TITLE: Dark Sacrifice  29/36

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 29

Canyon of Sorrows

Sahmly Savannah

The Dark Master talked quietly to Muat, and spared no glance for the boy huddled against the rock wall. Remii sat with his knees pulled up to his chest, unmoving. He watched the two men through revulsion filled eyes, taking care to lower his gaze whenever he thought they looked his way. He feigned greater weakness from the injuries they'd inflicted on him then the hurts warranted. One advantage he'd found to using Dark energy was that lies and deception blended with the shadows; there was no need to camouflage his deceit. He could heal himself, but that would involve using more Dark energy. Remii was ashamed of what he'd used already. He could feel the shadows lurk inside, ready to devour his soul.

Remii shifted position to keep the two men in view, and bit back a whimper as abused muscles and flesh made themselves known. It became obvious to Remii the past few days that no one was going to rescue him. Maybe this master told the truth when he said Dushiko washed his hands of Remii.

Maybe.

Remii couldn't believe it, refused to believe it. Ak'ra Dushiko was an honorable man. He wouldn't just abandon his padawan, no matter how mad he got. Remii had to believe Dushiko wouldn't fail him. It gave him hope. The same with the big Jedi Knight, Adin Yeriamman. If Remii closed his eyes, he could almost feel a connection to the Explorer shimmering in the Force. But trying to contact either one for very long left Remii feeling as if a Republic Cruiser sideswiped his head. 

The Dark Master planned to leave Sahmly Two. Once they did, Remii would be cut off and lost. It would be difficult then to resist the temptations before him. Dark energy came to Remii willingly, even eagerly. The more he used it, the easier it would get. He could heal in a fraction of the time it took him before. But it was wrong, inherently wrong, and against everything Ak'ra Dushiko and the Jedi Order tried to teach him. So Remii resisted. But if the Weapons Master failed him, he didn't know what he would do. Death was preferable to a life of Darkness and abuse.

Remii glanced at the men from the corner of his eye. While he feared the master, he was terrified of Muat. The master was cruel, in an elegant sort of way. At least there was logic to his cruelty. But the Jaklian had a brutal streak that astounded Remii. He was vicious, and unpredictable. Muat tortured Remii in a dozen little ways, not all physical, though physical abuse was his favorite. The latest torment was to wear Remii's light saber next to his, and use the remains of Remii's tunic to polish his boots. Remii much preferred that to the thought of what Muat could do with those furred hands and sharp teeth. He shivered, and his hand crept up to touch the bite on his shoulder blade. It still oozed blood. Remii wiped his fingers on his torn trousers. He could heal the wound, but that would take energy. Dark energy, since the Light seemed to have deserted him. Remii conserved his strength in hopes of a chance to change his future. He concentrated on listening.

"I need to make one last trip into Sahmly City," the master told Muat, "I'll stir up enough trouble that the Jedi will be days putting things right. That should give us a good lead. While I'm gone I want you to do a last ship check and-" A soft chiming stopped the master's words. He pulled a com link from his pocket and looked at it. "Perimeter alarm, probably one of those damnable Arrcats. I'll check it out. You stay here and keep an eye on the boy."

"Gladly, Master," Muat said with a slow grin.

"I mean it, Muat. Don't ruin things. He's almost turned, I want him able to work."

"He will be."

"He better be, or you will pay." The dark master handed Muat a data pad. "Plan a route to Damatris Four. I know someone who will help us train this one. Instead of healing, we'll use that ability to manipulate people to our advantage. We can also pick you up your own playmate so you leave mine alone." The master gave Muat a hard stare, then glanced at Remii.

"Yes, Master." Muat took the data pad and began to read.

Remii kept his eyes on the ground. He looked up when the master headed for the bowl and the leap up to the ship. Muat was engrossed in his planning. Remii slowly stood, wincing in pain. He took a cautious step towards the flat rock where the metal water container sat. It was full; he knew that, the master filled it every morning.  He took another step.

"What do you think you're doing?" Muat glanced up at him and snarled.

"Water…" Remii said, pointing at the container.

"What makes you think you deserve it?"

Remii just stared at him, expressionless. "I'm thirsty."

Muat finally sighed. "Fine. Get some. If you fall over from dehydration it would probably be my fault."

Remii walked to the rock, picked up the container and adjusted the lid to take a drink. He took a small sip while pretending to drink more, and stepped around the rock. Muat glanced at him once, then ignored him, bent over the datapad. Remii scanned the area and saw no sign of the master. He swallowed hard, and tightened the carry strap around his palm. In a split second, he made his decision.

Muat barely had time to look up as Remii swung the heavy water container. It collided with the side of his head and made a hollow thunk. Muat yelped and went down holding his skull. Remii slugged him again with the container, dropped it, then darted in and tugged his light saber off the apprentice's belt. Muat growled in between yelps, and Remii didn't wait. He turned and bolted down the canyon, light saber firmly clutched in his right hand.

~~~~

Obi-Wan lay on the ridge by the speeder and scanned the length of the canyon with the microbinocs. Even on maximum power, they couldn't penetrate the end of the gloom-shrouded interior. Obi-Wan searched the walls for Adin, and Dushiko. He didn't see either of the men, but then again, they were both expert in sneaking around. His orders from Dushiko had been clear; stay put, watch, and get help if needed. Obi-Wan wished Adin at least left the droid dog with him, but he could see where Bellicus came in handy for reconnaissance. The droid brought back valuable information from his initial scouting run, namely that there was a ship on the ridge behind the end of the canyon, and that the man around the ship wore Jedi robes. Black Jedi robes. The dog counted provisions and equipment for at least two people, hence Dushiko's decision for Adin to approach from one side and him from the other to attempt to trap whoever was there.

But Dushiko had another reason to want to catch the occupants, Obi-Wan thought grimly. The droid dog brought back a scrap of cloth that was part of a tunic. Bellicus stated quietly that it held Remii's scent, but he couldn't tell them how old it was. If Obi-Wan ever doubted the Weapons Master's devotion to his padawan, he doubted it no longer. Dushiko closed his eyes as if to absorb a physical blow, then opened them, took a deep breath, and began to plan. "If they have Remii and he is alive, we will get him back. If he is not… they will be brought to justice." The Explorer merely nodded, but his face bore the same grim expression as the Weapons Master.

Movement in the canyon caught Obi-Wan's attention. Dark shapes flitted from rock to rock in the lower end. A quick glimpse through the macrobinocs told Obi-Wan Arrcats were on the prowl. He swung the binocs and sighted up the canyon, wondering what caught their interest. A figure moved down the center of the shadowy valley with no attempt at concealment. Obi-Wan thumbed the zoom. It wouldn't focus in the gloom of the canyon. But with a flash of insight, he knew. He saw the running figure in his minds eye as clear as if the binocs penetrated the shadows.

Remii.

Obi-Wan knew there wasn't much time. Remii fled from either Arrcats or something else. Or someone else. The darkness tugged at Obi-Wan's consciousness, and chased after the fleeing boy. Obi-Wan's quick search of the Force told him Remii was trapped, with no other options than a quick death or a slow one. Yeriamman and Dushiko were too far away to help, even if they knew the boy was in immediate danger.

It was up to him.

Obi-Wan didn't hesitate. He dropped the binocs into the speeder after a last look at the terrain, shrugged out of his cloak, and pulled his light saber off his belt. After a glance at the quickest route up the canyon from his vantage point on the ridge, Obi-Wan began to run.

~~~

Remii's breath came in strangled sobs as he forced his legs to keep moving. He'd underestimated the abuse his body could take, and only fear gave him strength now, the fear of being caught by the Jaklian apprentice. Even fear couldn't quiet the pain in his side or the wobbling of his knees. He kept an eye out for the strange looking Arrcats ahead of him. Maybe he could entice them to eat Muat instead of him. Or maybe they would catch him before the apprentice did.

Remii stumbled and almost fell. His lungs and legs took advantage of his lapse, and refused to continue. Remii stood with his hands on his knees and gasped for breath. He could hear the sound of Muat on the trail behind him. Remii looked about wildly, then moved to hide behind a rock near as tall as he was. He tried to quiet his breathing, but the air still rasped through burning lungs.

The sound of running grew louder, and for a moment Remii had hope the apprentice would pass him by. The hope died as the sound of running changed to walking, and heavy breathing.

"I know you're here, Entw'a. Come out now, and I won't hurt you… too bad."

Remii held his breath and froze in place.

"You know what I'm going to do when I catch you, Little Bird?" Muat said conversationally. He walked in ever increasing circles that brought him closer and closer to Remii's hiding place. "I'm going to make you pay for hitting me. Then I'll teach you your place. Even the master won't begrudge me that."

Remii felt his insides quiver with revulsion. He would not let the Jaklian touch him again. Remii ignited his light saber and stepped out into the open.

"Brave of you, Entw'a. Very brave. But very stupid, too." Muat ignited his own saber and circled, grinning. "I shall enjoy forcing you to submit."

Remii kept silent and watched the apprentice's feet. Dushiko taught him not to look in a man's eyes while fighting, so not to be distracted. Remii saw Muat shift his weight to one leg in preparation to spring. The padawan spun to the side and deflected a saber slash Muat made in mid leap. Then Muat fell on him with a furious volley of slashes and strikes. Remii parried desperately.

Muat circled as he fought, and Remii strove to keep the dark apprentice in front of him. By the time Remii figured out the circling was a tactic, it was too late.  Muat threw a Force blow and hurled Remii back against the very rock he'd hid behind. Remii managed to bend the blow partially around him, but the impact stunned him long enough for the Jaklian to swoop in and kick the light saber from Remii's hand.

Judging from the murderous rage in the apprentice's yellow eyes, Remii was sure he was going to die. I'm sorry Master... I've failed you.

"Now, let's discuss this business of running away, shall we, Entw'a?" Muat walked forward, extinguished his light saber and hung it on his belt. He picked up Remii's light saber, hurled it into the bushes, then drew his foot back and kicked Remii so hard in the side the padawan couldn't breathe. Lights flashed in his vision and Remii felt the ends of bones grind together. Muat grabbed Remii under the arms and jerked him to his feet, and began to beat him. Remii gasped desperately as movement brought tears to his eyes and made him dizzy. Punches rained down on his face, he felt his lip split and blood run from his nose. A blow to his cheekbone and Remii heard a crack and felt pain lance through his head. He fought to stay on his feet, and turned his head just in time to avoid a broken jaw. Dazed, Remii offered no more resistance as apprentice's fury cooled. Muat slapped Remii several more times in the face, then threw him back against the rock.

The world spun in Remii's vision. When it cleared, Muat's bared teeth were inches from his face. Muat licked the dripping blood from Remii's cheek and growled. Too terrified to move, Remii didn't even cringe away from the rasp of the Jaklian's tongue on raw flesh.

"I also don't like your pulling a weapon on me. We'll fix that…" Muat took Remii's right wrist in one hand, and slammed the arm against the rock as he punched it.

This time the pain from the broken arm caused the world to turn black. When Remii came to his senses again he found Muat holding him up by his unbroken left arm.

"Good, you're back. I wouldn't want you to get out of any of your punishment. This should keep you from using a light saber on anyone for a while." He pulled on Remii's good arm then stopped and grinned. "I think I'll wait until we're back at the ship to break your legs."

"And I think you'll leave him alone," a sure voice broke in from behind Muat.

Remii slid to the ground as the dark apprentice whirled, drew, and ignited his light saber all in one motion.

Obi-Wan Kenobi stood on the path, light saber at the ready.

Muat made a grab for Remii without taking his eyes off the other apprentice, but Remii rolled away. He had no intention of being used as a shield. He got his feet underneath himself and struggled to stand as the two apprentices circled. He clamped his arm to his side in an effort to harness the pain from the broken ribs.

The two apprentices leapt at each other, slashing furiously, twisting and dodging with Force leaps. Remii's fear for his friend eased when he saw Obi-Wan was an equal match for the Jaklian.

Out of the corner of his eye Remii caught glimpse of a dark shape flitting behind a rock. Arrcats… His fear returned full force. If the animals attacked, Obi-Wan could be distracted, or hurt, either by the dark apprentice or by the cats. Remii couldn't let that happen. Obi-Wan was his friend. If only Remii could call on the Force, he could help Obi somehow and maybe distract Muat. He reached for the Light… and found it as illusive as ever. The Dark lapped at the edge of his thoughts, eager, willing… powerful. Remii stretched out his senses. The Arrcats approached, opportunistic, they would attack as soon as they had the advantage, Remii could feel the hunger and twisted desires that drove them.

Behind him Obi-Wan and the dark apprentice battled. Light sabers crashed and surged, the two men executed Force leaps and blows. One wrong move would give the other the upper hand. Out of the corner of his eye, Remii saw the mutated cats creep closer; their warped need to kill almost a disease.

A disease… if it was an illness, Remii could do something about it. He made his decision. With resolution came confidence, and Remii reached for the Dark energy, drew it to him, then set about projecting outward. He took in the Arrcat's hunger, and madness, channeled it through himself, and sent it back threefold. It felt like a light saber slashed its way through Remii's brain when he first channeled the cat's energy. After a moment, the searing pain quieted as Remii gained control of the disquieting sensation. He separated the cat's energy from his own.

The cats stopped dead, and Remii could interpret their thoughts. Something out here was bigger and madder than they were. They couldn't see the opponent, but they could sense it. It was best to be cautious until they could gain an advantage. They paced several meters away, confused. It wouldn't last; the cats were far too intelligent to be fooled for long.

Remii continued to channel between himself and the strange minds of the cats. He also attempted to reach into the mind of the dark apprentice. It wasn't far removed from the minds of the cats, angry, feral, and unbalanced. Remii tried to remember how he worked the Dllockian box. If he drew from the Dark energy around him, he might be able to build a barrier between himself and the cats. It would be one less distraction for Obi-Wan. Perhaps he could take the living Dark energy from the area and let the ground around him absorb it, as it had many thousands of years ago. He could build a wall with it, and keep the Arrcats firmly out.

The sounds of the light saber battle between Obi-Wan and Muat came to him, intensified by his extended awareness. Sabers crackled and hissed at a frantic pace. Remii didn't dare turn and look, he had to keep the Arrcats back. The danger lay in channeling the Darkness. If he couldn't drive it outward, away, and act as a mirror, it could turn and devour him.

It was a chance he had to take.

Remii struggled to hold the threads of Darkness that he already possessed; he spread his arms, palms outward and concentrated. Remii began to pull, to draw the raw pools of Dark energy from the ground and into himself, extending his healing senses outward. The first time he tried, he recoiled and dropped the thread. Shudders racked Remii's body as the shadows passed through him. He had to clamp down on his revulsion and the pain of the broken ribs and concentrate. He thought of himself as a prism, and redirected darkness outwards. He envisioned a wall between himself and the big cats. He heard the cats snarl with outrage as the barricade took form, and backed them further away from their prey.

With most of his mind taken up by the struggle to harness the Darkness, Remii managed to turn around enough to check on Obi-Wan. The other padawan attacked his target in ferocious strikes, driving him back, just as Master Dushiko tried to teach Remii. This was how a battle was to be fought. Remii stared, wide eyed. A tiny bit of his concentration slipped away, unnoticed.

--Continued in Chapter 30--