K-Rock – Well, I'm doing it again, I'm touching it up as I'm falling asleep. I hope this doesn't turn into a habit. ;) Anyways, I'm glad you had a good time. Things have been rocky in my life as of late, but I'll make it through. I can't say I totally miss High School. In most ways, I'm glad to be rid of it, but I also miss the innocence of youth I had. I was a shielded child, no private school or anything, just naive. All I can tell you, is try not to rush to grow up. Most of our lives, we fight to be taken seriously and we think that growing up is the key. And when we are finally burdened with responsibility, we can only wish for the freedoms of youth we enjoyed. Hmm, I think it's really late, personally philosophy is starting to emerge. I think I'll just post now, and you keep at those patience exercises. Although, I'm probably not the best role model for that either. OH well. Talk to you later, and enjoy!! :D

Lathanna – Well, I'm glad you like it so far. This has been an interesting journey for me so far. I hope it stays interesting for you too. Thanks again for reading and reviewing!! :D

Howdy peeps, another chappie for you. I hope you like it. Once again I was editing while falling asleep so please forgive any grammatical or other errors. Thanks and Have fun!!!

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"My welfare is of little consequence to me. There is only one thing in my life that can grant me any reprieve, any hope of happiness; Obi-Wan Kenobi's survival." MysAri was undisturbed by the blatant truth placed before her. She had one goal in life and she would see it through no matter what.

Tears rimmed the silver eyes from both frustration and admiration. She knew that MysAri had deep feelings for her friend, but she never dreamed that she harboured this much devotion. More expecting such a response coming from Obi-Wan, Bant was taken aback by Mys' conviction. Still she had one last chance to try and stop this. By appealing to that love and convincing it that others care just as much for her, namely the Knight she now sought to reclaim. "But that search could last days, months, who knows how long. And if," MysAri gave her a hard stare and Bant quickly rephrased her statement, "when you find him, he will want to know that you are well. Do you want his sacrifice to be in vain?"

"I did not want his sacrifice at all. But since I had no means of stopping it, I will find a way to get him back. He will just have to accept my decision."

Torn between duty and the desire to follow such passion, Bant vented, "You two would be perfectly suited for each other. You are the only person I know who can match his stubbornness credit for credit." Sighing, the Healer relented to the Knight's will, "I know I can't stop you from being doing this so I'll do the best I can to get you ready."

Visibly relaxing now that the battle was won, MysAri offered, "Thank you." But the healer only waved off her submission. She began checking the notes on her datapad to best accommodate MysAri's demand, when the Knight spoke again. This time, her tone noticeably calmer and grateful, "And Bant, you are always welcome to come with us." The recovering Jedi knew how much the Calamarian cared for their lost friend. Since she had already pushed the healer this far from her best interests, this was the only thing she could extend to amend those actions.

Glancing up from her pad, Bant smirked, "Be careful, I just may take you up on that. Try and relax, I'll go get things ready." Abruptly, the Head Healer left to complete her task, leaving MysAri and Anakin alone.

"Anakin, come here." MysAri slowly lowered herself back onto the medcouch. Anakin had watched the exchange dumbfounded but was happy for the strength in her conviction to find his Master. He knew now that with her help they would find him. "It is time to begin. Do you remember what I told you on the ship?"

He nodded, "You want me to read." His tone was a mix of annoyance and apprehension.

Nodding, she instructed, "This is what I want you to do. Get the mission reports regarding Zan Arbor from the Archives. They would more than likely be under Master Qui-Gon's name. We need to know everything about what happened back then. I want you to read them and then re-read them again. Memorize every word if possible. Even the smallest clue could lead us. Will you do this for me?"

For the first time, Anakin met MysAri's eyes. In the dark green depths he could see so many things; love, respect, conviction, honesty, trust. And he realized that he might have misjudged her earlier. Previously, everything he had done was either for his Master or himself. But this time his response was sincere, "Yes Master, I will do this for you."

"Thank you. I appreciate it very much, Anakin."

"Rest Master, and I will have everything ready for you by the time we leave." Anakin watched as the Knight relaxed back into the medcouch and slipped into a healing trance. After a moment longer, he left to pull the documents requested and start his task. As he walked toward the Archives, he realized that she had entrusted him with a difficult task. He was not merely pulling records for his Master to review but he would have to review them all himself. And if at all possible understand it and memorize it. He would be their resource when they are out searching. Even if he doesn't see all the clues what he relays may be the answer they are looking for. It was a huge responsibility and he would not let them down. More than just his pride was at stake here.

Anakin continued through the corridors determining what their obstacles would be. Number one, obviously, would be finding them. But once they did track them down, they would have to face two conniving women. Could an Apprentice and a not fully recuperated Knight defeat them? They would most likely find out one way or another. Above all the others though, their first and most formidable would be Time. With every heartbeat, more and more of it would slip through their fingers. Suddenly, Anakin felt that it was running away from them way too quickly and hastened his pace. He only had so much time before they would leave and he would not do so unprepared. Swiftly, he turned the corner and made his way into the Archives.

*****

Oblivion can be so inviting at times, offering a world of peace and silence. When your waking moments are constantly filled with pain, eternal darkness looks better and better. That's how Obi-Wan Kenobi felt at this point in time. If it were so easy to let go and slip off into the night, he probably would have already. Unfortunately the torment that plagued him was mostly psychological. There was no physical pain, no gaping wound to slowly drain his life away, only the constant agony reminding him that he still lived. And to what purpose he wondered? A pawn to a mad woman who sought to destroy all he loved and cared about. Everything he had dedicated his life too. No longer was his submission to save a friend at stake, but the whole of the Jedi Order once again hung in the balance.

If all of Zan Arbor's plans made it to completion, others could and more than likely would suffer the same fate as himself. Trapped by their gifts, caught between life and the Force. Drifting on an endless ocean of pain. Despite his own desires to end the pain and simply cease to be, he must continue to fight, to tread water. For no other reason than to warn the others of the possible doom they face. Doggedly, he forced his consciousness up through the tidal waves of torture and into the realm of awareness. He blinked several times before his eyes could focus.

Slowly, he looked around, taking in his surroundings. He was not surprised to find he was alone in a small room. It was dark and he could no longer hear the hum of motors, which meant he was no longer on the ship. He could only guess that they were at a hideout. He hoped there was some way that someone would find him. If not, he would have to find a way to beat the collar, Zan Arbor and Nobis and escape back to Coruscant. That doesn't sound too difficult. He realized that he was either getting used to the pain or it was not as intense as before since his dry sense of humour returned.

Gingerly, Obi-Wan made his way toward a wall to lean against. Pulling his knees up to his chest and wrapping his arms around them, he let his head fall back. In the darkness, he was lost to time. Suddenly, he felt like a first year Padawan. His mind called out over a bond long since dormant, Master, where are you? It had been a while since the last time he called out to Qui-Gon so desperately. But he knew that there would be no answer. That this time, a frantic Jedi Knight would not be coming to rescue him. It was then that it hit him how much his Master did truly love him.

During his Padawanship, trouble always managed to find him, even on the simplest of missions. Despite a rocky beginning, despite repeated betrayal in those first years, there was nothing that could deter Qui-Gon Jinn from finding his Padawan when the need arose. From the instant danger reared its ugly head, the Jedi Knight would move mountains if he had to. His Apprentice's well being was always the man's top priority. No, he didn't show affection physically and praise was rarely extended, but that's not how he worked. Obi-Wan tried so hard to understand this. But he so desperately wanted the man's acceptance and approval. Blinded by his own concept of expression, he could never see how deeply his Master cared for him until now.

He had unwittingly relied on the man to save him whenever he was in trouble. Counted on the Knight to be in that chair next to his bed every minute when he was at the healers. Expected the Jedi to baby him when he was released from the healers but deny enjoying every minute of it. Defend him when anyone opposed or denounced him. Which is probably why that last meeting with the Council was so hard to take. Yes, it was a betrayal in one sense, but it was not against him personally. But the blinding pain of dismissal had stung so fiercely he believed it was his own failings that caused Qui-Gon to say what he said. However, it was not him or his failings, it was the Council's lack of judgement that caused the Knight to forfeit his Apprentice for another.

Oh, Master, if only you had lived. There was so much he wanted to add. Yet, it was too late for such musings. His Master was gone. He had been willed an Apprentice of his own. He had transitioned instantly from Padawan to Knight to Master of a Padawan in the blink of an eye. And where did all that get him? Nowhere. Except, maybe to a place where he could finally accept who he was. He knew his Master had loved him, but there had been doubts. Now there were no questions in how his Master felt. He could only hope that his own apprentice would feel the same one-day about him. Obi-Wan did not feel that he was ready to take on a Padawan, but his Master believed in him. How can he disappoint his father?

And what a bang up job I am doing. He thought wryly. I relinquished custody over him to another Knight who I don't even know will recover. He smacked his head lightly against the wall in frustration. His thoughts jumbled together with the past and present, which caused him to laugh softly. Finding it utterly ironic that history repeats itself so thoroughly. If he knew Anakin at all, he knew exactly what the boy would be doing. Pacing the Healer's Ward trying to figure out what to do next. He hoped that MysAri would be able to guide him, in a sense be Anakin's Tahl and Astri. Both remarkable women had used their strengths to help him track down Qui-Gon when Obi-Wan was an apprentice. But they had more clues back then as to where Arbor was hiding. Would Anakin be able to find him now? The alternative was too frightening to consider.

Obi-Wan didn't know how long he had been reminiscing, but immediately stopped when light flooded his prison. Instinctively, a hand shot up to protect his eyes from the onslaught. Ever so slowly, his vision began to focus. Looking at the doorway he could see Ona Nobis waiting silently for him. At first he wasn't entirely sure what she wanted, but after a moment, she took a step back and turned. Clearly, she indicated for him to exit the small room. Cautiously, he rose to his feet and walked out. The bounty hunter followed closely behind.

Together the pair walked through a number of halls to stop in front of a double door. Ona keyed open the entrance and motioned for him to get in. Obliging her, he was surprised to find himself in a workout room. At least that is what he assumed it was with obstacles and various platforms spread out about the large room. Now he was completely confused. Glancing back at his captor he gave her a questioning glance. In return, her piercing glare flicked up toward one of the walls. There he found an observation window overlooking the room. Glancing back at his captor, he inquired, "What is this?"

A twitch of her lips startled him, forming a feral grin. Her eyes narrowed as she stared him down. In a commanding tone, she announced, "A Rematch."

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Well, I would beg for reviews, but that isn't getting me anywhere. So I'll just leave that up to you guys. I'm going to work on the next chappie when I wake up again. See ya!

*whispers really softly* review please. :8} THANK YOU! :D