Chapter 7: Time Goes By
With Jar-Jar filling in for Padme in the Senate, and Anakin leaving the Jedi order, it wasn’t long before Anakin and Padme could hardly remember their lives before they were parents.
The first five years were the roughest, as they were still in Ruwee and Jobal’s home. Not that the Naberrie family minded the company, they loved their youngest daughter, and her husband was a good man. Anakin had earned a reputation in Theed as a strange sorcerer, and a quiet but generous man.
Though many believed he was still a crazy wizard or evil sorcerer, Anakin remained unnoticed for the most part. There were several times where he would use his powers publicly, but only one managed to become publicly known. It is what earned Anakin his final reputation on the entire planet, and in the eyes of the Naberries, it was an equal judgment of Padme.
During the festival celebrating the anniversary of the Gungans and Naboo’s victory over the droids from the federation armies, Anakin cemented himself as an unofficial guardian of Naboo.
As Boss Nass and Queen Jamillia were about to greet one another, Anakin leaped from out of no where with his lightsaber activated. Before anyone could react, Anakin’s saber cut downward, not into a person, but a blaster bolt. The shot flew across the street, into a darkened window where the would be assassin fell down to the street.
By the time the crowd looked back, Anakin was out of sight, submerged in the crowd, cloaking himself with the force. Instead of Anakin’s tall, lean form, an overweight and short man hobbled down the street. Very few people noticed his “new form” as they were looking for the Jedi. Everyone knew who it was, but they didn’t understand why he remained so secluded, but no one ever pressed the issue.
When Luke and Leia were two, Padme became pregnant again, this time a girl named Shmi Skywalker, after Anakin’s mother, blessed the family. Another year went by and Padme was with child again, this being fourth and final child. It was a boy named Ben Skywalker. Padme wasn’t sure about the name Ben at first, but Anakin told her to ask Obi-Wan sometime and she’d understand.
Leia spent most of her time with the young women of the family. She was vastly interested in the arts like her elder cousins, and often time tried to tag along with them. Ryoo and Pooja never minded, but they were still unsure how they felt about the force, especially with how frightened it made their friends. Although they lost one of their best friends “to freaks like that” Ryoo and Pooja couldn’t turn their back on family. Despite her age, Leia was rather intelligent and usually understood teenage conversations. The only subject they noticed her lacking in was boys. Leia practiced the force, so she could keep herself healthy, but she was the least dedicated of the children.
Shmi loved to spend time in her garden, tending to her plants and feeding the animals that would come by. She wasn’t immediately interested in learning about the force until Anakin helped her communicate with the animals she would feed. She came to realize just how unique she was from those outside her immediate family. When her cousin’s friend, Ama was over, Shmi routinely tried speaking to animals and failed. Ama saw Shmi use the force to lift an injured bird from the ground, and immediately assumed that Shmi had killed it. Shmi protested, but it didn’t matter, she wouldn’t see Ama ever again. Even though Ryoo and Pooja said it didn’t bother them, Shmi always felt her cousins resented her for the incident. Shmi’s favorite person was her grandmother, who taught her much about food, and encouraged Shmi’s special gifts more so than anyone but Anakin.
Luke and Ben were the real twins, or so Anakin would always tease them. They looked nearly identical at each age, and did nothing but try to be their father. They were fascinated by his tales of the Jedi, his pod racing experiences, and the force in general. Both inherited their father’s temper, but it was worse in Ben. He was hyper and younger, and it was easier for him to grow frustrated when Luke did better. Although Luke never meant it, he would tease his little brother about his skills. Ben always laughed it off, but part of the words seemed to stay with him, but he put it to good use. He would be willing to practice with his saber until he could not lift his arms, though Anakin had only let him do that a few times.
Although they weren’t as naturally gifted with electronics as Anakin, they had more than made up for it with their sheer wish to be like their father. Since Luke was five and Ben three, they worked with Anakin in the small repair shop he had in the heart of Theed. Though they were the only workers, they earned most of the business from the locals, and many of the Naboo and Gungan armies would come see Anakin and have him fix or improve their technologies.
Luke and Ben knew many of the pilots and soldiers of the Naboo army. They would often assist their father in repairing their vehicles or improving their weaponry. Anakin taught Luke and Ben much about the technology for blasters and starship guns, but he would never permit them to have any.
“A lightsaber is a last resort to the only weapon you ever need. Your mind.”
All four of Anakin’s children were strong with the force, but he was amazed in the different way they took to it, save for Luke and Ben. Although he would never admit it, part of him admired that his sons wanted to be so much like him. They were incredibly gifted and dedicated.
Anakin had always wondered if they would have been the same in the Jedi temple. He would be allowed to train only one of them when they were older, and although he had no disrespect for the Jedi, he knew his children would be too impatient with them. Only someone who had a similar experience would be able to relate to them as well. Though a select few Jedi, like Obi-Wan or Yoda would still be a great teacher to them, he believed that he was the best hope for them.
Although they weren’t blood, Anakin would make annual visits to the Lars family on Tattooine. They would come before the harvest began and help Cliegg and Owen with their moisture farming. However, it took only one year for Leia and Shmi to decide they didn’t wish to go again, as they were too far from any trees, friendly animals, water, or books Leia hadn’t read.
Therefore, every year after that, Anakin would take them, but he would also take them to all sorts of things the girls missed on Tattooine. Anakin took them to Mos Espa, and showed them Pod-Racing. They were hooked instantly, the speed and danger exhilarated them enormously. Anakin refused to let them even attempt to ride in one, promising them they would see plenty of speed in the years to come.
Despite leaving the order, the order permitted him to keep all of his belongings, and Anakin made sure to keep his Jedi star fighter. Anakin, was fanatic about keeping up on the latest technologies surrounding star fighters, and any travelers who had ship malfunction or questions were guided immediately to him.
Ruwee was a builder in his younger days and as a “late wedding gift” to his new son, he constructed the small two-story building that was now Theed’s favorite repair shop, “The Twin Suns.” Anakin thought of the name, as he always felt like he was under the twin suns of Tattooine again when he fixed things. It was also supposed to be a joke about his “twin sons,” Ben and Luke.
Anakin was in awe at how quickly Luke and Leia’s tenth birthday had come and gone. With Shmi at eight and Ben at seven, Anakin felt old for the first time in his life. Although he knew he was not old, he was merely 31, it was a feeling that comes over a parent as they watch their child grow.
On a calm and slow day at the Twin Suns, Anakin and Luke managed to sneak some time into working on their prototype star fighter. Anakin’s Jedi Star fighter had been modified to look more like General Dadonna’s A-Wing prototype.
The panels and wings were flattened out, giving the ship an arrowhead like body. Now the cockpit was centered, and there were two massive twin engines that powered the vehicle. Anakin kept the laser canons in the front of the cockpit, but like the A-wing, he added them to the wings as well. Anakin rewired the port for R2 to be behind him, wanting all of the weight in the center of the ship.
Ben was cleaning R2, but sensed something in the force. He turned to see a hooded face, but a belt that had something attached to it. It was a lightsaber. He looked up to see a smile being hidden by white whiskers.
“Hello there! Come here my little friend, Don’t be afraid” the old man said to Ben. “You must be Luke, right?”
“No, I’m Ben.”
“Ben, well Ben you look like your father did when he was your age. Do you know who I am?”
Ben shook his head.
“Oh, well, my name is Obi-Wan…”
“Kenobi?” Ben interrupted.
“Yes, so you’ve at least heard of me?” the old Jedi asked.
“Yeah. My Dad says you were the best Jedi he ever saw, even though you were slow.”
Obi-Wan’s laughter was echoed by Anakin’s who came from the back room. Obi-Wan turned and embraced his old friend. It had been ten years to the day since he had seen his former apprentice, Obi-Wan was amazed at the overwhelming presence of the force surrounding Anakin. He didn’t look as if he had aged a day, in fact, he may have looked younger.
“Luke, Ben, this is Obi-Wan Kenobi,” Anakin said, as his boys promptly bowed. “I see you met Ben, he’s our youngest.”
“Just how many are there?” Obi-Wan asked.
“Four.”
“Four? I see the twins weren’t enough at all,” Obi-Wan laughed. “What is the fourth child’s name?”
“I named her Shmi after my mother,” Anakin said with a half smile and laugh. “We had her two years after Luke and Leia, then Ben a year after that. Padme decided two boys and two girls was more than enough for us to handle. Although I wouldn’t mind having more.”
“It’s been far too long,” Obi-Wan said.
“I am sure Padme would agree. Have you seen her yet? Why has it been so long Obi-Wan?”
“That is a long story I’d rather not tell twice. Is it possible for us to go find Padme?”
“What do you say guys? Do you want to go home early for the day?” Anakin asked his sons.
“Is Obi-Wan going to tell us some stories?” Ben asked.
“Yeah, I want to hear a story form you,” Luke added.
“What has your father been telling you now,” Obi-Wan said, enjoying Luke and Ben’s excitement. “What is it you would like to know?”
“I want to know everything about the force,” Luke said, to which Ben added, “Me too!”
“Why are you asking me?” Obi-Wan asked.
“Dad said you know everything about the force,” Ben said.
“Yeah, you taught him didn’t you?”
Anakin led Obi-Wan outside to a parked swoop bike, handed him a helmet and climbed on. Obi-Wan put the helmet on and got behind Anakin. Ben and Luke had their own swoops, modified for their size however, and they were all decorated with the Twin Suns logo from the shop.
“Follow the leader?” Luke asked as he pulled up next to Anakin. “Yeah, please?” Ben asked.
Anakin turned to Obi-Wan and said, “On your mark,”
“Anakin what are they talking about?” Obi-Wan asked.
“Get set,” Anakin said as the Skywalkers readied.
“Anakin!” Obi-Wan said, as old memories of Anakin’s love for reckless speed.”
“Ben go!” Anakin shouted as Ben took off at a slow speed, followed by Luke, then Anakin.
Obi-Wan calmed himself and laughed at Anakin’s joke. Then got the real punch line as their speed suddenly doubled. Then the speed continuously increased along with the traffic. Obi-Wan had been through this before with Anakin and found it best to hang on tight.
As they sped after Ben, Obi-Wan noticed how natural the speeds came to both Skywalker sons. Judging by their helping him in the shop, they must inherited their father’s knack for technology.
Obi-Wan was anxious to test their Jedi skills after he spoke with Padme and Anakin. That was the most important thing on the old Jedi’s mind. Obi-Wan wasn’t that old in his years, but the Clone Wars and Separatist issue had worn out even the brightest of flames that shined light on the republic.
When they had seemed to be in a less populated area Anakin yelled, “Switch!” to which Ben moved to the left and slowed to let Luke take the lead from the right side. They were a fluent team, these two, Obi-Wan noticed. If these skills were even the slightest indication of their Jedi skills…
“Switch,” came Anakin’s command once more. This time he took the lead while Luke took to the rear and Ben the center.
Obi-Wan noticed that they were increasingly coming close to going over the cliff ahead. “Don’t you use roads?” Obi-Wan asked as Anakin increased the speed and yelled, “Hold on!”
The cliff was several hundred feet down, but Obi-Wan didn’t feel as if they were completely falling. Either Anakin had modified these swoops heavily or his children were far more advanced than Obi-Wan thought.
As they came close to the water, Obi-Wan could hear a shift in the sound of the engine and realized that these were simply Anakin’s work. They began to level out and hover above the water, and headed out away from the land. Obi-Wan was admiring the scenery until Anakin spoke again.
“Race!” he yelled, as Ben and Luke were on both sides of him, racing across the water. Obi-Wan noticed Luke begin to pull away, with Ben right behind him as they approached several tributaries leading into a thick forest.
They all split up at the beginning and weaved back and forth between several trees, logs, animals, and other tributaries. Luke and Ben were heading to the left, cutting through a boggy swamp like tributary while Anakin went away from them, then turned into a curving tributary. He and Obi-Wan sped forward in an almost C shaped tributary, coming out to open water again and a small island in the close distance.
Luke and Ben were within sight behind Anakin, but it was no use now, Anakin was just too far ahead. They ascended to the right side of the island and slowly pulled into a small worn dirt clearing. Luke and Ben pulled in shortly after Anakin.
Anakin led Obi-Wan through Shmi’s garden to find her and Jobal in the middle of filling a basket with very large potatoes. They managed to sneak up on them as Anakin levitated a potato away from Jobal for a few seconds. Shmi noticed her father coming, and ran up to him, giving him a hug, while curiously studying his counter part.
“Shmi, this is Obi-Wan, from all the stories I’ve told you about the Jedi,” Anakin said. “Can you say hi to him? He’s come a long way to see us.”
Shmi managed a soft and quiet, “hello.”
“She’s a bit shy around non-family members and non-animals,” Anakin said, making his daughter smile.
Padme’s voice was echoing in the household with another girl’s voice, that must have been Leia’s Obi-Wan thought. They all went inside to find Padme arguing with Leia in the living room.
“Leia, I know what I did when I was your age, but I just don’t want your life to be enveloped by that awful war like mine was.”
“The Republic does need bright and intelligent people,” Obi-Wan said.
Padme turned to Obi-Wan in anger. “Why don’t you mind your own… Obi-Wan?!” asked in disbelief. She ran forward and hugged her friend. “When did you get here? What took you so long to come visit?”
“I’d ask you but I can see,” Obi-Wan smiled. “I have been rather occupied as have the rest of the Jedi. We are no longer the generals of the Clone Troopers, and we have made it no where in our search for the Separatists.”
Obi-Wan explained for some time in detail how the Separatists had still managed to remain in hiding, and several more systems had managed to join their cause. Bail was trying valiantly, but was losing face to a harsh man named Tarkin. Who although has questionable methods has gained overwhelming support from the senate.
A young bounty hunter turned soldier for hire has joined his ranks. Boba Fett was the son of Jango Fett, the bounty hunter than had once attempted to kill Padme. Boba Fett has been ruthless, and is the only person to date that has managed to capture a separatist. Of course, he generously gives credit to Tarkin.
Perhaps the most unsettling news for Obi-Wan was Master Yoda; he had grown increasingly ill over the past few years. Although he tried to hide it, the Council began to notice he was beginning to finally show signs of age. He had claimed that Qui-Gonn had instructed him to speak with Anakin, then he retired to his chambers, and has yet to come out.
Anakin’s face froze when Obi-Wan said this. “Qui-Gonn told him to speak with me?”
“Yes, Qui-Gonn apparently told him…”
“Speak to me about death,” Anakin finished. “Qui-Gonn has told me the same thing.
“Anakin, Qui-Gonn is dead,” Obi-Wan reasoned.
“There is no death, there is the force Obi-Wan. A belief Qui-Gonn understood all too well.”
“Just what do you mean? Anakin?”
“I’m not sure, I’ve been having strange visions through the force for some time now. A familiar presence that I can only assume to be Qui-Gonn. I’ll know for sure if it is true after speaking with Yoda.”
“When do you wish to leave?” Padme asked.
“Immediately,” Anakin said, looking to Obi-Wan. “Padme, do you think the Queen could provide us with speedy transport to Coruscant?”
“Anakin, what’s this about?”
“Look I need you to trust me right now, no questions. Could she, would she do it?”
“I’m sure we could reach Coruscant by
“Kids, pack some clothes, we’re going on a trip,” Anakin said.
“Anakin what is this all about?”
“Obi-Wan, kids, during the trip to Coruscant I want you to remain with me, there’s something I have to show you.”
Chapter 8: Unity
Although they were in hyperspace, the travel from Naboo to Coruscant was still a three and a half day journey. Padme was worried about Anakin’s behavior. As soon as he was on the ship he instructed everyone to leave him in peace until they had landed on Coruscant.
Padme and Obi-Wan were both concerned with this, but knew Anakin well enough not to pry. Instead, they used their time to discuss the problems with the Senate further, as well as the situation regarding Governor Tarkin. Obi-Wan spent many hours telling the children of adventures that he, and their parents had been on. Luke and Ben recorded the tales on their holorecorder and would play them back at night to sleep.
Leia and Shmi were still a bit nervous around Obi-Wan. They didn’t understand the force as well as their brothers and were a bit nervous to actually be around a Jedi Knight their father had told them so much about. During the second day of the trip, they overheard a story involving Obi-Wan, Anakin, Padme and some angry creatures on Geonosis, and from that point on seemed to warm up to Obi-Wan.
Obi-Wan was fascinated by the Skywalker children, not just because of their talents in the force, but the subtle ways they reminded him of their parents. The girls knowledge of history and art dwarfed Obi-Wan’s and was on par with Padme. Luke and Ben were like Anakin when he was young; quiet and dedicated to their passions. Which were almost identical to Anakin’s.
While the boys were busy fiddling around with R2 and the girls studying languages with 3PO, Obi-Wan praised Padme and Anakin for their delightful children.
“They look like their father,” Padme said, admiring her sons as they diligently worked on R2.
“They have his gifts too, not just with the force I mean.”
“I think they’re worse than he was at that age,” Padme laughed. “They work so hard to be just like their father.”
“They couldn’t choose a better role model, except of course for their mother.”
Padme smiled. “Thank you Obi-Wan, but the girls have done an excellent job of that. They’re not quite sure what to make of the force though.”
“I take it the boys practice with it more?” Obi-Wan asked.
“Like I said, they want to be just like Anakin.”
“And like I said, he’s an excellent choice of role model,” Obi-Wan smiled. “Now I understand Luke and Leia were the names you had decided on before they were born, and Shmi was Anakin’s mother, but I was curious, where did Ben’s name come from, if anywhere?”
“It’s funny you should ask, Anakin told me that I should ask you.”
Obi-Wan smiled. “Oh, so that’s where it came from. I’m surprised I didn’t think of that.”
“What do you mean, what does Ben mean to you?”
“It was the name my birth parents had given me, before I was discovered by the Jedi. They actually gave me the name Obi-Wan as well. They figured that since I was going to be a son of the Jedi order, I should have had a different name. They and Qui-Gon joked with me about my two birthdays; the actual one and the day my name was changed.”
“Well, then I’m most proud to have my son named after you,” Padme said.
“Believe me, the honor is entirely mine,” Obi-Wan said. “It’s almost as if I’m part of the family.”
“Obi-Wan, I’m sorry we kept the marriage from you for so long, but I assure you, even then we considered you family.”
“I appreciate that Padme. I just wish we could have spent more time together, the children too.”
“Well, there’s still plenty of time before we reach Coruscant, I’m sure there’s plenty more stories you could share with the boys.”
“I was planning on that a bit later,” Obi-Wan said as he saw R2 open up at two different slots, firing lightsabers toward the children. “But I think there’s something else I should teach them.”
“Be careful, they might teach you a thing or two,” Padme said with a laugh and a wink.
“Is that so?” Obi-Wan said, returning a smile. “Like you said, they’re a lot like their father.”
Obi-Wan watched Anakin’s sons spar with their sabers. Ben seemed much more focused on wielding the saber efficiently than Luke, who trusted the force. It wasn’t until Obi-Wan sparred with them himself that he realized how powerful they had become. Although he could still defeat them both simultaneously, he had never encountered anyone at that age with such saber skills. Not even Anakin.
It was then they did something unusual. They blindfolded one another and put small plugs in their ears, and began sparring again. Surprisingly, they hadn’t lost a step despite not being able to see. Obi-Wan activated his saber and tried to surprise them, but they sensed him through the force and began practicing with him.
They paused after a few moments and removed the blindfolds and ear plugs, as Obi-Wan nodded in amazement.
“Why were you practicing that way?” Obi-Wan asked.
“Blindfolded and ear plugged?” Luke asked.
“Yes.”
“Dad always said your eyes show you many things, but only the force can show you the truth,” Ben replied.
Obi-Wan nodded and spent nearly ten hours with the Skywalker sons, as they worked furiously to penetrate his defenses. Although there was a bit of anger in Luke, both he and Ben didn’t allow it to affect their concentration. By the time they were finished the boys were exhausted and sleep was the only thing on Obi-Wan’s mind. It had been far too long since he had sparred with a Skywalker.
The rest of the trip was basically that same routine. The boys would listen to Obi-Wan’s stories and practice their saber techniques with him, while Padme, the girls and 3PO studied Naboo history.
Just as the ship touched the ground in the Jedi Temple hangar, Anakin emerged from his solitude. The boys were practicing with Obi-Wan while the girls were all sleeping. Anakin whistled at his sons and Obi-Wan to grasp their attention.
“Luke, Ben, stay with Obi-Wan while I meet with Master Yoda, alright? And keep out of trouble.”
“Don’t worry Anakin, I’m more likely to get into trouble than they are,” Obi-Wan laughed.
“You’re right, boys, look after Obi-Wan, keep him out of trouble.”
“How long are you going to be gone?” Ben asked.
“I’m not sure, but you’re in good hands.”
“Can we go inside the temple? Please!” Luke begged, as Ben chimed in.
“Please please please!?”
Anakin looked to Obi-Wan, “Would it be too much trouble to take them on a tour?”
“No trouble at all,” Obi-Wan said. “Take your time even.”
Anakin knew what Obi-Wan had meant by that. Obi-Wan was anxious to see how the Jedi trainees would fair against the Skywalkers. Anakin wished he could be there to see it as well, but he had other things to attend to. He rushed out of the ship, where he met Jedi Masters Mace Windu, Ki-Adi-Mundi, and Yarael Poof.
“Hello, Anakin, you look well,” Ki-Adi-Mundi said.
“Thank you, so do you. All of you.”
“Do you know why Master Yoda has requested you here?” Mace asked. “He’s never kept himself from us like this before.”
“I won’t be sure entirely until I speak with him. Is he in his chamber?”
“Yes, please hurry,” Yarael said. “We have many questions for him.”
“Anakin, where is Obi-Wan?” Mace asked.
“He’s on board with my sons teaching them about the lightsaber.”
After an exchange of bows, Anakin left to find Yoda, while Mace went into the ship for Obi-Wan. Obi-Wan noticed Mace and deactivated his saber, as Ben and Luke did the same.
“And who are your friends?” Mace asked.
“Master, allow me to introduce Luke and Ben Skywalker. Anakin’s sons.”
Mace returned the bow he received from each child. They had the same presence as their father, but Mace didn’t sense the anger that their father had at their age.
“I see you two like lightsabers, much like your father,” Mace said. “Did he make those for you?”
“No, we built them,” Ben said.
“You constructed your own lightsaber?” Mace asked.
“Well, not exactly,” Luke said. “Together we built each one. Here, have a look.”
Luke handed his saber to Mace, who ignited it, and noticed several things. The balance of the weapon was perfect, the weight was less than his own, and there were some strange modifications to the weapon he had never seen in a saber.
“What does this do?” Mace asked.
“It switches between blade and blaster mode,” Luke said confidently. “Dad came up with the design a long time ago, and we used his to model our own.”
“Yeah, but his is still better,” Ben laughed.
“Well, I must say that’s quite impressive,” Mace said, tossing the saber to Luke.
Just before Luke grabbed the saber, Mace ignited his own, and struck forward, not aiming at Luke, but rather, an inch in front of him. However, his blade was stopped halfway through by both Luke and Ben’s blade. Mace nodded, and deactivated his saber.
“Most impressive,” Mace added.
“Master, is Master Drallig busy with a class at the moment?” Obi-Wan asked.
“I believe so. Come, let’s see how our friends here are against real Jedi trainees.”
Luke and Ben weren’t sure what he meant by “real Jedi trainees” but that wasn’t important to them now. They were actually inside the Jedi temple their father had told them so many stories about. The other Jedi were staring and whispering about as they followed Obi-Wan and Mace. Everyone must have known who their father was, and the Skywalkers were anxious to show off what they knew.
While Luke and Ben were just discovering the wonders of the Jedi temple, Anakin was joining Master Yoda in his private quarters. It was here where Yoda had once warned Anakin of the dangers of attachment, and the beginning of Anakin’s path to enlightenment.
“Greetings, Master Skywalker,” Yoda said warmly.
“Master Yoda, I’m no longer a Jedi you know.”
“Then why do you carry that with you?” Yoda asked, pointing at the lightsaber.
Anakin laughed at Yoda’s observation, then grew serious when Yoda began coughing heavily. He seemed to be moving slower, but the force surrounding him was even greater than Anakin had remembered. Yoda noticed the same thing about Anakin. In ten short years, the stubborn, headstrong Jedi had grown into a wise and powerful man. Technically he was no longer a Jedi, but Yoda could sense the peace Anakin felt in the temple.
“Thank you for coming, I do. Too long have we not spoken.”
“I couldn’t agree more Master,” Anakin said, noting more symptoms of Yoda’s aging.
“Look so old to your eyes?” Yoda asked.
“Well, no and yes. I mean, you are several hundred years older than I am.”
“Noticed, have I,” Yoda said, sharing a laugh with Anakin. “Glad to have you I am.”
“What is this all about Master? I’ve been told you haven’t seen anyone in weeks.”
“Seen him, you have.”
“Qui-Gon?” Anakin asked.
Yoda nodded. “Returned from the force he has.”
“Yes, but why?”
“To teach others to do the same,” Yoda said. “Join the force, I will soon.”
Anakin could hardly believe his ears. It was inconceivable to him that Master Yoda was going to die. For over 800 years he had taught Jedi, protected the republic from evil, and led people on the right path.
“Master Yoda, are you saying you’re going to die?”
Yoda nodded. “Over, my time is. Long have I served the force from this world. From the force, I shall continue to serve all.”
“Is this why you asked me here? To say goodbye?”
“No. Teach you, this, I must. Although a Jedi you are not, powerful with the force you have become. Need you, the galaxy will after I am gone. Understand, I do, how much your family is to you, but Coruscant will need it’s greatest warrior again.”
Anakin couldn’t help but be taken in a bit by his pride. It wasn’t every day that the wisest and most powerful Jedi of all time told you he thought you to be above him.
“Master Yoda, I am hardly the greatest warrior ever. You forget yourself. I’m merely a padawan compared to you.”
Yoda laughed, then coughed and continued to laugh again. “Say that about you, I could.”
“I can see I’m not making any ground here. What did you mean by Coruscant will need me?”
“Although destroyed the Sith have been, their influence is still a threat to us. Keep a close eye on the senate and Governor Tarkin. Powerful he has become in the senate, and trust him, I do not.”
“Neither do I. Even when I considered Palpatine my friend, I never trusted Tarkin. I’ve heard that Chancellor Organa has been having troubles with him.”
“A plan he has. Unsure I am of his goals, but I am sure they do not include the Jedi. Promise me that protect Coruscant from him you will.”
“I am no longer a Jedi, and my family…”
“Help you, they will. Follow the force, you will, and…” Yoda began to pause, really working to take air in. “the force, will follow you…” were the last words Yoda said.
Before Anakin could ask a question, Yoda’s small frame disappeared before his very eyes. His Jedi clothing remained, but Yoda was no longer in this world. Though, Anakin could still feel Yoda’s presence.
“My best student, you are,” Yoda’s voice echoed in Anakin’s head.
“But you didn’t teach me…” Anakin began to say aloud.
“Possess the knowledge, you do. All you need is the belief,” Yoda said again.
Just before Yoda passed on, Luke and Ben were taking on younglings and padawans alike. The two Skywalkers were holding off everyone that came near them.
Luke, being the older, was easily dispatching of the older Jedi in the conflict, but Ben’s determination matched his brother’s experience and within minutes they had defeated nearly 30 padawans and a dozen younglings.
They stood back to back, awaiting their next challengers, but none came. Everyone in the temple was suddenly disrupted by an incredible tremor in the force. Every Jedi there knew Master Yoda, and could feel his incredible presence transferring into the force.
Anakin suddenly burst into the room, the look on his face saying everything to those who noticed him. His eyes were glossy and several tears had been running down his face, yet there was a happiness about him.
Jedi aren’t supposed to show emotion. They are supposed to be in complete control of themselves at all time. Yet for that one moment, every Jedi in the temple, and those across the galaxy that felt the tremor, couldn’t help but shed a tear in honor of the fallen Jedi Master. Anakin looked around the room, sensing an overwhelming presence of emotions, disbelief, sadness and even anger were all around him.
As Anakin’s gaze passed around the room, it was stopped by the one person he never expected to be affected by this. Though he was a powerful Jedi, and held back his feelings well, even Master Windu felt sadness for the loss of his friend. It was the only time Anakin had ever seen, and would ever see, a tear from the Jedi Master.
Aswome story... and i will be awaiting the one file download. Gun saber(final fantasy 8 fan perhaps?) the only thing i disliked about it was the Anikan Palpatine fight( The part where pal was held in the air and all..just seemed to overpower anikan for my taste) but that is your writer's freedom. it Kicks @ss and keep it up! can't wait.