#qui-gon's death was the last straw

[gffa]

Do yourself a favor and rewatch the Star Wars prequels with high attention to detail, because this moment is a MASTERPIECE, as if the entire scene leading up to this isn't the most hilarious yet competent shitshow I've ever seen, this is the moment that I really lose my shit every time. Anakin has leapt off the speeder in the middle of Coruscant traffic, fallen dozens of stories through the air while in full spread eagle pose, lands on the tail of Zam's speeder, desperately crawls his way up the ship while she barrel rolls to try to dislodge him and he ragdolls his way almost entirely off it, so she's shooting at him while he's hanging off the front of the ship--THEY ARE SILL IN THE MIDDLE OF CORUSCANT TRAFFIC, I MIGHT ADD--until he finally manages to wiggle worm his way onto the top of the ship and then gets out his lightsaber and you expect him to cut a cool hole in the roof, kind of like what Qui-Gon did on the Trade Federation's ship BUT NO this absolute beautiful tropical fish of a Jedi just STABS HIS LIGHTSABER INTO THE COCKPIT AND SWISHES IT AROUND LIKE HE JUST PUNCHED A STRAW INTO BOBA TEA TO FISH OUT THE LAST PEARL, like his lightsaber technique is straight up the exact same way I would stir cream into my coffee, just STAB AND SWIRL IT AROUND, except with a DEADLY PLASMA CHAINSAW that is the lightsaber and you can't even argue because a) that's fucking hilarious, I cry with laughter every time, and b) if he hadn't lost his lightsaber TWO SECONDS LATER that would actually be really deadly, it's STUPID but imagine being in a cockpit and some asshole Jedi just STABS THEIR LIGHTSABER IN THERE WITH YOU AND STARTS WIGGLING IT AROUND, you would DIE and it wouldn't even be a cool lightsaber death! Attack of the Clones is a masterpiece, I'm not hearing any further arguments.

[holocron-inthe-restrictedsection]

A Parting of the Ways

An on-time Writing Wednesday for @finish-the-clone-wars‘ prompt, “Let Me Convince You”

Words: 2975 (this became a lot longer than I meant it to be)

Those who are disillusioned want no part in the systems they break from. Nevertheless, Sifo-Dyas tries to keep his old friend, Dooku, from leaving the Jedi Order.

.

Sifo-Dyas’s boots fell hard against the floor as he hurried towards the temporary living quarters in the Temple’s southern side. He ignored the stares of his fellow Jedi as he passed them, not caring if they gossiped about him now, not when one of his closest friends was about to make a terrible mistake…

His breath came in short gasps as he slowed to round a corner. Once again, Sifo-Dyas made a note that he needed to refocus on his physical training; his endurance seemed to be failing him more frequently. He had become lax in his training since his dismissal from the Council; that had to end now. But perhaps the shortness of breath was tied to the tight feeling in his chest, the worry clenched in his heart.  

He reached the door he sought and came to a stop, breathing heavily, raising a hand to activate the control panel –

The door slid open. On the other side of the threshold, Dooku stared back at him. The bags under his eyes were more pronounced than ever, his normally well-groomed white hair disheveled. His worn traveling cloak draped around him, and a satchel – looking rather light – was clutched in his hand.

“Don’t.” It was all Sifo-Dyas could say.

(Read more below, or continue reading on AO3)

Dooku’s eyebrows drew together in a frown. “Who told you?”

“Yoda. You would have left without saying anything to me?”

Dooku gave an irritated shake of his head. “It would have been easier. You should not have come,” he said shortly, brushing past Sifo-Dyas. His robes rippled around him as he strode away from the room, his back straight and eyes forward.

Sifo-Dyas matched his pace. “Dooku, you mustn’t do this.”

His old friend didn’t look at him. “I have made my decision.”

“It’s an unwise one,” Sifo-Dyas admonished. “I understand your frustrations with the Council, and with the Republic as a whole – you know I understand. But to leave the Order –”

“I cannot abide by it anymore,” Dooku interrupted. “The corruption in the Senate has led to the deaths of too many good people.” Contempt colored his deep voice as his words became clipped. “Conflicts that should be resolved within a matter of days or weeks are lengthened by years so that individuals may profit at the expense of millions. And the Council refuses to take the necessary actions to bring about a single cohesive government – we’ve become so negligent that we are at the Senate’s beck and call, rather than focusing on the roots of the evils we encounter on almost every mission. We –” He broke off with a scoff. “I’m repeating myself. You know my thoughts. You agree with many of them.”

Sifo-Dyas glanced at him uneasily as they walked, uncomfortably aware of the Jedi passing by. Anger radiated from Dooku like a reactor core, causing some of their more sensitive peers to turn and appraise them.

The smaller corridor they’d traveled down opened up into the central hall that ran through the heart of the Temple. The distant curved ceiling rose so far above their heads that it felt as though they’d stepped outside, sleek pillars rising on either side of them as tall as trees. Sculptures flanked various doorways, smooth stone capturing the essence of ancient Jedi Masters. Bright sunlight shone through the numerous windows, bathing them in warmth. The entrance courtyard lay honeycombed in pylons at the far end of the hall, and it was for that entrance that Dooku marched.

“I agree in principle, yes, my friend,” Sifo-Dyas admitted, his voice low and rushed, “but when it comes to the reality of the matter… the sort of revival that you and I want for the Republic is one that will take time to create. We cannot just raze the current system. Palpatine seems like a good man. He may be able to reign in the Senators, instill a new expectation of what the Senate should be – ”

“Or he may end up being just another politician, and everything he has said to me about rebuilding the Republic is nothing more than empty words. And even if he isn’t, there is no guarantee he will be able to overhaul the current practices. And beings will continue to suffer.”

“Which is where our duty lies.” The’d arrived at the courtyard pylons, the capital sprawling beyond them. Sifo-Dyas halted and seized Dooku’s arm. The move was sudden enough that the older man was caught off guard and spun around to face him.

“As Jedi, we serve the Republic as a whole.” Sifo-Dyas met the stern man’s gaze and realized he was losing him. “I understand the appeal of leaving as a statement of disapproval of the politics of it all – but think of the people you have helped. Would you turn your back on them? On all the people you could help by continuing to serve? Countless missions, hundreds, thousands of beings across the galaxy who are alive and prospering because of you.”

Dooku wrenched his arm away. “And how many more are dead because of my actions?”

Sifo-Dyas hesitated, hearing something strange in Dooku’s voice. The other man’s dark eyes seemed distant, haunted, remembering something…

“Galidraan?”

The flinch was almost imperceptible, but Sifo-Dyas saw it.

Dooku said, mostly to himself, “It was a massacre.”

“You were deceived,” Sifo-Dyas responded gently. He remembered when Dooku had returned from the battle on Galidraan twelve years ago. Gaunt and silent, horror etched on his face, Dooku had retreated for weeks as he took leave to a secluded Temple in the outer rim to mediate. Sifo-Dyas had learned the details from Yoda when he joined the Council few years later. “It is in the past.”

“The Council took the governor at his word. We did not investigate the validity of his claims. And we killed more than three hundred True Mandalorians because of it.” The haunted look was replaced by something hard. “The Council did not learn from it,” Dooku said harshly. “They continue to take governments and leaders at their word, congratulating themselves on maintaining order without ever acknowledging their shortcomings.” Dooku’s expression softened fractionally. “It was their greatest mistake to remove you from their ranks, my old friend. You, at least, attempted to bring sense to their sessions.”

“Many of the younger members –”

“Will inevitably fall into the same false sense of security that has plagued us for decades.” Dooku’s tone was dismissive.

Sifo-Dyas shook his head insistently. “You don’t know that.”

“And you don’t know they won’t. Even now, they won’t admit that the Order has grown arrogant, and that in their arrogance, new threats have risen from the darkness.”

Sifo-Dyas hesitated, sensing the grief welling within his friend as his gaze swept the vast expanse of the central south hall. The sunlight was beginning to fade, even though dusk was still several hours away. In the distance, he heard the low rumble of thunder.

“Qui-Gon consulted with me before he returned to Naboo,” Dooku said slowly. “He knew that his attacker was a Sith lord. But when he brought the evidence before the Council, they dismissed the idea. They said the Sith could not have returned without alerting the Order. But he knew. Qui-Gon was never wrong about such things. And still they sent him away with no support. They sent him to his death.” Ire coated his words. “And still they do not announce the return of the Sith.”

Sifo-Dyas tried to speak, but words failed him. Yes, the Council had not informed the Order, had not made public the knowledge that it had been a Sith that murdered the good-humored Jedi. But even as excuses and reasons came to mind, he knew that uttering them would mean nothing. Dooku needed a reason to stay…

“They’ve knighted his apprentice, Kenobi.”

“Qui-Gon spoke highly of him. I’m sure he will be a great Jedi.”

“He is young, and has much to learn. He could use your guidance.” From a pocket in his robes, Sifo-Dyas pulled out a curved lightsaber hilt and extended it. ‘Leave this life behind, he wants to,’ Yoda had said. ‘But a part of him, his lightsaber is. Leave behind a part of himself, he cannot.’

Dooku’s expression darkened as he gazed at his weapon. “My old Master does not want to let me go. But he fails to realize that he is one of the primary reasons I cannot stay.” His eyes refocused on Sifo-Dyas. “I have faith that Qui-Gon completed Obi-Wan’s training. There is nothing now that I could impart to the boy.” The finality in his voice left no room for argument.

They stood in silence as massive dark clouds continued to roll across the sky, streaks of lightning beginning to flash over the Senate building in the distance. As Sifo-Dyas studied the venerated Jedi Master, he realized that there was no changing his mind. He supposed that he should have expected this; after their innumerable conversations over the years, both men had grown disheartened by the continued corruption in the Senate and the Council’s response to it. It had only been a matter of time before this happened.

“Is there nothing I can say?” Sifo-Dyas asked softly.

Dooku exhaled sharply, and suddenly the anger was gone, replaced by a weariness so deep-set that it seemed to be all that was left in him.

“I wish it hadn’t come to this, my friend.” His eyes closed briefly. “But I cannot bear it any longer.”

For a moment, Sifo-Dyas said nothing, then pressed the lightsaber into Dooku’s hands. “Then you must at least take this with you. Not to entice you to use it, or to return to us. But to remember what you have dedicated your life to. For those whose lives you have impacted. It is not something to forget, but you must not dwell on the past if you are to move forward.”

Dooku’s fingers closed around the hilt, gazing down at it pensively. Then, carefully, he clipped it back onto his belt. “Would you consider leaving as well? You share my feelings on many of these matters.”

Sifo-Dyas’s heart skipped a beat at the thought of leaving. What would he be, if not a Jedi? What would he do, if not providing what aid he could?

Together, they closed the distance of the courtyard and stepped out onto the entrance. The vast expanse of stone jutted out before them, leading towards the broad steps leading down to the rest of the Temple Court, the edge of the Temple District. Massive statues of the Four Warriors and Two Sages lined the steps, seeming to beckon to the Jedi. Sifo-Dyas turned his head to gaze at the engravings on the frontmost pylons; the Four Masters, the founders of the Temple, stood guard.

“I can’t,” he said finally. “Especially with what is coming. I must prepare, even if the Council does not see the necessity of it yet.”

Dooku shook his head. “Even after everything, you remain loyal to them.” Some strange note entered his voice as he said, “I hope to never see your army, Sifo-Dyas.”

Sifo-Dyas forced a weak smile. His recent conversation with Lama Su playing in the back of his mind. “You may get your wish. I’ve been informed that I am expected to provide a – ah, template –  to serve as the basis for the army. I have to decide on an individual who is not only fit to be a formidable soldier, but is willing to have themselves cloned a million times over.”

Dooku’s eyes wandered over the descending steps of the Temple as he thought. “Should I think of such an individual, I will be sure to inform you. Have you told anyone else?”

“You are the only other soul who knows of the army, Dooku. I will not bring it up to the Council again…until there is more tangible evidence for its creation.”

“And in that, I wish you well. Should you ever need me, you will find me on Serreno.”

“You’re reclaiming your family’s estate,” Sifo-Dyas guessed.

The other man nodded. “With the wealth and prestige that it entails, I hope to do more than I ever could as a servant of the Republic.”

Sifo-Dyas paused, a heavy feeling settling into his heart. “I suppose, if we are to meet again, I’ll be expected to use your family’s title, won’t I? Count Dooku.”

Dooku mulled it over a moment, then laid a hand on Sifo-Dyas’s shoulder. “Never you, my friend.”

They lapsed back into silence. Sifo-Dyas thought of a hundred things he could say, should say, but none of the words wanted to form. So he distracted himself, wondering if he should accompany his friend to the nearest spaceport, or return inside. Likewise, Dooku was hesitating, contemplating the statues and spires of the Temple, his hand unconsciously brushing against his lightsaber.

Finally, he seemed ready; his gaze refocused. Sifo-Dyas brought his own hands up to clasp Dooku’s shoulders.

“Goodbye, my old friend,” Dooku said solemnly.

“May the Force be with you always, brother.” Sifo-Dyas couldn’t bring himself to say goodbye.

With a final nod, Dooku broke away, his eyes fixated on the city. He descended the steps without a backwards glance.

Rain began to trickle down from the clouds above, splotching the ground until soon it was impossible to tell one raindrop from the next. Dooku did not stop walking, did not return to the Temple for shelter; he merely raised the hood of his dark cloak and continued forward.

And Sifo-Dyas did not go back inside. Instead, he sat on the top step, watching the dark figure growing smaller and smaller.

Sifo-Dyas watched him go, something twinging in his gut, telling him that this was wrong. But what could he do? It was Dooku’s choice; Sifo-Dyas could not prevent his friend from leaving, no matter how much he disagreed with the decision.

And for a moment, just a moment, as he sat there looking out over the Temple grounds, the world before him shifted.

Instead of a dark-cloaked figure walking away, one walks towards the Temple, and they are not alone.

Behind the figure marches row upon row of white-armored soldiers, almost Mandalorian in design, long blaster rifles cradled against their shoulders. They reach the bottom of the long flight of steps and begin to ascend; they are going to enter the Temple. The Dark Side creeps around them, fueled by the cloaked figure with a lightsaber clenched in his hand –

Sifo-Dyas jerked violently, falling back and catching himself on his elbows, breathing heavily. He blinked rapidly and peered through the downpour. No soldiers, and the only cloaked figure with a lightsaber was now no more than a speck far off in the darkness.

He was shaking, the cold rain drenching his clothes. He had no context for what he had seen – was this history, or yet to come? Was there some conflict in Mandalore space he was unaware of, some clash between the ancient warriors and the Order? Or was there no connection? What was an army doing approaching the Temple? Were they part of the larger enemy against the Republic in the approaching war? Or had he seen something so far in the future that it would not come to pass for hundreds of years?

And what of the man with the lightsaber? His face had been shadowed – was he Jedi, or Sith?

Disquieted, Sifo-Dyas remained seated on the steps outside the Temple, soaked to the bone, rubbing his hands uneasily together as he searched the falling rain for shapes and shadows and answers.

*                                     *                                              *

Dooku felt a great weight lift from his heart as he continued putting distance between himself and the Temple. Now, he would no longer feel accountable for the incompetence of his Masters, or the Senate. He was free to participate in the inevitable reformation of the Republic as he wanted. And if Sifo-Dyas’s visions were true – as Dooku believed them to be – the best opportunity was rapidly approaching.

Coming to a bustling intersection of foot traffic, his cloak soaked through, he paused to consider his next course of action. He would be returning to his homeworld, of course, to take control of his inheritance. But before he did…

Intrigue got the best of him. Shielding his handheld holoprojector from the rain – one of the few personal possessions that he retained – he keyed in a connection.

For a moment, there was no response. Then a wavering blue form sprang to life in his palm. A benign-looking man offered him a smile.

“Master Dooku, what an unexpected pleasure,” Chancellor-elect Palpatine greeted.

“I do hope I’m not interrupting your afternoon, Chancellor,” Dooku responded smoothly.

“Not at all. How could I be of service to you?”

“I merely sought to find out if your offer to discuss our individual goals for the Republic was still standing.”

“Of course, Master Jedi.” The soon-to-be-former Senator from Naboo raised an eyebrow. “Though – you’ll forgive me for inquiring – I was under the impression that as long as you answered to the Jedi High Council, you were not comfortable delving so deep into the political arena.”

“I have left the Jedi Order.”

“Have you, now?” Palpatine’s interest seemed quite keen now. “Well, my friend, that certainly is news. If you are available now, I would be honored if you would join me at my office. If you are willing to indulge me, I am very curious as to the motivations of your decision. Of course,” he said quickly, holding up a hand, “I am sure you have other matters that must be attended to first, being a free man and all.”

A free man. Yes, that was one way to put it. “I will make my way to the Senate Chambers now, Chancellor.”

Palpatine smiled again, but it seemed fiercer than Dooku was accustomed to. “I shall be expecting you.”

[eirianerisdar]

Something I love about episode 4 of Tales of the Jedi:

I absolutely adore how they handled Yaddle and Dooku’s duel. We saw Dooku’s slow fall into darkness over three episodes, and it came not from a hunger for power, but endless grief, endless helplessness - the corruption of the senate, the perceived inadequacy of the Council, the death of his surrogate son.

Yaddle almost gets through to him. He says I’m afraid, because he has betrayed so much of himself already to protect what he knows is important, and this is him killing one last part of himself - the part of him that would have balked at killing another Jedi.

But the thing that finally completes his fall? The thing that makes him look down into the abyss that is the Darkness and say yes, I want this?

Yaddle says, “Qui-Gon did not have to die.”

And Dooku’s grief takes him.

His fear and grief becomes anger, and his anger turns to hate. Because he cannot let Qui-Gon go; in this moment he becomes so twisted from his grief and Palpatine’s words that Dooku directs all of his hate to the Council and to Yaddle instead of the Sith standing behind him that ordered the death of his son.

Dooku turned for many things. He turned because of the Republic, because of the Senate and the corruption there, but the last straw that made him a Sith was the death of his son.

There was never a more brilliant portrayal of the lies of the Sith and how it preys on grief and attachment as it does here.

[renegade0897]

I THINK IT'S TIME WE HAVE A LITTLE CHAT ABOUT THE JEDI.

The Jedi are considered "protectors of the peace", warriors to defend good and honor a moral code attuned to the goodness of one's soul, and adhere to the teachings of the Light Side of the Force. But knowing the Sith began as a group of Dark Jedi who were expelled because they "thought outside the box" and experimented on the Dark Side because of the Jedi's conservative ways and inability to accept "responsibilty for mistakes" due to inaction, do we really think the Jedi are the pristine crystal picture-perfect organization of warriors who "defend the peace" when it is them, their ultra-conservative and sometimes "restrictive and oppressive" beliefs and absolute indignation towards those who go against their rules or openly criticize them who start the conflict in the first place?

I may get attacked on this but take a good look at Dooku. He's probably the only Force-sensitive as far as I know in Canon who foresaw the Jedi Order's slowly but rapidly approaching moral decline and he openly called them out for it, only for him to suffer by being excluded from the Jedi Council and losing his own apprentice as a result. To those saying "Dooku turning to the Dark Side was his fault because he was flirting with Sidious" is not entirely true, actually it's a wrong interpretation.

Dooku was trying to stop the Jedi from slipping into the prying hands of corrupt selfish politicians in the Senate who valued their careers rather than the well-being of its people. We saw that in Episode 2 when a Senator was bleeding the people of his planet to the point of hunger and destitution for his own personal gain which resulted in his people openly rebelling against him by kidnapping his son. Dooku nearly slipped to the Dark with that epic Anakin-like Force choke.

Dooku was trying to give justice to a fellow Jedi who was killed by mercenaries under the payroll of a corrupt Senator. We saw that in Episode 3 on Raxus and he would even use lethal force if needed. He was doing what the Jedi Council failed in doing, protecting their own while also preserving the peace, there's no crime in that, but he was held back by the best stooge the Council can provide, Mace Windu and in the end, he took over Master Katri's Council seat fuelling Dooku's anger and disdain for the Council further.

And Master Qui Gon's death. The last straw for Dooku. First off, Master Qui Gon's fight with Maul on Tatooine was "dismissed", DISMISSED by the Council as a "figment of a vivid imagination" and did nothing, refused to investigate the incident and decided to act or even raise their guard up a bit only after Master Qui Gon was killed in Naboo. The Council's inaction was an insult to Dooku, but it was also painful for him because he saw himself in Qui Gon, a wise man willing to question the Council and be open to investigate and inquire by other means and think outside the box, beyond the control of the Council.

At some point Dooku needed a place to turn to, someone who could understand his frustrations. Palpatine, being the asshole saw this as an opportunity to acquire one of the Jedi's best and took it.

Dooku's fall is not entirely bad, but justified. But once again, going back to my question. Is the Jedi still, a trustworthy group of warriors given their past, and their conservative views? I mean Revan, Dooku, Anakin and so many former Jedi who fell to the Dark Side out of their sense of wanting to do something good but were being held back by the Jedi Council or the Jedi Order as a whole? I'm not criticizing the Jedi Order, but I AM CRITICIZING THE JEDI ORDER.

I THINK IT'S TIME WE HAVE A TALK ABOUT THE JEDI ORDER. And it's hay time that we openly criticize them and call them out for their mistakes without looking like "idiots with an agenda" and not look like the eternal sycophants who praise everything the Jedi does or hits back at even the smallest of criticism towards the Jedi.

[willowcrowned]

Hi, I just found your blog and I love it! I have nevere laugh so hard thanks to chewku and I started reading some of your others AUs. Can I ask you if you'd like to continue a bit the Gray Apprentice AU? The one with Obi-Wan both a sith and a jedi? Pretty please? I would love to see hin and Maul bicker for everything but then they form a brotherly bond and Maul gets adopted by Lord Zannah.

Okay, thank you SO much for reminding me that this AU exists because I love it very dearly (to the point where at one point I was starting to write full-on scenes and stashing them in a word doc for later). You can ABSOLUTELY have a bit of the Grey Apprentice AU

-

Obi-Wan, unlike his master, isn't really one for sticking his nose where it doesn't belong. During tenure as Qui-Gon's apprentice, he's had a firsthand view of what results from judicious snooping, which is mostly messes that he’s had to help clean up, and that has never endeared him towards the practice, but this is different. This is more than justified. After all, it’s not often that one gets to look at a rival Sith’s ship, especially when that rival Sith is trussed up in the hold like a Takodana chicken on a festival day. 

Unfortunately, Maul’s ship is disappointing. Obi-Wan has long done away with his notions of Sith caves and fortresses dripping with filth and darkness, but he’d at least been expecting something more interesting than a closet full of black tunics and half a burrito wrapped up in the fridge. There should at least be some weapons— a few poisons, maybe, or a cursed pike if he’s lucky; Sith tend towards backups, and that extends to weapons as well as plans.

He frowns, looking around the hallway. He’s checked all the places he would hide things— inside the engine’s wiring, behind a second fake panel that is itself behind a wall panel, and even in the vents (though those are fairly obvious, and therefore a last resort)— but he hasn’t found anything. Obi-Wan reaches out with his senses, calling for the Dark in the hopes that the Sith-blessed weapons will call back, but there isn’t any response; the entire ship is peaceful, almost blank. 

Obi-Wan slaps a hand to his forehead, swearing. He’s been looking at this as though Maul is a fallen Jedi. Of course he’s not going to bother hiding the weapons carefully, he’s just going to mask them with the Force. Instead of looking for where they are, Obi-Wan should be looking for where they aren’t. 

He reaches out with the Force again, and finds several deeply suspicious blank spots. Obi-Wan grins. Perfect. 

Which is, of course, the moment Maul has to wake up and start making noise. Obi-Wan sighs. That’s the trouble with kidnapping people. They never let you look over their things in peace. 

By the time he gets to the hold, Maul is screaming (presumably with rage, though the bindings, physical and Force-created, are keeping him from moving even his face). It’s a rather funny scene— it’s always amusing to watch someone used to having power suddenly have access to none of it. It’s the panic, really, sort of like a toddler throwing a tantrum. 

Obi-Wan raises an eyebrow. “Hello there.” 

Maul, predictably, screams. 

“You know you’re just going to damage your vocal chords if you keep at that,” Obi-Wan says, undoing the bindings on Maul’s face, mouth and lips included. “Can we have a civil conversation now?” 

“I will defeat you, Jedi,” Maul hisses, eyes blazing with fury. “You will know the pain of my saber as your flesh is rent apart.” 

“Haven’t we already been through this?” Obi-Wan sighs. “I defeated you on Tatooine. You can’t seriously be expecting a do-over.” 

“I will tear you limb from limb. I will break every bone in your body, and feed the splinters into your muscle. I will pierce your skin with one thousand needles, crush your brain inside your skull. I will—” 

Obi-Wan gives him a flat look. “You’ll do nothing until I undo your bindings, which isn’t going to happen if you keep up with that.” 

“My master will come for me.” Maul’s eyes are filled with such fervor that Obi-Wan almost feels bad for him. 

“Maul,” Obi-Wan says, looking at him with a sincerity he hopes displays how utterly stupid he thinks it is that they have to have this conversation, “do you really think your master cares if you live or die?” 

“I will tear your beating heart from your chest, rip your spine through your back—” 

“Yes, yes,” Obi-Wan says, “we’ve been through this. I’m sure you know many ways to kill me gruesomely.” He huffs. “I mean, fuck’s sake, he’s already grooming a new apprentice. He won’t be finished cooking for another year or two, but you’ve not got more than a couple months before your replacement waltzes in and kills you.” 

“I have no replacement,” Maul growls. 

Obi-Wan wants to feel cheered that Maul has stopped issuing death threats, but the murderous intent gathering around the other man is somewhat dampening his triumph. “Yes, you do.” 

Maul opens his mouth, but before he can argue, Obi-Wan continues. 

“He’s been laying a trail, you know. Your killing my master was supposed to be the final straw for him to finally immerse himself in the darkness. Of course,” Obi-Wan adds, not very contrite, nor inclined to fake it, “he was then supposed to track you down in a little while, and kill you— for the light, of course. All that would be left then is the sacrifice.” 

“You lie,” Maul spits.  

“No,” Obi-Wan says, exasperated, “I don’t, and I know you know that because I can feel you listening to the Force to check. Sidious is going to do away with you, sooner rather than later, and you’re not prepared to face him.” 

Maul’s eyes widen, the implications finally settling in. 

“Work with me,” Obi-Wan offers. “Help me kill him before he can get rid of you.” 

“This is a trick— you want me to give away my secrets, to betray my master, to turn us against each other to take us down.” 

“Well, yes, that was the general idea.”  

Maul’s expression doesn’t change, suspicion still clouding his features beyond all else. 

“I’m offering you the chance to save your life,” Obi-Wan adds, gentler.  

“Very well.” Maul grits his teeth. “But know this, Jedi, after we have disposed of him, I will come for you and your master, and I will make you watch as I kill him. 

Obi-Wan rolls his eyes, disgusted. “Banites.”

[nanagoswife]

I Failed Everyone. I Failed You.

(^^these are related to the fic^^)

HAPPY MAY 4TH EVERYONE

In celebration, I decided to write this random idea I had literally just last night (right before I wrote it. I wasn't even planning to write last night 😅) Anyways, I thought we could use some Obi, even if he isn't going through entirely good times. With me, I had to end it on a lighter note so sad Obi doesn't necessarily last the whole time.

Pushing this aside, happy May 4th everyone.

May the force be with you, always.

- - -

Summary: After Order 66, Obi-Wan has to go and deal with Anakin. Taking place after the duel, he comes to you for support but, as the next hours go on, you're the one needing comfort.

W/C: 2.2k

Warnings: Mention of flame boy, mention of mass death, character death, angst, Obi being a sad boy

The threatening shades of red and orange accented by the black, soot covered ground would’ve frightened him in any other situation. Even the locals had an unwelcoming presence as they floated over the molten lava, gathering Maker knows what.

Now, though, he was more focused on a different fear that had come true. The order was destroyed, his friends turned on him, he failed Anakin. Obi-Wan Kenobi had failed one of the people he strove to do only good for.

Instead of his true duty, he had just battled his closest friend. His brother. His son. The one other he cared and watched over not because his master had told him so, but because he felt inclined to. There had been something in Anakin that peaked something inside of him that drew him to Anakin.

What good was he if he failed everyone he ever loved? First, Qui-Gon, then so many others. Even people who had just been there that fought by his side or died to save him. Then there was this current moment. He had failed to see how the war was a fool’s game. The person leading it was really on the enemy side and let his true colours show in a drastic change.

Obi-Wan had failed. He had even failed you. Compared to you, Obi-wan knew so much more about what was truly going on. Had he seen how overly fond the Chancellor was for Anakin, even you were suspicious. Yet, he didn’t act on it soon enough.

Due to this, you were caught up in Anakin’s tirade before it turned into the battle he had endured. You had come with Obi-Wan hoping that you could talk him back. Anakin always did have a strong connection with you. He had told Obi-Wan at a point that he looked to you as a mother figure, a role model.

It almost worked, too. It was almost as if something snapped in Anakin as you tried to step closer. All you wanted to do was embrace him and tell him how it would all be okay even after what happened with Padmé moments before. That’s not how he saw it. So, he had used the force and threw you against the ship, rendering you unconscious.

Being protective of both you and Padmé, Obi-Wan tried a last ditch effort to try and talk Anakin down. Despite being known as the ‘Negotiator’, his negotiating skills greatly lacked compared to yours. He had failed your mission to bring him back to the light.

With everything, it led to him watching as he was burned alive, almost pleading for help. Instead of listening, he turned away, unable to watch.

The image was sure to haunt the rest of his days as he walked back to the platform with Anakin’s lightsaber. Before this had all happened, he was able to check to make sure both you and Padmé were still alive. Thank the stars that you both were. He could only hope the baby was alright.

When it came to you, he was relieved to know that the one person he loved most dearly was alright, considering. You would’ve been the last straw had Anakin killed you.

Even in this time of pain and grief, he couldn’t help but be amused at the thought of how, not only did Anakin see both you and him as parental figures, but the two of you had really been together the whole time. Whether Anakin knew or not, the two of you raised him like your own because both of you knew that you couldn’t actually have a child of your own. So, Anakin played that role.

That was why you were so adamant on trying to talk him out of it. Unlike Obi-Wan, you refused to raise a hand to Anakin. Obi-Wan wouldn’t have either, had he not almost killed you and his own wife who carried his child. It repulsed him.

As he neared the platform, fear filled him at thinking something may have happened while he was gone. Did clone troopers arrive and find you here? He didn’t want to think about it, partially because, at this point, he would just give himself up to it.

Stepping up the platform, intense relief overtook him when he saw you with your back turned to him. You only turned when both R2-D2 and C-3PO had greeted him.

He didn’t need to say a word for you to know what happened. Why else would he be carrying the lightsaber? Although you hated that it happened, you couldn’t blame Obi-Wan at all. His pained expression showed how heavily it weighed on him.

Obi-Wan didn’t stop when the droids met him. Instead, he kept his path to you until he was in your arms. The tears that he had just wiped away now mixed with the ash on his face once again as he buried himself into your neck. One of your hands easily held the back of his head while the other gently rubbed his back.

As you held him, your own tears filled your eyes. You were unable to bring Anakin back. You had lost the closest thing you had to a son to the dark.

“I’m so sorry,” Obi-Wan said, barely coherent through his cries. “I-I failed him. I failed you.” Just his voice wrenched your heart as his pain was so prominent.

His words pained you in a way that they never have before. In your mind, he didn’t fail you or Anakin. You were just as much to blame. As was everything else in and around your lives. That wasn’t what he needed to hear, though.

“Shh, it’s alright,” you said quietly into his ear. To further comfort him, you traced delicate circles in his hair. “You didn’t fail me and you definitely didn’t fail Anakin. There’s no way we could’ve known that this is what was going to happen.”

“But-”

You cut him off, “No,” you said firmly but stayed soft so you could comfort him further. “You taught him well. The rest were his decisions. We couldn’t force his path, Obi.”

Carefully, you moved his head so that you could look him in the eyes, cupping his cheeks with your hands. The usual soft, caring blue was now dimmed with pain and grief. Although that’s how you felt, you tried to remain strong on the outside. He didn’t need how you felt added to his own emotions.

“Come on,” you said gently, “Padmé is inside. We need to get her into medical care.”

Slowly, Obi-Wan nodded and you led him inside by the hand that didn’t carry the lightsaber. When you walked in, you left Obi-Wan by Padmé’s side as you went to pilot the ship off this dreary planet.

-

“Twins?” you exclaimed when you heard the news. You, Yoda, and Obi-Wan all glanced at the other when the medical droid told you this.

“Go. By Senator Amidala’s side, you should be,” Yoda told you when you had looked worriedly at your friend. The fact that she was dying hadn’t quite settled in just yet. Instead of voicing this, you nodded to Master Yoda and quickly made your way to Padmé’s side.

Out of pure instinct, you grabbed her hand.

“Y/N,” she said weakly.

“Shh, save your strength. You’re about to have a couple little ones making themselves known,” you said with a slight chuckle, hoping to lighten the mood. To your relief, she let out her own laugh.

The rest of it was all a blur. Padmé’s tight grip on your hand was merely a reminder that you were still here. It was a reminder that these may be the last few moments you get to spend with her.

At a point, you had looked up to where Obi-Wan was watching from the other side of the glass. Trying to be brave, he offered a small smile in comfort. It did help a bit before your attention was drug back to the situation as the grip on your hand was tightened.

Once both Luke and Leia were born, Obi-Wan joined the room and held Luke as you held Leia.

When you looked down, Padmé was smiling at the two babies that the two of you held. Then it fell. “There’s good in him,” she whispered, breathing deeply. “I know… I know there’s… still…” and she faded.

Obi-Wan looked as desolate as you felt. Other than the two of you, there was no one else. Sure, there was Yoda, but relationships with him weren’t as deep as with everyone you’ve lost today. Now, you and Obi-Wan were left with the children of your closest friends.

-

Later, after your discussion with Yoda and Bail Organa about what would happen with the children, you were watching the twins in the nursery through the glass wall. So many thoughts were running through your mind, the most prominent being what would happen with you and Obi-Wan.

During the meeting, the relationship you had with Obi-Wan no longer needed to be hidden. Even though Yoda already had known for years, he was open to what the two of you had to say. This was all to lead up to the point that the two of you would take Luke to his family on Tatooine and, together, you would watch from a distance.

Your thoughts now were about how the two of you would stay hidden with this duty. You thought about how this all would affect the next days, months, stars, maybe years. Would this plague both of you for the rest of your days? Would this draw you apart? Would it bring the two of you closer? Would you finally start the family the two of you wanted?

“Darling?” Your racing mind was interrupted as you heard the familiar voice. Turning to it, you saw Obi-Wan’s worried gaze. This time, it wasn’t because of everything else that had happened. It was a worry for you. “Are you alright?”

“Yes, quite…” you trailed off as you looked back to the two newborns.

Seeing your gaze, he immediately knew what you were probably thinking. He stepped up to you and pulled you into his embrace as he placed a kiss to the top of your head. What you needed was comfort, and that’s exactly what he was going to do.

“Don’t worry, Darling. This won’t pull us apart, I promise,” he said reassuringly.

As he held you, an idea popped up in his head. It was something he continually thought about, but never was able to do. There was so much that he could finally act on that was once held back due to the code. Now, he could tell you and ask you everything he wanted to for so many years. Especially with this idea now.

“Y/N, darling?” He moved slightly back so that he could look into your eyes. The troubled look that he saw in your eyes earlier was now dimmed down and was replaced with the usual fondness he loved to see. “To prove this, I want to ask you something.”

Confusion suddenly took you over. What could he ask that would prove to you that nothing would happen? That is until he started to sink downwards. He kept going until he was kneeling, looking up at you and held one of your hands in his. The whole time, he didn’t remove his eyes from yours.

“This has been something that I’ve wanted to ask for so long. I haven’t been able to before, but now I can. Y/N, will you marry me?”

Overwhelming happiness threw every thought from everything from the last twenty-four standard hours. It was the first time you truly smiled for days, maybe even weeks. It rendered you speechless as this was a day you thought you’d never get. Eagerly, you nodded your head before pulling him up to kiss him. The first time you would share a kiss without the fear of others catching you.

“I love you, Obi. So much,” you said, resting your forehead against his.

“I love you too.” Obi-Wan lifted a hand to your cheek and traced small circles with his thumb. Although the reasons that made this moment possible were horrible, he basked in this small thing that helped both of you forget. This was well needed for now. “Maybe we could finally start the family we’ve always fantasized about,” he said while bringing his lips to your forehead.

You pulled your head away, but didn’t move away from his hold. “Really?”

“Really. Those dreams can finally be a reality.”

Without any more hesitation, you kissed him once again. There will be much to overcome, but you’ll have each other to work through it. You’ll have the other to comfort the other. Eventually, you’ll have another that will make you want to be better.

Then, you knew that Obi-Wan hadn’t failed you and you hadn’t failed Obi-Wan. Even though you both lost your closest friends, and you may have failed so many, you hadn’t failed each other. And in this blissful moment, that’s all that matters.

@stardancerluv @where-fantasy-meets-reality @jaydenwoo @madmax2003 @hopeladybug

If you want to join a taglist, message me or send in an ask. I'll eventually get something set up, but this is the only couple ways for now 😅

[anomalous-fox]

Just watched the Dooku half of “Tales of the Jedi.” I think it would have been much more effective if Dooku had not been in league with Sidious at the time of Qui-Gon’s death. Instead, Qui-Gon’s death would be the last straw for Dooku, after which he begins his journey towards Sidious. That would make his descent much more plausible imo; the personal loss of Qui-Gon turning his contemplative frustration into genuine hate towards the Council. The notion that Dooku would be vying for the Council to take Qui-Gon’s speculation of a rogue Sith seriously while calling said Sith a peer in secret seems to contradict itself. His issue was that the Sith posed a genuine threat and the Council refused to acknowledge it. So why align with a Sith? 

The first two episodes were paced very thoughtfully. The last felt like it had too many moments to touch upon but not enough time, so they got mashed together carelessly. It’s disappointing because as far as the earlier two went, I was really beginning to see Dooku as a lived-in and realistic character. Not as much at the end, though. 

[emeraldspiral]

HOW JEDI LEIA FAILS ON EVERY CONCEIVABLE LEVEL AND OMITTING BEN FROM THE FINAL SCENE NOT ONLY HAD THE OPPOSITE EFFECT JJERRIO WERE GOING FOR BUT THE ENTIRE CONCEPT OF TRYING TO MAKE THE FINAL SCENE ABOUT LEIA’S “ASCENSION” TO THE JEDI PANTHEON WAS NEVER GOING TO WORK ANYWAY.

First of all; Leia reaches out to Ben as if he's at his worst and she's pulling him back from the brink when it's actually Rey who's going nuts and Ben just defending himself, never taking a single offensive swing at her, even already lowering his blade before she acts. This results in him getting stabbed, confusing the audience as to whether that was her intent or not. Leia then dies and it's unclear even how or why. This could've been explained, using pre-established rules set-up in TLJ, as Leia using the fatal Force projection technique to bring Ben a vision of Han, or introducing the ability of Force Sensitives to recall non-Force Sensitive spirits from the afterlife, which would've been perfectly believable as a fatal technique, even if it wasn't set-up beforehand. But instead, Terrio the Terrible claims Han was entirely a figment of Ben's imagination and Leia had nothing to do with it. So what should’ve been Leia’s greatest moment of heroism ends up being confusing, achieving way less than anyone thought, and kinda making her look bad, actually.

Second; Leia gives up her Jedi training because she had a vision that her son would die at the end of her path. Then Luke gives Rey Leia's saber and tells her she'd want her to finish her journey. None of that makes any goddamned sense.

What is a Jedi's path? Is it the trial they take to graduate from Padawan to full Jedi, or Jedi to Master Jedi? Is it a life mission, or just whatever current mission they're on? I mean, arguably Leia's whole life was dedicated to destroying the Empire, so even if she never met Palps or knew anything about how he'd personally victimized her family you could say defeating him was finishing what she started. But Leia was fighting the Empire long before she started her training, before she ever knew she had the Force, and she didn’t stop fighting after she quit training. She didn’t need to be a Jedi or a Skywalker to fight Palpatine and the Empire anymore than any other non-Force Sensitive in the Republic/Resistance. Her life would’ve been pretty much the same if she never found out about her lineage or abilities. The concept of a "Jedi path" is just words in a sequence that means nothing to the audience, so how was anybody supposed to get that Rey using her saber to defeat Palpatine would complete it so she could “ascend”?

Not to mention that the very idea that you can complete someone else's journey that way goes against any natural train of logic that anybody would have. Like, it'd be one thing if Leia died like the characters in R1, who give their lives so others can complete another leg of the journey, or to pass along something crucial to achieving victory. But she doesn’t save Rey when she dies, because she’s not in danger, and she certainly didn’t need to die to pass along her saber to Rey, even if you want to argue that her saber was crucial to Palpatine’s defeat.

Leia's death had no correlation to Rey's victory and that's not even how Terrio explains it. He frames it like using Leia's saber fulfilled her Jedi path, rather than Leia’s Jedi path being fulfilled by her making a sacrifice that allowed Rey to finish what she started by defeating Palpatine. This, coupled with the “burying symbolic infants” thing indicates that JJerrio are trying to deify lightsabers as if they’re extensions of a Jedi’s spirit, rather than tools, despite canon indicating otherwise. Anakin broke at least two sabers before he got the one that was passed on to Luke and he and Obi-Wan wielded random spares in the climax of AotC. Luke loses the legacy saber and just builds a new one, then tosses it aside when he commits to not killing in anger. Lightsabers are cool and sentimental because they’re handmade and personalized, but at the end of the day, they’re still just tools that can get lost or broken or even thrown away and it’s not that big a deal. It’s not even like in Harry Potter where you only get one wand that bonds to you and you’ll never be able to perform your best magic with any other so you’d better not break it.

Third; After Ben dies, Leia's body disappears and Maz smiles and nobody understands why. It sounds like Terrio's intent was that Leia could only "ascend to the Jedi pantheon" when her path was complete, (which goes against the canon explanation about who gets to become a ghost and how) and the conditions for completing her path were apparently 1) Palpatine had to be defeated by someone using her lightsaber and 2) her son had to die. But because the Jedi path thing made no sense and directly contradicts canon on multiple points, nobody gets it. So everyone grasps at straws trying to come up with reasonable explanations like, "She was waiting to meet her son" or "She was supposed to use the last of her life force to save Ben and subvert the prophecy before the ending was changed.”

Fourth; Ben's body disappearing ends up muddying the waters further because we don't know what the conditions are for someone to become a ghost either at the moment of their death or after a delayed period of time. Why do Luke, Obi-Wan, Yoda, and Ben's bodies disappear instantly but Leia, Anakin, Qui-Gon, and all the other Jedi killed during Order 66 don't? It's only ever briefly mentioned to be a technique that you have to learn at the end of ROTS so in most people's minds becoming a ghost, whether it's instantly or not, is kinda considered the default for Jedi and not just reserved for the elite few.

Because of this, Ben disappearing reads as significant to the audience because it means he died a hero like Anakin and went to space heaven. But you expect that of Leia, because she was always a good guy, and had Jedi training, so even if you remembered that tidbit from ROTS about it being a skill you have to learn, there’s no reason to think she wouldn’t have learned it when she trained with Luke. Nobody thinks of it as "Oh, I'm so proud of Leia! What a big moment for her! She did it! She learned the super secret technique and now she’s in the Cool Kids Club" because it doesn’t click for anybody that there should’ve ever been any doubt that she could.

Fifth; Finally, we get to the end of the movie and JJerrio decided to only feature Luke and Leia as ghosts, reasoning that Ben or Anakin or anyone else's presence would distract from Leia's moment. But as outlined in the previous points, the entire premise behind that never would've worked in the first place. The fanservice was already had just from seeing Leia wielding a lightsaber and being told she had trained with Luke and knew all the badass stuff he knew and therefore was an equal to him because god forbid anyone in SW have value if they don't have a laser sword. Leia appearing as a ghost was something we already expected even before that retcon, ever since we first learned she was Luke's sister.

Her merely appearing as a ghost doesn't get across to anyone that "NOW she's a REAL Jedi and not just a mere Force Sensitive who went through all the Jedi training and learned all the cool tricks but never got her diploma from Jedi school so it didn't count before.”

By contrast, if Luke and Leia were surrounded by other Jedi, that would've made it much clearer that the moment was about how she was a fully initiated member of the Cool Kids Club. But because it's just the two of them, the audience reads it as a family thing that excludes half the family, who were both Jedi anyway, so they should've been there regardless of whether you actually wanted it to be read as a Jedi thing or a family thing.

So in JJerrio's alleged efforts to prevent Anakin and Ben from stealing Leia's thunder, their glaring omission ended up overshadowing everything about her "big moment" when no one was even going to think it was a big deal that she was a ghost in the first place even if they hadn’t fucked up the execution so hard.

Meanwhile, if they HAD included Ben, audiences might've just felt the slightest twinge of comfort and closure seeing that at least he and his mother were reunited in death. And for as nonsensically as it was executed, people at least still understood that Leia’s death was supposed to have saved Ben somehow, so having him there would’ve been a much greater statement about her heroism than simply showing up as a ghost because someone else used your sword. It’s like if you signed up to sponsor a needy child in Africa and instead of putting up pictures of the kid with new clothes and textbooks that your money helped pay for on the fridge, you put up a printout of your bank statement with the line showing your monthly withdrawl circled. Like, it’s not the cost to yourself that makes you a hero, it’s the good your sacrifice accomplished.

But what would've made an actual memorable and satisfying end to both Leia's story and the saga as a whole would've been if she'd done as the conspiracy theorists suggested and held out on exiting the mortal plane in order to transfer her life force to her son. Then she would've done at least one actually heroic thing, instead of something that just made no sense and kinda looked like the opposite of what it was intended to be and then whatever it was supposed to have accomplished was undone an hour later anyway but that's fine because she's gonna get credit for something someone else did because they used something of hers to do it.

[texasdreamer01]

1, 3-8, 16, 21 (Anakin), 33, and 49 (Qui-Gon), please?

Hmm, let’s see about that read-more.

1: what inspires you?

Whatever my bouncy-ball brain sticks on for more than two seconds, to be honest. Whether or not those things get posted is another thing entirely 😂

3: what motivates you?

For fanfiction? Not much haha, it's mostly how intriguing I find the story as I'm writing it.

4: what time of the day/night do you like to write?

Whenever I have some solid peace and quiet, which usually ends up being during the night.

5: do you write scenes in a linear fashion or do you write future scenes/dialogues sometimes?

A lot of it depends on the length - the shorter it is, the more likely I am to be linear, unless I'm fleshing out a prompt that's a snippet of dialogue or something.

6: hardest/easiest character to write for?

Shaak Ti has proven particularly difficult, and though I haven't yet written Mace Windu, he's got a relatable brain to poke about in.

7: hardest/easiest verse to write for?

Difficulty when it comes to verse is a mixed bag, because the sticking points between plot and setting could either be ones I already have an idea how to deal with or not. "Aliit ori'shya tal'din" and "The Open Door" were quite difficult to find a voice for, though something like "真実一路 | Path of Sincerity" was easy once I reconciled my starting point.

8: (if you have either or both) how do you manage time with writing, work, school etc.?

Unless I've forced myself to have some sort of deadline (usually a gift exchange or whatnot), writing is dead last in terms of priority because writing and any level of unrelated stress do not mix. This has the unfortunate side effect of WIPs to varying degrees of completion being littered on my computer and around the house.

16: do you ever hand write? why or why not?

Oh, a bunch, though much less than I used to. It's a toss-up of which one I'm more likely to lose by accident.

21: this character’s best/worst memory? Anakin

Best: I think he might have this grading system for "best" - pre-emancipation would be hugs with his mom or treats someone gives him that are actually treats, winning that podrace for the sheer exhilaration of it, the first time he successfully trains with a training saber, Obi-Wan's praise when he learns something well as a padawan. And then marrying Padmé, though likely also that exuberance when she agrees to the entire idea in the first place, when he first finds out that she's pregnant. Also the best that is his firsts with Ahsoka as his padawan - the first hug, the first time she seeks him out first for reassurance, the first time she masters a difficult skill that he taught her, the first time he hears her genuine ebullience about having him as her master.

Worst: Again in a graduated measure - when Shmi says to leave without him (before she asks him if she think they'll meet again), his first vision of Shmi dying, when Shmi dies, and the same with Padmé. I am... not sure if his "worst" memories would include his presumption of Ahsoka's death - very close, certainly, but I don't know if it would qualify under the same parameters because of how beaten down he is at that point.

33: favorite one-shot you’ve written?

I've never written a multi-chapter fic 😂😂 I'm not a big fan of my own writing, honestly, especially as like... an overall quality. It doesn't help that I'm highly experimental with each new fic, so I'm constantly trying out new techniques in some manner. "Aliit ori'shya tal'din" is both my currently highest-rated Star Wars fic in terms of both kudos and bookmarks, so I suppose the public has already decided on that one?

49: this character’s starbucks order? Qui-Gon

Venti or trenta classic frappuchino with extra whip. Depending on how done he is with the day (or presumes he will be), it possibly has an extra shot of espresso and some chocolate syrup on top. Colorful straw optional.

[inkognito97]

So can we get a fanfic where after naboo happens and quigon dies dooku decides to ditch the order and become a pirate because fuck it the republic isn’t doing shit and palpatine is creeping me out. Also obiwan and anakin tag along because dooku spent time with obiwan when he was a padawan. Anakin likes his new grandpa who encourages his mechanic ideas and supports his freeing of slaves. They still get dooku’s old family inheritance and buy an awsome ship with anakin modding the hell out of it.

Still, quiet and deadly, floated the Maverick in space, waiting for prey or enemies. The Maverick was a ship, not overly big, but full of canons and very very nimble. Not many other transports had a chance against this ship and therefore, a lot of myths and legends had already been created around it. Half of those stories are lies, but the owner does not do anything against it. Quite the opposite actually. Those lies create fear and respect, it is exactly what they need.

Yan Dooku was slowly making his way through the corridors. He was checking on his crew and on the status of his transport. During the last encounter with some other pirates, they had suffered some damage, nothing too severe and certainly nothing his Grandson could not handle. Now, Anakin Skywalker was hardly his Grandson by blood, but they were a family, a family that watched out for each other and protected one another.

“Grandfather,” an accented voice called out and the former Jedi stopped walking so that a certain ginger haired man could catch up to him. 

“Obi-Wan,” greeted Yan. His eyes roamed the trained form from head to toes. He looked a little tired, what is to be expected after having the night shift, but otherwise he looked healthy and well. His red hair was tied to a bun at the back of his head, his beard was well groomed and otherwise he looked like his usual self, with a thigh holster on each leg, one with a darksaber they had found in an abandoned temple and the other with his old lightsaber. 

“How are your injuries?” asked the younger of the two males.

It touched Yan, how worried the redhead was. Of course they shared a lot of memories from the past. Back, when they both had been Jedi and not pirates fighting for existence and against real criminals. Now, they were part of something else, yet some ties had not been cut. Obi-Wan for example was still in possession of his former Master’s green lightsaber and Yan still had his own lightsaber as well. In all honesty, the latter was surprised that there had not been Jedi sent after them to retrieve the weapons, but a tiny part of him hoped that the green troll was involved. 

It had hit Yoca hard, when THREE Jedi of his lineage had left the Order at once. Yan had played with the thought for a long time and the death of his son in all but blood had been the last straw to break the camel’s back. It had been the Council’s mistake, he was absolutely certain of that. Had they just listened to what Qui-Gon had said, they would have sent reinforcement and perhaps, just perhaps, the long haired man would still be alive.

“Healing properly,” answered Yan finally. He was not sure, how long the man at his side had waited for an answer, but it did not really matter. Obi-Wan knew when to be patient and wait and he also knew, when to say or attack. He was a skilled diplomat, had often brought them out of dangerous and tricky situations. Qui-Gon would certainly be proud.

“Have you let the healer take a look at it?” Obi-Wan asked.

“Yes, I was with him just now. The redhead nodded satisfied. “You know, I was planning on going to Tatooine. We have been out here for years, barely stopping and… an I think we have more than enough money to buy a certain slave.”

Obi-Wan’s eyes began to sparkle. “Anakin would like that,” he simply answered. Anakin and Obi-Wan were like brothers. The blonde, who had grown fast and tall the last few years, barely left the redhead’s side. They fought together, they worked together and Yan had the assumption that they would one day, die together. But he quickly shoved that thought aside.

“Then it is settled.” He hesitated. “Do you want to retire or would you prefer to steer the ship?”

“Did you really just ask?” Obi-Wan laughed. At the beginning of their trip, he had hated flying. He had been of the opinion that flying was only for droids, but he had taken a liking to it after all. Yan highly suspected that his strong bond with Anakin had something to do with it.

“Off with you then,” he chuckled as he received a bright smile, before his charge was running towards the bridge. “Ah, youth…” he sighed, “Oh Qui-Gon, how much I wish you were here today.” Perhaps it was just his imagination, but he could have sworn that in this very moment, something brushed past him…

[crystal-siren]

A Bright Beginning (Obi-Wan x Reader) Pt.3 /3

Requested by the ever lovely @dovies666 :)

Part 1  Part 2

Author’s Note: This marks the end of the first of three stories. Disclaimer: I take no credit for the characters other than any OC’s that may appear.

“You get me. There’s no other way to put it. When I am a whirlwind of a person, a mess of bad moods and even worse ideas, you move in slow, wrap each of those arms around me and in an instant, I am understood. When I am blind of all else, I see the way through you.” ~ Beau Taplin || The Way

“For the last time Y/N, the answer is no.”

“But why?” She tried hard not sound like a youngling that wasn’t getting their way.

“Because it is not our mission, that’s why.” Tahl gave her apprentice a look that would have caused any other person to back down.

“What if something happens and they need our help?” Y/N knew she was clutching at straws.

Master Tahl put down the datapads she had been carrying and turned to her apprentice. “Master Jinn and Padawan Kenobi are more than capable. They will be able to handle any trouble that may or may not come their way.”

Y/N said nothing. It was unfair. Unfair that she was stuck at the Temple while her friend got to go off-planet for the second time that month.

~ ~ ~

“I don’t understand Master,” Obi-Wan said as he and Qui-Gon went to meet the Nubian Queen. “Why does she want to go back? She’s walking into a death trap.”

“It is not for us to question the Queen’s motives. We are to protect her, not fight a war for her.”

“Yes Master. Forgive me.”

Qui-Gon smiled down at his apprentice. He would make a fine Jedi knight and dare he hope, a Master. His attention was diverted when their transport docked where the Queen’s cruiser waited, with the Queen herself.

“Your Majesty,” Qui-Gon addressed the Queen and he and Obi-Wan bowed respectfully.

Any conversation between the Queen and his Master was blurred out when a flash of familiar brown fabric caught Obi-Wan’s attention. Not wanting to appear rude and inattentive, he stayed beside his Master and wondered if he had imagined it.

Bringing his attention back to the present, Obi-Wan saw Anakin standing a little off to the side and looking a bit unsure. Before he even thought of doing anything, Qui-Gon approached the boy and crouched down so that he was at the boy’s eye-level.

“I’m not allowed to train you, so I want you watch me and be mindful. Always remember, your focus determines your reality.” Qui-Gon spoke gently to the boy.

“Qui-Gon sir,” Anakin twisted his hands together and looked up at the Jedi Master. “I don’t want to be a problem.”

Standing up, Qui-Gon smiled down at the boy, “you won’t Ani. Just stick by me and I’ll make sure you’re alright. Ok?” Anakin nodded, smiling.

~ ~ ~

The flight to Naboo was a short one. The sight of the blockade made everyone nervous. Anakin, ever the curious one, spent the entire journey in the cockpit.

“Why hasn’t anyone tried to stop us?”

One of the pilots, a young woman, smiled at Anakin. “No doubt they know the Queen is on board. They need her alive. Down on the planet.”

Anakin nodded thoughtfully. “Then why is she going there? It sounds very dangerous.”

The pilot nodded. “It is very dangerous. But the Queen wants to help her people.”

“Her people are very lucky.”

The young woman smiled slightly and nodded, “indeed they are.” Anakin watched closely as her slender fingers flew over the control panel in front of her. They had begun to enter the atmosphere.

Having landed in one of Naboo’s numerous grass plains, the Queen and her entourage, as well as the two Jedi, disembarked.

As they waited for Jar-Jar to return from speaking with his superiors, Obi-Wan approached Qui-Gon. “Jar-Jar is on his way to the Gungan city, Master.”

Qui-Gon did not respond right away. Silence hung between them like a heavy curtain, they had not spoken since they had left the Capital. He sounded a little distracted when he answered with one word, “good.”

“Do you think the Queen’s idea will work ?” Obi-Wan crossed his arms in the wide sleeves of his robe.

“The Gungans will not be easily swayed,” Qui-Gon answered, referencing the plan the Queen had proposed before they had landed. “And we cannot use our power to help her.”

Obi-Wan said nothing for a short while. But when he did, he did not meet his Master’s eye. “I apologise for my behaviour Master. It is not my place to disagree with you about the boy. And I am grateful,” he looked up and smiled slightly, “that you think I am ready to take the trials.”

Qui-Gon turned to face him and smiled. “You have been a good apprentice Obi-Wan. I foresee that you shall become a great Jedi knight.”

Obi-Wan nodded in acknowledgement of the compliment.

Their conversation came to an end when Jar-Jar returned with news that the underwater Gungan city was deserted.

“Any idea where they might have gone ?” Qui-Gon asked.

The gungan shook his head before quickly nodding as he seemed to remember something. “When in trouble, Gunguns go to sacred place.”

“Will you take us there?” The Queen spoke up. Her handmaidens and pilots standing close behind her.

Jar-Jar seemed to think for a short before sighing heavily and nodding. He gestured for everyone to follow him.

The group soon came to a glade and true to his word, Jar-Jar’s people were there. Peering at the newcomers in suspicion and thinly veiled hostility.

On the fallen head of a statue stood the chieftain of the Gungans, Boss Nass.

The Queen stepped forward and began to speak, “I am Queen Amidala of the Naboo, we come before you in peace.” Her words caused Boss Nass to laugh, he clearly did not take her seriously.

One of the handmaidens stepped forward and glanced briefly at the Queen before looking up at the Gungans. “I am Queen Amidala.” Shocked whispers echoed around the glade. “This is my decoy,” she gestured to the young woman beside her. “My loyal bodyguard. I apologise for the deception, but it was necessary.”

Silence followed her statement. Obi-Wan glanced at his Master, did he know about this ? A slight movement to the right of his Master caught his eye. One of the Queen’s pilots had stepped forward and stood beside one of the handmaidens. It was clear that the pilot was female but this was nothing unusual. What was unusual was the sense of familiarity that Obi-Wan got from her.

“Although we do not always agree, Your Honor, our two great societies have always lived in peace. The Trade Federation has destroyed all that we have worked so hard to build.” Amidala’s voice broke his train of thought and diverted his attention back to her. “If we do not act quickly, all will be lost forever. I ask you to help us... no, I beg you to help us.” With those words, she dropped to her knees, everyone following suit.

“We are your humble servants.” The young Queen bowed her head. “Our fate is in your hands.”

There was a pause before the Gungan replied. “Hmmmm.” He seemed to think for a moment before continuing. “Yousa no tinken yousa greater den da Gungans? Mesa like dis. Maybe wesa... bein' friends.” His words were met with cheers from both sides.

~ ~ ~

Near where they had landed, Queen Amidala and her party now planned their retake of Theed Palace. A holographic model of the palace allowed the Queen to clearly illustrate her strategies.

Obi-Wan stood to the side with his Master and did his best memorise their part in the plan. He briefly wondered if that young pilot was near, she seemed so familiar, he had yet to find out why.

Having explained to Gungans their part in the overall plan, the Queen and her group made their way to the transports that would take them to Theed.

~ ~ ~

Theed was crawling with Trade Federation droids. Staying out of sight, Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon, along with Anakin, accompanied the Queen.

Receiving a coded signal from their counterpart across the street, Amidala and her team all but mowed down a group of droids headed their way. Gesturing for everyone to follow her, Amidala led the way to the main hanger bay.

They had scarcely set one foot in the hanger when more than five Droidekas intercepted them. Shots were fired from both sides, with Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon deflecting what they could.

“Get to your ships,” Amidala commanded the pilots, who immediately ran to their respective crafts. Some made it, some did not. One did not go at all.

The remaining pilot stood beside the Queen. Her holster was empty, from her belt hung another weapon. Obi-Wan’s eyes widened as he noticed this and they narrowed when she reached for it and activated it. Without hesitation, she proceeded to block the Destroyer’s deadly bolts before they could harm the Queen.

With the help of Anakin who now sat in the cockpit of a Nubian starfighter, the young woman destroyed the droids.

Making to follow the Queen to the hanger’s exit, the young woman felt a gentle yet firm hand on her arm. She smirked beneath her helmet when she saw who it belonged to.

“Who are you ?” Qui-Gon asked the young pilot. He had his suspicions but he prayed he was wrong.

Choosing not to say anything, the young woman took off her helmet and let her H/L H/C hair tumble out.

“Y/N ?”

Nodding, she tossed the helmet to the side. “The one and only.” She winked at the stunned Obi-Wan.

“What in the name of the Force do you think you are doing here?” Qui-Gon’s usually calm voice held an undercurrent of anger.

With a look in her eyes that reminded them both of her Master, Y/N spoke. “I figured the both of you could use some help,” looking around the hanger, she smirked. “And it seems I was right.”

“Does your Master know of you being here?”

Qui-Gon’s fears were realised when she shook her head.

“You could be expelled for this,” it was not Qui-Gon who spoke, but Obi-Wan. He approached her slowly, as if he didn’t really believe she was there.

“It would have been worth it though,” Y/N said with a slight smile. “The Queen is safe. You’re safe. That’s all that matters.”

Obi-Wan made to speak when Qui-Gon beat him to it. “You will remain here, where it is safe.” He held up a hand to stop her protests. “You have broken enough rules already. You’ll be lucky to even be considered for the trials when Master Tahl hears of this.”

Anyone else would have looked down, ashamed. Y/N simply looked Qui-Gon in the eye and lifted her chin. “I do not wish to appear disrespectful Master. But, knowing what I do, I cannot leave you or your Padawan to face the danger we all know is coming.”

Silence met her statement. Obi-Wan glanced between her and his Master, she was right and knowing her, she would blame herself if anything happened.

“Very well,” Qui-Gon relented and Obi-Wan sent a small smile her way. “But you stay with me at all times, is that understood?”

Y/N nodded and grinned, “of course Master.”

Amidala, as though sensing the ease of tension, announced that it was time for them to leave. As they reached the hanger’s doors however, the doors opened to reveal a hooded figure and Y/N felt the temperature in the hanger drop.

Y/N took an involuntary step back, her heart hammering in her chest.

“Y/N? What is it?” Obi-Wan sounded far away.

She shook her head and whispered, “Sith.” What she said was confirmed when the figure lowered it’s hood and revealed it to be a horned Zabrak. It’s yellow eyes seemed to pinpoint everyone at the same time.

“We’ll handle this,” Qui-Gon said to Amidala, who led her team back the way they had come.

Y/N remained frozen to the spot, even when Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan ignited their lightsabers. Her eyes followed their every movement, yet her muscles refused to move.

It was only when the Sith all but threw Obi-Wan to the side, that her instincts took over. Igniting her own weapon, she launched herself at the Zabrak. She became a whirlwind of blue light, interrupted only when Qui-Gon struck their opponent.

Soon it became three against one. Two Padawans. One Master. One Sith Lord. At times it looked as though the Jedi had the upper-hand, but then the Sith would throw them off with aggressive yet highly skilled strikes and parries.

It was only when they entered the palace’s power generator complex, that Y/N suddenly became very aware of her surroundings; narrow bridges that were built high above each other and a thick column of electrical energy that pulsed in the centre.

Not being too fond of heights, Y/N tried to stay away from the edges and tried not to look down. She kept her attacks as central as she could and prayed she wouldn’t go tumbling over the side. She became so focused on her own safety that she failed to notice that her attacks were leaving her open in many places.

The Sith, Darth Maul by name, noticed this however and took full advantage. The young woman had proven herself to be a force to be reckoned with, her attacks were fluid and almost elegant. Impressive for a mere Padawan learner. While defending himself from the other two Jedi, Maul noticed her technique beginning to fail. The fluidity vanished and he could see in her eyes that something had shifted. Taking advantage of the many openings she now unwittingly presented, he struck.

Obi-Wan watched in horror as she tumbled from the bridge, her severed right leg following her. “Y/N!” He screamed her name, not caring who or what heard him. His best friend now lay unmoving on the bridge below, her severed limb and weapon were nowhere to be seen.

His heart hammering, he struggled to control the emotions now running rampant through him. Tightening his grip on his lightsaber, Obi-Wan launched himself at the gloating Sith. He and Qui-Gon drove him further and further into the generator complex.

It was only when they entered a sectioned-off area that Master and Padawan were separated. A short passageway that was sectioned off with lethal energy shields. Obi-Wan remained trapped in the last one as his Master took on the Sith alone. Unable to keep still, his eyes followed every movement the Sith made and tried to find any weaknesses. The image of Y/N lying unmoving and injured flashed before his eyes. White-hot anger flared up and rushed through him.

His sea-shaded eyes followed his Master as he struck and parried and struck again. Obi-Wan hated this, not being able to help his Master.

A second scream tore from his lips as he watched the Sith mortally wound Qui-Gon. “NO.” The scream echoed through the chamber and grief flowed through him and anger soon followed. He watched helplessly as his Master collapsed, his lightsaber rolling away from him.

Tearing his eyes away from his fallen Master, Obi-Wan clenched his jaw and glared at his opponent, who prowled and gloated before him.

When at last the timed barrier gave way, Obi-Wan all but threw himself at the Sith. His anger and grief fueled him. Lashing out, he launched a lethal series of attacks and skillfully dodged the Sith Lord’s strikes. His emotions soon began to cloud his judgement. With a swift kick from the Sith, Obi-Wan lost his balance and fell backwards.

Grabbing onto the first thing, Obi-Wan prevented himself from falling down into the incineration pit. Taking a series of deep breaths to calm himself, Obi-Wan brought his rebellious emotions under control. Hanging on for dear life, Obi-Wan began to think of ways for him to rectify his current situation. Maul hadn’t left the chamber, he lurked at the edge of the pit, pacing back and forth, striking at the edge with his lightsaber.

Gritting his teeth, Obi-Wan looked over in the direction where his Master lay, and his lightsaber close by. Narrowing his eyes in concentration, he called on the Force for help as he pulled Qui-Gon’s lightsaber toward him. Hope surged through him as the weapon moved closer and closer until, once again calling on the Force, he launched himself out of the pit and caught the lightsaber and ignited it. Without warning he struck, and watched with grim satisfaction as the Sith tumbled backwards, his severed torso following him down.

Without second thought, he hurried over to his Master and knelt by him, gently resting his head in the crook of his arm.

“It’s too late,” Qui-Gon breathed out.

Obi-Wan refused to believe this, “no!” He shook his head to emphasis his point.

“Obi-Wan,” Qui-Gon swallowed hard, almost painfully, “Obi-Wan, promise... Promise me you will train the boy.” He knew of his Padawan’s reservations, but this had to be done.

Not bothering to hide his tears, Obi-Wan nodded, “yes, Master.”

Qui-Gon reached up and gently wiped away a tear, “he is the chosen one. He will bring balance. Train him.”

Obi-Wan nodded a second time and cried out when he felt his Master go limp. Letting his emotions run free, he held Qui-Gon close and let the tears come.

~ ~ ~

The Council came to Naboo once they had received the news. Master Tahl had come with them, having learned of her apprentice’s involvement and of course, Qui-Gon’s sudden death.

Obi-Wan had relayed his Master’s last request to Master Yoda, who now paced before him. “Confer on you the level of Jedi knight, the Council does.” Obi-Wan suppressed a small smile, one that soon vanished when Yoda turned to face him and continued speaking. “But, agree with you taking this boy as your Padawan learner, I do not.”

Obi-Wan knew this was coming. His Master’s request was bound to be met with skepticism. “Qui-Gon believed in him.” For now, that was good enough for him.

Yoda let out a resigned sigh, “the Chosen One, the boy may be. Nevertheless, grave danger I fear in his training.”

Obi-Wan was in no mood to take ‘no’ for an answer. “Master Yoda. I gave Qui-Gon my word. I will train Anakin. Without the approval of the Council if I must.”

“Qui-Gon’s defiance I sense in you,” Yoda shook his head, “need that, you do not.” He paused briefly and took a deep breath before continuing, “agree with you, the Council does. Your apprentice, Skywalker will be.”

Obi-Wan didn’t know whether to be relieved or surprised. Maybe both. He didn’t know if he was ready for such a task. Bowing in respect to the Jedi Master, Obi-Wan left the room. Worry for Y/N shot through him and he hated not knowing if she was alright, or if she even survived.

Finding his way to the palace’s medical wing, he found Master Tahl. She sat silently by her Padawan’s bed. Y/N lay still on the white bed, the extent of her injury was hidden by starched sheets.

Most likely feeling the waves of worry radiating off of him, Tahl looked up and smiled sadly at the young knight. “Come in Obi-Wan.” She gestured for him to join her.

“How is she?” He struggled to keep his voice calm. His eyes wandered over Y/N’s sleeping features.

“They say she will pull through.” Tahl’s words were music to his ears. “Her body went into shock, that and she hit her head rather hard when she fell.”

“That’s why she’s not awake,” Obi-Wan asked, “because of that ?”

Tahl nodded, “I’m afraid so. They don’t know when she’ll wake up.”

Obi-Wan let out a breath he didn’t know he’d been holding. “But she will wake up, won’t she, Master?”

Tahl sighed and stood up, “there is no reason why she shouldn’t.” In passing him, she lay a gentle hand on his shoulder. “I am so very sorry for your loss Obi-Wan, I cannot imagine how you must be feeling.”

He simply nodded in acknowledgement, not trusting himself to speak with a steady voice where his Master was concerned.

Obi-Wan waited until she had left before going to Y/N’s bedside. “I need you to listen to me very carefully,” he spoke to her as though she wasn’t in some coma. “You made me a promise some while ago. I know we were only children but I have never known you to break a promise.” He took a deep shuddering breath. “You promised me that should you ever go anywhere that I did not, that you would always come back.” He swallowed hard as unexpected tears came, “I need you to fulfill that promise Y/N. You can’t go, you simply cannot. Not after everything that’s happened.”

She lay still as he spoke, the light of the setting sun casting a soft glow into the room. She lay still as he lent forward and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead. She didn’t move a muscle.

~ ~ ~

That night, Obi-Wan, Anakin, Queen Amidala and the Council stood beside Qui-Gon’s funeral pyre.

Anakin was, understandably confused and saddened. Looking into the flames, he asked Obi-Wan in a forlorn voice, “what will happen to me now?”

Turning his attention to the boy, Obi-Wan spoke in a low, reassuring tone. “The Council has granted me permission to train you. You will be a Jedi. I promise.” This seemed to reassure Anakin somewhat.

Not far behind them, Master Windu spoke with Yoda, “there’s no doubt that the mysterious warrior was a Sith.”

Yoda nodded in agreement. “Always two there are, no more, no less. A Master and an Apprentice.”

“But which was killed?” Master Windu turned to look at the pyre, “the Master or the Apprentice.”

~ ~ ~

The next day proved to be beautiful. The streets of Theed were alive with celebration as the Gungan procession made their way to the palace where Amidala waited.

Beside her stood Obi-Wan with his new Padawan learner by his side. She was further flanked by the Jedi Council, her handmaidens and her advisors.

Waiting until Boss Nass and Jar-Jar had dismounted, Amidala accepted the Globe of Peace from her Governor. When the Gungan chieftain finally stood beside her, she passed him the Globe and the crowd erupted into cheers.

As this was happening, Obi-Wan felt something behind him, a wave of relief, one so strong that he turned to see who it came from.

There she stood, leaning on both her Master and a crutch for support. Her prosthetic leg shimmered in the late morning sun. Her smile was brighter than the twin suns of Tatooine. 

His joy and relief at seeing her awake made him smile back. She had kept her promise. She had come back.

See you all for Story #2 :) Which will roughly follow the story-line of ‘Attack of the Clones’.