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PART TWO

As the hover taxi behind him glided away, Obi-Wan stared at the beautiful building that was at the center of the Kin-Obi holdings. Taking up a city block in the heart of the capitol city of Telos; it was a three story creation of graceful arches and shining windows. Without even thinking, the young man moved towards it, his boots making the slightest sounds as he crossed the huge courtyard of inlaid blue marble.

As he moved, he instinctively noted everything around him, especially the curious looks he was getting, the same type of look he'd been garnering since he'd finally been able to ditch his two well-meaning but over-protective bodyguards this morning. The look that said, 'what is a youth such as he doing alone in the city?'.

Obi-Wan had always been encouraged to study the eclectic cultures of the Republic with the single exception of Telos. He realized early on that Qui-Gon purposefully steered him away from the society as a whole, casually discouraging his apprentice's interest in anything to do with his former home. Almost instinctively, when he had developed an interest in the Telosian *Aikani* sub-culture, he had said nothing at all of his research to his master.

So for the first time he could remember, Obi-Wan was moving through a society that he had relatively little knowledge of. He'd studied as much as possible on the trip from Coruscant but he could hardly concentrate. Between the anger and hurt that he felt from Qui-Gon's final cut and the worry and excitement he felt the closer they came to Telos, he could barely keep his mind focused for more than a few hours at a time.

He realized for the first time he was going 'home'.

One thing he had picked up from his research was that the Telosians revered and protected their youth, one of the reasons the people of Telos had reacted so violently to the Jedi - supposedly trusted allies of Telos - taking him from his home fourteen years ago. This would also explain Arwen and Iosi's irate demand that Obi-Wan not leave the ship until they were ready to go with him. Telosian youth were cared for and protected, in some provinces almost fanatically. They were never out alone, especially in the cities. They were either accompanied by friends or family of the same age or held in check by an older companion, hired to keep the young one safe.

But Obi-Wan had none of those companions, had gone out of his way to lose them actually and now he felt the weight of those curious stares rather heavily.

It didn't make him any more comfortable to realize how much he had come to rely on the mystery and distance from people provided by his Jedi padawan robe. In his padawan robe it had been easy to hide nervousness and worry. Now he wore one of the more simple outfits provided by Xanatos, a plain white tunic over brown pants and boots. No ornamentation. No extra fabric. What did someone do with their hands when one was trying not to fidget but couldn't wrap them in their sleeves?

Taking a deep breath and chanting a soothing mantra in his mind, Obi-Wan moved up the marbled steps leading to the entrance of the building, ignoring the surprised looks at his youthful presence here at the heart of the business district during the late morning.

At least trying to ignore them. It was those who would say rather loudly to a companion 'Shouldn't he be in school?' that would slip through his focus and make him realize just how different he was from the youth of Telos. He had never been in school as they would understand it. He probably had more training than a Telosian twice his age and he had to wonder yet again, just what the Force had in mind when it guided him to this point.

As the doors opened automatically, the young man waited politely while an older woman and her companion moved through them ahead of him. Then he concentrated on keeping his expression serene. After all, he hadn't spent six years with Qui-Gon without picking up a thing or two on how to be unfathomable.

The front hall of the Kin-Obi building was just as impressive as the outside implied it would be. The ceiling of this hall rose three stories with graceful arches and a vaulted etched glass ceiling. As Obi-Wan moved towards the main receptionist's desk, he studied everything carefully for later reflection. There were flowering plants of every variety along the walls and ceiling. Portraits hung along the walls though Obi-Wan couldn't tell if they were of current family members or ancestors being honored.

One thing that seemed out of place in this graceful receiving chamber - though one probably wouldn't even notice had one not been trained to notice such things - were the guards in the Kin-Obi colors of blue and silver. The former padawan made certain not to let his eyes linger on them but he noted the position of the guards through the hall and he knew they were marking him as well. A lone youth in the middle of the morning was an unusual thing on Telos.

Setting aside the guards' presence for the moment, Obi-Wan began to take the measure of the older woman who guarded the gates of the Kin-Obi complex as he approached the huge receptionist desk. She was in her late sixth decade, he thought, though she carried a beauty that he guessed would not fade for decades more to come. She also had a strict, disapproving expression on her face as she watched him approach, an electric stylus tapping the desktop in irritation.

Obi-Wan checked his shields and his expression as he stopped before her. He offered a rather strained smile.

"Ma'am," he began carefully. She, however, interrupted him before he could get any further.

"And just what are you doing here, young man?" she asked him as she looked him over. "Surely your class educator would not voluntarily allow you out this early in the day?" Her eyebrow arched as she silently accused him of skipping school.

Obi-Wan forced himself not to fidget under the woman's harsh gaze. FORCE, what did one do with one's hands when one didn't want to chew one's fingernails.

Carefully, he placed his hands behind his back.

"I am not in school here in Altelos," he stated firmly. "I have just arrived in the city."

"Alone?" she asked in a scandalized tone. "What were your parents thinking?"

Obi-Wan sighed inwardly and focused on patience though he kept his expression serene. "Actually, I have just arrived from off world and...." He broke off his sentence. If anything, her eyes widened a fraction, her expression becoming even more disapproving of this obvious neglect on the part of his parents. "Please, Ma'am, I'm just here to see someone. It's very important," he finally finished.

"And you expect me to let you in looking like that?" she asked in disbelief. Surprised into a nervous glance down at his clothes, Obi-Wan carefully eyed the people closest to him before he looked back at the dragon across the desk with a question in his eyes. She sniffed haughtily. "Your clothes are acceptable, if only just," she commented, eyeing his simple outfit. "But who let you out without a proper braid to your hair? Young man, it's a disgrace!"

Carefully, Obi-Wan made himself not grab the long tail of hair hanging down his back. Glancing around again, he noted that those men and women who moved though the hall that had long hair, carefully had it plaited in elaborate braids with small, stylish ornaments woven in. He finally understood Arwen's worry about what to do with Obi-Wan's hair. And Xanatos' two requests to braid his hair - Obi-Wan absently wondered what the man braided into his hair back on the Tai ship.

Now his hair was pulled tightly back in a tail and caught by three small bands down the length of the tail in Obi-Wan's effort to keep the silky stuff out of his way. He'd never had to deal with hair, much less of this length, and he just didn't know what to do with it. He still didn't understand why he hadn't just cut the stuff off after he'd left Xanatos' ship. It wasn't like he'd promised the man he wouldn't.

With a guilty expression, the young man turned back to the woman who was obviously waiting for an explanation as to why he had appeared in public without a proper braid.

"I apologize, ma'am," he began, trying for a humble tone, "I didn't mean any offense. I didn't know...."

The woman had looked slightly forgiving at his humility but that last statement just wasn't to be borne.

"How could you not know?" she demanded, obviously thinking that today's youth lacked a lot if this one was an example. "You seem to know how to dress! How can you not know how to braid your rank into your hair?"

Obi-Wan felt the control of his emotions perilously close to collapse. "Please, ma'am, I've been off world," he began in a reasonable tone but the woman was scandalized and letting the world know it.

"Young man, going off-world for a vacation does not excuse such a lapse in your grooming!" she snapped.

People were starting to stop and stare and Obi-Wan ground his teeth. Suddenly, he leaned forward and loomed as Qui-Gon had taught him. He had never been able to pull this off quite as well as his former master but he did it well enough to quiet the women across the desk long enough for him to complete a sentence.

"Madam," he began in as deep a tone as he could manage. "I was not off-world for a vacation. I was taken off-world fourteen years ago. As you might note, that would have made me quite young. As I understand it, when I was three I hardly had any hair so now that I have returned, it made it quite difficult to know how to braid it."

She eyed him for a long moment before her gaze darted to a security guard who was now approaching the desk. Obi-Wan knew the minute he had moved from his location across the hall but the former padawan merely stood straight and still again, placing his hands carefully behind his back.

"Now, if you wouldn't mind, I've come a long way to see someone here and would like to do this sometime today." His tone was calm and even and his expression once again serene.

The dragon drew her lips together in a disapproving frown but a slight shake of her head halted the guard in his tracks. Casually, she turned to her computer and tapped out a query.

"And whom would you like to see, young man," she asked with a slightly condescending tone.

"Lady Ansamin Kin-Obi," he said his tone soft and reverent.

The receptionist looked up at him, her expression again sliding to one of disbelief. "You want to see Lady Kin-Obi?" she asked.

"I do."

"She has no open appointments today," the woman stated, finally deciding the boy wasn't worth further effort.

"You didn't even look," Obi-Wan replied in a faintly accusing tone.

"Lady Kin-Obi is a very busy woman and has no time for..." the woman flicked her eyes up and down Obi-Wan, "...side appointments."

Obi-Wan silently told himself that using a Force Whammy on this old dragon would be a Bad Thing.

"Then I will take the first appointment available," he said, keeping his tone calm.

"That will be weeks before you can see her, young man," she warned as she turned to her terminal doubtfully. "And all her appointments have to be personally approved by her assistant. It might be all afternoon before you can have the appointment confirmed."

"If you will submit my request, I will wait here for the confirmation, ma'am," Obi-Wan said.

She eyed him again, honestly trying to understand what he was doing here and why he wanted to see Lady Kin-Obi. After a moment, she mentally shrugged and slid her fingers across the keyboard, requesting the first available appointment.

"It will be Ostith 10th," she said, glancing up at him. "Three and a half weeks from today. Will that suit?"

Obi-Wan bowed slightly. "It will have to, ma'am," he replied.

"Your name?"

The former Jedi padawan hesitated a moment before he named himself. "Benjamin Kin-Obi."

The woman behind the desk merely raised her brow. "Family?" she asked doubtfully.

"So I have been told," he replied in a non-committal tone.

"Very well, it might help you see her sooner. If you will wait over there," she said as she gestured to several chairs and couches where other people were obviously waiting, "I will send your request to the Lady's assistant for a confirmation."

"I appreciate it, ma'am," he said before he bit his lip for a moment. When he didn't move, she glanced up with an irritated look. "Please, ma'am, are any of the pictures here of her?"

For some reason, the boy's hesitant tone caught her attention more than anything else he had said during the past several minutes. She looked him over carefully again before she turned and gestured to a large set of portraits hanging on the wall to the far left.

He gave her a tentative smile of thanks and she stared after him as he moved away. That had been the first real expression he had shown since he'd walked up to her desk and it was strangely familiar to her. After a moment of watching the youth stride gracefully over towards the pictures she had indicated, she entered his request with a flag marked for urgent consideration. Then she did a database search of the Kin-Obi clan, referencing 'Benjamin Kin-Obi'.

What she found had her on a direct line to Kelsa, Lady Kin-Obi's assistant, telling her to immediately check the appointment requests. Kelsa took one look at the name of the one requesting the appointment and nodded sharply before she cut the connection.



Obi-Wan stared up at the large portrait of the Kin-Obi clan leaders. Lady Ansamin Kin-Obi and her *Aikani*, Lord Anthos Amar-Obi, stood surrounded by their four children all dressed in the formal colors of their family. The former padawan studied each face closely, trying to find where he might possibly have fit into this family. He obviously got his looks from his mother with her lean build, bright green eyes and russet hair. All the other siblings took after their father, tall, dark eyed and dark-haired, standing confident in their place and their family.

He stood there a long time, his arms wrapped around his torso as though he was swallowed again by his robe. He studied the members of his family, wondering what it would have been like to have grown up with them, wondering how they would react to his sudden arrival. He was so caught up in his thoughts that he was surprised by the voice just behind him.

"Benjamin Kin-Obi?"

Calmly he turned, his hands dropping to his sides, ready for whatever might come next.

A tall woman stood just behind him, her dark hair and eyes reminiscent of his siblings in the portrait on the wall at his back. She was flanked by two of the hall guards who were looking wary and grim as they studied him. He kept his expression neutral as he bowed slightly to the woman.

"Ma'am?" he inquired respectfully. He noted that her eyes went wide as she studied him closely.

"You look just like..." she began before she cut herself off and straightened, a business-like expression covering her face. "I am Kelsa Amar-Obi. I understand you wish to see Lady Kin-Obi."

Obi-Wan nodded. "I do."

"On what business?"

"It is a personal matter." The youth kept his expression calm and his eyes steady.

"I am the Lady's personal assistant," she replied firmly. "To allow you to see her, you must realize I will need to know your purpose."

The former padawan slowly nodded. He looked at her directly as he answered. "I have cause to believe she is my mother and would find out the truth of the matter."

It might have been amusing to watch the guards' jaws drop or to see the woman before him snort in surprise had the subject not been such a serious one to Obi-Wan.

"I see," the woman finally stammered. She took a deep breath. "Benjamin Kin-Obi was taken by the Jedi Order fourteen years ago."

"So I understand."

"Are you of the Jedi then?" she questioned. The guards behind her watched him closely but Obi-Wan betrayed no reaction.

"I was. I have recently separated from the Order."

"You will understand if I ask you to hand over your lightsaber," the woman stated, trying for a calm manner. The youth before her merely nodded.

"I understand and would hand it over should I still possess it. However, when I left the Order, my former master destroyed it." The words were said as if he were discussing the weather but a faint expression of pain flickered briefly across his face.

Kelsa looked at the young man who stood so confidently before her. Rarely had she seen a youth with such self-possession and maturity as this one showed, so dissimilar to his Telosian peers. And he looked so similar to her lady! This young man could actually be the son Lady Ansamin thought lost to the Jedi.

On that consideration, Kelsa made her decision to trust the boy for now. "I am sorry to tell you that the Lady is actually out of the city at the moment but should be returning within the next few hours. If you would like to wait, I'm sure we could fit you into her schedule."

A pleased look crossed the boy's face quickly and then was gone. "That would be acceptable, ma'am," he began only to be interrupted by an angry voice just behind him.

"Master Benjamin," Arwen growled as he dropped a hand on Obi-Wan's shoulder. The young man glanced up in surprise. "What tha bloody blue blazes do ya mean runnin' off like ya did? D'ya have any idea what the master would do ta me and Iosi should harm come ta ya?"

Obi-Wan's serene expression broke into a small grin as he turned to Arwen. "I was just making an appointment to see Lady Ansamin, Arwen. I didn't need an escort for that. She'll be here in a few hours."

The bodyguard gave his charge an incredulous look. "An appointment? Ta see yer own mam? What rubbish! And we certainly ain't waitin'!" He turned to Kelsa, who was looking at him with a worried glare, and held out a small comm card. "Here's where ya can find him if the Lady don't already know he's in the city."

Kelsa took the card gingerly and glanced at the address and commlink number. "This is in the Chiyari district," she noted.

"'Tis indeed. The boy is in Chiyari custody 'til his mam claims responsibility for him. That is one of Master Xanatos' holdings."

"Xanatos Chiyari?" She asked and Arwen nodded. The women looked somewhat scandalized. "But that is hardly proper considering the outstanding contract," she protested.

"Well now, his mam ain't here ta claim him, is she?" Arewn noted. "Unless you would care ta stake a claim for the lad in her stead?"

Kelsa glanced from the large man to the youth whose face now held an increasingly obstinate expression.

"Do I look like a piece of meat?" Obi-Wan demanded of his guardian. "Shouldn't this conversation include me?"

"Nah, ya look like a lad who slipped his leash without even a proper braid to his hair," Arwen commented flatly. "Iosi an' me trusted ya not to run off and ya did."

The youth flushed a bit before he smoothed his expression. "I'm sorry, Arwen but I wanted to take care of this on my own. I want to wait for Lady Ansamin."

"Master Ben, it ain't proper for ya ta be waiting on yer mam like a common clan petitioner and if the lady here thought it through, she'd say the same thing," Arwen stated firmly as he sent a glare to the helpless Kelsa. Obi-Wan sent a pleading look her way and Lady Ansamin's assistant ardently wished she'd never left her desk. With an inner groan, she realized the Chiyari bodyguard was right but she still didn't think it proper.

"I'll have Lady Ansamin contact you at this commlink," she said to Obi-Wan who pressed his lips together but showed no other signs of being upset. Until he turned to level a glare at his guardian.

"Very well, I would appreciate that," he said with a nod. Then he turned to Arwen. "All right. Let's go."

The bodyguard snorted. "Very gracious, ya are, Master Ben," he stated before he fastened a hand on Obi-Wan's shoulder. The youth looked at it rather pointedly.

"You know, you and Iosi are not allied to my line, Arwen," he noted flatly. "I can fire you."

"Nah," Arwen said with a grin as he guided the boy across the hall towards the door. "Minors can't do the firin'."

"Damn it."



The elegant flyer slowed to a stop before a quiet villa nestled in the very center of the Chiyari district. It was obviously well guarded as the driver was challenged immediately by Chiyari guards but after they were identified, the passengers were allowed to debark.

Lady Ansamin Kin-Obi and her nineteen-year-old son and heir, Owen, surveyed the rather sprawling building and wondered if it was truly Benjamin Kin-Obi inside.

"Chiyari will have some explaining to do if this really is Benjamin," Owen noted softly as they were escorted to the door.

"Xanatos has always walked his own path, Owen," his mother replied. "I am only surprised he waited so long to retrieve my son from the Jedi."

Owen gave his mother a surprised look just as the door before them slid open and a tall, rugged guard stood there in the black and silver Chiyari colors. He glanced quickly at their Kin-Obi escorts flanked by their Chiyari guards before he gave the woman before him a formal half-bow.

"Lady Kin-Obi, Lord Owen," he greeted them before he stepped back to allow them entrance. "I am Sar Iosi. You are welcome here."

The Chiyari guards turned sharply on their heels and moved back into their positions around the villa as the Kin-Obi clansmen followed their Lady and her heir through the door.

"Where is your master?" Ansamin asked the man as he led them into the villa.

"He is on planet but thought it best to leave Master Benjamin to his family for the moment. I believe he is at the Chiyari Stronghold." He glanced back at the woman and noticed again how very similar her features were to Ben's.

Lady Ansamin noticed the 'for the moment' and narrowed her eyes slightly. "Please let your master know I will be contacting him this afternoon for a full report on how he came to have responsibility for the son."

"I'm sure he expects it, m'lady," Iosi replied as he stopped before he entered the kitchen. "Where's Master Ben, Arwen?"

"He's in the garden working off a bit of temper. He was just a mite put out that he couldn't fire us seein' as he was a minor and all." There was a laugh from the kitchen. "He kept carryin' on that on Coruscant, the age of majority was 15 and damn it, he should'a fired us there."

Iosi gave Lady Kin-Obi and her son a weak smile. "Lady Kin-Obi and Lord Owen are here to fetch the lad."

There was a long silence from the kitchen before there was a quiet, "Oops." Then Arwen appeared looking a bit sheepish as he dried his hands. He gave the pair of Kin-Obi clan leaders a formal bow. "You are welcome here."

"Why would my son wish to fire you?" Lady Ansamin asked, her brow rising slightly. Arwen looked thoughtful before he set aside the towel he'd been using to dry his hands with.

"My Lady, ya realize the boy has been raised with the Jedi and he's a mite independent an' set in his ways." Arwen glanced out the glass doors that led to the gardens with a sigh. "He's a good, strong lad, Iosi an' I both agree on it. Telios blessed him, that's for certain. But he was not happy with bein' fetched from yer building and brought back here rather than waitin' for you there. He doesn't understand what a proper Telosian youth does an' doesn't do." He turned back to the woman before him with a careful look. "Please don't misunderstand, Lady. He's got a good heart but the Jedi let him run wild and there's no two ways about it."

Lady Ansamin listened carefully to what the man was saying. These were obviously old and familiar family retainers of the Chiyari family and it was a measure of Xanatos' regard that he had given them to Benjamin until the boy was back in his family's responsibility. This first estimate of her son did not bode well for his integration back into his clan. Perhaps it would be wise to speak with Lady Chiyari on the morrow. After all, Xanatos had only been slightly older than Benjamin when he'd had the good sense to leave the Order. Perhaps Xanea would have some insight as to how to deal with Benjamin.

"I appreciate your candor, Sar Arwen," she said, her tone mild. "I will keep your words in mind in dealing with my son."

"Somethin' else ta consider, my lady," Iosi added softly. "We think the Jedi dealt him a hard blow. All this time, they'd lied ta him 'bout where he was from. Master Xan was the first ta tell him the truth just a month and some gone. When Master Ben went back ta Coruscant to part ways with the Order, somethin' happened that rocked him. He wouldn't talk 'bout it, but he didn't speak for a whole day inta the trip back to Telos. Just meditated in that silent way of his. And while he don't show his feelin's much, that kinda silence just ain't like him."

"Thank you, Sar Iosi," the Lady said with a nod though inwardly she was cursing the Jedi again. Telios only knew what they'd done to her son. "If you would be so kind as to take us to him?"

"This way, m'Lady," Arwen gestured towards the glass doorway to the gardens. As they approached, the glass door slid silently open and the small group passed into the late afternoon sunlight. A high wall enclosed the garden but it was large and there were flowers and trees everywhere. "He'll be exercisin' just around here in the open area near the pond."

A few more steps brought Lady Kin-Obi and her son around a row of blooming roses where they found Benjamin Kin-Obi flying.



Obi-Wan was focusing intently on his form, moving quickly and carefully, working his way through this kata even as he tried to work his way through his anger. He knew that Arwen meant well, that both his bodyguards were fond of him. He also knew that he didn't understand the Telosian culture and their ideas of what a 'minor' could and could not do.

But FORCE it had been humiliating to be hauled out of that building by his guardian. Even worse were the looks of approval Arwen garnered as they left. How was he supposed to live as a minor again when he had won his majority from the Jedi two years earlier? Would his family even understand or care why he felt so upset about this?

A high back flip and a perfect landing later and Obi-Wan realized he was no longer in the garden alone. He sent out his Force sense and found several new signatures in the Force but none with ill intent so he completed the next steps of the kata before he wound down into the final slow stretches. Finally he stood and removed the blindfold he had wound around his eyes to confine himself to his inner vision.

When he opened his eyes, he found himself looking into an appraising gaze the same color as his own. For a long moment, he stared, visually taking in the regal and elegant appearance of his mother while he reached out with the Force to learn and memorize her signature.

"Master Ben?" Arwen called, breaking Ben's eye contact with his mother.

He flushed for a moment when he realized he'd been staring. With a quick thought, Benjamin summoned the light tunic he'd discarded when he'd begun his kata and tugged it on before he moved across the grass to stand before the woman he'd come so far to meet.



This was her son, Ansamin thought as she watched the stunning display of power and grace before her. The young man flew through the air as though he were a part of it and he moved with the same confidence and skill she'd only seen in the most seasoned warriors of her clan. She could almost believe she was watching a divine shield-bearer of Telios rather than a seventeen-year-old boy who was her lost child.

What her eyes were immediately drawn too, however, were the markings of an *Aikani* drawn so precisely around his neck.

She turned to Arwen with a cool look. "Did the Jedi Mark him?" she asked softly.

"I don't know, m'lady," the bodyguard replied. "He had the markin's when Master Xan introduced us."

"Why would the Jedi do such a thing, Mother," Owen asked, his voice low. "They would have no reason to. The Chiyari, however, might have wanted to stake his claim."

Ansamin said nothing as she watched Benjamin's steps slow and become long stretches before he finally stood and removed the blindfold. His eyes found her immediately and she realized just how much the boy resembled her. Kelsa had warned her but nothing had prepared the lady of the Kin-Obi clan for her son's radiant green eyes.

"Master Ben," the man beside her called to her son, breaking the long look that mother and son had shared. She watched as he flushed from Sar Arwen's words before he held out his hand. A soft, white tunic floated through the air to his fingers.

"I hate it when he does that creepy Jedi stuff," she heard Sar Iosi mutter under his breath even as she watched Ben pull the tunic over his head and move towards them almost warily.

He was slightly taller than she was, she noted, but their hair and eyes were the same. Even their facial features were obviously similar.

He came to a hesitant stop just before her and she watched as he very purposefully put his hands behind his back. The calm expression on his face was at odds with the turbulent feelings she saw in his eyes. They studied each other for another long moment.

"They told me you were dead," he finally said into the silence. "They told me I had no family."

"They lied," Ansamin stated, her words vicious though the hand she reached out to touch her son's face was gentle. "You have family. You are of Clan Kin-Obi. You are Benjamin, the second son of my line, and I claim you as such."

The boy's breath hitched for a moment and some emotion flickered quickly across his face before he looked away. His eyes glanced over to Arwen and then turned back to her with a calm expression.

"I...have been told that I have much to learn about the Telosian culture," he stated, his tone mild. "I will do my best to try to understand your ways."

Ansamin stepped forward and cupped his face in her hands. "They are your ways too, Benjamin, though they may seem strange at first," she said, her tone kind. "And we will do our best to understand what you are going through."

He gave her a tentative smile though she could see the obvious relief in his eyes at her words. She took his hand and drew him forward to her eldest son.

"This is Owen," she said, presenting Obi-Wan to the young man who had accompanied her. "He is your older brother by two years."



Obi-Wan had a quick impression of dark eyes and a moment of a smile before he found himself tightly embraced. The youth stiffened and flashed a quick look of panic at Iosi from over his brother's shoulder. The guard just smirked back at him.

Then the older youth was standing back and looking him over. "You do look just like our mother," he said happily.

"Umm, thanks?" Obi-Wan stammered before the older teen took his arm and began dragging him across the garden towards the villa.

"Come, let's get you showered and changed and then we'll put a proper braid in your hair before we head home." Owen smiled back at him. "Our clan will be overjoyed to have you back with us, Benjamin. They'll probably declare a week-long party."

"Is that good?" Obi-Wan asked breathlessly.

"The best!" his elder brother replied. "That means no classes for a week!"



Ansamin watched with a smile as her heir dragged off his newly found younger brother. Owen would be thrilled to welcome Ben back. Having dealt alone with his sisters for so many years, he was excited to have a younger brother to distract them with.

She turned to Arwen and her expression became serious. "I would speak with your master in private immediately," she stated.

Arwen gave her a half bow and moved to follow the boys back to the villa. "We have a secure communications console that you may use, Lady," he said, leading the woman and her guards into the main room and then into a smaller room. A communications system took up the far wall. Arwen led the Lady over to the system and held out a chair for her before the main screen. He reached forward and dialed a secure commlink number and a moment later, the face of an older man appeared on the screen.

"Chiyari Enterprises," the man said pleasantly.

"Yar, patch me through to Master Xan, please," Arwen requested.

"Hello Arwen," Yar replied with a pleased smile. "Hold on a moment and I'll transfer you."

The screen went blank for a moment and Arwen gave Ansamin a brief bow before he turned and left the room. She gestured for all of her guards to follow him. By the time she returned her gaze to the screen, Xanatos Chiyari was waiting to speak with her.

"Lady Kin-Obi," he acknowledged her with a polite nod. "I trust you have found your son in good health?"

She gave the man before her a mild look. Xanatos was almost a decade younger than she was but he always managed to put himself on an equal level with her despite their difference in rank.

"Lord Xanatos," she returned with a small nod. "I want to pass along the thanks of the Kin-Obi Clan for the safe return of our son."

"No thanks are needed, my lady," he responded. "It was my honor to do so and my duty in light of the contract that stands between our families."

"Ah, yes," Lady Kin-Obi said as she leaned back in her chair. "Concerning that contract." Xanatos looked at her warily when she leaned forward and glared at him. "What in the bloody hells were you thinking to mark my son as *Aikani* before he reached his majority?" she suddenly demanded, all pretense of politeness set aside.

Xanatos looked quite surprised at her sudden emotional outburst. "My Lady, I can explain..." he began but she cut him off.

"Yes, please do explain to me why you have Marked him. I will assume that there was nothing else that happened between you and your contracted *Aikani* before he was returned to us?"

Xanatos straightened and glared back at her. "Lady Ansamin," he stated in a calm, low tone. "With the exception of the Marking, all interaction between Obi-Wan and myself was strictly proper. I had him taken from the planet where he and his master were assigned and once I explained the truth of his past to him, he returned to the Temple on Coruscant. I have not seen him since."

Ansamin looked at the younger man before her on the view screen. "Obi-Wan?" she finally asked.

"The Jedi gave him a different name. Until last month, the only name your son knew was Obi-Wan Kenobi."

The woman paled as she considered what Xanatos had said. "They stripped him of his name?" she asked in a flat tone and the man before her nodded.

"When they feel it's appropriate, the Jedi will change a child's name. In Benjamin's case, they felt it was needed. So please understand if you have to call him by his name a few times before he realizes you're speaking to him."

"And yet you refer to him as Obi-Wan," she said steadily, asking a question with her gaze. Xanatos nodded slowly.

"It is the name he is comfortable with. It is a name I am comfortable with." The heir of Chiyari shrugged slightly. "Until he asks that I not call him that, he will be Obi-Wan to me."

"What if I ask you not to call him that," Lady Kin-Obi demanded. Xanatos actually smiled at her. It wasn't a pleasant smile.

"You can make the request, my lady, but it will only matter what Obi-Wan is comfortable with." The man glanced away for a moment before he caught her eyes again. "My Lady, you must understand that Obi-Wan is not going to be like your other children. He will not sit idly by and let decisions about his life be made by older, supposedly wiser individuals." The woman tried to interrupt him at this point but Xanatos held up his hand. "Please, my Lady, listen. I understand precisely where Obi-Wan is coming from."

Lady Ansamin pressed her lips together for a long moment before she nodded. "Very well, continue."

Taking a deep breath, Xanatos continued. "To say that Obi-Wan has been raised differently from his siblings is like saying Coruscant is a small town. He grew up among and was educated by the sharpest minds in the galaxy. He has held his own as a Jedi padawan of a knight who was tapped for the most difficult missions. Obi-Wan has been in life and death situations where he was the reason that hundreds of people died or an entire race survived."

Ansamin Kin-Obi stared at the man speaking on her view screen, listening to his words yet not quite comprehending them.

"I have a complete set of mission briefings from Obi-Wan's time as a padawan should you ever wish to read them, Lady Ansamin, but I suggest you do not," Xanatos continued. "While Master Jinn was ever conscientious of his padawan's health, Obi-Wan did grow well aquatinted with the healing staff in the medical wing at the Temple."

"He was injured?" she asked faintly.

"Several times," the man responded without hesitation. He wanted her to understand exactly what she was dealing with - a former Jedi padawan. "One time he came so close to death that it was thought he would not survive." Xanatos paled as he remembered reading that mission briefing.

"Telios," the woman swore softly as she looked away. She might have lost the boy and never known. It was certain the Jedi would not have told her.

Xanatos looked at her compassionately. "I am only telling you this so that you will understand why your son is going to chafe under the restrictions of his class. It is not often someone knows what the life of a Jedi truly is, my Lady. It is hard and dangerous, especially for someone training to be a Warrior/Diplomat such as Obi-Wan. Padawans are trained to be independent thinkers and able to carry on should their master be killed during a mission. They are trained to take care of themselves should they be lost. They are trained to endure great hardship. And Obi-Wan was being trained by one of their best."

"Master Jinn!" Ansamin said the name with hatred in her tone. "He was the one who...."

"Yes, he was," Xanatos interrupted her quietly. "Qui-Gon Jinn has a great flaw in that he can only see what he thinks is right. But he is a great warrior, an exceptional diplomat and a powerful knight. And Obi-Wan had the potential to be just as powerful. If Jinn had ever taken the time to develop an actual relationship with Obi-Wan, I doubt the boy would have ever left the Order. But Master Jinn did not have a care for his padawan's feelings and Obi-Wan did decide to leave the Order. Now it is up to you and your family to make him want to stay."

"What do you mean?" Lady Kin-Obi asked cautiously. "Where else would he go?"

"He could go anywhere he wanted with the training and education he has, my Lady," Xanatos replied slowly. "I did not encourage anything but his return home. But should he be unhappy here, he could go anywhere and he would go. He is not bound by Telosian conventions. He would have no trouble hopping a transport outsystem and be gone within hours should he so desire."

Xanatos then gave her a long, hard look. There was no compassion in his gaze this time. His blue eyes were diamond hard.

"And should I have to track him down again, Lady Kin-Obi, I can guarantee you that there will be no opportunity for the Kin-Obi Clan to take his responsibility again. I would claim him then and there as Chiyari and damn the contract between our houses."

Lady Ansamin stared at the younger man in shock though she strove to hide it. She remembered Lady Chiyari complaining one time that her son could have the manners of a hard-horned rhino but until now, Lady Kin-Obi had never witnessed it. Her green eyes narrowed before she leaned forward.

"Is that why you marked him, Xanatos Chiyari? As a claim?" she demanded.

"Partially," the man admitted.

"And what other reason could you possible have?" Ansamin asked harshly. "He is too young!"

Xanatos stared at her. "Have you heard nothing that I have told you? The only thing young about Obi-Wan is his age and possibly his hormones."

"That doesn't give you the right to take him before his majority!"

"You are right, it doesn't," the heir of Chiyari agreed. "And I haven't taken him. The main reason I gave him the marks of the *Aikani* was because I wanted to give him something to anchor to when he quit the Jedi. The marks are something he knows will not change, that can not be changed. He also understands my feelings on the contract between Chiyari and Kin-Obi."

"And what are your feelings concerning the contract, Lord Xanatos?" Ansamin inquired archly.

"On the day Obi-Wan turns twenty-three, his bags had better be packed because he'll be moving to the Stronghold, Lady Ansamin, with or without baggage."

Ansamin Kin-Obi stared at the man on the view screen for a long minute. "You're in love with him."

If anything, the expression on Xanatos' face got darker. "Don't think I'll be waiting six years to see him either. Expect to find me a frequent visitor to your clan site and expect Obi-Wan to become very familiar with the Stronghold."

"As long as the proprieties are observed, Lord Xanatos, I will allow visits between you."

Xanatos smirked. "Believe me, my Lady, you'll never see anything to cause you upset." Lady Ansamin raised a brow as she looked at him but Xanatos merely grinned. "Is there anything else, my lady?" he asked politely.

"Nothing other than offering you my thanks again for restoring Benjamin to us," she replied softly. "He is well, by the way. Owen is taking him in hand."

Xanatos nodded, his expression not changing. "My bodyguards have been keeping me informed."

"He tried to fire your bodyguards," she informed him tartly. "He was not happy to learn he was too young to do so."

Xanatos groaned and rubbed his forehead. "Damn it. If only he'd thought to fire them on Coruscant!"

Lady Ansamin laughed again and then nodded her head in farewell and cut the connection. She had a lot to think on and a lot of decisions to make concerning her youngest son.

At least she didn't have to worry about the Chiyari contract. Her husband would be pleased to know that without even trying, Benjamin Kin-Obi had Xanatos Chiyari already eating out of his hand.



Four weeks later...



Benjamin Kin-Obi sat in the window seat in his room - his room, he still hadn't quite accepted that this huge, luxurious suite was his room - and brooded. He stared out over the huge tracts of green fields that surrounded the Clan Kin-Obi homesite and watched it rain as he considered the last several weeks.

Things were definitely not working out as he had hoped. His family and clan had welcomed him with open arms and they went out of their way to help him when he had questions. But the young man was firmly convinced that they all thought he was a certifiable space nut who needed handling with kid gloves. Not to mention that horrible Jedi influence that he needed to overcome.

When he had first arrived, it seemed as though his family couldn't be more excited to have him home. The crowd that had gathered to welcome his mother's arrival had been reminiscent of the last coronation he'd attended with his master. Not to mention that the clansite his family called home was more like a sprawling palace.

When his brother had stepped out - and Owen had assured his bother that such things were timed for the most dramatic impact as his mother had a 'thing' for drama - the crowd had cheered. When Ansamin had stepped from the craft, the people had cheered enthusiastically.

At that point, Obi-Wan had actually considered hijacking the hovercraft and taking off.

But then his mother had turned and held out her hand with a smile and he couldn't help but take it. When he stepped from the hovercraft, the noise in the huge courtyard died away completely and despite his resolve to remain calm and serene, he had felt his face flush in embarrassment. He could actually feel their eyes on him.

Then his mother had pulled him forward and placed her arm around his waist. Owen had stepped up to his other side as a tall, handsome man approached dressed in the blue and silver colors of the Kin-Obi clan. The dark hair and dark eyes were familiar and Obi-Wan had realized the man approaching him was his own father, Anthos Amar-Obi.

The man had stopped right in front of him. Obi-Wan had struggled to maintain his calm expression as a hand tipped his face up just a bit.

"You look just like your mother, Benjamin," Anthos had said softly. Then he had grinned. "But you have my grandmother's chin." Then his father had embraced him for the first time in his memory. "Welcome back, my son. We have missed you."

"Oh," was all Obi-Wan could think to say as his arms had instinctively hugged the man back. The youth had realized then where he'd gotten his Force senses from when he had reached out with the Force to learn his father's signature and found his father, all unknowing, reaching back.

Then Obi-Wan had remembered that feeling of being held and comforted by someone whose aura was the same as his own, though he wouldn't have known why he was comforted so long ago. He faintly remembered being held safe and sound against the night terrors and while he had always welcomed his mother's touch, his father's touch had always soothed any fear or worry or hurt.

When his father released him, Obi-Wan had smiled up at him, trying to hold on to those faint memories. He was surprised when his father reached up to wipe away a tear from his son's cheek. He had quickly tried to smooth his expression again, checking for other tears on his face but there was just the one.

Then Anthos had turned to the waiting crowd, his wife and elder son flanking him as he laid his hands on Obi-Wan's shoulders.

"Clan Kin-Obi!" Anthos called, his voice ringing through the courtyard. "This is our second son thought lost to us. I present Benjamin Kin-Obi. Bid him welcome!"

The crowd had exploded and swept towards them in a wave of hands and faces. The former padawan had backed up instinctively against his father whose strong hands had never strayed from his shoulders.

Obi-Wan had been on many missions when an heir or prince or princess had been presented to the populace and they had been mobbed with well wishers. But he himself had never been the object of said well wishing. Even now, weeks later, he could feel the panic that had risen when all those people had surrounded them, everyone wanting to see and touch and introduce.

He shivered at the thought and leaned against the coolness of the window. If his father hadn't been there, holding onto his shoulders, Obi-Wan likely would have bolted. But he had been there and what followed was an introduction to half the clan and an impromptu party that evolved into a week long festival of welcome. Obi-Wan still blushed to think that it had all been in his honor.

After the initial celebrations had wound down, Obi-Wan had begun the awkward process of getting to know his family. Even more difficult was the process of allowing his family to get to know him. He couldn't believe how difficult it was to let down his guard among strangers who shouldn't be strangers.

His brother, Owen, had been enthusiastic in his welcome but that was nothing compared to the reactions of his three sisters. Fifteen-year-old Neesa, thirteen-year-old Aramin, and eleven-year-old Thia had swarmed him with jubilant hugs - which he was still uncomfortable with, though he tried to hide that reaction - and loads of questions that he was still trying to answer four weeks later.

Every other day or so, the three girls would catch him for a few hours with questions about his life with the Jedi, what planets he'd visited, what famous people did he know? Sometimes his brother and parents would be there as well, especially if the girls ambushed him after dinner. The family habitually gathered in a small, cozy living room after eating their final meal and it was there that the questions inevitably began. The only problem was that even when he answered their questions as truthfully as he was able to, they didn't quite believe his answers.

"How many different planets have you been on, Benjamin?" bright-eyed little Thia asked one evening.

"Once a year my yearmates and I tried to count the number of planets my master and I had been to during our missions. At the end of the last year, we had visited seventy-eight different planets during my stint as his padawan."

"Seventy-eight?" the very logical Neesa and echoed. "Come on, Ben, surely not that many!"

Obi-Wan had nodded. "That was the count at the last end of year celebrations."

"You became an apprentice when you were twelve?" Owen asked from his seat lounging by the fire - an open fire - something else Obi-Wan didn't understand; why they'd want an open fire in their house.

"I had just turned twelve," Obi-Wan agreed.

"So that would mean you averaged around seventeen missions a year?" he asked skeptically. Obi-Wan just looked at him.

"That's correct. Some years would have more, some less."

"Surely not so many, Benjamin," his mother had gently chided him, which had hurt him in a way he hadn't expected. Did she believe nothing that he said?

"The Jedi are not as numerous as they once were, Mother," he replied in a quiet voice. "And my master was much in demand by the Senate to attend to the more volatile missions and negotiations."

"I can't believe that even the Jedi would send a twelve-year-old out on missions to dangerous planets," Neesa stated grandly, her arms crossed and her expression one of disbelief.

"You are correct, Neesa," the former Jedi agreed. "My twelfth year - and my first as a padawan - was spent mainly doing negotiations. It wasn't until I turned thirteen that the Order began allowing Master Jinn to take up the missions he'd had before he'd apprenticed me." The young man gave a faintly wry smile. "I spent a lot of time that year in the healer's wing before I learned to dodge properly."

The silence that followed that remark surprised Obi-Wan and he glanced up at his mother. She was a bit pale as she glanced over to his father. Anthos just looked stern.

"You were injured a lot?" his quiet little sister Aramin asked in the ensuing silence. She reached over to take his hand as though he needed comfort. He was surprised at the action but squeezed her fingers a little as he answered.

"Considering that I was a padawan of an active Warrior/Diplomat, no I wasn't injured a lot," he assured her with a smile.

"Let's consider that you were the son of a Noble clan on Telos," his father asked quietly. "In that context, what would be 'injured a lot'?"

Obi-Wan looked up at his father before he warily glanced around at his siblings. What did it matter now how many times he'd been injured as a padawan? He wasn't a padawan any longer and he didn't want to distress his family with an answer he knew would bother them.

"Never mind, Ben," his mother said as she leaned over to take her husband's hand. "That's in the past and you no longer have to worry about such things."

Obi-Wan breathed a silent sigh of relief. Until his youngest sister looked at him with a worried expression.

"Ben, my friend Tama says that Jedi kill people with those light swords." She gnawed at her lower lip before she met his eyes. "Have you ever killed someone?"

The young man looked at his little sister and wished he could answer her differently.

"Yes, Thia, I have." He didn't take his eyes from his youngest sibling though without even trying, he felt the emotions rise in the room. "Would you like to know why?"

From the corner of his eye, he saw his mother begin to open her mouth until his father squeezed her hand. She glanced at him for a long moment before she turned back to her children.

Thia saw none of this as she studied her newly-discovered brother. Finally, she nodded her head slowly. Obi-Wan let out his breath slowly.

"As a padawan, I was training to be a Jedi Knight. You understand this?" His sister nodded again. "One thing you should remember is that 'Jedi use their powers to defend and protect, never to attack others'. That is a part of the code we live by as a Jedi Knight or padawan. When I had to kill someone, it was because I was protecting my master, myself or defending someone else. It was not something that I did lightly nor did I do it without understanding that in doing so, I was responsible for taking a life."

"So you were defending yourself?" Thia asked carefully.

"In most cases, yes."

"And if you hadn't killed them, they would have killed you?"

"Or killed the people I was protecting," Obi-Wan felt compelled to add.

Thia gazed at him, her dark eyes filled with questions but all she did was crawl into his lap and wrap her arms around his neck. "I'm glad you don't have to do that anymore, Benjamin," she whispered into his neck.

He glanced down at his sister, still surprised and vaguely uncomfortable at the open affection so often displayed by his family. Not so much from his mother but his father and his siblings thought nothing of an affectionate touch or hug. He carefully folded his arms around his sister and hugged her.

That had been a hard night's questioning and his parents had been especially quiet for the rest of the evening. But he could not have answered differently. He had been raised to be a warrior of the Light and he had done things in service to the Order that most people would never understand. If his family wanted to know him, they would have to learn that aspect of him as well.

His sisters had not asked such difficult questions since that night though the Force only knew when his siblings would throw him another conversation-killing question.

But it was not only getting to know his family that was causing him problems. Just learning the way he was supposed to behave as a child of a Telosian clan was awkward. Some of the things Telosian minors were supposed to accept were just unacceptable to Obi-Wan.



The young man had found the education classes he was expected to take with his siblings and cousins tediously boring after the stimulating learning environment at the Temple but he had paid attention, or at least he seemed to. He found he could mentally wander just about anywhere he wanted and still maintain enough concentration to keep up with the class.

Educator Karn Ka'Ros was rather dull in his presentation and not very original in his assumptions or philosophies but the former Jedi padawan realized that not every teacher could be as interesting as Master Patian had been. Owen assured his younger brother that Ka'Ros came highly recommended as nothing less could be expected of the Kin-Obi Educator.

Ten days ago, however, Obi-Wan had been paying attention as the Educator was covering a particularly sticky negotiation that Master Yoda, himself, had attended approximately one hundred years previously. It concerned a long-standing feud between the Ka'Rosda clan and House Alianari which had suddenly erupted and prompted the Telosian government to ask for Jedi intervention.

Obi-Wan had rolled his eyes as Ka'Ros skimmed over the request for aid from the Jedi. The man proceeded to explain how the two factions had miraculously come to an accord but a daughter of the Ka'Rosda clan had been murdered on the eve before the treaty was to be signed. It had almost ended any chance for peace between them because the girl's Alianari lover supposedly had killed her on the orders of his House.

Frequently throughout the weeks he'd endured these classes, Obi-Wan had allowed the Educator's blurring of events since he'd never gotten them totally wrong. But what Ka'Ros was saying now was blatantly untrue.

"Excuse me, Educator Ka'Ros but that is incorrect," he said as he leaned forward in his rather uncomfortable chair. The Educator turned to him in surprise along with the other students in the classroom. The teacher looked at him for a long moment before he visibly decided to humor the new arrival.

"What is incorrect, Master Benjamin?" he asked, with just a touch of condescension to his tone.

"You state the circumstances of Dirana Ka'Ros' death incorrectly. Her lover, Ilian Alianari was proven innocent of the crime. A Senate investigator who arrived with the Jedi negotiators proved conclusively that Dirana's father was the one who killed her when he found out she was involved with Ilian. Then he laid the blame on the Alianari to continue the feud."

The Educator stared at Obi-Wan and his expression changed from one of condescension to anger. "You obviously have your facts wrong, Master Benjamin. No Ka'Rosda clan leader would ever commit such an act," he grated as he moved to stand before the table Obi-Wan was seated at. "I don't care what you Jedi say happened, Dirana was killed by her lover."

Obi-Wan merely looked up at the furious teacher with a calm expression. "The facts were exposed by the Senate investigator, Educator," he corrected mildly. "Master Yoda and Knight P'tash were there solely to negotiate the treaty although they did end up defending Lt. Tos, the Senate investigator, against some rather determined Ka'Rosda assassins."

Obi-Wan watched with veiled alarm as the teacher's face flushed to a rather unhealthy shade of red. "You cannot possibly know the true facts of that feud. It happened a century ago."

"Educator, I have studied the interactions the Jedi have had with Telos in the past. The mission, which concluded with a peace treaty between the Ka'Rosda clan and House Alianari, is a matter of public Telosian and Senate record. The briefings state that Ka'Rosda clan leader committed suicide once the facts became known...."

The teacher's hands slammed onto the table in front of Obi-Wan. While the two students on either side of him jumped, the former Jedi didn't move.

"You will not slander my clan in that manner!" Ka'Ros stated in a harsh tone, his expression enraged.

Obi-Wan looked up at him for a moment before he stood and clasped his hands together behind his back. He looked the man straight in the eyes as he spoke, his tone completely calm.

"I am not slandering your clan, Educator Ka'Ros. I am stating public facts. I will not sit idly by while you teach lies to my family to make yourself more comfortable."

Ka'Ros glared at him before he stood straight and crossed his arms. "Since you seem to think I am not teaching the truth, you are free to leave this classroom, Master Benjamin," he stated in a heavy tone.

Obi-Wan looked at the man thoughtfully for a moment and then nodded. "Very well. I will speak to my father concerning other avenues of education," he stated as he gathered his books. Obi-Wan knew that Telosian children were raised to respect their educators, not to question their teachings, but this was something the former padawan could not agree with.

He, did, however, note the look of shock on the teacher's face with something approaching satisfaction. Obviously, Ka'Ros didn't believe a child of the clan would actually walk out of an educator's classroom.

The youth stepped back from the table and carefully scooted his chair back into place. Then he looked up at the stunned teacher. "Good day, Educator Ka'Ros," he said politely before he moved towards the door, a roomful of stunned eyes watching him leave.

As he passed his older brother, he noted Owen looking at him in shock. Obi-Wan wasn't quite certain what the expression on his brother's face indicated, approval or amazement. He was certain to find out later that afternoon, however. Owen had yet to withhold his opinion about anything from his younger siblings.

Once in the hallway, Obi-Wan decided that his best course of action was to speak with his father. He was certain the Educator would seek out the clan leader after he released his students for the day and Obi-Wan wanted his father to be prepared.

It took several minutes to get to his father's study. He stood before the door a moment, wondering how his father would react to this. The Educator was a big part of a clan's everyday life and while Ka'Ros wasn't the most popular person at the clan site, he was an educator.

With an inner sigh, Obi-Wan knocked on the door to his father's study. He heard a faint acknowledgment from within and the youth opened the door and stepped inside.

The room was enormous with stuffed bookshelves and large paintings adorning the walls. At the end of the room was a large desk where anything and everything to do with Clan Kin-Obi was decided. Behind that desk sat his father.

Anthos looked up at him with a smile but didn't look the least bit surprised. As Obi-Wan approached cautiously the man waved to a chair on the opposite side of his desk.

"I understand you had a disagreement with Educator Ka'Ros," Anthos said, looking at his son with curiosity. He actually caught an expression of surprise on Obi-Wan's face which seemed to please the man.

"How did you know?" Obi-Wan began before he could stop himself. It was almost creepy how his father seemed to know everything that was going on.

"Benjamin, you've only been here a few weeks but you have to know you're the most interesting thing to happen to the clan in a decade. Everything you do will make its way back to me and your mother with the speed of an arrow to its target." The man leaned back with a chuckle. "Unfortunately, the information has little to do with accuracy, I'm afraid. What exactly happened?"

Obi-Wan sighed inwardly and absently straightened in his chair. With the thoroughness he'd always given to mission briefings, he explained exactly what happened in the classroom.

"Father, I understand that Educators are to be respected and learned from but he was deliberately lying about that incident because he didn't want his clan to look bad. There are other inaccuracies I've noted in his teachings but nothing to this extent."

Anthos looked at Obi-Wan thoughtfully before he leaned forward with a sigh. "Xanatos said it wouldn't be long before you were at odds with your Educator," he said as he leaned forward and tapped a few keys on his desk computer. "It is the rare Telosian teacher who takes kindly to students who know more than they do."

"It's not just a matter of knowledge," Obi-Wan stated firmly. "I could have continued meditating my way through the classes if need be but it was the fact that he was lying about history."

"I understand, Ben," his father said. "And I will speak to Ka'Ros about that. I have been meaning to speak with him concerning some other issues as well." He gave his son a hard look. "But you must understand that I expect you to continue treating him with respect. He is a very highly recommended Educator."

Obi-Wan nodded. "I will. But is there no other course of education I can take, Father?" he asked, an edge of desperation in his usually calm voice. "While Educator Ka'Ros might be highly recommended, he is very boring. Most of the technicals he teaches, I studied while I was a senior initiate."

"And what about the cultural studies?" Anthos asked. "I very much doubt the Temple would have taught you anything about the Telosian cultures."

The young man chewed on his lower lip for a moment before he spoke. "It was not encouraged but I did study what was in the libraries concerning the *Aikani* subculture. And on the trip here I began to study the relations between the various clans and Houses though I'm still trying to figure out who is related to whom by what marriage or alliance."

"That can be more complicated that neural surgery," Anthos agreed with a chuckle. He looked at Obi-Wan thoughtfully. "I think what we will do is allow you to take the graduate's test and see where to place you. Should you test out of class completely, we will evaluate what further education you might need."

"Thank you." Obi-Wan sighed in relief and gave his father a smile. "When can I take these tests?"

"Would now be acceptable? We have connections to the university computers in the Education complex," Anthos said as he stood and moved around the desk to his son's side. Obi-Wan quickly stood and nodded.

"Yes, sir!" he agreed and followed his father across the room.



That afternoon, he'd tested right out of Ka'Ros' classes and into upper level university and in some cases graduate courses that he had no way of taking since he was too young to attend any University on Telos. He'd spent a good half hour pacing in his room and cursing Telos' stupid Age of Majority. Finally, when he'd presented himself to his father again, Anthos had eyed him almost in disbelief after the man had studied the scores the computer had printed out.

"I can see why you were bored in Ka'Ros' class, Benjamin," he'd said with a quiet smile as he put the scores down on his desk. "The question is, now what shall we do? You obviously cannot attend a university."

Obi-Wan watched his father ponder the problem for a moment before he had brought up a subject he'd thought about ever since he'd gotten his scores. "What did Xanatos do when he came back to his family?"

Anthos had smiled at his younger son. "I was just considering that question, myself, Ben," he had replied. "Will you give me a day or so to contact him? Then we can continue this discussion."

"Thank you, father," the youth had said with a smile as he stood.

"Until then, just keep a low profile during class hours. If you must wander the clansite and country, try not to get caught. It gives your mother fits."

Obi-Wan had sighed to himself. Yet another cultural issue. Telosian youth were not allowed outside their homes alone. Yet sometimes, Obi-Wan just couldn't stand the mental noise of the clansite and wandered off to find silence for his meditations.

"I will try, father," he had replied.

"That's all I ask, Ben."

Obi-Wan had turned to go, then hesitated a moment before he bit his lower lip and had glanced at his father hesitantly.

"Benjamin?"

"Do you...um...talk to Xanatos often?" Obi-Wan had asked, studying the desktop intently. He drew a complicated pattern on the wood with his fingertip. He hadn't seen the heir of Chiyari since he'd been packed onto that transport from the Tai ship over two months ago.

"We keep in touch fairly frequently," Anthos had replied with a smile. "He asks after you often."

Obi-Wan had glanced up at that, a surprised and pleased look on his face. "He does?"

"He does," his father had replied. "He likes to know how you are getting along with your clan and family. I think he worries about you."

The youth had chewed on his lower lip again. "Will you tell Xanatos I asked after him when you speak with him?" he had asked softly, intently not looking at his father.

"I will, but Benjamin you know you can comm him whenever you like?"

Another surprised look crossed his face as Obi-Wan had stared at his father. "I can? But I thought we weren't supposed to talk to or see each other."

Anthos had been the surprised one then. "Whatever gave you that idea?"

"Well, he's never called me," the young man had pointed out, as close to huffy as his father had yet seen.

Anthos had leaned forward and caught his son's gaze. "I think he's waiting for you to call first, Ben," he said gently.

"Oh." Obi-Wan had thought that over for a moment before he'd glanced back at his father. "May I have his contact information, please?"

Anthos had not smiled though Obi-Wan had seen the ghost of one tugging at the man's lips. He'd just quickly jotted down the number on a scrap of paper and had handed it to his son.

"Remember, while all our comm lines are secure, you never know who might be listening. So no comm sex please."

Obi-Wan flushed so hard he was certain he was glowing. "Dad!"

"Just a warning," Anthos had murmured with a snicker. "Now take off. I've calls to make and your mother will be home soon."



The youth smiled as he remembered his father's impish expression as he'd sent his son on his way. His father was so easy to get along with. Anthos seemed to understand him much more than his mother.

Obi-Wan picked up the scrap of paper his father had given him and ran his fingers over the numbers written there. He hadn't called Xanatos but just having the number had eased some of the worry he'd built up without even knowing it. Just what he might have been worried about was something he didn't really want to ponder. Right now, he had something else entirely to worry about.

He set down the scrap and absently picked up the smooth rock that had been his soothing talisman ever since his former master had given it to him when he'd turned thirteen. Then he sighed as he rubbed his forehead tiredly before he reached down to touch the comp pad he'd brought with him from Coruscant.

It held all the information and holos he'd collected during his years at the Temple. Currently it was showing the most recent picture he had taken with his friends.

Obi-Wan passed his fingertips over the smiling face of his first lover. Who would have thought such a beautiful thing such as his Ritual First Night would have caused such an uproar in his family?

All because Neesa hadn't believed him when he'd mentioned how short a padawan had to keep his hair.

"But your hair looks as though it's never even been cut!" his sister had stated in that all-knowing way of hers. "If you ever had a 'padawan cut', it was ages ago!"

He'd merely smiled and left the room to retrieve his comp pad. It was only a matter of moments to bring up the last holo he'd had made with his yearmates.

"This is me as of four months ago," he noted as he pointed himself out to his sister. Neesa stared at the holo as his other family members had gathered around to see Benjamin as they'd never seen him.

"Telios! Your hair was short!" Owen had yelped in disbelief. "How did you stand it?"

Obi-Wan had glanced up at his brother with a half-smile. "I've only had this length for about two months," he'd said. "It's learning to deal with this much hair that's been the problem."

"Who is the green girl?" Thia had asked with interest.

"That's Bant. She's Calamarian," Obi-Wan had explained, more lively than they had ever seen him. "She's one of my best friends. We were yearmates."

"What's a yearmate?"

"We were the same age and grew up in the crèche together," the former padawan had replied. "And this is Garen and Bruck, also yearmates." Obi-Wan had run his fingers across their image. "This was just after we'd been to the end-of-year festival celebrations."

"Do you have any more pictures?" Ansamin had asked shyly as she leaned over his shoulder from her perch on the couch. Obi-Wan glanced up at her with a happy expression.

"Yes, do you want to see them?"

Owen had leaned over his other shoulder and nodded as Thia and Neesa had snuggled up beside him, eager to see another part of their brother's life. Obi-Wan had actually grinned and switched to the next holo. It was an image of him crouching next to a small green being.

"That's Master Yoda," Obi-Wan explained reverently. "He's head of the Jedi Council."

"That little guy?" Neesa asked, her tone disbelieving. Obi-Wan just chuckled.

"That little guy, as you call him is well over eight hundred years old," the former padawan had explained. "When I was ten years old, I saw him pick up a crashed lunar transport with the Force so that rescuers could get to the people trapped inside it. He held it up for almost ten minutes."

"And how did you happen to see this if you were only ten years old?" his mother had asked, looking as though another lecture on 'immoral Jedi allowing their children to roam' was on the horizon.

Obi-Wan had just shrugged and said as nonchalantly as he could, "I was on the transport at the time with my yearmates."

His mother had paled but before she could say anything else, he had switched to the next holo. In this image, he stood beaming next to his master.

"This was just after I'd won the sixth year saber singles competition a few months ago," he explained. "It was the first time I'd managed to win the singles competition."

Owen narrowed his eyes at the holo. "Is that Master Jinn?" he had asked carefully.

"Yes," Obi-Wan had answered and switched to the next holo. It was an image of him and another young man his age with short white hair and a padawan's braid. Their arms were around each other and they held their saber hilts above their heads triumphantly, obviously happy about something. "And this is Bruck and me after we'd cleaned out the fifth year paired competitions." The former padawan snickered. "They never even saw us coming that year."

"You were hot fighters, hum?" Owen had said, flicking his brother's ear. Obi-Wan just smiled and looked wistfully at the holo.

"Yeah. After Bruck and I had our Ritual Firsts together, no one could beat us in paired combat, right up to and including senior padawans. Master Yoda said we had a bond that allowed us to see each other's movements before we made them." He had touched the picture thoughtfully. "We probably would have paired as a team after we'd been Knighted. We worked really well together."

Owen had looked at his brother with a rather strange expression. "What's a Ritual First?" he'd asked in a worried tone that caught Obi-Wan's attention.

"It's the first time..." Obi-Wan had begun to explain but his father suddenly interrupted him.

"Children, I think it's time everyone retired," Anthos had said with a stern tone. Everyone looked up at him in surprise.

"But Ben has more holos," Thia had argued in a whining tone.

"You can look at them later, Thia," their mother had admonished and everyone stood, looking a bit confused. "Benjamin, why don't you stay? Your father and I have some things to speak of."

Obi-Wan had watched with a worried gaze as his siblings left the room. Then he had settled himself on the couch, carefully blanking his expression.

"Now, Ben," Anthos had asked, his tone almost flat. "What exactly is a Ritual First?"

The former padawan had given his father a straight look. "It is the first time you choose to share yourself with another."

His parents had said nothing for a full minute. The silence and their almost accusing gazes had driven Obi-Wan deeper into his padawan mode, which was no expression and complete stillness.

Finally, after what had seemed like an eternity, his father had sighed. "And you shared yourself with this Bruck?" he had asked as though Bruck was something far beneath him. That tone had made Obi-Wan angry.

"Yes. I was proud to do so. Bruck shared his Ritual First with me as well."

Lady Kin-Obi closed her eyes briefly before she turned to her husband. "We will have to let the Chiyari know," she had said as though her world were about to end. "We will have to give them the opportunity to break the contract."

"I doubt they will, Ansamin," her *Aikani* had replied with a soothing tone. "You know Xanatos is already in love with Ben."

"Why would they want to break the contract?" Obi-Wan had asked, his expression serene but inwardly he worried because he didn't understand what was happening. His mother had looked at him with an exasperated gaze.

"It is stated in the *Aikani* contract that you will be presented to Xanatos untouched," she had declared angrily and Anthos had gently touched her shoulder.

"He could have no way of knowing this," he had said. "But we will have to let Xanatos know and he will have the final say."

"What does it matter if I am untouched?" Obi-Wan had asked. "What has that to do with anything?"

"It is a tradition that dates back centuries, Benjamin," Ansamin had replied wearily. "The *Aikani* is trained and presented solely to their mate. It is a way to ensure the proper alliance and succession."

"Oh, now I understand," Obi-Wan replied tonelessly as he stood. "You're worried I may be carrying Bruck's love child. That would be a tragedy."

"Benjamin," Anthos had said sharply. "Now is not the time for sarcasm."

"Father, it's not as if Xanatos doesn't know about the Ritual First," his son had replied in what he hoped was a reasonable tone. "He grew up at the Temple. And his reputation there was such that even padawans in my class heard about Xanatos' Ritual First, and his second and third and fourth...." Obi-Wan's voice had trailed off as he ground his teeth. He hadn't thought about those rumors in a long while.

"Xanatos' state isn't what the *Aikani* contract is concerned about," Ansamin had begun and Obi-Wan's fingers curled into fists. For the first time in years, his mouth had reacted to his anger before he could stop it.

"Oh, so you could have slept around but not father?"

"Benjamin!" Anthos had practically snarled and Obi-Wan had flinched. He'd dropped his eyes from his parent's faces as he twisted his fingers together behind his back,

"Mother, I apologize," he had said in a choked tone. "I'm just trying to understand why something so basic has to affect this alliance."

"I know you don't understand," Ansamin had replied in a more compassionate tone. "All you need to know is that it does have an effect and Xanatos will have to be informed officially that his potential *Aikani* is not untouched."

"I see." Obi-Wan had still not met their gazes. "When will you tell him?"

"Tomorrow," Anthos had replied.

"May I go now?" Obi-Wan had asked, quite politely, he had thought.

"Yes, we will see you in the morning," his father had replied and the former padawan had left the room without another word.



He had gone downstairs for breakfast but had stayed quiet, answering questions with monosyllabic replies. He had also appeared for lunch but only because he knew he would be sought out if he hadn't. Otherwise, he had remained in his room, meditating and trying to understand why the thought of Xanatos being angry enough to break the *Aikani* contract was such a painful thing to consider.

It would probably be for the best anyway, he'd told himself. He hardly knew Xanatos. He'd only seen the man one full day on the Tai ship and since then had only learned things about Xanatos rather than from Xanatos since the man hadn't even bothered to comm him once. If the heir of Chiyari chose to break a contract that he'd had no say in to begin with, what was it to Obi-Wan?

The former padawan merely hunched his shoulders a bit at the thought and stared out the window at the summer storm raging across the horizon. He knew his parents had arranged a meeting with Xanatos for this afternoon. He'd felt the stirring in the Force when the man arrived though Obi-Wan could hardly say when he'd managed to memorize Xanatos' Force signature. But he had heard nothing of whatever decision was made and he thought it quite callous of his parents to keep him in the dark like this.

A light knock on his door drew Obi-Wan's attention away from his dark ponderings and it only took a moment's thought to determine who stood on the other side. The youth didn't think about the speed with which he crossed the room and was at the door. All he thought about was opening it. A moment later, he was gazing at the man on the other side. Xanatos was leaning against the doorframe, his arms casually crossed.

"Obi-Wan." The man's tone was warm and affectionate and he wore that familiar half-smile that had taken Obi-Wan only a day to get used to.

Without even thinking, the youth's bland expression relaxed into a welcoming smile. "Xanatos."

"May I come in?"

Obi-Wan tried to look shocked. "Without a chaperon, Xan? You must be mad. What of my reputation!"

Xanatos rolled his eyes and brushed past the youth. His eyes roamed the room curiously before he wandered over to a table and set down the shoulderbag he carried. "Very nice," he stated as he turned to face the youth who had followed him across the room. "A lot of space."

Obi-Wan shrugged and glanced around. "It's a room. It still makes me a little uncomfortable. I feel like I'm staying at some palace on a mission."

The older man gave him an understanding look. "You'll settle in, Obi-Wan. It just takes some time."

"I do like the windowseat. It has a good view." The youth gave Xanatos an almost impish grin. "And I love the bathroom. It has an enormous tub."

Xanatos raised a sleek black brow. "Does it now?"

For some unaccountable reason, Obi-Wan found himself blushing. Xanatos just continued to look around. Then he turned back to the young man standing so nervously in the center of the room.

"Your father says you've spent most of the day up here. Thinking hard, he said."

"It's not like I didn't have things to consider," Obi-Wan replied as calmly as he could.

"Your mother says you've been sulking."

Obi-Wan choked. "I have not been sulking!" he snapped as he stamped over to the window seat and plopped down.

"Then why have you been hiding away up here all day?" Xanatos asked. "I could feel your misery the minute I was close enough to the clan site."

The former padawan gave him a look that said he was stupid. "I know very well why you're here, Xan," he stated flatly. "My parents were very unhappy to find out about the Ritual First Night. They can hear about me cutting down terrorists and being caught in crashing transports without the blink of an eye but let them hear that I've followed the padawan custom of Ritual First and obviously the world is coming to an end."

Xanatos settled down in the window seat next to him but didn't say anything. He only listened quietly as the young man continued his tirade.

"I just don't understand, Xan," Obi-Wan finally sighed as he pulled his long braid over his shoulder and picked at it. He wound his fingers through the thick plait as he chewed on his lower lip. "I don't understand why they think it's so important that I be 'untouched'." The young man didn't look up at him companion as he continued worriedly. "Does it matter to you, Xanatos?" he asked softly.

"It does not, Obi-Wan," Xanatos said firmly as he reached out and took the braid from Obi-Wan's hands and tossed it back over his shoulder. "I knew that a padawan's Ritual First is something looked forward to with joy. I would have been very surprised to find that you had not gone through with it."

The younger man felt himself relax ever so slightly. "So...you're not going to break the contract?"

"Nothing could make me break the *Aikani* contract, Obi-Wan," Xanatos stated in an uncompromising tone. "Nothing."

Obi-Wan looked up at the man beside him and all the doubts from the past weeks suddenly rushed into his mind. All the times his family had looked at him oddly, the times the clansmen had whispered as he passed, the times he had shocked the family matrons at tea, they all blended together and made Obi-Wan look away, gritting his teeth against the unexpected surge of emotions. Where had his vaunted Jedi control gone in the past weeks?

"Maybe it would be better if you did," the youth finally replied as he looked away. He felt the man beside him stiffen and then found himself looking into Xanatos' eyes from close range.

"Why do you say that?" the man asked gently.

"I won't ever be a proper *Aikani*!" Obi-Wan suddenly ground out as he looked away. "I will never be able to be your servant."

Xanatos looked at the young man before him for a long moment. "Is that what you think an *Aikani* does? Serve their mate?" he asked.

Obi-Wan ran his fingers through his hair, pulling out tendrils of hair from the elaborate braid, which then fell around his neck. "I don't know," he replied heavily as he turned and glared unseeing out the window into the dusk. "I don't know what an *Aikani* is or does. Father refuses to say anything as that would corrupt whatever my eventual *Aikani* tutor might teach me! All I know is what I was able to learn from the Temple archives and obviously that is nothing." He leaned his forehead against the window with a depressed 'thump'. His next words were spoken so softly that Xanatos had to strain to hear them. "Everything I do or have done in the past just scandalizes my family that much more. What kind of *Aikani* is that for the Head of House Chiyari?"

A moment later, Obi-Wan felt strong arms wrap around him and Xanatos pulled him back against his chest. "I will have you as my *Aikani* and no other, Benjamin Kin-Obi," the man vowed, tightening his arms for a moment.

"Damn it to the Sith hells, Xanatos!" Obi-Wan snapped, trying to pull away. "Aren't you listening to what I'm saying?"

"Language, my Obi," the taller man chided, holding onto his prize firmly.

"Fuck you," the youth growled and he stopped fighting but didn't relax.

"Do I need to gag you?" The words were whispered in his ear and Obi-Wan shivered before he looked up to face the taller man.

"Xan, I don't know how to be an *Aikani*," he said in a weary tone. "I don't even know how to be a Telosian. I don't want to disgrace you."

Xanatos cupped his *Aikani's* cheek. "You won't disgrace me, Obi-Wan," he said gently. "And I can teach you anything you need to know."

"I can't...I won't be your servant," the younger man stated baldly. Xanatos chuckled. "I don't care what the contract says!"

"You seem to be laboring under a vast amount of misinformation, Obi-Wan," he said. "Why do you think it is that parents are so keen to see their children become the *Aikani* of a great House or Clan?" He gently stroked Obi-Wan's cheekbone as he studied the young man's face. "You were but three months along in your mother's womb when the Kin-Obi Clan began negotiations with the various Houses and Clans for an alliance. When House Chiyari - one of the few Houses equal in rank and stature to the Kin-Obi Clan - finally agreed to a contract, I understand there was a week-long party held at your Clan Homesite."

"So what?" Obi-Wan asked, his throat tight. "I was just a way to cement relations between the upper houses."

"No, Obi-Wan," Xanatos corrected firmly. "Your parents secured one of the best positions they could ever hope to find for a younger child and they celebrated that. If there is one thing you should understand about the *Aikani*; it's that the power of the relationship resides squarely in their hands."

The young man blinked. "What?"

"Think about it, my Obi. Your mother may run the companies of Clan Kin-Obi but it's your father who rules the Clan and everyone on Telos knows it. He is the one who makes the important decisions concerning family and with the Telosians, family is what is most important." Xanatos caressed away the ginger tendrils that had fallen into Obi-Wan's eyes. Eyes that had become even more worried.

"I...Xanatos, how can I become the head of your House if I don't even understand my own clan? I just don't fit in here. It's all well and good to read about cultural diversity and respect it while on a mission. But living it day after day is enough to drive me into the Force." Obi-Wan found his braid in his hands again and twisted on it absently. "It's confusing and boring and while I really want to get to know my family, I just don't understand them." He chewed on the end of his braid.

Xanatos reached out and tugged the plait of hair out of Obi-Wan's grasp and tossed it back over his shoulder.

"Obi, you've only been here a few weeks. Give yourself time to understand them," he said. "You have a lifetime of catching up to do."

"I want to understand them, I really do," the youth said with a bewildered look. "They're my family. But I feel so stifled here. There's nothing to do. I can't even practice my katas without them staring at me like I'm some freak." Xanatos chuckled and his companion glared up at him. "What?"

"Obi-Wan, I haven't seen them stare but I have seen you doing katas and I can guarantee they aren't thinking you're a freak." The man reached out to trace a cheekbone gently. "You're grace personified when you fly, Obi-Wan. They're probably wishing they could be so graceful."

The youth blushed as he looked at Xanatos in surprise. "When did you see me doing katas?"

"You know the annual competitions are recorded, do you not?"

"Yes, but they aren't made public." Xanatos just smiled at him. "You have a copy of the recording?"

"Every year since you were braided."

Obi-Wan looked up at him, his eyes wide but his expression confused. "Why, Xanatos?" he finally asked softly. "Why have you gone through all this trouble for someone you hardly know?"

Xanatos looked at him, his blue eyes thoughtful. "Do you really think I don't know you?" The man pulled Obi-Wan to him, the youth's back to his chest and wrapped his arms around his *Aikani*. "Remember when I told you that we had a bond?" The former padawan nodded slowly. "When you were born, I was sent for immediately. Qui-Gon had some conference but I was allowed to come alone. I held you in my arms three days after you were born. You were so small and had a head full of soft, red fuzz. Even then, you were opinionated. You were still sulking when I got there because you had been bothered before you were ready to be born and had come early."

Obi-Wan jerked around and glared. "I was not sulking!"

The older man just snickered before he sobered again. "While I was there, the first part of the *Aikani* ceremony was held." Xanatos looked at his young companion with thoughtful eyes. "The Telosian people have a high degree of Force sensitivity and those who are chosen to be *Aikani* usually have sharper senses than most. However, when the *Aikani* and their mate both have a high degree of Force sensitivity, a bond develops between them over time."

Xanatos looked away for a long moment and then he sighed. "Perhaps the Force was preparing us for what was to come because when I held you during that ceremony, a complete bond formed, so faint that Qui-Gon never noted it but I knew it was there."

Obi-Wan looked up at Xanatos, his green eyes wide. "But I don't feel it, Xan. How can we have a bond if I don't know it's there?

The older man smiled faintly. "When you're ready, you'll feel it, Obi-Wan. But believe me, the bond is there. I have tracked you from one end of the galaxy to the other at times."

"I've never heard of a bond like that."

"It's not like any bond the Jedi would know, Obi-Wan and it is difficult to explain. It's something unique to Telos and you'll learn more about it from your *Aikani* tutor."

Obi-Wan snorted. "More 'wait-'til-you're-older' training."

The dark-haired man chuckled softly. "Of course. Though, I can tell you that the bond we share is a product of ten thousand years of *Aikani* tradition combined with the strong Force sensitivity of the Telosian people."

Xanatos sighed then and pulled Obi-Wan closer, resting his chin on the teenager's shoulder. "I was able to get home for your first three birthdays. The old aunts insisted that you couldn't possibly remember me from year to year but you always did. You'd know the moment I landed on the planet because I could feel you tugging on the bond as soon as you realized I was there. Telios, you were strong even then." He absently stroked the braid of Obi-Wan's hair as he continued. "It was your third birthday when I finally was able to get Qui-Gon to come with me. To think, I actually begged him to come and meet you. What a fool I was."

"You couldn't have known," Obi-Wan said softly.

"No, there was no way I could have ever imagined my own master would so betray me." The dark-haired man sighed softly. "He must have contacted a retrieval team just after we left. We were in the Outer Rim going from mission to mission for the next five months. I realized later, that was done purposefully to keep me out of the way - away from the planetary incident that exploded after you were taken." Xanatos snorted. "All they needed was for the one who had supposedly given you to the Jedi to show up and tell the Senate that hells no, under no circumstance had I indicated that you were to be handed over."

"But I was only three," the youth pointed out softly. "Even with the bond, you couldn't have been so attached to me."

Xanatos was silent for a full minute before he spoke again. "Did Qui-Gon ever talk about me at all?" he finally asked, his tone neutral.

"No," the teenager admitted. "I heard rumors around the Temple but Master never spoke of you. Until the last time I saw him."

"When you went back to the Temple?" Xanatos asked carefully. Obi-Wan nodded. "Would you mind telling me what he said?"

The former padawan's hands tightened on Xanatos' for a moment. "He said maybe if he had trained you better to understand the Living Force, you would have understood why I had to be given to the Jedi."

Behind him, Obi-Wan felt Xanatos lean back. He heard the faint thump when the man's head hit the window. "Obi, I'm sure you'll forgive me if I say that Qui-Gon Jinn is a pompous horse's ass, won't you?"

"He's certainly had his moments," the teenager agreed.

"I related to the Living Force in a way that Qui-Gon couldn't possibly understand and never even tried to. I often wondered why he took me as a padawan to begin with."

"Why?"

"My primary talent is prescience, Obi-Wan," Xanatos admitted quietly. "Qui-Gon never understood my gift and focused my training in other areas. But when I held you that first time, when you looked up at me, I Saw that we would be together, I Saw us standing together, being bound as mates and I could feel the joy and love that flowed between us." The man leaned forward and buried his face in Obi-Wan's neck. His next words were whispered. "And I told Qui-Gon of that joy and love, of what I had Seen, and still he did what he did."

"I'm sorry." Obi-Wan's fingers tightened on his companion's hands. "But the future is always in motion. What if what you Saw doesn't happen?"

"No, Obi," Xanatos softly contradicted. "When I See like that it is a true Seeing. Like a laser beam through a rough sea, when I have a vision like that it cuts through the future and shows me what will happen. It is a rare thing but it happens. And I have learned to prepare for what the visions show me."

"And you Saw us together?" The voice was faint, almost disbelieving, and perhaps a bit hopeful.

Xanatos twined his fingers with those of his *Aikani*. "Yes, my Obi-Wan," he said in a gentle, affectionate tone.

The youth was quiet for several moments before he leaned back against his future husband. "So, what was I wearing?"

"Some horrible blue and silver formal robe that your mother picked out," Xanatos promptly replied.

Obi-Wan slumped against the older man. "Oh hells."



It hadn't taken much of a Force suggestion to lull Obi-Wan to sleep once they had talked out the rest of his concerns. The youth had been troubled all night and today. In fact, it seemed as if Obi-Wan had been worrying himself exhausted for the past weeks.

Xanatos caressed the hair falling on Obi-Wan's neck as the teenager leaned on his chest, finally sleeping peacefully for the first time in weeks. He glanced thoughtfully out the window into the darkness as he lowered the lights in the room with a thought. He had to admit he'd made a mistake in not contacting Obi-Wan before this but he'd truly thought it would be better to give the teenager space and time in which to get to know his family.

But while Obi-Wan had used the time to get to know his clan, he had also found himself building up worries that he felt his family would never understand.

"I just don't feel like I can talk to them, Xanatos," the youth had said, his tone sad. "Sometimes, I feel their concerns are so petty and then I feel bad because I know that they feel these things are important." Obi-Wan glanced up at his companion. "But why does it matter that sometimes I need to be alone instead of in this great, big, noisy palace? The only place I can really achieve a deep, meditative state is about three miles from here in this little grove I found. And even then I have to hide before I settle or some freakin' huge clansman will come along and lecture me about wandering too far from the clan site and what if some bandit were to come along and try to ransom me. As if I wouldn't know the minute someone got near me."

Xanatos had tried not to chuckle and got a glare for his trouble. "Obi, they have no way of knowing that you can defend yourself even against the Hutts."

The former Jedi padawan hadn't looked appeased at this being pointed out. "I told the man exactly what I would do should a bandit try to kidnap me. Not only did the clansman not believe me, he told my mother that he'd found me wandering around by myself."

"Hummm. What did she do?"

"I got the 'While the Jedi may have allowed you to run around like a ragamuffin, we will not' lecture." Obi-Wan had tilted his head curiously. "Xan, what exactly is a ragamuffin? It doesn't sound particularly threatening."

"It just means you need better manners," the older man had noted with a grin.

The boy had actually pouted at the definition. "How can it be bad manners to want some still and quiet time?"

"It is the nature of parents to worry over their young," Xanatos had replied quietly. "And Telosian parents have raised that worry to an art form. Ansamin and Anthos will be particularly attentive to you for a long while yet, Obi-Wan. They have just gotten you back when they thought they would never see you again. Try to have a little patience with them."

The teenager had looked away as he twined his fingers around his braid again. "I just feel so useless," he had finally admitted. "At the Temple, I was training to be a Warrior/Diplomat, something I truly believed in. I felt I might make a difference in people's lives as a Jedi Knight. But here...." Obi-Wan's voice had trailed off as he studied his braid intently. "...here it seems all I will be doing is running a House. Not that being a Head of House is bad," he had hurried to explain, "but it just seems like everything I've fought for, everything I've earned at the Temple was for nothing."

"Not for nothing, Obi-Wan," Xanatos had stated firmly, leaning forward to catch the youth's gaze. "If you believe in the Force, you cannot think that anything happens without design. Do you believe that?" The teenager had nodded with no hesitation. "Then you must believe that all you have learned at the Temple will be needed." Xanatos' blue eyes had been intense as he studied his young *Aikani*. Then he had held out his hand and his shoulderbag had floated across the room. It had settled in Obi-Wan's lap and Xanatos reached around to open it. What he had brought out of the bag had made Obi-Wan's breath catch.

"My lightsaber," he had choked out. "But Master destroyed it!"

"No, he destroyed a copy of the one you had on the Tai ship," Xanatos had corrected gently as Obi-Wan's finger's curled around the metal hilt. "I knew you would be needing this in the years to come, my Obi-Wan, and I wasn't about to let Qui-Gon destroy it."

The former padawan had looked up at Xanatos with a worried gaze. "You've Seen something?"

"Yes."

Obi-Wan had waited a moment. "Are you going to tell me about it?"

"Eventually," Xanatos had replied with something of a smirk playing around his lips. At Obi-Wan's scowl, however, he had sobered. "There are things you need to do that I can have no influence over. When the time is right to tell you, I will."

The young man had snorted. "You sound like Yoda," he had opined and this time Xanatos had scowled, making Obi-Wan beam. "I bet Master Yoda would have taken you as a padawan if Qui-Gon hadn't," he stated with a laugh.

"Force forbid!" Xanatos had looked horrified. Obi-Wan had looked delighted.

"He said he'd come and visit if I invited him," the youth had stated with a grin.

"Don't even think about it, Obi-Wan!" Xanatos had commanded. He had always had a somewhat irrational dread of the little master and had avoided him whenever possible.

"But Xanatos..." Obi-Wan had began but the older man cut him off.

"No!"

The boy had dropped his eyes at that point but the older man could feel him plotting even without the bond. At that point, Xanatos felt that Obi-Wan could use a long nap.

Now he just sighed softly as Obi-Wan snuggled deeper into his chest. The older man absently stroked his *Aikani's* hair and watched the rain outside the window. He knew that Obi-Wan would push the Yoda issue and Xanatos knew that although the little green troll gave him the shivers, eventually, he would relent and allow Yoda to visit. After all, he'd Seen the Jedi Master at the ceremony that would bind Obi-Wan to House Chiyari as his *Aikani* and he knew the creature would play a big role in the coming fight against the Sith-induced Darkness that hovered on the horizon.

The Heir of Chiyari caressed his *Aikani's* hair again and hoped that Obi-Wan had learned enough during his time at the Temple to follow the path he was destined for. Xanatos would teach his young husband all he knew but ultimately it would be Obi-Wan who would have to train the children of Telos and the refugee initiates from the destroyed Temple in the ways of the Force.

It was perhaps an hour later that a faint knock at the youth's door brought Xanatos' attention back to the present. He reached out and identified Lord Anthos at the door and triggered the lock to allow the Kin-Obi *Aikani* entrance.

Anthos was startled by the darkness in his son's room but noted the movement by the window and made his way across the room. There was more than enough light coming through the window to illuminate the aloof and arrogant Chiyari Heir cuddled up cozily with his second son. Anthos couldn't quite keep the smirk from his lips.

"Tell anyone about this and I'm afraid I'll have to kill you," the man said in a low, dangerous tone. Anthos just chuckled softly.

"It's not like you'll be able to hide something like this, Xanatos," the man pointed out as he settled on the window seat. "Even someone blind and deaf could tell that you love him." Xanatos glared but Anthos just shrugged. "Is he still upset? I've left him alone today because I knew he wouldn't want to talk."

"We worked out a number of issues," the Chiyari replied, smoothing his hand along Obi-Wan's hair again. "But in the future, I will be visiting far more often than you may have expected." The man pressed his lips together thoughtfully. "I had forgotten what a shock it really is to have your life changed so abruptly."

"We are trying to understand that, Xanatos," Anthos said, looking at his son. "But if you have any ideas about how we might help him adjust, they would be very welcome."

"I think you'll probably understand more of what he is going through just by reading those mission briefings," the younger man stated. "Lady Ansamin didn't read them, did she?"

Anthos paled a bit and then took a deep breath. "No, I thought it best that she didn't. I had no idea what the Jedi demanded of their people. If I had, I would have fought harder to get him back."

"He will need that strength though," Xanatos replied gently. "In the years to come, we will all need his strength."

The two men were silent for a moment, each considering the youth in Xanatos' arms.

"I understand you've put out inquiries for a Surrogate," Anthos finally said, changing the subject. Xanatos looked up at him warily.

"Yes," the younger man replied. "I know it's years until our bonding but I want to start our family right away. Obi will be young but I will not be and I want her to have a child from each of us at least. Preferably more if she is agreeable."

Anthos nodded. "I have some recommendations for you when you begin a serious search," was all he said before he stood. Anthos gave the younger man a long look. "Dinner is almost ready and Ansamin expects you both, dressed and unruffled."

Xanatos gave him an innocent look. "Of course."

The Lord of the Kin-Obi clan pressed his lips together and glared. "If I have to come back up here, I'm bringing my wife."

"There will be no need for hostile action, my lord," Xanatos said in a conciliatory tone. "We'll be down for dinner promptly."

"Just listen for the chimes," Anthos noted and with a final glance at his son nestled against Xanatos, the Kin-Obi Lord left the room.

Xanatos smiled at the man's departing back. He'd never actually tell the man, but he was fond of Anthos and knew he was trying hard to make Obi-Wan feel at home.

He gave Obi-Wan a few more minutes of sleep before he roused the youth, shaking him gently. He got some mumbles for his trouble.

"Come on, Obi, dinner's almost ready."

The young man rubbed his eyes. "Sorry, Xan," he muttered. "I didn't mean to fall asleep."

"You needed it," Xanatos said as he reached out and picked up the lightsaber from the windowsill. "Put this somewhere safe and then take a quick shower. We have to be downstairs in a little while and I want to braid your hair."

Obi-Wan jerked as he stared out the window and then at the timepiece on a nearby table. "Hells, we're gonna be late," he murmured before he ran over to store the saber hilt in a top drawer and then stumbled into his bathroom. "Then I'll have to hear mother's promptness lecture tomorrow."

"We won't be late," Xanatos called as he leaned back and grinned at the various sounds of Obi-Wan getting ready. Sounds such as 'Ouch!' and 'Dammit' and then the shower was turned on.

As his young *Aikani* showered, Xanatos wandered over to his closet and browsed, picking out clothing he recognized as that which he had given Obi-Wan on the Tai ship. He laid out the outfit with a faint smile just as Obi-Wan appeared wrapped in a thick towel.

"Wear this," Xanatos said as he gestured to the outfit on the bed. Obi-Wan gave it a cursory glance before he headed to his necessities drawer.

"Sure," the young man said before he froze over his underwear drawer and gave his future husband a glare.

The older man had just settled himself against the wall to watch.

"You're going to watch me dress?" Obi-Wan asked cautiously. Xanatos just raised a sleek eyebrow. "I know it's a moot point but this is not the Tai transport."

Xanatos just grinned. "No, this is much cozier."

Obi-Wan sighed. "You aren't going to grope me, are you?" came the suspicious, but hopeful question.

"Highly unlikely," the man replied. Obi-Wan grumbled and then dried off and dropped his towel. Xanatos continued. "But not impossible."

"Xanatos!"

The man chuckled. "Finish dressing and then come here," he said gesturing at the window seat. A few minutes later, the youth was seated before his future husband and Xanatos was brushing his *Aikani's* hair reverently. Then he began to braid, using the signature plait of House Chiyari. He knew it would raise eyebrows. He knew it would make Ansamin grind her teeth.

But Xanatos also knew that seeing that braid in Obi-Wan's hair was something he would never tire of. Once he had tied off the braid, he had Obi-Wan stand up and turn around.

"I look fine, now let's go before Mother sends a clansman after us," the younger man grated.

"One more thing, Obi-Wan," Xanatos said just as they reached the door. The youth sighed and turned back.

"What?"

Gently, Xanatos pressed his young mate against the door and kissed him, a long, slow, gentle kiss, tasting Obi-Wan and being tasted in return. Then he leaned back and smoothed a tendril of hair from Obi-Wan's eyes.

"Don't worry so much, my *Aikani*," Xanatos said affectionately.

Obi-Wan reached up and touched his lips before he smiled shyly. "I won't, Xanatos," he replied. "But I think I'll need more reassurance before you leave."

Xanatos chuckled before he nuzzled his young mate. "Maybe you could show me your grove tomorrow. We could...meditate."

The young man's eyes darkened and he licked his lips, bringing Xanatos' attention to Obi-Wan's smile. "That's a good idea. Guided meditations can be so enlightening, don't you think?"

"Obi-Wan," Xanatos growled, "Open the door and let's go before I decide to meditate right here and your mother comes looking for us."

Obi-Wan laughed softly and leaned forward to kiss his mate again before he turned to open the door. Then he stiffened at the view of his mother scowling just as she had lifted her hand to knock on the door. Behind her, Lord Anthos met Xanatos' eyes with a smirk.

Obi-Wan quickly plastered on a smile. "Mother. We were just coming down for dinner."

Lady Ansamin Kin-Obi looked over her younger son, quickly taking in his swollen lips and flushed cheeks. A moment later, she turned his head and saw the pattern Xanatos had braided into Obi-Wan's hair. Then she pressed her lips together in a formidable scowl and glared at Xanatos.

The man just gave her a serene smile as he held out his arm to his future mate.

"Shall we go?"

EPILOG

It was a truth universally acknowledged that the last communiqué of the day was always the worst. Lord Benjamin Kin-Yari, bonded *Aikani* of Lord Xanatos Chiyari, read through the last communiqué on his console, before he groaned and closed his eyes. With a sigh, he rubbed his eyes for a moment before he leaned forward to delete the communication completely. Then he stood and walked over to the large window that faced the restless sea.

Unlike the Kin-Obi home clansite nestled in the fertile valleys of the inner continent, the Chiyari Stronghold towered over the cliffs of Telios-Nai and had protected the lands and traditions of House Chiyari for more than a thousand years. It was said that every Heir of Chiyari for the last thirty generations had been born in the Lady's Chamber on the top floor of the Stronghold, usually during the mid-summer storms as a direct result of being cooped up during the thick winter months.

Obi-Wan shivered at the thought as his breath misted on the window. Thankfully, while the members of House Chiyari were great believers in Tradition, they were also great believers in keeping up with the times. Obi-Wan couldn't imagine living in this old pile of stones before the House had central heat.

"You're thinking about the thermostat again?" an amused voice asked just before two arms slid around Obi-Wan's waist. The russet haired man just smiled and leaned back against his husband's chest.

"I wouldn't think about it so much if you'd keep our room a decent temperature," he pointed out.

A long-suffering sigh sounded near his ear. "You've been harping on that for sixteen years, Obi-Wan," Xanatos murmured. "You know I'd much rather you keep me warm than the central heating system."

Obi-Wan chuckled softly as he wrapped his hands around his husband's. Then he sobered. "I received an message this evening, Xan. We should expect some new arrivals soon."

Xanatos was quiet for a while as both men looked out over the waves at the sun sliding slowly under the horizon. "Are we ready for them?"

Obi-Wan nodded. "As ready as we can be. Their new identities at the school are already waiting to be taken up as they arrive. I don't know how many initiates Yoda will be sending us." He glanced up at his husband. "Do you?"

Xanatos looked thoughtful as he probed the shifting waves of the Force. It was almost as restless as the rising tide of the sea beyond the cliffs.

"I would say no more than fifteen will be in this first group and they'll be very young. We should look for more later this year." The Chiyari lord hugged his mate close. "Eventually, we may find ourselves with as many as one hundred though I don't know if there are even that many left in the crèche. The Temple clans have grown small in the last years."

"Yes." Obi-Wan chewed on his lower lip. "I've heard that parents are refusing the Jedi search on more and more worlds and the Senate does nothing." The younger man pursed his lips and then sighed. "Yoda must truly be worried to finally take this step."

"Palpatine has made no secret of his disdain for the Jedi and his attitude colors the Senate. The Republic is more than willing to believe in Jedi weakness after they have been seen as strong for so long," Xanatos responded quietly. "It is good that Telos has a reputation for despising the Order. Neesa tells me the Senator De'Pos makes sure to keep that reputation fresh."

Obi-Wan grimaced as he looked away. "I do not like her being a senatorial aide to De'Pos. The man is a rancor."

"Neesa can more than take care of herself, Obi," Xanatos soothed. "She was trained by a former padawan I know how to cover her tracks completely - just like you are training our children."

Speaking of covering tracks, did the Tai send that package we requested? Obi-Wan asked using the bond that had only strengthened through the years of their marriage. They never spoke openly of the Tai though the technology given to them by the elusive race was used subtly by both House Chiyari and Clan Kin-Obi as well as other trusted allies.

Yes, Xanatos said as he leaned down to nibble delicately on his mate's ear. When it is needed, we can drop that little worm smack in the middle of Coruscant's network and erase every trace of the Jedi in the Republic. It will also wreak havoc on the Supreme Chancellor's offices. Palpatine will have a difficult time finding his shoes after the virus hits his computers.

I only hope it's enough to allow those who are able to escape. Obi-Wan closed his eyes. I hate to think of all those knights we will lose. And the Temple... There was a long hesitation. And Qui-Gon.

There is no help for it, my Obi-Wan. The majority of the Jedi would not welcome our help much less our advice. His mental tone hardened. And as for Qui-Gon Jinn, we can only offer sanctuary to those we trust.

And the children, the *Aikani* noted, pushing away the thought of his former master as he sighed and leaned into his lover's embrace.

And the children, Xanatos agreed as he licked a slow path down his mate's jaw. So when were you going to tell me?

Tell you what? came the innocent query. Obi-Wan turned in his arms and Xanatos backed his lover up against the window before leaning down to share a long, deep kiss.

Xanatos finally pulled back and leaned his chin against his smaller mate's forehead. Tell me that Knight Chun will be coming with the first initiates as a teacher, he said flatly though Obi-Wan could hear the jealous overtones easily enough.

The younger man grimaced slightly as he looked into his husband's blue gaze. Honestly, Xan, I just found out myself. But I did think I'd wait until you were a bit calmer, more receptive to the idea.

"Sooooo, that would be never then?"

"Xanatos," Obi-Wan sighed as he reached up to caress his mate's face. "After all this time do you doubt me?"

The taller man closed his eyes for a moment before he leaned into his lover's touch. "I don't doubt you, my Obi-Wan. It's just that..." his voice trailed off, unable to voice his decades old unreasonable jealousy of his *Aikani's* first lover.

"Xanatos," his mate said with a firm tone. "What I had with Bruck was young and sweet but that was decades ago, a different lifetime. You are my haven, you are my soul, never doubt that."

The Chiyari Lord gently took his lover's hands in his own and kissed them before he drew Obi-Wan into a tight embrace. "You shame me, my *Aikani*," he whispered. "I love you so much, sometimes it frightens me. I could not live without you."

"You won't ever have to, Xanatos Chiyari," Obi-Wan stated loudly, glaring at his mate. "Should you ever be so foolish as to leave this existence without my express permission, I'll be right behind you to kick your luscious ass."

As he spoke, Obi-Wan's hands strayed to the area in question and then slowly moved upwards, his fingertips smoothing a path on the clothing that covered the markings Xanatos wore proudly as an *Aikani's* mate. The first time they had truly been intimate, Obi-Wan had been stunned to find the markings decorating his lover's skin, *Aikani* patterns the same as his own but with the colors reversed. Xanatos had taken the markings shortly after his alleged death, a sign of his determination to have his *Aikani* back no matter what the price.

Obi-Wan pulled his lover closer even as Xanatos leaned down to catch his lips in a fierce kiss. He pressed his husband firmly against the glass, his hands roaming into clothing and searching for warm flesh. Obi-Wan gasped sharply as his lover caressed his rapidly hardening shaft though the thick material of his clothing.

"Xanatos, the children...Xana and Anthos will be looking for us soon."

Xanatos only chuckled softly as he nipped his *Aikani's* neck. "Not just yet, lover. We have at least ten minutes."

"Xan!" Obi-Wan tried to sound as if he objected but he didn't quite manage the tone. Then he felt cool air against his skin when Xanatos unsnapped the fastening of his leggings to provide better access. He let out a low moan as the larger man slowly caressed him and whispered the things he would do to his *Aikani* that night once they were alone.

Behind Obi-Wan the window was cool and a heavy rain was tapping against the glass as his mate knelt before him and slowly took Obi-Wan into his mouth.

"Xanatos!" The word was a harsh whisper of adoration as Obi-Wan dug his fingers into the soft, dark hair of his husband. Xanatos took his time pleasuring his mate, the sounds of Obi-Wan's ecstasy echoing in the silent room with only the hard rain on the window to accompany it. Xanatos' fingers roamed as his mouth tasted and sucked and licked and hummed against his lover's flesh.

"Xan, please!" his lover begged as he arched into Xanatos' mouth. The older man hummed deeply in response as his long, graceful fingers found that spot inside his *Aikani's* body and firmly pressed down. Obi-Wan screamed his husband's name as he came.

After a few moments of insensibility, Obi-Wan finally focused again, finding himself held up against the window by a smirking Xanatos. The younger man found the strength to lean forward and wrap his arms around his beloved.

"I love you," he whispered with a soft kiss. He smiled as he tasted himself on Xanatos' lips.

"As I love you, my *Aikani*.

The End.

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