AN: Just an idea of mine I desired to try out. I was going to do a Count Dooku story anyway, and with the recent tragic passing of Sir Christopher Lee, I thought 'why not', as tribute to the man. If enough people believe like it and this story has potential, then I shall continue it after this first chapter. And yes, I am using EU lore with this story. Enjoy!

"Kill him."

This was not how it was suppose to end.

This was not how it was suppose to end.

But alas, the Force claimed otherwise. Count Dooku, known by few as Darth Tyranus, Dark Lord of the Sith, the fallen Jedi Master, Count of Serenno, leader of the Confederacy of Independent Systems, knelt in defeat before the very Jedi Knight he severely underestimated, waiting for the inevitable conclusion to follow.

This wasn't how it should have ended. The curtains were closing on him, and Dooku will never witness the final act.

And, perhaps, he no longer wished to, considering the play was orchestrated by the very same monster who betrayed him. His horrified eyes gazed at the villain behind it all, who was preoccupied staring at his future disciple - Dooku's replacement - with ill-concealed glee.

"Kill him now."

After everything he'd done. All those years of loyalty, of proving himself, of the promises of a new glorious future for the galaxy, was ted by those simple words. The Count had been deceived, not for the first time, allowed himself to believe nothing like this would occur, that Sidious would allow him to see the new corrupt-free democracy for himself, that they, together, created to ensure peace and prosperity throughout the galaxy.

Now Dooku was paying the price for it.

He wanted to yell, to express his outrage and horror over this betrayal. But no words were released, only sharp breathing, as the pain over his hands sliced off him was too much. Dooku supposed that was to be expected, at his age.

Instead, not wanting the last thing he saw before arriving to oblivion to be that Sith's triumphant look, Dooku returned his appalled gaze on Skywalker, who looked evidently conflicted.

"I shouldn't."

A weak protest, the occupents of the room knew, as the dark side was too strong in the boy now. Too strong for him to resist. He knew this. Sidious knew this. Perhaps Kenobi would have known this too, were he not have been previously rendered unconcious.

The curtains were closing faster. And it was not to Dooku's liking... which was a massive understatement. His hopes of a new established governement, free from the incompetent and greedy representatives of all systems, one where corruption no longer ran rampant from the foolish leaders. One where the disorganized Jedi Order or the sorry excuse for a Senate no longer took control over whatever it pleased. A dream of absolute peace throughout the universe run by those who knew what they were doing.

All for naught now.

Sidious clearly desired no similar views for the future. The Sith Lord simply desired power, and will even replace those who served him with undying loyalty - Dooku's own hidden plans of usurping him notwithstanding - without a shred of guilt.

Was Dooku not the same, when he served under the deceptive Dark Lord so many years ago, after Qui-Gon's death by that hands of that brutish Zabrak?

Qui-Gon...

What would that former student of his think about, with this situation? His master who trained him and loved him like a son, kneeling before the young boy whom Qui-Gon discovered on Tatooine all those years ago? Would he express disappointment for joining the very same man whose apprentice killed him? Regret for not being there to train Skywalker himself? Saddened that his old master had fallen to the very darkness the Jedi feared? And how his old master had also partaken in Skywalker's eventual fall to the dark side?

"Do it."

In the end, Dooku speculated, it doesn't even matter. Aged eyes met youthful uncertain ones. Skywalker will kill him, unfortunately, and he deserved it. Yes. Dooku will earn this righteous retribution not with a wimpher, or a plea for mercy, but with the same steely resolve and pride he wore like a cloak. If he was to die, even by this reckless boy who was a part of Dooku's own legacy, then so be it. The Will of the Force clearly called for his death, for causing the genocide of thousands over a war created by his own bitterness against a failing Republic.

Sidious and Skywalker will destroy the disillusioned Jedi Order and pathetic Republic. Not Dooku. Not Tyranus. And it was rather fitting, thinking about it. He never wished for countless deaths in order to ensure peace, but there was simply no other way for it. Many forget that darkness can be used to enforce peace and freedom throughout the galaxy, when used by those with the sincerest intentions.

And Sidious held no such goals. It took too long for Dooku to see that now, and it was too late regardless.

Ah. There was the hardened look in the boy's eyes. Dooku mentally braced himself as he heard the sparking lightsabers move towards both sides of his neck. Only one though remained as the Force embraced his spirit.

Qui-Gon... Forgive me...

"You were forgiven, Master, a very long time ago."

The sound of a voice he hadn't heard over a decade incited Dooku's eyes to open wot widened degrees, as the reality of where he was sunk in. The first thing the aged Sith Lord noted was the fact he wasn't even standing, but floating. The next being he was floating within a light blue realm; similar to the clear blue skies of Naboo, and the next thing he knew the echoes of the Living Force whispered soothingly into his old ears.

His body was cloaked by pure warmness, as though the light wrapped around the aged ex-Jedi like a blanket. But was that absurd; he was a Sith Lord. Why would the Force choose to shield him with such brightness?

And for that matter...

"Where am I...?" And that quiet inquiry somehow brought memories of recent events rushing into Dooku's brain. The duel between himself against Skywalker and Kenobi. Kneeling in defeat before the powerful boy. Sidious' betrayal. The blades crossing as he felt the heat of the lightsabers slash against his neck-

A sharp intake of breath at the realization of it all. Was that all a simple dream, or was he dreaming now? No, no the pain he felt upon losing his hands was far too real than a fabrication from his mind would allow. Perhaps... he was...? Dooku inspected his body thoroughly, mouth gaping anbd eyes widened rather uncivilized for a Count, as he moved around his returned hands.

But how...? Was he truly dead? That must be the case.

"Even in death you strive on pessimism, my old Master."

The second time his old apprentice spoke, and this time Dooku didn't believe it to be a delusion of his, as the voice filled with compassion and warmth emitted from behind him. If the Sith Lord was dead, then that meant-!

And indeed, Qui-Gon Jinn, looking just as he did all those years ago before he died, was standing before his old teacher, arms folded with that bright smile Dooku had longed to see for a long time now. All mannerisms and composure of his title was instantly dropped at the sight of his apprentice - his son - who smiled lovingly at him.

"Qui-Gon..."

The Jedi Master made a peaceful gesture, and just like that the Count felt gravity return to him, landing softly on the invisible ground. And when Qui-Gon spoke, Dooku noticed a echo in his voice. "At ease, Master, this is no deception; you are one with the Living Force now."

Hearing that confirmation, Dooku recalled the composure he held for over his whole life and did so, speaking with a far more civilized tone. "I'm afraid I don't understand, Qui-Gon. If I am truly dead, then why am I here?"

Not that it wasn't a welcoming sight, his very first apprentice being also the first to greet him in the Netherealm of the Force. And yet-

"'Why are you here'? This is the Living Force-"

"I know that." Dooku snapped rather harshly, but his old student didn't even flinch. The Count proceeded to gesture to the entire blue realm. "If I am indeed death, then I should be rotting in the bowels of the darkness with the rest of the Sith before me! Not be greeted by you! After everything I've done, all I planned to do that, why would the Living Force ever even consider allowing me entry to a more peaceful afterlife?"

Qui-Gon shrugged, having grown use to Dooku's tirades a long time ago. "Because I requested so."

"Then even in death, you remain a fool." Dooku frowned disapprovingly. "I am not the same man who trained you, Qui-Gon. I am a Sith Lord, the Count of Serenno, leader of a Separatist movement. Or has the Force never shown you what occurs in the living galaxy?"

"I've seen everything, Master."

That comment caused the ex-Jedi Master to blink. "And yet you still... forgive me?"

"I do."

"But I-"

"Please Master, for once, let the apprentice speak." That firm, yet not unkind tone, had Dooku obliged, partly because he desired to hear Qui-Gon talk once again. Satisfied, the student continued calmly. "You have done plenty of wrongdoings, caused death to countless beings, and assisted in the eventual downfall of the Jedi and the Republic. But I forgive you for them all, regardless."

"...Why?"

Instead of providing a useful answer to that, Qui-Gon asked his own question, "Given the chance, Master, would you rectify all that?"

"I beg your pardon?"

"You're not deaf yet, Master; if a moment to undo all you have done, all the deaths of strangers and close friends, all the chaos and further corruption you and your Sith Master caused for many years, slowly seducing Anakin to the dark side. Would you go back, given the opportunity, and remedy all of that?"

What was Qui-Gon's point? More importantly, what would be the Count's answer to that? He rarely regretted everything he had done. Of course his old training as a Jedi and friendship he forged with others long ago instilled some guilt for his actions, such as Geonosis. But it was all for the greater good; the Republic was a vile disease that had to be purged from the galaxy. Surely Qui-Gon knew this as well.

And yet... was it all worth it?

In the end, it seemed otherwise. The Living Force still whispered that no matter what he did, the concluding path will always be being asked this very question from the ghostly Qui-Gon Jinn, as Dooku finally noticed the blue outlining around the Jedi's body. Even in death he wore that infuriating calm expression, as he waited patiently for his old master's answer.

Just what was his answer?

What would Dooku change? The creation of the Separatist movement? The death of innocents? The death of Sifo Dyas? Qui-Gon's death...?

"...Yes."

"What was that, Master?"

"You heard me." Dooku was in no mood for games. Still, he nodded firmly at his old student. "I would fix everything I could. Do not misunderstand me, my old apprentice, the Republic remains incompetent and corrupt to the core, filled with greedy selfish fools who prefer self-appearances over welfare over their own systems. But I realise now that Palpatine never shared my goals for a more peaceful democracy; he only craves absolute control, and will use your - our legacy to achieve as such."

"So you would go back."

A statement. Dooku nodded. "Given the opportunity." Already the aged Sith felt quite exasperated of his old Padawan's riddles.

A light smile bloomed on Qui-Gon's face, and he sounded rather pleased. "Then there's hope for the galaxy yet."

Dooku frowned. What did he-? And suddenly the aged Sith Lord felt very light-headed, resting his recovered hand on his forehead. "What...?"

"You still have much to do, Master Dooku. The Will of the Force desires you try again, not just for yourself, but for the Jedi, for Obi-Wan, for Anakin, for every living thing in the galaxy."

"I don't understand..." Everything was beginning to go blurry. Was the Force putting him to rest? Was there more to the hypothetical question asked of him? Was Qui-Gon before him really a manifestation, a way of testing the aged ex-Jedi?

Before he succumbed to the realm of sleep, the last thing he was was that irritable amused smile of his old student's. "May the Force be with you... father."

"- Dooku? Master Dooku!"

A wave of oxygen had flown into his lungs, as reality slowly returned to the aged Sith Lord. All sense were coming back naturally to him save for his vision, which was questionably hazy. Instinctively reaching a hand to his burning forehead, Dooku felt cold hardness against his knees, indicating he was kneeling down on a marble floor.

So where was he this time? Last thing Dooku recalled was speaking to...

"Qui-Gon!"

And suddenly his vision completely cleared, as the Jedi Master looked upwards to see his old apprentice again-

...What?

Instead of his old pupil standing before him with infuriating amused expression, the Count was greeted by the concerned wrinkled features of an old friend.

Jocasta Nu appraised her old colleague, gently resting a soft hand on the Sith's shoulder. "Are you well, Dooku? Should I call the healers?"

W...What was happening right now? Doesn't this Jedi know they were no longer friends? The Dooku had forsaken his upbringing to her precious Order over a decade ago? What was even happening-?

The light side of the Force assaulted Dooku's mind like a tornado, and the Count finally noticed the countless shelves surrounding. Brown confused eyes widened in realization over his current location.

I'm... I'm in the Jedi Temple. But how?

Common sense and rationality forced the Count to believe this was all simply a dream. Or an illusion fabricated by the Force as some sort of twisted punishment for his actions against the galaxy. And yet, it felt shockingly real. And staring into those kind gentle eyes of his old friend seemed to confirm that this was somehow all real.

But he died! Dooku knew that. No one, no matter how powerful they are with the Force, could survive being beheaded.

Unless...

"What... What happened?" The ex-Jedi found himself struggling to say, as his old colleague assisted him in standing back, allowing him to lean in support.

"You caused quite a scene, that's what." Jocasta replied with a hint of amusement, gesturing to the wide-eyed crowd of Jedi who were currently in the archives as well as them. Looking back, the Jedi Librarian continued with a sincere tone, "Are you sure you're well, Master Dooku? I don't believe you've collapsed like that ever since Master Tholme had you conduct those Niman training sessions."

Against himself, the aged Sith Lord scoffed. "I told that old man that style wasn't to my suited needs." Then as common sense finally took over, Dooku shook his head in disbelief. "I'm sorry, Madame Jocasta, what precisely happened to me?"

"You collapsed on your knees." The librarian clarified, after allowing her old colleague some space to breathe. "It was quite horrifying, you looked as though you couldn't breathe, and then you yelled Master Jinn's name. If I were to hazard a guess, I'd say the Force alerted you to his presence. Master Jinn had recently returned to the Temple with Padawan Kenobi."

The ex-Jedi frowned in confusion. 'Padawan Kenobi'? She made it sound as though the Count had time-traveled - which was beyond impossible - or this was simply a trick conceived by either the Jedi, or the Force. "You must be mistaken, my old student isn't-"

But before he could correct the librarian on her belief that Qui-Gon was even alive, or point a lightsaber at her neck since she's a Jedi, the old bond that was severed, rather brutally, long ago was felt by the Count in full. This caused the old man to stagger back in shock, again resting palm on his beating forehead as the implications were strongly there, the presence of his old pupil alive and as vibrant as ever evident within the Temple.

Qui-Gon...

Fully ignoring the the surprised voice of his old colleague, Dooku abandoned all elegance and swiftly exited the archives, brushing past any Jedi who stood in his way. He noted some staring at him in shock by the outward emotions that he, of all people, was displaying in his haste to see his pupil.

If by some miracle that he, Count Dooku, had somehow traveled to the past, then by the Force Dooku wasn't going to turn back on everything he said to his old student in the afterlife.

Everything will change, this time. Starting with his son.

AN: Please review, all criticism welcomed. I've wanted to do a fic of one of my most favourite Star Wars characters for a while now. Dooku is, unfortunately, rather underrated; not enough fics of this unique and complex character. I will do my best to give him justice. Until then my friends!