Ahsoka never thought she'd find herself in this situation. Sure, she'd been on plenty of technically unauthorized missions with Master Skywalker. Of course, according to Anakin, they never ignored orders; they just interpreted them creatively. From a certain point of view. Sort of.

But with Master Kenobi? This was a first.

She looked over to the man in question as she finished putting the ship into hyperspace. The trip wouldn't take long. Within few hours, they would have hopefully found Master Vos and would be speeding away to save Master Skywalker. And then she would sit her two stubborn masters together to talk for once. She loved them both, but she would happily crack their heads together they if they let this weird tension simmer.

"I would probably let you, you know."

Ahsoka jumped, embarrassed. "Oops. I guess I wasn't shielding well enough."

Obi-Wan chuckled. "It's fine young one. I daresay you have far more patience with your masters than I would have at your age."

Ahsoka glanced at him skeptically. "You? You're the most patient person in the Order! You'd give Master Yoda a run for his money if you also had an extra thousand years of practice."

Obi-Wan shook his head, laughing softly. "I was actually quite impatient as a Padawan. Between that and my temper, it was a miracle I was even chosen to be an apprentice."

"Now, I know you're just making things up," said Ahsoka, eyes wide.

"To be perfectly honest, I can sometimes feel my own Master laughing at me whenever I run into similar problems with Anakin," said Obi-Wan. "Or you, for that matter," he added looking pointedly at the young Togruta.

"Me?" said Ahsoka blinking innocently, "Why, I've never done anything out of line in my life. I've never disobeyed an order. Never been reckless. Or impatient. You must be thinking of my Master," she said sweetly.

Obi-Wan laughed. "Well, I have not had to bail you out of jail yet. Or bail you out of Master Windu's 'character building' sessions."

Ahsoka grinned. "Yeah, Master Skywalker still likes to complain about those. Most of the shinies were more terrified of Master Windu than the Seppies the first time we worked with him."

"I imagine Anakin wouldn't forget those easily," said Obi-Wan warmly. He sighed. "I do hope he's alright," he said quietly.

Ashoka bit her lip. "Why did Maul take him? I mean, I know you killed him, or at least thought you did. All the younglings know that story."

Obi-Wan was silent for a long time before answering. "Did you know that I was never supposed to be Anakin's master?" he said finally. "My Master, Qui-Gon, had intended to take him as an apprentice. But when we fought Maul together, he killed Qui-Gon in front of me. I was…distraught. Maul could feel my anger, what I was capable of. I believe he imagines he can spark the same pain by hurting Anakin." He closed his eyes. "He's right of course."

"I'm so sorry, Master Kenobi," said Ahsoka gently. "And- you took on Anakin right after?"

Obi-Wan nodded, opening his eyes. "Yes. It was my final promise to my Master."

Ahsoka frowned. "That- well, no disrespect towards Master Qui-Gon, but, um, that seems kind of rough. How old were you? Twenty?"

"Twenty-five," said Obi-Wan, smiling a little. "I'm not all that young, Ahsoka."

Ahsoka rolled her eyes. "Just because Anakin calls you an old man doesn't mean you are, Master Kenobi. But, still that must've been… difficult." She frowned again. "No wonder Anakin worries you didn't want him."

Obi-Wan looked up, startled. "What?"

Ahsoka shifted uncomfortably. Oh kriff, you're an idiot Tano. "Oh um. It's just- I remember this time. I'd just become Skyguy's apprentice. And we had a rough battle. I thought he was furious with me, and I kind of broke down. I thought he didn't want me because, I mean, I wasn't chosen like the other Padawans. I was just assigned to him by the Council. It's not like he picked me. And I told him that if he wanted another Padawan that I could step down."

"Oh dear," said Obi-Wan. "And I assume Anakin took that with all his usual grace and poise?"

"He completely panicked," said Ahsoka. "I don't even remember what he started saying. He looked like he was about to cry, to be honest. So, we were both getting kind of hysterical but he eventually calmed down enough and told me that he was really grateful to be my Master and that he understood feeling like your Master hadn't picked you."

"Oh," said Obi-Wan sadly, casting his eyes down. "I- well, I had never even considered- "

"Oh no," said Ahsoka, crossing her arms. "Don't you even dream of blaming yourself for something your twenty-five-year-old grieving self had no control over. Do you know how often Skyguy talks about how great you are? About all the things you've done together?

"Well- "

"Do you think that I, and our troops and the whole kriffing Republic don't see what a dedicated and amazing Jedi you are? I hear it every day from the person you trained for a decade. So- so if you even start to think that you aren't a good Master come find me and I'll knock some sense into you. And when he'd done being a drama queen, Skyguy will come over and knock some sense into you too."

Ahsoka's eyes widened as the realization that she had just ranted at an esteemed Council member hit her. Obi-Wan, for his part, sat his in seat looking the most stunned she had ever seen the serene Jedi. They sat in silence for a few moments before Obi-Wan's face split into a wide grin.

"Thank you, Ahsoka," he said softly, "I have no idea what Anakin and I did to have been gifted such a wonderful Padawan."

Ahsoka shrugged shyly at the praise. "Something pretty terrible, I bet."

Obi-Wan laughed. "Hardly. And," he said, hesitating, "I- I am so sorry that you were there when the shooting happened. I never wanted to drag you into this. Force, I hadn't even wanted Anakin to be part of that, let alone you." He shifted uncomfortably. "I know I'm not your Master, and perhaps my death didn't hurt quite so much- "

Obi-Wan grunted as Ahsoka launched herself at the Jedi Master, wrapping him a hug. "You are my Master. And it did hurt when we lost you," she whispered. "But I'm so happy you're back. And I hope you know that Anakin is as well."

Obi-Wan hesitated before returning the embrace. "Thank you, Ahsoka." They stayed like that for a few moments before Obi-Wan gently broke the hug. "Now, perhaps we should rest? Dealing with Quinlan can be nearly as draining as dealing with Separatists."

Ahsoka laughed. "Sounds good, Master Kenobi."

Though Quinlan Vos was on an undercover mission, it proved remarkably easy to find the Kiffar Jedi.

Within an hour of landing near Quinlan's last known location, Obi-Wan felt a warning in the Force. Pickpocket, it whispered. Strolling calmly through the street, Obi-Wan continued walking before turning abruptly into an alleyway, snatching the hand that had been reaching for the lightsaber tucked in his robes.

Pinning the would-be thief against the wall, Obi-Wan rolled his eyes. "Really Quinlan? I come all this way to visit you and you try to rob me?"

Quinlan grinned, feeling no shame at being caught in the act. "I felt you land a while ago, Kenobi. Thought it'd be fun to see if you still had it."

"Well," said Obi-Wan, releasing the Jedi, "It appears that I do."

"And that you, clearly, do not," added Ahsoka, examining the undercover Jedi.

"Hey, you're Skywalker's kid, aren't you?" said Quinlan. "What are you doing hanging out with this grumpy old man?"

"I'm Master Skywalker's Padawan," said Ahsoka indignantly, "And it just so happens that we're looking for him."

"Looking for him?" asked Quinlan. "Geez, Kenobi, how'd you lose him? I just saw you guys the other day! What, did you lecture him away?""

"He was abducted," said Obi-Wan tightly. "By Darth Maul."

Quinlan sobered instantly. "Maul? That bastard's alive?!"

"Apparently," said Obi-Wan drily.

Quinlan shook his head, frowning. "That's bad news, Obi-Wan. 'Course, I probably don't need to tell you that. But if you're looking for Skywalker, what are you doing here?"

Obi-Wan slowly unwrapped the bundle carrying Anakin's arm. "We have no idea where Maul could be, but he did leave us a possible clue. We need your help, Quinlan."

Quinlan examined the arm, nodding. "I see where your head's at Kenobi. I'm guessing Maul was probably the last person to touch this."

"Indeed," said Obi-Wan. He paused. "Quinlan… I won't pretend that I completely understand how your gift works. But I do know that this will be dangerous for you, considering it may be tainted by the dark side. I don't know what you'll see. And… I'll understand if won't you do it. I won't force you into this."

Quinlan rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "I'm pretty sure can handle it. After my close calls-well, you have no idea that effort I've put into making sure I've got my dark side controlled. I'm not too worried. Although," he said looking at Obi-Wan curiously, "I'm stunned that the Council trusts me enough to do this. Are they that desperate?"

"Oh," said Obi-Wan, reddening, "Well- "

"The Council doesn't know we're here," said Ahsoka cheerfully. "They told him no, but Master Kenobi said kriff it and did it anyway. It was awesome!"

"Thank you, Ahsoka," muttered Obi-Wan.

Quinlan doubled over with laughter as Obi-Wan stood by, unimpressed. "Oh man, I never thought I'd live to see the day! Obi-Wan Kenobi, sticking it to the man. Even though he is the man," grinned Quinlan. "I was definitely gonna help you before, but this just seals the deal."

"Thank you ever so much," said Obi-Wan darkly.

"It's my pleasure, my friend," said Quinlan before turning serious. "All right, let's see if we can't find Skywalker." He reached over and took the robotic arm from Obi-Wan, careful to touch only the cloth. "Now, like I said, I've got it under control, but just as a precaution, you should stand back."

Obi-Wan and Ahsoka complied, moving some feet away from the Jedi as he settled himself on the ground, the arm before him. He closed his eyes, breathing deeply and falling into mediation. He slowly reached out to touch the arm. At first, the Jedi remained calm. But gradually, his breathing become more rapid, coming out in harsh pants as his face twisted with exertion. Suddenly, Quinlan let out a cry before leaping back from the arm and stumbling from the ground.

Obi-Wan was beside him in an instant. "Quinlan! Are you alright?"

Quinlan nodded as struggled to control his breathing. "Yeah… just give me a sec."

Ahsoka and Obi-Wan watched with concern as the Kiffar Jedi slowly calmed down. He took one final breath before looking up at the master and Padawan. "Wow, who knew cutting someone in half could piss them off so much?"

"Yes, it is extraordinarily surprising," said Obi-Wan. "But did you get a location?"

Quinlan grinned. "Of course, I did. They were headed to Ithor."

Obi-Wan closed his eyes as the relief crashed over him. He was one step closer to Anakin.

"I cannot thank you enough, Quinlan," he said. "I- arrgh!"

Obi-Wan collapsed the ground, writhing in pain. He felt lightsaber burns sear his skin and the sharp pain of electrocution stab him. A desperate cry pierced his mind. Help me, Master, help me, help me, help me, help me-

Anakin! Thought Obi-Wan. Hang in there Padawan, just hang in there please-

As suddenly as the onslaught of pain had come it disappeared, leaving only the whispers of Anakin's cry in Obi-Wan's mind.

"Master Kenobi!" exclaimed Ahsoka, kneeling beside him. "Are you alright? What happened?"

Obi-Wan shook his head, trying to control his rising panic. I will save you. I'm coming, Anakin.

"It was Anakin," he said finally. "I haven't been able to sense him through our bond since he was captured. But I think Maul lifted whatever Force inhibitors he had on him so that I could feel him. He's- he's in so much pain…"

Quinlan grabbed Obi-Wan hand, pulling him to his feet. "Well, now you know where to look for him, yeah?"

Obi-Wan nodded, breathing deeply. "Yes. Thanks to you, Quinlan. Thank you."

"Thank you, Master Vos," added Ahsoka. "This means so much to us."

"Well I couldn't let your little rebellion be in vain, could I?" said Quinlan. "Just do me a favor- get a picture of the Council's face when you get back, yeah?"

Ahsoka rolled her eyes. "We'll do our best. Come on, Master Kenobi."

Nodding, Obi-Wan thanked Quinlan again and turned. Moving with renewed purpose, Obi-Wan started to make his way back to the ship. He knew where his Padawan was. He was going to save him.

I am coming, Anakin.

HI I'm so sorry it took me forever to update! But hey, here it is! Hopefully the next update won't be too long in coming. Thank you all so much for reading and commenting 3