The deafening silence hung thick within the air as Cal struggled to form a coherent sentence, his head throbbed with sharp spikes of agony and his emerald green eyes glanced over the suspicious stare of Anakin.
A gripped frozen chill descended upon him as he desperately tried to sort through the tangles of his memories.
He definitely died, remembering the shocking agony coursing through him and yet; he was very much alive.
It seemed that the Force had intervened; however, when he reached out to the Force, it was a silent lull.
Providing no answers or solutions…
"Well?" Anakin's grated tone forced out, one eyebrow cocked as he waited impatiently for the stranger to offer up an explanation.
The confused grimace upon the suspicious man's face was irritating to say the least and Anakin's mouth pulled downwards, jaw setting at the feeble attempt at the man's attempt to stay innocent.
The thin braid dangled as Anakin leaned closer to study the ginger haired male and Cal's attention flitted briefly while the realisation dawned upon him.
Anakin was still a padawan, which meant that the Force had transported him back…before the clone wars.
"Anakin, my young apprentice." Obi-Wan broke through the thick suspense with a stern call, to which Cal snapped from his swirling fragmented thoughts to glance upon the younger Jedi Master, whose eyes fixed upon Anakin with an unreadable expression.
"Yes Master?" Anakin twisted, steadily regarding his master in response and Cal duly noted that the lethal lightsaber continued to hover unfaltering over his neck. The soft humming reverberated within his ears, he could feel the blistering heat radiating off the weapon and it took every bit of strength within him not to spring up and defend himself.
"You're too quick to jump to conclusions, my padawan." The grim lecture resulted in a flush of embarrassment from the Padawan who immediately retorted with a defensive tone.
"Master, he appeared from nowhere. He must be the one that wants Senator Amidala dead!"
'Who?' Cal hadn't realised that he uttered the disorientated question aloud until the careful striking eyes fixated upon him and with a hushed curse, Cal knew he would somehow have to convince the two that he posed no threat.
Easier said than done.
"I give you my word, I am no Sith." He begins, the strength within his tone remaining firm, in the hopes that they believe him.
"I am a Jedi."
"Interesting…" Obi-Wan mused, pondering upon the younger male's words with much thought. The Jedi Master let the Force guide him, letting his concentration surge towards the individual, inspecting his connection to the Force.
Cal stiffened as he felt Obi-Wan's presence inspecting him, setting him on edge; however remaining still underneath the heavy scrutinising.
It was only when the master attempted to delve deeper into Cal's mind that the Jedi shoved his mental barriers in place, cutting the other off from probing his memories and exploring his past.
"Sorry." Cal cringed at the wide-eyed pure shock on Obi-Wan's face; the Master helpless to hide his bewilderment, due to being unable to crumple the unshakable walls that blocked his mind completely off to his meddling.
This stranger had perfected his strengthened walls, so much so they halted a Jedi Master.
Who was this stranger?
"Master..?" Anakin's trailed question was ignored as Obi-Wan outstretched further into Cal's bond with the Force, straying away from the barriers and instead, fixating on the rippling calm of the Force.
It was only when Obi-Wan forced his lingering grasp to recede that Cal's hushed sigh of relief hung within the air. Despite this, a notable tension was still evident in his every muscle, the piercing eyes stared into the Jedi's as if to ask did you find what you were looking for?
"Who are you? Where did you come from?" Obi-Wan finally asked the question Cal was dreading.
Was it better to tell the truth or lie?
Cal forced the panic at bay as his lightsaber was picked up, it was his most prized possession and the sheer thought that he may lose it again sent an icy jolt through him, to the point that he had to grit his teeth to stop himself from demanding it back.
Obi-Wan let his finger graze upon the switch and the familiar hiss was audible, hanging in the air as the bright yellow lightsaber shined brightly within the darkness.
Cal forced his amused grin back at the Obi-Wan's agape, jaw slackened comedic glance; which reminded him too much of his encounter with the older Obi-Wan.
Kriff, he hoped they were alright, wherever they were.
"Are you a Jedi sentinel?"
"No, not really. I mean..sort of?"
"Did you steal it?" Anakin's skeptical tone resulted in Cal's huffed sigh, the padawan definitely did not trust easily.
"He did not." Obi-Wan answered strongly. "The Force is strong with him."
It needs someone strong in the force to pass its test… Cal blinked back the floating memories, shoving away the deep aching pang in his chest.
"Who are you?" The older Jedi repeated, lowering Anakin's lightsaber from Cal's neck, the dark blonde male spun to his master an incredulous expression.
Grumbling to himself, the padawan relented on the silent conversation, deactivating the azure deadly weapon, with much reluctance; his bone-white knuckles gripping onto the weapon forcefully-not willing to take any chances.
"I'm Cal Kestis." Cal answered finally, a brief smile gracing his face in the hopes to seem friendly.
Obi-wan nodded curtly, trying to recall if he knew a Jedi called Cal Kestis, but nothing jumped out from his memories.
"Nice to meet you, Cal. My name is Obi-Wan Kenobi and this is my padawan Anakin Skywalker."
I know who you are. Cal replied silently, a sorrowful emotion descending over him.
"Where did you come from? What are you? Are you spying on us?" Anakin rushed out and Cal winced, his head throbbing as he scrubbed wearily at his face; trying to sort through the rushed array of questions. Spinning threads of lies was extremely difficult, especially when he still had limited knowledge of what was happening and no time to reflect on what had occurred.
The Force was screeching at him not to reveal the truth.
"I came from the sky." He said bluntly, mentally cringing at the You have to be kidding me glances from both Anakin and Obi-Wan.
"What…"
"My ship broke down, I had to…jump?" Cal's answer seemed more like a question, as if he wasn't sure of his answer himself.
"Master, surely you don't believe him." Anakin's exasperation was unmatched as Obi-Wan cocked his head, his keen gaze studying the male.
"Well Anakin. I wouldn't have, except you did just do it."
"But…thats different!" Anakin protested.
Cal couldn't believe his luck, he actually believed him?
"You just believe that this..so called Jedi happened to fall right next to us while we were interrogating the bounty hunter, who just happened to die?"
Really? The Force had horrible timing….
"I was sent from the council to aid you in the search." He lied, watching the curious expression on Obi-Wan's face.
"But my ship was sabotaged and crashed. It seems the force guided me to you two."
Obi-Wan rubbed his chin thoughtfully, ignoring the disbelief on Anakin's face.
"Master!"
"The council sent you?"
Oh Kriff, his lies were going to blow up in his face.
Biting his lip, Cal hoped beyond anything that Obi-wan wouldn't try and contact the council.
He could worry about that later, but right now his main priority lay in trying to convince them.
"Yes. I promise you, I am a Jedi."
"Alright." Obi-wan handed him his lightsaber and Cal sagged in relief at his most valuable possession was safely within his grip, once again.
"Master!"
"He has given us no reason as to not trust him, my young apprentice." Obi-wan clarified, offering his hand to help Cal up, which the ginger gratefully hoisted himself off the floor, trying to hide his screeching pain behind a feebly created mask.
He needed to gather his thoughts, everything was moving way too fast for the Jedi.
One minute he was dying and the next…
He was here.
The torturous pain hissed up his leg, glancing down he zeroed onto the makeshift scrap of fabric still tied flimsily. The burn was screeching with each movement.
Orange ringlets bouncing while Cal shook his head, pushing back the hazy drowning sensation and trying to maintain his grip on the present.
Strong hands steadied him as he tripped, the concern evident as the Force wrapped around him.
"Are you alright?" Obi-Wan asked, stomach gnawing in worry as the younger Jedi gritted his teeth, unable to stabilise his footing without the Jedi Master's help.
"Fine." Cal huffed out, bracing himself, he shifted so that he was standing on his own. His electric green eyes, glazed with pain, widening at the sight of the dead bounty hunter limp figure across the frozen ground.
The Force called to him, swirling thickly around the body into depths that Cal found himself reaching out, barely grazing his fingers across the dart that pierced her neck.
Cal breathed out as the memories assaulted him, plunging him into the cold ocean of the reverberating echo.
"You must not fail this time."
"Do not worry, I promise the senator will be destroyed ."
"If I do not see results, Jango Fett, this agreement will be voided."
"Understood. I will continue my work on Kamino too."
" See to it that you do ."
Shaking himself from the remnants of the Force echo, he lifted his gaze to the wide-eyed stares of Anakin and Obi-Wan.
"You alright?" Anakin grunted out, reluctantly and yet he was unable to hide his connection to the light-side of the Force.
Despite everything, Cal could feel the hope rise within him.
Despite everything, Anakin was still Anakin. Perhaps, there was a slither of a chance that he could help him to change the future.
"Yes. I was just…"
Would they believe him if he told them the truth…
Crouching down, he gripped the dart between two fingers and handed it delicately to Obi-Wan.
"I believe I know who killed your bounty hunter." Cal muttered out, rubbing his forehead as the weary exhaustion dragged him underneath the surface of his thoughts.
"What! How?" Anakin demanded, his stormy stare yearning for answers.
"I have an ability to experience echoes in the force, like memories." He managed to force out through the developed ringing echoing in his ears.
That…
Probably wasn't good.
"Psychometry." Obi-wan seemed surprised. The only proper Jedi that had the ability was Quin Lan, Obi-Wan had never heard of another…
"I have never heard of another Jedi having that ability.
"I kept it hidden." Cal lied, hating the consuming lies that continued to spread like a wildfire.
"Why?" Anakin interrupted, crossing his arms and staring at Cal with an unreadable expression.
"My master was afraid that it could be used against me. If people knew then it would give them an advantage in war."
"We would never let that happen." Obi-Wan said firmly, turning over the dart between his fingers to study the intricate symbols.
"There is one youngling found with the ability studying with us and he will never be forced to use that ability for war."
That youngling was him…
Blast, he was so out of his depth..
"You said you knew?" Anakin interrupted, Cal was immediately grateful for the man's waning patience.
"Does the name Jango Fett sound familiar to you?" The blank stares were reflected back and Cal's mind wandered to Boba Fett, the man who continuously chased after him wondering if there were any similarities.
"They said something about a…Kamino, perhaps a planet?"
"I suppose that is a good starting place. Thank you Cal." Obi-Wan replied, before turning to Anakin's sharp gaze.
"It's late so I suppose I will have to report everything to the council tomorrow. Come on."
They strode off and Cal watched, unable to hide the sinking feeling that he had failed his first attempt for them to create a trust between them.
"Are you coming?" Anakin twisted around, a question in his gaze, eyebrows raised as he waited for the ginger.
Cal's eyes widened, forcing his wincing behind a passive expression while he fell into step with them.
"I still don't fully trust you." Anakin admitted, not meeting the other's eyes. "But, you've helped us, so thank you."
"Of course." Cal nodded. "Thank you."
I'll show you. Cal thought to himself. I'll show you, you can trust me and stop you turning. If it's the last thing I do.
I would sacrifice myself to ensure you stay in the light, if it is indeed the will of the Force.
.
.
The city life chorused around them, ships and lights and blaring music blurring around the ship as the wind tousled Cal's ginger hair.
A grin stretching upon his face as Anakin twisted, nearly missing a collision. Obi-Wan's terrified squeak only fueled his padawan's antics and a laugh bubbled out of Cal's throat as they twisted tightly around another sharp corner.
Anakin's surprised glance at Cal's joyful grin, morphed into another giggling laugh at his master's protested screeches.
It was nice to share a love for thrill with someone else.
Touching down onto the ground, the Jedi master scampered out of his seat, a look of sheer relief at being on solid ground again.
Anakin couldn't hide the snort of laughter if he tried, turning to see Cal's failed attempts to hold his laughter, much the same.
The doors slid open to the towering building and immediately, the smiles were wiped off their faces; instead they stood professionally as the trio strode towards them.
As they came closer, it was with a shocked chill that he realised that the young lady looked identical to Leia.
Gentle gaze, soft brown hair just like Leia.
The connection clicked and he blinked at the rising knowledge.
This was…
Leia's mother.
Cal had unconsciously tuned out of the muffled pleasantries and explanations while everything connected into place.
Cal snapped out of his thoughts as he was caught between past and present, only when the senator introduced herself to him.
"I thank you for helping locate my attackers, Sir Jedi."
Cal couldn't shove the words through his closed throat, instead nodding curtly as his attention focused on a more important issue.
The presence of the senator perhaps concreted how serious it was that he succeeded.
He almost collapsed at the sheer pressure he realised he was under.
Force.. he was all alone…
The countless lives that would be counting on him, the pressure shoved onto him.
Cal had thought that his task of trying to rebuild the Jedi order beyond impossible, the crashing thought that he had the task of creating a new order filled him with an anxious dread.
But he wasn't alone, he had his family and they gave him the strength to continue.
Now…
He was alone and couldn't afford to fail - the consequences were crushing - He personally knew the devastating consequences if he failed.
He was isolated, this was his burden to struggle through alone.
Blinking the stinging liquid from his eyes, he scolded himself.
Later .
Later he would allow himself to cry and buckle underneath the pressure presented to him, but now he had to stay strong.
The numbing hushed conversations floated back to his ears, everything sounded as if he was underwater; the high-pitched ringing in his ears became more violent.
"Milady, we must return to the temple to give our report to the council tomorrow, but…"
"It's alright." Padmé smiled, reassuringly. "I will keep safe until you return."
"Stay safe Padme." Anakin added softly, his gaze lingering on hers and Cal twisted his stare away, scrubbing roughly at the stray tear as it escaped down his cheek.
Anakin's future daughter relied on him, too many people's lives would change if Vader succeeded.
But, could he really do this?
Could his interference really keep Skywalker away from the rage and hate of the dark side?
Not only that, there was Order 66 and Palpatine…
Force, he hadn't felt this alone since he was stranded on Bracca.
When did Anakin change? Cal could feel the strength of the light side emitting from the padawan, it was that that finally managed to calm his spiralling thoughts.
"We'll see you soon." Obi-wan promised, turning to climb into the driver's seat of the ship, much to Anakin's disappointed pout, who shuffled to climb into the passenger's seat.
Skywalker's arms crossed over each other as if he was a toddler throwing a tantrum and Cal's unease lessened, the ghost of a smile tugging at his lips.
And finally, the rhythmic humming of the engine as well as the steady, safe speeds resulted in Cal's eyes fluttering shut and soon enough the weary exhaustion pulled him into the depths of sleep.
.
.
Rousing from his peaceless slumber, he blinked as the ship was gently guided down to meet the ground.
Somehow he felt worse, he could feel his wound throbbing, Cal's cool fingertips sending frozen waves of relief while the heat emitted from the blistering burn
That couldn't be great…
Following suit, he had to physically bite back a yell when he limped out, the looming Jedi temple stole his breath away-bringing with it harmonious bouts of memories he had accumulated.
"Ensure you get some rest." Obi-Wan addressed the duo. "We'll regroup and report everything to the council tomorrow."
Anakin trailed off after his master, glancing back at Cal's hesitant presence with a drifting call.
"I'll see you tomorrow."
Cal stood as they disappeared from his sight, unknowing what to do or where to go, but the idea of sleep tempted him.
Kriff, he could stay on the ship, sleep there. However cold the whistling winds were, it was an idea.
The Force seemed to protest at that idea, instead tugging at him to enter the temple and with a sagging sigh he limped into the warmth of the building, blindly following the Force through the winding corridors.
And all of a sudden, the Force drifted off, leaving him staring holes into the door.
Cal suddenly realised where he was, the familiar route ingrained within his brain was forced to the surface as he stayed rooted to the spot.
He couldn't bring himself to knock and it took every single strength left within him to spin away, to escape from what lay beyond the door.
The door slid open and Cal stilled, his eyes trained onto the ground.
"I apologise. I got lost." He relayed, it was only when the footsteps surrounded him and the familiar presence blocked his escape route that he raised his gaze.
Jaro Tapal stared at him and Cal reinforced his mental barriers as the tsunami of emotions crushed through him.
I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry. If only I was stronger, I could've saved you…
The Jedi trembled, on the edge of a breakdown as the stern but kind voice answered him.
"Nonsense." Jaro Tapal chided. "Come inside."
His former master's tone left no room for argument and Cal struggled to keep his tears at bay, head bowed his ginger hair hiding his suffering eyes, blinking rapidly.
It was the same, the minimalist space tugged at Cal's heart as he reached out to the Force; yearning to keep his emotions in check.
A thick blanket of calm washed over him as the Force relaxed his tense emotions, making it slightly easier to think beyond the melancholic memories stained with sorrow.
"Master?" A young voice called out and the bright orange hair and dusting of freckles halted Cal in his place.
It was him..
What in the name of all things was he doing here, he shouldn't…wasn't supposed to be here.
Despite his obvious discomfort, he couldn't bring himself to leave-yearning to stay and hold onto the lingering joy within his memories.
"My young padawan we have a guest, prepare some drinks." Young Cal bobbed his head, shooting a curious glance at his older self before leaving.
"Sit please."
I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry. It was echoed by Cal so much so it became a mantra, a repeated pleading that Tapal was unable to hear.
Cal sat gingerly on the chair, avoiding glimpsing at his Master in the fear that he may finally break down.
"What is your name?"
"Cal." He regretted it the minute he uttered those words, a shaky reply.
Despite this, Tapal's expression didn't change, instead his eyes zoned into the lightsaber that hung at the young Jedi's hip.
"Interesting, you have the same name as my apprentice."
Cal blinked, not providing a response to the pondered answer.
"Tell me Cal , what kind of person are you?"
He missed this.
The riddle-like questions and answers exchanged between the two as snippets of advice were offered to the Padawan.
It took a few tries to ensure he could answer without his voice cracking, his brain overturning the strange words again and again.
"I am a person who follows the will of the force." He replies finally and Tapal leaned back in his chair, a thoughtful expression on his face as Cal finally found the courage to glance at him.
I want to save you! He whispered to himself. I want to save everyone, but I don't know if I can…
Can I do this alone?
"You're not alone."
"What…"
"You seem lonely." Tapal offered. "But you are not. The will of the force may take you through desolate and hard trials, but you have others to rely on too."
Cal suddenly found that it was incredibly hard to breathe, his eyes shining with tears as he bit his inner cheek; willing them not to fall.
"Apprentice! Forget the drinks, bring the medical kit."
Within a second, the young padawan was lugging a large medical kit, handing it to Tapal, who placed it on the table.
"What's that for?" Older Cal asked, to which Tapal pointedly stared at him; the disappointed, eye raised glance that screamed, you have to be kidding me.
"Do you really think I wouldn't notice that injury?"
Cal let his trembling hands untie his bandage after another pointed stare from his former master.
He couldn't bring himself to deny or lie to Jaro Tapal.
"This wound is serious, you shouldn't leave these types of burns without medical treatment." Tapal said sternly, applying Bacta to the wound as gently as possible-not willing to put the Jedi through more pain.
"I know Ma-" Cal cut himself off, cursing his stupidity. He got so lost in the past that the old habit came to him naturally.
Tapal either didn't notice or ignored it and continued to treat the wound and Cal let himself finally relax, letting his mind slip into the warm familiar Force presence of his old master.
The bandage was applied and the effects were immediate, the sharp agony dulling as the bacta began its healing process.
Of course, Cal's leg would always carry the blistering scar of his battle with the inquisitor, but that was nothing considering he had somehow survived.
"...Come back here often so the bandage can be changed." Snapping back to the present, he realised that Jaro Tapal was talking to him, digesting his words resulted in a surprised sensation travelling through the Force.
"You want me to come back?"
"Yes."
"But why ?"
"Because your wound is severe and obviously you won't look after it yourself." The blunt truth in the tone was so familiar, it hurt.
"And to remind you that you aren't alone."
Cal wouldn't allow himself to cry till he was alone, but his wavering mask almost completely crumpled with those simple words.
"I need to go." Cal stood, a cracked mutter as he rushed up.
He couldn't stay here any longer, otherwise he may well and truly descend into the abyss of his splintering emotions.
The Jedi froze at the door, craning his neck to regard his master; Cal shot him a sombre but warm smile.
"Thank you, for everything ." Then, Cal strode off.
"You're not alone, my former padawan. I hope you remember that."
Jaro Tapal's sincere and woeful reply was unheard by the ginger, who scrambled through the hallways, desperate to find an isolated place to sort through the mess of everything .
.
.
Cal made his way through the hushed, hanging darkness of the Jedi temple, his feet carrying through the endless corridors and finally onto a balcony, overlooking the twinkling city streets.
And the Jedi finally released his tight grip upon his emotions, sagging onto the ground, Cal's head dipped low as the overflowing, pent-up sadness tumbled through him.
The Force comforted him, a soothing blanket as he sobbed, mourning his family , his life , his everything.
And the overbearing pressure he was forced with now…
Cal had to hide who he was and help everything fall into place by himself.
"You're not alone." Jaro Tapal's words swirled around him and eventually, his cries died down and left a yearning, strong determination.
He could do this, everyone was counting on him.
Glancing up, he stared at the peaceful surrounding of stars above, wondering if in another distant universe…
If his family missed him.
Merrin, Greez, Bd-1 and Cere.
A strong presence shifted closer, but Cal let himself relax, lifting himself off of the rough ground as Anakin shuffled into the cool night; the atmosphere of the surrounding city instantly bringing him solace.
"Are you alright?" Cal asked, stepping closer to the Padawan. Hands clenched tightly, gripping at the rail; head bowed as the wind tousled his dark blonde hair Anakin ignored the muttered whispered question.
"I don't want to talk to you" Anakin spoke harshly, spinning his suspicious glares onto Cal.
Anakin himself was in a weak position and lashing out at the Jedi; unwilling to let himself be seen as such.
"Besides, I still don't trust you."
This was it, this was the one chance that Cal had to prove he could be trusted-perhaps even become friends with the other.
"My family." Cal's hushed tone was barely audible as the wind stole his words. Anakin turned to face the Jedi in the shadowy dark hue of the night, Cal could feel the silent stare judging him.
"I miss my family. We were a group of unlikely allies forced together through circumstances beyond our control and yet…we became family."
"Where are they now?" Anakin asked, unable to shake his curiosity, watching as the other tried to hide the mournful, deep sadness rolled into a melancholic smile.
"No longer in this universe." Cal replied with a hushed sigh. "I feel so alone, so out of place without them."
"I'm sorry." Anakin's harshness wavered, a twinge of regret at how he reacted to the other Jedi.
The silence stretched out, not quite uncomfortable, but not quite comfortable; the hanging calm of understanding.
"I miss my mother." Anakin relented, shoulders sagging after a beat. "This is the second nightmare I have had about her and…and I feel powerless to help. She's in agony and I can't do anything. I'm trapped ."
"Why don't you visit her?"
"It's against the Jedi...code" Anakin mumbled dejectedly. "But at the same time I don't know how long I can last like this…"
"You could visit now." Cal provided, yearning to help the other. "It gives us six hours until dawn so we have time."
"Us?" Anakin tipped his head, an incredulous look crossing his face. "You realise it is against the Jedi Code?"
"I won't tell, if you don't." Cal countered easily, a wide grin stretching on his face at the stunned look on Anakin's face which easily switched into a bubbling laughter.
This was new. Cal was a strong Jedi. The Padawan could feel the flow of the Force around him and yet, the ginger was willing to disobey the council…
The distrust eased, fading into a thin smoke and Anakin finally..finally felt as if hewas heard and not ignored.
Not underestimated...
This strange Jedi was willing to risk trouble with the council, so that he could see his mother.
"Alright then, I guess we can make a quick trip to Tatooine."
Cal's eyes lit up, smiling at the Skywalker.
"Sweet, lets go! But only if you drive."
"You…like my driving?"
"Are you kidding! It's so much fun and faster."
The flush of happiness sunk its way into the Force, echoing Anakin's emotions and Cal hummed peacefully to himself as they left the balcony.
It didn't matter to Cal that he was beyond exhausted, or hurt, or weary beyond relief.
He would sacrifice himself if it meant he could save Anakin, he would give himself up if it meant he could change the past.
Afterall, it was the will of the Force...
Someone tell Cal he needs to stop being a sacrificial idiot and start looking after himself!
Ok so I've decided that I'm going to start updating every second week, because these chapters are long and I don't have alot of time in my day to write them each week ahaha.
Thank you all so much for reading and supporting this! 3