Hello everyone! This is my first story, so I hope you find some enjoyment from it.
I love Star Wars. Said shortly: I love space, I love fantasy, and I love engineering. Said more elegantly: It pulls on my interests in astronomy, fantasy, and engineering while interconnecting deeper themes of oppression, hate, and love. It is a world completely different from the one we live in, but carrying all the same societal characteristics. It is a universe that demonstrates an overarching duality of good and evil, yet it shows that on a microlevel, people are complex. Star Wars reminds us of the apathy, laziness, and selfishness that we all have, while also describing why we must strive towards empathy, perseverance, and altruism.
One of my favorite things when reading is when authors write like their audience is smart. If I read something and I am told what is happening verbatim, I get bored; however, when the author lays out all the pieces like a puzzle and I have to connect them together to understand the whole picture, I feel like the main character. I am a new writer, but I understand that only through writing more will I progress, so please bear with me. In addition, I also love the small details in stories. When I read Star Wars, I don't want to know that someone is fighting or that they are good at it, I want to know how they fight and what makes them better than others. I also enjoy consistency, and a little bit of realism. For example, although Anakin is exceptionally gifted due to his conception, I want him to work just as hard as others to get where he is. He may progress faster, but a month of training will not allow him to defeat someone with a decades worth.
Now, onto how this universe differs from the original. First of all, Anakin is almost a completely different person. This is twofold: one, I felt that Anakin's personality contradicted itself in the prequels, and two, I wanted something I could relate to better (I'm the writer, so I can do that). Second, the universe is not following the same story as the prequels/originals; I am creating my own story that is based on the prequels, originals, Old Republic, and my own machinations. This allows me to change the writing away from a political piece to an action piece; I want to write a lot of combat and adventure oriented scenes. Next, the force and fighting styles will be expanded upon greatly here. For something that encompasses all life in the universe, to only see it be used for jumping, pushing, pulling, and occasionally lightning was not enough for me. Additionally, like I stated previously, I want to know why someone is winning a fight. Are they more cunning? Stronger? Faster? More well rounded? There will probably be a ton of differences, but those are the main ones I can think of at the moment.
It should be noted that I go through periods of wanting to edit and wanting to write, so old chapters will randomly get an overhaul.
Disclaimer: The canonical characters from the "Star Wars" movies and games belong to Disney, as does the Universe and all associated concepts. The plot for this story is mine.
Chapter 1Following the destruction of the Sith Empire, the New Republic has gone into a period of restoration and growth. The Jedi, no longer burdened by decades of war, have proliferated across the galaxy bringing peace to the oppressed and judgement to the oppressors. On the Jedi homeworld of Tython, 19 year old Anakin Skywalker has been knighted by a very hesitant Jedi High Council. Completing his trials with ease, Anakin relishes in his newfound freedom and independence that comes with the bestowment.
"Master, when you told me this morning we were meeting with the Council this was not what I expected." Anakin shifts his tired eyes to his mentor above. The Trials of Knighthood have concluded and the council has just bestowed upon Anakin Skywalker the rank of Jedi Knight. The trials were grueling both mentally and physically, which is apparent on Anakin's exhausted and disheveled physique. His wild, raven black hair is tousled more than usual, and his cheeks are flushed with a light red. Sweat clings the damp, dark brown robes to his body.
Tiny wrinkles appear in the corner of Qui-Gon's eyes, a slight smirk on his mouth, "What did you not think you would become a Knight today, my young, young Padawan?" Qui-Gon says with his usual sarcasm. They had both woken up at dawn and began their routine of tea and morning meditation. Qui-Gon announced briefly they would be meeting with the Tython Council, but nothing in his tone alluded to anything too important. The first indication that something was out of the ordinary was when Qui-Gon forced breakfast down Anakin's throat; neither of them being too keen on eating early. The second was when they walked into the councilroom to see a few High Council members. The Jedi have proliferated since the last Great War against the sith, The Hyperspace Wars, and in doing so have created multiple temples around the galaxy. The majority of the Jedi High Council, which is the high authority over all Jedi in all temples, resides in the Republic center on Coruscant. Therefore, to see High Council Members, even their holograms, is increasingly rare; seeing the whole council gather before you is nearly unheard of.
"It was definitely not the first thing on my mind, Master." Anakin states giving a slight glare back up at Qui-Gon, remembering the feeling of his heart spiking when he walked through the council room doors. "Maybe this Knighthood will bless me with the ability to read your mind." He continued after a slight pause countering Qui-Gon's exuberant sarcasm with his own dull remark.
A chuckle comes out from Qui-Gon, "Some things never change, Anakin." His blue eyes drift down to glance at Anakin affectionately. However, Anakin is seemingly ignorant to the look due as he peers out the wide windows to the meadow beyond. It is a rather beautiful day at the Tython temple. The blue sky can be seen reaching down to the luscious green trees. The bright, lively leaves can be seen slightly ruffling as small gusts of wind cut through the pasture where the temple resides. Far off, grey mountains rise up and stretch out across the horizon like water and the ocean. The warm, vibrant sun is just beginning to set over their white tops.
Qui-Gon's gaze joins Anakin's and a brief moment of hesitation accompanies them as they appreciate their beloved homeworld. Qui-Gon's blue eyes dilate slightly as his mind wanders while his large right hand reaches over to massage his left shoulder. In the corner of his eye, Anakin both spots Qui-Gon's nervous tendency and feels his hesitation through their bond. "What is it, Master?" he asks tentatively, turning towards him.
For a few moments longer, Qui-Gon's light eyes still gaze out the windows. Hesitantly, he turns his whole body to meet Anakin's. His voice is slightly thicker when he starts and then pauses, "I will miss your constant presence in my shadow, Anakin."
"I have grown accustomed to you always being with me. I do not think I could have asked for a better padawan." He stops again, eyes turning to the floor; both are unfamiliar with these types of conversations. Qui-Gon, the battle-hardened Jedi guardian, and Anakin, the quiet and independent one. The Mountain and its Shadow. Anakin, understanding the difficulty Qui-Gon is facing, opens his mouth to help him, but he is surprised when he finishes, "I could have kept you longer; no one would pass blame on me if I didn't put your name forward for another year... or even two." Anakin is not overly surprised by this statement, most padawans' aren't even offered to take the trials until they are well into their twenties let alone to pass them.
Qui-Gon clears his throat. "I was mediating, thinking about you, reflecting upon our time together, relishing in the bond we have, and I realized something." His eyes flicker up to meet Anakin's again. Anakin can see the pride this time. "All this time, since you were a wide-eyed youngling staring up at me, I have been teaching you how to be a Jedi." Anakin raises his eyebrows unconvincingly at the first first part, but continues to listen dutifully.
Qui-Gon briefly pauses with a deep breath, ignoring his companions look, and then recites fluidly, "Emotion, yet peace. Ignorance, yet knowledge. Passion, yet serenity. Chaos, yet harmony. Death, yet the Force." The heaviness of his voice is tangible now. "Me, the master, is supposed to embody this code. To not only teach it to you, but to live by it and show you it through my actions. But, when I was sitting there, I realized I would not only be dishonoring you by not putting your name in for the trails, but the code itself. What kind of master would that make me? Allowing my attachment to you to affect your personal progression. Allowing my fear for loneliness to hinder your potential."
He hesitates again, his right hand reaches up to rub his shoulder again. Anakin jumps in, "Master, we all hold on dearly to those we care for. Your personification of the code is apparent in my trials today." He says this genuinely, but his voice holds a confused tone in it as well. Master Jinn, the Mountain, is notorious for his towering stature which parallels his confident presence.
Qui-Gon's gaze hardens, "No, no, no, you're not understanding, Anakin. The reason for my revelation was you!" Anakin's face still didn't lose its confused look.
His voice strengthens, "Your compassion, your intelligence, your wisdom. Your serenity even after all difficulties that you have faced. Your power and control. And finally your utmost faith in the force. Many fall short, but you, you embody this code. You live by it, not because you are forced, but because you truly believe and trust it. You are a true Jedi." Anakin looks down at the floor for a second before giving a slight smile.
Qui-Gon concludes with the same vigor, but softer, "I may still be able to teach you how to improve your kadas, or teach you new ways to meditate, but that is not my purpose. Not anymore. You can do that as a knight... My job was to train you how to be a jedi, and now you are training me. This is why you are no longer my padawan." His words display fondness but his eyes reveal great pain. He truly does not wish to see his padawan off. Qui-Gon, who fixes his gaze back out the window, is almost bewildered when Anakin steps forward and hugs him.
"You will always be my master. Nothing you say will ever change that. We will still train my katas, and you will continue to teach me how to be a better jedi. I am a reflection of your teaching; Whatever accolades I get are yours as well." Anakin says honestly into his shoulder.
They stayed clutched together for a few moments longer. When they pull apart Qui-Gon grasps Anakin's shoulders. "I am proud of you Anakin!" he says. A brighter smile escapes Anakin this time.
After a few seconds of silence, Qui-Gon's smirk returns from earlier, "Sorry for getting all sentimental on you."
A chuckle comes out besides him, "It's alright master." Anakin rebutes back.
Qui-Gon laughs with his eyes twinkling. His hands finally detach off of Anakin's shoulders, "Alright, I told Master Jorah I would give her some advice on her meeting with Senator Kypor, so I best be on my way." He looks around, just noticing the empty council room. Giving one last proud look, he pats Anakin's right shoulder turns and heads on his way.
Just as he reaches the door Anakin calls out, "Qui-Gon, thank you. For everything." Qui-Gon pauses, turns his head, gives a slight smile and a nod and continues onward.
A soft sigh escapes Anakin's lips as he turns back around to gaze through the windows watching the final crescent of the sun slip away. He stays there for a while longer watching the red and orange sky fade. Closing his eyes and taking one last deep breath, he turns and takes his exit out the doors.