Hi, readers! Well, I'm back with chapter two of this story. I hope you will all enjoy my AU version of TPM.

I'd like to thank SWTKD and Swordsman of Shadow for taking the time to review this story. Both reviews were very much appreciated. Now, on with the story!

Chapter 2: Storm of the Soul

Later that night, Obi-Wan sat alone in his room. The audience with the High Council had ended long ago, but he could not stop thinking about what had happened earlier. His mind replayed the memories of the meeting over and over again until he wanted to scream. What had possessed Qui-Gon to behave as he had? After the disastrous Council session, the two had hardly spoken. Qui-gon had abruptly left the temple, taking Anakin with him, and had only returned just moments ago. Obi-Wan could sense him in the other room, but he had no desire to face his Master yet. His emotions were still too raw, a veritable maelstrom threatening to overwhelm him without warning.

He had not experienced one moment of peace since that blasted Council meeting. In a flash, all of his old insecurities had returned. Qui-Gon's actions had awoken the feelings of worthlessness that had long festered in Obi-Wan's soul. The Padawan knew he had never completely banished the feelings, but he had tried to bury them so deep that they would never surface again. Until now. Until Qui-Gon had tried to shove him aside so that he could train the little brat from Tatooine. Obi-Wan's fists clenched at the thought of Anakin. It was all the boy's fault. His life had been fine before the little Sithspawn invaded and took his Master from him.

A small voice reminded him that Qui-Gon was hardly blameless in the matter. It had been Qui-Gon, after all, who had told the Council that Obi-Wan was "capable." Was that the best thing his Master could find to say about him? Obi-Wan knew that Jedi Masters needed to be objective about their students, but Qui-Gon's less than glowing praise had hurt. He had stood by his Master's side feeling embarrassed, confused, betrayed, and most of all angry.

Obi-Wan was certain that the Council had sensed his emotions, but for once he didn't care what they thought of him. At least, they had had the good sense to refuse Qui-Gon's request to train Anakin. But they had also decided he wasn't ready for the trials. He wondered vaguely what they did with unwanted Padawans who were not good enough to take the trials, but were deemed too dangerous to be set loose on their own.

Obi-Wan wearily rubbed his eyes. He was exhausted, but he knew he couldn't sleep when he felt like this. He could only stare at the four walls of his room and feel them closing in around him like a cage. The thought made him shiver. He needed to escape, to move and breathe before he went crazy.

Pushing himself off the floor, where he had been sitting for hours, Obi-Wan stretched. He would go to one of the training rooms and work out some of his frustrations. Maybe then he could rest. Quickly changing clothes, Obi-Wan grabbed his lightsaber and left his room.

When he entered the common room, Qui-Gon was seated on the sofa drinking a cup of tea. Obi-Wan said nothing as he headed towards the door. The Padawan had his mental shields tightly in place, blocking any attempts that Qui-Gon might make to intrude through their bond. Hopefully, his Master would take a hint and not bother him.

Unfortunately, Qui-Gon didn't choose to cooperate with Obi-Wan's wishes. He cleared his throat as he watched his apprentice. "Going somewhere?"

Obi-Wan cursed silently as he slowly turned to face his Master. He was relieved to see that Anakin was nowhere in sight and briefly wondered where Qui-Gon had taken him, not that he particularly cared. "I'm going down to the training rooms for a while. I need some exercise."

Qui-Gon frowned at his Padawan's tone of voice. It was unusual for Obi-Wan to practice so late at night, but he sensed the young man's restlessness. "Very well, but don't be gone too long. We are scheduled to meet Queen Amidala at daybreak tomorrow, and I know how much you hate getting up early."

Obi-Wan couldn't hold back a heavy sigh. "Yes, Master." He hurried out the door before Qui-Gon could reprimand him for his disrespectful attitude.

By the time Obi-Wan reached the training halls, he was already feeling better. Walking through the Temple's silent corridors had soothed him somewhat, and he was looking forward to releasing some of his pent up energy. The training rooms were always deserted late at night so he was shocked when he rounded a corner and nearly plowed into a tall young man with flaming red hair. Obi-Wan hastily stepped back. "Staven!" he exclaimed.

Staven Kardal stared back at him. "Obi-Wan Kenobi, what are you doing here at this time of night?"

Obi-Wan grinned "I could ask you the same question." Staven was a few years older than Obi-Wan, but they had been in several classes together. The two had developed a close friendship when they had been assigned as partners for an astrophysics project. Obi-Wan hadn't seen his friend in several months, and his eyes widened as he noticed Staven's Padawan braid was missing.

Before he could ask about it, Staven spoke. "I've just returned from my first solo mission. I was Knighted last month," he added, by way of explanation. "I thought I would come wind down a bit before going to bed. Apparently, you had the same idea."

Obi-Wan shrugged noncommittally as he fell into step beside Staven. "How did your mission go?"

"It was boring," Staven replied, leading the way into a nearby room. "I went to Devanna to oversee the signing of a peace treaty." His green eyes twinkled. "Nothing remotely fun or exciting. I honestly thought I was going to fall asleep during a few of the speeches."

Obi-Wan laughed. Staven had always been able to put him in a good mood. Even back in astrophysics, the two of them had managed to have some fun with a few well-timed pranks.

"How about you?" Staven asked. "Have you been on any dangerous missions lately? How's Master Jinn? Is he still giving you grief about the Living Force?" He was surprised to see the smile fade off of Obi-Wan's face.

"Qui-Gon is fine. We're in the middle of a mission right now. We leave for Naboo in the morning."

Staven was baffled by Obi-Wan's dry response. "Is something wrong, Obi-Wan? You seem a little...distracted."

Obi-Wan sighed. "Qui-Gon and I are having a difference of opinion right now."

Staven's eyes shone with sudden understanding. "Ah, I see. That's why you're down here in the middle of the night."

When his friend didn't answer, Staven shook his head. "Hey, you don't have to tell me. I'm just surprised. You two always seem to get along so well."

Obi-Wan's throat tightened. "Yes, well, things can change," he mumbled.

Thankfully, Staven didn't pursue the topic. Instead, he strode to the center of the spacious training room and unclipped his lightsaber from his belt. "So, Kenobi, how about a little contest?" He gave Obi-Wan a wicked grin. "You learned any new tricks lately?"

Obi-Wan could never resist a challenge like that. "I thought you'd never ask."

Let me know what you think!