~<>~<>~

After leaving Qui-Gon, Elyzabe went in search of Mace. She found him speaking with the pilot. When he saw her entering the cockpit, he swallowed nervously. Hoping for better luck seemed like a waste of breath. Surprised to see her smiling, he gave her a double take.

That surprise turned to shock when she threw her arms around him in a hug. He pulled back half a step. "What's happened?"

"He woke up again and talked to me." Her excitement finally beginning to rub off on Mace, his own face lit in a sluggish smile.

His mind was running in circles, he blinked slowly. "How? When?"

Pulling from the embrace, Elyzabe shook her head. "I don't know and just now. I don't understand what's happened." She turned and began walking back down the hallway. "There's only one problem."

Mace hurried to catch up, the concern that was never far away again rearing its head. "Problem?" He reached out and turned Elyzabe with a hand on her arm. "What problem?"

She met his gaze and sighed. Leaning her back against the wall, Elyzabe wrapped her arms across her chest. "He can't remember anything after Xanatos."

"Xanatos," Mace repeated in a murmur. He was quiet for a long moment, staring at the wall behind Elyzabe. "Sith."

"I know," she said quietly. "I've managed to convince him that time has past, but he doesn't remember Obi-Wan, or anything else for the past three years."

"So what do we do?" Mace asked, again walking down the narrow hallway toward the sleeping rooms.

Smiling, Elyzabe followed and elbowed him in the side. "How about starting with being grateful that he might pull through this yet?"

"Well yes, there is that," Mace replied dryly. Reaching the outer room, Mace turned serious. "We have under twelve hours until we reach the Temple. Will he hold his own that long?"

"I think so." She took a deep breath and looked up at the ceiling for a moment. "I don't know what he did..." Elyzabe shrugged and turned to look in on the two sleeping in the next room. "Obi-Wan did something. I can't prove it... No one may ever prove it, but that little boy saved him."

Standing next to Elyzabe, Mace looked at his friend in silence for a moment. "How do you know?"

She smiled slyly at Windu. "I finally listened to what Qui-Gon's always harping about. I'm trusting my instincts."

~<>~<>~

A short time later Elyzabe woke Obi-Wan, knowing if she didn't convince him to eat a meal before they landed it would be near impossible to do so. Opening sleepy eyes, the first thing he did was reach for the bond in his mind. Even half-asleep he gasped when he felt it.

Elyzabe looked at him, instantly worried, but her concern faded when Obi-Wan smiled. "It's there." He looked at his teacher, excitement shining in the large green eyes. "I can feel him! He's gonna be okay!"

She knew there was a chance everything still might not be all right, but she couldn't bring herself to dampen his enthusiasm. Rather, she longed to share it. Lifting him from the bed, Elyzabe smiled when Obi-Wan threw his arms around her neck. "Thank you," he whispered in her ear.

Pulling back far enough to see his face, she looked at him quizzically. "Why are you thanking me, Obi-Wan?"

"For finding him." The boy ducked his head, smiling bashfully. "I hope you don't get in too much trouble."

She laughed. "Well, let me and Master Windu deal with that, okay?" Dropping him onto his feet, she ruffled his hair. "Right now, let's just get you something to eat."

Smiling, Obi-Wan nodded. "Okay." With a pat on the back, she sent him scurrying into the other room where Mace was waiting with their meal.

Elyzabe, however, paused next to Qui-Gon's bed. Leaning over his sleeping form she whispered, "Now you have to get better, Qui-Gon. You can't let that little boy down." She smiled, an evil thought springing to mind. "Besides, I know how much you want to get the last word over me. Wake up and maybe one day you will."

Walking into the main room she laughed when she saw Mace trying to get Obi-Wan to eat. Obi-Wan, meanwhile, was bouncing in his seat. Hardly stopping for breath, he was talking non-stop. Seeing Elyzabe, Mace growled. "You're the teacher, you do this."

"Now, now. You did say you'd take care of lunch if I woke him up." When he sighed in defeat she almost cackled. Taking her own seat she grabbed a piece of the bread and shrugged. "Deal's a deal."

Mace grumbled under his breath, causing Obi-Wan to stare at him open-mouthed. "You better have not said what I think you did, Mace Windu," Elyzabe said in full teacher-mode.

Glancing up at her, Mace grinned sheepishly. "Oops?" She had to admit, it was the first time she could remember seeing him with quite that expression. There seemed to be an unending string of firsts with this group in her life on a regular basis.

Obi-Wan looked back and forth between them. "What's a..." The rest was muffled when Elyzabe covered his mouth with her hand.

"It's not something worth knowing, Obi-Wan," she replied in what the students thought of as her lecture-tone. "And not something I want to hear you repeating again." She waited until he nodded before dropping her hand.

When she looked up at Mace it was with daggers in her eyes. "Right, Master Windu?" Deciding he would rather not be stranded on-ship with Elyzabe on the warpath, he merely nodded and concentrated on the meal. She smiled, almost vicious in victory, Mace noted. "That's what I thought."

Obi-Wan giggled and took a drink of juice. "I may never understand you, but you're still funny."

"Yes, dear," the teacher said in agreement, patting Obi-Wan's hand. She offered a much softer smile to her student. "But either way you have to finish your meal before we reach Coruscant. So get going, kiddo. I know how slow you eat when you're talking."

Still laughing, Obi-Wan obeyed and finished his meal in what was probably a personal best time. When he had gone back into the sleeping room she grinned and clapped her hands once. "See? Not so hard."

"You," he said, pointing at her as he put the dishes into the recycler. "You are evil. Pure and simple."

"Judging by what you just taught Obi-Wan, I'd say I'm not the only evil one around here, Mace." When he didn't have a comeback she smiled sweetly and disappeared back into the sleeping room. Definitely vicious, he thought, watching her leave.

~<>~<>~

They were awaiting clearance to land when Qui-Gon awoke for the last time. Mace and Elyzabe were in the cockpit, arguing with the central air command for priority landing. Obi-Wan, however, was perched on the edge of the bed, his attention riveted to the slumbering Jedi. When the blue eyes opened and slowly focused on the boy, a huge smile split Obi-Wan's face.

"You're awake!" he said excitedly. When Qui-Gon didn't respond some of Obi-Wan's enthusiasm dimmed. His smile fading, he looked at his hands. "You still don't remember?" He risked a glance up at the once again familiar eyes. "But I can feel you now."

It took much of what little energy he had, but Qui-Gon raised his hand enough to tip Obi-Wan's face upward. The slightest trace of humor lit his eyes and he tried to smile. "I remember."

Hearing those two hoarse words, Obi-Wan's mouth fell open and he threw his arms around Qui-Gon's neck. He remembered the wires and equipment a moment later and pulled back quickly. "I'm sorry." The words were more a rush of air than sound.

Qui-Gon shook his head, watching the flurry of emotions that appeared on Obi-Wan's face. "It's okay, little one." He had to stop and lick his lips. Fighting for every word, it was hard, but he needed to say them. "You didn't hurt me."

"You're sure?" The last thing he wanted to do was hurt Qui-Gon again, not if he finally had him back. He had been scared enough recently without that. "I don't want to hurt you again."

Qui-Gon's eyes scrunched at the edges. "When have you ever hurt me, little one?"

"Before, when you were asleep." He stared at the sheet, tracing patterns on it with his fingers. His voice pleading for understanding, he jerked his head from side to side. "I didn't mean to, honest."

"Obi-Wan?" He waited until the boy would again look up at him before continuing. "I know you wouldn't hurt me on purpose. So does Master Kohn."

Curling up next to Qui-Gon on the bed, Obi-Wan sighed. "Please don't go away again."

"I'll have to leave sometimes, little one. You know that." He wrapped one arm slowly around the little boy, ignoring the effort it took. For the moment all that was important was to reassure the child in his arms. "But something tells me that even if something does happen, you'll be right there to find me."

"Me and Master Kohn and Master Windu?" Obi-Wan asked with a twinkle in his eyes.

Easily able to imagine the three of them taking off on a crusade, Qui-Gon smiled. "The whole troop, I'm sure." He brushed a fallen lock of hair from Obi-Wan's forehead, grateful that he had the strength to do so.

Obi-Wan didn't get a chance to reply because Mace walked in a second later. "We're about to land at the Temple. You should be with Master Kohn right now," he said to the little boy.

"Do I have to?" Obi-Wan sat up on the bed, a full-blown pout forming. "I'd like to stay here."

"Yes, you do." Grinning, Mace shook his finger at the boy. "And save your pouts for someone who'll fall for them, like Master Qui-Gon here." Picking Obi-Wan up off the bed, Mace dropped him onto the floor. "Now go."

"Yes, sir." He laughed as he narrowly avoided Mace swatting him on the shoulder. "I'll see you at home." His smile widened as he waved at the two men.

Smiling, Qui-Gon nodded and watched as Obi-Wan hurried from the room. "You too, little one." When he was out of sight, Qui-Gon met Mace's dark gaze. "Fancy meeting you here."

Taking a seat on the second bed, Mace laughed. "Saving your hide, as usual, it would appear." Turning serious, he folded his arms over his chest. "You gave us a scare, Qui. I still don't understand what happened to save you."

"I know." Qui-Gon's rough whisper was hard to make out, and Windu offered him a glass of water. Qui-Gon's hands shook as he tried to hold the glass, and Mace reached out a hand to steady it. "Thank you," he rasped after taking a drink.

"I don't know how much we'll be able to see you when we get back. From what I heard just now, you're quite the medical miracle, or so the healers think." Mace ran a hand over his head and leaned back against the bed. A twinkle in eyes, he grinned. "No telling how long they'll want to play with this new toy."

Growling, Qui-Gon rolled his eyes. "Don't even think it." After taking another drink of water he thought for a long moment. Even with his memory beginning to return he was at a loss as to what exactly was going on and it bothered him greatly. "What happened while I was gone? Either I'm remembering less than I think or there is definitely something you're not telling me." He gave Mace a long look. "How did you get permission to find me?"

"More than I have time to go into, and we didn't have permission. Only Yoda knew we had left." Staring at his friend for a long moment he let out a long breath. So much had happened in such a rush that his mind had yet to assimilate it all. "You don't need to worry about anything right now but making sure you're getting better. Otherwise Elyzabe will probably kill us both."

Qui-Gon winced slightly at the thought. "She'd do it, too."

"Yes, my friend, she would. She's already got points against me for a little curse incident earlier." His almost wicked grin faded as he glanced at the chrono. "It's time to go. I'll be right back, probably with healers in tow."

Rolling his eyes, Qui-Gon replied, "I'm sure I'll be here." He had just reached the door when Qui-Gon spoke. "Mace?" After the other Master turned, he added, "Thank you."

"You already thanked me for the water, Qui-Gon."

He winked as he spoke, causing Qui-Gon to sigh. "You know what I mean."

"Yes," Windu said with a nod, serious again. "I know, Qui. I know. You're welcome."

Qui-Gon pressed his lips together and watched him leave. Within moments he fell into a fitful doze.

~<>~<>~

Their arrival on Coruscant was marked with a flurry of activity. An entire group of healers were on the landing platform eagerly awaiting Qui-Gon, so as to escort him directly to the infirmary.

Mace led two of them, complete with a portable medical bed, to where Qui-Gon was resting. The transfer was done quickly, and soon Mace, Elyzabe and Obi-Wan stepped off the ship.

Once the healers left, there was but one waiting for them. They each bowed to Yoda, even Obi-Wan, before watching as Qui-Gon was whisked away. Obi-Wan's eyes tracked the master, not wanting to let him out of his sight. Elyzabe squeezed his shoulder understandingly and gave him a smile.

"Happy to see you safe, I am," Yoda said, his ears twitching. Looking directly at Obi-Wan, he smiled. "Much good you have done, young one. Right I was to watch over you."

It was hard to tell who looked more surprised at his statement, Obi-Wan or Elyzabe. "Thank you, Master," Obi-Wan finally managed to say, offering another short bow.

Looking up at Elyzabe and Mace, Yoda motioned for them to kneel before him. "Better this way, see you I can," he muttered under his breath. Each of the other masters hid a smile at the comment. "More there remains to do. Great problem averted, you have. But finished it must be."

Mace and Elyzabe shared a concerned glance while Obi-Wan merely looked confused. "Master Yoda?" Mace asked a moment later.

The old Jedi nodded, his gimmer stick tapping on the floor. "Go before the Council in the morning you will. The three of you." Lowering his gaze he shook his head and sighed. "Stop this, I could not. However, there for you I will be."

"Even Obi-Wan?" the teacher asked in disbelief. When Yoda nodded she looked at Mace, the shock she saw there told her she wasn't the only one to think this was odd. "Thank you for telling us, Master Yoda." She nodded and stood, taking Obi-Wan's hand in her own. "If you will excuse us? The hour is late and I would like to let Obi-Wan get some rest."

Again Yoda nodded, ears dipping low. "Yes. Good idea that is."

Taking Elyzabe's elbow in his hand, Mace waited until he had her attention. "I'll walk with you back to your quarters. Obi-Wan might as well stay there tonight."

"No." When he tilted his head in confusion, she shook her head. She glanced at the child in question. "Obi-Wan, would you walk ahead with Master Yoda for a moment?" The look he gave her told Elyzabe he didn't understand but was willing to play along. Once he was out of earshot, she continued. "I mean would you please go by the children's room and pick up Obi-Wan's stuffed wookiee first?"

Comprehension of what she was asking showed in his dark eyes. "Sure, I'll have the padawan on duty help." Shifting the bags he carried he winked. "Right after I take all of these by my quarters."

"Thank you," she replied with a weary smile. For the moment all she wanted to do was put Obi-Wan to bed and fall asleep herself. The Council and its implied punishments were thrust to the back of her mind. "I'm sure he's missing it after so long."

"No problem. I'll meet you at your quarters in a few minutes." As they caught up to Obi-Wan and Yoda, Mace turned down a side hallway that went toward his quarters.

A few moments later they reached another division in the corridor. "Take care of the boy," Yoda said quietly. "And yourself. See you at the ninth bell, I will."

She bowed informally before picking Obi-Wan up into her arms. All of his earlier energy had left him drained and barely awake on his feet. "Good evening, Master Yoda."

The ancient master shuffled off in the other direction, leaving Elyzabe alone in the hallway. "Where are we going?" Obi-Wan asked drowsily a moment later.

"You're going to stay with me tonight. How's that?" She smiled at the sleepy boy. "Sound like a plan?"

Yawning, Obi-Wan nodded and lay his head on her shoulder. "Yes, ma'am."

~<>~<>~

When Mace finally arrived at her quarters, Elyzabe had changed into a pair of dark blue pajamas and was making tea. She let him in quickly, glancing into her bedroom to make sure the noise hadn't woken Obi-Wan.

"Is he asleep already?" Mace asked, holding up the wookiee.

Taking the offered toy, Elyzabe was careful not to handle it too roughly. "Yes, but I'll put it in there with him." Staring at the worn toy she smiled sadly. "He has so much wrapped up in this small toy..." She blinked quickly and looked at Mace. "Thanks for bringing it."

He nodded and waited while she walked quietly into the bedroom and placed it in the slumbering boy's arms. She brushed his hair back and smiled as he curled around the wookiee. "Sleep well, Obi-Wan," she whispered.

After she walked back into the sitting room, Mace asked, "Any more nightmares?"

"No, luckily." She walked past Mace and into the kitchen; a moment later he followed. Elyzabe held out a cup. "Want some?"

Taking a seat at the kitchen table he nodded. "Please. Otherwise I'm going to fall asleep before I even reach my quarters."

"I understand how you feel." She smiled, handing him a cup and taking a seat at the table. "I'd like to sleep for a week, myself." Pulling her feet up into the chair, Elyzabe wrapped her arms around her knees. There was a long moment of silence; both of them content not to speak. When she did, it was the barest whisper. "I can't believe we pulled this off."

The teacup halfway to his mouth, Mace laughed uneasily. "We haven't yet. There's still tomorrow morning."

"What's the worst they can do?" Laying her forehead on her knees for a moment, Elyzabe sighed. "Okay, I know we've thought that before, but . . . We're safe. Qui's alive. Obi-Wan's happy." Raising her head she met Mace's steady gaze with a determined one of her own. "I'm going to do whatever I have to if it means keeping it that way."

Mace leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. He had no doubt that she would indeed do just that. "In till the end?" he asked, his eyes twinkling.

She gave him a lopsided smile. "Isn't that something you, Qui-Gon and Bri would say right before getting in trouble?" When he nodded her smile widened and she held out her hand. Mace looked confused but took her hand anyway. "In till the end," she repeated, shaking his hand.

They both began laughing then, as much from lack of sleep and the sheer relief that everything had worked out. His eyes sparkling, Mace sighed and wiped the corners of his eyes. "Bring on the Council?"

Elyzabe nodded, still giggling. "Bring them on."

They knew that come the morning everything could change again, but they still gave themselves that one moment's peace. They had earned it.

End

And, just for kicks, the IS series in order:

• Inner Strength
• Inner Fire
• Inner Struggle
• Inner Spark
• Inner Light
• Inner Conundrum
• Inner Child
• Inner Resolve