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Title: When Love Leads to the Dark Side …

By: Princess Kenobi

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Type: Action/Romance

Rating: PG-13 (I think)

Spoilers: Some ANH, ESB, and TPM

Summary: Obi-Wan’s love returns and saves his life, but her fear for her master may lead her to the Dark Side.

Disclaimer: I own none of the Star Wars universe (sob sob), all this, sadly, except for my made up characters belong to George Lucas.

Part 1:

Obi-Wan woke gasping for a breath, and frantically clutched his throat trying to breath. He closed his eyes, concentrating hard on the Force, and attempting to call his master. Grasping his neck, desperately trying to gain control, he stood, then quickly fell to the ground. On hands an knees he managed short unfifilling breaths. Slowly his airway was being cut off by some invisible Force. Trying to make his way to the door of his room he fell to the floor, and gravely called to his master.

Qui-Gon-Jinn awoke with his head spinning. Blindly, he reached for his light saber. Calming his mind he made himself aware of the Force. Instantly, words rang in his ears … painfully familiar. He pulled his tunic over his strong shoulders and flipped the switch to his room’s energy box on. The dull lights flickered on and hummed as they warmed up. The passenger ship that he and his apprentice were on was heading to Courisaunt. The Jedi Counsil had summoned home Qui-Gon-Jinn to give him and his padawan-Obi-Wan-Kenobi, in order to give them their next assignment. Their sleeping quarters were set uncomfortably apart, but both had been put on the VRC ,(very respected creature,) level.

Asteroid storms had set the voyage behind schedule, and while they waited out the turbulence, the ship drifted form space port to space port.

Kneeling on the floor, Qui-Gon meditated, relaxing all of his will to the ways of the Force. His airway quickly became tight, and he once more heard the ringing words in his mind, only now he recognized the voice pleading for his help.

"Obi-Wan." He said. Quickly getting up, he left the room to go to Obi-Wan’s aid.

When Qui-Gon entered Obi-Wan’s room, he thought that the battle was over, that a fight had just taken the breath out of his padawan. He put his hand heavily on Obi-Wan’s back, "Obi-Wan, what happened?" The young Jedi was gasping and breathing whistles in the darkened room. The look of terror that Qui-Gon saw on his apprentice’s face revealed that the battle hadn’t ended.

Jerking the boy close to him, Qui-Gon used all his connection to the Force in attempt to relax Obi-Wan’s body. His mind soon became lost in trying to define what was causing Obi-Wan’s panic. As Qui-Gon meditated on the young Jedi his head began to spin, and his throat muscles became tight, feeling like they were being squeezed. Staggering back, he relaxed again, this time focusing on his own peril. Instantly the invisible Force around his neck lifted, and he was once more staring at the choking boy on the floor.

"Calm yourself Obi-Wan, use the Force."

Obi-Wan fell on his back trying to rest his legs, and arms using the Force, but after a few seconds his muscles tightened up much more than previously, and everything became worse. Qui-Gon stood over his apprentice helplessly, reaching out with the Force and trying to calm Obi-Wan, and reach out with the Force. Just when all seemed lost the door to Obi-Wan’s room slid open.

A robed figure stood in the doorway of Obi-Wan-Kenobie’s room. Qui-Gon, ignited his lightsaber and stood up, but as the figure stepped forward it held up it’s hand in as a sign of peace. Qui-Gon lessened his guard. The figure, still sensing hesitation in the Jedi, stepped carefully closer.

"I can help," it said. Or rather, she said.

Bending down to the squirming Obi-Wan she ignited her own lightsaber on the lowest possible setting, (only powerful enough to slightly burn a creature’s skin, like hot water.) Prying Obi-Wan’s mouth open, she shortened the blade on her white-colored beam and rooted it to his throat.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Obi-Wan thrashed and clawed at his throat, Qui-Gon knocked the woman down, and pulled the lightsaber out of his apprentice’s throat, all while managing to ignite his own lightsaber.

"MASTER JINN!!"

The woman’s voice was young, she could not have been much younger than Obi-Wan. But, she spoke with such Force, that all of Qui-Gon’s attention was focused on her words.

"You must trust me, your padawan will die if I do not help him!" She choked the words out, as if she was about to burst into tears. She reached out for the lightsaber, and, reluctantly, Qui-Gon handed it to her, realizing that there was nothing else that he could do. She once more ignited the knife sized blade, and opened Obi-Wan’s mouth. Obi-Wan’s squirmed, and thrashed, not understanding what was happening. Qui-Gon kneeled and held Obi-Wan down, pinning his arms to the cold floor.

Once more the blade went into the apprentice’s mouth and the woman twisted it around in his throat. After a few moments she pulled it out and propped Obi-Wan’s head on her knees.

. . . . Obi-Wan stared into the black eyes of the woman who had saved his life. He felt her fingers stroking his neck softly, and her warm breath calmed him. She pulled off the Jedi hood that hid her face from him. The padawan’s eyes grew large and he lifted his hand to her cheek.

"Veole’," he whispered. His hand dropped back to the floor, and Obi-Wan fell into unconsciousness.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Part 2

Obi-Wan awoke in a recovery room, in the company of his master. A tube connected to his mouth pushed thick, hot air into his lungs, and healing bandages were taped to his neck to repair the burns in his throat brought on him by the lightsaber.

Qui-Gon walked over to his padawan, and lightly laid his hand on Obi-Wan’s shoulder. Obi-Wan rolled his dry eyes to his master and blinked them into focus.

"The Jedi healers will have to come in and finish their work on you now, don’t try to speak it will make it worse for your burnt throat, you should be up and running again in a few hours."

Obi-Wan’s mind questioned Qui-Gon about what had happened to him. Qui-Gon frowned. "Padawan, I don’t know what caused your misadventure, but we will be landing on Courisaunt in a few days, we will discus it with the Jedi Counsil then."

Obi-Wan attempted a smile from behind his breathing tube. Qui-Gon gave a short grin, and added, "Maybe when you’re able to talk again the two of us should discuss her too, but rest now and I’ll get the Jedi healers to begin their work."

And with that Qui-Gon left Obi-Wan in the recovery room.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Obi-Wan slept a light, dreamy sleep…taking him back to his days at the Jedi Temple. He spent his days training in "practice" battles with his other young Jedi. When he became Master Qui-Gon-Jinn’s apprentice he only spent time at the Temple to receive their assignments from the Jedi Counsil. He also stayed there a few times when he was not allowed to attend a mission with his Jedi master.

At once such time he had met the robed figure that had saved his life. Veole’ was in the padawan wing of the Jedi Temple, and he met her while he was training with Master Yoda. Their masters had been assigned the same mission: representatives of the Jedi in a galactic conference. Obi-Wan and Veole’ became very close during the time that they had together. Their last day they had together, in the confidence of the padawan rest area, Obi-Wan had given her a slow, meaningful kiss. Neither knew, however that it was the last day that they would see each other for a long time. When Veole’s Jedi master, Juh-Kum-Vess returned, she left so quickly, that her only good bye was a regretful glance to him in a corridor while following her master to their departure ship. As Obi-Wan was only 17, Yoda had dismissed the feelings of "love" the padawan had claimed he had for the girl, for lust.

Obi-Wan spoke nothing of his feelings to Qui-Gon, he used all of his power to block the thoughts of Veole’, which made him a better fighter, he concentrated more on his Jedi training to forget the girl he so desperately missed.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Veole’ walked down the corridors leading to the room where the Jedi healers had brought Obi-Wan to rest. The Jedi healers had completed their healing techniques, the tubes, were removed from his throat, and the burns in his throat were almost completely healed. Standing in the door way for a few moments she looked at the man who had stolen her heart so long ago. Then she sat down by his bedside, and smiled at his twitching face.

"I missed you." she whispered as her hand stroked his cheek.

"As I did you." Obi-Wan’s eyes opened and he grinned. Veole’ pulled her hand back and gave him a playful punch when Qui-Gon entered.

"Good Obi-Wan, you’re finally up, and doing better I see." Slightly embarrassed Veole’ stood up and bowed to Qui-Gon.

"Master Jinn," she said. Qui-Gon bowed to the padawan in greeting.

"I gather you have met my apprentice before."

"Yes sir," with a quick glance at Obi-Wan, "We met some time ago." Under his breath Obi-Wan muttered,

"Too long ago." Veole’ looked sorrowfully at the floor.

"Well," said Qui-Gon, continuing the conversation, "We need to unravel the quandary of what happened to Obi-Wan last night. Please tell me what you know about it."

"Sir, I don’t know much. In fact, not anything."

Puzzled Qui-Gon continued.

"How did you know Obi-Wan was in trouble?" he asked. Veole’ lowered her voice,

"I felt him call me Master Jinn."

Obi-Wan sat up.

"But, Master… I didn’t call her, I only called you."

Qui-Gon smiled,

"Obi-Wan, when a Jedi is in peril and doesn’t know what to do, quite often other Jedi, beyond his master, even other padawan will hear the plea for help." Obi-Wan’s questioning gaze lightened. "What is important however, is what she felt when she heard you."

The questioning look returned, but this time on the face of Veole’.

"What?" she asked.

"Veole’ what did you feel when he called? Were you in pain, were you comforted?"

"None of those Master Jinn, only…well, I became strangely aware of my heart, it’s beats, it’s presence in my body, the power it held in me. " Obi-Wan’s expression changed, and he sat back on the bed.

An uncomfortable silence fell upon the room, the two young Jedi scanning each other’s eyes. Veole’ eventually broke the silence.

"When will we be landing on Courisant?" she asked.

"In about a day or two, if we can get passed the storm watch blockade. There are still some minor collisions in the asteroid field." Qui-Gon answered. "The engine is having a bit of trouble also, so that may make the trip longer. In the mean time," he added, "We all need some rest. Obi-Wan, you stay here tonight until the Jedi healers dismiss you. We’ll discuss this more tomorrow. Good night." And he left the room.

Once more the uncomfortable silence engulfed the room.

"Obi?"

"Yes."

"………goodnight Obi."

"Goodnight Veole’."

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Part 3

Obi-Wan walked wearily down the darkened passage way of the ship’s sleeping quarters. He’d been unable to sleep ever since Veole’ had left, so the Jedi healers sent him back to his own room.

The captain had very strict orders that no one was to be allowed outside of their sleeping cell after the main energy box had been turned off and the halls were pitch black. He had been careful to explain the reason of this to the Jedi, because of his fear of them.

The hutts had a very large sum of money on his head, and because the latest bounty hunter craze was murder in the night, the captain established the blackout decree, that was punishable by death if violated. (The actual punishment was immediate banishment from the ship, but being launched into space was ultimately certain death.)

The only creatures allowed in the darkened corridors were the ship’s crew, and the captain, who, conveniently, were nocturnal.

Because of the engine trouble, that Qui-Gon had briefly mentioned, the cool air generator had been shut off, so that now, the ship had grown very warm.

Beads of sweat were rapidly descending down Obi-Wan’s face, the heat was almost intolerable. He was safe from being caught, because of his allowance pass, given to him by the Jedi healers, so he paused, leaning on the wall for support. He used the Force, cooling his body to a bearable level and regained his composure.

Hearing fast moving footsteps, Obi-Wan reached out with the Force, to reveal that it was Veole’. His mind was a bit hazy, so he couldn’t tell how far away she was. But he soon found out.

Veole’ ran down the corridor, desperately trying to avoid the guards. She had left her room to get to the Jedi healing room, to cool herself down, but she didn’t make it. If a guard caught her, she would not have time to explain what she was doing, or who she was, so she did the only logical thing … she ran.

She had sensed Obi-Wan’s presence, so she headed towards where she thought he might be. The heat seemed to effect all of her body, her eyes were hazy, her legs were weak, and she couldn’t think straight. She began to run faster when she heard foot steps behind her growing louder, and she was running at full speed when she tripped, and fell right on top of Obi-Wan, knocking them both over.

"Obi- is that you?" she whispered.

"Shhhh," he replied, "I hear the guards coming!"

Using all of his might he managed to scoot Veole’ and himself to the corner where they both laid, waiting for the guards to come. As long as Obi-Wan kept in tune with the Force he and Veole’ would be virtually invincible … for a few moments.

When the guard finally passed, Obi-Wan put his arms around Veole’s waits and held her tight. Their faces were very close to each other, and he could feel her warm comforting breath on his mouth.

Veole’s mind flooded, she didn’t know what to do. ‘What would a Jedi knight do?’ she asked herself. Then she looked into Obi-Wan’s enchanted eyes, and she questioned no longer. Leaning her head slightly to the side she kissed Obi-Wan’s awaiting lips … and not to her surprise, Obi-Wan kissed back.

Qui-Gon woke up a bit dazed. He had not realized how hot it had become over the night. He stood unsteadily, wiping the sleep from his eyes with his thumb and index fingers. During his meditation before he closed his eyes to sleep, he’d quandered much about Veole’ and his padawan’s relationship. He knew that there was something there, some old feeling of …love? lust? friendship? He did not know which one it was, but there was something there. He felt a strange uneasiness for his apprentice, something words would never explain. At that moment, he knew that Obi-Wan’s mind was somewhere else, not sleep, somewhere unidentifiable to the Jedi Master. He would need to look into this. Qui-Gon attached his lightsaber to his belt and left the room.

Obi-Wan held Veole’ in his arms. A few guards passing in nearby hall ways had made him apprehensive of getting up. The warmth, and comfort of his body made Veole’ fall into a restful sleep. When he was sure that no guards were coming Obi-Wan rose, and picked Veole’ up, carrying her, as quietly as possible to his room, and setting her down on his bed. He stared at her for a moment, then climbed in next to her. She nuzzled up next to him. He let out a shaky sigh and put his arms around her, and closed his eyes. Soon sleep came to him.

Qui-Gon entered his padawan’s room hesitantly. However, when he saw that Veole’ was in bed with Obi-Wan he was not surprised. Using the Force, he called his apprentice, and within seconds Obi-Wan’s weary eyes opened.

Seeing Qui-Gon standing in front of the bed starring at him, Obi-Wan’s eyes widened.

"Come here Obi-Wan." Qui-Gon said, very quietly. Obi-Wan rose out of bed, trying not to disturb Veole’.

"Master," he said, "nothing happened, I found her in the hall, and I-"

"What were you doing in the halls?" Qui-Gon asked suspiciously. "Were you looking for her?"

"No master, I was coming back from the Jedi healers, she found me, and … she fell asleep, and I …" his voice trailed off.

"Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon said calmly, and sympathetically, "You cannot be consumed by these feelings now, you have training to complete, and also a mission. When we get back to Courrisant you two will once again be separated. You must understand this."

"Yes master." Obi-Wan answered looking at the floor.

"Now," Qui-Gon began, "you will be working with the day crew today to fix the engine, they are not very intelligent, and not trained as extensively as you are in engine repairs, they will need your help. The energy box will be turned on soon, so be prepared." With a slow glance at Veole’ he said, "Leave her here for now, let her sleep, get dressed and go to the engine room immediately. But, remember to heed what I say Obi-Wan."

"Yes Master."

Part 4

Obi-Wan worked hard in the engine room and by the end of the day he had scrapes, bruises and a few nasty burns on his arms. But, he had accomplished his mission, the engine was working when he was finished, and they were on their way to Coruscant. He walked warily back to his sleeping quarter to clean up. He wanted to be presentable for the Jedi counsel when he and Qui-Gon returned, and also for Veole’, if he saw her again…

Veole’ had worked on the cool air’s power box and had and had finally gotten it up and running when she saw Obi-Wan enter his chamber. She was hesitant to go to him, she did not fully understand her feelings for him. She wanted him, that much was certain, but her circumstances with him made her decision to have any kind of relationship with him difficult. She pushed her feelings away, and decided to go to the cockpit and report to Qui-Gon-Jinn.

Qui-Gon was concentrating hard on piloting the ship. He explained to the captain, and to Veole’, who had entered in time to hear the captain protest on the Jedi Master’s actions, that the adjustments that Obi-Wan had made were in the ways of the Force. Now the only way to get the ship safely to Coruscant was to fly it using the Force to guide them, and naturally, the pilot that was hired to fly the ship was not qualified. Angrily, the captain agreed, and plopped down in a chair, wanting to monitor the Jedi’s further actions.

Qui-Gon glanced at Veole’.

"What is it?" He asked.

"I’ve completed my assignment, the cool air box is up and running again." She replied, rather ceremoniously.

"Well then," Qui-Gon said, "go and tell Obi-Wan that we will be landing on Coruscant soon, and I would like you both to meet me in the Jedi Temple when we arrive there. You can help unload all of the cargo that is to be commissioned here." Qui-Gon thought that the best way to test Obi-Wan in the terms of following his orders, was to give the padawan chances to be alone with the girl, instead of sheltering him

Veole’ turned and left, happy for an justifiable reason to go see Obi-Wan.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

After a refreshing shower, and putting a clean pair of trousers on Obi-Wan had fallen onto his bed. The soft sheets, and pillows were so tempting that he could not resist any longer. He closed his eyes for a short rest; he was so tired.

His nap was interrupted by a light knock at the door. Obi-Wan knew that it was Veole’, the Force had revealed that to him.

"Come in." He called, and his door schliked open.

Veole’ walked in and, seeing Obi-Wan without a tunic, got one from his storage shelf and helped him sit up. Putting the clean tunic on his she said,

"Qui-Gon says we’ll be landing on Coruscant soon, and we’re to meet him in the Jedi Temple as soon as we get the cargo to its proper places."

"Okay." Obi-Wan tiredly replied.

"Obi-?" Veole’ murmured.

"Hmmm?"

"Obi-, I need to talk to you … it’s … important." He opened his eyes and starred at her, half afraid to continue the conversation.

"Okay." He said hesitantly.

"Obi-, when will I see you again?" she asked in a shaky voice, and teary eyed. Obi-Wan put his arms around her, not letting her continue.

Qui-Gon’s warning made Obi-Wan pause. He knew that his master didn’t approve of a relationship with Veole’, but their love had survived through all the years that they were separated, Obi-Wan felt that their love deserved a chance.

"Veole’" he said comfortingly, "I don’t know when we shall she each other again, all I know is that I love you, now and forever. I don’t know if our destinies lie together, or not, but I do know that you are here now and so am I." He lifted her chin up slightly so that she was starring into his stormy eyes. With his thumb he wiped a tear from her cheek, and kissed her hungrily, passionately. Veole’ pushed all of her conflicting feelings down, and leaned back on Obi-Wan’s bed.

Obi-Wan’s tunic was half off again when he heard the landing gears adjust, and Qui-Gon’s warning pushed itself to the front of his mind.

"Veole’," he whispered, "We must be going now." And he pecked her neck. Veole’ sighed and sat up. Obi-Wan grinned at her unwillingness as he pulled his tunic on. "It would not be good if Qui-Gon found us like this." Veole’ laughed timidly to herself,

"No it wouldn’t." She took Obi-Wan’s hand and they left the ship.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Part 5

"An invincible attacker?" asked Mace Windu in surprise.

"Yes," answered Qui-Gon, "When I used the Force to calm Obi-Wan, I felt the same symptoms as he, only less powerful. When I tried to calm myself I became free, and Obi-Wan became worse." Mace Windu frowned, obviously baffled.

"Stopped it, someone did?" Questioned Yoda.

"Yes, Juh-Kum-Vess’ padawan, Veole’." Qui-Gon answered. Yoda gave an understanding nod.

"Obvious it is," he said, "care for each other they do." Qui-Gon nodded. "Bond is great between them, friends they have become, resembling experiences have they."

Veole’ and Obi-Wan entered the Counsil Room and bowed to the room of Jedi masters. Mace Windu began the questions.

"May I ask, Veole’, how did you know to use your lightsaber the way you did? Jedi are not taught to use their laser swords in that fashion."

"Master Windu, the Force guided me." Veole’ answered. She gave a trusting look to Obi-Wan. Qui-Gon continued,

"I have told them all that you have told me padawans, everything we discussed on the ship." The two young Jedi shuffled their feet and nodded.

"Describe your feelings again you will Obi-Wan." Yoda urged. Obi-Wan explained to the Jedi Counsil all that he felt that night, every fear, panic, and helplessness.

"Concluded I have," Yoda said. Mace Windu understood, and explained it to the questioned faced apprentices.

"Obi-Wan, be mindful from now on. The Dark Side is near you, and will be tempting you … soon I’m afraid." A shutter went down Obi-Wan’s back, and he shivered.

"How feel you?" Yoda asked. Startled at the question Obi-Wan pondered it for a moment, and said, to his surprise,

"Cold sir."

"Hmm." Yoda said in reply. "Remember your training you will." Obi-Wan nodded. " Anger, fear, aggression, the Dark Side are they. Easily they flow, quick to join you in a fight. If once you start down the dark path, forever will it dominate your destiny." Qui-Gon put a hand on his padawan’s shoulder, and Veole’ stood silent while Master Yoda recited the all too familiar advice.

"Dismissed you are," he said, "and may the Force be with you."

When they had left Yoda once more turned to Mace Windu.

"The Dark Side I sense." he said,

"His emotions will be his down fall." Mace Windu agreed.

"A promising pupil is he. The dark one I sense he- is -not." Yoda replied.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Part 6

Obi-Wan and Velole’ had sought a place after the Counsil meeting to be alone with one another, despite Qui-Gon’s warning that kept revealing itself in Obi-Wan’s mind. They eventually, found themselves in the place where they had first kissed so many years ago, the padawan rest area, which had since been abandoned since the addition of the padawan level in the Temple. Obi-Wan stopped and held Veole’ in his arms, and slowly, very slowly leaned in to kiss her .. just as before. She returned the kiss, more encouragingly than before. She sat down on one of the old divan and pulled him to her. Putting his weight on one knee he pushed himself into her, and she leaned back, so that she was laying down, still pulling him closer to her.

Veole’ undid his Jedi belt and pushed his tunic off, while he kissed her neck and face. Both tunics dropped to the floor at the same time and Obi-Wan kissed her body all over, while she begged him to never stop. He moved their meshing bodies to the floor where he remove both of their trousers. He roughly bent atop her seeking relief he so desperately wished for. He nudged a knee, then two, between her thighs. Seducing her with quick, hard thrusts, she groaned at his stimulating movements, and urged him to continue, moving her hands up and down his chest, feeling his heart beat faster, his breath become shallow .. when, at length, he fell to her side, panting feveriously, and holding her to his side. She raised his head, and looked into his stormy eyes and kissed him sentimentally. He wiped a lock of wet hair from her forehead, and kissed her neck, and shoulders, not yet wanting to stop their intimate moment. He stroked her breasts as he sent his lips about her body, and back to her lips. She seemed to consume his entire mouth, eager to taste his tongue, and to feel his lips against her. She rolled on top of him, kissing his chest and stomach, then allowing him to enter her once more. His back arched, and he moaned loudly as she discharged herself to him willingly.

Qui-Gon walked the halls of the Jedi Temple uneasily. He knew that his Padawan was up to something. With the many years of training Obi-Wan had learned to block some thoughts from his master’s reach, and at this moment, Qui-Gon was sorry that it was one of the things that the apprentice had picked up so quickly. He knew, vaguely, that Veole’ was tugging at the boy’s heart, and though it pained him to not allow his padawan to feel the same for the girl, he knew it was necessary. Something elusive told him so.

Obi-Wan lay next to Veole’ who had fallen into a soothing, restful sleep. He moved closer to her, wanting to feel her heated body next to his. Brushing a strand of hair from her face he kissed her neck, so lightly, as to not wake her. Then he stood and pulled his trousers on, and put his tunic and belt back into place. He gently picked up Veole’ and placed her on the divan, wrapping her tunic around her body. He stood there for a while looking, not at Veole’ but past that, into his thoughts. His Jedi senses had become alarmed, and a warning of caution came to him through the Froce. Attaching his lightsaber to his belt he gently shook Veole’.

She smiled him, remembering the incident prior.

"Love, it’s time to be dressed, I feel that we will be needed before long," he said. She pulled her tunic to her and put it on, then her trousers … which had been tossed across the room.

"Where shall we go?"

"For a walk," he smiled, "I’d like to see the new ships before we have no more time."

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Qui-Gon felt his padawan’s cautions rise, and he struggled not to come to Obi-Wan’s aid…

"These feelings," Master Yoda had told him, "his to deal with they are, only complicate matters for him you will. Occupy yourself will you." Yoda told him to go to the arrival dock to meet Master Juh-Kum-Vess when he returned.

"But master, I thought that he left earlier today for his mission." Said a confused Qui-Gon.

"Unfinished businesses here, has he, says he" Yoda blandly explained. "Now, go you will, do as he asks will you."

Qui-Gon stood, uneasily in front of the ship’s passenger doors feeling dark ripples in the Force steadily become larger. Nevertheless, once the door was opened Juh-Kum-Vess stepped out in his dark Jedi robe.

"Juh-Kum." Qui-Gon bowed.

"Qui-Gon." Juh-Kum did the same, mimicking Qui-Gon. The arrogance of the man leafed through Qui-Gon’s mind. Without hesitation, Juh-Kum removed the Jedi hood, revealing his still shadowed face. A few years after their mission when they left their padawans at the Jedi Temple, Juh-Kum had vanished. Just before that time he had chosen his first padawan learner, Veole’. She had been trained by many different Jedi in the Temple while she waited for Juh-Kum to return. But the longer he stayed away the more bitter towards him she became. It was during those unaccounted for times that he had become so solemn, so arrogant, and in a way … dark.

Since the Jedi code forbade Jedi being stripped of their title without violation of code procedure he was assigned to many solo missions that mostly involved farmer conflicts. The padawan, Veole’, however was required to spend most of her time with him, learning by experience. Juh-Kum-Vess was extremely strict. When provoked, his glare could put fear into even a strong Jedi’s heart. He was hard on Veole’, if something she did was disapproving to him, she worked harder, longer, and by the end of her punishment she was often sore and weak. Her only comfort came when she was at the Jedi Temple. Every day she spent with him was a little more time that she was being exposed to the Dark Side.

"It’s been too long Master Jinn." He said tastelessly.

"Yes it has been."

"I must hurry," he continued in a low deceitful voice. Qui-Gon pointed to the X-wing hanger, where he had seen Vole’, and Obi-Wan enter during his discussion with Master Yoda.

"I last saw them there." Qui-Gon said.

"I know," Juh-Kum muttered. "My thanks to you Qui-Gon." He bowed and turned, walking solidly towards the hanger.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Veole’ shook Obi-Wan’s shoulders.

"Obi- are you all right? Obi-! What’s the matter?"

"Hmm?" he murmured, "Oh! I’m fine." Veole’ looked hurtfully at the floor, "I’m sorry," he said, and he lightly pecked her cheek.

"You were thinking about what the Counsil said, weren’t you?" Obi-Wan nodded and pulled Veole’ closer to him.

"I was." he said.

"Are you frightened?" she asked.

"I don’t know," he sighed. Veole’ looked worryingly into Obi-Wan’s peaceful eyes. He grinned. "Don’t worry," he said, "I’m all right, I’ll be all right." He slid his hand behind her neck and kissed her as if in the heat of the moment. He stroked her back and held her tight, he felt his heart begin to speed up, and … suddenly he was strangely aware of it’s presence. The beats, and the power it held in his body.

The two young Jedi stood in the solidarity of the X-wing hanger, dwelling on each other’s presence. Obi-Wan’s internal cautions steadily grew louder, calling him to be weary and alert. He opened his mind to the Force once more and felt the dark ripples rising in him. He closed his eyes, trying to concentrate on what or who was causing the need for him to panic. A flicker of light barley flashed in his mind, revealing for just a moment a glimpse of the future. Unmasking the one causing him to fear his destiny. He quickly opened his eyes and shoved Veole’ to one side.

Juh-Kum-Vess stood in the doorway and glared at his apprentice. Veole’s eyes widened and took on a look of horror. Obi-Wan touched her with the Force, alerting him to the fact that she was truly frightened of the man that was standing before them. The Jedi master in the dark robe walked over to Obi-Wan and stared at the young man. Obi-Wan concentrated on the Force, using it to block the Master Jedi’s powerful gaze.

"You, Obi-Wan-Kenobi, have made a very large mistake, that may cost you your life." Obi-Wan remained standing his ground firmly. "My apprentice is not meant to be a victim of your love, nor you of her’s." Confidently Obi-Wan replied,

"It is not wrong for a Jedi to feel love sir." He was actually startled at his own confidence, his voice did not crack, his shields did not weaken, and his stature remained unbroken.

"It is when you are under my rule boy." Obi-Wan’s mind opened, and it was all suddenly revealed to him. Juh-Kum-Vess had let the Dark Side take control of him. He was a very wise, and a very clever Jedi, which explained how he had kept his Jedi Master" title, accepting assignments that would not totally reveal his true self. He had no real connection with the Force, only sorcery ways to manipulate it. Veole’ stood silently in the corner, her heart filled with fear. Only once before this time had she angered her master this greatly, only once, and she dreaded what had happened. She had been tortured. She was not questioned, Master Juh-Kum did not want any information, only for her to be in pain, and she was forever afraid of him from that moment on. The dark master grinned at the vision of his terrified apprentice and once more looking at Obi-Wan said,

"You cannot hide your feelings from me, I sense your fear, her fear, it surrounds this room. You both are angry with me… Show it Obi-Wan, do not keep your feelings hidden, for I can see past your Jedi training."

Obi-Wan steeped forward, voicing out with such confidence,

"Peace over anger. Honor over hate. Strength over fear." The Jedi code that he recited gave him extra confidence, and he ignited his lightsaber.

Part 7

Qui-Gon had since gone back to the Jedi Counsil searching for Yoda. He was restless, and he wanted to go to Obi-Wan’s side, to defend him, to help him. He felt a wave of confidence in his Padawan as he walked, and he sent encouraging messages, reminders of his learning to Obi-Wan, reinforcing upon him of the Jedi code when anger briefly visited the young man. Yoda was not in the Counsil Room, nor in his usual meditation spots throughout the Temple. Qui-Gon sat by the fountain in the middle courtyard and kneeled, he was going to help his padawan. He meditated, on the moment, on what Obi-Wan could see, what he felt, and it was as if he was there in the physical sense, but, only a bystander.

Juh-Kum-Vess’ eyes gazed at the padawan who was already in the classic Jedi defense stance and holding his lightsaber with confidence.

"You are well trained young Jedi, but you are not a master yet. My powers are beyond anything that you can fathom, and I suggest that you do not call upon me to use them. Now stand down and save yourself much pain."

"I will not back down Juh-Kum!"

The dark produced a throaty growl that seemed to come from his very heart, his black, stone hard heart. He ignited his yellow lightsaber and circled the padawan with an arrogance that engulfed the entire room. He grinned, an evilly and maliciously then attacked.

Obi-Wan was ready, using the Force he elegantly blocked all of the dark Master’s blows. His mind became one with the Force. They fought for what seemed like hours. Sweat poured down Obi-Wan’s face and back, while the Jedi Master remained cool, and mechanical. Obi-Wan’s mind soon became weak. Thinking of his sore muscles, and the burns that he had suffered made his thoughts tire him, and he soon became less defensive. Then he began to feel his anger rise within him. His blows began to strengthen, and the Dark Lord smiled. Briefly Obi-Wan’s mind turned back to the warnings of Master Yoda,

"Anger, fear, aggression, the Dark Side are they. Easily they flow, quick to join you in a fight." With that in mind he strengthened his bond with the Light Side of the Force, putting all of his energy into the sabre fight, blocking, lunging, flipping, dodging. It was here that he made his fatal mistake.

The intensity of the fight had caused his mind to think on pure, enjoyable things when he saw the frightened face of Veole’. The Jedi Master, taking advantage of the momentary pause Obi-Wan provided, jumped and kicked him hard in the head.

The room spun and Obi-Wan was thrown backwards into a shock-like daze, he looked frantically around for his lightsaber which had flown from his hand and found it, across the room. Instantly Juh-Kum called it to him, and held both ignited lightsabers, madly waving them around, mocking Obi-Wan.

"Prepare for death young apprentice, you meant good to come out of this, light as you would call it, but you will suffer much, I will make the pain linger solely for your sake." Juh- Kum raised the lightsabers over his head, preparing for a killing blow when, screaming, Veole’ came rushing at her master, knocking him down just aside of Obi-Wan. The Jedi Master roared with laughter, as he regained his footing, "That is it, young padawan, let the anger guide you." He stood up and kicked the unsuspecting Obi-Wan in the face once more, sending him to a state of half consciousness, and half Forceless. He watched in horror, trying to send the message to Veole’ to let the Force guide her, that the Dark Side would take hold forever if she continued this way.

For a long while master and apprentice fought, each one becoming stronger than the other, in turn, while the Dark Side flowed through them.

The fatal blow was dealt, when Veole’ was at her strongest, and for a brief moment Obi-Wan felt that Juh-Kum was actually frightened of losing. Veole’ used the thought to confuse him, lunging once to the right, and quickly changing her direction, causing her master to spin around. But, the confusion of the attack still lingered in him, and he forgot to cover his back with a swipe of his lightsaber, and Veole’ delivered the blade into his spine and he collapsed in a heap on the cold floor.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Mustering all of his strength, Obi-Wan stood up shakily. His senses were weary, but he knew that the battle was not over. Perhaps some hidden Forces were waiting for him. He did not know what, but something dark was still rippling through the Force.

Veole’ stood over her old master, silent. Obi-Wan walked to her and put his hand lightly on her back, trying hard not to let his guard go down but still trying to protect her. She turned to him with a fiery hell burning in her eyes. Anger filled her heart, and revenge piled on her mind. She had tasted the Dark Side and was hungrily digging for more. Her eyes grew wide then narrowed into two small evil slits, barely letting light enter.

Obi-Wan looked deep into her and found no source of Light, all that had survived the dark battle was choked out by the immense amount of darkness that resided in her. She glared back at him, seeking to engulf his very being in the darkness, and evil that she felt.

He stepped back. She brought her index finger and thumb closely together, at their eye level, and moved them together. A small rumble began in Obi-Wan’s head, and his airway slowly squeezed itself shut. Quickly remembering that panic would only make things worse, he used the Force to block her trap. He stood there silently, not knowing what to do. Should he fight her? Should he run? Every look of love that she had ever given to Obi-Wan vanished in the moment … She stood there with mouth partly opened, and smiled, a evil, diminishing smile that betrayed everything that he had come to know about her.

"You caused me to choke, you wanted me to die that night." He said emotionless. Veole’ walked a step closer and nodded abruptly.

"You are lucky that I had a change of heart." she hissed.

"Luck had nothing to do with it." he answered blandly.

"Clever," she grinned. Obi-Wan saw that there was no hope in brining her back to the Light Side, and he cringed inside as he remembered the words Master Yoda had said in the Jedi Temple,

"If once you start down the dark path, forever will it dominate your destiny."

She held her hands up to their waist level and pushed them roughly together, pinning Obi-Wan’s arms to the side, assuring her that he would not retaliate.

"I will not attack Veole’," he said. She stepped closer to him, and closer, until her cold breath was felt on his lips. She leaned forward and kissed him, deeply.

The heat from the kiss scorched in Obi-Wan’s body and lingered when she pulled away, the uncomfortableness of it made him shutter inside, his throat burned, and his lips felt as if they had been cut by a thousand tiny needles. He was left not being able to comprehend the sweet beautiful girl with whom he had fallen in love with. He was left with the evil creature standing before him. Her once comforting touch had been distorted by the overwhelming corruptness of the Dark Side.

"Obi-Wan, come with me." Her voice almost reverted back to it’s normal, soothing tone that had once nourished him. "We shall be together forever, nothing will part us." His mind wandered to what it would be like. He loved her and wanted nothing more … but his destiny was not to be with her, was not to be with the Dark Side.

"Veole’, I will not be taken over by the Dark Side, I am a Jedi." A frustrated scowl shadowed the girl’s face.

"Then," she shuttered frighteningly, "you shall die." The last word she said echoed throughout the hanger, and Obi-Wan felt his lightsabre in his hand as he called it. The blue beam shot out through it as he ignited the laser sword.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Part 8

The fight between the two was intense, and frightening on both sides, for both knew that neither would leave until the battle was won. The lightsaber’s clashed together, Obi-Wan could look into the eyes of Veole’ at such moments and offer her a way back to the Light, but each time she pushed it away harder and harder. She was in the power of the Dark Side, and there was only one way to stop it. She swiped at his legs and he jumped into the air landing on an over head shaft. Dropping again, he continued the fight. Each move by each combats was quick, and precise, carefully calculated.

Obi-Wan called to his master, asking for help. He did not want to do this alone, did not want to be the one who did this. Qui-Gon’s comfort fell over him in an understanding blanket of the Force and Obi-Wan’s spirit grew stronger. He was soon gathering more energy than he ever before had expected, he was capable again.

The heat and intensity of the fight continued. Obi-Wan blocked a blow to the head and swirled around blocking another to his back. He jumped up, doing a somersault over Veole’s head and landed behind her swiping at her body. He just barely missed her stomach, and the blade of his lightsaber went directly through the elbow of her right arm. She screamed in pain and dropped her lightsaber, Obi-Wan kicked it away.

Kneeling on the floor and panting hard she closed her eyes and awaited the final blow that would kill her. She clutched her arm and meditated on the Dark Side.

Obi-Wan stood in front of her, holding his lightsaber so that it was ready to strike at a moments notice. But— he lingered, looking at the once beautiful face that he had loved so much, and the girl who had stolen his heart … at the woman who had carefully remove his tunic on the ship where they were reunited. He lingered.

She felt his feelings within him but she did not return them. She opened her eyes and they gleamed evilly red.

"Coward!!" she yelled "Kill me and let it be over!"

He stood questioning her … Should he let her go? A calm, familiar voice came to him.

"Obi-Wan, do what you must." The strong, yet encouraging words of his master meant more to him at that moment than any other sound in the world.

"Fool!" She once more yelled. "You have not got the nerve to kill me, the one who you love, the one who loved you back, you are WEAK!!" She shouted these words that pierced Obi-Wan’s heart. She looked over to her lightsaber and called it to her left hand, jumping up and igniting it.

-The motion was almost reflective, Obi-Wan swiped the air with his sabre and little drops of blood splattered on his face as Veole’ dropped to the ground, dead

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Part 9

Qui-Gon anxiously ran to the hanger. The Force had called him there after Obi-Wan had asked him for help. He knew his apprentice was faced with one of the most difficult decisions of his life and he needed reinforcements.

Qui-Gon entered the large room where the battles had taken place and found Obi-Wan kneeling on the floor next to the dead Veole’. The Force had not revealed this to Qui-Gon. He had only assumed that the question of killing Obi-Wan desperately asked of him was weather he should kill his love’s master, not his love.

Walking to the padawan, Qui-Gon put his hand on his shoulder, searching the young man’s mind for dark thoughts.

"I was not taken master." Obi-Wan said. "The anger over-came her, and she attacked me. She killed Kuh-Jum-Vess, and plotted to do the same to me."

Qui-Gon stood silent for a moment, then pulled his apprentice to his feet. He walked to the spot where only the dark robe remained from Kuh-Jum-Vess’ body, and examined it with his foot. Then returning to Obi-Wan, pointed towards the door.

"Obi-Wan," he said quietly, "you are a strong Jedi. You have faced one of the most difficult tests known … But," he forced the padawan to look him in the eye, "you must not let these feelings of loss, even of regret last, or you will be venerable to the Dark Side even more that before."

"She could have hidden her feelings after she killed Juh-Kum, and lived, but she didn’t. She could have killed me that night on the ship Master, it was her who almost caused my death that night."

"Padawan, she didn’t kill you on the ship that night because she still had a chance to return to the light, there are chances in a young Jedi’s life to be taken to the Dark Side. Her’s was then, and then when she killed Juh-Kum-Vess. But the point when she felt the most anger, the most aggression, the most fear was when she remembered that you were still here. On the ship that night, when you were about to die, she remembered the love that she felt for you, the way you both cared for each other, and the light stopped her. But here, the hate, and fear of her Master overtook her feelings, and very being. Not even pure, genuine love can eliminate those feelings. " Obi-Wan nodded.

"Master, I loved her." He said positively.

"I know you did padawan."

~The End~