Summary:

Grief and pain prove too much for Anakin to withstand. Have all of Mace's efforts to save him been in vain?

Jedi Master Mace Windu did not defy the Jedi council and abscond to Tatooine in order to find Shmi Skywalker, only to lose her son to the dark side of the Force.

He watched Anakin gently lay his mother's limp body on the floor of the tent and close her unseeing eyes. Mace felt the terrible pain and suffering that Anakin was projecting into the force through their bond, but he was still surprised when Anakin stood and ignited his lightsaber.

"Stand down, Padawan. I know..." Mace started but he didn't know what to say. He didn't know anything anymore. "I feel you are hurting. But you must honor your mother's memory by staying true to the light."

"Kriff you!" Anakin screamed at Mace, his voice raw with emotion. "They killed her! And I'm going to kill them all! I hate them!"

Mace's own heart grew heavy with sorrow but he stood tall before his grieving Padawan. He knew that this was a pivotal moment for Anakin, the vergence he felt building the closer they got to Shmi was here, and it could change the course of his life forever. Mace finally understood how Qui-Gon had become so obsessed with the little boy from Tatooine. Anakin's connection to the force, both the light and dark sides was staggering and it would be easy for Mace to become caught up in the maelstrom brewing.

"Anakin, I understand you're in pain and you're angry," Mace said, his voice resonating with empathy. "But you cannot do this. You must remember the teachings of the Jedi. We are protectors, not avengers. Giving in to hatred will lead you down a path from which you may never return."

Anakin's tear-streaked face contorted with rage and defiance. The pain and grief within him threatened to burst forth and consume him entirely.

Mace stepped closer, his voice gentle yet firm. "Anakin, your mother's love is still with you, and she would not want you to succumb to this anger. You must find the strength within yourself to withstand these emotions. Remember who you are, Padawan. Remember the Jedi teachings."

Anakin took a menacing step forward. "Get out of my way, Master."

Mace didn't budge. "Stand down Padawan. I won't tell you again."

"If you are not with me... Then you will die with them," Anakin's sky-blue eyes took on an eerie yellow glow and his tone sent a chill down Mace's spine.

"Only a Sith deals in absolutes," Mace said and he ignited his own lightsaber. It cast a chilling purple glow on the walls of the tent, clashing with Anakin's blue. "You don't want this heat, son."

"Don't call me that!" Anakin spat out. He was his mother's son and now she was gone. "Don't you ever! You don't care! Nobody cares! The only one who ever loved me is gone."

Mace had never known a mother's love. He had been delivered to the Jedi temple before he was old enough to retain memories. But at that moment a feeling of overwhelming love and pride and heartbreaking tenderness washed over him through the force. It was a feeling so strong and pure, like he'd never felt before in all his life, and he swore it was coming from where Shmi Skywalker rested.

Seeing the torment of grief tearing Anakin's soul apart, Mace made an impulsive decision. He knew from hard-earned experience that sometimes a strict adherence to Jedi doctrine could do more harm than good, and this was one of those times. He saw a shatterpoint break when he offered Anakin a glimmer of hope.

"Anakin," Mace said, his voice unyielding in his confidence, "If you stand down from your anger, I will help Shmi."

"Liar!" Anakin screamed. "You can't help her! She's gone!"

Mace lowered his voice, making sure that only Anakin could hear his next words, though he had already taken care of any Tuskens in the area with a force suggestion to be elsewhere. "There is a way. There is ancient knowledge, forbidden to all but the highest-ranking Jedi. It is forbidden for a Jedi to even think of such a thing, but if there is any spark of life left in Shmi, there is a way to save her."

Anakin's eyes widened with shock and hope, his grief and anger momentarily held at bay. "What is it? Tell me!"

Mace hesitated at the moment of truth. It was deeply ingrained in his psyche to never acknowledge let alone share such secrets lest he put all Jedi in danger. But Anakin was the Chosen One. Could the Jedi afford to lose him to the darkness?

"It is a Force technique that can heal and possibly restore life," he said coming to peace with his decision. "One that blurs the line between the light and dark sides of the force. We must call upon the full Force, but it requires immense focus and sacrifice. It is said that those who attempt it risk losing themselves to the dark side or worse."

Anakin hesitated only a moment before he extinguished his saber and fell to his knees before Mace. His love for his mother and his determination to save her was greater than his pride or need for revenge. "I'll do it. I'll do whatever it takes to save her. Please help me, Master. Please!" he begged.

Mace looked deep into Anakin's eyes, searching for any sign that his Padawan was not ready for such knowledge. That he might still betray all that he was and embrace the darkness within. But he only saw clear blue eyes filled with tears from pain and desperation, and Mace knew that this was a chance for Anakin to be made whole. To find the balance and peace within himself that had eluded him for so long.

"Very well, Anakin," Mace said solemnly. "But you must promise me that you will keep your emotions in check from now on. That you will never allow the darkness to take hold of you ever again."

Anakin nodded eagerly, "I promise, Master. Never again. Now please hurry!"

Mace extinguished his saber and knelt beside Shmi's lifeless form. He instructed Anakin to follow his lead and do exactly what he was told.

"Tell me what to do, Master," Anakin said, his voice cracking.

Together, they joined their hands over Shmi. Mace began to chant in a language Anakin had never heard before and he called upon the Force. Soon the fine hairs on the back of Anakin's neck and arms stood up, a clear sign of an approaching sandstorm. Then a warm, golden light began to emanate from their hands, illuminating Shmi's face.

All around them, the Force seemed to come alive. Anakin heard the wind pick up outside whipping the flap of the tent back and forth, but he did not break his concentration. The power Mace channeled was immense. Anakin actually felt it flowing through his body like a jolt of energy. The sounds of sand particles beating against the tent rang in Anakin's ears and the glow of the force became more intense between them, but still, he held steady and let the force use him.

As the moments stretched on, Anakin's focus remained solely on the force flowing through him and Mace into his mother. His emotions were held in check by his love for his mother and his faith in his Master to save her.

And then, the unimaginable happened. Shmi's body began to twitch, her chest rose and fell with the faintest hint of breath. The color started to return to her cheeks, and Anakin could feel her life force growing stronger.

Mace withdrew his hands, his face pale and drawn, the exertion of the healing technique taking its toll on him and he nodded to Anakin, indicating that he should continue alone.

Anakin's hands continued to hover above his mother, his connection to the Force deepening as he poured all of his love and strength into her. He felt her lifeforce returning and he knew that they had succeeded.

Shmi's body jerked violently, and she took another deep gasping breath before her chest started rising and falling steadily.

Anakin's heart soared with joy, and he was about to cry out in triumph when he noticed Mace's breathing was now labored. His Master's face was pale, his eyes were hooded and filled with pain.

Anakin's joy turned to horror as he realized what had happened. Mace had sacrificed his own life force to save Shmi.

"No!" Anakin's mind raced, filled with fear and confusion. He had saved his mother, but at what cost? Had he lost his Master, his mentor, his friend? Anakin didn't know exactly what Mace did to save Shmi but he had to try something. He placed his trembling hand over Mace's heart, his other hand clutching his mother's, and he closed his eyes.

"What good is being the Chosen One if you can't save the ones you love!" he thought, a determined fury building within him.

He concentrated, digging deep into his memories of Mace. The hours spent training together, the strict but fair lessons, the guidance, and the mentorship that had shaped him. Most vivid in his mind were the times Mace had comforted him, soothing his sore skin, and rubbing away the pain inflicted by the staff of redemption. He thought of Mace's deep, calm voice, the way it vibrated in his chest when they were close, and how Mace had always taken such good care of him.

A warm glow began to emanate from Anakin's hand, flowing into Mace's body. Anakin could feel their connection, the bond of Master and apprentice, and he poured his energy into Mace, willing him to live. Something snapped into place between them, and for a moment, Mace and Anakin were as one spirit in the Force. Anakin could feel Mace's thoughts, his pain, his determination, and his unbreakable faith in the force.

Then, with a final push, Anakin forced life back into his Master. Mace's breathing began to strengthen, becoming clear and steady once again. The connection broke, and Anakin slumped beside his mother and his master, all three of them breathing heavily but alive and together.

Anakin looked at his mother and then at Mace. Relief and gratitude filled his heart. He had done it, he had saved them both.