The action was freeing, yet terrifying as Obi-Wan was forced to relive each memory along with Qui-Gon, whose comforting grip on his knee tightened.

He also forced his eyes to remain open. He wouldn't hide from this, not again. This was his choice, he was the one in control of his memories. And if it became too much, well…

That's what mental shields are there for in the first place, right?

He conveniently skipped over any scenes involving his fight in the Kiros main tower with D'Nar, tucking those memories away safely in the back of his mind where they wouldn't be distrurbed again. It wasn't important to the situation at hand, and Obi-Wan didn't need another lecture on the safety of his negotiating tactics.

Rescuing Governor Roshti flashed across their bond, followed by their fall off that flying creature—of which Obi-Wan had never gotten a chance to learn the name. Then he watched as he was recognized by the Zygerrian from the hologram.

"I never forget a Jedi."

When it came to the memory of the slave auction, Obi-Wan averted his eyes, finding a small waterfall to focus on instead of Qui-Gon's penetrating stare.

"Looks like I have to rescue you again, old man."

"I… knew you'd have a backup plan."

Only, the backup plan had backfired. Obi-Wan could almost feel the electricity coursing through his veins as he watched the memory fade to black along with his past self's consciousness.

"Now that I have your attention, Jedi…"

Seven Togrutans falling to their deaths. Obi-Wan blinked hard, willing the terrified screams to silence.

"... be aware that it will not be you who suffers should you defy me."

Another jarring bolt of electricity.

"Speech is forbidden!"

The sharp crack of a whip; a Togrutan colonist's collapse; Obi-Wan shoving Rex out of harm's way.

"No, please! It was my mistake! Leave him alone!"

Obi-Wan squeezed his eyes shut as the onslaught of memories continued to flood their bond, coming quicker now, and bringing with them more lingering pain.

Then came the screams, though they weren't the ones that echoed in the background of every memory. No, they were his own as the Zygerrian guard thrust his electrostaff into Obi-Wan's collar, sending waves of jarring pain down his abused neck.

"Now a slave gives me commands?"

He watched as the whip fell a second time, relentless in its quest to punish the colonist for Obi-Wan's disobedience.

"Beg!"

He flinched at the cruel memory.

"Beg me before this one dies because of you!"

The whip never let up.

"P-please… Please, Master, I—"

And just as quickly as it had begun, Obi-Wan stopped the memory, slicing through the bond with his shields and cutting the connection.

Air eluded him; he couldn't catch a breath. His chest constricted and he was vaguely aware of someone calling his name.

"Obi-Wan…"

"Master Jedi…"

"Obi-Wan!"

"Jedi skug!"

"Obi-Wan!"

"Jedi slave!"

"Obi-Wan!"

At the sudden burning touch on his arm, Obi-Wan jerked to his feet, stumbling to get away from his assailant. Only, his feet couldn't seem to find a purchase and he felt his body begin to tumble backwards.

That's when the hands returned, grabbing at his arms and shoulders, forcing him somewhere he didn't want to go. That he never wanted to go.

Stop! He wanted to shout, but his voice failed him. Stop! No, no!

The hands were on his face now, pulling at his scars, pushing on his bruises, and… and…

And cupping his face.

Wiping his tears.

Soothing his mind…

"Obi-Wan! Obi-Wan, listen to me-look at me."

He blinked, trying to focus on the voice he knew, the voice he loved.

"Look at me. Look at me!"

"M-Master…?" He blinked again, the soft face of Qui-Gon Jinn coming into view, his worried expression eating holes in Obi-Wan's soul. "... Master…?"

"Obi-Wan, are you all right?"

It was a stupid question, but Obi-Wan supposed he would have asked it as well if the roles were reversed.

"Let's…" Obi-Wan coughed, "... uh, not do that again… shall we?"

Instead of replying, Obi-Wan was enveloped in a rare embrace. At first, he couldn't get his heart rate to slow down and he feared for a moment the touch might send him flying head first into another panic attack.

But soon, he was melting into his Master's embrace. And he was breathing. Not ragged breaths that were hard to catch and hard to keep, but deep, calming gulps of air.

"I'm so sorry, Padawan," Qui-Gon whispered and Obi-Wan swallowed down a rising sob. "I'm sorry I wasn't there for you when you needed me. And there will be times when it will happen again, when the galaxy will keep me away from you when you need me most, but I promise you: I will always be there to catch you before you hit the ground. Before you hit rock bottom."

Obi-Wan nodded silently and tightened his grip on his Master.

"And I'm here too."

Anakin's voice caught him by surprise and he jerked his head up just in time to see his former apprentice push through the hedges.

"Anakin!" He choked out and pulled away from Qui-Gon's blatant show of affection.

"Oh please," Anakin said, waving a passive hand, "do you really think I care about the Code? Especially now, of all times. The only thing stopping me from coming in for a hug of my own is—"

Me, Obi-Wan finished when Anakin trailed off. Because I messed everything up on our mission.

Then, as always, Qui-Gon stepped in to fill the dead air.

"Anakin, why don't you take Obi-Wan back to your quarters? He never got to finish his tea."

"I think I'm quite capable of getting there myself…" It was his turn to trail off, withering under his Master's stern look.

"I can call Master Che right now…"

"On second thought," Obi-Wan said quickly, joining Anakin at the edge of the clearing, "I think a bit of company would do me some good. Come along, Anakin."

"Uh…" Anakin looked uncertain for a moment, but after a gentle nod from Qui-Gon, he followed. "Right behind you."

And that's where he remained. Obi-Wan could hear him—feel him—trailing a short ways behind for the duration of their walk. Neither spoke.

Neither knew what to say.

What does one say to the man—the brother—he so horribly failed?

Obi-Wan didn't know. So he kept his eyes forward, never daring to glance back.

And so they walked on, mere inches apart, yet separated by a gaping chasm neither of them could seem to cross.

As they neared their quarters, Obi-Wan began to fear they might never be able to close such a wide gap again.