This is the Sequel to my story "The Path of a Jedi". If you haven't read it, this story won't make any sense to you.

To all my faithful readers who've been waitung for such a long time to get an update: I am really sorry. And I honestly won't promise anything concerning further updates. The only thing I promise is, that I will be finishing this. But it could take me years. . .

After all these years, I am not sure if anyone will even be interested. I am also not sure my beta would still be willing to help. So, if there is anyone who wants to go over my English, I would be happy.

This is Book Two, which will contain three parts centered around the AOTC timeline. This starts about three years before AOTC.

The Path of a Jedi

Book Two

Part One

The Power of the Dark Side

Chapter 1

In the mountains of Altiria a pair of Jedi was trying to flee the local troops. Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi were the most famous Padawan-Master team in the temple and the Council tended to give them the most complicated missions because in the end they always prevailed. After this particular one had started smoothly, they had given in to the illusion that they would be home soon. However, the diplomatic mission to negotiate between the two fighting parties on the planet Altiria had turned rapidly into a full scale civil war. In the end, they had been forced to flee the capital because they couldn't secure it. Now both parties, the Altirii as well as the Anarrian were after them and it was getting more and more difficult to escape them.

"We need to get moving, Master," Anakin shouted desperately, realizing that they wouldn't be able to fight off the men behind them. About a dozen soldiers were trying to attack, and Obi-Wan was slowly losing his focus because of the open wound on his arm from the last confrontation. His Master was getting paler and paler from the strain of holding himself upright. They needed shelter to stop the bleeding and give Obi-Wan some rest.

He looked around, scanning the environment for possibilities to hide and easily enough was he able to reach into the Force, silencing his mind to find a way out. In between seconds he knew what to do. When he turned around, Obi-Wan had finally caught up with him, holding his arm and panting against the pain.

"There should be a cave behind those bushes, Master." The teenaged boy, almost a man with his sixteen years, took Obi-Wan's healthy arm and dragged him along. He sensed that his Master was trying to heal his wound and didn't expect an answer. His focus was on the cave alone and as predicted it was directly ahead of them. They entered and Anakin began to cover their tracks while his Master was leaning on the wall, his eyes closed.

After a while the young man was sure that their followers had lost the trail and cautiously began gathering woods for a fire. Obi-Wan was shivering and clenching his teeth. Gratefully the older man looked up when he felt the warmth of the fire. "I'm sorry, Anakin," he whispered and after a short while he fell into a deep healing trance, leaving his apprentice to his own thoughts.

It was just like Obi-Wan to apologize for being weakened by his injury. His Master was always eager to be perfect, not able to accept that Anakin was already trained well enough to cope on his own in a case of emergency. The young man knew that this strong will to provide his Padawan with the best training came from Obi-Wan's experience in his former life. He was still struggling with the fact that the other Anakin had fallen and even if he had accepted that this hadn't happened due to any failure in the training process but because of the man's own decisions, he wanted to do better this time. Obi-Wan was determined to avoid repeating any mistakes he might have made and no one was able to calm his mind. The only one who would get through to him from time to time was Padme.

Not that Anakin had any reason to complain. Their relationship was one of affection and the young man knew that he could speak with his Master just about everything. He smiled when thinking about their talks about love and relationships. He was well aware of the fact that Obi-Wan emphasized this point that highly because of his failure to talk to the former Anakin about it, however, until now the young man hadn't developed any love interest and he even wasn't able to imagine that one day he would fall so deeply in love that he would do what his former self had done. He was sure of his place in his life. He had a family on Naboo with his mother and Cliegg, as well as one on Alderaan with Qui-Gon and Tahl, and above all he had Obi-Wan, his rock and the best role model he could wish for.

He looked worriedly toward his Master. Obi-Wan was sweating and tossing around, which was quite unusual for a healing trance. He had to find a way to get them off planet. If the Jedi wanted to settle this conflict, they would need to send more Knights or get help from the Senate. His experience told Anakin that their job was done here. For the first time they would have to admit that they didn't succeed. It wasn't something the young man wanted to do, but his Master's health was at stake and he would find a way to get them to safety.

Every afternoon Tahl and Qui-Gon would find the time to come together for at least a cup of tea. They held this ritual dear ever since they had arrived on Alderaan three years ago. Sometimes it was their only possibility to talk alone. But today Tahl was worried. Her bond mate was restless and she could feel that his mind was occupied. Being the Master of the Living Force this was unusual for him and it concerned her. "What's wrong, my love," she asked softly.

Qui-Gon looked up from his steaming mug and shook his head. "I don't know but I swear I heard Obi-Wan crying out for help over the bond."

She narrowed her eyes. "He is thousands of parsecs away. Do you think the bond is that strong?"

"Well, it's unlikely, however, it has occurred before. It only happens when he is in real, grave danger." His gaze became distant and Tahl saw the thoughtful look in his eyes. Then he stood up. "I'm going to call Master Yoda. He has to know if something is wrong with Anakin and Obi-Wan."

She nodded, agreeing with him. The ancient Master would know how to treat with this feeling. "Then I am going to take over Luan's lightsaber training," she offered, knowing well that Qui-Gon didn't like his Padawan's schedule being disturbed by his position as a Councilor or any other duties. Qui-Gon gave her a grateful look and left for the transmission room.

"This conflict is orchestrated; can't you see it, my Obi-Wan?"

The Jedi Master felt cold and the constant hammering of Sidious' voice was weakening him. Ever since he had put himself into the healing trance, the Sith was exploiting his weak points, trying to get in. He was struggling hard against it however his strength was fading fast.

"You need to learn to think like a Sith to defeat him," the voice said in a calm tone. "My apprentice is an intelligent one. He wants you killed and he will go to any length to succeed."

Obi-Wan's mind tried not to answer, tried to ignore what was being said, knowing well enough that the relative silence over the last three years was due to his shields and the refusal to let Sidious get to him in any way. He wouldn't take the bait now.

"Up to this point they have made any escape from this planet impossible. If you don't listen, you and your Padawan will be doomed to die. Wouldn't that be a pity? Such a high potential for the Force, wasted because of your refusal to speak with me?"

The wound in Obi-Wan's arm was throbbing. There was no way that it would heal while Obi-Wan was struggling with Sidious.

"Ah, you really need to heal, my Obi-Wan," Sidious continued. "You really should learn to use Sith Magic. It's so much easier to get things done if you are able to rely on both sides of the Force. You could be up and about within hours and perhaps you would be able to save Anakin. That's what you want, isn't it? Saving Anakin is your life goal, it's what defines you. So why don't you do it? He won't be able to save you both and I know that my apprentice already has his eyes set on him. If you die here, Anakin will be lost to him."

Not able to hide his distress any longer, Obi-Wan groaned. "No," he yelled and gave the tugging on his shields a powerful push. "Get out!"

He heard the Sith chuckle, but it had become more distant. For the moment he was safe. However, Sidious would come back and Obi-Wan wasn't sure if he was able to regain his strength until then.

The governor of Altiria was seething. "You tell me that you haven't been able to find them? Hundreds of men are searching and these two still elude you? Just pull it together and find them. And don't forget, I want the Master killed and the apprentice must stay alive at all costs."

The general he was speaking to bowed deeply. "Yes sir. I am sure that we will be able to find them today. Hiding in the night is much easier. In daylight, they shouldn't be able to escape any longer."

The governor gave him a brief nod. "See to it." He waved his hand, indicating that he wished to be alone.

A few minutes later the holotransmitter flickered and a hooded figure appeared. Shivering the governor turned toward it and fell to his knees. "My Master," he said and dropped his head nearly to the floor. There was no kidding with this man. He had supported their case greatly, giving them enough weapons to fight the Anarrian for supremacy over the planet however he had asked to get the young Jedi in return.

"Did you get him?" the crackling voice asked without introduction.

The governor shook his head, remaining on his knees. Even from this distance he knew that this man had the power to hurt him. "I'm sorry, my Lord. These Jedi are sneaky. But I am positive that we're going to catch them today. The Master was wounded yesterday. So, they should be slowed down enough for my men to overpower them."

"Do not underestimate Obi-Wan Kenobi. He is a force to be reckoned with. He did escape out of more desperate situations before. Just get them and kill the man soon."

The governor bowed his head again, his fear evident. "It will be done, my Lord."

On Yaronn, deep in Wild Space, Dooku woke up from a restless sleep. There was a disturbance in the Force and Kenobi was in the middle of it. He didn't like it one bit. Ever since he had built his new base here, he had tried to find out about Sidious' secrets. Firstly, he had wanted to know who this mysterious other apprentice might be. However, there was not the slightest trace in Sidious' files. The same applied to the way the Dark Lord had managed to retain his consciousness in the Force, plaguing Kenobi with his voice.

The only thing Dooku had found out was that there had to be an anchor in this world for Sidious to stay here. As to the nature of this anchor, he hadn't gotten a clue. He just hoped that Sidous wasn't bound to Obi-Wan personally but had another point to focus on. If the anchor was a person there would be no other way to destroy Sidious than killing this person or draw the Sith Lord out through a ritual Dooku had read about. But he hadn't been able to find any specifics, yet. It would be much easier if Sidious had bound himself to a holocron or some other Sith relict.

It all depended on how fast Sidious would have been able to perform this special ritual. If he had done it before his confrontation with the Jedi as precaution, it had nothing to do with Obi-Wan. However, if he had done it during the fight, it was likely that he had bound himself to the young Jedi Master.

But for the moment he had more pressing concerns. For the first time since three years ago he felt the darkness gathering again which meant that the other apprentice had begun his scheme. He had been sure that this day would come. In what situation had Kenobi brought himself now? How would Dooku be able to find out where he was? Well, he had his ways. It was risky but he would find him and with him this other Sith. It was time for Dooku to confront his adversary.

Anakin was getting more and more concerned. His Master hadn't been able to find the necessary rest in his healing trance. He had been panting, sweating and even groaning. Now he had finally settled into utter silence and Anakin hoped that he would have peace to heal. The Padawan had tried to assist him. However, he had to be careful, healing was exhausting and he needed his strength and his wits to get them out of here. The wound was still deep and he knew that his Master wouldn't be able to hold out much longer.

The comm was dead. The Altirii seemed to have shut down communications after the Anarrian assault and he didn't have any possibility to contact help. However, he had the Force and it would guide him. He reached out trying to feel if any search troops were near.

Both sides had set their eyes on them which was quite unusual. Normally, the people on planets did try not to involve the Jedi in their conflicts, getting rid of them rather than trying to imprison them. Everyone knew that there were too much complications with the Senate and the Jedi Council when a Jedi died during a mission. In addition to that Anakin had observed that they seemed to be focusing on getting Obi-Wan killed. No one had tried to wound Anakin, while they had attacked Obi-Wan relentlessly. Something out of place was going on here and it didn't bode well. He had to get his Master out soon or he would die on this Force-forsaken planet.

Suddenly he heard a noise of distress coming from Obi-Wan and when he turned around his Master was sitting upright, his eyes wide open. "Escape from here, Anakin," he said with a raspy voice before falling back again, exhaustion overwhelming him.

Anakin rushed over to his side and took him by his shoulders, gently shaking him. "Master?"

Obi-Wan shook his head. "Too late for me," he whispered. "But you . . . have to . . . go!" Then he fell back in his trance, apparently satisfied that he had warned his apprentice.

Anakin wouldn't heed his advice. He would find a way to get them both out. He just had to find a ship. But to find one, he had to get out of this cave. He didn't like leaving Obi-Wan alone but there was no other way; he had to go.

After he had dragged Obi-Wan even deeper into the cave, hiding him from any prying eyes, he took his lightsaber to his belt and turned to go. Before he left, he heard his Master whispering, "Beware of the Sith, Anakin."

Frowning he gave him a questioning look, but Obi-Wan was already out of it again. The Sith? They hadn't made an appearance since his Master had killed Sidious three years before. What would they have to do with this? He shook his head. He would be extra cautious then but he had to go anyway.

Far away on Coruscant Master Yoda sat in his chamber communing with a worried Master Qui-Gon. "Not heard of them we have for two days," his ears twitched, indicating his own concern. "A warning the Force sent you?"

The other Master shifted nervously. "Do you have any news from Altiria? I mean, if something had happened there should be something on the holonet."

"Master Windu and Master Gallia were sent out to Ilum. Only a few parsecs from Altiria it is. Try to contact them I will. Not lightly we should take this. Never deceived you were by the bond."

Qui-Gon nodded; Master Yoda was right. Over the last years the bond between him and Obi-Wan had always proven to be strong and every warning he had sensed, had led them to a dangerous situation. He just hoped that this time it wouldn't be too late. "It's buzzing with danger, Master," he emphasized the seriousness of the situation. "It has never flickered that much before. You should try to get some information fast. I am not sure if my former Padawan will be able to help himself this time."

"Are you really willing to die in this cave, my Obi-Wan? How stupid of you. Just listen to my teachings and I will heal you in no time. You could be an even better Sith than my other apprentice. It is a pity that you would waste all your talent just to stay in the Light," the voice hammered and didn't cease bothering him. There hadn't been enough time for Obi-Wan to heal properly before Sidious had been back. He squeezed his eyes shut and clenched his teeth. He wouldn't answer, no matter how much the Dark Lord was baiting him.

"Do you really think your young Padawan will be able to elude a fully trained Sith Lord? He already failed once. The Force sent you back to save him. You can save him now. If you just gave in, you would be the most powerful Sith the Galaxy has ever seen. My apprentice has set his eyes on young Anakin. I, however, I know who truly has the potential to rule a Sith Empire."

For the first time since long ago, Obi-Wan felt rage creeping up on him. With a deep breath he tried to fight it, only to hear Sidious saying, "Yesssss, that's it. Isn't the Force just cruel? To have you thrown back into a life you've already suffered through? Use your emotions, Obi-Wan and you cease to be a pawn of the Force. You can decide your destiny."

It was difficult, but Obi-Wan won the struggle once more. Centering himself, he held his fury in check. However, it became a physical as well as a mental battle, which took its toll. His arm was on fire now and he had difficulty breathing against the pain.

Then Sidious gave a sinister chuckle before saying, "What are you going to win if you die here? You're too proud to get any help from me, your Padawan has already left you behind to walk into my apprentice's arms and the next prey will be Padme. He will kill or turn everyone dear to you. It's what I've taught him. You are the only one with the power to defeat him and you sit here and wait for the Force to finish this. You are a pitiful sight, Obi-Wan."

Something snapped in the young Master's mind then. He wasn't able to fight the rage any longer. "And why are you so interested in me then!" he yelled, his voice echoing in the cave. The Force shifted around him and he focused all of his power on Sidious, shoving him away from the core of his mind. However, the chuckling didn't cease and desperately Obi-Wan continued, "If all this happens, the Sith will rule the Galaxy once more. Isn't that what you want? Why would you want to help me of all people? I killed you!"

He almost saw the Sith Lord's satisfied grin when he responded: "He isn't as worthy as you are young one. He lacks your determination and strength. Perhaps one day he would have been the perfect Sith, but in comparison to you he is nothing. Now that our conversation is getting somewhere, let me tell you what to do."

Obi-Wan was exhausted and he just wanted the pain to stop, the voice to stop. Maybe if he gave in once, just once . . . .?

He felt Sidious reaching out for his mind, guiding Obi-Wan's Force grip toward his wound. Then the Sith Lord began to murmur in an unknown language, taking the rage in the young Master to enhance the power of the Sith Magic, he was apparently using. It was astonishing how fast the pain lessened; then it went away completely leaving nothing but a cold feeling behind.

The young man gave a sigh of relief when he felt his strength returning. He looked toward his arm and saw the wound almost disappeared. His eyes widened. He had used the Dark Side. Even if it had been Sidious who had done the magic, the power had come from him. He had done what the Sith Lord had been waiting for and he wasn't sure if he were able to go back from here. He had to try though. Closing his eyes, he gathered the Force around him to rebuild his shields.

"Ah, my Obi- Wan," came the voice louder than before. "It won't work like this. You let me in and relied on my power. Our bond is strengthened now. You can't shove me back into that little light side cage of yours." Sidious gave a satisfied chuckle. "And now that we are finally united, why don't you profit from my knowledge? I am sure we can get you and your little Padawan away from this planet if we work together."

"I won't work with you," the Jedi responded bitterly, knowing well that the Sith had won this round. Carefully he began to build shields around his crucial memories. If he had to live with this, he certainly wouldn't give Sidious even more of an advantage.

"We can't get to the planet, Master Yoda," Mace Windu said grimly. "Our intelligence tells us that the Altirii and the Anarrian are at war and communications as well as transportation are down."

The ancient Master shook his head, his eyes showing his concern. "If at war they are, why didn't we hear from Obi-Wan and Anakin?"

The Korun-Master frowned. It was indeed weird. Both parties on the planet should know what trouble came to them when involving the Jedi in such a conflict. "Do you think they are still trying to negotiate?"

Master Yoda shook his head. "Worried Qui-Gon is. Felt a warning through the bond he has."

"Only a Senator would be able to get permission for an intervention. They won't allow any other Jedi to land on the planet," Mace said, already looking for a solution. "Maybe Senator Organa would be willing?"

"Ask him I will," Master Yoda said with a nod. "Stay where you are. Medical attention could be required."

The hologram shut down and Mace looked toward Adi Gallia who looked as worried as he was. "There is definitely something wrong, Mace," she said with certainty. "I can feel a disturbance in the Force."

"What do you suggest? We can't go there."

"Well, we can't go as Jedi however a trip from Coruscant takes time and even if Senator Organa leaves without further delay it could be too late to save them."

Mace couldn't help a smile. Adi's boldness was one reason why he loved her so much. It was a great risk but it was worth a shot. "We need to make up a good disguise then," he said.

She smiled. "Well, I am sure the Anarrian are in dire need of reinforcement and bounty hunters are always willing to help out."

Bail Organa had instantly agreed to help the Jedi out and Kael Dorvin of Naboo had promised to accompany him. But now it seemed that plans had changed again.

"I'm sorry, Bail," Kael said, his face showing worry. "She is quite persistent. When I told her that I am going with you to Altiria, she made it clear that she wanted to do it."

Bail Organa saw that the young Senator of Naboo wasn't happy about his Queen going into a war zone. However, they were talking about Padme Amidala and there was nothing she wouldn't do if it came to Obi-Wan Kenobi. In addition to that Padme was well enough trained to do this. The Altirii as well as the Anarrian would take her word more seriously than his. She was a sovereign after all. He gave Kael Dorvin a nod of acceptance. "I know how she is, Kael, and maybe it's for the best. She really could help. There's no time to waste. My ship is already prepared. Meet me at the hangar!"

Kael shook his head. "She's coming alone. She doesn't want me to come with you in case something happens. She trusts me to introduce new elections if she can't be Queen any longer."

It was evident that Kael Dorvin didn't like this one bit. Bail understood well enough. Even after accepting the fact that Obi-Wan was the man Padme loved deeply, the young Senator cared for her more than a friend should. However, as always the young Queen was right. The diplomatic mission could prove to be dangerous and someone had to stay behind to look after Naboo affairs. "Then tell her that we're leaving in one standard hour." He looked up and tried to smile reassuringly. "I promise you to keep her safe."