Disclaimer: I do not own Star Wars or any of its characters. All the characters are the property of George Lucas and LucasFilm Ltd.
Feedback: Is most welcome.
Author's Notes: I am back! Have an enjoying read. Mostly everyone's wish is fulfilled in this chapter. Well, from a certain point of view…
Merry Christmas and a Happy New year!
Chapter IX
Mom is free…
Anakin cannot comprehend this. They are simple three words yet they can have the largest impact in Anakin's life and consequently the universe.
He knows it is greatly arrogant to consider the fate of the galaxy revolves around him. But he will not deny that a considerable part of that statement is true. It was his fate that plunged the galaxy into twenty odd years of darkness and turmoil, after all did it not? And was it not his death that restored peace and hope in the galaxy?
It was Darth Vader's life, not yours, a part of his brain provides yet he retorts that he and Darth Vader were more or less the same person with specific focus on 'were.'
His thoughts are jumbled and in disarray. I will not be able to sort it out like this. With that thought in mind, Anakin takes in a deep breath to calm himself. He switches into his 'General mode' like he did during the Clone Wars and later as the Sith.
It may come as a shock to many people but Anakin despite preferring action before thought is a good strategist. A trait which he credits to listening to his Master's lectures to which he was quite open to during their missions, his experience on the battlefield, managing loads of paperwork, attending official functions and chasing Rebels as a Sith Lord.
Let me deal with this one by one and systematically.
Why did Qui-Gon free his mom? The answer, he believes, is easy enough. The few tales of Qui-Gon with which Obi-Wan used to entertain him to as he was still grieving over the loss of his Master, clearly proves that Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn was, no is, a maverick. He always follows the will of the Force. He argues with the Council to make them come round to his point of view, he does not follow the Code blindly, et cetera, et cetera.
But perhaps the most prominent trait of Qui-Gon is his ability to pick up 'pathetic life forms' as Obi-Wan jokingly used to put it. The idea of comparing him and his mom to 'pathetic life forms' undoubtedly repulses him but technically speaking, that must be the reason he picked them up too. Well, he picked up Anakin because of his midichlorian count but he must have realized that it will be hard for him to leave without his mom. Thrusting Anakin into a new environment altogether without any sense of familiarity will be harsh and that is why he must have had the idea to free Shmi as well. About time someone did.
And if his memory serves him correct, he now remembers that perhaps Qui-Gon had mentioned trying to free Shmi in the previous timeline but did not have sufficient money.
With that settled his mind moves onto the next big question, Qui-Gon mentioned that his padawan had got a prompting from the Force to bring the truguts with him. Now, that would not matter normally but in this case it does matter. Because Qui-Gon Jinn's Padawan learner is none other than his own Jedi Master, Obi-Wan Kenobi.
The question that arises is why did Obi-Wan get the Force prompting? It is quite easy to dismiss it as the Will of the Force. Perhaps the Force is helping Anakin in his unknown ultimate goal during this journey.
It is not very doubtful too. As for choosing Obi-Wan to get prompting by the Force makes sense as well, because Obi-Wan was the closest to him in the previous timeline besides Padme. And he will be in this time too, if the Force wills it.
The answer therefore appears quite simple and straightforward and he should dismiss it.
However, there is a feeling at the back of his mind suggesting that there is more to the mystery than that simple explanation. It is not more than a sliver of a mere inkling but is sufficient to make him uncomfortable. He does not know what that feeling is trying to tell him exactly except the fact that there is greater answer than the one he is arriving at now imploring him to seek it. However, whenever he is trying to, it shrinks away as if protecting its deep hidden secret.
To say that it is frustrating him is an understatement. Far greater than that fact however is the reason that it is making him dread his meeting with Obi-Wan more than he already is.
How will he come face to face with his mentor now? How will he look in those trusting eyes after he has betrayed him in the greatest way possible? How will he—no Anakin, you need to focus. He tells himself that and comes back to his original line of questioning.
As for the final question plaguing his mind, it is the fact that how his mom's freedom will affect the events that happened in the old timeline. He knows it will not be for the worst as his mom is nothing if not good and kind and the best mom ever!
It dawns on him with a shudder that Sidious can actually use his mom to manipulate him. Considering the fact that Anakin will not fall into his manipulations this time around, he can actually hurt his mom in extreme cases. His heart almost stops in the light of that revelation.
He clenches his fists and decides that he will have to keep his mom somewhere safe in order to protect her from Darth Sidious. But where can he do so? Naboo?
Naboo is perhaps the safest bet anyways. Yeah, he can ask Padme for a favour in providing a home for his mom. She is so kind that she will not refuse.
The safety of his mother assured and most of his questions answered more or less to his satisfaction, he comes back to the present.
In a corner, he sees Kitster standing and watching them.
He pulls out few of the coins from his pocket and gives them to his best childhood friend. "Take care, my friend. Do not worry, I will come back and free you." This time he means it with all his heart.
"Yeah…There are so many of us who want you to stay, Ani. You are a hero."
"I…I have to go."
"Well."
"Well."
"Thanks for every moment you have been here. You are my best friend."
"Thank you Kitster. That means to me more than you can imagine. I won't forget you."
They both hug each other fiercely and then Anakin jogs to meet with Qui-Gon and his mom who have walked a few paces ahead.
-x—x—
"Ani! Shmi! Where are you going?"
"Hi Jira." His mom greets. The two women hug each other after his mom conveys the news. Anakin manages a small smile on his face sensing the genuine happiness of Jira.
He remembers all of a sudden that he was supposed to fix a cooling unit for her. Then he realizes that he has enough money from the sales of the Pod to actually buy one.
After the two women bid each other goodbye, Jira engulfs Anakin in a hug as well. He hugs back. When they withdraw, Anakin says, "I am sorry I could not fix that cooling unit for you. However, buy yourself a cooling unit with this…otherwise I will worry about you." He hands her the money.
"Oh, Ani, I possibly cannot…"
"No problem, Jira. You can have them." Shmi intervenes. Anakin blinks. He is still registering the fact that his mom is really free.
"Alright, now be careful both of you."
"We will." They chorus. "I will miss both of you. There is not a kinder boy in the galaxy than you, Ani."
Somehow, it strikes a deep chord in his heart somewhere. All of them had placed so much faith in him…
Me and kind? For Force's sake, I tortur—
His Mom's hand on his shoulder steering him away brings him back to reality and he is glad that it did. He is not really ready to face the atrocities he has done as Darth Vader. I will face it soon enough anyways.
-x—x—
Obi-Wan feels their presence nearing the ship. More than anything else he feels his presence.
The presence of a curious, young, kind and trusting boy.
The presence of a boy who gave him the joy of teaching.
The presence of a boy who wormed his way in his heart and transformed from a mere promise to a dying man to a friend he was honoured to teach.
The presence of a boy with a knack of crashing ships and mechanical prowess.
The presence of a boy for whom he went against the Jedi Code and grew attached to.
The presence of a brother in all but blood.
He has tried to restrain himself from trying to always reach out to that bright presence of his former Padawan but every now and then he reaches out subconsciously to brush against the Force presence of Skywalker.
This is what happens when you spend more than half of your life with Skywalkers.
He is so attuned to have it by his side and in the vicinity that it almost makes him feels assured. He sweeps his senses on the group and smiles to himself feeling the balanced and calm presence of Shmi Skywalker. He wonders briefly about how the fate of the galaxy will change now.
A thought however makes his way into his head that being related to someone as reckless as Anakin and Luke Skywalker means that she cannot be all that calm. Does she have a hidden knack of recklessness and crashing ships as well? Or did they inherit it from the Force side of the family? He wonders drily.
He also senses Darth Maul fast approaching the trio. His hand closes across his lightsaber hilt but he stops the urge to help Qui-Gon in his battle. This fight is necessary for Qui-Gon to determine that Maul is a Sith and the Sith have resurfaced.
He moves to the cockpit telling Ric Olie to get ready to take off as soon as he gives the signal. Ric nods and sits on the pilot chair.
Obi-Wan shudders with the thought that soon he will have to come face to face with Anakin. He will have to see in those bright blue innocent eyes that the last time he saw were a sickly yellow shimmering with hate. At his final hour, he had not seen those eyes. They were encased within a black mask.
Suddenly all the time he had put in meditation calming his nerves seems to have evaporated leaving his nerves frayed.
He is one step short from panicking. However, the surprise and shock invading his mental bond with his Master gives him focus. Qui-Gon has engaged the Sith.
He zeroes in on the force signatures of the Skwalkers and as soon as he feels them climb the ramp and enter the ship he signals Ric to fly the ship.
"I don't see anything." Olie says.
"Over there! Fly low!" He orders.
Ric expertly pilots the ship over the raging battle and Obi-Wan sends through his bond /Jump on to the ramp Master. The ship is right there. /
Qui-Gon does not respond but a sense of acknowledgement fills their bond.
Obi-Wan sighs. He is not disturbed by the fact that his Master is fighting the Zabrak. He survived it the last time and he will this time too. What has him disturbed is the fact that he is supposed to now meet his Master in the main hallway of the ship.
He has been blocking his force presence in the Force for reasons he cannot justify himself. He feels like he wishes to stay invisible and not let Anakin sense him.
He knows it is childish and he has to face the blonde boy sooner or later. It is better that it will be over now. Besides if he wishes to befriend the boy hiding would perhaps not help.
Gathering courage, he turns to move out of the cockpit. With a last glance over his shoulder giving Ric a quick nod, he resigns himself to his fate and proceeds towards the main hallway loosening his mental shields.
He cannot, however stop himself from asking, "Is it really so childish?"
-x—x-
He is slowing them down, he is quite aware of it. But he cannot really help it. Suddenly, he does not really want to go back to Coruscant, enter the Jedi Temple or face Sidious.
He thinks of anything that will give him the courage to walk faster but nothing pops up in his mind. Neither the pointed glances his mom is giving him nor the waves of urgency rolling off his grandmaster.
What does give him that motivation is the dark presence nearing their small group.
Kriff.
Darth Maul.
He hurries ahead and walks faster than Qui-Gon forcing them to follow in his quick footsteps. "Anakin, wait up!" His mom calls out.
He slows a little but keeps his pace. Something tingles his senses and he identifies it to be a probe droid. He knows Qui-Gon has sensed it too because he is reaching for his lightsaber.
Without breaking his stride, the Jedi Master ignites his lightsaber, swings around, and lunges forward cutting a lurking probe droid in half. Anakin dismisses it and turns to move ahead fast so that they can hopefully avoid Maul. He knows, though, that it is unlikely.
"What is it?" His mom asks while Qui-Gon is inspecting the droid.
"Probe droid. Very unusual…not like anything I have seen before. Come on, we have to move fast."
They start running and Anakin notices with a frown and narrowing of his eyes that he actually has trouble keeping up with the adults' large strides. His mom, perhaps sensing his discomfort holds his hand and they start running again.
Soon enough, the sleek Nubian ship is in sight. Nearer, however, is the dark presence looming just behind them. He can sense the darkness and if the stiffening of Qui-Gon's muscles is anything to go by, he can sense it too.
The tendrils of darkness brush against his mind and he has to admit guiltily that it tempts him to give in and not put up a strong resistance. He slams up his shields when he feels the darkness trying to enter his mind. He is right there, Anakin thinks and by the time Qui-Gon shouts, "Both of you drop!" he is already pushing his mom down.
He can feel the heat of the lightsaber at the back of his neck as Maul sweeps over him. The Sith apprentice jumps off his speeder bike, swinging a strong blow at the Jedi Master before hitting the ground. The blow is barely blocked by Qui-Gon.
Anakin recovers quickly after all he is no alien to such ambushes and fights. He has had his fair share of those during the Clone Wars and as a Sith Lord.
He senses surprise from Qui-Gon seeing the unknown assailant brandishing a red lightsaber, the mark of a Sith.
He can also feel his mom's shock at the turn of events. She stands up bewildered at the confrontation and subtly pushing Anakin behind her in a protective gesture.
"Shmi! Get to the ship! Take off! Go! Go!" Qui-Gon yells as these two ancient enemies are attacking each other with powerful blows. A dust cloud has risen where they clash their lightsabers. It is no doubt a fierce fight.
That was a needless move, Maul. You expended your energy in doing so. I guess a better move would have been to block his strike and then hit him across his leg—
While Anakin is busy musing this, Shmi grabs hold of his arm cutting his train of thought in a firm grasp and runs in the direction of the ship.
However, as soon as they enter the main hallway of the ship, it starts taking off. They are flying towards Qui-Gon, Anakin realizes.
But how did they know?
Padme and Panaka enter the main hallway to meet them. "Qui-Gon's in trouble. He said to take off!" Shmi relays the order.
"We know." Padme states with a grim expression. "Who are both of you?" Captain Panaka, that is at least what Anakin thinks his name is, asks.
"They are our friends." Padme speaks on their behalf. Anakin turns around to see the ongoing battle.
It is quite clear that Qui-Gon is having a hard time carrying on. Still, he meets blow for blow. The ship flies low towards the swirl of dust the two mighty warriors have left in the wake of their battle.
He notes with a grim expression that this is the first battle in which the Sith have revealed themselves. This ancient struggle between the Jedi and the Sith has just resurfaced and it will keep on continuing for at least forty decades more.
The opponents are engaged in an incredible display of acrobatics when the ship holds steady for Qui-Gon to come on board. Anakin steps back pulling his mom back too.
Not a moment sooner than they left that position than Qui-Gon jumped on the ramp. Anakin feels Maul's intent to follow Qui-Gon but as soon as he jumps, Anakin force pushes him back. Qui-Gon is too tired to notice anyways.
And that is when he feels it- that familiar presence of an individual basked in the light.
The presence from which he had drawn comfort for more than half of his life.
That grounded, intelligent and sometimes outright annoying presence with his sarcastic quips with whom he has gone on numberless missions and wars.
That encouraging presence with whom he has shared bunks and jokes while in the midst of a war.
That understanding presence with whom he has shared meals and late night blue milks comfort.
That powerful and wise presence that was greater in strength than Master Windu and wiser than Master Yoda.
That rebellious heroic presence that came out stronger with each sour experience: Qui-Gon's death, Jabiim, Kadavo, many other messy missions, and finally the turn of his first apprentice.
That amazing presence that deserved a life of peace and greatness but got one of war and recluse.
The greatest presence of all that wanted a brother but ended up having a lifelong enemy.
In short, he feels the presence of his former Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi heading into the main hallway of this ship.
And Anakin is not sure if he is thrilled about it or not.
He realizes that up till now he was not able to sense Obi-Wan. Did he have his shields up? Anakin is about to check through the Force but realizes it is he who has his shields up.
How can I look into those blue orbs of wisdom? How can I speak to him after the way I betrayed him in? And yet, how can I thank him enough for taking care of Luke?
Yet, Obi-Wan was one person he always felt comfortable with. True, he was hesitant to share the secret of his marriage with Obi-Wan but he admits that it was more out of his fear that he will be kicked out of the Jedi Order than anything else.
But had the choice come to it and he had not turned to the Dark Side, he is pretty sure he would have chosen his family over the Jedi any day. But that is the point is it not? He always considers Obi-Wan as his family.
He had not placed trust in him to keep this secret because of his misguided notions and to an extent because of Palpatine's manipulations.
He shudders to think what Obi-Wan must have felt just after his turn.
Don't think such morbid thoughts, Anakin. Focus on the present. You do not want Obi-Wan to sense your negative thoughts, now do you?
He takes in a deep calming breath but finds it hard to find his center when he can hear footsteps of his to be mentor.
Here he comes…
Just a moment later, Jedi Padawan Obi-Wan Kenobi emerges into the hallway.
Anakin stands there mutely his head gone strangely quiet all of a sudden.
He follows his every movement and all of a sudden he hears Qui-Gon announce, "Anakin Skywalker meet Obi-Wan Kenobi."
Tbc…
yiggdrasill: It sure is going to. Oh, there will be plenty of both emotional and funny moments. Most of the time, while I plan the story I withhold revealing the secret thinking about the fun it can have in the future. Hope you enjoyed the chapter!
RyuuShadow: Sorry for the short last chapter. I actually have my hands full these months so the chapters may become a tad smaller in length. I am not torturing you! (although I can see that the ending of this particular chapter is not going to help my case, is it?)
Enleia: Thank you! I always enjoy your reviews :) I won't, I mean that is the plan right now anyways. Did you like this chapter?
MMM73181: Nice scenarios that you have mentioned. And yes, both of them hate Palpatine, don't they? Poor Senator won't know what hit him. But I don't think they will realize anytime soon that they are not the only time travellers.
clonetrooper8754: You know, I haven't really watched the clone wars entirely as of yet. (Busy schedule, sighs). But I do know what happens to Echo :( As of now, though, I have no plans of letting the Clone Wars occur.
IthilwenofIthilien: Thank you! Yeah, I have been wanting to do something of that sort for a while now. Nice to see you! Hope you liked the chapter!
Rilme Caatl: Here it is! Do tell whether you liked it or not!
NinjaGirl1117: You have no idea how much your review made me smile and made my day! Literally, could not withhold my grin! Thanks so much! :D Time will tell, indeed!
Nightshade's sydneylover150: Oh he is… He believes, that all he has to do is face his old friends. Little does he know that he risks facing judgement from his brother as well…
Guest: Thank you! I will continue it though updates may be slow regretfully.
Guest: Thanks! I will continue it, don't worry.
ComputerGraffics: I love time travel fics too. I am so glad he recommended it as well. I hope I live upto both of your expectations. :)
ThatOneDino: Two very pivotal moments indeed, my friend. Hope you enjoyed the chapter!
Hey everyone, so…they met, sorta…Hehe. I can't believe I ended on a cliffhangar. That's the first I have done [knowingly anyways ;)]
Read and Review, my friends! Happy Holidays!