DISCLAIMER: I do not own Star Wars or any of the related characters, places and names. George Lucas (and now Disney, I guess) do. All I own is Luca Redenov and the basic idea for this story.

Chapter 27: The Light and the Dark

Anakin didn't know where he was headed; it was only a vague sense of pain that was coming from his mother that led him through the depths of the desert. It was faint, but that pain was the only thing that connected him to his mother and her whereabouts and he locked onto the feeling with a grim determination. He raced past desert vistas and rocky outcroppings, paying no heed to the beautiful scenery that flew past. Once or twice, the vague feeling managed to elude him and his frustration grew. He had to refocus his thoughts and re-strengthen his resolve and delve deeper into his connection to the Force before the pain returned and his attention turned once again to his mother. All he wanted to do was find her. Why was it so difficult to do so? Luckily, he happened across a few knowing desert wanderers that pointed him in the right direction when his senses and the Force failed him.

He happened across a group of Jawas just as night was falling and, with their guidance, he felt closer than ever. They had just passed an encampment of Tuskens earlier in the day, though they made sure to give it a wide berth. They didn't know if this was the group that Anakin was seeking and cautioned him against approaching the ferocious tribe, but the young man didn't care. He was sure that he would find his mother with those barbarians and when he did, Force help anyone who dared stand in his way. Anakin gassed the accelerator and pushed the bike to its limits. He was close – he could feel his mother's pain more clearly than ever now and it was growing with each meter he rode. He would be there soon.

He noticed a cliff in the distance and something, the Force or his own intuition, immediately knew that that was his destination. He was inching his way to his mother and he would not be denied.

Luca felt Anakin's approaching presence long before he heard the roar of the bike's engine. He had spent the last several hours preparing for young man's arrival and was ready to intercept the determined Padawan to do what needed to be done, without hesitation. The boy would hear him out, would listen to him, no matter what. The fate of the universe depended on the actions that would be taken. He had taken the time he'd had to evaluate the scene below him. What he saw was a peaceful, friendly community. The Tusken tribe didn't look any more dangerous or barbaric than the goofy Gungans of Naboo or the pacifistic people of Alderaan. He knew that such appearances were deceiving: the Gungans could be fearsome warriors if provoked and the Alderaani, though peaceful by nature, would fight to the death to defend their home and ideals. Luca knew firsthand that the Tusken Raiders didn't earn their gruesome reputation by being gentle or acquiescent. But, looking at the families as they went about their daily lives, they were far from the vicious killing machines he'd once believed them to be.

He sighed. It would be hard to reign in the young man's temper, to stop him from enacting his own judgment upon the unsuspecting tribe below. Luca remembered all too well the anger, the all-consuming grief he felt when he had discovered his mother and the pain and overwhelming darkness of wanting her tormentors to meet the death they so rightly deserved for doing such an awful thing to a creature as pure and innocent as his mother. At that moment, nothing had seemed as important as seeking vengeance for his mother. Not Obi-Wan, not the Jedi, and, as much as he was loathe to admit, not even Padmé and the love he held for her was enough to pierce through the darkness that had taken a hold of him. It wasn't until dawn, when he had gathered his mother's lifeless body into his arms and made his way through the bodies on the ground to his speeder that he was even able to fully comprehend what he had done. And still, he had shown no remorse for his actions or for the dozens of people he had slaughtered in his fit of anger.

Now, he could see how wrong he had been, how easily he had surrendered to the darkness, how simple it had been to lose his soul to the devil. In hindsight, the night his mother died had certainly been a contributing factor to his dark descent, perhaps even the catalyst. Stopping Anakin now would be crucial if history was to be rewritten, if the mistakes of the past were to be erased, if a better future was to be secured.

Luca shook his head to clear those morose thoughts. Now was not the time to dwell on the past. He needed to focus on the here and now. Shifting his attention back to the task at hand, he wasn't surprised to sense Anakin nearby, nearly on top of him. What did surprise him, however, was the feeling of another presence, a presence he hadn't felt in such a long time but one which he would never be able to forget. Luca's eyes widened in surprise and he let out a small gasp.

"Qui-Gon?"

I am here. Luca turned to look behind him and was shocked to see a shimmering blue figure standing there, a solemn smile on his bearded face. Shocked to see me, I see. Rendered speechless at the sight of the ethereal figure that had once been his old mentor, it took Luca a long moment to recover before he managed to find his voice.

"I'm just…I…I don't know what to say. How are you here?"

There are some mysteries of the Force that you are not yet privy too, young one. There are some things that even Master Yoda does not yet fully understand, though he has managed to grasp some of their finer aspects. He and Obi-Wan helped you achieve the same thing not long ago with young Luke, did he not?

Luca stared at the figure contemplatively. He hadn't really thought about how he had been able to visit his son after he passed on or what that had to have been like for the boy. Was this what had happened to him when he visited with Luke?

The apparition watched him as the younger man thought about this new information. He always had been a curious one, eager to learn and understand all he could about the world around him, asking as many questions as he could and seeking answers to everything and anything. Qui-Gon smiled gently before continuing.

Years ago, when my spirit was released into the Force, I began to understand more about the Force than I ever had in life. One thing I came to understand was how to reappear in the world of the living and interact with those whom I wanted to see me. This, as I came to realize, was especially possible for those who were strong in the Force and who had open minds and strong, willing spirits. Many years ago, I tried to use this newfound understanding to reach out to a troubled soul, a spirit slipping into darkness, hoping to bring him back into the light. Here, the ghostly figured paused, a sense of sadness on his face. I failed. There was another pause and Qui-Gon kept his eyes on the man in front of him, trying to see if there was any kind of recognition in those clear blue eyes.

A few years later, I was able to make myself known to Master Yoda. I told him what I had come to realize and learn about the Force and the hereafter. Needless to say, he was a bit surprised, and, as I'm sure you know, it's a bit of a challenge to surprise him. Both men shared a small conspiratorial smile as they each remembered the knowing look that always seemed to grace the diminutive Master's face, especially after all of the pranks their younger selves had often pulled.

During the reign of the Empire, I was able to come to Obi-Wan as well and throughout the years, I taught both Master Yoda and my old Padawan all that I had come to know. I knew that one day, they would need that knowledge. In their guidance of young Luke, that knowledge proved valuable. But, I have come to you this night because I needed you to see me.

"But Master, I don't think you understand. I'm not…" The spirit raised his hand and Luca immediately closed his mouth, experience telling him that he should let the old Jedi talk.

I know what's going on, Mister Redenov, or should I say Anakin, he smiled a knowing smile, but that's not important right now. I am here to make sure that you know what you have to do tonight. We both know what has to occur and I know that it will be the hardest decision you will probably ever have to make. And Anakin will have a hard time. He will resent you for the action that you will take tonight, but in time, he will begin to recognize that what was done had to be done, that you had to save him. He needs to become the Jedi that he is meant to be, the Jedi that you have become. Luca was silent though Qui-Gon could tell that his words had touched the man deeply. I have faith in you Anakin, we all do. It's time that you have faith in yourself.

"Th…thank you, Master. I'm glad you trust me to carry out this mission." Luca paused a moment, thinking back on what the older Jedi had said. "You said that you one tried to help someone find their way back into the light and that you failed." He paused again, knowing that what he was about to say was true but not wanting to know it. "It was me, wasn't it? When I came to look for my mother, you were there, trying to help me, trying to stop me, weren't you?"

Qui-Gon looked at the young man he had discovered once, a long time ago, on this very planet, knowing that he deserved the hard, painful truth, as much as that would hurt.

Yes, Anakin. I came to you that night and saw how much pain you were in, how much you were hurting. I saw the dark look in your eyes and sensed the evil that was surrounding you. I tried to call out to you, tried to stop you, but your grief was too consuming. The Dark Side had taken a hold of you and would not let you go. I could not stop you. I could not reach out to you to let you know that you were stronger than the evil that was surrounding you, that you had the strength to overcome the heartache. I watched what happened that night, disappointed in myself that I could not help you in your time of need, knowing that that night would be the beginning of your downfall. Qui-Gon paused to gather his thoughts. I have always watched you, Anakin. I have never lost faith in you, no matter what happened. I knew that you would have a hard time becoming the Jedi you are now. That night, I knew, would begin to break down that strength of heart and goodness that I first saw in you all those years ago. You were stronger than the darkness. You fought your way back to the light. You overcame the evil that was threatening to destroy. Just like I knew you would. You had to do it the hard way, like you always did, Qui-Gon smiled gently at Luca and noticed the watery eyes that he was trying to hide, but you did it. You have become the man you were always meant to be and I am proud of you.

Luca stared at the Force ghost in front of him, not quite sure what to say. Qui-Gon had been the only father figure he had had in his young life and he had looked up to the venerable Master from the first moment he had seen him. The fact that that paternal influence was in his life all too briefly had devastated him. Obi-Wan was a good substitute, but nothing would be able to replace the fatherly feeling that Qui-Gon's presence had given him. To know now the Jedi Master was proud of him and what he had become, that he had been with him throughout his journey, gave him a feeling of accomplishment and completion that he had not known he was missing. He turned to wipe the tears from his eyes.

"Thank you, Master Qui-Gon. I appreciate your words and your faith in me. I really do."

And Qui-Gon knew that the words were true. Anakin had always needed acceptance of who he was and an awareness of him and his actions. He needed to feel accepted, to feel needed, and to feel like he was doing what he needed to do.

Now, my old Padawan, gather yourself and prepare for what is to come. Anakin is close and you need to be ready for the actions to be taken tonight.

Luca nodded and smiled resolutely. "I will. And thank you again." The shimmering figure gave a final nod before disappearing into the Force as mysteriously as he had come. Luca stared at the spot that the old Master had just occupied for a few moments before collecting his thoughts and turning to the roaring sound of speeder bike engines approaching.

Anakin reached his destination and was greatly surprised by the presence that greeted him. When the bodyguard had left all those hours ago, the man had told him that he would wander around Mos Espa to gather more information about who was behind the attempts on Padmé's life. Not hearing from him, Anakin had assumed that he was still in town. Seeing Luca here now raised the young Padawan's suspicions. If Luca was looking for those behind the attacks, why would be here, in the middle of a desert, watching a band of Tuskens?

"Anakin," Luca walked up to the Jedi cautiously, and Anakin sensed that the other man was hiding something from him. "You're here."

"Yes. My question is why are you here, Mister Redenov?"

Straight and to the point.

"I didn't find out anything useful back in Mos Espa and since I knew you were going to look for your mother, I decided I might be more helpful trying to track her whereabouts instead. When I saw that you had already left town and taken the ship, I did my own sleuthing and heard that there had been some Tusken Raiders seen in the area, suspiciously lurking near homes on the outskirts of town. Knowing what I do about Sand People and their penchant for avoiding not only the populated towns but the isolated moisture farms as well, I decided that there was something to this. Asking around, I found out that about a month ago, a woman had apparently been abducted from a moisture farm far from the outskirts of town. No one knew her identity but they had heard stories that a large group had gone after her and only a handful had returned. Using what you have told me about your own feelings and dreams about your mother and this new information, I deduced that the Tuskens had abducted your mother. Since I knew you would eventually come to the same conclusion, I decided I would track them down and scout them to find out what I could before you got here. And here you are."

It all sounded plausible, if suspicious, to the young Jedi, but he didn't sense any ill intention in the man's voice so he could only assume that he was telling the truth. But his wary mind did have a few questions for the mysterious bodyguard.

"The desert is a big place and easy to get lost in if you don't know your way around. Most of the locals have a hard time navigating this deep into the desert. So how did you manage to find your way here? And you seem to know enough about the Tusken Raiders to know that they avoid contact with others as much as possible. How?"

"I am a well-traveled man, Anakin. I've been all over the galaxy, going planet to planet, going from one job to the next. I have been to Tatooine before. In fact, I spent a few years here doing odd jobs when I was younger. I know just as much about the Sand People and their customs as any local. I also know my way around from my years here. I'm a pretty good tracker, too. Besides, I ran into some Jawas on my way here and they helped point me in the right direction. I'm sure you ran into them on your way here as well." Anakin could only nod. What the man said made sense and he could find no fault in what Luca was saying. But there was still something about him and his actions that was bothering the younger man. As much as he wanted to interrogate the man further, he had far more important things to do than ask questions. His mother was down there; he could feel it.

Anakin turned away from Luca and looked at the encampment below. If he didn't know any better, he would swear that it was just a friendly little community settling down for the night. There were no indications that they were anything but that, that they were anything but an intimate family group. But Anakin knew better. He knew what vicious, mindless beings the Tuskens were and he vowed that if they had hurt his mother, they would pay. He would make sure of it.

Luca sensed the younger man's dark thoughts and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. This seemed to rouse the Padawan from his hazy state and he stared at the older man, a questioning look on his face.

"Look, Anakin. I know that you probably want to charge down there, get your mother, and fight your way through anyone who would stand in your way. If I were you, I would probably do the same thing. But that is not to the course of action to take. If your mother is down there, we have to do what we can to save her and to get her out safely. You cannot go charging through a whole tribe of Tuskens with vengeance on your mind. That is not the Jedi way. You know it as well as I do."

Anakin stared disbelievingly at the man in front of him, anger in his eyes. "Those monsters abducted her, probably tortured her, and you're telling me not to avenge that? My mother never did anything to them; she is just a sweet, innocent lady that those brutes savagely attacked. Why wouldn't I want them to answer for that?"

"Anakin, listen to me." Luca pleaded to the young man and was startled for a moment when Anakin turned to him and his eyes flashed yellow. "I know how much this hurts, how much you want them to feel the pain you feel for abducting your mother. But you know your mother wouldn't want you to sacrifice yourself to the darkness to save her, right? What would Padmé say when she finds out? Would you be able to live with yourself for doing that to her?" Those words seemed to draw Anakin out of the livid rage he was feeling, but Luca knew that it was only short-term. Once he actually saw his mother, it would take much more to break through, to make him see reason. He could only hope that he would be strong enough to bring Anakin out of the darkness. "Why don't we come up with a plan on how to get down there and back without any of the Tuskens seeing us?" Anakin nodded reluctantly, and beneath the luminescence of Tatooine's three moons, the two set discussed their next course of action.

In his secret office on Coruscant, Darth Sidious sat brooding angrily beneath his cowl. His senses had stayed attuned to Anakin, even after the young Padawan and his entourage had left for Tatooine. He wanted to make sure that the brief vision he had had of Mister Redenov hadn't derailed his plans for the young Jedi or for the very galaxy itself.

He had successfully managed to secure emergency powers from that imbecilic Gungan Amidala had left in charge in her absence and he was absolutely certain that nothing would be able to throw off his carefully executed plan now. Soon enough the opening salvos of the war would be fired and he, Palpatine, the great leader caught in the middle of such a surprising turn of events, would be looked to to help bring the citizens of the Republic through the trying time and out of the war. Of course, as Darth Sidious, he would be carefully manipulating both sides, the Republic and the Separatists, against each other for his own designs and would only quell the fighting when he found fit, when it suited his plans.

But that vision still bothered him. There was something to that Redenov fellow, something that could completely mess up his ambitions. Anakin was his main focus, but if the liaison had somehow managed to turn the young man away from the darkness, everything he had worked so long and hard for would be ruined. Anakin was the key in his plans to conquering the galaxy. Without him, he stood no chance. Skywalker was the only one who was not only strong enough to encourage his reign, but the only Force user powerful enough to defeat him if he got that chance. He had no fear of that happening right now; Anakin still considered him a friend and confidante and it would be some time before that would no longer be true.

Yet, he was still on edge. That vision had rattled him for some inexplicable reason and he was more determined to keep a tight leash on the prodigal young Jedi. Following Anakin's actions had been easy enough as the rage and anger he felt towards his mother's abduction guided Sidious' mind to the young man. Blindly following his rage, Anakin would soon tip irretrievably over into the dark. Then, the powerful Jedi would be his for the taking, his enforcer, his dark sidekick.

His apprentice.

The Dark Lord smiled deliciously at that thought.

A.N. Okay, I know it's been a while (a year or two at least) but I really had no inspiration for this story. Seriously. I had started writing the first little bit of it right away then I ran into some problems and stopped for a long, long time. I picked it up again about a month ago and decided to finish it. In fact, I didn't even have the entire Qui-Gon exchange thought up until I decided to pick it up again. Now that I have decided to come back into it, maybe I will work on it a bit more steadily (no promises), though the summer is always a busy time for me work-wise. We'll see. Please don't be mad at me. I'm attempting to finish this as quickly as possible considering I've been working on it for 7 years. I apologize for the long delay. I'll try to post again soon.