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Return to part 5.

Rating/Warnings: R; Violence; slash (Obi/Qui;Qui/Xan); possible death of a character
Summary: After an explosive fight, Obi-Wan storms off broken hearted and leaves Qui-Gon's world in shambles. Both struggle to come to terms with what's happened and the "deeper meanings" behind Qui-Gon's dream of Xanatos. Qui-Gon's meditations on this have left him with the sinking suspicion that Xanatos is behind everything. Now Qui-Gon can no longer sense Obi-Wan's force signature and Obi-Wan has been captured! Qui-Gon is relentless however and will chase Xanatos to the ends of the galaxy to find Obi-Wan.
Please direct feed back to: marjorievonnordeck@yahoo.com It's all so very welcomed... Remember it's the only way I'll get better. (So bring it on, all of it! Comments, concerns, suggestions - good, bad, or otherwise; they're always welcome.)
Sssooooo much thanks to Sue, my faithful beta reader! *hugs and kisses*

Obi-Wan's POV:

I slowly woke to the feel of gentle fingers caressing my cheek. "Master?" I was groggy and my thoughts where hazy.

"Ssshh..." warm lips brushed my ear.

I was jerked back into reality, that wasn't Qui-Gon's voice or his touch! "Where have you taken me?" I demanded, sitting up abruptly as I tried to push away the man that leaned over me.

A vicious grin spread across those luscious lips, and soft, very soft dark hair brushed my face as he moved close to me again. He moved his face so near to mine, his lips almost touched my own; I could taste his breath in my mouth.

My wrists and ankles where bound and I all but panicked when I realised I couldn't sense the force. "You're beautiful when you’re angry and scared, Obi-Wan," he touched my chin with those gentle fingers again, "Its no wonder he loves you so much."

I yanked away from the touch. I would *not* fall under this man's spell. "Who are you?"

He laughed and the sound was delicious. His eyes sparkled with desire and humour and it was all I could do to remind myself that I had been taken by this man against my will. "Don't you remember me?" he mocked hurt, "It was many years ago... Don't you remember, the last time we met? I tried to kill you, Obi-Wan." His voice was soothing as he laughed again, "I tried to kill your lover too." The warmth in his voice was so at odds with the hatefulness of his words that it scared and confused me.

Realisation hit me like a brick wall. "Xanatos," I sneered as the power of his intoxicating voice faded.

He laughed again, thoroughly enjoying my torment. Xanatos moved close again and whispered in my ear, his voice so soft, so full of lusty desire, "I will not be unsuccessful this time."

I jerked my head back, the mere closeness of Xanatos made me feel dirty, smothered, as if his proximity threatened to strangle me. Xanatos's eyes sparkled with delight as he watched me struggle with the growing sense of foreboding in my mind. 'Why can't I feel the force?' Panic threatened me again.

"I gave you a force suppressing drug," Xanatos said, his amusement clear in his voice and expression, "It was so easy... You were letting your anger lead you away from Qui-Gon," he shook his finger at me and smiled, "Shame on you Jedi, letting your anger cloud your judgment like that. You were so intent on escaping him that you didn't even realise that you were walking into a trap until it was too late."

He grabbed the back of my neck and pulled me close pressing his face into my hair he took a deep breath, "Mmmm... So sweet," he mumbled and then released me to fall back. He just sat there for a moment running his eyes over me as if with his stare he would devour me. I met his eyes with a pleading glance, 'As if it would do any good,' I chided myself and looked away again, 'there's nothing good left in him.'

"I have to go make ready, Qui-Gon is coming." A wicked grin played on his lips as he stood, then he walked slowly passed the door, turning his head to look at me over his shoulder just before the door closed. I heard the lock click into place, and I was again alone and helpless.

I looked around the room. I was on a small bed that stuck out from the bulk-head it was securely attached to. There was no other furnishing, just what looked like a closet and a bathroom door. 'I'm in passenger quarters,' I thought. It was curious that he hadn't put me in a more fortified location.

I gave my self a quick look over. I was fine, my utility belt was missing, but otherwise I seemed untouched. 'Obi-Wan, what have you gotten yourself into?' I swung my feet over the side of the bed and pulled myself into a sitting position. I sighed looking at the leather straps that secured my wrists and ankles. The buckles had strong locks on them.

I chuckled to myself at the irony. It was a regularly repeated exercise for me to practise removing binders and handcuffs from myself with the force. 'Am I really so useless without the force?' I could feel my thoughts turning dark with worry and regret.

'No, no, Obi-Wan,' I grappled with my feelings of helplessness, 'that's what *he* wants, do not give in. Qui-Gon, or someone will come looking for you. If for no reason than they think you're a threat after the way you stormed off on Qui-Gon and Mace.'

I thought for another moment, 'The mandates for a captive Jedi are to evade, escape, and resist, to be ever vigilant and mindful of the will of the force, and of course, all Jedi should always exercise and meditate.' Exercise would hardly be possible, but then I was sure that was why I was not only given a force suppressor, but also bound in a most uncomfortable way; meditation, at least I could try that.

I swung my legs back onto the bed and lay down flat on my back, knees bent to alleviate some of the pressure on my ankles. I nearly laughed again, 'I've never meditated in this position before,' but I was comfortable at least.

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. I catalogued my recent memories and experiences trying to make sense of everything that had happened over the span of the day. I made a promise to myself that I would apologise to Qui-Gon if I got out of this alive. I had finally come to the conclusion that while Qui-Gon had hurt me deeply, he had not betrayed me as I thought. *I* was the one mostly at fault, he had begged me to forgive him, and I had known he loved me, but I let my anger and fear lead me. I shook my head in regret, "What a Jedi you've become Obi-Wan Kenobi," I scolded myself harshly, "letting your anger and hate lead you, emotions that you should have dissipated into the force, but instead you held on to them."

I was feeling groggy again; my efforts with meditation had tired me, an unusual effect to be sure. Then I remembered, 'Of course,' I almost said it out loud, 'You were not able to replenish yourself with the force, you could only focus your mind and get a grip on your thoughts.'

I sighed and closed my eyes. Fatigue quickly won its battle against my nerves, and sleep took me.

Continue on to part 7.