Thanks for all the reviews, favorites, and follows! I promise this is the last fluff/relationship building chapter for awhile, but there needed to be further development in a few relationships before they reached Coruscant.

Chapter 17: I Form Some Dangerous Attachments

My late lunch with Annabeth was interrupted when Padmé found us in the mess hall. "I'm sorry Percy, but I was hoping I could steal Annabeth for a bit. The queen is trying to come up with a plan for when we arrive on Coruscant, and she would greatly appreciate your insight, Annabeth."

I could tell Annabeth was happy to be consulted. No doubt she was already sorting through dozens of different strategies. "Yes, of course, I would be happy to help Her Highness," Annabeth said. She gave my hand a squeeze before she got up and followed Padmé out of the room.

Well, I guess I would have to come up with some way to not die of boredom on my own now. I decided to try and find Anakin and Shmi. I checked our sleeping area, but they weren't there. Maybe they were in the cockpit? Knowing Ani, he was probably pestering the pilots about every little detail of the ship. I was on my way there when I heard Obi-Wan's voice. "Surely, Master you must see that Percy is dangerous. He has all the psychological signs of a dark side user." Now, I knew eavesdropping was bad, but I dare any of you to hear your name like that and not stop and listen.

"I agree he can be dangerous, but that seems reserved for those who harm the innocent or attack his friends. I do not think he is a threat to us or the queen." Qui-Gon stated. "In fact, I think his loyalty and abilities could greatly help the Naboo." The voices seemed to be coming from the main hold. I guess I must be just out of range from their Percy sensing Force radar since they didn't seem to know I was there yet.

"Because of his anger today, he nearly destroyed the ship," Obi-Wan countered.

"Yes, that was evidence of lack of control only," Qui-Gon responded. "Unlike someone using the dark side of the Force, he clearly had no desire to actually destroy the ship or harm us. That was just his power responding to a stimulant, an accident. With time, I believe he will learn control. As Annabeth said, he only discovered his power five years ago and has had minimal training with it. She also mentioned that his powers have been extra reactive due to certain traumatic events."

"But Master, he is practically everything the Jedi Code tells us not to be," Obi-Wan argued. "He is far too emotional, does not value knowledge nearly enough, is clearly extremely passionate, and embodies chaos in everything from his Force signature to his fighting style. Not to mention his attachments. He has only known Anakin for a few days, yet they have far too close of a relationship for a Jedi and someone outside of the Order. If you are serious about training the boy, he will have enough trouble letting go of his mother. This new brotherly attachment will not help. And Annabeth, I shudder to think how Percy would respond if anything were to happen to her. Their relationship is far too dangerous for such powerful Force-users. I know the general public is not expected to live by the standards of the Jedi Code because they do not have the responsibility of being able to wield the Force along with the risks and temptations that accompany the honor. However, Percy does have that responsibility. I don't mean to be obstinate master. I am just confused. Since he obviously violates the Jedi Code, is Percy a dark side user? Or, does he have a strong risk of falling to the dark side?"

"That is an interesting question, Padawan. To ease your doubts, you must trust in the Force and not just blindly follow the tenets of the Jedi Code. I know it is not easy to sense Percy's intentions, but what does the Force reveal about him? What do his actions show? Does he feel or behave like a dark side user?"

There was a long pause, I guess while Obi-Wan gathered his thoughts, before he replied, "Based on my observations, your report from Tatooine, and what I sense in the Force, Percy seems very brave and courageous, though that could also be because he lacks a sense of self-preservation. Often his actions seem governed by his emotions so that he reacts before he thinks with little regard about the future consequences of his actions. This makes him rash, reckless, and unpredictable. He is laid back yet is quick to anger over anything he considers unjust. He clearly has trouble with obedience and following rules. He is more intelligent then he would like you to believe, but he has no great love for learning and relies on Annabeth for general knowledge. He takes his promises very seriously and seems honorable yet is not above deceiving his enemies. He has a strong desire to defend the weak and innocent and anyone he considers a friend. He credits his comrades and plays down his own achievements which tells me he is humble despite his apparent skill and power. In fact, besides the incident where he lost control, he seems hesitant to use his power almost as if he's afraid of it."

I couldn't help it. I started getting angry, again, listening to Obi-Wan rattle off my personality. But, most of all it bugged me because I knew he had pegged me spot on. Part of me was impressed with whatever people reading skills they must teach Jedi during their brainwashing or maybe it came from this Force? "Despite his use of emotions and how his powers seem to react to them," Obi-Wan continued, "I must conclude that he does not feel like a dark side user. He is far too selfless, and I can't say I have ever heard of a humble Force-user using the dark side. However, his strong attachments are dangerous. I believe he would quickly become our enemy and maybe embrace the dark side if it gave him the chance to save someone he cared about."

"There you have it, Padawan," Qui-Gon said. "You are very perceptive and sensitive to the Force if only you take the time to listen."

"But Master, how come Percy is not more aligned with the dark side? The Order teaches we must follow the Code to avoid abusing our powers and falling to the dark side, yet Percy is basically the opposite of the Code."

"Well then Padawan, our deductive reasoning of the situation suggests that the Jedi Code is not the only one to live by in order to avoid the dark side," Qui-Gon stated.

"Master, that goes directly against the Order's teaching!" Obi-Wan exclaimed.

"Then perhaps the Order is wrong. Yes, the Code is there for a reason, and it clearly works for most Jedi but not all. Maybe, if we could figure out how Percy resists the temptation to abuse his powers, we could find another way to help our more spirited Force-users, a way to prevent them from turning to the dark side, a way to save them." At that last part, loss and regret filled Qui-Gon's voice.

"I am sorry Master. I did not mean–"

"I know Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon interrupted before Obi-Wan could elaborate. "I know. I sense that you still have much to think about and come to terms with. Perhaps, it would be best for you to meditate. You can attend the meeting with the Queen tomorrow once your thoughts are less distracted."

"Of course, Master," Obi-Wan dutifully replied.

I was so distracted by the conversation I had heard that it took me a moment too long to realize that it was over, and the Jedi were leaving the room and heading in my direction. Instinctively, I dove behind some crates, but as soon as, the Jedi took two steps out of the door they both stiffened and looked directly where I was hiding.

"Percy," Qui-Gon calmly called out. I got out from behind the crate of supplies, and I could see the surprise in his eyes and maybe a hint of embarrassment, along with a lingering sadness, probably from the end of that conversation.

Obi-Wan for once did not manage to hide his emotions, and his face was bright red. He couldn't meet my eyes. He muttered under his breath, "That bothersome Force block."

At the same time, I rolled my eyes and said, "Stupid Force sensing." It was the only way they could have found my hiding spot so quickly causing this very awkward situation.

"Percy, how much did you hear?" Qui-Gon asked.

"Umm, everything since Obi-Wan said I have the temperament of an evil dude, including the detailed personality analysis," I replied.

Obi-Wan finally met my eyes and even though he was still embarrassed, he managed to scold, "I do not know about the universe where you are from, but eavesdropping is considered to be very rude in this one."

I snorted, maybe, Obi-Wan did have some attitude after all. "And in my universe, it is also considered very rude to talk about people behind their backs, but clearly that's not the case here. Or maybe that is another social convention the Jedi are too far above to follow?"

Qui-Gon interrupted before it could escalate any farther, "Obi-Wan, perhaps you should find somewhere peaceful to meditate."

For a second, I thought Obi-Wan might refuse, but he replied with his typical, "Yes, Master." It might have been my imagination, but I swore there was more heat to those two words than normal. He brushed passed me, but before he left, he turned towards me and said softly, "I apologize for my rudeness Percy, but you would be wise to watch out for your personal attachments. They are dangerous." Then he walked out of the small hallway.

"Percy, I am very sorry you overheard that," Qui-Gon apologized. "As Jedi, we have become too reliant on sensing beings with the Force and forgot that we do not have our normal range when it comes to you and Annabeth."

I opened my mouth to tell him that did not change the fact that talking about someone like that was still rude, but Qui-Gon continued, "Yes, I'm aware that it was still unpolite. But, you are quite an enigmatic individual, and I thought it would be best if my Padawan could learn to understand you better. I hope it will help him be more tolerant to those who do not quite have his discipline, open his mind some, and hopefully, give him a different perspective than the Jedi Council. Recently, he has been idolizing them a little too much for my liking and has forgotten to think for himself."

"I'm not some textbook you can pull out to teach people lessons," I told him still angry though a part of me realized that technically that's what most mortals used Greek myths for. Heck, I was even doing it for Anakin when I told him about the old heroes.

He sighed, "I know Percy, and I apologize if it made you feel used. I just wanted you to understand it was for Obi-Wan's sake. He actually does have a bit or a rebellious streak, but lately he seems to think if he acts more mature and follows the Council's every order, it will somehow prove that he is ready for the trials to progress to a Jedi Knight and no longer be a Padawan. I had hoped that you could re-light that spark some. He could be so much more than just another stiff Council member, but perhaps your personalities are too different."

I realized something then that shocked me so much I forgot to be angry. "You care for him, don't you? Like really care for him even though you guys have that no attachment rule."

Qui-Gon sighed, "Yes, I care for him. He is my Padawan, and I would like to see him become the best man and Jedi that he can be. The close bonds I form with my Padawans are one of many criticisms the Jedi Council has towards me. However, the Master/Padawan relationship is an essential part of Jedi training. We are not heartless, emotionless droids as you seem to think we are. We form friendships and feel. But, we do not allow emotions or relationships to bias or govern our actions. Since both the Master and the Padawan are familiar with the Jedi teachings, they are aware of the dangers of attachments and both know that when the time comes they will have to let go."

I shrugged, "Well I guess that's a little better, but it still seems like a lonely, isolated life. How can you guys really protect the galaxy if you have minimal interactions with normal people?"

"That is an excellent point my young friend, and I believe it is a weakness of the Jedi Order," Qui-Gon admitted. "We have become too isolated and dependent on tradition. Unfortunately, many Jedi on the Council do not agree with me."

"The more I hear about this Council the less I'm looking forward to meeting them," I muttered. "I don't suppose I could avoid it? It would probably be better for everyone if I did."

Qui-Gon smiled at that, "If you want the Jedi's help to get home, you will need to meet with them." I made a face, so he added, "They are not so bad, but it would help if you did not lose control of your powers or your temper while meeting the Council. I am afraid most of them would respond in a similar way as my Padawan. Perhaps, you could practice meditating. It seemed to help you regain some control this morning."

"Maybe, I will. Thanks for teaching me that trick with the beach and the waves. And, I'm sorry for this morning. I said some bad things about your Order. Although I still don't agree with your rules, I should not have reacted so rudely."

"Your apology is accepted," Qui-Gon said. "Just please focus on learning control. Now, I have kept the queen waiting long enough."

Before he could leave, I asked, "Where did Obi-Wan go? I should probably give him an apology too."

"Look in the engine room," Qui-Gon replied as he headed to the Queen's throne room. "And, Percy try to keep an open mind. I think both you and Obi-Wan can learn far more than blade work from each other."

Sure enough, Obi-Wan was sitting on the floor in the engine room as still as if he had just seen Medusa's head. The only noise was the quiet hum of the engine and hyperdrive. I felt like it would be rude to disturb his meditation, so I sat down a few feet away and closed my eyes. I knew if we had any shot at repairing the comradery we formed during our lightsaber duel, I would have to hold out the olive branch first. After all I was the outsider who just came along and started insulting his way of life. Even if it seemed stupid and wrong to me, I should have been more considerate.

I might not have even bothered trying to mend our budding friendship, but Qui-Gon, who I was starting to realize was downright right rebellious for a Jedi, must have seen something in Obi-Wan. So, I figured maybe I could prevent him from becoming as stuffy and strict as this Jedi Council seemed to be. I mean I did help Jason learn to loosen up some. Plus, if there was anyone in this universe who could teach me control, it was Obi-Wan. The voice in my head that sounded like Annabeth also recognized that Obi-Wan would be a good ally to have when I did finally face this all-powerful Jedi Council. And, if I'm being honest with myself, I missed my guy friends. I mean I met other guys on Naboo, but it was hard because we didn't really have a lot in common. The ones at school were either super nerdy or overly ambitious, and all of them just seemed so innocent. Even though we had very different personalities, Obi-Wan knew what it was like to have to fight for your life.

I had just started to picture Montauk in my mind when Obi-Wan sighed and said, "Percy, why are you here? Were you planning on insulting the Jedi some more?"

I winced at that remark and opened my eyes. Obi-Wan was still sitting on the floor, but his blue eyes were open and seemed guarded as they looked right at me. "Actually, I came to say I'm sorry for all of that," I said sheepishly. "Even though I disagree with a lot of the Jedi's rules and recruitment methods, I should not have lashed out like that. It's just so different from everything I valued back in my universe, everything I fought for, but Annabeth helped me see at least why you have some of those rules."

Obi-Wan nodded his head in acceptance and flatly said, "Apology accepted," in a way that suggested the conversation was over. Man, this guy was not making it easy.

Okay, attempt number two at conversation starters. "Look, about these dangerous attachments you Jedi seem to swear off." That got his interests, so I continued. "I just wanted to let you know that even though I disagree, I get where you guys are coming from. Back home, people like me, well, we tend to have these really big flaws. Like so big that people thousands of years later tell stories about you to warn their kids about what happens when you let those particular personal traits get too big. These big flaws usually end up causing our deaths somehow, so they're called fatal flaws. Someone must have really liked the alliteration. Anyways, a wise woman once told me that my fatal flaw is personal loyalty. To save a friend I would sacrifice the world. And she's right, I would do that. Since I am aware of that now, I try to look out for it and make sure that doesn't happen. So far, I've lucked out, mostly, but my lucks never been good at holding out for long. Perhaps, you Jedi could teach me how to manage this fatal flaw. I really would rather avoid destroying the world.

"However, I hope you guys know that it works the other way too. I've also done some pretty impossible things and saved my whole world a lot just to save one friend because I cared that much." I thought of why I went on my first quest. It wasn't to stop a war between the gods that could threaten civilizations. It was to save my mom. And the next year, I went to save Grover, and then Annabeth. And, if it wasn't for Annabeth, I would never have given Luke that dagger. "I can't tell you how many times the world back home would have been destroyed if it wasn't for my dangerous attachment and complete trust in Annabeth. I mean if it wasn't for my love for Annabeth I would have been tempted to just skip out of that second war, the one against the Giants, but my dear Auntie Hera knew that and used it." I didn't quite manage to keep the bitterness out of my voice on that last part.

Obi-Wan raised his eyebrows at that, "You fought giants and have participated in two wars?"

I nodded, "Yep, it's a long story about how crazy my family is. You know your standard grandfather and then great-grandmother trying to destroy all of civilization. Maybe, I'll give you the highlights later, but if it wasn't for my personal attachments, I wouldn't be alive right now having this conversation and a lot of people would have died."

Obi-Wan nodded, "I suppose I can see a little how personal attachments could be beneficial and provide additional motivation to succeed. But, as Jedi, we are taught to love every being equally so that we can do what is best for the greater good of the galaxy. Maybe, if you would take the time to see the bigger picture, you would be less likely to act on your personal loyalties and destroy the world. I could try and help you with that."

"I guess it's worth a shot," I shrugged. "You Jedi guys seem all about balance, but frankly this no attachments seems like an extreme. Maybe we will just agree to disagree on attachments, or maybe we will start to understand each other, and together we can find that balance."

Obi-Wan gave a small smile at that, "Just warning you, I do not change my mind easily if that is your intent."

I returned his smile, "Neither do I."

"And thank you, Percy for sharing this about yourself. I know it must not be easy or necessarily safe to tell people about this fatal flaw of yours, so thank you for trusting me."

I shrugged, "Well, since you have such a detailed grasp of my personality after just a few days, I figured it wouldn't be too long before you figured it out. And, if you could really help my fatal flaw be less well fatal, then it's worth the risk."

He looked slightly embarrassed again, but then he must have thought of something amusing. "I must admit after the incident this morning, I did not think we would be able to have a civil conversation about this without…"

He trailed off at the end, clearly not sure how to politely continue, so I finished for him, "Without me losing control of my powers and blowing up toilets." Obi-Wan nodded. "Yeah, I was thinking the same thing."

"Does that happen often?"

"Not too much," I replied. "Although, ever since I first really became aware of my powers when this big bully tried to push my head in the toilet and the water exploded at her instead, I guess you can say I've become one with the pluming. So, when I do lose control, it always seems like any nearby toilets are the first to respond. But, I probably still should work more on controlling my powers. Maybe I could learn a few tricks from you Jedi since you guys seem all about control."

"I suppose I could help with that too. It would be interesting to see if Jedi techniques work for you as well. Is it common for others like you to have trouble with control?" Obi-Wan asked.

I shrugged, "I don't know. I'm kind of one of a kind among half-bloods right now. I think I'm the first kid my father has had in like 100 years or so, and it's not like there's a Children of the Sea God manual. That's one book I definitely would have read. It seems like almost every year, I accidentally discover some new destruction I can cause. But, my first cousins do have similar issues. At least those on my side of the godly family do. The Romans on the other side seem to have more control for some reason."

"Wait there's two sides to your immortal family?"

I nodded, "Yeah, something about gods having split personalities based on how different civilizations viewed them. Annabeth could probably give you a better explanation. Anyways my cousins and I on the Greek side, I guess you could say we inherited a bit of a temper problem from our parents. Thalia tends to give people pretty nasty electrical shocks when she gets mad and loses control since her father is the god of the sky and lightning and stuff. And, my other cousin Nico, his father is the god of the dead and wealth, and well one time, he got so mad he literally willed someone to death."

Obi-Wan looked pretty disturbed at that, and I felt like I had to defend my cousin. "In Nico's defense, the person was a really sick psychopath that was going to brutally torture his friends, and they were hopelessly out numbered with no help in sight." This seemed to make Obi-Wan feel a little better. "So, compared to my cousins, I bet a few exploding toilets are sounding pretty harmless right about now?"

I managed to get a chuckle from him. "Yes, they are. But, I would never be foolish enough to think that anything about you is harmless, Percy. I'll admit that I doubted Qui-Gon when he first told me about these personifications of the Force that you call gods, but after these past few days and seeing what you can do without even trying, I believe it now. When you were meditating yesterday, you put off such a strong aura that I could smell the sea in the middle of a space craft."

"Oh, I thought that smell was just my imagination," I muttered.

He smiled. Boy, I was on a role. "And, I suspect you do not even know or perhaps have not even reached your full potential yet," he speculated.

I shrugged, "Honestly, I don't know, and I'm not entirely sure that I want to find out. Some of the things I've done by accident or when I was really desperate. . ." I paused here and couldn't help the shudder as I remembered those times, "Let's just say some of those powers are better left unused and unexplored."

Obi-Wan looked at me with concern, but also with a little curiosity. I was relieved though that he didn't seem afraid. "To some extent, it is wise to practice that restraint. The Jedi teach that we should not study the Force to its absolute limit. However, to truly control your power, you have to learn to master it. You must learn your own strength."

I didn't know what to think that I actually agreed on something with the Jedi. "But, maybe I can just focus on not exploding toilets first?" I asked really not wanting to accidentally cause an earthquake on some unknown planet.

Obi-Wan nodded. "I guess that is as good of a starting point as any, at least for the safety of toilets all across the galaxy."

"Oh my gods! Did you just tell a joke?" I laughed.

"I will have you know, I do have a great sense of humor," Obi-Wan huffed.

"Could have fooled me," I replied with a smile. "By the way, I'm sorry that we got off to a bad start, so let's try again." I held out my hand. "I'm Percy Jackson, and I'd like to be your friend. Or, if that is too much of a dangerous attachment for you Jedi, then I'd like to be the person who has your back in a fight if you have mine."

Obi-Wan smiled. "I'm Obi-Wan Kenobi, and I think I would like that." He extended his hand, but then hesitated. "Just, please don't sacrifice the galaxy to save me. If it is necessary to save lives, you need to learn to let go, like a Jedi would."

I nodded understanding the terms of the friendship. I might not like it, but I knew in a way, my instincts and desire to protect my friends at all cost was only the opposite extreme of the Jedi's view point. If I really wanted to beat my fatal flaw I would have to find balance. "I'll promise to do my best."

Obi-Wan shook my hand and his smile returned, "That's a good start."

Obi-Wan helped me meditate for a few hours. It was easier this time now that I knew I had to focus on the sea. As we walked towards the mess hall for dinner, I asked him, "By the way, you have got to tell me how you have managed not to go insane with Qui-Gon as your mentor for all these years. I mean that guy could give our oracle a run for her money with how vague his answers to your questions are. And our oracle literally speaks in rhyming riddles. Has he given you that 'Now is not the time to answer your question' response?"

He laughed, and I was beginning to believe there really was hope that there was still a human being beneath all that Jedi brainwashing. "Oh, believe me after so many years with Qui-Gon, I'm not entirely sure I still am sane."

The next day Annabeth and I got up early and practiced unarmed combat. She kicked my butt as usual. Then Obi-Wan and I had another friendly lightsaber duel. I was still getting used to the weapon since fighting with the equivalent of a light hose isn't easy, but it didn't feel so awkward now. Obi-Wan really focused on his defense, so we fought for what felt like forever before Qui-Gon ended it saying they needed to meet with the Queen. Annabeth had told me last night that the Queen still hadn't decided on a plan of action. Everyone was concerned with this unknown Sith Lord ally of the Trade Federation and what he might do to block aid to Naboo.

"Do you want to come too, Percy?" Annabeth asked as they headed to the Queen's thrown room. "I think today we will probably focus on the best way for the Queen to appeal to the Senate since the Jedi have a better idea of what the current senate environment is like."

"I don't get why it's so complicated. Shouldn't the Queen just be able to say they attacked us, and the Senate can send lots of starships and soldiers to help us get these Trade Federation guys off our planet?" It seemed pretty easy to me.

Obi-Wan winced, "There is so much wrong with your statement. I am not sure where to begin. Firstly, the Republic does not have a standing army. Planets mainly resolve their own conflicts with the help of the Jedi and political pressure placed by the Senate in the form of laws and taxes. In this case, the Senate could help by passing laws that halted all business with the Trade Federation until they left. Furthermore, they could approve aid from other planetary systems that do have weaponized fleets."

"It's a little weird that this Republic doesn't have an army, but okay, they should do what you just said. Still seems pretty simple." I stated not getting the problem.

Annabeth did her annoyed sigh that she does whenever I don't get something that should be obvious. "It's going to be very difficult Percy. First, we would have to get the Senate to believe us. It's not like we have much proof. Since Naboo is many lightyears away, it will turn into a he said she said since Queen Amidala will say the Trade Federation is being overly hostile, and the Trade Federation will deny it. Secondly, even if we convinced some of the senators that this actually happened, it will be even harder to convince enough of the Senate to take action in our favor. No doubt the Trade Federation has support from other systems, otherwise they wouldn't dare to try this. Remember the Senate meetings back in New Rome? You weren't even able to convince them to give you help on your quest." I frowned as I remembered how Octavian had completely taken over the room and convinced everyone not to help us. "It's going to be like that, but 100 times worse."

"But, we've got you guys," I said pointing to Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon. "Couldn't you guys be witnesses or something? You are ambassadors for the chancellor, right? Plus, everyone seems to really respect the Jedi, so the senators would believe you."

"Usually, you would be correct," Qui-Gon answered. "But, unfortunately, in this case the chancellor sent us secretly and without the approval of the Senate. Therefore, we might be able to convince some people of the validity of the queen's accusations, but her opponents will no doubt claim that the chancellor is corrupt which could hurt her cause and cast doubt on anything we may say."

"Ugh, I forgot how much I hate politics," I grumbled.

"You have experience with politics?" Obi-Wan asked, not quite able to hide his disbelief.

"Don't sound too shocked. You might hurt a guy's feelings," I put my hand to my heart pretending to be offended. "But, I'll have you know that I had an extremely successful yet very short political carrier back home. Since I'm retired though, I'll leave all the manipulating, scheming, and politics to you guys now. It gives me a headache."

As I left, Obi-Wan muttered with a laugh, "Someone really elected him?"

"I heard that Kenobi," I fired back over my shoulder with a grin.

I searched the ship for Anakin and finally found him in the engine room. He sat on the floor and fiddled with a gadget in his hands, but he looked deep in thought. "Hey, Ani, what's up?"

"Oh, hi Percy," he replied then frowned and looked up, "Umm, I guess the ceiling is up, but you know that."

I laughed, "Sorry, back home people ask what's up when they want to know what's on someone's mind. You just looked like something was bothering you, so what are you thinking about?"

He shrugged, "The future, the Jedi."

"Are you nervous?" I asked.

"Yeah, a little. What if I'm not good enough?" He replied.

"According to Qui-Gon, you've got like super Jedi powers, so you shouldn't have to worry about that," I told him. He just nodded but still looked worried, so I decided to ask him something that had been bothering me for a while. "Ani, why do you want to be a Jedi so badly? I get that it's your dream job and all, but why?"

He thought for a moment before replying, "I guess one reason is because I want to help people."

"You know you don't have to be a Jedi to help people," I told him.

He nodded. "I know that. I guess you don't get it since you've never heard of Jedi before, but I've grown up hearing stories of all these great things Jedi have done, kind of like those star heroes from your world. They've saved planets, prevented wars, stopped bad guys. I want to be a part of that, do things that really make a difference. But, that's not the only reason." He hesitated, so I gave him an encouraging nod. "Back home, a lot of the other kids would make fun of me because I could do things I shouldn't have been able to, like podracing. They used to call me a freak and other names." He made a face, but it turned into a smile. "But, now I know I'm not a freak. I have these special abilities because I'm a Force-sensitive. The Jedi are people like me. They can help me understand these special abilities and teach me how to use this power so that. . ." he hesitated again and looked a little embarrassed. "So that, I never have to feel so helpless again."

Okay, I may not be the Jedi's biggest fan at the moment, but I guess I could understand why Anakin wanted to be one so badly. I mean, he practically just described a twelve-year-old Percy Jackson who had just discovered Camp Half-Blood. He still seemed ashamed, like he had admitted that he was weak or something, so I told him, "You know everyone feels helpless at times."

He shook his head and said a little wistfully, "I bet you never have. I mean you scared Sebulba away with just a look and fought a Sith! You're strong, and when I'm around you it's like I can sense this power rolling out from you. I guess it must be because you're a Force-user."

I remembered all those summers with Gabe, feeling helpless and wishing there was a way I could fight back. "Trust me, I wasn't always strong. But, I'll tell you a secret. Power, strength, it doesn't really stop you from being helpless."

"What do you mean by that?" he asked. "If your super strong and powerful then you can do anything. You can stop the bad guys from hurting you, make people listen."

I sighed and ran my fingers through my hair as I tried to figure out how to make him understand. "No matter how powerful you are, there will always be someone, something that can defeat you. It might even be yourself, your own personal flaw. Like, Hercules, despite all his super strength, he still had an early death. Maybe, if he wasn't so bitter and selfish, his wife would never have given him the so-called love potion and accidentally killed him."

"Then what do you do? How do stop feeling helpless?"

"Well, you can train hard, make plans, and fight like hell to stay alive and protect those you care about. All that helps, but sometimes there are somethings that you just can't change, or some opponents too overwhelming, no matter how strong you are or how hard you fight it" I winced as I remembered facing Tartarus in the flesh and dropping my sword. "That doesn't mean you should give up, but in those times, it's not your power or strength that saves you. It's your determination, cleverness, a little bit of luck, and your friends." I paused before I decided to make an offer. I wanted to really make sure he knew he had a choice. "But, you do know Anakin, that you can stay with Annabeth and me on Naboo with your mom. Granted, we don't exactly have Jedi powers, but I think they might be close enough that we can teach you some. Then, if you want, you can help Annabeth and I free the slaves on Tatooine if your mom agrees. You would still be helping people and doing good, but you wouldn't have to leave your mom, or do whatever Jedi do to be completely emotionless."

"Thanks for the offer Percy, really," Anakin emphasized, but I could tell there was a really big 'but' coming. "It would be cool, but have you ever felt like you just had to do something? Like you're just meant to or destined?" I nodded. After all, my whole life had been practically governed by one prophecy after another. "Well, that's how I feel about being a Jedi. It just feels right, like that's what I'm supposed to be. But, something has been bugging me ever since Qui-Gon explained why I need to leave my mom." I couldn't help but grimace at his words. I still felt it was wrong to make Ani and Shmi stay away from each other. "I'm worried about her. It's always been just the two of us. What if something happens when I'm not there to help? Do you think you could promise to look after her and make sure nothing bad happens to her?"

I remembered another little boy years ago who asked me to protect his family member and how well that worked out. "Anakin, as much as I wish I could, that is an impossible promise to keep, especially since I might not even be on the same planet as her when I go back to Tatooine. Instead, I can promise you this. I promise to try my best to protect your mom and make sure she is happy. However, if she chooses to put herself in danger, I will respect her choice because it is her life, and I must honor her freedom to choose. I am warning you that I cannot guarantee anything. Yes, I will try my best, but sometimes my best isn't good enough. At least it wasn't always in the past."

"I understand, but just knowing she has someone out there to help her makes me feel better. Thanks Percy," Anakin said with a small smile. I just hoped he really did understand because I didn't think I could handle another little boy blaming me for the death of a loved one. We sat in a comfortable silence both deep in our thoughts before Ani asked, "Percy?"

"Hmm?"

Anakin took a deep breath, "You know those star hero stories you've been telling me?" I just nodded, so he continued. "Are there any, where the hero has to leave his mom? It's just I really like your stories, and I think it could help me be brave when I have to leave her behind."

"I'll see if I can think of one," I told him as I started to mentally run through the list of myths about kids and their parents. Theseus was a definite no. Icarus and Daedalus would be terrible, and Oedipus would probably scar the poor kid for life. Man, Greeks really had some messed-up parent-children relationships, not to mention the gods themselves. Finally, I remembered something Chiron had said when I first arrived at Camp Half-Blood all those years ago. He had asked how I would feel if someday I was called a myth to explain how little boys could get over losing their mothers. Well I guess that someday was today. If my story could help Ani, then I would tell it to him even though I really hated talking about myself. I didn't want him to start treating me differently like the kids at camp did. Maybe, I could just pretend it was someone else.

"Okay, I've got one. This story is a little different because this hero isn't in the stars." I smiled because I guess technically right now I kind of was. "But, it still has lots of gods and monsters and adventure. It just takes place a long time after those other stories I've told you, and almost everyone on my planet had forgotten about the gods."

"Wait, Percy, so those gods you told me about are real?" Anakin asked confused.

"Well, in this story they are," I tried to dodge the question. "Anyways, like all the other heroes that came before him, Peter Johnson had really bad luck. You see, he was never supposed to be born. . ."