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Obi wan didn't move. Didnt blink. Because if he moved he would have to let go of his master, and if he blinked all he would see was the scene replaying in his mind over and over.
Darth Maul impaling his lightsaber through his master's gut.
His master crumpling to the ground.
"I forsee you will be a great Jedi Knight, Obi Wan."
Not good enough to save you, obi wan thought numbly.
If only he had been faster.
If only he had been smarter.
If only he had been a better fighter.
Maybe he wouldn't be here, kneeling on the floor with his master's limp hand slowly growing cold in obi wans grip.
Footsteps were pounding towards him. He could sense several palace guards, along with a few jedi that must have just arrived.
They were probably coming to help qui gon and his apprentice.
Too late.
The footsteps slowed to a halt as they entered the circular chamber that obi wan knelt in.
He could feel their emotions - their shock, sorrow, and pity. Obi wan didn't dare look up.
He didn't deserve their pity.
Someone crouched down next to him, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. "Obi wan."
He looked up. Shaak ti was kneeling beside him, her kind eyes meeting his red and swollen ones.
"Where is Darth Maul?" Her soothing voice asked. He flinched at the name. "Dead." He said, nodding to the giant pit beside him. Surprisingly, obi wans voice didn't shake or crack. It just sounded hollow.
"Come, young Padawan."
Obi wan wasn't anyone's padawan anymore.
"Obi wan," shaak ti prompted.
Slowly, achingly, obi wan peeled his stiff fingers from his master's hand.
He hesitated once more before shakily standing up.
Let go, obi wan, his master's voice seemed to say.
Let go.