Summary: Mace wakes up grumpy. Anakin cries. Ventress, why are you still here? Obi-Wan has a bad feeling. Ahsoka has a bad feeling.

"Mace, look what I got!"

Mace turns to receive a cluster of blumfruit from his fellow clan member. He looked up to see a familiar yet blurry face.

"Maybe we can convince Master Chrundi to let us all make muffins!"

Master Chrundi? Mace's old clan Master.

Looking around he identified the room he was it. The initiatives hall for Clan Jubba. His fellow clan member name was on the tip of his tongue. No matter how hard he tried to remember it seemed to slip past his grasp.

"Stop thinking so hard, Mace. You need to learn some charm." He could see the youngling let lose a juvenile smile.

Psshew

Mace turns just in time to see a pair of initiatives dueling in the sparring room.
How did he get here? A hand on his shoulder jolt his body.
The boy but older was here again.

"Don't rush it! Make sure your fight gets some of those Masters attentions." His signature smile was shown again.

"Cocky, aren't we?" Mace couldn't help but jab back. It's been a while since he teased with a close friend.

"We can't all be promised a Master like me!" The young lad whiffed with pride. "People like you gotta work for it."

"Hey!"

"Okay," The Boy raised his hands in resignation. "Jus-... just know that I got your back. You'll find your Master and we can become the most fearsome padawan pair."

Mace looked deep in those dark blue eyes. Trying to find the darkness lurking into it that he missed long ago. All his saw was a gleeful child, steadfast in the light. He twisted his head back to the fight, only to see a glass window. He almost stepped back down a long drop.

"Whoa there, buddy! Watch your step! I rather not die while chasing that scum!"
His best friend was hugging the wall glowering at the distance.

Mace could hear him curse under his breath.

"We can't just let them get away! They're going to pay for their crimes!"

"We lost our bike," argued Mace. "Let's just wait for our Mas-"

Instead of hearing Mace's reply, his rash companion sprang off the building embracing gravitation….

Taking Mace with him.

His companion's long dark hair was following up against the wind.

"SO MANY REGRETS RIGHT NOOOWW!"

"YOU THINK!" Roared Mace.

Leave it for the eager Telosian human to take the brash way of things.

He blinked and found himself under a waterfall in the room of a thousand fountains next to the Telos human. His name searing his mind as he sought to remember.

"It's not fair! Qui-Gon doesn't say it but I can see it. And every time Feemor visits, I swear he acts like the stupid perfect Jedi!"

Back then he would listen to those ravings, trying to help his friend. Both of them admittedly known for anger issues.

Luckily Mace's Master was able to help him channel that anger into more productive use. Sadly Qui-Gon ways seemed to not make a significant impact on his own student.

It was not comfortable to admit, but the dark-haired padawan has a hard time letting go of his anger. Some of the Jedi would approve to just ignore it, but Mace… he didn't see the point in that, all it did was prolong the problem.

He wished he done something.

The fallout was brutal, no one knew what happen to Xanatos on Telos IV. He found out, faced the Padawan that accompanied his close friend. He remembers the sense of devastation from the news. His oldest friend fell to the Darkside and tried to kill Qui-Gon. Yoda took him aside and told him Xanatos was no more.

His friend was dark the whole time? That can be! This is Xanatos!
Sure he's brash, proud, self-confident, passionate and at times emotional but never wicked.

Not dark!
He banned any memory. Yeah, he shaved his head. It had NOTHING to do with Xani.
Yep, nothing at all.

He banished any resemblance.

He remembers when he first saw Obi-Wan. Qui-Gon became a broken man after Xanatos's treachery. But Obi-Wan managed to pull him together. For a while, they became the greatest pair of Jedi's in the temple. Than Qui-Gon died and Obi-Wan stubbornly declared Anakin Skywalker as his padawan.

Anakin, the boy that seems to be a little shadow of Xanatos, is reckless and brash. There was darkness in the boy, he knew it. Obi-Wan acted like Qui-Gon. Qui-Gon who ignored Xanatos anger and flaws. Likewise with Obi-Wan to Anakin.

Did he walk away?
No.
He couldn't.

Fermor ignored anything related to Qui-Gon after getting wrongfully disowned by the man. Yoda was too busy. Dooku, well Dooku is not an option.

Unofficially in private Mace Windu became Obi-Wan's older padawan brother. While he refuses to give Obi-Wan any slack, there is a reason Obi-Wan comes to him sometimes to talk. He still didn't trust Anakin, but he wouldn't just convict the boy for something he did not do.

Didn't mean he wouldn't keep a closer eye.
He wouldn't miss the signs this time.
Looking up he saw Xanatos as a kid, smiling with happiness.

"Come on Mace! You still got to finish-"

Mace open his eyes slowly as he felt himself wake up. rising up from the bed he shook all the Remnants of sleep left and him. Getting off he entered the bathroom to begin his day. A breakfast and short meditation later, he ended up in the training salles performing exercises against practice droids. He wasn't in the mood to spar with another being, that would lead to small talk. Something he is in no mood for.

He scowls at the two droids he faced. Far too easy to overcome and dismantle. To the side, he could see some on the younglings looking with awe. Some Masters struggles to get their padawan to pay attention to whatever lesson they had tried to begin before Mace started to fight. To the side, Obi-Wan looked timid and out of place. His hands wringing.

Huffing out of slight exasperation, Mace put every item in its proper place and left the salle. After inwardly counting 30 seconds he examined the force to notice a certain familiar signature slowly drifting after him. Steps uncertain. Stopping he turned to face the padawan, his hands resting on his hips as he waited for the fluster teenager.

"Master Windu! What a surprise!" Kenobi chatted as if he wasn't just shadowing the Master for the last ten minutes. Imp.

"To the point," Mace told, "You clearly have something to say."

Kenobi gave a nod before straightening up to stand tall. Oh, boy. That usually means a long debate/discussion is about to occur. Most of the time it lasts for hours before a compromise is made or Obi-Wan flat out wins. Maybe this younger version has a lesser level of endurance. Why he can already imagine the topics….

Let's give the younglings multiple options other than Jedi Knights! Our Order has many departments and it would be a shame to limit all our younglings under the expectation of Jedi Knight. What's that? Some Master might actually not like it because some of the best force potential users among the children might end up not becoming Jedi Knights because you gave them the option? Easy. Just talk to them and let them know if you're interested. What's that! You are interested but not in the moment, you'll like it if their whole future is put on hold until you sort it out? Well, tough luck! You should have thought about that before you put Kenobi on the council!

How about we start becoming a self-funding order. Yes, I know we promised to stay under budget under the Senate but that hasn't changed in under 700 years and quite frankly it's getting tough to sustain the lives of thousands of Jedi + missions + supplies + etc. The Senate might not approve? Well, tell them we have Kenobi and were not afraid to use him! We don't have enough people to make the option possible? Well, maybe you should let the youngling have multiple options, instead of everyone being a Jedi Knight. See, full circle!

We have many Service Corp that help, but often don't get the respect they deserve. The Agricultural Corp helps grow life and food on many desolate planets and even have lands of their own to help grow food and share among the famine systems. They train farmer, guides, wild-life tamers, even detectives among the Jedi to figure out the best way to grow food and other resources. Your telling me we can't provide our own food? Medicine? We got a Medical Corp that helps train healers and scientist. You really think we can't raise up funding in the many research projects we have? Our Educational Corp can help Jedi who wants to make businesses and charities. Not to mention we can create our own books instead of buying them with our budget. Our Exploration Corp helps us search for more operatives and opens endless doors! Hey, maybe we do have enough resources to self-fund! Lucky us!

Honestly, most of these changes did well in the Order. The Agricultural Corp finally got the respect it never seems to get. Yes a good amount of youngling, instead of saying they wanted to be a Jedi Knights, say they want to be Jedi seekers or Lore or farmers or scientist… the list goes on. The younger generation seems to no longer carry the weight and fear of abandonment. Jedi Master that seem to look down on other types of Jedi, suddenly gain respect for the other Corps. Paying our own bill in our Order gave us some public favor among the tax-paying people.

The only downside is the Senate thinks the Jedi are trying to leave from the Republic.

Shaking his head a little he refocused on Kenobi.

"I want to know what's the plan after we win."

Does he want reassurance? That's the first. "We will act as mediators making sure the planets that left can join without any unfair punishment."

Obi-Wan frowned. "Do you really think the Republic will let that happen. Or that the Separatist will accept defeat to enter a Republic that still doesn't care for them?"

Mace knew this already. He damn well knew it. The older Kenobi made too many good points in the past to ignore. If they win the Separatist will have hell to pay and the Jedi will be helpless to do anything. That's assuming the Separatist would ever surrender, which seems highly unlikely. Both sides lost too much to just give up. No, not until the last man it seems.

But if they exit out now than millions of clones will be left at the hands of beings with ill-intentions. Briefly, he thought of his loyal clone trooper Fox, the thought of leaving him and his men at the hands of people who don't consider clone's having rights left his blood boiling in anger (and a bit of fear). They would not hold back in biological weapons that would destroy environments or attacking civilians.

Instead the Jedi, after winning planets, made sure to negotiate fair terms of surrender. Better then than a bunch of bitter Senators seeking revenge. He listens to Obi-Wan's plan having a feeling a certain Duchess of Mandalore played a role in convincing the younger Jedi. No matter how excited Obi-Wan is, there is no way it would work.

"We don't have the public support to push this forward and we will get pushback from the Senate," Mace responded hoping to convince Obi-Wan off his course.

The boy just looked distressed. His eyes filled with disappointment while his posture remained tensed.

"I fear this is a mistake Master Windu," confessed Obi-Wan. "A sad day for all Jedi when they can no longer follow the Force freely without fear."

Before Mace could think of a proper response, Obi-Wan turned around walking away.

"Obi-Wan!"

Kenobi turned to meet the Master's eyes.

"No promises. I'll see what I can do" said Mace with a flat tone.

Once that was in order he turns to leave and find the shuttle that would be waiting for him. It's his day with the politicians. Joy. The whole day he was left to deal with corrupted politicians who only cared for their own greedy and selfish desire. The building reeked of dark desires. He stood outside looking on towards the traffic.

"Wonderful day at the Senate, I see."

Mace turned to see the location of the voice. Up by the side leaning against the frame of the entrance stood the least likely person he thought to meet.

"Oh, don't give me that look" cackled Ventress. "I already helped you once already. Surely Obi-Wan mentioned me."

As a matter of fact, Obi-Wan discussed a certain dark-side bounty hunter helping him on his detour to Mandalore. Before the change in age, Obi-Wan convinced and vouched for Ventress saying she was no longer any trouble and danger in the war. Yet, instead of bringing Obi-Wan back to the Order, Ventress decided to bring Obi-Wan towards a War-Zone. To where Darth Maul conveniently was at the time.

"Ventress" Mace nodded. "Is there a reason for this change of events?'

She strutted ahead with purpose. Her ice blue eyes broadcasted melancholy with a shade of anxiety.

She approached stopping close to Mace. Her eyes darted back to the Senate as if worried to be caught or overheard.

"The Sith controls both sides of the battle, Master Jedi." Her eyes looked haunted before reiterating, "The Sith is in control of the Senate."

"Why should we trust you," challenged Mace. Not that he did not trust what she said. Obi-Wan mentioned the same thing. Saying that Dooku revealed that fact to him. But the Senate is a large body that consists of many people. Finding the Sith Lord will be like looking for a needle in a haystack.

"Still worth looking into. Check Palpatine's administration. That should narrow down your search."

Having said her piece, Ventress watched the building one last time before leaping off down into traffic. But Mace had no doubt that she would land safely down.

This Obi-Wan is nothing like his Master. Anakin came to this conclusion as they sat together in the apartment. He was tinkering with some mouse droid he found in the hall, upgrades that could help it. Obi-Wan sat on the couch flipping through channels before settling for a nature documentary.

For starters, this Obi-Wan was not yet a Jedi Knight. This one seems confident enough when making decisions, but before deploying them always looked for someone older to approve.

Somewhere along the line Anakin place the mouse droid away and started working on some new plans for attachments on the speeders he upgrades in the hanger. At that point, Obi-Wan must have become bored watching the life of some insignificant creature. He joined Anakin asking question every few minutes or so.

Over the last few days, they bonded. There would be times when Obi-Wan would stare at Anakin before asking if he was sure he was Obi-Wan's padawan. At first, Anakin was hurt. But soon he realized that Obi-Wan thought Anakin the perfect Jedi and had a hard time believing he trained Anakin. A warm feeling grew in his chest at the thought of Obi-Wan being proud.

The thought of seeing such a major person in his life looking at him with such admiration and pride had his fear of ruining it for the young Obi-Wan increase. Anakin knew deep down he was no Jedi. He felt too strongly, yet Obi-Wan did not seem to mind the close hugs or arm wrapped around his shoulder.

If anything this teaches Anakin to be more in control of how he presents himself. Any time he is ready to rant about the Jedi's imperfect nature or how inefficient the Republic is, he would make sure Obi-Wan was out of ear shout. The teenage put too much hope in both things often telling stories of adventures that would restore anyone 's faith in the Republic. So many stories he never told as an adult. Times where Obi-Wan would find people who would fight for the right ideals of the Republic.

That amidst all the danger and darkness in the galaxy, the light prevails.

That despite death and destruction putting up a fight, life will always win.

Funny. Death and destruction seem to have won when you killed all the Tusken Raiders. Stop, Anakin told himself.

Lots of times he would - not on purpose - look back to that dark moment. What would that make him? Can he really call himself a Jedi? Often time he would scorn the Jedi for shunning emotions, yet he let his rage get the best of him.

What excuse could he ever hope to hold when he often woke up from a nightmare, staring at the eyes of the dead children who trembled in the arms of their mothers.

The wrench he held with his mechanical arm crumbled under pressure. Obi-Wan head snapped up at the sound. Despite seeing the distress in Anakin's posture, Obi-Wan reframed from pointing this out. Instead, opting out to recheck the wires he laid out. Glancing back at Anakin's face with uncertainty. But too polite to push or force Anakin to admit his failings.

Too kind. His Master would often overwork himself. Often thought low of himself. At the beginning of their relationship around their first mission together outside the temple as Master and Apprentice, Anakin snapped at his Master claiming he only dealt with Anakin because of the promise he made to Qui-Gon. Accusing Obi-Wan of thinking Anakin as not worthy of his time.

Instead, Obi-Wan admitted that in reality, he thought himself as not good enough for Anakin. Someone who has already made huge strides in learning life as a Jedi in the temple. Despite his living circumstances as a child.

He often wonders what his Master would say to him. What would be his response after seeing Anakin's crime? The corpses that are left slaughtered around him. He killed the mother first. The child wouldn't even look up at him. Instead look at the dead female Tusken Raider. A cry from the child's mouth, it raised its arms to the dead creature for comfort. Anakin swung his saber down.

A hand grazes his shoulder. He didn't notice the tears streaming down his face.

"Anakin?" His young Master's eyes looked at him with love and compassion. Does he know he trained a monster in the last decade? You're disgusting.

He stood up. Obi-Wan did not need to hear this. Not ever.

Obi-Wan stood up as well, standing close to Anakin. "Anakin." The voice much firmer now.

"What's wrong. Did something happen?"

Ignore that voice. Maybe go to Padme! She'll comfort him. She has always told him he is a good man. A good husband. Yet, it seems like an unspoken agreement when they married. Never mention the Tusken tribe.

But Obi-Wan will never allow that agreement between Anakin. He would force Anakin to face the sins that stain his soul and made his hands red.

"I'm fine I-" like a fool, Anakin looked down to Obi-Wan's warm eyes. The teen had situated himself by Anakin's side. Obi-Wan's compassion overwhelmed him.

He crumples in on himself and would have ended face down on the ground in heart-breaking agony - But Obi-Wan had grounded himself to hold Anakin. Why! He was just building and tinkering. Day after day he let his dark deeds go. But today? Now? What changed?

Perhaps it was understanding Obi-Wan. His best friend. His brother. His father. Understanding that he wasn't the only one with dark thoughts. Seeing how hope in the galaxy can be saved and restored by a few people. It felt like a renewal in the Force. Lately, it's songs have been tugging at his heart. Towards Obi-Wan. Maybe the Force did this to help him.

He kept on sobbing. Monster. It's too late for you. No, he screamed back at the darkness. It can't be. Obi-Wan continues to let Anakin cry against his shoulder. Obi-Wan's fingers carded through his hair. His Master wordlessly murmured against Anakin.

Anakin grasp against Obi-Wan's own force. His light. Fear struck his heart. But his Master is here. And slowly the fear left. Their bond stilled as the Force hummed in contentment.

Ahsoka was more than please when Obi-Wan finally got join a mission with them again. Once he was given the clear in the Temple, he was allowed to go on missions. Mostly with her and Anakin. Of course, she would of prefer a happier reason for them to be put together.

"Were you anywhere near the bomb? Did they get at least a look at the intruder?" Anakin was pacing back and forth as Obi-Wan sat cross-leg by on a ledge window. The bombing in the Temple shocked every Jedi. This is a place where mostly non-combatant Jedi and children lived, also the heart of the Republic. For it to be attacked was a direct threat to the Order.

Obi-Wan, too his credit, looked calm as he dealt with her anxious Master. He smiled at her in greeting. "Worry not Anakin. I was at the Meditation Garden, over by the ponds."

That seemed to calm her Master down.

"The bombing took place at the Temple Hanger, Master," Ahsoka broke in. "Does Master Yoda really think the terrorist is a Jedi-turn dark or something."

"We have to look at the possibility that it could've been anyone in the Temple, even a Jedi," explained Anakin. He stopped pacing and instead face both padawans left in his charge.

Obi-Wan raises his hand to stroke his chin. "They have clearly gone to the dark side if this turns out to be a Jedi."

How can a Jedi ever think to attack their own home? The people that died in the hanger could be people this Dark Jedi knew. Ahsoka opens her mouth. "I can't believe a Jedi would attack a place this sacred."

Her Masters both showed grim faces. No words offered.

Anakin rolled his head, neck cracking. After moving his arms a bit he turned back to the two of them. "All right, Master Yoda put us in charge of the investigation so here's the plan. Ahsoka, you're with me. We have to look for one suspect. Jacker Bowmani, a maintenance crew member. Obi-Wan, you still got to stick close to the Temple, so go head to the hanger and look for any important information that may have been missed."

They all walked down the hall together, Anakin taking a slight lead while both Ahsoka and Obi-Wan flanked his sides.

I don't want to say it," frowned Obi-Wan. "But I got a bad feeling about this."

So could Ahsoka.

A.N- And that's a warp. Been trying some new writing styles so each chapter may seem different. That's just me testing the waters. Anyway as always I welcome reviews in this chapter, I always love to see what your reaction is. So please tell me how you felt. This took a while to write, simply because of college life but I happen to have some time later so I sat down and started typing.

Tell me if you like it or not

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