Obi-Wan Kenobi's P.O.V.

"Welcome, it's an honor. Allow me to escort you to the great hall."

"The honor is ours. Thank you for agreeing to speak with us."

My Master, Qui-Gon Jinn, replies calmly as the advisor guides us through the castle. Glancing between the adults, I keep my hands behind my back such as Qui-Gon. I've been his Padawan for a year now; I learned so much already with his guidance.

From sparring to interactions such as this one. My master informed me before arriving at this planet that we're here to hear the concerns about the next election their system is about to hold. They've had a few outbursts and requested support if a rite formed.

I'm not sure what the disputes are about for this election; Qui-Gon hasn't included me in the reasonings. Naboo has always been a peaceful system, which leads me to believe these outbursts aren't a threat to the Jedi Order. He explained this is an excellent training exercise for me and it'll guide me into the next steps of my training.

Which is the reason he requested to come here with me to hear the Queen's judgment and oversee the disputes in the city. Slowing down my pace, I walk behind the two and spot something hiding behind a stone post. Tilting my head, I sense a force on the other side and frown curiously.

Keeping my eyes on the stone post, I seeing someone my height peek out from behind. I hear whispering and giggles coming from the person. Before I know it, I get pushed back and fall to the ground.

I gasp and search around the floor for what has tripped me. I find nothing but the glassy marble floor underneath me. Peering up, I find Qui-Gon and the man staring down at me strangely.

"S- Sorry..." I blurt out and scramble to my feet. "I don't understand what happened."

That's when I hear another burst of giggles from behind the stone post. The sound causes both men to turn their heads in the direction. Qui-Gon raises an eyebrow curiously while I notice the other man shake his head disapproving. He then points a finger toward the marble post, announcing to what's behind it.

"Now, what did I tell you, V? Come on out."

Suddenly a girl comes out from the post looking rather cheeky without an ounce of guilt in her expression. She seems younger than me, with short blonde hair and pale skin. Her eyes are blue and they match the dress she's wearing.

She has on little blue slippers with a gold necklace around her neck. From a distance, I see dimples on her cheeks as she tries to hide a smile. I tilt my head, watching her curiously.

After she takes a few steps towards us, another girl, younger than her, runs out with braided brown hair. These girls don't look the same age, but close to one another, nevertheless. The girl with brown hair gets in front of the other girl and takes her hand before defending.

"It's not Vale's fault. It was my idea."

"I find that hard to believe, Padme. I know my daughter all too well." The man huffs while looking directly at the blond girl trying to hide a smile. Folding his arms, he nods in the opposite direction we're going and suggests. "You young ladies just go on and play outside. Before I request your lesson to be pushed up sooner today."

"Say no more!"

Padme agrees and tugs on the other girl persistently before they get into any more trouble. I watch the two girls race away in another direction, giggling and mumbling things in their ears. They glance at me once before squeaking out more laughter. When I turn back around, I find the men walking again, as the advisor explains.

"My apologies. That was my daughter's fault. Vale. She is a handful, but has a pure heart."

"Is she a force user?" Qui-Gon questions innocently, keeping his hands behind his back. "I don't understand how she tripped my Padawan..."

"She uses it from time to time... She get's it from her mother's side but she's no longer with us." The man answers casually, making my eyes glance behind me at the girls running in the distance. He speaks up again with the same casual tone as before. "It's just me to look after her and as the Queen's advisor, I don't get the time to maintain her self-control in using the force. She's very persistent in using her abilities, but as you can see, no one here can control her desire to use it."

"I see..." My master hums before looking at the man with interest. "Have you ever considered her joining the Jedi Order?"

"Well, I have in the past, but I hate to part from her without a cause. She's of high value here I must say..." The advisor mumbles while rubbing the back of his neck. "The Queen and I also assumed she's too old to start any training in the Jedi Order, anyway. We only discovered her force sensitivity a year and a half ago, you see."

"I can always inform the Jedi council and get their opinion. Training someone in the Royal Advisory council of Naboo could be of some use for the both of us, Palpatine."

"Excellent."

Vale Palpatine's P.O.V.

"Watch this..."

"V, no! You're going to get us in trouble."

My best friend, Padme, whispers angrily while peeping over my shoulder. I'm twice as old as her, but that doesn't stop me from getting us both in trouble. We're hiding behind a wall peeking out of a threshold.

In the other room we're peeping in, is the great hall. The Queen of Naboo is sitting on her throne watching the two Jedi Knights. Her advisors, including my father, are sitting around them.

I can hear them chatting about the upcoming events of this year's election. I try not to yawn at the discussion from how plain it is in my mind. How can my father want me to be an advisor such as him in the future?

It's the most boring job I've ever witnessed. The Jedi Knights have stayed with us for two days now. I already find them more interesting to mess with than anything I've seen in the castle.

"You know your father doesn't want you to use Jedi magic..." Padme whispers into my ear, but when I take a glimpse at her; I see excitement in her eyes. Smirking at her with mischief, I murmur back while raising my hand. "Well, it can't be Jedi magic if I'm not a Jedi."

Glancing back into the threshold, I concentrate on the chairs all the advisors are sitting on. I notice the Jedi around my age, peeking in the direction we're hiding. I know he sees us, but for whatever reason; he keeps quiet about our company to the meeting.

He has tan skin, brown hair and blue eyes. I can tell he's around four or five years older than me, but not nearly as old as the other Jedi. Moving my hand back to me, all the chairs beside the Queen's slips out under the advisors.

They all gasp and squeal as they fall to the floor. The adults search around strangely while I grab Padme's arm as we try not to laugh. Flashing back into the room, I see the Queen trying to hide a smile while everyone else is staring in our area.

"Vale Palpatine!" My father roars out while standing up. "Come here, right now!"

"I told you!"

Padme whines nervously as I step out into the open. I take her hand in my own while walking into the room. She clenching my hand, looking utterly guilty even though she's done nothing wrong.

Walking toward the center of the room, I watch everyone put their chair back upright and sit down once again. Once I'm near the Jedi Knights, I listen in on the oldest one informing the Queen.

"I've spoken to the Jedi Council last night and they agree to have an audience with Vale Palpatine. If you allow me to bring her back..."

"I'll only allow it if she wants to, Master Jinn." The Queen responds while glancing between him and me. Her hands lay on her lap while confessing. "She's raised to be an advisor such as her father. The council and I have grown to love her here in our care, but it will be her choice. Vale..."

I step up closer, taking Padme with me to stand in front of our Queen. Padme and I share the same expression before turning back to face the Queen. Growing up here, the Queens of Naboo have always appreciated my company.

I understand it's from my childlike actions. They've never gotten mad at my antics, and I believe it because they enjoy the skills I possess. The advisors, however, aren't ever pleased with my antics.

The advisors have requested to the Queen I have lessons for my sensitivity to the force. This is the first time I'm actually given the opportunity to get training for it. I never thought it was possible since I'm raised to advise in my father's footsteps. Glancing at my father, the Queen faces back to me, asking in a warm tone.

"I could not bear to part with you unless it's your wish to leave and start a life in the Jedi Order."

"Would I be able to come back here?" I blurt out and glance at Padme beside me, then to my father. "Would I still be able to see my family?"

"I have no doubt you'd see them on your journey in the Jedi Order." Master Jinn announces from where he stands. "It won't be to purely visit them, but... I perceive your paths will cross."

"Will I have permission to see her?" Padme speaks up shyly while clenching my hand. "I also do not bear to part with her, my Queen. She's my best friend and I need her."

I hear the room fill with quick laughter from Padme's confession. She glares are everyone around her before looking back up at the Queen for an answer. My eyes trail to the Jedi Knights curiously; Master Jinn glances at me before meeting the Queen's gaze.

I find the young boy's eyes lingering on me. When our eyes meet, he immediately looks to the ground. When I hear the Queen speak up again, my head turns back to her gaze.

"Your paths will cross again, such as Master Jinn assures... But the choice is Vale's alone."

"C- Could I think about it?" I speak up while my eyes meet my father's. The Queen nods slowly and suggests. "You have until they leave to decide."

"Thank you." I sigh just as Padme tugs my arm, asking impatiently. "May we go now? Please?"

"Yes." Our Queen grins. "Of course."

We sprint to the doorway we came in holding hands; hoping they won't call us back into the meeting. On my way out, I catch my father's eyes, who's thinking hard about my choice. Turning my gaze to the Jedi Knights, I capture the boy my age's eyes.

We stare at each other curiously before I snap my eyes back to Padme. She looks conflicted about the option I've been given. Running out of the room, she blurts out nervously for my answer.

"Do you think you'll leave, V?"

"I'm not sure..." I mumble before letting her hand go and slowing down into a walk. "Should I?"

Padme shrugs while looking to the ground, knowing her answer would be biased. I sigh, a little conflicted about what my choices are. Padme understands I rather not be an advisor to the Queen, but if I stay here, that will be my fate.

Joining the Jedi order would give me a different path where I'll use my abilities more freely. That would mean I'd be leaving my home, my friends, my family. From my father's expression, I know he'll think it's a great honor to join the Jedi Order.

I bet he'll say it'll benefit me and Naboo next time I see him. So odds are he'll try talking me into joining. I've never thought I had a choice, though, not until now.

~Days Later~

"You do everything the council tells you, you hear me?"

"Yes, Papa..."

"Don't give them a reason to kick you out."

My father points out sternly while putting fabric in my bag. I'm sitting on my cott, dangling my feet over my cott while staring at my shoes. This morning I told my father and the Queen I will go with the Jedi Knights to meet the Jedi council.

The meeting will decide my fate in joining the Jedi Order or not. My father was ecstatic, but I could see my choice slightly saddened by the Queen. Padme was sad too and made me promise to come see her again; even if I have to sneak out of the Jedi Order to see her.

I'm sorrow to leave everything behind, but I know this is the only way to use my abilities with the force freely. With the training of Jedi Knights, I know I will make Naboo proud and worth leaving my life behind. Hearing my father zip up my bag, I glance at him and see him staring at the bag in deep thought.

When his eyes meet mine, he notices my sulk expression and sighs. He moves to stand in front of me and kneels. Taking my hands into his, he speaks up in a soft, loving tone.

"You will see me again, V. I promise. This is a big step and I'm so proud of you..."

"Thanks..."

"I will always be here for you, you know this." My Papa confesses and kisses my knuckles. "You are more powerful than you will even know... Doing this will not only show you, but prove to you that the force in you is more than a few tricks." Helping me stand up, my father grabs my hand and my bag. "One day, you'll come back to me and we'll be a family again. This is not a means to an end. It's a stepping stone."

"Mama didn't come back..." I mumble as we walk out of my room; remembering the news, she disappeared one night with her belongings. Strolling down the halls, my father sighs sourly while blurting out. "You're not like your mother, Vale... You're like me and you'll come back to me; stronger, wiser, and more powerful than you are today."

"You think?"

"I'm sure of it. I know I disapprove of you using the force in public, but this way you can and be who you are while doing so." My father chuckles as we turn the corner toward the hangar. "You're my daughter, after all. I believe one day our paths will entwine again and we'll look back on today and smile."

Grinning up at him, I cling to his hand tighter as we make our way into the hangar. In the distance by a large ship, the Jedi Knights stand beside one another waiting for me. I see the Queen and her advisors apart from them waiting as well with Padme.

With my heart pounding, we walk up to them, saying our goodbyes. I watch the Knights nod their heads to me and my father before I turn to the Queen and Padme. Staring down at me, the Queen smiles and informs.

"If by any means you aren't accepted by the Jedi Order or you choose to leave... You will always have a place here."

"Thank you." I grin at her while letting go of my father's hand. "My Queen."

"Don't forget about me." Padme speaks up, pulling me into a hug. I wrap my arms around her tightly as she whispers. "I'll see you again."

"Of course." I sigh in our embrace. "I miss you already."

Pulling away from her, I turn to my Papa, who kneels in front of me. He drops my bag by his side and pulls me into a hug. I hold him tightly as I feel him kiss my forehead. Pulling back from him, he brushes my hair back with his hand. He smiles sadly before whispering.

"Make me proud, kiddo."

"I will, Papa."

Turning around and grabbing my bag, I head over to the Jedi Knights. Glancing at Padme, I see her eye grow red and glassy with tears, but she still smiling my way. I know she's happy for me even though I'm parting with her.

Facing up, I shake hands with Master Jinn, then the boy my age. The boy looks almost nervously at me while glancing up at the man. Putting his hands behind his back, Master Jinn introduces themselves.

"I believe a proper introduction is in order... I'm Qui-Gon Jinn and this is my Padawan, Obi-Wan Kenobi." Qui-Gon grabs my bag then and starts walking toward their ship, explaining. "I'm not on the Jedi Council, but if everything goes how I plan with them, I will be your Master in upcoming training. Have no fear, you are in good hands."

I nod while following him up the ramp behind him and Obi-Wan. Glancing behind me, I find my family and friends watching me enter the ship. Waving goodbye to them, I turn back around and follow them into the ship.

Taking a deep breath, I feel a change in the surrounding force. Now the only thing that might hold me back is the decision of the Jedi Council.

~That Evening~

"Exceptional, you are... But too old."

A creature named Yoda declares from his seat in the round room. I stand in the center of the room, surrounded by Jedi Masters. They've given me a few tests moments ago and, by Yoda's words, I'm guessing I passed them.

Qui-Gon is standing a little way from me. He's watching the room and waiting for an official decision. Standing with my hands at my sides, I speak up curiously, confused.

"I'm ten years old, though."

"We don't take younglings that old, normally." A master, Mace Windu, announces from his seat around her. "Usually at this age, children have attachments... However, I don't sense that's your case. How come?"

"Your mother, perhaps?" Yoda speaks up innocently. "Hm? Tell, Ms. Palpatine."

"She disappeared from Naboo when I was very young, Master..." I answer while glancing around the room, not understanding what she has to do with this. Catching Qui-Gon's gaze, I continue. "I've learned to not fear letting things go because of my mother. That is why I had the strength to leave everything behind in Naboo."

"I see... But your father." Yoda points out while pointing at me. "Still an attachment, he is."

"Her father spoke of always wanting her to join and, to my knowledge, he's guided her to not cling onto her emotions for him." Qui-Gon comments while waving his hand toward me. "I believe her age won't be a problem."

"She holds great potential in the force." Plo Koon, a master, sitting beside Mace Windu, thinks out loud. "We can't ignore her status in the politics either. I will help us in the Republic's future."

"But will the Jedi Order come first, I wonder." Yoda questions while watching me curiously. "Or will your motives be for your father?"

"I insist on training her, Master Yoda." Qui-Gon steps up toward me. "I've seen her use the force with no training or help from others. She will use it whether we accept her. It's a far greater fear to not to train her. Someone else might desire to train her with dark motives."

Everyone in the room grows silent while understanding of what we have said. I watch their minds twirl with what decision to make. Staring at Yoda, I find him glancing at Windu as if they're having a silent conversation in the room.

A minute goes by and no one says a thing. Frowning, I glance around, wondering what will happen now. That's when Windu nods his head to Yoda and the green creature declares.

"Alright. Permission to train her, we give you."

"Thank you, Master."

"If having two Padawans is too much to handle..." Windu speaks up, nodding to me. "We'll keep her here to train with the rest of the younglings, but... I must warn you. It will be harder for her to learn at her age in a classroom environment. So understand what may happen in her future if you can't handle her training yourself... You're dismissed and may the force be with you."

Qui-Gon nods at the council before meeting my eyes, silently telling me to follow. Turning around and coming to his side, we walk out of the room. Obi-Wan is standing on the opposite wall, waiting patiently for us. Meeting his master's eyes, he speaks up nervously.

"What did they say, Master?"

"They agreed to let me train her alongside you."

Qui-Gon announces, while turning to walk down the hall. Obi-Wan and I glance at one another before peering back up at him. I have talked much to the boy, but I sense this means we must from now on. As we walk on either side of Qui-Gon, we hear him add in a gentle tone.

"I must ask something of you, Obi-Wan. Can I trust in you to look after Vale if she's falling behind in her training? She's already very behind, but with your help and my guidance, I believe she will soon fall in line with the rest of the students in the Jedi Order. Can I intrust this responsibility to you?"

"Yes, Master." Obi-Wan answers while offering me an encouraging smile. "I'll watch after her as if she's my own."

"Good, because... As of now, you two are a team."