Pairing: Q/O
Rating: PG-13
Series: Fourth in The Masked Series
Summary: Qui-Gon's two apprentices square off in a fight to the
death (Set during to Qui-Gon and Darth Maul's last battle - slight
diversion from cannon.)
We have fought together before, he and I, the last time under the light of the double moons of Qular'eh. They both thought me dead then, neither knowing that my broken body would be discovered and nursed back to health by the one who would become my whole world - my new Master.
It is a shame I must kill him. There is a delicious darkness to his
attack. His anger and hatred for me lend him such exquisite power. If
there were another way I would take him for my own apprentice when the
time came. The ways of the dark are beguiling and even if he lives
through this encounter I feel the seeds have been planted within him.
The loss of his Master will
cause them to sprout even as they
flourished within me after Qui-Gon cast me aside.
His attack is formidable, he has learned much since last our sabers crossed. A sudden slash disables half of my weapon but that is no matter. We circle the walkway, attack and counter-attack leaving no time for tactics or planning. A small opening presents itself and I lunge.
He falls, skidding toward the lip of the opening, losing his lightsaber in the process. Gravity acts as my ally, pulling him over the edge and I experience a sense of loss that I will not be able to finish him off myself.
How amusing. He hangs there below me, his hands clenched around a sensor, his feet searching for purchase on the slick plasteel wall. "We meet again, Obi-Wan," I chuckle, toeing his weapon off the ledge and watch as his gaze tracks it's downward progress.
"Now we know who was and is the better apprentice. Who is stronger and more worthy." My saber's blade strikes sparks from the wall above his head, the light illuminating the desperation and hopelessness of his situation.
His Master is dead, killed by my hand, and now he will follow.
He gives a final look toward Qui-Gon's body - a way of saying goodbye
perhaps? - and I lean in for the kill.
Master, help me. My fingers are slipping. Faced with the Sith above and the drop below I feel despair. It is only the knowledge that you live that gives me hope. It will not end like this.
My lightsaber is gone but yours lies where it dropped when you fell. _Center yourself, Obi-Wan. Calm yourself and feel the Force. Let it guide and aid you._
I hear Xanatos' harsh laughter above me and realize he believes that I have given up. He could not be further from the truth. Ignoring everything but the moment, I reach for the weapon, drawing it to me even as I propel myself out of the pit.
The solid weight of the saber smacks into my palm as I flip over the Sith's horned head. The blade sizzles to life, not the familiar blue of my own weapon, but the green fire of my Master's. I land and swing at the same time, the move taking my opponent by surprise.
You always told me that overconfidence was his greatest weakness.
I do not take the time to watch him fall because there is none.
Your head lies cradled in my lap, your beloved features taut with pain and the knowledge of what is to come.
"Master, no . . ."
I promise to train the boy. If it would keep you here a millisecond longer I would promise to pull the down the spires of Coruscant and the Temple along with them.
Do not go, do not leave me here alone. I cannot do as you have asked without my heart and it is surely following you on this journey.
A soft touch on my cheek. I can barely see you through the tears that cloud my eyes. There is too much to say, a thousand years would not be enough for me to tell you everything I feel for you.
_Be still Padawan. When you are, I will be there_ The words echo through my mind and I swear I see a soft smile form on your lips before your body goes limp in my arms.
Hot tears scorch a path down my face to fall on your forehead and hair. The light is gone from my life. Your skin is still warm, stirring memories of countless other times we touched in training, healing or passion.
My pledge to you is the only thing that holds me here. I will train the boy - will do it to the best of my ability. Anything less would be a dishonor to you.
Footsteps are coming. Whether they are droids or the queen's guards I care not. Pushing the pain deep inside me, I let my face settle into an expressionless mask. I will be still my Master, I promise you this.