Short chapter, I know, and I apologize. More soon!

Knight Kenobi of Eryn Lasgalen I didn't know which name to address you as, so I just used your login name. Thank you for your reviews on both stories and I'm so glad you're enjoying.

Shanobi Oh, they have to be dumb sometimes--or else how would we have so much fun with them? Thank you for your support both here and 'there'. I really appreciate it.

Restless-soul Nothing's easy in life…or so they say. And definitely not in Obi's universe!

Ewan's girl I hope that I can go in depth with the rift between Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon, as well as what brought them to that point. And I want to do a lot with Ullo too. I just hope I can handle it!

Athena Leigh Oh yes, I truly hope I avoid crossing the line into sappiness with this fic. I might've been guilty of it in the past, but this fic is going to somewhat dark. Thank you, as always.

Kynstar You're such a total sweetheart. Thanks for the review!

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Qui-Gon felt the Force presence of Obi-Wan dwindle as he moved toward the Healing Ward. It seemed the others sensed it as well, that they were in fact waiting for him to meld within the distant, communal pulse of the Temple.

Yoda's ever-weary eyes thrilled to wideness before settling into slits again. "Hmm. Disturbed, your apprentice is."

The Master studied the elfish alien intently. He wasn't very surprised. There was a reason Yoda was revered as the most gifted Jed in the Order. For better or worse, he detected emotion that others would dismiss under layers of shielding. In this instance, Qui-Gon was grateful for the old Master's sharpened intellect. Perhaps an outside opinion would help him deal with Obi-Wan's disharmony. Force let's hope so.

But then, the dominating voice of the Chamber was possessed by Mace Windu, and the smoothly skinned councilor did not speak of Obi-Wan's current condition.

"Master Qui-Gon, Knight Ullo, you say that the rain was unscheduled when it fell in the Eume'Li jungle?"

"Yes, Master." Both replied.

"And the rainfall coincided with Obi-Wan's resuscitation?"

Ullo was as solemn as Qui-Gon had seen the man during their short but intense friendship. "It did. At the same moment he took a breath, the rain began to pour. If I may say so Masters, it was the most incredible phenomenon I have ever witnessed."

"Heard of this, I have." Yoda drummed his fingers slowly against his mottled cane. "But not in many, many years."

The tenure of the Master's memory surpassed any other creature within the Temple several times over. Eight centuries deepened the creases in the loose green skin, rimmed the lime eyes in withered sockets--and gave Yoda the life experience rivaled only by immortal races.

What 'many, many years' meant to Qui-Gon and Ullo could be in tremendous contrast to what it meant to Yoda.

"Strong in the Force, is Obi-Wan. Purely strong in the Light."

Qui-Gon's eyes stared sightlessly at the tiled floor. His heart was immersed in the thunder of the moment, afraid and intrigued by the tone the room had undertaken. Obi-Wan was a powerful member of the Jedi. Irreplaceable. But that, Qui-Gon already knew, a stance solidified forever by the close call on the jungle's bitter, cold ground.

The thin lips parted once more. "Sometimes, grasp to the living, the dying must. A reach for vibrancy in the dark."

Qui-Gon blinked. "The jungle--bonded with Obi-Wan?"

"Mmm. Among thick shadows, a beacon, the Light is. The Light in young Obi-Wan, the jungle's weakening aura clung to." Yoda's expression softened. "For in peril, needed strength, the jungle did. The trees, the birds. Yes. The earth itself."

Ullo frowned in quiet confusion. "And when Obi-Wan died?"

"More than mournful, was the corpse around you."

Qui-Gon's mind was speeding along with his frenzied heartbeat. Such a situation, he had never entertained! "When Obi-Wan's spirit was revitalized--"

"Like taking a breath for two, he was. A gulp of life for the jungle." The faintest of smiles. "The rain."

For one rumored to have immovable resolve, Qui-Gon was worried his knees would give out. He and Ullo had been suspicious of the hold Eume'Li was having on them, especially Obi-Wan. But they never discussed the possibility of…what was considered the impossible. It was almost laughable.

Yet he could not muster much mirth. He knew what if felt like to hold his Padawan, dead and limp. Nothing about the Eume'Li mission could be taken lightly.

"We believe this should be documented, Qui-Gon. As an example of the superior abilities of the Light Side of the Force. We dismissed Obi-Wan because we didn't want to overwhelm him with this new information. Not after his brush with.." Mace hesitated, seeing the strained look Qui-Gon carried. "Not after this ordeal."

"We believe he should be told," Adi continued, "But perhaps in a less…intimidating arena. After enough time has passed, I'm sure you can handle the duty, Qui-Gon."

Qui-Gon nodded. "I will."

"Good." Yoda gurgled.

"In that case, the report is complete." Mace stood, along with his compatriots. "You are dismissed."

Qui-Gon and Ullo bowed, their robes swishing against the floor softly.

"Stay you will, Qui-Gon." Yoda called.

Ullo offered an encouraging smile, a silent murmur of 'good luck', then headed the trio of Jedi out the double doors.