A/N - Yay I'm nearly almost kinda back to a normal schedule :) Thanks again for reading and anyone who has reviewed!

Enjoy...


Obi-Wan gazed outwards to witness the galaxy racing past faster than he could keep up with, hyperspace always had that outward effect. The space around Dooku's ship distorted and warped as the vessel carved a path through space itself, the visual effect was rather mesmerising. Lines stretched and twisted endlessly as they travelled faster than light itself.

He turned away from the viewport and proceeded to fall back into a healing trance, it was imperative now more than ever that he be at his best, physically and mentally. The imminent warning flaring from the force served to drown out almost everything, Obi-Wan had never felt such a divergence in its currents. He had never felt such evilness in all his years, even the combined presence of Dooku and Ventress fell rather short of this new threat, Sidious.

Obi-Wan struggled to connect with the force as once more his injuries reminded him just how much work was needed, perhaps it was the overwhelming darkness now screaming out at him or maybe the fact they were travelling in hyperspace. The force always felt different in space travel, it was harder to grasp the tendrils almost as if they were more liquefied and any attempts to harness it was much like watching water slip through one's fingers.

Realising he had little choice over the matter Obi-Wan strove to block out as much as he could, hard as that was and really centered himself for the first time in days. He blocked out the image of Anakin's distraught face, betrayal tearing him apart on the inside. He blocked out the overwhelming sense of loss, the conflicting feelings he had felt from Siri, blocked out Dooku, Ventress, Qui-Gon. Obi-Wan's mind truly emptied itself of everything so he could finally connect with what little light there was left in the surroundings, the small flicker defiantly battling the overwhelming darkness refusing to be extinguished.

Time seemed to slow as Obi-Wan connected with the force in a way he had never truly accomplished before, he felt at one with it. He and the force worked in tandem as they repaired splintered bone, torn muscles and replenished strength where it was needed. Obi-Wan lost all sense of time as he worked tirelessly. When he awoke, for the first few moments it was like he was seeing the world from another's eyes. Of course the blissful feeling didn't last long as Obi-Wan sensed the approach of Dooku, remembered all the harrowing moments that had led to him being with the enemy and accepted the tremendous burden on his shoulders, as a Jedi.

Dooku swirled into the small quarters moments later his gaze already scanning and dissecting Obi-Wan's state, from the minuscule smile Obi-Wan deduced the Count was pleased with his findings. Obi-Wan had truly had the time to build his mental defences now, he was determined to never allow Dooku to see his true intentions, he couldn't. Not until they had worked together to stop Sidious, Obi-Wan would do his duty where Dooku and Ventress were concerned even if that meant his death. They could not walk away from this, from their crimes. Obi-Wan had every intention of arresting the pair just as he planned on arresting Palpatine. Of course the chances of him arresting Palpatine were slim, Dooku's hatred for the man would already serve as his death sentence. Obi-Wan doubted he would have the strength to come between a man as powerful as Dooku and his vengeance, it was his duty to try though.

'There is no try…'

Qui-Gon's amused voice filtered through to his mind, causing a small smile to tug at Obi-Wan's own lips. Even now he had to restrain from jumping out of his skin when Qui-Gon made contact, it was definitely going to take some getting used to.

Dooku took his place beside Obi-Wan before reaching into his cloak to produce a gift. When the hand emerged it was carrying a saber hilt, Obi-Wan's saber hilt. He would recognise the sacred weapon from anywhere, already he could hear the pureness of the weapon calling out to him. Obi-Wan extended his arm to receive the offering, understanding that this was not just an offering of a weapon but a hand of comradeship, of trust. His fingers curled around the sleek design, revelling in the familiar grooves and curves he knew better than his own hands.

"You will be needing this now." Dooku smiled knowingly, understanding just how much this moment meant to Obi-Wan.

Obi-Wan looked up into the eyes of his now sworn enemy, the dark to his light. Even though this man was in essence evil that did not help to keep at bay the overwhelming level of guilt crashing into him, as he stared into the trusting fooled eyes of his enemy Obi-Wan almost found himself drowning under the shame of deceit.

"Thank you," he replied solemnly as soon as he could be sure his voice wouldn't crack.

Dooku all of a sudden looked uncomfortable as if he couldn't work out how to start the conversation, it was certainly a different look for the Count, nervousness. In every other encounter the aristocratic man had no troubles with leading the conversation, it was indeed intriguing that whatever was on the Count's mind had caused this new persona.

"I regret that you had to go through so much to get to this stage," he finally started, fingers anxiously tapping his knee, unwilling to hold Obi-Wan's gaze.

Obi-Wan suddenly understood why Dooku seemed so different, the anger that was always bubbling on the surface had all but been buried, the Count wanted a heart to heart. Very well I will play along.

"I understand the importance, I will gladly sacrifice everything to save the galaxy from Sidious." And you… The addition was of course only spoken in his mind, deep where Dooku would not hear it.

Dooku nodded approvingly, fire rekindling in his gaze as he thought of Palpatine. The hatred that Dooku held for the Sith Lord was simply striking, the ferocity of the emotion almost had Obi-Wan recoil.

"My only regret is that Qui-Gon could not be here."

Obi-Wan's head shot up in shock over the words, they had felt so sincere. Dooku glanced at his companion and chuckled, seeing the shock his words had had on his new apprentice. He knew of course Qui-Gon would never condone any of this, no matter what deluded notions Dooku had conjured up.

"You're still angry at him." Dooku incorrectly observed, misplacing the outrage for genuine anger. It did not matter of course the misinterpretation played right into Obi-Wan's hands.

"After all he did?" Obi-Wan growled back, silently letting his Master know this was of course not his true feelings. "Of course I am."

Dooku nodded understandably and placed a hand on Obi-Wan's shoulder, it was funny he could have sworn he saw a flash of guilt cross the Count's gaze. Did the man truly feel ashamed that he turned Obi-Wan against his Master?

"And you have every right to be. Qui-Gon…" He paused to sigh, seemingly composing himself over the memories. "…Qui-Gon was not the best at openly praising his students especially after the disaster with Ducrion."

Dooku's gaze seemed to soften further as he recounted memories from his past, Obi-Wan was shocked over how different the man in front of him seemed to be. Was this how Qui-Gon remembered his Master?

"Whether he showed it or not Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon was very proud of you he told me so himself more than once." Obi-Wan allowed himself to balk at the statement, realising he was still meant to be showing ill-thoughts towards Qui-Gon. He never knew his Master had talked to Dooku about him…

"I believe he would be even prouder of the man you have become, of what you are about to achieve."

Obi-Wan let his gaze hit the floor as he pondered over the words, he hoped Qui-Gon did approve of his decisions and was proud of what he was prepared to do. Of course that action was entirely different from what Dooku was expecting, but it was far too early to ruin the surprise now.

"Do you believe he would stand by our side?" Obi-Wan wanted to know just how delusional the Count was, he of course knew that Qui-Gon resented the man his old Master had turned into.

"I do." Dooku nodded. "Qui-Gon was the best a Jedi could be, not bending to the will of the Council or Senators in hopes of personal gain. No, he was a true Jedi who listened to one thing above all else, the will of the force."

Dooku's admiration for his old Padawan was no act, Obi-Wan could see that there was a time that this man cared deeply for Qui-Gon, maybe he still did even now.

"You miss him still don't you?" Obi-Wan would never have dared a personal question before now, but in this moment it was as if he were speaking to the part of Dooku which was still in the light however small that part might be. It gave Obi-Wan hope that perhaps this man could be brought back from the hell which was the dark side, maybe there could be reconciliation after all.

Dooku sighed as the loaded question was spoken, his grip fell from Obi-Wan's shoulder to land in his own lap dejectedly. Obi-Wan witnessed the flash of anguish cross the ex-Jedi's features even if it were brief, his body language all but answering for him, yes.

"Every day…" The Count admitted quietly, truthfully.

The guilt smashing into Obi-Wan's defence's tripled, Dooku was opening himself up to Obi-Wan whilst the Jedi continued to deceive. He was the liar here, not Dooku.

As soon as the vulnerability was there it was gone, only lasting for a split second before fire engulfed the Count's form again. His eyes darkened as he imagined Qui-Gon being taken from this world again, loathing for Palpatine and the Jedi consuming whatever goodness that had taken hold in his heart.

"I will forever hate the Jedi's arrogance that got Qui-Gon killed, and Sidious…" The atmosphere in the room dropped as he chilling spoke the words, all warmth obliterated by the power of hatred.

Obi-Wan inwardly sighed, he truly pitied Dooku. To be that warped and controlled by the dark side was a sad sight, especially as he too had now glimpsed a part of the man Dooku used to be. As the Count's burning gaze met his Obi-Wan realised he was expected to also have an opinion on the matter, to show his burning hatred just like Dooku was.

"We will destroy Sidious, and any who threaten our new way."

Dooku nodded in agreement over the statement, joy over Obi-Wan's conviction all but serving to obliterate any other thought process. After one last instruction to continue resting the ex-Jedi was gone, leaving Obi-Wan alone to process what he had just witnessed.

He had seen a side of Dooku that he no longer thought existed, a side not consumed entirely by the dark. Even though the slither of light was growing smaller Dooku was not completely lost, he had to at least attempt to reach the man for Qui-Gon's sake if not his own.

Qui-Gon was being uncharacteristically quiet on the subject, perhaps the Master was struggling to connect with Obi-Wan at hyperspace. They only seemed to be able to connect fully when Obi-Wan was unconsciousness, they would have to change that in the immediate future. Obi-Wan couldn't keep knocking himself out every time he wanted to speak to his old Master.

His musings were interrupted as a flare from the force warned him of another presence nearby, an enemy with unfriendly intentions, Ventress. His hand immediately curled tighter around his saber hilt, thankful that he now had something in which to protect himself from the dark sider. If their last encounter was anything to go by then it seemed this Witch did not agree with him being alive, she had been vicious in her actions, taking joy from his suffering to a whole new level.

Obi-Wan shakily found his feet as he sensed the Witch stop outside his quarters, it seemed she was weighing up the option of engaging him again. He could feel her inner turmoil from here, she so very much wanted to end him yet Dooku would never allow her to live if she did. The question remained did she really hate him that much to forfeit her life?

The question was soon answered as a flurry of movement was made known to him, the door slid open and Ventress leapt towards him teeth baring and hands gripping her saber hilts securely. He was in a defensive position in the next second, pleasantly surprised that his reaction time hadn't seemed to be affected by injuries. In fact the wounds weren't even throbbing with the fast action, his quick recovery would bode well for future duels, from Ventress' disappointment he knew she thought he wouldn't have recovered so quickly. Perhaps she had thought he would be easily dispatched now.

They remained at a stalemate stood in their respective positions, her offensive and his defensive. No saber had been drawn as of yet but it would only take a moment for this to elevate to something else entirely, both opponents gripped their hilt's in apprehension of the other's move, just waiting to engage the other. Obi-Wan had to admit his emotions were in turmoil, as he observed Ventress and witnessed the same perverse desire to end his life he found his own rage boil over. Here was the women that had put him through unspeakable agony and from her posture and death glare fully intended on finishing the job, he would not allow her to ruin everything not when they were now so close to Palpatine.

As he stared into the deep depths of her black eyes he found himself flashing back to their last close encounter, to the agony of her slipping a knife into his chest whilst smiling sweetly down upon her fallen prey. The recollection sent shivers down his spine, to tingle at his nerves as her laughter echoed throughout his mind. The memory of her dominating him, his blood on her knife as he slowly slipped away from this world. Some of his feelings must have leaked as Ventress took a step closer and her growl was replaced with a smile, joyous that her mere presence was having such an effect on Obi-Wan.

Obi-Wan released his rightly earned fear for the warrior challenging him, released his turbulent emotions calling for her swift death and focussed on the task at hand. Ventress did not have to trust him, but there was a reason she hadn't attacked yet. Fear. Fear of the repercussions, she was above all else a survivor, he could work with that.

"Hello again, my dear…"

Her smile wavered as he broke the silence and realised his fear for her had dropped significantly, she certainly liked to be the one in control.

"Kenobi…" She spat out, her immense distaste for him lacing each and every syllable.

He relaxed his stance slightly hoping she wouldn't pounce on the action, Obi-Wan needed to make this mad Witch see they needed each other. At least for now.

"As much as I would like to hash it out with you, Ventress, quite frankly we have bigger fish to fry." He implored her to see sense, he would diminish his healing considerably if he was forced to fight Ventress as well.

"Why can't I enjoy both?" She countered.

"You know why." The images of Dooku's displeasure floated in front of the both of them, Ventress actually squirmed slightly as she recalled a recent memory.

"We need each other Ventress, the Sith Lord is too powerful."

The burning desire was back in her gaze, thankfully restrained by a look of understanding. Now was not the time for this. Her posture relaxed, only a minuscule amount but it was enough to show that Obi-Wan's words were breaking through.

"He will see what you are, Kenobi, soon enough he will see what I see," she resolutely promised.

Obi-Wan had to agree with her, it was becoming sooner rather than later that his true intentions would be revealed. He dreaded the moment that it would come, the moment he would have not just one Sith as a direct opponent, but three. All he could hope for was to see Sidious in chains or dead before that happened. Of course his silence and lack of denial confirmed to the Witch she was not wrong, which only served to widen her grin.

"When he sees what I see, my Master will cheer me on as I bring him your head."

Obi-Wan couldn't disagree with the statement, he was sure it was true. Of course he couldn't let Ventress see her words were affecting him, he would deal with Ventress just as he hoped to deal with Palpatine.

"We shall see…"

She scowled over his words, annoyed at again the Jedi's continued resolve and defiance. With great regret Ventress slipped back out of the room, not once turning her back on the confirmed enemy. As she scurried away from his vicinity Obi-Wan finally allowed himself to relax, breathed out a breath he hadn't even realised he was holding. He slumped back down on the sleep couch whilst fighting the ever-growing trembling running rampant through all his muscles. Only now did he allow his rock-solid grip on the saber hilt to fall away, only now did he feel at peace enough to truly relax.

He fell back into the calming currents of the force in preparation of what was ahead, ignoring the blatant darkness overwhelming the majority of his surroundings for now. Obi-Wan continued on with his task of healing, of strengthening and simply hoped that his preparations would be enough for the great war ahead.


Dooku's battered freighter was in chaos, firefights raging across the ship were only just coming to an end. Anakin waited whilst the precious seconds ticked by, moments which he knew were crucial and where the Jedi should be moving after the new threat, saving Obi-Wan. He had been ordered to a safe point as soon as Master Windu was called away to aid in other areas of the ship, as much as he could see the Jedi Master wanted to hear what Anakin had to say, duty came first.

So now Anakin sat huddled in one of the ships corners, seemingly forgotten by the wave of Jedi that still continued to take control of the vessel. The volleys of shots and explosions had stopped some time ago however leading Anakin to the conclusion that this battle was mercifully coming to an end, they had already wasted too much time.

His musings were interrupted as someone peaked his attention, he glanced upwards towards the sudden flare in the force and met eyes with a blond haired Jedi Master. Anakin didn't recognise her or the Padawan at her side yet the force seemed familiar around her, it was certainly odd. As soon as the blonde Jedi locked eyes with him recognition sparked for her, she hurried over to his shivering form grabbing a thermal blanket along the way. Anakin stood to meet the newcomer, curiosity almost overwhelming him enough to miss the niceties required for a Jedi Master. He bowed clumsily as she reached him, the newcomer only smiled sadly indicating there was no need for that in such dire circumstances.

Anakin allowed the Jedi Master to steer him towards an actual seat, draping the blanket over his shoulders as they went. The gentleness of her actions almost reminded Anakin of his own mother, of the caring nature she always had. He felt the burning gaze from the Padawan and met the challenging glare, what was this kid's problem?

"Ferus, fetch me some water please." It seemed the Jedi Master had noticed the tension between the two and thought it best to separate them now, Anakin decided he liked the newcomer.

"Anakin, we haven't met but my name is Siri, I'm good friends with Obi-Wan." She turned back towards him as she started, her grip tightening on his shoulders ever so slightly as she mentioned Obi-Wan's name. His first name, Anakin felt there was something more than Siri was claiming but quickly banished the thought as he realised it was his Master's business.

"Pleased to meet you." He smiled genuinely at the newcomer, her kindness having already won him over. She allowed a small smile to grace her features too before they became grave again, she was worried about Obi-Wan.

"Where is he, Anakin?"

How much did Siri know? The almost pleading look she was giving him had Anakin feel awful, he wished he could give Obi-Wan's friend good news, he wished his Master would come bounding around the corner and would declare everything okay again. Unfortunately for Anakin this was not the case.

"He's gone with Count Dooku, they're on their way to the Sith Lord," Anakin spoke the deadly words quickly, understanding what it would mean for his Master. There was no way the Council would understand why Obi-Wan did what he did, even Anakin had had doubts over the past few days. Obi-Wan had slipped dangerously close to the dark side but Anakin knew their farewell was an act on Obi-Wan's part, on closer reflection he too wished that his Master's actions had been to fool Dooku all along. He believed in his Master even if no-one else would.

Siri's face morphed from shock to misery as the truth revealed Obi-Wan's perilous predicament, he was about to come face to face with a Sith Lord whilst still being surrounded by the enemy.

"It's not what you think," Anakin quickly spluttered. "He's not dark, Obi-Wan did it to save me and I believe he is tricking Dooku."

Siri pondered over Anakin's concerns for less than a second, fierce protectiveness taking over her features as she too believed in her friend. Anakin marvelled at the swift decision and again realised he liked this Jedi a lot, she hadn't even questioned Obi-Wan's allegiance meaning she had to know him very well.

Before they could continue Ferus returned with some water which Anakin took gratefully, he did not return alone however. The central base filled with Jedi including many of the Council, it was then that Anakin realised the fighting sounds seemed to have ceased. Master Yoda and Master Windu made their way towards him as soon as they entered, realising Anakin was the only one now who had all the answers. This time Anakin did not make the same mistake as before, he bowed deeply before both revered Master's and strove to release his impatience into the force. Every second they delayed was another for Dooku to get further away with Obi-Wan.

"Alright you are, Padawan?" Yoda's kind words broke through his haze.

"I'm fine, Master, it's Obi-Wan who needs our help," Anakin spluttered despite his attempt to control his speech. "He and Dooku are on their way to confront a Sith Lord."

Mace Windu's eyes almost popped out of his sockets as the words were spoken, he shook his head incredulously over the new information and Anakin could sense from here the Jedi Master was seriously considering if Anakin had gone mad.

"A Sith Lord?" The Korun finally managed to find the words he needed.

Anakin nodded desperately, unknowing what to say to make the councillor's believe his next shocking secret. If they found that revelation a shock then how would they take the news of the Sith Lord's identity?

"It's Chancellor Palpatine." Anakin decided it was just best to speak the plain simple truth, he knew the force would confirm what he was saying, of course the Jedi Master's still had to look…

Master Windu actually scoffed as Anakin revealed the secret, he looked to Yoda for reassurance that it wasn't just he who thought this whole tale mad. Anakin even heard Siri's sharp intake of breath over the truth, most likely in denial like he had been the first time Obi-Wan had told him. All eyes turned to Yoda as the little Master mulled over the words, he had been quiet as soon as Anakin had started speaking, that could either be a good thing or bad.

Finally the Grand-Master opened his eyes with a pained expression, Anakin realised the Jedi had seen the truth and maybe worryingly what was happening to Obi-Wan. He could not lie to the Council, Obi-Wan had come dangerously close to the dark side and even though he believed in his Master the facts certainly stacked up against him.

"The truth Skywalker speaks," Yoda finally stated, causing Mace to lose all composure. For the most stoic Jedi Anakin had ever seen it seemed Master Windu could still be shocked, could still lose his cool.

Anakin could feel everyone's minds whirring as the truth set in, the implications became known. This man that had been their chancellor was in fact their greatest enemy, he had played the game masterfully well and had almost got away with it. No-one had seen this coming, not even Master Yoda.

"More there is, Padawan?" Yoda had obviously picked up on his travelling thoughts, maybe even seen a few of his memories with Obi-Wan.

"Obi-Wan went with Dooku willingly." The response to his information was immediate, Mace's confusion morphed into rage and even Yoda dropped his head sadly. It was worrying that even someone as wise as Yoda had been so blind to the events happening here, the darkness clouding all.

"Master's, I don't believe Obi-Wan has turned, he went with Dooku to save me so I could tell you about Palpatine. He's tricking him, he must be!" After seeing their reactions Anakin desperately pleaded with the two councillor's who seemed mostly unaffected by his words. It was heart-breaking, how could they give up on Obi-Wan?

"Much darkness surrounds Obi-Wan, lost he may be." Yoda's usual steady voice all of a sudden sounded so very old, ancient even. The weight of the loss saddening each and every one of them, it was then Anakin realised why. They were mentally preparing themselves to stop Obi-Wan, their friend and brother.

"No…" Anakin whispered, unable to believe what he was seeing. He refused to believe he had been wrong, Obi-Wan had asked his Padawan to trust him and he did. There was no way Obi-Wan had truly fallen, he couldn't believe it he wouldn't.

"Master's, we all know Obi-Wan, he is such a stickler for the rules he drove all of us mad! I agree with Anakin there is no way he would allow that monster to change him." Siri passionately pleaded to the two revered Master's, Anakin smiled at his ally thankful that someone else believe in Obi-Wan.

"Master Tachi, your opinion is skewed by your personal attachment to Obi-Wan." Mace brutally shot down Siri's opinion as well as confirming Anakin's suspicions that there was something more between his Master and Siri than friendship.

He watched as she bit down an angry retort, realising that getting more emotional now would only serve to prove the Korun Master's point. Anakin despaired over the situation, Obi-Wan needed them more than ever and they were letting him down.

"Why would Kenobi take this on alone if he had not been seduced?" Mace questioned Yoda who still looked grave over the entire situation.

"He didn't have a choice!" Anakin blurted out, only reigning in his outburst and mumbling when Master Windu glared his way. "He was following the will of the force."

For a moment Anakin thought he saw the ghost of a smile grace Mace's features, a smirk over the irony of the statement, of the similarities to Qui-Gon. Of course the moment soon passed as the gravity of the situation abolished any trace of humour. Both Jedi Master's proceeded to break down this new claim and Anakin realised even they were holding out hope that their doubts were wrong. Of course emotions could not be used to make such a judgement, Mace looked down in pity on the Padawan as he resolved to stop the boy's Master if he had indeed done what they all feared, had turned to the dark side.

"Anakin, I know the facts may be hard to accept…" Mace was interrupted by Anakin's shriek of denial.

"No! He's not, you can't…"

"The facts are all pointing in that direction, Master Kenobi is shrouded with darkness. I'm sorry." Mace Windu spoke sincerely, he was truly finding the revelation hard to deal with. Anakin knew that the Jedi would have no qualms fighting darkness even if it did have Obi-Wan's face, he would detach himself from the situation until emotions no longer came into it.

"It doesn't matter what we all think, the fact still remains that Obi-Wan is on his way to the most powerful Sith in the galaxy, alone." Siri began again once she had calmed down. "We need to stop the Sith."

Mace and Yoda both nodded over the statement, at least they could all be agreed on something. Anakin knew that once they reached Obi-Wan they would see what he had, that his Master was firmly entrenched in the light. It didn't matter if the Jedi had misgivings now, all that mattered was getting to Obi-Wan before matters became irreversible. Anakin had a very bad feeling for his Master.

"Much darkness surrounds everything, Palpatine hide in plain sight he did. Stop the Sith we must." Yoda's previous emotions disappeared before Anakin's eyes as he witnessed the Jedi Master prepare for the times ahead, he and Mace nodded in agreement over the new way forward.

"Master Tachi, take Anakin to one of the med-bay's, he needs to be checked over," Mace commanded before turning to issue more orders to surrounding Jedi, informing everyone of their new objective.

"I don't need a medic!" Anakin insisted whilst trying to extract himself from Siri's strong grip, willing to get involved in the upcoming operation.

"Not a request it was." Yoda admonished him before too hobbling off, the sad look he briefly caught on Yoda's face did nothing to calm his rocketing heart rate. What did he know about Obi-Wan?

Anakin decided not to believe it, the Master had already been blind to Sidious' true identity, perhaps he was blind now. As Siri steered him off of Dooku's ship, Anakin had the chance to see just how many Jedi Vessels had made the journey. All of them were preparing for dis-embarkment now that they had a new objective, of course the main problem now was where were they heading? Where was Obi-Wan?

"They think he's fallen to the dark, I promise he didn't Siri. I know he didn't." Anakin felt his voice crack as he pleaded with his only ally.

She stopped just before what appeared to be the med-bay, dropped to his level and took him in her arms. If it was hard to hold the emotions back before, it was now nearly impossible. The action reminded him so much of what his Mother would do that Anakin was instantly in tears, fumbling with his sleeve in an attempt to wipe away the evidence.

"Anakin, listen to me." Siri grabbed his arms away gently. "I won't let them hurt him."

The promise went against everything a Jedi should be, it put her trust in Obi-Wan above duty. For once Anakin did not care, he needed the reassurance that he wasn't alone in believing Obi-Wan, had to know Siri would help save his Master. Even if that was from himself.

Anakin nodded at his new friend, thankful that he was no longer alone in this battle. His sniffles decreased as she stood and lead him into the med-bay, leaving him with a droid but promising to return as soon as she knew more information. As much as Anakin would have loved the company he realised the Jedi would need all hands on deck to find Obi-Wan, he had already heard from other Jedi in the corridors that Chancellor Palpatine was missing. Anakin only hoped they could find his Master in time.

As he lay back on the medical table, waiting for the droid to take his vitals, Anakin found himself willing for his Master now more than ever. Every time he had been stuck in a med-bay Obi-Wan had always stormed into the room in a flurry of panic, he would always remain by his Padawan's side to ease the pain away. As Anakin felt his injuries flare he glanced longingly towards the door and marvelled at the sight of Obi-Wan bounding through the entrance. The Jedi Master had no scars of the previous days, his smile lit up the room as he rocketed towards his injured Padawan's side.

Sadly the facade broke, Obi-Wan's image faded away into nothing and Anakin was once again left alone. As he allowed the droid to run its tests and administer painkillers Anakin realised just how abandoned he felt, he had rarely felt such solitude in all his life. Distracted by his musings Anakin failed to notice the new addition to the room, and so when said person spoke he was understandably shocked.

"Anakin."

Of course when Anakin heard the voice it sounded oddly familiar, when he glanced upwards to identify the newcomer his heart seemed to stop. Standing before him was a man he knew to be dead, a man he had missed every day since he was ripped from this world.

Qui-Gon.


A/N - And that's all for this week's instalment! I wonder how Anakin will react to Qui-Gon...

Until next time...