Chapter 2: Beginning II
Roughly a week had passed since Anakin's talk with Mace and Obi-Wan. The young Padawan was looking forward to finally learning some real lightsaber combat. Already he had begun studying Shien and become well-versed in it. But since he was given the green light to study Forms: III, IV, and V, he spent most of his time learning about their origins, philosophies, and necessities. In addition, his Master had him go through a holoprojector about different lightsabers and explained how each one was different based on the user's preference. Mace told him to gather the pieces he would need to construct his own lightsaber but warned him not to start building it until he found a kyber crystal. After breakfast, he went to his room to gather the bag of parts he would use to fashion his own lightsaber and went to the hanger bay.
When Anakin arrived, he found Mace standing next to an Eta-class shuttle; the Korun Jedi Master had his arms folded across his chest. "You're early," he evenly noted.
"You told me to be on time," Anakin replied.
"That's what I meant. Punctuality is something every Jedi must learn," Mace remained stoic as ever. He gave him a once-over before continuing, "you have everything you need?" Anakin nodded in confirmation and handed him the pouch containing the components he wanted to use. Accepting the pouch, Mace opened it to view the components; seeing that the pieces had yet to be assembled, he sealed the pouch and attached it to his belt. "Obi-Wan is waiting for us."
Then turning around, he led the boy into the cargo hold of the ship where Obi-Wan had been waiting for them. "All is ready, Master. I take it we are ready to depart?"
"Not just yet," Windu turned around. "Anakin, it is time for you to be given a test. One that will determine if you are ready to take the next step in your path as a Jedi. The time has come for you to construct your own lightsaber," pulling his own off his belt and igniting it, letting the purple blade hum to life.
"So does this mean that I am finally ready?" The expression on Anakin's face cracked into a big grin.
Mace deactivated his saber and reattached it to his belt. "You are," confirmed with a nod.
"Does the Council share the same opinion?" Mace thinned his lips at the shrewd question. Before telling his Padawan to get the components, he spoke with the Council and asked for their opinions on whether or not the boy was ready to construct his first lightsaber. The Master of the Order had a short discussion and, after analyzing the boy's growth, agreed.
"They do. You have proven your worth and can now fashion a true lightsaber," Mace stated. "Despite being older and coming to the Order late, you are at the top of your class in lightsaber training, have great piloting and memory skills, and your connection to the Force is growing."
"I am honored by this, Master," he gave a respectful bow. "But if I may ask. . . What planet are we going to? I've read that there are different ice planets where kyber crystals are formed."
"That is what you are going to tell us," gesturing for him to take a seat while Obi-Wan sat opposite of him. Retrieving a holocron from his pocket, he placed it on the floor before him. "As you know, Holocron's have information and recording. However, what you don't know is that they hold extensive star maps."
He sat next to Obi-Wan, "this will be part of your test. Use the Force to open the holocron and find the planet where you will retrieve your crystal. Remember to let go of all your emotions and allow the Force to guide you. It will tell you where your crystal will be found."
Anakin took a breath and closed his eyes. Reaching into the Force, he blocked out all his thoughts unrelated to the planet he sought. A second later, the holocron levitated into the air unlocking itself to show a wide variety of planets where kyber crystals are made. Ignoring what he wanted and focusing on where he needed to go as the images started to form images. "I see. . . Snow. . .a shallow sea. . .an entrance to a cavern with statues of the Jedi of Old." His breath hitched in his voice when he saw three crystals singing to him. "I can feel them. They're calling to me."
"Good, Anakin. Now, what system do you see?" Obi-Wan asked as Mace kept his eyes on the different planets as they cycled through one another.
At that moment, the planet's system popped into his head, and the holocron map stopped. Feeling that his Padawan found the system, Mace grinned, "looks like we have our destination. . ."
". . .the Ilum system," Anakin used the Force to close and return the holocron to the floor.
"Obi-Wan, plot a course for Ilum," Mace instructed while using the Force to summon the holocron. The Knight went to the cockpit to move the ship out of the hangar and, once they were clear, took the ship into the air while plugging in the coordinates. "You are positive that your crystal will be on Ilum?"
"I am, Master. However, instead of one crystal calling me, I felt three. Is that normal?"
"You say they called you. . . Was it at the same time?" Mace asked to which Anakin nodded. "It is not unheard of, as some Jedi have a stronger connection to the Force and are able to hear multiple crystals calling them."
He led him to the cockpit as Obi-Wan activated the hyperdrive, and the ship jumped into hyperspace. Anakin had a big smile as he loved space travel; however, Obi-Wan disliked it even when he had flight simulator training and had been in dogfights in the past. Along with his studies on becoming a Jedi, he found time to build, repair, or improve mechanical devices like droid parts, old holo-devices, hyperdrive parts, etc. Something he considered to be his relaxation time or whether he wanted to clear his head. Tearing his eyes away from the window, he pulled out his datapad to read more of Master Jinn's journal. However, the brief moment did not last long as Mace started asking him questions.
"What is the importance of a lightsaber?"
"To act as both a sword and shield to ensure justice, order, and peace," Anakin replied.
"Correct. When a Jedi fashions their own saber, the sword will therefore become your life and responsibility. A bond will then be forged between both the wielder and the saber. Do you understand the significance of that bond?" Mace asked.
Anakin replied, "the lightsaber we build will become an extension of ourselves. Just as it is used to protect ourselves and others, the user has to know when and how it should be used. And never seek to use it for personal gain. Only then will a bond be forged between the two."
Mace smiled at the answer. "He has learned well." Mentally commenting on the boy's knowledge. The Jedi Master continued asking questions on when it becomes appropriate to use a saber and the responsibilities that came when wielding it and later went on to ask about the chosen lightsaber forms Anakin will be learning. This continued for an hour before Mace ceased his questioning and turned around. "When we arrive at the cave's entrance, you will go in alone as this is a path you must take alone. To obtain your crystal, you must pass through visions and voices. Most of them will frighten you. They will be drawn from your past and show your deepest fears. That is what you must face."
"I am ready." Anakin said.
Obi-Wan turned around in his seat and then added. "Remember your training, Anakin," he said. "Let your fear enter you. Do not battle it. There is no shame in it. Your feelings are your strength. Experience them and let them go as you proceed toward your goal. There are lessons to be learned, even from fear and anger. But, you must face the lessons alone and overcome them."
"I understand," taking a deep breath. "Did you go through this when you were my age?"
"My visions and fears, like everyone else. . .will be different," Obi-Wan placed his hands on his lap. "Remember you are looking for peace of mind and clarity through your soul. On your patience and training will the answers come."
Anakin held onto his words as they flew through hyperspace. The rest of the trip went smoothly as Anakin read through Qui-Gon's journal. Most of what was in it confused him, but from what he could make out, it was clear why Master Jinn was considered a maverick and his concerns about the Jedi Code, the decisions of the Council, and distrust of senators in the Senate. Just as Obi-wan pulled the ship out of hyperspace, he turned around and could tell Anakin was reading through his Master's journal.
"Master Qui-Gon was known to have a different mindset when it came to doing things. He would always question the Jedi Orders' ties to the Senate, viewing it as a source of several problems. . ." elaborating on his former Master's thoughts and beliefs.
"What I'm wondering is why the Jedi do not have a voice in the Senate? If our main goal as peacekeepers is to adhere to the citizens of the Republic, then why do we serve the Senate?"
"We might be under the jurisdiction of the Senate, but we are guided by our Council and not by politics or egos," Mace turned around while Obi-Wan engaged in the landing procedures. "Just because the Senate may request the Jedi be involved in certain matters, the High Council will have the final say on how things will be done."
"But with respect, that is not how the people see it," Anakin responded. "From what I've read from Master Qui-Gon's journal and heard around the temple and outside, we are merely lapdogs who serve a Senate full of corrupt Senators."
"And you believe these rumors," Mace enquired while raising his left eyebrow.
"I'm just saying that maybe the Order should have its own representation in the Senate. . .that way, the people will see us in a more positive light," Anakin answered.
"Mm," Mace pondered what the boy said with zero expression on his face. "Let me take a look at that," pointing to the datapad. While he knew Qui-Gon had no love for politics or Senators in general, he did ask good questions and made some valid points here and there. Anakin handed him the datapad as Obi-Wan landed the ship.
"I will look at this later. But, for now, we have to get ready," the three went to the cargo hold to get what they needed.
They don their winter survival gear, fasten thermal coats over their tunics, and pull gloves over their hands. They lowered goggles over their eyes. The temperatures on Ilum were numbingly cold. Blizzards struck without warning. Ice formations had treacherous sharp edges.
They opened the hatch and carefully stepped onto the icy ground. There was only a small amount of ledge between them and a drop of thousands of meters. The wind cut into the exposed parts of their bodies, the tips of their noses and chins. The sun was just a pale suggestion in the sky, a frosty color almost indistinguishable from the white sky and the colors of ice and snow. Anakin continued to look around as this was definitely the place he saw in his vision. This is where the Force wanted him to be to search for his kyber crystals. The massive cliff in front of them housed the entrance to the Crystal Cave.
"Come along, Anakin. We have to scale the cliff to reach the entrance," Mace directed him to the cliff. It was a sheer sheet of blue ice, smooth as a mirror. There were no handholds or footholds visible. Any misstep would send them flying into the open air.
Together they used their winter gear to scale the cliff until they reached the entrance. The young Padawan could see why this planet would be suitable for obtaining kyber crystals and how sacred this place was to the Jedi. Its harsh climate and treacherous landscape would make it hard for anyone to cross, let alone escape. Though the only thing minus the intense cold was that the strong wind currents threatened to send him flying. Determined to reach the cave, he persevered and followed behind his Masters. By the time they made it to the lip of the cliff above. At the same moment, they launched themselves up to the safety of the cliff ledge. But they were not safe.
Obi-Wan paused, teetering a bit on the edge. He put a hand on Anakin's shoulder when he sensed his nervousness at seeing some large hulky beast native to Ilum sleeping near the mouth of the cave. "What are they?" Anakin breathed.
Gorgodons," Mace whispered. "Triple rows of teeth, sharp claws. They dispatch their victims by squeezing them to death. The only way to kill them is a blow to the back of the neck."
Anakin regarded them warily. "Anything else?" he whispered as a gust of wind swept the ledge.
The wind must have carried their scent, for one of the gigantic creatures stirred. "Yes," Mace explained how they were and their behaviors, also that they have weak minds. Turning to Obi-Wan, "You and I will use the Force to keep them asleep while Anakin follows closely behind. This will be a good lesson for you."
Anakin had to resist the urge to groan as Master thought it would be a good time to teach a new lesson. Nevertheless, he complied and stood behind them as they closed their eyes, raised their hands, and reached out with the Force. Slowly and cautiously, the three navigated around the creatures so as to not wake them up. Eventually, they made it past them and neared the entrance.
"That was relatively painless," Obi-Wan commented. "We should remove our survival gear here," he started removing his gloves. "We won't need it inside the cave. The crystals are deep within."
Anakin followed suit as he removed his winter gear, standing in his Jedi tunic. The cold wind did not cause him to shiver. Instead, his shoulders squared, and he would have stepped further into the cave, but Mace held him back.
"Remember what you've learned and let the Force guide you," passing on some wisdom.
"Through the Force, I will be able to find what I seek," Anakin's impatience began to show.
Giving him one last look, the three walked inside the cave, where they were plunged into darkness. The walls of the cave were of black stone. The stone was smooth and shiny, but they swallowed light rather than reflected it. To Anakin, it felt like they were entering a void where no light could be seen.
"Should we use a glow rod?" Anakin's voice echoed.
"Your eyes will adjust in a minute." Mace detached the pouch containing the components for Anakin's lightsaber from his belt and handed it to him. "Here is everything you need to complete your lightsaber. You know what to do from here. Do not become impatient and rush; some Jedi take days or weeks to make it. Obi-Wan and I will wait here for you to complete your quest."
Now they could distinguish the shape of the walls around them and the stray rocks in their path. Mace and Obi-Wan walked farther into the cave and gestured at the black walls. "This is our history."
Over the centuries, Jedi history had been recorded on the walls of the cave. The drawings were made of strong shapes and lines, just enough to suggest the truth of a scene or the character of a Jedi. Names were inscribed in rows that went from the ceiling to the floor. Unfortunately, there were also signs and symbols that Obi-Wan and Anakin didn't understand. Mace mentally chuckled at the confused looks on their faces.
"Go back. Here is what you fear."
The voice was a murmur, more like a running brook. Anakin looked at Obi-Wan and Mace questioningly.
"It begins now," Mace said softly. "You must go forward alone, and Anakin. . .may the Force be with you."
Before stepping into the cave, he handed his training lightsaber to Obi-Wan, took a deep breath, and proceeded to take a couple steps forward until he stopped dead in his tracks. A Jedi stepped forward from the cave wall. His tunic fell all the way to the tips of his bare feet.
His expression was so fierce that Anakin stopped dead in his tracks. "There are so many pleasures in the galaxy. Why do you deprive yourself? The Jedi path is narrow. Why choose it? It will only bring you grief."
The two Jedi waited to see what their Padawan would do. The boy needed to confront this alone as the time for their teachings was over. A minute later, Anakin walked forward, and the Jedi Knight disappeared.
As the Padawan was soon swallowed up by the darkness of the cave. Mace urged Obi-Wan to sit on the frozen floor and go into a meditative trance. "We have taught Anakin what he needs to know for this test. The rest is up to him. We can use the Force to evaluate his progress."
Obi-Wan gave him a curt nod and sat next to him; closing his eyes, he allowed the Force to flow through him.
(0^0)
Anakin strode into the depths of the cave. Multiple Jedi appeared and disappeared, each telling him that he would never be a true Jedi, was unworthy, never truly be more than a slave, and that he was not ready to face what he had come to face. Shaking off their voice, he proceeded forward as these were mere voices from others who did not see him for what he was nor believed he could be anything more than a slave. But they were wrong, as he would decide his destiny and allow the Force to guide him. Just as Master Windu had taught him.
Walking further into the dark cave, he stopped when a younger version of himself appeared. The younger version of himself looked to be around seven or eight, wearing a slave garment. He sat in a corner by the cave wall, tinkering with some unknown object. Then, Anakin heard the sound of a bell. A musical sound, light and pleasing. The bell rolled toward his feet yet flinched when blood poured from the opening and spilled over his boots.
"This is not real it is only an illusion," he reminded himself, stilling his heart from beating out of his chest. That's all it is. The vision of himself disappeared, which relieved him.
A bright white light appeared, and he walked forward to witness the next vision. At the end of the light, he soon found himself in darkness again, but unlike the last time when he saw himself as a child, he saw a familiar woman emerge from the darkness, her hair down around her shoulders. Shmi Skywalker.
"Mother. Mom— "
She did not hear him or see him. Instead, she ran straight past him. Tendrils of hair stuck to her cheeks. Her face was shiny with sweat. The sweat of terror. He felt her fear and anguish. But something was wrong; the Force told him to be patient and let it play out. For as much as he wanted to charge in and face the projected anguish his mother was in, he knew it was not real. He turned, but she disappeared. Then when he turned forward, there she was. She ran toward him again, her face stretched by horror. The next minute another figure appeared next to her. This was not a man. . .but a slaver. The slaver's face was covered by the shadows as he roughly grabbed Shmi by her slave garment and threw her to the ground like a pile of rubbish. When he was about to strike her again, Anakin's fear and anger rose as he wanted to protect his mother.
But he remembered what Obi-Wan said about letting the fear in and not battling it. "Yes, I understand," feeling the Force flow through him. The two figures looked at him. "My mother was a strong woman. Even though she never wanted me to see she was in pain, I always knew and would have done anything to lessen her burden. Life was difficult, but we had each other, and that was the most important thing. What this is. . .is nothing more than my greatest fear given form, and I cannot. I will not let it control me." The darkness began to fade.
"Yes, I was and am still afraid of losing her. But this is not real, and I know she is in no harm."
The Force around the cave judged him worthy, and everything stopped. Taking in his surroundings, he saw that the cave's walls were smooth again. The darkness around the cave began to fade as he moved forward. Wiping the sweat from his forehead and cheeks. He saw a faint glow on the floor and immediately knew what it was.
"The crystals," he heard the voice of his Master.Mace Windu. Anakin heard a faint amount of pride in his voice. "Now comes the hard part."
Anakin leaned down to examine the cave floor. The crystals grew in intricate formations. It surprised him that they glowed even in a cave as dark as this. He used the Force while passing his hand over them without touching them. A few minutes later felt a pull toward the three crystals that seemed to speak to him. Using the Force, he summoned and pulled them close to his chest. Then taking a minute to listen to them sing, he removed the pouch from his belt and sat down, placing the items on the floor before him.
"Like what Mace said, this will be the hard part," emptying the contents of his pouch onto his lap and placed the empty thing, along with two crystals, off to the side. Feeling the warmth of the crystal in his hands, he closed his eyes and went into a meditative trance. Then using his connection to the Force, he went into a trance, cleared his mind of all distractions, and allowed his feeling to guide his intent to fashion his lightsaber.
While he was in a trance, the image of the person who killed Qui-Gon Jinn appeared before him, wearing a proud smile that quickly turned into a smirk. Anakin could feel the dark side coming off the entity; it flowed off him. Snapping his eyes open at the Zabrak, he was tempted to jump to his feet but remained seated.
"Did I startle you, boy?" the Sith Lord asked. He began to circle around Anakin. "You are even weaker than Qui-Gon and far more reckless."
Rage and fear began to surge in Anakin. Qui-Gon had risked so much to take Anakin away. He was among the few people who believed Anakin could be a Jedi Knight. Anakin respected him for his kindness, wisdom, and the fact that he freed him.
The Sith looked down at the boy's lap and laughed. "That blade is nothing compared to mine. Try this." He threw something at Anakin. It was a fully fashioned lightsaber, beautifully balanced, with an austere hilt. Just the kind of lightsaber Anakin would make. But he didn't feel any attachment to it and could only sense the dark side coming from it.
"Why do you fear your anger?" the Sith Lord asked. In a casual gesture, he activated his own double-edged lightsaber. "Why do you fear your hate? Your anger? They will give you great power! I can feel it. You hate me. It is natural." He bared his teeth. "After all, I gutted your friend like an animal while you hid in a ship."
The anger inside Anakin growled with a vengeance, but he then felt his master's warmth and remembered his teaching. Letting his emotions flow away, he remained still, much to the Sith Lord's surprise.
"No," Anakin said, throwing that lightsaber away. "I will learn to control my emotions better. My Master Mace Windu taught me better, and I will not give in to the dark side."
"Young fool," the Zabrak Sith Lord angrily hissed. "There are other paths to power."
"That is not what I seek nor will ever require it," Anakin said, feeling his Master's presence through their Force bond.
"Then you lie," the dark Lord said, stepping back. "How else will you save that poor, weeping mother you abandoned if you do not have power? You left her and will cease to remember her."
Anakin squashed down his anger, "my mother was a strong woman who loved and cared for me above everything. Given a chance, she would have done her best to have ensured I had a better life. But, instead, what she gave me is something stronger than you will ever know. A purpose to live and build a future." Raising his hand, he began pushing the Sith Lord away. "You claim I abandoned her, but you are wrong, as I will always remember to have her in my heart. For that, I reject you and your power. Now be gone," he banished the Sith Lord from his mind using the Force.
Then just as the Zabrak vanished, two new entities appeared. Having spent much of his time in the temple Archive, he recognized the man's face from the bronze statue. He was tall, his eyes were bleeding yellow, he was older, and he had a stronger connection to the dark side of the Force. In one hand, he had a curved lightsaber that whisked to life, showing a crimson blade. Whilst the other was being used to Force choke his mother. "You are a foolish boy. You should have listened to what Maul said, as only your fear, anger, and hatred could have saved your mother."
Dooku smiled as he felt Skywalker's anger and rage spike. The darkness around Dooku was abundant, but it paled in comparison to another source of darkness he felt coming from behind him. Whatever or whoever it was, they were dangerously powerful.
"D-Don't listen to him, Ani," the vision of his mother said right before Dooku impaled his lightsaber into her and killed her.
Dooku dropped her to the ground. "Weak. Unless you embrace the dark side, you will always be weak."
His anger soared to new heights. Anakin reached for his lightsaber and was ready to leap at the Sith Lord who killed his mother. But stopped himself as this was not real, only a vision created by his fear. Placing the blade on his lap, he released a breath, "you seek to manipulate me by using my fear and anger against me. It won't work, and you have no control over me. You will never corrupt me or take her away from me, as she is stronger than you will ever be."
A voice from the dead body of his mother surprised both Dooku and Anakin. "You are right, Ani," she raised her head and stood on her feet. The vision of Dooku was one of pure shock. She stood by her son "together."
They raised their hands and banished Dooku and the other dark presence away. Shmi then took a knee and wrapped her son in a tight embrace. "Ani, my son. You are loved so loved my boy." She picked up the lightsaber in his lap and handed it to him. "We will see each other again one day."
Anakin opened his eyes to see he was still sitting in the crystal cave, but this time he was holding the lightsaber his mother handed him. A few tears exited his eyes. "Thank you, Mom. For everything," he wiped the tears away and stood up. "For even though we may be far away. I know you will always be with me."
Then tightening his grip around his lightsaber, he was surprised to see that it was a perfect fit. He activated it, and an azure blade extended.
Ignoring the weakness in his legs, he wanted to make sure the thing was in perfect control. Then after a few minutes of inspection, he deactivated it and returned to the cave's mouth. There he saw Mace and Obi-Wan sitting cross-legged in a meditation pose, waiting for him.
Mace was the first to notice he had returned. Anakin knew they were real, as there was no question about it. When Mace stood up, his eyes widened when he saw the lightsaber hanging loosely from Anakin's hand. His Padawan then handed it to him so he could see for himself.
Obi-Wan, on the other hand, gave him an incredulous look. "You made this," gesturing to the lightsaber in Windu's hands.
"I also had some help from my mother," he admitted. The two older Jedi looked at him questioningly. "There's a lot for me to tell."
"I agree. Start at the beginning and leave nothing out," Windu replied.
Anakin refused to withhold any information from them. He told them what he saw when gathering his crystals and constructing his lightsaber. He admitted to feeling both afraid and angry when he saw the slaver, Qui-Gon's killer, an older version of Dooku killing his mother, and an unknown person channeling the dark side from afar. "It was so abundant as the dark side of this person was stronger, but I remembered what you and Obi-Wan said about not giving in to my fear and anger. That was when I remembered my mother and what she meant, did, and would always be with me. Then together, we banished the vision and presence away. When she handed me my lightsaber, I found it in my hand, and I could feel her presence around the saber. Like she was helping me from afar."
"I know for a Jedi, attachment is forbidden, and I miss her greatly. But, I will forever remember what she wanted and will always be with me."
A smile grew on Mace's face. He handed the lightsaber back to him. "Thank you for telling us everything, as I know that could not have been easy. You confronted your worst fears, allowed the Force to guide you, and refused to give in to your anger and hatred. And by doing that, you managed to resist the dark side. I am so proud of you."
"As am I," Obi-Wan swelled in pride. "You have taken the next step in becoming a Jedi. By allowing the Force and your instincts to guide you, you have accomplished something great."
The smile on Anakin's face decreased, "but why did I see Master Qui-Gon's killer, and why did Dooku appear? Who was that other person I sensed? What does it mean?"
"The Force works in mysterious ways," Windu replied. "Why you saw Maul? I don't know as for Dooku. He was a renowned Jedi. One of the finest in the Order, until one day he left. I did not see it at first, but I sensed a growing darkness in him and believed he might have become a Sith Lord. As for the dark presence you sensed. . .that is difficult to say. Either it came from Dooku himself in an attempt to mislead you or someone much more powerful."
"Powerful enough to reach us all the way out here is not to be underestimated as they are highly skilled in the dark side," Obi-Wan rubbed his beard questioningly.
"Mmm. I will speak with the Council about this," Mace informed. "For now, we return to Coruscant."
The three Jedi made it back to their ship, stealthily moving past the still-sleeping Gorgodons. Meanwhile, Mace was in deep thought about what his apprentice said about Maul, Dooku, and the mysterious person. Why did they appear before him, and who was this person that tried to reach the boy? Whatever it was, one thing was for certain. The dark side of the Force was strong with them. He would be sure to look into this further, as he would not allow Anakin to go down a dark path.
While they were in hyperspace, Anakin went to the cargo hold to get a nap while Mace and Obi-Wan looked through Qui-Gon's journal. The former could see that his friend made some valid points and that maybe it was time for a change in the Jedi Order. Handing his fellow Jedi the datapad, Mace went to check on his apprentice; coming into the hold, he found the boy asleep. It was hard for him to believe, but he felt a strong attachment and a sense of responsibility to Anakin for some reason. The boy then muttered something in his sleep.
"Fa-Father," Mace's heart stopped beating for a minute after hearing what Anakin said. Was the boy talking about him or someone else? Deciding to use the Force, he entered the boy's mind to see what he was thinking. After a minute of probing, he found something. . .unexpected before exiting. "Father."
Mace carefully rubbed the boy's head, allowing a smile to cross his face. Anakin considered him his father. "I will look after you, my son," he whispered.
(0^0)
Deep in the Outer Rim territory on the harsh desert planet of Tatooine, a middle-aged brown-haired woman was working in Watto's Junkshop. Ever since Shmi Skywalker came to Tatooine with her son Anakin, life had been difficult. . .for her son, most of all, as he dreamed of traveling through the stars and being free. He hated being a slave on Tatooine more than anything, as it was a prison no child should have to endure. But all that changed when Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn came searching for parts for a damaged hyperdrive. At first, she didn't see it but knew Anakin had taken a shine to the Jedi and one of the handmaidens to the Queen of Naboo. After that single meeting, she saw something that made her heart flutter. The woman known as Padmé Amidala sparked something in him that he'd been long searching for. Sure, he had friends, but she was something different.
The day when Qui-Gon told them that Anakin was no longer a slave, he was elated that he now had the chance to leave the life of a slave for good. But, unfortunately, the happiness was short-lived when Anakin asked if she was free too? While it may have been hard for him to admit, he could only negotiate for him to be free. Shmi saw the unhappiness on her son's face and was aware that he wanted her to go with him more than anything. The hardest thing he had to do was leave, knowing she would still be a slave while he left. However, like any mother, they would want their child to have the opportunity to have a better life. The two said they would see each other again in the future.
From that day onward, she had thought of him and what he might be doing as an apprentice. Then, for an unknown reason, she felt like he was reaching out to her, so she embraced him with her heart. "I will always be with you, Ani," she muttered to herself. Then, holding a hand over her heart, "know that I will always be proud of you, my son."
(0^0)
On Coruscant, standing in his office looking over the horizon, Chancellor Sheev Palpatine, secretly the Lord of the Sith Darth Sidious, had a deep frown marring his face. His plans to influence Anakin Skywalker had gone up in smoke. When the child was first brought to Coruscant, he could sense the boy had a powerful connection to the Force with tremendous potential. More than any other Jedi he had come across. During the Trade Federation invasion of Naboo, he sent Maul to handle the two Jedi who accompanied the Queen back home. Even though Maul succeeded in killing Jinn, he was defeated by his Padawan Kenobi. It was of no consequence that Maul had ended up dead, as he was nothing more than a tool to be used and discarded. While not easily surprised, he was startled to learn that young Skywalker had destroyed the Droid control ship orbiting the planet by himself. That was when he secretly made up his mind.
If someone as powerfully Force-sensitive as Anakin could decimate a fully equipped control station, then he would have to groom and subtly push the boy to the dark side. From that moment, he carefully observed the boy through the Force to monitor his progress. He gleefully smiled as Anakin's relationship with Mace Windu was nothing more than cold and distant. But that has now changed. The Korun Jedi was taking an active interest in the boy's training. Palpatine was sure that he could subtly nudge Anakin to his side when he projected an image of the boy's mother being killed by Darth Tyrannus. But for an unknown reason, his attachment to his mother pushed the image of Lord Tyrannus and, more importantly, himself away.
What's more, the Force showed him that Anakin's bond with Windu was much stronger now. Therefore, if his plans for the future were to come to fruition, he would need to have Anakin turned to the dark side and become his apprentice when the time is right. His natural talents and raw Force power would be too valuable to be wasted on the idiocy of the Jedi Order. The only question was how he should go about it? He would need to think about this further.
A/N: Anakin has taken a big step by creating his first lightsaber. Instead of hiding what had happened in the Crystal Cave he told Mace and Obi-Wan everything that had happened. This is good because in both canon and legend he withheld information about seeing a vision of Maul and what he said. Like I've said before this is an AU story, one in which things will happen differently. I don't know about the rest of you all but a Jedi should be allowed to form attachments. Think about it a master and apprentice share a bond so why can't they form an attachment with someone outside of the Order? That whole forgo attachment thing is wrong to me because otherwise they'll just be cold and unfeeling. The Sith more accurately Palpatine knew how the Jedi operated and used their Code and arrogance against them.
And I firmly believe that they should have changed a couple things and maybe they could have discovered that Palpatine was indeed the Sith Lord. This all starts with Anakin and his ability to form attachments with the people he loved. The life of a Jedi is lonely, plain and simple. Anakin needs the people he loves in his life starting with his mother Shmi Skywalker. But more importantly he needs a father. Someone who will be caring and strict towards him. Obi-Wan was more of a brother than anything else. This opened the door for Palpatine to have a major influence over Anakin's choices. Mace will become the father Anakin never had. He will fill that role. Do not fret as I have plans for Shmi to be involved in Anakin's life.
Back to the point now. It always bothered me how close Palpatine was to Anakin. He may be the Supreme Chancellor, but that does not give him the right to meddle in Obi-Wan's teachings as Anakin was his responsibility. Not Sheev's. Will Mace be as okay with his interest in Anakin? And will Anakin still see Palpatine as a friend and mentor he portrays to be? Stick around to find out.
Next Chapter: Beginning III