An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
Chapters: 1/5
Fandom: Star Wars - All Media Types, Star Wars Prequel Trilogy, Star Wars Original Trilogy, Star Wars: Darth Vader (Comics)
Rating: General Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationships: Shmi Skywalker & Darth Vader, Leia Organa & Darth Vader, Leia Organa & Shmi Skywalker, Luke Skywalker & Shmi Skywalker (minor)
Characters: Darth Vader, Shmi Skywalker, Luke Skywalker, Leia Organa, Sabé (Star Wars), Darth Sidious
Additional Tags: Slave Darth Vader, Darth Vader Redemption, Shmi Skywalker Lives, Parental Shmi Skywalker, Good Parent Shmi Skywalker, Shmi Skywalker Needs A Hug, Time Travel, Time Travel Fix-It, Darth Vader Needs a Hug, Mother-Son Relationship, Father-Daughter Relationship, Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Family, Eventual Happy Ending
Summary:
Right after Shmi sends Anakin to the Jedi, she's suddenly transported over thirty years into the future, onto the bridge of the Executor when Vader is searching for Luke. Vader isn't terribly keen on his mother knowing who he's become, but Shmi figures out fast he's a slave, and she's going to do whatever she can to help him, whether he's her long-lost son or not.
In the dhamphir verse can we see vampire shimi being overprotective of anakin due to extreme vampire mom instincts.
Shmi was concerned. That much was to be expected, she was Anakin’s mother after all and the story of being suddenly freed did nothing to calm her. At first she had thought that he son had been dreaming or was dreaming, but then he had begun to pack the few things he owned and Shmi had begun to wonder. She had stopped his movements and demanded answers, right then and there.
Excited the boy had told her about the offer he had received from two man. The offer worried her. What could two men possible want from Anakin and her? Before she could ask further questions, a knock sounded on her door and she had been about to open it, when it slit open itself. It made her freeze where she was, before the female Skywalker stepped protectively in front of her son.
“That’s them,” exclaimed Anakin, who had not noticed his mother’s change of mood.
Surprised, the female vampire looked up, only to find herself gazing into two pairs of deep red eyes. A gasp escaped her and she stumbled back, running into her son and almost effortlessly pushing him back into the small room he called bedroom. It was more a room for his building projects since Anakin preferred being with his mother at night, but the thought was there.
“Vampires,” she gasped out. Deep down, Shmi had always known that someday, the day would come, when vampires would arrive at her doorstep, threatening Anakin. There already had been a few occasions, when one had visited and she had killed them before they had come close to her son. But this was different. She was facing TWO of her kind and they seemed… different, from the lot she had run into previously. They felt… stronger, darker… and there was something about the younger of the two, the way he looked at her, as if he could read her like an open book. Shmi did not like this feeling at all.
The long haired man cleared his throat and actually bowed, “May I introduce ourselves. I am Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn and this is my apprentice, Obi-Wan Kenobi.” The ginger haired male bowed as well. “We… met your son at Watto’s shop, looking for pieces to repair our ship.”
“We free him,” the younger vampire cut in, when his teacher seemed to struggle for words.
“Why?” asked Shmi, still suspicious of them.
“We believe your son is Force sensitive, perhaps enough to be allowed in the Jedi temple to start his Jedi training, if that is what he wishes. Also…” he older male hesitated, “it is better for all, when a dhamphir, is looked after. Just as all the vampires, he might pose a threat to his own kind and humans. It would be better, if he were to came with us.”
“Besides, on Coruscant, the BOTH of you might have a better life. At least, you would not have to be slaves anymore.” The younger vampire had crossed his arms over his chest and shrugged.
“Or you could come to Naboo, I am sure the queen would have a place for you to work,” Padme cut in. She was not sure, what made her say this, but it sounded right.
“Isn’t that absolutely wizard, mom?”
When Shmi looked down, she was greeted by the happiest smile she had seen on Anakin’s features since years. Who was she to deny him his chance in the galaxy, his chance for a better life? She had to agree, there was just no other way, though she WOULD keep an eye open, just in case. The two males may be Jedi, but they were vampires too.
Late in the night, when everyone had retired in the small hut due to a sandstorm, Qui-Gon lay awake, or rather, he was half asleep and half aware of his surroundings. He and his companions had settled in what could be called the hut’s small living room, with the queen in disguise occupying the worn out couch. Shmi and her son were sleeping in her bedroom, away from their guests. That was fine with Qui-Gon. He did not fully trust the young and rash dhamphir and neither did his apprentice and despite their separation, he was still aware enough, should Anakin try something stupid.
Sudden movement under his blanket and along his body alerted Qui-Gon and brought him fully back. A moment later, he realized that Obi-Wan had joined his sleeping place, his head resting on Qui-Gon’s shoulder. The Jedi Master did not mind.
“I don’t like him,” Obi-Wan suddenly whispered, “He smells… foul.”
The long haired man agreed with a hum. He too could not stand the stench of the young dhamphir, while his overprotective mother - she would not even allow him to spent time alone with Padme - smelled like a normal vampire. There was nothing about her smell that caught their attention.
“We will keep an eye on him and let the Council decide.”
This time it was Obi-Wan’s turn to hum. The Padawan began to shift and move again, his gaze briefly flickered behind him, as if he was checking if they were watched, before he looked into his Master’s face.
“Master… I am hungry.”
Qui-Gon closed his eyes for a moment. Of course he was, he had forgotten to tell his Padawan about the mission, which is why he had not eaten before they had started travelling to Naboo. And then their packs with the synthetic blood had been on their destroyed vehicle.
Without wasting another second, the taller male reached over his Padawan’s head and pushed his long brown hair away from his neck. He tilted his head a bit, offering and giving Obi-Wan enough room to do as he pleased. He knew his student would not exaggerate, he would just take what he needed. That was Obi-Wan’s way.
Obi-Wan pressed closer, his tongue licking the other’s skin, searching for the vein. He found it quickly and did not waste another moment, to sink his fangs into soft skin. Qui-Gon’s hand that was resting on the back of his head, tightened a bit, it was the only sign of pain the Master showed.
When the ginger haired vampire had feasted, he licked once more of the the puncture wounds, healing them and it was, as if he had never bitten his Master.
“Thank you,” he whispered and nudged the other’s bearded cheek with his nose as a sign of affection. Qui-Gon smiled at that and ruffled ginger locks gently. “Sleep now Master, I will keep watch.”
“Alright,” and without another word, Qui-Gon closed his eyes and fell into a dreamless sleep. Now that he knew that his Padawan would keep them safe, he could truly sleep and recover his resources. Besides, his body needed the time to recover.
Unbeknownst to him, Obi-Wan had sat up, his hands resting on his lightsaber and hissing at a certain blond boy. “Don’t even think about it, you’ll be dead before your fangs appear.” He growled threateningly at the owner of hungry and greedy orange eyes.
Anakin hissed right back. He had no idea what he was up against, he did not know that vampires did not like to be disturbed during sleep or during eating. Still, he felt threatened at the other vampires’ presence, especially with the faint smell of blood fresh in the air.
“Anakin,” a panicked voice cut in and grabbed the blonde’s shoulders. A moment later, the young dhamphir was pushed behind his mother’s back, who looked at the awake male vampire.
She too could smell the faint traces of the red life substance in the air and she did not need to guess long what had happened, especially not since the two males were resting so close together. She bit her lip, she should have watched out better. Of course Anakin would be roused by actual blood. Up until now, he had only drunk synthetic blood and she wanted to keep it that way. A small part of her hoped that he son would not develop a taste for the real thing, though she highly doubted it, especially after this spectacle.
“Please Master Jedi, forgive him. He is still a boy, he does not understand.”
“I know,” his voice was surprisingly soft and gentle, understanding really, “Which is why we want to take him with us.”
Shmi bowed her head in acknowledgement. If this was the only way to give Anakin a more or less normal life, then so be it.
After their evening meal, Anakin and Shmi strolled hand in hand to the quarters of Master Jinn. She still wasn’t sure why the council insisted that her son stay with this man. Anakin could quarter with her until a decision was made about his future. She had inquired with a few friends she had already made in temple about Jinn and was deeply disturbed with the rumors. She had heard tale that the man had lost a padawan, some insinuated that the master drove him to the dark and had never recovered. Jinn had stately refused after that to embrace any other child or friend for that matter. They told her he was an aloof, mulish man whom never stayed in temple long and many wondered if he was falling to the darkside.
Such tales were disturbing to a mother who loved her child more than life. Would he be able to take care of her son, would he see that he needed nurturing more than scowling and mumbling? Would he see the individual in front of him or just the phantom of a past filled with sorrow? There were just so many questions swirling in her mind that her feet brought her to Master Yoda’s door.
“Come in you will?” The door opened to reveal the tiny green master that Shmi was starting to call friend.
“Master Yoda!” Anakin leapt in front of his mother, the wide smile contagious as the grandmaster laughed.
“Good to see you it is, both of you. Heavy burden you are carrying, need advice you do?” Yoda shuffled slightly and moved out of the walkway to allow them both entrance into his humid and warm rooms, motioning for them both to make themselves at home.
“I’m sorry to bother you, Master Yoda. I didn’t even realize I was heading here until we were at your door.” She shyly smiled, and sat on a low chair, her knees slightly bunching up. Anakin piled into the chair next to her, almost bouncing with energy.
“Cookies there may be, if check in the kitchen you do.” They both laughed at the child as he flew into the kitchen on a very specific mission. “Concerned you are, feel it I can.”
Shmi was grateful that the master had found a reason to get Anakin out of the room. She didn’t know Master Jinn and didn’t want to speak out of turn in front of her son, giving him reason to question his authority. She looked around the room once more before talking, amazed at how the rooms reminded her of a swamp more than a musty old temple rooms. She felt warmer in this climate than anywhere on Coruscant since their arrival. “I met Master Jinn briefly before taking Ani to supper. He was…Well, I…” Yoda waited patiently for the words to come. Shmi was such a sweet soul with a tragic background, but a fiercely protective mother. He understood her concerns even before she did, but he would let her have her say, it was her right. “The man that I met is broken. I’ve seen his type many times in our society. I don’t know what happened, and it’s really none of my business, save that you are asking me to trust the most precious thing in my life to him.”
Yoda’s ears drooped slightly at the words and he paused a few minutes before answering. “Hurt very long ago was Master Jinn. Betrayed by the one person in the world he loved most. Recovered he still has not.” Yoda rose from the chair in front of her to approach Shmi. “Ask you to think about young Skywalker. Close your eyes you will and picture.” Shmi looked at the diminutive looking troll and wondered exactly what he was trying to do, but she swiftly closed her eyes when it looked as if she would get no explanation until she did. “Good, Good. Picture of your son you have?”
“Yes.” She spoke softly.
“Small and ready for the world he is, taking on the world one step at a time he is. Looks up to you he does, innocent he is. Swear to look out for him for all time you do. Time moves on and grow he does. You teach him all you know, until ready for life alone he is. Picture the good times and the bad. Picture how much love you have for him. See this you can?” The force seem to flow between the two as her pictures of Anakin morphed slightly, seeing a young man with deep black hair and a long braid standing next to a man who’s eyes crinkled with laughter.
“I can, and I don’t need to pretend, I know how much love a parent has for their child. They would do anything to protect and love them.” Her words were a bit harsh as she wondered if the master was questioning her love for her child.
“See your love for young Anakin I do. Questioning that, no one ever can. Now picture that the son you knew, the one you loved most turned on you. Imagine that he raised a hand to you, in hatred. Imagine the words you will, “I hate you! I will destroy everything you taught me, I will make sure you pay with your life and I don’t care who gets hurt in the process.” Tears started to flow down Shmi’s cheeks as the force granted her the visual picture of Master jinn and his wayward apprentice. Only one lightsaber glowing as the young man approached a surprised and stricken Jinn. She watched as he had no choice but to engage and fight the man he considered a son. Just as suddenly as the image came to her, it fled. She was relieved to have it was gone. She never wanted to picture her son in that position.
“I can see now why he looks so haunted, but…” She was embarrassed to question the seasoned master, but she didn’t understand how the Jedi could see the man flounder and not help him. Yoda just motioned for her to continue. “He’s a living walking misery. Everyone must see it! He looks as if he hasn’t slept in years, his body while large, is sickly from lack of eating. He reminds me of some of the harshest slaves on Tatooine. Why do you not help him?”
Letting out a bitter sigh, Yoda climbed on the chair next to her. “Tried, I have, but help he will not take. Love him as you do Ani, I do, once my padawan he was. Never stopped caring and loving him I have, but cut me out of his life he has.”
“Forgive me, Master Yoda, but why would you put my son into the hands of a man who could at any minute unravel?” The fierceness was evident in her tone.
“Unravel he could, but never harm your child he would. Watched him I have with another young boy in temple. Younger than your son, but full of fire as well. When no one is looking, Qui-Gon’s eyes light again. He sees once more the unconditional love that children bear. Hurt young Ani, he will not or put them together I would not. Help them both this could, harsh path Anakin will have if Jedi he is to become.”
Shmi sat there for a moment and shook her head. “You are asking me to trust you with something beyond precious to me, in the hands of a man that you yourself admit is broken. I just don’t think…” Shmi was about to quickly shut this down. She would go back to Tatooine before she let her son get hurt once again.
“Mom! I found the cookies! Can we bring some to Master Jinn; I bet cookies would cheer him up.” The boy flew into the room, still bristling with energy. Yoda looked on at the two, letting her make up her own mind. He wouldn’t push her, he wouldn’t insist.
“I don’t know Ani, I’m wondering if it wouldn’t be better to stay with me.”
“Mom, you are going to be busy settling in with your new job in the creche. I don’t want to stay with the babies. Perhaps Master Jinn will show me some wizard things like Obi…I mean Padawan Kenobi did.” He looked at Master Yoda shyly.
“More things to teach, Master Qui-Gon has, but grumpy he can be. Task you are up to?”
Just like that, the decision was made. “Of course! He’s not grumpy, just sad and lonely. He just needs a friend.” Out of the mouth of babes, Shmi thought silently to herself.
“Ok Ani, Let us get you to Master Jinn’s. I’m sure he’s wondering where we got off to.” Shmi kneeled in front of Yoda and whispered softly. “I will see Ani to his quarters, but mark my words. That man will not hurt my son, or deal with me he will.” She mocked the wizened master who only chuckled softly, knowing her words to be true. She was full of fire and he mourned the Jedi she would have been.
“Master Jinn, I hope you were able to get everything you needed.” Shmi smiled as Qui-Gon opened the door. She took a deeper look at the man before her. His long brown hair, which had a smattering of grey, was pushed back into a braid. His deep blue irises were stark against the dark circles under his eyes; the frown on his face starting to slightly wrinkle what she was sure was once a beautiful face.
Qui-Gon Just nodded at the young boy and mother. He had made sure his quarters were ready. He managed to get a small pallet for the second room and clothing for the lad. He even brought fresh groceries for breakfast. He hadn’t cooked in his room for years, but he remembered how much children ate. Of course he had done all this while cursing the council and his old master. How dare they continue to meddle in his life? There were many in the temple who would have taken the young boy in. “Please come in, Lady Skywalker.” His voice didn’t betray his anger; he still remembered his diplomatic training, even in this case.
Shmi looked around the sterile environment and almost laughed because she knew it wouldn’t stay that way long, not with her son. She turned and kneeled in front of Anakin and ruffled his hair slightly. “Thank you, Master Jinn, but I have creche duty in a few minutes and don’t wish to be late.”
“Please call me Qui-Gon.”
“Shmi.” She nodded at him. “Be good Ani. Don’t give Master..I mean, don’t give Qui-Gon any trouble.”
“I’m sure we will get along fine.” ~Who are you kidding, you are petrified to be alone with a young boy~ Qui-Gon couldn’t help but thinking as the words were thought simultaneously. Anakin looked at the older man and quickly ran by, flinging himself into the couch.
“Good Luck, Qui-Gon” She almost laughed, but turned to depart instead, leaving the two to get better acquainted.
As the door slid shut, Qui-Gon’s heart started to beat faster, panic settling just at the edge of his emotions. “You’ve had dinner?” The words were barely a whisper, his heart still thudding harshly in his ears.
“Yup! I was able to pick anything I wanted and they even let me have seconds, it was wizard. We never got to eat that much back home. Then I got to have cookies at Master Yoda’s.” The boy let out a small yawn, his energy starting to wane.
“Master Yoda always kept the best cookies. I’m glad you enjoyed it, but it’s already getting late. I made up a pallet for you in the other room. Go use the fresher and get ready for bed, we will talk more tomorrow.” He knew he was postponing the inevitable, but he needed to get his emotions back into control. The young boy left the room and headed into the fresher and he leaned against the wall, slouching once he was out of view. “He’s just a boy. He will be gone in a few days once Mace and Kenobi are back. I can do this…” He turned to his own room and started to get ready for bed; even though he knew sleep would be long coming on this night.
Qui-Gon had managed to fall asleep a few hours after he had tucked Anakin in, but was suddenly pulled from his haunting dreams. The quarters were silent; the only sound that of the air-cooling unit. Something dark seemed to creep within the walls, the force tugging at the master to leave the bed and investigate. He was pulled into the common room, the silence still almost defeating as the force screamed at him to keep going. Qui-Gon walked barefooted into the hallway, remembering the young boy that was sleeping inside. Was this the reason he had awoke?
Standing just before the door, Qui-Gon reached his hand out and ran it gently over the paneling, remembering the old padawan that used to sleep there once upon a time. No, that was the past, this was the present, and he wouldn’t go there. “NOOOO!” The scream startled him out his thoughts as he opened the door and saw the young blond boy thrashing under the covers, tears flowing from his eyes.
“Anakin?” The soft words were spoken from across the room, Qui-Gon was afraid to go to the boy and offer more comfort, but the boy didn’t respond.
“Please, don’t hurt him…” The words were shouted as the boy shot up in the bed, shivering and crying.
“Anakin, it’s just a dream. It’s ok.” Qui-Gon carefully inched closer, unable to keep his distance as the boy ran out of the bed and into his arms. Letting out a sigh, Qui-Gon wrapped his arms around the trembling young man and started to rock him gently. “It’s ok Anakin, it was just a dream. You are safe and sound in the temple. Nothing can harm you here.” They were words that he had often whispered to another, but they were just as true now as they were then.
After a few minutes of weeping, Qui-Gon settled them back on the small pallet, his back against the wall for support as Anakin wrapped around him for comfort. He let the boy get it all out, waiting for the sniffles to come less. “Anakin?” He looked down and gently lifted the sad face towards his. “It’s ok, I promise.” What was he doing promising anything? It wasn’t like life couldn’t smack you down in an instant. “Would you like to tell me about your nightmare?”
The boy shook his head slightly, still unable or unwilling to talk about anything. Qui-Gon just nodded and held the boy as he cuddled closer to his body, seeking warmth. He then realized that Anakin was used to two sons and was probably always just a bit colder than most. Wrapping a blanket around them, he continued to rock them back and forth as the shivering finally stopped and he heard the even breathing of sleep.
“I’ll just stay and watch over his dreams, to make sure he’s ok.” That’s what he thought to himself as he wouldn’t admit that it felt good to hold onto something so innocent once again. He closed his eyes and settled into meditation, alert to the bundle in his arms. Nothing would harm him again this night, he would make sure.
Anakin opened his eyes and realized he was in the tall master’s arms, sleeping like a baby. What had happened last night, “Oh…” He let out the small noise as he remembered the vivid nightmare that had awoken the master. He had fallen asleep crying in Qui-Gon’s arms. Qui-Gon opened his eyes from the long meditation and settled them on bright blue eyes that seemed to panic at the situation. “I’m sorry, Sir.” The boy started to crawl out of his lap, looking ashamed.
“It’s ok; Anakin and you can call me Qui-Gon. There is no need to call me sir. Would you like to get cleaned up while I get us breakfast?” The boy, still looking embarrassed fled to fresher. Qui-Gon stood up, his back aching from sitting against the wall most of the night. Stretching and listening to his joints crack slightly, he made his way to the kitchen and started a pot of tea and another pot of some sort of oats for breakfast. Anakin appeared; face washed from the dried tears and looking much better.
“Have a seat young Anakin. I’ve never been a great cook, but it will be edible.” Anakin chuckled and scooted up the table, digging into the oats without a word.
After they both ate breakfast, they just sat in uncomfortable silence until Qui-Gon finally couldn’t stand it anymore. “Anakin, about last night…”
“I don’t want to talk about it!” The boy got excited and quickly starting to pull his legs up to his chest in the chair. Qui-Gon knew that Anakin was withdrawing and slowly approached him, kneeling so that they were face to face.
“It’s ok. We all have nightmares and sometimes need comfort.”
“But it wasn’t a nightmare…” Anakin whispered.
“What was it then?” Qui-Gon felt the force light around him.
“When I have dreams like that, they aren’t just dreams….They…” Anakin trailed off, his face scrunched up and miserable.
“Anakin, are you having visions? Do your dreams come true sometimes?” Qui-Gon was one with the living force, but he knew that those closer to the unifying force often had to suffer with visions of the future.
“Yes…Don’t let it happen, please don’t let it happen!” The boy once again flew into Qui-Gon’s embrace, crying uncontrollably.
“Hush, little one…hush. Live in this moment with me, the future will take care of itself, it’s not in your hands.” The force swirled around the master, urging him to listen, but quickly it faded when Qui-Gon ignored its call. “How about we get dressed and visit your mother, than we can head to the training salles and I will start to show you the first kata?”
Anakin shot up with enthusiasm at those words. “Really? Obi started to show me some, but then he had to go. Would you really teach me more?” Qui-Gon chuckled, letting the boy down from his embrace. “Indeed I will. We can see just how good of a teacher Obi-Wan was, go get dressed.” Qui-Gon watched the boy go from depressed to excited in a snap as he ran from the room to dress. Children were always so resilient.
It had been four days since Master Jinn had taken over guardianship of a wayward boy from a dessert planet. He was full of questions and energy, but Qui-Gon had tried his best to channel that energy into exercise. The first time he had drug the young lad into the training halls and set to teaching him the first kata with bare hands he thought that both himself and the boy would run for the council begging to part each other’s company.
It had been so long since Qui-Gon had tried to have the patience to correct stances and lazy posture that had built up after nine years. “Anakin, you must keep your wrist locked, if you let it lay limp your opponent will quickly take advantage.”
“But, why must I do this bare handed, the other children are using training sabers!” The Anakin’s anger was building as the moments went on.
“Would you run before you walk? Would you swim before you can float? They have been practicing for years and therefore are ahead of your lessons.” The tall man quickly brought himself to the young boy’s level and looked deep into wide eyes. “Anakin, do you truly wish to be a Jedi? Ask yourself why you are even considering this?” He had come to enjoy the young man’s company the last few days, but he knew how hard the road would be if they accepted him into the temple.
“I don’t want anyone else to feel like my mother and I. There are so many slaves, so many who can’t protect themselves. I want to help them!” Qui-Gon’s heart went out to Anakin as tears started to roll down the still chubby cheeks of youth. “They hurt my mom, every day. She never did anything wrong, but they treated her like she was less than human…”
The boy was full of emotions, both hurt and anger but it wasn’t anything out of normal for the way he had grown up. It was understandable, the question was if he could put that aside and fulfill the Jedi code. The moment seemed to drag on as the boy’s emotions continued to overwhelm him, the master just knelt in front of him, wanting to comfort him but stuck in a loop of denial.
“Anakin, I can’t change your past, and neither can you. However, you can change your future and that of your mother. You have a great gift that could help many, but keep in mind that you don’t have to be a Jedi to help those in need. Only you and your mother can decide what path you will take. I just ask you to think heavily, because once you start to walk the path of a Jedi it is not a simple life.”
Anakin reached out and gently touched the elder master’s cheek. He was overcome with feelings of guilt and remorse, not his own feelings but that of Qui-Gon Jinn. “Oh.” The only words that could leave his lips as the master pulled the young boy into a gentle hug. “I don’t wish to scare you Anakin, I just want you to have a chance at a life that should have been yours since your first breath. Don’t let anyone push you into something you don’t want to do. Don’t be a slave to your past; accept the future for all that you wish from it. Qui-Gon quickly let the child go and stood straight as he watched Master Yoda walk through the doors of the training room.
“Master Yoda, what can we do for you?” The small master’s ears twitched, hobbling closer to the two. “Your mother, waiting she is, young Anakin.” The words were hollow and Qui-Gon knew immediately something was wrong. “I will see you soon, Ani. Tell your mother how well you did today and please think on what I said.”
The boy ran from the room as Qui-Gon kneeled on the floor closer to his old master. “What is it?”
“Mission we have. Trouble on Naboo there was.” Qui-Gon watched as the small master seemed to fold in on himself. Something was seriously wrong, but he wasn’t sure he wanted to ask.
“Mace?”
“Gravely hurt he was. Vile creature he fought on Tatooine, there he was. Fought the darkness both Mace and Obi-Wan did. Mace’s padawan defeated him, but not before he struck Mace. Know not we do, if live he will. His padawan, ready for his trials, but all alone he is. Need you to head to Naboo, take over the mission and give you support Kenobi will.”
Mace was hurt, critically hurt. His mind was swirling with all sorts of questions. He always thought his old friend was beyond anything that could hurt him. He was able to still beat anyone in the training halls, but yet this dark being had bested him. “Questions we all have, but need you there, we do. Work with a padawan you can?”
Qui-Gon quickly stood up to his full height before the wizened Grandmaster. “I will do what I must, Master. I may not want another padawan, but that doesn’t mean I can’t work in tandem with someone else’s.”
Yoda watched as his old padawan left the training hall to prepare and settled to meditate on the future. What was once clear and bright was muddled and tainted. He no longer saw their path, he no longer saw his padawan’s bright future, and dark times were coming. “No, here they are.” Yoda whispered to no one, hoping that Qui-Gon would make it in time to help both Mace and Obi-Wan.
