Eep, I forgot to spell check the last chapter, sorry for any spelling or grammar errors!

R2R is at the bottom as well as a summary for my next story

Chapter 15

When Obi-Wan awoke, he was certain of two things. One was that he was completely alone, and secondly, his shoulder felt as though it was on fire. He grimaced as he pushed himself up into a sitting position, from where he lay on the floor. The sleep couch next to him was empty; the sheets were ruffled indicating that someone had been sleeping there not long ago.

In the dim light Obi-Wan examined his bare shoulder, it was bruised and slightly swollen, and the slightest movements caused him pain, though not much. Carefully and quietly, Obi-Wan made his way out of the room, pulling the robe that Adi had given him on as he left.

The transport, though much larger than the ship Obi-Wan had taken nearly two weeks before, was still small. It was meant to hold two people comfortably for a long traveling period. Aside from the enclosed cockpit, it contained the main resting room that led off into two sleep rooms, large enough for one person to stay comfortably. He and Qui-Gon had taken the larger of the two rooms; Qui-Gon had already been asleep when Obi-Wan had entered the night before, his fatigue obvious.

In the main resting room Adi Gallia and Siri occupied the sleep couch and the chair. It didn't take a genius to figure out who occupied the other room. Obi-Wan took care not to wake the pair as he entered the cockpit. Qui-Gon glanced over his shoulder as he did so, frowning.

"You're supposed to be sleeping," he reprimanded his padawan.

"As are you," Obi-Wan replied as he climbed into the seat next to him. He took the blanket that was draped over the chair and wrapped it about him, turning back to his Master.

"Why are you up here? Mayx said he would pilot tonight."

"Mayx grew tired and decided that it was someone else's turn," Qui-Gon said wearily.

"But you need your rest," Obi-Wan protested, "I'm certain Adi would take over," he started, but Qui-Gon cut him off.

"I wouldn't ask anyone to do the same, they are sleeping. I'll be fine until morning, however," he stated, glancing at him, "I want you to return to the room. The sleep couch is free for you."

Obi-Wan shook his head. "I'm not going to leave you up here alone."

His Master sighed. "Obi-Wan, that is a direct order."

"I don't care Master," he said softly, "You are in no better shape then me; I'm going to stay."

"I am in far better shape than you,' Qui-Gon scoffed, leaning forward for a moment.

"No you are not," Obi-Wan argued, grinning when Qui-Gon shook his head in defeat.

"That still doesn't give you any reason to be up here," he grumbled, becoming quiet for a moment.

"How are you feeling?" he queried, turning to look at his padawan. The boy shrugged his shoulders, leaning further back in the blanket wrapped about his slender frame.

"I feel stronger than I was before," he admitted, "and I don't hurt as much. They will all heal in time," he added softly.

"Will they?" Qui-Gon wondered, "Physically they may Obi-Wan, but what about emotionally? You've seen a life taken away unjustly."

"I've seen it before," Obi-Wan started, but his Master intervened.

"As have I young one, but it does not become easier to witness."

"I should be angry with him," Obi-Wan confessed, staring ahead into open space, "he knew where you were the entire time, and he led me into a trap. I followed blindly, when I should have had my wits about me. He turned me over to Xanatos, and failed to even try and help me when I needed it the most. I have every right to be angry with him."

"But you are not?"

Obi-Wan shook his head gently. "I can't be, I don't know why, he saved my life in the end, but can one good deed redeem the life of someone who has done so much wrong?"

He was surprised to his master laugh softly. "Padawan, you are talking about a boy, a youth who has known nothing but sad times in his life that was promised glory, such glory that he would believe it to be true. You are talking about one that was led astray by an evil, not a hardened criminal or killer. I hardly doubt that the young prince was a bad person; I prefer to believe instead that he was taught some bad things. Your age is a hard time to pass through, the council knows this, that is why such precaution is taken to ensure that all you young ones follow the right path. It is a vile danger we must face when darkness intervenes. Yes, you have reasonable motive to be angry with him, but life itself teaches us that we must sometimes overlook such things, so that we can see who we really are looking at. You have already found forgiveness inside yourself for him, that alone is hard to find for most people."

Obi-Wan nodded, fighting off a yawn. "What about you? Xanatos was an evil man, but he was your padawan once," he wondered.

Qui-Gon let out a sigh. "That I can't rightly say at the moment. He can do no evil anymore, his soul is at rest. I blame myself mostly for his actions; I feel a loss of which I cannot describe. It is difficult to explain." He took a deep breath. "I spent most of my time blaming myself. I haven't been the best Master Obi-Wan, and I'm sorry. You should have never been a part of my past, and yet it seems as though you have become the center of it. I feel angered with myself that you will be the one to carry those scars for the rest of your life."

"No offense," Obi-Wan interrupted, "but I haven't been the best padawan either. Perhaps that is why you were meant to train me."

Qui-Gon nodded, "Perhaps, Yoda had already foreseen us," he let out another sigh. "It seems as though both us will need some time to heal."

Obi-Wan nodded fighting off another yawn.

"Get some sleep Padawan. You need your rest."

Obi-Wan watched him wearily. Sleep sounded wonderful, but he wasn't willing to leave his Master awake right at the moment.

"I'll be fine, I'll have Adi pilot if I become tired. You need to rest, I'm not willing to loose you as soon as you came back."

Obi-Wan laughed gently. "I'm too tough to be gotten rid of so easily," he remarked, letting out a sigh as he closed his eyes.

The temple gleamed in the sunlight as the ship came in for a landing. Obi-Wan watched from the window, as the walkways became visible first, then people soon after that. It felt so good to be home, but at the same time he was edgy. Would this be the last time he would see the temple? What about his friends, and his Master? Where would the council send him? More in likely Bandomeer, that was his original destination after all. Would he resume the life that he was sent out to start?

Biting his lip he sank into the couch, clasping his hands above his head. The ache in his shoulder had vanished, leaving Obi-Wan to wonder if it had only been how he had slept on it. He was alone in the room he sat in, Adi was piloting the ship now, the three masters had traded off for the three traveling days. Siri sat beside her, both of them talked quietly, but about what, Obi-Wan was not sure. His master was back in there small room, packing up the few supplies they had, and Master Mayx had yet to rise. His apprentice Holten had come out some time ago, and now was leaning over Adi's shoulders to get a better look at the piloting system.

"Are you ready?" Qui-Gon asked him, coming out of the room. Obi-Wan nodded.

"You may want to wake Master Mayx," he added, motioning to the room with his chin. He could see his Master sigh as he went over to door, giving it three swift knocks.

"Mayx, we are landing in just a few minutes," Qui-Gon called out. Both of them could hear him grumbling, shouting back a few inaudible words.

His Master shook his head as he sat down next to his apprentice. "He's not a morning person," he told Obi-Wan quietly, who quickly agreed.

"You're nervous," he observed, glancing down at his padawan. Obi-Wan nodded, biting his lip.

"I feel sick actually," he glanced up at his Master. "Perhaps it would be better that I left on my own, saved the council the trouble."

Qui-Gon nodded thoughtfully. "Hmm, that seems a bit rash, don't you think?"

Not at all, Obi-Wan thought silently, but verbally he agreed.

"Then let us go, Mace Windu and Yoda are waiting for us inside."

Obi-Wan watched Qui-Gon head down the ramp, following after Mayx and Holten. Adi Gallia nodded to him, and Obi-Wan reluctantly preceded down the ramp, his boots scuffing the floor as he did so.

It seemed to be so welcoming, but the temple was also looming overhead, like a threatening shadow. The idea of leaving on his own reentered his mind, but he pushed it away. No matter what the end result would be, he would face it like a Jedi, he decided, and entered the Temple.

As Qui-Gon had said, Mace Windu and Yoda were both waiting for them. Obi-Wan bowed shortly as he came to a stop, fighting the urge to look away from Mace's strong gaze.

"It is good to see both of you back among us alive, and with little injury," Mace welcomed them when everyone had entered. "We will have a discussion later on this, for now, refreshment and medical care are…greatly needed," he added the last statement after a pause, taking in their worn and dirtied appearance.

"Masters, if I can only explain," Obi-Wan started, stepping forward. But Mace Windu raised his hand.

"We will discuss that later, Obi-Wan. At high noon," he told them both, "We will be waiting."

"Much to discuss, we have," Yoda suddenly spoke, "But come first, rest and care does. Speak later, of these matters, we shall."

The lake was a glorious sight as the young padawan sat before it, legs crossed, eyes closed halfway. The medics had tended to his wounds by hand, they were not serious enough to be considered for a bacta tank, but it was necessary to close some of the larger welts. Even though it had been done to help, his back certainly hurt a lot more now. He focused on the Force, excepting the pain, letting it flow through his body, and out with each passing breath. He grasped the Force, letting it circle around him, smiling softly. It was a wondrous feeling to be able to harness it again. He would never soon forget it.

His smile broadened into a grin when someone sat besides. "I'm fine," he said quickly, before the other had the chance to ask.

He gave Bant a sideways look as she smiled back at him. "I'm sorry Obi-Wan, I was in class when you returned, I came as soon as I could."

"I know," Obi-Wan nodded, "That was why I came here."

She smiled. "I'm so glad you are back," she admitted, placing a hand on his shoulder.

Obi-Wan nodded. He was glad to be back too, but for how long?

"What is it?" Bant asked softly, seeing the change in his eyes.

Obi-Wan shook his head. "Nothing, it is nothing. Let us enjoy this moment as it is." He wasn't about to worry his friend over such a small matter. At least not now.

Obi-Wan had remembered the council room being rather large, but the current moment, it felt as though he could barely move. Qui-Gon stood next to him, head held high. The council did not frighten him, but it made the young padawan feel vulnerable.

"We will send another team to oversee the burial of the dead, and restore rightful order to the planet of Rixein, we have enough collected information to prove that Xanatos took control over the planet after the death of the King and Queen. A proper election will take place to determine the new leaders, seeing that the last of the bloodline no longer exists. As for the two of you," Mace Windu turned his gaze on the young padawan.

Obi-Wan overcame the urge to turn away, and held his head high like his Master beside him.

"Obi-Wan, you involved another student in the theft of a ship, you left without the council's consent, and under strict orders to remain at the temple. We have received word from a source that the ship you stole is now…lost, and you endangered another team by the simple fact they had to search for you. Do you deny any of this?"

Obi-Wan shook his head, "No, I cannot Master," he swallowed.

Mace nodded his head. "Then it is herby agreed upon by the Council that we have no choice, but to once again place you under probation.'

Obi-Wan started to nod, but then stopped. "Probation?" he wondered.

Mace gazed at him thoughtfully. "Is that a problem, Kenobi?"

Obi-Wan quickly shook his head. "No Master, but I assumed that after what I had done, it would be sent away from the order."

"It was a thought," Mace stated. "But the Council decided that it would be unjust to punish you for what you had been so well taught," he remarked quietly, his gaze drifting over Qui-Gon.

"Do you have any arguments?"

Obi-Wan shook his head again. "No Master."

Beside him, his Master nodded. "A very well chosen decision."

"Certainly," Mace answered, turning to Qui-Gon. "This is why we are placing both of you under probation."

Qui-Gon frowned, blinking. "Both?"

"Keep you both here, the only way to keep you out of harm, it seems to be," Yoda announced, speaking for the first time.

"Unless you have a problem with that, Master Jinn?"

Obi-Wan tried hard not to laugh at the thought of his Master being rebuked. Qui-Gon shook his head. "No Masters, that will not be a problem."

Yoda nodded. "Give time to heal and think, it will. Use the time wisely, you should."

With a bow, both of them left the council room. Obi-Wan let out a sigh, relieved. He was going to stay, they weren't going to send him away. He glanced at his Master who was still scowling.

"There serving supper in the lunch room," Obi-Wan told him gently.

Qui-Gon watched him for a moment, then smiled. "I'm glad to see you back to yourself Padawan. Let us go eat then, we are no hurry to get anywhere anytime soon."

"For now," Obi-Wan said, smiling, following after his Master.

The End

Wow, there we go, the finish, fine, done, over and out, however you want to say it. I hope you all enjoyed reading it, I certainly enjoyed writing it. Read below to find about my next story.

Note If you have not read Deceptions, the special edition of Jedi Apprentice, the following story my cause some confusion to you. Just let me know and I'll give you a quick fill in about the story, as best asI can anyway, unless you wish to go out and get it and read it yourself, then I'll keep quiet.

Daunting Fabrication

Obi-Wan Kenobi was blamed for the death of another student, but in the end his name was cleared and he was proven innocent. But now, new evidence has arisen, proving that Obi-Wan may not have been as innocent as the Council thought. Was there more to Bruck's death than originally thought, or is there someone plotting falsified evidence against Obi-Wan? Now Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan as well as the Council must figure out what really happened, before a final judgment is given, and all becomes lost.

I'm not sure when this story will be started, I will have to see how much time I have with the Holiday Season and all. But it will be posted by the first of the New Year at the latest…hopefully…that is my goal anyway.

Please Read and Review!! I love Reviews!!

R2R

SirNothAppearingInThisFilm-

I must say, that is one of the most interesting pen names I have come across so far, that or 'evil marshmallow of doom' not quite sure what one it is. I'm not sure if Awesomeness is a word, lemme look, and surprise, it is a word…wow, could have fooled me there. I'm not sure why word wrap does that, I don't use word wrap so I would have the faintest clue. I've never been to Texas either, so I don't know what the Big Bend is, I never heard of it. And you are right, I'm sort of, kinda lost on what you are talking about, but I'm glad you liked it!

Happy Holidays and a Bright New Year.

K-Rock-

Yay, I am back! FF was done for that upgrade, so I was going to post after they were done, then it was down again, after that I got so busy I just didn't have time. I think we kill off the bad turned good guys because it builds more sympathy for them…just my guess though. Thankies for the complement. Happy Holidays and a Bright New Year

Lalya91-

Surprise, the villain is dead and there still is more to the story…not something you see too often I don't think…

Happy Holidays and a Bright New Year

Kynstar-

I would call it courageous, that or stupid. Who knows ey? And it was Master Mayx's shot that killed Xanatos, btw. Thanks for the compliment, would it surprise you to know that action scenes are the hardest for me to write?? Happy Holidays and a Bright New Year.

Mellaithwen-

Serr did die doing the right thing, yes. I figure he should have the chance to redeem himself. I figure we didn't do too bad of a job, we finished our stories at the same time, almost the same time anyways.

And yes, Adi is a bit strict; I figured it was something she would say. She still feels bad for him, but it's like my little brother. He played with matches tonight, could have burned the house down if our fire alarm didn't go off. He's pretty much in trouble right now; he's grounded for a while. I feel bad for him, but he deserved what he got, a few weeks of missing what he likes will make him think twice before pulling a stunt like that.

I wasn't able to write it with Qui or Obi killing Xanatos, it just didn't seem right. So I had someone else do it. Makes things flow smoother I think.

Hey, I got everyone done for Christmas Shopping!! ish so happy too After I spent the hundreds of dollars…wait, I still have to get my dad, but I know what it is. So he is kind of taken care of, but not really…we have to order overline so it may not get here in time, but it is something he wants, and he will wait for it.

Until next time, Happy Holidays and a Bright New Year.

Master Kaym-

Thanks for reading!! Happy Holidays and a Bright New Year