Thanks as always for all of the reviews, favorites, and follows. I hope y'all don't mind the extra long chapter, but I wasn't going to split it up and drag Episode I out any longer. There's also an extra long Author's Note at the end explaining my plan for the next part of the story. This is also the second version of this chapter posted because I am struggling with the ending, so only the last portion was changed. Please let me know what you think.

Chapter 24: Goodbyes Suck (2nd version)

I wanted to skip the whole welcoming committee thing since I wasn't exactly happy to see Senator Palpatine or the Jedi Council again, but Annabeth pointed out that I would also miss the official arrest of the viceroy and his sidekick. After everything those slime balls had done, there was no way I was missing that. It was definitely worth it to hear Panaka make a snarky comment to the bad guys about kissing their trade franchise goodbye as he led them away. I guess I was finally rubbing off on the guy. Senator Palpatine barely spared Annabeth and I a glance before he started congratulating Obi-Wan and Anakin and sucking up to the queen and praising her for saving the planet. To be fair, we were trying to keep our contributions quiet, but I'm sure he would find out about Annabeth saving the queen soon.

It turns out it wasn't just the senator and the Jedi Council on the shuttle because Shmi Skywalker was in the senator's entourage. Anakin was about to run to her, but Annabeth gripped his shoulder, "Not now, Ani. Not with the Jedi around if you still want to go back to the Temple for training." His shoulders slumped. "Just wait until the Jedi are gone, and then you can tell her about everything." He nodded, and Annabeth let go of him.

"Thanks" Obi-Wan muttered. "The Council would not have appreciated that display of affection, and it will be hard to convince them as is."

I rolled my eyes, what a crime to actually show emotion and love for your own mother. Next, nine members of the Jedi Council stepped off the ramp. "I wasn't expecting so many to come," I whispered to Obi-Wan.

He smiled softly, "They have come to honor Qui-Gon. Although he often disagreed with the Council, he still commanded their respect."

I recognized Master Gallia who gave me a small smile as well as Yoda, Mundi, and Windu though when he looked in my direction his expression was far less friendly. I knew I probably shouldn't antagonize the Jedi, but I couldn't help raising an eyebrow and smirking at him until Annabeth elbowed me hard in the ribs, "Really, Seaweed Brain, is that necessary?" she hissed.

I shrugged and whispered back, "He makes it too easy."

It was several hours before the Jedi Council sent a palace aid to bring Annabeth and me to the Council's temporary meeting place in one of the palace's many tower rooms. As we entered the room, Obi-Wan said, "Masters, we have yet to discuss–"

"That issue can wait a little longer, Knight Kenobi," Windu said as he shifted his intense gaze to Annabeth and me.

"Yes, Masters," Obi-Wan dutifully replied with a small bow though I swore there was a bit of a sigh at the end like the Council was trying even his endless patience.

Before he could leave though, Windu stopped him, "Please stay, if you would Knight Kenobi, we may have need of your . . ." he glanced at me before continuing, "diplomatic skills."

"As you say, Masters." Obi-Wan shot me a look letting me know that he really hoped his 'diplomatic skills' would not be needed.

I just smiled and said, "Congrats on the promotion, Knight Kenobi!"

An awkward silence filled the room. The Jedi were probably trying to use that Force sense on us though I doubt they were any more successful than previous attempts based on how Windu narrowed his eyes. After hanging out with poker-face Obi-Wan for two weeks, I had gotten better at reading the subtle changes in facial expressions. After what felt like forever to an ADHD demigod, I broke the silence. Patience had never been one of my strengths. "So, what do you guys want to talk about? Somehow, I doubt you guys have found a way to get us back home."

"Percy," Obi-Wan whispered my name sounding like a plea and a warning at the same time.

"We were hoping that you could maybe tell us more about this latest dream you had of the Sith," Adi said with a small smile, apparently choosing to ignore my not so subtle dig. "Obi-Wan has told us what you told him, but we were hoping you could provide us with more details."

I blinked in surprise. I hadn't expected them to ask about my dream of all things. "So, you guys actually believe me now and don't think I'm some spy working for the Sith?"

"The past events have proven these dreams accurate, and no matter how erroneous I believe your attachment to the girl is," Mundi said in a grave tone like my relationship with Annabeth was a worse crime than stealing one of Hera's forbidden apples or something, "I do not believe you would have ever done something to willingly harm your companion let alone almost cause her death."

That might have been the one good thing about Annabeth almost dying. Apparently, the Jedi trusted us now. I looked at Annabeth, and she nodded. I guess if they could trust us then we could trust them, so I told them everything I could remember from the dream. They also asked a lot of questions about demigod dreams in general, and Annabeth and I did our best to answer them. Of course, they wanted to know things like how we were using the Force in these visions or what kind of trance could get through the clouded dark side. Even Annabeth could only guess, especially, since she still hadn't dreamed anything herself in this new universe. We just chalked it up to my dad being a big three, and the changeable nature of the sea.

The next topic was a little less friendly, "Between Master Gallia's, Knight Fisto's, and Knight Kenobi's reports and the new branch of the Solleu River, it seems your powers are capable of much more than just moving water, Jackson," Windu said in accusation. "For the safety of the galaxy, we would like to know exactly what you can do."

I was about to say something extremely clever like, 'Guess you will just have to wait and see,' but Annabeth pinched me. We had a silent argument, but she won as usual. For Obi-Wan and Anakin, I reminded myself. "Well, my dad's also known as the Earthshaker and the Stormbringer," I added reluctantly. I didn't really like showing the Jedi all our cards, but Annabeth clearly thought we should tell them this for some reason. "So besides being the god of the sea, he is also the god of storms, earthquakes, droughts, floods, and equine animals. I don't really use those other aspects of my power very often, particularly the earthquake part since it's kind of hard to control that one."

"To what extent can you use this earthquake power?" Windu asked. "How much destruction can you do to a planet?"

I rolled my eyes, "I don't know. Do you want to find out now?"

"What about the sando aqua sea monster?" a female master, whose name I still didn't know asked, clearly trying to diffuse the building tension between Windu and me. "That particular species has been resistant to Force beast control. How did you manage?"

"Oh, Bessie Jr., she's a friend," I said with a shrug. "I can communicate with water creatures though most can't exactly hold a conversation if you know what I mean, but Bessie is pretty intelligent. We used to talk a lot back when I was exploring the planet core. I think she was lonely."

"Interesting, so compel this creature, you did not?" Yoda asked.

"No, I would never," surprised even at the thought of making Bessie do something she didn't want to, "I just asked if she wanted to help. She didn't really like the droids any more than we did, and she really did enjoy smashing them."

"Hmm," Yoda hummed though I could swear there was a smile somewhere on his wrinkled face.

Then I realized something, "Wait, does that mean you guys control animals and make them do things they don't want to? That's so wrong." I started getting angry. "Here, you guys are worrying about what I do with my powers, maybe someone needs to worry about what you do with yours."

I saw a lot of the Council stiffen in their seats at that accusation. Windu just frowned which was probably the Jedi version of being pissed off. "Really, Percy do you think so poorly of us?" Obi-Wan asked, not quite able to hide the hurt in his voice which made me regret the comment just a little. "Beast control or animal bond is not an ability that we use lightly," he explained. "It requires us to form a Force bond with the animal, so we feel what they feel. If absolutely necessary, we will use the Force to suggest commands so that we might have a means of transportation or dissuade them from attacking us."

"Oh, I guess that's not too bad then," I said, feeling ashamed now that I had jumped to the worst conclusion though it wasn't too different from how the Council had treated me.

"Thank you for your honesty, Percy, and for trusting us," Adi said kindly, resetting the tone of the meeting. "I hope that trust will extend to our last question as well. The poison that was used on Annabeth, even a very skilled Jedi Master healer would have had difficulty using the Force to stop such a fast-acting poison, so how did you save her? Knight Fisto mentioned that you fed her something that boosted her Force presence and added a liquid to the antidote injection. Please, your knowledge could help us stop future deaths from that poison."

Annabeth went ahead and took the lead on this one and explained all about nectar and ambrosia and the risk of having too much.

"Do you think Jedi could consume this food?" Windu asked with a hint of curiosity in his voice.

Annabeth shrugged, "I don't know. I mean the Roman Camp doesn't even risk using it for legacies. They use a different healing method. So, I guess the question is, are you similar enough to us that you can consume the food, or are you more similar to mortals? Does the food just require you to be Force-sensitive, like Percy's sword which can also harm legacies, or does it actually require you to have a certain amount of ichor, godly blood? I suppose you could try. If you're wrong though, you most likely will die, so you probably should save it for when you have no other alternative."

"May I examine one please?" Windu asked. Annabeth went ahead and gave him a square from our dwindling supply. He looked at it closely from every angle and even sniffed it before he closed his eyes to no doubt examine it solely using the Force. "Incredible," he declared. The other Jedi were also nodding their heads.

He gave it to Master Yoda who also held it in his hand. "Strange it is. Present the Force is in this substance. But contained, like you two."

"Do you know how this food is made?" Mundi asked.

"No," Annabeth replied a little wistfully. "It is a carefully guarded secret of the gods."

"May we bring this sample to our scientists at the Jedi Temple?" Windu asked. "Perhaps they could develop a method to synthesize more to refill your stock or create a derivative that is safer for our consumption."

Annabeth looked tempted. I'm sure that part of her that always wanted answers would love to know how to make ambrosia. I had to stop her from her own curiosity. "Annabeth, we shouldn't. Remember Tantalus."

That made her bite her lip, "But, this is different. Firstly, there are no gods here to punish us. Secondly, we have no idea how long we may be stuck in this universe, and we have already gone through a third of our supply. We could use more." I could see the moment she made up her mind, "You can take it, just be extra cautious. No one has ever tried to mix technology and ambrosia before. The result could be extremely destructive and dangerous. Percy is right that bad things tend to happen when mortals meddle with the divine."

"I ensure you that we will take every precaution," Windu promised. "Hopefully, this will be beneficial for both of us."

I just hoped Annabeth wouldn't get in serious trouble when we made it back home. The gods really didn't like mortals, even demigods, discovering their secrets. "I believe that is all we have to discuss," Windu said. "On behalf of the whole Jedi Order, I would like to thank you for preventing the loss of additional life and stopping an attempt at a Galactic Civil War. We will keep you updated on any progress we make regarding this ambrosia and a way for you to return home. We will also notify you of any relevant information regarding the bounty hunter and the Sith Master. I hope you will return the favor and inform us of anything you might learn about the Sith from these visions or other means, but I must stress that you should avoid any more direct confrontation with the Sith. Although you have no doubt faced dangerous foes in the past, it would be best if you left the Sith to us."

I looked at Annabeth. This was going to be her call though part of me wanted to pay the Sith Master a little visit after what happened to Annabeth. She was way better dealing with the strategy and politics of crafty enemies and allies. She thought for a moment before nodding in agreement, "We currently have no plans to seek out the Sith despite the assassination attempt, and I don't see why we would try to engage him unless he comes for us."

"I suppose that is an acceptable response," Windu stated. "I trust you are wise enough young lady to avoid leading you and your companion into a trap. The Sith clearly knows about Jackson, and he might try to recruit you or seek revenge by purposely bating you, so be wary. Perhaps it would be best if you remained under the protection of the Jedi in the Temple."

I snorted, "He can try. It wouldn't be the first time an evil lord has tried to get us to join him or kill us. And, we'll pass on letting you keep us under surveillance in the Jedi Temple, thanks."

"Guests you would be, not prisoners," Yoda said.

He sounded sincere. In fact, this whole meeting had gone way better than I thought it would after last time. "Thank you then," I said bowing my head slightly, "I'm sure we will consider it if we are ever in need."

"May the Force be with you," Yoda said, but when neither Annabeth or I moved he asked, "More to say have you?"

I was probably going to ruin whatever fragile alliance Annabeth and I had with the Jedi, but I asked my question anyways. "Yes, what will happen to Anakin now?"

Windu frowned, "I fail to see how that is relevant to you. That is Jedi business."

I glared at him. "He's my friend. And, if you guys do kick him out of your little club and don't train him, then it's not Jedi business anymore," I reasoned.

We had a staring contest before Windu sighed. I guess he decided that it wasn't worth the fight to not tell me. "Despite the Council's initial decision to train him, the boy's actions have proven that he is far too rash to be trained as a Jedi. He clearly lacks obedience and loyalty to the Order. Something I doubt you would ever understand. However, the boy will still be a member of the Order. We have positions for those unsuited to become full Jedi. He will receive a basic training, and then most likely join the Agriculture Corps and provide an invaluable service to the galaxy. He will be well looked after and lead a good fulfilling life. I am sure as his friend and a veteran soldier, you can appreciate the comfort of a safe occupation."

For a moment, I doubted my plan. What if the Council's plan for Anakin was the best? He would be safe and never know the horror of killing and bloodshed that I'm sure even the peaceful Jedi warriors had to experience at some point. Obi-Wan stiffened next to me, though, clearly not liking this career path since it would prevent him from keeping his promise to his dead master. I realized Master Windu was using my fatal flaw to convince me to support the Council's decision which was totally not cool. I hated being manipulated.

I glanced at Annabeth, and she had her jaw clenched stubbornly, which meant that whatever she said next was going to be good though it might get us in even more trouble. "You would really take a former slave boy and force him to work in agriculture?" Annabeth asked. Her light tone somehow made the question extra sarcastic and insulting. Gods, I loved her. Sure, I may be the rash one in the relationship, but when Annabeth decided something was not right, she always took a stand, even if it was against the queen of the gods.

Yoda frowned, "Force, no. Choose his path, young Skywalker will. Many options there are yet."

"Good," I said jumping in at the opening Annabeth had created. "The kid wants to be a Jedi for some strange reason I'll never understand. But, since you won't be training him to be a Jedi, I'm sure he would rather live here on Naboo with his mother given the choice. Annabeth and I can probably manage some training with this Force stuff even if it is a little different for us. At the very least, we can teach him how to fight and find him some cool sword. When the time comes, I know he would be more than happy to help us end slavery on Tatooine. He'd be pretty useful if he turns out to be even half as powerful as Qui-Gon seemed to think he is. Maybe, the kid will even fall in love since he'll be free to have all the attachments he wants. It certainly sounds like a much more exciting life than being some glorified farmer and a monk to boot. Which do you think Anakin would chose given the choice?"

I hated seeing the hurt and betrayal in Obi-Wan's eyes. He was probably shocked by what I'd said and thought I was trying to steal the kid away from him. After a few seconds though, his eyes narrowed in suspicion. Styx, he knew me too well. I just hoped he could keep his suspicions hidden from the prying Council though I suppose at this point it really didn't make a difference. The threat of dangerous me corrupting the boy even more should make them change their minds.

My second least favorite council member, Mundi of the cone-head recovered first, "You cannot take him."

"I agree. Together you three would be far too dangerous," Windu said his frown even more noticeable. "We will not take that risk."

"Well, good luck winning that custody battle," Annabeth said with a smile that would have made me shiver if her steely gaze was aimed at me. Luckily, it was pointed at Windu. "If you do not agree to train Anakin, I'm sure Queen Amidala, herself, will fight to get him back to his mother on Naboo. After all, he just saved her planet, and at the moment, I'm pretty sure the Senate would be willing to give her pretty much anything she asked for. I have a feeling she will be quite popular in galactic politics after this victory. Can the Jedi really afford the spotlight on such a controversial case?"

The Council was clearly stomped as they realized that they truly did not have the power to stop us if we wanted to take Anakin. The silence stretched, and I wondered if the Jedi could have some sort of silent conversation with each other using the Force. Finally, Yoda said, "Trained as a Jedi, young Skywalker will be. Though clouded, his future is."

I smiled glad that my plan had actually worked though I knew I would miss the kid. "However, we do have one condition," Windu warned. "We agree to train the boy as a Jedi, but only if you both," he looked pointedly at me and Annabeth, "promise to let him go, no contact of any kind. You must swear a binding oath like you did on Tatooine. We will not be able to train him as a Jedi if you two keep interfering."

For a second everything froze. I probably should have seen this coming. I had figured I wouldn't see him for a while, but could I really swear on the River Styx to never see Anakin again? Luckily, Annabeth always thought quick on her feet. "That is a difficult promise to make without knowing the future. Who knows what strange events might force Anakin and our paths to accidentally cross again? Would you really go against the will of the Force if it brings us together again and make us suffer a fate worse than death? If we really were sent here to help you guys balance the Force like Master Jinn thought, that could have drastic consequences not just for us."

One silent conversation later Windu said, "If it truly is the will of the Force then we will not fight it, but you will swear to not initiate any contact with the boy. Understood?"

Annabeth looked at me, and I nodded. I would make this sacrifice so that Ani could be in a place where he belonged and have the life he always dreamed about even if it would be dangerous. Plus, Obi-Wan wouldn't be forced to leave his home and family. I knew firsthand how terrible that was. It really was the best solution for both of my friends. "Fine, we will swear on the River Styx as long as you swear a binding oath to train him as well," I told the Jedi. I had been betrayed way too many times, and I did not think the Jedi were above conveniently finding another silly reason to not train him though as long as Obi-Wan was around I didn't think that would happen.

"Trust us, you do not?" Yoda asked.

"No, forgive me if I don't," I replied dryly. "You guys considered arresting me last time. Plus, one of my uncles said you should always get a binding oath." The council agreed to our terms. Annabeth and I swore on the River Styx, and Yoda swore on the Force though he added that Anakin would be treated as any other initiate and have to prove himself worthy to become a full Jedi Knight. At least that's what I thought he meant after I rearranged the words. Annabeth also added a phrase so that the oath didn't start until after Anakin left Naboo. That way, at least we could say goodbye. I looked at Obi-Wan to make sure that the Force had bound everyone to their promises, and he nodded.

Before Annabeth and I could leave the room, Obi-Wan stepped forward. "With the Council's permission, I would like to take Anakin Skywalker as my Padawan, now that he has been reinstated in the Order."

The Council seemed to have another silent conversation before Windu spoke, "The Council agrees. Even though it is unusual for a Knight to take on a Padawan so early, the Council acknowledges that your familiarity with the boy and your tutelage under Master Jinn who had intended to train the boy himself, make you the best master for Skywalker."

"Careful, you must be," Yoda warned with a frown. "Grave danger, I fear in his training."

"Thank you for your trust, Masters," Obi-Wan replied and bowed low. "I will head your warning, Master Yoda."

"May the Force be with you," Windu said, and this time we did not ignore the dismissal.

Qui-Gon's funeral was later that night, and all the important people from the Naboo government and the Jedi were there. Somehow, I don't think Qui-Gon would have been very impressed with that. But, he would be happy that his funeral caused Boss Nass and Queen Amidala to stand next to each other. Even in death, he somehow managed to break traditions and bring peace. He also would like that Anakin was standing beside Obi-Wan. Part of me wondered if that wise old Jedi had Obi-Wan make that promise because he knew training Ani would help Obi-Wan get over his death more easily even if it might have made his former apprentice homeless.

I was a little surprised by the funeral itself. It was Jedi tradition to build a pyre and cremate the body. All they were missing was a burial shroud, and this could have been a funeral at Camp Half-Blood. As I watched flames consume the body of yet another friend, there was something comforting in the familiar ritual. Like, even though Annabeth and I were in another universe, we were still somehow connected to the people here and the ones we left back at home.

The next day was a planet wide celebration. I really had been looking forward to it until I saw what a droid had brought in for me to wear. "No, absolutely not," I told it as I searched my borrowed palace bedroom for other clothes that had mysteriously disappeared.

"Sir, you are accompanying the queen at the presentation ceremony. You need to wear formal attire."

I vaguely remembered that Annabeth had mentioned something about being with the queen for the grand finale of the victory parade. Apparently, it had been one of the things Padmé had insisted on to honor us after Annabeth convinced her to cancel our award ceremony. I definitely didn't remember anyone saying I had to wear some freaking Renaissance Fair costume. Until then, I had been doing an excellent job of avoiding Naboo's more extreme fashion by wearing whatever shirts and pants I could find that looked most like the ones I had back at home. It wasn't exactly jeans and t-shirts, but it wasn't poofy sleeves or long robes either.

"I guess I'll just have to find something else to wear," I muttered. I grabbed a towel to cover as much of me as I could since I didn't think it would be a good idea to wander the palace in my boxers even if it was still early in the morning. I was thinking about going straight to Annabeth to see if she had any ideas about how to get clothes, but one of the queen's handmaidens was waiting at my door, blocking my escape. She looked so similar to Padmé that it had to be Sabé, the one who had pretended to be the queen.

"And where do you think you are going Percy Jackson?" she asked. "Dressed in little more than a towel no less." I knew my cheeks were bright red as she looked at my choice in clothing.

"Well, it's better than the stuff you call clothes in there," I mumbled as I hastily stepped back in my room and tried to cover more of me with the towel.

She took a step forward and stood in the doorway, "My queen has charged me with making sure you look respectable for the ceremony, and I will not fail her. So, I ask you to make this easy for the both of us and just put on the clothes."

I glanced at the clothes laid out on the bed and winced. I started looking for other escape routes and wondered if I could climb out the window with my towel when she sighed, "Well, I guess if you don't want to put on the clothes you can just miss the parade." I nodded liking that option. "It would be a pity though," she said with a sweet smile on her face that somehow didn't make me feel any better. "Annabeth is wearing the most beautiful dress."

That made me rethink my decision. For as long as I had known Annabeth, I had only seen her wear a dress once. Now, Annabeth was beautiful even after days in Tartarus, but that didn't mean I wouldn't mind seeing Annabeth in a dress again. At least this time all I had to do was put on some weird clothes which was definitely better than getting turned into a guinea pig by an evil sorceress. "Fine, I'll wear the stupid clothes." Sabé grinned evilly and closed the door as she stepped back into the hallway

I looked myself over in the mirror after the droid had helped me get dressed. I suppose I didn't look too bad, and the clothes weren't nearly as bad as the full-length robes I'd seen the noble men wear that looked like dresses. I'm sure the Aphrodite girls would have said the green outside coat thing with the fancy gold stitching brought out my eyes or something like that, but did it really have to have poofy sleeves and go down to my knees?

When I stepped out of my room again, Sabé gave me an approving look before taking me to the palace's main entrance hall to wait with everyone else for the queen. Annabeth wasn't there yet, but Obi-Wan and Anakin were. Anakin was wearing mini Jedi robes and now had the same crazy hair-cut Obi-Wan had. Although I noticed that Anakin had a little braid while Obi-Wan didn't have his anymore.

Obi-Wan took one look at what I was wearing and grinned. "Not a word Kenobi," I said as I awkwardly pulled at the cuffs on the itchy sleeves. "Besides, it's not like you can talk. You're still wearing a bathrobe."

"I am sure that would be more insulting if I actually knew what that was," Obi-Wan replied still smiling. For a moment he looked like his old self without the grief of Qui-Gon's death in his eyes. Well, at least these ridiculous clothes were good for something.

"I'll have to get Annabeth to show you a picture with her laptop then, so you can be properly insulted by my comebacks." Just then a door opened at the top of the stairs, and I completely forgot what I had been thinking. I'm pretty sure I would have forgotten to breath if my mouth wasn't hanging open.

Annabeth slowly walked down the stairs looking like some Greek princess version of Cinderella. Her curly blonde hair was stylishly pinned up and she was wearing a silver dress that draped across her arms and body and shimmered when she walked. I managed to close my mouth by the time she reached me, but my throat felt extremely dry when I tried to talk. "You look. . ." I cleared my throat. "You look amazing, Wise Girl."

She smiled at me, and I thought my heart would burst out of my chest. "You look rather dashing yourself, Seaweed Brain," she said. The look that she gave me made wearing these stupid clothes totally worth it.

The queen came shortly after Annabeth. Padmé gave both of us a small smile before adopting the serious queen face and leading us out into the main square. The parade was pretty cool. The Grand Army of the Gungans marched into the square with Boss Nass leading them on a falumpaset. The Naboo citizens cheered and threw flowers honoring the Gungans. I smiled thinking maybe this really could work, and the Naboo and Gungans could be friends. When Boss Nass reached the palace steps, Queen Amidala handed him this cool, glowing ball. Boss Nass faced the crowd, held the ball above his head, and dramatically shouted, "Peace!"

Then, the real party started. The Naboo and Gungans started dancing in the streets as the Gungan band struck up another song. I was surprised when Boss Nass walked up and actually bowed to me. Two Gungans placed a chest at my feet. "An offeren to the one blessud by Gobba who saved us," Boss Nass said as he stood straight and slapped my back. "Yousa should have told mesa, but me supposen da guds were testen us. Aye? Gobba showed his favor on a hisen meant it was time to bein friends wit da Naboo," he let out a big laugh.

"Umm, I don't know who this Gobba is, and you really don't need to give me offerings," I tried to explain.

But, Annabeth jumped in, "He gratefully accepts your offering Boss Nass, but please try to keep Gobba's blessing a secret at least among the Naboo." I guess she wanted to use whatever treasure was inside to add to the Free the Slaves Fund.

Boss Nass just laughed and patted me on the back. I hoped that was a yes, but Gungans kept bowing to me and saying stuff like "Favorite of Gobba," or "Gobba's Chosen."

Finally, I whispered to Annabeth, "Who is this Gobba, and why do the Gungans think I'm the favorite?" A lot of the Naboo politicians and court members had noticed my VIP treatment with the Gungans, including Senator Palpatine.

Annabeth sighed, "Really, Seaweed Brain, I don't know how you don't know. Did you even bother to learn about their culture, or were you too busy racing bongos?"

"I think bongos are very important to Gungan culture," I muttered back.

She rolled her eyes, "Gobba is their surface water deity. And between your Los Vegas fountain performance and riding into battle on a sando aqua monster, which they believe are sacred guardians of the underwater city of their gods, it's not hard to see why they think you've been blessed."

"Oh," I'm pretty sure my face was paler than Nico's. The Gungans were a little too close to figuring out my heritage. If more people found out, they might want to run experiments or lock my up like the Jedi had wanted to do. It's not like there was a Mist to help fool everyone in this universe. Who knew what the evil Sith Master would do if he found out.

"Relax," Annabeth hissed after a quick glance in the senator's direction. "I'm sure everyone will just assume it's a Gungan superstition. You just need to keep denying it around the Gungans and treat it like a big joke if anyone else brings it up."

I let out a deep breath, "Okay, I can do that." I smiled. "After all, I treat everything like a joke." Annabeth groaned, but I saw the smile she was trying to hide.

The rest of the day passed in a blur of partying surrounded by good friends, good food, and good music. Every once in a while, it looked like Senator Palpatine was heading in our direction. So, I just lead Annabeth to the dance floor, and we danced. "You know, we can't avoid him forever," Annabeth whispered while we were dancing after the third time, I had successfully avoided the senator.

"I know. I just really don't want to deal with any politics or politicians today." I gave Annabeth a twirl. I was glad that my dancing had improved some since I was fourteen. I mentally thanked the New York State required dancing classes in PE. It also helped that I was a few inches taller than Annabeth now. "Besides, I would much rather dance with my smart, beautiful, amazing girlfriend."

The ship back to Coruscant departed the next morning since Senator Palpatine had to return to the Senate and formerly prosecute the Trade Federation which meant the Jedi Council and Obi-Wan and Anakin were leaving too.

When it was time to say goodbye, Anakin was looking at the ground and scuffing his foot against the stone. I crouched down, so I was level with him, and asked "Hey, Ani are you mad at us for swearing the oath?"

He thought for a moment then shook his head and looked me in the eye. "No, I guess not. I know you only did it because you knew how badly I wanted to be a Jedi. I really am glad that you changed the Council's mind though, and Obi-Wan didn't have to leave the Order for me. I just wish it didn't have to be like this. I don't like that I'll never see you again." He sniffed and quickly looked down again and whipped his face on his sleeve.

Annabeth crouched down too, "I'm sure that's what the Jedi intended, but I did build in a loophole. We just promised that we would not actively attempt to see or contact you. If you managed to find us somehow, or we crossed paths during one of your Jedi missions, then we would not have broken our oaths. I have a feeling we will see each other again though it might be a few years."

I smiled, "And Annabeth's always right." That got a grin out of him. "I'll do my best to look after your mom while I can and make sure she's happy. But, I want you to promise me that you will train hard though try to have a little fun too. We don't want you turning into a serious Obi-Wan." He laughed a little at my joke. "Also, make sure you make friends because friends are important. I know I wouldn't be alive today if it weren't for mine."

He nodded, "Okay, Percy, I'll try."

Annabeth gave him a hug, "Bye Ani, take care of yourself. I hope you keep that incredible mind of yours busy learning new things and creating." She lowered her voice so that I could barely hear her even though I was right next to her. "Take care of Obi-Wan too. I'm sure he's having a rough time without Qui-Gon so please try to listen to him and be a good student."

Next, I hugged Anakin, "Just remember those stories and the Mom Test, and you will be fine. Maybe, the next time I see you, you will have a cool laser sword, and we can spar." He managed a small smile at that thought.

I stood back up next to Obi-Wan and watched Anakin run over to say goodbye to his mom, again. I muttered, "Gods, I'm going to miss that kid."

"I will take good care of him," Obi-Wan promised.

I smiled at my friend, "I know."

I looked at Anakin again and then started fingering my communication wristband as I got an idea. "Percy," Obi-Wan warned, "you know you cannot give that to him. It would only tempt you to break the oath."

"I know I can't give it to him," I admitted, "but I can give it to you." I glanced at Annabeth. She nodded, so I unhooked my wristband and held it out to Obi-Wan.

The Jedi frowned, "I cannot take this from you. You need it to communicate with Annabeth if you are separated."

I shrugged, "I don't think the two of us will be too far from each other for the next few years, assuming we don't magically poof back to our universe. Besides, if we really do need something like this again, I'm sure Annabeth could make it since she helped Ani with the designs. But, if you took it, then you could give us updates or contact us if anything happens or if you need help or just want to talk to a non-Jedi friend, no matter where we are. Plus, if anything happens Sith related on our end, we could just let you know, and then we wouldn't have to deal with the whole annoying Jedi Council."

"You do make a compelling argument. This would be more reliable than holograms, and I suppose you would not actually be communicating with Anakin," Obi-Wan reasoned. He sighed, "Fine, I'll take it." I smiled as he clipped the band onto his wrist.

I gave him another Roman handshake, "Take care, Obi-Wan. I expect to hear from you soon. Try to have some fun while you're at it."

For her goodbye, Annabeth just gave Obi-Wan a Jedi bow and said, "May the Force be with you."

He smiled and bowed back, "And may the Force be with you both."

As Anakin and Obi-Wan headed to the shuttle, Annabeth and I walked over to Shmi. I took it as a good sign that Anakin didn't look back once. The three of us watched the shuttle together until we couldn't see it anymore.

That night, I had another dream. It started with a voice that said, "Always two there are. No more, no less. A master and an apprentice." I figured the voice had to be Yoda because no one else talked like that. Then, I watched what felt like a lot of video clips. First there was a man leaving the Jedi Order, and then others started following him. They gained power, but it was through anger, hatred, and fear. The intensity of their hatred and the terrible things they did to other living beings made me shudder. That same group started fighting the Jedi with red lightsabers. The Jedi pushed them back, but the other group who I realized must be the Sith kept rebuilding and coming back stronger. The Sith created empires using slaves and built terrifying weapons that made nuclear bombs look like a kid's temper tantrum. But, the Sith fought each other almost as much as they fought the Jedi. Eventually, in a huge battle while the Sith were betraying each other, the Jedi struck them all down.

Somehow though, one Sith managed to survive. He trained an apprentice who later killed him. That apprentice became the master and trained an apprentice who later killed her. And so, it went on and on, apprentices killing their masters' only to be killed by their apprentices. Once in a while, a master would kill their own apprentice and then find another one. But, the voice at the beginning was right, after that last big battle there was only ever two Sith at a time. Towards the end, all the masters' deaths blurred together.

I woke up panting, trying to get rid of all the gruesome deaths I had just witnessed. I knew there was no way I was going back to sleep. All I could see were the flashes of red lightsabers, and the screams of the dying echoed in my head.

"What did you dream?" Annabeth asked as soon as she saw me the next morning.

"How did you –"

"You look like you've seen a ghost and barely slept at all which means you had a dream, and it must have been a bad one."

I sighed and looked around, but Panaka's house was empty except for us. So, I told Annabeth my dream, and as I went on her eyes got wider and wider.

"Wow, Percy, that's completely fascinating!" She said when I finished. "It makes a lot more sense now how the Sith were able to hide from the Jedi for so long. It's also nice to know we only have to deal with two of them. Or, I guess at the moment there is only one of them unless the Sith Master already has another apprentice."

I frowned, "I just don't get why the apprentices keep killing their masters? I mean isn't that sort of like killing their parent? That's pretty harsh even for evil guys."

"I don't think they really feel love, Percy," Annabeth said with a shrug. "Or, if they do, it's really twisted. I mean to be able to do even half of those things you said, I think this dark side must really corrupt them. Besides, killing parents really isn't that uncommon. Just look at our family.

"It happened to Ouranos, the father of the Titans, and in a way, he really was the patriarch of the Olympian bloodline since all the Protogenoi just sort of spontaneously generated from Chaos," Annabeth lectured. "Kronos did the immortal equivalent of killing his father, but not before Ouranos cursed him with the same fate. Of course, then Zeus did do the same thing to Kronos ironically because of the actions Kronos took to stop his children from overthrowing him. In a way, I guess it's sort of like evolution, the next generation proving that they are better than their predecessors. We are very lucky Zeus isn't even more paranoid than he already is. Sometimes, I'm surprised he lets any of us live."

I snorted, "We're just half-bloods it's not like we really could overthrow the gods. We aren't quite at the same power level."

Annabeth shrugged, "I don't know, Percy. No one knows exactly how demigods' powers are distributed outside of gods' blessings like Frank's family. A god could accidentally sire a child more powerful than he is. I mean Zeus did swallow my grandmother because she was prophesied to have a son more powerful than his father. There's also a rumor that both Zeus and your father stopped their advances on Thetis, Achilles' mother, and gave her to King Peleus instead because they heard a prophecy that Thetis would give birth to a son greater than his father. Not to mention the fact that Luke almost did overthrow the gods. It's not always about power, though. Usually, the children were able to overthrow their parents because they were more cunning and worked together."

I decided it was probably best not to mention that Luke had some serious help from Kronos. But, that got me thinking, "What exactly happened to Ouranos? I mean, I know his remains were tossed into the sea and all that. But, Kronos' remains were tossed into Tartarus, and he somehow reformed. Do you think Ouranos could do the same thing?"

Annabeth bit her lip as she thought, "I don't know, Percy. Immortals are practically impossible to actually kill for good, so maybe he could reform although I hope he never does. According to the myths, he was even worse than Kronos."

I shuddered. It was kind of hard to imagine anyone worse than Kronos, except maybe Tartarus. "Well maybe it's a good thing we got zapped to a different universe. Otherwise, we probably would have to fight him next. I guess the gods will just have to manage the next world ending crisis without us." I said with a smile, mostly joking.

Annabeth snorted, "Not even our luck could be that bad. I'm sure if he ever does reform it won't be in our lifetime."

Somewhere on the planet Moraband:

The darkness stirred. It had been so long since he had an actual conscious, anything more than the all-consuming anger and hatred that incited his followers. It had been even longer since he had his memories and an actual identity, separate from this power, this cursed Force, that his essence had merged with. But, the power shifted suddenly, and he started to remember.

Originally, he had combined with the Force to gain the power to exact revenge on his treacherous family who had banished him to this forsaken universe. At first, he had relished his new found freedom since he was no longer bound to a domain. However, he quickly realized that since he was not bound to anything his power was diluted throughout the universe. He could no longer directly interact with the living, and he had been forced to become a silent observer, only able to empower and subtly influence those whose anger and hatred reflected his own. His followers were his only anchor, preventing him from being completely swept up in the endless stream of the Force, yet this native power had been determined to strip him of their support as well. For over a hundred millennia, he had been trapped in a constant tug of war for power with the Force as it tried to balance itself. All he could do was trust that his followers would complete their mission and weaken the other side as he slowly lost his identity and was reduced to just the dark shadow of the Force. However, everything changed when that one name "Ouranos," carried across the galaxy by his omnipresent power, reached the place where his essence was strongest. He was boosted by the belief in that name and an echo of his old power. He remembered what he had been and realized what he could be. After all names have power.

Author's Note: I have a feeling that ending will be controversial, so let me know what y'all think. This is actually my second attempt after feedback from previous reviews, and this time I went with a minimalist approach as opposed to the big evil monologue since this gives me more flexibility down the road to take the time and slowly flesh out this idea. I know it might be a stretch, but the whole Ouranos is the dark side was really the idea that sparked this whole fanfic because there seems to be very few fanfics with him as a villain even though he was destroyed in the same way as Kronos, and Kronos did come back. I also noticed a few similarities between the dark side and an angry, vengeful Ouranos, especially with the rule of two, and Sideous' prejudices against non-humans (though based on online forums Sideous' prejudices seem up for debate). It won't really have too large of an impact on the story till the end.

Thank you so much for reading this fanfic so far and all of the amazing support. Y'all have been really amazing readers. Based on my original outline, I thought Episode I would be about 20 chapters and 30k words. Clearly, I underestimated how much I would write, but I had way too much fun developing relationships between Percy and Anakin and Percy and Obi-Wan, plus exploring the difference in philosophy between Percy and the Jedi. I thought the whole story spanning all the prequels would be 100k, so I guess this will just be one of those super long stories now.

Warning, the next part of the story will be a little different style wise to mark the difference between the actual episodes and the interlude period. As of now, I plan to write Episodes II and III in the same style as Episode I. I'm hoping to have about 8-10 chapters in between Episode I and II, but they will be from different character perspectives with different tones and so forth so I can have fun with different styles and give y'all a little change. Some of them may be really short, and some of them may be long. Also, updates will be more irregular, unfortunately. I've spent way too much time writing this fic and have to catch up with the stuff I'm actually supposed to be doing. I know a lot of author's say this and don't follow through, but I promise that I will not abandon this fanfic (more so out of personal pride and stubbornness, but your support is an even better motivator). However, I should be able to get the next one up in two weeks or so.