Star Wars: Dark Light

Chapter XI: Koba's Balance

Having had swiped a blaster off of a downed trooper shortly after separating from Luke and Leia, Koba disposed of each white clad threat swiftly during her search. Using the Force, though her energy was quickly diminishing, she sought out Obi-Wan. Relief swept over her when she felt the gentle pulse of his life force, however that relief quickly faded when she sensed who was nearby. It wasn't long before she found herself turning down the hallway and seeing both forces in the flesh.

Kobe's memory had remembered Darth Vader well since the last time she had seen him over a decade ago. Armoured in complete blackness, a few lights blinking on and off on his suit - a new necessity after his near death twenty years past, and a crimson lightsaber in his hand. He faced Obi-Wan in utter silence, save for the heavy breathing behind his obscuring helmet.

"I have been waiting for you, Obi-Wan. We meet again, at last. The circle is now complete." He rasped.

Kobe's hand went to her lightsaber at her hip. With the flick of a switch the laser bursted from the end and resumed a gentle hum. The action caused Darth Vader to jerk his head to the side.

"Not without me."

"So it would seem, Kobayashi. You are still alive - that is surprising." Darth Vader moved back, Koba countered his steps as she came to stand beside Obi-Wan. "When I left you I was but a learner; now I am a master."

Obi-Wan lifted his chin to stare Vader down. "Only a master of evil, Darth."

Koba watched her old master from the corner of her eyes while simultaneously assessing Vader's movements. Obi-Wan blinked multiple times. His shoulders seemed slumped as though carrying a particularly burdensome weight.

Ah. So he feels this suffocating pressure as well, Koba thought. She couldn't quite explain the limit to her connection with the Force. All Koba knew was that in Vader's vicinity she could feel the dark forces weigh down on her, bringing the dark forces within herself come to light.

"Koba, come to me. You needn't follow the expired ways of the Jedi. Come to me, to the Dark Side of the Force." Vader lifted a hand, beckoning the younger Jedi Master forth. "I feel the Force around you - your abilities are weak. I can make you strong." His hand clenched into a fist in conviction.

"I will not." But Koba's words did not sound convincing even to herself. Her grip tightened on the hilt of her lightsaber.

"You came to me once-"

"That was a different time." She ducked her gaze, avoiding the penetrating look Obi-Wan seemed to send her. For a brief moment she wondered whether Han, Luke, and Leia had made it back to the Millennium Falcon. "I have found my balance."

Kobe's empty hand found her second lightsaber and drew it from its confines. The white illumination shone against Vader's ebony wardrobe, the lasers nearly blinding. For several moments the two Jedi stood against the Sith, watching his movements, waiting for the prime opportunity. It was Obi-Wan who moved first, striking the huge warrior only to be repelled by Vader in a flash of movement. He followed with a slash at the old Jedi, but it was parried. Obi-Wan lunged, his saber meeting Vader's in a battle of strength.

"Koba, go! Return to the others." He yelled, never once breaking his focus.

"I will not leave you!"

"They need you more than I. Go!" Obi-Wan leapt back and rushed at Vader again. The sound of clashing lightsabers rang in her ears, even as she turned and made for the hangar, praying she had made the right choice.

Koba sprinted down the hallways to the hanger, slashing at troopers she raced past like a flash of white lightening. As she emerged into the hanger her eyes caught the prominent furry shape of Chewbacca, and beside him the remaining three. She rushed to meet them.