Epilogue

Qui-Gon had put Obi-Wan in a healing trance and the boy lay unconscious for the entire trip. Now as he allowed Siri to land the vessel, he went to the back of the ship to awaken his Padawan.

"Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon said, "We're home, at the Temple."

The boy slowly opened his eyes and blinked a couple of times to adjust them to the light. His eyes focused on Qui-Gon, "Master," he murmured, his voice still sounded weak, but it was much better than it was at the hangar on I'Balliap. "I didn't mean to go in the wrong lift tube. I thought the other one was broken," he explained.

"What?" Qui-Gon asked unsure why the boy, after all he'd gone through, was concerned about the malfunctioning lift tube.

"Master Windu was angry with me for going in the broken lift. He threatened to send me back to Agri-corps. Will he still do that now that you said that you will take me back as your apprentice?" Obi-Wan questioned.

Qui-Gon chuckled slightly at the boy's query, but quickly calmed him as he sensed the fear and sadness the boy was experiencing. "No, Obi-Wan. Xanatos caused the lift tube to malfunction; he also caused the explosion outside of your room, and poisoned you while you were unconscious after the fire. He wanted to kill you. This was his way of seeking revenge on me. Nevertheless, this is not the time to discuss that. We have to get you back to the healers."

"Can't we just go to our apartment, I feel much better," Obi-Wan inquired.

"I don't blame you for not wanting to go back to the healers, but you must let them take care of you. Now come on, Padawan, they're expecting us."

"Yes Master," Obi-Wan nodded, as Qui-Gon helped him into a sitting position.

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Obi-Wan allowed his Master to help him off the ship. He was grateful that Qui-Gon had wanted him all along. He could not imagine training with any other Master. Qui-Gon Jinn was always the only Master that he had ever wanted. Siri Tachi trailed down the exit ramp behind Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan. He wondered why she had been with Qui-Gon, but he was sure that Qui-Gon would tell him when he got the chance.

Obi-Wan looked up toward the entrance of the Temple, surprised to see all of his friends, all twelve members of the Council, as well as several Knights and Padawans that he did not know standing outside of the Temple.

Bant smiled at him and he could see tears streaming down her cheeks. It almost reminded him of the water that slid down her face after swimming in the lakes. He wondered why she was crying. Beside her were his other two closest friends who looked almost on the verge of tears themselves. "Padawan Kenobi," Master Yoda was the first to speak, "Good to see you, it is."

"We are glad that you didn't really die," Master Adi Gallia told him, and then went to speak with her Padawan. Next Bant, Reeft, and Garen rushed up to him. Obi-Wan almost fell backward when the Mon Calamarian girl lunged forward, wrapping her arms around him. "They told us you were dead. I'm so sorry for what I said to you. And for not believing you when you let everyone know that you didn't go into the malfunctioning lift tube intentionally."

Obi-Wan wrapped his arms around his friend, "It's ok, and I don't even remember what we were arguing about. It's not like we haven't fought before," he assured her.

"But you never died after a fight before either," Bant sobbed into his shoulder.

"I'm not dead Bant; I'm fine. I'm not going anywhere anytime soon, except to the healers, according to Master Qui-Gon," Obi-Wan assured her.

"Yes, and I think we should get to the healers Padawan, before you manage to get yourself injured again," Qui-Gon smiled.

Bant took the hint and released her hold on Obi-Wan. He smiled at her trying again to reassure her that he was fine. He nodded to Reeft and Garen as Qui-Gon led him into the Temple.

Obi-Wan had never expected that so many people would greet him, after he was thought dead. He knew that this was a memory that he would never forget. He would carry it with him in his heart, until the day that he really died, and became one with the Force.

The End