Title: Walking on Water

Summary: Obi-Wan has done what he thought he could not: Kill Anakin. Master Windu has been successful as well. The Jedi are safe and peace has been restored. All should be right in the galaxy were it not for one thing… A post ROTS AU Obidala.

Author: Ticklesivory

Warnings: Probably language and adult situations

Disclaimer: Both Lucas and Disney have billions. I do not. And it's likely to stay that way.

A/N: This story actually spun together through the combination of two separate story ideas. Hope no-one gets dizzy. ;) I've rearranged ROTS a little because basically, I MUST SAVE THE YOUNGLINGS! :)

Chapter 1

As far back as he could remember, his life had mattered very little to him. Once he had been deemed worthy, he had given up his life to serve and protect others. That's simply what Jedi did, and being a Jedi was all Obi-Wan knew. His life, therefore, was not his own. He had taken a vow, had committed himself to the understanding and reading of the Force. He had been trained to listen to its beckoning, and to follows its guidance.

Long ago, before he had made his own commitment, a declaration had been made by those who were wiser than him; claiming that each and every Sith encountered must be eliminated.

He'd done it before, and through no miraculous feat, he'd done it again. Although the second had required not as much physical effort as it had mental.

He'd formed an attachment. At some point in the past, he had grown rather fond of his padawan. He had actually begun to look upon him as a brother, a beloved family member. They had grown close, sharing secret jokes and displaying the slightest nuances nobody noticed but them. He had somehow forgotten his professionalism along the way.

He had made a mistake; One which had nearly cost him his life, and doubtless, the lives of many others. If Anakin had been allowed to continue, to join the dark side of the Force, there was no telling what havoc he would have created, or how many lives he would've destroyed.

There was no point in ruminating over the past. He'd done what he had to do. As any Jedi would've done. The High Council were once again pleased with him, though Master Yoda looked a little less so.

Obi-Wan had just finished delivering his explanation of the events leading up to Anakin's demise to the elders. They had all expressed their sympathies and hopes for a brighter future.

It was out there, wasn't it? Within their grasp? This brighter future they spoke of. He and the others had kept the darkness at bay, if for a while. Master Windu himself had ended the reign of the Sith Lord who had been hiding out in the open the entire time; setting himself up as leader of the Republic. Following his death, Senator Organa had been unanimously, though temporarily assigned the position of Chancellor.

Obi-Wan had always liked Bail Organa. The man was about as honest as a Senator could be.

Hope had been restored, and a new Sith uprising had been diverted. He should be as pleased as those around him.

But he wasn't.

He tried to hide it, to disguise his apathy from the Council members, even from his own small group of friends.

He should've known better. Master Yoda had seen right through him.

"Meeting adjourned, it is," the diminutive Jedi announced. "Stay you will, Master Kenobi."

While he waited on everyone to clear the room, Obi-Wan wondered what the wizened Master was going to say to him. There was no need for congratulations. He'd done his duty. He didn't wish for any encouragement. He didn't need counseling, didn't need to see a Healer. Everything was perfectly fine. At least on the outside.

"Sleeping well, are you?"

It was an odd question for Yoda to ask him, but then, odd questions seemed to be the little Master's inclination.

"I am. Why do you ask?" Obi-Wan prepared himself for the ambiguous line of questioning which was sure to follow.

"Tired, you look."

Or maybe not. They had been through a lot recently. Master Yoda didn't look too spritely himself, though Obi-Wan wasn't about to mention it.

"It's been a long week."

"Hmmm," the elder Jedi grumbled, his large eyes squinting in focused concentration. "Restlessness, I sense in you."

Obi-Wan gazed out the tower windows from his own Council seat assigned to him when he became a Master. Yoda's assumptions had been correct. He was disgruntled and apprehensive, and no amount of meditation on the Force had led him to an understanding.

"I don't know what's wrong with me," he confessed, sinking back into the cushioned chair.

"Losing a padawan, difficult it can be…" Yoda began, although Obi-Wan cut him off; something he could never recall doing. But this is exactly what he had expected. If not from Yoda, then from another Master. He didn't wish to hear it.

"I don't' have a problem with what I had to do," he explained, now leaning forward to emphasize the authenticity of his words. "I am a Jedi and the Jedi must eliminate the Sith. Anakin was a Sith. I didn't see any other alternative."

Master Yoda leaned on his gimmerstick, considering Obi-Wan carefully when the announcement for an incoming holomessage sounded out. After it was accepted, a pixelated Chancellor Organa appeared before them.

"Greetings, Chancellor," Yoda kindly exclaimed.

"Greetings Master Yoda, Master Kenobi. I'm glad I caught you both. I have some disturbing news to share. I'm afraid Senator Amidala is missing."