Okay, first off, late chapter, I know, it's been very busy, between work, and library runs and airport runs and Mt St. Helens erupting (Which was very disappointing, after days of talking about it, all it did was burp) I haven't had much time to write.

But it is here, and a bit short, but the next one should be up next weekend, I think my schedule is clear.

Secondly, a must read if you have not already, Legacy of the Jedi, by Jude Watson. Very good indeed, I'm almost finish reading it, it follows four generations of Jedi, going all the way back to when Dooku was a padawan, then Dooku and Qui-Gon, Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan, and then Obi-Wan and Anakin. It's a bit confusing though, I thought Yoda was Dooku's master, and it confirms that on the back of the book, but I the first part, it states that a Jedi Master by the name of Thame Cerulian was his master…if anyone can clear up confusion on this, much appreacaited. It's about a year old, so some of you may have read it already, but if not, check it out.

I also picked up a Star Wars guide to over 100 planets and moons, as well as inhabitants of the worlds. Extremely neat. So you will see some references made in future stories from these two books.

Other than that, on to R2R

EstelElflover

Thanks, I'm glad you are liking it. Love the name btw

K-Rock

Okay, I'm still just as bad, I'll admit that, but what can I say? I love them all, especially young Obi-Wan, but young Qui-Gon was just as cute too! Hmm…paranoia or superstitions…well, you'll have to wait to find out, I'm am evil, I know, but I just can't ruin a good story…well, my story at least, not saying that it's good or anything.

Halfling

There will be a scene between Xanatos and Obi-Wan, just take deep breaths so you don't suffocate before we get there otay??

Mellaithwen

Why Thank you my dear watson..err Mellaithwen. He does know yes, I liked his back-story, even as depressing and evil as it was.

LOL, how evil, but brilliant as well, I could actually imagine Qui-Gon doing something like that just to irritate him, except that it would be painful, and he probably wouldn't recover from it either.

MusicDreamer

Yes, Qui-Gon is in the Strunian city, and as for everything else, you'll have to wait a bit longer.

Chapter 7

If it were possible for the city to be any busier, Obi-Wan would have been shocked. It seemed as if it were already bursting at the seams as Strunians of all shapes and sizes made their way from one place to another. Speeders and hover cars sped down paved roads, weaving in and out of the mass of people. It was hard to believe that they were on the same planet, simply due to the drastic scenery change. It was truly a different atmosphere, it even held a different smell.

"A completely different physical appearance," Serr told him quietly, laying down next to Obi-Wan. He propped himself up on a single elbow. "Taller, skinnier build, and completely bald," he said with a witty smile. Obi-Wan chuckled in agreement.

It was true, there would be no way they could blend in with the crowd. They would have to skirt around the city, which would make things difficult. Obi-Wan glanced toward the spaceport, a much larger one than that of the one they had seen before. There were many spacecrats in the hold, but none that were from the Republic. He sighed in frustration, realizing that Xanatos may not be in the city anymore. If he weren't, then what would he be left with? He would have to go back to the beginning, and start again, and that would take far too much time. Focus on the here and now.

Obi-Wan took a deep breath, closing his eyes. Where did they even start? If Xanatos remained in the city, where would he be? He reached out with the force, searching and hoping for a connection, but he found nothing. Not even a flicker. He sat up, glancing at the young prince who watched him closely. They only needed to get closer, but there would be no way that they would get through without being recognized, and he couldn't risk Serr's life.

Suddenly a bell sounded, turning the attention of the two boys back to the city. In mere seconds, the entire flow of the city turned in one direction. Obi-Wan could not tell where they were headed, but Serr moved ahead of him.

"Perfect," he whispered. "Just what we needed."

Obi-Wan followed him down the slope, toward the city's walls. "What is it?"

"The Monoshiva," he explained, when they arrived at the gates. Making sure no one was around, he slipped through a gap in the bars. Obi-Wan did the same.

"It is a ritual of our people that the Strunian race took hold of when they seized power, and they have destroyed it as well. It was an event that took place once a year, and our finest warriors took the challenge, it was an honor to do so. By simple translation, it means one life, but in the ancient tongue it meant one leader. The event was neither for blood nor death, but to test the skills of our warriors. There were deaths every few times, and the fallen were mourned. Now it's a daily sport for them, they interbreed foul animals from across the galaxies, and train them to be bloodthirsty fighters. Now it's a fight to the death, and every day."

Obi-Wan nodded, but said nothing as a pair of Strunians came up behind them. He tapped Serr on the shoulder and indicated to an alleyway. The two walked on, as if they hadn't seen the strangers ahead of them, Obi-Wan caught part of their conversation as they went by, but was not able to identify the language that was being spoken.

He shook his head as Serr slinked his way back into the streets, following at a farther distance. Serr looked at him, worry in his eyes. "What is it?" Obi-Wan asked, watching the pair leave.

"I'm not sure, but I think I know where your Jedi friend is," he said softly. Obi-Wan followed his gaze, his calm expression fading. "What did they say?" he asked worriedly.

"Something about a man fighter," Serr explained quickly, then shouted after him as Obi-Wan took off running toward the dome.

Obi-Wan did not stop or slow as Serr called after him. He ran without thought to what he would do when he got there, he just knew he had to find Qui-Gon, he had to find his master. So focused he was on his goal he wasn't aware of a second presence behind him until it was too late. A blow from behind him sent him sprawling to the ground. Acting quickly Obi-Wan kicked out at his attacker as he tried to regain his feet, but he was grabbed from behind, and drug into an alleyway.

Unwilling to give up, Obi-Wan kicked out again, earning a cry from his attacker even as he was pressed against the wall. "Stop it!" a voice whispered sharply. Obi-Wan froze. He knew that voice.

"Siri?" he asked, trying to peer under the hood of the stranger. She nodded, and removed her hood as she sat back on her heels. He blinked warily sitting up, still confused to exactly what was going on.

"What are you doing here?" Obi-Wan asked, watching as she rubbed her leg.

"Saving your butt," she answered, frowning at him. "Just exactly what were you thinking?"

Obi-Wan glanced downward. He didn't realize until now exactly how close he had come to blowing his cover. He had rushed into danger without a plan or thought of the consequences that were involved. He could not only have jeopardized his life, but Serr's as well, and hope of rescuing his master as well.

But before he could answer, Serr came running into the alleyway, armed with a large boulder that he was hauling with two hands. His face was covered in sweat but he glared at Siri threateningly. "Let him go!" he warned.

Obi-Wan got to his feet quickly, "It's okay, she's a friend," he explained, motioning for him to drop the boulder.

"A she?" Serr questioned. "Strong for a girl, no offense to you," he said turning to Siri.

Obi-Wan nodded. "A lot stronger than the last time I saw you."

Siri smiled. "Thanks, the trial runs my master and I did on Nam Chorios were interesting to say at least, but I did benefit from them."

Obi-Wan shook his head, they didn't have time for this. "Qui-Gon is in there, we have to get him out before it's too late."

Siri nodded. "We know that already. Adi is already inside the arena, scouting out the area. I was supposed to keep an eye out for you, if you ever decided to show up that is."

"But how?" Obi-Wan questioned softly, he had worked so hard to get all the details, and had only just found out, and that was by sheer luck.

Siri sighed, "Easy, we contacted the main port, told them that we were treasure hunters, and that a valuable source had been located here, and that we wished to search for it. No one can resist money," Siri said with a grin.

"You lied?" Serr asked, not very impressed.

"Of course not, we told them that we had located a treasure on this planet that was of value to us, which was Qui-Gon of course, and Obi-Wan I suppose as well."

Obi-Wan shook his head, muttering under his breath. "But there was supposed to be a different team coming, I heard Miro talking about them, they didn't say anything about you two."

"That was before they found out you were missing. It didn't take them long to figure out that you had gone after Qui-Gon. Master Mayx and Holten are out looking for Xanatos. They don't know him well enough to figure out that he won't be in hiding."

Obi-Wan nodded. "What do we now then? We just can't stay out here."

Siri nodded in agreement. "I don't like being out here when I know Adi is in there alone, we need to find a way in, and I doubt they'll let us in through the front gate."

Serr's laughter caused the two padawan's to turn and give him and odd glance. He came up next to them, smiling. "That won't be any problem, just follow me."

TBC