Chapter 150: The Past
Reason...
That was why Storm was here...
Seated on the edge of the bed with his hands on his head...
And Twilight...
Hugging and nuzzling him from behind...
"Sparky..."
The princess didn't seem to hear her partner's annoyed tone as she was thinking about snuggling him. The princess had called for her personal knight to snuggle with her for the past few days. So every night for the past few days, Storm was being embraced by Twilight in her bed as she slept. At first, it felt nice; however, after the second day, Storm was now starting to get annoyed.
"Sparky..."
"Just a bit longer," said Twilight as she nuzzled her partner's back.
The princess had a smile of enjoyment on her face. The girl had her arms around the boy as her hands felt his chest and muscles. Storm kept a calm expression on his face, but in his mind, he didn't seem to be into it.
"Twilight, stop!" yelled Storm.
The girl gasped and was taken aback when she heard Storm yell.
"Enough!" said the boy as he got up from the girl's arms and turned to face her.
"Storm..." said the girl as she crawled toward the edge of her bed and sat on her feet to look at the boy.
A knock was heard at the door as Twilight voiced for the person to enter.
"Oh, I'm sorry, princess. I hope I wasn't interrupting anything," said Moondancer with a slight smile at seeing her lady with her knight in her room alone.
"No. In fact, I just leaving!" growled Storm as he walked past the handmaiden and put his hands in his pocket.
"Ooh," said Moondancer as she seemed to see the expression on Storm's face. The girl turned to look at her mistress as Twilight put her head down. "Soooo... how'd it go?"
"Fine," said Twilight, shifting her position to sit as she hugged her knees.
"Aw, come on. I need more details than that, Twilight. Tell me, did you snuggle with him?" asked Moondancer as she sat next to her friend, wanting to hear the gossip of what went down between them.
"Yes."
"Did you feel him up?"
"Yes."
"Did he slide his hands up your shorts and feel your rear?" asked the handmaiden.
"Moondancer!" yelped Twilight, trying not to let her handmaiden shout that detail for all to hear. Especially her father.
"Well?"
"He... did," responded the girl with a smile.
"Then what happened?" asked Moondancer, wanting to know why Storm had that look on his face if he did all that with Twilight.
"I don't know," said Twilight, also confused.
"Perhaps, you might need to take more drastic measures?"
"Mom?!" said Twilight.
Standing in the doorway was the princess' mother. The Queen had a smile on her face as she entered her daughter's room.
"Your Majesty!" said Moondancer.
"At ease, Moondancer," assured Velvet as she put her hand out.
"H-How much did you hear?" asked Twilight nervously.
"Mmm. I think I heard you had Storm's hand on your rear," said Velvet as Twilight tried to hide behind her hair. The girl was full-on embarrassed that she had to hear her mother repeat what she said.
"Please, don't tell Dad."
"Worry not, sweetie. I won't tell your father. But if I can offer a word of advice." said Velvet as she approached her daughter and forcefully grabbed her shoulders to look directly into her eyes. "You are a princess! Storm is your personal knight! Any order you give him, he has to follow! Correct?!" Twilight shook her head rapidly as the look on her mother's face was one that she was scared of. "Then... order him to go on a date with you!"
"B-B-B-But Mom..."
"No buts! You love him, right?" asked Velvet as Twilight quickly shook her head. "Then give him the royal command to go out!"
"But he's my partner..."
"And I want some grandchildren before I'm old, lose my beauty and die!" yelled Velvet. "Order him to take you out! You got that!"
"Yes, ma'am," responded the girl meekly to her mother.
"Good!" said Velvet as she took a deep breath and let go of her daughter. "Well, then. I need to handle some things. Be good, sweetie."
Velvet left with an innocent smile as if what had happened hadn't occurred. Twilight and Moondancer were left with their mouths open as they couldn't believe what the Queen did. Twlight's hand was shaky; she was now scared of doing what her mother told her. However, in a way... it might be her best option to deal with her feelings.
Storm was in the castle's stables as the boy brushed his horse's mane. The Jedi carefully groomed his steed as the animal had its nose deep in a bucket, eating its food.
"There we go, Spirit. Feels good?" asked the Jedi as his horse neigh. "Bet you never have to deal with any problems. You're just an animal. Going about your life as normal. Why is my life so hard?"
The horse neigh to his rider.
"Look, I admire Twilight. I really do. It's just... she's a princess. I'm... a Jedi. Those two things can't work. All the fairytales she's read. It's a prince that gets the girl. I'm anything but that. I'm just a normal-ass person."
The horse made more noises as Storm shifted to the other side and brushed its coat.
"I don't have a fancy title or land to give her. I ain't got shit. Twilight's better off picking someone who can actually give her what she wants." said Storm, brushing the coat of the horse.
The Jedi's horse turned its head to face his rider as Storm sighed and leaned against his ride.
"I've got feelings for Twilight... that I can admit. But... I'm not sure I can give up being a Jedi just to be with her. That's something... that's something I can't give up willingly. I've worked my whole life to get to where I am; I can't throw it all away." confessed Storm. "Plus... it's the only home that I've ever had. A home where I'm loved by many. How can you replace that?"
The teen gave a deep sigh while resting his head on his horse. Spirit moved his head closer to his rider as he nudged him. The boy smiled as he put his hand on the horse's face and rubbed it.
"Good boy... good boy. Thanks for cheering me up," spoke Storm softly as his horse let out a sound.
The doors to the stable opened, and there was Twilight. The princess was looking for her partner as she wanted to talk. Storm turned to see the girl standing there as she had her hands behind her back and looked a bit shy.
"Hey."
"Hey."
Storm responded back before going back to grooming his horse. Twilight just stood in silence as she struggled to approach her partner. The words of her mother rang as she was wrestling with her mind.
"So, this is where you've been?"
"Wanted some peace and quiet. Plus, Spirit's a good conversationist," said Storm as he finished grooming his horse, stepped out of the holding pen, and locked it. He held some food as the animal walked forward and began to nibble.
"I see," said Twilight before taking another deep breath and walking toward her partner.
The girl was standing next to her partner and leaning over the railing. Storm's horse approached the princess as she stuck her hand out and rubbed his nose.
"You remember what you said when I first rode him?" asked Storm, looking at her.
"Be sure to take the time to soothe your mount. That's the only way it will know how you truly feel," said Twilight as they smiled.
Storm had his hand reaching over to put his hand on top of Twilights. The princess looked down as she turned red and looked at her partner. The horse gave a neigh before it turned and walked away.
"Storm... I'm sorry. I'm sorry if my snuggling made you feel uncomfortable."
"It's fine, Twilight. I'm not angry. It's just... I do want my own space from time to time. Just don't like it when people get too clingy, is all." said the boy as he grabbed the bucket the horse was eating from.
"Storm..."
"Yeah."
The princess struggled to speak. The words of her mother it was so simple but so hard.
"Sparky, you got something you want to tell me?" asked the Jedi.
"Um... well... you see..." Twilight fidgeted with her hands and had her foot trace the dirt before her.
Moments passed, and Twilight still hadn't said anything. Storm waited for the princess to speak, but nothing came. He was about to say something when the girl spoke.
"I wanted to talk to you... about something."
"What?"
"It's... why we're here," said the princess. "You remember why we're here?"
"Yeah. To visit Zecora," responded the boy as he hung the bucket and turned to face her. "To be honest, I'd almost forgotten. Given what happened since we arrived, I put it back in my mind."
"Yeah, the whole suitors, the Crystal Empire, and... even..."
"Hearts and Hooves," finished Storm.
The two looked at each other. That moment, that night, the two shared. Came flooding to their mind as if it had happened yesterday.
"Y-Yeah... that night," said the princess. "Since our time to return is almost here. Maybe, we should go see her. And see if we can get the answers we're looking for."
"Sure," said the boy as he grabbed the saddle for his horse.
The two teens were now preparing their horses as they were looking to head out. The princess got on her horse as she and Storm began to trot out of the stable. They began to jog down the road leading to the Everfree Forest as they were looking to get the answers they wanted from the fortune teller. The ride through the Everfree Forest was rather quick as both Jedi soon arrived at their destination.
The teens parked their horses near the hut and tied them to a tree.
"It's okay, bud. We'll be in and out," Storm assured his steed as he calmed down his horse.
"Let's see if she's home," said Twilight as they walked.
The pair saw the hut, and its creepy, mysterious aura remained. Both Jedi Knights approached the door as they entered. The creak of the door swung open as they looked in. The duo was expecting to see the witch doctor, but she was nowhere to be found. They entered, hoping to find something.
The pot in the brewing room began to shake. The two Jedi reached for their lightsabers as the pot shook furiously. Soon the pot contents began to spill over as the Jedi inched closer to their weapons. A green cloud of mist flowed out as soon as a shadow appeared. The shadow then took a form as it was none other than the witch doctor herself.
"Greetings, Jedi. Welcome to my humble home, such gloom and..."
"Please, no rhyming!" stated Storm.
"Very well," smiled Zecora, "To who do I owe the pleasure of you visiting me."
"Well, Zecora, we would like some answers to our questions. And given your talents in spell brewing and other mystical powers, maybe..."
"You seek to find what caused your Clone Wars to occur," said Zecora as she finished the princess' thought, turned to her brewing cauldron, and dropped some stuff.
"When I was on a mission on Naboo, I encountered a Sith Lord. He mentioned that the plans for the Clone Wars were laid there," said Storm.
"So you wish to find out what happened nearly a decade ago?" said Zecora, not looking at the Jedi as she stirred her brewing pot.
"Yes. Maybe... it could hold a clue as to how to win this war," stated Twilight.
"So... do you have something that allows us to look in the past?" asked the boy.
Zecora had a straight look on her face as she didn't respond to the teens right away. The fortune teller merely looked at her potion brewing pot. She then secretly flipped her wrist as she made a card appear. The card that she held was the one that was Storm's future when they came the other time. At first, it was white, but it became clear when the pair last left Equis. However, Storm's future card was still incomplete. The image showed the boy surrounded by gunfire. However, that was only the bottom half of the card; the top had yet to be revealed.
Zecora knew that whatever fate was in store for the boy would be revealed in time. She made the card disappear before turning to face the Jedi Knights.
"I have a spell allowing you to look into the past. To find the answers that you may seek. But... are you sure that's what you want." said Zecora.
"What choice do we have," responded Storm.
"Very well," said Zecora as she stuck her hand out.
The bottles on the shelves behind the teens flew. They both ducked as they saw the things levitate and begin to pour. Zecora stood before the pot as she began to chant, her eyes rolling to the back of her head as her shadow moved on its own and did other things. Fireworks and explosions of magic occurred as Zecora lifted into the air. The Jedi watched the fortune teller as her shadow snuck behind them and pulled a strand of hair as they yelped. The shadow slithered and soon dropped both tufts into the cauldron as it created a bright light.
It died down as the liquid turned from a purple color to a white color. Zecora began to come down as her eyes returned to normal, and she chanted some final words. She stirred the spoon around before pulling out a potion bottle. The witch doctor grabbed it as she approached a table and set it down.
"As promised," said Zecora. "After a sip, you may see what you want."
The Jedi approached the table as Zecora poured each a small sip into a glass. The two sat down and looked at the drink in front of them. They held the glass to their noses to see if it smelled funny but smelt like nothing.
"However, a word of caution. You will see the past but be no more than mere ghosts. You can't change what is in motion. You must let what fate has foretold play out. You will see things that you wish to change, but you cannot, as destiny has revealed her hand." said Zecora giving one final warning to both Jedi.
The teens looked at each other before they nodded.
"See you on the other side, Sparky."
"See you on the other side."
Both Jedi clinked their glasses before they downed their drink in one sip. They placed their glasses on the table as they licked their lips.
"I don't feel anything," said Storm as he looked at Twilight. "Do you?"
"No. It tastes like-"
It took a second, but the potion kicked in. Twilight and Storm had their eyes go completely white as their heads kicked back. Soon everything went white.
Storm was shown lying on a floor as he began to stir. The boy was coming to his senses as she sat up and rubbed put his hand to his head. He looked around as Twilight was lying a few meters away. He approached the girl and bent down by her side to gently shake her.
"Sparky... Sparky..."
The princess began to stir as she opened her eyes.
"Storm... where are we?" asked the girl as she got to her hands and knees.
"I'm not sure," said the boy as he looked at their surroundings. The Jedi saw many crates and other boxes. A few ships were also docked. "My guess, some kind of hangar bay."
At that moment, the doors to the hangar bays opened up.
"Storm, droids!" said the princess.
Both Jedi took cover immediately behind some crates. The droids all marched in as they approached some of the ships. Soon the ships themselves transformed as they were vulture droids. In a few seconds, the entire hangar was full of them.
"What do we do?" asked Twilight.
Before the boy could respond, the sound of a ship was heard. The pair looked to the hangar door as in coming was a ship. It docked in front of all the droids as they saw it, and a few began to approach. The doors to the ship opened up as two robed figures walked out. They couldn't distinguish who the figures were from where Storm and Twilight were. The two mysterious individuals were heading toward the exit door of the hangar as they began to silently follow.
Twilight didn't pay attention as they crouched about as she stopped before a droid. The princess halted as Storm saw this from just a few meters behind some crates. The princess looked at the droid as it seemed to be looking at her. The girl was scared to see what would happen, but the droid just walked forward. He walked through Twilight as she phased through.
Storm gasped as he exited behind the crates and walked toward his partner. The boy passed through three droids marching in a line as they didn't notice.
"You okay?" asked Storm.
"Yeah. Guess I forgot that Zecora said we'd be like ghosts," said Twilight as she stood up.
"Come on. Let's follow them," said Storm as the pair followed the two hooded figures.
The hooded figures walked through the door and were met with a protocol droid as she began to lead them away. They came to a room as the droid informed them they would contact their superiors. Storm and Twilight followed the pair closely behind as the door shut. The two teens turned back to the hooded figures as they were shown putting their hands up and removing their hoods to reveal their faces.
"I have a bad feeling about this," said one of the individuals as he spoke.
"I don't sense anything," responded the other person with a cool, calm, and collected expression.
"It's not about the mission, Master. It's something... elsewhere. Elusive."
"Don't center your anxieties, Obi-wan."
"Obi-wan?" said Storm as he and Twilight were shocked to hear that.
True to what was said, standing before them as they walked and talked was Obi-wan himself. The Jedi Master back when he was still a Padawan nearly over a decade ago. And standing next to him was none other than his teacher, the late great Qui-Gon Jin.
"Incredible," said the princess, knowing they were seeing an event of the past happen before their eyes.
"God damn. Obi-wan really does look old now," said Storm, as he had to admit that Satine was right. The beard that the Jedi now had really made him age.
The two teens watched Obi-wan and Qui-Gon talk before making their way back to the table, where at that moment, the protocol droid returned with a serving tray and two cups on it. Moments later, things began to occur. An explosion happened as the Viceroy had contacted his superior and was informed to kill the Jedi. They took out their ship as both Jedi sensed it and stood up with their lightsabers turned on. Soon gas began to pour into the room from the small vents.
"Dioxis gas," said Twilight as she identified the vapor.
"Well, at least we're fine," stated Storm as they saw what Obi-wan and Qui-Gon did to survive the gas.
On the other side, several droids appeared as they approached the room. The hologram of the Viceroy came on, and he informed the droids about finishing off the Jedi. The doors opened as the droids kept their weapons locked. At first, only the protocol droid exited as she had no problem and excused herself. As the others turned back, they saw two lights and began swinging. They fired back against the Jedi before they were cut down in seconds.
The student and teacher went to the bridge where the Viceroy was as Qui-Gon began to get to work. He stabbed his lightsaber at the door and was beginning to make an entrance; all the while, Obi-wan was covering him from any incoming foes. A second later, the blast doors closed per the Viceroy's order. However, that didn't stop Qui-Gon as he stabbed his lightsaber and began using his sword's hot temperature to melt the door.
"Hmm. A useful technique," said Twilight as she observed how Qui-Gon was using his lightsaber to cut through a reinforced door. The princess made a mental note to learn that.
"Master, Destroyers!" shouted Obi-wan.
The Jedi Master stopped his action as he turned to see the rolling droids coming at them. The droids stopped and began to fire at the Jedi with their shields up. The Jedi were blocking their fire before they quickly dashed down the hall. The droids turned and continued to fire at them before they went up the ventilation shaft.
Storm and Twilight, who'd been watching this, were suddenly transported to a hangar bay. It caught the teens off guard, as they took a moment to register what had happened. Soon they spotted Qui-Gon and Obi-wan by some crates as they looked out at the many droids and tanks.
"It's an invasion army," said Obi-wan.
"This is an odd play for the Trade Federation. We've got to warn the Naboo and contact Chancellor Valorum. Let's split up. Stow aboard separate ships and meet down on the planet." instructed Qui-Gon to his apprentice.
The two split as they began to get onboard separate ships silently. Another quick change of scenery occurred for Twilight and Storm as soon they found themselves surrounded by green. The smell of the nearby swamp could be detected by both teens as they covered their noses.
"Zecora!" yelled Storm as he looked to the sky. "Oh, so we're nothing more than ghosts, but we can still smell the swamp. What kind of shit rules are those?"
"Let's just keep moving," said Twilight, as she couldn't stand being here for another second.
As the pair walked, above them, passing through the sky, were the landing crafts for the invasion. The droids and their tanks got out as they steamrolled through the forest. Storm and Twilight kept walking as they tried to find some direction or where Obi-wan and Qui-Gon could be to continue seeing what had happened.
"Storm, maybe we take a break. At this rate, we have no idea where we are. Let alone where they might be." said Twilight.
"There's gotta be a way to figure out where we are," said the boy as he put his hand to his chin and began to think.
The teen was looking at the sky, and then his eyes wandered around the forest they were in. He looked at it briefly before a thought ran through his mind.
"Hmm. Sparky, this may be a past memory, but things should still be the same, relatively speaking, correct?"
"What are you getting at?"
"If that tree had been there nearly a decade ago, it would still be in the same place, correct?"
"Relatively speaking, yes. Erosion is caused by three main factors, water, wind, and ice. Plus, it would take at least a thousand years before the soil would weaken." said the girl.
The boy then jumped onto a tree as he somehow could grab it.
"I really need to ask Zecora what the hell the rules are for us," said the boy as he had another thing to ask the fortune teller about how her potions worked.
The boy put that thought out of his mind as he climbed the tree. He got onto a branch, crouched, and began looking outward.
"See anything?" asked Twilight.
"No..." replied the boy before he caught a glare of the sun. "Sparky, what's the position of the sun?"
Twilight put her hand over her eyes to reduce the glare of the bright light source.
"About 12 degrees."
"And where's the wind coming from?" asked Storm.
Twilight put her finger up as she caught a slight draft.
"About 35 degrees northwest."
"Okay, so. 12 degrees from the sun and 35... which would put it at... there!" said Storm, doing some calculations in his head that Luna taught him about location. The boy pointed in a direction as there was a city just way in the distance.
"What?"
"I see Theed!" said Storm as he saw the city they were so familiar with. "So, if Theed is in that direction, then the swamp to the Gungans should be... about there! 56 degrees against the wind." The boy had his other arm pointing in the direction of the swamp.
The boy then saw some trees falling in between the two destinations. The tanks of the droids were now marching through the forest as they were looking to clear them out.
"Storm!" called out Twilight.
"I found them, Sparky!" smiled the boy before climbing down.
At that moment, Qui-Gon had run into a Gungan as they let the tank pass over them before getting up.
"You almost got us killed. Are you brainless?" asked Qui-Gon sternly as he walked with the Gungan behind him.
"I spake," responded the Gungan.
"The ability to speak does not make you intelligent. Now, get out of here," said Qui-Gon, clearly not having time to deal with this.
No, no. Mesa stay. Mesa called Jar Jar Binks. Mesa, your humble servant."
"That won't be necessary," said Qui-Gon to the Gungan, as this was the last thing he needed.
"Oh, but it 'tis. 'Tis demanded by the gods, it 'tis."
Before the Jedi Master could respond, they heard something.
"Master!"
They turned as coming around the forest bend was Obi-wan, running for his life. The Padawan was booking it as behind him were droids on speeders as they found the Jedi and shooting at him. Qui-Gon merely pulled his lightsaber to reflect a single blast back at the droids as they exploded and were taken out. The teacher once again having to save his apprentice from danger. Obi-wan was grateful that his Master saved him before he looked at the Gungan, who got up from the floor.
By now, Storm and Twilight had reached where the boy spotted them from up in the trees. They saw the Jedi moving before following close behind. The duo overheard them speaking with Jar Jar as he informed them of an underwater city that the Gungans lived in. The trio then began to go to the underwater city; Storm and Twilight were transported to the city. The pair were at the entrance as they began to walk.
Everything was the same as Storm knew where the throne room was as they headed there. They passed through the door to see both Qui-Gon and Obi-wan currently talking with the leader of the Gungans. They tried to convince him with words to help the people of Naboo, but he refused. Qui-Gon secretly waved his hand indiscreetly as he used the Jedi mind trick to allow them some transport to get to Theed and took Jar Jar with them.
Another scene transitioned, and the duo was now in Theed themselves.
"Looks like we're in the gardens," said Twilight as she recognized the place when Padme showed her around during Naboo's celebration day.
"Then the palace should be this way," said Storm as they began to walk.
Several people were rounded up and led to camps as the pair walked. Droids littered the streets as what was once filled with laughter was now a slave encampment. This made the princess sorrowful as it reminded her of her home. How her people were happy and going about their day, and she feared the day something like this would happen. Some evil force invading and enslaving her people like animals.
She was taken out of her thoughts when the sound of blasters was heard. The two picked up their speed as they followed the sounds. They turned the corner to see that Qui-Gon and Obi-wan had saved the Queen of Naboo and her cohorts as they disposed of the droids escorting them and dashed into a side alley. The teen followed them as they peeked the corner and listened.
"We're ambassadors for the supreme chancellor," said Qui-Gon.
"Your negotiations seemed to have failed, Ambassador," stated the governor.
"The negotiations never took place," assured the Jedi Master, "It's urgent that we make contact with the Republic."
"They've knocked out all our communications," responded Captain Typho.
"Do you have transport?" asked Qui-Gon.
"In the main hangar. This way!" said Typho as he led the group. The teens followed from a distance as soon they were all in the hangar.
"There are too many of them," said Typho as he looked into the room to see the droids standing around a bunch of captured pilots.
That won't be a problem. Your Highness, under the circumstances. I suggest you come to Coruscant with us." said Qui-Gon.
"Thank you, Ambassador, but my place is with my people," said the Queen.
"They will kill you if you stay," stated the Jedi Master.
"They wouldn't dare!" said the governor.
"They need her to sign a treaty to make this invasion legal. They can't afford to kill her," said Typho.
"There is something else behind all this, Your Highness. There's no logic in the Federation's move here. My feelings tell me they will destroy you." said Qui-Gon.
"Our only hope is for the Senate to side with us. Senator Palpatine will need your help," stated the governor to the Queen.
"Either choice presents great danger. To us all," said the Queen as she turned to a handmaiden beside her.
"We are brave, Your Highness," responded the handmaiden.
"If you are to leave, Your Highness, it must be now," said Qui-Gon.
"Then I will plead our case to the Senate. Be careful, governor." said the Queen as she decided to go with the Jedi to Coruscant and plead for help.
Qui-Gon and Obi-wan took care of the droids as they managed to free everyone before they boarded, with Twilight and Storm secretly following behind. The ship left the hangar and was heading upward to space. However, the blockade began to fire at their ship as it knocked out their shield generator. The astral droids began to exit the ship to repair; however, most were shot as only one remained. Storm and Twilight looked at the color scheme of the droid as it was none other than R2 as he easily fixed the generator.
The blue droid returned to his holding place and locked in. Both teens saw that R2 was just as useful as the day he fixed that generator. However, the fuel was leaking even with the shields back up as our heroes didn't have enough to get to Coruscant.
"Here, Master. Tatooine. It's small, out of the way, poor. The Trade Federation have no presence there." said Obi-wan as he pointed to the screen he was looking at.
"How can you be sure?" asked Typho.
"It's controlled by the Hutts," said Qui-Gon.
"You can't take her Royal Highness there. The Hutts are gangsters. If they discovered her-"
"It'd be no different than if we landed on a system controlled by the Federation. Except that the Hutts aren't looking for her. Which gives us the advantage." said the Jedi Master as he cut off the captain.
The ship soon landed in Courscant as Qui-Gon, the Queen's handmaiden, which was revealed to be Padme, and R2 all got out and made their way to the market. Deciding that they would find some clues, Storm and Twilight decided to follow. They arrived at a small shop, and Qui-Gon began talking with the shop owner, Watto. As Qui-Gon discussed some things, Watto called for his assistant when a young Anakin Skywalker came running.
Both teens gasped, shocked to see the soon-to-be Jedi so small and innocent. Qui-Gon went back to discuss business with Watto as that only left Anakin watching the store as he saw Padme looking around.
"Are you an angel?" asked the young boy.
"What?" responded Padme with a smile.
"An angel. I heard the deep space pilots talk about them. They're the most beautiful creatures in the universe. They live on the moons of lego, I think."
"You're a funny little boy. How do you know so much?" asked Padme as she was interested in what Anakin said.
"I listen to all the traders and star pilots who come through here. I'm a pilot, you know, and someday I'm gonna fly away from this place."
"Aw, isn't this cute?" said Twilight, not knowing that what she said also had a double meaning. The princess was focusing on the interaction between them; as for Storm, he had a different expression.
"Huh, oh... yeah, I guess," said Storm as he turned and walked away a bit.
Twilight saw how her partner acted, which got her to raise an eyebrow. Storm had to take a moment to collect his thoughts as what he saw put so many things into perspective.
"You okay?" asked the princess.
"Yeah," responded the boy.
Storm was running through many things. Anakin being enslaved and how that stemmed for the rest of his life justified the many examples he was angry on missions involving slaves. The most notable being with the Zygerrians. The mention of lego and how angels resided there to foreshadow his mission with him and Obi-wan to obtain the remedy to save Padme, Ahsoka, and Twilight from the Blue Shadow Virus. And the biggest one was that he was a gifted pilot, and no doubt the present time shows that.
The teen was so taken aback by how the past predicted the future. But moreso applying something that Luna always mentioned to him when he was her Padawan growing up. And that was that fate already had one's entire roadmap planned out. If there was any doubt of that being correct, look no further than Anakin. Everything he said came true. Fate has already decided what everyone is going to do. There was no escape from it. And if Anakin's fate so far had come true, then... would his fate... be as well... the one Luna kept saying he was destined for. To be... a Jedi Master.
"Storm?" spoke Twilight, trying to get her partner's attention for the past few minutes.
"Hmm."
"Are you okay?" asked the girl.
"I'm fine, Sparky. Just... the thought of some things is all. No worries." said the boy, trying to not get Twilight to worry. "Come on. Let's see what else happens."
The boy turned as the next few scenes skimmed over rather quickly. Qui-Gon saw that Watto wouldn't accept credits, so they needed another way to get the part they needed. Soon Anakin offered Padme, Jar Jar, Qui-Gon, and R2 some shelter from the incoming sandstorm. The pair watched them all have dinner as some spoken things stood out.
"I can't believe there's still slavery in the galaxy. The Republic's antislavery laws-"
"The Republic doesn't exist out here," responded Anakin's mother to Padme as she interrupted, "We must survive on our own."
"Has anybody ever seen a Podrace?" asked Anakin.
"They have Podracing on Malastare. Very fast, very dangerous," said Qui-Gon.
"I'm the only human who can do it," responded the little boy.
"You must have Jedi reflexes if you race pods," said the Jedi Master as he quickly caught Jar Jar's tongue as it was reaching for some fruit.
"You're a Jedi knight, aren't you?" asked Anakin.
"What makes you think that?" said Qui-Gon.
"I saw your laser sword. Only Jedi carry that kind of weapon."
"Perhaps I killed a Jedi and took it from him."
"I don't think so. No one can kill a Jedi," said Anakin as he believed that.
"I wish that were so," smiled Qui-Gon at the boy.
"I had a dream I was a Jedi. I came back here and freed all the slaves."
Soon the plan was for Anakin to enter the Podrace and win them the money to pay for the part. And while the boy was successful, Qui-Gon attempted to free him and his mother, but Wattot wasn't willing to do that. In the end, with Anakin free, Qui-Gon took him to Coruscant to discuss some things with the Jedi High Council. Watching all this, Twilight felt sad, knowing that one of the persons she fought alongside had a rough life.
Before leaving, Anakin told his mother he would return and set her free. Saying they would see each other again. Little did he know that the next time he would see his mother would be for the final time. And so the gang left for Coruscant. At that moment, everything went white.
Storm and Twilight were shown having their eyes return to normal as they blinked.
"So, did you enjoy your little trip?" asked Zecora, leaning back in her chair while filing her nails.
"We've seen the past. But... there's no clue as to how the Clone War could've started over a decade ago," said Twilight.
"Also, I got some questions for you!" stated the boy as he began to stand up. "Like, for example, how come we can feel certain things but not..."
"Storm!" shouted Twilight as she tried to hold her partner back from reaching over the table and grabbing the fortune teller as she sat there with a smug smile.
"Calm yourself, Jedi," responded Zecora.
Her shadow moved independently as the boy sat back in his seat.
"I do not make the rules when brewing my potions. But... if answers you still seek, then another drink may clear what is bleak," rhymed Zecora to get under Storm's skin and offer guidance.
Her shadow poured some more of the white liquid into their cups. Storm and Twilight looked at it before grabbing it and downing it again. They knew what to expect this time, and their eyes went white a second later.
Storm and Twilight found themselves in an entirely different place than when they first woke up. And... they were by themselves.
"Where am I?" said Storm as he got up and looked around. He looked around as he saw a familiar tree.
The same tree that was still there as it donned on the boy he was in the grand courtyard of the temple. He began to walk around to see if he could find Twilight. Speaking of the Jedi princess, she awoke and found herself sleeping on a table. She stirred and sat up in her chair, and looked around. The girl was in the library as many Jedi were walking about.
"Am I... in the temple archives?" said the girl as she looked around.
The princess got up from her seat and began to walk. As she walked, the lavender girl saw that everything was the same today. She also wondered what being in the temple had to do with learning about the Clone Wars. The girl turned the corner when she stopped and quickly hid behind the shelf. She peeked her head out as she saw something. At a table, there was someone. As indicated by the stack, a little girl was reading her tenth book. The book was put down as it showed... herself.
A younger Twilight, merely a youngling in Master Yoda's class. The girl hoped to get ahead of her classmates by reading up on some lessons and advanced tactics.
"So if I add sodium chloride first so that I can get a proper salt lick," stated the girl as she wrote down that fact.
"Was I really like that?" said Twilight seeing how much of an asocial person she was. Spending hours on hours in the library, acquiring knowledge that could take her so far.
Twilight sighed as she slumped into the darkness and disappeared. Up above her on one of the upper levels. Two familiar figures were shown.
"Come along, Sunset. Ready for today's lesson?"
"Yes, Master," said the young Padawan with an eager smile.
Back with Storm, the boy was roaming the halls of the temple. He soon heard a sound. The teen made his way to a set of doors as he peeked inside. The grunts echoed around the room as what Storm saw made him gasp. In the middle of the room was his younger self, the boy swinging his lightsaber fiercely as the person watching him was Luna.
"Faster, faster, faster!" yelled Luna as she circled around.
Storm heard the command as he upped the tempo. The boy swung his lightsaber about with lightning-fast reflexes as he kept in time, sweat falling from his forehead as it touched the floor and made a sound. Young Storm then leaped into the air and spun in a ball form by tucking his knees in before landing and dragging his lightsaber on the floor as he came to a halt and held his pose.
"Time!" said Luna.
Young Storm bent over as he was out of breath. The young boy started to fall back as Luna caught her apprentice with her body. The young boy turned to look at his Master as she smiled.
"Did I do good, Master?"
"Very," smiled Luna, looking down at her student. "Now, hold still."
The woman bent down and pulled out a rag as she wiped her apprentice's face. All the sweat he'd built up accumulated, as even some of his robes were drenched.
"You're taking a shower after this."
"But..."
"No buts!" stated Luna sternly as she finished cleaning the sweat off her protege.
"Yes, Luna," sighed the boy in defeat.
The Jedi Master sighed, "Oh, Storm. What am I gonna do with you?"
"What do you mean?" asked the young apprentice in confusion.
"Nothing," smiled Luna before pulling her student in and holding him tightly. The Jedi Master kissed his cheek before kissing his head as she held him like a baby again. "I love you, my son."
"I love you too, Mom," responded a young Storm, burying his head into her chest.
Watching this interaction was Storm. The older boy saw this very sight, a sight that touched his heart. He couldn't control himself as he started to choke up. Sniffing as soon he closed his eyes. A single tear rolled down his cheek. At that same time, Young Storm experienced the same thing as a tear rolling down his eye, but that confused the young boy as he didn't feel sad.
"Why... am I crying?" said the young boy, unsure why tears were falling down his cheek.
Luna smiled as she told her student to go to his room. The Jedi Master headed toward the door as she opened it and closed it behind her. She held her hand on the door before looking to her left. While she may not have seen him, the way Luna looked, it was almost as if she was staring directly at Storm. The older Jedi put his hand up as Luna walked through him, and he phased through.
Storm watched Luna walk down the hallway as he looked at his teacher/mother.
"Storm..."
Twilight appeared as she found her partner. The girl saw her friend standing there as she kept looking down the hallway, to which Luna disappeared.
"Storm!" said the girl.
"Sparky..."
Just then, the sound of a ship was heard. The pair looked out the window as they saw a craft approaching the Jedi Temple. From the small glimpse they saw, Obi-wan and Qui-Gon were on it as they seemed to be heading to meet with the High Council. The teens saw them exit as they looked to follow them; they trailed the pair and, to their surprise, were listening to the conversation being held.
"He was trained in the Jedi arts. My only conclusion can be that it was a Sith lord."
"That is impossible, Qui-Gon," stated Luna, listening to what her friend said.
"I agree. The Sith have been extinct for a millennium," added Master Mundi.
"I do not believe the Sith could have returned without us knowing," stated Celestia while looking at Master Yoda.
"Ah, hard to see, the dark side is."
"We will use all our resources to unravel this mystery. We will discover the identity of your attacker. May the Force be with you." said Windu.
Obi-wan bowed as he looked to leave the room but turned to see Qui-Gon still standing there. It confused him as he looked at his teacher.
"Master Qui-Gon. More to say, have you?" said Yoda.
"With your permission, my master, I have encountered a vergence in the Force."
"A vergence, you say?" said Yoda.
"Located around a person?" said Windu in confusion.
"A boy. His cells have the highest concentration of midi-chlorians I have seen in a life form. It is possible he was conceived by the midi-chlorians."
What Qui-Gon said got everybody in the council to look at each other. They all made stunning expressions as they took in what one of their brethren said.
"Qui-Gon are you insinuating what I think you are saying," said Luna.
"Yes."
"You refer to the prophecy of the one who will bring balance to the Force. You believe it's this boy?" chimed in Windu.
"I don't presume to..."
"But you do! Revealed your opinion is," said Yoda as he called out Qui-Gon.
"I request the boy be tested, Master."
"Oh? Trained as a Jedi, you request for him, hmm?"
"Finding him was the will of the Force. I have no doubt of that," said the Jedi Master.
Everyone continued to look at each other. Their inner thoughts lulled over what he said. Expressions of every emotion ranged throughout the room.
"Bring him before us, then," sighed Windu.
Qui-Gon bowed as he left with Obi-wan.
"The boy will not pass the council's test, Master. He's too old," stated Obi-wan.
"Anakin will become a Jedi, I promise you," said Qui-Gon.
"Do not defy the council, Master, not again."
"I shall do what I must, Obi-Wan."
"If you would just follow the code, you would be on the council. They will not go along with you this time. Even Master Luna and Master Celestia cannot convince the others to listen to you." said Obi-wan knowing that Qui-Gon often relied on the two to sometimes get his POV into the council.
"You still have much to learn, my young apprentice," said Qui-Gon as he put his hand on Obi-wan's shoulder and smiled as they looked out to see the view.
In the meantime, Anakin was brought before the Jedi council. Luna and Celestia conducted several tests for the boy to perform, and he seemed to pass them. Windu was having Anakin guess what the image was on his small device.
"A ship. A cup. A ship. A speeder."
Windu sighed as he looked at Yoda, as well as the sisters. Celestia kept score of Anakin's marks as the woman looked at them and compared them against several others for references.
"Hmm. How feel you?" asked Yoda.
"Cold, sir," responded Anakin meekly.
"Afraid are you?" asked the Grand Jedi Master.
"No, sir."
"See through you we can," said Yoda.
"Be mindful of your feelings, young one," spoke Luna in her motherly tone.
"Your thoughts dwell on your mother," said Master Mundi.
"I miss her," admitted Anakin.
"Mmm. Afraid to lose her, I think, mmm?" said Yoda.
"What has that got to do with anything?" asked Anakin.
"Everything. Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering." explained Yoda as that got Anakin to think. "I sense much fear in you."
Soon Obi-wan and Qui-Gon were called in to discuss the results.
"The Force is strong with him," said Master Mundi.
"He is to be trained, then?"
"No. I'm sorry, Qui-Gon. But he will not be trained." Luna said as she hated saying that to her friend.
"No?" said Qui-Gon surprised that the council made that decision.
"He is too old," added Windu.
"He is the chosen one," stated Qui-Gon. "You must see it."
"Mmm. Clouded this boy's future is," said Yoda as he closed his eyes and concentrated.
"I will train him, then. I take Anakin as my Padawan learner."
"An apprentice you have, Qui-Gon. Impossible to take on a second," said Yoda.
"The code forbids it," chimed in Celestia as she looked at her friend.
"Obi-Wan is ready."
"I am ready to face the trials," said the Padawan as he spoke up.
"Our own counsel, we will keep on who is ready," Yoda said to Qui-Gon, reminding them that they made the decision, not him.
"He is headstrong, and he has much to learn of the living Force, but he is capable. There is little more he can learn from me," said Qui-Gon, feeling a bit heartbroken that his student was ready to move on from him.
"Young Skywalker's fate... will be decided later," said Yoda.
"Now is not the time for this. The Senate is voting for a new supreme chancellor, and Queen Amidala is returning home, which will put pressure on the Federation and could widen the confrontation. And draw out the Queen's attacker." said Luna.
"Go with the Queen to Naboo and discover the identity of this dark warrior. This is the clue we need to unravel the mystery of the Sith," said Windu.
"May the Force be you," said Celestia.
The scene around them shifted as Storm and Twilight was about to follow Qui-Gon and Obi-wan. The teens now found themselves on a balcony overlooking the courtyard. However, what shocked them was that individuals were having a private conversation. And two of them were their masters. The pair didn't realize that the potion was showing them a private moment that Luna and Celestia had with Qui-Gon before he left.
"Qui-Gon, we understand. We are not doubting what you said. Just that the council must proceed with caution." said Luna.
"But the boy is the chosen one. I can feel it. You can as well." said the Jedi to both sisters.
"Even so... if you claim him to be the chosen one, it does not guarantee that the council will train him. For centuries the prophecy of the Chosen One to bring balance to the Force has been but a myth," said Celestia with a hand on her chin. "In a way, it's coincidental. You said you found young Skywalker, and then a Sith lord suddenly appeared."
"You see it as well. There is more than meets the eye," stated Qui-Gon as he crossed his arms.
"What I want to know is why now? If the Sith had been gone for a millennium, why choose to make their presence known now?" asked Luna as she also had a thinking expression. "What could be so important that they would risk coming out of hiding?"
"That is a question we must figure out," said Qui-Gon.
"We will do our best here to find some answers. In the meantime, you and Obi-wan must keep the Queen safe should the attacker make their move," said Luna.
"Good luck, old friend. Once you return from your mission, we will have much to discuss. May the Force be with you." said Celestia.
All three Jedi Masters bowed to each other as Qui-Gon had to leave. Little did both Luna and Celestia know that this would be the last time they would get to see their friend.
A scene transition later, Storm and Twilight found themselves in the Naboo main hangar. While the Gungan army distracted the main droid forces on the outskirts, the Jedi and Padme attempted to sneak into the palace and capture the Viceroy. A group was making their way to the door when it opened, and there stood the Sith lord. Qui-Gon and Obi-wan stepped forward as they looked to deal with their foe. The Sith lord removed his robe, which was revealed to be Darth Maul.
Twilight gasped at what she was seeing. The scene before her of all three turning on their lightsabers showed the princess that this was just like the nightmare she had experienced. How the Jedi moved against the Sith lord, how he kept them separated to deal with them. It all played out in the exact same scene with Sunset.
Soon the fight concluded as Qui-Gon was battling Maul as they approached some laser doors. Obi-wan, who had been separated earlier, was in the background as he was running toward his Master to help him. He didn't get a chance to pass through the last gate as Qui-Gon and Maul were fighting in the room before him. And just like how Twilight's nightmare played out, it happened. Maul hit Qui-Gon with the brunt of his lightsaber and then lunged his weapon forward.
"And then he dies," said Twilight as she recalled the final moments of her dream as it happened.
"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" yelled Obi-wan as his voice echoed.
Maul pulled back as Qui-Gon gasped. The Sith warrior left a fatal wound on the Jedi Master. Obi-wan was in shock and sad as his teacher slumped to the floor. He then looked at Maul as he was overcome with anger and fury. The gates opened, and Obi-wan began to fight Maul. The fight played out just like Twilight saw, as soon Maul had Obi-wan hanging off the ledge. The Padawan then used the Force to jump up and over the Sith, all while landing and pulling Qui-Gon's lightsaber into his hand and slicing him in half. Maul felt it before falling down the hole as his legs were cut off.
Obi-wan then made his way to Qui-Gon as he held his dying Master.
"No. It's too late. It's-"
"No!" cried Obi-wan as he held the person who was like a father to him.
"Obi-Wan. Promise. Promise me, you will train the boy." said Qui-gon as he raised his hand to caress his student's face.
"Yes, Master," said Obi-wan, wanting to honor his Master's dying wish.
"He... is the chosen one. He... will bring balance. Train him."
And just like that, Qui-Gon groaned before taking his last breath and faded away. Obi-wan released tears as he held his Master close and released his emotions. Watching this, Twilight also sniffed as she had tears. Storm kept a straight face as he pulled the princess and embraced her. The boy offered his shoulder so the girl could let it all out.
The last image they saw was of the funeral being held on Naboo. There was Qui-Gon's body as it was being cremated, as everyone in the Jedi Council was present. Soon the flames of the fire grew bigger as they engulfed Storm and Twilight's field of vision.
The pair were now back as they opened their eyes. Zecora had her back to them as she was at her brewing pot.
"Well?" asked the witch doctor without turning around.
"We saw what happened during that day," said Twilight. "It was horrible."
"Obi-wan never really went into depth about Qui-Gon's death. But... after seeing what happened, I can understand. And why he wanted to face Maul by himself." said Storm.
"But we've seen what went down during the invasion of Naboo. But... I don't see anything that might hold a clue as to how to end the Clone War," said Twilight.
"Sometimes the answer you seek will make itself known in due time," said Zecora as she lifted Storm's future card. The other half was still blank, as she had hoped his fate would be revealed. "For now, dwell on what you have seen. And come back with a firmer grip."
Twilight and Storm exited the fortune teller's hut as nightfall began falling. The two could see the sun was starting to set as they walked a few meters to where their horses were stationed.
"Best hurry, Sparky, if we're gonna get you home before your dad sends out a patrol," said Storm as he untied his horse.
"Right," said the girl as she stopped in her tracks.
The princess was thinking about the final visions they saw. The fight between Obi-wan and Qui-Gon against Darth Maul. And how she appeared to have that same scenario in her nightmare. She knew the pain that Obi-wan experienced at that moment because... she also felt it. Seeing someone she loved die before her and being helpless to prevent it.
"Storm... I need to tell you something,"
"Go ahead," said the boy, focusing on getting his horse ready for them to ride out.
"I... I..."
Twilight then recalled what her mother had said.
You are the princess, and he serves you. Just... order him!
The bookworm took a deep breath and closed her eyes.
"Storm... look... everything is so crazy right now. We're fighting a war, constantly battling against the forces of evil. And then... there's me becoming Queen. It's safe to say that I don't know what my future holds. But... it would be nice if you were in it."
Storm was putting his saddle on when Twilight spoke what she wanted to say.
"Okay, Storm... I... I... I'm ordering you... to go out with me."
The boy slapped the saddle on his horse as he froze. He stood there with a straight face. Taking a deep breath, he put his head down for a second before turning to look at the princess who spoke.
"As the princess, I'm ordering you to take me out!" said Twilight with a bit more confidence in her voice.
Storm kept that expression as he sighed. He then walked over to a tree with his hands rubbing his face.
"[muttering] Oh goddess, why are you making me do this? I'm a Jedi; I can't..."
The Jedi came to a tree as he rubbed his face with his hands. He took another deep breath before placing one of them on the tree. He tapped his thumb against the bark as it made a loud and profound sound.
THUD. THUD. THUD. THUD. THUD. THUD. THUD.
Nothing.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .THUD... THUD... THUD. THUD. THUD.
The thumb stopped. Everything was silent. The princess was looking at her partner.
"Is that what you command of me, princess?" said Storm, not looking at her but keeping his head down and finally speaking.
"Yes! That's my command," said Twilight with a confident expression.
SIGH.
"Very well," said the boy, putting his hand down from the tree. "I... have... no choice... but to obey."
Twilight smiled a bit, hearing that her partner had agreed to her proposal. She silently approached him, who was still not looking at her as she reached her hand over and grabbed the boy's.
"Why is this still so scary?" said Twilight.
In the hut, Zecora was stirring her cauldron. She pulled out Storm's future card. The half that showed the boy being surrounded still remained. The witch doctor closed her eyes, and as if on cue, it began to glow. When she opened her eyes, she looked at the card. The half that was still white, now... was revealed. It was... complete.
"We all have our life from beginning to end written out... We just don't know when our ending is coming."
The fortune teller dropped the card into the pot as it showed. The silhouette of the boy, lying on the ground, lifeless, as a different silhouette, that of a girl, stood over him with a purple lightsaber.
Author's Note: So, we finally went to Zecora. It took a while given all the stuff that's been happening in between especiallywith Sombra, but Storm and Twilight managed to go to her for some answers. Though, it seems things are still unclear even when looking into the past. And the moment of each seeing their younger selves almost a decade ago, and seeing how each has either changed or stay the same for the most part. And if that wasn't enough, the sudden demand of Twilight that she asked of Storm and him having no choice but to comply. And if that wasn't enough, the future card of Storm's has been revealed. As always, leave a review expressing your thoughts and comments.