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idontknowwhattoputasmyusernameee · 7 months

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Intimidation

Word Count: 3K

Pairing: rots!Anakin x fem!reader

Warnings: none just fluff, but let me know if I've missed anything.

A/N: I have had this sitting for so long and I've been itching to post it. It is my very first imagine, so we'll see how this does. Probably have many more to come.

He was intimidating.

There was something about him that was hard to place.

The way he looked was something out of a fairytale; his eyes were hard and steely, his jawline strong and sharp, his lips pink and pouty. He moved with confidence in the room, his steps controlled yet graceful. His presence seemed to demand respect from those around him.

He was definitely attractive.

Too attractive to be a Jedi.

You felt a heavy, electric pressure on the side of your face. Every time you tried to sneak a peek at him from the corner of your eye, he would be looking downward or up towards the ceiling, avoiding any kind of eye contact.

You tried to ignore the magnetic pull of Anakin's gaze, but it was impossible. Every time his eyes met yours, you felt a wave of heat wash over you and your heart seemed to skip a beat. You knew deep down that this couldn't be real, that perhaps your infatuation with him was causing you to imagine things that weren't really there.

Mace Windu's deep voice cut through the daydream,“That's all for today," he said firmly. He gave you all a slight nod. “May the force be with you,” he added before turning away.

You stood up stretching your aching limbs. You hated these debriefings, feeling drained after every one. A quick glance showed the faces of the Jedi Knights in the room were heavy too, etched with fatigue. Reports flashed on the hologram in the middle of the room, grim reminders that loss and death had become unavoidable realities in this war and there was no end in sight.

Not something you would want to hear at eight in the morning. You were just glad that you had the day off, so a nap sounded like an amazing idea.

The crowd around you began to surge forward, and you were soon engulfed in a sea of people, all jostling for the exit. Suddenly, your foot caught on something and you stumbled, throwing out your arms as you tumbled forward, into the broad chest of a large man. He caught you quickly, his grip strong and sure.

As you started to apologize, you looked up into the face of none other than Anakin Skywalker himself. He was standing there holding your arm, smiling kindly.

"Careful there," he teased, you felt his fingers slowly slid from your forearm to your shoulders to steady you.

A flush crept up your cheeks as you tried to look away, the intensity of his cerulean eyes too much to bear. You were suddenly acutely aware of the sound of your own breathing and the warmth radiating from his body.

You avoided eye contact, mumbled an apology, and scurried away from him as you felt your face heat up. You tried to disappear into the background but could feel his piercing gaze burning a hole in your back.

Anakin Skywalker, the Jedi Knight renowned for his exceptional piloting skills and his connection to the Force, had always intrigued you. From afar, you had admired his bravery and determination, but up close, his presence was overwhelming. His mere gaze sent shivers down your spine, and his captivating smile left you momentarily breathless.

It was safe to say that Anakin Skywalker intimidated you.

…

The Jedi library was a grand room, encompassing almost an entire section of the temple. Shelves adorned with ancient manuscripts, scrolls, and books lined the walls; each tome a repository of knowledge from across the galaxy. The scents of parchment paper and aged ink filled the air, while glowstones illuminated the space in a soft, ethereal light. Tables were arranged in circular clusters like small islands in a sea of knowledge, beckoning exploration. It was as if all the secrets of the universe had been contained within these walls, offering solace and tranquility for those who sought it.

And yet...

There had been another encounter earlier in the afternoon.

It embarrassed you to no end how awkward you were with the man. But something about him made you freeze, run away, and hide.

Earlier before coming to the library you had just left the meditation chambers, relaxed and fully focused for whatever study sesh you were diving into. Stepping into the elevator , you hit the button for the ground level. Not even two seconds later a voice called out to you.

“Hold it for me please.” The voice, you recognized to be Anakin’s called out for you.

Maybe it was a slip of your finger, or the instinct to run away. Whatever it was, the doors closed right in Anakin’s face.

The moment you realized what you had done you let out a sigh of frustration. What was wrong with you? Why couldn’t you just be normal?

Now the situation was eating you up inside as you flipped each dusty page of one of the thousands of books in the library. The frown on his face engraved in your mind. He probably thought you were a freak.

You groaned into your hands, earning a shush from other people around you.

“What’s got you in such a sour mood?” A female voice suddenly questioned, causing you to jump slightly.

Ashoka Tano stood above you a brow raised at your stressed out figure. Although she was barely sixteen and you nineteen, the two of you were very good friends.

“Kriff Ashoka, why are you in here? Aren’t you banned from the library?” You questioned.

She rolled her eyes,”Actually it was a one year ban, and not that it matters but it was mostly Anakin’s fault.”

“Right, he knocked half of the shelves down and destroyed a quarter of the ancient language books.” You snickered.

“He started it !” She exclaimed defensively.

“Shh!” You whispered harshly. “Keep your voice down, unless you want to get banned again.”

“Okay okay,” she whispered back,”what are you working on?”

“Master Yoda asked me to give a quick rundown on a newly charted planet, so far I haven’t really found anything worth mentioning.” You answered, flipping open another book.

“Boo, sounds boring,” she said, with a mischievous gleam in her eye. She grabbed your wrist and tugged you up from the chair. “Let’s go get lunch.”

“Right now?” You asked in shock.

“Yes now, I heard they’re serving pasta.”

Your eyes widened with excitement and you leaned forward, intrigued. "What kind of pasta?"

A mischievous grin spread across her face and she ticked off on her fingers, "Lasagna, fettuccine Alfredo, spaghetti carbonara..."

“Alright I’m sold,”you grabbed her hand,”let’s go.”

…

“Then he had the audacity to ask me if I’ve been paying attention,” Ashoka shook her head,”The nerve.”

“Mmm,” You hummed in agreement,”Well were you?” you asked, taking a sip of blue milk.

She gave you a coy smile,”Well…I was staring at Enzo's ferociously large biceps.”

You choked on your drink, taken aback by the words that slipped out of her mouth.

Ashoka gently rested her hand on your back and gave a few light pats as you coughed. She smiled with amusement,"Oh look, how convenient."

She pointed over to Anakin who had just walked into the cafeteria. His eyes swept across the room, then stopped when they met yours. He started walking towards you with a determined stride. You felt all the air in your lungs disappear, and your stomach seemed to somersault inside of you. Every step he took felt like an eternity as his gaze stayed locked on yours.

You felt your heart hammering in your chest and a wave of nausea fill your stomach. As every ounce of common sense told you to bolt away from the table, you were physically unable to move anything except for your hands, which trembled as your fingers tightened on the edge of the table.

What was happening to you?

“Sorry I took so long, I got caught up in conversation with Master Mundi," Anakin sighed heavily, sitting down across from you and Ashoka. "Also the elevator took a while ,” he added, looking directly at you.

You almost went into another coughing fit.

“Master, what a nice surprise,” Her face then broke into a mischievous grin. “You remember Y/N, right Anakin?”

Your cheeks flushed red as he looked your way.

“Of course,” he said smoothly. “How have you been Y/N?”

You smiled politely, “Good.”

“Y/N was just about to-"

"Leave, actually," you interrupted her.Your plate was still mostly full, but you couldn't bear the tension and discomfort that had already set in. You didn't dare meet Anakin's gaze again, and instead busied yourself with gathering your things.

Ashoka shot you a confused look, but didn't try to stop you as you stood up from the table.

Anakin looked taken aback, but recovered quickly. "Oh, alright. See you around, then," he said with a small smile.

"Uh, yeah. See you." You managed to squeeze out the words before practically sprinting out of the cafeteria.

Once outside, you leaned against the closest wall and took deep breaths to steady yourself. You couldn't believe how much power Anakin Skywalker had over you - a mere acquaintance at best. You had never been so thrown off balance by anyone before.

...

With your overthinking mind, you had concluded that they were playing a prank on you. It was probably your sleep deprived mind or your coffee addiction that fueled this thinking. But, Anakin and Ashoka were up to something.

Every time you showed up to see Ashoka, she would beam from ear to ear and let out an excited, “Oh, Anakin’s here!” You could feel your cheeks flush as the Jedi Knight appeared and you scrambled to come up with a plausible excuse to leave.

Even when you weren't with Ashoka, he would somehow be conveniently around you. It was as if he were seeking you out.

No matter where she went, Anakin seemed to materialize out of thin air. In the vast hallways, as soon as he appeared at the corner she'd quickly turn around and hurry in the opposite direction. When walking around the temple grounds, there he was again; standing tall against the rising sun, his features illuminated by a solitary ray of light.

It's been two weeks, and quite frankly you were starting to become exhausted with this charade or whatever thing this was.

The only places where you could find solitude were your quarters and the library.

So that's were you found yourself today, in the Temple Library.

Your fingers were tangled in your hair, which fell wildly around your face. Crisp pages of books lay open amongst a scattering of pens and highlighters on the table.

Two hands slammed in front of you, making you look up. You jumped in surprise.

“Alright spill,"Ashoka demanded with impatience.

“Spill what?” You tried to act nonchalant.

Ashoka rolled her eyes, “You know what. Why are you avoiding Anakin?"

“I’m not avoiding him,”You mumbled, crossing your arms over your chest, looking away from the other girl.

"Not what I heard," she countered, folding her own arms, matching you stance. When the silence continued, she sighed,” Y/N, I know you like him."

You stared blankly at Ashoka with disbelief clear in your stare. She knew. Of course she knew. It was so obvious.

"Plus he's been whining to me for the past couple of weeks."

"Whining?" You repeated, taken aback.

Ashoka nodded, "Yeah, he's been complaining about how you've been avoiding him like the plague. He thinks you hate him or something." Her voice grew n octave lower, trying to imitate him,"Does she not like me? Am I being too forward? Did I do something wrong?"

You couldn't help but chuckle at the thought of Anakin Skywalker whining to Ashoka about you.

"I don't hate him," you finally admit. "I just...don't know how to act around him."

"You act the same way you always do," Ashoka shrugged. "He's just a person,Y/N. It pains me to say it but... a really attractive person." she made a quiet gagging noise.

You rolled your eyes, but couldn't help but feel a small flutter in your chest at her words.

"Just talk to him," she encouraged. "I promise he's not that scary."

"Alright," you nodded,"I'll try."

...

This was not what you were expecting. You hoped to corner him in one of the many hallways, but instead you were stuck with him and Ashoka in an elevator.

"How long has it been?" Anakin asked.

"Five minutes,"Ashoka answered.

The air inside was starting getting thick from all of the carbon dioxide being exhaled from your lungs. You shifted uncomfortably, finding yourself caught between Anakin and Ashoka. The small space felt too intimate, and you could feel Anakin’s eyes on you even if you refused to look his way.

"Alright, I've had it," Ashoka quickly stood up, igniting one of her sabers to cut a large enough hole to jump through. "I'm going to get help, be right back."

"Ashoka!" Anakin yelled,"That's not smart."

But she ignored him, jumping above the elevator and vanishing out of sight.

You had just been left alone in an elevator with Anakin Skywalker. Your heart was pounding in your chest, and you couldn't help but wonder if this had all been a setup. Ashoka's sudden exit made it feel like an ambush, as if the two of them had planned to leave you alone together.

The silence between the two of you was agonizingly uncomfortable. You couldn't bring yourself to look at Anakin, so you kept your gaze trained straight ahead.

"So," Anakin finally broke the silence. "You've been avoiding me."

You bit your lip, unsure of how to respond. It wasn't like you could tell him that he made you nervous just by existing.

"I haven't been avoiding you," you lied, feeling guilty for not being truthful.

Anakin let out a small laugh, "Right. Because turning around and walking the other way every time you see me is totally normal."

You felt your cheeks flush with embarrassment. He had noticed after all.

"I'm sorry," you finally admitted. "I don't know what to say around you."

Anakin turned to face you, his expression softening,"That's alright."

"I've been meaning to talk to you actually,"you started, finding a sudden burst of courage. "I um... well Ashoka said that, you..."

He waited patiently, raising an eyebrow in encouragement. You took a deep breath before continuing.

"Ashoka said that you might have feelings for me," you blurted out, feeling your face heat up even more at the admission.

"Well its about time you noticed,"he chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "I've been waiting weeks for you to figure it out."

Even though you knew it to be true, you couldn't help the wave of shock that passed over you at his confession. You had never expected Anakin Skywalker to have feelings for someone like you.

"So you do like me?" you stupidly asked.

He laughed, his eyes lighting up in a way that made you feel like you were the only person in the galaxy. "Of course I like you," he said, slowly stepping towards you. "Was it not obvious?"

You felt your heart beating faster as Anakin drew closer, finally standing right in front of you. You could smell the musky scent of his cologne and it sent shivers down your spine.

"I never realized," you admitted sheepishly, feeling ashamed for not noticing something so obvious."I honestly thought it was some cruel joke."

His smile was soft and warm as his hand reached up to slowly smooth a piece of your hair out of the way.

"Do you like me," he softly asked,the intensity in his eyes making it hard to form coherent thoughts.

You nodded your head, unable to find words as you stared up at him. His hand trailed down from your hair and cupped the side of your face gently, bringing it closer to his own.

"Can I kiss you," he whispered,his breath hot against your skin. Your heart was beating wildly and you could feel the butterflies fluttering in your stomach.

"Please," you breathed out, barely louder than a whisper.

His lips brushed against yours tentatively, hesitantly testing the waters. You closed your eyes and parted your lips slightly, giving into his advances. A tingling sensation rippled all throughout your body. It was almost electric as you ran your hands through his short curls, his fingers curling around the back of your neck. He pulled you closer to deepen the kiss, and it only fueled your desire.

Every inch of your body was on fire as Anakin's hands started trailing up and down your sides, sending shivers through you.

You could feel his need for you in the way he kissed you - a sense of urgency and raw hunger that made it clear this was not just any ordinary kiss.

As the intensity grew, so did your own desire rippling through your veins like an inferno. The air around you felt electric with attraction as if nothing else mattered in that moment except for each other.

You broke apart gasping for breath, Anakin's voice husky as he spoke quietly into the space between you. "I've been wanting to do that since I first met you."

A dazed smile broke out on your face,"Me too."

A loud bang from outside drew both of your attentions away.

"Alright lovebirds, I'm busting you out." Ashoka yelled from the other side.

The loud groaning from the metal doors echoed throughout the elevator. Revealing the light from the hallways on the other side.

"Alright come on out,"Ashoka yelled, hidden and out of sight.

Anakin made one last move, kissing your cheek, your nose, and lastly a longing kiss on your forehead before leaving the elevator.

He paused looking back with a smirk,"Until next time."

Feeling the warmth radiating from his parting words, you smiled and watched him disappear into the hallway.

"Well, well, well,"Ashoka said with a grin as you stepped out of the elevator. "Looks like someone had a good time in there."

You rolled your eyes and shook your head, trying to hide the blush that was creeping up on your cheeks."Shut up."

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idontknowwhattoputasmyusernameee · 7 months

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I’ve been gone for so long!!! So sorry guys, work and school have been hectic. However, I do have some good news. I’ve written six chapters in the past three days. The bad news is that I’m starting from the end instead of where I left off. It’s a lot easier for me to have a cohesive story and that way I can post multiple chapters at once instead of just one chapter every once in a while. Anyway, that's my update, hope you are all doing well!

#anakin #anakin fanfic #anakin fanfiction #anakin skywalker #anakin skywalker fanfiction #anakin skywalker x jedi!reader #anakin x fem!reader #anakin x jedi reader #anakin x reader #star wars fandom

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idontknowwhattoputasmyusernameee · 11 months

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Star Boy

Chapter 7

Age: 18, Year: 25 BBY

Word Count: 5,410

Warnings: none

A/N: O.M.G I finally finished this chapter. I’m so sorry, for some reason this chapter was so difficult for me to get through. Now that we are in AOTC era things should start getting a little more exciting. I did include Padme because I love Padme, and I’m not a hater. Also, I’m on the edge of either making this series mature or keeping it somewhat PG. But, I don’t know yet. Anyways I’m going on a tangent, enjoy!!!

Anakin struggled to breathe as Padme's embrace tightened around him. His goodbyes lingered with her, heavier than the humid air that surrounded them. He took a single step back, away from Padme, and towards the Jedi Temple looming in the distance. The cityscape whirled around him like a kaleidoscope of colors and sounds, smearing together like a painting of a fading sunset. Anakin felt frozen in that moment, his mind filled with Padme's figure and the warmth of her touch still lingering on his skin like the afterglow of a distant star.

Their secret meetings began to blossom into something more frequent and passionate than either of them had imagined. Anakin knew he should have been more focused on the events outside of their tryst, but an instinctive pull kept him returning to her embrace. He never wanted to leave her alone in the darkness, for Padme was all he had left. Obi-Wan kindly stood by his side, but it was this woman who felt like home to Anakin.

Anakin opened his heart to Padme, allowing her to see the depths of his suffering. As her compassionate gaze reached out and touched the freshest scars on his soul, an inexplicable yet exhilarating connection was forged between them.

As Anakin made each devastating revelation, she empathized with him deeply, feeling grief as if it were her own. In that moment of intimacy, she became his closest companion -- someone who could understand his sorrow more profoundly than Obi-Wan ever could.

Padme had an uncanny ability to be both a friend and confidant to Anakin. However, he couldn't be certain if his feelings for her were real or just another passing infatuation, and he was still trying to determine the truth.

They always kept things casual.

Until now, he had left her apartment with swollen lips and heavy breaths, while he made the trek down the Coruscant alleys, hood up and steps swift. A heaviness weighed him down, pulling him towards the planet's core - a familiar sensation. Something deep inside told him that this was wrong. The sneaking, the touches, something wasn't settling in his gut. But it all felt so good to be free, to be wanted, to be loved?

Anakin wasn't aware of such feelings, but the fluttering in his chest couldn't keep his mind from drifting to that thought.

It was dangerous territory, even for a brave Jedi like him.

As he entered the temple's hallowed halls, whispers of ancient wisdom seemed to echo through the air, admonishing him for fraternizing with the senator. Yet, beneath the disapproval, there was a desperate plea for understanding – as if the stone itself recognized the fragility and complexity of human emotion.

Anakin slipped into his small, spartan room. The door closed behind him with a soft sigh. He leaned against the cool metal, trying to slow the rapid beating of his heart. In the dim light, he allowed himself to recall the conversation that had taken place before their stolen kisses.

"Anakin," Padme whispered as she confided in him, "I believe Count Dooku has placed a bounty on my life. I'm not sure who to trust anymore.”

Her eyes glistened with unshed tears, reflecting the weight of her fears and the burden of responsibility she bore. Anakin had vowed to keep her safe, but now that promise felt like a storm raging inside him. It was a tempest fueled by passion, loyalty, and uncertainty.

Anakin's mind raced, his thoughts turning to Chancellor Palpatine. He knew that telling him would be their best option for finding out the truth. However, he kept his plans close to his chest, not wanting to worry Padme any more than she already was.

However, that was a problem for another day. For now, all he wanted to do was sleep. Sleeping would clear his thoughts and perhaps even provide him with closure.

...

Anakin jolted awake, his body drenched in sweat and his heart racing with terror. Visions of his mother's desperate cries echoed through his mind, causing him to shiver. He had never experienced such vivid nightmares before, and a fear of the unknown crept up inside him.

However, Anakin Skywalker could not escape his nightmares.

He shut his eyes tightly, seeking desperately for relief from the terror. The image of his mother appeared in the shadows behind his eyelids like a haunting specter. Her face twisted into a mask of horror, as if she had laid eyes upon a dreaded fate. She pleaded with him to save her from the darkness that engulfed her.

Finally, Anakin had to drag himself out of bed and force himself to start the day. He trudged through the temple grounds with a heavy heart, barely aware of the cold stares directed towards him. Everywhere he went, people gathered around, their faces emotionless masks of judgment.

Anakin trudged forward as if carrying the weight of the world. He eventually reached the lift, whose metallic doors beckoned him to the Chancellor's office.

Desperate for energy, Anakin harshly rubbed his eyes. As the elevator rose, he hammered out a plan in his head. With determination and force, he strode towards Palpatine's office and met the guards' gaze without flinching before pushing open the door.

"Anakin, my boy," Palpatine rose from his seat with a grand flourish. His luxurious robes swept the floor as he turned to face Anakin. "What a delightful surprise this is.”

Anakin forced a tight-lipped smile and nodded curtly at the chancellor in greeting.

"I've come to relay some important information to you.”

The chancellor clasped his hands together, causing the sound to reverberate around the room.

"Very well." He motioned towards the two chairs facing the far side of his desk.

Anakin slowly lowered himself into a chair, letting out a deep sigh as he began to recount his story for Padme's inquiries and apprehensions. Palpatine listened intently, his brow furrowing ever deeper with each word that Anakin uttered.

"And so, I came to you. I'm worried about her, yet she insists on keeping her troubles a secret.”

Palpatine reclined in his seat, considering Anakin's words.

"Hmm... this is serious indeed. I'm thankful you shared this with me," he said. "We must take decisive action right away if what you say is true." He ran his finger along the edge of his desk, and Anakin was unsure of what he was thinking.

"I must pass on this news to the council immediately. We need to ensure that Padme, along with everyone else in the Republic, is safe from danger. Anakin, I am grateful for your diligence. Your contribution here is of utmost importance.”

Anakin's head bobbed up and down, relieved of the burden he had been carrying. His faith in Palpatine was absolute. He knew that whoever was behind the attack on Padme would feel the full brunt of his wrath and be brought to justice.

Palpatine rose and gripped Anakin's wrist. He spoke in a low murmur.

"I've seen the way you look at Padme, Anakin. It is not wise to become too attached during these tumultuous times. Love can be a powerful force, my boy, but it can also be a hazardous one.”

Anakin's heart pounded as he listened to Palpatine's ominous words. Did he somehow know of his secret meetings with Padme? Was this a warning not to continue?

He pretended to agree and bowed in submission, although he felt a sense of dread as he left the room.

Love was a risky endeavor. But how could Anakin resist Padme's charm? How could he ignore the way his heart soared when she was near?

Anakin knew that he needed to be cautious, but the temptation to be with Padme was too strong to resist.

The sharp beep of his com link brought him back to reality. He realized that he would have to address the problem eventually, but for now, it would have to wait.

...

Anakin's heart raced as he stepped through the imposing doors of the chancellor's office. The dimmed light and eerie shadows created a feeling of dread. He realized then that his fate was inescapably tied to the decisions that would be made. Slowly, he took his place among the silent yet powerful figures standing in a circle around Palpatine.

Chancellor Palpatine stood tall at the front of the room, his voice a deep rumble that echoed off the walls. "I am grateful for your attendance," he began solemnly, "but we are gathered here today to address a pressing concern - the safety of Senator Amidala." The atmosphere in the chamber was tense as everyone waited with bated breath for what would come next.

Padme's fiery gaze seared into Anakin, silently condemning him. Her stare cut deep, and their exchange of emotions simmered beneath the surface. Although she outwardly appeared composed, the burning inferno in her eyes revealed her inner turmoil.

"Senator Amidala is certain that her life is in grave danger due to a bounty orchestrated by Count Dooku himself," declared Palpatine. His voice cut through the silence with a steely edge, but the furrows around his forehead demonstrated the underlying turmoil he felt about this chilling discovery.

Mace Windu's eyes darkened as he firmly stated, "Count Dooku could never do this - he is a former Jedi.”

"Truly troubling, this is," murmured Master Yoda, perched atop a floating chair. His diminutive form belied his penetrating gaze, which seemed to peer through the layers of intrigue and subterfuge that shrouded the room.

"Agreed," Obi-Wan declared, focusing intently on Anakin for a few extra seconds. "We must ensure her safety is our top priority.”

"Captain Typho," Palpatine said to the stoic security officer, "What measures have been taken thus far?”

Captain Typho spoke with calm determination: "Chancellor, our team has tightened security and barricaded all entrances to her suite.”

"Unfortunate though it may be, I believe it would be wise for Senator Amidala to remain within the confines of the Jedi Temple until the threat has been neutralized," declared Mace Windu. He cast his solemn gaze over those present.

Padme's eyes blazed with defiance as she stood her ground. "This is preposterous! I am more than capable of ensuring my own safety. I refuse to be imprisoned or have my future dictated to me," she declared, her voice trembling with anger. "I will not rest until the source of this threat is found and justice is served." The room was silent except for the sound of Padme's thundering heart and her unwavering resolve.

Padme's heart sank as she realized that, despite her valiant attempts, the choice had been made without her consent. She glanced at Anakin one last time before silently leaving the room, her blue eyes swirling with warring emotions.

"Whether she likes it or not, her safety is of the utmost importance. Her presence is vital in the Senate," the Chancellor informed the room, looking at the door Amidala had just stormed out of.

"Agreed," they declared with a unified voice, echoing through the room in a loud chorus of both resignation and determination.

"Very well, Anakin," Palpatine's tone changed from friendly to serious. "There are a few points I must discuss with the other members of the Council.”

"Anakin, you are dismissed," commanded Mace Windu.

As the words slid off Windu's tongue, the young apprentice watched his master with burning curiosity. But Obi-Wan merely acknowledged the statement with a subtle nod in the direction of the exit.

Anakin reluctantly nodded before turning on his heel and leaving the office.

With blazing eyes, Padme whirled upon Anakin and spoke in a voice rising with indignation.

"You told him?!”

He raised his hands, anticipating a formidable wave of anger to crash down on him.

"I had to, Padme! Your life is at stake-”

"I said I could take care of it!" she growled, her fists clenched tightly at her sides. Her eyes burned like a searing flame.

Anakin strode towards Padme, reaching out to touch her arm.

"I know you're safe," he said. "But I had to make sure. I couldn't stand by and do nothing. You mean too much to me.”

Padme recoiled, with a flicker of anger in her eyes. She brushed away Anakin's hand with a cold snarl.

"You need to understand," she said, her voice laced with steel. "I'm not some fragile little flower in need of your protection.”

Anakin sighed and ran a hand through his hair, unsure of how to respond.

"I know that," he said finally. "But I can't help feeling like I need to watch out for you.”

Padme's face softened slightly, and her eyes pleaded with Anakin. "Anakin, I appreciate your concern, but this is not your battle to fight. I can take care of myself.”

Anakin stepped closer to her, his voice low and demanding. "I know you can do it alone, but I want to be there for you. Let me help you.”

Padme's gaze burned with emotion as she glanced into Anakin's eyes. Her voice was fragile and thin as she spoke. "Anakin, you're aware of the danger -”

With intense fervor, he silenced her and braced himself against her until only an inch remained between them. As he leaned closer, he felt Padme shaking with anticipation. Their lips barely brushed.

"Am I interrupting something?" asked Obi-Wan, his voice breaking through the tension in the hallway.

Anakin and Padme leapt away from each other, their faces drained of color. Guilt splashed across their features as they realized they had been caught.

Anakin felt a strange heat prickling his skin. His throat suddenly became dry, and he had to clear it for comfort. He desperately tried to think of an explanation for why he and Padme were so close together.

"We were just... discussing Padme's protection," he stumbled. He cursed inwardly at how unconvincing his words sounded.

Obi Wan looked at them suspiciously before settling his gaze on Padme with a tight smile.

"Miss Amidala, I'd like to talk to my Padawan in private," Obi-Wan demanded.

Padme gave him a suspicious glance before leaving the hallway.

"We've been assigned a mission.”

Anakin snapped to attention, focused on the task ahead. "What kind of mission?" he asked.

"To initiate a pursuit of that bounty hunter," he declared. He marched away, heading straight for the elevator.

"They know where he is?”

Anakin's heart thundered in his chest as excitement coursed through his veins. He was ready to take down the bounty hunter.

They stepped into the elevator together.

"Not a he but a she, according to captain Typho they were last spotted in the lower level."

Obi-Wan gazed sternly at Anakin, worry etching deep lines into his brow. "Anakin, what you were doing with Padme was not okay.”

Anakin hung his head in mortification. He was certain that Obi-Wan had caught him in the act and knew he had breached the code of honor.

The Jedi Knight's fingers dug into Anakin's shoulders as he forced Anakin to lock eyes with him. "Your choices were not wise. Your destiny is calling you. Don't forget who you are or what it means to be a Jedi. Don't allow yourself to be taken off course.”

He stood motionless, as if using the stillness to nourish his fury. Then, he abruptly halted Anakin's attempts to retort with an authoritative wave of his hand.

"What happened between you and Padme today was a huge misstep on your part. Not only did you disobey orders, but you showed an alarming lack of control. What if Master Windu had come through that door instead of me?" he questioned urgently.

Anakin remained silent, his unease palpable in the air around him.

Obi-Wan sighed, "Swear to me, Anakin, that you won't allow your emotions to dictate your actions again.”

Anakin bowed his head, feeling a lump in his throat.

"I apologize for my transgression, master.”

Obi-Wan's voice was smooth as silk as he stepped away from Anakin, his amber eyes probing."It is difficult to keep our emotions in check, Anakin. But this is the way of the Jedi.”

The elevator doors opened with a creak, and Obi-Wan signaled for him to move forward. "Let's go find that bounty hunter now.”

...

The pink neon sign of "Ninety Nine" glowed like a beacon in the darkness, drawing you towards it. After wandering for days in search of a safe haven, it finally seemed like you had found one. You gazed up at the towering letters, reading them over and over again. Memories of your past flooded back to you - the days of smuggling with Hondo and the time when Tron, the owner of the club, had helped you. You hoped that he was still the kind-hearted man you remembered him to be.

As you stepped into the club, you were hit by a wave of humid heat that assaulted your senses. The place felt like a grand palace, with towering ceilings and an oceanic expanse. The endless space was dotted with holo nets, pool tables, and card games. The striking atmosphere was amplified by the sea of bright lights careening through the air, their dizzying patterns punctuated by thunderous beats that shook you to your core. The sweltering heat was further intensified by your mask, which only served to stifle your breathing and obscure your vision. Despite the discomfort, you found yourself mesmerized by the vibrant atmosphere and the palpable energy in the air.

You stride up to the bar, the heavy thud of your armor echoing against the floor with every step. The room is alive with the sound of chatter, laughter, and clinking glasses, but as you approach, heads swivel in your direction. The anticipation is palpable, and everything seems to slow down as you order your drink, the bartender's movements a blur in your peripheral vision. You settle onto a stool, feeling the weight of your armor sink into the seat. Despite the shady clientele that surrounds you, you can't help but marvel at the vibrancy of the scene. The energy is contagious, and a sense of joy fills the air.

You were taken aback when you heard your name echoing in the dimly lit club. As you spun around, your eyes locked with the peculiar figure of its owner. He was an alien being from Blutopia, wearing a vivid yellow suit that was two sizes too small for him. His plump face was illuminated by two large jade-green eyes and protruding ears. Several long silvery tendrils cascaded down his neck, one of which seemed to have been brutally ripped off. "If it isn't Miss Paak," he smirked.

"Ah, Tron." You gazed intensely as you leaned in and tilted your head slightly. The expression on your face had a hint of familiarity.

He squinted, as if trying to pierce your masked facade and uncover the truth. He inspected the glass table with confusion, polishing it with heavy strokes. "I thought you hated Coruscant?" His voice was measured but filled with accusation. Even after you averted your eyes, you could feel the heat of his gaze burning through your skin.

You let out a rich, throaty laugh, your eyes sparkling. "My ship had some trouble," you murmured. "I don't have anything against Coruscant, it's just not my favorite planet." As you spoke, the server gently placed an intricately carved crystal glass in front of you on the table. The cup brimmed with a vibrant magenta-tinted liquid that bubbled and frothed as the server garnished its surface with a thin slice of fruit. You lifted the cup to your nose, inhaling deeply before taking a sip.

"Do you need a place to stay?" he asked softly, his voice filled with compassion. You grabbed a few credits from your worn pocket and placed them on the table as an offering. Dutifully, you curled your fingers around the glass of liquor and swallowed, feeling the burning liquid course down your throat. Clearing your throat, you looked at him and said, "Yes...I came to ask if you knew anyone who could give me a place to stay.”

He exhaled loudly and pressed heavily against the countertop. His aged body creaked under his weight as he forced his eyes up to meet yours. "Listen," he started.

"Please, just for the night," you begged, your eyes beseeching him. He didn't answer at first, but then quietly nodded his head. Too afraid to look at her, he averted his gaze while mumbling softly, "Alright. I'll try my best.”

You gave a weak nod of thanks, your gaze shifting from his eyes to something peculiar: a wanted poster with your alias hanging behind Tron.

The image was unmistakable: your face hidden by your signature mask, and the words 'Wanted for Attempted Murder and Theft' were written in bold crimson text at the bottom of the page. Your pulse raced faster, and the room suddenly felt like it had been submerged in liquid ice.

Your hands shook as you took another sip from your drink, and you tried to keep calm.

"Where are you supposed to be right now?" Tron asked, leaning in with a low and guarded voice. You scanned the room for any prying eyes before taking a deep breath and averting your gaze. Your brows furrowed as you tried to determine if it was safe to answer or not.

You spoke in a barely audible whisper, "I'm looking for a bounty hunter.”

Tron's eyes widened in disbelief, his eyebrows shooting up. "What?" he stuttered in shock, leaning in closer to make sure he wasn't dreaming.

"He killed a friend of mine," you said calmly, but with deadly intent. "I've heard he lives on Kamino. I have to go there and confront him," your lips formed a firm line, ready for battle, "to ensure he pays for his crime.”

"So you're gonna kill him...”

As you spoke, your gaze shifted and became icy and harsh. "If it comes to that," you said, your mouth turning into a thin gash. "But the more I investigate, the more I sense there's something else at play here. Something far beyond this one bounty hunter." You took in a shuddering breath, realizing the full implications of what you had observed. It was too precise and coordinated to be mere coincidence.

"What do you mean?" Tron asked, tense.

You took a deep breath and steeled yourself before letting out an anxious whisper: "He's working for the separatist cause. His next target is Senator Amidala here on Coruscant.”

The words had barely left your mouth when he spoke. His voice sliced through the tension like a razor blade, repeating the name immediately: "Senator Amidala." His face began to pale as he nervously coughed into his fist, quickly adding, "Erm - sorry. There have been rumors flying around about the Jedi protecting her.”

You felt a seething frustration well up inside you as you considered your heavy choices. If the evidence you had acquired was trustworthy, conveying it to the Jedi could be crucial for the galaxy's future. However, recent events indicated that no decision was without risk.

“Ugh, perfect timing as ever - two Jedi just walked in.”

Your muscles locked, and you struggled to breathe as an unnerving energy pricked your skin. The distinct presence of a Jedi was unmistakable, but this felt different. It was more than familiar, like a gentle embrace that reassured and comforted you.

"I have to go," you said into the silence. Tron's worried eyes met yours briefly before you stepped away from the bar. Your heart was pounding in your chest as you tried to piece together what could have brought the Jedi so close to your path. Even Tron, your most trusted friend, couldn't be relied upon if it were true that the Jedi were here for you. No one could be trusted in this galaxy anymore.

A game of cat-and-mouse had begun, and you were determined not to get caught.

Your eyes scanned the dusky bar, desperately seeking an escape. The sound of hushed conversations and clinking glasses obscured your thoughts. Then, amidst the cacophony, you noticed someone shrouded in darkness near the back corner. You jolted forward — they were about the same size as you. In that moment, an idea crossed your mind.

With conviction, you strolled up to the stranger, a sly grin across your face.

"Care for a drink?" you asked, your voice soft and alluring, as their eyes grew heavy with intrigue.

"Yes, of course!" they breathed out in response.

You extended your arm and grasped their shoulder firmly, letting the powerful energy from your fingertips flow into them. Slowly, their gaze softened and their features became hazy, indicating their complete openness to your subliminal suggestions.

Under normal circumstances, one would not resort to manipulating an innocent bystander's mind. However, in times of desperation, measures that would otherwise be deemed unethical may become the only viable solution.

You thrust out your heavy metal mask with conviction. "Take this," you commanded in a low, tenacious voice. "You are Vera Paak now." A trance-like state descended upon them as they cautiously plucked the mask from your hands and pulled it over their own face. You nodded in approval at their disguise and spun on your heel towards the entrance. Your boots barely made a sound as you padded across the smoky floor without leaving a trace, slipping away into the dark alley and inching ever closer to your ship.

Anakin scanned the bar, his gaze darting from one corner to the next. Then, he saw the figure wearing your mask. An undeniable electricity surged through him, and without a moment's thought, he strode forward with Obi-Wan in tow. Radiating a cold authority, he declared, "Vera Paak, we have much to discuss.”

However, the figure made no sound, remaining eerily still as if time had stopped. Anakin and Obi-Wan exchanged confused glances, sensing the unsettling atmosphere. Finally, Anakin summoned his courage and shouted his question with greater intensity, but only unnerving silence met his words.

Anakin's voice echoed with authority in the room. "Remove your disguise," he commanded, locking his eyes onto the motionless figure. Silence was his only reply.

Anakin's anger boiled inside him as he fought against the stillness. With a fierce tug, he ripped the mask off the figure's face, revealing an emotionless woman. Her gaze stared straight ahead with a dull glaze over her eyes.

"Hey," Anakin exclaimed, "I'm trying to-”

"Wait," Obi-Wan stopped him with a hand on his chest.

"I sense something," Obi-Wan said slowly. "Something is off.”

Anakin furrowed his brow as he turned to face Obi-Wan. "What are you talking about?" he asked.

Obi-Wan stepped forward and briefly placed his hand on the woman's shoulder. He closed his eyes in concentration as the Force filled him. When he stepped back, a grim expression was on his face.

"She has been manipulated through the Force," he explains. "There is an unnatural presence within her thoughts that I cannot explain.”

Anakin lightly caressed the cold, metallic mask with his fingers as he squinted, analyzing its intricate details.

"This mask matches Vera Paak's description perfectly," Anakin murmured, furrowing his brow in confusion. "But something doesn't feel right.”

Obi-Wan paused to consider the information, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "It's possible that this is a decoy. We must locate the real Vera Paak before it's too late.”

Anakin's eyes lit up as he held the mask with a wry grin. "I might just know how to find her.”

Obi-Wan's voice was firm: "You go. I'll stay with her until she comes to her senses." His eyes never left the woman's figure. Anakin nodded in agreement and made his way out of the bar, feeling exhilarated by the chase. The thrill of the hunt had always been something he enjoyed, and this time was no exception.

...

You clutched your hood tightly, desperately hoping it would conceal your identity. Sweat dripped down your back as you noticed eyes flicking towards you, but none of the pedestrians seemed to recognize you.

So much for hiding from the Jedi Order.

Hopefully, the Jedi did not catch on to your ruse, giving you time to reach the mechanic shop and escape off world.

As you make your way into the dimly-lit alleyway, the oppressive weight of dread settles over you like a thick cloak. The putrid smell of decomposing garbage assaults your senses, causing your stomach to churn in disgust. The shadows seem to stretch and writhe around you, like the grasping fingers of some unseen horror. You can barely make out the shapes of discarded furniture and debris scattered haphazardly along the ground. Despite the ominous atmosphere, you steel your nerves and press forward, eager to reach the safety of your ship. Every step feels like a struggle, as if you are wading through a murky swamp, but you know that you cannot afford to delay your departure any longer.

"Stop right there," a man's voice rang out from behind you, the sound echoing through the empty alley. Despite all of your attempts to evade him, he had tracked you down.

You slowly spun around, the hood of your cloak still concealing your features. Your voice was a low rumble as you spoke with grudging admiration, "Your determination is commendable. Very few would have noticed my deceptions.”

Anakin's face was filled with dread as he surveyed the figure, sensing the same Force signature that he had felt on Rayloff long ago. The signature radiated from her. His voice carried an edge of deadly seriousness and fear. "The power you possess is unmistakable. I know this Force..." He tightened his grip on his lightsaber menacingly and waited for a response. “I managed to trace its signature to you.”

You inched forward slowly, feeling the tension as if it were a barbed wire fence. Your muscles were coiled tight, ready to run at a moment's notice. The air around you crackled and sparkled with electricity, and Anakin's lips moved ever so slightly as his voice echoed throughout the alley.

The stranger approached with a slow, deliberate gait, and you could feel his every breath against your skin. His delicate finger trailed across your shoulder, sending a searing jolt of electricity through your body and causing the hairs on your arms to stand on end. In a quiet yet demanding tone, he asked, "Do I know you? Have we met before?" His deep blue eyes searched yours imploringly for a spark of recognition.

You gulped nervously before replying, attempting to conceal the awkwardness in your tone. "No, we've never been acquainted.”

"What's with the hood?” He gazed at the mask still firmly gripped in his palm,” and the mask?”

As you lingered without an answer, the air seemed to grow chillier. You could feel his penetrating stare drilling into your soul, searching for a response.

"I prefer to keep a low profile," you stammered as Anakin stepped closer, his eyes studying your every move. With a sudden jerk, he yanked off your hood in one swift movement, leaving you exposed under the flicker of the distant streetlights, your identity revealed. His gaze seemed to penetrate your very soul, seeking answers that you had no desire to give.

Your heart thudded wildly in your chest as his eyes roamed over every inch of you. His expression shifted from shock to disbelief when he recognized you standing there. He stepped closer, his body heat warming your skin and a low murmur of your name escaping his lips. "Y/N...”

His face twisted in disbelief. "Is it really you?”

The stranger's gaze was transfixed on you, as if you were the only thing that mattered. His cobalt eyes seemed to pierce into your soul, while his defined jawline made your pulse race. However, an eerie feeling of recognition nagged at the back of your mind.

Your confusion grew as the stranger yelled out in fear and panic, "It's me, Anakin!", sending a sharp pang through your chest like a blade being thrust in.

You were hit with an avalanche of emotions - bittersweet memories of joy, whispered secrets in the night air, and the excruciating agony of betrayal when it all fell apart. Your throat tightened with anguish, and your eyes blurred into a watery haze.

Anakin was here, standing in front of you in this drab alleyway. The moon shone above, creating a glow around him. As you gazed into his eyes, you knew instantly that this was Anakin Skywalker, your fellow Padawan and best friend.

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idontknowwhattoputasmyusernameee · 1 year

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Hello everyone, sorry if I’ve been inactive for awhile. School and work were rough, but now I’m done with school. And on top of that I’m going on vacation in LA, so that means I’ll have lots of time for writing and hopefully updating the series soon. Love y’all 💕

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idontknowwhattoputasmyusernameee · 1 year

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Star Boy

Chapter 6

Age: 15 and 18, Years: 25 BBY and 22 BBY (AOTC)

Word Count: 6,342

Warnings: none, hopefully

You sat on a decrepit stool, which creaked at its base. The mysterious man had his back turned to you as he tended to the fire.

"Nice place you have here," you say, attempting to break the tense silence in the room.

As you surveyed the room, a sense of unease washed over you. The shelves that once held books were now empty, and the books themselves were scattered haphazardly on the floor. A musty smell of old paper and leather filled your nostrils as you took a deep breath.

The cloaked man slowly turned around, his face obscured by the hood of his cloak. He said nothing, but his eyes seemed to bore into your soul. You shifted uncomfortably on the stool, wondering why you had agreed to follow this mysterious stranger into such an ominous place.

"Tea?" he asked.

You shook your head and took a deep breath, trying to calm your nerves. The man poured himself a cup of tea and took a sip, never once taking his eyes off you.

"How do you know me?" you asked.

He smiled, revealing a set of perfect teeth. "I know a lot of things," he said enigmatically. "Things that would make your head spin." After taking another sip of tea, he continued, "But I'm not here to discuss what I know. I'm here to discuss what you know.”

"About what I know?”

He nodded. "The Force, the light, the dark, all of it. I have watched you closely, young Y/LN, and I must say, you are most intriguing.”

You shifted in your seat, unsure of how to respond. You had always tried to keep your abilities hidden, but it seemed this man had somehow discovered them. "What do you want from me?" you asked, cautiously.

The man leaned forward, his eyes locking onto yours. "I want to teach you," he said in a low voice. "I want to help you unlock the full potential of your powers." You hesitated for a moment, but the thought of finally understanding and controlling your abilities was too tempting to resist.

"What do you know about the Force?”

He leaned back, his eyes glittering with excitement. "I know everything," he said, his voice low and intense.

"Are you a Jedi?”

He shook his head.

"Are you a Sith?" You reached for your blaster, but he waved you away dismissively.

"Neither, but I have harnessed the power of both the light and the dark. I am something different, something more. And I can teach you to be the same." His words hung in the air, heavy with promise and possibility. He pulled back his cloak, revealing his face to you.

As expected, he was old and worn. His sunken, hazy eyes indicated that he was blind. However, what intrigued you was the glowing sheen that emanated from him, like a ghost yet still very much present.

"Who are you?”

"I am known by many names," said the cloaked man with a mysterious smile. "But you may call me Revan.”

…

Darth Revan was a man who single-handedly changed the course of the galaxy. His story is one of legend, told and retold for generations. He was a Jedi Knight who fell to the dark side, only to be redeemed and become a hero once again. However, there was more to his story than just that. He had unlocked the secrets of the Force and had used them to become one of the most powerful beings in the galaxy. His physical form remained for hundreds of years due to his sheer willpower in the force to stay alive. And now, he was offering to share that knowledge with you.

To you, it may have seemed absurd that this frail-looking fossil in front of you knew the secrets of both the Jedi and the Sith.

You never felt comfortable wielding power, but you desired control. After years away from the Jedi, it seemed reasonable and smart to take lessons from a Force user who understood it inside and out. Your abilities as a wielder were limited, and your lessons as a Jedi were put on hold due to your kidnapping. You only knew the basics of the Force. You nodded in agreement, accepting Revan's offer. You were ready to learn all that Revan could teach you.

"But why me? Out of everyone in the galaxy, why am I so special?”

Revan smiled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "That, my dear Y/LN, is something you will have to discover for yourself.”

You watched as he stood up from his seat and walked slowly to the exit. "Come along, we must begin your training," he said.

"We're not staying here?”

Revan chuckled, "No, my dear. We have a much more suitable location for that." He stepped out into the night and beckoned for you to follow. As you stepped into the cool night air, you couldn't help but wonder what kind of training lay ahead of you.

So many questions ran through your mind. Why you? Out of all the people blessed with the Force, why were you the one who caught his eye? Why not Anakin, the chosen one, the one meant to bring balance to the Force? Your abilities as a Padawan were above average at the time, but they paled in comparison to Anakin's.

"Stop your doubts," Revan said, sensing your hesitation. "The Force works in mysterious ways, and it has brought us together for a reason. Trust in its guidance, and you will find the answers you seek." With that, he turned and led you across the darkened landscape toward a two-man ship.

"You're not serious, are you? We're not flying in that thing," you exclaimed, staring at the beat-up vessel. Its legs appeared feeble, and the wings were at odd angles. Upon closer inspection, you noticed a slight sheen wrapped around the right wing.

"Is that tape?" you asked Revan, slightly disbelieving.

"I didn't have time to get it fixed," he confessed as he climbed into the cockpit. "You take the back.”

"No offense, but I'm not getting into that thing.”

All he did was stare at you,” Just get in.”

You sighed, looked up at the stars, and whispered, "May the Force be with me," before climbing into the back.

The seats had a strong odor of mildew and body odor. The switches, buttons, and screen displaying the aim for the gun were dusty.

"Strap yourself in, it might get a little bumpy.”

Out of all the years you have lived, this was probably the stupidest thing you have ever done.

…

After what felt like hours of travel, you finally arrived at another planet. You considered asking Revan for more information, but you didn't want to annoy him further. Every time you asked him something, he would just grunt in response. Eventually, you stopped talking altogether and sat in silence as you made your way through space.

"Come this way," he waved for you to follow. The forest was like a fairy tale come to life, with endless trees and green, dewy leaves as far as the eye could see. The vibrant colors of the flowers bloomed in endless bushels, casting a sweet scent that filled the air with the fragrance of nature's beauty. The heat from the sun was a stark contrast to the harshness of Tatooine. As you took in a deep breath, feeling the fresh air fill your lungs, you couldn't help but feel a sense of peace wash over you, a calmness that was almost palpable.

The leaves rustled softly in the wind, creating a melody that was both soothing and invigorating, like a lullaby and an anthem combined. The branches of the trees reached up high, as if trying to touch the sky. The rays of the sun filtered through them, creating a dappled pattern on the ground below.

The forest teemed with activity, with the chirping of birds and the buzzing of insects providing a background score to the symphony of nature. You watched as a butterfly fluttered past, its wings shimmering in the sunlight. A squirrel scampered up a tree, its bushy tail bouncing behind it.

It was a magical and tranquil place, a sanctuary from the chaos and turmoil of the galaxy. Here, in this forest, you could feel a connection to the Force like never before. It was as if the trees themselves were imbued with it, and you could feel it pulsing through every leaf and blade of grass.

"Come on," Revan urged from up ahead, standing on a mossy log.

You followed him, your feet crunching on the leaves beneath you.

"Y'know, this would be a good place to kill me and leave me for dead.”

He stopped and stared at you with an unimpressed expression on his face.

"Just thinking out loud," you said with a shrug.

You and Revan finally arrive at a clearing where a small cottage stands. The cottage is quaint and cozy, with a thatched roof and a small garden out front. Behind it lies a large lake that glistens in the sunlight. Revan leads you inside, where you are greeted by a warm fire and the scent of fresh bread.

"Come on, let's eat and rest. We have a lot of work to do.”

…

The next morning, you woke up feeling refreshed and eager to begin your training. You were surprised to find Revan already awake, meditating by the window. He opened his eyes upon sensing your presence and beckoned you to come closer.

"Good morning, Y/LN," he greeted you warmly with a smile.

"Morning," you greeted back. You sat across from him with your legs crossed and elbows resting on your thighs.

"Do you still meditate?" asked Revan.

"Of course, every day. It's the only constant in my life.”

Revan nodded in understanding. "Meditation is an important part of mastering the Force. It allows you to clear your mind and focus your energy. However, there is more to it than that. With the right techniques, you can use meditation to tap into the deeper levels of the Force and unlock its full potential." He paused for a moment, studying you closely. "Are you ready to begin?" he asked.

"Sure," you nodded. You had no clue how different his meditation techniques were from Obi-Wan's.

"Close your eyes," he instructed, "and envision the things around you with your mind and your soul.”

Following his instructions, you closed your eyes and reached out with the Force. This exercise was one that Obi-Wan had taught you to help you better understand and connect with the Force. You felt puzzled as to why Revan had instructed you to do something that even a youngling could accomplish.

"Focus," he commanded. "Your thoughts are straying.”

You sighed, bringing your attention back to your surroundings. As you felt your way around, you recognized the wooden furniture and heard the whistling of the wind, along with the sounds of small forest animals running around.

You also sensed a purple aura around Revan, but his emotions were cut off from you, leaving you in the dark about how he was feeling.

"Tell me about attachments.”

You opened your eyes, "What?”

"Attachments, can you explain them to me?”

Attachments…

"Well, for starters, it is forbidden. Attachments refer to emotions and personal connections that a Jedi has with someone or something. They can cloud a Jedi's judgment and make them more susceptible to the dark side. It is crucial for a Jedi to remain detached and objective to maintain their connection with the Force. Although attachments can be challenging to avoid, a Jedi must learn to let go of them to ensure their focus and balance within the Force." You explained this to him, repeating the words that the Order had taught you when you were young.

He shook his head. "I don't want to know what you've been told, I want to know what you've learned.”

Oh.

"Um...”

He held up his hand and said, "It's all right, I won't judge.”

You felt a tug of hesitation as you spoke the words. You knew that attachments, no matter how strong, posed a risk to one's Jedi training. But at the same time, could one truly be a Jedi if they had to sacrifice love, friendship, and family? How could one find balance between duty to the Force and allowing oneself to experience the joys of life? You were filled with doubt as you spoke, knowing that either path could lead down a dangerous path.

He nodded. "Good, Y/N, good. Attachments are natural and, in my belief, the driving factor in a Jedi's life. However, it seems that in recent years, the Jedi Order has lost its way.”

You feel a weight lifted off your shoulders. Perhaps you could share your true thoughts about the Jedi with Revan.

"You're conflicted," he mused, pointing out your obvious struggles.

You nodded, "In some ways, I've just experienced things that have shaken my trust in the Jedi.”

"I see," he said as he stood up and walked over to a bookshelf behind you. "Explain.”

"Well, in simple words, I believe the Jedi are hypocrites.”

Revan raised an eyebrow at that.

You continued, “They say we can't form attachments, yet they do. The Council is attached in some way; all living beings are attached to the Force itself. It's the driving factor in who we are. My time away from the temple led me to believe that the Jedi are blind. They teach young children how to push away their emotions like robots and preach about the Order being keepers of the peace. Yet, they seem to be the main contributors to violence. Even with the important task of protecting the galaxy, they seem to be doing the opposite by turning a blind eye to those in need.”

Revan let out an amused chuckle, which put you off.

"What's so funny?" you asked, your voice clipped. Were you being laughed at?

"Don't worry about it. You truly are wise beyond your years, Y/N," he said reassuringly. He reached out and grabbed a dusty book, tossing it in your direction. As you caught it, you saw that it was covered in ancient scripts from a long-forgotten language.

"It's older than me," he explained. "But it has some useful information. The old code was upheld by the original Jedi Council. Read it, and when you're done, we will continue.”

You stared at him incredulously, unable to comprehend, you said. "I can't understand any of this.”

He shrugged. "Figure it out. And if you really want to learn how to balance the Force within yourself, you'll find a way to read that.”

Revan walked away and out of the house before you could respond, leaving you alone. You scoffed and looked down at the heavy tome in your hand. Carefully, you flipped through its old, worn pages, trying to gauge how much reading lay ahead. It seemed like quite a lot, but you were determined to figure it out. Perhaps you'd discover something that the modern Jedi Council was completely unaware of.

You closed the book, running your hands over it one last time, feeling the faint shiver of the Force calling you, as if it were your destiny. You would do whatever it takes to keep this book.

…

Five. Days.

It took you five long days to finally figure it out. After meditating and losing your mind, you finally managed to crack the code. You connected with the book like an electrical current, as if you were one and the same.

As you realized what you had just done, the words on the ancient pages began to make sense. It was as though a veil had been lifted from your eyes, revealing the true meaning of the old code. The code spoke of balance, not just in the Force, but in all aspects of life. It spoke of a Jedi's duty to help those in need, to be a beacon of hope in the galaxy. It spoke of attachments not being forbidden, but rather a natural part of life that should be embraced and balanced with one's duty to the Force.

However, there was one part that perplexed you. At night, you thought about it over and over again in your head, trying to decipher what it could possibly mean.

The old text mentioned that there were no Jedi without the Sith and no Sith without the Jedi.

You couldn't shake the thought from your mind. The mention of the Sith in the old code was confusing, as the Jedi Order saw the Sith as their enemies. However, the old code spoke of balance, and perhaps there was more to the Jedi-Sith relationship than what the Order had taught you.

Maybe Revan would know.

You have just landed on the planet of Ilum. Revan asked you about your lightsaber skills, but you had to embarrassingly admit that you had lost your lightsaber and instead relied on a blaster.

It was difficult to tell whether Revan was more irritated or shocked, or both. Either way, he made you get into his rickety ship and depart for the planet that held the precious crystals.

The journey to the planet's surface was bumpy, with the ship shaking and stuttering all the way down. You felt the cold air rush in through the battered hull, making you shiver. Finally, the ship came to a stop, and you eagerly jumped out onto the rocky terrain, grateful to be out of the confined space.

But that feeling of ease washed away as you realized the challenge you were about to face.

Finding a kyber crystal is not a straightforward process for a Force user. Each crystal has a special connection to a different person, and that person must use their abilities to connect with and find the path to that crystal. Some crystals can mislead and cause injury, while others may be unwilling to connect with the person. In some cases, a crystal may be so finicky that it won't allow its person to touch it for years.

You were hoping that luck would be on your side today.

Revan led you to a secluded cave entrance that opened to Ilum's crystal caverns. You followed him with your blaster at your side, feeling the weight of the old book he had given you in your bag. The darkness of the cave made it difficult to see, but Revan led the way without hesitation.

"I have a question," you blurted out, more out of nervousness than an actual attempt to start a conversation.

"Go ahead," he sighed.

You ignored his dramatic sigh and internally rolled your eyes as you explained, "The old code mentions the Sith. It states that there are no Jedi without the Sith, and no Sith without the Jedi. What does it mean?”

He paused, turned around, and faced you. The lights of the nearby crystals illuminated the right side of his face in a strange manner.

Revan's expression grew serious. "Ah, the balance of the Force. I assume you're already familiar with the concept, considering your friendship with the Chosen One.”

You nodded signaling that you understood what he meant.

He continued,” The Jedi and the Sith are two opposing forces that exist to maintain balance in the galaxy. Without the Jedi to keep the peace, the Sith would plunge the galaxy into chaos. And without the Sith to challenge the Jedi, they would become stagnant and complacent.”

You frowned, still trying to process what he was saying. "But the Sith are evil. They use the dark side of the Force for their own personal gain," you said.

Revan tilted his head, a small smirk playing at the corner of his lips. "The Jedi order taught you this, yes? The Jedi believe that only the light side of the Force should be used, but that is a limited perspective. The Sith view the Force as a means to an end, using it to gain power and control. However, using the dark side of the Force is not inherently evil. In certain situations, it can be just as necessary as using the light side.”

You gave him a skeptical look, unsure if you agreed with his opinion. However, before you could voice your thoughts, he had already turned back to continue leading the way through the dark caverns.

You and Revan walked in silence for a while. The only sounds were the echoing footsteps and the occasional drip of water in the distance. You could sense the crystals around you, their energy pulsing through the air.

Then you heard it: a strange call, like a song, entrancing you.

You tried to look over at Revan to see if he had noticed the strange noise, but he was nowhere to be seen.

This must be your crystal, you thought, calling for you

You followed the entrancing whispers, your heart pounding in your chest as you pushed your way through the twisting caverns. The sound grew stronger with each step until it became almost overwhelming. It was unlike anything you had ever heard before.

Until you were faced with a single pink crystal.

You approached the crystal with wonder and awe, its pink hue reflecting the light in the cave in a mesmerizing way. As you reached out to touch it, you felt a sudden jolt of electricity, a surge of energy that coursed through your fingertips and up your arm. The crystal seemed to be alive, pulsing with a raw and untamed power that both exhilarated and frightened you. Its surface was smooth and cool to the touch, like polished glass, yet it seemed to be filled with an almost tangible energy that crackled and hummed with life. You couldn't help but stare at it in wonder, almost afraid to blink, as if doing so would cause it to disappear. It was a thing of beauty, a precious treasure that had chosen you, and you would do everything in your power to protect and cherish it.

You reached out with a sense of wonder and expectation, eager to touch the pink crystal. As your fingers made contact with its smooth surface, you felt a sudden jolt of electricity. The crystal seemed to come alive, pulsing with a raw and untamed power that both exhilarated and frightened you. It was as if the crystal was connected to some deep and primal force, one that you could barely comprehend.

And then, in an instant, it shattered into a million tiny pieces, causing you to jump back in surprise. The sound was deafening, the sharp cracks of the crystal echoing off the cave walls. You watched in horror as the other crystals in the area began to shatter too, exploding into fragments that scattered across the cave floor. The air was thick with dust and debris, making it difficult to see. You coughed and covered your nose and mouth with your sleeve, trying to filter out the dust.

As the last of the crystals shattered, the noise slowly died down, leaving you in stunned silence. You looked around at the destruction in disbelief, wondering what had just happened. The power of the Force was not to be underestimated, and you had just witnessed its awesome and terrible might firsthand.

"What just happened?" you called out to Revan, who had reappeared at your side.

"It seems like your connection to the crystal was too strong," he said, scanning the shattered remnants of the other crystals with his eyes. "But that's not necessarily a bad thing. It means you have a powerful connection to the Force."

You nodded, still in shock at what had just happened. But as you turned to leave, something caught your eye. Among the shards of crystal, you noticed a small piece that remained intact. It was a tiny shard of your pink crystal, glowing with an inner light.

You picked it up carefully, feeling a sense of awe as you held it in your palm.

A gentle breeze blew through your hair, catching your attention. Following its path, you noticed a young woman up ahead.

She was ethereal, dressed in a glowing blue gown, with blonde locks cascading down her back. She looked at you with fascination on her face before nodding at you.

A profound sense of respect was conveyed through your connection before she disappeared into thin air.

You stare at the spot where the woman disappeared, unsure if you had just hallucinated the whole thing or if it had been real. However, the shard in your hand glows even brighter, as if confirming the reality of the encounter.

Revan cleared his throat, breaking your reverie. "We should leave. The cave's energy is unstable now that a crystal has shattered.”

You nodded, tucking the shard safely into your pocket as you followed him back the way you had come. The journey back to the surface was quiet, with both of you lost in your own thoughts.

After emerging from the cave, you could sense a difference in the air. The cold was still present, but the energy had changed. It was as if a weight had been lifted, and you felt lighter somehow.

"Now, to make your saber," Revan interrupted, pulling you away from your thoughts. "How do you plan on designing it?" he asked.

You shrugged and patted your bag, which still held the glowing crystal.

"I don't know, but when inspiration strikes, you’ll be the first to know.”

...

This was much harder than you had thought. Looking back, you realized how little say you had in your old lightsaber's hilt. You remember how Obi-Wan frustratingly took over the process and did it himself because, in his mind, you "couldn't focus.”

Despite sketching multiple times, you couldn't quite achieve the exact design you desired.

You wanted something elegant yet simple, tactical yet practical. Your mind was in disarray, and you couldn't decide what you wanted to do.

Finally, you brought the image in your mind to life. You imagined a crossguard design with intricate etchings of gold and silver along its surface. Three pink flames emerged from each side of the hilt, while two studded buttons made it easy to control the saber during combat. For extra grip, a black handgrip was placed along the middle, ensuring no accidental slips during duels.

Fortunately, for some odd reason, Revan managed to obtain all the necessary materials.

As you worked on constructing your new lightsaber, a sense of excitement built inside of you. This was going to be a weapon like no other, designed with your own unique style in mind.

As you carefully assembled the various parts, Revan watched over you with his eyes, studying your every move. He offered advice when needed, but for the most part remained silent, allowing you to work in peace.

Finally, after what felt like hours of hard work, you completed your new lightsaber. Holding it in your hands, you admire the way the metal hilt shone in the room. It was a beautiful weapon, and you were proud to call it your own.

"Good job," Revan said, offering you a rare smile. "Now let's see what you can do with it.”

You nodded, feeling a sense of anticipation building inside of you. This was it, the moment you had been waiting for. You ignited the blade, feeling a surge of power as the pink flames came to life.

Revan stepped back, giving you space to practice. You swung the lightsaber with ease, feeling the weight of the weapon in your hand. It felt familiar, like an extension of yourself.

You twirled the blade around and then jabbed it forward to test its accuracy. The blade hummed as it sliced through the air, and you couldn't help but grin in satisfaction.

Finally, you held the weapon in front of you with a smile creeping onto your face. This was it – your very own lightsaber. Even though it wasn't built by Obi-Wan himself, it still felt just as wondrous as your old one.

...

Every day, you practiced with your new saber, familiarizing yourself with its weight and feel. With Revan’s help, you implemented new moves and martial arts into your dueling style.

He taught you new ideas about the Force, things you hadn't considered before. He showed you how to channel your emotions into your attacks, increasing their power and precision. Additionally, he taught you how to use the Force to enhance your agility and speed, making it easier to dodge your opponents.

With this new knowledge, you have gained new abilities, such as creating Force shields, tracking with the Force, and even healing with the Force - which is rare for any Force-sensitive person.

In just three years, you became a walking weapon and a force to be reckoned with. You trained harder than ever before, and your new lightsaber had become an extension of yourself. It was as much a part of you as your own hand.

After learning all that you could from both the Sith and Jedi, you had created a balance within yourself.

You weren't exactly a Sith or a Jedi. You were in between.

You had found your own path, one that combines the best qualities of both sides. You learned to embrace your emotions while still maintaining control over them, just as the Sith do. And you learned to use the Force for good, just as the Jedi do.

Revan watched you grow with a sense of pride and knew that you were ready for what was to come next. He observed the way you moved, fought, and channeled the Force.

Revan knew that it was finally time to tell you.

You and Revan sat in the cottage. He leaned against a wall while you read a new book you found lying around.

"You know," he began in his usual gruff tone, "I've been watching you improve for a while now.”

As you looked up from your book, you gave him an inquisitive look. You sensed that there was something more to this conversation, something he had been wanting to tell you or ask of you.

Taking a deep breath, he continued, "I think it's time I told you why I brought you here." Pausing to meet your gaze, he added, "You see, I believe a great darkness is coming to this galaxy—one that could consume us all if we're not careful.”

"The Return of the Sith?" you sighed, flipping a page. "I remember the council discussing this matter. It got pretty heated.”

There was no response from him. A long silence stretched throughout the room, causing you to look up.

"You know about my life, right?" he asked, sounding wary and nervous. It was unlike anything you had seen from the man before.

You snapped your book shut and sat up straight. "Okay, what's going on? You're acting weird."

Ignoring your concerned look, he watched the flames of the fireplace next to you.

"I'm sure you've heard many stories about my life. How I was once a Jedi, then a Sith, and then a Jedi once again. How I was redeemed by the one I loved.”

You nodded, prompting him to continue. "I have achieved so many things, done so many things that now I am burdened with a legacy I wish I could destroy. It cost me my family.”

You could feel the weight of his words, the pain, and regret in his voice. It was a side of Revan that you had never seen before, and it evoked a sense of empathy for the man.

"I'm sorry," you said softly, unsure of what else to say.

"It's all right," he said, shaking his head. "I just want to make sure that you understand what is at stake here. What I’m trying to imply.”

You raised an eyebrow, waiting for him to continue.

"The galaxy is in jeopardy; a war is about to begin," he paused for a moment, studying your reaction before continuing."It's not just any war," he said solemnly. "It's a war that could shape the fate of the entire galaxy. A war that could mean the end of everything we hold dear.”

As you listened to him speak, you could feel a sense of unease spreading throughout you.

"Does this have to do with the Sith?”

He nodded, "And the Jedi. They have been so blind with their teachings that they haven't even noticed what was happening under their noses.”

You didn't know what to think. A war? Revan's words hung heavily in the air as you tried to process what he had just said. The possibility of a war that could mean the end of everything was a sobering realization, and it made you feel uneasy.

"How do you know all of this?" you asked, walking up to him. The window behind him cast an eerie glow over the room, and a faint wind chilled you.

"Before I came to get you on Tatooine, I had followed every distinct moment of your life. Even before you were born, I had managed to learn what was happening behind the scenes of everything," he sighed, closing his eyes before continuing. A serious look overcame his face. "Y/N, I'm going to tell you something important, and it's dire that you listen.”

You stood there, listening intently as Revan's words weighed heavily on you. The gravity of the situation was beginning to sink in, and you couldn't help but feel a sense of fear creeping up your spine.

"What is it?" you asked, afraid of what he was about to say.

"The corruption runs deep. The Sith are playing both sides, and your friend Anakin-" he paused, his eyes widening.

"Anakin? What's wrong?" you asked him, your voice barely above a whisper.

He opened his mouth to speak, but no words came out.

"Revan?" You rushed to his side and grabbed his elbows, but his gasps were loud and short.

"Revan!" you screamed, shaking his body desperately. "What's happening? What's wrong?”

He managed to let out a few words: "The Sith, there's always two."

"What?”

"There are always two," he repeated, his throat tight.

You watched in horror as Revan's body convulsed, his eyes rolling back into his head. You didn't know what was happening, but you knew it couldn't be good.

You don't know much about medicine, but you are no stranger to death. Bodies fall limp for many reasons—fear, exhaustion, poison. But one way or another, the body goes out like a candle flame. You had seen it too many times not to recognize the difference now. Something strange and terrible had happened here.

The look of peace on Revan's face was sickeningly at odds with the violent attack that had just taken place. He might have looked like he'd fallen asleep after a long day instead of dying on your watch. You checked his pulse, but there was nothing. No heartbeat, no breath. Revan was gone.

Collapsing to the ground, tears streaming down your face, you felt the weight of the loss crush you. He was gone, leaving behind only his robes as a cruel reminder of what used to be. You couldn't believe that he had been taken from you so suddenly, leaving you with nothing but an uncertain future. The moonlight cast an eerie glow over everything as you sat there, numb, empty, and perplexed.

But something shimmery caught your eye, and you wiped away your tears to crawl over to the object. Carefully picking it up, you held it up to the moonlight and saw that it was a dart. A poison dart.

Your mind raced as you tried to process the realization that Revan had not died of natural causes but instead had been murdered. Someone had killed him, someone who had wanted him dead for a specific reason. The poison dart in your hand was proof of that.

A rustling outside took your attention away.

They were still out here.

Tucking the dart away, you grabbed your saber and headed out of the cottage in a fury. You were determined to find the culprit, no matter what it took. Using your newly learned abilities, you used the Force to track the path of whoever was here last. The power of the Force filled you, guiding you through the forest as you followed the trail.

A flash of pink illuminated the darkness as your saber ignited in your hand. You followed the trail with a purpose, every step driven by an insatiable rage. The trees around you seemed to close in, their branches snaking around you like tentacles. You felt power surge through you as your grip tightened on the hilt of your saber.

The air was heavy and unwelcoming. You knew that the killer was close by, the feeling almost tangible. The trail continued on, leading you to a clearing where it abruptly stopped. Panic set in and you spun around wildly, scanning the area desperately for signs of movement.

Suddenly, a blast shot out from behind one of the trees and you instinctively blocked it with your saber. Your enemy stumbled back briefly before dashing away towards their ship in the distance. With a roar, you bolted after them, determined to take them down once and for all.

You followed them relentlessly, dodging their blaster shots and using the Force to propel yourself forward. You could feel your heart thundering in your chest as you raced towards them. And then, just as you reached the ship, you saw it: the infamous armor of your enemy. The same bounty hunter who had kidnapped you all those years ago. The same bounty hunter who had assassinated Revan.

As they boarded their ship, the armor glinting menacingly in the night sky, you swore a silent oath of revenge: no matter what it took, no matter how long it took, you were going to find that bounty hunter and make them pay for their crimes.

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idontknowwhattoputasmyusernameee · 1 year

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Star Boy

Chapter 5

Age:15, Year: 25 BBY

Word Count: 5,821

Warnings: Slavery and mentions of violence

A/N: I’ve been on spring break this week so I’ve managed to write at least two chapters, this one and another one. Also we’re slowly approaching AOTC and I’m pretty excited for that. Writing this is so much fun and it has gotten to the point where I’ve been neglecting my studies. Cries in STEM major. But anyways hope y’all are enjoying it cause I know I am.

"Huh?" The blue Toydarian stared at you.

"I'm looking for Shmi Skywalker," you repeated, attempting to sound non-threatening.

Watto fluttered towards your face, getting close and personal, "Who are you, huh? Coming in here and demanding to see my property? Get out of here." He waved a wrench in your face, using it as a threatening weapon.

You couldn't help but sigh inwardly. Anakin had told you stories about Watto's hot-headedness, and it seemed like he was living up to his reputation. "Look, I just want to talk to her. I don't want any trouble, so if you could just--”

"No, I won't ask you again. Leave before I make you," he threatened, growing impatient with your continued harassment.

Watto's wrench was still in the air, waving around carelessly due to his anger. In an effort to disarm him, you reached out your hand and summoned the metal tool into your own hand.

His eyes widened in fear as he silently deduced what was happening and recognized who you were.

"A Jedi...”

"More or less," you deadpanned. "Now, take me to Shmi Skywalker.”

Watto's face twisted in contemplation, his beady eyes darting back and forth as he weighed his options. The gears in his mind were practically visible as he considered the consequences of his decision.

He growled, "Alright, follow me, but no funny business. Last time a Jedi came, they managed to take one of my slaves.”

You bit down on your lower lip, feeling the familiar sting of your teeth digging into your flesh. It was a nervous habit that you had developed over the years, a way to keep yourself from revealing too much. You knew that you had to be careful around Watto, that one wrong move could ruin everything. So you tried to keep your expression neutral, even as your heart pounded in your chest.

"Of course, I just need to discuss a few things and then I'll be on my way," you assured him.

As you followed Watto through the streets of Tatooine, his wings flapping furiously, you couldn't help but notice the wary glances of the people around you. The locals viewed you as an intruder in their dusty, barren home, and who could blame them? The buildings were dilapidated, with peeling paint and crumbling walls, and the streets were littered with debris. It was a harsh and unforgiving environment, where the sun beat down relentlessly on the backs of its residents. The air was thick with the smell of dust and grime, and the only sounds were the occasional rustle of cloth or the flap of wings. You had seen worse, but that didn't make the reality of the situation any less jarring. It was clear that Tatooine was a place where even the strongest struggled to survive.

Finally, Watto led you to a small, run-down hut that looked like it could collapse at any moment. The boards creaked and the walls groaned as you stepped inside. The air was thick and heavy, and the smell of must and mildew filled your nostrils.

You were struck by the simplicity of the space. The furniture was minimal, consisting of only a small cot pushed up against one wall and a rickety wooden chair tucked into a corner. A few pots and pans hung from the ceiling, while a small makeshift dining table was located in the center of the room. The walls were bare, with no decorations or artwork to speak of. However, as you took a closer look, you noticed a few drawings of creatures hanging on the wall above the table. You could only assume that they were drawn by Anakin, and they added a touch of warmth and personality to an otherwise spartan environment. Despite the lack of material possessions, the space felt homey and cozy, a testament to the resilience and resourcefulness of its resident.

You could hear a clinking sound noisily move in your direction. You stood up straight to address whoever it was but paused when you saw a golden protocol droid come into view.

"Meh, I'm leaving, and remember, no funny business,” Watto said, pointing a crooked finger at you before he left.

As Watto fluttered away, you rolled your eyes. His wings beat furiously against the hot Tatooine air, carrying him off into the distance.

"Oh, hello. Where are you supposed to be?" the droid asked. You looked around, thinking it was talking to someone else, but then realized it was actually addressing you.

"Oh, I'm not," you said as you removed your robotic mask, revealing your human face. Your skin was slightly flushed from the Tatooine heat, and your hair was slick with perspiration. "Sorry, I'm human.”

The droid made a mechanical squeal as it approached you, grabbed your hand, and shook it enthusiastically. "Pleasure to meet you. I am C-3PO, human-cyborg relations," it said.

"My name is Y/N," you said as your arm kept moving. "Can I have my arm back, please?”

Startled, he jumped back and released your hand. "Oh, my apologies. We don't get many visitors here.”

You nodded in understanding. "That's all right." You watched the droid walk toward the kitchen, grab a glass from a cupboard, and fill it with water. "I'm looking for Shmi. Do you know where she is?”

C-3PO turned around and placed the glass on the makeshift dining table. "I'm afraid she's not here at the moment. She's out working on the moisture farm," C-3PO replied, with a look of concern on his metallic face. "Is there something I can help you with in the meantime?”

You shook your head, “No, that’s alright. I’ll just wait for her to come back.” You took a seat at the table, glancing at the drawings once again. “Do you know when she’ll be back?”

C-3PO tilted his head. "I'm not entirely sure, but I believe it should be soon.”

As the door creaked open, a figure emerged, shrouded in a headscarf and goggles to protect against the persistent Tatooine winds. The woman's frame was small and frail, and her clothing was tattered and worn. Despite the harsh conditions of the environment, she still managed to maintain a sense of dignity and grace. Her eyes were weary and cautious, as if she had seen too much in her lifetime. As she stepped tentatively into the room, you could sense the tension in the air, the uncertainty of what was to come.

As you stood up from your seat, you immediately recognized her. Sensing the apprehension around her, she looked at you and asked, "Can I help you?" Her voice was soft and hesitant.

"My name is Y/N. I am a friend of Anakin's.”

As soon as you mentioned Anakin's name, Shmi's eyes softened, and she looked around the room with a mixture of hope and despair. You could see the longing in her gaze, the desire to be reunited with her son after all these years. Her eyes flicked back and forth between you and the door, as if expecting Anakin to burst through it at any moment. However, you shook your head, and her expression fell.

"Sorry, it's just me. I have a few things to discuss with you if you'd let me.”

She nodded, took off the scarf and goggles from her head, and walked to the kitchen.

“Can I get you anything to drink or eat?” She asked. You smiled but declined.

"So... what's so important that you had to come all the way to Tatooine to find me?" she tapped her nails against the wooden table, fidgeting around to calm her racing heart, hoping that there wasn't anything wrong with Anakin.

Your expression turned serious as you considered what to say.

"I've come to free you.”

Confusion was evident on her face as she blinked. "I'm sorry?" she asked.

You leaned forward and placed your hand over hers. "I've come to save you from this place," you said.

Shmi's tears came suddenly, bursting forth like a dam breaking. She buried her face in her hands, her body wracked with sobs.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you.”

"She shook her head. "No. I'm not upset—these are happy tears," she replied. She stood up from her seat and immediately embraced you in a big hug. Your hands hung limply at your sides for a moment, caught off guard and uncomfortable with physical affection. But your arms soon wrapped around her, knowing she needed the comfort.

As you held her tightly, you felt her body trembling with sobs. Eventually, she pulled away and wiped away her tears. "Thank you, thank you so much," she whispered with a voice heavy with emotion, holding your face in her weathered hands. You could see the overwhelming gratitude and relief etched on her face, and you knew deep down that coming to Tatooine was the right decision.

"But how? Why?" she asked, wiping away tears.

You explained everything from the beginning, including your time as a Padawan, your kidnapping, and how you ended up here. She listened with intrigue; her eyes widened at certain parts and turned sorrowful at others.

"Then, I decided to come here. When we were little, I promised Anakin that I would help free the slaves on Tatooine. However, I only have enough money for one person," you finished your story, revealing all the credits hidden in your boots. Her eyes widened at the amount, never having seen so much in her life.

You picked up the pouches of credits and placed them on the chair next to you. As a spice runner and smuggler, you had accumulated enough wealth over time to buy anything you wanted. However, since you were raised not to care about possessions, your thoughts drifted to people in need. You knew that this money could help countless individuals, and Shmi included.

"Watto will take whatever you have. He's been struggling ever since Ani left.”

You raised your brows at that. "I could tell. He did seem a bit out of sorts.”

She snorted, "You could say that.”

The smile she gave you brought you back to the temple, reminding you of Anakin. As you reminisced, you were struck by the sudden memory of his smile. It was a smile that could light up a room, radiating warmth and joy. You could almost feel his presence beside you and hear his laughter ringing in your ears. It was in moments like these that you missed him most, when the weight of his absence felt heavy and suffocating. You longed to see him again, to feel his reassuring presence by your side. But you knew it was unlikely, that he was off on his own adventure fulfilling his destiny as the Chosen One. So you pushed the thought aside and focused on the task at hand.

"Are you all right?" she asked.

You nodded, pushing away your thoughts. "Yeah, I'm okay, just thinking. Is there anything else I need to know about Watto before I negotiate?”

She shook her head. "No, but I do have this chip implanted. It discourages me from traveling off-world. If I do, then... you know.”

You furrowed your brow, understanding the implications of what she meant. At the temple, you never realized just how differently others had lived, too sheltered by the Jedi to understand the difficulties that others faced. When you lived with Hondo, you saw just about every kind of evil, and in some ways, it made you bitter toward the Jedi. You came to the conclusion that the order was hypocritical and unjust, placing themselves on a higher pedestal and turning a blind eye to the suffering in the outside world, despite having the power to stop it. This was one of the reasons why you never went back; you didn't want to be part of an order with an insane god complex.

In simpler terms, you had a reality check. Over the years, there have been many instances where you have been humbled, and this is one of those times. You have come to realize just how difficult Anakin's mother's situation was. She was taken into slavery, raised her son alone as a single mother, and had her son taken away by an order that couldn't save her. Her life was far from easy, and in just a few minutes of being in her presence, you could truly say how much you admired her. You admired her strength and optimism. Despite having everything taken away from her, it seemed like no obstacle was too great for her to overcome.

After a while, you rose from your seat and informed her that you would return. She wished you farewell and good luck. Despite her confidence in you, she knew better than to get her hopes up, aware of Watto's stubbornness that would be difficult to overcome. However, you were confident that you could make a deal. You were, after all, the most cunning sixteen-year-old in the galaxy. Although you weren't particularly proud of it, you could also say that you were the most manipulative. You had learned to get what you wanted over the years with Hondo.

After a short walk, you returned to where you had first found Watto. To your relief, he was still outside, banging on whatever scrap metal he was working on.

He noticed your shadow looming over him, blocking the sun's heat from his skin. His eyes rose to meet yours, and it was clear that he was unhappy.

"I thought you would have left by now," he grumbled, returning to the incessant banging.

Without hesitation, you retrieved the credits from inside your robes and placed them in front of him. Watto's eyes widened at the sight, clearly impressed.

"I'd like to make a deal with you," you said, your voice calm and collected.

He looked around the area, making sure no one was present to hear.

"Come inside," he uttered, "quick.”

The inside of the shop was cluttered and chaotic, with piles of scrap metal and discarded machinery littering every surface. The air was thick with the smell of oil and rust, making it difficult to breathe. The walls were stained with grime and grease, and the ceiling was so low that you had to duck your head to avoid hitting it. The only source of light came from a small, flickering bulb hanging from a frayed wire, casting eerie shadows across the room. It was clear that Watto had no interest in keeping the place clean or organized; it was simply a place to store his valuables and conduct his business.

"Sit," he commanded, motioning for you to take a seat on one of the dusty barrels or stools surrounding the rough-looking table.

"That's all right, I think I'll stand for now.”

He shrugged and fluttered over to the table, then sat down. "So, what kind of deal are we talking about?" he asked.

"I'd like to... buy Shmi Skywalker," the words tasted bitter as they left your mouth. You didn't like the way they sounded.

He laughed, clearly amused by your request. "Buy her? You Jedi are all the same. You think you can just come in here and take whatever you want. Well, I'm not selling my property, not even to a Jedi.”

You leaned forward with a serious expression. "I'm not asking for a handout. I'm offering a fair price for her freedom, and I have the credits to back it up." You slid the pouches across the table, the sound of metal clinking against wood filling the room.

"No," he said.

You raised your eyebrows. "No? I'm offering you more than a fair price for a slave.”

Watto shook his head. "It's not just about the credits; she's been with me for years. She's part of my family.”

You scoffed, "Family? You buy and sell people. I'm not buying that excuse.”

Watto's face grew red with anger and frustration, and he stood up from his seat, his wings flapping furiously. You could see the veins bulging in his neck and temples, and his nostrils flared as he struggled to keep his temper in check. Watto stood up, his face growing red. "You don't understand, it's not that simple.”

Frustration mounted within you as you narrowed your eyes at him. You had expected some resistance from the Toydarian, but his stubbornness was starting to test your patience. “Then make it simple," you said sharply. "Sell her to me, or I leave with my credits and you dead."

Watto's eyes widened at your threat, and he took a step closer to you, brandishing his wrench menacingly. "You wouldn't dare," he hissed, as the wrench in his hand inched closer to your face. "I'm not afraid of Jedi. I've dealt with your kind before.”

You stood your ground and refused to back down. You had come too far to let Watto's threats intimidate you. Your hand instinctively went to your blaster, ready to defend yourself if necessary. "Is that so?" you replied calmly, never taking your eyes off of his. "I'm not here to cause trouble, Watto. I just want to buy Shmi's freedom. You know as well as I do that it's the right thing to do."

Watto hesitated, his eyes flickering back and forth between you and the pouches of credits on the table. You could tell he was considering your offer, but there was still a hint of reluctance in his expression.

"Think about it. Those credits will buy you a new life, away from this place. You won't have to struggle to make ends meet anymore.”

He looked conflicted, glancing at the credits for a moment before turning back to you. "Fine," he said in a whisper. "I'll sell her to you.”

You let out a breath that you didn't realize you were holding, feeling relief wash over you. You had done it - you had freed Anakin's mother.

"Thank you," you said, your voice sincere. "I promise you won't regret this.”

As Watto handed you the datapad, you noticed that his eyes were downcast and his demeanor was defeated. You could sense the conflict within him as he muttered, "Just take her and go." Despite his status as a Toydarian slave owner, you couldn't help but feel a twinge of sympathy for him.

Without a word, you took the datapad from him, trying to hide your emotions. As you turned to leave, a sense of accomplishment washed over you. You had done something good, something that would make Anakin proud. Part of you wanted to fly to the temple and tell him what you had done, but you knew that you still had a long way to go before you could truly call this a success.

You had promised Shmi that you would help her escape from slavery, but you still needed to figure out how to get her off the planet and to a safe place. You also knew that there would be repercussions for your actions and that you needed to be prepared for anything that came your way. But for now, you felt content in the knowledge that you had taken the first step towards keeping your promise to Anakin.

…

After your success, Shmi invited you to live with her for a while. Grateful for a place to stay while you figured out your next move, you accepted her invitation. Over the course of the next week, you managed to deactivate the chip. You told her of your plans to move her off-planet, but to your surprise, she refused. She insisted on staying in her quaint little hut, saying that there were too many memories to leave behind. You understood, knowing how difficult change could be, especially since this was the only life she knew. Together, you made her hut feel like a home. With more money and time, she was able to decorate it the way she wanted.

As you spent more time with Shmi, you learned about her life and struggles. She told you about her experience as a slave, the harsh conditions, and the constant fear of being sold to someone worse. She shared her pain about the day Anakin was taken from her, how she cried for days, and the loneliness she felt after he was gone.

Hearing about the hardships she had gone through broke your heart. You felt grateful that you had been able to help her in some small way. Every day, she insisted that you stay with her and live with her until she got her bearings. You realized that she felt lonely, and you couldn't bear to leave her alone. So you stayed by her side.

You and Shmi walked through the bustling streets of Mos Espa, where the annual market had just opened. The cacophony of sounds and sights was overwhelming, and you couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder at the vibrant scene around you. Vendors shouted out their wares, their voices blending together into a symphony of noise. People haggled over prices, their faces animated with excitement and anticipation. The smells of exotic fruits and spices filled the air, adding to the sensory overload. You and Shmi weaved through the crowds, admiring the colorful displays of fabrics, intricate jewelry, and curious trinkets. The chaotic energy of the market was a stark contrast to the desolate and barren desert that surrounded the town, and it was clear that Shmi was enjoying herself. She held a small basket woven from grass in one hand and clutched your arm with the other, her eyes wide with wonder as she took in the sights and sounds around her.

Suddenly, her footsteps stopped, causing you to turn your head.

"What's wrong?" you asked her.

She shook her head, her face turning red. "It's nothing. I just saw someone I knew," she said, trailing off and looking around the crowd.

You followed her gaze, trying to see whom she was looking at. However, the sea of people made it impossible to spot anyone in particular. "Who is it?" you asked, your curiosity piqued.

Shmi shook her head. "No one important. Just an old acquaintance," she said, though you could tell there was more to the story. Her eyes kept glancing ahead to a small vendor where a family stood.

“Is that who you're looking at?” you asked, nodding toward the family.

She blushed even more and nodded, knowing it was useless to lie to you.

"That man, with the greying hair, his name is Cliegg Lars," she sighed. "He's a moisture farmer.”

You smirked, knowing where her emotions were leading her.

"You like him," you meant for it to come out as a question, but instead it floated out as a statement.

She shook her head. "No, it's not like that. We're just friends." But you could see the way her eyes lit up at the mention of his name and the way her cheeks flushed at the thought of him.

You couldn't help but smile. "Well, we should go say hello," you said, taking her hand and leading her towards the vendor. As you approached the family, you noticed the way Cliegg looked at Shmi, his eyes softening at the sight of her. It was clear that there was more than just friendship between them, and you couldn't help but feel happy for Shmi.

"Shmi," he nodded before looking at you. "Who's this?" he asked, eyeing you curiously.

Before you could introduce yourself, she beat you to it.

"This is Y/N, a friend of Anakin's. She's a Jedi.”

You smiled impishly not used to the attention you were receiving. You didn’t want to make a bad impression so you decided to play it off as nothing.

"It's nice to meet you, Cliegg. I'm just here visiting Shmi.”

He nodded at you before turning his attention back to her.

You watched their interactions with glee, seeing the spark between them as they spoke. Though they may have been just friends long ago, today they seemed to be something more, like young lovers finally reuniting. After a while, the two of you said your goodbyes.

As you made your way back to Shmi's hut, you felt content. The day had been a pleasant distraction from the weight of the world that usually rested on your shoulders. You were grateful for the chance to spend time with Shmi and see her happy. And you couldn't deny the small spark of excitement that had ignited within you at the thought of what could happen between Shmi and Cliegg.

As you walked through the door of Shmi's hut, the familiar smell of must and mildew hit you. But instead of feeling the usual discomfort, you felt a sense of comfort. This place had become a home away from home for you, and you were grateful for the chance to stay here with Shmi.

Shmi hung up her basket and turned to face you with a small smile. "Thank you for today," she said softly.

You grinned and said, "No need to thank me. I had a great time.”

She walked over to the small stove and began preparing tea. "I'm glad you could come with me. It's nice to have someone to share these moments with.”

You nodded, "I know what you mean. It's easy to get caught up in the bigger picture and forget about the small moments that make life worth living.”

As the tea brewed, you and Shmi sat down at the dining table. Anakin's drawings of creatures still hung on the wall above it.

"How did you two meet?" you asked.

Lost in thought, she smiled. "I was about twenty years old. He was twenty-five, I believe. He was handsome, strong, and an all-around good man. At the time, I had just been sold to Watto, who had me pick up parts at nearby markets. Each day, I would see him talking to the shopkeepers. I admired him from afar but never approached him until he came up to me one day.”

She explained how he had approached her, offering to help carry some of the parts back to Watto's shop. They struck up a conversation, and before she knew it, they were spending more and more time together.

"But then he stopped talking to me. I could never understand why until I confronted him. Apparently, his parents found out about us and forbade him from talking to me, or he would be shunned.”

You listened intently, sympathizing with Shmi as she spoke. "So I let him go. He was angry with me for not putting up a fight, but eventually I think he understood. He couldn't be with a slave like me," you furrowed your brow at her words. "Later on, he got married to a pretty girl, and together they had a son just a bit older than Ani.”

"I'm sorry," you said softly, not knowing what else to say.

Shmi smiled sadly. "It's okay. It was a long time ago," she said before taking a sip of her tea. "But seeing him again today brought back a lot of memories.”

You nodded in understanding and said, "I can imagine. It's hard to see the one that got away.”

Shmi chuckled softly and said, "I don't know if he was the one that got away, but he was definitely the one that could have been.”

You smiled at her words. "Well, who knows what the future holds? Maybe there's still a chance for you two.”

Shmi's eyes lit up at the possibility. "Do you think so?”

You shrugged and said, "Anything's possible. Just look at me. I never thought I'd be here on Tatooine, helping to free slaves and reconnecting lost loves.”

Shmi smiled at your words and replied, "You're right. Anything is possible." She finished her tea and stood up, saying, "But for now, I think it's time for bed.”

As you and Shmi headed to your respective cots, you gazed up at the skylight, watching the stars twinkle in the distance. The idea of a rekindled romance excited you, taking you back to the countless books you used to read. Your view of romance had been warped by the teachings of the Jedi, but your curiosity during your time away had led you to explore the world of love. From your findings, you knew how intense and deep it could be. On one hand, you understood the darkness of it, the jealousy and pain it could bring. On the other hand, you couldn't help but feel drawn to it, the idea of finding someone who understood and loved you for who you were. As you drifted off to sleep, you wondered what the future held for you and Shmi. For now, all you could do was be present in the moment and watch the stars.

As days passed, the relationship between Cliegg and Shmi grew stronger. He would visit the two of you at the moisture farms behind the town, paying special attention to Shmi. You smiled happily each time as she recounted her conversations with him.

"Then he told me how he wanted to take me out to dinner," Shmi giggled. "It's been ages since I've been on a proper date.”

You grinned, "That sounds wonderful.”

Shmi blushed, "Thank you, Y/N. I'm grateful for everything you've done for me.”

You shook your head, “Don't mention it. I'm just happy to see you happy.”

As the days passed, you spent most of your time with Shmi, helping her with daily chores, cooking together, and spending time with her new beau. You couldn't help but feel a sense of belonging in this place, and a part of you didn't want to leave. However, you knew that you had to move on. You couldn't stay on Tatooine forever, no matter how much you wanted to.

As you sat outside, gazing up at the twinkling stars, Shmi quietly joined you. She wore a wistful smile that didn't quite reach her eyes, and the light from the stars cast a soft glow over her face. The two of you sat in comfortable silence, lost in your own thoughts as you contemplated the vastness of the galaxy. The stars were particularly bright tonight, and you couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder at the beauty of it all. The silence between you was peaceful, a welcome respite from the chaos of the world. Despite the harshness of Tatooine, there was a certain magic to it all, a feeling that couldn't be described in words.

"I have something to tell you," she said, her features displaying a mixture of apprehension and excitement. "Cliegg... asked me to marry him.”

You couldn't contain your joy as you watched Shmi's face light up with the news of Cliegg's proposal. Her eyes shone with happiness, and a smile that stretched from ear to ear graced her lips. It was a beautiful moment, and you felt grateful to have been there to witness it. You pulled her into a tight hug, feeling the warmth of her embrace as she squeezed you tightly. "That's wonderful news!" you exclaimed, your voice filled with excitement. "I'm so happy for you." Shmi's joy was contagious, and you couldn't help but feel happy as well. Anakin would have wanted this for his mother, and you were glad she had found someone to share her life with. As you pulled away, you looked into her eyes and saw love and gratitude shining back at you. This was a moment you would never forget, and it would stay with you for a long time to come.

Shmi's voice broke with emotion as she spoke, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. You could see the joy in her expression, the light that had been missing for so long finally returning.

"You deserve to be happy, Shmi," you said, reaching out to take her hand. "You've been through so much, and you deserve to find love again."

She nodded, acknowledging that she deserved it. "I'm just so grateful for you," she said. "You're a kind person, and you've done so much for me. I don't know how to thank you.”

You smiled,"Seeing you happy is thanks enough. Now, when is the wedding? I expect we have much to prepare for.”

Shmi smiled at you and said, "We haven't decided on a date yet, but I'll let you know as soon as we do." You nodded, happy to help in any way you could. As the night wore on, the two of you sat in comfortable silence and watched the stars twinkle in the sky.

…

The next few weeks were chaotic. Shmi was an emotional wreck, trying to prepare for the wedding and move from one house to another. Every day, you knew that your time with her was running out. By the day of the wedding, you planned on saying goodbye.

The ceremony was both beautiful and simple. Only seven of you were present: you, Shmi, Cliegg, his son Owen, his daughter-in-law Beru, C-3PO, and a hired priest. The vows were beautiful, acknowledging their tragic past and the enduring nature of their love. Following the ceremony, you all gathered in the Lars’s home below to eat and celebrate with traditional Tatooine food. However, by the end of the celebration, you knew you had to leave.

Shmi walked you out, with a wide smile still displayed on her face.

"Thank you for everything, Y/N," Shmi said, with tears welling up in her eyes. "I don't know how to repay you.”

You hugged her tightly and said, "You don't have to do anything. Just promise me that you'll be happy and safe.”

She pulled away and wiped her tears. "I will. And you promise me that you'll come back and visit," she said.

You nodded, "Of course. I'll come back and visit whenever I can.”

As you turned to leave, you realized you had grown attached to this place and to Shmi. You knew you had to depart but couldn't help feeling sad at the thought of saying goodbye. With a heavy heart, you walked away from the Lars home and returned to Mos Espa to plan your departure.

"That was admirable, young Y/L/N.”

You stopped and turned to face the voice. Instinctively, your hand went to your blaster. Before you stood a tall and imposing figure, his cloak swirling around him in the wind. Although his face was obscured by a hood, you could feel his gaze on you. "Who are you?" you asked, your voice steady.

The figure stepped closer, its presence almost suffocating. "I am a friend," it said, its voice deep and gravelly. "And I have been watching you.”

You tensed, not liking the sound of that. "Watching me?”

The figure nodded, with their hood still obscuring their face. "Yes. Follow me. Your journey is about to begin.”

Next Part

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idontknowwhattoputasmyusernameee · 1 year

Text

Star Boy

Chapter 4

Word Count: 8,313

Warnings: Mentions of Kidnapping, Sadness, and illegal activities.

Anakin reached for the saber, its yellow blade blazing and emitting a low hum. He quickly shut it off and surveyed the area in search of you, his eyes darting back and forth with fear.

“Y/N!” he screamed, his voice echoing through the air.

Anakin began running in circles, his breaths becoming shallower with each lap. His heart sank and his stomach churned with dread and panic.

Anakin’s mind shifted into overdrive as every what-if scenario he could imagine began playing out in his head. Grief, fear, and anger overwhelmed him until all he could feel was an agonizing pain in his chest that made it nearly impossible for him to breathe.

He tried to push away the emotions, for a Jedi must remain strong and focused on their duty, but it was no use. The pain inside of him was too much and he found himself sinking to his knees as tears streamed down his face.

The sound of Obi-Wan’s voice snapped Anakin back to reality and he quickly tried wiping away his tears and masking the fear coursing through him. But Obi-Wan had already seen enough to know something was wrong; worry lined his features as he rushed over to Anakin and helped him back onto his feet.

“What happened? Where is Y/N?” Obi-Wan asked urgently, scanning the area for any sign of you.

He opened his mouth, but the words became tangled in his throat. He clutched at his windpipe as if he could physically pull them out. His gasps punctuated the silence, tearing it to shreds with their rawness.

Obi-Wan placed a gentle, fatherly hand on Anakin's shoulder and let out a slow breath.

"Anakin," he said softly, urging him to match his rhythm. "Breathe with me now."

Anakin's chest heaved as he tried to steady his breath, attempting to calm the raging storm within him. The fear of losing you threatened to consume him entirely.

He wiped away his tears and took a deep breath before speaking. "I don't know," Anakin said in a hoarse voice, his emotions still raw. "One minute she was there and the next..."

Obi-Wan's brow furrowed as he took in the information, trying to assess the situation. "We need to find her," he said firmly, the Jedi in him taking over. "Stay focused, Anakin, and we'll find her together."

Anakin nodded, the determination in his eyes returning as he stood up straight. The pain in his chest was still there, but he pushed it aside, knowing that finding you was his top priority.

Anakin and Obi-Wan raced through the dark, deserted alleys of Ganack, calling out your name as they went. Desperation clamped down on Anakin’s chest like a vice as he searched for any sign of you. He felt a pang of guilt - if it hadn't been for him, you wouldn’t be in this situation at all.

Suddenly, Obi-Wan grabbed Anakin's arm and pulled him back. "Anakin..." His voice was thick with apprehension. In the corner of his eye, Anakin caught a glimmer of light coming from a small market area. Despite the late hour, people were still bustling around.

Anakin whirled around to face Obi-Wan, anticipation rising within him. With his heart pounding, he asked hopefully: "Do you sense her? Is she there?"

But Obi-Wan shook his head sadly. "No," he said gravely, "We should report back to the Council."

Anakin clenched his fists in frustration. "But we can't! She's counting on us!"

Obi-Wan shut his eyes, not wanting to be confronted with the sight of Anakin's tear-streaked face. He spoke in a soft, low voice that betrayed his own fear and desperation. "I want her back just as much as you do. Believe me, Anakin - if we report to the council they'll know what to do."

Anakin bit his lip. They had searched for hours, but it seemed as though you had vanished into thin air, leaving no trace behind. No force signature, no whispers, nothing.

Absolutely nothing.

The council might provide them with a better plan than simply running around in circles, so he reluctantly nodded and said, "Okay."

Obi-Wan placed his hand on Anakin's shoulder in an attempt to comfort him and silently wished that everything was going to be alright. Obi-Wan cared for you like a daughter and he couldn't bear the thought of anything happening to you; yet he knew that the council might be their only hope of finding you safely. With a heavy heart he squeezed Anakin’s shoulder and said, “Let’s go.”

…

“Very troubling this is, find her we must.”

Master Yoda’s long grey ears drooped, and he let out a deep sigh at the news. This was a hard blow to the council, and an ominous cause for concern—what did someone want with a young padawan?

“What were the events leading up to this tragedy?" Master Windu asked.

Obi-Wan stood motionless as he waited on his padawan. Anakin shifted his weight from one foot to another, eyes glued to the ground.

“Anakin,” Obi-Wan whispered softly, pushing him forward slightly.

“Anakin,” Master Windu acknowledged him,"I need you to tell me what happened.”

Through the hologram, Anakin gazed at Windu and took a deep breath before recounting the events to the council. He even admitted how she had begged him not to leave, how she had trusted her instincts while he hadn't. The guilt stabbed at his heart as he recalled how he had left her alone despite her protests. He had thought he could handle the hunter by himself; if only he had stayed with her…

“I left her to chase after him. But when I returned…she was gone.”

Anakin's head fell, his eyes cast down in shame. He could feel the weight of their disappointment bearing down on him like a crushing burden, and he knew there was no way to make it go away. Obi-Wan stood at his side, silent but supportive as always, but even his presence couldn't ease the pain in Anakin's heart.

The Jedi Master leaned forward, his dark eyes boring into Anakin's. His voice was calm yet urgent. "I assure you, Anakin, we will search for her until she is found. Time is of the essence, so work quickly and efficiently."

Anakin's head bobbed in agreement, and he felt a spark of optimism lighten his heavy heart. He would risk anything to find you and get you back home. Obi-Wan placed a reassuring hand on Anakin’s other shoulder, conveying support through their shared silence.

The council members began to discuss a plan of action, and Anakin listened intently, his mind racing with ideas and strategies to find you. They decided that they would let Obi-Wan and Anakin search for you while other Jedi on existing missions would keep an eye out for any clues to your whereabouts.

Master Windu's voice lowered to a somber tone, and he allowed a few moments of silence before continuing. “May the force be with you both.” His smile was warm, but his gaze held finality. With a courteous bow, he ended the call.

...

Anakin's desperate search for you consumed him. His thoughts were plagued with the worst-case scenarios, and terror of never seeing you again weighed heavy on his heart like a physical burden. He refused to accept defeat and clung to hope; every waking moment was spent obsessing over ways to find you, leaving no stone unturned in pursuit of his goal.

Unable to contain his frustration, Obi-Wan watched as Anakin increasingly lost himself in the desperate search for you. He could see that the young man's emotions were like a whirlpool, steadily dragging him down into a maelstrom of recklessness that threatened to endanger them both.

It had been days, weeks, even months. The passage of time was unrelenting, yet still no clue of your whereabouts had been discovered. As if by magic, you had completely vanished without a trace, leaving only an empty void in your wake.

Anxiety and guilt weighed heavily on Anakin's shoulders as he and Obi-Wan stood before the Council. He cast his gaze downward, unable to meet the stern glares of the Jedi Masters who had put so much trust—and hope—in him.

The Council members were growing increasingly impatient, their voices ringing out with barely contained frustration, urging Anakin and Obi-Wan to keep searching. Obi-Wan nodded in agreement, though his thoughts traveled to the young man standing beside him, the worry evident on his face. Despite their efforts, nothing had yielded a single sign of you.

They ventured across different corners of the galaxy in search of any clues that might indicate your whereabouts. They tirelessly scoured strange new worlds, interrogated locals, explored forgotten buildings, and even went undercover in disguise when necessary. But after weeks with no progress and mounting pressure from the council, Obi-Wan knew this could not continue indefinitely; in their eyes, you were already gone.

After six months they declared you dead

Six months of waiting and all hope seemed lost. Obi-Wan's heart shattered, every dream he held for his padawan crushed by the realization that you weren't coming back. When the news came that you were declared dead, Obi-Wan fell into a spiral of despair and let his hair and beard grow wild. Anakin was utterly destroyed by the news, wailing until his voice gave out. His determination had fled, leaving him in a terrible state.

How could they give up on you so easily?

Anakin begged Obi-Wan to keep going, to go over all of the evidence just one more time. In the end it proved useless.

Maybe you were really gone.

The sacred Council looked upon the situation with grim determination, reflecting on how attached and obsessed they had allowed Obi-Wan and Anakin to become. They ordered the search to halt, recognizing this as a convenient opportunity to deploy Obi-Wan and Anakin on a mission that could use their skills without taxing their minds too much. A task handed to certain Jedi each month, it was often seen as the equivalent of jury duty; boring, tedious, but necessary. With Ilum as the destination, they knew this mission was perfect for two of their most trusted Jedi. They would only need to survey the land and ensure that the crystals were safe and sound.

Anakin sat in silence as the ship glided through the depths of space, pierced only by bursts of light from stars above. He couldn't help but think about his pastime with his mother on lazy nights outdoors when they would stare up at the night sky and play a game of star-gazing. She would quiz him on the names of constellations and point out each star to him. Sometimes he got it right, other times he didn't. But what Anakin missed most was the peace he felt when spending time with her; she used to tell him stories about how the stars were once living creatures that had passed away, leaving their souls to become glowing orbs in the universe. He couldn't help but wonder if you were one of these stars forever watching over him.

But those were just stories, not reality. In reality you were gone. Never to be seen again. He felt the weight of responsibility on his shoulders for your absence; he knew too well it was no one else's fault but his own. His inner fire exploded in rage and despair at what could have been.

It was all. His. Fault.

The council's apathy, Obi-Wan's silence, and the fading hope of his compatriots all drove him to madness. He had to leave, he had to retreat back to the safety of Tatooine, where he'd find solace with his mother and escape this tumult of sorrow. Nothing else could fill the vacuous gap in his heart but her embrace.

He gazed down at his lap, the metal of his saber hilt catching the glimmer of the stars in an eerie light. He raised it and examined it; the weight of the hilt feeling comfortable in his hands. His mind raced as he wrestled with his conscience, agonizing over whether this was the right choice. But a distant part of him knew that this was what had to be done.

Obi-Wan maintained a stationary post at the controls of the ship, his gaze fixed outward. Anakin slowly crept up and stood beside him, holding his lightsaber out towards his master.

Obi-Wan looked up, taking in the sight of his padawan's face and saber. He noticed the shifting stance that spoke of Anakin’s readiness to leave, the pain and determination in his gaze.

“What are you doing?” Obi-Wan asked in a strained whisper, already knowing what was coming.

“I'm leaving. I can't do it anymore, I can't be a Jedi,” Anakin replied, voice heavy with sorrow.

Obi-Wan closed his eyes as his mind raced through all the possibilities and outcomes. His heart sank when he realized there was no way around this; Anakin had made his decision. Taking a deep breath, he opened his eyes and tried one last time. “Anakin, please," he said softly. "Think about what you’re doing. Leaving won’t solve anything."

But Anakin remained unmoving. His expression a mix of sadness and resolve, he looked at Obi-Wan with conviction. “I have to do this, Master," he said firmly. "For my own sake and for yours. I can't stay here and continue to be a source of pain and disappointment.

It was as if Obi-Wan had opened his eyes to a new reality. Obi-Wan now realized that he had failed. He had failed Qui-gon, his padawans, and now he was about to fail the galaxy.

“Anakin,” he called softly, but Anakin refused to meet his gaze. “Anakin, please look at me.” His padawan's anguished face was streaked with tears, and Obi-Wan fought the urge to cry too.

"I have failed you," he said sadly. "And I am so very sorry."

Anakin shook his head vehemently, fresh tears spilling down his cheeks. "But it's my fault," he croaked between sobs. "I didn't listen to her like I should have. I let my pride get in the way and I left her - and now she's gone because of me."

Obi-Wan shook his head, “You are not a failure. If anything you more of a Jedi than me.” Anakin’s head shot up at Obi-Wan's words.

“You think so?”

Obi-Wan nodded giving him a small smile, “I know so and I also know that it wasn’t your fault. No one blames you Anakin. No one could have known she would be kidnapped. I didn’t even know and I’m the master,” he proclaimed.

Anakin seemed to be lost in thought, mulling over his masters words,”I thought you blamed me.”

“I could never, if anything I blame myself. I have failed you and her. Anakin let me help you.” Obi-Wan placed his hands over Anakin’s, closing them around his saber and pushing it towards his chest. "It takes great determination and strength to be a Jedi. You proved that by never giving up on her. She would want you to keep going. Don’t let her down now.”

For the first time ever he felt relief. Although the pain of your death still lingered, he could now sense a light at the end of the tunnel. Anakin would make you proud.

...

As their ship descended into the atmosphere of Ilum, Anakin's eyes widened at the sight of the crystal caves below. They were littered across the planet in vast clusters, and each one seemed to glow a different hue. Anakin stepped off the ship, his boots crunching against the layers of snow and ice that blanketed the landscape. The glittering crystals sparkled like stars, mesmerizing him with their beauty.

Obi-Wan suggested they start scouting what they could before departing back to Coruscant, and Anakin nodded eagerly. As he ventured deeper into the winding cave, away from Obi-Wan's watchful gaze, he felt a sense of peace amongst the shimmering crystals.

Then, he spotted it - a particularly large and vibrant crystal emitting pink light that almost looked crimson.

Anakin scoffed as he glanced at the pink saber crystal. "Who would even want this thing?"

He shook his head, reaching out and gently taking it into his hand. The second he touched it, the glimmering gem suddenly began to shimmer and surge with energy. He watched in awe as a thin crack appeared and split open, revealing a stunning woman inside. Her figure transported itself from inside the crystal to right in front of him. His breath caught in his throat as he saw her soft white robes and delicate features, her eyes sparkling like stars. A strange warmth coursed through Anakin's veins as she smiled at him and extended her hand.

"I am Lyra," she said in a melodious voice. "A guardian of the crystals. Thank you for freeing me, young Jedi."

The mention of guardians piqued Anakin's curiosity, and he couldn't help but be drawn to this mysterious woman before him. He slowly reached out and took her hand, feeling a sudden jolt of electricity course through his body.

Anakin felt a chill as his fingers intertwined with Lyra's, and uncertainly followed her into the depths of the cave. His eyes widened at her explanation of the guardians - these ancient, pure-hearted protectors of the kyber crystals. He drank in every word, feeling the Force like never before, reverence filling him.

"Why were you stuck in there?" he asked.

Lyra turned to him, lifting an eyebrow at his query of why she was stuck in that tiny stone. Her lips curved up in a smirk as she proudly proclaimed that it had been her duty to guard and deliver the kyber crystal to its proper destination. Anakin's face scrunched with disbelief; such importance attached to such a tiny pink stone?

The guardian regarded him fondly, amusement twinkling in her gaze.

The pink crystal shimmered as if it were alive, and Lyra smiled knowingly at Anakin.

"The crystal chooses the wielder," she said in a low voice, her eyes trained upon the sparkly piece of rock. "The one I'm waiting for is important in influencing the balance of the Force."

Anakin furrowed his brows in confusion. He had always thought he was the only one capable of bringing balance back to the Force.

"In due time you will understand, Anakin," Lyra said softly, her gaze never leaving the crystal. "I know who you are: Chosen One."

At that moment, Anakin's heart skipped a beat. His prophesied title felt like a heavy mantle on his shoulders. If it wasn't intimidating enough to be designated as the universe's savior, he also struggled with self-doubt—would he really be able to bring balance back to the Force?

Lyra seemed to sense his internal conflict and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.

"Do not doubt yourself, Anakin. The Force is strong within you and you have the potential to do great things," she said with unwavering assurance.

A surge of determination washed over Anakin and he felt the weight of his destiny lessen slightly. He had craved validation and acceptance for so long, and hearing it from a being as wise and ancient as Lyra felt reassuring.

"Thank you for freeing me, it was nice to stretch my legs. "

"Of course," Anakin responded, as if freeing supernatural beings was a past time for him.

"I can give you something, as gratitude for freeing me from the crystal.”

Like what? Anakin thought. He couldn't think of anything he desired, unless...

It hit him.

Anakin stood motionless, wringing his hands as he tried to formulate the words in his head. He finally choked out, "I have a friend...She was my friend, but they say she's dead. I just-" He struggled to hold back tears and swallowed hard before continuing, "I miss her a lot. I need to know where she is, even if she's dead I have to know what happened."

Lyra studied him sympathetically, feeling the raw grief rolling off of the young boy in waves. She shook her head slowly and Anakin's face fell as he realized what was coming next.

"I can't tell you Anakin," Lyra said softly, reaching out to grasp his head with her warm palms.

"But I can show you what the force wants you to see."

Images flashed through his brain at a rapid pace. The hunter snatching you from behind and injecting a serum into the back of your neck. The ship he guessed you were on transporting you to a planet that looked suspiciously like Coruscant. Then the image flashed them walking into a warehouse where they designed where a pit lay below. It zoomed forward to you laying on the ground, your back facing him.The force was pulling him towards you and he stumbled forward, his eyes wide with anticipation. He turned around expecting to find Lyra behind him but instead a dull grey wall met his gaze. He wondered if he was here with you; the very thought made his heart race.

He sprinted towards you, throwing himself to his knees at your side. His hands trembled as he touched your icy skin, and he blew hot breath onto them in a desperate attempt to warm them. Your shallow breaths barely stirred the air around you, making it feel like time was running out.

Anakin shook your body gently, desperation seeping into his every movement. His voice cracked as he said your name, “Y/N, I'm here. It's me Ani.” He paused, hope flickering in his chest as he waited for a response, but you still lay lifelessly in his arms. Tears streamed down his face as he held you close and whispered pleadingly, “Y/N, please, please wake up.”

But he felt like he was being pulled back. Back to reality.

“I’ll find you, I promise.”

He struggled to push his body up from the hard ground, groaning as he stumbled forward. His eyes were wild with fear and he swallowed hard as he ran to Obi-Wan, panting out the story of the crystal, the guardian, and you.

Obi Wan looked into Anakin's eyes, and saw pain and desperation. "Anakin, the council said-"

"Who cares what the council says," he interrupted, his voice strained with emotion. "She's on Coruscant, I know it. Trust me, master. Please."

The air in the room grew heavy with tension, as Obi Wan regarded Anakin's trembling form. Finally, he gave a small nod of assent.

Obi-Wan was a sole believer in the force, knowing it worked in wonderful ways. He had hoped that this was one of those times.

Obi-Wan let out a deep sigh,”Alright, we’ll go. But first, we have to do this.” He waved his hand signaling the importance of assessing the caves. “We’ll do this first and then we leave.”

Anakin's excitement bubbled up inside of him, and he almost couldn't contain it. He took a step forward, ready to embrace his master, but stopped short when he saw the serious look on Obi-Wan's face.

“Not a word to the council, Anakin,” Obi-Wan ordered, his finger pointed directly at him.

Anakin quickly nodded his head. "Of course, Master. Why would I tell the council?" He asked innocently.

Obi-Wan gave him a playful smirk and patted him on the shoulder,"Good, now let's bring her home."

The journey to Coruscant was long and arduous, but Anakin's determination to find you kept him going. The two convened with the council before setting off to enjoy their much needed "time off."

Anakin flew the two of them in a bright yellow speeder, guided by the force to find you. Never before out of all the six months they spent searching for you has the force been adamant on leading them to your whereabouts.

Obi-Wan's stomach churned with a strange mixture of trepidation and anticipation. He could feel the force tugging at him, almost like an invisible string leading them to some unknown destination.

The closer they got, the more eerily familiar their surroundings seemed. Towering buildings loomed over them as they approached a rundown warehouse that occupied the highest level of Coruscant, like a forgotten penthouse. Two hangers lay overlooked on the roof - one for storage and one for ships. Anakin felt his heart sink as he remembered Lyra's vision, and this time, he couldn't shake it off so easily.

Anakin and Obi-Wan cautiously made their way through the deserted building, picking their way over abandoned containers, discarded barrels and scrap piles. The air was heavy with tension and anticipation as they approached a large metal door at the back of the structure. Anakin ignited his lightsaber, his heart pounding in rhythm to its hum as he slowly pierced a hole in the door just big enough for them to fit through. Inside, a dim sun roof hung overhead casting an eerie glow across the room and the circular trap door below it. Steadily, Anakin raised the edge of the trap door exposing a ladder that descended deep into darkness. He glanced up to meet Obi-Wan’s eyes, his voice barely above a whisper “This is it.”

Anakin descended the ladder first, Obi-Wan carefully following behind. As they made their way down, their lightsabers cast a faint glow on the grey walls of the dimly lit room.

“Y/N!” Anakin called out, but there was no answer. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest as he realized that this must be the room he remembered from his dream. But where were you?

“Anakin,” Obi-Wan spoke softly, and Anakin turned to him curiously. His question was forgotten when he saw Obi-Wan standing at the center of the room with an expression of awe on his face.

In front of him, in the center of the stone wall was a hole that appeared to have been partially dug with an implement. Its circumference and depth were just large enough for someone to fit inside. Etched above were the words: Y/N WAS Here.

…

It had been three years since you disappeared. For most of the Jedi, it was a distant memory. But not for Anakin. He still thought about you every day, haunted by the fact that he couldn't save you. He channeled his grief and anger into his work as a Jedi, becoming one of the most skilled and powerful in the order at sixteen years old. But despite his accomplishments, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was missing. That feeling of emptiness and loss lingered within him, a constant reminder of what he had lost.

Sometimes he would see you in his dreams or when he was awake. It was like you were actually there with him, like he could touch you and feel your skin. Just like that one day in the caves with Lyra, but you never seemed to notice him. It was odd. He would be placed right in the center of whatever you were doing watching you negotiate deals, threaten crooks, and get involved with shootouts. But each time it was like he was invisible. Anakin wondered if it was all just a big coincidence or if the force was at play in ways he did not understand yet. He would talk to you in hopes of you hearing him, turning your head every which way, looking around you and behind you as if something were there. His heart would race and a small feeling of hope would spring up inside of him, attempting to swell outwards past the ache of lost chances and regrets. Then you would simply ignore it, turning back to whatever important tasks had been placed before you.

Anakin could see the subtle changes in your face; your eyes seemed to be a little bit more hollowed out, and there was a noticeable softening of your cheeks. Your hair had grown long enough that it reached down to your mid-back, and you’d started to grow into your body. The last time he saw you, you had been a timid little girl, now you seemed so much older, more self-assured. You were as calculating and determined as always but something was different about you now. It felt almost like an alternate version of the person he remembered. If this was some conjured up delusions his grieving mind made, then they were getting more and more vivid as time went on.

Call him crazy but these visions put him at ease. He would go to sleep excited every night just to see your face. Just to make sure you were never hurt or lost. Anakin knew if he told Obi-Wan or any of the council members they would be concerned. Thinking it was some power from the dark side tempting him. Maybe it was. Maybe it wasn’t. But could it really be something conjured by the Sith?Something that brought him joy and comfort surely wouldn’t be dark. So naturally he kept these visions to himself.

He almost gave his secret away one day. Just like all of his other visions of you, he was right next to you. Watching your lips move as they spoke to the person across from you. Your brows were furrowed in concentration, clearly caught up in some deal. Sometimes in the first few seconds his visions started, the sounds of your voice would be muffled. Like he was underwater, until they became crystal clear. And your voice came through, comforting him.

Just like always he would call your name and place his hand on your arm. He liked to see you react to his touch. Knowing by the way your shoulders went back, that you got chills. His hands would touch your hair feeling how soft it was despite your nomadic lifestyle. He would play with the ends curling it around his fingers. But he never tugged on it. It was funny to him, how you were so clueless to his presence, yet so reactive to the little things he does.

You stood up abruptly from your seat, walking out of the building in a hurried pace. He chased after you, calling your name with increasing desperation.

“Y/N,” he called your name again.

You stopped, turning around slowly with wide eyes. Anakin stopped breathing as he watched you.

You tilted your head to the side, a curious gaze looking at him.

“Y/N?” he repeated, hoping that by doing so you would recognize it was him. Your feet followed the sound of his voice until you were right in front of him. He watched you curiously, wondering what you were thinking. Could you see him?

It seemed like it, but he noted the ways your eyes looked distant. Looking past him like he was translucent.

Your eyes looked around the area, searching for whatever caused it.

“Anakin?”

His heart leaped.

“Anakin.”

But your lips weren't moving.

“Anakin,” he was shaken out of his trance back to reality. Obi-Wan stood before him, his hands on his shoulders with a tight nervous grip.

Anakin felt his eyelids flutter rapidly as he tried to force himself back into the present.

“Are you okay?” Obi-Wan asked, peering up at him with concern. With Anakin's recent growth spurt, he had to tilt his chin down to return his master's gaze.

“Yes, I'm fine. I was just...” He searched for an excuse that would explain away his trance. “Daydreaming.”

The older Jedi raised a brow skeptically while glancing behind Anakin's shoulder at the cold metal wall.

“You know what, I don’t even want to know,” Obi-Wan sighed, already walking away and muttering something under his breath. Anakin felt the heat creeping onto his cheeks as embarrassment flooded through him; these visions were getting out of control.

…

He liked flowers. Nature's sewing kit, they could create something so intricate and ephemeral. Perfectly formed with alienlike symmetry and vibrant colors. They reminded him of you and when he thought of those moments with you, he remembered how your hands worked the stems and petals into a crown that would drape over his forehead before you would move on to something else. Sometimes he wondered if you knew how much you calmed him just being near. As his head would rest against your shoulder, like a familiar blanket, redolent of warmth, sweetness, and happiness. It was rare for him to have people in his life who made him feel this way. If love is one half of a connection between two people meant to be together, then friendship must be the other half.

Forget-me-nots were precious to him.

A small blue flower unassuming to most but for him they meant a lot. Whenever you came across them you would always excitedly point and snatch them. Explaining the hidden meaning behind them and how beautiful it would be to give someone a full bouquet of them. Of course Anakin scoffed, not really understanding how a tiny flower could mean anything.

But now they did. They meant a lot.

He stood motionless, examining the blue and white forget-me-not encased in a clear resin. It hung gracefully from a thin silver chain. He slowly reached out his long fingers and lightly grazed the delicate flower before slipping it into the comfort of his palm.

“You touch it you buy it,” the man running the stand, grunted out.

Anakin couldn’t really argue. He was going to buy it anyways. He reached into the deep pockets of his robe, grabbing a few credits and placing them on the table.

“Keep the change,” as he snatched the necklace and immediately placed it around his neck. Obi-Wan stood a few feet away at another vendor, picking out different colors of tunics.

“Which color fits me best, the beige or green one?”

“The beige.” Anakin answered simply.

“Really, you think so?”

“Yeah of course, it’s boring and bland. Just like you master.”

“Hilarious Anakin,” Obi-Wan deadpanned. “Well I'm buying it anyway. My other one caught on fire.” Obi-Wan gave the man in front of him a few credits,”What did you find?”

“Just a necklace,”he shook it out from under his robe and brandished it to Obi-Wan. The hot sun, reflected off of it almost blinding him.

“A flower…”

“Yeah, and?”

His master shook his head,”Nothing, just thought you’d get something actually useful.”

Anakin rolled his eyes, of course he knew Obi-Wan didn’t understand the sentimental value behind it. But he wasn’t going to argue.

“I’ll meet you at the ship master,” Anakin left, towards the direction of the mechanic shop. While on their way back to Coruscant they made a rendezvous here on the planet of Rayloff. Known for its bustling markets and vibrant people. With their crappy ship given to them by the council, Anakin lost count of how many times they’ve had to make a quick stop to refuel. Rayloff was probably the tenth planet so far.

Anakin made it halfway before stepping on something soft, not realizing it was a foot until the person winced.

As he stumbled, they barked a complaint, their voice muffled behind their triangular mask. The hood cast their face in deep shadows, but blue light leaked from the eye holes like glowing slits. Their hands didn't look robotic, but there was something strange about them nonetheless as they reached out to steady him. A wave of calm washed over him like diving into a warm pool after being caught in freezing rain. And then he realized - this person was familiar somehow, someone he had known.

Anakin tilted his head trying to process what he was feeling, “Hey do I-”

But they walked off in a hurried pace, not caring to listen what he had to say.

“Hey, wait a minute!”

They drifted away from him in the pulsing mass of humanity that filled the market. Shoppers jostled by, their faces indistinguishable in the chaos, and he tried his best to spot them through the sea of bobbing heads. But the heads of all the people in the bustling market today were all the same.

…

You walked with a slight limp, irritated by the padawan that quite literally stepped on you. It was awkward, for you at least, to see a Jedi after almost three years. Not once since you’ve been gone had seen one. But today you were in no mood to be in their presence.

The boy looked familiar – he may have come from the temple somewhere down the line but you couldn't quite place him. You took in his features anyway – blue eyes, high cheekbones, and a full set of lips – and thought it was cute, albeit in an awkward way.

Your gaze shifted to the tent ahead of you. Streamers with bright colours and beads hung from above and pretty flowers were spread across the ground. The shopkeeper was dozing off on his stool in the corner, his shoulder serving as a bed for a little hairless bird that chirped intermittently amidst his snores. Your heart lifted in anticipation – hopefully your necklace was still here.

“Hello?”

The man made no movements.

“Excuse me,” you called again, growing annoyed. “Hey,” you picked up a small rock and threw it towards the man directly hitting him in the throat.

He was mid snore and began choking on air, startled by the sudden sharp pain. The bird fluttered in the air by his loud noise. After panting heavily, he raised his eyes to lock with mine. His expression was no longer one of surprise, but rather frustration and annoyance.

“Can I help you?” he asked, displeased by your presence once again.

“Yes, I was wondering if you held onto that forget-me-not necklace. Like I had asked,” you said firmly, almost accusingly.

“Oh,” he remarked, clearly bored with the conversation already. “Someone bought it.”

“What? But I had paid you already and promised extra if you could hold on to it for me.”

“Yeah, well…” he waved his hand in the air trying to think of an excuse, but he clearly had none.

You rolled your eyes, annoyed but not enough to make a huge deal out of it. Before you walked off you held your hand out using the force to get your credits out of the front of his vest pocket. He tried to protest but you had also sealed his lips shut and rooted his feet to the ground.

“Have a good day,” you said brightly, pissing the mute man off even more. He had waved his hands frantically at you as you walked away, drawing the attention of a few people nearby.

You were so going to tell Hondo about this.

When you made it back to the crew they had sat on different crates of loot, playing an intense game of trash poker.

“Vera!” they shouted in unison, their faces lit up with relieved smiles when they saw you. You were a reliable and loyal member of the team who had helped them make enough money to upgrade to a larger ship with better accommodations for travel. You had also taken it upon herself to decorate some of the walls and make sure things were kept tidy, making you indispensable amongst a crew full of unkempt men.

“Hey, guys. Is Hondo in the usual spot?”

They nodded their heads, pointing towards the main controls of the ship. Hondo sat at his usual assigned, captain’s seat. Mulling over a transcript that probably held all of the stock the ship contained and prices. His line of “work” became more of a business rather than some unorganized crime novice. Hondo liked to praise you for opening his eyes to more, but you refused to take credit. Because one, what you were doing was illegal and that small part of you that had morals refused to believe in making a crime leader more organized. And two, you didn't want to place a target on your back by accepting credit. Being the only girl in a group of men was not easy and earning attention from their captain didn’t seem like a good idea.

But naturally Hondo was proud to have you, discreetly calling you his right hand man and often let you lead deals by yourself in his name.

“Anything different today?” you asked, throwing a small object onto his lap.

He grunted in response to you, still focused on the paper.

Hondo's weathered hands paused as they moved across the parchment, his sharp eyes narrowed as he scanned it. “No, but just checking,” he said in a gruff voice, his gaze flicking up to meet yours. “I don’t quite trust the new guy and if he stole some merchandise I’d want to know.”

“Well I would have told you if he did," you assured.

He waved his hand dismissively in response. “Yeah, but you know me, paranoid," Hondo sighed. You let out a soft snort of amusement, thinking fondly of all the times he'd been overly cautious despite running a business based on taking risks. You knew that beneath the tough exterior was a kind man who had taken pity on you when you were alone and scared at twelve years old. He had seen something in you that reminded him of his niece long before she too was lost to him - and his broken heart slowly started to mend with your friendship over time.

You could say the same, grateful for him taking you in when he did and listening to your troubled thoughts and wants. Long ago he had encouraged you to go back to the Jedi and continue your teachings. But your naive self thought of yourself as a monster, and paranoid that they would find out about what you did and shun you. Today you now realized how stupid and overdramatic you were, it was clearly self defense. However at the time, being so enveloped by the Jedi teachings you were too blind to see reason. Now that years had passed, you though of it being too late to go back. Consumed by your work and too attached to the people around you.

“I got you something from the market, thought you’d appreciate it,” You sat opposite of him in the co-pilot chair. Seeing as you were trained in flying, Hondo thought it reasonable to help man the ship.

He looked down to find a long, wooden box resting in his lap. Gently, he peeled away the delicate packaging and ran his fingers over the smooth surface. His eyes widened as understanding dawned on him, and he slowly lifted his gaze towards you. Gratitude shone in his eyes.

When you had found it you immediately got excited, knowing how much he had been talking about getting one. Now that you were leaving him, it seemed fair to get him something to show your gratitude.

He placed the bobble head on the front of the ship, above the controls and flicked it with his finger. The tiny Ewok shook back and forth, making Hondo let out a slight chuckle.

“Do you really have to go?” he asked, solemnly.

You sighed,”I’ve told you how important this is for me.”

“I know but, how do you know it will even work?’

“Well…I’m not too confident. But, I know nothing will go wrong, I’ll make sure of it.” you assured him.

He immediately stood up and engulfed you in a hug,” We’ll miss you around here. What are we going to do now without our precious Jedi.”

You shrugged,”Probably get into loads of trouble. But you’ll manage, you did it before, you can do it now.”

…

You arrived on Tatooine a few hours later not too far from Rayloff. The heat from the sun bore down on you making you take off the navy blue robe.

You walked through the bustling streets of Mos Espa, the sand crunching beneath your boots. Your mind raced as you tried to recall every detail from Anakin's stories - the blue Toydarian with his long snout and snaggly teeth had to be nearby.

“Oh you-”

You turned your head to the noise. A small blue creature floating in the air cursed in huttese at a mechanical object. He hit it over and over with an enlarged wrench.

“Careful or you’ll break it,”you warned him. The toydarian glared up at you, his eyes full of mistrust and resentment.

“Who do you think you are?” he spat, his voice harsh and demanding.

"I'm Vera," you answered calmly. "And I'm looking for Shmi Skywalker."

Next Chapter

#anakin #anakin fanfic #anakin fanfiction #anakin skywalker #anakin skywalker fanfiction #anakin skywalker x jedi!reader #anakin x fem reader #anakin x fem!reader #anakin x jedi reader #anakin x reader #starwars #star wars fandom #star wars prequels #star wars fanfiction #star wars fanfic

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idontknowwhattoputasmyusernameee · 1 year

Text

Masterlist

Series:

Star Boy

Summary: You were a padawan alongside Anakin Skywalker and trained under the supervision of Obi-Wan Kenobi, until you were kidnapped during a mission. After living in solitude and making a life of your own you were finally hunted down by the Jedi by none other than your old master and friend. As year's passed by it seemed that things had changed and so had your relationship with Anakin. Were you still friends? Or did the years spent apart cause you to drift away?

Fic is loosely based on the events of the prequels, the clone wars, and some of the movie novelizations.

This is an x reader fic, and uses fem pronouns.

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

#anakin fanfic #anakin #anakin skywalker #anakin fanfiction #anakin skywalker x jedi!reader #anakin x fem!reader #anakin skywalker fanfiction #anakin x fem reader #anakin x jedi reader #anakin x reader

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idontknowwhattoputasmyusernameee · 1 year

Text

Star Boy

Chapter 3

Age:12, Year:28 BBY

Word Count: 5,730

Warnings: Isolation, SA (don’t worry you’re safe), gore and violence. Also drugs and illegal activities. Things just got a bit heavy. (Please let me know if I missed anything.)

A/N: Bear with me, these next few chapters are just building context for the story later. But we'll see Anakin soon enough.

It was quiet. The pounding in your head was all you heard. You could taste blood in your mouth, your lips had been split open. Your eyes felt as if they were glued shut, heavy and unmoving as you tried to coax them open. Visions and memories swam through your mind like schools of fish darting between reefs, but nothing made sense. You couldn’t tell if the scenes playing out behind your lids were reality or a nightmare. Each time you tried to grasp onto a memory, it skittered away like a crab into the sand. Finally, with a fierce shake of your head, you managed to force your eyes open. The world was blurry at first, colors bleeding together like paint on a canvas before slowly coming into focus.

The featureless, grey wall loomed before you, its surface scarred by what appeared to be frantic clawing. Chips of rock and chunks of mortar littered the floor below it. You looked around; the walls of the cramped space were barren and bleak. Every other wall was a replica of the one before it, except for where a thin ray of light shone through an opening in the ceiling, providing a beacon of hope that perhaps there was a way out. Squinting your eyes, you could make out the shape of a circular trap door. You felt a sudden rush of adrenaline, and your hands flew up in an instinctive motion, ready to push against the door with force. But you stopped short when your wrists bumped against the thick metal bands that had been clamped around them. The cuffs were dull gray and humming softly like an insidious warning, suppressing your ability to tap into the force.

Your eyes darted around, scanning the barren room for anything, anything that could help. Your mind raced as you spotted a possible escape, but your heart sank when you realized there was no chance of breaking free with what was in sight.

You pounded on the wall below the trap door, hoping someone - anyone - would hear you. But no one came. You felt like you were losing your mind. The feeling of being trapped was suffocating, and you couldn’t bear it any longer.

Just when all hope seemed lost, your fingers brushed against something cold and smooth tucked away in one corner of the room. You spotted the thin metal wire tucked between two rotting wooden planks at the far wall of your cell. With your heart beating wildly in your chest, you crawled across the cold stone floor and grabbed it with both hands. Examining it closely, you saw that each end was crafted into a sharp point. You inserted one of the pointed ends into the keyhole and began to wiggle and jiggle it frantically, praying for a miracle. A loud beeping suddenly broke out through the room, and you nearly dropped the rod out of surprise.

The sound of boots clomping across the floor above you echoed in the darkness. The trap door was slowly lifted, revealing a figure silhouetted by the streaming sunlight.

“You’re finally awake,” he said in a neutral tone. You scrambled to sit up, eyes darting around the small room.

“Where am I?” you asked frantically.

He waved away your comment with a dismissive flick of his wrist. “That doesn’t matter right now,” he said, pointing to your handcuffs. “Those metal cuffs have been modified to detect when you try to tamper with them. They’ll beep and alert us as soon as you start fiddling.”

“Why am I here?”

He shot you a condescending look and replied, “That’s on a need-to-know basis, and you don’t need to know.” He stood up and began shutting the door. You screamed for him to wait but only heard the click of it locking firmly. The sudden darkness plunged like icy water and forced you to your knees as fear crept in.

The cruel, cold steel of the handcuffs dug deep into your wrists, sending a flaming wave of pain up your arms with each tug. The metal shackles chafed and grated against your skin as you fought to escape their vice-like grip. Your muscles and sinew trembled with desperation and fatigue as you lay in the silent darkness, alone with your thoughts. You didn’t know what would happen next.

The expectation of Anakin and Obi-Wan’s arrival filled the air, but as time passed, fear began to manifest in your mind. You glanced around your dark prison cell. It was cold, and you had no idea if they were even coming for you. Your heart sank at the thought of being abandoned here, alone in this darkness forever. You felt a chill run down your spine as you realized that this time, you may be the one playing a losing game of waiting.

...

Desperation clung to you like a heavy blanket as the days and weeks passed. You etched another Roman numeral in the damp wall and curled up on the cold stone floor, feeling more alone than ever. Every night you hoped for rescue, but with each passing day, your hope diminished further. You began to accept that no one was coming for you.

Every day a guard would drop off a meal - an unappetizing slop of stale bread and some watery gruel. The bowl was dirty and smudged with fingerprints, but it made you feel oddly comforted that someone out there still cared enough to keep you alive.

Today was no different. You were lying on the cold, hard, concrete floor, examining a scrawl in the dust. The name looked like someone had hurriedly scratched it into the floor with a fingernail or a piece of broken glass. The first word was written large and capitalized as if to proclaim its importance: Vera. Then the letters began to shrink and… Paak. The next word was difficult to decipher. It might have been here, you thought. Or maybe escape. You wondered if they’d been able to make it out of here…

Despite the despair of your situation, knowing that someone else had been through it gave you hope and inspired you to keep going and not give up.

Your thoughts were interrupted as you heard the old, rusty trap door creak open above. A beam of sunlight shone in the darkness and illuminated the tray of food that had been lowered by a rope into the center of the room. As soon as it touched the ground, you heard a loud thud as the trap door shut once more. You tried to resist the urge to eat the food, but your hunger got the better of you.

That’s when you heard it. A faint scratching sound coming from the wall opposite of you. You crawled over and pressed your ear to the cold, damp stone. The noise was definitely coming from inside the wall. Your heart started to race with excitement as you realized what this could mean.

You found a metal rod and gripped it tightly as you pressed it into the stone wall. You could feel the rough crags scrape at your fingers, but you pushed past the discomfort and focused on what you had to do. Hours blurred by in a flurry of scraping and chipping until, finally, you widened the gap enough for you to squeeze through.

You fit yourself through the tiny opening in the wall and found yourself in a dank tunnel. The walls were slimy with moss, and the air was saturated with the pungent odor of rot and decay. But you welcomed it—it smelled so much sweeter than the stale air of your prison cell. Careful not to make too much noise, you inched forward, navigating through the murky darkness.

Your knees ached from crawling on the cold, wet stone, and you felt a bead of sweat trickle down your forehead. You could feel a faint glimmer of light in the darkness ahead, so you quickened your pace until you finally broke through into a small warehouse-like area. The pungent smell of stale ale filled the air, and beams of light poured through windows high above, illuminating stacks of wooden crates and barrels. On the other wall, there was a single door.

Your gaze swept across the space and landed on two barrels sitting side by side. A deep burgundy hue filled them, and you tentatively reached out to test their temperature. Despite the cold liquid, you grit your teeth and quickly submerge your wrists into it, feeling a chill run through your body. You concentrated intensely as you picked at the locks and heard the faint tinkling of metal on metal through the liquid. After a seemingly endless struggle, the cuffs finally opened. You watched in amazement as they sunk further down into the depths of the barrel, and the ringing noise slowly dissipated.

Your heart raced with excitement as you stood up, surveying your surroundings. The hairs on the back of your neck stood on end, and a cold chill ran down your spine. You had to be brave and keep going if you wanted to escape.

You stepped forward, barely making a sound, each movement calculated and precise. Every inch closer to the door felt like a victory.

As you reached out for the handle, you heard two male voices in conversation just beyond its threshold. You carefully leaned your ear against the wood, straining to listen to what they were saying.

“So when are we going to drop that girl off?” one said.

“Who knows,” sighed the other. “I heard some weirdo wanted us to keep her alive so they could kill her themselves.”

“What’s so special about her anyways?”

“They say she’s a Jedi.”

“More like unwanted baggage to me.”

“Expensive, unwanted baggage. She’ll be buying our way out of this hell hole.”

Your heart pounded in your chest as the horrifying realization sunk in — you were the human shipment. With no time to waste, you gathered every ounce of strength and, with a yell, ripped open the door.

The two men were caught off-guard as you brandished a metal rod, ready to fight for your freedom. The first man lunged at you with a knife and unleashed a flurry of quick strikes. You felt the Force guiding your movements, side-stepping each attack with ease and using a nearby crate as your shield. As the adrenaline coursed through your veins, you focused on his next move, feeling it before it even happened. With one powerful motion, you disarmed him and sent the weapon flying across the room.

You held the metal rod in a trembling hand, pointing it at the two men with the same intensity you used to wield your lightsaber. Sweat beaded on your forehead as you demanded, “Who are you? Why am I here?”

The man you had knocked down scrambled to his feet and glanced nervously at his companion before responding. “We were paid to transport you to a buyer. That’s all we know.”

You didn’t believe them, but you knew time was of the essence. With lightning speed, you lunged forward and slammed the butt end of the rod into both their heads, knocking them unconscious. Adrenaline coursed through your veins as you raced through winding hallways toward freedom.

As you ran through the corridors, fear and confusion rumbled within. Who wanted to capture you? You weren’t a threat to anyone, not even Sith Lords. But this was no ordinary world; nothing ever made sense in a galaxy full of secrets and danger.

You sprinted towards the light at the end of the tunnel, your feet pounding against the earth as you heard the sound of footsteps echoing behind you. You pushed yourself harder, desperate for a chance to get away.

Finally, you felt warm air fill your lungs as you stumbled out into a storage compound filled with a variety of containers and crates. Beyond the platform stood a large ship with people carrying boxes and loading supplies. You turned around and saw a group of men searching for you.

Knowing it was too late to run, you quickly ducked behind a stack of metal containers and hugged your knees to your chest, trying to make yourself as small as possible. Your heart raced in your chest like a wild animal, and every breath felt like sandpaper against your throat. The men’s footsteps grew louder as they didn’t seem to be giving up anytime soon.

You held your breath and tried to control your racing thoughts. You couldn’t afford to be caught again. Not after all you had been through.

As the group of men passed you by, you breathed a sigh of relief. You waited until they were out of sight before emerging from your hiding spot. You took one last look around the storage compound before sprinting towards the ship. Luckily no one spotted you as you entered the seemingly empty vessel.

“That’s all of the cargo. Let’s leave before they notice we took anything extra.”

Your heart raced, and you scanned the room for a place to hide. You spotted an old wooden crate with rusty hinges and grabbed it, yanking frantically at the lid until it opened enough for you to squeeze inside. The voice outside grew closer, their footsteps echoing against the floor, and you held your breath as the shadows stretched across the floor.

“We’re ready when you are captain,” the voice in front of you said. You couldn’t see the captain’s face, but you could hear the smirk in his voice as he responded, “Good, we’re due for a quick turnaround. Let’s get out of here before anyone realizes what we’ve done.”

The sound of footsteps faded away as the ship began to hum with activity. You couldn’t help but feel a sense of relief as the ship lifted off the ground, lifting you away from your captors and towards freedom.

As the ship soared through the galaxy, you sat in the dark, cramped crate, peering through the small cracks in the wood. You couldn’t help but wonder who had orchestrated your kidnapping and why they wanted you so badly. All you knew was that you had to stay hidden and bide your time until you could figure out your next move.

For hours, you sat in the dark, wooden crate, your mind racing with thoughts of escape and revenge. You could feel sweat dripping from your forehead as the ship began to land. The floor shook beneath you, and you heard the sound of men unloading crates outside. Suddenly, the lid of the container creaked open, and a menacing figure appeared. He had a scruffy beard and wore a worn-out leather jacket that seemed almost too heavy for his body. His eyes were deep and dark, and he smiled wickedly as he reached down to grab you. You struggled against him, squirming and wriggling as his firm grip held you tight.

“Let me go!” you shouted, kicking and flailing with all of your might.

“Put her down, Kritz.”

The man’s grip on your arms loosened, and you stumbled back, your palms and knees stinging as they hit the hard surface. You scrambled to your feet, adrenaline coursing through you. You scanned the room, desperately searching for something - anything - that could be used as a weapon. Your abilities, usually strong, felt weak from months of being suppressed. But you managed to use the force to summon a blaster from Kritz’s holster into your hand.

His eyes widened, holding his hands up in surrender.

“Now, where did you come from?” The man, who you assumed was the captain, began eyeing you down. Trying to figure out who you are, he asked, “What’s your name?”

You were taken aback by the inquiry. Your hands trembled around the blaster as you tried to decide if you should divulge your true identity.

You decided not to.

A bead of sweat ran down your forehead as you quickly answered, “Vera!” Trying to keep your voice steady, you realized that if you reveal your actual name, you would be in even more trouble than you already were.

“Vera what?”

“Vera Paak,” you replied with more confidence in your voice.

He hummed, processing your name,” Well miss Paak, it looks like you’ve damaged some stolen goods.”

He pointed to the crate you were cozied up in and noticed the jewels and beads crushed into fine powder. An outline of your body where you lay for hours.

He noticed your panicked expression making him let out a hearty laugh.

“No need to be frightened, child. You can pay me back,” he said with a sly smile on his face.

“How?” the blaster subconsciously lowered.

He looked away in the distance, thinking over what he would like you to do.

“I have some business in another part of the galaxy. You can assist me with the deals I need to make. And in return, your debt will be paid in full.”

“And if I refuse?” you inquired, not believing the words spilling out of his mouth. Your grip on the blaster tightens.

“If you refuse,” he began,” We will take you back to wherever you came from. It would be a shame, though, as your abilities will be useful to me.”

You weighed your options carefully, knowing that you couldn’t just walk away from this situation. If you didn’t agree to work for the captain, you could end up back in the hands of your previous captors or worse.

“Okay,” you finally said, trying to suppress the fear in your voice. “Fine,” you said, putting on a brave face.

The captain’s smile widened, and he nodded his head in approval. “Good choice, Miss Paak. I have a feeling you and I are going to work well together. I’m Hondo, your captain.”

With that, Hondo turned and walked away, leaving you alone to ponder your next move. As you held the blaster in your hand, you realized that you had just taken your first step into a world far more dangerous than anything you had ever experienced before.

But there was no turning back now. You were determined to survive, no matter what it took.

...

You explored the ship, familiarizing yourself with its structure and mechanics. With Hondo as your guide, you navigated the dimly lit corridors of his vessel, meeting the crew members along the way. You passed grunts manning turrets and hovering over consoles, technicians tinkering with circuits and wiring, all of them battle-scarred and hardened by a life of crime.

Hondo briefed you on your first mission - a spice deal to be conducted with a powerful lord on Dathomir. He needed your help to ensure this operation proceeds without any hiccups. He placed his hand on your shoulder and looked deep into your eyes as he spoke: “You’ll be my right-hand woman, Vera, and I’ll teach you everything you need to know.”

You nodded, not really sure what to expect.

“Also, keep a lid on your abilities, kid. No one needs to know I’m playing host to a Jedi. You got me?”

You nodded once. You knew he was right; no use calling attention to yourself with some flashy display of Jedi powers in a den full of crooks and ne’er do wells. Being a Jedi is what got you kidnapped in the first place.

“Excellent. Now, why don’t you go shower and change into something clean? You smell like a Bantha!”

Your cheeks burned with humiliation as the suggestion of a shower hung in the air. You wanted to lash out but instead held your tongue, knowing that being clean and fresh would be worth the indignity. Mud-spattered clothes and an itchy layer of grime had been your reality for months.

You wandered through the unfamiliar corridors, squinting at the signs in search of the washroom. After a few minutes of aimless meandering, you stumbled upon a small, cramped closet-like space. A rickety mirror hung over a rust-stained sink to your left, and a toilet with an unmistakable pungent aroma encased in grime occupied the corner to your right. You wrinkled your nose in disgust as you stepped up to the porcelain bowl.

As you strip off your clothes, you can’t help but feel a twinge of vulnerability. You were alone on a strange ship, surrounded by strangers who were all criminals. If anything were to happen, you would be completely powerless.

Shaking off the thought, you turned on the shower and let the hot water cascade over you. The sensation was both foreign and comforting as if washing away the grime was a symbol of washing away your old life.

Once the water ran cold, you stepped out and began to dress. Your clothes were still dirty, but they were your own, and you felt more like yourself. You would have to find some other things to wear. Maybe when you arrive in Dathomir.

You caught your figure in the mirror. Your hair was wet and disheveled, and a single padawan braid hung behind your ear.

Memories of Anakin and Obi-Wan rushed through your mind, filling you with a bittersweet longing; you missed their banter and teasing and Obi-Wan’s wisdom that always seemed to come when you needed it most. Tears pricked at the back of your eyes at the thought of seeing them again, but you blinked them away and took a deep breath.

You knew you couldn’t dwell on these thoughts for too long; you were here for a reason and had to stay focused on what you needed to do. You couldn’t let your emotions get in the way – not when surrounded by people who would take advantage of any sign of weakness.

Knock. Knock.

“Vera?” Hondo’s voice called out. “Are you about ready? We’re landing on Dathomir soon.”

You took one last look at yourself in the mirror, hiding your padawan braid under your wet mop of hair.

...

As you approached the planet’s atmosphere, the crew grew tense, and Hondo ordered everyone to prepare for landing.

The planet’s surface looked ominous and bleak, with towering rocky spires rising from the ground like jagged teeth. You could feel the tension in the air as the ship set down, and Hondo ordered everyone to grab their gear and follow him.

“You stay close to me,” he said, his voice low and serious. “And remember, only speak when spoken to. Is that clear?”

You nodded, feeling a sense of unease wash over you. You still couldn’t shake the feeling that you had made a grave mistake by joining Hondo’s crew, but it was too late to back out now.

As you followed Hondo and the rest of the crew out of the ship, you felt your senses kick into overdrive. You could sense danger lurking everywhere, and your instincts told you to be on high alert. The buildings around you were dark and foreboding, with a seedy underworld vibe that made your skin crawl.

Hondo led the way through winding alleys and dimly lit streets, the group ever-vigilant for any hidden threats or potential ambushes.

Finally, you arrived at a dilapidated building with a flickering neon sign that read “The merchant.” Hondo motioned for you to follow him inside, and you hesitantly obeyed.

The inside of the building was even more unsettling than the outside. The hazy room was filled with a thick cloud of smoke, making it difficult to take a breath as the strong scent of weed filled the air. The sound of hushed whispers and malevolent laughter echoed through the halls.

Hondo led the way to a back room, where a group of shady-looking individuals sat at a table littered with spice and credits.

“Here’s our spice lord,” Hondo said quietly, gesturing to a rough-looking Twi’lek at the head of the table.

The Twi’lek regarded Hondo with a sneer, eyeing him up and down before speaking.

“What brings you to my humble establishment, Hondo?” he asked, his voice oozing with malice.

Hondo stood before the Twi’lek, his back straight and chest puffed out with confidence. “I’m here to make a deal,” he declared. “I have some merchandise that I think you’ll be interested in.”

The Twi’lek leaned back in his chair, studying Hondo’s face skeptically. “What kind of merchandise?” he asked.

Hondo leaned forward, lowering his voice to a conspiratorial whisper as he spoke. “The highest quality spice you’ve ever laid your eyes on. And we’ve got plenty of it.”

A spark of interest lit up the Twi’lek’s eyes, and he leaned forward, eager for more details. “You have my attention,” he said. “But how can I trust that your merchandise is as good as you claim it to be?”

Hondo smiled, reaching into his pocket and producing a small pouch filled with red-brown powder. He tossed it onto the table, and the Twi’lek seized it eagerly. He opened the pouch, sticking his finger in before licking the substance off.

He hummed in approval.

Hondo chuckled. “I told you that you wouldn’t be disappointed.”

Hondo and the merchant across from him were locked in what felt like a battle of wits. The air was electric, eyes flashed back and forth, and each word they spoke seemed to carry more weight than the last. You could sense both men’s determination – Hondo’s to make this deal as profitable as possible and the merchant’s to drive it as low as he could afford.

The trading went on for what felt like an eternity until, finally, the two men made their agreement, and Hondo’s crew set about unloading the crates of spice from their ship.

“Why did you need me for that?” you asked him as you observed the crew unload massive wooden crates, each filled to the brim with sackfuls of precious spice.

Hondo placed his gloved hand on your shoulder and gave it a reassuring squeeze. “You were there just in case things got hairy.”

You eyed him skeptically. He assumed you understood what he meant—if violence was required, you would be expected to participate.

He noticed your scrutinizing gaze and hastily added, “Relax, we’re not savages. You’ll just be...encouragement.”

You furrowed your brows in disbelief. “I don’t even know what that means. I’m not going to kill anyone. If you ask me to, I won’t do it.”

He chuckled, his warm hands squeezing your shoulders as he spoke. “You’ll find that you sometimes have to do what’s necessary to save yourself.” You scowled at him, but he just waved off your protest. He reached into the pocket of his robe and handed you a few credits. “Here,” he said, “go get yourself some new clothes. You look like you got attacked by a gundark.” His lips twitched in a hint of a smile.

What was it with him and insulting you? Before you could say anything back, he walked off to the rest of the crew.

“Careful! You spill any of that, and I’ll have your head,” Hondo shouted.

Cradling the small bag of credits in your hands, you made your way through the bustling streets of Dathomir. Obscure and disorienting alleys wound around like befuddling paths in a maze with no beginning or end, and you had to stay alert for the unsavory characters that lurked around every corner. You felt both insignificant and exposed as your plain, beaten-up clothing didn’t help to camouflage your presence.

A bit further down the street, you noticed a weathered storefront that looked semi-trustworthy. You cautiously stepped inside, and the shopkeeper glanced up at you from behind a counter. He sized you up before gesturing to a rack of clothing with an expressionless face.

His voice was like gravel, and he had a cruel glint in his eye as he said gruffly, “Take your pick. But make it quick.”

You quickly browsed through the rack of clothes, feeling relieved to be out of your old attire but guiltily aware of why you were here on this foreign planet—dealing with criminals who seemed to sense your inner turmoil.

You paused at a particularly nice pair of boots, admiring the sleek design and craftsmanship, when suddenly you felt a warm breath on the back of your neck. You stiffened, fear clenching around your heart as a disembodied voice spoke in your ear, “Well, well, well, what do we have here?”

You spun around to face a towering humanoid figure with a sharp-toothed grin plastered across its face.

He stepped closer, a smirk on his lips as he reached out. His calloused fingers grazed your cheek with unexpected tenderness, and you suddenly felt the heat of his breath against your skin. You shuddered in revulsion, tightening your jaw and gritting your teeth, pushing down the anger that was quickly beginning to take over.

You tried to break free from his grasp, but he only smiled wider. “Don’t be like that,” he said softly. “I just want to get to know you better.”

Your pulse raced as you shoved him away with all your might. He stumbled back, barely catching himself before tumbling to the ground. Your heart pounding in your chest, you took a step back. “Stay away from me!” you shouted, balling your fists at your sides.

The man only chuckled, amusement gleaming in his eyes. “Feisty,” he said with a sly grin. “Maybe we can have some fun together.”

He lunged for you, wrapping his strong hands around your wrists and yanking your body back against his. His grip was like iron as he dragged you closer, your pleas for help ignored by the bustling bystanders.

You thrashed against him, desperately trying to break free from his grasp. But the more you struggled, the tighter he held you, his fetid breath hot on your neck.

“Let me go!” you shouted, mustering all the strength you could find within yourself.

But he laughed, his fingers digging painfully into your skin. “Relax, baby,” he rasped, “I just want to have some fun.”

Without thinking twice, you slammed your heel down hard onto the man’s instep, eliciting a sharp yelp of pain. In that moment of weakness, you spun around and landed an aggressive kick to the man’s groin with all the force you could gather. He doubled over in agony as you pushed him away from you and broke into a run.

You sprinted through the crowded marketplace, dodging people and weaving between stalls as quickly as possible. Sweat trickled down your face and dripped from your forehead as adrenaline raced through your veins.

You felt the man’s weight pinning you to the ground, a sinister grin spreading across his face. He was bigger and stronger than you, and you were powerless against him. His hand clamped down on your mouth as he whispered in your ear, sending shivers of fear coursing through your body. His sour breath made you gag, and his rancid smell seemed to fill the air around you.

Your eyes darted towards his waist, and you saw the glint of silver - the handle of a dagger. Summoning all your strength, you reached into his pocket and grabbed the knife, hands shaking with fear. You closed your eyes and dug the blade into his neck - just once - feeling it slice through his skin before he slumped over. The ground beneath you turned red with blood, and you felt sickened by what had happened.

You had killed him.

The man’s body went limp and heavy on top of you, and the sticky heat of his blood seeped through your clothes as it pooled between you. A lump welled up in your throat as you struggled to process what had just happened. You remained there for a few moments, not wanting to move in case this was all some horrible nightmare.

When you finally mustered up the courage to push him away from you, you stumbled back, tripping over your own feet and bumping into the walls in the dark corner. Your eyes were wide with shock, tears threatening to escape. The reality of the situation hit like a ton of bricks, and you felt sick to your stomach. You could hardly believe that your hands were covered in someone else’s blood.

You shook your head, trying to rid yourself of the guilt-ridden thoughts that kept creeping into your mind. Despite what he deserved, taking another’s life isn’t part of the Jedi way. It’s not who you are. But here you were - a killer.

Your grip tightened on the dagger as you quickly ran off towards the ship, eager to escape this hellish place.

Hondo watched you with horror as he noticed your face and clothes stained with blood.

“What did you do?” He asked, his voice filled with dread.

But you ignored his questions speeding past the beady eyes of the crew and captain. Each person moved out of your way, noticing your far-off look and the bloody dagger you still held on to.

You dashed to the bathroom and cranked the handle of the shower all the way to the left. You stepped in, clothes and all, letting the scalding water wash over you. Steam rose around you as if it were a protective shield from your thoughts.

You needed to get clean.

The blood cascaded down your face, hands, and clothes into a crimson river down the drain. You stayed there for a while, letting the scalding stream purify away the guilt and regret of what you had done. When finally, when the water had stopped running, you stepped out, looking in the mirror. You still looked the same, but a different person stared back at you.

Your padawan braid stood out, a loud reminder of who you were. You took the dagger, placing it next to the root of your hair, cutting it off.

You held the severed braid out in front of you and stared at it. What you were doing wasn’t the Jedi way, and you couldn’t go back as a killer. You would be punished.

They wouldn’t understand.

You tucked it away in the pocket of your robes, a reminder of who you once were. Realizing that your future was going to be much different from what you wanted it to be.

You walk away from the washroom. You were no longer a Jedi.

Next Chapter

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idontknowwhattoputasmyusernameee · 1 year

Text

Star Boy

Chapter 2

Age: 12, Year: 28 BBY

Word Count: 4,131

Warnings: Mentions of human trafficking and kidnapping.

"Rise and shine, sleepyhead," Anakin shouted as he leaned over you. You squinted in the glare of the overhead lights, feeling disoriented by the steady thrum of the ship's engines. With a groan, you sat up, shifting your weight on the lumpy cushion beneath you. Anakin was only thirteen, but you could already tell he had the wiry strength of a Jedi. He was tall for his age and had an athletic figure, with piercing blue eyes that shone brighter when someone talked about anything related to flying or starships. His sun-kissed blonde hair was carefully cropped with a padawan braid falling to the side, and his skin always glowed like it was made of starlight itself.

Anakin always seemed to be on the brink of something big; you could practically feel the Force coursing through his veins as he stood there in front of you like some kind of special aura.

When he smiled it lit up the room like a lighthouse beacon, drawing people in with its warmth and charm. He had a curiosity that seemed to be second nature to him; never letting anything go unexplained. Anakin wore his Jedi robes, cinched at the waist with a brown leather belt, and a confident grin lit up his face.

"Obi-Wan's waiting for us on the landing pad."

The sound of Anakin's voice jolted you awake, and you rubbed your eyes to clear away the last remnants of sleep. You could feel the tension coiled tight in your muscles as you rose to your feet, grabbing your saber from where it lay beside you. As you followed Anakin down the narrow passageway that led to the ship's exit, you fought against the urge to check and re-check every piece of equipment on your belt, hoping you didn't forget anything.

Obi-Wan stood below the ramp, gesturing wildly with his hands as he spoke to the droid beside him. His brows were furrowed and a look of intense concentration was etched on his face as he argued over the details of your Journey.

"Is everything okay?" you asked, curiosity getting the best of you.

Obi-Wan seemed startled by your presence as he turned to the two of you.

"Ah, no. Apparently there's no guarantee they will provide us transport back to Coruscant after our mission."

"Shouldn't we worry about that later?" Anakin commented.

Obi-Wan took a deep breath and shook his head. "How are we supposed to go back home if we have no ship?" His voice was tight with restraint, his patience was wearing thin.

Anakin snapped back with a jab of his own. "How are we supposed to complete our mission if we just stand here and argue all day?"

You looked away, feeling the tension mounting between the two of them. For weeks now, Anakin had been rebelling against Obi-Wan's authority, chipping away at the trust between them.

"Anakin," Obi-Wan sighed disappointedly.

The air between Obi-Wan and Anakin had grown tense when you interjected. You looked from one to the other, your voice low but firm—“Master, we could contact the council when we're done. I'm sure they'll be able to figure something out.” They stopped their silent battle as if you'd broken a spell, eyes shifting in unison to regard you thoughtfully.

Obi-Wan nodded slowly, a hint of approval in his gaze. He motioned to the exit with an open palm. “ Let us be gone from this place.”

Anakin and you trailed after Obi-Wan out of the docking bay.

"Why do you always listen to her instead of me?" Anakin frowned.

Your master's reply was tinged with sarcasm, never once looking back at you. "She gave a solution and you didn't," he uttered simply.

You flashed a mischievous smile at Anakin, and he immediately diverted his gaze away from you. He quickened his pace, walking ahead of the two of you out of the building and into the bustling streets of the city.

...

The Council had sent the three of you on a mission to find and capture an elusive individual who had been terrorizing the Outer Rim for weeks. You followed rumors throughout distant star systems, infiltrating camps and questioning anyone who could provide any hints about his whereabouts, but all attempts proved fruitless. It almost seemed as though this mysterious figure was an apparition, flitting between planets with no one being able to trace his movements or predict where he would strike next.

After much bickering and negotiating, your party finally arrived at Senator Krishan's home on the planet Ganack. Unlike Coruscant, there wasn't a patch of greenery in sight; instead, luxury buildings, speeders, and people filled up every corner. The planet, known for its appetite for pleasure and adventure, was a trade and tourist-trap economy.

The Senator greeted you all with enthusiasm. He was a stocky man, with a large nose and deep-set eyes that remained constantly alert and searching. His house was filled to the brim with trinkets and oddities from far and wide: delicate teacups from Tatooine, exotic spices from Ryloth, fine fabrics from Alderaan.

"Jedi Knights," the Senator said with a broad smile on his face, "I'm so very happy to see you here!" He motioned for you all to join him in one of the many chairs scattered around the room and gestured towards the servants setting out refreshments. Taking in the sights around him he exclaimed "What luck this day has brought us!"

Obi-Wan and the Senator faced each other across a glossy mahogany table, while you and Anakin stood on either side of him like sentinels.

"I'm sorry that we have to meet under these circumstances," Obi-Wan said with a heavy sigh.

Krishan waved off a servant offering him another hors d'oeuvres, "I'm just glad that the council sent their most promising Jedi. But I do fear this hunter has been testing my patience. My people are terrified."

"And rightfully so, that is why we're here. Do you know if-"

"Hey," Krishan interrupted Obi-Wan, his expression darkening as he snapped his fingers at a slim girl in an emerald dress who was hovering near them, balancing a tray of drinks on her outstretched arm. You and Anakin looked at each other, silently sharing your disapproval. "What did I say about leaving drinks on my precious hardwood furniture."

The girl's face paled and she hung her head not daring to look at Krishan,"I'm sorry senator, it won't happen again." She hurriedly grabbed the glass from the gleaming surface and scurried out of the room as quickly as she could.

"Better not," he muttered, "I paid good money for this piece, y'know." You three exchanged glances, trying hard to appear interested.

Senator Krishan was typical of his kind - powerful, influential, and selfishly out of touch with the struggles of his people. It seemed to you that this mission would play out like all the others: visit a Senator, help said Senator while they sit in their lavish homes while their people suffer, complete the mission, receive gratitude from Senator and leave to do it all over again on a different planet.

Obi-Wan cleared his throat, drawing everyone's attention back to him. "As I was saying," he asked pointedly, "do you know where he has been spotted as of late?"

Krishan nodded, "He's been hanging out in the downtown district visiting clubs and such, my officers have been keeping an eye on him."

"I would like to speak with your officers," Obi-Wan requested.

Obi-Wan's voice was measured and even as he addressed the Senator, who rose abruptly from his seat with a falsely bright smile. "Of course master Jedi, I'll take you to him myself." Obi-Wan gave a curt nod in response and motioned for everyone to follow him. Before he stepped out of the room, his gaze settled on the two of you.

"I need you two to head down to the downtown district," He instructed in a low voice. "Get a survey of the land and keep to yourselves. We don't need the hunter knowing that there are Jedi here, understood?"

You both gave an affirmative nod, and the Senator chimed in, “I’ll have my ladies give you two a change of clothes. Your Jedi robes will give you away."

As you and Anakin followed the Senator's ladies-in-waiting to an opulent bedroom, you couldn't help but feel like this was a waste of time. Surely, such a notorious criminal would be hiding in the shadows or deep within the underbelly of the city, not out in the open visiting nightclubs like a carefree tourist. But Obi-Wan had given you an order, and as a Jedi, it was your duty to follow it.

...

The downtown district was as bustling and lively as Senator Krishan had described. Neon lights illuminated the buildings and streets, and the sound of music and laughter filled the air. People of all species were mingling and moving around, enjoying the nightlife that Ganack had to offer.

Suddenly, a loud commotion drew your attention to a group of people gathered around a small platform. Standing on it was a twi'lek dancer, her hips gyrating seductively to the beat of the music. A few male aliens were throwing credits at her, trying to outdo one another as she swayed and flipped her veil-covered hair.

Anakin's gaze lingered on the mesmerizing form of the dancer, his eyes widening in surprise. You rolled your eyes at him, trying to suppress the urge to scold him for objectifying the woman.

"Let's move," you said in a low voice, motioning for him to follow you. You didn't want to get caught up in the crowd, drawing unwanted attention.

Anakin followed you, but his eyes kept darting back to the dancer. "What?" he finally said, picking up on your disapproving look.

"You shouldn't be staring at her like that," you replied, keeping your voice low. "She's a person, not just an object for your entertainment."

Anakin shrugged dismissively. "I wasn't staring at her like that. What's wrong with appreciating art?"

You shook your head, but didn't bother arguing further. Anakin could be stubborn at times. Instead, you focused on the task at hand - finding the elusive criminal.

As you and Anakin made your way deeper into the downtown district, you kept your senses alert for any sign of the hunter. But the constant noise and activity made it difficult to concentrate. It wasn't until you spotted a group of shady-looking beings huddled together in a dark alleyway that you felt a prickle of excitement.

"Looks like we found something," you said.

Anakin's eyes scanned the group carefully, his hand drifting naturally towards his lightsaber. "Let's approach them, but be cautious," he replied, his voice low and steady.

You nodded in agreement as the two of you slowly made your way towards the group. Just as you were about to get closer, one of the group members turned around and made a run for it. Anakin quickly took off after him, his long legs carrying him swiftly through the crowd.

You followed close behind, your heart racing with the thrill of the chase. As the group member ran down an alleyway, Anakin deftly cut off his path. The man skidded to a stop and turned to face the two of you, a look of fear etched across his face.

"Where is he?" Anakin demanded, his voice low and menacing.

The man's voice trembled as he stuttered, “I-I don't know anything.” Anakin narrowed his eyes and grabbed the man by the collar of his shirt, lifting him off the ground and slamming his back against the wall. The impact knocked the wind out of him.

You stepped forward, hands up in a sign of peace. Your voice was calm but firm as you spoke. "Just tell us where he is and no one else needs to get hurt. We'll release you unharmed." Anakin stood beside you, his lightsaber primed and ready.

Anakin's voice boomed as he pushed the man harder into the wall. "Now! Where is he!" The man trembled, eyes shifting back and forth while sweat beaded on his forehead.

"Ok, ok, I'll tell you. He's picking up a shipment in a club." Anakin gritted his teeth and ignited his lightsaber, the blue blade buzzing to life. Its light glinted off terrified eyes of the man leaning against the wall. "What club?"

"It's called the Heirloom," he said, voice quivering with fear. "In the northeast part of the downtown district."

“Do you know what this shipment is?” you asked, the urgency of your voice clear in the tense air.

The man hesitated, a bead of sweat trickling down his forehead as Anakin's saber hovered ever closer to his arm. “Uh…they never told us,” he stammered. “We were only hired to transport him and the shipment out of here.”

Anakin narrowed his eyes, pushing the saber closer as a warning for the man not to lie.

You stepped forward, placing a hand on Anakin's arm. "That's enough. We have what we need." You turned to the man. "Thank you for your cooperation. You are free to go."

The man scrambled to his feet, breathing heavily as he ran off in the opposite direction. Anakin snorted in disgust, deactivating his lightsaber. "Why do they always think they can run?"

You shook your head, a small smile playing on your lips. "They underestimate us. It's their mistake."

"Right," Anakin replied, a grin spreading across his face. "So, are we going to the Heirloom then?"

You nodded. "Let's go inform Obi-Wan about what we found and head to the club."

As you made your way back to Krishan's estate, you couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that settled in the pit of your stomach. Something about this mission felt off, and you couldn't put your finger on what it was. But you pushed the thought aside and focused on the task at hand.

When you arrived back at the estate, you quickly informed Obi-Wan of the information you had gathered. He listened intently, nodding his head in approval.

"Well done," he said, placing a hand on each of your shoulders. "But you two must be careful. This criminal is not to be underestimated."

You nodded in agreement, the gravity of the situation settling in. This was not just another mission. Lives were at stake, and failure was not an option.

You eyed Obi-Wan expectantly, wondering what he managed to uncover in his investigations. He held up a datapad, its blue screen flickering in the dim light of the room. "I believe I have found something," he said with a hint of triumph in his voice.

As he handed the datapad to you, you quickly scanned through the information. Apparently Senator Krishan's officer managed to figure out that the shipment was supposed to be a person.Your heart raced as you read through the information. A person? Who could be worth so much that they were being smuggled in a shipment? A million thoughts raced through your mind as you looked up to Obi-Wan.

"A person?" you asked incredulously.

Obi-Wan nodded. "Yes, the shipment is actually a person. And from what my source tells me, this person is worth a lot of money."

Anakin snorted in disgust. "So they're selling people now? That's sick."

You bit your lip, your mind already racing to figure out who this person could be. "We have to go to the Heirloom and find out who this is."

Obi-Wan's face hardened. "Agreed. But be cautious. We don't know what we're getting into."

With a final nod, you, Anakin, and Obi-Wan set out towards the northeast part of the downtown district, towards the location of the Heirloom. As you walked, your mind couldn't help but think about who this person could be. There were countless individuals in the galaxy, and the idea of someone being bought and sold was sickening.

He pointed to a tall building across the street. "You two go up there. Climb the fire escape and get on the roof. Keep an eye out for that hunter. I'll be inside, scavenging for anything that might be useful. If he has any plans of leaving, let me know right away. We'll try to corner him if we can."

You and Anakin nodded in agreement, quickly making your way across the street towards the tall building. As you climbed the fire escape, your heart raced with anticipation. This was it. The mission was about to come to a head.

Once you reached the roof, you crouched down behind a small ventilation unit, your eyes scanning the surrounding area for any sign of the hunter. Anakin was crouched next to you, his lightsaber at the ready.

...

For what felt like hours, you waited. The sun slowly began to set, casting an orange glow across the city skyline. The hustle and bustle of the city began to die down, with fewer and fewer people out and about.You pulled the binoculars from your belt and scanned the horizon, seeking out any signs of the hunter's arrival. Anakin fidgeted with his com link, playing catch with himself in an attempt to pass the time.

"Has he arrived yet?" he asked again for what felt like the hundredth time. You suppressed a weary sigh.

You fixed your gaze on the neon-lit entrance of the grimy club below, every little detail standing out in fine clarity. As you murmured to Anakin, your voice was deep and unshakable. "He hasn't made an appearance yet, Anakin," you said.

Anakin stood beside you, not saying anything except for a heavy sigh of exhaustion.

You held up a hand, your gaze fixed on the horizon. A faint hum grew louder, and you focused your binoculars on the speeder jetting towards the club. The hunter's signature silhouette filled the lenses and you tensed. Adrenaline coursed through your veins as you snapped the binoculars shut and spoke in a low voice, "He's here. Contact Obi-Wan."

"Master, the hunter's at the club, he's about to go in right now."

Obi-Wan's voice crackled through the com link, his tone firm and composed. "Stay put for now. We'll wait for him to come out and follow him."

You nodded and signaled for Anakin to move closer to the edge of the roof. The hunter was making his way into the club, and you could feel the tension in the air. This was it, the moment you had been waiting for.

Minutes dragged by as you waited for the hunter to emerge from the club. The neon lights flickered overhead, casting a garish glow over the darkening city. You went back to looking through your binoculars, too focused to notice that Anakin had gone quiet and snuck up behind you.

You gasped in surprise and felt your heart leap into your throat as the word “Boo” echoed in your ears. When you spun around, Anakin was standing there with a mischievous grin spread across his face. You smacked him on the shoulder, causing him to stumble back, and cried out “Oh maker!!!" Your reprimand only made him laugh louder, while he rubbed the spot where you had hit him.

"It's not funny," you said sternly, your gaze unwavering. You raised your eyebrows and pursed your lips in mild disapproval. You turned to take in the stunning view of the cityscape below, where the club filled with pulsating music and excited chatter echoed through the night air. Your eyes focused on everyone who entered or left.

Making sure the target was right where they were supposed to be.

“I didn’t scare you, did I?” he asked with a mischievous glint in his eye.

You refused to look away from the binoculars and rolled your eyes in response, a mutter of “No” barely escaping your lips. Before you could even blink, Anakin had grabbed your Padawan braid and pulled it back harshly.

His sing-song voice retorted, “You’re lying!” You felt your temper rising as you shot him a glare before snapping out, “Anakin! What did Obi-Wan say about pulling my hair?” Your words were slow and threateningly low."

A mischievous glint in his eyes, Anakin mused out loud, “Good thing Obi-Wan isn’t here.” You opened your mouth to rebuke him when a sharp beep sounded from the com link on your wrist.

"Are you two even paying attention?"

You jumped as you grabbed it and spoke into the device, “Yes master, I was before Anakin distracted me.”

Anakin’s face paled as he tried to stifle his laughter. A tired sigh came through the comlink that wasn’t meant to be heard. You threw him a quick glance, then tossed the device towards him. Not even bothering to see if he had caught it, you refocused on the mission at hand - making sure the bounty hunter didn't leave the building undetected.

You strained to listen as Anakin greeted Obi-Wan with a polite greeting. The master's voice came through again, “For the love of Maker Anakin, please be good. I don’t need you antagonizing her.” You couldn’t help but smirk before turning your attention back to the situation ahead.

Anakin huffed and muttered something under his breath as he handed the device back to you. His lips curled in a mock scowl, “Thanks for ratting me out, tattle-tale.” He stepped away as you smiled and gave him a mischievous wink. You raised the binoculars to your eyes, scanning the area until a figure swathed in dark armor materialized from the back door of the club. The light from the street lamps caught on the metallic plates, confirming that this was indeed the dangerous bounty hunter.

Your arm snapped forward and your palm connected with his chest, sending him stumbling backward. "Ow, what the-"

But you didn't give him time to finish. “Ani, he’s out."

The figure began assessing his weapons as he walked further down the alley.

“Master, he’s leaving the south exit," Anakin spoke into the comlink, his eyes never leaving their target.

“Got it, you two. Try to follow behind him. I’ll try to get him from the front that way we’ll trap him.”

“Yes master,” you both replied before quickly scrambling to follow after the bounty hunter.

He moved with a purpose, weaving between towering buildings in an almost dance-like fashion. You kept up as best you could, never getting too close, but also making sure not to lose sight of him. Eventually, he stopped in a narrow alley between an old restaurant and a rundown apartment complex. Anakin motioned for you to stop. You both ducked behind a crumbling brick wall covered in vines, the smell of mildew heavy in the air.

“Obi Wan's almost here, let’s make sure he stays put.” You whispered, your breath coming out as a mist in the cold night air.

Anakin turned to you and nodded before turning back to scan their surroundings. He squinted into the darkness, his gaze darting from one end of the street to another.

“Um, there’s a slight problem." He gulped, looking at you with wide eyes full of fear.

“What's wrong? Is he coming this way?” You quickly began to duck out of sight, but Anakin stopped you by grabbing your shoulder.

“He’s gone,” he replied in a hushed tone. Moving out of his hiding spot cautiously. Dread crept through your veins making the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. The force was screaming at you from within, warning something was amiss.

Anakin nervously glanced around, his hand hovering over his lightsaber.

“Wait, he might still be here,” you said, but Anakin ignored your warning and began to move forward in the direction of where he last saw the figure.

“Ani, wait!” You grabbed his robe in protest, but he pulled away and sprinted toward the place where he last saw the figure.

He closed his eyes and concentrated on the Force around him. He felt a gossamer thread of energy, thin as spider's silk, wrap around his wrists. With a deep breath, he closed his eyes and strained to listen for any sign of the hunter. Then it came—a faint whisper that carried with it a wave of fear so strong it made him nauseous. It seemed to be coming from directly behind him. Coming from you.

He heard his own name echoing through the narrow alleyway and sprinted back to you, reaching for the hilt of his saber. The sound of its ignition roared in his ears as he ran, sending a spark of hope into his chest as he rounded the corner. But all that greeted him was the cold darkness of the alley, illuminated only by his saber’s blade and your discarded one on the ground below.

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idontknowwhattoputasmyusernameee · 1 year

Text

Star Boy

Chapter 1

Age: 8, Year: 32 BBY

Word Count: 5179

Warnings: None, other than it’s slow.

A/N: This is an Anakin x reader fic and my first ever writing project so beware.

The temple was illuminated by the soft glow of candlelight as twelve cloaked figures stepped out of the shadows to investigate the small bundle that lay at their entrance. They removed a few strips of fabric, and there you were, fast asleep in a bed of warmth and safety. The council members all paused for a moment, captivated by your angelic face and cherub lips. After a brief discussion, they quickly agreed to take you in and provide you with a loving home. A few of the members provided emotional support, and one even took care of the daily parenting duties. Together, they created a safe and loving environment where you could grow, learn, and thrive.

It was obvious that you had special talents from a very young age. When you were only two years old, you were already able to lift heavy objects. By the time you turned five, your skills in dual wielding weapons outperformed those of other children your own age. Now, at eight years of age, you were being mentored by none other than Obi-Wan Kenobi. You quickly raced up the ranks as one of the brightest Padawans in the Jedi Order, and everyone around seemed to recognize your potential for greatness.

Obi-Wan Kenobi was more than just a Jedi master to you. He played a vital role in your life as a mentor and friend. He did not preach lessons, but lived them out. Always ready to offer guidance and support whenever you needed it, he faced the responsibility of what being a Jedi really meant. Despite his young age of 25, he proved to be an exceptional master and an even better friend.

As with any relationship, your bond with Obi-Wan was not without its challenges.Obi-Wan could feel the tension between you two, especially when you would spend your evenings alone in your room with no communication. He was concerned and tried to initiate conversations but saw how they only pushed you deeper into your shell. With a heavy heart, Obi-Wan decided to respect your boundaries and give you space, hoping that one day he'd get the glimpse of the person he knew was inside you.

At first, Obi-Wan thought your quiet demeanor and unwillingness to share made you seem shy and unsure of yourself. But once you began to open up, he watched your skills in the Force sharpen with each practice session. Every mission felt like a success; you knew when to take charge, but also when to listen and follow his leadership. Together, you achieved everything the Jedi council asked of you, earning praise for the two of you.

Normally, you would have been partnered with Qui Gon, Obi Wan's mentor and dad-like figure. Until his untimely death. Hearing stories of how Obi Wan had to watch helplessly as Qui Gon was taken away from him, then later slice Darth Maul in half, you wished you could have been there for him. But instead, you were stuck at the temple for weeks due to an infection picked up on a previous excursion.

Yesterday, the doctors released you from the med-bay and urged you to move around and get some fresh air. You remembered hearing about a garden tucked away on the grounds, so you decided to explore it. Unlike the meditation gardens, with its single tree and sparse flowers, this one was full of life. As you stepped through the entrance, a path snaked through the green foliage. The sun shone down from an open roof above and sparkled off a babbling brook that emptied into a small pond in the center of the clearing. Birds flitted through the branches of a tall oak tree providing shade, and butterflies danced around bright patches of wildflowers. This secret paradise became your safe place - a haven where you could find solace and connection with nature.

You stumbled out from the path onto a patch of dewy grass beneath an ancient tree, its branches forming a canopy above you. Rays of golden light filtered through and illuminated your skin with shifting shadows. From beyond the tall grass, trickling water could be heard, dipping into a nearby stream. This place was so different from the meditation rooms that couldn’t replicate this level of serenity or peace. Here you felt safe, nestled within the embrace of nature. You let out a content sigh and basked in the sun’s warmth until eventually sleep overcame you.

Over the next couple of days, snippets of conversations between Qui Gon and the council trickled down to you. They had located a child on Tatooine with a connection to the Force, and Qui Gon wanted him as his Padawan, but he was too late. So instead, according to Qui Gon's dying wish, Obi-Wan would be training the boy alongside you. You wished you could protest—you weren't ready to share your teacher's attention like this—but it seemed like you were stuck with it.You still couldn't wrap your head around why everyone was making such a fuss about this boy you hadn't even met yet…but soon enough, you'd find out.

…

Obi-Wan's ship slowly descended from the sky like a graceful dove, its thrusters burning to draw nearer to the ground. You felt your heart flutter in anticipation, and without thinking your feet moved forward, propelling you towards the docking bay. You had been counting down the days until Obi-Wan's return, and it seemed that today was finally the day.

Your small form flew through the air as you leapt into Obi-Wan's arms, feeling his warmth radiating around you even through his Jedi tunic. He wrapped his strong arms around you in a gentle embrace, before pushing you back slightly to look at you and give a little huff of amusement.

"Hello there," he greeted you with a warm smile. You grinned back, unable to hide your excitement at seeing him again. "Hello, master, I've been looking forward to your arrival," you replied happily.

"I sure hope so. It would be tragic if my own padawan didn't miss me." His blue eyes sparkled in amusement as he reached for your shoulder and turned both of you towards the exit. “Come, young one, we have much to discuss."

…

You had heard plenty of stories about the mysterious boy, but you were never given the chance to meet him. Obi-Wan shared a brief description — a nine-year-old Tatooine slave with incredible strength and an ability to fix anything — but he was nowhere in sight. You couldn't help but wonder why this kid was being kept hidden from you. A week later, Obi-Wan finally revealed the boy’s identity: Anakin Skywalker.

You knelt in the center of the garden, a basket of freshly picked daisies and lavender resting beside you. With each flower you plucked, you worked quickly to weave them into an intricate crown. As your fingers moved deftly through the petals and stems, your heart raced with excitement about the forbiddenness of it all. You were completely unaware that Anakin had crept up behind the tree, watching as your delicate fingers created something beautiful out of these forbidden flowers.

Anakin had seen you from a distance, noticing the way you moved through the temple with an air of quiet determination and focus. He was drawn to you as he could sense your confusion and curiosity through the force – something about you captivating him and yet intimidating him at the same time. With a sudden burst of courage, Anakin walked around the tree and stood in front of where you were seated, his heart pounding against his chest as he prepared to introduce himself. He noticed how alone you often seemed, without any signs of friends or companionship. He was determined that today would be different.

A sandy-haired boy with spiky hair and a Padawan braid hanging behind his ear stepped into your secret garden hideaway. You eyed him cautiously, your fingers pausing in their rustling of stems as you tried to discern why he was there. He smiled at you, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

"You don't talk much, do you?" he asked, and you glanced down at the flower crown in your hands, its intertwined stems creating an intricate pattern. Your mouth opened slightly before you shook your head, choosing not to answer his question.

The boy sat beside you and watched silently as your fingers expertly braided together the petals and leaves of the freshly picked flowers. You could feel his gaze on your face when he finally spoke again.

"You know you're not allowed to use those, right?" His tone was gentle but held a hint of warning.

You hesitated for a moment, eyes narrowing in disbelief. "You won't tell... right?" you asked, the unspoken menace hovering between you. He shook his head and crossed his heart with two fingers to emphasize his assurance of secrecy. "Cross my heart and call me bantha fodder" he added, a sly smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. You couldn't help but let out a small chuckle at his humorous answer, though you weren't quite sure what it meant.

Your amusement was fleeting as you returned your gaze back to the task in front of you. Curiosity soon got the better of you though, prompting you to ask him one more question. "What's your name?"

A hint of pride lit up his face as he answered, "Anakin. Anakin Skywalker." As if prompted by the mention of his own name, he stuck out his hand towards yours in invitation to shake. You looked up abruptly and studied his face carefully, finally able to put a face to the infamous name that had been whispered throughout the temple. Even now, weeks later, he had managed to cause quite a stir among its ranks. Your preoccupation with your thoughts caused you to miss his gesture of greeting until he cleared his throat lightly and subtly wiggled his outstretched fingers.

"You were supposed to be Qui Gon's padawan."

Anakin shifted nervously in place, his gaze dropping to the floor as he muttered "I was..." before trailing off. His fingers twitched at his sides, and there seemed to be a heavy weight on his chest. Though Anakin had only known him for a short while, this person was the only one who had shown him kindness besides his mother. Now he was Obi-Wan Kenobi's padawan - a pleasant enough teacher, but one who seemed to regard Anakin more as an obligation than something special.

You placed your hand gently on Anakin’s shoulder, letting your presence and force signature fill him with a calming reassurance that allowed him to relax and feel lighter. After giving Anakin’s shoulder a gentle squeeze, you pulled back and picked up the crown lying between you both. You studied it for any flaws in the sunlight streaming through the window, while Anakin watched you in confusion, not knowing what he should be looking for.

"You're Obi-Wan's padawan now," you said softly. "I'm his padawan too."

Anakin nodded hesitantly, turning away from you to inspect the crown some more. "I don't think he likes me very much," he whispered unhappily.

You shook your head and sighed. "Obi-Wan is a good man. Kind and thoughtful. I’ve known him all my life. He’s like my -" You paused mid-sentence, noticing the slight edge of defensiveness in your voice. "He's probably just…overwhelmed with Qui Gon, that was his old master."

Anakin furrowed his brows in confusion. "I thought Jedi weren't supposed to have attachments?"

"They're not," you replied firmly, a faint smirk tugging at your lips. "But you will find Master Kenobi to be a special exception to that rule."

"How so?" Anakin asked, eyes widening with curiosity.

You didn't answer right away, finishing up fixing the odd lump on the crown before setting it aside. After a few moments, you met his gaze with an amused expression.

"You'll see," you said mysteriously.

He stared at you for a moment before pressing forward with another question: "How come you weren't with Obi-Wan when..." He realized that you hadn't been with them on Tatooine or Naboo.

Your expression softened slightly as you explained, "I was ill from a previous mission and had to stay on bed rest for a few weeks."

Anakin nodded slowly, unsure how else to respond other than asking with genuine concern, "Do you feel better now?"

You let out a soft laugh and smiled at him warmly. "Obviously."

Anakin playfully rolled his eyes at your response, feeling comforted by the familiarity of the situation. It reminded him of pleasant memories from his childhood on Tatooine when he would banter with his friends. It was a reminder of a simpler time and place he could call home.

His next words were more than just a casual inquiry; they were a heartfelt plea for companionship and connection of the most valuable kind. He was looking for something that could ground him in the present moment and provide comfort from the unfamiliarity of his new life: someone he could count on as an ally and confidant—a friend who could bring back memories of innocence and belonging from his past home.

You glanced up at him and softly smiled in understanding, raising the flower crown and gently placing it atop his head. For the first time in weeks, he felt content.

…

Training alongside Anakin was better than you thought it would be. He was far more skilled for being a newbie and proved worthy of being a part of the order. From an outside perspective, you could tell how apprehensive the higher-ups were; they seemed to walk on eggshells around him. Sure, he was better and better than expected, but their reactions left you feeling like a zoo animal as the council came in and observed you two. You couldn't even imagine what it must have felt like for him.

You both had just finished a light lifting exercise, with Anakin closing his eyes as he attempted to lift a nearby object using the force. His efforts impressed you, and your face lit up with amazement as he moved the boulder slightly off the ground before eventually opening one eye to watch your response. No one he has ever known has been so impressed by something as simple as a rock, yet he was still surprised by you. Your eyes met his as he set the stone down gently on the ground.

“Why did you stop?” You asked him.

He shrugged, “I got bored. Why don’t you try it? I bet you can’t get it any higher.”

When the two of you were together, his easy banter and sense of humor lightened the air. At times, he'd deliver a punchy zinger or two, aiming it right at you, but you knew it was all in good fun. Other occasions, his teasing crossed a line and your patience evaporated - yet still, you'd often bite back with playful sarcasm.

"Fine," you declared, a surge of confidence flowed through your veins as you lifted the large rock with relative ease. You held it there for a few seconds, demonstrating your strength before setting it back down. Turning your head to Anakin in satisfaction, you saw his eye roll and felt a mischievous smirk tugging on the corners of your mouth. Taking advantage of his distraction, you quickly grabbed a small pebble next to you and threw it at his arm.

Thwack

"Ow, what the-"

"Your arrogance is too high for someone that's only been here for a couple of weeks," you warned him.

He rubbed his arm, looking at you with a frown. "So?" he responded exasperatedly.

"So," you continued, "You need to practice more instead of challenging me with things I'm already competent at."

A sudden, searing pain ran through your arm, causing you to gasp. You glared at him and he grinned, knowing he had won this round of their game. He tried to contain his laughter as he sucked in his lips.

"Oh yeah?" you challenged, already reaching for another pebble to fling at him. The two of you sprinted around each other, dodging the tiny missiles in the air and laughing. Until suddenly Obi-Wan appeared before you both, hands tucked into his sleeves with an incredulous look on his face.

"What in the world are you two doing?" He asked, bewildered. You scrambled to find something to say while Anakin stood still, eyes glued to the floor. Obi-Wan sighed loudly before telling Anakin that the council needed him again and informing you that you would meet for dinner later and that you should clean up this mess. With a wave of your hand, you quickly put all the pebbles back where they belonged before following Anakin's path to the council room. As curiosity pushed you forward, you made your way underneath the floorboards and into a secret vent where Murmurings of voices could be heard from within.

The thick metal grates of the temple were illuminated with a bright force, making it possible to distinguish the figure of Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker standing in the center of the chamber.

“Based on your performance during the trial period, we have concluded what is best for not only the Order but also the galaxy…” A deep rumble filled the room as Mace Windu spoke.

Yoda spoke up, “Impressive progress you've made.”

Mace Windu straightened up, his voice heavy with disappointment. “But we cannot accept you into our ranks—we believe it would be too dangerous to keep you here.”

Confusion coursed through your veins—what did that mean?

“Is he not the chosen one?” Obi-Wan interjected, “You saw him with your own eyes; his skills have far surpassed most padawans in this temple.”

Anakin was the Chosen One, the one that was supposed to bring balance to the force.

“Skills are not what makes a Jedi, Kenobi. It's the heart of the individual and the spirit that truly makes one. As impressive as he is, he's too dangerous.”

A long pause fell throughout the room, the air thick with tension. You waited with bated breath hoping they didn't truly intend on sending away Anakin.

“So what are your intentions?” Obi-Wan asked.

“He will be sent back to Tatooine and reunited with his mother. Anakin, on behalf of myself and the council I am sorry.” You watched the bottoms of Anakin's boots turn towards the exit, but something stopped him.

“What will happen if the Sith get to him? What will we do then, hmm?” Obi-Wan asked, refusing to let go of his newly appointed Padawan.

“How are we to bring balance back to the force if he has no knowledge of it?” The question hung in the air for a while.

“He has attachments Obi-Wan that is why we must let him go. We already made a mistake bringing him here.”

You could hear Obi-Wan's defeated sigh, “If he is brought back to Tatooine. The Sith may pluck him from our grasps and teach him the ways of the dark side.”

“From what I recall Kenobi,” Windu’s voice was slow and threatening,” You didn't even want the boy.”

Your eyes widened in surprise and you clamped your hand over your mouth to stop yourself from gasping loudly. You hoped the others didn’t hear it. “Continue this conversation at a later time. Another presence I feel,” Yoda said. You held your breath and scrambled back down the passageway, away from the council room. The cold stone walls scraped your skin as you moved, and you could feel your heart pounding so hard you were sure whoever was around would hear it. You quickly spotted an opening in the wall which led out into a hallway behind the council room, and you made a dash for it.

Finally, you reached the opening and cautiously peered out. The hallway was empty, but you knew that could change at any moment. You quickly crawled out and slid the grate back into place before standing up. You took a deep breath, trying to calm your nerves.

You could practically feel the tremor of the steps reverberating through the corridor as Anakin and Obi-Wan approached. Panic began to rise in your chest as you tried to come up with a plan, but it was too late – they had already spotted you.

“Oh, it's you,” said Obi-Wan, surprise evident in his voice.

All you could do was nod in response, feeling relieved that he didn't mention the meeting. However, when you chanced a glance at Anakin, his gaze was stern and fixed upon you. You quickly averted your eyes, suddenly conscious of your state – your robes were caked with dust and dirt collected from the vents.

Obi-Wan heaved an exasperated sigh before saying “Y/N, your robes are absolutely filthy.” You fumbled for a response and then quickly swiped away the debris from your clothing.

“Sorry, Master,” you muttered apologetically.

He nodded in understanding before adding “Let's just get to dinner before someone grabs the last cushnip.”

…

You assumed that the council had changed their decision about Anakin since he had been around for a couple of weeks. Obi-Wan was none the wiser to your knowledge. However, you started to notice that Anakin was acting oddly around you, speaking in short clipped sentences and avoiding eye contact. His frustration with the Council's decision seemed to be transferred onto you, although you weren't sure why. You tried to talk to him about it, but while he was polite, he didn't let on what was bothering him.

Once again you and Anakin were dueling. Sparks flew from both of your lightsabers as they clashed against each other, and the force of each strike reverberated through your arms. Your feet skidded across the floor as you nimbly evaded his attacks while seeking an opening to attack yourself. Even though your skills matched each other's evenly, Anakin's strikes seemed almost frenzied as if he was trying to vent all of his frustrations into the fight itself. His jaw was clenched tight in anger, and there was a wild glint in his eye as he pressed forward relentlessly. Every fiber of your being screamed for you to retreat before it was too late, but still, something kept you rooted in place as if waiting for something—or someone—to intervene.

“Anakin! Control your anger! You don't want to kill her, you want to disarm her," Obi-Wan scolded.

He nodded at Obi-Wan and then turned his attention to you. His eyes intense under the light of the room and he stood tall and proud, ready for battle. You studied Anakin's movements intently, noting the way his fists tightened and his shoulders tensed up moments before he charged towards you. You braced yourself as he lunged forward with great force, lightsaber drawn and pointed directly at you. In one quick motion, you managed to block his attack and flick your own lightsaber in an attempt to use his momentum against him. But Anankin was too fast--he blocked your move and twisted his lightsaber to gain control of the situation, leaving you vulnerable and exposed.

Anakin's fighting style forced you out of your comfort zone--you were used to attacking with swift precision, but he was unrelenting and ferocious. Your blue and yellow lightsabers clashed in a dizzying display of speed and finesse as you battled it out tooth-and-nail. Sweat beaded on your forehead from the strain of keeping up with Anakin's relentless attacks.

You attempted to distract him with a series of twirls and spins, hoping to catch him off guard, but he was too focused. As you stepped back to face him once more, he suddenly lunged forward, catching you off guard. You stumbled backwards and fell awkwardly on your wrist, the sound of a slight snap echoing throughout the room. You gasped in pain and looked up at Anakin in a mixture of shock and agony.

“Anakin!” Obi-Wan yelled.

But Anakin wasn't worried about Obi-Wan, he was worried about you as he ran to you. You sat on the floor holding your limp wrist to your chest. You tried to hide your tears from Anakin, too embarrassed to show him you were crying. That's when you noticed blood dripping from your nose and onto your robes. You realized he had punched you in the face.

The soft sound of his footsteps filled the room as he hurried across it. Anakin immediately got on his knees, apologizing profusely: “Y/N, I'm so sorry. I- I don't know why I-”

“Anakin,” Obi-Wan called again, trying to get the boy's attention. Anakin finally looked at his master with shame and guilt in his eyes.

“Go to the meditation room," he ordered, while walking over to your crying frame.

“But-”

“Now,” he said louder. Anakin obeyed, hanging his head and walking out of the room.

…

You winced as a medical droid wrapped your wrist in a tight bandage and secured it with an extra-wide sling. They then shined a bright light into your eyes to check for a concussion before checking your nose, which was only bruised. All the while, Obi-Wan stood nearby, occasionally placing a comforting hand on your shoulder or squeezing your arm reassuringly.

When he left, you were left alone in the sterile med bay, struggling to make sense of Anakin’s outburst. Your thoughts raced as you sat on the edge of the med bay bed, listening to the faint humming of the droids. You weren't sure what had changed in Anakin, or why he had used violence against you. All you knew was that you had to stay strong and make it clear that such behavior wouldn't be tolerated.

As the door creaked open, Obi-Wan stepped into the room, his long brown robes sweeping gracefully along the ground and Anakin tailing closely behind. Obi-Wan's piercing gaze settled on Anakin who hung his head low in shame, not daring to make eye contact with you.

"Well..." Obi-Wan began, his brow crinkling with curiosity as he looked toward Anakin. You waited silently for Anakin to speak up, your eyes narrowing at him as you tried to ignore the pulsing pain coming from your sore wrist.

At last, Anakin lifted his head and your eyes locked. His cheeks were wet with tears and a lump formed in your throat when you realized it was more than just guilt that he was feeling - he had been crying for himself. Despite your inner urge to hold a grudge, you knew forgiveness was the best way forward.

“I'm really sorry Y/N," he said quietly while avoiding Obi-Wan's gaze. Your expression softened slightly as you replied, “Alright, I forgive you." A wave of relief dropped over Anakin's entire body and before you could react he had wrapped his arms around you in an embrace. You winced in pain as your tender wrist felt pressure, but Anakin let go quickly with a sheepish apology.

“Come on now," Obi-wan interjected in a firm tone, ushering both of you out of the room. With Anakin’s help, you hopped off of the bed and quickly made your escape - there would be more to discuss tomorrow.

…

You awoke the next day, feeling disoriented with a tight ache radiating from your wrist. You knew you had to find Anakin in the meditation chambers and threw on your robe, trying to ignore the itch of the cast encasing your arm.

The sun was just beginning to peek over the horizon as you stepped out of your room. The chill breeze that swept in through the window made you shiver, but it did nothing to diminish the beauty of the oranges, pinks and yellows that painted the sky.

The hallway was still, with no signs of life other than your own presence. As you followed the path to the meditation chambers, an ever-growing sense of peace flooded through you. The gentle chirps of birds and rustling of leaves filled the air around you, and with every step taken you felt calmer.

The entrance to the meditation chambers loomed before you — two gigantic wooden doors carved with intricate designs that reached up to the sky. Taking a deep breath, you pushed open one of the doors and stepped inside.The room was huge, with tall ceilings supported by massive stone pillars that reached down to the floor below. Dust motes glittered in the sunlight streaming through high windows, illuminating a chamber full of cushioned chairs. In the middle of the room sat Anakin, his legs were crossed and his hands were placed on his knees. His eyes were closed as if he was in deep meditation.

You stood there for a moment, just watching him. Contemplating on whether or not you should speak. You cleared your throat, and he opened his eyes slowly, turning his head slightly to look at you. His expression was unreadable but gentle. Your mouth opened, about to say something before he beat you to it.

"I know you were there at that meeting," he said softly but firmly, watching your face carefully as realization seemed to dawn on you that he had noticed your presence.

"But why were you mad at me?" you asked hesitantly.

Anakin let out a deep sigh before responding. "I wasn't mad at you, I was just..." He trailed off for a moment as he thought about what he wanted to say next. "Frustrated," he finished finally, his voice barely above a whisper.

You frowned but stayed silent so he could continue.

"I took it out on you when I shouldn't have, and I'm sorry."

You nodded, feeling the tension in your shoulders ease off. Anakin had to be one of the most complex people you’ve ever met.

"It's okay," you said, a small smile gracing your lips. "But you shouldn't keep everything to yourself, Anakin. We're friends, remember?"

He nodded, a small smile of his own playing across his lips. "Yeah, I remember. And I'm grateful for that."

The two of you sat there in companionable silence for a few moments, the only sound being that of your breathing and the birds outside. It was a peaceful moment, one that you were glad to share with Anakin.

"So, what now?" you asked, breaking the silence.

Anakin shrugged. "Now, we continue on as we always have. But this time, I won't keep my frustrations bottled up."

You smiled, feeling a sense of relief. "Good. And if you need someone to talk to, you know you can alway come to me."

Anakin nodded, his gaze softening. "I appreciate that," he said before glancing away.

You followed his gaze and saw that he was looking at the window, lost in thought. Curiosity getting the best of you, you leaned over slightly to see what had caught his attention. Outside, the sun had fully risen, and the birds were singing a lively tune. Together you sat in the chamber, enjoying the peaceful morning to yourselves.

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