Thank Yous: To Holly, Ana, Lil and Kry for reading over this for me :-)

Disclaimer: *insert witty remark here* gee, they're not mine and for me they reap no profit. ;-) I don't know about you, but I'm not surprised by that.

From the shadows, unseen eyes watched the little boy, who sat playing half-heartedly with a small kitten. The animal was running and jumping, seeking the child's attention. Finally the kitten rubbed itself under the boy's hand, and he began petting it.

When the kitten began chasing a small butterfly, the boy sat as if he were alone. Overlooked by the galaxy, he was yet a pawn in a game even his silent observer had yet to discern the outcome of.

He listened for the laughter that seemed destined to be a part of any interaction between the child and the energetic animal. Hearing the silence, the observer was even more concerned with the path they had embarked upon.

An aura of sadness radiated from the child, a striking blue blur in the Force amidst the glowing greens of the lush garden.

Sensing the approach of another, the observer quickly raised his shields and nestled farther back into the abundant growth of the garden. As she walked into sight, he quickly recognized Master Kohn. As he watched, the boy looked up at the obviously concerned Master.

Kohn blinked slowly. Although it had only been a day, she appeared already to be weary of seeing the missing spark in Obi-Wan's eyes.

"Obi-Wan," the teacher said. "It's time for all little boys to be in bed."

The boy nodded and stood. "Yes, Master Kohn."

From his hiding place, the observer watched as Elyzabe kneeled before Obi-Wan and pulled him into an embrace. Not returning the hug, he let his arms remain at his sides. The boy appeared even younger than his five years, if possible.

"He's only been gone a day, Obi-Wan. It will get better," she said after pulling back far enough to look into his eyes. "And then Master Qui-Gon will be back."

Widened eyes looked up at the teacher, and the hidden man startled at the sight of moonlight reflecting on the tears that had gathered there.

"I miss him," the boy replied, before chewing on his lower lip.

Elyzabe nodded in return. "I know, Obi-Wan. I'm very sorry. No one wants to see you sad."

"I'm sorry." The boy's voice was small and he lowered his gaze.

Lifting his chin, the woman said, "You've no reason to be sorry." She smiled. "Just be Obi-Wan. He is very special indeed, to many of us."

The corners of the child's mouth twitched, although he didn't truly smile. The watcher couldn't help but be impressed by the teacher's ability and persistence with the hurting child.

"Do you think he misses me?" the question was asked so softly that only Force-aided hearing allowed the unknown observer to hear it.

The Master brushed a lock of hair from Obi-Wan's forehead, and smiled sadly. "There's no question."

As if sensing something, Elyzabe glanced in the direction of the hidden man's hiding place, her eyes narrowing.

"Master Kohn?" Obi-Wan asked, also glancing toward the trees.

The watcher felt some relief when Kohn shook her head and looked back at Obi-Wan. "It's nothing. I thought I heard something. Maybe Fyre has found something to chase."

Standing, she ruffled the boy's hair. "Ready for bed?"

"I guess," the youth replied as Kohn stood.

After they left the garden, the observer moved out into the open. He stood there for a moment, lost in thought. He was shaken from his reverie when he felt something brush against his leg. Looking down, he saw the small kitten that had been with Obi-Wan twining around his ankles.

"In time," he said, no one but Fyre there to hear. "Yes, time."

In response, the kitten mewed softly before bounding off toward the stream and the watcher quietly walked away.

End

yep - it's open-ended. *lol* however, it should tie in with IS9 (when I finish that) so as for now it stands alone. Who do *you* think was watching, humm? :-)