So, here it is. The last chapter, within a week, just like I promised. Hope you enjoy.

P.S.- I still don't own star wars, nor am I a millionare…

Qui-gon parked the speeder outside a two-story, old-fashioned brick building and jumped out before the engines could fully turn off. With worry hastening his steps, he raced through the door, unlit 'saber in hand and senses on alert. Not surprisingly, he didn't encounter the bounty hunter. The only presence he felt was that of his apprentice, slowly fading but determined. He followed the presence down a rickety, creaking staircase to a hallway, dark except for the weak glow of two glowrods that attempted to push back the gloom.

Passing several doorways, the frantic man rushed toward the very large, wooden door staring coldly at him from the end of the hall. Slowly pushing the heavy wood aside, he stopped as the sight of his bloodied and broken child hanging limply from thick iron chains like a piece of dead meat in a butcher shop. Taking a deep breath he pushed his fear and worry away. He didn't have the time to waste, not when Ob-wan's life was literally hanging in the balance. Crossing the room with quick, sure steps, he cut the restraints and caught his Padawan before the boy could fall to the floor. Qui-gon had to, again, stifle his emotions when a half-audible moan fell from the boy's chapped lips.

Lowering the youth to the cold floor, he was dismayed when the boy's breathing became wheezy and he seemed unable to catch his breath, even when Qui-gon shifted him so he was sitting propped up against the stalwart chest. The dim, now grey eyes lifted themselves to gaze into worried and frightened blue ones. The youth opened his mouth to speak, but instead of words, a cough forced its way out of the pale face. Shivering in fright and cold, Ob-wan coughed violently until he fell back, exhausted, his face a deathly pale and chest barely moving. The only thing that showed he still lived was the slight trickle of blood that seeped from the corner of Ob-wan's mouth.

With trembling fingers, the Master brushed the red stain away. He held his wobbly child as he fought to fill his lungs with life giving oxygen. Rubbing his back soothingly, Qui-gon whispered loving encouragement. Without warning, the air seemed to give out. Ob-wan exhaled, slowly, painfully, but failed to inhale again. After staring blankly at the still face of his only pride and joy for several minutes, years of training kicked in and Qui-gon frantically began to resuscitate the youth. Ob-wan's form remained still, the lungs still refusing to expand. After several more minutes with no response, the great Jedi Master lost his battle with tears and openly wept over the unbeating heart of his child.

"Oh, Force!" he prayed. "I can't lose him. Not now, not this early in our partnership. It's all my fault he's like this. If he hadn't sacrificed himself, it would be me right there. I can't live without his light in my life. Please. Let him live." His voice gave out then and his sobs silenced long enough for him to register that there was another sound disturbing the quiet of the Sith-forsaken room. Whipping his eyes up from the floor, he was joyous beyond feeling when he saw the most beautiful pair of grey-green eyes staring blankly at him.

"Obi!" he gasped. At the sound of his voice, the battered young man valiantly tried to raise himself up on shaky knees. The action left him breathless and Qui-gon enfolded him in strong arms as much to prevent him from crashing to the permacrete as to reassure himself that his light still lived.

"M-master." Qui-gon, throat tight with emotion, could only nod against the dirty, blood-washed locks. "Wh-what happened? I… I thought I died."

Clearing his throat, Qui-gon whispered in a thick voice."I'm not sure, child. I prayed that you live and it seems the Force has granted me my heart's desire."

"I'm glad." Ob-wan stated simply, his exhausted mind allowing him to give into the childlike wish that everything be all right.

"Rest." Qui-gon implored as he saw the boy's eyes failing to remain open. "Rest. I'm here now, no one and nothing can hurt you now." With a contented sigh, Ob-wan was only too glad to oblige, relaxing into the hold of the one person he knew he could rely on until the angel of death parted them forever.

So, what did you think? I didn't have the guts to permanently kill Obi, so I just killed him technically.