Breathlessly, he said, "Bruck." He couldn't believe he hadn't felt him. But then again his mind was preoccupied with Qui-Gon Jinn. He had lost his chance to bypass his rival and avoid this encounter.

"Yes, Oafy? It's been a while hasn't it?"

"Please, not right now. Please."

"Why not? Afraid you'll kill me like your Master?" He taunted, a wicked grin on his lips. His smile broadened when he saw the pained and startled look in Obi-Wan's eyes. "Oh, yes, I know that you're Master's dead. I'm sure you had a hand in it," the white-haired boy snickered.

Obi-Wan's breath caught in his chest. "No," he mouthed before finally finding his voice, "I tried saving him. But I couldn't."

"Couldn't or didn't want to?"

His vision blurred at the accusation as the memory crashed into him again. Abruptly he closed his eyes to ward off the recollection. His voice broke, "I couldn't, he wouldn't let me." Still pressed against the wall, Obi-Wan's body went slack. Defeated. The nipa in his hand slipped from his grasp.

"I'm not surprised, if I were him I wouldn't have let you either. Now come on, let's go catch up on old times. The training rooms should still be free." Bruck yanked him from the wall and pushed him forward. Together they walked to one of the training rooms on the same level.

--

Qui-Gon was slowly making his way out of the Room of a Thousand Fountains. After Obi-Wan had run out, he was not really up to staying. As he walked along, he looked at his half-eaten fruit. He found that he was no longer hungry with the bitter taste in his mouth. He discarded it in a waste receptacle and headed for home.

He was walking along the halls, deep in thought when an odd sensation washed over him. He could feel a hint of apprehension and something darker. But then the sensation seemed to be pulled away from him, like a vacuum suddenly swallowed them up. His heart skipped a beat as he realized what he felt. Frantically, he looked around searching for something. Then his eyes spotted it. On the ground near the wall sat a nipa fruit. Automatically, he went over to it and picked it up. It was much softer than before as if it ripened within the few minutes he had given it to Obi-Wan.

He looked up then, seeing if he could catch a glimpse of the youth but found none. But something didn't feel right to him. He hurried through the halls seeking out that void that was becoming more and more familiar to him.

--

"Which would you prefer, Oafy? Saber or hand-to-hand? Either way you're taking a beating."

"Please Bruck, not now." Obi-Wan said from the floor. Bruck had pushed him down on the mat once they reached the salle. He didn't have the strength to get up and fight back. But more importantly, he didn't have the will either.

"Come on, Oafy, we haven't sparred in a while. It'll be fun, and serve as a good reminder of how worthless you are."

"Why must you torment me so? I told you I was sorry for what happened. But that doesn't matter to you, does it?"

"Shut up and fight." Bruck plucked his saber from his belt and held it aloft, unlit.

"I won't fight you Bruck. I won't play along this time." He was getting more and more tired. His body may have been healed but as a whole he was no where near fully recovered.

Bruck scowled and lit his saber. He commanded his opponent, "Fight!" Then charged the kneeling form.

Obi-Wan barely had time to block. In the Temple, the Force was easily accessible once you knew how to tap it and he was able to pull some strength from the general populace rather than a specific source. His hand shot up at the same moment Bruck's humming blade descended. But it never made contact. Instead it stopped a few inches from pale flesh. Frustrated, Bruck withdrew and prepared for another strike. Obi-Wan struggled to his feet knowing that remaining where he was would be worse.

Snarling, Bruck attacked again. Each blow came quicker and with more force, but each strike was blocked with nothing more than the Force. Obi-Wan tried to keep up, he was beginning to sweat and his breathing was coming in ragged gulps. Bruck realized quickly that Obi-Wan would not be able to maintain his defense for long. Slowly, he widdled away at Obi-Wan's waning strength. To his satisfaction, he noticed with each failed hit that his blade was getting closer and closer to its goal. A malicious grin formed when he saw Obi-Wan wince at the last strike. He knew victory was close.

Taking another step forward, he feigned left, spun and struck. It was a relatively simple move to block which is why it made the victory that much sweeter. A pained cry escaped his rival as he fell to the ground. He watched on as Obi-Wan clutched at his arm just below the shoulder. His stance shifted to a lax position as he came up beside the wounded boy. "It's useless you know. Whether or not you fight me, I'll still win." Wide sea-washed eyes looked up at him, pained and pleading. "I think it's time we finished this round." He raised his saber, intending to deal out another slash.

Obi-Wan peered up at his rival and begged, "please, don't." The look that greeted his plea was one of disgust and malice. Bruck had no intention of backing down now, now that he saw nothing but triumph. Obi-Wan closed his eyes and let his head drop waiting for the blow to strike. But instinct took over despite his willingness to succumb to fate. And soon he felt the Force swell and ripple out, creating a type of Force wave that rolled out around him and knocked the domineering youth from his feet, tossing him about a metre away. The wave died quickly, not nearly at the strength it should or rather could be.

Immediately after landing, Bruck struggled back to his feet. He approached with venom in his voice, "How dare you?" Daggers in his clear blue eyes, he was preparing to lash out once more when a new voice cut through the room.

"What is going on here?" Qui-Gon demanded as he entered the room. His gaze sweeping the scene and taking in the situation quickly. He felt the strange disturbance from the hall, he was just starting to locate the void when the hole trembled and he was starting to feel the multitude of emotions that had been hidden. That's when he felt the ripple and knew he had found Obi-Wan. But he didn't know why the ripple had occurred but looking at the pair he began to see.

Bruck's entire demeanor shifted automatically. He smiled cautiously at the Knight. "Sorry to disturb you, Master, but Obi-Wan and I were just sparring. You know, catching up. We haven't seen each other in a while. I guess we were just letting the fight get the better of us."

Half-truths, that is what Qui-Gon could sense from this unfamiliar Padawan. He didn't believe him completely but there was truth behind some of what he said. He regarded the white-haired boy incredulously. "It appears that Padawan Kenobi has conceded, maybe you should go clean up. A class will be here shortly, Padawan….." He looked questioningly at the youth.

"Chun, sir. Bruck Chun." Something sparked in the man's eyes that Bruck could not name. Instead, he decided that it was best if they left now. Turning to his sparring partner, he suggested in a hard tone, "Come on, Obi, I think it's time we go."

"No, you go on ahead Padawan Chun. I will assist Padawan Kenobi." Qui-Gon instantly recognized the name of Obi-Wan's childhood tormentor. He remembered the young Calamarian's words, From that day on, Obi submitted to whatever cruelties Bruck designed for him. He knew then and there that he had to separate the pair before more damage could be done.

Stealing one more glance in Obi-Wan's direction, Bruck bowed slightly and dutifully answered, "Yes, Master." Then walked out heatedly.

Qui-Gon sighed before turning back to the form on the ground. He moved over to Obi-Wan and crouched down so that he could speak softly. Once again before he could say anything he was cut off. "What are you doing here, Master Jinn? Are you tormenting me on purpose or do you just like following me around and butting in when it's not your concern?"

"It was not my intention to follow you when I left the gardens. But I felt a disturbance and found the nipa on the ground. You said you loved them yet it was discarded in the hall. Even the youngest initiates know how to use a waste receptacle. I thought you might be in a spot of trouble."

"I don't need you to rescue me. I can take care of myself." Hard cold eyes glared up at him now. Qui-Gon leaned back slightly as a result, giving the boy space.

"I am certain you are quite capable under normal circumstances but you have been through enough right now that you do not need his abuse on top of it."

"What happens between Bruck and me is my own business. Just stay out of it." With great effort, Obi-Wan got to his feet, still clutching at the burn wound on his arm.

Qui-Gon noticed the charred fringes of cloth under the boy's hand. "You are wounded."

Obi-Wan took a defensive step backward. "I can take care of it." But Qui-Gon was already reaching for it. In desperation, he shrugged away from the grasp and let out a pained hiss, wincing. Before Qui-Gon could make another move, Obi-Wan darted from the room.

The Knight stood debating on whether or not to go after him. But his conscience made him hesitate. Once again his best intentions had only driven the boy further away from him. To chase him now would only make things worse. So instead of listening to his heart, he deferred to logic and went back to his room.

------------------------

Absently, his thumb and forefinger gently rubbed his chin while he sat in his favourite chair. He pondered the recent events, mulling them over and over again in his mind. The universe never ceased to amaze him and the past 48 hours have been the most turbulent by far. And above all things, Qui-Gon disliked his world in chaos. So it was quickly becoming his obsession to find a solution. And so his thoughts were predominated by the enigma that began this wild storm.

Of course, he didn't know why the boy plagued him so. Maybe it was curiosity or his drive to solve riddles or could it be something else? He had been given the answers he sought. After the incident on Melida/Daan, Qui-Gon was able to discover why he had blacked out. That had been his original goal. Then why was he still thinking about Obi-Wan Kenobi?

And that was what he had been trying to figure out since their last encounter. Qui-Gon wished in some way they could have started over. But if time could roll back, he would then have to face the boy's previous Master, Garg Klp, and that was something he refused to do. When he had first met the boy, his manner was mild but the logic in many ways resembled that of his Master. He was cool, emotionless and determined to continue a mission that had already been deemed a failure. But it was also the boy's stubbornness that brought them back to Coruscant. He had been wounded, which Qui-Gon realized he had never really discovered how, and been ignoring it. An infection set in and when he had drained all his strength, the boy collapsed and that's when it was discovered.

So they rushed back to Coruscant and he learned of Force Channelers. Could it be that he wanted to know more about their abilities that kept his thoughts on Obi-Wan? Perhaps that was it. He needed to know what they could do. Master Uvontra had indicated that they could be very dangerous if not handled properly. Or if they fell to the darkside. The thought sent a shiver up his spine. For some reason, he didn't believe that Obi-Wan would ever turn, but what if he were forced into it?

He also had some questions for the Troll. He was beginning to suspect that the little green Master knew more than the boy's Channeling abilities. There was a hint of uneasiness during their meeting when he mentioned his black out and they were all too quick to dismiss the incident. Which led him to wonder if maybe the Jedi were being shielded for other reasons. These considerations brought him back to Obi-Wan. If there was something on the horizon, Qui-Gon had a suspicion that Obi-Wan and those like him could be the key.

Could there be someone out there lurking, waiting for the chance to spring on the Jedi or Republic and in the process use those select few to conquer the rest of the universe? He recalled Melida/Daan, just the power to deflect blaster fire without the use of a lightsaber was incredible. And the ripple he felt outside the training room was fascinating. In his mind's eye it reminded him exactly like a pebble had been thrown into the middle of a smooth pond. But only one wave had fanned out. The curiosity was eating away at his resolve. What else was the boy capable of? How well could he control his abilities? In a way he longed to know what it was like to have that kind or power. To be that close to the Force that it is infused within your entire being. The thought was intoxicating.

His mind flitted from one thought to the next, unable to settle on one notion or another. If only he was able to work with the boy more. There was so much he could learn. And not only that, he could teach the boy as well. The Padawan's emotions were in chaos, that much he knew. If given the chance he could show him how to control those emotions, not simply bury them. There had to be a way to draw him out, to get him to let go, the question was, how? And even if he figured out the answer, would he be given the opportunity to try?

Sighing, he closed his eyes and moved his hand from his chin to his temples. The inner turmoil was beginning to give him a headache. Just then he heard his door chime. His thoughts interrupted, he rose from the chair to see who it was. It opened to reveal a beautiful face. "Tahl," he smiled then frowned again at her worried expression. "What is it?" He saw Bant standing right behind her Master, her eyes rimmed with tears.

"Obi-Wan is missing. He was supposed to meet with Master Uvontra over an hour ago to be placed with a temporary Master, but he never showed up."

"But I only saw him about two hours ago, where could he have gone?"

"We don't know. We've checked all the usual places but no one's been able to find him."

Qui-Gon stood, his mind racing. He chastised himself once again for not listening to his instincts and chasing after the boy. The situation was dire, Obi-Wan was becoming increasingly unstable and now he was beyond their reach to help. "I should have followed him," he whispered. "I should have made him go back to the Healers."

Bant looked up at the tall man questioningly, "But he was released from the Healer's this morning."

"I know. But apparently, Padawan Chun and Obi-Wan decided to spar and Obi-Wan was injured." Bant's hand flew up to cover her mouth as she gasped.

"He fought with Bruck?" Her voice was strained.

Sadly, he nodded. "Yes, I was able to break it up but not before Obi-Wan was hurt. He ran out on me and I decided not to chase him."

"Why?! How could you??" She demanded, her voice trembling. "We'll never find him now. He's closed himself. He's shielded himself and disappeared." She fell into her Master and was quickly embraced. The young Calamarian cried into Tahl's stomach. Lovingly, the female Knight hugged her Padawan. Concerned green and yellow striped eyes turned toward Qui-Gon. They pleaded with him.

"I want to help with the search. I was able to locate him before when he was with Bruck. Perhaps I can find him again."

Sniffling, Bant looked at the man incredulously. "How could you locate him? No one has been able to find him when he closes himself off. It's like he doesn't exist."

"I do not know how to explain it exactly, but when I sense him, it is like blackhole. Impenetrable, yet seen because it is pulling everything in around it. May I come with you?"

"Please, Qui. If there's any chance that you can find him…" Together the trio quickly left. Qui-Gon concentrated as he walked searching for that familiar sensation.

--

He didn't know where he was going, just that he could stay there any longer. Jinn always managed to confuse him and he didn't want to deal with it now. Besides, he wanted to get away from Bruck as quickly as possible as well. He knew the boy would be looking for him again since their little meeting had been broken up. He ran for a little while but soon resolved to just walking absently through the halls.

He didn't know what was happening to him. He was confused all the time and he couldn't really concentrate like he used to. Checking his shields, he found them intact but barely. All his strength went toward maintaining his barriers. If they cracked…..well, he didn't exactly know what would happen but he knew it would be bad.

For what must have been an hour, he walked aimlessly. When others passed him in the halls, he put his all into cloaking himself from their prying eyes. His shields were fading, he could sense it. The thoughts of those around him were slipping through. A constant whispering murmur filtered into his thoughts. He needed to find a place far from the main mass of occupants. He tried to think, tried to find a place, but it was becoming increasingly difficult.

The pain in his arm throbbed continuously and was distracting him even further. He soon found himself in some of the lower levels of the Temple that were seldom used any more. It was gradual but the voices began to fade. As they drifted further into the background, he started feeling the toll on his body. His bout with Bruck, the pain in his arm, his failing strength, it was getting to be too much. Eventually, he stopped and leaned against the wall. Obi-Wan was surprised to realize that his body was trembling slightly from his exertions. Deciding that he needed to rest, he slid down the wall to the floor, merely breathing.

He didn't know how much time had passed but he could feel his body relaxing. The only real concern was the hot wound in his arm. Touching it tenderly, he winced. It needed treatment but he was not about to head all the way back up to the Healer's now. He realized then that he had missed his appointment with Master Uvontra and banged his head against the wall in frustration. If he hurried he could get back there without causing too much worry. But he couldn't go with a nasty burn on his arm. He had to tone it down before meeting with anyone.

He knew it was risky but his problems with Bruck were just that, his problems. No one else needed to be involved. That was the way it had been for the past few years now and that was the way it was going to stay. Looking at his arm, he brought his other hand up to hover next to it. Concentration was fleeting but he had to heal the wound somewhat. Soon he started to feel a gentle warmth fill his arm, easing the pain in charred muscles. He sighed. The pounding ache became a mild discomfort. Looking at it again, it looked much better. It would do for now, he decided.

The next instant he had a hard time getting a full breath. The comforting warmth in his arm was quickly searing through his body. Oh no. He thought. Hastily, he tried to sever his connection to the Force, to stop its pull to his body, but he couldn't break it. His heart began to race, pounding mercilessly in his ear. He could feel the power building steadily within. He knew that soon it would have to be released, but how?

Struggling to his feet, he needed to get away. It was building too fast for him to contain. Pushing off the wall he staggered a few steps. Every movement exploded in agony. His small frame was being overloaded and he couldn't stop it. Obi-Wan had to find a place where he could shield the others from the swell. Suddenly, an idea popped into his head. Or more accurately something he recalled when he had first learned of his abilities.

Yoda had come to talk with him about it. He told him that he was different, that the Force did not just course through him but it was a part of him. And without proper training he could cause a lot of damage. What he mentioned next had frightened for a long time. If there was ever a time when he could not control the power within him, he would be taken to special room deep in the underbelly of the Temple. It had been constructed a long time ago when they were still learning about what a Force Channeler could do. The rooms themselves were heavily Force shielded and were used to contain them when needed.

Yoda had then taken him to the room once, to show him what it was like. Glancing around, he knew that he wasn't far. It would just be a matter of getting there. Taking a few more steps, the pain crashed into him. He didn't get far when he finally stumbled and fell to the ground, curling in on himself. He wasn't going to make.

--

Qui-Gon could feel a hint of that void somewhere in the distance. But he was not capable of pinpointing it yet. He hoped as he got closer to the source he would be able to hone in on the boy. They had originally decided to go up a few levels to some of the observatories to see if Obi-Wan had gone there. But as soon as the lift began to rise, he commanded it to stop. It felt wrong. Soon they were descending back down into the main compound of the Temple.

Together the trio searched. The lower they got the more Qui-Gon could feel the void. Soon he had them going further into the base of the Temple and into the levels that were no longer in use. As they continued down, he was able to get a better direction in which to follow.

When the lift opened again, the trio stepped out. Standing there, the two women waited for Qui-Gon's instructions. He was about to point down a hallway, when a sensation washed over them. Instantly, they glanced at each other perplexed at first but realization slowly dawning on them. Automatically, they began running through the hall to the source. Rounding a corner, they skidded to a halt. Their hearts clenched at the sight.

On the ground, Obi-Wan lay in a huddle. Violent tremors coursing through his body. Moans escaped past grinding teeth. They could feel the power growing. It was one of the most frightening things they had ever seen.

----------------------

Cautiously, Qui-Gon approached Obi-Wan. As he drew nearer he could feel the Force emanating from the boy. For the first time since their meeting, the young Padawan did not speak first which meant that he was not aware of the Master's presence. Qui-Gon knelt down next to the youth and gently placed a hand on a trembling shoulder. Immediately, his hand shot back. When they touched it was like a surge of electricity coursed up the man's arm. Even now it still tingled from the contact. Despite this, it achieved the desired effect. Obi-Wan's eyes popped open.

It almost knocked the Knight over. Haunted, pained and pleading oceans stared up at him. So often he had only seen hints of emotion in those depths but now, now there was an overabundance. Somewhere inside him he thought that the range of feeling he saw made them more captivating and inviting. But he quickly pushed this thought aside when a strained and shaky voice begged, "r-room……hafto…..get………please"

Confusion clearly shown on his face, "Room? What room, Obi-Wan?" The boy's eyes clenched and he fell back moaning once again. Qui-Gon waited apprehensively for an answer that wasn't coming. "Obi-Wan, what room?"

"Force Chambers below we must take him. Quickly." The trio turned to see the little green Master walking down the hall. He urged, "Hurry we must."

Nodding, but not quite understanding, Qui-Gon turned back to the youth. He bent down even further to whisper gently in the child's ear. "Obi-Wan, we are going to take you to the room now but I will need to carry you." Aquamarine gems fluttered open, but there was understanding in them as well. Taking a deep breath, he reached down and picked the fragile form up. Gratefully, the boy did reign in the power tighter, reducing the charge he had felt down to mild tingling in his arms and chest where he held the boy closely.

The now quartet rushed through the halls down a few more levels and entered a strange hallway. At the end of which was a set of double doors. Walking through they found a huge spacious room and in the center sat a large metal box with a door. "In there, quickly." Yoda commanded. Tahl had lifted up the tiny Master onto a stool, he then punched in a number of codes into a keypad next to the door. Automatically, it swung open and a light turned on inside.

His attention was drawn to the figure in his arms. "can't…..hold….."

"Now, Qui-Gon."

He looked at the Master one last time before making his way inside. The interior was very plain and very white. The only piece of furniture in the room was a thin sleep couch in the corner. He took a step in its direction but dropped to his knee instead when Obi-Wan's body arched almost causing him to drop him. The shaking had increased tenfold. Through chittering teeth, Obi-Wan cried, "Leave!" Somehow he found the strength to push at the Knight.

The intense electric charge was back, Qui-Gon could do little else than let the boy slide out of his arms to the floor. The small body continued to thrash. "Go!" A desperate scream escaped Obi-Wan.

Qui-Gon was back peddling his way out of the room, his eyes never leaving the youth. As soon as he stumbled over the threshold, the door slid closed. One tiny window was inlaid to the door allowing him to watch the boy's throes. Stunned and entranced at the same time he watched as the power finally overcame the child. All those standing beyond the door heard the piercing scream that tore out of the boy's throat. An instant later, they felt the swell in the Force that crashed through the room and even past the reinforced walls to roll out through the Temple.

He, like the others, took a step or two back but that was all. A bit awestruck, he was amazed at what happened. What he felt when the power was released was almost soothing. The only thing his mind could compare it to was when he floated in an ocean near a beach and his toes were still just barely touching the sand. Wading in the water, a wave would come, lift him smoothly and place him back where he was. A gentle rocking kind of motion. It was incredible.

In the levels high above, the rest of the Jedi felt the wave pass through them. Amazingly enough and unbeknownst to them, the wave wasn't confined to the Jedi's home but swept over part of the cityplanet as well. Many of the Force-sensitives felt something but had no idea what it was. However, in the Senate district one person recognized it, if not entirely, enough to pique his curiosity. Yes, he would definitely have to look into it.

Meanwhile, Qui-Gon continued to stare into the room. He went to touch the keypad and open the door. A tiny clawed hand stopped him though. Startled, he looked down at Yoda. "I have to go to Obi-Wan."

"Not yet."

"And why not?" His tone harsher than he intended.

"Because, the Force is still bouncing around in there Qui." They turned to find Mace Windu joining them. "That is a Force Dampening Chamber. It is capable of containing the Force without completely cutting it off from the occupant. But when the Force is used inside, what ever it is, it ricochets off the walls and must dispel slowly within. And the kind of power that was just released, well we must wait until it is safe to go in."

Qui-Gon looked back into the room. The tiny frame had collapsed to the ground, mostly on his stomach but that was all he could see. Obi-Wan was turned away from them. Annoyed, he glared at the dark Councilor, "Safe? And what about Obi-Wan?"

"Unharmed, Obi-Wan is…"

"Unharmed?? You call that unharmed?" He gestured to the window. The boy was too still for Qui-Gon's liking. There was no way to tell from here if he was even alive, but neither could he say that he was dead.

"Qui-Gon, you are letting your emotions rule you again. You need to let us finish. In the Archives, there have been two documented cases like this. From what we are able to discern, since Obi-Wan was the originator, any repercussions would not harm him. If you or I were in the chamber with him, it's quite possible we would have been killed. That room is supposed to be able to contain any Force efforts and yet we all still felt something. His abilities are even beyond anything the Jedi have seen before."

As much as all this fascinated him, his concern was more pressing, "And when will it be safe to enter?"

"We don't know. I already told you that we have nothing to compare this to. It could be hours, minutes or days."

"We are not leaving him alone in there for days. He needs to be taken to the Healers."

"Remove him from the Chamber we cannot." Disbelieving the Knight looked over at the small Councilor sharply. Before he could say anything in protest though, Yoda offered some sort of explanation, "Not until his powers he can better control. We were fortunate to be close, but guarantee that next time we cannot."

"So we are just going to leave him isolated from the rest? How can he recover in such a detestable setting?"

"Alone he will not be."

"I have already contacted Master Uvontra. She will be here shortly and then we will decide what must be done." Mace informed him.

But that still didn't help with the current situation. Glaring at them, he announced in a clear voice, "While you all wait to discuss this, I will be going in to check on Obi-Wan." The others tried to protest but Qui-Gon's mind was made up. He hit the open key on the pad and the door slid aside. He quickly stepped inside and the door closed behind him. His heart skipped a beat. The boy lay on the ground, unmoving.

Instinctively, he took a step closer but was held back as a Force aftershock passed over him. Faltering a step, he was able to keep his footing and then rushed over to Obi-Wan. He hesitated for only a moment before scooping the slack body into his arms. As the boy rolled over, Qui-Gon noticed how deathly pale Obi-Wan had become. Tear trails covered his thin cheeks. The boy's mouth was slightly open and Qui placed a hand just above it. A wash of relief went through him, as he felt the very slight exhale on his palm, confirming the Padawan was still alive.

Not even realizing, he pulled the boy closely to him, hugging him firmly but tenderly. He never wanted to let Obi-Wan go. Somehow in the midst of their squabbles he had grown to love the boy. And the thought of losing him was more than the Knight could bear. It was then that he felt the tears that were coursing down his own face. Not thinking, he pressed his weathered cheek against the boy's forehead.

Perhaps it was the feeling of moisture on his skin and the pocket of safety that enveloped him that roused the boy, a pained and weary moan tore at his shredded throat. Ginger lashes parted briefly, recognition flickered in the tired gaze. Before slipping back into oblivion, a raspy whisper met the Knight's ears. "Master."

"Rest, Padawan. I will watch over you." He shooshed him quietly, giving him a light squeeze of reassurance. Nestled in the lap of the Knight, Obi-Wan drifted back into the night - confused, tired, uncertain yet feeling incredibly loved and secure. For the first time in what seemed like ages, he closed his eyes and wasn't greeted with nightmares.

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Well, my muse has actually come back for the moment. I will do my best to finally catch up, sorry for the delays. But you know, reviews really help to inspire my muse. Please let me know what you think! I would greatly appreciate it!!! :D

Tholhidhwen – Thank you very much. I like toying with the possibilities of the Force and how it is interpreted. :D

K-rock – So, you in to politics?? I'm not. I try to stay as far away as I can. Not that I don't want to have my voice heard, but when you know it won't matter, it just seems so pointless. I'm glad someone gets it because I sure don't. Oh well, as for RH, I like what you've done and I like the revision too. I can't wait for more. Hopefully I can get back to that soon too. I hope everything's well, holidays, school, family. As always thanks for reading!! :D

Dracula's Lair – Yeah, cliffies are a specialty of mine. :) I just love them!! :D

Nefhiriel – Sorry for the delay. I hope you like what's happened. :D Thanks.

Itha Arrowland – Wow, thank you very much. It's funny, I often feel like I'm struggling to get things out. It's so good to know I'm not doing too shabby. ;) I like layering. Subtlety is fun and interweaving things can be tricky but rewarding! ;) Thanks again!! :D

Lighted eagle – Haven't seen you around for a while. I hope everything's going well. LOL, I thought you would be used to my cliffies by now. ;) So, what other fandoms you into?? (I kinda ditched too, for anime. ;) So I know what ya mean. ) LOL, I don't have much dexterity, I can think of a few others who's words are simple, smooth and sweet. Mine somehow manage to work together. ;) Thanks I really appreciate it!! :D I'm just glad to see an old friend. So, Thank you for stopping by and reading!!! :D

Thanks again everyone for reading. Please don't forget to review. I would really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, appreciate it! :D Thanks.

Oh yeah, useless bits of information about this fic and me. ;) Last chap had this fic at 22,222 Words. And after this post, I'll be over 400,000 total words archived. And that's under this name alone! Who-hoo!!! :D I'm probably close to 450,000 in total over the three names. And that's pretty exciting for me. I never thought I would make it past my first two fics. Dang those plot bunnies!! Hehe. Thanks again to all those who have supported me over the past two years! You guys ROCK!!! :D :D :D