Epilogue

Qui-Gon stood before the Jedi Council with Obi-Wan by his side, they had just finished their debriefing on the episode with Xanatos. A decision was made, based on Tahl's findings on Telos and the Offworld Corporation that a team would be sent to investigate the planet. Qui-Gon was tempted to volunteer but realized his obsession with his former apprentice must come to an end. He would leave any further investigations to whomever the council decided was best. He was finally ready to move on.

The night before Obi-Wan had come to Qui-Gon and they had talked about the boy's future. Obi-Wan had apologized about the way things had gone down between them and asked for another chance. Qui-Gon had been honest with him – he had expressed the thoughts and doubts he'd previously discussed with Tahl and once more was surprised at Obi-Wan's response.

"Tomorrow I will ask the Council for a probation period, Master Jinn. I ask you the same. I know I made mistake and would like the opportunity to prove to you how I've changed and try and rebuild our bond."

He had left then, the calm facade betrayed by the tension in his body. Qui-Gon had wanted to go to him then but Obi-Wan's words had been wise. They needed time and there was hope.

Now Qui-Gon stood by his side, ready to defend the boy's case if needed. Obi-Wan had just finished with his request and Qui-Gon could see approval in some of the masters faces.

"I have one question for you, Obi-Wan. It won't change our decision" Mace guaranteed "but I think it relevant."

Obi-Wan faced the master with a confused look.

"Master Yoda shared with us the reports you sent from Melida/Daan."

Obi-Wan expression did not change but Qui-Gon caught his intent look in the Grand-master's direction. He knew the boy had asked that the reports go no further than the old master, why the masters could not understand.

"What would you like to know, master?"

"In one of the first reports you talk of the formation of the Young's government. You were invited to join, is that correct?"

"I was, I chose not to."

"And why is that?" Mace immediately asked.

Obi-Wan opened his mouth to replay then hesitated with a frown. Qui-Gon could almost hear his voice saying something like "It did not feel right", but again the boy would have to elaborate on that. Jedi were raised to trust their feelings and instincts but these did not justify every action.

"I was given to the Order at a young age, Master Windu" the boy started with a smile "I was raised by you, taught by you, even when away from the Order those lessons stayed with me. The Jedi are protectors: of law, of ideals, of peace, of people. We stand as shield from outside threats as much from inner demons and yet we cannot fight other people's fights, we cannot walk their paths... we cannot live their lives. We must not. We are guides, yes? We show them possibilities and let them decide." Obi-Wan took a breath, looking around "No matter if I fought alongside the Young I was not one of them. To have accepted a place that gave me right of vote and a right to refuse their chosen path... it would mean choosing for them, refusing them the right to grow by themselves and would eventually create contention. I was also, not intending to stay. So I thought best to simply advise and do my best to help further peace."

They waited a beat wondering if more was forth coming.

"A good orator you have become, young Obi-Wan" Yoda spoke up, causing the boy to blush Qui-Gon contained a smile "Passionate in your speech, hmm" whether the master disapproved of such was difficult to discern, it was most likely a simple observation. "The probation period, granted it is. Have regular meetings with one of the council, you will."

The warmth of the rising sun caressed his skin, the sound of his steps in pace with beating of his heart, his breath visible in the cool of the morning air. He stepped up his rhythm feeling his muscle start to burn and the sweat start to plaster his clothes to his body.

Obi-Wan had been running the track of one of the outdoor gardens of the Temple for an hour. His body was limber, moving fluidly, finally in sync with his mind. In a bit he would have to stop. There was a time he could run half a day before feeling the strain without any help from the Force. It was his intention to reach again this level of stamina. So he had been keeping to this schedule for the last week.

One week since the council acceded to his request. Tomorrow he would have the first meeting with one of the masters. He did not know what to expect and was uncertain of his feelings on the subject.

It was being harder to adjust than what he had hoped for - Obi-Wan felt out of step with reality. It was like waking up on Melida/Daan all over again.

His body still felt stretched to far, his muscles heavy under too much strain. Not his own, just wrong. His reflexes were both slower and faster, his steps shorter. He kept stumbling on his own feet. His connection with the Force remained somewhat unstable. He'd noticed this as soon as he had woken on Melida/Daan. It was as if the connection had stretched too thin and frayed around the edges. To make matters worse his fourteen year old body was not capable of containing such deep bond as he'd developed over the years through his knighting and mastery, over his time on Tatoiine.

Long hours of meditation had helped repair the connection and prepare the body. Fiscally speaking, even with the strain Obi-Wan kept fit for his age. But as he was still growing much energy was expended daily, all processes related to teenage years disrupted the connection he was healing slowly. And it seemed the nightmares that had plagued his sleep on his exile followed him into the past. They helped not at all.

His nightmares were but dreams that showed him the challenges he still had to overcome in himself. They held no power he did not give them, understanding their root was easy. Fear for those he loved, anger at those who hurt him and his friends, despair at failing. He could only live on, trying to be true to his beliefs and respect those of his loved ones; forgiving those who wronged him and moving on, not for them, but for himself; accepting that the world did not revolve around him and not only his actions and intentions shaped reality.

He must stop looking back to a future already changed and looking forward to a past with so many open possibilities. Obi-Wan just kept running, emptying his mind, seeking peace.