Book VII: Awakening

"Master," Xanatos approached Qui-Gon, his head lowered humbly.  "I was examining the documents gathered on the case regarding the Chun family when the documents suddenly began deleting.  I tried to stop it but – " the tall sixteen-year-old shrugged.  "I'm sorry."

Qui-Gon massaged the bridge of his nose.  "They deleted themselves?"

"I think a powerful member of the Senate could have done it," Xanatos said apologetically, "I know there are those on Telos who have that power.  The Chun's may have requested their help."

"So we have nothing now," Qui-Gon repeated dully.

"Unless Bruck confesses to the crime, we have nothing."

"This case is closed, then," Qui-Gon sighed heavily, getting up from the couch and gathering materials.  "I will inform Master Jas'n of this newest development.  The Council will most likely wish to begin a new investigation regarding those files."

"I volunteer for that mission," Xanatos piped up, "Master, I could do it.  I know the situation best."

Qui-Gon drew his eyebrows together as he contemplated his padawan.  "I know you have the intelligence and the sources to," he said slowly, "But the Council would never allow a padawan to take on his own case."

"You could make them," Xanatos pleaded, blue eyes lit with intensity.

"I don't know about this."

"You're always telling me to follow my instincts.  I am trying to," Xanatos said firmly.  Qui-Gon looked into those serene blue eyes, seeing once more the shape of the young man Xanatos was growing to be.  Nearly eleven years he had known him, watched him grow from a boy to this man he was so proud of.  He would have to back Xanatos's feelings.  He would have to trust Xanato's skills.

Qui-Gon rested one hand on Xanato's shoulder.  "I'll find a way," he promised.

***

Qui-Gon Jinn sat silently as Sarra began painting a set of symbols over his forehead.  "I was aware the Jedi had a certain training bond with their apprentices," she said as she worked, the brush drawing a cold line across his skin.

"Yes we do," he said.

"If you wouldn't mind explaining that particular bond to me, I would love to hear it," Sarra said, dipping her brush into the blue paint.

Blue.  Obi-Wan's lightsaber had gleamed blue.  How many times had Qui-Gon seen the reassuring beam spring to life, send bolts flying back into walls, effectively covering his side?  He had trusted Obi-Wan's skills with his life.

"Master Jinn?" Sarra broke in, her tone concerned.

Qui-Gon shook his mind back to reality.  "The Jedi training bond.  It is one forged of love and trust," he said, "A way for Master and Padawan to be connected through the Force and to sense one another, to feel one another's emotions and presence.  It has uses for guiding a young Jedi through training and for – more personal purposes."

"Do you feel Obi-Wan right now?  Do you feel Bruck?"

"The bond is cloudy," Qui-Gon evaded.

"What personal issues?"  Sarra made a mark across the bridge of his nose.

"A Jedi cannot show emotions," Qui-Gon struggled to put thoughts into words, "Yet feelings are spread over Master/Padawan bonds, allowing both to know that somebody loves them," his husky voice hitched over the words.

Sarra nodded, sliding one cold finger underneath his chin to prop his head up.  She laid three wide strokes under his chin.  "It's finished," she said.

"Now what?"

Sarra crossed the room, removing several small items.  One was Bruck's lightsaber.  She laid it facing the west.  The second was Obi-Wan's lightsaber.  She laid it facing the east.  Carefully, Sarra placed Qui-Gon's lightsaber between the two, facing north.  Then she removed a small knife, the handle one of smooth white wood.  Placing the knife underneath her right ear, she cut off a smooth lock of hair.

Qui-Gon watched as she laid the items out again and then began chanting.  His skin tingled with nerves.

"Everything is set," Sarra spoke, "We must go get Bruck."

With a push of the Force, Qui-Gon opened the door, revealing Bruck.  His hands had been firmly bound together and the look on his face was one of trepidation as Windu guided him into position.

"What's going on?" his voice wavered.  He turned pleadingly to Qui-Gon.  "Master – "

Qui-Gon tuned out the voice, strengthening his heart not to hear those pleas.

In desperation, Bruck turned to Sarra Chun.  "Mom!" he cried, "Don't let them kill me!"  He struggled valiantly against Mace's iron grip.

Sarra barely flinched.  She turned back to her workstation, dropping a few sprinkles of dust into a smoking bowl of murky green substance.

"Mom!" Bruck shouted, more desperately.  Sweat broke out over his forehead.  "It's me!  Bruck!  You can't let them – you can't let them – you can't do this!" his voice rose in pitch as Sarra came towards him, a cup of the substance in her hand.

She started to raise it over Bruck's head.

Bruck fought Mace's grip, lashing out with his legs and body.  With a grim look, Mace used his considerable strength and power to hold Bruck down.  The green liquid spilled over his head.  Bruck gave a ragged breath as the green entered his nose.  He gagged and cried out pleadingly.  "Mom!"

Sarra stood back.  Her face was unreadable.

Qui-Gon watched, astonished, as the three lightsabers and the small sliver of hair rose in the air, dancing in a swirl around the symbols Sarra had marked on the floor.

"Eka jepqna," Sarra said in a strong, steady, voice. 

Bruck went remarkably still, lying limply against the chair.

"Penznpep fjapzl," Sarra continued.  She pointed one finger at Qui-Gon.

Instantly, the Force bond with Obi-Wan snapped.  Startled, he gazed through bleary eyes at Sarra.  He felt tired...incredibly tired...the lines painted across his face began to beam searing heat, spreading across his body in a wave of pain.

So tired...

"Mpeoakjsnzj ejop faiat dfjape!" Sarra shouted.  She placed one shivering hand on Obi-Wan's forehead.  Obi-Wan began to shiver violently, his entire body shaking.  A strangled cry rose from his throat.

Sarra stood back, waiting.

Obi-Wan's side opened, grew larger and larger.  A shape rose up from it.

Bruck!

Through exhausted eyelids, Qui-Gon struggled to watch as the horror scene played out.  Bruck Chun rose from Obi-Wan's body.  And the body he left behind – Obi-Wan's body – slumped against the floor, completely still.

Bruck flexed his arm muscles.  With a cry, Sarra ran forward and embraced her son.

"What are you doing?" Mace shouted.  Dimly, Qui-Gon was aware of Mace reaching for his lightsaber.  Bruck, calling his own blade and swinging at the Jedi Master, Mace parrying –

And then unconsciousness took him.

***

"Qui-Gon!"

"Qui-Gon!"

"W – what?" Qui-Gon blinked, seeing Mace Windu's baldhead hovering above him.  "Mace," he asked, his mind still foggy.  He closed his eyes again.

Mace slapped his cheek gently.  "Qui, you've got to wake up!" he said insistently, "Obi-Wan . . ."

Qui-Gon stretched out his long muscles, crying out as a wave of nausea swept over him.  "O – Obi-Wan?" he croaked out weakly.

The memories rushed back.  Qui-Gon stiffened.  "Sarra," he said.

"She's in custody of the Jedi.  Adi Gallia is interrogating her."

"Bruck?"

"Alive.  Held in a Force bind and guarded by Yoda."

"Obi-Wan?"

Mace looked away.  "In bad condition," he murmured.  "Whatever Sarra did, it seemed to involve drawing energy from both you and Obi-Wan so that Bruck could be alive.  You were knocked out pretty badly but Obi-Wan – "

Qui-Gon found the strength to get up.  "Where is he?" he rasped out.

Mace pointed at the bed beside him.  And Qui-Gon's heart nearly shattered right there and then.  His padawan was lying completely still on the bed, his entire body pale.  His body was twitching uncontrollably and his glassy eyes were open, but registered nothing.

Qui-Gon took a step forward, wavering unsteadily.  Mace Windu moved to help.  Qui-Gon shrugged him off.  "Padawan," he whispered brokenly, taking one clammy hand in his own.  He whirled on Mace.  "What happened?"

"I told you.  Sarra took his life strength and gave it to Bruck.  She took a healthy helping of yours as well," Mace pulled up a chair for Qui-Gon.  Still stunned, Qui-Gon sat, holding Obi-Wan's limp hand in his own.

"Why didn't she take all of mine and spare him?" Qui-Gon cried out plaintively, feeling Obi-Wan's cold cheek under one hand.  "Padawan," he repeated dully.  "Forgive me."

Mace watched without commentary as Qui-Gon closed his eyes painfully and rested his head against the white bed sheets.  He had known of the love Qui-Gon had felt for the young man laying so limply on the bed.  At last Qui-Gon spoke: "Will he live?"

"That is up to him – and you," Mace said.  He was not a man of gentleness, but his voice was remarkably soft as he spoke to his old friend. 

Qui-Gon heard the Jedi Master, but only from a far away distance, as if his senses were dulled, his ears stuffed.  Dimly he heard himself repeating, "He'll live.  He must live."  Then his head rolled backward and he fell against the chair.

***

"Please, Master Jinn, we will take care of him!" Mpaek said impatiently.  "I am a Healer.  I would like to think you have a little confidence in my skills!"

"Forgive me, Master Healer, you have all my faith.  But I cannot leave him."  Qui-Gon raised his eyes to the Jedi, seeing his sigh of exasperation.  It had been three days since he had first awoken, three days since Sarra had performed that ritual and brought Bruck back to life.  All those three days, Qui-Gon had spent every moment at Obi-Wan's bedside, ignoring pleas and orders to get rest.

Mpaek sighed.  It was times like these he wished the Jedi master didn't have such a legendary stubborn streak!  "Obi-Wan will still be here when you return," he said.  "You must get rest.  Sarra Chun hurt you badly as well.  Obi-Wan needs you when he wakens.  Not until then."

"I let him down," Qui-Gon said, his hand tightening on Obi-Wan's pale one.  "Not anymore."

"Are you listening to me?"

"I'm here," Qui-Gon said tonelessly.  "Padawan, I'm here."

"Master Jinn, I believe you are hallucinating."

"Here for you.  Always here.  Still here," Qui-Gon repeated numbly.

"Master Jinn, you need rest!"

"Get him safely to bed, I shall," the familiar venerable Jedi Master's voice crackled through the air.  With a relieved nod, Mpaek allowed Yoda to come up and place one hand on Qui-Gon's knee.  Yoda concentrated.

The large Jedi master lifted up through the Force, floating gently in the air.  Despite himself, Mpaek brought a hand up to cover his smile.  It was not often one saw Master Yoda floating a knocked out Qui-Gon through the air to bed.

"Make sure he doesn't come back in," Mpaek said.

Yoda hesitated, his eyes flying to Obi-Wan's limp form.  "Will he – "

"It depends," Mpaek said.  "I'm sorry I cannot offer a more optimistic response . . . "

***

Obi-Wan Kenobi drifted alone in a sea of gray.  Everything hurt.  He struggled to stretch out his limbs, only to cry out in pain as a jolt of fire flashed through his veins.  He should not have done that.  It had hurt.

Where am I?

Obi-Wan studied the gray matter thoughtfully, reaching out with his mind to stroke it.  It leapt away from his touch, as nimbly as a deeyr would spring through the woods.  Obi-Wan smiled weakly at the image of the deeyr before another hot flash brought him back to his condition.  His nerves tingled with raw energy.

What happened?

He could feel the pain building up again, biding its time, waiting for the moment to strike.  Vulnerable, Obi-Wan decided.  That was what he was.  The pain was his master and he was a slave to it, just waiting for it to hit him.  Well he wouldn't let it.  He had, after all, trained to be a Jedi.  Pain didn't have to be his master.  It didn't.

Obi-Wan called on the Force, wrapping its soothing presence around him.  Gingerly, he sent a pulse out to the pain, calling it.  He was ready for it, with the Force by his side.  There was a familiar warmth surrounding him, a quiet touch, a welcoming warmth.  Obi-Wan draped himself in the comfort, building up barriers around him.

The pain would not catch up off guard again.

He could feel it now, but his shields held steady.  He allowed the pain to stroke across his shields, to dance over his barriers, but he refused it entrance.  Not again.

Obi-Wan glowed with fierce energy as he closed his eyes, allowing himself to drift, surrounded by the embrace of the Force.  Yes, he decided.  There was definitely a quality there.  Something he should be able to put a name to.

Later.

Obi-Wan reconstructed his shields.

***

"I can't reach him," Qui-Gon said, plainly frustrated.  "He is shielding and I have no heart to force them down.  I never could get through Obi-Wan's shields when he didn't want me to."  Uttering a soft curse under his breath, he turned back towards Mpaek. 

"You must try," Mpaek said, "Padawan Kenobi is hurting and has turned his mind from the pain – from the world.  He is drifting with the Force now and only his body is keeping him tethered here with us."

Qui-Gon's eyes dulled.  "I know."

"Perhaps you should try to contact him later," Mpaek said.  "Exactly one week ago, Master Yoda called for you to meet with him once you'd healed.  I think it is due time you went to him."

The large Jedi master nodded and got up, in monotone.  "I will."

"Master Jinn," Mpaek said, unable to bear the pained look on the Jedi master's face.  "A week ago, I would have sworn we were going to lose him, but now – your padawan is young and strong.  I think he will bounce back."

Qui-Gon's stoic expression never changed, "Thank you for the kind words, Master Healer."

"I have not lied in years, and I certainly will not start now," Mpaek said, but Qui-Gon was already out the door.

***

"Master," Qui-Gon said.  He entered the room, pausing to kneel at the elderly master's feet.  "How may I be of service?"

"Not formal, this is," Yoda said, "Stand, Master Qui-Gon.  Merely here to check up on you, I am."

Qui-Gon stiffened.  "I am fine."

"Not fine, you are!" Yoda was quick to contradict, his voice sharp.  "Fine you are not."

"Yes, Master."

"What think you?"

With a sigh, Qui-Gon fixed his gaze on Master Yoda.  "I am weary."

"From?"

"Lack of sleep."

With an annoyed humph, Yoda jabbed the younger master in the shin with his gimer stick.  Qui-Gon winced.  "Not just that, it is," Yoda said.  "Talk of your problem, we shall.  Then find a solution, we can."

"Weary from loss of hope!" Qui-Gon cried out.  "Is that what you want to hear, Master?  For two weeks now, he has lain so still in that hospital bed.  Our bond may be severed – blocked – but I still feel his pain.  He is hurting deeply and he will not let me help him!"

"Know now you do, how feel your master must have once," Yoda remarked.

Qui-Gon didn't smile.  "I drove Master Dooku mad."

"Know that I do," Yoda said.  He smiled sadly, trying to see a memory of the padawan Qui-Gon had been in the haunted gaze of the Jedi master who knelt before him now.  He saw nothing.  No twinkle in those green eyes, no laughter behind his smile.  "Changed much you have, from padawan to master."

"I think we call it growing up," Qui-Gon said.  "Gaining responsibilities."

"Like your padawan," Yoda said.

"So that's where this is leading," Qui-Gon said dully. 

"Need what, do you?" Yoda said, "To relieve this guilt that is not yours?"

"His waking would be a fine start," Qui-Gon said, "I would trade every honor I've ever won in my life if only Obi-Wan could be returned safely to me...the Jedi Order."

"What of Sarra and Bruck Chun?"

Qui-Gon's jaw tightened.  "They are to blame...almost as much as I am for trusting them in the first place."

Yoda nodded acceptingly.  "Blame yourself so much, you should not.  Vehemently protest it, Obi-Wan would," he said.

"If he were here, perhaps he would," Qui-Gon said.

"Talk with Sarra Chun, you shall," Yoda decided.  "Give you something to do, it shall."

"Master, I do not want – "

"Irrelevant, your wants are, when unable to think clearly you are," Yoda said.  "Held she is in lower levels of the Temple.  Go now."

"Master – "

Yoda jabbed Qui-Gon in the shin, harder.  Qui-Gon nearly fell over at the force of the blow, crying out from the shock of the blow and from the pain spreading through his leg.  "Go now!" Yoda ordered fiercely, holding his gimer stick up for further emphasis.  Without further protest, Qui-Gon limped out the door.

Once the doors hissed closed behind him, Qui-Gon let out a soft sigh and then headed for the lower levels as ordered.  He had no desire to face Sarra and frankly he was surprised Yoda was even allowing him to.  He was afraid of his own anger, anger that he might unleash on the woman.

Anger is under my control.  I am not slave to anger, Qui-Gon reminded himself sternly.  It was a lesson all initiates were taught, a lesson constantly relearned throughout training.  As he walked, he drew in freely from the Force, willing it to push his anger and frustration aside.  He swallowed up the pure light of the Force and let it fill him with renewed energy.  He bathed in its gentle embrace.

When his boots rang on the floor of the lower level, he was calm again.

"Master Jinn," a young child of eight greeted him.  "Master Yoda told me you were coming."

Qui-Gon studied the child.  Had Yoda deliberately chosen a child who looked exactly like Obi-Wan had as a child?  Or was it merely his imagination playing tricks on him?  "Yes, I am here to see Sarra Chun," he said.

"Follow me please," the child quipped.

Qui-Gon consented, trailing after the young boy.  The two rounded a pair of corners until they reached a small room.  "Master!" the boy called.  "Master, Master Jinn is here to see the Chun mother."

Master? Qui-Gon frowned.  This young boy already had a master?

Master Windu stepped from the shadows of the room.  "Thank you, Padawan," he said gravely, "Please return to your studies.  I will be up shortly."

The boy grinned and bowed before dashing off.  Qui-Gon gazed after his retreating back.  "So you have kept quite a secret," he said.  "Going off and taking a padawan."

"Only for the past few months," Windu shrugged.  "We thought it best for him to continue with his initiate training as long as possible."

"Why did you choose one so young?"

"The Force said it was right," Windu smiled, "And he is quite worthy of being a padawan at so young an age.  I first met him six months ago, when he was seven-and-a-half.  He rounded a corner and smacked into me.  Certainly caught my attention."

Your padawan is filled with vibrant life and mine had the life pulled out of him.  Qui-Gon worked hard to keep his tone neutral.  "Mace...I am down here for a purpose."

"No small talk then?" Windu shrugged.  "All right."  He closed his eyes and concentrated.  Qui-Gon felt the Force surge in the room and then skillfully be directed against the far right wall.  It gleamed transparent and Qui-Gon looked into the eyes of Sarra Chun.

"Sarra," he said tonelessly.

"I'll be in the next room," Mace Windu said.  "Call me if you need me."

Qui-Gon nodded, his mind completely focused on Bruck's mother.  "Why did you do it?" he asked.

Sarra looked at him.  "What will happen to Bruck?  Where is he?  I want to see my son."

"You did not answer my question," Qui-Gon snapped.  "Why did you do that to Obi-Wan?"

"The Jedi have not been listening to my questions for the past two weeks!" Sarra said.

Qui-Gon swallowed painfully.  "Your son is in Temple custody, as you are.  He is waiting for the Council's sentence."

"Will they kill him?"

"He should not be alive to start with," Qui-Gon said, looking steadily at her. 

Sarra studied him carefully.  "I find you very interesting, Qui-Gon Jinn.  You love your padawan so much and you would clearly do anything for him..."

"And?"

"Why don't you just understand I would do anything for Bruck?" Sarra asked.  "Why don't you understand that I love him, as you love Obi-Wan?  Why don't you understand I saw the choice to let my son live and I had no choice but to take it?  Would not you have done the same for Obi-Wan?"

Shocked, Qui-Gon stared at her, unable to form a response.  Sarra saw him and nodded, satisfied.  "Do you see now, Master Qui-Gon Jinn?  That is my response to your question."

"It is different," Qui-Gon said evenly.  "A Jedi – "

"Ah the Jedi are different.  But it is the same love that drove me...just a different sense of morality," Sarra said.  She scrutinized him.  "I do hope that Obi-Wan lives," she said softly.  "I did not want to kill him.  Why do you think I used you too?"

"What do you mean?" Qui-Gon asked suspiciously. 

"I used your training bond to find your energy as well.  I did not need you," Sarra said.  "I could have taken everything from Obi-Wan.  But I did not."

"Ah," Qui-Gon said sarcastically, "Let us continue this talk of your high morals."

"You do not understand."

"You are right.  I do not understand you."  Qui-Gon took in a deep breath, willing his frustration to move out of him.  "Consider the matter dropped.  You cannot provide me with answers."

"The ones that are true or the ones that you want to hear?"

Her serious brown eyes met Qui-Gon's.  There was no regret in them.  Qui-Gon felt his annoyance bubble in him again.  "This matter is dropped," he said tersely.  He had to get out of here before he did something he would regret.

"Qui-Gon," Sarra called after him.  "I did not want to kill him."

"You lie!" Qui-Gon shouted.  He turned back, fists clenched, one hand automatically going for his lightsaber.  Immediately, he felt a vise-like grip close over his hand.  Mace Windu. 

"Qui-Gon," Mace said softly, "Time to leave."

Qui-Gon refused to move, continuing to glare at the woman.  "If Obi-Wan dies, I will personally hold you responsible," he threatened darkly.

"Qui-Gon!" Mace jerked him backwards and away from Bruck's mother.  His face was set in grim lines and his hold on Qui-Gon's wrist was like iron.  "Go now.  Consider that an order."

"I will not – "

"Go," Mace ordered sharply.  Qui-Gon felt a spring in the Force and then he was pushed back, away from Sarra.  The transparent wall closed and Qui-Gon could see nothing more than the cool white wall.  Shaking at the rage that enveloped him, he took in deep breaths, willing his beating heart to calm.

"I am sorry, Mace," he said at last.  "I do not know what came over me."  He raised a trembling hand to brush fallen strands of hair aside.  "I do not know what came over me," he repeated.

The Councilor nodded tersely.  "It is understandable, but not excusable.  We will discuss it later.  Healer Mpaek is calling for you."

***

"Master Jinn, I am grateful to see you," Mpaek said. 

"Why did you call me here?" Qui-Gon asked.

Mpaek looked away from the tall Jedi master, concentrating his words at the floor.  "We believe your padawan is slipping away."

Fear rose in Qui-Gon's throat, choking his words. 

"We need you to call him back, Master Jinn," Mpaek said.  "To aid him in whatever way possible."  The Healer studied the Jedi master carefully.  "Under typical circumstances, I would try myself, but Master Yoda believed you would be better at the task."

"What – what can I do?" Qui-Gon managed out, swallowing down the lump in his throat.  He could panic later.  Now was the time for action.

Mpaek began walking down the infirmary halls, speaking curtly.  "You must reach for your padawan, lend him strength to stay with us.  Right now, his body is failing him and you do remember that his body was – "

"Keeping him tethered with us," Qui-Gon said coarsely.  "I remember."

"We have tried all types of Force healing possible, but his body does not seem to be responding," Mpaek said.  "We are hoping that this will work."

Qui-Gon sat down on the chair next to Obi-Wan's bed, feeling his heart wrench at the sight of the young man's limp form.  "I will make it work," he said.

"I will be nearby," Mpaek promised.

Qui-Gon closed his eyes and dove into the warmth of the Force.

***

Obi-Wan floated.

He was above the pull of gravity.

The gray beckoned to him, reached out arms to assist his path, soothed his pain and hurt.  Come with us, it whispered into his ear, we will make it go away.  All of it will drop away if you come...

Obi-Wan reached for the gray's hands again, only to curl back as a flash of pain hit him.  He cried out softly.  Come back.  Protect me.  His haze of pain struck out at the gray, raining down blows left and right.  The gray retreated.

Come back!

The pain arched swiftly and struck him again.  Obi-Wan cried out weakly and fell, desperately trying to shield himself from the pain.  His shields, that had been so carefully constructed, wavered uncertainly under the barrage.  I am not strong enough...

Let me help you.

Obi-Wan turned his mind to the new source of energy, gasping at the pure strength of it.  A moment later, the source blazed with white fire and descended down on the pain, sweeping it away with grace.  A comforting warmth surrounded Obi-Wan, eased his pain, and enveloped him in a series of tight shields.

M – master? Obi-Wan croaked out.

The air around him felt light and alive with energy.  Padawan, we have been waiting for you to waken, the voice said, please, wake up.

I don't think I know how...Obi-Wan trembled.  I am lost.

Then follow me.  Without a second's hesitation, Obi-Wan stretched out his mind to touch his master's and climbed after him, taking the path his master so easily carved.  The pain fell away from him as he walked, visibly dropping off of him and back into the gray.  Obi-Wan walked towards the light that was Qui-Gon.

***

Obi-Wan's eyes flickered open and immediately he closed them.

"Dim the lights," he heard his master's familiar deep voice.  "He was woken."

Obi-Wan opened his eyes again.  Qui-Gon smiled down on him.  "Welcome back to us, Padawan," he said warmly.

"H – ho – " Obi-Wan struggled with his tongue.  It felt strange and foreign in his mouth.  "How long was I – Bruck – where's - "

"Ssh, Padawan," Qui-Gon said.  He laid one large cool hand on Obi-Wan's hot brow.  "Your body is still recuperating.  Get some rest."

"You just told me to take up," Obi-Wan grumped, "Make up your mind."

A smile flickered on the Jedi master's face.  "Then sleep, now, Padawan," he said.  Obi-Wan felt the Force pulse between the two, felt the bond grow and swell with fresh life.  Soft sleep tendrils were sent and Obi-Wan felt sleep pulling at him.  He closed his eyes and slept.

Qui-Gon turned back to Healer Mpaek.  "It is good to have him back with us."

Mpaek looked at him and nodded. "I am again surprised by the strength of your bond and by the way he followed you," he said.  "It normally takes much more persuasion."

"Obi-Wan is a special child," Qui-Gon said.  He closed his eyes and allowed himself to breathe more calmly for the first time in weeks.   "I am grateful the Force lent him strength to live."

"About that," Mpaek said.  "I noticed an unusually strong Force concentration around him.  It was as if...he had...pulled the Force around him.  Although his own Force signature was relatively weak, the Force enhanced it."

"It allowed me to find him," Qui-Gon said.

"Your padawan had good fortune," Mpaek said.  "I doubt many could survive what he did.  It is truly a tale to be archived in song."

Qui-Gon smiled weakly.  "I am discovering quite a deal about my fellow masters today," he said, "First there was Mace, and now you, a budding artist." 

"And you," Mpaek said, deadpan, "An extremely stubborn man."

"That was common knowledge, I think," Qui-Gon said. 

Book VIII: Mending

With trembling fingers, Obi-Wan pushed aside his books to reveal the letter he had received over a month ago.  Revenge is always sweet.  The words, written in dried blood, glared out at him, but Obi-Wan finally felt at peace with the letter.  The dark side of it no longer haunted him.

"It took courage for you to take that out," Qui-Gon said softly.

Obi-Wan looked at his master.  "What will happen to Bruck?"

"Padawan...you've been out the hospital wing for only a few weeks.  Do not worry about Bruck.  Concentrate on healing your injuries."  His fingers gently probed the scar on Obi-Wan's side, from where Bruck had emerged.

"Master, please," Obi-Wan said.  "What will happen to him?"

Qui-Gon sighed and looked away.  "He will be Force-blinded and drafted into Agri-Corps," he said gently.  "Nothing harsher than he deserves.  You will not see him again.  The Council has made sure of it."

Obi-Wan placed his smaller hands over his master's hands.  "I need to."

"Why?"

"I just do, Master.  I cannot explain it.  I can't even begin to fathom why."  Obi-Wan looked at his hands, for no reason other than to avoid his master's stare.  "I just need to," he repeated.

"He leaves tomorrow," Qui-Gon said.  "Perhaps you can visit him before the – Force blinding."  Force blinding was one of the harshest punishments the Jedi could inflict.  With the Force blinding, the person's Force centers would be completely wiped.  They would no longer hear the Force, let alone harness it.  The punishment was so grave it was seldom spoke of.

"Can we go now?" Obi-Wan asked.

Qui-Gon looked at his nineteen-year-old apprentice and suppressed a sigh.  Why, Obi-Wan? he wanted to ask the young man, Why won't you let me shield you?  But from the scars on Obi-Wan's chest – scars he would bear for the rest of his life – Qui-Gon knew perfectly clear why: Obi-Wan had endured an ordeal like an adult.  He had left a piece of his childhood behind and no matter how much Qui-Gon wished it would be returned, it wouldn't be.

"Master?"

Qui-Gon rubbed the bridge of his nose.  "Let us go down then."

***

"Vaping Moffs!" Thirteen-year-old Bruck swore loudly.  He straightened abruptly, dropping the cornhusks he had been holding to the ground.  "There's a bee hive in there!"

"Well then get rid of it," his fellow Agri-Corp padawan said.  "We're both Jedi here, aren't we?  We can handle a little hive problem."

"We're not Jedi you fool," Bruck said.  He activated his lightsaber and held the gleaming red beam in front of him protectively.  "We're rejects if you want to put a name to it.  Apprentices cast out of the Temple – "

"We're doing what the Force wills," the boy protested.

Bruck fixed the boy with a glare.  "Look, I don't know what you think, but the Temple never wanted us.  I should have been a padawan to the Master Jinn, but Yoda conspired against me.  Fixed Jinn with Oafy-Wan."

"I heard Padawan Kenobi earned the title," the boy said stiffly.

Bruck snorted.  "Have you ever seen Obi-Wan fight?  I kicked his butt daily."  He thrust the lightsaber into the plants and smiled as smoke rose in the air.  Dead bees dropped onto the ground next to Bruck's feet, most sliced cleanly in half or severely burned.

His fellow padawan wrinkled his nose in disgust.  "Protocol orders us to use the Force to move the bees and their hive to a new location," he said.

"Protocol is highly overrated.  This gets rid of the menace once and for all."

"Apprentice Chun!"

Bruck whirled in the direction of the call, his face paling at the call.  His supervisor was summoning him.  "Oh great; what did I do now?" he grumped, deactivating the lightsaber.

His fellow padawan opened his mouth as if to speak, thought better of it, and then closed his mouth.  "You better hurry," he said, "He doesn't like being kept waiting."

"I know that, fool," Bruck snapped.  "Look, you'll have to do my side because I won't be back," he said.  Without waiting for his answer, he took off for the supervisor.

"What is it?" Bruck asked.

His supervisor looked at him, a look of clear annoyance on his face.  "You have a visitor waiting for you," he said.

Bruck's heart leapt.  Master Jinn had seen his folly and had come for him!  Or the Temple had regretted its foolish decision to waste his talent on Agri-Corps!  "Who is it?" he asked eagerly.

"Somebody named Xanatos," his supervisor replied.  "Do you know him?"

***

"Oafy-Wan," Bruck sneered.

Obi-Wan stared impassively at his long-time rival.  Bruck's frame was thin and he looked haggard.  His white hair was tied back in a messy ponytail and his bangs hung over his eyes.  Bruck nonchalantly pushed them off and threw Obi-Wan a challenging look.  "So I finally see you in person again, Oafy."

"It is a pleasure."  Obi-Wan's voice reflected nothing.

Bruck smiled.  "It took you long enough to recuperate from the Último Sacrificio," he taunted, "I thought you were a tad stronger than that, Oafy, but even that isn't allowed you."

Qui-Gon clenched his jaw and willed himself to stay sitting.  It hurt to hear somebody insult his padawan like Bruck was doing.  But this was Obi-Wan's fight not his.  Much as it hurt his heart, Qui-Gon knew he had to step back and give the reins to Obi-Wan.

"I am sorry to let you down," Obi-Wan said coolly.

Qui-Gon smiled at the response.  Obi-Wan's sense of humor had always cropped up at the oddest moments, he thought.  During training, Obi-Wan would be last to crack a joke, yet in a grim situation, he always had a witty comment at hand.

Bruck saw him smiling.  A look of jealousy crossed his face and he spat his next words at Obi-Wan, "What, do you need your master behind your back to face me?  Too scared to be with me by yourself?"  He lowered his voice.  "You should be, Oafy.  You are no match to me."

"You are so unoriginal," Obi-Wan said.  Bruck's burning gaze seared through him, but he did not allow himself to be affected by it.  Here he was, a Jedi padawan of the Order, with his master, the renowned Master Jinn behind him.  On the contrary, Bruck sat behind a Force-wall, his hands and feet chained.  "Who do you think went farther?" he asked softly.

Bruck reddened fiercely.  "I will kill you, Oafy," he sneered.  "You think you have won, but I will get you.  When your master is no longer there to save you," he smiled jestingly in Qui-Gon's direction.  "You cannot keep me away from you forever."

"Tomorrow, you won't even remember me," Obi-Wan said.  "Surely you have heard the Council's decision."

"They tried to restrain me once and failed," Bruck informed him.  "What makes you think they will succeed this time?"

"I do not think.  I know."

With an infuriating grin, Bruck leapt up at him, clawing at the invisible barrier.  "I challenge you, Obi-Wan," he said, "If you are any bit of a man or a Jedi, you will accept.  I want a chance to best you."

"At..."

"Everything," Bruck smiled mirthlessly.  "An outright lightsaber battle.  With no master behind your back!  You and me, one on one.  Man to man.  We're not kids anymore, Obi-Wan.  We can deal with this the adult way."

"The Dark way?"

Bruck rolled his eyes.  "Coward."

"I am not a coward."

"You were always a coward!  Seven years ago and now.  You haven't gained one shred of courage since then.  You've merely hidden yourself behind strong barriers."  Bruck's gaze flickered to Qui-Gon.

"Thank you for the compliment, Apprentice Chun," Qui-Gon said dryly.

"I have every right to under the laws of this Republic," Bruck said.  "You know, don't you?  You studied the same texts I did.  I have the right to challenge you for wrongs done to my family."

"I have not – "

"Don't you remember?" Bruck smirked.  "You killed me.  You caused my family unnecessary pain and grief."

"Gee, now what about what you've done to me?" Obi-Wan said.

"But you aren't collecting your challenge.  I am."

Exasperated, Obi-Wan turned to face Qui-Gon.  How can I talk him out of this?

I think, Qui-Gon said slowly, you can only accept his challenge. 

Master?  Obi-Wan's tone was shocked.

It is the only way you will ever find the closure you seek, Qui-Gon said.  He struggled to keep his mental tone firm.  Need for his apprentice to begin healing battled with the need to let him keep his innocence.  But it wouldn't do to show Obi-Wan how much this decision was killing him.  A challenge meant Bruck had a right to duel off against Obi-Wan, with a weapon of choice.  The two contestants would fight to the death.  Nobody else was allowed to interfere.  It was an age-old Republic rule, rarely invoked.  Qui-Gon was surprised Bruck even knew about it. 

Obi-Wan faced Bruck.  "I accept your challenge," he said firmly.

***

The Council was not pleased.

But by Republic law, they had to obey the obligation of a challenge extended and accepted.  They had no authority to overrule the challenge declaration.  They could only help Obi-Wan prepare for it.

By law, the battlefield had to be a neutral location.  Spectators were allowed, but were not permitted to interfere, on pain of death.  Mace was especially forceful on that point.  "Qui-Gon, no matter what happens, you can't run out there," he said firmly. 

"Are these really necessary?" Qui-Gon asked plaintively, holding up his bound hands.  "I swear, Mace, I can restrain myself."

The older Jedi Master had merely raised an eyebrow at him.

Meanwhile, Yoda and Mpaek took special care to ensure Obi-Wan was in top shape.  His ordeal had left him weakened and less susceptible to the Force, but with Yoda's strong Force connections and hours of meditation, they managed to heal much.  Obi-Wan was smiling as he exited the Force trance and stretched out his limbs.

"Where will it be, Master?" he asked Qui-Gon calmly, as if asking directions to a restaurant. 

"Curi-8," Qui-Gon said.  Curi-8 was one of many small planets close to Coruscant.  It was a vacation spot for most diplomats and their families.

"Master, you are so worried."

"How can I not be?" Qui-Gon responded.  He ran one affectionate hand through Obi-Wan's spiked hair.  "How can I not be?"

The anxiety and fear ate away at the Jedi Master.  He knew Obi-Wan had to do this, and yet...it was so hard to accept.  He knew Obi-Wan's skills were extraordinary and he had taught him well, but he also feared Bruck's anger.  Bruck had been an able lightsaber combater as a child and backed by his anger and desperation that he had nothing left to lose, he would be a dangerous opponent.

"Trust me, Qui-Gon," Obi-Wan said, pressing one hand to Qui-Gon's shoulder.  "The Force will be with me."

I do trust you, Padawan. I trust you with my life.  But that does not mean I do not fear, Qui-Gon said softly through their bond.

I have no desire to die, Obi-Wan replied, and then made up for his sarcasm by sending more reassuring feelings to his master.  He gathered up all the affection he had built for his master over the years and displayed them openly, allowing his mentor a glimpse into his heart.  Raw love surged through Qui-Gon at the display of trust.  He gave a choked off sound.

May the Force be with you, he said.

Their transport bumped on the landing platform of Curi-8.  Qui-Gon felt his heart wrench at the sound.  Obi-Wan smiled boyishly at him.  May the Force be with you, Master, he said lightly and then walked off the ship and into the challenge.

***

"Xanatos," Bruck said dully, unable to hide his disappointment.

"Oh don't be so sad, Bruck," Xanatos grinned.  "Do you think I came here just to talk to you?  No.  I'm here to take you away with me."

Bruck stared at the young man.  "But you're not a Jedi."

"I do not want to make you into a Jedi," Xanatos said.  "I want to craft you into a warrior.  Something better than a Jedi."  He leaned forward.  "I helped you years ago, as you must know, and I only helped you because I saw something special in you."

"In me?" Bruck blinked in surprise.  Nobody had ever told him that before.

"Yes, you," Xanatos flipped his dark hair out of his eyes impatiently.  "Will you come with me?"

"To...where?"

"I go where I am needed," Xanatos said.  "Unlike the Jedi and the bothersome Council."

Bruck's eyes widened as he heard the words.  "I want to go with you.  I want to learn from you."  He dropped to one knee before the Dark Jedi.  "Please, teach me everything you know.  Everything that you need to make me a warrior."

"To make you someone your mother will be proud of," Xanatos smiled. 

"I want it!"

"As you will have it," Xanatos smiled.  "Let us depart from this foul planet.  Your training begins now."

***

Obi-Wan felt his lightsaber handle in his sure grip.  His blue eyes scanned the surrounding area, absorbing everything as he had been taught.  Every rock, every tree could be used in his favor.  The ground was hard under his feet; good packed cement.  Above him, massive trees loomed, their branches reaching so high, Obi-Wan doubted even the best Jedi could jump on them.  The trees would not be useful.

There were no rocks on the ground; no uneven ground at all.  The entire strip of cement ran for a mile or so, Obi-Wan supposed, in all directions.  Perhaps the area had once been a landing platform.  Above him, hovercrafts hummed.  He knew his master was on one of them. 

Well then, Obi-Wan focused his mind back on the battle.  It would be a straight fight.  No usable obstacles were around them.  There was no water in which he could short out a lightsaber.  Good.

The night air felt cool and crisp in his lungs.  There was a chill, but Obi-Wan had the distinct feeling he would soon be warmed up.  Curi-8 was beautiful.  A horrible place to end a life, he thought.  A poor place for anybody to die.

Obi-Wan, he heard his master's voice clearly.  Bruck is arriving.  Then the bond was suddenly choked off; steel walls were built between him and his master.  Obi-Wan had known it would happen, but the lost of his master's comforting presence in his mind unnerved him.  He felt alone.  Alone and about to face a battle to the death.

Obi-Wan shoved the thoughts from his mind, drawing on the Force to comfort him.  He felt his heart stop racing and his knees stop quivering.  He was ready to meet the challenge like the Jedi he was.

Bruck dropped in front of him.  He had his lightsaber out and ignited.  "The moment I've been waiting for," he hissed reverently and then struck.

***

Obi-Wan parried the attacks, working the 'saber swiftly up and down.  He made sure to keep his lightsaber perpendicular to Bruck's, as he had been taught.  The two sizzling 'sabers met, seared, and whirled away to assume new positions.  Sweat poured down Bruck's brow as he attacked in frenzy, his strong arms hammering in blows from all directions.

Smoothly, Obi-Wan fielded each blow, turning each one aside.  Time and time again, he found himself being worked backwards by the sheer fury of Bruck's attack, but he knew he had the space he needed.  He would be patient.  Swiftly, he blocked a blow, then leapt high to avoid another.  As he came down, he swiped gingerly at Bruck with his sizzling blade.  Bruck leapt over it and came down on Obi-Wan feet first.  He kicked at Obi-Wan's arm, hoping to dislodge the lightsaber, but Obi-Wan held firm and delivered a punch with his free hand.  Bruck stumbled backwards, blood flying from his nose.

In an instant, Obi-Wan was on him, forcing Bruck to walk backwards to open up space between them in which to defend himself.  But Obi-Wan refused to give him the space; he continually walked forward as he struck.

"So you can do something other than block," Bruck panted swinging his red blade ruthlessly between the pair. 

"Yes," Obi-Wan remarked coldly, "So I can."

Dropping to the ground, Bruck rolled to one side, striking out at Obi-Wan's leg as he did so.  Obi-Wan sidestepped, but in the moment, Bruck recovered.  He came back up, lightsaber weaving a complex series of patterns.  The strength behind his strike was almost enough to send Obi-Wan's lightsaber flying, but Obi-Wan grimly held on to the blade.

"Almost got you there, Oafy," Bruck smirked.

In response, Obi-Wan gathered the Force around him and then fired his leg muscles in a smooth movement.  He soared over Bruck's head and executed a perfect somersault on his landing.  "Who's the oaf now?" he asked.

Bruck snarled and came at him, stabbing with the blade.  Obi-Wan danced between the blows, bringing his lightsaber behind his back to defend himself.  His arm muscles were beginning to tire but he knew he still had energy enough for a good fight.  "I think," he said through leaps, "You will find I fight far better when I am not in some mystical dream world."

"You are having a lucky day," Bruck said.  He lunged straight at Obi-Wan.  "Unfortunately, your luck is about to end."  The two lightsabers tangled again.  Bruck leered at Obi-Wan, showing his gleaming white teeth.  The red glow of the lightsaber cast an eerie shadow over his twisted features.  "Ready for the real fight to start, Oafy?"

Bruck pushed away, kicking out at Obi-Wan as he did so.  Nimbly, Obi-Wan ducked, but Bruck came at him again.  Caught in an awkward position, Obi-Wan barely twisted away from the flaming blade.  He winced at the smell of burnt hair.  The blow had been close.  Too close.  He needed to be more attentive.  This wasn't practice.

Grinning Bruck attacked him again.  But this time Obi-Wan was prepared.  Coolly, he parried Bruck's attacks, twirling the lightsaber in a fancy array of patterns.  "I have always been ready," he said quietly. 

"I could beat you when you were thirteen.  I can beat you now."

"No, Bruck," Obi-Wan said quietly, feeling sudden calm come through him as he worked the blade expertly.  The Force entered him, enhanced his vision, gave him comfort.  Qui-Gon might not be with him, but the Force certainly was.  "You might have won when we were apprentices.  But you know what?  We're not apprentices anymore.  I'm a Jedi padawan and you are dead."

Bruck gave a howl of anger and charged at him, but Obi-Wan anticipated each move.  He was already dodging as Bruck struck.  "And now I finish you," he said, and then put all his energy into one last move to disarm Bruck.  With a mighty backwards swing, he sent Bruck's lightsaber flying through the air.  Two quick swipes of his arm and the hilt was sliced in two.  In an instant, Obi-Wan sprang forward and kicked Bruck to the ground and pointed his blue lightsaber at Bruck's unprotected throat.

"I finish you," he repeated softly.

***

Obi-Wan's hand trembled.  He couldn't do it.  He saw Bruck's angry gaze and he knew he could not strike down the unarmed opponent.  It went against everything he had been taught, everything Qui-Gon had tried to teach him.  Life was a thing to be cherished not destroyed.

Bruck smiled cruelly.  "I knew it.  You can't do it."

"Yes," Obi-Wan reluctantly admitted, "Because that makes me stronger than you."  He looked down at his long-time tormentor and rival.  "You challenged me, Bruck, and you lost your challenge."

"It is not over until one of us is dead!" Bruck shouted.

Obi-Wan deactivated his lightsaber and tucked it back into his belt.  "It is over, now."

"You are breaking the law," Bruck said.  His glittering eyes fell on Obi-Wan's lightsaber.  "If you will not kill me, then I will kill you."  Without looking back, Obi-Wan delivered a backwards kick.  It hit Bruck in the chin.  He fell back, stunned.

"Do not underestimate my mercy for compassion," he said. 

Immediately, his bond with Qui-Gon cleared and Obi-Wan smiled at the familiar presence on the other side.  I'm proud of you, Padawan, Qui-Gon said. You have truly learned the ways of the Jedi.

A smile graced Obi-Wan's weary features as the hovercrafts descended.  The masters onboard immediately restrained Bruck, but Obi-Wan paid him no mind.  His attention was solely focused on Qui-Gon's proud grin.  "Thank you, Master," he said quietly.  "You don't know how much that means to me."

Qui-Gon rested one large hand on Obi-Wan's shoulder as he had when Obi-Wan had been a boy.  "Have you settled your conflict with Bruck?"

"Yes, Master."

"Then I think it's high time we returned to the Temple to relax," Qui-Gon said.  "This time, try not to intercept messages written in blood.  I don't think my heart can take another episode like this.  You had me worried.  All gray hairs on my head, I blame on you."

"Deeply sorry," Obi-Wan grinned disarmingly.  "I'll try harder to avoid getting into such messes in the future."  Qui-Gon snorted.

The End

Wow, I can finally claim another story as being finished!  *cheers*  Anyway, I just want to thank everybody who has stuck with this story during the loooooong writing process and thanks to much for all the kind words and inspiration!  J