Last Time: Serena spoke for the first time in awhile. "I'm sure Qui-Gon
doesn't want to put your son in danger. We will find another way..." the
woman just shook her head sadly. "No, Ani's right, there is no other way...
I may not like it, but he can help you...he was meant to help you." Serena
and Qui-Gon exchanged a look.
Chapter 12: Race won, but bad things ahead
After the race:
A disbelieving Qui-Gon exchanged glances with an uncomfortable Serena, as the announcer informed the crowds of what they already knew young Anakin Skywalker had just won the race. 'I suppose his mother was right, he was meant to help us." Serena murmured doubtfully, earning a suspicious glance from Qui-Gon. He seemed ready to question her on the matter, but she raced towards Anakin, who was already being congratulated by his mother, Jar Jar and R2-D2. Qui-Gon decided to let the matter be, and swiftly followed her, using the force to gently part the crowds.
"Well done Anakin," Qui-Gon said, smiling slightly, "we knew you could do it!" Anakin blushed, "I told you I would help you." "Yes you did."
As the happy group began making there way towards the slave quarters, they failed to notice two hover- droids following them. Serena shivered slightly, but brushed it off.
"Serenity, Jar-Jar, R2-D2, I want you to head back to the ship and tell Obi-Wan to install the parts, I'll follow as soon as I tie up a few loose ends." "Yes master," Serena replied obediently before turning to Anakin and Shmi. "May the force be with you." 'May the moon and the stars protect you.' She added silently. Then she turned and left, closely followed by Jar- Jar and R2.
As Serena and the others exit the small town, she notices out of the corner of her eye a gleam of silver on the horizon, but as soon as it had appeared it vanished. The feeling of dread in the pit of her stomach multiplied tenfold.
Qui-Gon turned to face Anakin and Shmi. "I have some good news for you, Anakin has been freed." Anakin jumps for joy, but a look of dawning realization crosses Shmi's face, and unbeknownst to him, tears begin to form in her eyes. "Did you hear that, Mom?!" an ecstatic Anakin exclaims. "Now you can make your dreams come true, Annie. You're free!" she murmurs, fighting back tears. "Will you take him with you? Is he to become a Jedi?" she asks, turning to Qui-Gon. "Our meeting was not a coincidence," he begins calmly, "Nothing happens by accident. You are strong with the Force, but you may not be accepted by the Council." "A Jedi! Mighty blasters, you mean I get to go with you in your starship and everything?!" Anakin shouts joyously, not quite grasping the gravity of the situation. Qui-Gon smiled thoughtfully. "Anakin, training to be a Jedi will not be an easy challenge. And if you succeed, it will be a hard life." Anakin put on a puppy dogface, turning to his mother. "But it's what I want. What I've always dreamed about. Can I go, Mom?!" Sensing Shmi's sadness, Qui-Gon decided to take charge of the situation. "This path has been placed for you, Annie; the choice to take it is yours alone." "I want to go." he responded immediately. "Then, pack your things. We haven't much time."
Anakin hugs his mom and starts for the other room, then stops. His mother and Qui-Gon give each other a knowing look. Anakin gives Qui-Gon an imploring look. "What about Mom? Is she free too? You're coming, aren't you, Mom?" Shmi comes over to her son and sits next to him. Taking both of his hands in hers, she draws him close. "Son, my place is here. My future is here. It is time for you to let go...to let go of me. I cannot go with you." "I want to stay with you. I don't want things to change." He persists. Shmi just shook her head sadly. "You can't stop change any more than you can stop the suns from setting. Listen to your feelings; Annie, you know what's right."
Anakin takes a deep breath, drops his head. When he looks up, there are tears in his eyes. "I'm going to miss you so much, Mom..." "I love you, Annie...now hurry." As Anakin raced off into his room she turned to Qui- Gon. "Thank you." "I will watch after him. You have my word. Will you be all right?" "I will, but please take care of him.
A few moments later Anakin raced out of his room, a pack slung over his shoulder. "Take care of Threepio for me mum. I love you." "No matter where you are, my love will be with you. Now be brave, and don't look back... don't look back." They hugged for a moment, and then Anakin followed Qui- Gon through the door.
//Back on the ship//:
The parts have been installed and Serena is sitting worriedly watching for any sign of her master. 'What's wrong Ren?' demands concerned Obi-Wan over their bond. 'I've had this horrible feeling ever since we've landed here. First with that boy and now, it feels as though we're being watched.' 'You know how sensitive you are to others thoughts and emotions. This place is full of gamblers and slavers, and you're not used to being surrounded by this much negative energy.' He murmured, wrapping a reassuring arm around her. She shook her head negatively. 'No, it's not that! I sense a dark force somewhere nearby, and I know something bad is going to happen.' With that said the two padawans sat together, senses on alert as they waited for their master to return.
A short while later, Serena and Obi-Wan sense there master approaching, along with something they didn't recognize. Suddenly a dark presence fills their senses. To Serena it felt as though the room was closing in around her and with a moan she slumped to the ground. Luckily Obi-Wan caught her. 'Master! You must hurry!' Obi-Wan calls through their bond, concern for Serena radiating off him.
Hearing the desperate call from his padawan, Qui-Gon breaks into a run, dragging Anakin with him. "Master Qui-Gon, sir, wait!" an exhausted Anakin pleaded. As Qui-Gon turned to answer he saw a dark cloaked figure bearing down on a speeder bike. "Anakin, drop!" Anakin drops to the ground just as the figure sweeps over him. It jumped off its speeder bike, and before it hit the ground, it had a glowing red light saber whipped out. "Annie, get to the ship! Take off! Go! Go!" Qui-Gon ordered as he blocked blow after blow. Anakin raced to the ship.
When he reached the ship, Anakin raced through the hallway and almost collided with a distraught Obi-Wan carrying Serena. "Qui-Gon's in trouble. He says to take off...now!!" "Who are you?" demand a suspicious Obi-Wan, shielding Serena from the boys view. He shook his head slightly. "We don't have time for this." He growled before heading towards the cockpit gently cradling Serena in his arms. Anakin trailed behind him.
"Qui-Gon is in trouble, he says to take off!" Obi-Wan orders the pilot. "I don't see anything." "Over there! Fly low!" the padawan shouts pointing towards a small cloud of dust.
Qui-Gon and the cloaked figure continue their sword battle. Leaping over one another in an incredible display of acrobatics, the two warriors hear the ship fly over them a few feet off the ground. Qui-Gon leaps onto the ramp of the ship and begins to back into the safety of the craft. The ramp closes, and the Naboo craft rockets away, leaving the figure standing alone.
As the sleek spacecraft rockets away from the planet Tatooine, an exhausted Qui-Gon leans against a bulkhead and turns to face the concerned gaze of Anakin. "Are you all right?!" the boy exclaims. "I think so... that was a surprise I wont soon forget."
'Master.' He hears a voice over his bond. He turns to face Obi-Wan who is carrying Serena princess style. Her crescent moon was shining brighter then usual on her forehead. "She just collapsed, Obi-Wan explained. "We should probably let her wake of her own accord." Obi-Wan nodded slightly.
"What was it?" he asked suddenly. "I don't know... but he was well trained in the Jedi arts. My guess is he was after the Queen..." he responded thoughtfully. "Do you think he'll follow us?" Obi-Wan asked. "We'll be safe enough once we're in hyperspace, but I have no doubt he knows our destination." "What are we going to do about it?" a small voice demanded form behind them. They turned to face Anakin who had been forgotten in all the confusion. "We will be patient." Qui-Gon began slowly, "Anakin Skywalker, meet my padawans Obi- Wan Kenobi and Serenity Tsuki who I believe you've already met." "Pleased to meet you. Wow! You're a Jedi too?" he exclaims excitedly shaking Obi- Wan's hand who in return gives him a skeptical look. Anakin looks up in awe, for the first time taking a look at the amazing ship he's currently speeding through hyperspace on.
After taking Anakin on a tour of the ship and introducing him to everyone as his master had ordered him to, Obi-Wan decided to go check and see if Serena had awakened. She appeared to be sleeping soundly so he kissed her on the forehead, tucked her in and left quietly.
Because there was no spare room on the ship, Anakin was sleeping in the main room where the communications array was found, and it was not surprising that in the middle of the night he was awoken by the sound of a recording being played. He looked up and saw it was one of the handmaidens he had been introduced to as Padme. He remembered her because of the strange way he had noticed her looking at Serena.
As though sensing she is being watched she turned quickly to face him. She went over to him and kneeled down so she was eye level with him. She notices him shivering and wordlessly hands him her jacket. "You seem sad." He whispers to her. She nods looking thoughtful. "The Queen is...worried. Her people are suffering...dying. She must convince the Senate to intervene, or...I'm not sure what will happen." "I'm...I'm not sure what's going to happen to me." "You will become a jedi, or so I've heard." "I've noticed you treat Serena different then everyone else. Why is that?" Anakin asked his voice full of childlike curiosity. Padme smiled warmly before answering, her feelings for the tiny, silver-haired girl plainly displayed on her face.
"Serenity has had many hardships in life. Her master told me that he found her all alone on a planet in another galaxy, where her family had been killed. She was only 7 at the time. She was taken to the jedi temple and has trained there ever since. She is a very special girl and I'm lucky to know her." Anakin noticed tears forming In Padme's eyes and decided not to push the matter even though he was sure there was something more to the story then what anyone was telling him.
After talking for a while more, the two friends fell asleep and a peaceful atmosphere entered the ship, only to be broken when an unearthly scream filled the ship waking up everyone. Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon each raced towards Serena's room where the screaming was coming from, and stopped outside the door, followed closely by Anakin, Padme, Jar-Jar, and R2. The 2 jedi ordered everyone to stand back as they carefully opened the door. The screaming had stopped and in its place was heart wrenching sobbing.
A bright silver light illuminated the room, and there on the bed was the source of the noise. Serena was huddled in the fetal position, sobbing and moaning, her crescent moon shining a brilliant yellow color. They silently approached her and sat on the bed, enveloping her in a bear hug, and whispering reassurances. As everyone watched on in concern for the small girl, Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan tried talking to her.
"Serena, what happened?" asked Qui-Gon in a soothing voice. "I h-ad a-a-a nightmare." She stuttered. They exchanged a look. She hadn't had a nightmare since that first month at the temple. "What was it about Renny?" Obi-Wan asked gently. "It w-as aw- ful..."
///Dream///:
Serenity was back on the moon watching her 7-year-old self playing in the gardens, a sense of dread filling her as she knew what would happen next. "Little Serena" was chasing a butterfly when she doubled over, clamping her hands over her ears, obviously in pain. She managed to drag herself into the throne room, but stopped when she heard yelling and screaming inside. Serenity watched helplessly as "Little Serena" peered into the throne room to be met with a terrifying site. There was blood everywhere. Her mother was at the center of the room ordering a dark figure to leave. The shadow only laughed and brought out his blood red light saber. Serenity screamed as she saw her mother sliced in two by the fatal blow. She heard "little Serena" scream in horror and suddenly everything went black. When she opened her eyes, she found herself surrounded by fog. She heard a voice from somewhere nearby. "The future must be saved. The princess must be found. Time and fate must run their course. She must be found. We must preserve the future!" The voice was familiar but it gave her a bad feeling in the pit of her stomach. The last images that she saw before she woke up screaming were a sun, a moon and a cloaked figure with a blood red light saber.
As Serena finished recounting her tale a look of horror and dawning realization crossed the jedis' faces. 'We must speak to the council.' All three jedi agreed.
How did y'all like that chapter? I need feedback!!!
Flames will be used to roast my marshmallows! Sincerely, Moon Kitty
Chapter 12: Race won, but bad things ahead
After the race:
A disbelieving Qui-Gon exchanged glances with an uncomfortable Serena, as the announcer informed the crowds of what they already knew young Anakin Skywalker had just won the race. 'I suppose his mother was right, he was meant to help us." Serena murmured doubtfully, earning a suspicious glance from Qui-Gon. He seemed ready to question her on the matter, but she raced towards Anakin, who was already being congratulated by his mother, Jar Jar and R2-D2. Qui-Gon decided to let the matter be, and swiftly followed her, using the force to gently part the crowds.
"Well done Anakin," Qui-Gon said, smiling slightly, "we knew you could do it!" Anakin blushed, "I told you I would help you." "Yes you did."
As the happy group began making there way towards the slave quarters, they failed to notice two hover- droids following them. Serena shivered slightly, but brushed it off.
"Serenity, Jar-Jar, R2-D2, I want you to head back to the ship and tell Obi-Wan to install the parts, I'll follow as soon as I tie up a few loose ends." "Yes master," Serena replied obediently before turning to Anakin and Shmi. "May the force be with you." 'May the moon and the stars protect you.' She added silently. Then she turned and left, closely followed by Jar- Jar and R2.
As Serena and the others exit the small town, she notices out of the corner of her eye a gleam of silver on the horizon, but as soon as it had appeared it vanished. The feeling of dread in the pit of her stomach multiplied tenfold.
Qui-Gon turned to face Anakin and Shmi. "I have some good news for you, Anakin has been freed." Anakin jumps for joy, but a look of dawning realization crosses Shmi's face, and unbeknownst to him, tears begin to form in her eyes. "Did you hear that, Mom?!" an ecstatic Anakin exclaims. "Now you can make your dreams come true, Annie. You're free!" she murmurs, fighting back tears. "Will you take him with you? Is he to become a Jedi?" she asks, turning to Qui-Gon. "Our meeting was not a coincidence," he begins calmly, "Nothing happens by accident. You are strong with the Force, but you may not be accepted by the Council." "A Jedi! Mighty blasters, you mean I get to go with you in your starship and everything?!" Anakin shouts joyously, not quite grasping the gravity of the situation. Qui-Gon smiled thoughtfully. "Anakin, training to be a Jedi will not be an easy challenge. And if you succeed, it will be a hard life." Anakin put on a puppy dogface, turning to his mother. "But it's what I want. What I've always dreamed about. Can I go, Mom?!" Sensing Shmi's sadness, Qui-Gon decided to take charge of the situation. "This path has been placed for you, Annie; the choice to take it is yours alone." "I want to go." he responded immediately. "Then, pack your things. We haven't much time."
Anakin hugs his mom and starts for the other room, then stops. His mother and Qui-Gon give each other a knowing look. Anakin gives Qui-Gon an imploring look. "What about Mom? Is she free too? You're coming, aren't you, Mom?" Shmi comes over to her son and sits next to him. Taking both of his hands in hers, she draws him close. "Son, my place is here. My future is here. It is time for you to let go...to let go of me. I cannot go with you." "I want to stay with you. I don't want things to change." He persists. Shmi just shook her head sadly. "You can't stop change any more than you can stop the suns from setting. Listen to your feelings; Annie, you know what's right."
Anakin takes a deep breath, drops his head. When he looks up, there are tears in his eyes. "I'm going to miss you so much, Mom..." "I love you, Annie...now hurry." As Anakin raced off into his room she turned to Qui- Gon. "Thank you." "I will watch after him. You have my word. Will you be all right?" "I will, but please take care of him.
A few moments later Anakin raced out of his room, a pack slung over his shoulder. "Take care of Threepio for me mum. I love you." "No matter where you are, my love will be with you. Now be brave, and don't look back... don't look back." They hugged for a moment, and then Anakin followed Qui- Gon through the door.
//Back on the ship//:
The parts have been installed and Serena is sitting worriedly watching for any sign of her master. 'What's wrong Ren?' demands concerned Obi-Wan over their bond. 'I've had this horrible feeling ever since we've landed here. First with that boy and now, it feels as though we're being watched.' 'You know how sensitive you are to others thoughts and emotions. This place is full of gamblers and slavers, and you're not used to being surrounded by this much negative energy.' He murmured, wrapping a reassuring arm around her. She shook her head negatively. 'No, it's not that! I sense a dark force somewhere nearby, and I know something bad is going to happen.' With that said the two padawans sat together, senses on alert as they waited for their master to return.
A short while later, Serena and Obi-Wan sense there master approaching, along with something they didn't recognize. Suddenly a dark presence fills their senses. To Serena it felt as though the room was closing in around her and with a moan she slumped to the ground. Luckily Obi-Wan caught her. 'Master! You must hurry!' Obi-Wan calls through their bond, concern for Serena radiating off him.
Hearing the desperate call from his padawan, Qui-Gon breaks into a run, dragging Anakin with him. "Master Qui-Gon, sir, wait!" an exhausted Anakin pleaded. As Qui-Gon turned to answer he saw a dark cloaked figure bearing down on a speeder bike. "Anakin, drop!" Anakin drops to the ground just as the figure sweeps over him. It jumped off its speeder bike, and before it hit the ground, it had a glowing red light saber whipped out. "Annie, get to the ship! Take off! Go! Go!" Qui-Gon ordered as he blocked blow after blow. Anakin raced to the ship.
When he reached the ship, Anakin raced through the hallway and almost collided with a distraught Obi-Wan carrying Serena. "Qui-Gon's in trouble. He says to take off...now!!" "Who are you?" demand a suspicious Obi-Wan, shielding Serena from the boys view. He shook his head slightly. "We don't have time for this." He growled before heading towards the cockpit gently cradling Serena in his arms. Anakin trailed behind him.
"Qui-Gon is in trouble, he says to take off!" Obi-Wan orders the pilot. "I don't see anything." "Over there! Fly low!" the padawan shouts pointing towards a small cloud of dust.
Qui-Gon and the cloaked figure continue their sword battle. Leaping over one another in an incredible display of acrobatics, the two warriors hear the ship fly over them a few feet off the ground. Qui-Gon leaps onto the ramp of the ship and begins to back into the safety of the craft. The ramp closes, and the Naboo craft rockets away, leaving the figure standing alone.
As the sleek spacecraft rockets away from the planet Tatooine, an exhausted Qui-Gon leans against a bulkhead and turns to face the concerned gaze of Anakin. "Are you all right?!" the boy exclaims. "I think so... that was a surprise I wont soon forget."
'Master.' He hears a voice over his bond. He turns to face Obi-Wan who is carrying Serena princess style. Her crescent moon was shining brighter then usual on her forehead. "She just collapsed, Obi-Wan explained. "We should probably let her wake of her own accord." Obi-Wan nodded slightly.
"What was it?" he asked suddenly. "I don't know... but he was well trained in the Jedi arts. My guess is he was after the Queen..." he responded thoughtfully. "Do you think he'll follow us?" Obi-Wan asked. "We'll be safe enough once we're in hyperspace, but I have no doubt he knows our destination." "What are we going to do about it?" a small voice demanded form behind them. They turned to face Anakin who had been forgotten in all the confusion. "We will be patient." Qui-Gon began slowly, "Anakin Skywalker, meet my padawans Obi- Wan Kenobi and Serenity Tsuki who I believe you've already met." "Pleased to meet you. Wow! You're a Jedi too?" he exclaims excitedly shaking Obi- Wan's hand who in return gives him a skeptical look. Anakin looks up in awe, for the first time taking a look at the amazing ship he's currently speeding through hyperspace on.
After taking Anakin on a tour of the ship and introducing him to everyone as his master had ordered him to, Obi-Wan decided to go check and see if Serena had awakened. She appeared to be sleeping soundly so he kissed her on the forehead, tucked her in and left quietly.
Because there was no spare room on the ship, Anakin was sleeping in the main room where the communications array was found, and it was not surprising that in the middle of the night he was awoken by the sound of a recording being played. He looked up and saw it was one of the handmaidens he had been introduced to as Padme. He remembered her because of the strange way he had noticed her looking at Serena.
As though sensing she is being watched she turned quickly to face him. She went over to him and kneeled down so she was eye level with him. She notices him shivering and wordlessly hands him her jacket. "You seem sad." He whispers to her. She nods looking thoughtful. "The Queen is...worried. Her people are suffering...dying. She must convince the Senate to intervene, or...I'm not sure what will happen." "I'm...I'm not sure what's going to happen to me." "You will become a jedi, or so I've heard." "I've noticed you treat Serena different then everyone else. Why is that?" Anakin asked his voice full of childlike curiosity. Padme smiled warmly before answering, her feelings for the tiny, silver-haired girl plainly displayed on her face.
"Serenity has had many hardships in life. Her master told me that he found her all alone on a planet in another galaxy, where her family had been killed. She was only 7 at the time. She was taken to the jedi temple and has trained there ever since. She is a very special girl and I'm lucky to know her." Anakin noticed tears forming In Padme's eyes and decided not to push the matter even though he was sure there was something more to the story then what anyone was telling him.
After talking for a while more, the two friends fell asleep and a peaceful atmosphere entered the ship, only to be broken when an unearthly scream filled the ship waking up everyone. Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon each raced towards Serena's room where the screaming was coming from, and stopped outside the door, followed closely by Anakin, Padme, Jar-Jar, and R2. The 2 jedi ordered everyone to stand back as they carefully opened the door. The screaming had stopped and in its place was heart wrenching sobbing.
A bright silver light illuminated the room, and there on the bed was the source of the noise. Serena was huddled in the fetal position, sobbing and moaning, her crescent moon shining a brilliant yellow color. They silently approached her and sat on the bed, enveloping her in a bear hug, and whispering reassurances. As everyone watched on in concern for the small girl, Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan tried talking to her.
"Serena, what happened?" asked Qui-Gon in a soothing voice. "I h-ad a-a-a nightmare." She stuttered. They exchanged a look. She hadn't had a nightmare since that first month at the temple. "What was it about Renny?" Obi-Wan asked gently. "It w-as aw- ful..."
///Dream///:
Serenity was back on the moon watching her 7-year-old self playing in the gardens, a sense of dread filling her as she knew what would happen next. "Little Serena" was chasing a butterfly when she doubled over, clamping her hands over her ears, obviously in pain. She managed to drag herself into the throne room, but stopped when she heard yelling and screaming inside. Serenity watched helplessly as "Little Serena" peered into the throne room to be met with a terrifying site. There was blood everywhere. Her mother was at the center of the room ordering a dark figure to leave. The shadow only laughed and brought out his blood red light saber. Serenity screamed as she saw her mother sliced in two by the fatal blow. She heard "little Serena" scream in horror and suddenly everything went black. When she opened her eyes, she found herself surrounded by fog. She heard a voice from somewhere nearby. "The future must be saved. The princess must be found. Time and fate must run their course. She must be found. We must preserve the future!" The voice was familiar but it gave her a bad feeling in the pit of her stomach. The last images that she saw before she woke up screaming were a sun, a moon and a cloaked figure with a blood red light saber.
As Serena finished recounting her tale a look of horror and dawning realization crossed the jedis' faces. 'We must speak to the council.' All three jedi agreed.
How did y'all like that chapter? I need feedback!!!
Flames will be used to roast my marshmallows! Sincerely, Moon Kitty
