*/*/*/*
"Anakin! Anakin, please! Help me!" Shmi's voice grew fainter and farther away.
"No! Momma! Don't go!"
Anakin bolted upright in his bed disoriented by the darkness. As his eyes adjusted he realized he was in the guest room of Padme's family retreat. No amount of persuasion could convince Padme to share a room with him another night and now Anakin was glad she'd been so stubborn. The silky sheets were ruthlessly tangled around his legs and his naked chest was drenched in perspiration.
He had not had a good night's sleep since they arrived two days ago. The retreat was pleasant enough, it was just as Padme described, isolated from the beaten path and spectacularly beautiful. Everything was lush and verdant. He'd never seen the sky of any world look so blue or the trees so vividly green. The weather was warm and humid during the days and dry and cool at night.
The past few days had been idyllic. Anakin and Padme spent time together exploring the countryside, laughing, reminiscing, and sharing secrets, while the connection between them grew with each passing moment. But the nightmares tainted everything, turning Anakin's nights into a torment of fear and guilt.
Every day he woke up more exhausted than before and every night the dreams became more urgent and frightening. He could feel something happening to his mother, a dark shadow that grew with each passing night. The Force whispered warnings he could no longer ignore. His heart ached with the weight of a decision he knew he had to make.
Heart pounding in his chest and his mother's cries still echoing in his ears, he stumbled out of bed. His limbs were heavy with exhaustion and stiff fear but he made his way to the balcony and tossed open the doors. The chill of the morning air did little to cool the feverish heat that coursed through him. His eyes, wide and haunted, searched the sky for answers he knew were not there.
He wondered where Obi-Wan was among the vast array of stars in the sky. Where was Master Windu? Where were they when he needed their guidance? And most importantly, where was his mother? Was she even still alive? How could he even call himself a son when he didn't even know of his mother's fate? He tried to release these feelings into the force as Master Windu had taught him but his mind kept drifting back to his mother's pleading for help in his dreams.
Anakin didn't know how long he stood outside searching for answers but the soft sound of footsteps drew him from his thoughts. He turned to find Padme standing in the doorway, her eyes filled with concern. She started to turn away, but Anakin's voice stopped her. "Don't go," he said, the raw emotion in his voice betraying him.
"I don't want to disturb you," Padme said softly.
"Your presence is soothing to me," Anakin confessed, his eyes locked on hers.
Padme approached him, her eyes full of empathy for the pain she saw on his face. "I heard you last night. You had another nightmare."
"Jedi don't have nightmares." He turned back to look at the sky, the lie heavy on his tongue.
"Well, then I heard you having an aggressive dream," she stated as she joined him near the railing.
"I saw my mother last night. She's suffering, Padme. I saw her as clearly as I see you now," he said letting out a deep sigh, and stood up straighter. "I know I'm disobeying my mandate to protect you, Senator. But my mother is in danger and I must go to her. I have to help her."
Padme's heart hurt for the young man standing before her, torn between duty to protect her and love for his mother. "Of course, Ani. You must go to her. And I'll go with you. You won't break your mandate."
Anakin was relieved to hear her say that. "I'm sorry," Anakin whispered his voice choking on the verge of tears. "I have to go. I don't have a choice anymore."
Padme pulled him into a hug, her arms strong and reassuring. "I know you don't, Anakin. We'll find her. We'll find her together."
Anakin allowed himself to believe in her words. For just a little while amidst the fear and uncertainty that lay ahead, he was not alone. Padme's support was his anchor in the coming storm.
*/*/*/*
The twin suns of Tatooine blazed down on the dusty streets of Mos Espa. The air was thick with the scent of oil and machinery, mixed with the faint smell of exotic spices wafting from the market stalls. In the shadow of the building owned by the Toydarian junk dealer Watto, a hooded figure stood still and imposing. Though he tried to be inconspicuous, his presence was in stark contrast to the bustling activity around him. There weren't many patrons to Watto's shop and what visitors there were seemed to be there to collect debts rather than to buy anything.
There was no sign of any employees or other inhabitants on the premises. Before he could approach the building to question its owner, a rickshaw arrived at the front door and two hooded passengers alighted from the back. Mace pressed himself back against a wall as he watched what unfolded next.
The tall hooded figure tossed back his hood to reveal a head full of spiky blond hair and a long golden padawan braid.
Well, Kriff! What was he doing here? Mace wondered. He listened to Anakin speak in Huttese to Watto and he clearly heard Shmi Skywalker's name. The two chatted while the smaller figure (Senator Padme Amidala no doubt) remained close to Anakin's side but stayed out of the conversation.
He should have heeded Captain Typho's warning about the senator. Now Mace would have to deal with this mess when they returned to Coruscant. But before he could think further on that subject, Anakin and the senator followed Watto inside the shop. Mace slowly crept closer and tried to eavesdrop through the walls, his ears straining to catch the conversation between Anakin and Watto. He could hear their voices but only recognized fragments of the Huttese dialect. The mention of Shmi and Mos Eisley reached him, though the rest was lost in translation.
When Anakin and Padme stepped out of the shop a few minutes later, Mace wasted no time in confronting them. He stepped out of the shadows, his presence a sudden and imposing interruption to their mission.
"Padawan Skywalker," Mace said, his voice heavy with disapproval. "And Senator Amidala. What are you doing on Tatooine?"
Anakin's mouth fell open, equal parts guilt and surprise mixing in his expression. "Master Windu, I... I felt something. My mother... She is in danger. I had to come."
"I know why you're here," Mace interrupted, his voice firm but not unkind. "And I understand your concerns, but you were given a responsibility. What you've done is serious, Anakin."
The young padawan's eyes flickered with defiance, his jaw set. "I couldn't ignore it, Master. My mother's suffering. I had to do something."
Mace observed Anakin, his eyes probing, and he sensed the depth of his padawan's turmoil. "Anakin, I'm disappointed that you've shirked your mission and your duty," Mace said with compassion and understanding mingling with the reprimand. "And I do understand your feelings, but you should have trusted the council's judgment. I am here to locate your mother and you should be on Naboo protecting the senator."
"I'm sorry for disobeying you, Master," Anakin replied, remorse in his eyes but defiance in his voice. "But I have to find my mother. I have to see for myself."
Mace looked at his padawan, and seeing the determination and the defiance in his eyes he relented. "Since we are already here on Tatooine, I will help you find Shmi. But know this, my padawan, once we return to Coruscant, there will be stern discipline. You must learn from this."
Anakin's eyes widened, gratitude mixed with relief. "Thank you, Master. Watto said my mother was sold to a moisture farmer named Lars from a homestead near Mos Eisley."
"Then we head there at once," Mace commanded.
They made their way back to Padme's ship where R2 waited impatiently. Once they were all safely aboard, the ship's engines roared to life, heading back to Mos Eisley.
While Anakin expertly piloted the ship, Mace took stock of the situation. The senator seemed to be willing to go along with them and so far made no complaint.
Padme sensing his scrutiny finally broke the silence. "Master Windu, I know you disapprove but I trust Anakin's judgment. If he feels his mother is in danger, then I believe him. We all owe Shmi Skywalker a great deal."
Mace nodded, acknowledging the truth in her words. He knew the history between Anakin and Padme and how they met here on Tatooine. Anakin's face was tight with concentration as he guided the ship through Tatooine's atmosphere, but the lines of tension eased a little at Padme's support.
"Yes, Senator, you are right," Mace said, his voice warm but firm. "Anakin's mother is important which is why I have chosen to aid Anakin in this quest. But my young padawan must learn that the way of the Jedi requires discipline, obedience, and sacrifice."
"Of course," Padme said. She looked at Anakin, her eyes soft with understanding and support.
Mace watched as Anakin met Padme's gaze, and in that shared moment, he sensed a deeper connection that seemed to form between them. Anakin then turned his focus back on the controls, his young face filled with resolve and worry.
Mace brought his thoughts back to the mission ahead and the trials that awaited them. He knew that this journey to find Shmi was more than a mere rescue mission. It was a test for both himself and Anakin, a challenge that would shape both their futures as Jedi.
With a sense of foresight that came from years of experience, Mace felt Anakin was on the verge of an awakening where choices would be made that could define him, and that would test his allegiance to the Jedi Code.
*/*/*/*
The ship set down not far from the Lars homestead in Mos Eisley and from there they rented a land speeder to take them the final leg of the way. Padme and R2D2 were tucked snuggly in the back as Master Windu and Anakin rode in front. As the wind whipped their robes and Anakin's hair, a tense silence hung between them.
Anakin's grip on the speeder's controls tightened as he thought about his mother. "I swear, Master Windu," he spat, his voice harsh with anger, "if this Lars person has harmed her in any way, I'll tear him apart."
Mace Windu's brow furrowed, and he spoke with his usual calm authority. "Be mindful of your thoughts, Padawan. You must control your anger, especially in times of great stress. You know what acting on such emotions leads to and we must never allow ourselves to be consumed by them."
Anakin's eyes flashed with defiance as he glanced sideways at Mace. "My mother has suffered enough! I can't just stand by and let her be mistreated by some man."
"Anakin, the path of a Jedi is one of balance and restraint," Windu replied, his voice even but firm. "We are here to help your mother, but we cannot let our emotions dictate our actions. Besides, we don't know her circumstances yet. Do not look for trouble where there is none."
Anakin's jaw clenched as he tried to contain his frustration. "I understand, Master," he murmured, though his voice betrayed his lingering resentment.
They continued their journey in silence and the suns traveled across the sky on their own journey into night, casting a stark shadow over the desolate landscape. The wind grew stronger, whipping up dust devils that danced menacingly across the sand.
When they drew nearer to the moisture farm, Mace felt a dark disturbance in the Force. "Anakin," he said urgently, "there's something wrong. We must hurry."
Anakin's heart raced, his fear for his mother mingling with the adrenaline that surged through him. He pushed the land speeder to its limits, and they arrived at the moisture farm in a cloud of dust.
The farm appeared eerily deserted, and a sinking feeling settled in the pit of Anakin's stomach. He leaped from the speeder, ignoring Master Windu's warnings to be cautious. Suddenly, they stumbled upon a protocol droid.
"Hello. How may I be of service? I am C-"
"3PO?" Anakin asked finishing the droid's name.
"The Maker! Master Ani, I knew you would return. And is that Miss Padme?"
Padme stepped forward, "Hello 3PO."
"Bless my circuits. I'm so pleased to see you both. And who might you be?" 3po turned to Master Windu."
"I've come to see my mother," Anakin said cutting off 3PO's ramblings.
"Oh, Um, I think we better go indoors."
C3PO led them into the underground dwelling where he introduced the weary travelers to the Lars family.
"Where is my mother?" Anakin asked without preamble.
Cliegg Lars, the moisture farmer who had purchased Shmi came forward sitting in an invalid chair. He was clearly missing a leg. Cliegg greeted the group and took Anakin's hand in solemn welcome. His face was etched with worry and despair and his voice trembled as he shared the devastating news. "Tusken Raiders... they took her. It was just before dawn. Th-they came out of nowhere. A hunting party of Tusken raiders did it, I found the tracks leading out into the desert. Those Tuskens might walk like men but they're vicious mindless monsters," he explained, anger and disgust in his voice.
"A party of thirty went out to look for her, but only 4 of us came back. I was lucky to only lose a leg. I'm so sorry son."
Mace felt Anakin's pain and despair through the force as he feared the worst for his mother. He placed a comforting hand on Anakin's shoulder. "We must act quickly," Mace said, his voice calm and determined. "Together, we will find Shmi and bring her home."
Anakin threw off Mace's hand in anger. He was tired of being patronized. He stormed out of the house, determined to find his mother on his own. His new brother Owen gave him the use of a speeder bike and he took off into the hot desert sun leaving Mace Windu at the Lars homestead with Padme.
Mace Windu's concern for his Padawan grew as he watched Anakin disappear into the desert. He knew that Anakin's emotions were leading him on a dangerous path, one that could threaten both their mission and the very delicate balance Anakin struggled to maintain.
Mace was left to grapple with the difficult decision of whether to follow his headstrong Padawan or stay and protect Senator Amidala. Anakin's choice had forced him to make one of his own. The weight of responsibility bore down on him heavily, but the fate of Anakin's soul hung in the balance.
Mace decided that he could not abandon his Padawan in such a critical moment.
"Senator," Mace said to Padme, "please stay here. These are good people. They'll keep you safe until we return."
Padme nodded in understanding. "Master Windu, Ani speaks very highly of you. Please, help him," she said.
"I will." He set off on their speeder, attempting to retrace Anakin's path, hoping to find him before he met a terrible fate.
*/*/*/*
As the first moon of Tatooine began to rise, casting ghostly shadows on the sand, Anakin discovered the location of the Tusken Raider camp. He stealthily approached, his eyes scanning for any sign of his mother.
Mace Windu, following the trail Anakin had left in his wake, also arrived at the Tusken Raider camp. He knew time was of the essence, and he couldn't afford to be too cautious. He had to find Anakin and help him navigate the turbulent emotions that threatened to consume him.
The two Jedi, unbeknownst to each other, crept closer to the heart of the camp where the Tuskens kept their most valued resources. Each was seeking the same goal: to save someone they cared about before it was too late.
Anakin's heart pounded in his chest as he cautiously slipped through the camp, hiding in shadows and flattening himself into corners dodging Tusken raiders and searching for any clue that might lead him to his mother. A sudden flicker of movement caught his eye, drawing him towards a tattered tent near the center of the encampment guarded by two sentries.
He made his way around the back of the tent and cautiously cut a hole in the wall. His heart caught in his throat at what he found. There, bound and battered, was his mother Shmi hanging from a wooden frame in the center of the tent. Anakin carefully cut her free, cradling her into his arms, and lowered her gently to the ground. Shmi's face was a mask of cuts and bruises and her clothes were torn and tattered. She has been terribly beaten.
"Mom!" Anakin whispered with a shaky voice.
Shmi's eyelids were caked with dried blood but they fluttered open when she heard Anakin's voice. Her once vibrant eyes were dimmed with pain, but they lit up with love and pride as they settled on her now-grown son.
Anakin's eyes filled with tears as he gently loosened her leather bonds and cradled his mother in his arms. Their reunion, so long anticipated, was bittersweet in the face of her suffering. "Mama," Anakin cried as Shmi struggled to breathe.
Shmi's voice, weak but filled with love, whispered, "Ani? Ani? Is that you?"
"Yes, I'm here Mom. You're safe now. I'm going to get you out of here..."
"Ani? My son?" Shmi touched his cheek with weak trembling hands and wiped his tears. "You look so handsome. My grown-up son. I am so proud of you, Ani. I've missed you so much."
"I've missed you too, Mom," Anakin whispered barely holding back a sob. He kissed his mama's wounded hand.
"Now... I am complete," Shmi said.
"Stay with me Mom," Anakin pleaded trying to see his mama's face through his tears. "You're going to be fine. I'm going to make you well again."
"Ani. I... I love y..." Shmi said as her last breath escaped her lips. Her head fell back and her eyes stared unseeing.
Pain as he'd never known before crushed Anakin and something inside of him broke. Overwhelmed with grief, a tiny flame of anger was sparked and the flames threatened to consume him completely. His vision, blurred with tears cleared and a deep, primal rage took root in his heart. He was going to make them pay. They were all going to pay for what they'd done to him.
Mace arrived at the tent just in time to witness the heartbreaking scene. His heart filled with sympathy and regret as he watched Anakin cradle his mother's limp body. Then he sensed the moment when Anakin's pain and anger tipped him over the edge into the dark side.
The Jedi Master stepped forward, his voice both firm and compassionate. "Anakin," he said gently, "I know your heart is breaking, but you must not let this dark moment consume you."
Anakin's body trembled with the effort to contain the storm of emotions lashing his mind. The battle between light and darkness raged within him as his mother's final words echoed in his ears. She believed in him and he had failed her. "Why did she have to die?" Anakin cried with a gut-wrenching sob. "Why couldn't I save her? I know I could have!"
"Sometimes there are things no one can fix, not even a Jedi. We're not all-powerful," Mace said.
"Well, we should be! Someday I will be... I will be the most powerful Jedi ever! I promise you," he said looking down at his mother's still face. "I will even learn to stop people from dying."
At that moment, time stood still and Mace felt a shatterpoint break. Infinite possibilities flashed before his eyes but only one would save his Padawan. The wrong word, the wrong gesture, might send Anakin tumbling into an abyss from which there could be no return. The outcome of this battle within his Padawan would determine not only Anakin's destiny in the force but possibly the fate of the galaxy itself. Anakin Skywalker may be the Chosen One, but it was Mace Windu suddenly had to decide his fate.