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Obi-Wan did not sleep at all that night. Though he tried desperately, sleep was simply eluding him. He sat up and meditated, the sound of Anakin's gentle breathing in the background. He could not help but sink into old memories that he wished could just be put to rest.

Master, I wish you were here to help me. Obi-Wan's heart ached as it so frequently did in these days after his Master's death. He felt so much confusion. He had sworn to train Anakin. He had promised Anakin that he would become a Jedi.

And then there was this girl. This girl younger than Anakin, whose reception to the Force outstripped the greatest Jedi Masters. He did not know what to do. He felt like a padawan again, unsure of every step without his Master's guidance.

Do what is in your heart Obi-Wan. Obi-Wan heard this voice inside of himself. The voice of his Master. How many times had Qui-Gon told him this? Obi-Wan suddenly remembered Master Yoda's words to him after he returned from Naboo. Though with the Force is Qui-Gon now, inside of you still he lives, young Obi-Wan.

The past few months had been the hardest of Obi-Wan's life. Qui-Gon had been like his father, his best friend. Obi-Wan had known no other family than Qui-Gon and the Jedi. The grief in his heart still hung heavy and thick like one of the ferocious storm clouds outside at that very moment.

Obi-Wan had always insisted on absolute adherence to the Jedi Code, and he had always disapproved of his Master's tendency to rebel against the strict rules of the Jedi. Qui-Gon had so often found himself in trouble with the Council for following a path on missions that had often led Obi-Wan and himself away from the foundational principles of the Jedi.

Yet, Obi-Wan never failed to be amazed at the fire in Qui-Gon's heart, at the compassion that had driven him. It was the same fire that he often saw in Anakin.

How can I do what is right in my heart when I don't even know who I am right now? Qui-Gon had always told Obi-Wan that if he allowed himself to loosen up a little bit, he could be a Jedi of unmatched ability. But I'm not you Master. Obi-Wan knew deep in his heart that he could not do things as his Master had done. He had to determine his own path as a Jedi, and he had to let the Force work within him, in its own unique way.

Obi-Wan felt a tear slip silently down his cheek. He gazed at Anakin, who was peacefully sleeping, Master, Anakin was yours. I have kept my promise, and I will see it through to the end, but he was your will. Obi-Wan knew that clarity was just beyond the storm outside, and he was determined to find it. Anakin was your path, Master. I must do as you taught me and follow mine.

Obi-Wan took a deep breath, and fell into a peaceful sleep.

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The next morning, when Obi-Wan woke up, he could smell something delicious cooking. He glanced at Anakin's rumpled blankets where his Padawan was still snoring contently. Obi-Wan quietly arose and glanced out the window. Rain was still pounding on the window and the wind was still howling outside.

He walked into the kitchen to find Sarah already dressed and making a warm breakfast. "Obi-Wan, good morning. I hope you slept well?"

"Fine Sarah, thank you." Obi-Wan glanced at her again, and he said, "has there been any news on the progress of this storm?"

"I'm afraid not. But it is certainly still going strong. I'm afraid that you and Anakin are still stuck, at least for awhile anyway."

Obi-Wan couldn't help the small smile that escaped when he nodded in response. He didn't mind. "Why don't I go get Anakin up? He shouldn't really be sleeping this long." Sarah nodded.

Obi-Wan stopped in midstep and turned back to her with a mischievous smile playing on his lips. He had decided that he had not had enough opportunity to tease his Padawan. "You wouldn't happen to have a glass of ice-cold water would you?" Sarah gave Obi-Wan a questioning look and handed him a freezing glass.

Not able to get the grin off of his face, Obi-Wan headed towards where Anakin was sleeping. He put his face next to Anakin's ear and whispered, "Oh Anakin, it's time to get up." When Anakin stirred, Obi-Wan threw the frosty water onto Anakin's face "WHAT IN THE FORCE WAS THAT FOR MASTER!" he yelped, and while his apprentice squirmed, Obi-Wan couldn't help but feel the grin on his face widen even more.

He turned back to the kitchen and saw Sarah standing in the doorway laughing. Obi-Wan joined in and he felt as though a little weight had been lifted from his heart. It had been so long since he had laughed.

Obi-Wan and Sarah had already started on breakfast when Anakin stomped into the kitchen, a towel on his head, glaring at Obi-Wan. "Now Anakin, anger is not a proper emotion for a Jedi," Obi-Wan told his apprentice with a beaming smile. Anakin only scowled at Obi-Wan.

After breakfast, the three settled into the living room. The blazing fire and soft blankets kept them warm while they talked. Obi-Wan felt happy and comfortable. After a while, he began to tell Anakin and Sarah stories of his adventures as a Padawan under Qui-Gon Jinn.

Obi-Wan was surprised at how at ease he felt, and when he looked at Anakin, he realized how much he had been holding back from his apprentice. He needs to hear these stories, he needs to know Qui-Gon's wisdom, and I have been holding back from him, Obi-Wan reflected.

Obi-Wan found himself telling the story of his first mission with Qui-Gon, how Obi-Wan had almost reached an age too old to become a Padawan, and was sent to Bandomeer with Qui-Gon. It was a story that Obi-Wan had never told anybody, but still remembered as clear as day. When he finished, all three were in a reflective mood, and nobody felt like talking much.

At dinner that night, the three found themselves talking about topics ranging far and wide. They talked of galactic politics, and they talked of whether nerf is better well-done or medium rare. It was as though they had known each other forever. But Obi-Wan couldn't help noticing that when Anakin and Sarah spoke to each other, it seemed slightly strained. Obi-Wan shrugged this off and continued with the conversation.

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