by Julie the Tall Terror tall_terror@hotmail.com
Summary: Sequel to "If I Don't Catch You" and "I Won't Fail You". You must read those stories to fully understand this one. Anakin is 14 years old and has learned and suffered much during his first year as a Padawan, but now he must face a greater challenge, regaining Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan's trust. Rated PG-13 for violence Begun on February 19, 2001 and completed on March 30, 2001 Revised December 2001
Dedicated to my wonderful brother, Jonathan, who suddenly gave me a new monitor and wouldn't let me pay him for it. :)
Alternate site with fanart for this story at: fanfic.theforce.net
Part 3 of 4
At first, both boys were speechless. Anakin slouched, cradling his left arm and shoulder. He had to be careful not to fall on the shards of pottery around him. Lavir remained hunched on the floor staring at his and Anakin's lightsabers lying in Yoda's hands. Yoda waited for them to calm themselves and collect their thoughts.
In the mean time, Yoda surveyed the damage. The dark side was often very difficult to detect clearly, but anger was one of the exceptions; it couldn't be hidden or disguised. The level of anger vibrating from the room could only be of the dark side. In addition, all of the clues pointing to a typical dark side brawl were plain to see. The room itself was in shambles; not even the walls escaping damage. What few hanging plants and vines that remained intact were already wilting away and would die soon after because the dark side had poisoned them.
The teenagers didn't look much better than their surroundings. Only the fact that neither had broken or missing limbs prevented Yoda from taking them both to the infirmary immediately. Lavir was definitely the worst off of the two. He had many scorch marks on his clothes and blood was beginning to seep through on his right forearm and on his back from the wounds caused by the pots that broke when hitting him.
Anakin had fared a little better. He had numerous burns from Lavir's lightsaber and was holding his arm very carefully. His face was very white and growing paler.
Yoda decided he'd waited long enough, "In great peril you both are, for the dark side will destroy you."
Without warning Anakin gagged and vomited on the floor. He fell to his knees and dry-heaved. Yoda offered him no assistance and Lavir looked like he was close to losing his stomach's contents as well.
"A Trial of Life, this is. One of many to endure, you will," Yoda explained to them. "Failed, both of you have."
Yoda hobbled over to Lavir. "Elder you are, Padawan Ruoy. Speak."
Anakin recovered enough to move back and sit against the wall. Lavir gulped and moved his mouth, but for a moment, no sound came out. "Anakin accused me of doing something that angered him. I don't know what. He attacked first and I defended myself."
"See that, I can," Yoda answered wryly.
That statement only served to make Lavir look sicker. "I did tell him that our fighting wasn't appropriate and I tried to leave, but he wouldn't let me."
Oh, sure, make me look as bad as you can, Anakin thought bitterly. He struggled to not interrupt.
"Oh," Yoda's ears rose up slightly. "And fight how long before thinking to stop did you?"
"I.." Lavir stammered. "I was busy trying to protect myself..."
"Elder by five years, you are! Responsible, you are, to stop such foolishness at the start!"
Somehow Lavir managed to look even more miserable.
"More to this there is," Yoda said. "Angered you greatly, Anakin did."
"He insulted my master."
Yoda waited for Lavir to say more, but he didn't.
If he won't tell him I will! Anakin glared across the room at Lavir. And I won't distort it like he would.
"Padawan Skywalker, begin."
Finally! Anakin sat up straighter. "Lavir knows that my masters left me here on purpose."
Yoda quickly looked back at Lavir. "Know why, do you?"
Lavir jumped at the sudden urgency in Yoda's voice. "No, I don't!"
Lavir stared as Yoda visibly relaxed. Anakin continued. "All day the others have been avoiding me and whispering about me. Lavir is the only one who could have told them!"
"I didn't tell them!" Lavir bellowed.
"Speak out of turn, you will not," Yoda answered sternly. "Truth he speaks, Anakin."
Anakin sagged against the wall, still irritated, but most of his anger had drained away. And I thought I was in big trouble already.
"So, revenge you took."
Anakin just nodded. The after effects of using the dark side were making his head spin and his stomach still churned from ceasing to use it.
"You infuriated Lavir. How?"
Anakin was stumped. Should I tell him all of it? Lavir will just get madder at me if I do. I've blown it enough as it is. If he isn't punished enough for his part in this fight, then I'll tell.
"I said that his master always takes his side of things and that she lets him get away with stuff he shouldn't. I didn't exactly insult Master Tcirts-ton directly."
Yoda decided that he'd heard enough. "Unacceptable this behavior is. Speak more of this later, I will."
"Master Yoda," Lavir said humbly, "my actions were not those of a Jedi and I will strive to never repeat this mistake again."
"Uh," Anakin mumbled, "me, too. He just had to think of another way to make me look worse, Anakin grumbled to himself.
"To the Healers go, Lavir," Yoda instructed. "Remain there until your master comes. Speak of this to no one but her."
Lavir slowly dragged himself up off the floor. Giving Yoda an awkward bow, he stiffly left the room without another word.
"Turn this meditation room into a battleground you did!" Yoda exclaimed once Lavir was out of hearing range.
Anakin didn't even try to not glower at Yoda. There is no way I'm going to sit through more lecturing from him right now!
"I need to see the healers too, you know!"
"Come." Yoda sighed and stepped around the broken pottery as he made his way to the exit. "Be out of my sight for even a minute, you can not!"
Anakin despondently followed as they slowly made their way to his quarters. Yoda's time-consuming hobble always made it irritating for Anakin to match. Today it felt even more like mincing. As he'd known, each time they encountered Padawans or even a few Knights, they hushed their discussion. However, they always did that in respect or in the case of the Padawans, awe of Yoda. So, Anakin couldn't tell if all the Padawans were still talking about him or not.
Kaely greeted them cheerfully at the door and was disappointed that they didn't return it. She hovered quietly as Yoda shuffled past to sit in his low chair and Anakin sat on the floor. Abruptly she squealed and darted at her master.
"What?" Anakin asked in exasperation.
The pink droid flew around him and extended one of her tiny arms to point at the various injuries on his body. She flashed her eyes at him.
"Yeah, I'm beat up, but I'll be fine," Anakin explained.
She clucked at him in aggravation, but managed to refrain from out right scolding him. Anakin ignored her.
"More to this there is," Yoda insisted. "Tell me you will."
Well, it's a direct order, so I've got to, Anakin rationalized. He ignored the voice in the back of his mind, that oddly sounded a lot like Obi-Wan, reminding him that he'd disobeyed direct orders before without hesitating. However, the prospect of Lavir getting punished was too tempting.
"I was furious that I thought Lavir had told everyone and the way he pretended to remember that our fighting was wrong just made things worse. He only said that because he was losing," Anakin grumbled.
"Know that I do."
"Right. I told him he was no better than I. You see, he always acts like he is so much better than everyone else and has treated not just me, but a lot of the others like we weren't worthy of his notice."
"To the point you will get."
"Uh huh, I reminded him about how he used the dark side once and got away with it."
That got Yoda's full attention.
It'll be fine. Anakin reminded himself. It's not like Lavir's in danger of being kicked out of the Temple or anything. Just getting the punishment he deserves. "Lavir used mind tricks to try to seduce a girl, about two years ago, but his master stopped him. Lavir felt like I was insulting Master Tcirts-ton, because I said she didn't really punish him for it."
"Know that I did not," Yoda murmured.
"Yeah, Master Tcirts-ton didn't want to risk anyone finding out. She even mind-wiped the girl!"
"And know this, how do you?"
Anakin froze. I am so stupid.
Yoda waited, but not long. "Spy on Lavir and Master Tcirts-ton as discuss it they did?"
"No, sir. Not exactly."
"Your droid did then?"
"No!" Anakin exclaimed. If he thinks Kaely did it, they'll make me get rid of her! Kaely panicked as she finally understood what Yoda said and darted around to hide behind Anakin's back. She peeked at Yoda from over Anakin's shoulder and screeched indignantly at the wizened master.
"Kaely doesn't have anything to do with this," Anakin sulked. "I saw it in Lavir's mind."
Yoda looked skeptical. "Strong enough to break through Lavir's shields, you are not yet. Even with the dark side."
"I didn't have to, his mental shields were down."
"Notice your intrusion he should have."
"He was unconscious."
Yoda had enough of Anakin's evasiveness. "Explain from the beginning!"
"Months ago, during the glowing incident in the dining hall, Lavir and a bunch of other Padawans were all knocked out and stuck inside the glow range."
"Remember this I do," Yoda encouraged him in a softer tone.
"I started seeing things from their minds. It was happening very fast and it hurt, so I stopped it as quick as I could. I don't remember much of what I saw," Anakin's voice trailed off.
"And then, chose to see more of Lavir's memories, you did."
Well, there goes my hope that he'd assume I only saw things once by accident. Anakin sighed.
Anakin opened his mouth to defend his reasons, but Yoda cut him off. "Try to justify using the dark side, do not!"
Anakin flinched.
"Good reason they had," Yoda almost whispered and then looked back up at Anakin. "To leave you here."
Anakin only blinked at Yoda in confusion.
"Sensed, your masters did, that something very wrong, there was. Gave you a chance to confess."
Anakin thought back to just before Obi-Wan and Master Qui-Gon left. "They kept saying that there was something that they had to find out before it would be safe to take me on missions again. But I didn't know what they meant."
"If concealed something you did, stay to find out they would have," Yoda explained. "Yet confused you were, so they felt safe to leave you."
"Separate you from Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan again we will not," Yoda told him wearily. "Too much..."
Yoda didn't finish his sentence, but he didn't need to. Anakin knew what he was saying. I'm too much for you to keep out of trouble.
"To the Council this must go. Remain here."
As Yoda left, Anakin slouched in despair with only Kaely to keep him company.
Anakin spent most of the hours stretched out on the floor by the holo-terminal waiting for Yoda to call him. Kaely hovered protectively nearby. He had plenty of time to think about his actions and was rather surprised at how long it took before true guilt and regret set in.
"Kaely, what have I done to myself?"
The droid really had no way of helping. She could only give a few mournful beeps.
"How am I ever going to prove that I am worthy to be a Jedi?" The one thing Anakin didn't fear was being expelled entirely. No, they won't risk losing me now that they are so sure I'm the Chosen One. Especially after this mess I've caused. They'll be really watching me now.
However, Anakin had good reason to fret just the same. "They might still send me away from the Temple, though. Master Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan could take me away somewhere that I can't hurt anyone and not bring me back until after they were confident that I'm not dangerous anymore."
Anakin groaned. "I hope I haven't wrecked things that badly. I like living here."
As he thought about his predicament, Kaely suddenly flew into view and dropped an object on Anakin's chest. Instantly, she darted away.
"Hey!" Anakin yelped as she returned with a second that landed on his head this time. "What are you doing?!"
Anakin sat up to examine the items. One was a package of dried meat and the other was a cleaning sponge. He turned around as Kaely dumped a stringy looking red vegetable in his lap and zipped back to the kitchen. As Anakin watched in confusion, she randomly selected yet another thing from the cabinet. This time it was a heavy sack of bread. It weighted the little droid down and she labored to carry it to him.
Finally the answer came to him. "Kaely, thanks for trying to help, but I'm not very hungry."
She dropped the bread on the floor beside him and squawked. Drifting down to the pile of stuff, she hauled up the sponge. Kaely beeped insistently.
"I know I should eat, but I can't eat that. It's not food."
Kaely moaned at him and released the sponge, letting it fall to the ground.
"Yes, I know that I use other stuff to help me eat, but that isn't one of them," Deciding to humor her, Anakin pulled out some of the bread. "There, happy now?"
She cooed at him pleasantly and flew over to land on the arm of Yoda's chair. Anakin stretched back out on the floor and resumed pouring out his thoughts and feelings to his droid.
"I'll have to apologize to Lavir for accusing him falsely and for the dark side stuff I did months ago," Anakin mumbled between bites. "That will help some, but I'm still going to be really punished for this."
Kaely gave an electronic sigh. She was getting good at answering sympathetically at all the right times.
The console finally beeped. Anakin looked at the flashing light soberly before keying the message, but he already knew what it was. The Council had summoned him.
The Anakin Skywalker that arrived at the Council Chambers late that evening was humble and very stressed out. I haven't felt this deserted in years. Anakin thought as he made the suddenly very long walk to the center of the room. There were only seven members of the Council present and Anakin wasn't sure if that would be a good thing or if it might work to his disadvantage. Being confined to quarters had given Anakin plenty of time to dread facing the Council's ire.
Lavir and his master were already there and from the looks of it, had been for some time. Lucky guy. I don't have my masters here to defend me.
Lavir's master was the same height as her Padawan and very strong looking. She had a motherly feel to her in Lavir's memories that Anakin had seen, but of course Master Tcirts-ton's demeanor towards Anakin was only cold.
Anakin had to struggle to pull his eyes from the floor to meet Lavir's gaze. "I apologize for my cruel actions, Lavir. They were not only unjustified, but also made in anger. Please forgive me."
"Of course," Lavir answered quietly. "Likewise I ask that you forgive me for setting a bad example. I could have prevented this from getting out of control if I'd only heeded my training."
Anakin blinked in surprise. He's apologizing to me?! And Yoda made it look like he didn't do anything wrong.
"Both of you are forbidden from speaking of this entire brawl and its repercussions with anyone other than your own masters," Mace announced. "However, we will not allow you to avoid each other. You must learn to put this behind you and move on without resentment. Over time you two will be required to work as a team on a variety of projects and possibly on missions. These ongoing tests will show whether or not you have overcome this and learned to cooperate."
Lavir suddenly looked very relieved and Anakin had to fight to not glance suspiciously at him. Master Tcirts-ton never said a word as Mace dismissed her and Lavir. No mention was made of Lavir's past use of the dark side and likewise they did not discuss Anakin's infraction from months ago. Anakin waited stiffly for the Council to speak again now that they had him alone.
"Your punishment for this will be decided by your masters when they return, Padawan Skywalker," Mace said formally. "Until then, you are restricted from all other extra activities. You will not join the other Padawans at lunch and your afternoon free time will be spent in more training."
"Yes, sir."
Anakin was grateful that the Council wasn't taking his punishment into their own hands. I can live without my friends. I'm not close to any of them and they are all avoiding me right now anyway. And I know that Master Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan will be fair. Anakin was very surprised when Mace continued speaking instead of dismissing him like he expected.
"We have determined that the punishment Padawan Ruoy underwent was sufficient at the time, however he must be re-evaluated. This evaluation he will undergo is comparable to a shorter and less intense version of the Trials."
Anakin jerked in surprise. They didn't have to tell me this, but I'm glad they did.
The first two days of Anakin's restriction were anything but dull. Yoda did everything he could to keep him too busy to get in trouble. Anakin found himself collapsing in exhaustion both nights and reluctantly being hauled out much earlier in the morning than he was used to. Yoda thought up some of the strangest tasks for Anakin to do, everything from spending hours crawling through ductwork doing maintenance, to seeing how long he could keep five objects levitated and various other irrelevant jobs.
And through it all, Yoda never once let Anakin out of his sensing range and rarely out of sight. Anakin was considerably relieved that Yoda told him that he could still attend the prophecy classes. Eagerly, Anakin followed the ancient master through the halls and was careful not to gripe about being escorted to class. He was actually surprised that Yoda wasn't going to sit in the back of the room to watch over him during the lesson. Yoda left him at the door and reminded Anakin that he'd return when the class ended.
Anakin entered the room with a smile on his face and was delighted to see that no one had arrived yet. Setting his datapad on a desk, Anakin put his head on his arms and prepared to take a short and much needed nap. With luck, he might even be able to get away with snoozing through the day's lesson.
A persistent whispering brought Anakin back to awareness. He raised his head to look groggily at those making the offending noise. There was a large group of the Padawans who attended the class all huddled by the door. They hushed the moment they realized he was watching them.
Oh joy, even the older Padawans are shunning me. By now Anakin was past caring. Well, so long as they do their gossiping over there I'll be able to sleep.
Anakin dropped his head back down and shut his eyes. He jerked when he felt a hand on his shoulder. Anakin looked up again, but this time one of the other students had left the group. She drew her hand away quickly and looked very nervous, but much bolder than her comrades huddled by the exit.
"Is it true?"
Anakin blinked at her. Oh, great now I gotta confirm or deny the rumors that my masters left me behind because they don't trust me? Can't they just leave me alone? I don't know if I'd really be able to do any damage control at this point. They've had too many days to discuss it.
Visibly gathering her courage the young woman continued. "Everyone has just been going crazy wanting to know. We don't dare ask our masters, they'd just tell us that it's none of our business," she prattled. "We've tried to be patient. Please, could you tell us?"
"Just say yes or no, and I won't bother you about it again!" she added quickly when she saw Anakin grimace.
Deciding that just telling the truth would have to do, Anakin answered her in a miserable tone that he hoped didn't sound whiney, "Yes."
Her reaction was nothing like he anticipated. She stumbled backward and actually tripped over her own feet. The clump of Padawans by the door gasped loudly in almost perfect unison. Anakin stood to help the young woman back to her feet. She stared up at him with wide eyes and tried to speak again, but no sound passed through her lips. The commotion at the back of the room grew more intense and the door opened and closed several times.
"He's what?!"
While the girl went to join the others, Lavir Ruoy bounded past the Padawans and stopped one row of chairs behind Anakin. Anakin felt both agitated and reassured to see him. So, Lavir passed that evaluation or he wouldn't be here. But I think the Council knew he would. At least I don't have to worry about Lavir getting thrown out of the Temple and coming after me to get revenge later.
"I just heard today," Lavir said breathlessly. "I couldn't believe it."
"I..." Anakin tried to speak.
Lavir stepped forward and in a hoarse whisper asked, "This is what sparked our fight?
"Lavir." Anakin glanced at the still chattering crowd and also whispered. "I still don't know what's going on."
Lavir's eyebrows nearly went to his hairline. "Well, then let me inform you!"
Lavir backed up a little and raised his voice so that the others could hear. "In the last several months, almost a year, some have noticed that you seem to spend a lot of time with the members of the High Council."
The rest of the class drew closer as Lavir spoke. They could always count on Lavir to be audacious enough to find out the things they wouldn't dare. Anakin begin to feel a little claustrophobic as they came nearer.
"And a few months ago, rumors began that you are being personally trained by each of them, Anakin."
Anakin looked sharply and accusingly at Lavir.
"But it wasn't me!" Lavir insisted. "I don't know who found out first. I did see proof myself later, but despite that, I didn't confirm the rumor," Lavir told him carefully.
That, Anakin could believe. Lavir would have preferred that no one knew. It wasn't to his advantage. Well, the Council won't like this, but it's not my fault.
"Yes, I have been getting extra lessons from the Council, but its only because I need them!" Anakin explained.
Lavir gave him a scathing look. "Yes, it is clear that you do."
Anakin did his best to ignore Lavir's tone. "It really is none of your business," Anakin said.
The group resumed murmuring anyway and seemed oblivious to the way Lavir and Anakin were glaring at each other. Leaning forward over a chair an excited young man interrupted, "Yes, Lavir is right, as the Chosen One, you do need plenty of special training."
Anakin became very still and didn't breathe. Why... how did... when? he thought incoherently.
The students quieted suddenly and Anakin recovered his voice. "You aren't supposed to know that." He struggled to keep calm. And because I said yes earlier when that girl asked 'if it was true' I've already confirmed it!
However, only half the Padawans heard him. The rest were looking at the door where the instructor was standing with empty arms and a pile of datacards lying at her feet. Datacards that contained the quiz for the lesson about the Prophesy of the Chosen One they'd learned the previous weeks.
Realizing that she'd probably heard everything, Anakin jumped to his feet. Unable to control his growing panic any longer, he bolted past everyone and into the hall.
Lavir's initial outburst in the classroom now made more sense to Anakin, as did everyone else's odd reactions. It was no wonder that everyone had avoided him that morning four days ago. They were too shocked that it might be true and too respectful of his feelings to directly ask.
Or maybe they were just too timid. It's amazing that Suoicarg and Elbaima actually had the courage to sit with me at lunch.
Anakin dashed through the corridors heedless of the stares. He completely ignored the few hastily shouted reprimands. Rudely, Anakin slid into a turbolift before a knight could enter and keyed the door shut. Alone and very irritated, Anakin fought to curb his impatience. If I could, I'd just hop out of a window and levitate to the Council Spire windows and go in that way. Too bad those windows don't open, Anakin fantasized.
Finally, the lift reached its destination and Anakin managed to refrain from bounding out. Stiffly, he stopped outside of the huge closed doors of the Council Chamber.
Master Qui-Gon made it look so easy. Just shove them open and boldly walk in like you own the place.
Anakin didn't move a muscle.
As it happened, he didn't have to barge in. Yoda, along with the rest of the Council, had sensed Anakin's hurried approach. Taking pity on the boy, one of the doors opened and Yoda hobbled out.
"We have a problem," Anakin began.
Once again, Anakin was in Yoda's quarters waiting. Yoda had listened to him with varying degrees of surprise and dismay. Anakin wasn't sure if he felt pleased or disgruntled that Yoda had sent him back to his quarters and had not included Anakin in their discussion on how to handle this. As he stretched out on his bed and dosed, Anakin chose relief. Let them figure it all out. If I tried I'd go mad.
Anakin returned to full alertness when he sensed Yoda finally arrive. He skittered out of bed and into the main room just as the door slid open. Yoda shuffled in carrying two items, a compactly folded wooden slat contraption and a ball of twine.
Yoda sat them on the floor where Anakin knelt. "Assemble the frame and this string, thread through the holes."
"Yes, Master Yoda," Anakin replied quietly and began following Yoda's instructions.
Yoda said no more and slowly made his way to the kitchen. He took his time preparing and brewing tea for himself. He's testing my patience again, Anakin thought. Fine, I can be patient. I've been patient all afternoon, a few more minutes won't hurt.
In the meantime, Kaely peeked out of Anakin's room. She was always wary of being in the apartment alone with Yoda and would stay close to Anakin most of the time. Seeing that Yoda's back was turned, she zipped into sight and flew over to her maker to examine what he was doing.
Kaely cheerfully helped assemble the frame. She had accompanied Anakin on all of the meaningless tasks Yoda had required him to do. Yoda had never barred her from assisting him, though admittedly she wasn't able to really help much. At last, Yoda apparently decided that he'd stalled long enough and slowly returned to Anakin. He sipped his tea in contemplation before speaking.
"Anticipate, we did not," Yoda began, "that discover, they would. Especially not the Padawans first."
"How did they all find out?"
"Unknown, but matters little of how," Yoda told him. "Perhaps later, find out we will. For now, focus on that they know, we must."
Anakin nodded. Yeah, but I don't think there is anything to be done. They know and they are going to keep gossiping about it for a while. Kaely snipped off a piece of the string and began threading it through one of the rows of tiny holes to help Anakin. She liked the colorful strands of the twine.
"Certain you are, that all Padawans in the Temple know?"
"Yes and they've had four days to talk, so its probably reached the Crèche by now."
"Little there is to do now. Inform all of the masters we must."
"Are they going to talk a lot about me, too?" Anakin asked woefully.
"Yes." Yoda didn't sound any happier. "For a time. Expect more from you they will. Harder to endure it will be."
Anakin took Yoda's warning seriously. Everything is going to be more difficult. And everyone will be watching me more closely now. From here on, my every mistake and failing will be on display and their usual politeness won't stop them from talking about it in length. Yoda's right, this is going to be terrible.
As Anakin thought about how he was going to deal with the next few days, Yoda turned to carry his cup back to the kitchen and stumbled. Anakin looked up from his work in surprise as Yoda regained his balance and thankfully didn't fall. The old master poked his gimer stick at a colorful thread stretching from the large wooden frame to his ankle. Anakin struggled to suppress a laugh as Yoda untied his foot.
Yoda didn't bother even accusing Anakin of the prank, he knew who the culprit was. Naturally, Kaely was nowhere to be seen. Returning his cup to the kitchen, Yoda quietly left for his own room.
"You can come out now."
From the tabard lapels over his tunic, the pink droid poked one little sensor out to check for sure that Yoda was gone before coming out.
"Kaely, I don't think anyone can trip Master Yoda," Anakin consoled her and grinned. "But it was a very good try."
The door chime rang and Anakin reluctantly stood up from his work. Probably someone from the Council. Anakin felt outward to determine who was there and grinned. He scrambled for the door at full speed and keyed it open.
Obi-Wan grinned back at him. "Hi, Ani! Miss us?"
"We wanted to surprise you," Qui-Gon added, also smiling broadly. The smile quickly faded as he sensed Anakin's mood.
"Tell us," he said quietly.
"This is a disaster."
Qui-Gon glanced at his friend murmuring quietly to himself. "A dilemma perhaps. I'd hardly consider it a disaster."
Obi-Wan shrugged absently. "I'd hoped they all wouldn't discover he is the Chosen One so soon."
"We must make the best of it," Qui-Gon couldn't help reminding him. "Have you heard how they learned of this yet?"
"No, and I don't expect to," Obi-Wan leaned against Anakin's worktable and crossed his arms. "It could have been something as simple as one of the Padawans seeing a vision of Ani. Or just one of his classmates in the prophecy class recognizing that Anakin's power makes him a likely candidate and thereby deducing that is why Ani was in the class despite his age. And though its very unlikely, someone could have overheard the Council or even us speaking, despite our caution."
"Regardless, it must be the will of the Force that they know now."
"And the Council doesn't like that."
"Unfortunate for them." Qui-Gon didn't smile, but the unwavering certainty in his voice was there. "They must accept it and move on. Their dislike will change nothing."
"We've not prepared Anakin to cope with it."
"Perhaps he is ready nonetheless." Qui-Gon walked to the largest window in their apartment. "He passed all of Master Yoda's tasks and irritations."
Yoda had tested Anakin constantly for days by plying the teenager with menial and bizarre tasks. It was encouraging that Anakin's reaction to the meaningless and humiliating work had proven that he was capable of patience and diligence.
"I still cannot think of a suitable punishment for his use of the dark side months ago and for attacking Padawan Ruoy."
"The Tournament is next week. We could bar Anakin from entering."
The annual lightsaber tournament was the biggest test of a Padawan's skill in saber combat. Teams of Jedi would arrive from all over the galaxy so that all the Padawans could compete, many of the masters and knights volunteering to test the best fighters.
"Ani would be more likely to see that as a blessing. Before we left he was worried he would be trounced by the older Padawans," Obi-Wan recalled. "Refusing to let him participate wouldn't be a punishment and as I recall, the tournament is a requirement."
The door opened and Anakin trudged in. As it closed behind him, he gave a long sigh of relief.
"And how are the masses behaving today?"
Anakin looked at Obi-Wan askance. "I think I preferred it when they were avoiding me."
Anakin stood in the walkway and looked nervously at his masters. They had quietly discussed his behavior all morning during training and afterward had stayed in the apartment and told Anakin to go to lunch. Waiting for the verdict was becoming very difficult.
"Anakin," Qui-Gon said, "if someone deliberately intruded into your memories, and then later attacked you with that knowledge, what punishment do you think they would deserve?"
Anakin tensed up and stared. Is he giving me a chance to choose my own, or is this another test? Anakin thought frantically. I have to answer honestly. If I try to make it lenient I'll have failed if it's a test.
"At first I'd want him to be expelled, though I know that wouldn't happen." Anakin voice was very strained. "I wouldn't trust him again for a long time and I'd want everyone to know what he'd done so that they wouldn't be fooled into trusting him. I wouldn't want to even see him, so I'd want to send him away." Anakin's voice became quieter as he told them his worst fear. "I'd put him someplace like the Agri-corps and wouldn't let him come back to the Temple until I was sure it was safe."
Anakin waited with his head bowed. He didn't see the looks of approval on his masters' faces and for a moment didn't sense their relief through the training bond due to his own emotional turmoil.
"You must focus on overcoming your weaknesses, Ani," Obi-Wan told him. "However, we don't have to lock you away somewhere to do that and everyone does not need to know."
"We will put you through a strict regimen of tests and training, but how long this takes will depend on you giving it your full attention," Qui-Gon said. "We must work on your snap judgments, anger, your tendency to not depend on others when you need to. And yes even your discomfort with being the Chosen One is a weakness that can destroy you. Most of all, we're concerned that you do not recognize the dark side until after you've used it."
Qui-Gon took a breath and Obi-Wan continued for him. "You will have no time to work on your droid or any of your other mechanical projects while training to conquer these failings. And it will remain this way until you succeed, no matter how long it takes. However, you will still have a little time to be with your friends. We will not allow you to avoid the other Padawans entirely."
"Teaching you these lessons here at the Temple is insufficient," Qui-Gon explained. "You will learn best by experiencing and seeing the example of how the galaxy fails and succeeds with these same struggles. Provided you heed our orders and cease learning the hard way you will accompany us on missions."
"Thank you." Anakin managed to smile weakly. "I'll box up my droid stuff today." They could see that the loss of his passion for mechanics pained him, but Anakin was willing. He went to his room to begin emptying all of the extra tools and parts in his cabinets.
"You were right. He needs to be seriously tested," Obi-Wan pointed out quietly. "I feel that it should be on our next mission if possible." Obi-Wan looked at Qui-Gon knowingly, but didn't say what he was thinking.
"Yes. It will be a harsh ordeal for him." Qui-Gon gazed out the window at Coruscant's brilliant mid-day bustle. They had discussed this test while they were away from the Temple, but had hoped that they would not need to put Anakin through it.
"Ani may wish we'd just given him a simpler punishment instead once he learns of this test," Obi-Wan said sorrowfully.
"I know he will," Qui-Gon answered. "But it must be done."
Anakin sat on the bleachers watching the battles raging across the arena floor. He was high enough to see the entire area. Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan had explained the rules of the Tournament and what to expect a few days ago. So far, Anakin hadn't decided if he was despising it or not.
Today was one of the Adapting days, also known as the first round. Obi-Wan had said that there were actually three rounds, but you were only required to attend the first. The day before they sorted everyone by age and drew lots on who each Padawan would fight against. Everyone was required to duel five opponents and the rotation would continue until all had done so. This was so the masters could see what their Padawan's strengths and weaknesses were against various opponents and styles.
There weren't many people in the stands, just the Padawans who had already fought, or would fight soon and several masters watching them. Anakin, like a few others, was watching one of his friends while waiting for his turn. Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon would come to observe him then.
"Hello Anakin!"
Anakin turned to see Suoicarg bounding down the steps with a couple of others. He was surprised; she wasn't usually the enthusiastic type. "Hi," Anakin waved absently at her companions.
"Isn't it so exciting?" she almost gushed.
Anakin gave Suoicarg a worried look. Usually when girls acted like that around him, trouble was on the horizon. But she's sixteen, almost seventeen years old. Suoicarg isn't interested in me, I'm only fourteen. A small voice in the back of his mind reminded him that Padmé was much older, but Anakin squashed it.
"My master and I were worried we wouldn't get back to the Temple in time. I reached the second round last year and I really hope I'll qualify for the third this year."
Anakin relaxed. She's just happy about the tournament. Good.
"So, have you competed yet?"
Anakin glanced at the boy who spoke and couldn't recall his name. "Yes, I did this morning and I'm up again in about an hour."
"Did you win?"
"Yes."
Suoicarg patted her grayish hand on his back. "Good! I'm sure you'll reach the second round, at the very least!"
"Second round is for the good fighters who want extra fighting or something, right?" Anakin vaguely remembered Obi-Wan mentioning it.
Suoicarg looked blankly at him for a moment. "Oh, I remember now, you didn't attend last time?"
"I didn't know enough about lightsaber fighting to compete and I didn't get to watch because I was uh, recovering from one of the glowing problems," Anakin reluctantly told them. "They happened a lot back then."
The whole group murmured in sympathy. When did this become a group?! Suoicarg walked down with only two! Anakin thought in dismay as he noticed more people had joined.
"Well," Suoicarg said, "it's a special experience for good fighters, but it's not required. If you win three of your five duels you can put your name into the second round."
"Since you weren't here last year, you should know that the second round isn't seeded according to age," one of the Padawans interrupted. "Your name could be drawn to compete against a Padawan ten years older than you."
"You can duel only three times," Suoicarg continued. "If you win twice you get the honor of sparring with one of the knights or maybe even a master!"
Anakin wasn't impressed, but everyone else was clearly very eager. Suoicarg noticed his lack of interest and so decided to elaborate.
"You see, Anakin, this is the only chance most of us would ever have to spar against the best fighters. Like your masters for example. They are busy teaching you and going out on missions. So even years from now when you and I are knights, I still would probably never get an opportunity to ever spar with one of them."
"You'd want to duel against my masters?" Anakin said the words with a sardonic tinge to them.
The response from the assembled Padawans was unanimous agreement.
"Ani," his friend persisted. "Many of us would love to spar with them, just once. If I make it to the third round this year, I'll request to spar with Knight Kenobi. I know I'd lose against him, but it's such a great honor."
"I guess I can see how that would be an honor, though I wouldn't describe it that way myself."
"Oh?"
"Grueling, would be more accurate," Anakin told them. "Torture, would also apply."
Suoicarg just smiled knowingly at him. Suddenly below, one of the competing Padawans crashed and skidded across the floor. He was a species Anakin didn't recognize that had four arms. His opponent, a tall human girl, helped him up and they bowed to each other.
Anakin blinked in surprised when he saw the boy collect two lightsabers from the floor, while the girl had only one. Ah, the masters are watching to see how we adapt to not just Padawans we've never sparred against, but their different styles and natural abilities for their species, Anakin realized. I've never fought with two sabers before and I don't know how to fight against someone who has two.
And Lavir has won this tournament for the last three years, Anakin remembered. "So, how do you win? Not eliminate everyone, I hope."
"Oh, no." Suoicarg looked a little confused. "The masters don't declare a winner, they frown on that sort of thing. But we keep score of how many times the best fighters win and if they win against a Knight it counts more. Usually, its obvious who has won the tournament."
One of the others in the group broke in. "The masters know we do this, but they've never done anything to discourage it. After all, they did it once themselves. Padawans have kept score for centuries at least, but it's always harmless."
Well, lets hope it stays that way, Anakin thought.
Anakin bowed politely to his opponent, "Thank you, Llew Thguof."
"Thank you, Anakin Skywalker," the girl beamed at him. "I was very pleased to spar with you, even though I knew I'd lose."
Anakin blinked rapidly and struggled to keep his face neutral. "Uh, you fought very well, winning wasn't easy for me."
As Anakin left the floor he turned so Llew couldn't see the look of surprise on his face. Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon were waiting for him by the bleachers. Anakin gratefully took the offered towel and water.
"Glad its over with?" Obi-Wan asked him.
"Yes."
Qui-Gon sat down. "Have you thought more about the second round?"
"Some."
"It would be a pity if you didn't compete," Obi-Wan said to encourage him. "You've won four of your five duels."
Anakin didn't look quite disgusted, but more like he had a bad taste in his mouth. Still, Obi-Wan couldn't help but laugh at his expression.
Even Qui-Gon was almost smirking at him. "It can't be that bad, Ani. You certainly looked like you were having fun."
"Okay, I guess I can join the second round tomorrow." Anakin glanced around as he suddenly remembered something, "Where's Kaely?"
Qui-Gon frowned. "She was here just as you began your last duel."
The two of them began to look around for her. Qui-Gon hunted through the stack of towels and other items to see if she was hiding in them while Anakin looked under the bleachers. Obi-Wan remained sitting on the bench.
"Obi-Wan." Anakin drew out his name in a low growl. "What did you do with her?"
"She wouldn't leave me alone and was distracting me from observing your match!"
Qui-Gon looked down at his former apprentice. "That's a poor excuse."
"That's easy for you to say. That droid never pesters you."
Obi-Wan reached out with the Force and pulled one of the used towel receptacles. As the bin slid over to him, they could see that it was actually upside down. Inside it, they could hear muffled thumps that were nearly drowned out by the noise of the arena. Obi-Wan lifted it and the tiny spitfire came buzzing out. Kaely immediately flew to attack Obi-Wan, screeching loudly, but Obi-Wan used the Force to keep her at bay.
Anakin rolled his eyes in exasperation. "You are being ridiculous." He snatched her from the air and stuffed her in his pocket. "Be quiet and maybe I'll let you out."
"What did you do to anger her this time, Obi-Wan?" Qui-Gon asked.
"She found a shiny golden circlet of metal and she wanted to wear it as a crown like a princess or some other such nonsense. She's furious that Anakin is not allowed to solder it on her." Obi-Wan smirked at the droid in amusement. "Naturally, she blames only me."
Anakin slid across the floor, barely managing to keep from tumbling. This was his last fight of the second round. He'd won the first before losing the second contest. This battle would break the tie. If he won, he'd gain the privilege of sparring with one of the knights or masters.
His lightsaber felt slick in his hand. I'm glad I listened when Obi-Wan told me to add extra grips to it. As per the rules, his challenger was not allowed to give Anakin a chance to stand up. Out in the galaxy, someone trying to kill wouldn't be gracious enough to allow a respite.
The other Padawan dove at Anakin and aimed a blow at his head. Anakin tucked his legs under himself and sprung out of the way. Finally, it's getting tired! Anakin had taken to thinking of his opponent as, 'it'. Neila Sti was big, hairy, had no visible face and was bright orange. Anakin had no way of knowing if it was male, female, or something else entirely.
Despite its great arms, Neila was becoming visibly tired. Anakin had nearly lost the match while blocking the first blow due to the power behind Neila's strikes. If this thing is faking to try to trick me... then I'm in trouble.
Neila weakly parried a few more of Anakin's thrusts and began to step backward. It's setting me up! I'm sure now!
The orange hulk continued retreating farther and farther. Anakin was perplexed. What possible advantage would it have in the corner? The masters won't let us get out of bounds, because that would disturb the neighboring matches.
Anakin gasped and tensed as the answer came to him. He ducked and rolled away just in time as Neila suddenly channeled all of it's strength into a huge push with it's lightsaber and the help of the Force. Anakin could sense how the air compressed and vibrated from the strike and heard Neila's saber crackle as it struck sideways too far.
Taking the opportunity, Anakin swung upward and neatly disarmed Neila. Anakin tried not to look too cheerful as he felt shock and utter disbelief rolling off Neila. Once he had collected himself, Anakin bowed and thanked his opponent as was customary. After a second's pause, Neila did the same and they both trundled out of the sparring ring.
If it had hit me, I'd have fallen hard and certainly would have lost my lightsaber. I might have even been knocked unconscious for a moment. At the very least I would have been dazed enough that Neila would have won, Anakin realized as he tiredly walked over to his grinning masters.
"So, Ani, who will you request to spar with?" Obi-Wan asked eagerly. "There are many here to choose from. You might even be able to convince Master Yoda."
"I'm not crazy. Like I really need to give him a chance to squish me," Anakin said. "I would like to fight you, Master Qui-Gon."
"You can spar with me anytime," Qui-Gon reminded him.
"It's not the same. Here," Anakin gestured to the arena, "you aren't allowed to hold back."
The arena was full as everyone waited for the Third Round to begin, the Padawans and all of the young children eager to watch. The list of who the Padawans had requested to fight had been circulated the night before. They were especially excited to hear that both Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon were asked to spar. Neither of them had participated in the Tournament in five years, due mainly to the fact they had been absent from the Temple at each time or otherwise unavailable.
"Please!" Anakin called out as he followed his masters towards the arena doors.
"No."
"Obi-Wan has gone all out before! I survived."
Qui-Gon looked sharply at Obi-Wan.
"Not with you anyway," Anakin added and turned to look up at Qui-Gon.
"You know I can fight you 'all out' as you call it, at any time. Take this opportunity to spar against someone else, or no one at all if you prefer."
"I mean no disrespect, but that's a lousy evasion, Master. You will one day, but that will probably be years from now. This is the only way and the only time I can be sure you won't hold back."
Qui-Gon didn't like that. He liked it even less when Obi-Wan said, "Ani's right."
"Anakin, you are still growing," Qui-Gon explained. "It's not safe to put you through this."
"Please," Anakin persisted. "It's not like you have to worry about chopping off my hand or something."
"Even a low-powered blade can break your arm."
"And the Healers would be happy to mend it," Anakin quipped. And I've fought with a broken arm before. Anakin could sense that Qui-Gon was remembering the same thing.
"I can do this," Anakin almost whispered.
"Very well," Qui-Gon relented.
Anakin and Qui-Gon waited in the center of the arena until their names were announced. Anakin knew that the rest of the Jedi would be surprised that he was fighting one of his own masters. However, he also knew his explanation of why would be known throughout the Temple before sundown.
Remaining completely calm, Anakin scanned Qui-Gon's face and presence in the Force. I've got to move fast. This fight won't last long. I'll get in three, maybe four moves before Master Qui-Gon wins.
The crowd went silent as the Arena master left the floor. One clear chime echoed in the cavernous room, signaling that the fighters could begin. Anakin decided to take the initiative and attack first, even though it wasn't his style.
Master Qui-Gon knows every move I can do. Maybe if I don't stick to my favorite tactics, I'll last longer.
Qui-Gon's first block nearly knocked Anakin to the ground. His arms were strained badly and Anakin's blade itself had rebounded back so hard it nearly hit him in the nose.
And I thought that Lavir and that big orange Padawan I fought yesterday were strong!
Anakin had known that Qui-Gon would far surpass the Padawans and maybe even be a little better than Obi-Wan. But he was unprepared for this much. The only reason Anakin didn't lose his lightsaber from Qui-Gon's first parry was because he'd held it in a frontal strike.
Taking a chance, Anakin quickly decided to just attack Qui-Gon from the side. Trusting his speed to work in his favor Anakin struck. Qui-Gon had to block a one-handed rather than a two-handed grip due to the speed of Anakin's blow towards his vulnerable ribs. The less power in the block was much easier for Anakin to withstand.
However, Anakin knew he wouldn't last long once Qui-Gon went on the offensive. His master's first attack was a wide swing at his mid-section that Anakin wisely chose to dodge. He was quick, but not enough to save his elbow from being burnt. Anakin danced backward and held onto his lightsaber with all of his might as Qui-Gon struck again. His block held, barely. Anakin could feel the faint heat from Qui-Gon's blade brush lightly against his shoulder. Anakin struggled to push it back.
Maybe I was a little too flippant about not worrying about breaking bones. I've only got one chance to lose gracefully. Anakin tried to relax and let the Force flow. It buffeted him, demanding to be heard and wanting to surround him. Out of a long practiced habit, Anakin only let in as much as he felt he could control. But this time, he felt like trying something new.
If it works it might be fun, if it doesn't, well, it's no loss. I'm going to lose no matter what I try against Master Qui-Gon.
Anakin gambled. Opening himself fully, he let the Force crash into him as much as it liked. He'd never before done that voluntarily. When the Force overwhelmed Anakin it was during one of his glowing episodes, and he had to fight with all his strength to stop it. Anakin didn't know if doing it on purpose would cause him to lose control and glow or not.
As if in slow motion, Anakin saw Qui-Gon's green lightsaber heading for the side of his left shoulder and knew that he'd never parry it in time. If that blow landed the match would be over. In a daze he felt himself vault upward out of harm's way, despite how very high Qui-Gon's blade was. He swung down to shove Qui-Gon's lightsaber out from beneath him, so that he could land without danger.
Qui-Gon's lightsaber was far to his right at the end of his swing when Anakin's feet hit the floor. In a flash, he struck out to try to earn a killing point. Qui-Gon's quick reflexes did succeed in deterring Anakin's blade from hitting his ribs, however it grazed his unprotected forearm.
Yes! I got him! Anakin crowed silently. He knew it would probably be the only hit he'd succeed in the entire match.
Qui-Gon stepped back two paces. It wasn't exactly a retreat. Qui-Gon didn't move far, but it was enough to surprise the crowd. Anakin pressed onward and hardly noticed that Qui-Gon's overwhelmingly powerful strikes and parries weren't quite so hard to withstand and that Qui-Gon's blade wasn't getting through his defenses to scorch him anymore.
My head feels fuzzy. But at least I'm not glowing or anything bizarre like that.
Anakin struggled to retain a hold on the Force instead of the Force holding him and dragging him along for the ride. Anakin's eyes drooped lazily and suddenly he began driving Qui-Gon backward across the floor. His master skillfully blocked and returned every move Anakin made, but he had no choice but to continue to give ground. Neither could gain a scoring hit.
Qui-Gon finally creased giving ground. Their sabers crackled loudly against each other and Qui-Gon put all of his strength into holding Anakin's blade downward. It should have disarmed the Padawan, but instead became a deadlock. Though Anakin's smaller arms were visibly shaking from the effort, he withstood it. In one smooth motion, Qui-Gon bent his knees and pivoted around bringing himself shoulder to shoulder beside Anakin. He pushed his own saber against Anakin's and used his elbow to shove Anakin's arm down. Anakin stumbled and lost his grip.
Before Anakin's lightsaber even hit the floor, he was already moving. He raised up his right knee and knocked the base of Qui-Gon's lightsaber sending it flying high into the air. A seasoned fighter would have called his own blade to his hand and won the match then and there. However, Anakin had kicked his leg too high and out of exhaustion, lost his balance.
Anakin landed on his back hard and his head bounced on the arena floor. His vision blurred and he blinked rapidly to try to clear it. Anakin managed to focus enough to see his master's now deactivated lightsaber fall back down and land neatly in Qui-Gon's hand. Within a second, Anakin's flew over to land in his master's other hand.
Oh, well. I knew I was going to lose. I'm just glad I didn't lose badly. Anakin promptly gave into blissful unconsciousness.
Padawan Lavir Ruoy was having the most spectacular lightsaber battle of his life. It was what every talented dueler strove for. One on one, no holding back and against the one person he had always wanted to test his skill against. And in the best place, the Arena, with the entire Temple watching and cheering him on. The kind of fight that he could only dreamed about.
Though to be frank, dreams usually were not this painful.
Lavir ducked another swing to his head and lashed out in return. His attacker feinted to the left catching Lavir by surprise. He stumbled back and flinched when the blade jabbed his chin. If it had been just a few centimeters higher, it would have qualified as a kill point and the fight would have been over.
Lavir backed up and chose his next moves with more caution. His opponent's agility, speed, strength and even his height were almost equal. Lavir decided that the only real advantage this man had over him was experience.
A hefty advantage indeed.
One of the stipulations of arena fighting that Lavir didn't like was the no talking rule. It wasn't truly a rule so much as a necessity. Even during the times when the huge crowd's noise reduced to a lull, any words spoken were unlikely to be heard. Lavir enjoyed pointing out the other fighters weaknesses and complimenting their well-executed moves as the fight progressed. To not do so was irritating, but also a moot point. Lavir could already feel his jaw swelling along with stinging from the burn.
Lavir moved in for an upper strike, but was caught off guard when it missed completely. His opponent had sidestepped the blow entirely and took the time to deliberately run his lightsaber blade along Lavir's left arm from wrist to shoulder. Lavir retreated again.
However, he did not get far. The other fighter chose to go on the offensive and jabbed at Lavir's chest. He raised his blade horizontally to push the attacking lightsaber's point up out of danger and was startled that it wasn't there. It was another feint. Lavir began to jump as he realized that his opponent was going for a leg sweep. He wasn't fast enough and the lightsaber caught his toes. His boots protected him, but it ruined Lavir's balance and he crashed.
Yet, the battle wasn't quite over. Lavir was ready to fight his way off the floor. He landed hard on his side, and blocked the strike to his head one-handed. Lavir pushed the other blade back in order to give himself the room to roll backwards and regain his feet. Despite his speed the next blow caught his ribs and he was only able to get into a crouch. His attacker rained strikes down on him and wouldn't let Lavir stand up.
Though Lavir was at a serious disadvantage, he knew that there was a chance at hitting his opponent's legs if he could only stop the barrage from above. His left arm throbbed in protest as he put all of his weight on his palm, struck out with his lightsaber in his right hand, and launched both feet at his attacker's knees. It was a very awkward move, and risky, but the Force kept him from falling.
Naturally, the Force was with the other man as well and he jumped into the air easily clearing Lavir's kick. Again, Lavir had no choice but to roll away, because this time he was in danger of being landed on. Lavir's left wrist locked on him and it hindered him from moving far enough away. He knew that this would be a good time to yield, but he hoped that he'd have a chance to lose gracefully. Yielding was an embarrassment.
It didn't surprise Lavir when he couldn't prevent a blow to his vulnerable legs. The other fighter pushed back Lavir's own lightsaber blade so much it connected with Lavir's lower thighs and knees leaving a long burn. His opponent was merciful and didn't press harder, but let up and placed his blade lightly beside Lavir's neck.
Lavir took his defeat as graciously as possible and his opponent helped him up. Lavir bowed politely to him and was disappointed that he couldn't thank him properly due to his burnt and swollen jaw. Instead, Lavir could only limp off the sparring floor. His only real regret was that he never succeeded in getting even one hit in.
"Ani," a familiar voice repeated. "Ani."
Anakin unwillingly opened his eyes and frowned in confusion at the unfamiliar high ceiling. It took him a moment to remember he was in the arena. He groaned quietly.
"Can't I just sleep here?"
"The healers have pronounced you fit to rise, so get up," Qui-Gon ordered.
Anakin hauled himself into a sitting position and winced. He ached all over and not just because they'd laid him out on a hard bench. Anakin examined his burns. Oh good, they already patched me up.
Anakin carefully dropped his legs over the bench and put his feet on the floor, but didn't try to stand. He reached up to rub the back of his head and encountered another patch to reduce the swelling there. He looked at Qui-Gon ruefully.
"I knew you were going to beat me, but couldn't you at least look like you didn't walk away unscathed?"
Qui-Gon laughed at the indignant tone in Anakin's voice. "I have this." He gestured to the bacta patch on his right forearm.
"That's nothing," Anakin half grumbled and half-smiled. But I did get him!
"I was impressed, Padawan," Qui-Gon said seriously. "You fought far better than I anticipated."
"Thank you, Master," Anakin beamed.
"Some of the Council were very interested in how you used the Force." Qui-Gon almost seemed to hesitate. "I've never felt anything like it before."
Anakin was puzzled. Does he mean he has never seen someone use the Force like that, or that he's never felt the Force in himself like that? Or both? Anakin decided it was a question too personal for him to ask, so he changed the subject. "Where's Obi-Wan?"
"Finishing a sparring match." Qui-Gon nodded to the arena floor visible through the doorway. Anakin gaped as he saw the two fighters bowing to each other and leaving the arena.
"Obi-Wan beat up Lavir and I missed it?!" Anakin wailed. "No fair!"
"Try not to sound so happy about it," Qui-Gon smiled.
End Part 3. Go to Part 4