I left the classroom with one of the worst headaches I had ever experienced. I knew it came from the stress and the strain of trying to keep up the act, but there was nothing to do for it. As they say… "The show must go on…"

*********************************************

Bant tried to catch up to Obi-Wan after class, but was left watching as he took off out of the room and raced down the hallway. \One would think he was being pursued by the Sith…\ the young Jedi mused, before turning her attention to her next class, and the quiz therein.

*********************************************

I've always hated running. My friends joke that it is because I am too lazy and prefer to be shuttled. I guess that's partly true, but it's not the real reason I don't like to run or jog or even take long walks. The real reason is much harder to overcome… and much more of a character flaw than laziness will ever be.

I just can't stand to be alone in my own head.

*********************************************

As Qui-Gon exited his last meeting for the day, it was only late morning. Normally the dreaded Council meetings lasted well into the evening hours, so an early release was a cherished one. Stopping back at the apartment he shared with his apprentice, the Master switched out of his formal tunic and robe and into an exercise tunic. He wanted to spend some time with Obi-Wan, and he knew that this was the only way to do it.

Gathering up his gym bag and re-securing his lightsaber to his belt, the Master paused just long enough for a quick meditation. "Please give me the answers for how I can help my Padawan. I don't know why he is suffering so," the Master pleaded, but as expected, the Force was ominously silent.

Rising from where he had dropped to his knees, Qui-Gon released his pent-up breath. Running a hand through his hair, and pulling it back securely in a tie; he then slung his bag over his shoulder and headed toward the training rooms.

*********************************************

I hate running… but I love training. Training is so different from running, it uses your mind and your skills and everything that you are… and if you're good enough, by the time you're done, there's nothing left of you.

*********************************************

Qui-Gon paused in the door of the private salle, spell-bound by the actions of his apprentice. Although it was a Master's duty to train his Padawan, obligations and meetings often times got in the way of the really hands-on aspects. As such, apprentices to busy Masters, found themselves left to train on their own more often than not. Though Qui-Gon tried to find time to spar with Obi-Wan at least once a day, it was rare for him to have the time to guide him through the katas.

Which should have served as an explanation for an apprentice falling behind in their physical studies… not excelling to a level well beyond that of his age mates. Yet as Qui-Gon watched he could easily recognize the form of the fifteenth level Kata, a level that most Knights had trouble with. \Have I really neglected him so much that he has succeeded so incredibly without me knowing?\

The Master was pulled from his musings abruptly as Obi-Wan registered his presence, stopping his formwork immediately and turning to face his silent watcher. "Master? Do you wish to spar?" the apprentice asked, gesturing to the Master's gym bag and workout tunics.

"No, Obi-Wan. I think I will work on my katas as well," the older Jedi answered, still distracted by the skill his young Padawan had exhibited.

"As you wish, my Master," Obi-Wan stated, bowing deferentially before turning back to his own training. Qui-Gon watched silently as he stretched, but was disappointed to see Obi-Wan revert to the more basic katas. \He doesn't want me to know that he has increased in skill so much? Or he is ashamed and afraid to make a mistake?\

Mulling the inadvertent discovery over in his mind, the Master found it difficult to focus on his own form. As he misstepped for the third time in a row, Qui-Gon finally gave up his attempts at an individual workout and turned to his silently laboring apprentice. "Obi-Wan, how about a match or two?" he asked with an attempt at a smile. As the Padawan turned to him, dropping his own pursuits instantly, the Master felt another surge of regret. \Oh Obi-Wan… should I not intrude on your personal time? Should I leave you?\

Before he could find a way to phrase his concerns, the Padawan moved to the defensive position, clearly waiting for the Master to begin. Igniting his emerald 'saber and jumping to the attack, Qui-Gon pushed his thoughts and worries to the side, focusing entirely on the moment…