A New Day

Obi-Wan looked up from the table where he was having a quiet meal when Anakin walked through the door of their shared quarters. He frowned with worry and immediately rose to his feet when he noticed Anakin's dazed expression and disheveled appearance. "Anakin! You look exhausted. What's happened to you? I thought you'd be home an hour ago."

"I'm fine Master. I just had a meeting with Master Windu."

"I know, but you nearly missed last meal which is highly unusual for you."

"I know master. I suppose we lost track of time," Anakin answered.

"Well... Come sit down and have some dinner. I left something in the warmer for you," Obi-Wan said. Anakin wouldn't look Obi-Wan in the eyes which troubled the Jedi Master.

"Thank you Master but I'm too tired to eat. I'm going to bed. Master Windu bade me to get to bed early and rest. I have an early start tomorrow."

"Oh. Well then... You're sure you are okay?"

"Yes, I just need some space. Please excuse me, Master."

"Alright, then Anakin. Get some rest and we'll talk tomorrow."

"Good night Master." Anakin bowed respectfully and headed to his room.

"Good night," Obi-Wan said as he watched his Padawan shuffle off to his room, leaving him alone with his thoughts. He couldn't help but worry about Anakin and the unspoken troubles that seemed to be haunting him. He sighed heavily, but before he could turn to clear his dinner from the table, his comlink buzzed.

It was a message from Mace Windu requesting a meeting with him in the morning. Obi-Wan felt a knot forming in his stomach, wondering if this had anything to do with Anakin and his subdued behavior.

With a deep breath, Obi-Wan replied to Mace, confirming their meeting. He couldn't help but worry about Anakin and what Mace wanted to discuss. As he finished cleaning up, Obi-Wan's thoughts returned to his Padawan's strange behavior. He hoped that whatever challenges Anakin faced, he could help him overcome them.

As the night progressed, Obi-Wan found himself unable to concentrate. His concern for Anakin and the upcoming meeting with Mace Windu occupied his thoughts. He decided to meditate to clear his mind and focus on the future instead of dwelling on the moment.

The next morning, he found himself standing outside Mace Windu's office, feeling apprehensive about their impending conversation. He took a deep calming breath to steady himself in the force and entered the office where Mace was waiting for him.

"Master Windu," Obi-Wan bowed respectfully.

"Obi-Wan," Mace acknowledged with a nod. "Please, have a seat."

As Obi-Wan sat down in the chair in front of his desk, Mace got straight to the point. "We need to discuss young Skywalker. I understand you haven't made any attempt to contact Shmi Skywalker, his mother."

Obi-Wan was surprised at this line of questioning and hesitated for a moment before answering. "I didn't think it wise for Anakin to dwell on his past, Master. I believe it's important for him to focus on his Jedi training and let go of his previous attachments."

Mace leaned back in his chair, his expression thoughtful. "I understand your concerns, Obi-Wan. However, I believe the boy is suffering, especially because of his attachment to his mother, and it needs to be resolved. We cannot simply ignore his past and hope it will fade away. He needs to reconcile with his former captivity before he can truly be free."

Obi-Wan took a deep breath, considering Mace's words carefully. He realized that, despite his best intentions, he might not know everything about being a Jedi Master or raising a Padawan.

"Perhaps you're right, Master Windu," Obi-Wan replied, his tone conveying his inner turmoil. "I've done my best and tried to train Anakin as I was trained. But Anakin isn't exactly like the other padawans the order takes in. How can I help him face the pain of a past I don't understand?" Obi-Wan questioned. "I believe my padawan has special needs that I am ill-equipped to provide. I am grateful to you and the council for your assistance in this matter. It is apparent I still have much to learn about guiding Anakin through his challenges."

Mace nodded approvingly. "It's a difficult task, Obi-Wan, but it's important that we help Anakin to confront and overcome his fears and attachments. Remember, the Jedi way isn't only about using the force; it's also about having understanding and compassion for all living things."

Obi-Wan acknowledged Mace's wisdom with a nod. "Thank you, Master Windu. I will make it a priority to help Anakin face his past and find peace with his mother."

"No need. I have already spoken to Master Yoda and he agrees with me. We will try to find Shmi Skywalker so that Anakin can make peace with his past. Once he is sure his mother is safe, he can begin to let her go and become the Jedi he is meant to be. In the meantime, you and I will share responsibility in training and preparing him for the trials."

"Yes, Master Windu. As you wish."

As the meeting concluded, Obi-Wan left Mace Windu's office with a renewed sense of purpose and felt a weight had been lifted from his shoulders. He never felt adequate training Anakin, and he acknowledged that he had much to learn about being a Jedi Master and a mentor. Obi-Wan was glad that Mace Windu would be there to back him up when needed. For the first time since Qui-Gon's death, Obi-Wan felt hopeful about Anakin's future as a Jedi and the chosen one.

*/*/*/*

Bright and early on the day after his first session with Master Windu, Anakin made his way to the Jedi training rooms. He was not in any real pain but there was a ghost of sensation from his bout with the Staff of Redemption still humming beneath his skin as a reminder of his misdeeds. He did not look forward to facing his accuser and victim to apologize but he did not want to disobey Master Windu so soon after his punishment.

Anakin entered the training room, steeling himself for the approaching ordeal. The atmosphere within the training hall was far from what he had anticipated. Master Shaak Ti, along with her apprentice, Elek Synn greeted him courteously. Their words lacked the usual sting of disdain Anakin had grown accustomed to in the temple. He bowed respectfully and poured forth his apology, the words tasting like a bitter slice of humble pie in his mouth. Elek, who Anakin always thought had a personality as abrasive as Tatooine sand graciously nodded in acceptance.

Mission accomplished, Anakin thought and he was about to beat a hasty retreat when Master Shaak Ti stopped him. "Anakin," Master Shaak Ti said, her tone rich with unexpected respect that caught Anakin off balance. "Master Windu has expressed his wish for us to continue your training together with Elek this morning."

This was a first. A master and her padawan, inviting him into their private training session? He scanned their faces for signs of trickery, ready to retaliate with his trademark Skywalker snark. His usual place in the Jedi's hierarchy didn't offer such invitations. But Shaak Ti's gaze, deep and sincere, left no room for refusal. After a moment's hesitation, he nodded, accepting their proposal, a spark of curiosity kindling in his own eyes.

As the session unfolded, he found himself surprised. This wasn't a trap, Shaak Ti and Elek shared their knowledge, and Anakin found himself learning and having fun at the same time. Elek Synn was a master of force speed and moved like a demon. Anakin felt like he was competing in a pod race just trying to keep up though Synn was no match for his sheer power.

As the training session wrapped up, Shaak Ti turned to him, her eyes twinkling. "Feel free to join our training anytime, young Skywalker. I believe you and Elek have much to teach each other, and me as well."

"Thank you, Master. Padawan Elek." Anakin expressed his gratitude to Shaak Ti and Elek Synn with a deep bow. "May the Force be with you."

He left the training hall and as he walked the halls of the temple, he felt a shift in the atmosphere. The omnipresent gaze of his fellow Jedi seemed less critical and more accepting. Hushed whispers echoed through the magnificent corridors. Phrases like "Master Windu's Padawan now", and "Master Windu's boy", reached his ears, carried by the soft, invisible waves of the Force. A surge of pride flooded him, a sensation he attempted to suppress, but secretly delighted in.

For the first time in a long time, Anakin Skywalker felt like he truly belonged. He was a Jedi, a Padawan to Mace Windu, and with that realization, he found himself emboldened. His steps were firmer, his back straighter. The temple, which once loomed as an intimidating maze of judgment, now felt like a nurturing ground for growth. The training room, which once resounded with rivalry and strife, was now a haven of shared knowledge and respect.

With renewed confidence, Anakin walked through the halls of the Jedi Temple. Padawans who usually sneered at him looked away or fell silent as he passed, Masters gave him acknowledging nods and even some smiles. Who knew being punished by Mace Windu could make such a difference in his life? With a grin on his face and his heart lightened, he had a newfound spring in his step.

But as he walked further into the heart of the temple, he felt a shiver run down his spine. A sense of foreboding clawed at the fringes of his elation. The old fears and anxieties he struggled to keep at bay pushed at the edges of his confidence, threatening to topple his defenses like a house built of sand. It would take all the strength and courage Anakin had to keep the nightmares and visions of the future from becoming his reality.