A/N: Summer is so close! Two more weeks left of school, meaning that finals are coming up and that I'll be free! These next to weeks are going to be a little hectic because I'm going to start putting stuff out of my dorm room and into storage. So if you don't hear from me in a few days or weeks, that's the reason why. Remember the words in italic are mental thoughts and conversations. But you guys knew that anyway. Anyway, enough of my blabbering, let's get on with the story.

Ch. 20: Are you sure?

The ride back to the mansion was filled with joy. Kaede and Nyree would joke back and forth about events that had transpired during Obi-Wan's 'retreat.' The young man merely grinned as he watched Kaede shake his head with Nyree in the background, reacting the expression of Fin as Nyree tried to bake a cake and failed.

However, the happiness was short-lived when Kaede parked the car. Leaning down, the old butler picked up the groceries to carry back to the house. But before he left, Kaede gave Obi-Wan a huge bear hug. Obi-Wan was tense for a minute. He could sense Kaede's restrained worry and now unbridled joy. Standing there, Obi-Wan began to understand the consequences of his withdrawal. The darkness had whispered words of doubt that no one back home cared for him, that it was all an act. But now, in the arms of a man whom he considered as a father figure to him, Obi-Wan realized his error. This was his home. These people, servants and all, were his family. Returning the hug, he allowed sorrow to seep into his voice.

"Sorry."

"No need to be boy, just that you are back is good enough."

Even though Kaede's response eased his guilt, another doubt began to bloom. Would his family accept the new Obi-Wan?

"Dinner will be ready whenever you are," spoke Kaede as he patted the young man on his back and went into the house.

Turning, Obi-Wan caught Nyree's eyes. She winked at him and entered into the house. Obi-Wan followed but stopped as Nyree made her way into Xanatos' study.

"Nyree."

Nyree turned, "Yes?"

Obi-Wan was at a loss of words. He just felt that he needed to say her name.

"Nothing."

Nyree smiled, nodded and entered into the study. Obi-Wan sighed and ran a hand through his hair. He didn't want to return to reality just to deal with relationship issues. Dating was such a hassle. That was why he would only flirt with the women so far to satisfy them at parties. But Nyree was different. Closing his eyes, Obi-Wan allowed his feet to move on their own. He could feel Nyree's soothing touches against his skin as she led him through the gardens. She was there in his time of need, as was Xanatos. Feeling something stir inside him, Obi-Wan groaned and open his eyes. He was standing in front of his old bedroom. The one were all nine levels of Corellian Hells broke lose.

Opening the door, he allowed it to creak open. The room was dark, with its shades drawn. Everything was rearranged with the bed now as the opposite of the room and the living space at the other end. Stepping in, Obi-Wan's breath hitched. Whispers of darkness tickled his ears. Blue eyes drifted around the room and stopped at a small cabinet. He could sense them…the chips, calling for him. Walking over, he bent down and opened the cabinet. Inside were most of the chips, excluding the one at the Jedi Temple and…

Obi-Wan frowned. Where was the one from Dathamor? The chip, which had caused all this mess? Standing up, the young man twirled around and marched out of the room and down the stairs. Hand reaching out for the knob of the door that opened to Xanatos' study, he stopped. Voices were yelling inside. Leaning further, Obi-Wan could make out bits of the conversation.

"You left him alone!"

"How was I supposed to know that the bank would be robbed? He was fine-"

"He's not fine, Nyree! Obi-Wan is not all there! What if the robbers wanted hostages? He would have been the easiest for them. They would have taken advantage of him!"

"Sir, let me finish!"

"No! I should have not let Obi-Wan out of this house. I thought that since it was his birthday that maybe he should get out into society, despite his current-"

Obi-Wan had heard enough. Opening the door, he stepped in and faced the pair. Nyree grew wide-eyed, her cheeks flushing in embarrassment. Xanatos grew a little paler as he stepped around his desk. The older man walked and stood face to face with Obi-Wan. Obi-Wan locked eyes with Xanatos. The two stared at each other for what seemed like eternity.

Xanatos was the first to a make a move. His constant concentration on Obi-Wan's well-being had not alerted him of this change. Reaching out for Obi-Wan's mind, the Dark Jedi felt the scars of an injured mind.

"Padawan?"

"Master."

Xanatos narrowed his eyes and stared deeper into the boy's blue eyes. Something had died in Obi-Wan, but something had been born as well.

"No."

Obi-Wan opened his mouth to say something, "What?"

"No more Master/Padawan. You are…different, which is to be expected. You are an adult now, Kenobi. You are no longer bound to our old contract." Turning his back, Xanatos began to walk back to his desk. His ice-colored eyes showed no emotion.

"Wait!" "Wait!" screamed Obi-Wan as he jerked forward and grabbed Xanatos.

Xanatos turned and glared at Obi-Wan, pulling his arm free from Obi-Wan.

"What, boy?" he snarled. "You are free now. Go. Go back to your precious Jedi Temple."

Nyree's face contorted in anger, "What is wrong with you? I might not have been here long, but everything we did together in the past month goes to show that you care for Obi-Wan Kenobi. Why are you throwing him away? He's back, sir!"

Xanatos remained focused on Obi-Wan, but his venom was steered at Nyree, "You know nothing."

"She knows enough. Xanatos…Nyree…"spoke Obi-Wan softly but his tone held a commander's edge to it.

Xanatos raised his eyebrow and Nyree closed her mouth.

"I need to know that both of you will be there for me always. I know that Kaede, Fin and the rest of the servants will always be there, Kaede especially. But they do not understand…me, the true me. And that is what I fear…no, worried over." Obi-Wan's eyes grew distant, "He's always there. In the back of my mind, he taunts me…whispers dark desires…anything to make mefall once again."

Xanatos reverted his gaze to the floor. He knew what Obi-Wan talked about. He was faced it everyday. He might be a Dark Jedi but he was no Sith. What most people didn't know was that he rather use his own wits and natural skills, then rely on the Force. But that didn't change the fact that the Dark Side still purred to him.

"I need to know that I am not alone. I know that I am no matter what on some level, with my knowledge…my existence in general, but still…You both were there for me. Even if my mind was not there, my soul felt your presence. So please, don't fight anymore…and if it was ok that I stay despite our contract being over?"

Nyree clutched the bottom of her shirt. She knew about the loneliness that Obi-Wan spoke off. She was an exile in her own family. No one to turn to when despair was too great to handle: a priestess, yet not.

"Fine," huffed Xanatos.

Nyree nodded, "Yes, Obi-Wan sir."

An unease silence passed over the group. Xanatos was contemplating on the changes he sensed in Obi-Wan. Nyree was musing over how humble Obi-Wan had become. Obi-Wan easily sensed their thoughts through the Force. He smiled mentally. He had an idea.

A smile erupted on his face and he leaned forward, glee in his voice, "So….what did you buy for me on my birthday?"

Xanatos glared at Obi-Wan, "Brat."

Nyree pouted, "You're selfish, you know that! Geez."

Obi-Wan laughed, "Well come on! It's not a blasted funeral, for crying out loud, it is my 18th birthday, meaning that I can finally drink legally!" Placing his fists on his hips, Obi-Wan grinned.

"Obi-Wan sir, there is more to turning 18 than just drinking," sighed Nyree as she walked past him.

Obi-Wan turned to Nyree and followed her, "Oh, is there? Like what?"

Nyree eyed him playfully, "Sir, you are mocking me."

"Am I?"

"Sir."

"Oh, Xanatos!"

Xanatos snapped out of his thoughts and looked up at the door. Nyree had already left the room and was walking towards the kitchen. Obi-Wan stood in the doorway, a glow radiating off of him. But it was no longer the bright glow of a Jedi, but was the type of soft glow that one receives from a dying fire.

"Yes?"

Obi-Wan smirked, "I'll go with you to the party tomorrow. I hear it's a blast."

Xanatos smirked in return, "Are you sure?"

"Never felt so certain," Obi-Wan winked and left the room.

Xanatos crossed his arms. Just now, he saw the old Obi-Wan return but knew that it was just a façade. But then again, it seemed from what he sensed through their bond that Obi-Wan was no longer working on the two levels as he had before, that of the standard and Saterine Force levels. The closest thing he could think of that would best describe Obi-Wan was simple. Obi-Wan had become a crystal, its multiple sides glittering into existence then fading out in a blink of an eye.

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A/N: It was getting a little tricky on how to write to Xanatos here. I want him to still be his mean self, but I want to show his compassionate side as well. And if the whole crystal thing sounds familiar, I kinda drew upon it from Shatterpoint and Traitor, two of my favorite books in the whole wide world. Until next time, take care and just think SUMMER VACATION!