Chapter 8: Life Goes On
Three years would go by since the night when Anakin would hear the voice of Qui Gon. The Separatist Crisis was in full swing with a former Jedi named Count Dooku remerging, he would become the leader of the separatist movement as it spread through the galaxy. As more and more planets would leave the republic to join the separatist cause, the chancellor would be working closer with the Jedi to bring them back to the Republic. But as that happened and time would go by with Barriss finally on missions with her master and Anakin, continuing to become a stronger jedi as he continued going on missions with his master. Both Barriss and Anakin would continue to keep in touch with at least talking once a day either in person or through commlink as their relationship grew stronger. With both growing feelings for each other as they both kept it secret from one another as they were afraid of the others reaction to it. But as the days went by and when both had days that they had a free day they would try to figure out what they could about their dream and experience on that day but wouldn't find much on it. As it was hard to find someone who had a similar experience or any holocrons about the topic in the jedi archives. Anakin would also have meditation sessions with Shaak Ti in secret as both also tried to figure it out as well but Anakin not telling Barriss or his master Obi Wan that he had told Shaak Ti. Obi Wan wouldn't get to ever ask Anakin about what happened on Xxorn as time went by, he would somewhat forget about asking about it. Obi Wan would along side with Yoda and Aayla continue trying to figure out the messages and why Qui Gon is telling them it. But they wouldn't figure out anything about it as Qui Gon hadn't came to them with the force since that day and the separatist crisis started distracting them. Anakin would also continue to have meetings with the Chancellor ever so often and he would also continue to have nightmares about his mother dying with Barriss being the only one able to help Anakin sleep with her lullabies. With Barriss still having fights with her Master over love and attachment as she never liked her master's view on the subject and as the Jedi Council did eventually send an investigation team into Tan and his Master's disappearances which led to no leads as he had completely disappeared the Jedi Council would call off the search for them.
Anakin would be sitting cross-legged across from Shaak Ti as they were both meditating together in the meditation room. "Anakin what is troubling you?" Shaak Ti would question as she felt there was something wrong with Anakin as she could feel it through the force as they were meditating. Anakin would open his eyes as he was surprised at Shaak Ti's question. "Oh sorry, master. It's just I can't figure out why this happened to me and just want to know." Anakin would express frustrated. "Keep concentrating Anakin it will come in time." Shaak Ti would reply while continuing meditating with her eyes closed. "Yes Master. It's just frustrating that's all I want to know why." Shaak Ti would open her eyes as she looks over to Anakin saying "I Know my son, but it will all come in time you just have to be patient. Okay?" As she then got up from the pillow she was on. "Yes Master Ti. But I have something to ask you?" Anakin would reply has he also stood up from his meditation pillow. Shaak Ti would step towards Anakin while answering "What is it Anakin?" Anakin would then look down to the pillow where he got up from saying "Do you believe in life after death?" Shaak Ti would tilt her head as she didn't think Anakin would ask her a question like that. Thinking a little she would eventually reply "Well the Jedi don't… But Master Jinn always thought there was a way to become one with the force. So, this question has always confused me." Anakin looking up at Shaak Ti but saying under his breath "Qui Gon?" Shaak Ti would somewhat hear something as she asked, "Pardon me Anakin?" Anakin would look puzzled as he didn't really know how to tell Shaak Ti about it but finally would say, "I am not sure if it was because I hadn't had much sleep or the events earlier… But I think I heard Master Jinn try to communicate with me." Shaak Ti would get shaken at the name Anakin just said as she hadn't heard anyone else, but herself say his name in the longest time. Shaak Ti would step over to Anakin as she would say in a shocked tone "What did he say?" as she believed he contacted Anakin. Anakin alarmed that Shaak Ti actually believes him would reveal "Well I was in my room and felt a strong feeling in the force then he said they together will bring balance to the force the chosen one and the balancer only together they will bring balance to the force then nothing." Shaak Ti putting her hand on her chin as she thought about what Anakin just said she would then reply to it "Hmm… That's weird… So, Qui Gon was right then the prophecy was incomplete." Anakin now astonished at what was just said as he then asked, "What are you talking about?" Shaak Ti now right in front of Anakin would put her hand on his shoulder as she would respond "While when I was a padawan and Master Jinn was a knight. He would train me in secret, the ways of force ghost manifestation as it was taboo as the council didn't believe it was possible. But if what you say is true then it is possible…" Shaak Ti would pause while looking down at the ground before continuing "Then what he said is important Anakin. We must know why he has come back." Anakin standing there like he had heard a new look at life as he would then ask "Wait. You believe me?" Shaak Ti would take her hand off Anakin's shoulder as she then answered "Why Yes! Why would you ask me a question like that?" She would then walk over to the candle to blow them out while she continued "Why would you ask me a question like that if it didn't happen?" Anakin shocked that Shaak Ti was so understanding about everything much like his mother did as Anakin stuttered out "Thanks Mom… I mean Master Shaak Ti…" Anakin would look away in embarrassment as he hated himself for always calling Shaak Ti mom. Like a couple years ago when he had Meditation classes with her as the instructor, he would accidently call her mom in front of the other younglings. With all the younglings laughing at him Shaak Ti would quiet them, while telling Anakin after class that it is alright that he sees her as a mother but mustn't show it in front of the others. Anakin always loved how she was much like Qui Gon and didn't follow all the rules of the Jedi Code as she felt like she also didn't understand why they were there in the first place. Then Shaak Ti would put a big smile on her face as she would then say "Anakin it is alright. I understand you miss your real mother. As you are different then other jedi as you came in a lot older than any other jedi in recent time. I am honored you have seen me as your mother in this temple and during your time here. Anakin you are a great Jedi that I can see only become greater…" Shaak Ti while saying it would walk back to Anakin as she then put her hands on both of his shoulder then continuing with "And Anakin don't ever worry about calling me Mom, I love it" as she then pinched Anakin's cheek with one of her hands while saying with a joking sound "Just only when it's me and you. Okay my son?" With Anakin smirking at the fact that Shaak Ti just said what she said made Anakin happy inside as he then hugged her with a tight squeeze while sobbing "Thank you Mom!" Shaak Ti would smile with tears in her eyes as she took in the hug by doing it back while saying "Your welcome my son." Anakin would then think back to his mother and when he showed her the protocol droid Watto let him take home and how she always stood by him even if he was doing more then he should. As they stood there holding each other a knocking noise on the door that would stop it as they both released each other from the hug with Shaak Ti finally saying, "Come in."
As the door then opened Obi Wan would walk in as he said "Hello There Master Shaak Ti and Anakin. Am I interrupting something?" Both Shaak Ti and Anakin would look at each other and look back at Obi Wan as Shaak Ti would answer "No we had just finished." Obi Wan would smirk as he then said, "Well Anakin we got another mission to go on." Anakin would look puzzled "Really where?" Obi Wan would turn his smirk into a frown as he then said, "Not sure yet we are supposed to see the Chancellor to get the intel." As he then leaned against the doorway. "What!?" Shaak Ti would burst with a confusing tone as both Anakin and Obi Wan looked stunned with Shaak Ti question. Obi Wan would reply as he started to walk into the room "Yes not sure but the council told me that Chancellor Palpatine has summoned me and Anakin for a mission but not sure what it is about." Shaak Ti would continue looking confused as she never trusted him and doesn't like the bad influence he puts on Anakin as she would ask "Well mind if I join you two on this mission?" Obi Wan looking at Anakin as he nodded in approval as Anakin always wanted Shaak Ti to join in a mission with him. As he secretly always wanted her as his master but loved being Obi Wan's padawan as he was like a brother to Anakin. Anakin would look at Obi Wan with excitement as he asked, "Can she come with us?" With Obi Wan smirking at Anakin as he then said "Oh Okay she can. Maybe if she is there you will be on your best behaver." As they all then laughed with then Anakin saying "Well if it's okay for me to take my leave? As I need to get a few things." With both Obi Wan and Shaak Ti nodding as they both said, "Yes you can." As Obi Wan waved Anakin off by continuing with "Meet at the hangar in two hours." With Anakin then leaving the room as Obi Wan would look at Shaak Ti while saying, "Well I must also take my leave as I must see Master Yoda before our mission. I will see you in the hangar in two hours then." With then Obi Wan bowing to Shaak Ti as he would start leaving the room to see Yoda. Shaak Ti would then nod as she then said "Yes… Will meet you guys there." With Obi Wan chuckling at the door saying "Don't be late. You know Qui Gon wasn't fond about that." Shaak Ti would then laugh as she said, "you better heed your own words." As they both then laughed about their encounters with Qui Gon as Obi Wan then left to see Yoda.
Shaak Ti would walk to the back of the room to grab her lightsaber off the nightstand there as she always kept it there when meditating. As she went to grab her lightsaber, she would suddenly feel a huge brush of force energy that almost knocked Shaak Ti off her feet. "Happy you're treating him like your son." A voice would say as Shaak Ti jumped from her spot in shock as she realized whose voice it was. As she then looked behind her as she would then see a transparent form that was emitting a bluish glow image of Qui Gon. Shaak Ti was now shocked with her then jumping back as she hit the nightstand. But then put her hands down on the nightstand to keep her balance as she then said "Qui Gon is that you?" As she then started rubbing her eyes as she couldn't believe in what she was seeing. "He even calls you Mom… That is good to hear. But yes, its me Shaak Ti." Says Qui Gon while standing in the same place. Shaak Ti would straighten herself as she then asks "How?" Qui Gon would take a deep breath as he then answering with a smile "Well my training is how." Shaak Ti would put a huge smile on her face as she always believed in Qui Gon while saying "You really did it!" Qui Gon frowning as he then said "Well its hard. Only if someone has trained by its teachings…. That's why you can only see me as one must accept it before being able to use it in its full." Shaak Ti would look down as she wanted to ask so many things to Qui Gon but knew she must listen to what he had to say as she then asked, "So What did you come to ask me?" as Qui Gon was somewhat stunned by her question as he thought she would ask other things about life after death and being a force spirit. But he would say as he then gets his composure "Well that's not what I thought you would ask me." Shaak Ti would giggle while expressing "Well I think your not here on a personal visit or you would've been here way before this." Qui Gon smirking at her remark would then reveal "It's the prophecy. The Balancer is just as important to the prophecy as the chosen one is." Shaak Ti looking down as she is trying to figure out the balancer would then ask, "Who is the balancer?" As there was a pause with Shaak Ti then looking up as Qui Gon would start to disappear with him saying "In Time you will find out who sh…." As he then didn't finish as he was now totally disappeared. "Qui Gon!?" Shaak Ti would shout as she just saw him disappear in front of her eyes. Then looking down she would ask herself "who is the balancer?" As she then grabbed her lightsaber as she realized that she must get a few things before meeting Anakin and Obi Wan at the Hangar.
Anakin would walk into his room as he started gathering things for the mission. As he gathered his things, he would come along the commlink as Anakin would keep it on him always except for when he had his meditation lessons with Shaak Ti. Looking at it he would get startled by it going on as a voice would come out of it saying, "Anakin are you there?" Anakin dropping the commlink, but he would catch it before hitting the ground as he then rustled "Oh Yes… Sorry almost dropped the commlink." Then laughing at his foolishness. Barriss would laugh as she then said, "Well guess what?" Anakin bewildered would answer back "No, what is it?" Barriss with more excitement in her voice would say "My mission is done, and we are on our way back to the temple." Anakin would get depressed as he wouldn't be able to see her as she returned with a sorrowful tone saying "That's good to hear…. But I'm sorry I won't be here when you return as I must go on a mission now." Barriss would reply "Oh that sucks. But at least I will get a week off as my master has something to do. So, I guess I will try to figure out more about the dream until you return." Anakin would pause before saying "Ya hopefully I can finish it quickly so I can join you." Barriss would be frowning in the crew quarters of the ship that Master Luminara would always use. But then would smile at Anakin's response as she then said, "Can't Wait!" Anakin smiling as well but would change to a more serious tone and would say "Same here! But Barriss there is something I want to ask you?" Barriss now looking bewildered as she would reply "Yes, what is it Anakin?"Anakin would sit down on his bed as he didn't know how to ask her this as it was against the jedi code to love. But Anakin eighteen now would look at Barriss different then when he was a child. Anakin thinking of Barriss before responding but in a different way than before, her beautiful face on her perfect body with her pale-yellow skin, her two gorgeous greenness blue eyes and her short dark purple hair and those lips he thought before getting interrupted "Anakin are you there?" Anakin getting startled by the question would reply "Yes, Sorry about that." As he came out of his thoughts as Barriss would ask "So Anakin what is it that you want to ask me?" Anakin alarmed and rejecting saying anything in the first place would start lying by replying "Oh No, nothing… Sorry I forgot." Barriss looking disappointed would then reply "Oh…. Its okay. Don't worry about it." Both then looking at the commlink as both wanted to say something but was afraid to say it. As they sat Barriss would finally respond by saying "Well I got to go now as Master Luminara will probably be coming to see me soon." Anakin then mad at himself for being a coward for not telling Barriss about his feelings for her as he then said, "Oh Okay, Well talk to you later then Barriss." Barriss now sad that she unknowingly felt the same ways as Anakin did but about Anakin instead as she then said, "Yes talk to your later tomorrow." As both then turned off there commlinks with Anakin sighing as he then got up to grab the rest of his things before leaving his room for the hangar bay.
Barriss still holding the commlink would say into it "Anakin I love you." As she knew it is off as it was a pathetic way to let out her feelings as she thought. Mad about it and sighing while falling back onto the bed as she hit her head off the wall. But noticing it bend as it was a fake panel to hide a compartment. Barriss would open it as she saw an empty space with writing on its walls. It was in Mirialan as Barriss then read one of the messages it said "Kaysi loves Plo" as she continued reading them, they got worse with one saying "No one will come between us" another one saying "he will love you even if you have to force him too" she would keep reading as they got worse until she saw one say "he will be mine" as Barriss gasped at the comment as she put the panel back. Afraid that she might turn the same way as Kaysi. Barriss would sit there as she pulled out Anakin's necklace from under her robe around her neck. Thinking about what would happen if she showed him love and he didn't show it back, would she become like Kaysi. She would fall back onto the pillow and put away the necklace as she then laid there continuing to be thinking about it.
Obi Wan would be walking down the hallway towards Yoda's personal meditation room as he continued down the hallway Master Plo Koon would be walking towards Obi Wan as he was walking pass. Plo Koon would stop and ask, "Master Kenobi I hear the Chancellor as summoned you and your padawan for a mission." Obi Wan then stopping as well would looking back at Plo Koon as he replied "Yes, it seems so." Plo Koon would put his hand on the bottom of his breathing mask as he then asked, "Just wondering why he has personally asked for you two, but I guess it's the relationship the chancellor has with your padawan." He would then pause as he turned to Obi Wan while continuing "But I sense something more. Watch out Kenobi! I am afraid of the senate's relationship with the jedi." Obi Wan would look down as he responded, "What do you mean?" Plo Koon would put his hand on Obi Wan's shoulder as he then said, "Well it's Kaysi she was a good friend of a man in the senate named Hego Damask. His influence in her was one of the reasons I believe she did that incident all those years ago. I know he wasn't a senator, but he was a good friend with the Chancellor." Obi Wan shocked at the message Plo Koon is telling him would then ask, "They knew each other?" Plo Koon taking his hand off Obi Wan's shoulder as he then said "Yes so keep an eye on him I don't completely trust him. Specially how close he wants to get to your Padawan." Obi Wan would then nod as he also never trusted Palpatine's relationship with Anakin. Like how he always medaled in Jedi affairs and how he was always around, he would then say, "Yes Master I understand. Thanks for letting me know." With Plo Koon then continuing his way down the hallway while saying "May the force be with you." As Obi Wan replying "And also with you." As Obi Wan then continue towards Yoda's personal meditation room.
Obi Wan would come up to the door of the meditation room as he then knocked on the door. "Coming." Yoda would say as the door opened with him standing on the other side. Yoda would leave as Obi Wan moved out of his way with Yoda saying "Come walk with you to the hangar I will. Talk with you we will along the way." Obi Wan would start walking with Yoda as he then said, "Yes and what did you want to talk with me about?" As they walked towards the elevator Yoda would reply "Yes… Any news on the prophecy do you have?" Obi Wan frowning as he responds to it with "No I'm afraid not." They would get to the elevator as Obi Wan push the button to open the door while Yoda then asked, "No visits?" while Obi Wan pushed the button for the level the hangar is on while answering "No nothing its weird though. There hasn't been anything since that day I don't understand why…" looking more concerned would continue "Have you heard anything?" Yoda looking down in disappointment while saying "No… Not I have." But looking back up at Obi Wan while continuing "But Aayla I will see in the archives after. For she says she might have something." Obi Wan would get surprised at Yoda's comment as he replied, "OH what is it?" Yoda would look towards the door while responding "I know not yet. But when I do will let you know after the mission." As the elevator door open leading to the hangar with Obi Wan leaving the elevator stating, "Okay keep me updated and may the force be with you." Yoda then pushing the button to the level of the archives with his stick while saying "Yes will if something we find. And may the force be with you as well." As the door to the elevator then closed with Obi Wan heading toward the hangar bay.
As Obi Wan enter the hangar bay, he would see Shaak Ti and Anakin waiting for him by the ship. With Shaak Ti leaning against the ship and Anakin sitting on a crate that is beside the ship. As Anakin laughed as he said, "Your late master!" With Shaak Ti smirking at the remark as Obi Wan then noticing would reply to it with, "That's enough Anakin, and you can't say anything. When you're always late." With them all then smirking while Shaak Ti breaks the then silence with "Well are we ready to go then? I believe the Chancellor is waiting for us." Obi Wan then turning to Shaak Ti saying "Yes we shouldn't keep the Chancellor waiting." As Anakin got off the crate he was sitting on while asking "Can I drive this time?" With Obi Wan stuttering out "Oh…" then looking toward Shaak Ti having a stern look on her face as he then gives in by saying "Ok Anakin but no crash landings." As Shaak Ti then changed to a happier mood with Obi Wan laughing a little at his remark before Anakin interrupting by saying, "That only happened once!" With Shaak Ti smirking while putting her hand on Anakin's shoulders then saying, "Well with you flying I will feel much safer." As Obi Wan then would say while walking over to the ramp of the ship to board "Well let's get going then." With both Anakin and Shaak Ti following as they all then entered the ship and headed to the cockpit. Anakin sitting in the pilot's seat as Obi Wan sat in the copilot's seat with Shaak Ti sitting in the passenger seat behind Anakin. Anakin would start up the engine of the ship as Shaak Ti puts her hand on Anakin's shoulder while saying "May the force be with you." With Obi wan smiling at Anakin as then Anakin would put on a big smile as he flew the ship out of the hangar bay and towards the senate building.
Well can't wait for the next two chapters as I am excited to write them as this are the two chapters that made me start this story so can't wait to post them as their will be action in them. Drop a review or a follow as I will be starting another Star Wars story soon as I will be trying to get two stories out at the same time while the new story is on my mind. But will continue putting out this story ever Monday so hope you like this chapter.