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ooo

Over the next few months, Qui-Gon sparred with and taught Obi-wan the finer arts of sabre duelling.

It was a learning curve and one that Qui-Gon relished; it had been too long since he'd allowed himself to enjoy teaching.

Obi-Wan used the force in ways that Qui-Gon didn't, and there were times that Obi-Wan taught him a thing or two as well and one of those times Qui-Gon began comparing Obi-Wan to a young Xanatos in his mind and he lost focus.

Obi-Wan sensed his distraction and used it to his advantage. Qui-Gon was lost in memories and didn't see Obi-Wan's blade until it nearly singed his neck. He pulled back but the blade caught some of Qui-Gon's hair and the air filled with the scent of burnt locks.

Yoda chuckled. "Told you I did, hair was too long….Cut it you should or singe it all Obi-Wan will."

Qui-Gon berated himself for getting lost in the past again and he vowed to put Xanatos back there were he should be.

He had no reason to see anything similar in their styles and Obi-Wan's whole being radiated light and honesty; they weren't alike at all.

He sensed frustration and a tinge of annoyance radiate from Obi-Wan and he could see it in the young one's face that Obi-Wan knew he'd lost focus and knew who he was thinking about.

"My apologies young Obi-Wan, you seem far better equipped to remain focussed than I do."

Obi-Wan bowed and held his sabre in the salute position. "I have had plenty of time to learn about focus Master Jinn; I do not dwell in the past. Master Yoda says that we should concentrate on the present and the future; because that is where the danger will come from."

Qui-Gon bowed and smiled. ""You are very intuitive Obi-Wan, and you have very good instincts. I do believe I have learnt another lesson my self today."

He felt a sense of merriment rise in the young boy, and a brilliant smile lit up his face. Qui-Gon returned the bow and they headed back to the house.

Evening came and Obi-Wan had fallen asleep on the couch, Qui-Gon sensed a deep devotion toward Obi-Wan from Master Yoda and they were sitting in the hovel reminiscing about the training sessions and how far Obi-wan had come since their training began.

Qui-Gon felt good for the first time in many years; he felt a sense of belonging and a purpose in life and he looked across to Obi-Wan smiling. He had come to think of the young one as a friend, and Qui-Gon openly admitted that he'd grown to appreciate being a Jedi again.

"Master, how long are you going to keep Obi-Wan here?"

"A good question that is Qui-Gon; the Padawan trials held soon they will be and all initiates who turn twelve are expected to enter them. It is time for young Obi-Wan to take his place in the temple. Tell me Qui-Gon what have you decided to do with your life?"

"Master, I would be honoured to put my name forward to take Obi-Wan as my padawan, if he will have me."

"Very good, my wish it is also, but final decision is Obi-Wan's and because he hasn't had any interaction with other Jedi, I am hesitant to make that decision yet, time he must have to see what he has missed."

Qui-Gon understood, for it wasn't long ago that they began their training and Obi-Wan should taste the rigors of temple life. The young boy needed to find himself, before he could make an informed decision.

"When will you tell Obi-wan, Master?" Qui-Gon inquired.

"Tell him now I will, then send him to bed." Yoda confirmed as he nudged him with the force to wake him.

Obi-Wan stretched out along the couch, bringing his arms up above his head. He felt the nudge and opened his eyes, realising he'd fallen asleep on the couch that Qui-Gon was using to sleep on. "I'm sorry Master; does Master Jinn want the couch?"

"Come to a decision I have Obi-Wan, time to tell you it is."

"Yes Master," he said sitting up.

"It is time to return to the temple, leave tomorrow we will for Coruscant. Trials are set for next month… of age you are now…. and it is time for you to take your place in the temple alongside the other initiates."

Both Masters could feel the sudden shock waves reverberating through the force, fear of failing most prevalent.

The boy didn't answer he just stared at Yoda for a moment, his emotions were erratic.

"I..I What if… What if they don't want me there? He stuttered. I…I.. am happy here"…. he whispered, dropping his eyes to his lap.

"Understand I do, painful memories have you of your time there. Yet different now, 'strong you are, able to handle anything you can". Yoda said, and then looked to Qui-Gon for back up.

Qui-Gon moved to kneel in front of Obi-Wan; he took his small hands and held them. "When you came here you were insecure, frightened and lacked confidence. You are no longer that boy and I am no longer that insufferable Jedi Master. I see a boy who is nothing like the boy I saw in the healers ward, you are Obi-Wan Kenobi, strong, capable…and determined. It is time to return."

"Will you come with us?"

"Do you want me to Obi-Wan?"

"Yes Master Jinn, I would like that." He turned to Yoda with pleading eyes. "He can come with us can't he master?"

"Yes Obi-Wan with us to Coruscant he will come."

ooo

As they approached the Temple they could sense the trepidation in Obi-wan, it was like they were heading towards a new adventure. Walking into the Temple was strange, yet Obi-wan wasn't afraid, as he had two Masters to protect him.

He walked straight and confident between them, even though one was shorter than he.

Qui-Gon had informed the Council that Master Yoda was returning from his sabbatical, and the Council had sent word to them that they would be received in the Council Chambers as soon as they landed. Qui-Gon knew that the Council was anxious to have Yoda back.

His wisdom had been sorely missed over the last three years, and many decisions had gone wrong in his absence. The closer they came to the big wooden doors the more the two Masters could sense the apprehension and nervousness radiating from their young charge. Once they reached the doors and were waiting to be admitted. Qui-Gon knelt in front of Obi-wan giving him encouragement, and a gentle affectionate stroke of his face.

"All will be well there is nothing to be worried about." Qui-Gon explained.

The boy smiled and straightened his shoulders, just as the door opened to reveal eleven Council Members, all staring at him. Qui-Gon rested his hand on the boy's shoulder, which reassured him as they walked to the middle of the room.

Mace was first to speak. "Welcome home Master Yoda, we have missed you."

"Missed you have I, but not your blindness in some things". He said as he turned his head towards Obi-Wan.

"Master Jinn it is good to have you back as well, sorely missed you have been also." Mace stated nodding at Qui-Gon.

"My thanks to you for your well wishes Master Windu, many things I've learned since going to Dagobah. I believe I've become a better person." Qui-Gon said as he bowed.

"Initiate Kenobi….." Mace said.

Obi-Wan actually jumped slightly which made Qui-Gon smile.

"Grown strong you have in your time away, learn anything have you?" Mace asked.

Obi-Wan was slightly nervous but not afraid and he looked directly into the big dark skinned Masters eyes. They didn't appear to be quite as stern looking as his voice was. His eyes seemed to have a sparkle of mischief in them. So Obi-wan decided he would play on that.

"Yes Master…. I learnt that Master Yoda is an excellent teacher, and after I showed him how to cook food that I like, I grew lots…Master Windu."

Qui-Gon could not contain himself. He snickered under the pretence of a cough, before controlling him self. Mace glared at Qui-Gon, yet smiled at the boy, "I see' then he paused trying to out stare the lad, but to no avail.

"So initiate Kenobi are you ready to join your age mates and prepare for the Trials next month?" Mace said blinking his eyes.

"I am ready Master Windu." and he bowed low.

"You are excused then, the Padawan on duty will direct you to your new room." Mace concluded.

Obi-wan was taken aback, and turned to gaze at Master Yoda.

"Young Obi-wan remain with me he will. In my quarters he will reside until taken as an apprentice he is."

Quiet Murmurs erupted in the Chamber, and Yoda shook his head in disappointment that the Council were so unbending to the rules.

"Master Yoda it is usual that initiates reside with their age mates. One should not have special treatment more than another." Plo Koon stated. Several other Councillors nodded in agreement.

But it was Mace that motioned for them to quiet. "Known for some time, that we made a mistake three years ago, accept it we should or I think that loose three good Jedi we will this time?" Mace commented looking at Qui-Gon.

More murmurs then nods and then silence. Mace continued. "As you wish Master Yoda, you may retire to settle young

Kenobi in, and then we hope that you will resume your place on the Council."

"Resume my place I will." Yoda turned and put his hand on Obi-Wan's shoulder and they left the room, leaving Qui-Gon there.

"Something more you have to say Master Jinn?" Mace asked.

"Yes Masters, I am ready to resume my place and I am requesting that I take Obi-Wan as my apprentice after the trials."

Mace glanced at the others and then glared at Qui-Gon. "I thought you were through with teaching, does Master Yoda know what you're asking?"

"He does, we have discussed it at great length and I have been with Obi-Wan for several months training him. He is a quick learner and we have formed a great friendship."

"Does the boy know that you want him as your apprentice?"

"Yes he does, however, we wanted to give him the opportunity to meet other knights and get used to being in the temple before we made it official."

"Very well, it is noted "

000

The next few days were rather strange for Obi getting to know the Temple and where everything was. Qui-Gon showed him the study halls, where he would have his theory lessons, and then he showed him the sabre training halls.

"Obi-wan while we are here in the training hall we may as well take advantage of the room, would you like to spar?" he asked.

"Oh yes very much." Obi answered.

"Over in that cupboard are training sabres, you go and choose one, then we will practice for a while.

"But Master Qui-Gon…..why can't I use the one I made on Dagobah?

"Until you become a Padawan you are not supposed to own one. Now we are in the Temple, initiates use training sabres.

Once you are a Padawan you will make a new one." Qui-Gon stated.

"Oh" said Obi. "What will happen to my sabre that Master Yoda and I built. Qui-Gon could sense the disappointment in his young voice.

"I'm sure you will be able to keep it, but as you grow it will be too small and you will need to build a heavier one."

Obi smiled "Oh, I didn't think about that."

They took off their outer tunics and boots, and then prepared to spar. After ten minutes the sound of their sabres clashing brought an audience forth. Another ten minutes and their graceful flight was attracting more and more spectators, word travelled fast and in no time at all the council members and just about everyone in the Temple was in the stands above the arena.

All Jedi knew Qui-Gon and his expertise with a sabre; however no one had ever seen this boy before. Murmurs gathered momentum and before long whispers of "Who is that boy….where did he come from…..who trained him….the force just flows through him….where has he been? these were the questions going around the hall.

The council members decided not to reveal who the boy was just yet and Yoda stood smiling as he watched the display go on. Obi-wan had not noticed the gathering up in the sales, as his concentration was on the match. It wasn't until he somersaulted to avoid Qui-Gon's blade, which was aimed at his thighs that he spun and landed facing the large audience. He staggered back crashing into Qui-Gon.

Embarrassment and a nervous shudder came from young Obi-Wan; he leant into his ear and whispered. "Block them out concentrate on the match."

He placed his hands on Obi-Wan's shoulders and turned him around to face him. "Breath deeply…..You are doing fine."

He felt him release his fears to the Force and he held up his sabre ready to continue. Qui-Gon nodded slightly to him and smiled; then he also raised his sabre. The match continued for another ten minutes, sweat was pouring off the young one and the audience were enthralled with the display of aerobatics, performed by him. Finally Qui-Gon bested him with a gentle touch to his neck with his sabre, bringing the match to an end.

Both Master and student bowed to each other. As they did the crowd burst into applause.

Obi-wan leant close to Qui-Gon and said. "Master Qui-Gon why are they all here?"

Qui-Gon smiled ruffling the boy's hair "When someone worth watching is putting on a display of balance, agility and precision foot work, word travels fast in the Temple, you have impressed them."

Once every one got over the initial shock of finding out that this bright light in the force was none other than Obi-Wan Kenobi, life at the Temple resumed its normal routine. Over the next few hours, Obi-Wan was reacquainted with all his friends and was introduced to many new ones.

000

Master Yoda left the arena to find peace and tranquillity in the garden to meditate. He thought back to the first day that this boy's presence filled his senses. He was the only on to have felt the brilliance that was the force in this child. He closed his eyes searching deep for an answer to why this was so and by the time Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan had joined him in the garden his question had been answered.

The Force had been protecting its chosen one, veiling his growing power in the force. However soon the full force of his power would make its self known, Yoda smiled tapping his stick to get their attention.

"Good together you are, Meant to be this pairing, the force has blessed this union. Great Jedi you will be young one. Your destiny it is to Bring Balance to the force.

The end.