Lightthroughcracks

How is Ani doing in Light Through the Cracks

Posted on av swmoddy

The last few weeks have been rather odd in Anakin’s opinion.

Not bad… just very odd.

Though he did miss Obi-Wan quite a lot, it was still interesting to learn from the council masters as they cycled through, each of them updating him to Obi-Wan’s condition before either taking him to spar or do katas or they were helping him and going through his homework, explaining concept that Anakin didn’t quite understand.

And they meditated too, depending on the master, it was either moving meditation or they would attempt to find a way for Anakin to do meditation while still.

It was a challenge but… well, Master Plo at the very least took it as a challenge, a good natured smile somehow apparent even with his mask on as he gave Anakin a head pat.

It was nice.

Affectionate.

But Anakin still wanted Obi-Wan back, especially when he went back to their lonely quarters and none of the masters could stay overnight.

Most of the nights, one of them slept on the couch and were generally awake already by the time Anakin got up, breakfast ready on the table with the single tea Obi-Wan had managed to find that Anakin too enjoyed.

Some days however, they couldn’t and Anakin would wake up alone and have to go to one of the refectory for breakfast.

It made him miss Obi-Wan even more and made him prod at the shielded bond in his head, wishing it was open so he could feel the other at least.

Generally when he did that, either Master Depa, Mace or Yaddle would show up to sit with him, spend some time with him unless he had to go to his lessons.

They knew he was prodding at the bond for sure and while it was nice that they cared… Anakin still wanted Obi-Wan.

Which was why he jumped on the opportunity to see his master when Plo offered, almost running to the Halls.

It was the first time he got to see the semi permanent healing ward with the lounge and rec room, the treatment rooms, the lined up dorms for the patient in one hall and the attached gardens to ensure they exercised and got more than just the recycled air of the rooms.

It was nice.

Made Anakin feel a bit better about where Obi-Wan was.

He’d never admit it but Anakin had worried that Obi-Wan was locked up in some dark, dreary room, unable to leave, unable to get fresh air or exercise in a small space that would just make him feel even worse.

But he wasn’t.

Obi-Wan’s room wasn’t all that big no but it wasn’t small either, it wasn’t brightly lit but enough to clearly see the bare but soft blue walls of the room and carpeted floor, his bed looked okay too, Anakin liked them softer but it was fit for Obi-Wan and there was a fresher attached with a bath Anakin could spy through the door.

It was a decent room, one made for healing.

It had a desk, a chair, bed, nightstand, lamps and a fresher connected and Obi-Wan could leave the room and go into the garden or the recreational room.

He wasn’t locked up or forced to do anything but try to focus on his healing and Anakin…

Anakin wanted to cry with relief.

Which was what he did, crying into Obi-Wan’s chest as they hugged, Obi-Wan’s grip so tight it almost hurt but Anakin didn’t want him to ease his grip at all.

Not when he was finally seeing the other man.

And he was doing better.

No longer did Obi-Wan have dark bags under his eyes, nor were they bloodshot, his skin didn’t look too taunt on his bones nor was it too pale and his hands were warm as he held onto Anakin.

Finally, finally Anakin could assuage his own worries.

Obi-Wan was healing and he’d come back.

He’d be Anakin’s teacher once more… he just needed time to heal.

Hi Moody, hope you’re doing alright with lock down and everything. What’s going on in light through the cracks? How’s Obi-Wan progressing and please tell me that someone has realised/prevented palatine from interacting with anakin or something?

Posted on av swmoddy

“Obi-Wan!”

Head snapping up from the text he had been reading, Obi-Wan’s eyes widened in surprise as his padawan was standing in the doorway one moment and the next moment he was on his feet, Anakin crashing into his him.

The two tumbled back onto the bed, Anakin’s arm wrapped tightly around his waist and Obi-Wan’s wrapped around the small body as he hefted him up to hold on.

He barely noticed Plo entering and closing the door, simply held onto his boy.

His padawan.

Force he had missed his padawan so much, he hadn’t realized just how much he missed him.

Shuddering, Obi-Wan nuzzled into the short spikes of the others hair, ignoring how the pad was now trapped beneath his body as he focused on the feel, scent and sensation in the Force of Anakin, of his padawan in his arms.

‘I’m not going to cry, I’m not going to cry…’ Obi-Wan clenched his eyes shut, feeling how his eyes were watering as he clung to the blond in his arms.

He failed when Anakin let out a small hiccuping sob, starting to cry into the others hair as he levered Anakin up until the boy was resting his face in the crook of Obi-Wan’s neck, feeling the wet, warm tears soaking into his neck.

It opened up his own waterworks as he cried. “Its okay Anakin, its okay padawan, I’m here, I’m here Anakin.” He choked out, rocking the boy slowly as he held him, feeling the small fists holding onto Obi-Wan’s soft tunic.

He could feel Plo, monitoring the two and yet he couldn’t bring himself to care.

“I missed you so much Obi-Wan.” Anakin hiccuped into his skin.

Rubbing the others spine in uneven circles, Obi-Wan gave a wet laugh. “I missed you too kiddo. I didn’t know how much I missed you but oh, did I ever miss you.” He confessed. A burst of joy echoed in the Force, Obi-Wan unable to feel it in their bond and yet he could feel it in the Force.

That was enough and Obi-Wan pushed back from him enough to give him a watery smile, gently drying Anakin’s face with his hands.

Anakin gave his own giant smile back, despite crying. “You look better. You’re not as pale or gaunt.” He sniffled, snot beneath his nose.

Huffing faintly, drying Anakin’s face tenderly, Obi-Wan gave a small shrug. “The council has been looking after me as best they can. And… and I’m trying.” He added.

Trying for his friends, trying for Anakin.

Trying to better, trying to recover.

And having Anakin here in front of him, in his Force muted room, the literal sun Anakin was…

Looking away from Anakin for a bit, Obi-Wan nodded to Plo. “Thank you…” He stated quietly.

Nodding, Plo settled down in the armchair of the room, his mask echoing slightly as he took a deep breath. “Of course, your recovery is coming along well and you’ve been having a good period. Anakin visiting would only be good for you.” The kel dor smiled at the two humans.

It was good for Anakin too Obi-Wan would guess.

Smiling back, the redhead turned back to Anakin, stroking his flushed, tanned cheek. “How about you tell me what you’ve been up to, what you’re learning?” He encouraged quietly, settling in with the boy on his lap to hear.

He wanted to know everything.

And Anakin wanted to tell him everything.

By the time Anakin had run out of things to tell him, three hours, evening meal had come and four bottles of water had been consumed, the two eating together for the first time in weeks.

It was only once Anakin’s eyes were starting to droop that Plo softly stated it was time to leave, Anakin clinging to Obi-Wan.

“Could…” Obi-Wan hesitated, Plo pausing to listen. “Could I walk Anakin to where he is sleeping?” He finally whispered, staring up at the man with Anakin in his arms still, holding around him.

Plo stroked his chin, slowly, clearly eyeing Obi-Wan.

It would be the first time in two months that Obi-Wan had left the Halls.

So far he had only been in his room, the treatment room of the healers and the garden attached to the Halls where patients were encouraged to go for fresh air and meditation.

“…As long as you are wearing your muffling armband and are escorted back, I see no issue with that.” Plo finally decided, chuckling faintly as Obi-Wan stood with Anakin in his arms, intent on carrying the boy.

Just a few more minutes with Anakin.

Obi-Wan didn’t care if he had to walk naked back and forth, the muffling band and company to keep an eye on him were the easiest of terms to accept.

Oof, Obi-Wan’s really not doing so hot in lightthroughcracks. How hard is this going to affect him? Thanks for writing!!

Posted on av swmoddy

Blinking slowly as his door opened, Obi-Wan resisted the urge to wrap his arms around himself as he instead just continued laying there, the soft sweeps of the person entering coming closer to him until Obi-Wan could see who it was.

Master Windu, it seemed it was the Korun master’s turn today.

He smiled gently at Obi-Wan and sat down on the bed. “Good morning Obi-Wan, have you slept well?” He murmured quietly, reaching out and resting his palm on the Stewjoni’s temple, his fingers gently threading through the greasy hair.

Obi-Wan simply shrugged, uncertain if he had or not.

Not that the council masters or the healers taking care of him the last week cared that his answers were verbal.

As long as Obi-Wan answered in some manner, they didn’t force him to do it in another. A part of Obi-Wan recognized that they didn’t want to push him too hard in case it made him withdraw but he just felt so tired most of the time.

Especially since the bond between himself and Anakin had been closed down.

He knew it was a good reason for it but Anakin pretty much bleed energy and comfort through their bond and to feel the consequences of not having it… well, it was hard.

At least the Jedi helping him were trying their best.

“Good, good,” Mace murmured, fingers gently teasing Obi-Wan’s hair before he let a small frown cross his dark face, brown eyes flickering up to Obi-Wan’s hair and then back down. “You hair seems greasy. How does a proper water bath sound today?” He stated quietly.

An offer, not a demand or an order or a judgment really, despite bringing up Obi-Wan’s greasy hair.

Slowly, Mace fingers still in his hair, Obi-Wan reached up to his chin and ran his fingers along his jaw and chin.

He could feel the stubbles and suddenly Obi-Wan felt unbearably filthy, giving a small nod and a low noise that prompted Mace to remove his hand only to shift them under Obi-Wan and help him sit up, quietly ordering the light up to fifty percent.

Finally Obi-Wan’s semi permanent room was lit up for the first time that day, the calming blue shades of the healing room comforting him along with the sight of a dresser with his lightsaber sitting in full view should he need it.

Not that he would but it was a safety thing, the healers stressing to the masters helping Obi-Wan that he required his lightsaber in view due to the situation that lead to him loosing his master.

Carefully, Mace got him up and lead him out to the fresher, setting him on the loo lid.

Quietly, Obi-Wan started with faintly trembling hands to undo his tunic layers as Mace instead turned to the tub to start the water and add bubble bath to it, the scent of some kind of wood filling the room the moment hot water hit it.

Several scents had been banned, due to Obi-Wan associating it with Qui-Gon, not until the broken bond that continued to cause Obi-Wan’s mind to become infected was properly laced for the poison that was putting Obi-Wan into a permanent state of pain and depression.

And even then the healers had cautioned that Obi-Wan would likely never be fully rid his depression, that he had gone through one of several traumatic events and the last straw was the loss of his master in front of him.

Pausing, Obi-Wan stared at his hands before looking up, finding Mace watching him in return. The man raised his brow when he saw Obi-Wan pausing. “Yes?”

Licking his lips, Obi-Wan continued unwrapping himself. “Ani?” He finally murmured, shrugging off his tunic as he saw the master of the order’s eyes soften with understanding.

“Currently with Master Ti, she’s guiding him through some moving meditation,” He murmured quietly, coming over to help pull Obi-Wan to his feet. “He asks for you everyday. Hopes that you return soon.” Mace stated.

Warmth bloomed inside of Obi-Wan, bringing a sense of calmness that felt very similar to the relief Obi-Wan found when he leaned on the bond between himself and Anakin. It was a good feeling but he said nothing, only nodded and stepped out of his pants and underwear.

He had long ago lost any sense of shame for his body thanks to the communal way Jedi were raised, not to mention missions out in the field with his master and other Jedi.

And it helped that Mace wasn’t staring, only gently fussed him into the warm bath and rolled up his sleeves as he sat down on the rim of the tub.

‘I’ll get better… for Ani. I’m coming back… soon. Just wait for me Anakin…’ Obi-Wan mentally promised, shivering slightly as he let himself sunk down into the warm water, a small noise escaping him as Mace took the small bowl and started to wet Obi-Wan’s hair.

Oh my god I was so pleased to see an update to Lightthroughcracks, because I also have been looking through your archive and it was one of my favorites! Can we please see more of that?

Posted on av swmoddy

The smell of dorin gas and tea was rather soothing Obi-Wan had to admit, as was the darkness with his face in Plo’s neck.

Now, dorin gas was kinda poisonus to humans but Obi-Wan couldn’t directly find it in himself to care at this moment as Plo’s steady gait swayed him, the council master taking him… somewhere. Obi-Wan wasn’t quite sure where, not willing to lift his head.

He was just so exhausted and the rocking gait was lulling him even more.

It wasn’t directly sending him to sleep but it was making him drowsy for sure.

He could hear people, quiet voices, the scant sound of whispers.

Gossipers.

Obi-Wan still couldn’t find it in himself to care.

And then he heard Master Che, alerting him to the fact that he was in the Halls of Healing.

Okay, now he cared.

He let out a low noise, shifting but Plo only quietly shushed him, adjusting his hold on Obi-Wan as he continued walking. “It is alright Obi-Wan, trust me.” The council master murmured quietly, his warm voice steady and soothing.

“I don’t like the Halls.” Obi-Wan choked out into the others robe.

“I know,” Plo chuckled faintly. “Unfortunately, you need it. Trust me.” He repeated.

Reluctantly stilling, the block between himself and Anakin reminding him that they wouldn’t give his padawan back until this was resolved, Obi-Wan dredged up a silver of resentment.

But mostly he just felt ashamed.

Ashamed for being weak, ashamed for leaning on Anakin and more than likely harming the boy.

Force, what if he had done proper damage to him for life?

Obi-Wan stifled a hiccup into Plo’s chest, too tired to really cry again as his eyes burned.

Plo pauses for a moment, there is a murmur of voices but Obi-Wan can’t get himself to focus on them beyond the fact that one is feminine and the other male.

The voices stop and then Plo moves again, his gait still steady and calm, the sound of a door opening and the smell of sterility giving way to… incense?

The scent was slightly sweet, alerting Obi-Wan to the fact as it managed to press its way through Plo’s scent.

Before he could puzzle it out however, he was set down and Obi-Wan let out a tired, questioning sound before huffing in surprise as he was carefully encouraging him to let go.

The room was surprisingly dark was the thing Obi-Wan noted, the room mimicking wood like walls and floor, as Plo slowly, steadily pressed him back and down until Obi-Wan rested on his back on a soft surface, a pillow behind his head.

A bed Obi-Wan’s mind supplied as he took in the almost candle like light of the rooms.

Plo gently stroked his temple, smiling at him before raising his head. “Now then, Healer Turma, if you please?” The kel dor murmured, a human with dark hair and slanted eyes stepping into Obi-Wan’s side, the man smiling emphatically at Obi-Wan.

It was enough to make Obi-Wan tense, having someone seen him like this, regardless of the entire council already had, made him feel ill.

The man didn’t seem to notice though, only bowed his head. “Greetings Knight Kenobi, I am going to give you an examination on the councils request. Please try to remain relaxed.” The unfamiliar man stated.

It left Obi-Wan tensing up, though the healer didn’t call him out on it as he instead just reached out and rested his hand on Obi-Wan’s temple, slipping past Obi-Wan’s shoddy shields now that he could no longer lean on Anakin.

His hand was warm, his hand smelled of hand lotion, a flower Obi-Wan was faintly familiar with as Qui-Gon used to grow them in their quarters.

The thought of his master send a spike of pain through Obi-Wan.

The man went from smiling to frowning fast, Obi-Wan wincing as he felt the probing touch and he almost pulled away when Healer Turma finally reached the fading master and apprentice bond.

He would have if Plo hadn’t taken that moment to grasp his hand, his clawed thumb stroking over Obi-Wan’s knuckles in a soothing motion.

If Obi-Wan had bothered to look around or stretch his Force senses, he would have noticed that Master Mace, Adi and Yoda were in the room too, due to the severity of Obi-Wan’s decline and his expertly managing to hide it.

“Oh dear,” Turma murmured, his frown growing even darker before he caught Obi-Wan’s eyes. “I don’t know how you’ve managed to keep yourself this stable Knight Kenobi, but your head is day six of a nine days hurricane. Any longer and permanent damage would have been in your future.” He stated worriedly.

Beyond exhausted, Obi-Wan just blinked slowly at the man.

A smile lit up on Turma’s face. “However, there is help here for those who seek it. We can help you Knight Kenobi.” He stated quietly.

Obi-Wan just closed his eyes, wishing the day was over.

Could it please be over?

I don’t know if you’re still going with light through the cracks as you’ve only done a single post but I’ve rediscovered it when going back through all your awesome stories and I would love to know what happens next as my subpar imagination isn’t doing it justice. It’s the one when young anakin goes to Depa about obi-was having cracks in his mind and using their bond to keep doing, it ended with Depa dragging anakin off to explain this to others. Please how does everyone react? Does obi get help

Posted on av swmoddy

Resisting the urge to shuffle his feet nervously in the artificially
lit room, Obi-Wan blearily peered at the council, hoping his eyes
weren’t bloodshot.

He
suspected that they were but if asked, he’d claim a few bad nights
with visions… hopefully that would be enough for the council.

And it
wouldn’t strictly be a lie, he did have trouble sleeping, despite
gaining some succor from his training bond with Anakin.

Speaking
of Anakin…

The
boy was nowhere to be found and Obi-Wan could feel his worry and
anxiety spiking even as he tried not to react to much to the
evaluating stares of the council at all sides. He could still feel
his padawan of course, but it was slightly muted, as if Anakin was in
range of a blocker.

He
wanted to go find his padawan but first he had to deal with whatever
the council wanted.

And
Force, he hoped that didn’t mean a mission already.

Finally,
Master Depa cleared her throat and sat forward. “Knight Kenobi, are
you aware of why you’ve been summoned?” She questioned, her voice
steady… and gentle.

As if
Obi-Wan was a spooked animal, the kind of voice Qui-Gon had used with
injured animals he wanted to care for.

The
voice sent an unexpected stab through Obi-Wan, his mind aching and
his insides twisting with pain.

But he
didn’t voice that, instead inclining his head. “I’m not certain
masters, as far as I’m aware, I’m not to be sent on any missions
just yet.” Obi-Wan stated, the unvoiced, ‘I have a padawan, I
can’t leave yet.’ lingering obviously in his voice.

The
members of the council exchanged looks and Obi-Wan had to swallow
another spike of nerves.

Was
this about Anakin maybe?

Had
the council decided to change their mind?

Force,
Obi-Wan wasn’t sure he could handle if they took Anakin away from
him.

He
knew it was bad to lean on the bond so much for the support he needed
but the abrupt death of Qui-Gon had not given him any chance to sever
their bond properly.

Instead
what had happened was that their bond had been ripped apart,
not just breaking Obi-Wan’s shields but tearing at his soul and it
was a miracle in itself that Obi-Wan was sane, especially after
touching the dark side only moments after the bond between master and
padawan had started to shred.

Obi-Wan’s
mind was literally inflamed, infected in a manner, and the only balm
so far was Anakin, the boy like cool ice to his mind and Anakin
seemed to understand.

It
gave Obi-Wan bit of relief to try and work on the shredded bond and
to try and cauterize the edges of it so to speak.

“Knight
Kenobi, please lower your shields.” Master Windu suddenly stated.

Unable
to stop himself, Obi-Wan jerked back half a step before gathering
himself, staring at the master of the order in shock before quickly
shaking his head. “Masters, I’m not sure what this is about but
that is an inva-”

“Obi-Wan,”
Yoda’s old voice broke in, green eyes focusing on the old troll as
he stared sadly at him, ears twitching slowly as the cane rested over
his lap. “Know we do, healthy you are not. Your bond, ruined it is.
Strength from your padawan you should not get.” The old troll
croaked.

Feeling
panic climbing up his throat, Obi-Wan opened and closed his mouth
before shaking his head more weakly. “Masters, I’m dealing, I
promise it’s not so bad tha-” Master Plo stood smoothly from his
seat and approached Obi-Wan.

And
for every step the kel dor took, the human backed away until his back
hit the door of the council chamber, his shoulders shaking heavily.

He
realized his actions were unreasonable, that the council didn’t
want to hurt him.

But
his mind was buzzing with how disappointed they would be that he
couldn’t manage to deal with his broken bond. He was a Knight for
Force sake, the Sith Slayer! He should be able to handle such a thin-
a gentle hand cupped his cheek, claw tipped fingers gently stroking
at his temple.

Trembling,
Obi-Wan stared wide eyed at Plo, the other man smiling sadly. “It
is alright young Obi-Wan. You can lower your shields, we won’t let
your pain drown you, nor will we judge you for carrying pain.” He
stated.

Swallowing,
his hands grasping at the smooth, cool door behind him, Obi-Wan
licked at his dry lips. “I- I can’t…” He wheezed.

“You
can,” Plo assured, still stroking at his temple with his thumb. “I
know you can Obi-Wan. A Jedi is not to be attached, but we are not
emotionless and Qui-Gon was your master. You are allowed to grieve
Obi-Wan.” The council master murmured in that soft, even tone, ever
so slightly coaxing.

To his
mortification, Obi-Wan could feel tears building in his already
bloodshot eyes and before he knew it, a harsh hiccup escaped his
throat, his shields crashing down around him as he reached out for
Plo.

He
found himself welcomed, the arms moving to hold Obi-Wan up against
Plo’s chest again. “That’s my boy, there you go Obi-Wan, you’re
doing good my boy. Just let it go.” Plo murmured, Obi-Wan
helplessly crying into the others chest, the scent of dorin gas and
tea mixing on the other man’s robe.

Caught
up in his release, Obi-Wan didn’t even put up a fight as Plo
gently, but firmly inserted a block between him and Anakin, making a
door where there before was a light switch.

“Now
you will heal Obi-Wan Kenobi and the first step of your healing is to
grieve.” Plo stated quietly, holding Obi-Wan up as his knees
buckled under him.

in Shut Me Down, where Qui-Gon’s death shattered a Really Depressed Obi-Wan’s mind, what if he *had* gotten a bond with Anakin right away, and Anakin /noticed/ Obi-Wan leaning on him? and asked someone about it, because it was kinda worrying? he’s not worried about himself, he can hold Obi-Wan up just fine, but Obi-Wan doesn’t feel so good. those cracks shouldn’t be there, should they?

Posted on av swmoddy

Sucking
on his bottom lip while twisting his hands into the hem of his beige
tunic as he looked around the
classes hallway,
Anakin frowned worriedly to himself as he checked in
on Obi-Wan again, finding the other easily. From what he could tell,
Obi-Wan seemed to be working out and was slightly frustrated but also
mellow compared to last night.

Because
last night had been bad, to the point Obi-Wan hadn’t noticed he was
slipping through the cracks and letting Anakin see how much pain he
was in.

He’d
been doing that a few times.

Finally
Anakin saw the Jedi he had been looking for, Master Depa.

While
she was on the council, she had been very kind afterward when Anakin
had her in Force sculpting, had patiently sat beside him for a few
minutes to show him what he needed to do to get a more detailed
sculpture and quietly murmuring instructions before praising Anakin
for picking up on what he needed to do so well.

She
was kind and Anakin needed to talk with someone that was
understanding and wouldn’t laugh at him for not knowing things.

So
he quickly passed through the crowd of fellow padawans, initiates and
a few knights and masters, catching up to the lady in question and
catching her sleeve to make sure he got her attention.

Stopping,
Depa turned in surprise before her face transformed into a small,
understanding smile when she saw who it was that had grabbed her
sleeve.

Oh
no, Anakin had some something he shouldn’t have again.

“Padawan
Skywalker, it is a surprise to see you.” She murmured, turning
around and stepping to the side so they wouldn’t hold up the hall
and the throngs of people.

Following
her, letting go of her robe sleeve, Anakin nodded nervously, glancing
around to find one or two knights watching him with raised brows.

Yeah,
he totally did something he shouldn’t have when he grabbed her
sleeve, e chu ta!

Rubbing
the tips of his new
boots together, Anakin nervously bowed his head and nodded. “I’m
sorry for bothering you master Billaba, but um, I wasn’t sure who
else to talk to and you’re kind.” He mumbled out.

That
got a small frown, the gem on her forehead shifting. “Oh? Wouldn’t
it be better to speak with your master?” She inquired carefully,
tilting her head to the side, her long braided hair shining under the
sunlight from the window.

Wincing,
Anakin bit his lip again before shaking his head. “That’s just it
Master Billaba, it’s about Master Obi-Wan.” He explained,
uncertain as her frown grew even more.

“Oh?
Is there an issue?” She questioned, her voice lower but Anakin
could hear the urgency, worry and if he wasn’t wrong, some kind of
protectiveness?

Anakin
had always been good at reading people, so he thought that was it and
he knew that master Depa liked younglings since she taught so much.
“Well, you see, Obi-Wan has these weird cracks in his mind? And he
tendsto
lean on the bond thing we have a lot to help himself and I don’t
mind!” He tacked on quickly when he saw her face transforming to a
vague expression of horror, her brown eyes growing wide. “I can
handle it, but it can’t be good for master Obi-Wan to have cracks
in his mind and be all in pain everyday can it?” Anakin spoke
quickly, squirming as Depa continued to stare at him. “And
sometimes his emotions and thoughts slips through the cracks, and I
know that master Obi-Wan likes to be private, so he wouldn’t be
happy to know he’s slipping things out.” Anakin stated.

And
then the chalactan woman reached out and snatched his right hand,
gently pulling him along a now emptier hallway. “I apologize for
the abrupt behavior padawan Skywalker, but we need to speak with a
healer and the rest of the council.” Depa explained quickly as she
kept a hold of Anakin’s smaller hand with her warm one.

Blinking
up at the woman, Anakin let out an inquiring noise. “Master Obi-Wan
isn’t alright, is he?” He choked out, feeling Obi-Wan lean on the
bond again, the phantom sensation of blankness entering it before
being followed by tears and
a muted scream that Anakin was sure if Obi-Wan knew was coming
through the cracks, the other would be ashamed of himself.

“No
child, he’s not.” Depa answered mournfully and that was the last
thing either said for a good half hour as the council gathered and a
healer was summoned.

Anakin
couldn’t know it at the time of course but he had just saved his
master from years of torment even if Obi-Wan wouldn’t appreciate it
to start with.

And
made their relationship even deeper and filled with more
understanding.

But
that was years into the future.

Right
now, Anakin was just a young boy of ten being led by the hand by a
very worried Jedi master, anxious
and a bit oblivious himself.