Hi everyone, thanks for all the wonderful reviews. I decided to go ahead and post the rest of the story today. Thanks for reading. There is a sequel (The Long Twilight Path) in the works but it is a ways away from being ready. I will post it at tf.n because it has A LOT of short chapters. (It will be later before it is posted at ff.n.) Over at tf.n I am currently reposting (with some minor reworking) my first fiction: Unraveled. It takes place 6 or 7 years after TPM. Stop by and check it out.

http://boards.theforce.net/message.asp?topic=5220539&replies=0

Thanks again and glad you enjoyed.

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The Book of Questions

An ache had settled deep within Obi-Wan's muscles and joints. He had maintained the same position far too long for someone feeling like he did. The stiffness made him wonder if he could even move to stand up. The Coruscant night had came and went and he didn't feel any more at peace with himself.

The leaves of the yawen rustled softly above. Biting back a low groan he stretched the tight muscles of his back and slowly opened his eyes.

Bali Tiro was quietly meditating across from him.

Obi-Wan just stared curiously at the boy at first not quite sure how he had missed the boy's approach. After a moment though, he realized he had been completely aware even welcoming of the small, creeping footsteps and the boy's attempt at shielding. He would need practice with that, but Obi-Wan also knew very few could successfully sneak past him.

One bright green eye popped open slightly and then quickly closed.

Obi-Wan quietly studied the boy.

After a moment, Bali sneaked another peek but realized he was caught. Two bright green eyes slowly opened and faced the knight. "I didn't mean to disturb you."

"That's all right," he said slowly, consciously relaxing his shielding enough for the boy to sense his presence. "What brings you here?"

Bali shrugged. "I felt like I should be here." Uncertain eyes immediately cast down to the thick carpet of grass they were kneeling on.

Obi-Wan gave a gentle smile thinking if the boy's innocence. He didn't even truly understand that he was following the will of the Force. He just accepted it.

"You do morning meditations?" Bali asked suddenly brightening as if he were surprised to see Obi-Wan there.

A little embarrassed Obi-Wan answered quickly, "Just sort of worked out that way."

"Oh." Confusion clung to the boy's small features.

"I've been doing a lot of thinking," the knight tried to clarify. "It has taken me a while."

Bali stared up, his features curious but not expectant.

Obi-Wan inwardly growled. It was a lot harder than he imagined. He gingerly reached out to the initiate and tugged on the little tuft of hair behind the boy's right ear. "Would you—"

The words had been easier when he spoke them in his head.

He was going to have to move from the safety of his corner apartment.

Meeting the boy's wide-eyed stare, he said, "I would be honoredif you would become my padawan." The words had been clumsy and uneven, he had hoped to voice it better.

Bali sat there with an unsure look.

The knight frowned.

The initiate suddenly bounded forward, a big smile on his face as he wrapped his little arms tight around the knight's neck. "I'd be a good apprentice," Bali said almost excitedly, "I promise."

"I know you would do your best," Obi-Wan said gently hugging the boy back. After a moment the pain elicited a soft groan and he gingerly peeled the boy from around his neck.

"Sorry, Master," the Bali said quickly as he inclined his head in a slight bow.

"I'm not your master yet," Obi-Wan gently corrected. He knew he had to seek the Council's approval. At that point in his life, he wasn't sure they would ever let him step foot outside the Temple. "Not until the Council approves it." He smiled at the look of worry that danced over Bali's eager face. "You have classes to attend to?"

"Yes, Sir." Bali stared happily back at the knight.

"Good. You should attend to them. I will schedule a meeting with the Council."

"Yes, Sir," the little boy said a little too quickly unable to contain his excitement as he wiggled slightly in his place.

"Go."

Bali stood and quickly bowed, then turned and sprinted as quickly as possible from the gardens.

Obi-Wan slumped against the yawen tree wondering if he had done the right thing.

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The Book of the Broken Stone

Qui-Gon had wandered the temple for what felt like hours, but he knew it had not been very long. Slowly he had turned back toward his apartment he shared with Anakin.

It had not always been that way though.

His fingers brushed over the cool placard above the panel.

Jinn/Skywalker.

Anakin had beamed like the brightest star when the placard had been placed there. He still remembered the boy's bright shining eyes. He was appreciative of the white rectangle with the simple black lettering. It had looked so wrong to him in the weeks after he had angrily pulled the old one off.

Roughly palming the door open he quietly stepped into the low lighting of the apartment.

Mace's words still haunted him even as he struggled to block them out. Swiftly he pulled off his cloak and slung it over the couch.

He had known the truth the day he came back to the apartment to find it empty. It had always been there, in the back of his mind. Obi-Wan couldn't have walked away without a formal review. The Council had taken him away. He wouldn't have become a knight otherwise.

Qui-Gon frowned. He just never wanted to dwell on that truth.

Creeping to the open door of Anakin's room, he found the thirteen year old deep asleep. A gentle but sad smile graced the venerable master's face. He could hardly believe the dusty little boy from Tatooine was the same one curled under a disorganized mess of blankets.

Still bothered by his earlier conversation and no more free of the haunting words the Senior Council member had spoken. Qui-Gon crept quietly to his room and closed the door. Palming the lock on he retreated to the small desk in the corner. There was a moment of hesitation as he built up his mental shielding and gently blocked his bond with Anakin. From a drawer he removed a small, pale blue pouch. Something he had picked up in a street bazaar, a couple years earlier. He stared at the elegantly woven material that was dwarfed in his large hand.

Taking a seat on the edge of his sleep couch, the venerable master pulled the small pouch open. The contents were spilled into the cup of his palm. Broken halves of a river stone came to rest in his shaking hand.

It had been so long since he had laid eyes on it. Tears welled in his eyes as the room lights glinted off the broken stone. Deep red streaks ran through the shiny blackness. His large thumb rubbed over the smooth sides of the stone, pushing them over his rough skin.

Tears flowed down his cheeks soaking into his graying beard. He stared at the shattered stone that he had given Obi-Wan for his thirteenth birthday. Shaking hands carefully fitted the pieces together he studied the deep crevice where tiny bits of stone had been ground into powder and were forever lost. The two pieces fell apart again, revealing their jagged edges.

Clutching the stone tight in his hands he was comforted by the warmth it offered him. For a moment he understood why it had always been so important to Obi-Wan. Unable to hold back the tears he allowed the sobs to take hold.

The pain tore at his heart as he began to realize just how hurt Obi-Wan must have been to leave the stone behind.

He was powerless to control the sobs that shook him.

The Force swirled about the Jedi master, sharing in his grief. The gentle currents lapped against his wounded soul.

His grip grew tighter over the stone.

Whatever had happened to his bright, shining padawan?

He so dearly missed the vibrant, life filled eyes.

Like the stone Obi-Wan had been broken.

Qui-Gon struggled but the tears still came. His chest still ached with a pain he could no longer suppress.

The light and energy of the Force infused his entire being.

He had failed Obi-Wan.

The tears that tickled his cheek were cold.

Drawing his attention to the river stone his sobbing stopped. Tears glistened in his curious eyes.

The stone, while permanently scared was whole again.

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The Book of Declarations

The calm, all knowing gaze of the Jedi Council remained focused on the silent figure in their midst.

Obi-Wan stood humbly before the Council. His arms folded into his sleeves and his head bowed calmly waiting to be formally addressed.

Mace finally broke the silence, "Come to demand another mission?"

"Yes, Master."

Yoda perked up slightly in his seat. Ancient yellow eyes studied the Jedi before him, but he said nothing.

Slowly Obi-Wan raise his head and glanced around at the emotionless expressions of those who encircled him. "I wish to take a padawan learner."

The silence was powerful as the masters sat in quiet counsel. The knight lowered his gaze to the patterned floor. They were going to deny him. He should have asked the permission first then confronted the boy.

"And who may this learner be?" Ki Adi Mundi asked as if the answer had not already been known by all.

"Bali Tiro."

"Is the boy here?" Mace asked.

"He is waiting outside the chamber."

"Bring him forth."

Obi-Wan bowed formally and retreated to the chamber doors. After a moment the doors swept closed behind him. His cloak swept around as he turned revealing a small boy to his side and one step behind.

Bali glanced around nervously at the circle of great masters who studied him. He stopped next to Obi-Wan, then took a step closer to the knight.

Sensing the small figure's fear, Obi-Wan pressed his hand to the boy's shoulder. Then offered the little initiate waves of reassurance. Bali glanced up and was given a gentle smile. The tension quickly eased in the boy's big green eyes.

The contemplative masters silently noted the exchanged. Yoda allowed a smile to crack his usually passive features.

At this cue Obi-Wan announced, "I take Bali Tiro as my padawan learner."

The little master turned his attention back to the boy who appeared a braver. "Agree with this, do you?"

"Yes, Master," Bali answered quickly.

"Hmm," Yoda contemplated the scene before turning to face Mace in silent counsel.

Depa Billaba spoke up. "Knight Kenobi."

"Yes, Master?"

"You understand that you must move to more appropriate housing."

"Yes, Master," he answered obediently.

"And do you understand the responsibility of taking on a padawan learner?"

Obi-Wan was silent for a moment. "Everything will change."

"And you willingly accept this?" Ki-Adi Mundi asked.

"Yes, Master."

Mace picked up. "You must give up the missions you are so accustomed to."

"Respectfully, Master, the Council has all ready forced me to give those missions up."

"Indeed."

There was a long silence.

Bali glanced around worriedly. Then the slightest movement of Obi-Wan's hand against the boy's shoulder urged Bali into remaining still.

Yoda's ears twitched at the subtle action. "Agree with you the Council does," he stated, "that you should take this boy as your padawan learner."

"You will take new quarters," Mace said firmly.

"Yes, Master."

"Contact housing immediately." Mace then turned his attention to the boy. "You have some packing to do, Padawan Tiro."

The boy smiled at the reference, then desperately tried to screw his face back into a staid Jedi mask.

Mace motioned a dismissal.

Obi-Wan, followed by Bali bowed, then retreated from the Council chambers.

Mace glanced over at Yoda. "I suppose you're going to make me pay up?"

"Lost the bet you did. Made the boy an apprentice, he did."

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The Book of Intersections

There was a great deal of life in the residential hall. Padawans giggled and bustled about chased by young masters. It was a noisy hall, far from the serene levels where masters of seniority and their apprentices lived.

Obi-Wan knew he would have to learn to get used to the noise and all the movement. His senses were naturally on alert but he felt no danger so he tried to relax as he stepped out of the new apartment.

Two young girls bolted past, laughing as they hugged their books tight to their chests.

The knight sighed again repeating to himself that he would get used to it. Turning to palm the door closed, he paused, brushing his fingers over the white rectangle with black lettering.

Kenobi/Tiro.

Historically it took housing a day or two before placing the placard on a door but this one was there and waiting as soon as he got the new room assignment. Which left him to wonder if Yoda hadn't already ordered it.

Tugging on the edges of his cloak he went to collect the boy.

With his brisk pace, he easily traversed the massive temple. He knew the initiate dorms were not that far away but the walk seemed like a never ending journey. Obi-Wan slowed realizing that he was going to have to walk a more sedate pace if little Bali was going to keep up with him. The child would wear out just trying to keep caught up.

That was not going to be the only change. There were so many he didn't even want to think about it. He would cross those bridges when the time came.

The debate still raged on inside his head as to whether he had done the right thing. It was too late to change his mind. Bali was probably wiggling with excitement for him to show up.

Distracted by the ever present chill, he tugged on the edges of his cloak.

Suddenly Obi-Wan stopped at one of those bridges.

A master's duty is to train a padawan. Protect them. Deal with injuries when they occur. Bali would be depending on him for all of that. He wasn't sure he could channel the Force to treat someone else.

Mentally, physically that part of him was forever damaged.

So how could he teach Bali?

He would have to deal with it somehow, just not at the moment.

There were more important things, like the little initiate he had to gather up and turn into a padawan in the space of an afternoon.

Rounding a corner he stopped.

Obi-Wan's attentions had been elsewhere and he hadn't paid close enough attention to his surroundings.

A mistake he would not allow to happen again.

Curtly. "Master Jinn."

Qui-Gon stood there a moment, surprise danced briefly over his leonine features. A smile escaped. "Knight Kenobi." The name had not been spoken harshly or indifferently.

With barely a hesitation, Obi-Wan stepped around Qui-Gon and started to walk off.

"Please," Qui-Gon called out, "stop."

Obi-Wan obeyed, albeit reluctantly.

"Things shouldn't have turned out like this." The Jedi master lowered his gaze to the nearly empty corridor floor. "Somehow our paths—"

Obi-Wan folded his arms into his cloak not really interested in what the master had to say.

The taller man grew silent. His deep blue eyes studied the harsh stare of the other.

"Our paths have diverged," Obi-Wan answered flatly as he tried to return to his journey. Bali was waiting.

"Obi-Wan." Qui-Gon followed a few steps until the knight turned again.

The chill, his constant companion, urged Obi-Wan to drag his cloak tight in an attempt to warm himself.

The action did not go unnoticed.

"I needed you to help guide me back toward the right path. I was your padawan and I needed help." He turned as if to walk away but hesitated wishing the hurt and bitterness were not so readily available in his voice.

"I didn't know."

"Of course not," Obi-Wan laughed weakly. "You were busy." He straightened. Any sign of emotion or weakness slipped away. His voice even and cool. "Our journeys lie on different paths." A part of him wanted to condemn the man he had once called master, friend, and father. But the vast majority of him was too hurt to care anymore. Again he turned to walk away.

And again, Qui-Gon followed a few steps until the knight turned sharply to face the master.

Qui-Gon withdrew a step. "Can we not even speak?"

"Why now?" Obi-Wan asked, searching his former master's face. "You haven't wanted to before."

With that singular damnation, Qui-Gon solemnly lowered his eyes. "I see now what I have done."

"It does not mean that I should change just because you have had a revelation."

Qui-Gon nodded sadly, understanding. "I didn't mean to hurt you."

The knight started to walk away.

"Stop, just one more time," Qui-Gon begged as he grasped Obi-Wan's wrist. He brushed off the sharp look from the pale eyes. "I understand," he said softly and placed the healed river stone in Obi-Wan's palm. The master offered a gentle smile as he released his hold and walked silently away.

For a long time Obi-Wan just stood there staring at the scarred stone in his hand. He looked down the long corridor Qui-Gon had disappeared into but did not see the tall master.

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The Book of Beginnings

"Ready?" Obi-Wan asked of the small boy standing next to him in the hall.

"Yes, Master," Bali said quickly, willingly. All his short life had been building up to that moment. Tightening his grip on the strap of his bag he glanced up at Jedi's expressionless mask. Worried green eyes brightened at the sight of a little smile that crept up on his new master.

Obi-Wan quickly stilled his features but could not help himself and delighted the padawan again with a real grin. "Are we going to just stand out here all day?"

After a moment of confusion, Bali brightened and palmed the door open. A soft swoosh and the new home was revealed. The boy leaned forward slightly studying the sight.

With the help of a firm hand to push him forward, Bali entered his new home. Big green eyes studied the plain walls and the window that stared back towards the center of the massive temple.

Bali let out an excited gasped as he dropped his bag of belongings in the center of the room and he bolted to the window. "I can see the reflection tower from here," was the happy squeal. The small form twisted, taking in the entire sight. His mouth dropped open as he spied the small kitchenette. Immediately he crawled up on one of the stools before the counter that divided the little service area from the common room. "Does this mean we have to cook our own meals?"

"You can still eat in the cafeteria if you want too."

The boy twisted in his seat and gave Obi-Wan a skeptical cook. "Can you cook?"

"I'm not really sure."

"I like the cafeteria," Bali replied as he climbed down from the high stool and continued to search the other corners of the room.

Obi-Wan just stood there inside the doorway watching Bali scamper about new apartment. Absently he searched the pouch on the side of his utility belt like he had done a thousand times. Except this time there was something there.

The excited little boy was forgotten as the Jedi pulled out the river stone and held it in the light. The red veins shimmered as he gently tilted it in his palm. His thumb traced the crooked line in the stone.

Why had Qui-Gon given it back?

There was warmth in the stone, or maybe it was just his hand that had heated it. The surface glowed as he lightly tightened his grip over it. He studied the deep fissure that scarred the stone, wondering briefly how it had been wounded.

A small sound brought Obi-Wan back to the moment.

Bali's exploration of the common room had ended and he was watching intently. "Master?"

"Yes, Padawan?" Obi-Wan smiled at the ease of speaking that one word.

"Are you all right?"

A gentle nod as he folded the stone into his palm. He craved its familiarity. Turning his attention back to the boy, he asked, "What do you think so far?"

"I like it," came a very pleased voice.

Then Bali turned his attention to the little hall that held the sleeping quarters and the refresher. Big green eyes turned back to Obi-Wan as if unsure what to do next.

Without hesitation, Obi-Wan scooped up the bag Bali had discarded in his excitement and carried it into the smaller of the two sleeping quarters.

Bali followed and immediately flopped down on the sleep couch. "This is better than the bunks in the dorms." He smashed a small fist into the firm pallet roll. "Softer too."

Obi-Wan couldn't help the smile as he pulled the desk chair around to face the small boy. He had felt the same sense of wonder when he was first introduced to his new living quarters with Qui-Gon. "I promise I will see you through to your knighting," he said absently as he placed the river stone back in the pouch on his utility belt.

"Master?" Bali asked, not sure if the remark was entirely meant for him.

Shaking off the thought Obi-Wan reached out and gently turned the boy's head. "There is something else we need to take care of."

The boy sat perfectly still as Obi-Wan straightened the little tuft of dark hair that would become the base of his padawan braid.

From a concealed place in the knight's right boot, he pulled out a small vibroblade. Without hesitation he lopped off a short section of his own hair. "This will make it a little longer," he whispered as the ginger strands were woven into the dark tuft of hair with aid of the Force. Then slowly he drew the hair into a tight braid and tied the end off.

-fin-