"Somebody once told me
  The world is gonna roll me
  I ain't the sharpest tool in the shed...
  She was lookin' kinda dumb
  With her finger and her thumb
  In the shape of an L on her forehead..."
 --"Allstar," Smashmouth
 

     I am one with the Force.  I am One with the Force.  I feel the Force
flowing through me.  It's flowing.  It sure is flowing.  Flowing like a river.
That Force sure can flow.
     "I have to pee," Anakin Skywalker announced out loud, to no one
in particular.  He was supposed to be meditating in his room.  He debated
the matter.  If he left his room, he'd probably get yelled at.  But he really
had to go, and he certainly wasn't getting any meditating done until he
went.  With his luck, Obi-Wan would probably know if he hadn't been
meditating.  Obi-Wan was just good like that.  Anakin decided to just go to
the bathroom.  Obi-Wan didn't seriously expect him to meditate with
something that pressing, did he?
     Anakin stood up, and walked to the door.  As he was about to exit
the room, he heard voices elsewhere in the little house.  He put his ear to
the door.  One voice, slightly staticky.  Transmission.  The voice sounded
female.  He frowned.  Obi-Wan didn't even know any girls.  What kinda
girl would send Obi-Wan a transmission?  Amidala sent Obi-Wan
transmissions sometimes, but it wasn't her voice.  Anakin's mom had sent
the hapless Jedi one, which Anakin had peeked at later.  The entire
message amounted to "Take care of my son or I will find a way across this
galaxy and I will kill you."  It wasn't her voice, either.  The voice stopped.
Hmm.  Anakin opened his door.  The response was almost immediate.
     "Anakin, it's really hard to meditate when you don't stay in the same
room."
     "I gotta go to the bathroom!" he announced.
     He could almost hear Obi-Wan's sigh.  It wasn't his fault his bladder
didn't know when he was meditating.
     Anakin did his business, then headed towards the main living area.
Obi-Wan raised one eyebrow.  "Done meditating?"
     "Who called?" Anakin asked, plopping down on the couch next to
his mentor.
     "What do you mean?"
     "You got a transmission, right?"
     "So besides shirking our duties, we were also spying."
     "I felt a disturbance in the Force."
     "Spying, shirking and fibbing."
     "Who called?"
     "Oh, it was just Amidala.  She wants me desperately, and was
begging me to father her love child."
     "Shut up, Obi-Wan!" Anakin scowled.  "'Sides, it wasn't her voice."
     "Actually, it was my old friend, Bant.  She has some business on
Malastare in two weeks, and she wanted to show up a little early to visit."
     "Is she a Jedi, too?"
     "Yes.  We were apprentices together."
     "Is she pretty?" Anakin pressed.
     "I, er, suppose so."
     Anakin grinned.  Maybe if he could find Obi-Wan a girlfriend, he
would lighten up a little.  Or at least stop teasing him about his crush on
Amidala.  "When's she comin'?"
     "Two days.  You don't mind, do you?"
     "No way."
     "Good, because you didn't really have any say in it, anyway."
     Anakin stuck his tongue out.
     "Okay, lying, shirking, spying and disrespect.  Care to add any
others?"
     "Oh, boy, look at the time.  I gotta get meditating."
     "Imagine that."
     Anakin scurried back to his room.
 
 

     Anakin sat on the couch and smiled.  For the first time in his
acquaintance with Obi-Wan Kenobi, he got to be the calm one.
     Obi-Wan was running around the house like a womprat with its
head cut off.  The place was spotless, a state which it hadn't seen since
they'd moved here.  Anakin himself had been scrubbed until he started
turning pink.  His robes were pristine, again, a state they were not exactly
used to.  Obi-Wan dashed about, trying to make last minute preparations.
This Bant girl must be something special, indeed, if the normally
unflappable Jedi was so nervous.
     Suddenly, Obi-Wan ground to a halt in front of Anakin.
     "What in blazes is wrong with your hair?" he exclaimed.
     Anakin just looked at him.
     "It's sticking straight up," Obi-Wan pressed.
     "You cut it, yesterday.  I told you not to."
     "Arrgh," Obi-Wan exclaimed, slapping one hand over his face.  "I
forgot about Padawan Haircut Day 2."  The problem with the traditional
Padawan haircut was that it looked good, well, okay on the first day, but
by the second, the poor kid looked like a sand panther cub who'd been
rolling around too much.
     Someone knocked delicately on the door.
     "She's here," Obi-Wan said, his face lighting up.  He flung open the
door.
     "Obi-Wan!"
     "Bant!"
     Anakin's jaw dropped.  As he'd expected, she was dressed in the
traditional, demure Jedi robes.  That was where the expectations ended.
     Bant was a two or three years younger than Obi-Wan, but about the
same height.  Her eyes were a soft, gleaming silver, and her skin a warm
coral.  She was a beautiful young woman.  For a Calamari.
     Obi-Wan embraced the fish-like woman happily.  "Come in, Bant.
Anakin, stand up."
     Anakin hopped off the couch.
     "Bant, this is my Padawan, Anakin Skywalker.  Anakin, this is my
friend, Bant."
     "Hello, Padawan Anakin," she said.  Her voice was soft and
musical; the same one he'd heard on the transmission.  She looked around
suddenly, then looked out the door.  "Don't be shy, Jarin.  Come in and
meet my friends."
     A boy, only a few years older than Anakin, stepped into the room.
He was a Pard-- similar to a human, but with feline features.  His body was
covered with a downy, golden fur, and his eyes were brilliant green.  A
thick tail swished between his legs.  He wore robes similar to Anakin's
own.  "Obi-Wan, I'd like you to meet my Padawan, Jarin Corinth.  Jarin,
this is Obi-Wan Kenobi, and his Padawan, Anakin."
     "Hello," Jarin greeted quietly.
     "I didn't know you'd taken a Padawan," Obi-Wan said warmly.  "It's
nice to meet you, Jarin."
     "It is a pleasure, Master Kenobi," Jarin replied politely.
     Anakin blinked.  Even he didn't call Obi-Wan "Master Kenobi."
This visit was definitely not going at all as he'd planned.  Not at all.
 
 

     "Would you like some tea, Bant?" Obi-Wan offered.
     "Certainly."  She took the offered teacup and took a small sip.
    "Well, Obi-Wan, your food preparation skills haven't gotten any worse
since I last saw you..."
     Obi-Wan sighed.  "Sorry about that, Bant.  Is the tea really bad?"
     "It's just fine, Obi.  How are you doing?"
     "I'm good.  Really good."
     "Are you sure?  I'm so sorry about Qui-Gon.  Even for Master and
Padawan, you two were so close..."
     "To tell you the truth, Bant, I think Anakin's kept me on my toes
too much to really dwell on it.  I miss Qui-Gon greatly, but it helps to have
a new task to throw myself into.  And if nothing else, Anakin certainly is a
handful."
     Bant furrowed her brow.  "Is he difficult?"
     Obi-Wan blinked a few times.  "He's a ten-year-old boy.  Of course
he's difficult."
     "Oh."  She took another sip of tea.
     "Tell me about Jarin."
     "Well, as you know, I earned my Knighthood about five years ago.
    A few months ago, Master Yoda started hinting that perhaps it was time
for me to start... sharing my experience.  I visited the Temple, and took
stock of the young ones.  Jarin seemed to be perfect.  The Force is strong
with him.  He is patient and hard-working.  He is a model Padawan."
     Obi-Wan blinked a few more times.  "Does he have a personality?"
     Bant stared at him angrily.  "Obi-Wan!"
     Obi-Wan realized what he'd just said.  Been spending much too
much time around Anakin, he scolded himself.  "I'm sorry, Bant.  You just
made him sound like a droid or something.  So, you two are getting along
well?"
     "He is my Padawan.  I am his Master."
     Normally, that would have been enough explanation, but the
statement seemed just a little... cold to Obi-Wan.
     "Are you getting along with Anakin?"
     That was the twenty-thousand credit question.  "Well... we have
our moments.  He really is a good boy, though."
     Bant looked at him, sadly.  "The Council is worried about you, Obi-
Wan."
     "What?  Why?"
     "You were always a wonderful Padawan.  Master Yoda and Master
Qui-Gon sang your praises time and time again.  Everyone expected you to
be such a great Knight.  You slayed a Sith, Obi-Wan.  But you sit here in
the Malastare countryside, training a boy who is much too old.  Some feel
you are being... wasted."
     Obi-Wan fumed.  "I am not being wasted."
     "I know you promised Qui-Gon, Obi, but look at yourself.  You
should be gallivanting across the galaxy by now, not babysitting a child
with too much anger and aggression to be a true Jedi.  I know his midi-
chlorians are off the scale, but there is more to the Force than midi-
chlorians."
     "Anakin will be a Jedi, Bant.  He will be the greatest Jedi this
galaxy has ever seen.  I know neither you, nor Master Windu, nor Master
Yoda, nor any of the Council believe me, but I know.  Qui-Gon knew, and
I know.  Anakin may have had a slow start, but he is progressing rapidly.
Maybe I could serve the galaxy better elsewhere, but right now, Anakin
needs me."  And I need him, Obi-Wan added mentally.
     Bant's face softened.  "I didn't know he meant so much to you,
Obi."  Obi-Wan was slightly embarassed.  Bant always could see right
through him.  "I didn't mean to insult either one of you.  I just worry, that's
all.  I still consider you one of my best friends."
     Obi-Wan smiled.  "I still consider you one of my best friends, too,
Bant.  But you don't have to worry about me.  You've got a Padawan to
worry about, now."
     "Jarin?  I don't have to worry about him at all.  He's an angel."
     Probably shouldn't have left him in the same room with Anakin,
Obi-Wan thought to himself.  My little devil's probably corrupted him
already.
 
 

     "Does Bant cut your hair?"
     "Of course, Master Bant cuts my hair."  The little Pard boy seemed
offended.
     "Oh.  She does pretty good.  Obi-Wan cut my hair yesterday.  I
look like a newborn bantha."
     "You mustn't question the actions of your Master, Anakin," Jarin
said, wide-eyed.
     "It's just Obi-Wan," Anakin said, slightly disdainfully.
     Again, Jarin looked insulted.  "Master Kenobi is a legend!  He
studied under the great Master Qui-Gon Jinn!  He slayed a Sith Lord!
Every apprentice speaks his name in awe!"
     It was time to dispell some legends. "Obi-Wan's not all that
wonderful.  His cooking is horrible.  Especially his keth patties."
     "Master Kenobi is a powerful user of the Force!"
     "Once, I drove the landspeeder in circles really fast, and he threw
up."
     "He is a master swordsman!"
     "Once, he took me to the swamp to train, and he fell in.  It was
pretty funny."
     "Any apprentice in the Temple would cut off his own leg to be
Master Kenobi's Padawan.  You should be more respectful."
     "Would you?"
     "Would I what?"
     "Cut off your own leg to be Obi-Wan's Padawan?"
     "Well... no.  But I am Master Bant's Padawan.  She, too, is a great
and powerful Knight.  I have much to learn from her."
     "Is she nice?"
     "She is wise and patient with me."
     "But is she nice?"
     "I don't know what you're talking about."
     "Well, Obi-Wan can be a big jerk sometimes.  Like when he keeps
insisting he can do stuff he can't--like cook and give haircuts.  And he gets
really upset when I don't meditate too well.  But sometimes he's a real
good guy, too.  He took me to a Podrace for my birthday, even though he
hates Podraces."
     "Master Bant teaches me, and I do as she commands.  She is kind
and compassionate."
     Anakin sighed.  The kid was like a drone.  "Look, she's a Calamari,
and you're a Pard.  Isn't that kinda... creepy?"
     Jarin looked genuinely confused.  "How so?"
     "Well, she's kinda a fish, and you're kinda a cat..."
     Jarin just stared at him.
     "Never mind."  Anakin sighed.  Jarin was quite possibly the most
boring person he had ever met.  "Have you ever seen a Podrace?"
     "No."
     "They're great!  A Podracer is these two great big--"
     "Is it some sort of contest?"
     "Yeah.  It's a race."
     "Ahh.  A Jedi must have higher concerns than petty contests."
     Anakin scowled.  "You have to have Jedi-like reflexes to fly a
Podracer."
     Jarin looked interested.  "Do many Jedi participate?"
     Anakin cringed.  "Well... no."
     "Ahh."
     Anakin slumped.  With every "Ahh," or "I see," Anakin grew more
and more depressed.  It was obvious that Jarin thought he was less than
bantha poodoo-- definitely not deserving to be a Jedi Padawan, and
definitely not deserving to study under Obi-Wan.
     Obi-Wan and Bant walked back into the room.  They'd been sharing
a cup of tea in the kitchen.
     "How are you boys getting on?" Bant asked.
     "Well, Master Bant," Jarin said respectfully.
     Anakin fumed.
     Anakin's angry, Obi-Wan noted.  I wonder why.  The other boy
seems at peace.  He decided to let it go.  "Anakin, Bant and I were
discussing it, and since you never got to train with other apprentices, we
thought you might like to try some things with Jarin."
     "Blindfighting?" Jarin suggested, hopefully.
     "It crossed our minds," Bant said coolly.
     "What do you say, Ani?  Would you like to give it a try?"
     Anakin perked up.  He'd show the little cat-boy who was the best
Padawan.  "Sure thing, Obi-Wan."
     Jarin gave him a nasty look.  Anakin smiled back, smugly.  He'd
see, all right.
 

 
     The blindfold felt hot against Anakin's face.  He wiped one sweaty
hand against his robes, then gripped his lightsaber tightly.
     "Ready?" Obi-Wan asked.
     Anakin nodded as Jarin replied "Yes, Master."
     "Begin."
     Anakin swung his lightsaber where he was sure Jarin had been
standing.  It encountered nothing but air.  Realizing his mistake, Anakin
jumped aside quickly, feeling a hot swish of air beside him.  That had been
too close.  He swung again, and the blade crackled as Jarin parried his
blow.  Anakin thrust, but that, too, was parried.  He scowled.  Jarin seemed
to be easily predicting all his moves.  He concentrated on what Obi-Wan
had told him.  Don't think-- do.  Let the Force guide your movements.
     Anakin ducked swiftly, as Jarin's lightsaber sizzled over his head.
He made a low sweep for the other boy's feet, but he jumped out the way.
Unfortunately, his tail wasn't so lucky, and he hissed as the low-powered
lightsaber burned against it.  Anakin grinned triumphantly.  Then,
something burned into his side, and he had to quickly parry before it was a
killing blow.  His side screamed in pain.  Even at low-level, those
lightsabers hurt.  He swung around viciously, but again, caught only air.
He swung again, and luckily managed to catch Jarin's incoming blow.
Anakin caught his breath.  He was fighting stupid.  He was guessing.  He
tried to clear his mind, and let the Force guide him.  He lost himself in a
dance of parries, dodges and thrusts.  Suddenly, though, his feet danced
too quickly beneath him, and he stumbled.  There was a hot pain against his
stomach.  He jumped back in pain and surprise, only to feel the burn
against his neck.
     "Killing blow," Jarin whispered in his ear.
     Anakin frowned in shame and anger.  The Pard boy had beaten him,
and easily as well.  He slowly pulled down his blindfold, and expecting to
see the other Padawan's joyous grin.  Instead, Jarin looked mildly pleased,
but that was all.  Anakin looked down at his once-spotless tunic, now
singed and ripped.  Obi-Wan had scrubbed it so hard that morning, wanting
him to look his best...
     "You were an honorable opponant, Anakin Skywalker," Jarin
intoned mildly.
     "Yeah, you, too," Anakin replied.
     "You fought well, Padawan," Bant said, a hint of a smile on her
carplike features.
     Jarin beamed at the praise.  "Thank you, Master Bant.  You have
taught me well."
     Anakin's chest felt tight with shame.  Obi-Wan clapped a hand on
his shoulder.
     "Not bad.  It was only your first time.  For a while, I thought your
emotions would get the best of you, but you recovered.  You were doing
quite well for a while."
     "Thanks, Ob--"  He swallowed.  "Thank you, Master Obi-Wan.  I
will try harder next time."
     Obi-Wan furrowed his brow, and he was about to say something,
when Bant interrupted him.
     "It's almost time for the evening meal.  Would you like some help
cooking, Obi, or do I have to give my Padawan a few poison-antidote
pills?"
     "Ha, ha, Fishface.  I'd love some help."  He turned back to his own
Padawan for a moment, who had squirmed out of his grasp, and was
brushing at his smudged robe.  "You all right, Ani?" he asked quietly, so
not to embarass the boy.
     "Fine, Master Obi-Wan," Anakin said solemnly.  "Um, may I go
change my robe?  This one is soiled."
     Obi-Wan squinted, trying to figure out who this boy was and what
he had done with his Padawan.  "Uh... sure.  Wash up for dinner, okay?"
     "Of course, Master Obi-Wan."
     Obi-Wan shrugged.  It could be worse.  It could be a lot worse.
 
 

     Anakin poked at his dinner.  Keth patties.  Good keth patties.  Non-
Obi-Wan-made keth patties.  It was probably the best dinner he'd had all
year.  And he didn't want any.
     "Hungry today, Jarin?" Bant asked.
     "Yes, Master.  Keth patties are my favorite."
     They would be, Anakin wanted to snarl, then realized it wasn't any
kind of insult.
     "Your cooking is wonderful," Obi-Wan said, around his own
mouthful.  "So, Ani, how do you like keth patties now that you've eaten
decent ones?"
     Anakin looked up.  "Your cooking is excellent, Master Bant.  I'm
sorry I'm not very hungry tonight."
     "That's all right, Anakin."  She looked at Obi-Wan.  "I don't know
what you were talking about.  He seems like a little saint to me."
     Something inside Anakin shattered.  What had Obi-Wan said about
him?  He blinked a few times.
     "He's just on good behavior for your benefit.  He's a little scamp
most of the time.  Isn't that right, Ani?"
     Anakin looked up at Obi-Wan's cheerful face.  "Er... yes, of course,
Master Obi-Wan."
     Obi-Wan and Anakin sighed, almost in unison, though for very
different reasons.
     Anakin pushed his plate away.
     "Master Obi-Wan, I am feeling at odds.  May I go meditate for a
while?"
     Obi-Wan rolled his eyes.  "Sure, Anakin, whatever.  Why don't you
go clean your room while you're at it?" he added sarcastically, mouth full of
keth pattie.
     "Whatever you'd like, Master Obi-Wan."  Anakin shuffled off
slowly.
     Obi-Wan felt like banging his head on his keth patties.
     "Master Kenobi, could you please pass the kresh sprouts?  They
help provide nutrients that strengthen muscle and bone tissue."
     Obi-Wan just sighed again, and passed the bowl.  "Eat up, Jarin."
 
 

     "It's nice that you've decided to start respecting Master Kenobi,"
Jarin said cheerfully, as he unrolled his bedroll.
     "Um... yeah," Anakin replied, smoothing out his own.  Master Bant
would be sleeping in his bed, while he and Jarin camped out on the living
room floor.  Obi-Wan had offered to take the floor, but Jarin had been
insistant.
     Anakin swallowed.  He really despised Jarin.  The kid was a toady,
a brownnoser and a suck-up.  But he was a perfect Padawan.  Obi-Wan
deserved a perfect Padawan.  He deserved Jarin, not bratty little Ani
Skywalker.  Anakin steeled himself.  It was time for some questions.  "Do
you think it's okay that I call him Master Obi-Wan?  Y'know.  Instead of
Master Kenobi."
     "I think so.  After all, he is your Master.  And he didn't seem to
mind."
     "Master Bant seems to like you a lot."
     "I try my hardest to make her proud of me."
     Anakin gritted his teeth.  "Is there anything you do that she
especially likes?"
     "Sure," Jarin replied.  "There's lots of stuff."
     "Start at the beginning," Anakin said grimly.
 
 

     Obi-Wan woke up the next morning to the smell of something
cooking.  Is Bant up early? he wondered.  He wandered out his room.  In
the living room, two bedrolls were rolled up tightly, pillows sitting on top
of them, puffed perfectly.  Jarin must have done it, Obi-Wan decided.
Anakin usually just left his things all over the place.
     Obi-Wan meandered into the kitchen, and got the shock of his life.
Anakin and Jarin were cooking.  He blinked a few times, trying to decide
whether or not he was awake.
     "Good morning, Master Obi-Wan!" Anakin said warmly.
     "Good morning, Master Kenobi!" Jarin echoed.
     "We made breakfast!" they chorused together.
     "I... see," Obi-Wan said, sitting down at the table.
     "Actually, I just brewed the Corellian coffee.  Anakin scrambled the
yert eggs."
     "I didn't know you even knew what an unscrambled yert egg looked
like," Obi-Wan said.
     "You like yert eggs, no, Master Obi-Wan?"
     "Well, yes.  Ani, what's going on?"
     "Nothing, Master Obi-Wan.  Juice?  It's fresh-squeezed."
     "Um, okay.  Do you want something?  Podrace in town this week?"
     "Podraces are unimportant and petty contests.  They are a waste of
resources."
     "Anakin!"
     Bant chose that moment to wander into the kitchen.  "Something
smells good."
     "Scrambled yert eggs, Master Bant," Anakin filled in quickly.
     "And Corellian coffee," Jarin added.
     "Sounds wonderful, boys.  Looks like we've got a whole staff,
Obi."
     "I... guess."
     "You aren't wearing your boots, Master Obi-Wan.  Would you like
me to shine them?"
     "No, I don't want you to shine them."
     "Would you like me to fetch them?"
     "No, Anakin, I'd like to wander the house in my socks all morning.
Touch my boots and I'll... I don't know.  Revoke some privilege or
something."
     "Yes, Master Obi-Wan."
     Obi-Wan dug into his yert eggs.  "Food's good, Ani.  You want
some?"
     "All right, Master.  It is healthful.  I didn't use any pahku."
     "You like eggs with pahku."
     "Pahku spice raises the heart rate," Jarin informed solemnly.
     Obi-Wan solemnly picked the pahku shaker off the table and shook
some into his eggs.  Then he shook some into Anakin's plate.  For a
moment, he couldn't identify the look in Anakin's eyes.  Some mixture of
fear, confusion and longing.  And just a little bit of gratitude.
 
 

     The two boys looked like mirror images of one another.  They sat,
crosslegged, eyes closed peacefully, deep in meditation.  They looked as
similar as a furry cat-boy and a Tatooine ex-slave with a bad haircut could
possibly look.
     Their respective Masters stared at them from the doorway.  Bant
slowly closed the door, and the two Jedi Knights eased back into the
hallway.  Bant headed back towards the main living area, and motioned for
Obi-Wan to follow.
     "I have an apology to make," she said.
     "Oh?"
     "I was wrong about Anakin.  I'd heard he was headstrong and
angry--" she smiled slightly, and Obi-Wan knew she was thinking about his
own youth.  "And I was quick to judge.  But he is polite and thoughtful.
He is a little stunted, but that is only to be expected.  He is a fine Padawan,
and you seem to have trained him well."
     "I am worried about him," Obi-Wan confessed.
     Bant's eyes widened.  "Obi-Wan, perhaps you expect too much of
the boy.  He seems perfect in--"
     "That's not what I meant, Bant.  This... this isn't the way Anakin
acts.  He... he... runs around and gets dirty.  He disassembles things and
forgets to put them back together.  He makes fun of my cooking.  He
complains about his hair.  He whines, and finds ways to get out of
meditating.  He overspices his food, and begs to go to Podraces.  I don't
know what has gotten into him, but that's not Anakin in there."
     "Perhaps Jarin has had a positive influence on him.  Boys change,
Obi-Wan, especially at this age.  I remember a certain ten-year-old Jedi
initiate who decided he didn't like females of any kind."
     "I changed my mind three days later," Obi-Wan said sheepishly.
"And what are you talking about?  You were the one who went through
that phase where you decided you were going to be exactly like Master
Yoda, right down to the speech patterns."
     "So I was.  But past that stage, I am."  She grinned impishly.  "See,
Obi?  All children go through stages.  And perhaps Anakin is done with
his... pesky stage, and is ready to devote himself to serious study.
Everything will work out.  You'll see."
     "But..." Obi-Wan started, then trailed off.
     "What?"
     "Nothing."  But I don't want him to grow out of the pesky stage,
went entirely unspoken.
     "I know what you're thinking, Obi."
     "Am I that transparent?"
     "Always.  You're used to him, and you don't want him to change,
right?"
     "I guess I am that transparent."
     "Obi-Wan,  you have to encourage him to keep up the good
behavior, for both your sakes.  How do you expect him to become a proper
Jedi if you let him run around like some sort of Terellian savage?  You
need to be firm with the boy.  You're lucky he's taken it into his own
hands."
     Obi-Wan frowned.  "You think I spoil him?"
     Bant nodded slowly.  "It's obvious you care for the boy.  Perhaps
just a bit too much."
     "I am a good teacher, Bant."
     "I never said you weren't."
     Obi-Wan frowned again.  He was just a good a teacher as Bant--
probably better.  And he intended to prove it.
 
 

     Obi-Wan cleared his throat slowly.  Anakin is never going to buy
this, he thought to himself.  "Be mindful of everything around you as you
fight, Padawan.  The floor, the walls.  Use them to your advantage.
Concentrate only on the present.  Let the Force guide your muscles."
     What is he talking about? Anakin thought.  "Yes, Master," he
intoned carefully.
     "When you defeat Jarin, you will bring honor to the both of us,"
Obi-Wan added.  Who am I kidding? he continued mentally.  I don't care
who wins.  Jarin's been blindfighting for years-- Anakin for days.
     "I will, Master."  He isn't serious, Anakin worried.  I can't beat him.
Obi-Wan's nuts.
     "Go forth, young Padawan."  Where is this crap coming from? Obi-
Wan wondered.
     "I shall show the skill my Master has taught me."  Where is this
crap coming from? Anakin wondered.
     Obi-Wan carefully tied the blindfold over Anakin's eyes.  Anakin
gripped his lightsaber, feeling the familiar heft.  I will win, he told himself.
For Obi-Wan, I will win.
 
 

     Anakin wiped the sweat from his forehead, and stared at his boots.
"I am sorry, Master.  I have failed you."
     It's okay, Anakin.  I didn't care anyway.  You're a better Padawan
than that kid any day.  All these words were on the tip of Obi-Wan's
tongue.  But he pressed them down.  "Yes, Anakin, you have."
     Anakin squeezed his eyes shut.
     "But you will work harder, and you will gain skill."
     "Yes, Master."
     "Eventually, you will become a great fighter."
     "Yes, Master."
     "I think it would be best if you retired to your room for some
meditation until dinner."
     "Yes, Master."
     Obi-Wan watched as Anakin slowly left the training room.  He felt
a slight touch on his shoulder.
     "It's always hard at first," Bant said quietly.  "But it will get easier.
He'll respect you, and you'll both benefit."
     "Right," Obi-Wan agreed.  "I'm going to get something to drink.
Would you like something?"  Anything to get this rotten taste out of my
mouth, he thought to himself.  Anything.
 
 

     I am meditating.  I am meditating.  I am meditating.  I am not
meditating.
     Anakin sat in the corner of his room, knees drawn up to his chest,
wondering where it had all gone wrong.  He and Obi-Wan had been getting
along so well.  Obi-Wan was almost like a... a dad, maybe.  Anakin wasn't
sure-- he'd never had one.  And if he'd had to picture one, he sure wouldn't
be anything like Obi-Wan.  Maybe he was more like a crusty uncle.
     I was happier not knowing what a horrible Padawan I am, Anakin
thought glumly.  And I liked Obi-Wan a lot better before he got into this
'venerable old Jedi' kick.  But that was the way it was going to be.  From
now on.  Forever.
     "I don't even want to be a stupid Jedi anymore," Anakin announced,
out loud.  But the words sounded hollow, even to him.  He did want to be
a Jedi, more than anything.  But he wanted the old Obi-Wan, too.
     I wish stupid Bant and her stupid Padawan had never come.  We
were doing just fine without them.  I don't care what Bant thinks.  I don't
care what the stupid Jedi council thinks.  I don't care what anyone thinks.
     "Anakin."
     Anakin's eyes snapped open.  Jarin was standing in the doorway.
     "Sorry to interrupt your meditation, but it's dinner time."
     "Meditation?  Naw, I was just thinking.  Really deeply."
     "Well... that's what meditation is."
     "Is it?  Huh."  Who knew?  He sighed, and pulled up his Perfect
Padawan facade.  It was time for dinner.
 
 

     "Bant, do you remember the obstacle course back at the Temple?"
Obi-Wan said suddenly.
     Bant looked up cautiously.  "Master Windu's great idea?"
     "Yes.  The one that had us swinging on ropes and climbing rocks
and such?"
     "Unfortunately, yes, I do remember it."
     "I've decided to build one in the back yard."
     Anakin almost spit his food across the table.  For as long as he
could remember, the back yard had been his.  He'd refitted the landspeeder
and worked on various other projects back there.  There was a gnarled old
tree in the backyard he loved to climb.  The time he'd brought home a baby
rovie, he'd kept it in the backyard for the whole three hours before Obi-
Wan noticed it.  It was his place to run and jump and not be a Padawan for
a few hours.  It was not a place for an obstacle course.
     "Obi?" Bant said measuredly.  "Why?"
     "I thought it might do Anakin some good.  What do you think,
Anakin?"
     Anakin swallowed slowly.  "Whatever you think is best, Master
Obi-Wan."
     "May I have an obstacle course, Master Bant?" Jarin asked.
 Bant rolled her eyes, quite an impressive feat on a Calamari.  "No,
Jarin."
     "Apologies, Master Bant."
     Anakin closed his eyes slowly.  "Master Obi-Wan, may I be
excused?  I don't feel well."
     "Yeah, Anakin, go ahead."  Obi-Wan's head throbbed.  What am I
doing?  Who am I trying to impress?  Bant?  She saw me fall headfirst into
the mud puddle of that obstacle course when I was eleven.  I don't need to
impress her now.  Anakin?  He doesn't care.  Myself?  Er...
     "Maybe that obstacle course idea was a little... strong," he
suggested.
     "Maybe," Bant replied.
 
 

     Jarin settled in his bedroll.  "It was nice meeting you, Anakin.  I
regret that we need to leave in the morning."
     "Yeah," Anakin echoed.  "Thanks for fightin' with me an' stuff."
     "Ahem."
     The two boys looked up to see Obi-Wan standing in the doorway.
     "Yes, Master Obi-Wan?" Anakin asked cautiously.
     "Jarin, I was thinking, since you're the guest, you should really have
the bed."
     "Oh, no, Master Kenobi!  I am--"
     "Jarin, please just let me sleep on the floor.  I like sleeping on the
floor.  I do it all the time."
     "Really, Master Kenobi?"
     "Yes, really.  Now scram."
     "Yes, Master Kenobi."
     As Jarin disappeared down the hallway, Obi-Wan sat down on the
now-empty bedroll.  "I think we need to talk."
     "About what, Master Obi-Wan?"
     "Oh, cut the Master Obi-Wan crap."
     "Sorry, Obi-Wan."
     "No, I'm sorry, Ani.  I was trying to prove something, and I acted
like an ass.  But what was with all the Master Obi-Wan stuff, anyway?"
     "I just wanted to make you proud of me.  I mean, Jarin's so perfect,
and I'm so..."
     "Anakin, listen to yourself.  You're comparing yourself to a boy
who eats vegetables for fun.  I don't want a perfect Padawan.  I want you."
     "But I'm so bad at everything.  I bring you dishonor."
     "You do not."
     "You're not ashamed of me?"
     "Never.  Well, you know.  Except at the annual Jedi quilting bees.
Then Master Yoda starts talking about the new apprentices, and I just start
lying about you like crazy.  Like last time, I told them you--"
     "Shut up, Obi-Wan!" Anakin shouted gleefully, hugging the Jedi
fiercely.  "I missed you," he added quietly.
     "I missed you, too, Ani," Obi-Wan said, ruffling Anakin's hair.
     "Obi-Wan?"
     "Yes, Anakin?"
     "You were kidding about that obstacle course in the back yard,
right?"
 
 

     "Obi-Wan, I don't think it's supposed to be that color."
     "Well, what color is it supposed to be?"
     "Mmm... kinda yellow-brown."
     "Yellow-brown... yellow-brown... you wanna just add some kotta
fruit?  They're yellow."
     "Okay.  Should I peel 'em first?"
     "Probably."
     Anakin whipped out his lightsaber.
     "Not with that."
     "Why not?"
     "Because I've tried it.  It just burns the fruit."
     "Oh, okay."
     "What is going on in here?"  A very sleepy-looking Bant stood in
the doorway, carefully observing the two batter-covered Jedi.
     "We're making breakfast," Obi-Wan and Anakin answered in
unison.
     "Uh-huh.  Wait, wasn't this yesterday?  Only, you were a lot shorter
and furrier, Jarin."
     "Relax, Bant, we've got everything under control," Obi-Wan said
smoothly.  "Anakin, what's that smell?"
     "Not sure.  I told you waffles didn't need meat in them."
     "Are you two feeling all right?" Bant asked hesitantly.
     Obi-Wan rested a somewhat-sticky hand on his friend's shoulder.
"Bant, thank you for all the advice you've given us over the past few days.
But Anakin and I have decided that we prefer our old relationship.  And
sad as it may be... this is it.  Bad cooking and all."
     "Obi-Wan?  Is this batter supposed to be bubbling?"
     "You might want to consider taking Jarin to breakfast in town, this
morning," Obi-Wan suggested.
 
 

     "... and after that, the negotiations went perfectly as planned."
     "Thank you, Bant," Mace Windu replied.  He shared a glance with
the diminutive Master at his right.
     "About your other mission... what have you to report?"
     Bant stared down at her feet and cleared her throat.  "Jedi Kenobi is
well.  His Padawan is progressing rapidly.  I'd guess that Skywalker has the
abilities of approximately a seven-year-old apprentice.  His perception,
reflexes and telekinesis are amazing.  The Force is strong with the boy.  His
blindfighting is rusty for a ten-year-old, but Obi-Wan tells me it was his
first experience.  For a first-timer, he was astounding.  His mind tricks need
work, though."
     "But what of the boy himself?" Windu pressed.
     "There was some... confusion during our visit, but from Obi-Wan's
descriptions and what little I was able to observe, the boy seems
headstrong, disrespectful and mischievous."
     The collected Jedi Masters shared glances.
     "But so is his Master," Bant continued.  "In all my experience, I
have never seen such a strong bond between Master and Padawan.  I
believe even Obi-Wan and Master Jinn were not so close."
     "With their Padawans, Masters always bond," Yoda grumbled.
     "It is more than just a Master-Padawan bond, Master Yoda.  They
are... friends."
     "Many Masters bond with their Padawans.  Few truly become
friends," Ki-Adi-Mundi said sagely.
     "It is a good sign..." Mace said with a slightly raised eyebrow.
     "Means nothing," Yoda sniffed.  "May the Force be with you, Jedi
Bant."
     Bant gave a low bow, Jarin imitating the gesture behind her.
    "Thank you, Master Yoda."  She strode out of the room, the Pard boy
shadowing her.
     "Master Bant?" he asked quietly.
     "What is it, Jarin?"
     "Are we friends, Master Bant?"
     Bant tried not to sigh out loud.  "Jarin, do you ever do anything for
fun?  Do you have any pals you like to hang out with?"
     "I live to do you honor, Master Bant."
     Bant threw an arm around her stiff Padawan.  "Jarin, we have some
work to do."

The End