Well, here is chapter 2. Better late than never, ne? Anyway, good news is I start a new job on Monday! So these last few days of freedom I have has been kinda busy. That's why I'm a little late. But it's still the 28th in the rest of the country if not the east coast. So here goes nothing. Thanks everyone who's reading I really appreciate it!!

Irca – Thanks for the review and the well wishes. I am so happy you liked Forsaken and Reliving, thus far. Enjoy!

And on with the story…

- SW – SW – SW-

Chapter 2: Awakenings

Sleepless thoughts and sightless dreams

to the waking mind seems

Careless memories of distant nightmares

Of which the night gleans.

A hundred and one questions burst within Obi-Wan's thoughts in a matter of a heartbeat. All of which remained mute for the moment as there was no reason to give them voice. Walls could not provide answers and all he could do was wait for another to enter. The hand still seeking the collar slowly moved to massage his temples and he fell back into the medcouch. Closing his eyes his mind began to run through thousands of scenarios that could have brought him back to this place.

And yet on another level his feelings were twisted and tangled. As such he began to break them down touching each one in turn, naming it and letting go. It was a lesson he had learned very early on in his training, one he still practiced on occasion. Confusion – Fear – Relief – Fear – Anticipation – Fear – Hope – Fear. He let out a soft chuckle of dismay. He could already hear in that raspy voice, Much fear I sense in him. And it was true. He couldn't believe how much fear had come to permeate his soul but in this peaceful cell it haunted every breath.

Somehow against all hope and reason, he found himself back in the one place he had longed to return to. However, now his heart whispered of a lake near a small village filled with friends and family. A place he wondered if he would ever see again. Would he get the chance to explain to Tuuvu that this was the only way he could see to save them all? That this was the right thing to do? They had too little time on Onderon. The look of anguish on his Patron's face pierced his heart. What have I done?

How could so much go so wrong in so short a time? He wanted to know. For all his good intentions he really messed things up. Will Tuuvu ever forgive me? Will I be alive and sane enough to find out? Can I face the rest of the Jedi after all that I've done? Will I always be looked at as a criminal? Will I ever find a place where I truly fit in? That last thought effectively silenced all the others for the moment. It was an underlying question he had been asking himself since he was first shipped off to Bandomeer. One he was still seeking an absolute answer for. So engrossed in his turmoil, he didn't even recognize his own voice echoing his distorted beliefs, "I don't belong here."

"On the contrary, I think you are exactly where you need to be right now." An unfamiliar voice responded. Obi-Wan's eyes popped open to see this intruder. He was surprised to find a young man he guessed was in his twenties with sharp green eyes and soft brown hair. "And don't even think about getting up yet. You are still recovering and trying to do too much too soon will only make my efforts moot." The figure had been leaning just inside the doorway but seemed to spring to life now that his presence was known. He pulled out a datapad that had been tucked under his arm and started looking it over as he closed the gap between them.

The pirate continued to stare for the time being, saying nothing – revealing nothing. His past has made him cautious when encountering new people. However, no matter how leery the youth was, this Healer seemed not to notice. He performed a quick exam, checking readouts and stats. Both remained quiet for the time, speaking only when necessary. Finally, when it seemed they were done, the Healer put the pad down on a shelving unit. "So why do you feel that you don't belong here?"

"I would have thought it obvious."

"Not so obvious apparently." The strange Healer smiled at him.

"You mean you don't know who I am?"

"On the contrary, I know who you are. You're Obi-Wan Ke….." But as the Healer continued, Obi-Wan was no longer listening. In an instant he was in a dark place and he was looking for something. But someone was there stopping him, preventing him from what he needed to do. He wasn't exactly sure where he was or what he was looking for but he had an intense desire to get it back and especially to get it away from this shadow that slowly encircled him. The air was so tense it could snap at any moment. The cloaked figure moved smoothly almost like a black liquid swirling in a lazy whirlpool. It was an incredibly eerie and apprehensive feeling. The swirl closed in on him, cutting him off from freedom, from the air itself. And he wanted desperately to flee, run, escape, anything that would get him away. But he was here for a reason. He needed to find the thing he lost. And he feared that this portentous wraith could lead him on his quest, if only as a means of denying this creature its prize. He felt an icy shiver ripple down his spine as the silhouette lingered at his back. It was then that the words ghosted over him, "I know who you are…" and then froze the air in his lungs, "Bauudi."

Suddenly, he gasped, desperate to breathe and the vision shattered. It left a foul residue on his soul. He would have mulled over the sensation but a gentle tenor probed, "Obi-Wan, are you alright?"

Ginger lashes blinked over sea-glazed eyes for a moment while his mind registered the meaning of the words. Visions usually left one disorientated. Hesitantly, he responded, "Yes. I'm fine."

Anyone could see that Obi-Wan was not fine. Aden had been telling the younger man that he was briefed, literally, about Obi-Wan's situation and that he was in charge of the pirate's care when he noticed the readouts on a panel go haywire. When it's only a point or two, it's considered normal. But some spiked while others dropped. Immediately, he looked at the pirate and noticed he was no longer listening. In fact his sparkling eyes dulled and almost appeared grey. Aden couldn't believe it. Earnestly, he asked in a low tone, "You saw something didn't you? Heard something? Felt something?" With startled eyes, the former Jedi stared at the Healer. "It was a vision, wasn't it? Your vitals fluctuated. I've seen it one other time while a patient was here. Was it future? Past?"

"I - I'm not sure. It was like one of my nightmares but different. Swirling, circles." The blurry images slowly melted away in his mind leaving only emotions. Nothing seemed clear and all Obi-Wan could truly recall was a shadow and a circle. There was something wrong with that shape though. Something he should know yet remained just beyond his reach.

"Fascinating. Have you had visions before?"

"Yes." There were some he had as a child before he was sent away. But only a few since his exodus and none too recently.

"Incredible. I've made a personal study of visions and how they affect a being. We shall have to talk again when you are better Obi-Wan. I want to know all about your experiences. If you don't mind, I'm going to take the data from this instance for me to refer to later. Is that alright?"

Aquamarine eyes blinked back at the man in surprise. He could easily say that this awakening has by far been the strangest he'd ever experienced. He found himself in a place he never thought he would be again, talking casually to another Jedi who was intrigued by him enough to warrant further meetings. Didn't they know he was evil incarnate and should be avoided at all costs? "I thought I was a prisoner, I am a convicted criminal. You should be able to do whatever you want. I shouldn't have a say. And as for talking, you should be able to find me in a cell somewhere easy enough."

"Well, I certainly hope not. Even criminals have rights. And from what I remember you were always a gentle hearted child. You cared fiercely for those around you and barely gave a thought for yourself. At least that is how Bant always described you but I gathered as much as well."

"Wha….Wait a moment. We've met before? And you know Bant?"

"Why of course! Bant and I have often worked here in the Ward together. In fact the first time I met you all was here in the Ward. I was just apprenticed to my Master Vv, whom I am certain you would remember as he is the Primary Initiates' Healer. However I should have known you would not remember me. I was very shy back then and very insecure. Mostly I just remained in the background until my services were called for. Allow me to offer my sincerest apologies, I should have introduced myself much earlier. My name is Aden Kai, Apprentice to Master Vv Zon." And the Healer smiled broadly and bowed slightly with hands open and out at his sides.

Obi-Wan ducked his head in response since his prone position would not permit a proper bow. "Obi-Wan Kenobi." He said automatically in response.

Aden straightened. "It is my pleasure to have helped you, Obi-Wan."

The corsair was utterly confused now. His return to the Temple was not at all how he thought it would be like. "I still don't understand why you are being so friendly with someone like me. I would have expected everyone to do their best to stay away from me."

Matter-of-factly, Aden answered, "Then I am glad to disappoint you. Just because you have been found guilty of one trespass, I do not feel that is enough to condemn a soul to the Dark Side. We are all guilty of crimes, no matter how big or small. Innocent or not. It is what we do afterwards that will prove whether or not the punishment is fitting. And I for one do not believe that yours was justified."

"You know of my time in Ashua?" Obi-Wan asked cautiously.

"Only a little." At this, the corner of Aden's mouth turned downward. "I was not impressed with their choice of treatment. And they were not very helpful when I requested detailed reports so I could best take care of you."

It was said in a soft and collected manner but if he didn't know any better, Obi-Wan could almost hear an angry tremor in the man's voice. Then he realized he may get answers to some of the questions his mind craved. "Do you know how I got here then?"

"Regrettably, I was not privy to that information. All I know is that I was on duty when Master Jinn arrived with you in his arms. It took us some time to get him to let go. He was very worried about you, you know."

"Little good it does me now."

"You shouldn't dismiss him so quickly. From what I heard, he was the one who worked tirelessly to get you released from Ashua. They had been denying him his visitation rights and when he finally managed to get to you, you were in such a horrible state. Immediately, he forcibly extradited you to the Jedi. I hear he is looking to get the facility shut down and reorganized before any other children are sent there for rehabilitation. You should be grateful he got you out when he did. I believe that you would not have survived their methods for much longer."

"Was that really a blessing?" He had asked himself more than his companion but the other still countered remorsefully.

"Do you wish for death so much? If you feel that you are not worthy of life, I beg to differ. Life gives us the chance to repent for the sins we have committed. You should rejoice in the opportunity that so many have vied to give you. You are being given a second chance. And I hope you accept the challenge instead of believing it a curse." Leaving the subject at that, Aden glanced at his chrono and muttered, "Now I wonder where Bant is. Her class should be over and I can't imagine what would be keeping her. It was hard enough getting her to go in the first place."

"I was wondering why she wasn't here already. She always did tend to fuss when one of us wasn't feeling well." Obi-Wan admitted. Even at the tiniest scratch she was right there making sure it was healed right away. And while he was the one to get the bulk of the bangs and bumps, Garen and Reeft had their share too. They had teased her about it on occasion but she knew how grateful they were to have her around. It only brought them closer together.

"Yes, and she still does fuss as I'm sure you know. It's a good thing you were put under my care. I do my best to keep my patients and those concerned at ease. It's even easier with a degree of familiarity with those involved. I can trust her as she can with me." Aden's grin widened. He was quite pleased that his Master as well as some of the Councilors granted his request to care for the wayward initiate. He knew it should have been his or another Master's burden yet here he was in charge of a special patient. Bant had asked but she was not experienced enough to take on that kind of responsibility let alone the fact that she was personally attached to the patient. It was a great privilege and it showed him that he was close to becoming a Knight himself. Only a couple more years now.

However any further conversation was stalled as the door opened. In the doorway stood the stern visages of an awkward pair. The tall figure of Ki-Adi-Mundi towered over his diminutive companion Evan Piell. Aden immediately turned toward them and bowed. "Masters."

The shorter of the pair looked directly at the Healer and replied, "We have come to check on Kenobi's condition."

The conical head of Mundi turned slightly to regard his colleague before adding, "Yes, We would like to find out how Obi-Wan is doing. May we speak with you a moment Obi-Wan?" The corsair nodded at them as they entered.

Looking back and forth between his patient and the Masters, the brunette questioned softly, "Do you require my services, Masters? I will stay if you do, however I was just about to finish my rounds."

"No, Padawan Kai, you may go about your business. We will not be here for very long."

"Thank you, Masters. I will be back to check on you later, Obi-Wan." With that, Aden bowed and left.

Obi-Wan looked up at the Jedi. He recalled that Ki-Adi-Mundi was on the Council but he did not remember the smaller one. A bit unnerved by the single eye staring at him from just beyond the foot of his medcouch, he waited for them to speak. Fortunately, he didn't have to wait long.

"Hello Obi-Wan, I am Councilor Ki-Adi-Mundi and this is my fellow Councilor Evan Piell. We would like to ask you a few questions and allow you the opportunity to ask any you might have at the moment. As you know, your appearance has given us much to contemplate. Your Republic trial and how their judgment was handled has also forced us to reevaluate our position. Before we begin, do you have anything you would like to ask us first?"

Obi-Wan only had one real question for the Jedi Councilors. "What is to become of me?"

"That is a difficult for us to say. Much must be considered before a final Judgment can be made by the Council. We need to understand many things, get answers to many questions and trust the Force to guide us to the correct decision. And lastly, part of your fate will be in your own hands. You will need to make some decisions for yourself. But that will come closer to the end of your tribunal. In the mean time we need to ask you some questions. Are you prepared?"

"I doubt I'll ever be prepared, Master but I will answer to the best of my ability."

"That will be sufficient. When you were first sent to Bandomeer, how did you feel?"

Evan Piell grunted and then asked what they really wanted to know, "Did you harbour anger towards the Jedi for your dismissal?" The diminutive Councilor was not in the mood for pleasantries or niceties. They were there for a reason and he wanted to get straight to the point. He felt Mundi was wasting time.

Obi-Wan was not expecting this particular inquiry. Yet he answered automatically, "No."

"Truthfully?" Piell demanded doubtfully.

"Yes, Masters. At that time I was disappointed. Very disappointed. I hadn't been picked by a Master when I was sure that I would have been. But more importantly I was disappointed with myself for allowing Bruck to goad me into another fight. I should have realized what he was doing and stopped it before it started. But I didn't and I ended up getting sent away. That is what I felt as I journeyed to Bandomeer."

"And while you were prisoner, did you hate the Jedi? Did you hate your captor?"

"I did not hate the Jedi. Not really anyway. I wanted to know why you didn't come for me. I wondered what I had done to earn your scorn. As for my captor," for a moment Obi-Wan hesitated; a desire to laugh and cry at the same time washed over him. A swell of feelings clashed inside of him as he recalled those dark times. In the end he managed in a tone that barely held his emotions in check he said, "Even though he is dead, I still hate him."

The two Masters looked at each other. Both felt the tremor of dark emotion roll off the former student. "Were you afraid?" Ki-Adi-Mundi allowed his curiosity to surface.

"Every single moment."

"What did you fear?"

"I was afraid I would live out the rest of my days in his hands. I was afraid I would never see my friends again. I was afraid of what would happen if I came back to the Jedi. I was afraid of being discovered. I was afraid I was never good enough. And I have new fears now." The corsair looked down at the clenched fists in his lap and consciously made them relax.

"They are?"

"Your Judgment. My fate." Obi-Wan looked up and glanced between them. He may not have been one of them for five cycles, however being back in the place that nurtured him for so long, that old dream of his was given new life. And that fear that all initiates harbour deep in their hearts revived. Keeping his gaze on them, he confessed, "And that I will never be a Jedi."

"I can offer you nothing to alleviate your fears." The tall Councilor said. "They are yours to deal with. I can only offer my advice. Trust the Force. Release all you fears and hate into it and perhaps you will find peace of mind and soul. Thank you, Obi-Wan, for your candid responses. There will be many more questions to come during the tribunal and we have what we came for right now. You will remain in the Ward until better arrangements can be made. Rest well, young Kenobi. The tribunal commences tomorrow morning. May the Force be with you."

The pair silently made their way out, leaving a bewildered young man behind. He could guess that they were gauging his past, seeing if he had succumbed to the Dark Side. He did not believe he had followed that path, but perhaps he had strayed too close for comfort. The only thing he could do now was answer everything openly and honestly. If they chose to redeem him or condemn him it was their decision and he would abide by it. It was the only thing he could do.

- SW – SW – SW –

I hope things have cleared up just a bit now. So much more is coming, stick with me for a bit longer! Thanks for reading!!

~Ari :D