Archive: Yes to Master & Apprentice and The Nesting Place
Rating: PG
Pairing: Q/O
Series: Follows "Behind the Mask", "Unmasked", and "Shattered
Masks"
Warning: Death, depression, angst (ya gotta love it <g>)
Spoilers: Set during Obi-Wan and Darth Maul's battle with a
slight diversion from cannon
Summary: Qui-Gon's two apprentices square off in a fight to the
death
Disclaimer: Don't own them, George Lucas does. If I did they
would have had a much happier ending!
Feedback: Yes please, it has an exponential effect on my
writing!
We have fought together before, he and I, the last time under
the light of the double moons of Qular'eh. They both thought me
dead then, neither knowing that my broken body would be
discovered and nursed back to health by the one who would
become my whole world - my new Master.
It is a shame I must kill him. There is a delicious darkness to
his attack. His anger and hatred for me lend him such exquisite
power. If there were another way I would take him for my own
apprentice when the time came. The ways of the dark are
beguiling and even if he lives through this encounter I feel
the seeds have been planted within him. The loss of his Master
will cause them to sprout even as they flourished within me
after Qui-Gon cast me aside.
His attack is formidable, he has learned much since last our
sabers crossed. A sudden slash disables half of my weapon but
that is no matter. We circle the walkway, attack and
counter-attack leaving no time for tactics or planning. A small
opening presents itself and I lunge.
He falls, skidding toward the lip of the opening, losing his
lightsaber in the process. Gravity acts as my ally, pulling him
over the edge and I experience a sense of loss that I will not
be able to finish him off myself.
How amusing. He hangs there below me, his hands clenched around
a sensor, his feet searching for purchase on the slick plasteel
wall. "We meet again, Obi-Wan," I chuckle, toeing his weapon
off the ledge and watch as his gaze tracks it's downward
progress.
"Now we know who was and is the better apprentice. Who is
stronger and more worthy." My saber's blade strikes sparks from
the wall above his head, the light illuminating the desperation
and hopelessness of his situation.
His Master is dead, killed by my hand, and now he will follow.
He gives a final look toward Qui-Gon's body - a way of saying
goodbye perhaps? - and I lean in for the kill.
Master, help me. My fingers are slipping. Faced with the Sith
above and the drop below I feel despair. It is only the
knowledge that you live that gives me hope. It will not end
like this.
My lightsaber is gone but yours lies where it dropped when you
fell. Center yourself, Obi-Wan. Calm yourself and feel the
Force. Let it guide and aid you.
I hear Xanatos' harsh laughter above me and realize he believes
that I have given up. He could not be further from the truth.
Ignoring everything but the moment, I reach for the weapon,
drawing it to me even as I propel myself out of the pit.
The solid weight of the saber smacks into my palm as I flip
over the Sith's horned head. The blade sizzles to life, not the
familiar blue of my own weapon, but the green fire of my
Master's. I land and swing at the same time, the move taking my
opponent by surprise.
You always told me that overconfidence was his greatest
weakness.
I do not take the time to watch him fall because there is none.
Your head lies cradled in my lap, your beloved features taut
with pain and the knowledge of what is to come.
"Master, no . . ."
I promise to train the boy. If it would keep you here a
millisecond longer I would promise to pull the down the spires
of Coruscant and the Temple along with them.
Do not go, do not leave me here alone. I cannot do as you have
asked without my heart and it is surely following you on this
journey.
A soft touch on my cheek. I can barely see you through the
tears that cloud my eyes. There is too much to say, a thousand
years would not be enough for me to tell you everything I feel
for you.
Be still Padawan. When you are, I will be there The
words echo through my mind and I swear I see a soft smile form
on your lips before your body goes limp in my arms.
Hot tears scorch a path down my face to fall on your forehead
and hair. The light is gone from my life. Your skin is still
warm, stirring memories of countless other times we touched in
training, healing or passion.
My pledge to you is the only thing that holds me here. I will
train the boy - will do it to the best of my ability. Anything
less would be a dishonor to you.
Footsteps are coming. Whether they are droids or the queen's
guards I care not. Pushing the pain deep inside me, I let my
face settle into an expressionless mask. I will be still my
Master, I promise you this.
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