Chapter 28: Attachments and Detachments

They all waited in the Halls of Healing for any news of Qui-Gon's condition.

Obi-Wan sat beside his padawan self, waiting patiently. Anakin paced in front of them like a thunder cloud. Emotions high, threatened to strike anyone who tried to stop his pacing. He was too lost amongst the storm of emotions. Obi-Wan felt it roll off him in tidal waves, waves so strong that it almost like he was suffering from the same emotions. But, honestly, Obi-Wan only felt hopelessness.

The waiting was killing him as much as it was hurting the padawan. The wait reminded him of his time trapped behind the laser shields on Naboo. All those years ago, he wished for the laser shields to break, to yield for him so he could help his master. Though he sat in the Halls of Healing, it still felt like that young padawan trapped behind the red, laser shields, watching his master fall into death's hands.

Hands twiddled in a nervous jitter and when he caught himself doing it, he buried his hands inside the robes he found nearby. He did not want to worry the padawan any more than necessary. Already, Padawan Kenobi stared mindlessly ahead, not even blinking or flinching every time Anakin passed him. He stared dead straight, lifeless. Redness crept in his eyes, the veins more prominent as he sat unmoving since their arrival to the Halls of Healing.

Obi-Wan worried for his younger self. He almost considered placing him in a Force sleep, but realized it would only anger the young boy. He knew because he would be upset if someone knocked him unconscious now. So, he simply sat next to his younger self in hopes that his calming Force signature could give some comfort to the padawan.

He looked over Padawan Kenobi one more time and spotted the dried blood on his fingers. "Are you injured, padawan?"

Padawan Kenobi didn't look up. He only shook his head.

"Is that Qui-Gon's blood, then?" Obi-Wan asked, knowing that the boy needed to be sterilized if he did indeed touched Qui-Gon's blood.

To his surprise, Padawan Kenobi shook his head again. "I threw a lamp."

Obi-Wan blinked, baffled by the boy's response. He threw a lamp. What did that exactly mean? And, how did it relate to the dried blood on his fingertips? He wanted to ask for an explanation, but it would have been pointless. Padawan Kenobi was too lost to think straight or to even really give full explanations to his words. So, Obi-Wan settled with the lamp response, reminding himself to ask about it after they received news of Qui-Gon's health.

Anakin passed them again, hands tightly locked behind him. "What's taking so long?" Anakin growled, every glance down the long corridors were instilled with dread.

"He's been poison, Anakin," Obi-Wan said, voice bordered on exhaustion. It was stressful enough waiting for results. He did not have any extra strength to calm Anakin down. "It'll take time to recover."

Anakin halted in front of Obi-Wan. "So…he's alive?"

That hope. It feathered in that last word. Eyebrows arched over bright blue, a light that burned in anticipation, Anakin stood on the edge of his toes. Obi-Wan didn't want to extinguish the boy's hope, to pull him down. But, he couldn't let him float too high that when reality hit, he wouldn't fall too far.

"Take a seat, Anakin," Obi-Wan suggested.

Anakin's eyes narrowed. "You're avoiding the question."

No. He wasn't. "Take a seat," Obi-Wan said again, gesturing to his other side. After a moment of consideration, Anakin grudgingly took the seat. At least Obi-Wan stopped Anakin's anxious pacing. He dropped his voice to a lull in hoping to calm Anakin's emotional wave. "I know you're worried about Qui-Gon—"

"That's an understatement."

Obi-Wan frowned. "Yes, well, now is not the time to break apart," he said, subtly gesturing over his shoulder where the comatose Padawan Kenobi sat. "He needs us. With Qui-Gon out, he only has us. We need to stay strong for him."

Anakin huffed, crossing his arms. "Strong? Why do we have to be the strong ones?" he challenged. "Why do I always have to bury my feelings?"

"I'm not asking you to bury your feelings."

"Yes you are!"

The snap retort reeled Obi-Wan back and got Tahl to flicker a surprised look at their direction. Realizing the dangers of Anakin's heightened emotions, Obi-Wan rose up to his feet, grabbing Anakin by the elbow in a gentle, but directive grip.

"Let's speak somewhere else… quietly."

Anakin grudgingly allowed Obi-Wan to lead him away to a secluded corner. Checking no one could overhear and still in eyesight of Padawan Kenobi, Obi-Wan turned back to Anakin. "I am not asking you to bury your feelings, Anakin," he said, though the disbelief in Anakin's eyes stated otherwise. "I am only saying that we must look beyond ourselves and our feelings. There's a padawan over there that needs us to be his pillars of support. We must concern ourselves outside of our own feelings."

Anakin glanced sideways at him. He said nothing.

Obi-Wan drew a long breath. "You think me cold, don't you?"

His old padawan's face creviced, staring gruffly at Obi-Wan. But the stare only lasted for a few fleeting seconds. Anakin avoided eye contact whenever speaking about personal matters, especially when it involved the people he was closest to, which included Obi-Wan, Padmé and Ahsoka. If possible, Anakin tried to brush it aside and pretend everything was perfectly fine until that became reality for him. And, when it didn't, his anger got the best of him and he would take over the situation until it worked for him. Obi-Wan tried to intervene and recite the Jedi Order's belief in the Force to Anakin, but the boy was never one to listen.

Another round of seconds passed before Anakin finally responded. "You give that impression, Master," he stated, lips snarling twisted. "I know you have no heart."

Obi-Wan's blood froze so quickly that it seized him unexpectedly making his body rigid. Behind his well-placed, neutral façade, Anakin's words stabbed him like a lightsaber to his chest. The burn penetrating him and leaving him with a gaping coldness. After all these years—raising, training and standing by his side—Anakin declared him to have no heart. Obi-Wan thought his actions clearly spelled out his feelings. Did all his care, diligence and support on Anakin's behalf become nonexistent? Did they mean nothing to Anakin?

It appeared that all of his acts went unnoticed.

Anakin returned, standing straight in front of Obi-Wan with an air of confidence that he was right in his assessment. "See! Right there! I call you heartless and it doesn't affect you at all!" he said, jabbing a finger in Obi-Wan's face. "Always apathetic and severe."

Obi-Wan narrowed at the finger, brushing it aside. "I'm a Jedi, Anakin. I cannot let my emotions distract me."

That did not mean he didn't have emotions like happiness, anxiety or fear. He had all those emotions and experienced more. He's reacted to those emotions in the past. But, as a Jedi, he learned to control it better. To think beyond his own concerns.

Just because he didn't wear his emotions on his sleeves did not mean he was heartless. Anakin was a needy child. Always needed assurance and confirmation of acceptance. He needed to be told he did well on his accomplishments or that Obi-Wan would not abandon him. In the early stages of his apprenticeship, Obi-Wan often had to calm Anakin with promises he would not leave him on some dusty planet. Promises that he would not leave him alone.

Anakin always needed verbal approval. But, the Jedi Order restricted Obi-Wan's capabilities to tell Anakin how much he mattered. He could never outright tell Anakin that he loved him like a brother as the Council will severely disapprove and probably forcibly separate them for good to remove their attachments. So, Obi-Wan let his actions speak for him, but it appeared Anakin blindly missed it all.

"'There is no emotion, there is peace'," Anakin quoted, gruffly. "Always the model Jedi. Duty before everything else. Even if it's wrong. All wrong."

That is not necessarily true, Obi-Wan thought. If he was a good Jedi, he would not have fallen in love with Satine. He would have never made that promise to Qui-Gon on Naboo. And, he would never have trained and cared for Anakin.

Anakin roughly marched a few steps away from Obi-Wan. "How can you be so cold?" he finally asked. "Qui-Gon is in the Halls of Healing. Stabbed and poisoned. And, all you say is emotions—feelings—are distracting?"

Obi-Wan tried to speak, but his throat had constricted. A vain attempt to stop himself from releasing his sadness that pierced his soul. No words fell from his tongue. For the first time, the Negotiator had no words. Silenced by his friend's accusation.

Anakin interpreted the silence differently. "Stars! Don't you care? At all? Qui-Gon is hurt and you're just going to focus on 'being a Jedi'?" he said, aghast. He went quiet for a moment, all the anger rising to the final explosion. "Why am I even surprised? People can die and you'll just write them off as the Force's will!"

Anakin's anger came to fruition, exploding. "Hell, you don't even care about your own master! You probably don't even care about me," he accused. "You're a kriffing, heartless bastard…"

Obi-Wan had enough. He let Anakin have his rant. He allowed all these accusations and assumptions fly freely without interference, but he's stopping it now. His eyes dropped to slits, chest tightening as it filled with hot air.

"Enough!" Obi-Wan's sharp word pierced through Anakin's rant, silencing his former padawan. Obi-Wan stepped forward, closing the gap between the two of them. "I will not tolerate any more verbal abuse from you."

"And I will most certainly not allow you to decide who I care about," Obi-Wan added, voice dangerously hissed. "I care. I care more than you may like to believe. But, that's your choice not to notice."

"I agree that I'm not like you," Obi-Wan continued in that cold, steel-like voice. "I don't go parading my feelings for the galaxy to see. I trust the Force more than my emotions. I follow my duty more than my heart. But, that gives you no right to accuse me of being heartless!"

"As for Qui-Gon," Obi-Wan began, each word firm, "if you believe I care nothing for the man—or you—then you never knew me at all."

With that scathing remark, Obi-Wan turned his back on Anakin. For the first time, he finally got to be the one to walk away. He chose to let Anakin deal with the backlash alone as he dealt with the cursed confession that Anakin thought so low of him.

But, their moment of respective reflections were paused by the arriving sound of footsteps. Jolted with hopes, they all peered down the corridor, expecting to see a healer heading in their direction. It was unfortunate for them to discover that it was not a healer, but a trio of Council members led by Master Yoda. They trooped across the corridor, Master Windu and Master Sifo-Dyas flanking Master Yoda.

Anakin stayed back, uninterested in speaking to them. Padawan Kenobi rose to his feet, his knees shaking at the sight of the powerful figures coming closer to them. Tahl rose as well, her hand on the wall to help her situate herself. Only Obi-Wan seemed to move forward to greet them, recomposing his quiet demeanor.

Once the Council members arrived, Obi-Wan respectively bowed to the Council members. "Good morning, Councilors."

"Good morning it is not," Master Yoda replied, leaning against his gimer stick as his beady eyes took in everyone's unsettled appearance. "Qui-Gon, how is? Hmmmm?"

"The healers have yet to release any information," Obi-Wan answered softly, his eyes slowly glancing down at the tensed padawan beside him. Gently, he moved Padawan Kenobi behind him, hiding the boy from the judgmental glares of the Jedi Council. "Before the healers, Qui-Gon was somewhat alert and held a steady heartbeat."

"And what exactly caused this injury?" Master Windu's eyebrows slanted very steeply as he eyed him.

"A knife wound, Master Windu," Obi-Wan responded in quiet respect to the Master of the Order. "We believe the knife was coated in poison, which is causing most of the health problems."

"Poison? Hmmmm…." Master Yoda graved. "More to the story, there is, hmmm?"

Not entirely excited about relaying the news to the Council members, Obi-Wan did his best to brief the three on what occurred since last night. He best described the incident with the Kouhuns, specifically noting that he wasn't in attendance at the scene. He went on to detail their investigation, concluding the work of a changeling and trying to sift through hours of footage to relocate the last place the changeling went. He spoke of Qui-Gon immediate departure and he and Anakin followed after him. Their encounter with the changeling and Anakin's chase. Finally, he revealed to the Councilors their attempts to heal Qui-Gon before the healers spirited him away.

Listening the story in full without interruptions, Master Windu spoke first. "Why was the Council not notified about the first attack?"

Obi-Wan didn't reply right away. He knew the Council would be upset over the secrecy, of not confiding what was happening in the Temple. In their own domain no less. Obi-Wan was indeed correct. Master Windu wore a sour expression as he narrowed his eyes at the Obi-Wan like he was disciplining an initiate rather than fully grown Jedi Knight.

"We didn't notify the Council right away because we wanted to access the situation first," Obi-Wan decided to say, preferring to remove Qui-Gon's insistence. "The boy was safe and secured. It gave us enough time to investigate in order to give you a full report rather than a half summary."

Obi-Wan caught a flicker of amusement flickering on his bond with Anakin. Clearly, Anakin enjoyed the altered truths to the Council. Obi-Wan wished he didn't have to do all the talking on behalf over everyone behind him.

But it was either him or Anakin.

Master Windu was not pleased. "Master Kenobi," he began, his baritone voice terse as he spoke, "you are required to notify the Council of any and all attacks that occur in the Temple. A full investigation would have started right away and the Council wouldn't have to scramble with bits and pieces as to what was happening."

Obi-Wan nodded, understanding the Councilor's distressed. "I deeply apologize for our lack of disclosure," he said. "We had mean no offense. Only doing what we believed would help capture the changeling."

"And did you?" Master Windu's eyes looked passed Obi-Wan. He was looking right at Anakin.

Anakin scowled at the question. Clearly, he didn't want to be reminded of his failure. "I was a bit distracted by its use of a padawan shield," he stated in defense, though Obi-Wan wasn't quite certain what he meant by 'padawan shield'.

Master Windu tipped his chin up a little. He knew more than he let on at the beginning. "And, what about you Master Tahl?"

Tahl was stoically composed. Much calmer in appearance despite the torrid emotions she must be bearing inside her heart. "I received a request from Master Jinn about keeping the care of Padawan Kenobi for the night."

"And you did not question as to why he would dump his padawan on you?" Master Sifo-Dyas confronted.

Tahl shook her head, still holding a good grace in the face of accusation. "Qui-Gon is a good friend of mine," she said. "He asked if his padawan could stay at my apartment for the night. There was no need to ask why. I accepted and the padawan stayed with me for the night."

Obi-Wan was thankful his beard hid his half-smile. Tahl learned well to masquerade truths in a format that was not a lie. She would have been a great Jedi diplomat if she chose to focus in that area rather than stealth missions. He had no doubt.

Master Windu, however, did not seem to hold the same affinity as Obi-Wan toward Tahl's account. He gave them all hard stares, dark irises promising a reprisal. "Your failure to alert the Council endangered the lives of everyone in the Temple," he rung them. "If notified early on, this whole catastrophe would have been avoided."

Would it? Obi-Wan stroked the end of his chin. "Hmm… perhaps but, I find it more than likely it would not," Obi-Wan considered, drawing raised eyebrows in his direction. "Even if we reported to the Council, the outcome would have been the same."

Obi-Wan continued his explanation with a soft, cultured voice. "The changeling chose the face of a friend, one the boy would recognize and feel comfortable. Once it gained access to the padawan, the changeling would strike the moment the boy was most vulnerable," he said to the Councilors, shoulders heavy. "Either way, the changeling wasn't going to give up until the padawan was dead. By the end of the day, someone would end up in the Halls of Healing. Either now or later."

It wasn't silence that followed his statement. Rather, a recognition to the truth behind Obi-Wan's conclusions. The changeling took Garen's face. One of Obi-Wan's closest friends. The changeling wanted to kill the boy today. Either in his bedroom or somewhere else. Obi-Wan knew that to be true. They—Padawan Kenobi, Qui-Gon, Anakin, Tahl and even himself—simply denied the changeling the chance.

Master Yoda hummed, bringing sound back into the conversation. "Astute, you are, Master Kenobi," he intoned, calmly and… proudly? "But follow the best course of action you did not."

Obi-Wan expected this response from Master Yoda. "We're aware."

Master Yoda's ears rose. "Yet, ignore it you chose to. Threatened lives, you did," he said, jabbing his gimer stick in Obi-Wan's direction. "Reckless and ignorant, a Jedi is not."

The ancient Jedi Master peered at Obi-Wan, eyes rolling over him before pointedly saying, "I know the truth," he proclaimed. "Trained you, I have, Obi-Wan. Your strengths I know... and weaknesses. Yeesssssss."

Obi-Wan looked away from Master Yoda, heart floundering in his body as he stood in present of Master Yoda's disappointment. No words could help defend himself against Master Yoda's logic. Already, Obi-Wan knew where Master Yoda was leading to and it was going to hurt. He braced himself for impact.

Master Yoda toddled closer, his round, knowing eyes focused on Obi-Wan. A deep well of disappointment. "Ruled by attachment, you were," he revealed. "Not by the Force."

Everything hurt. Standing in front of the three most powerful Jedi Masters of the Order and reprimanded in such a manner that pointed his faults and failures as a Jedi was like he was being publically sentenced. Thrown out of the Jedi Order for acting on his attachment rather than his head.

Though, he did slip a light chuckle that easily passed as a sigh. In less than an hour, he was accused as being heartless and having too much heart. Complete opposites, both describing his emotional state. Neither are correct. But, neither are wrong.

Master Yoda gravely shook his head upon Obi-Wan's silent agreement. "Understand your feelings I do, Obi-Wan. But your actions threatened the lives," he said. "Trained you better, I thought to have."

At last, his wounded soul could not take another beating. Even breathing was difficult to exert. The disappointment in Master Yoda's tone inflicted nearly just as bad as Anakin's accusation.

He swallowed, but his throat to dry. It burned. Before Obi-Wan could ask for repentance, a flare along the bonds with Anakin roared to life. The irritation, annoyance leapt to a high level and Obi-Wan knew he needed to stop Anakin from speaking.

He was too late.

"It's not all Obi-Wan's fault," Anakin finally joined the conversation, moving to stand to the right of Obi-Wan like he did as a padawan. "He just did as he was told."

Another slap to his face. Always doing as he told. Isn't that what Anakin cursed him for? Following duty above all else?

All three Councilors raised their eyes to him. "Did as he was told by whom?" Master Windu questioned, haughtily. "Master Jinn has no authority to overrule a Council order."

Obi-Wan felt the rising agitation from the bond he shared with Anakin. Even his own feelings stirred, heightened by Anakin's own rising anger. Anakin never could stand aside as one of his closest friends was insulted or accused for something he found innocent. It was okay if he got mad or offended Obi-Wan, but if someone else did it, Anakin had none of it. Presently, there was only a matter of minutes before Anakin threw one his well-known temper tantrums, which were always explosive when it involved with one of his friends.

Now was the best time to interfere. "I accept my fault," he proclaimed to regather the Councilors' attention to him, away from Anakin. "As a Jedi Master, I know better to let my emotions get involved. I accept my fault and will meditate on my actions."

Obi-Wan watched Master Yoda's ears perk up, clearly not falling for such distraction. "Meditate, you should," he agreed. "Decided later, a suitable penalty will be."

"A penalty!" Anakin accursed. His breathing drew harsher as he flicked a glance to the three Councilors. "That's not even fair! It wasn't his fault! It was no one's fault, but the changeling. And, Darth Tyranus!"

Obi-Wan tilted his head back, mouth parted in the corner as he muttered, "Anakin…"

Anakin chose to ignore him. "Why do you insist on punishing us when we did nothing wrong!"

The Councilors were not pleased by Anakin's rant. Obi-Wan watched Master Windu's lips thin and curved while Master Sifo-Dyas brows rose high above his forehead. Master Yoda—he looked severely saddened, huddled over his gimer stick.

"Nothing wrong?" Master Windu's baritone voice resounded between the walls. Then his brown, steely eyes narrowed on Obi-Wan. "Perhaps you should inform your companion of the mistakes that were made today?"

Obi-Wan felt he was standing in the center of the Council Chambers once again, diving in front of Anakin to spare him the pain and burden of punishment and criticism from the Council. It's ridiculous the amount of times he had to save Anakin's neck from the Council. And, the list keeps getting longer.

Obi-Wan planned to make his apologies on the behalf of Anakin, but—as always—Anakin beat him first. "Don't lay blame on Obi-Wan!" he threatened. "It wasn't his fault that all these attacks happened!"

Master Sifo-Dyas eyebrows furrowed. "Are they not, though?"

Wrong response, Obi-Wan thought. He should have told Anakin to stay back. He watched the sun-kissed skin burned, the cheeks flushed in crimson. The tight, squeezed sound of his leather glove warned Obi-Wan that Anakin was attempting his best to withhold the anger. But, the ice was breaking. The fire was about to erupt.

"Anakin—"

"Here for Qui-Gon's well-being and the identity of the assassin, are we," Master Yoda's somber voice interrupted. "Talk of faults, no more."

His final command soothed out the rising tension between the Councilors and Anakin. Obi-Wan was thankful that Anakin seemingly obeyed his command. He took a step back, reigning in his temper. It still smoldered underneath that cold mask, but at least it wasn't erupting. Obi-Wan didn't know how he would clean up that mess.

Master Yoda spoke again. "Any leads on the identity of the changeling, do we?"

The old Jedi Master looked to Obi-Wan for an answer, but once again, Obi-Wan was surprised by Anakin answering on his behalf. Though, his tone was more disgruntled than polite.

"A changeling's identity is hard to know," Anakin informed Master Yoda. "Without seeing its true face, we won't be able to track it down."

"We were unable to collect any DNA," Obi-Wan added on, his fingers flattening his beard. "We do have the Kouhuns, but that is all we were able to gather in our initial investigation."

Master Windu's nose flared in apparent disapproval. "All that careless running and obnoxious behavior in the name of pursuit… you managed to have zero evidence to stop an assassin."

Master Windu looked dead straight at Anakin and Obi-Wan only imagined what Master Windu meant by the 'careless running' and 'obnoxious behavior'. He's seen Anakin's pursuit for justice. He's not known to be careful or calculating when chasing. In such cases, he's very much like Qui-Gon. Too focused on the present and on the culprit to mind his manners or his surroundings.

Anakin's eyes dropped to slits at the remark. "At least we managed to eject it from the Temple," he said. "If I haven't gone after it, it could possibly still be lurking inside the Temple."

The icy mood threatened to crack again. The fire bottled underneath teasing an eruption. A single spark was all it needed…

"I have blood."

It was a quiet statement. Almost said in a casual manner that either of them would have missed it if they were still speaking. But, they all paused for that moment. The fearful tension rising between Master Windu and Anakin took over everyone's attention until the quiet, disenchanted voice broke through the tension, rousing everyone to look behind Obi-Wan.

Obi-Wan glanced behind him and saw Padawan Kenobi. He had remained quiet for so long that Obi-Wan forgotten he was behind him. The boy stood almost at attention, knees locked and head up. But, the exception being that his hands were raised out in front of him.

Blood. Obi-Wan remembered the padawan stating it wasn't his blood or Qui-Gon's. He said he threw a lamp. Obi-Wan squatted a bit, to be eye-level with the padawan. "You said you threw a lamp," Obi-Wan said to Padawan Kenobi. The boy nodded. "You threw a lamp at the changeling?"

Again, Padawan Kenobi nodded. "It was trying to stab me," he said, voice still quiet. "I smashed the lamp against its head."

Padawan Kenobi looked down at his hands again where the blood slowly began to dry. Obi-Wan understood. "We need a healer then," he told the young padawan. "Test the blood and clean it off you."

Obi-Wan put his hands on the padawan's shoulders to lead him to the nearest healer, but the padawan flinched back from the touch. "No! I-I can't leave," he said, becoming animated. "My Master needs me."

"Not at the moment," Master Sifo-Dyas said, moving alongside Anakin to back-up Obi-Wan. "He's still in a healing trance."

Padawan Kenobi refused to believe the Councilor's words. "I can't go anywhere. I can't leave him."

Obi-Wan sighed softly, knowing this behavior did not help support his detachment beliefs to the Councilors. "You're not going to leave him," he gently explained to the padawan. "No one here is leaving Qui-Gon. But, you do need to get cleaned up. Qui-Gon will not be pleased if you are not treated."

"I'm not injured."

"Then at least let the healers clean the blood off you."

Padawan Kenobi glanced nervously at his hands again. "I…I don't like—"

"Healers," Anakin finished for the padawan, moving passed Master Sifo-Dyas. "No one does. Here! I'll go with you. Come on."

"I'll go as well," Master Sifo-Dyas said, joining Anakin. "To order a quick test on the behalf of the Council."

Anakin didn't look overly thrilled to have a Councilor join them, but it was too late to argue. He took Padawan Kenobi by the shoulders and directed him away from the other Council members, Master Tahl and Obi-Wan. The three moved along the corridor, disappearing in one of the earlier doors. In a few short hours, the healers will test the blood sample and report their findings to the Council.

The assassin, if mediocre, will only have a couple days of freedom left. Again, though that is if the Force was favorable to the assassin. He doubted.

Master Windu spoke to Master Yoda with an edge of austere. "Once we have the DNA analyzed, we can try to locate this assassin," he said, flickering his dark eyes to Obi-Wan. "With the assassin, we can learn more about the Sith."

Doubtful. "Don't bother," Obi-Wan said, casually. His nonchalant statement grabbed the attention of the two Councilors and Master Tahl. All expected an explanation.

Master Yoda tapped on his gimer stick. "More to say, do you?"

Obi-Wan wiped his face with a single hand, resigning the truth. "The changeling—whoever it is—they're probably dead."

"Dead?" Master Tahl questioned, her tone a whisper of disbelief.

Obi-Wan somberly nodded. "I'm sure the news of the incident has reached Darth Tyranus," he said. "He won't be pleased."

"Because the assassin failed to kill the padawan?" Master Windu said, understanding the position the assassin was placed. But, Obi-Wan knew Master Windu's conclusion was wrong.

"Because it was careless."

It was all Obi-Wan was willing to offer without giving too much away. Count Dooku would hear the news that Qui-Gon was stabbed and poisoned, laying on a cot in such a weak state. If Obi-Wan knew anything about Dooku, the man clearly cared about Qui-Gon. Perhaps not in the same manner as Qui-Gon cares for Padawan Kenobi. But, the man cares as much as a Sith can. And, he would not be pleased upon hearing the news of what happened to his padawan.

Yes, Obi-Wan thought dismally. The assassin was dead.


The changeling pulled the speeder down in the depth of dark alleyway.

Sliding off the bike, she was pleased to escape from the Temple with her head intact. She saw the venomous look in that Jedi's eye. He was only too willing to slice her head off her shoulders. It was a real shame too. He was a handsome fellow.

However, the real loss was the mounds of credits that should have been hers! The Kouhuns should have killed the target, but she underestimated the Jedi Master. So, she waited forever to get the target alone. Just her and it. And, when she did, it was a glorious feeling. The target had its back turned to her, the dagger in her hand, raised to strike it in the precise location that would kill the target effectively.

It was unfortunate the target realized something was amiss and turned at that moment. The target proved to be quite gifted. She did not expect the target to be capable of fighting. After hours of tailing and spying, she never saw the target alone. She figured it wasn't skilled in defense; therefore, the need for those bodyguards.

But, the target proved her wrong and she hated to be outmaneuvered.

She still had another chance. Another chance to earn her riches. Best of all, she at least eliminated one of the target's Jedi bodyguards. With his protection limited, she'll get a better chance at eliminating the target and earning her riches.

She strolled amongst the shadows, heading back into the pedestrian traffic when a caped figure blocked her path.

Not unusual for her. She had experienced boisterous villains before in the depths of Coruscant's seedy environment. She unsheathed her dagger, ready to gut the threat to her livelihood. She thrusted the dagger only to hit an invisible wall. Shocked, she tried to pull her hand back only to realize it was frozen, locked in an invisible grasp.

What was going on?

Then the dagger flew straight out of her hand and into a nearby wall. The invisible restraints were released and her arm dropped down to her side. She looked to where her dagger embedded into the wall and then turned to the dark figure.

It was then she realized who she faced.

She quickly cowered in his presence, kneeling before him in hopes to appease him and receive forgiveness for her behavior. "My Lord!" she breathed. "Forgive me for I did not recognize you."

"That is obvious," came the clipped tone of Count Dooku.

She gulped. Count Dooku was clearly not pleased. He must have heard of her failed attempts to eliminate the target.

Count Dooku strolled further into the alleyway, his steps precise, promising of his disappointment. "I heard of your failed attempts to kill the padawan."

She kept her head bowed. "I'm sorry, my Lord," she apologized. "I underestimated the target."

Count Dooku released a huff of hot air of frustration. "As many have before you," he commented, dryly. "The boy is dangerous. He's more powerful than he portrays."

"I know that now, my Lord," she admitted, a bitter taste in her mouth in the admission. "But, give me another day! I promise I will bring you the target's head."

Count Dooku waved his hand, swatting his words like they were pesky gnats. "I'm afraid that will not do."

Her eyes widened in horror. She graveled at Count Dooku's feet, begging. "Give me another chance to show you my worth! I'm one of the best!" she declared, her hands reaching for the Count's cloak, but the Count swiftly moved it out of her grasps. "I'll finish the job!"

"Already the target is weakened," she announced. "I killed his Jedi Master! Without him, the target will be vulnerable. Please! Let me finish what I started."

Count Dooku's chest rose, eyes murky as he glowered at her sniveling form. "Bold claims, Wesell," he said in a controlled manner. "I just came from the Temple. The boy's master is not dead."

Wesell's eyes were round in shock. "No… no… impossible. I stabbed him! The blade was dipped in poison!" she claimed, jittery at the realization of her ultimate failure. "He should be dead! I made sure—"

Count Dooku clicked in displeasure. "Clearly not well," he said, now circling around her crumbled form. "Master Jinn lives. You failed even in that."

Wesell dropped her head in shame. Her reputation deteriorating because of a botched mission to kill a boy. She knew Count Dooku looked at her with displeasure. A promising individual only to fail him in the end. "I'm sorry, my Lord," she said quietly. "If you give me another day, I promise you, I can fix all of this. I'll even bring the boy alive! So you may get the honors of killing him."

Count Dooku turned to Wesell at the proposal, disgust screwing his features. "You think I care to kill a boy? Why would I hire you if I wished to personally kill him?" he pointed out. "I hired you. You failed. Now, I have to rely on others to complete the job."

"Let me try again."

Count Dooku returned to the front, glaring down at her with detestation. "You're lucky the Jedi Master survived."

Wesell blinked up in confusion. She was lucky? The Jedi Master lived because she failed to ensure its death. Why was she lucky that the target still had its master around to protect him? If anything, it complicated the Count's plans.

"My… my Lord?"

"Very lucky indeed," Count Dooku said again. He no longer looked at her. His thoughts elsewhere, a more pleasant place than the slums. Then his eyes glowed a flickering yellow, like golden rings in the darkness. "If Qui-Gon died at your hands, I would have tortured you into oblivion!" He drew in a long, relieved sigh. "But, he lives and; therefore, I'll grant you some mercy on his behalf."

Wesell exhaled a little, shoulders, dropping at hearing the news of mercy. Though, she wasn't particularly understanding in the reasoning. What was so important about the Jedi Master? Either way, it did not matter. She was spared.

"Thank you, my Lord," she bowed again. "I promise you I will not—"

She saw a flicker of a curved silver hilt, red flashing across her face. A painful prick jumped her nerves and, for a minute, she thought nothing happened. Until darkness fell over her eyes the instant the pain evaporated.

Half of the changelings' body fell over. It flopped to the ground in a sickly thud as its legs slanted for a moment before tipping over on its side. The changeling's eyes were still open, wide from the shock and pain that surely contorted her nerves right before her life zapped.

Count Dooku clipped his lightsaber back to his belt. He huffed at the changeling's dead compost. She was an utter failure. "Your younger sister Zam had more promise than you," Count Dooku claimed as he turned on his heels, leaving the body to rot.

Dooku threw up his hood as he rejoined the savages of Undercity. As he strolled, he thought about the utter failures of the changeling bounty hunter and the Zygerrians. He hired them to get the job done, yet none of them managed to succeed.

He knew the reason. It made him grate his teeth together.

Kenobi and Skywalker.

The two Jedi have interfered with his plans too many times. If he was to achieve the ultimate power, the domination of the Republic, he'll need to eliminate those two first.

A terrible shame, but necessary.

Next on the agenda: kill Kenobi and Skywalker.


Anakin volunteered to take Padawan Kenobi to find a healer.

He needed to get away from the Councilors. Their hostility was never welcomed. And, they always showed their displeasure with them since he was a young boy. Always ragging on him for stupid things. They were always harsher on him. Compared to Ferus Olin and the other padawans, Anakin always received the short stick. Every day, he would perform an amazing feat or complete a difficult task that outstripped the other padawans. Yet, the Councilors would always find something wrong.

Too aggressive.

Too careless.

Too prideful.

Always something wrong. Everything he did was wrong. Obi-Wan tried to comfort him by claiming the Councilors only wish to improve his technique to help reach his potential, but Anakin knew the truth. They didn't trust him. They doubted his position. They feared his abilities.

When Anakin relayed to Palpatine the lectures he received from the Councilors (and Obi-Wan for that matter as well), he was always supportive of the young Jedi's capabilities. Palpatine believed in him. He saw the wonderment in his abilities and truly believed he would be the best Jedi to ever grace the Temple.

And, Chancellor Palpatine was right. Anakin was growing more powerful every day. Even Obi-Wan once commented after a nasty battle in the Outer Rims. One day, Anakin will prove to the Council that he's better than them. And they will have to acknowledge his power! Acknowledge his greatness!

But for now, he ushered Padawan Kenobi through one of the spare rooms. Standing by the door, back erect like one of the statues outside, was Master Sifo-Dyas. Anakin critically examined him. This was the same Jedi who would order the clones. An army for the Republic. Looking at him, in his Jedi righteousness, it seemed doubtful this man would every go against the Council's wishes. His comments left little room for him to act like a rebel. Yet, this man… this Jedi Master disobeyed the Council's orders.

Yet, he challenged them on defying an order.

The healer swept inside and upon listening to Master Sifo-Dyas' instructions, the healer carefully took a blood sample from Padawan Kenobi's fingertips. Once the sample was secured, the healer cleaned and disinfected the boy's hands. The smell of chemical nauseating Anakin. He always disliked the smell of the Halls of Healing. It reminded him of that painful moment when he spent days upon days with healers poking at his stub arm. Force's sake! Those were some of his worst days of his life… as a Jedi.

Padawan Kenobi sat very tensed and uncomfortable. He kept shifting, his eyes focused on the door in edginess. Typical, Anakin thought. Neither Obi-Wan nor Padawan Kenobi enjoyed trips to the Halls of Healing.

The healer dabbed a little more on the padawan's fingers before examining it over again. "All clean," the healer concluded. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm well, Healer Fior," replied Padawan Kenobi.

Anakin knew otherwise. He was also positive Healer Fior and Master Sifo-Dyas knew too. The boy bore his famous 'Negotiator' front, shielding his true emotions that bubbled underneath that collective demeanor. He simply wanted to leave and attend to Qui-Gon as quickly as possible.

"No symptoms of any kind? Any injuries I need to know?" Healer Fior questioned, but Padawan Kenobi shook his head.

Healer Fior stepped aside, allowing Padawan Kenobi to pass through the door. Padawan Kenobi slipped from the examine table, bowing to Healer Fior, thanking him for his assistance before exiting out to the corridor. Healer Fior gathered the blood sample. "If you wish, Master Sifo-Dyas," he said. "You are welcome to join me in the testing lab and wait for the results."

Master Sifo-Dyas accepted the invitation. Healer Fior hit the door-pad and stepped out, turning down the corridor and away from the exam room. Cue for Anakin's turn to leave. He had no interest in being in a tight exam room with a Council member. He took one long stride to the door, preparing to leave to rejoin the group outside when he was stopped by Master Sifo-Dyas.

"Master Skywalker," Master Sifo-Dyas said, concerned, "if you could wait a moment."

Anakin knew it was a command disguised as a request. He hesitated, debating whether to ignore the Councilor's command and walk out the door or to acquit to the Councilor's request as a proper, respectable Jedi would do for a Council member. Anakin knew what he wanted to do, but…

He turned to face Master Sifo-Dyas fully. "Yes, Master?"

Master Sifo-Dyas' perceptive gaze lingered on Anakin's face for a moment. "Take this with good intentions…"

Anakin's jaw hardened, his jawline protruding from his skin as he tried to withhold the snappy retort perched on his lips. The Council's "good intentions" never helped Anakin before and he doubted it would now.

Master Sifo-Dyas continued speaking, cautioning. "If you care for the boy to succeed as a Jedi," he said, reasonably and respectively, "I suggest you and Master Kenobi refrain from your dependency."

Anakin's brows rose, his scar stretched. "Dependency?"

"Your attachment to each other and to Qui-Gon," Master Sifo-Dyas locked his hands behind his back, his gaze straight at him. "A Jedi knows no attachment. It clouds a Jedi's mind, directs them away from the will of the Force."

Heat rose to Anakin's cheeks. Fingers curled so tight it pinched his palms. Attachment. They make it sound cursed. Like loving someone more than you love yourself? Or being more concerned about others? Those were not sinful acts! They were of compassion, trust and respect. Something the Jedi preached when he was a padawan. But, their disdained toward attachments bordered onto obsession, ensuring the elimination of all signs toward attachment. Too worried it would disconnect them from the will of the Force.

Why did they have to follow the will of the Force? Why can they not control their own fates?

Besides, his relationships with Obi-Wan and Padmé never faulted his connection to the Force. It was stronger when he was with either them.

"It's not dependency," Anakin stated, trying to divert the Master's accusation. "It's teamwork."

"Call it attachments, dependency, teamwork or another label," Master Sifo-Dyas said, indifferently. "Whatever you like to call it, it will only damage the padawan in the end."

Anakin curled his nose up, his lips pressed into a thin line. "I think the padawan will be fine."

Obi-Wan Kenobi is the most perfect Jedi Knight in the Temple. A poster boy for the 'ideal' Jedi.

"Do you?" Master Sifo-Dyas challenged. "I see it otherwise. I've seen experience Jedi Masters come close to the Dark side due to attachments. Loss of padawan or a close friend—"

Anakin's nostrils flared as hot air rushed out. "You don't know anything."

Anakin slammed on the door-pad and walked out. He marched down the corridor, highly agitated. His hands were tightly fisted, trying very hard to not let the roar escape the lips. Master Sifo-Dyas didn't know. Didn't understand. Too arrogant. Too set in his Jedi beliefs. Times have changed! Anakin… he didn't… having someone in one's life didn't bring the end of the galaxy!

Anakin pushed all his thoughts to the back of his mind when he approached the small group again. Though, the group added a new member. Healer Che stood, datapad in hand, as she spoke to the semi-circle group that surrounded her. Obi-Wan stood the closest to the healer, listening intently that his brows drew close together. Padawan Kenobi stood upright beside Obi-Wan, eyes latched on Healer Che and absorbing every single word. And, a little behind him, was Master Tahl, arms holding her waist and her fingers digging into her sides as she waited for results. Master Yoda and Master Windu were the only ones who remained relaxed through the report.

As Anakin drew closer he heard Healer Che. "We managed to identify the poison," she said, looking at her datapad. "It's Dioxyn. We detoxified him first, but it appeared the process already started. Once the poison got out of his system, we dumped him in a bacta tank. We just pulled him out and he's resting."

"He's alive?" Anakin said, joining the group. He forced himself to stand between Healer Che and Obi-Wan. He needed to hear confirmation. A simple 'Yes' or 'No'.

Healer Che nodded. "Yes. He's alive, but as I said," she glanced around at all their faces. "He's resting. It would be best to leave him in peace for an hour before anyone visit."

Certainly that wasn't going to happen. Anakin knew Padawan Kenobi wouldn't leave the Halls of Healing until Qui-Gon left too. And, Anakin also knew he would do the same as well.

Obi-Wan thanked Healer Che and looked to the two masters. "Dioxyn," he murmured, chin tilted down a little as he ran a hand through his beard. "That's a very rare poison. Hard to obtain."

"Does that narrow down the list of potential suspects?" Master Windu asked.

"No, but it certainly points us to a direction," Obi-Wan answered. "With the DNA sample and poison, it will help us locate the assassin."

"Await results, we must," Master Yoda said. "But not here. Time to return to Temple duties, yesss."

Temple duties. Anakin didn't have any Temple duties except to keep Padawan Kenobi and Qui-Gon alive and destroy Dooku. He had no other duties. His apprentice was years away, probably concerned with what happened to her Master. And Padmé …

He longed to hold her in his arms. To feel the comfort he sought when he was in pain. Sweet Padmé. She must be sick with worry. Her hopes inflating and deflating with every news report about the sieges in the Outer Rims. She'll soon learn of her husband missing. Missing in action. A news worse than death. The hope burning into the soul, darkness teasing, refusing to snuff it out. He knew that feeling. Experienced that feeling when he lost Obi-Wan back on Jabiim. And, now, he experienced the same feeling. A few nights, when he dreamed of Padmé sleeping beside him, he wondered if he would ever see his love again. So far into the past, will he ever return to their present? To Padmé?

He sighed, muffling as he rubbed his face. Anakin truly wished to be with her right now.

"Skywalker and Kenobi," Maser Yoda spoke up, drawing Anakin back to the present matter. "Continue the investigation under the council's direction, you will."

Obi-Wan bowed in acceptance of his duty, but Anakin… he stepped forward, gaining Master Yoda's attention instantly. "Master Yoda," Anakin began with some hesitation. "I-I would prefer to stay here until Qui-Gon is awake and well."

Though daring it was to disagree with Master Yoda, Anakin knew he wasn't the only person interested in waiting for Qui-Gon. But giving him another task would not distract him. He doubted he could truly focus until he saw Qui-Gon's bright face again. He wasn't the only one who disproved the idea of leaving. Padawan Kenobi also wanted to stay and wait.

Master Yoda's perceptive eyes narrowed at Anakin, a questionable brow furrowing. "Loyal, you are," he acknowledged. "But waste time, do not. Asleep, Qui-Gon is. Focus on the needs of others, you must."

Anakin objected to that notion internally. His mission was to stop Dooku from slaughtering Padawan Kenobi. Qui-Gon got caught in the crossfire and therefore deserved his upmost attention. Without Qui-Gon, who would raise Padawan Kenobi into a Jedi Knight? Who would rescue him from Tatooine? No—the others had hundreds of other Jedi they can turn to for help. Right now, the only people who mattered were Qui-Gon and Padawan Kenobi.

"Obi-Wan can do the job just fine on his own," Anakin said to the Grandmaster. "I'm staying in the Halls of Healing."

His stance did not please the Jedi Councilors. Particularly Master Windu. "Are you defying a command, Skywalker?" Master Windu confronted.

Anakin braced himself, chest puffed out, a sign of his battle ready. He was prepared to make his stand. No one was going to send him away from an injured friend. An injured family member in his mind.

"He's not defying an order per se."

Obi-Wan's voice drifted from behind the Anakin's back. The Councilors looked over Anakin's shoulder, staring at the relaxed, yet poised stature of Obi-Wan Kenobi.

Obi-Wan took a small step, standing somewhat in front of Anakin as he took center stage of the stand-off. "Anakin is concerned that Master Jinn may still be in danger."

Anakin's eyebrows rose up, surprised. He reached out through his bond with Obi-Wan, searching for any truth. Was Qui-Gon still in danger? The ripple along the bond in return eased his anxieties. Obi-Wan sent calm, smoothing waves of the Force to loosen Anakin's grip on the bond. Mind warming from Obi-Wan presence, Anakin slowly unraveled his tight grip as he listened to Obi-Wan reasoned with the Councilors.

Master Windu's heavy brows knitted closer. "You believe the assassin is attempting to kill both master and padawan?"

Obi-Wan carefully nodded. "Take out the master, you leave the padawan unprotected and vulnerable," Obi-Wan nonchalantly shrugged in response. "It's not a bad plan."

Anakin stared at Obi-Wan. It's not the first time Obi-Wan ever agreed to a plan of his. That wasn't what surprised Anakin. It was the fact that his old master jumped into a predicament and twisted the truth in a manner that prevented any condemnation. One look into Obi-Wan's eyes told Anakin that his former master knew that Anakin did not think Qui-Gon was in any danger. Dooku would never endanger Qui-Gon's life purposely in hopes the results ended in death. Dooku cared—as much as a Sith could—about Qui-Gon. He wouldn't send assassins to eliminate the only Jedi he held in the highest regard. Just the padawan.

Knowing Obi-Wan stepped in to intervene to ensure Anakin got to stay behind, Anakin felt remorse for his earlier comments. Perhaps his former master was not as heartless as he accused.

Master Yoda and Master Windu pondered, both looking to each other in questionable thought. "If in danger, Qui-Gon is," Master Yoda spoke to both Anakin and Obi-Wan, "stand guard, Skywalker will."

A half-smile easily curved Anakin's lips up. "Thank you Masters."

Despite the approval to stay with Qui-Gon, Anakin sensed Master Windu's bitterness at the decision. But, Master Yoda's decisions were final. Anakin triumphed over the Council… well, not without assistance.

Master Windu snapped his attention to Padawan Kenobi and Master Tahl. "Master Tahl," he said, tightly. "Return to your duties in the Archives. I'm sure you will find many padawans needing guidance in their studies."

Like the devoted Jedi, Master Tahl bowed in recognition that her talents were needed elsewhere. She gave one last, sad look to the padawan before departing in quiet honor back to the Archives. For a brief second, Anakin almost argued for Tahl to stay, understanding her need to stay and wait for Qui-Gon. But, one look from Obi-Wan shut Anakin's mouth.

No more pressuring. They were lucky enough to get someone to stay with Qui-Gon.

With Anakin staying on guard and Obi-Wan continuing the investigation, Master Windu asked the last question. "And of the padawan?"

Anakin had the urge to protect Padawan Kenobi, shielding him from Master Windu's scrutinizing glare.

And, it appeared Obi-Wan had the same idea. "He will come with me," Obi-Wan answered quickly. "His interactions with the changeling may be of some help."

Padawan Kenobi thought otherwise. "Thank you, but I was hoping to stay with Anakin."

"Wish to be with your Master, hmmmm?" Master Yoda asked a faint fondness embedded in that leathery skin of his.

Padawan Kenobi nodded, arms at his side. "Yes, Master."

"To atone your actions you wish, hmmmm?"

Anakin's brows slanted. Confused, he looked to Obi-Wan for an answer to Yoda's questioning. Obi-Wan chose to glance away from Anakin's attempt to make eye-contact. Anakin even used his Force bond to garnered Obi-Wan's attention, but the former master refused to appease Anakin's need. He simply watched Master Yoda face off against Padawan Kenobi.

Padawan Kenobi's eyes drifted downward to his feet. "I—I wish to be at my Master's side when he wakes as to not worry him about my fate."

Master Yoda hummed, eyes critically examining the padawan's face. "Worry, hmm? Yes, but of your fate not. For his injury you feel responsible. Yeesssssss," he said. "To help Qui-Gon, to learn the identity of the assassin you need."

Padawan Kenobi's lips curled inward. His eyes flashed to Anakin, a shade of jealously tinting those usual calm eyes. "I believe my master would disagree," he argued. "Master Jinn would not want me to participate in the investigation as it could result in another encounter with the assassin."

Master Yoda chuckled, a lightness in his walk. "A negotiator of words, you are," he chuckled, seemingly amused by Padawan Kenobi's attempt to be removed from the investigation. Master Yoda's chuckles faded and for a moment only silence occupied the space between the two. Then, he drew out a long sigh. "Jedi fears not death nor truth. Join Master Kenobi in the investigation, you will."

Padawan Kenobi's mouth twitched downward. The only sign of discontentment. "Yes, Master."

Satisfied all was in order, the two Councilors planned their departure only for a beeping sound to interrupt. Obi-Wan's hand dove to his belt, plucking out his comlink that flashed violently. He took one glance at the screen, before excusing himself and stepped aside. All eyes were on Obi-Wan's back, watching and listening intently to hear any conversations. Anakin was curious who Obi-Wan was having a private call with seeing as the people who spoke to the most were all standing behind him.

Anakin tried his best, stepping up to come up behind Obi-Wan when his former master ended the call and turned once again to them. "I'm afraid I've been called away."

If Anakin was surprised by the announcement, then it certainly shocked the Councilors. "Called away?" Master Windu repeated. "Where to?"

"One of my contacts reported a tip," Obi-Wan put away his comlink. "He's waiting for me right now. I must go."

Obi-Wan swiftly moved, not interested in going into more detail. Obi-Wan was never one to reveal the identities of his contacts outside of the Jedi Temple. He insisted it was for the contacts' protection. He did not like the idea of one of them being hunted because they helped him. Anakin understood. Helping a Jedi publically in an unfriendly environment typically resulted in dismemberment or death.

A shadow followed Obi-Wan's departure, until Obi-Wan spied the quiet shadow. "I'm sorry, padawan, but you cannot come with me," he held Padawan Kenobi back with a raise of a hand. "This is not a place for padawans like yourself."

Padawan Kenobi's eyes narrowed at the kiddy treatment. "I was told to help you in the investigation," he replied, coolly. "Is it not in regards to the assassination attempt?"

"It is, but you are not to set foot outside the Temple," Obi-Wan reminded the padawan, clearly not thrilled at the tone the padawan used. "You will wait here until I come back."

That, Anakin noticed, made Padawan Kenobi's lips tug into a sincere smile. The boy could now stay with Anakin and await for his master to wake. "Yes, Master."

Obi-Wan scowled at the title that his younger self bestowed him. "Yes… I'll be back soon enough."

"In the meantime the boy will be under my guidance," Master Windu decided, his shadow darkening the young padawan's face.

Of all the Masters to instruct Padawan Kenobi, Master Windu would be the one of the last to instruct Padawan Kenobi. Master Windu help no warmth, too strict. Unlike Qui-Gon, Windu disliked being challenged, disobeyed or have an open-minded padawan. He wanted a no-nonsense and blind obedience pupil. Anyone else, was an unfit Jedi and needed more discipline in order to correct the wrinkles. Though Anakin considered Obi-Wan an obedient and occasionally strict Jedi, he was nowhere as close as Master Windu.

So, Anakin had no desire to have Padawan Kenobi be left alone with the Jedi Master.

"Actually, Master Windu," Anakin said, sliding up and dropping his hands on the boy's shoulders. "The padawan will have to stay with me."

Master Windu's forehead folded into many, tense lines. "Excuse me?"

Anakin glanced to Obi-Wan, who dipped his chin in encouragement. He too was interested how Anakin was going to dance around Master Windu. Wishing to be as confident with his words as much as Obi-Wan. Taking a deep, unsteady breath, he flicked back to Master Windu's intense glare.

"If I remember correctly, Qui-Gon forbade the Council from interfering with his padawan's apprenticeship," Anakin said, taking a quick peek at Obi-Wan. His former master's eyes were warm, a hint of a smile underneath the beard. That reassurance kept him speaking. "That means, Master Windu, you cannot be in charge of Padawan Kenobi."

"Excuse me?" Master Windu repeated, short and firm like a rumbling thunder in the distance.

"In that case, the padawan will need to stay with me," Anakin pulled Padawan Kenobi to his side, crushing the boy, "Could use an extra lightsaber in case more assassins drop by."

Master Windu was not pleased and Anakin couldn't help but smugly grin in return. He didn't need to look at Obi-Wan to know the he would disprove that gesture. One does not gloat. But, Anakin couldn't help it. It was Master Windu! He needed to beat Master Windu, to hold victory over him.

Obi-Wan would tell him he's acting immature. He was. He knew it, but seeing the look on Master Windu's face was worth the immaturity.

Master Windu's expression hardened. He was not going to back down or disregard the subordination. "The situation has changed. Qui-Gon's demands—"

"Respected, will be," Master Yoda's voice was quiet, but cut sharply across Master Windu's words. Though hard to tell by Master Windu's stoic expression, the slight widening of the eyes was all Anakin needed to know that the Master of the Order was surprised by the submission.

Master Yoda ignored it entirely. He only spoke to three remaining Jedi. "The Council will get involve with the padawan's guidance not. Yes, hmmm."

The Grandmaster then turned to look up to Master Windu, who withdrawn his anger. The great powerful Master Windu straightened his shoulders back and turned to Anakin with a simmering acceptance. "Very well," he said, strained. "May the Force be with you."

Anakin and others bowed to the Councilors. Master Windu as abrupt in his departure, turning on his ankle as he strode off, but Master Yoda was slower. With his gimer stick, he hobbled passed Obi-Wan, his lips curving into a knowing smile. "Impressed, I am impressed," he murmured, glancing from Obi-Wan to Anakin to the padawan. "Tricked the Council you did. I, careful with you, must be. Yes, hmmm."

Master Yoda chuckled as he hobbled away, his laughter not dying for quite some time after he left. Even after years of knowing him, Anakin had the distinct feeling that he still had no clue who Master Yoda really is. One minute, he's strict and restraining to the Jedi Code. The next, he teases and enjoys rebellious acts. A strange creature indeed.

"Anakin."

Anakin turned to Obi-Wan, a little half-smile slipping on Anakin's face. "Way to go with that fake com-call, Master."

Obi-Wan brows creased in the middle. "That was not a fake call, Anakin," he disclosed. "I really must go."

"Go where?"

"Out."

Anakin rolled his eyes. "That's obvious! I meant which area?" he questioned. "And, who are you exactly meeting?"

Obi-Wan dodged the question with a light resignation. "May the Force be with you both," he replied and he turned on his heel, exiting the Halls of Healing.

Anakin shook his head, eyes rolled up in mild annoyance at Obi-Wan secrecy. He glanced to the younger version, a bright-eyed child who radiated happiness about being able to stay and wait on his master rather than doing menial tasks.

"Come on," Anakin tugged on the padawan's braid, causing Padawan Kenobi to wince at his hair being pulled and glared. Anakin cracked a teasing half-smile at the glower. "Let's go find Qui-Gon."