A/N - Sorry I haven't been able to update sooner I have been celebrating my 21st this weekend which didn't leave too much time for writing! Anyway in this chapter and in fact the next one we head back to our hero's for a much needed catchup. I do plan on having the next chapter up within the next few days also as I am away after this weekend for a few days, anyways happy reading!

Thank you for all the feedback as always! I'm glad so many of you are enjoying the journey :D

YumikoWantsCake - Thank you! Indeed, in fact there is another Dooku POV in this chapter which should shed even more light on the situation. Ah well I will not reveal all my plans but you do have to keep in mind this is AU :) Here it is for your enjoyment!


Count Dooku hissed as bacta was pressed against his seared arm, saber wounds were always the most agonising. There was no danger of blood loss with them however, the cauterising of the skin took care of that. They always left a scar also, no matter how many bacta bath's one took the puckered skin could never truly be erased. It was of no matter the small mark would be a reminder to him always, never underestimate an opponent. He had underestimated Kenobi dearly and had nearly paid the ultimate price for it, the performance earlier however had the Count grinning manically all the same.

He glared outwards at the dark void that was space, they were nearing separatist territory now which was all the better. The republic didn't come sniffing around these parts unless they were really looking for trouble. Dooku estimated the Jedi council would have learned of the incident by now and have a team out investigating very soon, he had covered his tracks well and was currently shielding Kenobi and Skywalker's force presence's confidently. Therefore they should stay undetected for quite some time.

Frustratingly the young Jedi knew all of the right buttons to press to make Dooku's temper flare, just as he did in return. He knew from Qui-Gon's reports that Kenobi was a cunning strategist, studying and getting inside his enemies head in a matter of minutes. Well he certainly didn't disappoint, his saber skills were unparalleled as well as his potential in the force. If his powers were only channelled in the right way he could be magnificent, the retched council were holding yet another Jedi back. It made him sick.

Count Dooku had been held back whilst he was a member of the order, he had been against their pacifist ways of dealing with situations for years. He had been the one to warn them all, force knows he had tried to push that stubborn council out of their decaying ways yet to no avail. Dooku was no fool, he had felt the power shifting in the galaxy, Qui-Gon's death had been the last straw.

If the council had listened to him from the start the Sith returning wouldn't have been such a surprise, they could have been ready and Qui-Gon would never have perished. Even now after the reemergence right in front of their eyes they still sit and do nothing! They were infuriating and worse of all ignorant, unwilling to carry out the measures they needed to take to ensure the order's survival. They kept parroting the importance of not touching the dark side of the force, it was the reason so many of them had never reached their true potential. Dooku had touched just a slither of it's power and it was far superior, the naive thinking of the Jedi that it was a one way ticket to destruction was one of the many reasons he and they no longer stood on the same side. So Dooku had taken matters into his own hand's, the Jedi were slaves to the republic and he was sick of it. They had one true allegiance that everyone seemed to have forsaken but him, the force.

What they would do if they knew what he did, they were all being played and puppeteered by the dark Sith lord himself, Dooku did admire the chancellors cunningness and genius. He was playing every single one of them for fools. Dooku was no fool, he knew about Sidious' plans for the boy they call 'the chosen one', he didn't really understand the potential everyone seemed to see in the boy. He was far too uncontrolled, too emotional and headstrong, a deadly combination when found together.

No, Kenobi was far superior. He had the control, the skill and most importantly the potential to harness both sides of the force. He just needed a little persuading. It wouldn't be an easy task, but they had time. Palpatine wouldn't be aware of the treachery for some time if everything went to plan, Kenobi was already half way there if that duel was anything to go by. The more Dooku chipped at his ideals and beliefs in the decaying and corrupt republic he was striving so hard to protect, the faster the Jedi would fall. Dooku was confident of that, he had plenty of ammunition to ensure it.

There was a surprising amount of pain, bad memories and brushes with darkness already in the young knight's life. It was a surprise that he had never fallen before, he sensed that in the past Kenobi had acted on his emotions. That certainly wasn't the first time he had fought empowered by the dark side, and if Dooku had anything to say about it, it wouldn't be the last.

Qui-Gon had done him a favour by planting the seeds of doubt and mistrust subtly over the years, of course his dear old Padawan would never have dreamed that his misguided actions would be used to turn his own apprentice, but it certainly did make Dooku's job far easier. Obi-Wan had so many insecurities and unresolved feelings over a lot of Qui-Gon's actions, still the boy had worshipped his mentor all the same. Qui-Gon obviously hadn't spent the time to convey his pride and admiration to Obi-Wan himself, it only took Dooku a few seconds of listening to his former Padawan's account of Obi-Wan to identify immense pride in his accomplishments and dangerously an attachment.

Evidently Qui-Gon had never conveyed as much to Kenobi, it was a blessing for Dooku as the insecurities and emotions were a target for him to hit. It was remarkable how oblivious Kenobi had been to his Master's feelings, it was evident to anyone who saw them together. Obi-Wan was Qui-Gon Jinn's pride and joy, his legacy. Maybe it was just outsider perspective, or perhaps Kenobi really was as humble as they say and it never crossed his mind… It need not matter now however, Dooku had tasks to complete before his next meeting with the young Jedi.

He turned towards a security console on the bridge and observed the two occupants of the cell, they both appeared to be resting. Not surprising really, that was quite a fight. They had both spent all their energy and were completely being fuelled by the force by the end. He had noted the rift in the bond between the two before they had parted ways and grinned, his work was starting to unfold…


The burning smell of plasma was the first thing Obi-Wan was aware of, he opened his eyes to ascertain the location of his new surroundings. The setting made his breath hitch in his throat, Naboo. The cities plasma Refinery complex to be precise, it was just as Obi-Wan remembered right down to the last detail. As if on cue the sound of clashing saber's battered through his confused mind drawing Obi-Wan's attention to the battle taking place near the energy fields. Oh force no.

As if in a trace, which the logical part of Obi-Wan's brain was screaming at him this was, his own feet started to move forward along the black walkway of their own accord. Towards the clashing battle up ahead. He witnessed Qui-Gon and the Sith Darth Maul fighting tooth and nail, saber's clashing extraordinarily fast. Both swinging, pivoting and leaping trying to find purchase anywhere. Of course Obi-Wan already knew the outcome of this battle, why was he stuck in this nightmare?

His thoughts were momentarily broken by none other than his younger self, it was strange looking at this whole event from an outsider's point of view to say the least. His feet once again carried him towards the now closed energy barriers, Darth maul stuck at one end, Obi-Wan the other with his Master stuck in between.

He observed his younger self's restlessness, he remembered feeling it. This felt like so long ago now, even though it had been only three years the events of this fateful day had aged Obi-Wan years far exceeding the actual time. He was a Master now, no longer a Padawan even if he still felt like one inside, he hadn't even been given the chance to be a knight before Anakin was thrust into his life.

It was the worst way any partnership could have ended, the death of the Master. Usually a Padawan must undergo trials at the end of their apprenticeship, upon successfully completing them would they be knighted a Jedi. Obi-Wan knew his Master had been preparing him for the trials, he remembered feeling as if he wasn't ready for them then and wanted nothing more than to spend a few more years under Qui-Gon's wing. Of course in Obi-Wan's case he never faced the trials, the council felt that facing and defeating the first Sith in 1000 years was trial enough so he was instantly knighted. It had always felt hollow, he could never truly feel pride or joy over it as the entire event was fore shadowed by the tragedy that also occurred.

He had always dreamt about the day when he would be knighted, in his dreams he knelt whilst Qui-Gon cut off the learners braid they had both painstakingly threw their hearts and souls into. The braid was a symbol of the journey both Master and apprentice had travelled throughout their time together, it was weaved with markers indicating trials that Obi-Wan had undergone. Qui-Gon had looked on proudly as Obi-Wan took his place beside him as a brother of the order, pride emanating from every fibre of his being.

In reality Obi-Wan had been robbed of his dream, by none other than the Sith. Instead of being a jubilant moment in his life, his knighting was just another painful reminder of the loss he had suffered and what his future was going to be riddled with. He could see the sweat pouring down his younger self's face, arms and muscles trembling, he remembered being pretty worn out by this point having already taken quite a beating.

Unlike his former self, Obi-Wan could step straight through the sizzling barrier and started heading towards the kneeling position of his old Master Qui-Gon and the still pacing darkness that was Darth Maul. He gazed down at his Master, astonished at the picture of calmness and serenity staring back. Glancing back he noted he had been no better than Maul, itching to rejoin the fight, his mind was once again showing him he had still had very much to learn.

It wasn't long before the energy barriers rotated allowing Qui-Gon to surge forward and bring some heavy assaults down upon the Sith creature, Obi-Wan had spent the last decade training with Qui-Gon. He knew his Master was pulling out all the stops here, if only he had waited for Obi-Wan! The snap of the energy barriers echoed behind him, he spun just in time to observe his younger self nearly getting sliced in half by the red field. All of the feelings raced through him once again, helplessness, hopelessness, unworthiness. Qui-Gon had been relying on him to make it through, he needed him and Obi-Wan simply hadn't run fast enough. If only he had a few more seconds he would have made it… How cruel fate was in the universe.

His gaze traversed back to the scintillating lights in the pit room, emerald green met crimson red time and time again. Speed increasing, skill flourishing. Qui-Gon and Maul parried and twirled across the narrow space, force screaming with warning. This was it, the moment that had haunted his dreams for three years, being played out more vividly before his eyes than ever before. Obi-Wan tried to turn away, tried to close his eyes but he was rooted to the spot nothing he did changed the fact he was about to watch his Master be impaled. He felt his breath quicken and heard his younger self's do the same, he too had noted the tiredness seeping through into Qui-Gon's form.

Maul circled Qui-Gon once more, before delivering a dizzying set of attacks ranging from swings from either side to a shot at his face. His saber hilt crashed into Qui-Gon's head not once but twice, leaving the Jedi's midriff open for the taking. Obi-Wan felt an inhuman scream tear itself from his lungs as the dark user's saber was thrust with such hatred through his Master's chest. He heard his other self scream out too, shock, agony, contempt lacing the tone. The look of shock on Qui-Gon's dying eyes never did leave him, tears threatened to escape as he watched his body crash forward saber hilt rolling out of reach.

Stunned Obi-Wan felt his feet move of their own accord again, moving closer and closer to the now still form of his Master, empty glazed eyes stared back at him boring into his very self, he felt himself crash to his knees no longer having the strength to hold himself upright anymore.

The ensuing battle behind him didn't even take a slither of Obi-Wan's attention, he heard the clashing of saber's, felt the loathing his younger self was feeling towards the Sith. It had nearly cost him his life… As he stared down at Qui-Gon Jinn's very still form he felt hot tears prickling at the corner of his eyes, he could sense his Master's life force leaving him. The still smoking hole in his chest was far too severe to be anything other than fatal, Obi-Wan knew that now but at the time refused to believe his Master was going to die. It wasn't supposed to happen this way, they hadn't even finished training, his Master hadn't cut his braid and proudly stood beside him as he became a knight of the order. No they were robbed of that, by that evil creature.

Obi-Wan glanced back at the evil being in time to see him trying to slash at his younger self who had obviously already fallen down the pit, Obi-Wan knew what happened next and quite happily observed as he sailed over the Zabrak's head called Qui-Gon's light saber to hand and cut the beast clean in two. When he had been dangling down in the pit, helpless feeling so ever alone, he had trusted in Qui-Gon's training and honoured his teachings. Abolishing all anger and hatred he had called on the force to empower his leap of faith and was rewarded with catching the Zabrak warrior off guard. The separated body parts of the Sith fall backwards sailing to the deepest pit where to this day he would still be rotting.

His younger self rushed over to Qui-Gon's very still form, cradling his head wishing that it was not already too late. Heart-breakingly Obi-Wan already knew the answer to that question, a flood of tears were now running freely down his cheeks. It was as if he were feeling his younger self's emotions as well as his own, the agony and torment was almost too much.

"It's too late." It shocked Obi-Wan how weak the voice sounded, maybe at the time his denial overrode his ability to take notice, to any observer it was obvious that Qui-Gon only had a few moments left in this world.

"No!" Flat out denial met his Master's response.

"Obi-Wan, promise. Promise me you will train the boy." His voice was getting so quiet now, he was struggling with words his body failing him with every breath.

"Yes Master." Always the dutiful Padawan on the surface, Obi-Wan knew better he could feel the fury and anguish battling inside his former self.

"He is the chosen one, he… he will bring balance. Train him…"

Those were the last words Qui-Gon Jinn ever spoke, muttered with his dying breath. Dooku had been correct, Obi-Wan had longed to hear praise from his Master wished selfishly that his last thoughts would be of him, to tell him it was going to be okay, anything but that. Having Dooku rummage around in his mind must have caused this memory to be the one to torment him in his unconsciousness this time, his words still echoing through the dream 'What unbecoming thoughts of another!'

The agony and anguish ripped right through his heart as the bond he shared with Qui-Gon was forcibly ripped from his mind, it shattered leaving deep scars in it's wake that Obi-Wan could still feel to this day. Dying in such a horrific and violent way, the bond had essentially just snapped, causing unchecked misery for Obi-Wan.

It made Obi-Wan feel sick the feelings emanating from his former self, jealousy, envy and worst of all a loss so gaping it was as if the Sith really had left a gaping whole through both their chest's that day. No wonder Anakin was questioning him, he would have felt these feelings his younger self was projecting.

"Master… Please I need you… Master?" The sorrowful pleading emanating from Obi-Wan's past was truly heart breaking.

Obi-Wan tore his eyes away from his younger self huddled over the newly deceased body of Qui-Gon Jinn, fighting back more tears, wishing for this harrowing memory to be over and to return to the corporal world.

"Master?"

Funny that voice wasn't his own, the projection of Naboo faded into nothingness leaving behind the events of the time but never the emotions. No, those still haunted Obi-Wan to this very day seeping into his dreams, nightmares; unexpectedly appearing when they were not wanted.

"Master wake up!"

The voice was definitely high pitched, far too high pitched to have originated from his younger self's throat. No, the speech drifting through his subconscious belonged to that of another. Anakin Skywalker.

With a jolt Obi-Wan's eyes flew open, pupils wide and unfocussed. He felt something wet drip down his cheeks and realised he must have been crying here too, he focussed his gaze upwards as concerned blue eyes bore down into his own. This was when Obi-Wan became aware of his surroundings, at some time during his nightmare he had slumped further and further down the wall to the position his body was currently uncomfortably sprawled now, half way between the floor and the wall, neck bent at an exceedingly painful angle. His distress must have been projected as this apprentice's next move was to help nudge his Master upright again into a more agreeable position, which was very much appreciated.

"You were, erm, having a nightmare Master." Anakin squeaked, uncertain over his handling of waking up Obi-Wan.

"Yes, I'm sorry if I scared you Ani, it wasn't a pleasant memory." He felt his own voice crack as flashes of the awful events filtered through his mind.

Anakin seemed to visibly recoil and Obi-Wan winced once again forgetting he probably had been projecting a lot of his thoughts, for all he knew Anakin had seen the entire memory, had felt every feeling, by the look on his apprentice's ghostly white pallor Obi-Wan deduced he most likely had.

"I have nightmares too…" The voice was so petrified, so small. It made the next words Obi-Wan was going to say stick in his throat.

He peered downwards upon his apprentice who had scooted to lean against the wall next to him, head hung low, learner's braid a mess all twisted and clotted with dried blood. Obi-Wan knew that Anakin had nightmares, visions in fact, the boy hadn't learned to shield himself well enough for them not to seep through the training bond on occasion. His apprentice had never actually admitted to him about them before, Obi-Wan had hoped acceptance would come in time. Maybe Anakin was starting to question whether they were just nightmares or something more.

"About your mother?"

This was the most likely source of his anguish, the flashes Obi-Wan had glimpsed usually involved Shmi Skywalker. It was a subject Obi-Wan also struggled with when it came to his Padawan, he had lived in the temple for as long as he could remember. The people he bonded with were creche Masters, and fellow younglings. When Obi-Wan tried to think back to a time before the Jedi temple, to any remnants of memories of his birth family, there was just nothing. How was he supposed to counsel a young boy on the loss of his life with his mother when he himself had never lived that life? He could parrot the code at his young charge until he was blue in the face but both of them knew that Anakin was different to other Jedi, in more ways than one. The only common ground Obi-Wan could think of was his relationship to Qui-Gon, the man had practically raised him and that loss was like a knife through the heart. If that's what his Padawan felt every day then Obi-Wan knew exactly how he felt, the worst thing was he hadn't found an answer to moving on just yet.

"Yeah…"

They were both silent after the admission, Anakin not willing to give anymore details and Obi-Wan not sure what words would be of some comfort to his young charge.

"Master, I saw what you were dreaming about… Losing somebody really sucks!"

Obi-Wan sucked in a breath as Anakin relayed his worst fears, he had seen the gruesome memory. He ended up chuckling however as Anakin summed up both of their feelings perfectly, this was where there common ground was, for Anakin his mother and for Obi-Wan his Master.

Anakin's features softened too as he noted his Master's levity, they really were getting better at understanding one another. Obi-Wan sighed deeply and turned away steeling himself for the conversation to come, he didn't want to break this new found peace but he and Anakin had a lot to discuss, the sooner he dealt with this ugliness the better.

"Anakin we have to discuss what happened earlier, what happened on Skepaf's ship." Obi-Wan started, tentatively brining up the ugly affair.

"I don't want to talk about it." Anakin shot back quickly, all mirth and softness escaping from him.

"Padawan what you did…" This was going to be trickier than Obi-Wan imagined, Anakin was being overly defensive already and they hadn't even begun yet! Before Obi-Wan could finish with lecturing his young charge however he was interrupted forcibly.

"Don't! I know what I did! Do you think I'm happy with what I wanted to do to that monster?" Anakin screeched at his Master, head whipping round face contorted in pain over the harrowing memories.

"Anakin you will control your temper, you nearly killed a man because you let your anger overcome your emotions. You know why we don't give into our own feelings, with our training and powers the consequences could be catastrophic."

Obi-Wan desperately tried to save the conversation before either of them went too far, he calmed his own emotions and implored Anakin to see reason.

"I saw you with Dooku, I know what you did. Hypocrite!" Anakin viciously dealt a dizzying blow as he spat the latest remark, blood boiling, temper raging.

"Padawan!" Obi-Wan could not stand for that, he too spat the usually endearing word back at his own apprentice, leaning over him menacingly as he did so.

If Obi-Wan had ever acted disrespectfully to Qui-Gon he had too employed ruthless tactics that had Obi-Wan pleading forgiveness immediately, taking one look at Anakin he knew this would never be the case with their partnership. The boy was far too stubborn and headstrong to squirm under Obi-Wan's seething gaze. A new tactic then…

Their faces were just a hair's width away from touching, heightened emotions threatening to boil over, breath coming in quick heavy bursts. Obi-Wan took a deep centering breath and strove to abolish all the feelings Anakin was making him feel, this was an important moment and he had to take the lead with this.

"Anakin, what you saw…" Obi-Wan purposefully lowered his voice and tone, with the knowledge that he had been acting just as poorly as Dooku had.

"Master I'm sorry, I didn't mean it I let my anger get the better of me again!" Anakin interrupted Obi-Wan's speech for a second time, however now he was regretful of his harsh words thrown at his mentor.

"Will you let me finish please?" Obi-Wan raised an eyebrow requiring absolute attention and silence from the other occupant in their cell, when Anakin meekly nodded he continued.

"I'm a young fool Ani, I know I'm your Master but I am still learning too. Now tell me what does being a Jedi mean?"

A pause as he observed Anakin consider the implications of the word.

"It means seeking knowledge to help those in need". When he did answer it was fuelled with conviction and knowledge that this was the answer Obi-Wan was expecting.

"Exactly, we are all on a path of knowledge Padawan, I just happen to be further ahead than you. That doesn't mean I know all the answers and as you've witnessed I still make mistakes. It's alright to make mistakes that's how we learn." He continued to explain, content with the sight of Anakin taking in his words.

"Dooku seems to want me to lose control, he plays on my attachments which cause my emotions to run unchecked. You are now seeing first hand why attachments are so deadly, to us and those around us…"

A heavy silence fell between the two young Jedi, each lost in their own thoughts mulling over the implications of the last day. Anakin's brows furrowed which was a classic sign of his concentration, he was evidently reflecting on the lesson Obi-Wan was trying to convey about attachment and anger.

"Sometimes I feel I'm too young to be teaching you, as my dear old Master used to say I still have very much to learn." He continued breaking the silence, Obi-Wan had never told anyone about his insecurities yet here he was trusting them to his apprentice of all people, he should be stronger for Anakin's sake…

"I never thought you were too young Master! You seem to know everything, well almost…" Anakin obviously sensed his misgivings and being the caring person he was immediately leapt to quash them, well he could never help himself when it came to teasing.

This was the boy Obi-Wan had come to love, honest, kind, generous. It was probably the main reason he had freaked when Anakin had lost control earlier, it was so unlike him. The real Anakin Skywalker was truly exceptional.

"Further insolence will not help your cause my very young apprentice." Obi-Wan smirked mirth glittering his eyes.

He grinned when Anakin stilled and glanced up pleading for mercy with his eyes, he was a quick learner and had grown to know that tone to usually be followed up by swift punishment. Obi-Wan decided to let him off the hook considering the situation, it was truly marvellous to have Anakin being his old self again.

Obi-Wan broke the silence, putting his Padawan out of his misery. The relief on Anakin's face when he realised there would be no reprimand brought an even bigger grin to his face.

"They say the partnership is right when the apprentice also teaches the Master, so I guess we do work well as a team."

"Well yeah I teach you loads of things like mechanics and stuff." Anakin beamed, joyful that they were getting back to their old ways.

"I was thinking more along the lines of you forcing me to be very creative when it comes to punishments." Obi-Wan teased, smirking at his young apprentice's affronted form.

"No fair!" Anakin complained, indignation sprawled over his features.

"Life is not fair Ani, let be that the first lesson I teach you in our new found truce." Obi-Wan's face had transformed into seriousness, however hard he tired though there was no chance he could keep it up for very long. Less than a few seconds later he was grinning manically again, chuckling at his Padawan's furrowed brows and mock look of hurt.

Anakin looked miffed for a further 5 seconds before breaking out into a meek smile, they both had much to learn indeed.

"We should meditate, it will clear our minds and feelings." Obi-Wan declared, leading by example and preparing to attempt and enter meditation. He knew it would not be easy with the force suppressant, but not entirely impossible.

"Yes Master." Anakin muttered whilst following suit to find his own center.

They both fell into the endless currents of the force, seeking answers and clarification on their feelings. One thing was for certain, they both had very much to learn…


A/N - The next chapter will continue on from this scene, the boys certainly have a few things to resolve! Also we will be catching up with the council pretty soon, like I said I plan to have the next chapter up within the next few days for you guys :)

Thanks again for the ongoing feedback and interest it really brings a smile to my face!

Until next time...