietly. "It clings to you like an ill fitted tunic."

"No!" Remii recoiled, then tried to calm himself. "No," Remii said more quietly. "He would be angry."

The master raised a hand and stroked his fingers over the fading bruise on Remii's cheek. "Angry enough to hit you again, Padawan?"

To his horror Remii felt tears well in his eyes. He shook his head and tried to pull away.

The master grabbed him by the wrist. "Do not fear, Little One. I will not let anyone hurt you."

Somehow the words did not sound as comforting to Remii as they had coming from Adin Yeriamman. "Please… I have to get back to my master."

The man released his hold on Remii. "Why? So he can beat you again? But, if you insist…" He watched Remii carefully.

"I need to get back. He'll worry."

"That he will. Tell you what, Padawan. You come with me and I'll make sure you're taken care of." The master put his arm around Remii's shoulders and began to walk.

Again Remii went along, rather than make a scene over the nameless unease he felt. The physical contact eased some of the turmoil inside him. As they turned a corner, he glimpsed a fountain at the far end of the street. It looked suspiciously like the fountain they'd just left. "Where are we?" Remii asked. "I think we're going in circles. Look, I'll find my own way back. Let me go."

Muat loped back and stopped in front of them. "A few natives, Master, no others."

"I need to get back. My master is waiting." Remii tried to pull away from the older man. He tightened his grip painfully on Remii's shoulder a moment, then let go.

"Of course, Padawan. You're tired and upset and not thinking straight. Come with me, I'll take care of you."

The Force suggestion slammed into Remii and weakened his resolve. It also triggered the underlying sense of discomfort he'd felt since the two Jedi appeared in front of him. He backed away, fighting for control. "No, I don't want to!"

"Calm down, Padawan, there is nothing to get excited over. I just want to help."

"I don't want your help."

The master's eyes opened wide. "I cannot believe Ak'ra Dushiko would have such a disrespectful padawan. Surely he taught you better?"

Remii faltered. What would Master Dushiko think of Remii's behavior?

"What shall we do with this padawan, Muat?" the master said. "He desperately needs our help." He took a step forward towards Remii.

Remii backed away another few steps.

"Then we must help him," the ridge haired Muat replied, licking his lips. "Come here, little Jedi." He began to circle, trying to get behind Remii. Remii backed toward a nearby building, keeping both men in front of him.

"It seems Remii likes to play games. That's good. It's all about games," the master said.

Muat sprang at Remii.

In a move that would have made his master proud, Remii had his light saber out and ignited before he consciously thought to do so. Muat was forced to dodge or lose an arm. He rolled and came up growling, and went for his own light saber.

Remii leapt and dodged the saber strike that came for his head. Fear blossomed. It did not seem the Jacklian played, not as Remii and Obi-Wan played at sparring. The apprentice meant to kill him.

Dushiko's teachings came to Remii without conscious thought, blows flowed from his light saber without effort, and for a brief time he drove the other apprentice back. Just as quickly, his fortunes turned as Muat counterattacked and bludgeoned his way forward until he stood face to face with the young boy. Sabers hissed and crackled under the strain as they clashed. Remii frantically Force pushed against the Jacklian, but as soon as his mind latched on to the fact that Muat was bigger and stronger, Remii's Force abilities faltered. Muat took advantage, and gave Remii a Force shove that sent the boy sprawling in the dirt.

Remii stared up as the Jacklian raised his light saber for the killing blow. He told himself not to wince, determined to face his end as Dushiko would have, unafraid. But at the last moment Remii flinched and closed his eyes. The burn of light saber never came. He opened his eyes and looked up.

Muat stood frozen in place, chest heaving as he attempted to deliver the strike. Something stayed his hand, despite his efforts. Force energy, strong and heavy stood between him and the padawan.

"Muat! No. No," the master said soothingly as he walked forward, raising a finger in admonishment. "We don't need to resort to violence. Remii proved he is capable with a weapon." He flicked a hand and the Force energy evaporated. "That is all I wanted to know. Do not let your desire for battle overcome your good sense. Remii will come with us; he wants to come with us. He needs us. Good Jedi do not dabble in the Dark Side. Good Jedi do as they are told."

The Force suggestion wrapped itself around the boy. Remii shook his head, leapt to his feet, and took up a defensive posture as he'd been taught, right side to the man, saber at waist level, angled upward, both hands on the hilt. The turquoise blade glowed between them. He focused on resisting the suggestions hammering at his mind. It's hard, so hard…

"You're only making things worse, Padawan. Put the light saber away. I promise I won't hurt you. Muat won't hurt you. We only want to help." The man took another step toward Remii.

"Stay back! Leave me alone!"

The master sighed. "Have it your way." With a quick wave of his hand, the man threw a Force blow at Remii.

Remii was ready, and from reflexes he didn't know he had, he deflected the bolt back at the man as if it were a band of healing energy to be channeled. The master blocked, and immediately threw another, stronger one, and this time Remii could not find the key quickly enough to send it back, and instead bent it around himself. The impact still knocked him backwards. Ak'ra Dushiko's training made him react automatically, Remii kept a grip on the light saber, rolled, and came to his feet. Panicked, Remii put his remaining Force energy into a mental shout. Master! Help me!

He would have been better off using his faded Force ability for defense.

The master paused, then with a forceful wave of his right hand sent Remii flying back to impact with the side of a building. The boy struck hard, dislodging dust and debris, then slid down in a heap. The light saber rolled from Remii's unconscious hand and extinguished itself. The man walked over, picked it out of the dirt, and held it up. He gave it a minute inspection, then grunted in satisfaction and hung it on his belt.

Muat joined him, looked down at Remii and nudged the boy's ribs with a toe. There was no reaction from the still figure. "We waited too long! Do you think he got off a call for help, Master?"

"I certainly hope so, Muat," the Master replied, stroking his beard.

"What? Why? Jedi will come looking for the kid. You know how they feel about their brats."

The master grinned, a thin smile that stretched across his pale face like a slash. "Bait – to –a – trap,” he replied, “It's part of the game, Muat. I want Dushiko to know his padawan is in trouble. I want the Jedi to know, and wonder. Then I want them to worry. If Dushiko is lucky, I'll let him feel the boy's torment when we turn him. Just so he knows the kid is still alive, and in pain. Oh, it's a great game, Muat. I love playing torture the Jedi."

"Me too." Muat grinned.

"On second thought," the master said, raising a finger, "perhaps it is best to let Dushiko sweat. I sensed his bond with this padawan is weak, divided. It could be more amusing to just…break it." The man closed his eyes and concentrated a long moment, then looked up and smiled. "Without that link to draw on, we can manipulate the boy as we wish. Where do you turn when the Light deserts you, Muat?"

"To the Dark, of course, Master."

"Indeed." The master crouched and removed Remii's utility belt, and handed it to Muat. "Keep that. Hide it, he won't need it." He then pulled the brown Jedi robes off the unconscious boy, and tossed it to the side. "We picked a good one, Muat. He's already dabbled in the Dark Side, and he has problems with his master. It shouldn't take much to turn him. When I'm done, he'll beg to join us."

"Do I get to play this time, Master?"

The master stopped to consider. "Maybe. You've shown yourself to be creative. But you need to learn to play the game for all it's worth." He pulled out a wicked looking knife with a curved black blade. The blade glinted dully. He placed it against Remii's throat. "See, those with no imagination would slit his throat right now, and leave him for the Jedi to find. But the game is everything… the fun is in the game. How may we torture the most Jedi at once?" He caressed Remii's neck with the flat side of the knife. "Now, we have to leave the Jedi a message. They can be woefully stupid without the proper message."

The man moved the blade up and placed it against the right side of Remii's head. He reached out and grasped the dangling padawan braid, and with a flick of his wrist, cut it off. He tossed it onto the brown robe, resheathed the knife, and slid his arms under Remii and stood, lifting the boy easily.

A slight sound from the corner of the building made Muat's head come up and nostrils flare. He closed his eyes and took more deep breaths. "Sahmlian. Females. Two…young, I think. Alone. They saw us."

"Kill one. Leave the other. Then meet me back at the speeder."

"Master, can I…?"

He sighed. "Yes. Do what you want with them first. But make it quick, and leave one alive. I want these people to fear the Jedi. Fear and discontent are our friends, Muat. Remember that."

--Continued in Chapter 23--