When They Were Brothers

Prologue:

A Promise

This is Anakin Skywalker. A nine year old boy who has left Tattooine and his mother behind. First human to win a Boonta Eve Race. The first slave to win his own freedom. Even without knowing what he was doing he had flown a starfighter into the teeth of the federation defense, penetrating their sheilds, landed in the belly of the Neimodian flagship, torpedoed the ship's reactor, and set off a chain reaction of explosions that destroyed the control station. Yet...there was a worm growing inside his chest. A worm that whispered to young Anakin Skywalker, 'All things die.'

He looked up as newly knighted Obi-Wan Kenobi put his hand on Anakin's thin shoulders. "One day you will see her again. But when you do, you will be a Jedi Knight, I promise you." So his dream had been real. What good would that knowledge do him when Master Qui-Gon was dead and his mother still in slavery. He sensed that Obi-Wan was sincere in his promise and was surprised when told that the Council had agreed to let Obi-Wan trained him. He remembered Obi-Wan's words to the Council when Master Qui-Gon had wanted him to train him. 'That boy is dangerous.' That boy being him. Now Obi-Wan wanted to train him because it was Master Qui-Gon's last wish. He knew that Obi-Wan had been envious of Qui-Gon's attention of him. He looked at Obi-Wan and spoke softly, "It's okay to cry, Obi-Wan." Obi-Wan looked at him. "No, Anakin, it's not. Being a Jedi means having control over your emotions. You will be my padawan, Anakin and should refer to me as Master or Master Kenobi as do all other padawans," he stated.

" You loved him."

"Yes," Obi-Wan said and walked away leaving Anakin along with his own thoughts.

"Anakin," he heard a voice behind him say.

"Supreme Chauncellor," he said bowing.

"Get up, my boy." Anakin rose.

"Yes, sir."

"You are right. The Jedi way is not always the right way. But do pay attention to Jedi Knight Kenobi, he can teach you the ways of the Force."

"Yes, sir."

"Please call me Chancellor. None of this sir, stuff. I see you one day becoming the most powerful of Jedi. A Hero, if you will," he said smiling. "If you ever need anything outside of the 

Jedi feel free to come see me. I see us becoming friends." The Chancellor turned and left. Anakin thought of his mother, as he headed to the Senators building to say goodbye to Padme.

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"Annie," she said a smile, lighting up her face. "Come in," she turned to her maid. "Dorme, please shut the door behind you."

"Yes, ma'm."

"Padme, they are going to train me to be a Jedi."

"That's wonderful, Annie."

"I'm here to say good-bye. With my training it will be awhile before I can see anyone but the Jedi. But we will meet again," he said intently.

"I don't doubt it."

"You were very brave, your highness," he said in a mock bow. She got the feeling the boy was teasing her. No, he couldn't be teasing her. He knew she was Queen of Naboo and no one would dare to tease her.

"You don't have to bow, Annie."

"You were very brave, Padme."

"So were you."

"I'll never forget you. You won't forget me?"

"How could I forget my future husband, Annie?"

"When you see me, I'll be older."

She smiled, "I don't doubt it," she said as she kissed his forehead and watch him turn red and run back to wherever the Jedi had him.