Chapter 19

Qui Gon watched in pleasure as Anakin worked out. The normal training droids had long ago become too easy for Anakin and he had built his own training droids. They were much harder and actually caused him to break a sweat. But Qui Gon did not want Anakin to just learn to sweat any normal workout would do that. He wanted Anakin to tap into that power that was hidden deep inside. There was a reason Anakin had such a high midiclorian count and though Obi Wan had tried to bring it out he had no idea how to truly bring such power out in a person. Well truth be told Qui Gon was not all that sure either but he knew a few things that would help. One of them was to improve his ability to be in tune with the force without falling back on his anger to get there. So he entered the battle at the same time the droid was reaching its peek ability. Anakin was still in good form and though the light saber he used was a blur of light, seeming never to sit still even for on thousandth of a second, he never missed a beat.

Qui Gon stepped in Anakin's fighting ring throwing up a force block. It happened so fast and with such force Anakin went crashing across the floor with the training droid hot on his heals. "STOP" Anakin commanded just seconds before the droid pierced his arm. "What was that?!" he yelled at Qui Gon.

Qui Gon just laughed.

"You are worse than Obi wan." Anakin sulked as he stood and got ready to start again.

"Get used to it, boy" Qui Gon Laughed.

Anakin shook off his soreness and stood ready. "Start again, droid," he commanded.

The droid whirled to life. Anakin was wary this time and more alert to the force around him, but Qui Gon just watched. Anakin kept his senses high but he again became absorbed in the training. Qui Gon picked up a weight and sent it spinning across the room right at Anakin's legs. Anakin was barely able to miss being struck square in the knees. He jumped sailing up to the ceiling catching a rope. The move helped him escape the spinning weight and the droid. "STOP!" He commanded the droid again. "Are you insane, Qui? You could have seriously injured me!"

"Yes, and if I had been the Emperor and we were fighting I would do anything I could to win. You must be ready for anything when the time comes."

"I will be ready."

"Really? Ready for any complication?"

"Yes, my powers have not faded. I am ready for anything."

"Oh Anakin, you are still full of pride. Isn't that one of things that caused your downfall?"

Anakin was struck by what Qui Gon said. He had never analyzed why he had fallen to the dark side. He thought about all the times he had heard Qui Gon, Mace, Obi wan, and almost every other Jedi he was around talk about him as the Chosen One. The Chosen One, he had loathed that title but it also gave him a sense of self-importance in the Temple. No One would have even considered him had it not been for the prophecy. He got away with so much because no one wanted to kick him out of the Order. He had gone so far as to say they owed him that seat on the Council. He Was The Most Powerful Jedi. That Singular thought had led him down a path of Self-destruction and pain. He had lost both arms and suffered burns trying to prove he was better, and just now he could have lost again.

"Master Qui Gon, I am ready to learn, but I am not sure I can just make it go away."

"I am glad to hear that Anakin but letting go of self is never easy. One of the most important things you can learn in life is to live for others. Living always for yourself only brings misery to you. Jedi serve others and Jedi seek to improve themselves through knowledge and training. Do you remember those phrases from the Jedi code? " Qui Gon asked.

"Yes Master."

"Believe me I will not be shoving the code down your throat. They are great ways to live but sometimes they were used as a way to not think for ones self. I am hoping to use some of those things to help you become the man you were intended to be. But that is enough for today. You are worn out and ready for a little care. Have Padme rub down your muscles real good I want you ready for more tomorrow."

Anakin was relieved to be done for now. "Thank you, Master" He said as he turned and left the room.

Qui Gon sighed well one hurtle was crossed today how would he react to the next one he was to cross. Qui Gon had plans for him to give up his tight grip on Padme. He must let go of his fear of loosing her, for only by letting her go will he truly be ready to face the Emperor.