#maybe the Force somehow prevented Obi and Dooku from meeting

[cimeret]

Sooo ... the thought that Obi-Wan and Dooku never met before ATOC keeps haunting me.

Honestly, in-universe it never really made sense to me. Even less so after watching TOTJ and seeing how Dooku actually cared about Qui-Gon and expressed interest in meeting Obi-Wan. It's another Anakin/Grievous situation except all the characters involved should have an active interest in making it happen. First, Qui-Gon should have introduced them to each other, second, both Dooku and Obi-Wan should have been curious to meet the other, third, while the Temple is large, how unlikely is it that they didn't run into each other once in a hallway somewhere, in the courtyard, at some official event? (It's common knowledge that, normally, you can't take two steps in the galaxy without running into some old acquaintance.) But we have Dooku's statement from AOTC and there's really no way to soft-retcon "our paths have never crossed before".

So I tried to come up with reasons that might have prevented Obi-Wan and Dooku from meeting. I guess these are more headcanons than a coherent theory, but sometimes I like to play around with ideas. (Also, this got really long and I'm not sorry)

As a Jedi, Dooku was hyper-focused on his private mission against systemic injustice and the Senate for most of his time. He was away from the Temple a lot, with his mind always on his cause, and meeting young Obi-Wan just wasn't a priority. It's not that he didn't have time or didn't care at all, it just comes down to what he chose to devote his time to. Noble cause > interpersonal relationships. TOTJ also paints him as much more of an antisocial loner than I had imagined him to be in his Jedi days. So when he was in the Temple, he probably preferred to keep to himself, so a chance meeting with Obi-Wan would be unlikely. He left the Order in 42 BBY when Obi-Wan was 15, which would mean that for 2 years Dooku seemed to have better things to do than get to know Obi-Wan. Sad. How much contact he had with the Order after he left, and when, is not entirely clear; he still visited regularly, but apparently remained less in communication with Qui-Gon.

After he started aligning himself with Sidious, he may have distanced himself even more from Qui-Gon. Up till TPM, he was still self-aware enough to see that he was on a dark & dangerous path and I think he might have been torn between wishing Qui-Gon would join him or not. Although he often said that he would have liked Qui-Gon by his side (like in AOTC to Obi-Wan; in the TOTJ episode "The Sith Lord" to Sidious), some things like the long, final look he gives Qui-Gon in their farewell scene in "The Sith Lord" make me think he was, in truth, rather conflicted. Part of him may have wished to keep the whole Sith business away from Qui-Gon, to protect him (and, by extension, Obi-Wan) from Sidious and maybe even from himself. By this point, he already killed his best friend Sifo-Dyas, the clone army deal is done by now ... there is no going back for him. So it could just as easily be the other way around: That he's distancing himself because he knows full well that his relationship with Qui-Gon is a weakness. Thus, his "I should like to meet him someday" might actually be more of an "I wish I could have met him". Not so much a desire, but more like regret. Because part of him knows it's not going to happen, not anymore (well, or at least not in the friendly family setting his statement implies). He ruined this possibility for himself for a long time, and I wonder to what extent his detachment may have been an active, perhaps even (semi-)conscious decision. One recurring theme of the Dark Side is that it asks you to kill everything you love or could potentially come to love. And Dooku is a perfect example of a character who is somehow set on making his own existence miserable, even when he has sooo many better options open to him.

As for Qui-Gon … well, I think his complicated relationship with both Obi-Wan and Dooku might have kept him from introducing them to each other. Qui-Gon clearly loves Obi-Wan, but at the same time he isn't always sure if he can be the mentor Obi-Wan needs. Their relationship is always overshadowed by the after-effects of Xanatos, Bandomeer, Melida/Daan … there are quite a few stories about how they had a little trouble connecting with each other initially. Even after they resolved most of their issues, there may always be a bit of uncertainty left, an unspoken strain on their relationship. And how is Dooku going to factor into this? What if Dooku destroys this balance they've managed to achieve? Because for as much as Qui-Gon respects and loves Dooku, he also knows of his reckless, destructive tendencies. I mean ... even as a Jedi, Dooku has always been pretty dark and creepy at times (yk, Force-choking or Force-lightning people) and yes, maybe Qui-Gon has come to grips with it and they have learned to live with this dynamic (as you do) and have grown together to form a reliable team. Something that works, but again, it's not perfect. And again, there's a lot of underlying uncertainty here -- I think that is nicely illustrated in some of the books where Qui-Gon reflects about how Dooku's & Rael's relationship feels so very different from Dooku's & Qui-Gon's.

And now adding Obi-Wan to that mix? Well, for starters, I think Dooku would find a lot to criticize about Qui-Gon's teaching methods and point out both his and Obi-Wan's flaws, question some of their choices … there are too many directions this could go that end up hurting Obi-Wan. And of course Qui-Gon would defend Obi-Wan and himself, but it would still bring things to light that are uncomfortable. Because Qui-Gon is a little bit Obi-Wan's Dooku and a little bit Dooku's Obi-Wan. In a way, he balances both of them, so he can't have them clash. He would have to question himself, his life choices, and two of his closest relationships. Or what if it goes in the opposite direction? What if Obi-Wan's latently rebellious and questioning nature is further spurred on by Dooku? To what extent would Obi-Wan even listen to and trust his master's guidance, to what extent might he be inclined to listen to Dooku instead? I always thought that in an alternate universe, Obi-Wan and Dooku might find a lot in common if they just happen to meet under the right circumstances (though I have to admit that I just like seeing the two of them together, so I'm probably biased).

Ultimately, it boils down to how Qui-Gon might be harboring the subconscious thought that he is not living up to expectations. Not to his master, not to his padawan. And maybe he's made peace with that individually, but the moment the three of them come together? That's where the established dynamics shift. It could hurt and end badly, or it might have saved some things in the long run (but knowing Star Wars, it's more likely to be the former). My point is, Qui-Gon may not have been actively or intentionally trying to keep them apart. But he didn't necessarily encourage them to meet either, and deep down he may have been relieved that it never came to that.

Obi-Wan had a lot on his plate during his apprenticeship and getting to know Dooku was probably not high on his list of priorities either. And I'm thinking of the scene in the Padawan book by Kiersten White where Dooku and Obi-Wan almost meet. And how Obi-Wan spends a lot of time angsting that Qui-Gon might join Dooku and leave him and the Order behind. On the one hand, it's so sad to see how Obi-Wan, even after years, is still not feeling completely secure in his relationship with Qui-Gon, but on the other hand, it also seems like Obi-Wan perceives Dooku as a threat, as someone who could potentially take Qui-Gon away from him. Side note: I found the language and use of words rather interesting in some places … Dooku collecting Qui-Gon, Qui-Gon being lured by him … yeah, Obi-Wan clearly has some feelings about this whole scenario. That's probably why he wasn't so keen on meeting Dooku. Which is funny in it's own way, considering how Dooku later tries to lure in Obi-Wan. But as far as Obi-Wan is concerned, that seems like a strong argument that I think could explain why he's actively avoiding Dooku.

But what about before, when Dooku was still a part of the Order? Obi-Wan, especially in his younger years, always tried so hard to be a perfect Jedi. At first glance, that should absolutely motivate him to seek contact with an older, experienced Jedi, especially if said Jedi is his master's master and one of Yoda's former apprentices. It also wouldn't have been a bad idea to subtly ask Dooku for stories about Qui-Gon; that might have helped Obi-Wan with his fears and doubts regarding his master. Apparently, Qui-Gon always spoke highly of Dooku, so Obi-Wan should have no reason to dislike meeting him. But I assume by the time Obi-Wan had somehow settled into his apprenticeship and was ready to tackle his problems, Dooku probably already had his reputation as a less-than-perfect Jedi. Surely Obi-Wan picked up a story or two from other Jedi, and he certainly didn't like all of them. Perhaps Dooku already seemed to him like a darker version of Qui-Gon (or, if you want to stretch it, even of himself), and that might have kept Obi-Wan from wanting to meet him.

Bottom line: everyone's messed up and they know it.

If you actually read through all of this, thank you so much and let's take a moment to commemorate their fake family reunion!

(Bless this gif! It's so beautiful, I'm sobbing)

Would be very much interested in reading more opinions and thoughts on this topic because I'm clearly a tiny bit too invested in this!

(Edited some numbers because apparently I can't do math. Sorry. Assuming Obi-Wan became Qui-Gon's padawan around 44 BBY and Dooku left around 42 BBY, the time Obi-Wan and Dooku were both members of the Order would be 2 years at most, not 4. Makes me feel slightly better!)

[meshlasolus]

House Of Memories (42/?)

Obi-Wan Kenobi x Padawan!reader

Warnings: ansgt (the usual) bad decisions (also the usual)

Summary: There's a new mission, and you discuss your uneasiness of it with your dear friend, Anakin Skywalker.

A/n: tbh this is just Anakin fluff... there will be a second update tonight, and you can thank @elmontsmile for that bc she made me

also y'all if you like the story, maybe consider buying me a coffee :)

Words: 2.1k

The new mission, the one that had been discussed for hours in the council room, in a meeting that overtook your training time by an hour, it was possibly the biggest mission in the temple since the clone wars began.

A team of about thirty Jedi, including several council members were assigned to the task. Those council members by name, were Mace Windu, Plo Koon, Yoda, and of course, the reliable Master Obi-Wan Kenobi. There were several other knights, with their clone battalions at the ready, one being Anakin. Since this mission required as many available hands as they could acquire, you would be standing on the front lines with your Master, ready to face whatever challenges arose.

The droid army, led by Count Dooku and his Sith master Darth Sidious were hiding out on a planet called D-Qar, unawares that the Jedi order obtained their location.

The mission, though overly crowded with experienced Jedi, should be simple enough. The clone battalions would do most of the grunt work, planting explosives, and making sure the perimeter was secure for you all to make a distraction. No lives were to be lost on this endeavor, that was the primary goal, which is why so many reinforcements were required. This battle was one the jedi had hoped would be in and out having had no casualties. It was a bitter hope, as in the back of their minds they knew something had to be in store. Nothing ever went as planned in the order. There were successes, sure, all the time, but often because sacrifices were made for the greater good.

There was an entire Star Cruiser filled with the lot of you, preparing for possibly the most nerve-wracking mission you'd been on since this whole thing began. Everyone was on edge, though they didn't let on, and you, as well as Anakin, were sitting in one of the many hallways, where it was quiet and serene, the only sound being the distant murmur of thrusting engines.

"Do you think we're walking into a trap?" It had been on your mind since you left, and you could only wonder if your former fellow Padawan would agree.

"I think it seems too easy. No one will admit it, but the simplicity of the plan makes them feel anxious, I can sense it in the force, it's surrounding me."

"I can, too. I wonder if the 'no casualties' rule will stand once we reach ground," you began to fidget with your hands, something you'd picked up and hadn't been able to quit, not since you were a child.

"What do you mean?" he turned his head to you, sensing more distress in your outwardly calm being than anywhere else on the ship.

"If it should turn out to be a trap, and if they are prepared for us to come... they've always been one step ahead of us, somehow. Like there's one big puppet master playing both sides, but we got his undominant hand. I can't help but feel like something is wrong about this, and life will be lost."

"I won't let anything happen to you, you know that" he promised, wrapping an arm around your shoulders, your shakiness worrying him more than perhaps you were about this.

"I'm not scared to die," you told him, smirking. You'd brushed with death more times than you could count, and most of those times, Anakin was usually there to prevent things from going too far. On the other hand, there was on person who would much rather sacrifice themself for you than put you in harm's way of any kind. "I'm worried about Obi-Wan. You know him, he's stubborn. He'd run into the face of danger if it meant keeping either of us safe."

"This might sound awful, but I've never really been concerned about him in that way. Maybe I overestimate him, but since I was a kid, he always seemed invincible to me."

You laughed, that was one way to see him. You'd seen more, though, much more, and from each little scar he ever bore, you knew his humanity was evident. He was not a god, nor was he some substantial being in the force. He was a Jedi Master, and a good one, but he was still just a man, and he could bleed. Flesh and blood, that's all he was.... but not to you. To you, he was everything, and if he'd put himself on the line to defend you, you'd be unhappy for the rest of your life. The darkness always found a way to get ahold of you when you were at your lowest.

"He is one of the greatest Jedi I've ever known, as wise as Master Yoda, and Powerful as Master Windu. I suppose I don't wish to think of him as less, because it makes him seem so... mortal."

You understood, and for the most part you could relate. You wanted to see Obi-Wan as such, and believe it, so that your mind would not worry so much, but you couldn't help yourself. He was the love of your life, and anything bad happening to him was something for you to be stressed over.

"I'm often just reminded of what life would be like without him, and though I know his capabilities, I can't help but feel like he wouldn't think twice if it were for the cause of a greater good. He's selfless, he always thinks of others," you turned to him, and he nodded in understanding. The look in your eyes was enough for him to see how much adoration you held for Obi-Wan. Your worries over him, and wishes that he might stay safe, it was what he often thought about Padme, though he was wise enough not to voice those thoughts, in fears that she would become upset. Padme was strong, and courageous, and she made it known.

"If it makes you feel any better, I don't believe he would do anything that would prevent you from being happy. He cares about you more than you could ever comprehend."

"I think I might have an idea," you smirked at him, and he rolled his eyes. The mood became lighter after that, the conversation spiraling into the type of jokes you once would share. It felt like old times.

Anakin was your brother, and you loved him dearly. You never wished for a sibling, or a family member to be connected to, because in your eyes, you'd had one since you were seven years old.

"You can spare me the details."

"You started it."

-

It was a trap, a premeditated, organized, and prepared trap. The battle-droids were in droves of hundreds at the time. You figured they outnumbered the jedi by at least fifty to one. You may have been well trained, and your experience with these stupid clankers went without saying but having thirty of them on your six while trying to scale grounds was horribly challenging.

The Clone Troopers were trying to fend off as many as they could but given that most of them were infiltrating the base, that left few squadrons to be of service in the distraction portion of this mission. Two Jedi had lost their lives today, and you knew that the clone casualties had probably outnumbered that by ten times. No more lives, no more. You followed after Anakin, who was leading the retreating Jedi into a tunnel that would wind into the mountain, coming out the other side where your transports were. Anakin was a born leader, you could tell by his composure in rough circumstances, his calmness in the middle of a massive storm.

"Everybody in," he yelled out, guarding the entrance so that there was no chance a droid slipped in without him knowing about it.

You scanned the area, staying on the offense for as long as you could. If you switched to a more defensive form of combat, it meant you felt too overwhelmed to make any attacks, only blocking that which you could. There were very few Jedi left outside the tunnel, being you, Yoda, Anakin, Obi-Wan, and of course, the powerhouse himself, Master Windu.

He was at the very front lines, before all of you, and Obi-Wan was bringing up his rear.

"Master Kenobi, get your Padawan out of here," Mace Windu shouted over the chaos, but Obi-Wan would not leave the man to fend for himself. Yoda had made the wise choice to accept temporary defeat, heading over by Anakin to near the tunnel. He knew that fighting for a lost cause, however stoic and valiant, would only end in more loss. This was something he stood by and hoped the others would come to their senses and acknowledge as well.

"What about you?" he refused to leave a man behind. No matter their differences, they were Jedi, bound as allies by the order, and would not forsake the other to die like this. Obi-Wan was honorable, almost to a fault.

"I will be right behind you, now go!"

Kenobi used a bout of the force to push away an oncoming group of droids, which gave him a few seconds of a head start to run in your direction. You hadn't been too far from the tunnel, but he knew you weren't leaving without him. He had to snap out of his head when he first saw you. Five days out of the infirmary after being shot twice and look at you now. You were so elegant to behold. Your form of combat was so elegant, Makashi, form two... there were hints and a few subtle moves that reflected that of his own form, from what he'd taught you, you learned to combine the forms into one of your own, and it was beautiful. He had to rid himself of the thoughts, and save them for later, because this wasn't the time to be admiring you, although you deserved to be.

He rushed beside you, helping to fend off the remaining droids in your area before placing a hand at the small of your back and rushing you towards the tunnel. You looked back at Mace Windu, the way he backed up slowly, but gave you all time to escape.

Once you were in the tunnel, Anakin followed, leaving just one Jedi on the battlefield. When you were fully inside the cavernous stretches, the pathway narrow, you heard an explosion in the distance. They did it, the clones had accomplished their mission. Now it was time for you to complete yours. No more lives lost, no more.

As Mace hurried himself into the tunnel, the rocky ceiling above you began to shake. Everyone was running now, knowing that this whole location was probably becoming unstable for the blasts of the base.

The exit could be seen, and Anakin was the first one out, waiting at the opening for the rest of you to follow. Both you and Obi-Wan made it out of the cave at the same time, but upon hearing a rocky stalagmite falling from the tunnel's ceiling, you turned back. Mace Windu was trapped, with his leg rendered useless beneath the stone. He tried to lift it using the force, but was unsuccessful, probably due to the pain.

The opening of the cavern was closing in, and the rocks would enclose on him at any second, so you ran back, hearing the protesting cries of Obi-Wan behind you.

"Don't go," he tried to grab your arm, but you pushed him back, using a rush of invisible force, and kept running. You dropped to your back leg and slid under the falling debris, hearing the yells of your master become muffled as you let the darkness of the cold wet cave surround you.

-

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[gffa]

You know how some fandoms just keep piling on the fic, so you’re like, “I’ll just wait one more day, so I can read a few more and include them on the list!” and then two weeks later it’s still happening and you finally have to go, “NO, I HAVE TO YELL ABOUT THIS NOW, NOT IN ANOTHER MONTH.” and yet people still keep posting fic? That’s me yelling at STAR WARS fandom about how much wonderful fic there is and that I cannot keep up with it and it’s the best problem to have! Because, oh, this collection has some incredible fic, so many of them that I want to shove right at people and yell at them to read this amazing thing, and how brilliant this fandom is. STAR WARS FIC RECS: TIME TRAVEL RECS: ✦ Legacy by myrlendi (thehistorygeek), luke & leia & obi-wan & anakin & ahsoka & cast, time travel, 105k wip    Three months after the Battle of Endor, Luke Skywalker goes in search of a rumoured Jedi temple in a secluded part of the Mid Rim. He finds within the temple nothing but a strange artifact, which unexpectedly brings him much closer to the Jedi of old than he ever thought he would be. ✦ Let’s Try This Again by Nny11, obi-wan & ahsoka & anakin & cast, time travel, 33.5k wip    Anakin’s life is shaken up when he finds a small togrutan toddler hiding in a dingy alleyway, after all, she did create a Force bond with him and is apparently his future Padawan. Wizard! PREQUELS RECS: ✦ A Constituency of One by victoria_p (musesfool), padme & obi-wan & anakin & cast, 3.7k    Padmé is the one who figures it out. ✦ And the Void Answered Back by Ghost_Owl, obi-wan & anakin & rey & finn & poe & ben & yoda & maz & han & cast, force ghosts, 84.9k wip    (Follows the Force ghosts of Anakin, Obi Wan, and friends getting dragged kicking and screaming through the events of The Force Awakens) ✦ Supreme Chancellor Obi-Wan Kenobi by stonefreeak, obi-wan & anakin & padme & cody & bail & palpatine & cast, 22.1k wip    By an old Republic law, all members of the Jedi High Council are senators in the Galactic Senate, and can thus be voted in as chancellor. ✦ Dooku Deserves a Break by nny11, dooku & qui-gon & yoda & obi-wan & anakin & ahsoka & luke & cast, 1k    Master, it’s time now. The voice was faint and familiar, and it burned. It’s soothing sound eating away at everything. Pain, pain, pain- It went ignored. ✦ The Past Remains by otherhawk, obi-wan & anakin & cody & mace & plo & adi & depa & cast, 15.6k    The war drags on leaving trauma and destruction in its wake. After a bereaved Master is accused of harming his padawan, Obi-Wan is sent to talk to her, dredging up memories of his own past. ✦ Not the same fate as mine by liv_k, obi-wan & anakin, 2.6k    Excerpts from the journal of a newly minted Jedi Knight. ✦ perfect in so many ways by victoria_p (musesfool), padme/sabe, nsfw, 1k    Padmé knows she’s been selfish. ✦ untitled by stonefreeak, obi-wan & bant, 1k    When Bant steps into Obi-Wan’s room in the Halls, it’s like a balm to his nerves. She’s one of his oldest friends, and her familiar presence is so very soothing. He really has missed her, they see each other too rarely these days, what with the war. ✦ Villain of a Different Story by HiNerdsItsCat (HiLarpItsCat), obi-wan/satine & anakin & cast, 73.2k wip    It turns out that there are some perks to being the Chosen One: Anakin finds himself transported five years into the past—only to discover that it isn’t his past, but a completely different one. One where Obi-Wan Kenobi left the Jedi Order, where Qui-Gon Jinn survived… and where Anakin Skywalker is the galaxy’s greatest villain. ✦ Accidental Baby Acquisition: The Obi-Wan Kenobi Way by kitkatkaylie, obi-wan & anakin & qui-gon & cast, 8.5k wip    Shmi Skywalker was desperate, so when she saw a Jedi in the marketplace of Mos Espa she did something that many would judge her for if they knew but just as many would understand. ✦ A Personal Touch by DragonHoardsBooks, obi-wan & anakin, 6.2k    New jedi padawan Anakin Skywalker realizes that there is more to being a jedi then he tought. Discovering a completely new culture will take time and effort, but maybe he’ll make some friends along the way. ✦ untitled by stonefreeak, mace & cast, 1.2k    “News, I have, from the investigation into the altered mission reports from the Senate.” ✦ untitled by stonefreeak, anakin & ahsoka & background obi-wan & cast, 2.4k    The past and the present blurs together, Anakin can hardly breathe through it. Too many thoughts crowd inside his head and the more he tries to sort himself out, the more of the past he remembers and the more fears for the future it brings up. ✦ Passing by Nny11, ahsoka/barriss & luminara & anakin, modern au, 18.3k    Barriss claims she’s dating Ahsoka, Ahsoka agrees to go along with it, and both of them spend the next 6 months worrying the other will discover their crush on the other. Nobody is really surprised about this fact besides them. ✦ Jedi of Light by Sannah, obi-wan/anakin/padme & mace & yoda & plo & even & jocasta & cast, 9.4k wip    Out of irritation with the war and with permission from the Council, several talk show hosts create a show that airs weekly about the Jedi. They name the show *Jedi of Light,* and go around following Jedi and asking them questions. OBI-WAN/ANAKIN RECS: ✦ And yet, somehow, a happier ending by liv_k, obi-wan/anakin (pre-slash?), ~1k    He had always known that there would be no happy ending waiting for them at the end of the road. And yet, somehow, he felt that this was happier than what could have been. ✦ The Missing Part by Nightstar269, obi-wan/anakin & ahsoka & palpatine, NSFW, modern au (of sorts), 109.3k wip    Anakin Skywalker, a student of mechanical engineering, has always felt that his life was lacking something, a feeling that was made much worse with the deaths of his mother first, and of the woman he loved some time later. Still haunted by the pain and heartbreak, he tries to go on with his life as well as he can. When an initiative of the director of the university has the students attending the classes of another degree so as to enrich their knowledge, he will meet someone that will turn his world upside down. ✦ my push and my shove by victoria_p (musesfool), obi-wan/anakin/padme, nsfw, crossdressing, d/s, 1.8k    There wasn’t much Anakin wouldn’t do to make Padmé and Obi-Wan happy. ✦ Collar by bell (belldreams), obi-wan/anakin, NSFW, d/s, 9.4k    “You have to be sure, Anakin. Once we’re in, we’re in.” “I think I can handle being your sub, Obi-Wan.“ ✦ Shaak Herding for the Troubled and Lonely by protos_metazu_ison (larkspyt), obi-wan/anakin & anakin/padme & ahsoka & plo & cast, au, 34.3k wip    Disgraced Master Obi-Wan Kenobi was content to live out the rest of his life as a hermit until the Prime Minister appeared at his door, begging him to attend the Skywalker clan’s annual party. ✦ Solstice by lilyconrad, obi-wan/anakin & ahsoka & cast, 8.9k wip    After the events of Equinox, Obi-Wan and Anakin find themselves back at war with enemies both seen and unseen. ✦ Home by little_tales, obi-wan/anakin & qui-gon & shmi & cast, time travel, 6.4k wip    Time travel fix-it story with a bit of a twist. After his death, Obi-Wan wakes up on Tatooine, in the body of his padawan self. But instead of trying to prevent Anakin from Falling, he decides to change the future by stopping Qui-Gon from ever meeting the little Ani. ✦ Tidbits by SingManyFaces, obi-wan/anakin, ~1k    Things go a little bit differently when Anakin sees Obi-Wan off on his mission to Utapau. ✦ untitled by subskywalker, obi-wan/anakin + implied obi-wan/anakin/padme, nsfw, 1.6k    (The easiest way to kill someone? You just need to kill what they love the most.) ✦ 36 Questions by kenobiapologist, obi-wan/anakin + background anakin/padme + implied obi-wan/anakin/padme, 30.7k    In a study by psychologist Arthur Aron, they found that strangers would fall in love when asked to answer 36 questions together. ✦ Let’s Be Wrong Together by bluebell26, obi-wan/anakin, NSFW, 3.1k    Anakin Skywalker had a dark secret. He’s been in love with his Master for several years now. He is attached. Yes, attached. It was bad, he shouldn’t, but what his former Master didn’t know wouldn’t hurt him. ✦ Untouchable by Blu3sc0rpion, obi-wan/anakin, NSFW, non-con issues/themes, 64k wip    A mission on Kraysiss-Two takes a turn for the worse. Ancient Sith designs work against both Obi-wan and Anakin as they desperately try to find a way off world. In the throes of confusion their relationship begins to spiral. They might be able to escape, but can they ever truly be rescued? ✦ Seed by bell (belldreams), obi-wan/anakin + anakin/padme, NSFW, 44k    When Anakin falls prey to a lethal poison, Obi-Wan has no choice but use all his resources to heal him– no matter how reluctant he is in administering the antidote. ✦ Miasma by lilyconrad, obi-wan/anakin & cody & rex & & kix & cast, dark themes, 20.6k    Obi-Wan never believed his best friend and lover Anakin would die first. But he has. ✦ [iasip music] Anakin Explains to His Darkest Timeline Son That He’s Gay by destiny919, obi-wan/anakin & luke & ahsoka & cast, 2.2k    "Ah, Padawan,” said Qui-Gon. “The crux of the matter lies in that our world is prey to the spectre of compulsory heterosexuality.” Obi-Wan gasped, horrified. “No! Not that!” ✦ Swear On It by dirkygoodness, obi-wan/anakin, NSFW, mild d/s undertones, 6.5k    He squeezes his eyes shut tight against it and holds his breath for a moment, trying to get himself under control. Tonight it doesn’t seem to be working, though, because the images of people he knows and loves hurt and bloody and dead just won’t get out of his mind. ✦ Unexpected by planetary_retrograde, obi-wan/anakin, NSFW, 2.1k    Obi-Wan’s first instinct when Anakin is hiding something is to help. ✦ Hidden Treasures by SingManyFaces, obi-wan/anakin, modern au, 3.9k    Ben Kenobi doesn’t look like the type to have tattoos, and Anakin badly wants to see his hidden ink. ✦ He Is the Chosen One by wearethewitches, obi-wan/anakin & cast, fem!anakin, 17.8k    Darth Vader dies. Then, Anakin Skywalker wakes in the body of a dead slave woman in 31 BBY, a year before the Occupation of Naboo. ORIGINAL TRILOGY RECS: ✦ Maker by ambiguously, luke & r2-d2 & c-3po, 1.8k    Threepio’s processor has an error. Luke and Artoo have to figure out why. ✦ does it bother anyone else that someone else has your name? by suzukiblu, multiple pairings across all of star wars, soulmate marks, 2.9k    Drabble series about various soulmates in the Star Wars universe. ✦ brittle, break by glorious_clio, leia & luke & han & chewbacca & rieekan & cast, 8.2k    They’re not on Hoth very long, but Leia stands still long enough for it to leave an impression on her. A very cold sort of impression. ✦ sand into glass by glorious_clio, luke & cliegg & owen & beru, 2.2k    AU where Cliegg is around for Luke’s arrival at the Lars homestead. Luke has a lot to learn from his grandfather. REBELS RECS: ✦ The Starry Crown by bedlamsbard, ezra & kanan & sabine & zeb & chopper & cast, 8.8k wip    Months after Ezra Bridger vanished into the depths of the mysterious Jedi temple on Lothal, he reappears – with Kanan Jarrus in tow. All Hera Syndulla and the other surviving members of the Ghost crew want is to retrieve their missing teammates, but a Jedi who can raise the dead is a prize too great for the Empire to pass up. Palpatine will do anything to get Ezra and the secrets he carries – secrets that may allow the Emperor to control reality itself. FULL DETAILS + RECS HERE!

[crystal-siren]

Other Worlds (Obi-Wan x Reader) Pt.3

@dovies666 <3 hope you like :)

Part 1  Part 2

And never underestimate the power of a small act of kindness. A selfless gesture, a moment of reassurance, even something so simple as a smile can be enough to save a person. After all, when you are stumbling blind in the dark, the soft, steady glow of a single star is all that’s required to illuminate the way forward. ~ Beau Taplin // Illuminate

Naboo was everything like Y/N had said it would be. From the gushing waterfalls to the tree-lined avenues. The soft spring sun created dappled patterns as it shone through the leaves.

Padme watched her friend’s thinly veiled amazement with a small smile. Coming from desert planet, Anakin was not used to seeing so much water and feeling a breeze that wasn’t as warm as the planet’s twin suns.

Having just left her parent’s residence, the pair were headed to Naboo’s picturesque Lake Country. If she had to be in hiding, Padme had decided to make the most of it.

~ ~ ~

Endless torrential rains greeted Obi-Wan as he entered Kamino’s atmosphere. Perpetual storm clouds prevented any natural light from making its way through.

Entire cities were built on stilts in order for its inhabitants to escape the raging waters that covered the entire surface of the planet.

Eventually locating a landing platform and touching down, Obi-Wan immediately felt the hard pellets of rain as his cockpit slid open. Stepping out, he lifted his hood for some measure of protection against the violent weather. Wasting no time, he headed for the nearest entrance and sighed in relief when the door slid open.

This relief turned to confusion and curiosity as a tall pale alien approached him and spoke in calm voice. “Master Jedi. The Prime Minister is expecting you.”

Hoping he didn’t appear too confused, Obi-Wan spoke, “I’m expected?”

The tall alien nodded, “of course. He is anxious to meet you. After all these years, we were beginning to think you weren’t coming. Now please, this way.”

Obi-Wan followed the pale creature down numerous white halls until at last they came to a chamber in which sat another member of the same species. From his garb, he appeared to be someone of importance. This was confirmed when he was introduced. “May I present Lama Su, Prime Minister of Kamino.”

Obi-Wan bowed respectfully when he was introduced and took an offered seat opposite the Prime Minister.

Almost instantly the Prime Minister launched into a topic of conversation that Obi-Wan was not at all familiar with.

“Two hundred thousand units are ready. With a million more well on the way.”

Units? Units of what? Clearing his expression of any confusion that may have lingered there, Obi-Wan met the Prime Minister’s eyes. “That, is good news.”

The pale alien smiled and nodded, “Please tell your Master, Sifo-Dyas that we have every confidence that his order will be met on time.”

Obi-Wan wasn’t sure if he’d heard correctly. “I’m sorry, Master..?”

His confusion was not lost on the Prime Minister. “Jedi Master Sifo-Dyas is still a leading member of the Jedi Council, is he not?”

Obi-Wan was momentarily lost for words but soon found his voice. “Master Sifo-Dyas was killed almost ten years ago.” His brow furrowed in thought, maybe there was more to this than just the simple assassination of a Senator.

“I’m so sorry to hear that,” the Prime Minister paused briefly before continuing, “but you must be anxious to inspect the units for yourself.”

Seeing no other alternative, Obi-Wan smiled and nodded. “That’s why I’m here.”

The Prime Minister rose elegantly and Obi-Wan followed suit. News of the army did not bode well and he began to wonder if Y/N knew anything about this.

~ ~ ~

After everything she had been taught, Y/N had expected death to feel somewhat different to what she was currently experiencing. Prying her eyes open, she blinked as she took in her surroundings and groaned when she recognised the hive-like structure of her cell.

Maybe death was a better alternative. Geonosis was a hole Y/N had hoped never to return to. From the insectile natives to the rocky and barren terrain, Y/N detested it all.

Upon noticing that her hands were bound this time, she huffed in annoyance and pushed herself into a standing position. The only thing that caught a sliver of her interest were high-up windows that she had no hope of reaching. Then a grating noise came from behind her, causing her to turn around. She resisted the urge to roll her eyes at her visitor.

“You are awake,” that refined tone grated her nerves.

“Unless I’ve started talking in my sleep, it would seem so.” Y/N kept her voice at a monotone, seeing no point in putting in any effort for this man, whoever he was. “Why am I here?”

Nodding to the guard that must have been standing just outside the door, the man took a few steps in her direction. “It is indeed a surprise that one such as you has not yet attained the rank of Master.”

Y/N narrowed her eyes, that was indeed a sore point for her. Standing up straight, she looked him in the eye and smiled slightly. “It is not for me to determine whether or not I should hold that rank. It is the Council’s decision.”

“Ah yes, the Council.” The man seemed thoughtful, “the very same Council that undermines you at every turn.”

“We’ve had our differences,” Y/N agreed. “But I do not see how that has anything to do with my being here. Of all places.”

“There are those that would benefit greatly from your talents.”

Y/N couldn’t believe what she was hearing. “What are you saying?”

“Join me,” the man held out a hand, “and you will be given the respect you so rightly deserve.”

Y/N eyed his hand as though it were a particularly poisonous snake. “You’re one of them aren’t you?” She fervently hoped she was wrong.

“If by them, you are referring to those of us who wish to leave the Republic, then yes.”

Y/N’s lip curled in disgust. “Separatists,” she spat the word like it was poison in her mouth.

“You are making a grave mistake young Y/L/N.”

Her answering smile held no warmth. “It is you who are making the mistake. Asking me to betray my people and everything I stand for. If you knew me at all, you would know that this is a waste of time.” She moved to stand in front of him and looked him straight in the eye. “I will never join you. I stand for stability and peace, you stand for chaos and war and I want nothing to do with either.”

The man said nothing, he simply turned on his heel and signaled for the guard to open the door. He did not look back.

All of a sudden, all energy left her. Collapsing to the floor, Y/N knew that whatever was truly going on here, the Council had to be informed.

~ ~ ~

If he had to describe the clone army he had just seen in two words, impressive and intimidating were the first ones that came to mind.

Having learnt from the Prime Minister that the original host for the clones was on-planet, Obi-Wan had immediately requested an audience with him. As he followed the Prime Minister, he witnessed the different stages of growth for the clones. “It’s all very impressive.” There was no denying that.

“I’d hoped you’d be pleased,” Lama Su replied with a slight bow.

Then one question came to mind, one so obvious that Obi-Wan wondered how he had not thought of it before. “Tell me, Prime Minister. When my Master Sifo-Dyas first contacted you, did he say who it was for...himself....or?” He knew he was treading on potentially dangerous ground here, but he had to know.

Lama Su seemed surprised. “Himself? Of course not,” he turned to look at a group of developing embryos. “This army is for the Republic.”

“The Republic?” Obi-Wan wasn’t sure if he’d heard correctly. Why would the Republic possibly require an army? Especially one of this size.

The Prime Minister seemed to have sensed his confusion. “We are also very much against this Count Dooku and his seccessionist movement.” He said by way of explanation, “we are proud to be of help to the Republic.”

Having allowed the Prime Minister’s assistant to show him his quarters, Obi-Wan immediately went about contacting the Council. This matter was troubling indeed and having his suspicions about this so-called Master Sifo-Dyas confirmed, Obi-Wan tried to settle down and get some rest. He hoped that the planned meeting with the clone host would provide him with some much-needed answers.

His mind however, would grant him no such peace. Worry for Y/N crept into his thoughts. Did her disappearance have any connection to this? He had not seen her for a near two weeks and yet it felt like two years.

~ ~ ~

Y/N soon discovered that, without her weapons, or hands for that matter, her situation was not looking to improve any time soon.

Biting her lip in thought, Y/N looked at the walls of her cell. Her eyes then traveled up to the windows. If she could somehow get up there. Knowing that she had little to no alternatives, Y/N already dreaded the thought of just how high up those windows were. Never having liked heights, Y/N knew that she would have to use an incredible amount of focus if she was to ever see the outside of this wretched cell.

Taking a deep breath, she approached one of the walls and slid her bound hands into the nearest handhold. So, she began to climb. 

Her muscles were soon quivering with the effort it took for her to not let go and crash to the ground. The higher she went, the smaller the handholds became. Small scratches littered her hands and forearms and she had to force herself to look up.

Cursing the shackles around her wrists for what seemed like the hundredth time, Y/N reached for the next handhold. Her hands however, were slippery with sweat. Luckily for the young Jedi, the rock was far from smooth. Latching onto it, she pulled herself up and with relief beyond imagining, saw a window right above her. Thanking the Force a thousand times over, she pulled her exhausted body through the window, but failed to remember that Geonosian hives resembled towers.

With both hands shakily preventing her from falling, Y/N dared to look and see just how high she was. She almost cried with relief upon noticing that her feet dangled a mere few feet above the rocky ground. Letting go, she landed gracefully with the help of the Force.

Forcing her trembling and tired body to stand up straight, Y/N knew she had to find out just what was going on. Knowing that if she stopped she would collapse, Y/N crept into the nearest entrance.

The entire palace-like building seemed to be deserted, strangely so. Making an effort to move quietly, Y/N made her way down numerous passageways and paused when the sound of machinery reached her ears. Curious, she changed direction.

Y/N swore her jaw hit the floor. It did not take her long to find the source of the noise. Before her lay the infamous Geonosian droid foundries. Her heart hammered in her chest as she witnessed row after row of battle droids being created. What in the name of the Force was going on here? Was there to be a war? Did the Council know? Did Obi-Wan? Just the thought of her friend made her smile, albeit a little sadly. She had not seen or spoken to him since his mission to Ansion. If only she had a way of reaching him now.

“You are quite the curious one aren’t you?”

Y/N froze, her train of thought disrupted by that hated voice. Turning to face him, she denied him the satisfaction of seeing her panic.

To be continued...

Part 4

[crystal-siren]

Other Worlds (Obi-Wan x Reader) Pt. 6

Part 1  Part 2  Part 3  Part 4  Part 5

@dovies666

Once a deep and powerful connection between two people has been made they become a vital part of each other’s lives and there is no separating them. No measure of distance or duration of silence can prevent the outbreak of smiles and laughter or the strong desire to leap into each other’s arms when they come together once more. ~ Beau Taplin // unpreventable

“I swear I will tear your throat out, you filthy son of a-” her words were cut short as she suddenly found it difficult to breathe.

“What a wicked tongue you have young Y/N,” Dooku sauntered into her cell, his hand slightly curled. “What would your old Master say if she heard you talk like that?”

Y/N glared at him between gasps for air. “Don’t...you...dare.”

Dooku smiled condescendingly down at her. “You brought this on yourself young one.” He curled his hand a little and watched as her fight for air became more desperate. “If you had taken my offer, you would not be here right now. Shackled to a wall and gasping for air.”

Somehow she still had the strength to maintain her glare. “Just.....give....up already.” Her bound hands were reaching for her throat but the shorter chain limited their ability to do so.

“Your loyalty to a corrupt system is admirable, if somewhat misguided.” Dooku crouched down to where she knelt, struggling for air.

“It...is..you who are...misguided,” Y/N managed to choke out.

“Such spirit,” he murmured, “do you think your friend will have the same when he is lead into the arena?” He stood and moved just in time as Y/N lurched towards him. The chain prevented her from going any further.

“I...take it...he...said..no?” Her gasped words brought Dooku to a halt just before the door. “I...told..you...he wouldn’t,” he could almost hear the smile in her strangled voice.

~ ~ ~

Geonosis was almost a welcome distraction from his mother’s death. His Master’s capture allowed Anakin to think of something other than the crushing grief that almost overwhelmed him at his mother’s grave.

As they entered the atmosphere, Anakin’s eyes took in the planet’s terrain and groaned inwardly. The similarity to Tatooine was a little annoying. He already couldn’t wait to leave.

He navigated the ship so that he could land it in the middle of what appeared to be steam vents. Padme stood up the moment they touched down and wrapping a thick white scarf around herself, she made for the entrance.

“Hold up,” Anakin stopped her. “Where are you going?”

Padme looked at him with disbelief, “to find Obi-Wan.” She dared him to challenge her.

“No, you’re not.” Anakin squared his shoulders and rose to his full height. “I’m not letting you go out there, it’s too dangerous.”

Padme blinked at him in shock, “What?!”

“It’s my job to protect you,” he reminded her with an air of authority. “I said its too dangerous. You’re not going, and that’s final.”

Her mouth dropped open with blatant shock and disbelief. “Don't you give me orders, Annie! I'm a Senator of the Galactic Republic. You have no authority to contain me, restrain me, or direct me! You remember your place, young man.” Lifting her chin, she took a step past him before turning to face him, “now you can come along and protect me or stay here. It's up to you.” She missed the look of both admiration and surprise in Anakin’s blue eyes as she made her way to the lowered boarding ramp.

As the pair cautiously entered the palace-like structure that was only short distance from their ship, they noticed that it looked to be deserted.

“It’s empty,” Padme whispered to Anakin, her earlier hostility towards him seemingly forgotten.

They had barely taken four steps further when four winged Geonosians seized hold of them. Anakin instinctively reached for his lightsaber and ignited it.

“Wait,” Padme cautioned him as her eyes landed on the weapons their attackers carried. As the seconds pass, more winged creatures assemble around them, all of them armed.

Then, suddenly, the group parted to allow a tall human male to pass through. “Senator Amidala,” he spoke, looking directly at her. “I've heard so much about you.“

Anakin curled his lip, he knew exactly who this was.

“Count Dooku, I assume ?” Padme asked with an air of confidence.

“I'm delighted to meet you at last,” Dooku stepped a little closer to the pair. “ We have a great deal to discuss, Senator. I hope you can keep your young Jedi under control.”

Anakin clenched his jaw at the remark and Padme simply smiled and nodded.

Satisfied, Dooku nodded to the assembled Geonosians who then started to disperse. Turning his attention back to the two, “now please, follow me.”

He led them through a maze of hallways and deserted passageways until at last they entered a room which held nothing save for one large conference table.

Gesturing for Padme to take a seat, Dooku seated himself at the far end, with Padme at the far end. Anakin stood silently behind her, watching and listening t everything.

Then Padme began to speak in that calm logical tone that Anakin had often heard her use. “You are holding a Jedi Knight, Obi- Wan Kenobi. I am formally requesting you turn him over to me, now.“

Anakin held his breath waiting for the Count’s answer.

“He has been convicted of espionage, Senator, and will be executed. In just a few hours, I believe.” Dooku smiled inwardly, so they were unaware of Y/N’s presence? Maybe he should keep it that way.

Anakin blinked in shock and his mind struggled to process the information.

While her companion struggled silently behind her, Padme kept her cool. “He is an officer of the Republic. You can't do that.“

Anakin narrowed his eyes at the Count, who simply smiled at the pair. “We don't recognise the Republic here, Senator. But if Naboo were to join our Alliance, I could easily hear your plea for clemency.“

That was the last straw. Anakin reached for his lightsaber but barely restrained himself from igniting it.

“And if I don't join your rebellion,” Padme tried to reason with their opponent, “I assume this Jedi with me will also die?”

Standing up, Dooku replied smoothly, “I don't wish to make you to join our cause against your will, Senator, but you are a rational, honest representative of your people and I assume you want to do what's in their best interest. Aren't you fed up with the corruption, the bureaucrats, the hypocrisy of it all?.. Aren't you? Be honest, Senator.“

Anakin’s blue eyes stayed trained on the traitorous Count.

Padme too stood up and met his piercing gaze. “The ideals are still alive, Count, even if the institution is failing.“

Dooku strode around the table and stopped a few feet from the Nubian Senator. “You believe in the same ideals we believe in! The same ideals we are striving to make prominent.“

Padme shook her head ever-so-slightly but her strength did not falter. “If what you say is true, you should stay in the Republic and help Chancellor Palpatine put things right.“

The former Jedi smiled down at her, albeit a little patronisingly. “The Chancellor means well, M'Lady but he is incompetent. He has promised to cut the bureaucracy, but the bureaucrats are stronger than ever, no? Senator, the Republic cannot be fixed. It is time to start over. The democratic process in the Republic is a sham, a shell game played on the voters. It will not be long before the cult of greed, called the Republic, will lose even the pretext of democracy and freedom.“

Anakin, for one, was grateful for Padme’s self-control as his was almost non-existent.

Little did he know that she was struggling too. Forcing a calm expression, she continued. “I cannot believe that. I will not forsake all I have honoured and worked for and betray the Republic. I know of your treaties with the Trade Federation, the Commerce Guilds, and the others, Count. What is happening here is not government that has been bought out by business... it's business becoming government!“ Her voice rose slightly towards the end.

Dooku narrowed his eyes thoughtfully and cocked his head to the side. “Are you willing to betray your Jedi friends? Without your co-operation I can do nothing to stop their execution.“

This made Padme stand up a little straighter and she lifted her chin in defiance as she glared at the Count. Her precious self-control was slipping away dangerously fast. “What is to happen to me? Am I to be executed also?“

Whether his reaction was genuine or not, they would never know. “I wouldn't think of such an offence.” He appeared shocked and taken aback.

“But,” he continued, “there are individuals who have a strong interest in your demise, M'lady. It has nothing to do with politics, I'm afraid. It's purely personal, and they have already paid great sums to have you assassinated. I'm sure they will push hard to have you included in the executions. I'm sorry but if you are not going to co-operate, I must turn you over to the Geonosians for justice. I've done all I can for you.”

Padme did not give him the satisfaction of her reaction.

~ ~ ~

The sound of her cell door being opened jolted Y/N awake from the fitful and uncomfortable sleep she had fallen into.

Her e/c eyes narrowed as she took in her ‘visitor’. “Come to choke the life out of me again?”

“Come now, there is no need for such hostility,” Dooku spoke as he approached her, flanked by two armed Geonosians. “There is something I would like you to see.”

Y/N said nothing as the two winged aliens approached her and detached her shackles from the wall. Shuddering with disgust at being so close to them, Y/N glared at Dooku. It had become a default expression where he was concerned.

“Come along,” he motioned for her to follow him.

Y/N remained silent as she walked behind him. Her two guards made her skin crawl just by being there.

At last they came to a rather ordinary looking door. Dooku opened it and gestured for her to enter. “After you.” Seeing no choice in the matter, she stepped through.

The sight she was met with rattled her to her core. “Anakin,” she breathed, her eyes widened at sight of him and Padme. They looked so small amidst the obviously hostile crowd.

Turning back to Dooku, she asked somewhat hesitantly. “What are they doing here?” She tried desperately to keep the concern and fear from her voice.

“Keep watching,” was his answer, “you will see soon enough.”

True to his word, Y/N soon realised what was happening. A cold fear began to spread through her.

Anakin and Padme, unaware of who had just entered the room, kept their gazes fixed on their accusers.

“You have been charged and found guilty of Espionage.“

It was then that Anakin felt a wave of fear and horror crash into him. But it wasn’t from Padme. His eyes wondered over the crowd and widened slightly when he saw her. Y/N Y/L/N. His Master’s closest friend and who he himself considered the closest thing to a sister.

She was looking at him with thinly veiled fear, her usually bright eyes had lost their spark. Her wrists, like his and Padme’s, were shackled. Her mouth was slightly open with shock.

“Do you have anything to say before your sentence is carried out?“ The Geonosian Archduke’s question snatched his attention away from her.

Padme answered the question with an edge to her voice. “You are committing an act of war, Archduke. I hope you are prepared for the consequences.“

While their accuser laughed and Dooku smiled, Y/N clenched her jaw and and clutched the railing in front of her.

“We build weapons, Senator... that is our business! Of course we're prepared!“

Y/N wanted nothing more than to strangle the insectile filth.

“Get on with it. Carry out the sentence. I want to see her suffer.“ Nute Gunray spoke up from beside her.

Then the Archduke spoke the words that Y/N had been dreading. “Take them to the arena! Your other Jedi friend is waiting for you, Senator.”

That was it for her. She threw reason and control to the four winds. She launched herself at the Archduke, or she would have, had Dooku not forcibly restrained her. “Insect filth,” she hissed and her eyes reminded all who saw her of a wild animal who had just been caged.

The commotion did not go unnoticed by Anakin or Padme, who glanced at Anakin in surprise. “How long has she been here?”

Anakin shook his head, “I have no idea.”

~ ~ ~

The brightness of the Geonosian sun made Y/N want to shield her eyes. Standing between the Count and the vile Nute Gunray, Y/N’s keen eyes had trained on a figure who stood in the arena. Obi-Wan, she thought sadly. Part of her wished she didn’t know who that was.

She waited with baited breath as two more figures were lead out. Her eyes reluctantly left him and followed them. She could not help but feel that this was all her fault.

Meanwhile, down on the sand, Obi-Wan couldn’t help but be surprised at who he saw being led out. He watched, almost casually, as the guards led Anakin and Padme to two of the remaining stone pillars.

“I was beginning to wonder if you had gotten my message.“ His tone was surprisingly calm but Anakin detected a trace of annoyance.

“I retransmitted it as you requested, Master.” Anakin replied as he was chained to the pillar. “Then we decided to come and rescue you.“

Looking up at where his chain was secured and back to Anakin, Obi-Wan spoke, “It looks like you're going a good job so far.“

Anakin only rolled his eyes at the remark.

High above them in the arena, a voice rang out. “The felons before you have been convicted of espionage against the Sovereign System of Geonosis. Their sentence of death is to be carried out in this public arena henceforth.“

Anakin glanced at Padme, then at his Master before speaking. “She’s here, Master.” Those three words seemed to have little effect on the Jedi Master. Or that is what Anakin thought.

Obi-Wan did not reply to Anakin’s statement. His eyes travelled the crowd, knowing that it would be near impossible to spot her.

Y/N glared at the Archduke with the fire of thousand suns as he spoke. “Let the executions begin!“

The crowd went wild as three gates were opened and three different animals came out. Y/N took an involuntary step back, “no,” she whispered, shaking her head.

It soon became clear as to which animal was meant for who and Y/N could not stop the scream that tore from her throat as a large eight-legged Acklay set it’s sights on Obi-Wan.

A scream of denial echoed around the arena, momentarily silencing the crowd. Obi-Wan would know that voice anywhere. His eyes found her at last. She was high up on the viewing balcony beside Count Dooku. She was struggling violently against the Count’s grip, her hair was loose and wild and her shackled hands were reaching down towards him.

Y/N’s struggle only increased when she realised that he had seen her. The sudden need to be down there with him overwhelmed her. No matter how hard she struggled, the Count’s grip would not loosen.

The sudden shout of the crowd drew Obi-Wan’s attention back to the creature in front of him. He was only vaguely aware of Anakin and Padme’s struggle with their respective animals.

Within moments it seemed as though Anakin had somehow mastered some kind of control over his attacker and now sat atop it’s leathery back.

Seeing Padme fend off her animal viciously with the chain that had originally bound her, made Anakin change tactic. Forcing the beast which he rode, a Reek, towards the pillar on which Padme stood and trampled the Nexu that had set it’s murderous gaze on her.

From where she stood, Y/N sighed in relief as Padme jumped to safety behind Anakin. This relief was short-lived as her e/c eyes wondered back to Obi-Wan who narrowly dodged a swipe by one of the Acklay’s deadly claws.

“Watch out!” Her warning came just in time. Allowing Obi-Wan to side-step a stab by the determined Acklay.

“Obi-Wan! Behind you!” Her second warning was well-timed, just like the first. Her decision to help the Jedi only served to annoy and anger the other ‘dignitaries’ in the box with her.

“Can’t you keep her quiet?” Nute Gunray demanded, only to have Y/N shoot daggers at him with her eyes.

“Her warnings will not delay the inevitable,” the Count reassured the Viceroy.

Y/N watched with increasing pride as Obi-Wan eventually got the best of the Acklay and now sat behind Anakin and Padme atop the Reek. Her smile was noticed by the Count, who leaned down and whispered, “don’t be too sure of yourself Y/N. This is far from over.”

Before she had time to ask what he meant, Driodekas entered the arena. Her smile soon faded and her eyes widened with fear. She turned on the Count, “this is a massacre.” She cursed inwardly at the way her voice trembled slightly, “they have little to no chance.” She cast a glance down at the droid-filled arena, then back to the Count who simply smiled at her.

“Have you such little faith in your friends?”

“Even if they were to survive,” she took a deep shuddering breath, her emotions were slowly getting the better of her. “You wouldn’t stop until they were dead,” she paused briefly before meeting his gaze, “am I right?”

Dooku said nothing and in his silence, Y/N received her answer. Shaking her head in denial, she backed away from him only to suddenly run forward and launch herself off the balcony. Strong arms pulled her back.

“Obi-Wan! Anakin!” Their names tore from her already injured throat and caught their attention.

Looking up from where they were surrounded, the two Jedi watched horrified as a violently struggling Y/N was pulled away from the edge by a menacing battle droid.

Obi-Wan and Anakin made to jump off the Reeks’ back when Padme stopped them. “There is little we can do for her while we are down here.” Looking around at the surrounding droids, she continued, “let’s just make sure we survive this first.” Both of the Jedi nodded and seemed to settle down but Anakin didn’t miss the looks his Master was sending in Y/N’s direction.

The bruising grip of the battle droid that held her was the only thing keeping Y/N from making another run for it. A nod from the Count had the droid dragging Y/N, fighting and all, from the balcony. Her hoarse voice screamed his name in one last desperate attempt. The droid would not loosen its grip on her as it dragged her into the hallways beyond, narrowly missing Master Windu’s entrance.

“Master Windu, how pleasant of you to join us. You're just in time for the moment of truth. I would think these two new boys of yours could use a little more training.“ Dooku’s irritatingly familiar voice reached her ears.

“Sorry to disappoint you, Dooku. This party's over.“ Never had she been so happy to hear the Korun Master’s stern tone.

A brief pause followed and Y/N began to fear the worst.

“Brave, but stupid, my old Jedi friend. You're impossibly outnumbered.” The all too familiar words triggered something in Y/N’s mind. With a strength she didn’t know she possessed, she threw herself backwards. The droid slammed into the wall and it’s grip on her loosened ever so slightly but it was she needed. At last managing to twist free of it’s infernal grip, she called on the Force and flung the droid against the opposite wall where it attempted to get a hold of her again. Taking this opportunity, Y/N turned and fled in the direction she believed the arena to be.

~ ~ ~

Seeing the glow of hundreds of lightsabers was one of the best sights Anakin and Obi-Wan had ever seen. They glanced at each other, maybe they would get out of this after all. 

At a signal from Dooku, the arena was suddenly filled with battle droids.  Then, from one moment to the next, it was like everything happened at once and chaos ensued. Both Anakin and Obi-Wan were thrown a lightsaber and managed to sever the shackles around their wrists.

Fending off droids was a simple matter, what made it complicated was their number. Soon only a handful of the Jedi remained, caught in a circle that the droids created. A silence had fallen over the arena which now resembled more of a battle-field.

“Master Windu!“ Dooku’s voice echoed around them and drew their gaze to him. “You have fought gallantly. Worthy of recognition in the history archives of the Jedi Order. Now it is finished.“ He paused for a moment before continuing, “surrender - and your lives will be spared.”

The assembled Jedi glare up at him and Master Windu spoke on their behalf. “We will not be hostages for you to barter with Dooku.“

Whether or not his disappointment was real or not, no one would ever know. “Then, I'm sorry, old friend. You will have to be destroyed.“ At his words, the assembled droids aimed their blasters at the remaining Jedi.

“NO!”

The scream echoed across the silent arena and everyone turned to see a young Jedi Knight stand at one of the arena’s numerous entrances.

“Y/N,” Obi-Wan said her name before he could stop himself. Relief flooded through him at such an intensity that his knees threatened to give way.

Then she ran. She ran straight for the crowd of droids who suddenly took an interest in her.

Obi-Wan watched in horror as hundreds of blasters were aimed at her, without her lightsaber, she had a slim chance of surviving should they choose to open fire.

His thoughts were interrupted as Padme shouted loud enough for everyone to hear, “look!“ She pointed up and everyone looked up to see six gunships descend towards the arena, Master Yoda in one of them.

Y/N saw them too. Adrenaline coursed through her as she continued to run towards her friends, she was so close. She was within reaching distance when she suddenly came to a halt.

Obi-Wan watched, confused as Y/N skidded to a stop. Looking over her shoulder he saw a figure in the shadows of the arena entrance. He had a hand stretched out towards her.

Y/N looked up and met the sea-shaded gaze of her closest friend. Something was holding her back and preventing her from moving.

Impulsively, Obi-Wan moved towards her and reached out a hand, “Y/N. Take my hand.” The look in her eyes, he had never seen it before, hatred mixed with fear.

Y/N wanted nothing more than to reach out and take his offered hand, but her body did not seem to want to listen to her. “Obi-Wan,” she said as she struggled to move. Fighting against whatever was holding her back, Y/N forced her arm to do her bidding.

Dooku watched her closely and the moment her hand moved, he pulled harder and the Force helped him. From one moment to the next, she was out of the arena. She screamed for him, damaging her vocal cords even more.

“Soon you will have no voice, young one.”

She glared up at the Count. “They will not stop until they have hunted you down. You can count on that.”

His answering smile sent shivers down her spine.

To be continued...

Part 7