“ this is my fault . . . ” (ahsoka >:) )
Time slowed, every second pounding in his ears as though counting down to the very last. So far Obi-Wan had done well to contain the energy of the blaster wound in the Force, drawing every last breath from that same well of power. Yet, there was only so much he could stall and even now the shot burned further through soft tissue. It felt like being burned alive and yet he held on, cloak pulled tight around his shoulders to disguise the gaping wound from Ahsoka. He had bigger things to worry about right now, like getting her to safety.
Limbs shook with exertion, legs almost giving up below him as they ran for an abandoned ‘ship. One still smouldering from the remnants of battle but hopefully - just maybe - in good enough shape to take off. ‘Saber still drawn and ignited, deflecting stray blaster shots with more ease than he had the earlier surprise shot from behind.
With an encouraging hand pressed to Ahsoka’s back, he had urged her up the ramp of the ‘craft while he fought off the remaining droids which had tagged onto their escape. When at last they were in and doors were closed to blaster fire and invaders, Obi-Wan had allowed himself to at last breath a sigh. Every time his eyes shut, he felt as though they would not open again. Weighed down by the heavy lids of eternal sleep, he felt his way along crates and chairs to the cockpit where already Ahsoka was making preparations for take-off. Fingers grew numb, his grip failing as fingers stiffened.
Silently, he cursed himself for his clumsiness. He just needed to hold on. Just a little longer until he was sure she would be safe… that he had done what he could to protect her, as was his duty.
❛ Master, I think most of the damage was just cosmetic. The pre-takeoff check doesn’t seem to be picking up anything wrong. We’ll be out of here in no time, ❜ The excited padawan leans over to set the controls for a speedy take-off, only pausing when she heard the scrape of a chair against durasteel panel and the dull thud of Obi-Wan’s body. Turning around, gleefulness was replaced instantly by shock.
Rushing to kneel by his side with a questioning cry of ❛ Obi-Wan? ❜ Shock turning to horror as she noticed his blood-stained tunic, the colour growing a deeper crimson by the second. Trembling hands press uselessly at the wound, knowing that without a medical droid or even a comlink it was the best she could do.
❛ Ahsoka, ❜ he coughed, realising he could delay the inevitable no longer. He had bought what time he could by drawing on the Force, but even that had its limits. She was going to be safe, he reminded himself. She would get out of her alive. A groan pushed out from deep in his throat as a wave of pain crashed into him, eyes squeezing shut for a moment but forcing himself to open them again. Even as vision blurred, even as each ragged breath seemed more agonising than the last.
❛ I am sorry you have to… bear witness to this, ❜ for although they had both seen death, he knew what the death of a Master felt like. Even if he was not expressly her Master… had he not always see her as his padawan? Voice sounds like gravel; hoarse and quiet. All usual softness grown blunt by failing lungs. He reaches out to catch a welling tear, fingers brushing gently against her cheek. Smile, Obi-Wan. Do not let her know how painful it is to die. ❛ I am so proud of you, Ahsoka. So proud. One day you will become a greater Jedi than us all… I can tell. I only wish I could have been around to see it. ❜
His hand falls, exhaustion making his limbs useless to mind’s command. So much to say, and yet so little time to say it. Words and phrases turn over in his head, desperate to voice them all and yet he can say none. Time is running out, death’s unfurling its fingers and offering a crooked hand.
❛ Look after for Anakin for me, keep an eye out. Tell him how… ❜
But the sun has set on the Jedi’s life, and the light has left his eyes. Blue eyes the colour of ice finally frozen on some distant, unseen point.
