Welcome, everyone!
I hope you're enjoying this story as much as I am sharing it with you. Each chapter takes us deeper into a journey of challenges, bravery, and hope in a galaxy on the brink of chaos.
I'd love to hear your thoughts and theories, so don't hesitate to leave your comments.
A devastating blow awaits the newly risen Empire. Betrayal has sown the seeds of war, and what was once a peaceful institution for millennia, the Republic, will be dragged into an unprecedented conflict.
The Jedi Order has ceased to exist, and with it, the peace that once protected the galaxy has crumbled. The shadow of fear and oppression stretches across the star systems, threatening to consume everything.
However, even in the midst of the worst news, a spark of hope still shines. In the ruthless and hostile world of Tatooine, a noble-hearted boy has extended his hand to a group of fugitives: Obi-Wan Kenobi, the last Jedi; Padmé Amidala, former Queen of Naboo; and the ever-unexpected Jar Jar Binks.
Anakin, with his generosity and courage, proves that even in the darkest corners of the galaxy, kindness can prevail. Because where there is darkness, light will always find a way to shine, no matter how deep the surrounding shadows.
Now, without further ado, let's continue the story!
STARS DESTINIES - VOLUME 1
THE AWAKENING OF A HERO - CHAPTER 3
Meanwhile, in the Galactic Senate, the entire Republic held its breath. Every senator and citizen tuned in to the special broadcast convened by Supreme Chancellor Palpatine. The lights in the grand Senate chamber dimmed slightly, drawing all eyes to the central podium, where their leader, with a grave expression and solemn tone, prepared to speak.
Palpatine's image, projected in massive holograms across Coruscant and in distant systems, addressed the entire galaxy.
"With deep sorrow, and gathering strength where I can, I must inform you of an unprecedented tragedy" his voice resonated in every corner of the Republic, laced with contained grief "All Jedi Knights, Masters, and Padawans have perished suddenly within the Jedi Temple."
A shiver ran through the hall. Murmurs of disbelief and fear erupted from the senators' floating platforms.
"It appears..." the Chancellor continued, pausing strategically to let the uncertainty sink in, "...a call from the Force summoned them all to the Temple… only to end their lives in an instant. We do not know the exact cause of their deaths, but we do know there were no signs of battle or violence."
Terror turned into chaos. Raised voices, frantic whispers, and desperate gestures broke out among the senators. Without the Jedi, the guardians of peace, the galaxy was left at the mercy of the shadows.
Palpatine raised a hand, and with an almost supernatural calm, restored silence.
"But do not fear. The Republic will not crumble under this misfortune" his tone hardened with determination "To ensure stability and security in these dark times… the Republic shall be reorganized into the most powerful Galactic Empire that has ever existed."
For a brief moment, silence reigned, a fleeting second of doubt, before applause erupted in the chamber. Senators and delegates, some with tears in their eyes, cheered for the man who would lead them into this new era. They did not see him as a dictator, but as a savior.
From a side podium, Rey Palpatine watched the scene with a smile she could not suppress. Beside her, Finn and Poe exchanged satisfied glances.
"And so, liberty dies" Rey murmured with a sly grin "With thunderous applause."
Finn let out a low chuckle, while Poe crossed his arms, nodding. They knew that only the most loyal to Palpatine would thrive in the new order.
But then, the Chancellor's image flickered. A restless murmur spread through the hall as a larger hologram materialized at the center of the chamber. The figure of a tall man, with an aristocratic demeanor and dark robes, emerged with an imposing presence. His deep voice resonated with unwavering strength.
"Senators of the Republic" declared Count Dooku "Just as the Jedi have fallen, many more may share their fate if you continue blindly down this path."
The uproar resumed immediately. Some senators shouted in outrage, while others fell silent, listening intently to the former Jedi's words.
"The words of this impostor deceive you. Do not let fear cloud your judgment. Democracy and freedom must not perish simply because uncertainty consumes you. The Republic must not become an Empire… but rather remain true to its ideals."
Palpatine remained impassive, his face a mask of absolute serenity, but deep within his eyes, a dangerous glint flickered. His former apprentice was not only alive but now dared to challenge him publicly, unraveling the carefully woven narrative he had spent years constructing.
Dooku's betrayal was a thorn in his side, a mistake he should never have allowed. He had given him too much freedom, too much autonomy… and now the Count sought to twist the fate that had already been written.
From her podium, Rey observed the scene with a mocking smile, crossing her arms with an air of indifference.
"Well" she murmured disdainfully "The traitor wasn't eliminated. That fool Savage failed to take care of it as my father had planned."
Beside her, Poe frowned, arms crossed.
"The senators are listening to him" he warned in a low voice.
Finn, his expression serious, nodded.
"That's not good."
It wasn't. Dooku's powerful and solemn voice had planted doubt in the assembly. Just moments ago, the senators had cheered for the transformation of the Republic into an Empire, convinced that it was the only solution after the collapse of the Jedi. But now, some exchanged nervous glances, whispered among themselves, and, most dangerous of all, demanded that the decision be put to a vote.
Yet, there were still those who stood firm in their loyalty to the Chancellor. To them, Palpatine was the only authority capable of restoring order. The hall divided within minutes: one faction advocated for democracy, while the other clamored for the Empire.
Palpatine, with infinite patience, allowed the chaos to escalate before speaking once more, his voice carrying the calm of a predator certain of victory.
"No one will be forced to remain within the Empire" he declared, with an almost magnanimous tone "This will be a symbol of security and prosperity for all who join it."
He paused, letting his words sink deep into the crowd.
"Those who do not wish to be part of it may leave along with the world they represent" his tone hardened ever so slightly "But know this: the moment you do, you will no longer be under the protection of the justice and security that this new order guarantees."
The message was clear: those who abandoned the Empire would be left adrift, exposed to anarchy, with no right to claim aid.
From the hologram, Dooku did not flinch. His posture remained regal, his gaze firm. He would not be intimidated.
"Those who still believe in freedom and democracy..." he proclaimed, his voice resonating throughout the chamber "...follow me. I promise you that together, we will reclaim them… whether by peaceful means or by force."
A tense silence gripped the hall.
The plan Sidious and Dooku had forged over years had collapsed. Their paths had diverged, and that could only mean one thing: the battle was far from over. The galaxy stood at the edge of a knife, and the fate of countless worlds hung by a single thread.
Unaware of the fate of the galaxy, in a forgotten corner where neither democracy nor the rising Empire had any real influence, Anakin Skywalker faced a challenge that, to him, seemed as great as any war: convincing his mother to take in the strangers he had just met. Among them, the beautiful girl who seemed to have been plucked from his dreams, whose presence awakened an indescribable longing within him.
But his mother was not easy to persuade.
"You did what?" she exclaimed, her expression wavering between disbelief and concern.
Anakin took a deep breath before responding.
"I offered them our home while they get through this crisis… They have nowhere else to stay."
Shmi crossed her arms, her gaze stern.
"Ani, you can't make a decision like that without consulting me first."
"I know, Mom. I'm sorry. But I couldn't leave them stranded… I couldn't leave her in that situation" he lowered his voice, his eyes shining with contained emotion "Just imagining her beautiful eyes filled with sadness, her lovely face worn by anguish… I decided to help them. All three of them."
Shmi sighed heavily. She knew her son better than anyone, and that look… That look meant his heart was already committed.
"Son, we don't know them" she said gently, trying to reason with him "That girl could be just a pretty face, but with intentions we don't understand."
Anakin immediately shook his head.
"Mom, how can you say that?" His tone was almost offended "I looked into her eyes… and it was like seeing her very soul. Her conscience is as beautiful as she is. She radiates a compassion and kindness like I've never seen in anyone before."
Shmi watched him with a mixture of tenderness and concern.
"And what about her friends?"
"If they're her friends, they must be good people too."
"What if they're deceiving you?"
Anakin pressed his lips together, his expression showing fierce determination.
"Mom, I'm telling you they don't have bad intentions. They're just going through a hard time. We have each other, and we have a home. But they… they only have each other."
Shmi sighed again, more tired than convinced.
"Maybe they are good people, as you say" she admitted "But I'm still afraid they might break your heart."
Anakin frowned, his heart pounding with unease.
"Why would you say that? Who would break my heart?"
His mother looked at him with both affection and the wisdom of someone who had seen more than her son could understand at that moment.
"That girl… You see her as someone meant for you. But what if she already has a relationship with one of the boys she calls her friends?"
The idea struck Anakin like a bucket of ice water. His mind, once intoxicated by the excitement of meeting her, was suddenly invaded by the image of the young man who seemed to be the leader of the group… standing close to her, looking at her the same way he did.
A knot formed in his stomach.
"Do you think she might have a boyfriend?" he asked in a whisper.
Shmi tilted her head slightly.
"It's possible. And if she does, you'd have to see her with him every day. I don't want you to suffer if you find out she's not meant for you."
Anakin shook his head.
"I haven't seen much of her, but in the times I've watched her with them… it just seems like mutual respect. I haven't noticed anything else."
His mother studied him in silence for a moment. Then, with a knowing look, she asked the question he feared the most:
"Can you promise me that you won't suffer if you find out otherwise?"
Anakin didn't answer immediately. Because deep down, he knew that if his worst fears were true… it would hurt more than he'd ever want to admit.
He took a deep breath, reaffirming his conviction. There was no doubt in his mind or his heart. There was something in her eyes every time she looked at him, a unique glow, an intensity that made him feel special, as if that gaze was meant only for him and no one else in the galaxy.
"I promise, Mom" he said firmly.
Shmi sighed, unable to resist her son's determination.
"All right… I suppose you can bring them home."
Anakin's smile lit up like a sun on the horizon.
"Thank you so much, Mom! I knew you'd agree. You always care about others. You'll see, you're going to love meeting them."
Shmi offered a small smile, but her eyes carried a shadow of worry.
"I hope so, Ani…"
Meanwhile, aboard Padmé's ship, the young queen was in her private chamber, carefully folding the elegant dresses she had brought with her on this journey.
"How long will we stay with them?" she asked, placing an ivory-and-gold fabric neatly in her luggage.
"As long as necessary" Obi-Wan replied calmly, ensuring that his leather bag was securely closed. Inside it, alongside his essential belongings, rested two lightsabers: his own and his master's.
From a corner, Jar Jar watched the scene anxiously.
"Meesa hopes it's not a trap…" he murmured, shifting nervously.
Padmé looked up and shook her head.
"I don't think Anakin would do something like that."
Obi-Wan crossed his arms and let out a quiet sigh.
"We must remember that he's a slave child. He has to obey orders, whether he likes it or not."
Padmé's expression changed instantly. Her eyes flashed with indignation.
"You say that as if he's not a person" she snapped "Have you already forgotten that he stopped his boss from robbing us? Didn't he give you the price list so his master wouldn't cheat us?"
Obi-Wan frowned and brought a hand to his chin, reflecting on the queen's words.
"That's true…" he admitted after a moment "He's a good kid after all."
A brief silence settled between them before the Jedi added in a more serious tone:
"That's why we're going to trust him and his mother. But… mostly because we have no other choice."
Jar Jar looked at his companions nervously and rubbed his hands together.
"Mesa hopes they really are good people…"
Doubt lingered in the air, but one thing was certain: there was no turning back.
Once she finished packing her suitcase, Padmé wasted no time. Along with Jar Jar, she began searching the ship for anything useful that might help them during their stay in Anakin and his mother's home. The uncertainty of the future kept them on edge, and any tool, no matter how insignificant it seemed, could make a difference.
As he rummaged through some compartments, Jar Jar suddenly exclaimed with excitement:
"Look, Padmé! A radio! With this, we could find out what's happened to Naboo!"
Padmé immediately approached, her heart beating with a mix of hope and anxiety. If the radio worked, they might be able to get information about her people, her home. However, as she picked up the device and turned the knobs, her excitement faded.
"It doesn't work…" she murmured in frustration, twisting the dials to no avail. "Maybe Obi-Wan could…"
But as she turned toward the Jedi, her voice trailed off.
Obi-Wan was fast asleep in one of the ship's seats, his breathing slow and his face relaxed despite the hardships of the previous day. He had been through too much, the death of his master, the battle with the Sith, the escape, the uncertainty of the Republic's fate… His body, though trained to endure long hours of battle and tension, had finally succumbed to exhaustion.
Padmé watched him silently for a moment, feeling an unexpected wave of compassion. Being a Jedi was not easy, especially when the entire galaxy seemed on the verge of chaos.
"It's better to let him rest" she finally whispered, lowering her gaze to the useless radio in her hands "Maybe we can fix it later…"
Jar Jar nodded, and the two of them continued searching the ship, hoping to find something else that might be useful.
Later that night, Anakin was truly excited as he finished his shift at the shop. He couldn't wait to close up and leave, but this time, he wouldn't be heading home alone, wandering through the darkness like the night before. No, this time, he would be accompanied by the beautiful girl and her friends. The mere thought filled him with excitement.
The first thing he would do upon seeing her was ask for her name. He felt a bit foolish for not doing so before, but he was sure it would be as beautiful as she was. A name worthy of being etched in his memory forever.
But just as he was about to close the shop, something darted across the street. He frowned. At this hour, the streets should have been empty. He stood still, trying to sharpen his vision in the dim light. He wasn't sure what it had been, but a strange sensation ran through his body, like a whisper inside him warning him to stay alert.
He didn't know it yet, but that silent voice, that feeling of foreboding, was the Force flowing through him, speaking to him in a language he had yet to understand.
He decided not to ignore it. Grabbing a hydrospanner (a long, sturdy tool used in the shop to adjust hard-to-reach mechanical components) he cautiously approached the door to peek outside, and his stomach dropped instantly.
A group of Tusken Raiders was approaching.
They had probably been alerted by the figure that had run past moments earlier, another Tusken, no doubt. And now they were heading straight for the shop, the only business still open at this hour.
They were coming to loot.
Without wasting a second, Anakin slammed the door shut, securing the latch with trembling hands. He knew it wouldn't be enough. With his heart pounding in his chest, he scanned the shop for something to reinforce the entrance.
He quickly began piling up whatever he could find, boxes filled with spare parts, barrels of old oil, even a few heavy tools he could barely move. Each object he placed in front of the door was an improvised shield, a desperate attempt to buy time.
The sound of hurried footsteps and guttural murmurs grew louder on the other side. His breathing became erratic as he made sure everything was locked down. He knew the Tuskens wouldn't give up easily. If they wanted to get in, they would force their way through.
And he had to be ready.
But suddenly, panic hit him with a force that stole his breath away. It wasn't fear for his own safety, nor was it the fear of what might happen to him. No, this time, it was something much deeper, a terror that sliced through him like a cold blade.
The girl.
His mind spun as he realized what he had done. He had asked her and her firends to meet him. Right outside the shop.
Fear gripped him, but not for himself. No, the worst part was that, without knowing it, he had put her in danger. Her and her friends. The very people he had invited without a second thought.
Anguish tightened around him. His hands trembled as the image of her in danger flashed through his mind.
Just as Anakin was climbing onto the barricade he had built, about to open the door, feeling adrenaline rush through his veins, ready to risk his own life to warn them of the danger approaching, a distant noise stopped him cold.
A low, heavy thud, the sound of something hitting the ground, followed by guttural cries. His heart pounded as a wave of anxiety washed over him. He knew something was happening outside, something he couldn't ignore.
A brutal, forceful impact rattled the door, making Anakin lose his balance. The vibration shook the entire barricade, and before he could react, his body wobbled and crashed to the ground with a dull thud.
Dazed, he blinked rapidly, trying to catch his breath as his heart pounded in his chest. Outside, the shouts and sounds of struggle continued, heightening the sense of imminent danger.
The boy forced himself to act. He couldn't stay here. Not now. Without thinking any further, he moved toward the door again, holding his breath, listening more carefully. The sounds of battle intensified, blending with the noise of heavy footsteps and the clash of crude weapons.
With his heart hammering, Anakin managed to crack the door open, pushing against the objects still blocking it. He barely got it open wide enough to see outside—and what he saw left him breathless.
There, in the dusty, moonlit street, the young man with strange robes, the one who accompanied the beautiful girl, was fighting the Tuskens with superhuman skill. In the blink of an eye, a blue glow illuminated his figure, he had activated a weapon Anakin had only heard about in the most fantastic tales told in the marketplace. A lightsaber.
His astonishment grew as he watched him in action. His movements were precise, fluid, almost as if he were dancing in battle. The energy blade sliced through the air with speed, forcing the Tuskens to retreat. None of them could even touch him.
From a distance, the beautiful young woman fought as well, though in a different way. She held a blaster firmly and fired with surgical precision. She wasn't trying to kill, only to warn. Every time a Tusken got too close, a well-placed shot made them step back, striking the ground in front of them.
Even the Gungan, now wielding a weapon a Tusken had dropped, delivered blows with a surprisingly effective clumsiness, knocking down anyone in his way. Beside him, the small astromech droid darted between the chaos, zapping attackers who got too close, making them drop their weapons with pained growls.
Anakin stood there, his gaze fixed on the scene before him, his breath uneven as adrenaline coursed through his veins. Everything he had known until this moment, everything he thought he understood about the world, crumbled before this revelation. That seemingly calm young man was actually a Jedi. The lightsaber gleamed with astonishing brilliance. And she... the girl, who had seemed so delicate, was fighting with a skill that shattered any preconceived notion he might have had about her.
As the Tuskens retreated before the Jedi's impressive skill, Anakin watched as he made a swift movement, disarming a Tusken who had gotten too close. It all seemed so easy for him. The lightsaber slashed and shone, and in that moment, Anakin felt a small spark ignite inside him.
"What if I could do that?"
In the distance, the girl turned, glancing toward the shop, and for a second, her eyes met Anakin's. A brief look, but enough. He didn't know if she had seen him clearly, but in that moment, a wave of unease and admiration washed over him at the same time.
She seemed so far beyond him, so sure of herself, while he was still struggling to find his place in the world.
"What would I have to do to be like them?" he thought "What would it take?"
Anakin knew things would never be the same again. His encounter with the Jedi and the young woman had marked him in ways he couldn't fully understand, but somehow, his fate seemed intertwined with theirs. Could this be the opportunity he had been waiting for?
Fear and fascination twisted together in his chest. He had never felt anything like this before. A part of him wanted to run away, hide, let these strangers handle the fight. But another part of him, the part that had always longed for something more, for a greater truth, for something that made him feel alive, felt a deep, undeniable pull.
His mind raced. The fear for his own life had vanished completely, but the feeling of being an observer in something far greater kept him frozen.
He had never seen a Jedi in his life, but there was no doubt. Now, he understood why their presence had felt different from the beginning.
Once the Tusken Raiders fled with shrieks and hurried footsteps in the sand, Obi-Wan deactivated his lightsaber with a soft snap and surveyed the scene, ensuring the threat had vanished. Only then did he turn toward his companions, who were approaching him, unscathed but with adrenaline still reflected on their faces.
It was at that moment that everyone noticed Anakin's presence. The boy was slowly approaching, his eyes wide with absolute awe, as if he had just witnessed a miracle.
"You're a Jedi!" he exclaimed with barely contained excitement, almost breathless "That's incredible!"
It was at that precise moment that Padmé and Jar Jar finally took notice of him. Obi-Wan, on the other hand, had sensed him from the very beginning—that unsettling connection with the Force emanating from the boy, vibrating in the air like a persistent echo.
"Anakin, are you alright?" Padmé asked with concern as she stepped closer, placing her hands on his shoulders and leaning slightly to look him in the eyes.
Anakin could see the genuine worry reflected in her gaze. It wasn't just politeness, she truly wanted to make sure he was okay. The feeling unsettled him for a moment, but the warmth of her touch dispelled any doubt.
"I am…" he replied, not looking away from her "But I was really worried about you."
With unexpected gentleness, Anakin raised his hand and brushed aside a loose strand of hair that had fallen across her face. The touch was brief, almost ethereal, but enough for his skin to perceive her warmth and softness.
Under the silver glow of the moon, her features looked even more delicate, her skin smooth and luminous, as if it captured the very essence of the night in her beauty.
"But I see that you can take care of yourself just fine."
Padmé blinked, surprised by the tenderness of the gesture. She smiled at him, but a shiver ran down her spine. She didn't entirely understand why, but the way Anakin looked at her, with those intense blue eyes filled with admiration, devotion, and unwavering determination, made her feel… different.
It wasn't the innocent gaze of an awestruck child, nor the reverent look of a subject before a queen. It was something else. Something deeper. More sincere.
And for a moment, she found herself speechless, feeling an unexpected warmth in her chest.
Breaking the tension of the moment, Obi-Wan and Jar Jar approached.
"Meesa thinks we've been discovered! What are we going to do now?"
Padmé leaned slightly toward Anakin, her hands gripping his shoulders firmly. Her eyes, usually sweet and serene, now reflected a mix of urgency and concern.
"Anakin, it is very important that you don't tell anyone what you saw. Do you understand?" Her tone was firm, almost pleading. She even gave him a gentle shake, as if trying to ensure he grasped the gravity of the situation "If anyone finds out, we could be in danger… all of us."
Anakin blinked, surprised by the intensity in her voice. He didn't understand why she was asking him this so desperately, but he saw the fear in her eyes and knew it was real.
"Don't worry, you can trust me" he replied sincerely, without hesitation.
But then, something else lit up in his expression, hope.
"If your friend is a Jedi, that's good news for the people of Tatooine" he said with excitement "Everyone will be happy… because at last, you've come to free us."
His voice trembled slightly at the end, as if he barely dared to say the words out loud. As if he feared that by doing so, everything would crumble.
The air seemed to grow heavier. Padmé lowered her gaze and, releasing him gently, took a step back.
Anakin felt a knot form in his chest. Something in her reaction didn't match the response he had expected. Why wasn't she telling him he was right?
"Because…" he continued, his voice now sounding more uncertain "...what else would you have come here for, if not to free all the poor people suffering under the rule of the crime lords? Or am I wrong?"
Obi-Wan let out a soft sigh, his expression calm but with a hint of gravity in his gaze.
"You're getting ahead of yourself, kid" he said, carefully choosing his words "For starters, no one has told you that there is actually a Jedi among us."
Anakin frowned.
"Come on, you're a Jedi. You can't deny it" he stated with certainty "I saw the weapon you carry. Only a Jedi can wield a lightsaber."
Obi-Wan raised an eyebrow and, in a deliberately cold tone, replied:
"And what if I killed a Jedi and took his weapon?"
Anakin looked at him in disbelief, as if the mere suggestion was absurd.
"That's impossible. No one can kill a Jedi."
Obi-Wan lowered his gaze slightly, and for the first time, his expression softened with a shadow of sorrow.
"I wish that were true" he murmured, almost to himself.
The weight of those words made Anakin's chest tighten. He remained silent for a moment, but his mind kept searching for answers.
"So are you a Jedi or not?" he asked insistently, not looking away from him.
Obi-Wan studied him carefully. There was something about this boy, something beyond his intuition and determination. A latent fire within him, burning more intensely than perhaps he even realized.
"I am a Jedi… and perhaps… the last one in the galaxy."
Anakin blinked, processing the weight of those words.
"You're the last Jedi?" he asked in disbelief "I always thought there were many Jedi, maybe thousands."
Obi-Wan gave him a sad smile, one that didn't quite reach his eyes.
"There were… until a few days ago. They were all wiped out."
A chill ran down Anakin's spine.
"So… a Jedi can be killed?"
The young Jedi sighed and looked at him with something close to weariness.
"I don't know what you've heard about us, but Jedi are not immortal, nor invincible… and we are not immune to betrayal either."
Anakin lowered his gaze. He couldn't imagine what it would feel like to lose everything in a single blow.
"It must be very sad to be the last Jedi."
Obi-Wan turned his gaze toward the horizon, his face impassive, but his eyes reflected an abyss of pain.
"You have no idea…" he murmured "Until a few days ago, I could still turn to my master, to my fellow Jedi. When I felt uncertain, when I had doubts… they were always there."
Anakin felt something tighten in his chest.
"But you seem so calm… If I had lost my mother, my friends… I don't know if I could bear it."
Obi-Wan held his gaze with impenetrable calm.
"Being a Jedi means staying strong in the face of uncertainty. In the face of tragedy."
Anakin nodded slowly, though he wasn't sure he fully understood.
"It doesn't sound easy to be a Jedi."
Obi-Wan let out a quiet sigh.
"It's not."
"Then why don't you stop being a Jedi now that you can?"
Obi-Wan met the boy's gaze for a moment, surprised by the question. He had considered many things in the past few days, but never that.
"Because being a Jedi is not something I can walk away from" his voice was firm, but underneath it, there was a trace of exhaustion "As long as there is darkness, there must be light, even if between the two there seems to be an abyss impossible to cross."
Anakin frowned, thoughtful.
"Light…" he murmured "A few days ago, I felt something strange… they were like… beings of light. Their light was fading, disappearing… and they were suffering."
Obi-Wan tensed. He looked at him with renewed attention, his features painted with surprise.
"Are you saying you felt the moment the Jedi Order was wiped out?"
Anakin swallowed hard.
"I think so… at the time, I didn't know what it was. I just… felt it."
The young Jedi observed him with a mix of disbelief and caution. Anakin's connection to the Force was unlike anything he had seen before.
It was impossible to ignore.
More than that, something deeper stirred within him—a strange, profound feeling, as if the Force itself was binding his fate to that of this boy. He couldn't explain it. But it was real.
They had barely exchanged a few words, and yet… that connection was already there.
"Hey, what were those things that attacked us?" Jar Jar asked anxiously, still shaking the dust off his clothes.
"They were Tuskens" Anakin replied seriously "Sand People. They usually don't come this close to the city, but sometimes they do."
The Gungan swallowed hard.
"They seemed really dangerous… Imagine if they had attacked someone else and not Obi."
Anakin frowned.
"They do. They attack those who can't defend themselves, lone travelers, settlers who stray too far… They're ruthless, like beasts."
Jar Jar shuddered.
"Meesa feel a little scared. Good thing they're gone now."
"And let's hope they don't come back," Padmé added, her voice reflecting the same unease. "This planet really can be dangerous."
Anakin nodded firmly.
"That's why you shouldn't stay just anywhere. It's good that you'll be staying with us. That way, you'll be safe."
"In that case, let's head to your home. I hope your mother agrees" Obi-Wan said, watching him with interest.
Anakin smiled confidently.
"Oh, she does."
But his expression changed as he remembered the mess he had left in the shop. He lowered his gaze for a moment before sighing.
"Though first, I have to put everything back in order."
Obi-Wan made a dismissive gesture.
"Don't worry about that. Just tell me where everything goes."
Anakin looked at him in surprise. He hadn't expected that response.
"Okay…" he accepted, though still a bit skeptical "The spare parts go over there, the oil barrels on that side, and the tools should be at the back. But I warn you, they're really heavy. I had a hard time moving them."
As he said this, he instinctively glanced at Padmé, who was waiting at the shop's entrance. A part of him wanted to see her reaction to his words. Maybe he hoped she would look at him with admiration, noticing that despite his slim build, he was strong enough to move all that. But deep down, he knew it wasn't impressive. He was just a kid with common strength for his age.
Obi-Wan, unaware of his thoughts, simply smiled calmly.
"Don't worry about that."
He closed his eyes for a moment, extended a hand, and added smoothly:
"With the Force, any object can be moved, no matter how heavy."
Anakin frowned.
"The Force? What's that?"
Obi-Wan didn't answer with words. Instead, he slightly raised his hand, and immediately, the crates, barrels, and tools began to lift into the air as if they had suddenly lost their weight. They floated gently, moving precisely to their designated spots under the subtle control of the Jedi.
Anakin held his breath. His eyes widened in astonishment. Everything around him floated as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
But it wasn't… It was magic… It was power… It was… incredible.
"Is that something all Jedi can do?" Anakin asked, not taking his eyes off the tools and crates still floating in the air.
Obi-Wan nodded naturally.
"Yes. From a young age, Jedi are trained in the Temple to develop their connection with the Force. Even Padawans can do it, though at first, their control is limited. Over time, and with proper guidance, they perfect their skills until they fully master the art of telekinesis."
"Pada… what did you just say?"
Obi-Wan smiled slightly at his confusion.
"Padawan. That's what Jedi apprentices are called, those who haven't yet completed their training."
Anakin nodded slowly, as if processing the information, but his mind was already elsewhere. A spark of excitement lit up his eyes as he exclaimed eagerly:
"It must be amazing to be a Jedi! You know, I've dreamed about it many times. I imagine what it would be like to have a lightsaber, travel across the galaxy, do incredible things like what you just did. I would really love to… How could I become a Jedi?"
Obi-Wan observed him closely. It wasn't the first time a child had been fascinated by the Jedi, but in Anakin, there was something more. It wasn't just admiration but a burning desire, as if his destiny were calling him, and he knew it deep within his soul.
"There was a test that measured a person's sensitivity to the Force" the Jedi explained patiently.
Anakin frowned.
"What exactly did it measure?"
"The level of midi-chlorians in the blood."
The boy tilted his head, even more confused.
"Midi… what? Do Jedi always use such weird words?"
Obi-Wan let out a brief chuckle.
"It's a way to measure how strong someone's connection to the Force is. If the level was high enough, the child was taken to the Jedi Temple to begin training from a young age."
Anakin frowned.
"But no one ever gave me that test when I was little."
Obi-Wan sighed, his expression turning more serious.
"That's because this planet isn't part of the Republic. Those tests were only conducted within its borders. Here, on Tatooine, the Jedi have no influence, and the Republic doesn't interfere."
Anakin lowered his gaze for a moment, deep in thought. It wasn't fair. What if he had what it took to be a Jedi? What if he had been meant for something greater and never got the chance to know? The idea that his future could have been different filled him with frustration and, at the same time, with a new determination.
"Do you like being a Jedi? Was it what you always dreamed of? Or did you have no choice?"
Anakin's question took Obi-Wan by surprise. For a moment, the Jedi remained silent, reflecting on something he had rarely allowed himself to question. It was true that he had never chosen this path, that the Council had decided his fate when he was just a child. But now… now being a Jedi was so deeply ingrained in his identity that he couldn't imagine being anything else.
Finally, he answered calmly:
"Yes… but being a Jedi isn't something you do for pleasure. The Force chooses us for a greater purpose. We trust in it and follow its will, no matter where it leads us."
Anakin frowned, processing his words.
"The Force… it sounds interesting, but I have no idea what it really is."
As he spoke, he closed the shop. Everything was in order again, as if the chaos caused by the Tuskens had never happened. Then, he began walking with them through the streets of Mos Espa, with the rundown adobe buildings casting long shadows under the moonlight.
Unable to contain his curiosity, the boy continued his questions.
"Can my mom know you're a Jedi?"
"Yes" Obi-Wan answered naturally "It's important that she knows who she's hosting."
Anakin nodded and then turned his head toward Padmé. Something about her had always caught his attention, and now, after everything that had happened, he couldn't help but ask:
"So, if your friend is a Jedi… who are you?"
Padmé smiled slightly.
"I was once a queen. The monarch of Naboo."
Anakin blinked, surprised.
"I think I have no idea who you are. Naboo doesn't ring a bell."
There was a hint of embarrassment in his tone, but he quickly brushed it aside.
"Though… something told me you were someone important. Your poise, your elegance… they showed it."
As he spoke, the glow in his eyes intensified. He gazed at her for a moment, captivated by her presence, until he realized he had forgotten something essential.
"By the way… can you tell me your name?"
Padmé chuckled softly.
"You're right, you introduced yourself to me, and I didn't do the same. I'm very sorry."
Anakin watched her anxiously, waiting for her answer.
"My name is Padmé Amidala."
The boy repeated the name in his mind, letting it resonate within him as if trying to capture its deeper meaning.
"Padmé…" he murmured, savoring each syllable with fascination.
He dared to lift his gaze toward her, studying her with renewed intensity.
"I've never heard a name more beautiful than that."
His voice sounded sincere, almost reverent. It wasn't just the sound of the word that he found beautiful, but the person who carried it. In his short life, he had seen many people, met many outsiders, but no one like her. Padmé wasn't just different because of her fine clothes or the way she spoke… There was something more, something Anakin couldn't quite explain, yet it drew him in like the vision of an oasis in the middle of the desert.
For a moment, he forgot where they were, forgot the harsh reality of Mos Espa. There was only that name, Padmé, and the strange feeling that, even though he had just met her, she was somehow already part of his destiny.
Padmé felt a slight warmth in her cheeks, something that surprised her. She couldn't help but blush at Anakin's words, so sincere and filled with an innocence that made her feel… different. Though he was just a boy, the way he looked at her, as if she were something unique, sparked something small in her chest. She had never heard anything like that before, and for a moment, her mind wandered, letting those words float in the air between them.
That was when Anakin suddenly snapped back to reality, as if a gust of wind had pulled him out of his reverie. His gaze focused once more on the path ahead, and with the quickness of a child eager to understand everything around him, he turned to Obi-Wan.
"And what's your name, Jedi?" he asked.
"Obi-Wan Kenobi."
Anakin frowned for a moment, then nodded approvingly.
"Yeah, that's a tough name."
Before anyone could say anything else, an animated voice interrupted the conversation.
"Meesa Jar Jar Binks!" the Gungan exclaimed, greeting them enthusiastically.
Anakin blinked, suddenly remembering that he was there too. He hadn't thought to ask his name, but he nodded anyway with a small smile before continuing to walk alongside these strangers who, for some reason, he felt would change his life forever.
"I'm Anakin Skywalker. From the Skywalkers of…" Anakin paused, then shrugged with a small smile "Actually, there hasn't been anyone important in my family to make the name known."
Padmé watched him closely. There was something in his tone, a mix of humility and longing, as if he wasn't just stating a fact, but also wishing it were different.
"It's a great last name" she said with a sincere smile "It suits your passion for being a pilot."
"Yeah?" Anakin looked at her curiously.
"Of course" Padmé continued "As if you were meant to walk the sky… to fly among the stars."
Anakin fell silent for a moment, as if savoring her words.
"Do you really like it?"
"I do" she nodded "And about what you said… that no one in your family has made your name famous, well, I bet you'll be the one to make it known across the entire galaxy."
Anakin's eyes sparkled with excitement. The idea that someone believed in him like that filled him with an unfamiliar warmth.
"That would be amazing" he murmured "Do you really think so?"
Padmé nodded with conviction.
"I can tell you're someone very special."
Anakin smiled, but this time, it wasn't the smile of a dreamy child, it was the smile of someone who, for the first time, was beginning to believe that his dreams could become real.
As they walked through the narrow streets of Mos Espa, Anakin took the lead, hiding a contained excitement behind his grin. He made sure to guide his new friends down a very specific path: the underground tunnel where, the night before, he had been beaten by a group of thugs. Just imagining what was about to happen now that he had a Jedi with him made him smile with a hint of mischief.
"I'll take you through a shortcut!" he announced enthusiastically before stepping into the dark mouth of the tunnel.
The shadows swallowed them immediately, but something felt off. Everything was eerily silent, more than he remembered. He looked around expectantly, but there was no sign of the thugs.
"We're entering the tunnel!" he called out, as if that alone could summon his attackers.
But the echo of his own voice was the only response.
"We're cutting through without paying!" he insisted, still hoping to provoke some kind of reaction from an unseen enemy.
Padmé, who had been watching him closely, frowned with concern.
"Anakin, are you okay? Why are you acting so strange?"
The boy turned to her with a forced smile.
"Strange? Not at all! I just want to make sure we get through without any trouble!"
Jar Jar tilted his head, scratching one of his long ears.
"Meesa thinks you're looking for someone…"
Obi-Wan, who had remained silent until then, let out a soft sigh and crossed his arms.
"I see what's happening."
Anakin felt a chill at the gravity in his tone.
"This is where you were attacked last night, isn't it?" the Jedi continued calmly "You brought us here hoping to find them again… but this time, with a Jedi at your side. You wanted them to try something and get what they deserved."
The boy lowered his gaze for a moment, kicking a small rock with the tip of his boot.
"Maybe."
Obi-Wan said nothing at first. He simply stepped closer and placed a firm yet gentle hand on Anakin's shoulder. When he spoke, his voice was calm but authoritative.
"Anakin, a Jedi's abilities must never be used for revenge."
The boy lifted his eyes, meeting the Jedi's steady gaze.
"The Force gives us power, yes. But that power is not meant to punish those who have hurt us. It is meant to protect, to bring justice… not to take revenge."
Anakin pursed his lips, crossing his arms in frustration.
"But it's not fair. No one does anything to stop those thugs. They beat people whenever they want, take whatever they want… and no one stops them."
Obi-Wan knelt slightly to be at his level.
"I know. The universe is full of injustices, Anakin. But if you let resentment control you, you'll be giving them power over you. A Jedi does not seek revenge, he seeks balance."
The boy remained silent for a moment. He wasn't sure if he liked that answer… but something in Obi-Wan's gaze made him feel that he truly meant it.
Finally, he sighed and looked at the empty tunnel.
"I guess it doesn't matter. They're not even here."
Obi-Wan patted his shoulder lightly before straightening up.
"Then let's move on."
Anakin nodded, though not entirely convinced. Maybe revenge wasn't the Jedi way… but deep down, he couldn't help but think that some people deserved to pay for what they did.
Anakin receives his first lesson in what could define his destiny: A Jedi must never use his abilities for revenge. However, the teaching doesn't seem to fully convince him. From the very beginning, young Skywalker shows an unyielding spirit and a unique perspective on the world, questioning the strict rules of the Jedi Order to which his new friend, Obi-Wan, has dedicated his life.
To Anakin, justice is more important than rules, because rules often prevent the innocent from being protected. This conviction will lead him to challenge the established order and make a difference in a galaxy that desperately needs change.
Despite his doubts, Anakin is thrilled with his new traveling companions: Obi-Wan, the last Jedi; the beautiful Padmé, a queen in every sense, not just of Naboo, but also of his heart; and the cheerful, unpredictable Jar Jar Binks.
Without knowing it yet, they are about to take the first steps toward a new future, not just for themselves, but for the entire galaxy.
Thank you for joining me on this adventure.
I hope you're enjoying the story as much as I am sharing it with you.
I'd love to hear your thoughts and theories in the comments!
Don't forget to stay tuned for the next chapter… The best is yet to come. See you soon!