Chapter 4:

"Obi-Wan," Anakin called out once he spotted the ginger haired Jedi standing aside their makeshift camp. The men were already preparing to leave.

"I don't want to talk about it," the Jedi Master offered, but he didn't turn around from gazing over the fog. They were standing on a few rocks that allowed them to see a little further. Not much, but it was the thought that counted.

"Neither do I Master," that earned him a questioning look, "The Council assigned us to another mission. We are to leave for a neighbouring planet that has been attacked by droids."

Obi-Wan nodded and stroked his beard in thought. Anakin took the more relaxed form of his former Master as an invitation to step closer. "I have thought about it," and Anakin was not surprised at all that Obi-Wan had come up with something in only a few minutes, "the Force definitely urged me towards our dark friend."

"You are not speaking of defying the Council's orders are you?" Anakin asked with amusement lacing his voice. Obi-Wan shot him one of his looks and the younger male couldn't help himself but laugh loudly, earning him worried and questioning looks from their near man and from Ahsoka. The young Togruta was about to join the two Masters, but Anakin motioned for her to stay put. She obviously was not happy with the order, but she did as she was told.

"I am glad that you are enjoying yourself," Obi-Wan retorted sarcastic, but there was no real anger in his voice. His eyes were actually sparkling with hidden mischief.

"I can't believe I am actually witnessing the day that Obi-Wan Kenobi defies the Council's orders... I am so proud of you Master."

"Ah yes... I will leave it to you to explain the Council why I am not with you then. I trust you to find a suitable explanation to cover me."

"Don't worry Master," Anakin was secretly proud that Obi-Wan trusted him with such an important task, even if it would be a pain in the rear. He knew that the Council would immediately sent help, should they find out what Obi-Wan was about to do and that would ruin the ginger haired male's plan. "I will not let you down."
"I know you won't, young one," Obi-Wan gave one of his smiles.

"Well," Anakin said a little awkwardly, "make sure to greet him from me."

"Oh I am sure he will feel honoured," Obi-Wan teased and Anakin was glad that his Master was not stuck in his anger.

Their situation was briefly explained with the troops and of course, loyal as they were, they agreed to cover for their beloved General. Obi-Wan had a good reputation with clones and few were the occasions when a clone did not like him immediately. He just had a way with people and Anakin, who had a more than a bad start in the temple, had been quite jealous of him then. Until the ginger haired man had explained Anakin that he was not even trying to befriend them. He had told Anakin that he would rather avoid most of the people he had befriended over the time and the young Skywalker had eventually understood that it was not always a blessing to have such an ability.

Ahsoka had been more hesitant however, "Masters, I have a bad feeling about this."
"I don't feel anything," Anakin had offered and looked at Obi-Wan for his opinion.

"Actually I have a rather good feeling about this..." he sighed, "I won't turn away from my decision now, young Padawan."

Ahsoka had eventually agreed. She knew there was just no reason for her to argue with the Negotiator. She would just lose anyway.

That way why Obi-Wan stood by and watched with a hint of awe how the great cruiser started and vanished at the horizon until nothing remained. He was just debating what he was supposed to do now to get the Sith's attention, when a certain muffled voice sounded behind him, "Don't tell me they dumped or forget you."

"I dumped myself I fear," Obi-Wan retorted with a small grin on his lips. He didn't need to turn around, for the Sith walked forward and came to a halt right next to him.

"Why are you still here?"

"Right to the point I see..." Obi-Wan sighed mentally, "I have talked to the Council."

"Oh, and what did they tell you?"

"Nothing satisfying I fear." Obi-Wan turned and walked towards the remains of a mighty tree. The dark man was silently following him, not leaving a single trace on the damp ground. Obi-Wan's boots were already ruined by all kinds of fluids, the other male's were not. Gracefully the ginger haired Jedi sat down on the trunk and offered his companion a seat, who declined with a shake of his head.

"What did they tell you?" the dark man repeated his question from before. He didn't sound impatient, but generously curious.

"They told me that I share a life-bond with somebody. They apparently have no idea, who the other half of this bond is or why it was forged. Further they told me that my presence would be tainted had they not shielded the bond."

The dark aura around the man spiked a moment, "Of course they would think that."

"Excuse me?"

Golden eyes shone from under the mask, "Everything the Council does not know is dangerous and dark for them."

Obi-Wan shrugged, "And is it?" He hesitated, "Are you?"

"I am dark because I was raised this way. Just as you was raised to become a Jedi. That does not mean I tainted you with my presence."

Obi-Wan's eyes went wide, before his Jedi training kicked in, "Do you mean to tell me... that you are the other half of the bond?"

"Guilty as charged," the man bowed mockingly.

The ginger haired Jedi ran a hand through his hair, "Who are you?" he eventually asked. He didn't need to see more than the other's eyes to know that he was smiling under his mask.

"Hello brother."