Chapter 10: A New Day

Glancing back the night doth end

As if goodbye to a long lost friend

No more the shadows of the past

Can hold us down; strong and fast

As the light of a new day dawns

We must welcome hope with open arms

Embrace the future that sparkles bright

And bask in peace of morning's light

* SW * SW * SW *

Ever night. It was dark and he shouldn't be here. This was wrong. This was the wrong place. Something happened. Something was missing. How could it be missing?

That's when he felt it. The darkness descended around him, bathing the area a deeper shade of night. Tentacles of evil swirled about corroding all it touched. He stepped back. He didn't want the tendrils to get him.

There in the corner of his eye, he saw a shadow move. Quickly, he turned to look at it. But it was too dark. He could not make out anything distinct in the inky blackness. But he could feel it. He wanted to run, but was rooted to the spot, eyeing nothing.

Suddenly, he was spinning. Slammed up against a wall, his cheek pressed painfully into the abrasive exterior. Pinned. Couldn't move. Couldn't see. But he heard…

Footsteps slowly walking up behind him. He could sense something standing millimeters behind him. He could feel the warm breath blow gently over his neck. It made his skin crawl. A voice, deep, smooth as velvet yet dripping poison, spoke in his ear, "I know who you are….Bauudi."

'NO!' his mind screamed. It couldn't be him. Drrov was dead. And he had been wiped from his mind. The cycle of vengeance and hate was over. He had broken it. The cycle was broken!

Obi-Wan jolted awake. Breathing hard, he desperately tried to calm his racing heart. He ran a hand through sweat streaked ginger hair. He felt sick. Not from anything he saw but from the loathing and anger that tried to engulf him. He needed air.

Glancing around in the dark, Obi-Wan tried to figure out where he was. After a moment he began to recall his time in the Council Chamber and the Tribunal. Then Master Windu saying he was going to stay with him. He was in Mace Windu's apartment. He had fallen asleep on the couch. Someone had put a blanket over him.

Quickly, the corsair looked around, taking in his surroundings. Even with the dim lighting from passing traffic, Obi-Wan was able to make out how nice the apartment was. But when his eyes landed on the door to the balcony behind him, he automatically threw off the sheet entangled with his legs and made for open air.

He flung open the doors and stepped out. Taking in a lungful, the young man could smell the exhaust of various vehicles and a mixture of industrial scents that wafted through the city planet's atmosphere. And even though, he knew it couldn't be good for anyone to breathe this in too long, Obi-Wan was grateful for the lungfuls he managed to gulp down.

The vision lingered in his thoughts. It held more detail yet none at all that he could make out. Obi-Wan wondered at its significance. After all, he hadn't had any prophetic dreams in years and this one left him with so many questions he just didn't know where to begin looking for answers.

Idly, he thought about Aden Kai and his reaction to a second vision outside the Healer's Ward. That first vision had been drenched with a sense of evil that choked him. This one seemed more about his own thoughts, which were still rather vague. Although, he also got the sense that it would not be long before the vision would be revealed. He just didn't know when.

Sighing, he leaned against the railing and watched the ships zoom by. It was strange being back on Coruscant in the Jedi Temple once more. It was a place he never thought he would find himself in, and yet longed to be. He finally began to realize that returning to the Temple was never really about returning to the Jedi, but about finding absolution.

He had no idea what exactly that absolution was, the how, why, when and by whom had been the least of his concerns. But now, in this place, he had found one aspect of absolution. His mind. For five long years, Obi-Wan has not known a moment when Drrov's voice did not constantly mock him. That the presence of his captor did not continually hammer down upon him, holding him back in a time he longed to forget. Never permitting him to move forward.

And suddenly, it was over. Gazing out at the passing traffic, his mind felt lighter, brighter, hopeful once more. The darkness that tainted his thoughts was gone. Obi-Wan smiled. His only regret now was that he could not share this triumph with Tuuvu yet. But he was certain some day he would. For now, he was content.

Even the outcome of the Tribunal seemed less daunting now that Drrov no longer had claim over him. If he was reinstated to the Jedi he would do what he must to uphold the honour they have given him. If not, he would be content to go back to Togoria and convince his family to end the piracy and seek a better means of income and live peacefully to the end of his days. No matter the outcome he would face it gladly, now that he was free.

Mace awoke at his usual time, the break of dawn. Automatically, he got up and headed out to the kitchen to start up his morning java. As he walked through the common room, he noticed the blanket falling off the couch and remembered the night before. Instantly, his piercing gaze darted around the apartment searching for the young man left in his care. A moment later he was able to relax. Obi-Wan was standing on the balcony watching the passersby.

Considering for a moment if he should go out and talk to the youth, the dark skinned Counselor decided against it. One of the reasons it was determined the corsair should stay with him was to allow the boy time to think and heal on his own. If he was among friends, they would constantly offer Obi-Wan encouragement and the chance to talk. And while these are good intentions because they care, it would not give Obi-Wan the space he needed to handle all the emotions and thoughts that came with the Tribunal.

Mace had to admit, he admired the young man's courage thus far. Yesterday had been very hard on the youth, and yet he won a very difficult battle. Of course the questions that surrounded the circumstances left them all feeling apprehensive. A mystery yet to be discovered. He just hoped that in the discovery their worst fears would not be realized. Unfortunately, that investigation would have to wait until the current situation was resolved.

The Jedi Master began cutting some nipa fruit while the ren eggs were cooking. He was about to grab some buns when he felt it best to heat some water for tea. Mace finished gathering his meal and sat down to eat. He would soon need to head out to the Council to begin the day. By the time he was half way finished, a chime alerted him to a guest. Without bothering to get up, the Master touched the Force and opened the door to his apartment. Less than a moment later, his old friend walked into the living area.

"You're late, Qui."

"On the contrary, I am precisely on time," Qui-Gon retorted smoothly.

"Depends upon your point of view." Mace smiled at the tall man and then gestured to a heating pot in the kitchen. "Your tea is waiting. And I made enough for both of you to eat."

"Your consideration is appreciated. And since you are almost finished I presume you will not be eating with us."

"Unfortunately no, the Council needs to catch up on official business today." Mace stood up and took his empty plate over to the cleaning unit. He then went over to an inlayed shelf in the common room and grabbed a data pad. "This is for Obi-Wan. It contains his examination schedule for the next few days. We arranged for the first few to cater to his current strengths. If he wishes, he will have access to the archives to study before he takes more difficult exams. I trust you will ensure he receives and adheres to his schedule."

"Of course I will, Mace. Will he require a chaperone while in the Temple?"

"No, not while he remains on Temple grounds. Or should his actions force us to require one."

"Then he is confined t-"

"Strongly suggested," Mace interjected quickly, "According to the Republic Security Force tensions are still very high in regards to everything that has transpired over the past few weeks. There are still a number of questions and concerns that various parties have. They felt, and we agree, that right now it would be good to let things cool down for a while before we consider what we should do next regarding Obi-Wan's situation. So for the time being, we would like for Obi-Wan to remain in the Temple."

Qui-Gon absorbed this information for a moment. For the most part he fully agreed with them. Because of the Republic Trial and the exposure of Ashua there have been many inquiries made on the matter, including Jedi Interference and proper handling of specialized criminals. The Senate has even established a committee to oversee many of the inquiries and effect any changes to legislature and proceedings as they see fit.

However, despite logic and reasoning, a particular question burns across his mind, begging for an answer. The Knight can no longer contain his curiosity. "And what of my request, Mace? I made a promise."

"Yes, we know, Qui, as you see fit to remind us at every chance you get." Mace took a deep breath and let it go again in a long sigh. Since the moment of Obi-Wan's discovery, his old friend had set out on a war path to bring the young man back to the Jedi. Every step has been a struggle and this issue only added to the growing complications of this situation. The Jedi Councilor attempted to reason with the man once more. "You must realize that the promise you made was made during a strong emotional response to a highly volatile situation. Even in that moment, you had no power over the outcome and was hardly in a position to make such a promise. We will do what we can, but do not assume that everything will work out the way you want it to. You must consider the alternative and what you must do to resolve said promise should you not be able to deliver."

Qui-Gon held his ground, stating firmly, "An alternative is not an option."

"It may have to be." Mace could feel the frustration churning in his old friend and could not let it continue unchecked. He placed a firm hand on Qui-Gon's shoulder and squeezed briefly. "Look, we still have a few days until then, and we both know that a lot can happen in just a few days. Trust the Force to guide us through. Release your anxiety and frustration to the Force and rejoice in what it has already provided for us." Mace took a small step back so that they both had a view of the balcony.

The Jedi Master continued, "Obi-Wan Kenobi is alive. Something that only some of us hoped to be true. The majority of us thought him one with the Force already and yet here he is, back in the Temple no less." The two stood for a moment in silence. Mace muttered wistfully, "Always in motion the future is." They stood for another moment before Mace stepped back in front of his friend. "You are a man of the Living Force, of the here and now. Let the future take care of itself." He patted the shoulder beneath his hand encouragingly. "Now go take care of Obi-Wan, I have to get to the Council."

"I will," Qui-Gon assured him and added sincerely, "And thank you, for everything." Mace nodded and then headed for the Council Chamber leaving Qui-Gon alone. Thoughtfully, the Knight glanced down at the datapad and then placed it on the table. It was time to talk to Obi-Wan.

Time behaved strangely when lost in thought. Each second seemed to pass on a heartbeat and yet managed to last forever too. It seemed to have no end but was gone before you knew it. And so it was for Obi-Wan. When he first stepped onto the balcony, the only lights he could see were those of the speeding vehicles flying by. Now the sun's warming rays reflected off the shining hulls, bathing the world in a twinkling dawn.

He remembered vaguely hearing movement in the room behind him at some point but he ignored it. He wasn't sure if he was quite ready to face that world yet. The world of his childhood before it was cruelly stripped away. A past he was finally beginning to conquer. There was also an element of anticipation coupled with apprehension too.

He had longed to return to this place and he was finally here. The Healer's Ward, sadly, was just as he remembered it. It was not the entrance he was looking for when returning to the Temple but it will have to do. His experience with the Council left his mind reeling. It still amazed him to know that it was only him in his thoughts now, no one else but him. Today was the first day of the rest of his life. He knew that. He just wasn't sure what the rest of his life would look like. Guess he would have to wait and see like the rest of the galaxy. So he will wait.

Voices. Deep, strong voices could barely be heard inside the apartment now. Still, Obi-Wan could easily make out the speakers. The man with whom he now resided, Mace Windu, and his would-be Master, Qui-Gon Jinn, were talking. No doubt he was part of that conversation somewhere, yet he still had no desire to go inside. He wanted to linger in peace for a while longer. Because no matter what his future held, he knew that moments like these would soon be few and far between.

It was not long after that, his moment of solitude ended. The tall Knight slowly made his way outside to stand next to him. Obi-Wan wondered who would break the silence first. The pair stood watching the constantly flowing lanes. By now, the morning was in full glory. The sky was painted in gold and mauve. The pastel glow sparkled off the massive city like a vast ocean. Little rivers and streams fed the ocean, humming with life. From this vantage point, everything looked perfect and pristine.

"I'd forgotten," Obi-Wan said at last, a tiny smile playing at the corner of his mouth, "how beautiful Coruscant can be." When Qui-Gon did not say anything, he continued. "It's not like Togoria. It is natural beauty there; full of flowers and plants. Here, on this world of metal and steel, it is a constructed elegance that permeates its landscape."

"It is easy to take your surroundings for granted." Qui-Gon agreed. He glanced at the youth and added, "People too. As Jedi we are transient, constantly moving. While we are deeply involved with the universe, it is still easy for us to forget the world we live in. Both its beauty and its cruelty. We are all capable of both. Caught up in our own agendas we often neglect those we interact with, and may cause more harm by our actions and words than we ever intended."

"If that's your wordy, roundabout way of apologizing, Master Jinn, there's no need. You have already apologized and I have moved on."

"Maybe so, but what I said is still true. You are not the only person I have hurt by my actions." The tall Knight let the statement hang in the air. It was a truth he did not admit often and wondered how the younger man would respond.

To his credit, Obi-Wan let the comment stand on its own, neither laughing nor adding to the jab. Instead, he merely nodded. He had enough of his own axes to grind to blame the Knight any further.

Again, the pair stood silently and watched the morning traffic for several more minutes.

Stretching to his full height, Qui-Gon turned to regard the pirate and offered, "Master Windu was kind enough to make Morning meal for us. I would regret it if his efforts were to go to waste. Would you care to join me?"

Obi-Wan sighed, took in one more moment of the peaceful landscape then stood. "Sure."

Together the duo headed inside and ate quietly. When they finished, Qui-Gon stood and began tidying up the small mess. Obi-Wan quickly followed suit and collected his dishes and went to the sink to clean. He automatically took the pans from the Master and washed them off.

The older man, cleared his throat and began, "I was going to do that. There was no need for y-"

"It's ok, Master Jinn. This is one of my normal duties on planet. Jorri is used to a tidy home since we were away so long, when we got back Tuuvu and I learned quickly not to incite her wrath for making a mess." Obi-Wan fondly imparted as he finished. "This isn't much and I may as well do something in return for living here for now."

"You miss them." Qui-Gon could see the far off look of the corsair's eyes and more importantly the longing in them.

"Of course I do. They are my family."

"You will see them again soon."

"I know. Just not sure exactly how I'll be returning. Same old Cub or as a Jedi again and what that will mean for them."

"Only one way to find out." Qui-Gon went to collect the datapad from the common room. When he turned around the lost student was once more standing behind him with a hopeful, curious expression. He held out the pad to the boy and felt the corner of his mouth lift. "This is your exam schedule. Do your best. No matter the outcome of these tests, I am certain you will return to your family as a Jedi."

"Thank you Master Jinn, truly. But it is not about tests or even the Tribunal anymore but what is in my own heart. I am not sure I want to be a Jedi anymore. As a kid all I ever dreamed about was being a Knight. A small part of me still holds onto that dream. But it's different now. I'm different now.

"When I was out there looking at the home I grew up in, it looked exactly as I remembered it. Huge and bustling with life. And while it is beautiful, I realized this is not my home anymore. If I choose to follow this path and somehow find myself a Jedi again, I will have to stay here. As a Jedi I am to cut ties with my family. Dedicate myself completely to the Order and the Republic. And I am not sure I can do that. Tuuvu and Jorri took me in and cared for me, unconditionally. To cut them out of my life is unthinkable. I won't do it."

"You will not have to. I am sure arrangements can be made."

"While I appreciate your efforts, it is not your place to promise me anything. And enough has already been done on my behalf than I ever expected. I do thank you for everything you have done and are still doing but it is not your fight any more. It's mine. This opportunity has given me hope. I am not giving up on that dream of being a Jedi yet. I am not going to sabotage myself and fail exams or give the Tribunal any reason to dismiss me. And if they offer to accept me back into the order I will consider it. But it has to be for the right reasons. Not because they feel sorry for a lost student who has suffered but by my own merit. Only then will I begin to know the will of the Force and what the future holds."

Qui-Gon leaned back and simply stared at the youth. "You are a wiser man than I at your age. I do believe the Force has crossed our paths again to give you this chance. Master Windu said the Archives are at your disposal to prepare for the exams. They have scheduled what they feel would be easier for you to start. You will be assessed on your mental and physical abilities over the next few days. Please feel free to call upon me should you need anything. I would be happy to assist you."

"Thanks." Obi-Wan took the proffered datapad and accessed his schedule. Some of the tests he expected, but of course there were a number he wasn't. He had a feeling he might be taking up the knight's offer at some point during his studies. He had a few hours scattered throughout the day specifically for studying and a few appointments with Master Uvontra as well but he noted there were a few additional hours labeled 'free time.'

Curious, he looked at Qui-Gon and asked, "Looks like I'll have some evenings free. Any chance I would be able to run some errands around the city?" At that, the older man frowned and sat opposite his charge. "Yeah, didn't think so. Does that make you my guard?"

"I am not your guard." The Jedi clearly stated with finality. "However, the Council has asked that you remain within the Temple until your fate has been decided. You must understand that your situation is unlike any we have dealt with before. Many are not sure how they should feel or react to everything that has transpired since your return – both inside and outside the Jedi."

Obi-Wan shrugged. "I am a convicted criminal in the Republic's eyes. I know there were questions about what jurisdiction I fall under and how it should have been handled – besides you." He added with a small smirk. "I get that they don't want me roaming around."

"Thank you. It will not be for long at any rate. In the meantime, you are free to move about the Temple on your own. As I understand it your friends are already hard-pressed to have you visit. More than likely that is the purpose of your free time."

"Yeah." Obi-Wan agreed wistfully. "I look forward to being with them too. I've missed them."

"Did you have any other questions about your schedule?"

"Not right now. Guess I should get ready. I have an appointment with Master Uvontra coming up before my first exam and I have to find her office." Standing, the youth felt it best to get moving.

Mirroring the action, Qui-Gon offered, "I would be happy to show you the way."

"No. I need to remember how to make my way around on my own. But I appreciate the offer."

"Then I will leave you to it and will check on you later this afternoon. Feel free to contact me on my comm should you need anything before then."

With that the Knight said his good-byes and left. Obi-Wan got ready and headed out into the temple to find Ullia Uvontra Vylond's office.

* SW * SW * SW *

No, this is not an April fool's joke! I have indeed uploaded a new chapter to this dusty old epic. Recently, I have felt the urge to write but my muse is still fighting me. I am hoping new words of encouragement will help push her in the right direction. So please drop a note and kick my muse's butt if necessary!

I know it's been a while but I do want to do a quick shout out : ErinKenobi2893 - Thank you so much for the review. I am glad the Shadowmark is resolved too. Of course that leads to other questions. And I am glad that I can offer something fresh in the SWU. It has definitely been a fun ride thus far and I am really hoping to finally get this story out of my head. Thanks again!

You cannot know how much all of your comments, faves, alerts and clicks mean to me for this epic. And I cannot express the gratitude I feel for all of you who haven't given up on me yet. I do want to finish this, and it's definitely been a long time coming. I very much enjoy the conversations I have with my readers, they are great stimulus in and of themselves. So please do comment. I take all forms of criticism. Flaming while it can be hurtful I realize that even if you hated everything I wrote, the fact that you read it through at all means I was at least able to catch your attention. And no matter what I am proud of what I share of myself to the world. It may not always be pretty but it is mine. And if it brings just one person joy then I am content.

I don't know when I will be able to post the next chapter. I am hoping it won't be too long a wait. Until then, thank you all for your loving support!

~Ari :D