Disclaimer: Star Wars brings in tons of money and as I have not seen a single cent of that money, I am not George Lucas and therefore don't own Star Wars. And sadly, that means I don't own Obi-Wan either.

Summary: The second story in the Jedi Trials series. Obi-Wan's been captured, Qui-Gon's left the Jedi Order, and Anakin must learn to trust his new Master. The Republic is on the brink of war and only Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon, and Anakin can save the galaxy.

Author's Notes: Another update for my excellent readers. I don't have very much to say this time, so I'll let you get on with the story.

Out of Phase - No, you must breathe! Don't die on me!

Sirithiliel - I hope the wait wasn't too long.

Revan631 - I'm glad you enjoyed that style of writing. I'm not sure how often I'll use it, but I thought it fit the setting well.

Doreenthatshot - I'm glad you approve. Thanks for the review!

Anakin's Girl 4eva - I'll make sure and tell him that. Thanks for the lovely review.

Katieelessar - Warm, fuzzy socks with pictures of Obi-Wan and lightsabers on them? Well, that's different! I love blonde moments...sometimes, unless I'm taking a test and have one. Then they're just crappy.

The Strange - You'll have to read to find out!

PuffyCheese - I'm not? I wouldn't be so sure if I were you...

Funyun - "Do not assume anything, Obi-Wan." Erm...I mean, don't be so sure about Anakin. I've still a long way to go with this story. But don't worry, next chapter you will get the answer to your question...well, one of them. Don't be a passive reader; your reviews always make me smile.

Charie - Maybe, or maybe not. You'll just have to read to find out. Thanks for the review.

Ally127 - Would you like a box of tissue before you continue reading the Obi-angst?

Gilraen Aclamense - Thanks for the review! I'm glad you like the story.

SWTKD - I'm glad to hear from you again. I'm glad you think this story is just as good as the last one. My goal was to make it just as good, if not better. I'm happy to hear that I'm living up to that goal. Thanks for the review.

MusicDreamer7 - I'll be nice and tell you that Dooku is a Sith. Whether he's the Sith that captured Obi-Wan or not, I won't tell you that answer. I am sad to say that there will be some damage done, but that's all I'm saying. I've probably said too much already.

Estel la Rodeuse - I totally agree with you. Qui-Gon isawesome. Thanks for the kind review.

Torture and Death

By Kekelina

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Chapter Five: The New Master

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Obi-Wan was so thirsty. His lips were parched and cracked. His tongue felt like his tunic had been shoved in his mouth. He ran his tongue over his lips in hopes of stalling the stinging pain, but he only irritated the cuts more. His blood tasted metallic.

How long had it been since he'd tasted the sweet, cool, clear, life-giving substance called water? How much longer could he last without it? He could only suck down saliva for so long before his body realized it wasn't what he needed. Already his headaches were getting worse, and his body felt weaker by the second. How long would it be before full dehydration set in?

How much longer would his body let him live?

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Anakin walked into the Jedi Council chambers, head held high, robes swishing lightly as he walked. He wouldn't let the Council see how much he missed his Master, how much he wanted him by his side. Had it only been two days since he had left? It felt like so much more.

He had loved his Master like a son loved a father. Master Qui-Gon had been the only father he ever had. Cliegg Lars was his stepfather, yes, but Anakin hadn't spent the last ten years under his tutelage, learning about the mysterious ways of the Force and of life. He hadn't spent the last ten years going on deadly missions, knowing he'd always be there for him…or so he'd thought.

Qui-Gon had abandoned him on Tatooine! What kind of Master did that to an apprentice? What kind of father did that to his son? Hadn't he remembered what Anakin had just gone through with losing his mother? Didn't he realize that watching him take off in his cruiser, leaving him on the Force-forsaken planet of Tatooine was like watching his mother die all over again? Didn't he understand how much Anakin needed him? His guidance, his understanding, his love? Anakin wanted his father so badly. He missed him. Didn't he understand that?

"A difficult situation, put us in, Qui-Gon has."

Anakin's attention snapped back to the Council room and the wise Jedi Masters sitting there, all looking at him. For the first time, Anakin realized that Knight Eerin stood only several feet beside him, her silver eyes fixed on the diminutive green Master speaking. He cast a sideways glance her way. Why did she need to be there too? This business was between him and the Council. He didn't need some random Knight to be present as well.

"Unsure what to do with you, we are."

Anakin looked at Yoda, shocked. Was the little green one suggesting that he wouldn't continue his training? He knew none of the Council had wanted him trained in the beginning, but they had eventually turned around and seen Qui-Gon's way of thinking. Or had they? Was this the moment they had been waiting for? The moment where they could finally kick him out on the streets? He was a Jedi! He wanted to finish his training more than anything else in the universe! Surely they saw how close he was to taking the trials. They'd let him continue his training, wouldn't they?

Anakin felt it was time to speak his thoughts…well, a more watered-down version of his thoughts. "Master, I…" he began hesitantly. Yoda only looked at him curiously. "I would like to finish my training. I want to be a Jedi."

Yoda pursed his lips and let out a 'hmph' like he did when he disagreed with something Qui-Gon had said. "Discussing your future as a Jedi, we were not. Merely trying to decide best suited for you, which Master is, we are."

Anakin lowered his head in embarrassment as he felt a slight blush creep over his cheeks. He should've just kept his mouth shut, and realized the Council would never have kicked him out. He had spoken before he thought again. What would Qui-Gon have said?

Don't be rash, Anakin.

Anakin took a deep calming breath and tried to find his calm center. He surrounded the Force around him, and almost instantaneously felt much calmer. He looked back at the Council and found everybody's eyes on him, including those of Knight Eerin. Anakin lowered his head humbly, and mumbled an apology.

Mace Windu cleared his throat. "Finding a Jedi that will train a Padawan of your age is not an easy task. Most Masters are concerned with the ability to form a good Master-Padawan bond when the Padawan his still bonded with his or her former Master."

Anakin wanted to say that wouldn't be a problem, but he knew he was required to stay silent. And he wasn't even sure that it wouldn't be a problem. Anakin wanted Qui-Gon to be back so badly. He could never even think of severing the bond they still shared. It was the only thing he had left.

"But found one, we have," Master Yoda continued Master Windu's train of thought.

"Knight Eerin had agreed to continue your training. As of now she is your new Master."

Anakin's jaw dropped slightly, but he quickly closed it before any of the Masters noticed. It was official; Qui-Gon was no longer his Master. Bant Eerin was his new Master. He had a new Master…just like that. Didn't he get say in it? He didn't want a new Master; he wanted Qui-Gon back.

One minute you say you want to continue your training, yet the next you say you don't want a new Master…Anakin you're confusing yourself.

Anakin sighed inwardly. This was the only way he could continue his training, he knew. Qui-Gon wasn't coming back. The choice was either he let Knight Eerin become his new Master, or he left the Jedi Order. Of the pair of choices, the first one looked better. Therefore, he took it.

Anakin bowed respectfully towards his new Master, who, to his surprise, bowed back. "Thank you, Master Eerin."

"The pleasure is mine," she replied.

Yoda appeared pleased, for he waved his hand and said in his gravelly voice, "May the Force be with you."

Anakin started towards the door, but stopped about halfway when he realized that his new Master wasn't following. He turned back to find her still standing in the same spot, a worried crease on her salmon-colored forehead.

"Something you wish to address, have you, hmm?"

"Masters," she began in her small, quiet voice, like she was slightly hesitant to reveal what was on her mind. "I was wondering if there has been any word from Obi-Wan."

Anakin furrowed his eyebrows together. He and Qui-Gon had been away from the Temple for a long time. He knew that his former Master's former Padawan had been heading up the investigation concerning the assassin of Senator Amidala. Had something happened to him? He and Knight Kenobi had never been on the friendliest of terms, though he had tried many times, but it would be a shame if any harm came to the skilled Knight.

"Worry about his safety, you do?" Yoda asked, his large eyes full of compassion.

Bant nodded. "Yes, Master. He told me he'd be back two nights ago, but I haven't seen him since he left. It's not like Obi-Wan not to come back to the Temple."

Mace sighed, but not out of irritation, merely understanding. "Kenobi is heading up an important investigation. There is no set time for a Knight to return to the Temple. When Obi-Wan has run out of leads or captured the assassin, he will return to the Temple. May the Force be with you."

Anakin knew that would be the end of their discussion, and watched as his new Master bowed in defeat and made her way out the door without another word. Anakin quickly followed her long strides, though they would never be as long as Qui-Gon's. She kept walking down the hallway, not saying a word, until she reached the turbolift. She stopped suddenly, almost causing Anakin to run into her, and turned around to smile at him.

Anakin had half-expected to see something resembling anger or disappointment on her fine features, but saw only kindness. He was taken aback, but her smile calmed him also, as it reminded him of the way Qui-Gon had smiled at him.

"Do you have your lightsaber with you?"

Anakin nodded, slightly confused. A Jedi always carried his lightsaber with him. A Jedi's lightsaber was his life; without it, he was as good as dead.

"Good," she said as she pushed one of the buttons next to the lift. "I want to see how far along you are. We're going to spar."

The doors opened.

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The Other Author's Notes: Congratulations to all those who correctly guessed that Bant would be Anakin's Master. Obi-Wan plushies and brownies to all! Stay tuned for the exciting next chapter in which Obi-Wan finds out who hired Jango to capture him. Make sure to review!