CHAPTER 2

Ave had every intention to grab dinner and take it back to the solitude of her quarters.

"Knight Ralston, wait." Ave turned around to see Obi-Wan Kenobi coming towards her. He was not quite running, but not exactly walking either.

"Master Kenobi," Ave extended her hand to shake his. But Obi-Wan caught her up in a huge embrace that practically lifted her off her feet. That surprised the Jedi Knight, for Obi-Wan Kenobi was not one to show emotion often, that is what made him instrumental in successful negotiations. Laughing, Ave returned the embrace and joked, "So is it proper for a great Jedi Master and hero of the Republic to be seen with a mere Knight?"

Obi-Wan turned serious for a moment, "You are anything but mere, Ave. You are a great asset to the Order." The hero paused before he added, "And a dear friend."

Ave smiled, "I've missed you too, Obi-Wan. It's good to be home."

Side by side the two Jedi walked down the quiet hallway of the Temple. "You seem distracted." It was not a question, but a statement. Obi-Wan was never one to hold back any punches.

"My mission to Shalan was...difficult." Ave chose her words carefully, "by the way, I never did thank you fore sending Anakin to my aid."

Obi-Wan waved his hand, "You would have done the same for me."

Yes, she would have. "How did you know?" She asked.

Obi-Wan deliberated for a moment and shook his head, "I don't know. I just had a feeling." They walked in silence for a spell, "you seem distressed." She did not respond, "Do you want to talk about it?"

Ave looked into his eyes, her voice was a broken whisper, "I'm having trouble finding balance. The dark side surrounded Shalan. I felt it."

Obi-Wan put an hand on each of her arms and turned her to face him. "But you were balanced. You saved many lives, you fulfilled your duty. You controlled your emotions and were patient. The Council could not ask for anything more then that." Obi-Wan stared into her eyes and felt a connection, "There is more?"

"I felt something when I entered the atmosphere of Coruscant. The eerie cold did not leave me until I stepped through the doors of the temple." Ave hesitated, "I…it was a darkness I have never experienced before, concealed in shadows." She bit her lip and Obi-Wan encouraged her to continue, "Obi-Wan, do you think it is possible the Sith is here? On Coruscant?"

"I don't think it is possible," Obi-Wan carefully, he did not want Ave to think he did not believe her, "I would think the Council, or at least Yoda would sense it too."

Ave exhaled, and laughed nervously, "Your right. What was I thinking?" She was embarrassed at what Obi-Wan must think of her.

"You must never be afraid to tell me anything, Ave," Obi-Wan gently reminded her. They were still facing one another, close, Obi-Wan's hands still on her arms. They stood there a moment staring into one another eyes. Suddenly they realized their closeness and Obi-Wan released her arms. They both took a step back, not saying a word, but not breaking eye-contact either.

Obi-Wan spoke first, "I was just on my way out. Care to join me at Dex's for dinner?"

Ave felt the Force swirling around her, "Yes," she said, "I would like that."

Later that evening, Ave was alone in her quarters. The apartment was small but comfortable. After all, she was only one person. With the war, there was no time to choose an apprentice. She wondered if the time would ever come for her to ever choose an apprentice of her own. Ave found herself wishing that she could feel better. And while the meal she shared with Obi-Wan took her mind off what was happening in the galaxy, the reprieve was a brief one.

A hot shower helped her spirits as well. She knelt for her mediations. It came to her that the only way to destroy the Sith was to get close to it. Standing up she went to her data pad and typed in Count Dooku. She needed to learn all she could about him. More then what the Temple taught. When she was ready she would request permission to infiltrate he palace on Serrano. She would worry about how she was going to talk the Council into that one later.

For the first night in months Ave slept well. She woke up revitalized and feeling better then she had in a long time. Spending time with Obi-Wan suits me. Was her giddy thinking. Then catching herself she released that emotion. She was a Jedi, she should not feel that way. Obi-Wan was a fellow Jedi and a friend, that was all. Are you sure about that? Ignoring the question, she decided to go to her favorite place in the galaxy.

A short walk later she was in the Room of a Thousand Fountains. It was the most peaceful place in the temple. Possibly on all of Coruscant. Maybe the most peaceful place in the now war-torn galaxy. It was painful to know what was happening in the galaxy and even more agonizing to watch. It made Ave's heart ache. She loved the Jedi Order, loved the temple she called home. But she felt a yearning that she could not understand. A yearning she should not be feeling, but did not know how to get rid of.

Ave chastised herself for being self-seeking. The Sith were once again in the midst of the galaxy. But how? How could the Sith have risen again? And how could the Jedi not have recognized the danger?

Ave reminisced back to Master Jinn's funeral. She was still just a padawan at the time. Only 18 years old. Still with much to learn, still under her master, Master Shaili Tylus.

Ave remembered the whispering among Master Windu and Master Yoda.

But which was killed? The master or the apprentice?

Ave recalled the grieved look on Obi-Wan's face during the funeral. She silently hoped that she would never feel sorrow like that. But alas, hoping sometimes is not enough. A short two years after Ave was knighted, her much-loved master was murdered on Geonosis. Cut down by battle droids. Ave just a few feet away. Nothing compared to the agony that the young knight felt at that time. In her mind, only one person understood. Only one person could relate to Ave's pain.

Ave became aware of another presence in the room with him. It was Obi-Wan. It seemed that Obi-Wan was also looking for some much needed solace. Because Obi-Wan was fighting his own demons. The Sith seemed exceedingly interested in Anakin. It disturbed Obi-Wan to the highest degree. After all, Anakin was the chosen one wasn't he? The one who would bring balance to the force. But the council did not trust him. Well, except for Obi-Wan.

Obi-Wan trusted Anakin. Trusted him with his life. But Obi-Wan had good reason, after all, one had saved the other's life countless times. They were a team. One valiant, the other fearless, if not a little reckless. And Obi-Wan trusted Anakin. Trusted him and loved him. They were brothers. The two shared a strong bond.

Obi-Wan glanced over and realized he was not alone. He smiled at his friend and went to join her on the bench that she occupied. Ave slid over to give him some room. They did not converse. Both seemed focused on the running water of the main fountain in the room.

There seemed to be no need for words. They communicated purely by expression. They understood one another. They both fought for the same cause. Both had felt the same loss. Both had the same worries. Both were hurting, that was obvious. Both needed companionship, that was clear.

Ave became aware of Obi-Wan placing his arm around her. She laid her head on his shoulder as she held back tears. Emotions were spiraling now. Obi-Wan's and Ave's. Neither one had the power to stop. Or maybe they just did not want to.

Ave turned her head to face Obi-Wan. The Jedi master lifted Ave's chin and his lips met hers in an explosive kiss.

For that moment the two forgot the galaxy around them and got lost in that kiss.