I do not own any of the characters in the Phantom Menace.

This is the first time I wrote a fanfic about Star Wars, but I hope it's good.

CHAPTER 1
Watto swore and spat. He had not gotten any customers for the past week, and the one he got now happened to be a swindler and practically carried away one-third of the merchandise' in his shop.

He considered reporting it to the authorities, but the last thing he wanted was some official poking around his shop and asking him questions.

Instead, he decided to take it out on his slave Anakin.
BOY! PICK UP THE MESS IN THE JUNKYARD!

Anakin came running toward the junkyard. He was a blond boy, 9 years old.

What should I clean up this place for? It looks neater now that the strange customer bought off the junk. He said.

Watto glared at Anakin fiercely. Don't you dare talk back to me like that or... He hovered over Anakin and rained slaps on him with his blue wings. Anakin ducked and ran off to the junkyard. That's better, Watto muttered. That slave boy had become awfully rebellious lately, he thought.

Anakin picked up the few articles of junk that was not in their places. He carried them with difficulty to where they belonged. Then he slid down on the hard ground. He was getting tired of the way Watto was using him and taking out his frustrations on him. What could he do? There was no way he could be free from Watto... unless...

After his work at the junkyard was over, Anakin slowly walked home. As he gloomily put his hand on the doorknob to open the door, a boy came up to him from behind.



Anakin looked back at his friend, surprised. Kitster, you scared me. You know I don't like you doing that to me!

I just wanted to know why you're so gloomy today! I mean, if it was normal, you'd dash back home, throw down your stuff and go play or something. What's with you?

Nothing, just had a bad day, that's all! Anakin growled and stalked into his house.

Kitster stared at the doorway, puzzled. Then he shrugged and went on his way.

Anakin did not eat much at dinner, but kept poking around his plate. His mother, Shmi Skywalker, looked suspiciously at him.

Anakin, you're not yourself today. What's wrong?

Mmm? Oh, nothing, I was just thinking.

What about?



Anakin, you know you can't hide anything from me. Now tell me, what is wrong with you today?

Anakin heaved a sigh. Okay, I might as well tell you. Watto was really mean to me today, and it set me thinking, what if we escape from that sauerkraut?

Shmi Skywalker stared thoughtfully at her son. I have thought about that when Watto first got us. I even planned an escape, but I realized that it would be nearly impossible.

How come?

For one thing, have you ever noticed those guards that patrol the city after nightfall? They will stop anyone who looks suspicious enough. And if we're caught escaping, the penalty would be awful. Besides, some of the bloodhounds' the police got from Naboo can track us down easily.

So we can't?

No. Even if I wanted to, I couldn't. Besides, I am getting old, and running or ducking around corners isn't my speciality.

Suddenly, Anakin grabbed his plate and gobbled up everything as fast as he could. Then he dashed off to his room.

Shmi watched him disappear and shook her head. Poor boy. Probably needs some time to spend all by himself.

In his room, Anakin looked around. He had decided to escape and fetch his mom later, since it would be hard for her to move as quickly as him. He got a sack. Then he gathered up the few things he thought he would need and crammed them inside.

He looked at the food he had in his room and scowled. All he had was the small loaf of bread that he had sneaked from supper and his left-over lunch.

Suddenly, his droid C-3PO started to talk. Master Anakin, what are you doing? I have never seen you like this before, which implicates...

Oh be quiet, will ya, C-3PO?

I am an intelligent droid and therefore will not cease to speak until you tell me what you are up to!

Anakin folded his arms. Try me.

Yes, I will. C-3PO said and started screaming at the top of his voice, I WILL NOT BE QUIET UNTIL YOU TELL ME WHAT YOU ARE DOING! I WILL NOT BE QUIET UNTIL YOU TELL ME WHAT YOU ARE DOING! I WILL NOT BE QUIET UNTIL YOU TELL ME WHAT YOU ARE DOING! I WILL NOT BE QUIET UNTIL YOU TELL ME WHAT YOU ARE DOING! I WILL NOT BE QUIET UNTIL YOU TELL ME WHAT YOU ARE DOING!

Anakin plugged his ears with his fingers, but the droid's loud voice still kept ringing.

Shmi entered the room. Anakin, what on earth are you up to?

It's only C-3PO screaming because I won't tell him a secret.

Tell him to be quiet, then, she said and exited the room.

ALL RIGHT! SHUT UP, YOU NOISY ROBOT. I'LL TELL YOU!!! As soon as his mother was gone, Anakin growled at C-3PO. C-3PO stopped screaming.

I'm going to escape from Watto, that's all.



Anakin sighed. That's why I didn't want to tell you.

Well, I declare, C-3PO exclaimed pettishly. How unthoughtful. You are leaving your mother?

I'm going to fetch her as soon as I get free.

But... but... but... C-3PO stuttered. What about me?

Oh, C-3PO. Anakin groaned.

If you don't take me with you, I will tell your mother!

Fine, come along!

Anakin hurriedly scribbled a note to his mother. Dear Mom, I'm going to find someplace where we can be free. Then I'll come and get you. It wouldn't be too long. And don't worry that I'll get hurt, because my droid C-3PO wouldn't give me the time of day. Don't worry about me, and just tell Watto I fell into the sea and drowned or something.
Love,
Anakin

C-3PO shook his head disapprovingly. You must appreciate me more.

As soon as it was midnight, Anakin and C-3PO stole out of the house with some additional food items they had gotten from the house. The street was dark, and Anakin could hear only the watchmen's footsteps. The two walked quietly in the alleys, trying to get out of the city before anyone saw him.
Suddenly, a voice rang out from behind Anakin. Halt! Who are you two?
Anakin got pale. Oh no! It's a watchman!

R&R!!!