Inside the Council Chamber, Obi-Wan was standing behind Anakin, both of them anxious about the Council's ultimate decision.
"We have concluded our testing," Ki-Adi-Mundi confirmed.
"And the results?" Obi-Wan asked.
"The Force is strong with him," Plo Koon confirmed. "Stronger than… most we have inducted."
"Then, he will be trained?"
The Council members all turned to each other, knowing the decision they had come to.
"... no," Windu replied, much to the shock of the two of them.
"What?" Anakin let out in shock.
"Why not?" Obi-Wan asked.
"He is too old."
"The boy has gifts. Could that not be worth an exception?"
"I am afraid not," Oppo Rancisis, a green serpent-like Thisspiasian with a long white beard, countered. "To walk the path of the Jed, one spirit must be strong. And this young one is full of much turmoil and strife."
"The boy is high-spirited," Even Piell commented. "And is lacking in the ways of patience."
"He will learn patience," Obi-Wan insisted.
"I can!" Anakin added. "I can do it, just give me a chance! Please!"
Several looks of disapproval were sent their way, causing Anakin to lower his head in irritation. Yoda meanwhile closed his eyes, thinking deeply about the situation before finally opening them.
"Always obey instruction in your youth, did you Master Rancisis?" Yoda asked, causing the elderly Jedi to freeze up.
"What are you saying, Master Yoda?" Eeth Koth, a detail-minded Iridonian Zarbak inquired.
Yoda took a deep breath before speaking again. "Clouded, this boy's future is. Great potential, I see, for good and for ill."
"Then perhaps we should reconsider our decision," Plo Koon suggested.
"What you're talking about is in blatant disregard for our most sacred traditions," Rancisis countered.
"His gifts are evident," Yarael Poof commented. "If the Sith have returned, we will need all the aid we can get. Especially if he is the Chosen One."
"Whether or not he is the Chosen One is still unknown," Windu commented.
"A fact we won't learn by sending him away," Ki-Adi-Munfi admitted. Perhaps we could reconsider our stance."
"If I may say, Master Mindu," Master Billaba spoke up. "Even if he is the Chosen One, the task of his training would be a massive undertaking. One that would be massive for any student, especially a boy his age. Who among us would be up to such a task?"
Obi-Wan paused, and a look of determination suddenly came across his face.
"I will."
Anakin suddenly perked up, turning toward Obi-Wan as he came up behind him, placing a hand on his shoulder.
"I take Anakin Skywalker as my Padawan Learner," Obi-Wan declared.
"An admirable sentiment this is," Yoda admitted. "Yet only recently, have you been granted the level of Jedi Knight. Think yourself ready to take on an apprentice so soon?"
"Perhaps not. And I will admit, I still have much to learn about the Force. But what I do know, I can pass on to Anakin," he turned toward him, giving him a reassuring smile as he did. "The rest, we can learn together."
Anakin was taken by surprise by Obi-Wan's willingness but smiled in response.
"This is not how the Jedi usually operate," Evin Peel.
"Perhaps not," Yoda admitted. "Even so, unusual times these are," Yoda stroked his chin in contemplation. "Perhaps, a final test may be in order. One that would prove whether ready to train you are. Help resolve the current crisis, it might."
Obi-Wan cocked an eyebrow at that. "What do you mean?"
"The news of the Queen's death has caused mass uproar in the Senate," Windu explained, much to Anakin's surprise.
"Padme's mother's dead?" he let out.
"I'm afraid so," Obi-Wan replied. "And Dooku and held the Jedi responsible."
Anakin's hand clenched. "It's gotta be the sleemo that killed Qui Gon. It has to be."
"That is our prevailing theory," Windu replied. "The unrest has caused the Senate to call for the vote of a new Chancellor, and the Princess has elected to return to Naboo. This could put pressure on the Separatists and widen the conflict."
"This could also bring Qui Gon's assassin out into the open," Ki-Adi-Mundi added.
"Master's Plo and Mundi will accompany you in aiding the Princess on Naboo," Windu instructed. "They will test your resolve as well as help you bring Count Dooku to justice."
"Hopefully, the presence of multiple Jedi will be enough to draw out this dark warrior as well," Plo Koon added, rising from his chair.
"And we will be one step closer to unraveling this mystery of the Sith," Ki-Adi-Mundi concluded, rising from his chair as well.
Obi-Wan nodded, subtly looking at Anakin.
"What about Anakin? He… he has no one else."
"Take him, you can," Yoda allowed. "Object to this, we will not."
"Thank you, Master," Obi-Wan replied, giving a bow.
"May the Force be with you," Windu wished, the council bowing in response.
-X-
After the Council adjourned, Obi-Wan, Anakin, Plo Koon, and Ki-Adi-Mundi were on their way to meet up with Padme and the others.
"Obi-Wan," Yoda spoke up, getting his attention as he approached. "A moment, if you would."
Obi-Wan turned toward the others, holding up his hand and signaling them to wait before walking over to Yoda.
"Yes, Master?" He inquired.
"So certain are you, to take this boy as your apprentice?"
"I am. Anakin has tremendous potential. It should be nurtured."
"Think him the Chosen One, do you?"
"I couldn't say one way or another. Qui Gon believed in him, and so do I."
Yoda stroked his chin in response. "For Qui Gon's sake, you take young Skywalker… or your own?"
Obi-Wan paused for a moment, unsure of how to respond.
"Absolute certainty you must have. Or else tainted, your teachings will be," Yoda let out a sigh. "Much uncertainty I sense in you."
Obi-Wan let out a sigh, kneeling so he was closer to eye level with Yoda
"I… have had doubts about my abilities, Master. My thoughts still dwell on Qui Gon's death at the hands of the Sith Lord."
"Hold yourself responsible, do you?" Obi-Wan didn't answer, cuing Yoda into his feelings even more. "Unless something more you feel."
"I know I shouldn't feel this way, Master… but every time I think back to what happened… I feel this overwhelming anger inside me. I don't know how to deal with it…"
"Know the answer, you did. Instilled it within you, Qui Gon Jinn has. Remember what you have learned, for what you will teach, it will be. To learn is to live."
Obi-Wan smiled, Yoda's words starting to resonate with him.
"It reminds me of something Qui Gon tried to tell me before."
"And told him of it, who do you believe?"
Obi-Wan chuckled a little before rising to his feet and giving him a bow.
"Thank you, Master."
"May the Force be with you, Obi-Wan," Yoda wished as Obi-Wan went to rejoin the others.
-X-
Meanwhile, in the industrial district of Coruscant, Darth Maul met with his dark master, who was informing him of the situation.
"So, the little Queen is going home," Maul mused.
"It is unexpected, but of no consequence," Sidious told him. "At this point, she is of no further use."
"What do you wish me to do, Master?"
"Return to Naboo. When she and the Jedi arrive… wipe them out. All of them."
"It will be done," Maul promised as Sidious turned to leave. "Master," Sidious paused. "There is something else."
"Is there?" Sidious asked, turning back to him.
"When I encountered the Jedi, there was… something else. A boy. Strong in the Force. Untrained, but clearly powerful."
"I see…." Sidious responded, musing over this information.
"One can only imagine…what his potential could be in our hands."
"... yes. He could be a great asset to us. Find this boy and bring him to me."
"As you command, my Master," Maul replied, bowing before the Sith Lord.
-X-
At the landing platform, Panaka was going over some final details with his fellow guards while Jar Jar and R2 were helping bring supplies on board. As this was going on, Obi-Wan, Anakin, Plo Koon, and Ki-Adi-Mundi arrived and prepared to depart.
"Masters, you can speak with Captain Panaka about the particulars of the situation," Obi-Wan told them. "He can inform you of what we're up against."
"Very well," Ki-Adi-Mundi replied as he and Plo Koon walked off, heading toward Panaka and leaving Obi-Wan with Anakin.
"Obi-Wan," Anakin spoke, getting his attention. "I just… I just wanted to say thank you. For standing up for me, back there. I've never had anyone do that before, and…"
"Of course, Anakin," Obi-Wan reassured. "I know you have been through a lot, but you are not alone anymore. I admit, I'm no Qui Gon, but if the council allows it, I will do my best to pass on his teachings to you."
"Well, I'm sure you'll do alright," Anakin replied, perking up more. "For a Jedi known for testing patience."
Obi-Wan was taken aback by the bluntness but smirked in response.
"I suppose that's true. From a certain point of view."
The two chuckled in response. Anakin's face then changed, becoming more inquisitive.
"Obi-Wan, I've been curious about something. You and the other Jedi back there mentioned the guy who killed Qui Gon was a Sith Lord… what exactly is that?"
This gave Obi-Wan pause, his demeanor becoming more serious.
"The Sith are the ancient enemy of the Jedi. They draw on what's known as the Dark Side of the Force. No doubt, Master Yoda mentioned it before."
"He did. He said that anger and hate are the source of it."
"Those emotions open one to the Dark Side, yes. It is because of this, they are considered the complete inverse of the Jedi. Due to their conflicting natures, the Jedi and the Sith have been at war for centuries, each side determined to destroy the other. One thousand years ago, the final battle between the two factions took place, with the Jedi claiming victory and the Sith seeming to be wiped out completely."
"But… now they're back," Anakin recognized. "Does that mean the war will continue?"
"I genuinely hope not, Anakin. For now, all we can do is defend Naboo and deal with the situation as it develops."
Anakin looked aside for a moment before looking with determination. "I wanna help, Obi-Wan. I know I can."
"Of that, I have no doubt."
As they finished talking, Obi-Wan looked up and saw Padme approaching with the rest of her entourage.
"Your Highness," Obi-Wan spoke. "My condolences for your loss. The services of myself and my Jedi Masters are at your disposal."
"I thank you for your condolences and your aid," Padme replied as they all made their way toward the ship. "Senator Palpatine fears my fate will be the same as my mother if I return."
"I can assure you, that won't happen."
"We both do," Anakin added.
Hearing that made Padme smile as they made their way toward the ship.
"Finally…" Jar Jar mused to R2 and 3PO before boarding the ship. "We're going home!"
R2 whistled in enthusiasm.
"Exciting is hardly the word I would choose," 3PO commented before getting aboard.
With the last of them on board, the ramp rose and the ship took off. It breached Coruscant's atmosphere and set course for Naboo, hoping to save the planet before it was too late.
-X-
Back on Naboo, Dooku sat on the Queen's throne, speaking with Darth Maul via hologram.
"So, the Princess has decided to return home," Dooku mused.
"She is bold, I will concede," Maul replied. "I recommend that we wipe them all out when they return. Her… and the Jedi."
Dooku paused as if he was mulling it over. "I concur."
"Excellent. I will be there shortly to aid you in the effort."
Maul's hologram cut out, leaving Dooku to put his fingers together in contemplation.
"Perfect…"
-X-
Onboard the Naboo Cruiser, everyone besides the pilot met in the main hold to discuss their plan.
"Once the Separatists get a hold of you, they will force you to join them, or kill you," Panaka relayed.
"I do not see what you hope to accomplish here," Ki-Adi-Mundi admitted.
"My only goal is to reclaim what is ours," Padme told them, a serious look on her face.
"Unfortunately, there aren't enough of us," Panaka admitted. "They have an army. We do not."
"Even with Masters Plo and Mundi aiding us, we cannot fight a war for you," Obi-Wan added.
Padme remained undeterred, only looking up at Jar Jar, who was standing near the back.
"Jar Jar Binks," she spoke, getting his attention.
"Me, Your Highness?"
"Yes… I need your help."
-X-
The ship continued moving through hyperspace, with Anakin and the Jedi entering the cockpit.
"We should be coming out of lightspeed soon," the pilot relayed. "Though there's still the problem of the blockade. We'll have to move fast once we get through."
"Too bad we can't come out of lightspeed past them," Anakin lamented.
Obi-Wan then perked up, a thought coming to mind.
"Perhaps we can," Obi-Wan suggested.
"What do you mean?" Anakin asked, turning to him in a confused manner.
"I mean, our best bet to get down to the planet undeterred is to come out of lightspeed on the other side of the blockade."
"That's impossible," Ki-Adi-Mundi shot down. "Even a seasoned Master wouldn't be able to pull off such a feat."
"Which is why Anakin is going to do it."
That caught everyone by surprise. Especially Anakin.
"What?!" he let out. "I can't-"
"You can. Just do what you did during the Pod Race. Trust your senses."
Anakin still felt unsure, but Obi-Wan gave him a look of encouragement, putting him at ease. Thinking back to his victory in the Pod Race, Anakin took a breath, focusing on the moment at hand.
"Might wanna hurry," the pilot insisted. "I don't wanna know what happens when we plow into a planet at lightspeed."
Anakin kept focusing, almost seeing the image of Naboo in his mind.
"Almost there… almost… now!"
The pilot obliged, bringing the ship out of hyperspace just as they approached the planet with the Separatist blockade far behind them. Everyone was amazed at the accuracy Anakin was able to provide.
"That was incredible," the pilot commended.
"I… I can't believe I did that," Anakin let out in astonishment.
"I can," Obi-Wan replied.
"Impressive," Plo Koon commented, turning to Ki-Adi-Mundi. "His abilities are greater than we imagined."
"Indeed…" Ki-Adi-Mundi pondered.
"We should pick up our speed though," Panaka commented. "No doubt they've spotted us."
"Then we haven't much time," Obi-Wan dreaded.
-X-
The ship touched down in the swamplands on the far side of the planet. Jar Jar was sent to Gungan City, hoping to speak with the Gungans about getting their aid. As they all waited, Anakin noticed Padme standing off to the side, gazing toward the horizon deep in thought. Curious, he decided to head over.
"Padme?" he spoke, getting her attention.
"Anakin."
"Are you alright?"
"Yes. I just… a lot is going on, and…"
Before Padme could speak again, Anakin took her hand, much to her surprise.
"I'm sorry. About your mom."
Padme said nothing for a moment. Suddenly she sprung forward and hugged him. Anakin was surprised but returned the hug in kind.
"Thank you…" she let out, barely above a whisper.
At the same time, Jar Jar emerged from the water, making his way over to Obi-Wan.
"Well?" Obi-Wan asked.
"There's nobody there," Jar Jar reported. "There was some kind of fight. No Gungans though."
"Do you think they were taken to the camps?"
"More likely, they were wiped out," Panaka assumed.
"No," Jar Jar shot down. "A few Gungan bodies, but not many. They managed to escape."
"Do you know where they could have gone?" Obi-Wan asked.
Jar Jar thought for a moment, before remembering something. "There is a sacred place that Gungans gather when there's trouble. It's not far from here."
"Lead the way."
Jar Jar started moving, with Obi-Wan following close behind.
"Boss Nass isn't gonna take this idea lightly," Jar Jar commented. "Maybe you could…" he waved his hand, mimicking the motion of the Jedi Mind Trick.
"No," Obi-Wan shot down. "If there is to be lasting peace between your two peoples, it can't be built on tricks."
"But the Gungans will never listen to an outsider."
"Then she'll need help. Perhaps… from one of their own."
Jar Jar looked confused for a moment, before realizing what he meant.
"Me?! But…but I tried that before. Nobody listened!"
"They didn't have a reason to. Now, they do."
Jar Jar paused, mulling over what Obi-Wan said and wondering whether or not he was right.