At the Naboo Cruiser, Obi-Wan and Qui Gon used Eopies to pull the parts back to the ship. Once there, Jar Jar, Panaka, and several of the pilots helped bring the parts on board.

"It appears luck was on our side today," Panaka remarked.

"For a Jedi, there's no such thing as luck," Qui Gon remarked. "Obi-Wan should help you get the hyperdrive installed. I have a stop to make."

Qui Gon then turned to mount his Eopie and head back into town. Before he could, Obi-Wan came up to him.

"Master," he spoke, getting Qui Gon's attention. "I just… I wanted to apologize for my behavior on this mission. I've been impatient, arrogant, and I'm sorry. I suppose… I suppose I just wanted to prove that I was worthy of being named a Jedi Knight."

Qui Gon smiled as he walked up to Obi-Wan. "If I didn't think you were worthy of Knighthood, I wouldn't have allowed you to face the trials," that got Obi-Wan's attention. "You have always been strong, wise, and dedicated in all you do. While you still have much to learn about the Force, your insistence on doing good above all else makes you a great Jedi. Greater than even I could hope to be."

"I doubt that."

"Don't sell yourself short, Obi-Wan. I foresee you doing great things as a Jedi Knight. Your journey has only begun."

Obi-Wan couldn't help but smile in response.

"Thank you, Master," Obi-Wan said, giving him a small bow.

Qui Gon returned the bow before mounting his Eopie. "Now, help Panaka install the hyperdrive. I need to go collect Anakin."

Obi-Wan nodded before Qui Gon mounted his Eopie and rode back into town.

-X-

Later, Qui Gon and Anakin made their way back to his and Shmi's home, a handful of credits in Anakin's hands. They entered the home, with Anakin making a beeline for Shmi.

"Mom!" Anakin let out, holding out the credits. "Take a look at this."

"Oh my goodness!" Shmi let out in shock. "There's so much! How did you get this?"

"We sold the pod. Apparently, everyone wanted the fasted pod in the galaxy."

"That's incredible."

"And that's not the only good news," Qui Gon reassured, turning to Shmi. "I was able to keep my promise."

Shmi was taken aback by that. "What? You… you mean…"

"Yes."

Anakin raised an eyebrow in response. "What? What are you talking about?"

Qui Gon smiled as he faced Anakin. "I made a deal with Watto that if you won the race… he would grant you your freedom."

This time, it was Anakin's turn to be shocked. "Wh-what?"

"You're no longer a slave, Anakin. You're free."

Anakin was speechless. Happy about the news, but still reeling from it to form any words.

"I… I don't believe it…"

"Oh, Ani, that's wonderful," Shmi let out, hugging her son. "Will you take him to become a Jedi?"

"Yes," Qui Gon confirmed as Anakin pulled away from Shmi. "Anakin, I don't believe our meeting was a coincidence. Nothing happens by accident. It is clear you are strong with the Force, and I would like you to take you to Coruscant with me so you can be trained in the ways of the Jedi."

"Me?" Anakin realized. "A Jedi? I mean… I always dreamed of this, but…"

"Your dreams are coming true, Anakin," Shmi told him.

Anakin turned toward Shmi, a huge smile on his face.

"I must warn you," Qui Gon spoke again, getting Anakin's attention. "The life of a Jedi is not an easy one. You will be challenged physically and mentally. It requires a commitment like no other."

"I can do it," Anakin promised. "I'm willing to do whatever it takes."

"I know you are, and I know you can. If you are completely certain this is what you want."

Anakin paused for a moment. He turned toward Shmi, gaining his confidence in his decision back. A determined look on his face, he turned back toward Qui Gon.

"It is what I want. More than anything."

Qui Gon smiled in response. "Then pack your things. We haven't much time."

Anakin nodded, rushing toward his room and about to pack up. Just then, however, a realization came into his mind, causing him to stop and turn back.

"What about mom?" he asked, causing Shmi to turn to Qui Gon. "You… you freed her too, right?"

"I tried to free both of you," Qui Gon admitted, a solemn look on his face. "But Watto wouldn't have it. I'm sorry."

"But…" Anakin let out. "But the money we made from the pod-"

"Isn't nearly enough."

Anakin was floored. He staggered back, leaning against a wall as he slid down to the ground. Shmi came over and knelt down next to him.

"Anakin… it's gonna be alright."

"How can you say that?!" he asked, turning toward her. "How can it be alright while you're still…"

Tears started forming in his eyes, causing him to wipe his face before turning away in sorrow. Shmi just put a comforting hand on his shoulder, hoping to soothe her son's pain.

"Son, my place is here. My future is here. Yours is out there. You have to take it, Anakin…" She placed a hand to his face, getting him to turn so he'd face her. "You have to let me go."

"I… I can't. I can't do what you're asking. It's too big a change."

"But you can't stop the change. No more than you can stop the suns from setting," Anakin just sat there, unsure of how to feel. "Anakin… you know what's right."

Anakin remained silent, mulling over what his mom said.

"... will I ever see you again?"

"What does your heart tell you?"

Anakin thought for a moment. "... yes. Someday."

Shmi smiled in response. "Then that should be all you need."

The two then hugged in response, with Shmi giving a strong smile.

"Now go get ready," she told him.

Reluctantly, Anakin got to his feet and went to his room to get ready to go. She got to her feet as Qui Gon approached.

"Thank you," she told him.

"I will take care of him, I promise. I only wish I could've done the same for you."

"As long as he's free… so am I."

-X-

Later, Anakin, Qui Gon, and Shmi were standing outside the slave dwelling. Anakin had a knapsack draped over his shoulder as he turned outward toward the horizon, before turning back toward Shmi.

"I… I'm gonna miss you, Mom," he told her.

"I know, Ani," she replied, giving him one last hug. "But this is where you're meant to go. And I know you will do great things."

Anakin held her tight, fearing this might be the last time he would do so again.

"I will come back and free you, Mom… I promise."

After a few moments, the two broke away, Shmi putting a hand to his face.

"Be brave Anakin… and don't look back."

"Anakin," Qui Gon spoke, getting his attention. "It's time."

Anakin nodded, the two of them finally heading off. Anakin started to turn back, but remembering his mother's words, he forced himself to face forward, fighting back the sorrow he was feeling in his heart. As the two left, Shmi watched on, heartbroken to let her son go, but at peace that he was free and allowed to live his life.

-X-

Sometime later, Qui Gon and Anakin made it out of the city, Anakin turning back to get one last look at Mos Espa.

"Everything alright?" Qui Gon wondered.

"Yeah, it's just… this is the farthest I've ever been from… everything."

Qui Gon placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, getting him to focus up.

"Come. We must keep moving."

Anakin nodded, continuing to move forward as they made their way to the ship.

"Obi-Wan said that those who train to become Jedi get chosen by Masters. Do you… think it's possible I could be trained by you?"

Qui Gon smiled. "Anakin, it would be my genuine pleasure to train you in the ways of the Jedi."

Anakin smiled, feeling much more secure about his future.

-X-

Standing outside his ship, Maul was in contact with Aurra Sing once again.

"So… they claimed their victory?" Maul realized.

"Afraid so. What do you want me to do now?"

"Nothing. You've served your purpose. I will deal with them myself."

With that, Darth Maul deactivated his hologram and made for a speeder bike that was sitting nearby. He climbed on and made way for the Naboo Cruiser, hoping to catch sight of the princess and the Jedi.

-X-

Qui Gon and Anakin nearly made it back to the ship, Qui Gon suddenly pausing as he sensed something coming for them. Anakin looked ahead, seeing Qui Gon slowing down.

"Qui Gon?" he spoke up. "Is something wrong?"

Qui Gon turned toward him but stopped short when he saw a figure draped in black quickly approaching on a speeder bike, with Anakin right in his path.

"Anakin! Drop!"

Anakin did so, allowing the shadowy figure to pass over him before leaping off the bike and landing on the ground, grabbing a long lightsaber hilt off his belt and quickly activating it, activating its red blade before taking a swing at Qui Gon. The Jedi Master quickly drew his own blade, raising it to block the blade of his assailant.

"Go!" Qui Gon told Anakin as he got to his feet. "Tell them to take off."

Anakin nodded, rushing toward the ship as Qui Gon engaged with the mysterious warrior. Qui Gon gritted his teeth as they locked blades, his combatant smiled maliciously.

"I've been looking forward to this moment," he mused.

"Who are you?" Qui Gon demanded.

"I am the instrument of your demise. I am Maul… lord of the Sith."

Qui Gon's eyes went wide at the realization. This allowed Maul to shove him away before re-engaging the attack. Qui Gon was quick to regain his senses before continuing the fight.

-X-

Anakin quickly rushed aboard the Starfighter, where Obi-Wan and Panaka were working.

"Anakin, what's-" Obi-Wan started to protest.

"Qui Gon's in trouble!" Anakin told them. "He said to take off now!"

Panaka nodded about to head toward the cockpit. Just then, Obi-Wan made his way for the exit, much to the surprise of the others.

"What are you-"

"I'm going to help him!" Obi-Wan told him. "Go ahead and take off! We'll be there soon!"

Panaka reluctantly nodded before heading toward the cockpit.

-X-

Back with Qui Gon, he continued duking it out with Maul, matching him blow for blow. Maul swung high, Qui Gon was able to duck under it before returning his own strike in kind. Maul easily deflected it, grinning at the prospect of battle before kicking Qui Gon away. He was about to advance on him when he felt someone approaching from behind. It was Obi-Wan, who leaped forward, activating his lightsaber and bringing it down in an arcing strike. Instantly, Maul spun around and blocked the oncoming blade.

"Another Jedi come to die," Maul mused. "I'm almost overwhelmed… almost."

"I'll show you overwhelmed!" Obi-Wan replied, shoving Maul off before unleashing a barrage of attacks.

Maul was able to keep pace with Obi-Wan's attacks with relative ease, as if he was taunting the young Jedi Knight. Obi-Wan didn't seem to notice as he continued striking at the Sith Lord, unknowingly playing into his hands.

-X-

Onboard the Cruiser, Panaka, and Anakin made it to the cockpit.

"The Jedi are in trouble," Panaka told the pilot. "Get us in the air, but fly low."

The pilot nodded, complying with Panaka's instructions as they took off. Anakin made his way toward the landing ramp, hoping to ensure Qui Gon and Obi-Wan got on board alright.

-X-

Qui Gon started to pick himself up, looking over toward the fight as Obi-Wan took a swing at Maul. This prompted him to leap over the Jedi Knight before pressing the attack. The two crossed blades for a few more moments before they locked again, prompting Obi-Wan to shove him away. Smirking, Maul raised his hand, using the Force to stir up a sandstorm that disoriented Obi-Wan. He raised a hand to his face, staggering back as the sand kept flying in his face. Eventually, Obi-Wan was knocked to the ground, allowing Maul to move toward him, giving his lightsaber a spin.

"All too easy," Maul remarked, preparing to bring it down.

Just as Maul brought his saber down, Qui Gon got to his feet and ran toward them, bringing his saber down right before it hit Obi-Wan. Mustering his strength, he shoved Maul away, allowing them to re-enter their duel. Obi-Wan started to brush the sand away from his eyes as he looked up and saw his former master duking it out with the Sith Warrior. The two clashed blades repeatedly, neither seeming to let up on the other as the ship started to come overhead. The two clashed once more, Maul maneuvering both their blades so they were pointed down at the ground. His face not seeming the least bit worried by the situation at hand, Maul swiftly moved the hilt up so it would smack Qui Gon in the face, causing him to stagger back before Maul spun around and stabbed Qui Gon in the chest right in front of Obi-Wan.

"NO!"'

At the same time, Anakin had rushed out toward the ramp to help the two Jedi on board. As he got out there though, he was greeted by the horrific image of the Sith's red lightsaber having penetrated through Qui Gon's chest. He pulled it out, allowing Qui Gon to drop to the ground, on the cusp of death.

-X-

Inside the Theed Palace on Naboo, Dooku felt a sudden pain fall over him. He staggered back and fell back into a chair, sensing a great loss had come over him, and the worst part, he had a strong feeling about what it could be.

-X-

Obi-Wan was floored by what he saw. A fact Maul took great pleasure in as he turned toward the stunned Jedi.

"Worry not," Maul promised. "You will join him soon enough."

From the ship, Anakin was overwhelmed by what was happening. He turned toward Maul, then toward Obi-Wan as he started picking himself up. As Maul raised his blade, something went off inside Anakin. Something he had never felt before. Something that made him cry out with everything he had.

"NO!" he yelled, throwing out his hands.

All of a sudden, an immense force hit Maul, sending him flying back. Obi-Wan looked toward Anakin in surprise, seeing him stagger back before falling back into Padme's arms. He then turned toward Qui Gon, quickly rushing over and grabbing his body before leaping up into the ship. They closed up the ramp, allowing them to take off as Maul picked himself up. He looked up in contempt, wishing he had the chance to kill both Jedi, but happened to look down and see Qui Gon's discarded lightsaber, using the Force to pull it toward him to keep as a trophy.

-X-

Onboard the Cruiser, Obi-Wan carefully laid Qui Gon on the floor, painfully aware he had no time left. Anakin had regained some strength as Padme helped him over to Qui Gon.

"Master," Obi-Wan let out. "Master, I'm so sorry."

"Not… your fault… Obi-Wan…" Qui Gon mustered before turning toward Anakin. "Anakin… I'm sorry I… won't be able to help you… on your journey…"

Anakin didn't say anything. Just felt an overwhelming sadness in regards to what was happening.

"Obi-Wan…" Qui Gon wheeled, getting his old student's attention. "You must… stop him… you must stop… the… Sith…"

With his final words, Qui Gon's eyes closed permanently. Those present all lowered their heads in sorrow, knowing that they had lost a true warrior, teacher, and friend.