Avatar of the force Volume I/chapter 2 part 1

Chapter 2 Part 1

Anakin walked through the city of Theed heading towards the palace where he could clearly sense Padme. It had been eight days since he left the Jedi Temple and due to the age of the Twilight the journey had taken twice as long as it normally would. He knew that once he could afford it that he would have his ship upgraded and perhaps he should have done the upgrades at the temple but he didn’t want to stay there longer than he needed to.

It took all of about half an hour to walk from the hanger where he had the Twilight stored to get to the palace. While he was walking through the city he couldn’t help but take in the sights around him. Of all the planets he and Obi-Wan had travelled to Naboo had always held a special place in his heart. In truth Anakin didn’t know if it was the beauty of Naboo or the fact it was the first planet he had been to where there were trees and lots of water. He could remember when he first went to Coruscant and how lifeless it felt with all the metal skyscrapers. Despite the amount of people that lived on Coruscant he always thought the planet felt a little dead because of the lack of nature.

Naboo however was a completely different story all together. There were obviously less people on Naboo compared to Coruscant yet the planet felt saturated with life and his connection to the force also felt stronger and cleaner than what it did when he was back at the temple.

Breaking himself out of those thoughts Anakin made his way into the palace and was soon stopped by a guard who wanted to know who he was. Wanting to surprise Padme he used a simple mind trick on the guard to forget that he had seen him. A few minutes later Anakin found himself standing outside the room he knew was Padme’s office.

Padme was sitting in her office reading over the latest reports from the senate and let out a sigh as she noticed that there were several senators pushing for the creation of more clones. In truth despite the fact that the clones had saved them on Geonosis there was just something about the situation that wasn’t sitting right with her. Part of her blamed herself for the motion that had given the Chancellor emergency power and she couldn’t help but wonder if it would have happened even if she had not gone into hiding. At the same time though there was another part of her that realised that if she hadn’t gone into hiding then maybe she and Anakin would never have fallen in love.

The part that was disturbing her the most about the situation on Coruscant was the fact that it was Jar Jar that had called for the vote. To her it just didn’t make any sense and she had wanted to talk to Anakin about it as she new that he and the Chancellor were friends. At the same time though she didn’t want to upset Anakin as she knew how loyal he was to the Chancellor. It was frustrating and she didn’t know what to do about it. Part of her wanted to know what Anakin thought while another part was afraid of upsetting him.

Bail had told her that he believed that Jar Jar was intentionally manipulated into calling for the vote and in truth that was worrying her. If the naive Gungan had indeed been manipulated into calling the vote then what did that say about the senate and most importantly the Chancellor. Bail had told her in great detail what was said in the meeting prior to the vote being called and what he had said disturbed her to no end. If Only Senator Amidala were here. Was what Bail had said seemed to cause Jar Jar to make his decision. But as Padme knew and everyone else who knew her would agree that she would never have called for such a thing.

As Padme felt herself getting more and more depressed the buzzer on her office door went off. Realising that he secretary had been given a few days off she got up from behind her desk and walked to the door. The moment the door opened her heart stopped at the sight before her. There standing just a few feet in front of her was Anakin who had a small smirk on his face.

As the door opened Anakin couldn’t tare his eyes away from hers and he suddenly felt his heart pounding in his chest. He had missed her terribly and now standing in front of her all he wanted to do was pull her to him and kiss her and that’s exactly what he did.

Back at the Jedi Temple Obi-Wan was sitting in Yoda’s meditation room waiting for the Jedi Grand Master to speak. It had been a week and a half since Anakin left and since then there had been many disagreements in the council chambers. Even now some of the Jedi Masters wanted to have Anakin recalled and he knew that they felt insulted by what Anakin had said to them the day he officially resigned. Seeing the council act the way they were had made Obi-Wan question a lot of things over the past several days and in truth he was starting to see why Qui-Gon often disobeyed them.

Qui-Gon had once told him that he did what he felt was right and that sometimes what the council believed was right wasn’t always the case. In his days as Qui-Gon’s padawan he often argued with him about the way he ignored the council but now he was starting to understand why is former master would do what he did. The council had grown arrogant in their belief that they were right about everything in regards to what they believed to be the will of the force. For the first time in his life though Obi-Wan was really starting to question whether or not the council were right about half the things they said.

“Important question that is young Obi-Wan” Yoda said aloud reading the younger Jedi’s thoughts. “Told you before I have that arrogant some of us have become...Often I have said to younglings that need to unlearn what they have learned…Perhaps applies to us as well”

Obi-Wan looked at Yoda and let out a small sigh. “I just don’t understand the councils reaction to Anakin…I know it’s a bit hypocritical of me considering my own actions but seeing the council act the way they do is unsettling”

“When spoke to young Skywalker I did said something to me he did that given me a lot to think about it has” Yoda said in response thinking back on one of his earlier conversations with Anakin just after he made his first request to leave the order.

“What did he say” Obi-Wan asked genuinely curious if Anakin had said something to cause even Yoda to think long and hard about it.

Yoda let out a sigh of his own before turning his full attention to the younger Jedi Knight. “Told me he did that when brought all Jedi under one temple that lost something we had…At first dismissed his statement I did but also said that being in one temple caused us to become stagnant…Made a point he did that even in the old days that with more than one temple able to change and evolve we were despite those that fell into darkness…Allowed more freedom to the Jedi it did to ask questions and challenge their superiors…But now under one temple we are…One group of leaders…No longer do we ask questions and challenge what we teach…Stopped learning we have…Stopped evolving we also have…Arrogant in our beliefs we have become…Perhaps even fanatical in our beliefs we are…History taught us it has that when convinced of our own superiority that loose ourselves to arrogance we can…Happened many times it has...Reason it may also be as to how eluded us the Sith have…Changed the Sith have but unchanged the Jedi remain”

“If that’s true then what can we do about it…It’s not like the council would agree with what you just told me” Obi-Wan stated in frustration.

“Nothing we can do there is…At least until over this war is…If survive the Jedi do then perhaps learn something from young Skywalker we will…Followed his heart he has…In doing that found a peace that there before it was not…In time believe I do that the greatest of us he could become…If accept him the council does”

Obi-Wan nodded his head slightly in understanding of what Yoda was saying “Do you honestly think the council will ever accept him…He is different from us and I don’t think the council will ever be ok with that”

“His difference the problem may not have been…Remember you should that two others there are within the order that were older than Anakin when they first came to us…Master Hett…Ten years old he was when brought to us he was…Master Kota eighteen he was when Master Windu brought him here…Feel I do that their fear of young Skywalker more to do with his potential power than the age he was when found him you and Qui-Gon did”

“Master Yoda why the sudden change towards Anakin…You have always been one for supporting the Jedi Code and yet now you almost seem to be wanting to change it” Obi-Wan asked with confusion evident in his voice.

Yoda closed his eyes for a few seconds before taking a small breath. “Spoken to an old friend I have recently” Yoda responded as he opened his eyes to look back at the younger Jedi. “Told me some things he did…Said things that wanted to hear I did not…But needed to hear them I did…For over eight hundred years have I trained Jedi…In that eight hundred years inflexible I have become…Realised I have that change necessary it is or die the order will…Things that cant change and evolve die they do…Fear I do that perhaps survive this war we may not…Fall we might because change refuse to accept it we do…Force change on us I believe young Skywalker will…Force us to look deep within ourselves…Like what I see I already do not…See the end of the Jedi I do…The first of a new breed of force users young Skywalker is…A new kind that connects to those around him…Forms attachments to people he does by his very nature”

“But isn’t attachment dangerous”

“An attachment to a singular individual dangerous it can be…Dependant on that one individual you can become…That is where young Skywalker differs the most…Forms bonds with those around him…The more he connects with people the stronger he becomes…If faced with the loss of one individual anchor him the others will”

Walking through the streets of Theed a man hidden under a cloak was following Anakin and Padme from a safe distance. One week earlier he was suddenly dropped on Naboo and given a mission by the force itself. His mission was to wait for the Chosen One and to train him so that the young man can become who he was always meant to be. In truth all he knew about this Anakin Skywalker was that somehow ten years earlier the young mans destiny had been drastically altered by some Jedi, and now the Force itself was pulling out all the stops in trying to save it’s Chosen One. To save him from becoming something that he was never meant to be.

From what the man had learned the Chosen One being taken by the Jedi had prevented the young man from travelling amongst the stars and learning from others about his powers. Because of this it was now down to him to train the boy and pull out the true power the boy possessed. It would not be easy if the boy was still wrapped up in Jedi teachings but there was a small amount of hope. The boy had defied the Jedi and fallen in love and would be getting married soon before heading towards the Outer Rim to fight against slavery and injustice.

Personally the man thought as he watched Anakin and the Senator laughing and joking that perhaps this kid did have potential. However his main concern was what the Jedi would do if this boy reached his true potential. Would they try to imprison him, would they exile him to the Unknown Regions or would they simply try to kill him for having to much power.

The Jedi had always feared those who’s powers went beyond theirs and in the past they had killed because of the possibility of the threat a person may possess. He however would not allow that to happen while the boy was under his protection. There was a storm coming and this Anakin was destined to be that storm and he would make sure the boy reaches his potential and force help anyone who tries to stop him.

Later that evening Anakin sat alone in the back garden of the Naberrie house just looking up at the stars lost in thought. It had turned out to be an interesting day so far and he was surprised how easily Padme’s family had accepted him. At first he had been nervous about meeting them again as this time he wasn’t there to protect Padme but there as her fiancé.

Much to his surprise though the Naberrie’s again accepted him with open arms and both Padme’s parents seemed to be grateful that their youngest daughter had finally found someone. From what he had learned Padme had had several boyfriends in recent years but always ended the relationship before it got to far. When he had asked her about it she give him an honest answer by telling him that even though she cared for the people she had become involved with she never felt a real connection to them. Then she told him that he was the first person she has ever felt a real connection to and that he meant as much to her as she did to him.

As the evening approached Anakin left Padme alone with her family saying that he wanted to do a bit of studying and she knew that he was keeping up with his training so she had kissed him on the cheek before telling him not to stay out late. So far everything seemed to be going great but there was one thing he was waiting for and it was something that was actually terrifying him, or rather someone and that was Sola. Padme had warned him that her sister loved to tease her and now that the two of them were together Sola would eventually start to tease him without mercy.

There was something else that was concerning him though and that was the fact that Padme seemed to be worried about something. It was slightly unsettling and he could tell she was trying to hide it but he knew there was something deeply troubling her. He had decided not to push it in front of her parents but he knew she needed someone to talk to about what was bothering her.

Bringing himself out of his thoughts Anakin reached into his bag and pulled out a square shaped holocron before placing it gently on the ground. Using the force he activated the holocron and the image of Qui-Gon Jinn appeared before him.

As the holocron activated the gatekeeper immediately recognised Anakin as he had used the holocron several times during the trip to Naboo. The first thing the AI realised was that they were no longer on a ship but out in a garden. “I take it we have arrived at our destination”

“Yeah this is Padme’s parents house…We’re staying here for a few days until the wedding” Anakin responded.

“Since you have activated me again I assume you wish to continue with your training” The gatekeeper asked.

“Yes I do…I have thought over some of the things you have told me in the last few days but I’m still struggling with even the most basic forms of meditation…I just don’t know why”

The gatekeeper looked at the former Jedi for a few seconds while running through it’s complex database looking for a solution to the young man’s problem. After a few seconds an idea came to it’s mind. “When you try to meditate what usually happens”

“My mind just starts to drift and I find myself thinking about anything and everything…I just cant seem to focus myself”

“What you need Anakin is to find an anchor…A mental chain to hold yourself in place…There is a point just before you fall to sleep where your mind goes blank…Let yourself relax and try to capture that moment between being awake and asleep”

Anakin closed his eyes and tried to let his mind go blank while the gatekeeper kept on with his instruction. Of all the things he hated the most it was meditation and it was something he had never been able to master. Unfortunately the gatekeeper had told him that he needed to learn how to meditate before he could continue to learn about the living force. From what the gatekeeper had said Anakin knew he needed to find a true moment of peace within his mind before he can begin to understand the mysteries of the living force and how it connects all life together.

With everyone in the house going to bed Padme realised that Anakin had been out in the back garden for over two hours. She knew that he was continuing with his studies which is why she left him alone. Now however it was getting late and she was starting to feel a little tired herself. Getting up of the couch she made her way out to the back of the house and into the garden. As she approached Anakin she saw the holographic of a man who was in a strange way responsible for he meeting Anakin. Looking at the hologram she couldn’t help smile slightly even though seeing the image saddened her due to the memory of the Jedi who was now gone.

Focusing her attention on Anakin she could see him sitting on the grass with his legs cross. Not really understanding what was going on she decided to leave him where he was and turned back towards the house. “Don’t go” She heard him say causing her to turn back to him.

“I don’t want to disturb you” She responded as a memory suddenly popped into her head where she woke up that morning to find Anakin standing there with hands behind his back. Despite the pain that that memory also brought she couldn’t help but smile.

Opening his eyes Anakin stood up and turned towards his future bride with a small smile on his face. “You never disturb me and I’ve told you before, your presence is soothing” With that he took a few steps towards her before leaning down to kiss her softly on the lips to which she instantly responded to.

After what felt like an eternity the two finally broke apart. “Everyone has gone to bed…I was about to go myself”

Hearing her say that Anakin realised that he must have been outside for quite a while. In fact he was surprised that he was able to meditate for that long once he was able to find an anchor for himself. That anchor was of course Padme and he found that when he centred himself on her he found a peace within himself. “I didn’t realise it was so late…Sorry Angel I wanted to spend some time with you”

“It’s ok Ani…You may not be a Jedi anymore but the force is a part of you and I know you still want to carry on learning…I know how important that is to you”

Anakin glanced back at the holocron and using the force deactivated it before lifting it up and placing it back in his bag. Once that was done he turned his attention back to Padme. “I think I’ve spent enough time learning for one night”

Padme took his left hand in her right one and started to pull him towards the house. “Will you stay with me tonight” She asked as she just wanted to feel him near her. “I just want you close by”

Even though part of him was afraid he wouldn’t be able to control himself he could see it in her eyes that she needed him and he knew he couldn’t refuse her. “As long as your going to be ok with it”

Taking his words as a yes Padme kept her hand around his and pulled him into the house and upstairs into her room. That night the two of them slept peacefully totally content with their arms around each other. If there was one word to describe what they were feeling, it would be complete.

“Has anyone seen Padme and Anakin this morning” Jobal asked as she sat down at the table in the kitchen with the other members of the family.

“Maybe they decided to sleep in” Darred said as he poured himself a cup of caff.

Hearing that both Jobal and Ruwee looked at each other with concern “You don’t suppose they have been…you know” Jobal asked aloud airing both her thoughts and that of her husbands.

“Oh mother don’t be so paranoid…Darred and I used to sleep in the same bed before we got married even though we didn’t do anything…I just liked the feeling of having him close…Padme already told me that she and Anakin had both decided to wait until their wedding night” Sola said hoping to calm her parents fears.

“Well it’s getting late maybe someone should go and check her room and she if she’s awake…That is if she is still in her room” Ruwee said cautiously as he was nervous about the idea of his youngest daughter being in bed with a man she is not yet married to.

Sola could see the nervous look in both her parents eyes and she had to stifle a chuckle at their rigid ways. While she herself had decided to wait until she was married before having sex her parents were brought up in a more traditional environment where sex before marriage was a big taboo. Sometimes she wondered if her parents would ever catch up with modern times. “Well since I’m not exactly known for being subtle I will go and wake the two love birds” With that she got up and left the room knowing that her parents minds were probably running through hundreds of possibilities on what he little sister and future husband were up to last night.

Walking up the stairs Sola went to the door to her sisters room and quietly opened it. As the door opened she came to a stop as she looked at her sister who was peacefully asleep with her head rested on top of Anakin’s chest. Looking at the pair as they slept she could tell that they were clothed, except for Anakin being topless that is. For some reason though Sola found herself just watching the pair as they slept and a small smile formed on her face as her sister moved slightly snuggling in closer to her lover.

Sola had to admit to herself that she had often worried about Padme over the years especially after her term as Queen ended. Both herself and her parents had hoped that Padme would retire from public service and settle down to have a family. It was no secret that Padme had had a few boyfriends over the years but nothing seemed to have come from it. In fact from what she knew Padme’s last boyfriend was someone who was also a Senator but that relationship ended rather quickly. But now as she looked at her sister she understood why none of those other potential lovers never worked out. Whether Padme knew it or not she had been waiting for Anakin to come back into her life.

Bringing herself out of her thoughts Sola realised that she couldn’t bring herself to wake her sister and tear her away from her lovers arms. So with that in mind she quietly closed the bedroom door and turned around before heading back down stairs. As she walked down the stairs for the first time in years Sola knew she didn’t need to worry about her sisters happiness anymore and for that she would always be grateful to the young man that would soon be her brother.