Prologue

Gunshots and blaster bolts tumbled through the air and it stayed that way. This war which has unknown motives quickly escalated. Now it was one of the largest galactic wars known to anybody. Not even Master Yoda, who has been alive for nearly a millennia, has witnessed anything so devastating. This was a time of a galaxy divided. Republic forces, along with all the Jedi they could muster, have done their best to protect numerous galactic systems from this unknown enemy, and the mysterious army of clone troopers; the origins unknown. As the Jedi are spread thinly across the galaxy, this has left more and more opportunity for the mysterious opponent to strike. Not even the most powerful of these Force-sensitive knights have not been successful in tracking down the enemy; only receiving fragments of battle strategies thus far. There are theories of who this person or these people might be; which has led some to break from the Republic to form their own militia and their own allies.

Tatooine was the next targeted planet in this galactic devastation. Fortunately, the enemy has invaded the planet after whispers of it reached the ears of the Jedi counsel. By the time it did, There was still time for a planetary rescue, but it would be days before they could help survivors if there were any. Proper medical care, food, water along with many other necessities were required before they could even consider looking for them.

Meanwhile on Tatooine, Shmi Skywalker and disgraced Jedi knight Greng Kosh were hiding in their home attempting to wait out the battle and protect their young son, Anakin Skywalker. However, this proved to be more and more of a struggle for the family as the clone army advanced nearer and nearer while the invasion progressed.

"I must go," said Greng. "I may not be able to stop them, but I can definitely slow them down."

"No, Greng, please. What about our son?" Shmi replied, implying her fear of her husband's death.

"Shmi, this the only way to keep Anakin alive. At least until the other Jedi come to scope the planet for survivors."

"But he needs you… He loves you."

Greng didn't pay attention the last comment. Anakin turned his gaze to where his parents were talking from the corner he sat in. Greng faced his son and told him "you have a powerful gift, son. You can use it in many ways. Use it for the right reasons," Anakin was confused as to what his father meant, but was instantly distracted as he took notice of his father grabbing a misshapen cylinder from his belt and watched him walk out of the homestead into the night. Anakin heard a faint humming and saw a flash of green light following his father's exit.

Little did Anakin know that he would never see his father again.

His mother could hear the uniform footsteps of the clone troopers in the distance signifying that they were almost among them. Shmi stood up, lifted one of the floor mats and removed a large, heavy clay trapdoor. She ordered Anakin to keep silent and stay inside until help arrived, but neither of them knew when that was going to be. Anakin obliged and hid. Shmi replaced the trapdoor and rug just moments before the clones barged into the home.

"We have you surrounded," came a monotone voice from one of the clones. "Surrender or die."

"I'll never surrender to you mindless drones, or your cowardly leader," Shmi argued.

"This is your last chance to spare your life! We order you to surrender!" came the exact same voice from another soldier

"NO!"

That one clone ended her life that night. All Anakin could hear was the brief conversation between his mother and the clone troopers, the blaster bolt that was shot through her heart and then nothing. Anakin knew exactly what happened to her. As much as he didn't want to, he knew. He didn't dare go up. He silently cried himself to sleep in the dark and dusty basement.

The following day Anakin awoke to hear his door opening and the sound of faint footsteps. He pressed his ear to the trapdoor in attempt to interpret what was being happening.

Master Qui-Gon Jinn and padawan Obi-Wan Kenobi were undercover Jedi sent to investigate for any survivors on Tatooine from the invasion prior. The Republic sent out as many Jedi as they could. Although Tatooine wasn't very populated, it was still an incredibly large planet.

"Master, look," said Obi-Wan pointing to Shmi's corpse.

"The clones were definitely here," Qui-Gon finished, eyeing her. "Is there anyone else here?"

"I sense another presence, but I'm not sure from where," Obi-Wan answered.

Anakin couldn't take it anymore. The basement was dark and dusty and his curiosity forced him to see what was going on. He was still scared to go up, but he used his courage. He attempted to lift the trapdoor but he didn't have the muscle capacity. This caused Obi-Wan to take notice of the movement under one of the floor mats. Anakin struggled to lift the it. Obi-Wan rushed over and exposed and removed the dense clay slab. Both he and Qui-gon were stunned to see a 9-year-old boy Anakin climb out of the cellar and at the fact he survived a planetary invasion. Anakin slowly stood up, but he was still scared. He didn't know they were Jedi, and neither of his parents told him who or what exactly the help was going to be.

"Hello," said Qui-Gon calmly. "My name is Qui-Gon Jinn. This is Obi-Wan Kenobi. We have come to bring survivors to safety. Can you tell us what your name is?"

"How do I know you're not lying?" Anakin asked, still frightened and extremely cautious. Obi-Wan glanced at the Jedi master. Qui-Gon replied with an implying nod.

"He and I are members of the Jedi Order. If you come with us you'll be safe."

"How do I know you're not lying?!" Anakin said again on the brink of tears.

"Anakin, what are your instincts telling you? Are we lying?" asked Qui-Gon.

"No… you're not. How do I know that?"

"For the exact same reason we know who you are and what you're capable of." Obi-Wan lifted the clay slab with help from the Force and slowly brought his hand into a fist causing the clay to gradually crumble under the pressure until is was no more than a pile of rubble. "Do you trust us now?"

"Y-Yes… I do," Anakin stuttered in shock.

"We can help you, Anakin. Come with us and we will show you the ways of the Force," said Obi-Wan.

"You're Jedi?" Anakin asked Is this the gift Father said I have? The Force? He thought to himself.

"Yes, and we will be leaving soon, so I suggest you bring only what you need," said Qui-Gon. Anakin said nothing and ran into the next room.

"We must report this to the counsel, Master. They will know what to do with the boy."

"We will report to the counsel, young padawan. But I already know what to do with him."

"You do?"

"Your training is almost complete, Obi-Wan. It is time for you take the largest leap in your training. You will train this boy, teach him in the ways of the Force. The Force is your guide now, and this boy shall guide you as well; as you have with Yoda, believe it or not. He knows your ready. He is the wisest Jedi in the order." explained Qui-Gon.

"Are you certain I'm ready for such a great responsibility? Master Yoda said this himself?"

"This is what every Jedi trains for; to train the next generation of peace-keepers. Trust me, Obi-Wan, I know you. You're ready."

"Thank you, Master Qui-Gon. It has been an honor serving alongside you in this war as a padawan. I hope I will serve alongside you as a knight as well." Qui-Gon smiled in reply.

Anakin re-entered the room with a large back pack filled with clothes, rations, and a holophoto of him and his parents. Although he had no clue what to expect he was excited to find out. He still carried thoughts of his mother and father with him always. He promised himself to never forget them. Anakin took one final glance at his mother's lifeless body on the floor. Then turned around and walked away. He began crying and walked away from his home. He knew he would never go back to it. Anakin was devastated. He wanted this war to end. He vowed to become the most powerful Force-user someday and end it himself. This was his reason.