Obi-Wan showed Anakin his schedule for classes. In the freedom he was now living in, his time was invested into forming him into a better person with more knowledge and control of the world he was living in. He was excited. The schedule had the locations of each class along with a full profile of the Master imparting them. Obi-Wan smiled warmly taking in Anakin’s reaction to studying.
“I’ll be in some of your practices because of my Knighthood trials.” He added, grabbing him gently by the shoulder. “So if you need anything, you can comm me and I’ll be right there with you.”
“…’Great Pool’, what’s that, Obi-Wan?” Anakin asked. Obi-Wan realized where the boy came from probably would’ve never seen a pool.
“A massive body of water.” He ruffled his Padawan’s hair. “Remember to call the other older Jedi ‘Master’, otherwise they’ll correct you. I think you will like the Great Pool.” Anakin nodded and turned off his data pad. He was ready for his first class and Obi-Wan accompanied him to the door.
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“Welcome, Skywalker.” Master Fisto was waiting for him, his green body glistening by just coming out of the water. “Your swim suit is in the changing room, do you know how to float?” Anakin shook his head trying to not to be distracted by all the water, the other Padawans enjoying themselves in it.
“What happens if I don’t?” Anakin finally asked, taking off his obi, Master Fisto following him.
“Get changed, young Skywalker. We are going to help you float after that so you can join us for a game.” Anakin hurried up, he was excited to get into the water. Everyone seemed to be having fun.
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After the basics were taught to Anakin, and he managed to not drown, Master Fisto took a little silver ball from his shorts. He turned it on, and the ball jumped into the water. The other Padawans cheered and dived in. Anakin looked back at Master Fisto.
“The first to catch it wins one of my famous Garlic Croquets. Remember to use your Breather down there, and don’t be afraid to use the Force. It makes bubbles!” Anakin nodded at went inside the water. It seemed like… this game was close to what the kids in Tatooine played with old droid’s motors.
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The war left them very little time to enjoy. After the Battle of Geonosis, the Jedi Temple had suffered a blow into their Masters’ ranks. Many Padawans were left without their mentors, and some classes had to be fulfilled.
The Halls of Healing were crowded, Obi-Wan was sitting beside his Padawan’s bed, waiting for him to wake up after his surgery. It had hit him that it was going to be hard for him to adjust to his new reality… or perhaps he wasn’t going to struggle… as he had adapted once before to an alien life back when he was just nine years old.
Obi-Wan sighed. Looking around he could feel the others’ worry. Some Padawans were in tears, others just numbly accepting the truth of their new future. Obi-Wan remembered the pain he had felt when he had lost Qui-Gon.
“Master…” Anakin hoarse voice made him look back.
“Anakin,” he took his hand in his, “try not to move too quickly, you could pull something.” Anakin smiled softly looking at his other hand, now a metal one.
“It looks cool.” He said, trying how his fingers flexed. Obi-Wan was relieved to hear him be positive.
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In his recovery, Master Yoda had asked him to help with some of the lessons for the Creché younglings. Anakin enjoyed these little tasks, made him feel confident on being a Jedi and he got to show off in front of others about his knowledge and control.
His first lessons went well, and then Master Fisto came to him.
“Skywalker!” He shouted in the middle of the hall. Anakin stopped in his tracks and turned around for him to be able to reach him. “I’ve heard many younglings talk about your skills as a Jedi.” Kit had always been a Master in compliments. He knew how to get to Anakin do chores.
“I have the next hours free, do you need me for something?” The smile Fisto returned at him was the kindest he had ever received.
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The transport was ready, Anakin had checked the systems and they were ready to go. The hangar was cleared, no clones or other Jedi were in it. Master Fisto arrived with a small group of Padawans. They were recently ‘orphaned’, and had to be trained by the Council while they worked on getting new Masters.
“Most of you are familiar with Skywalker, he is going to take us to our aquarian tour.” The children bowed to him and Anakin smiled. “He is one of the best pilots the Jedi has in their ranks, so you are being lucky today.”
Their way to the planet Castilon was filled with questions from Master Fisto testing the Padawans’ knowledge in their Astrographical area. Anakin enjoyed the flight and when they arrived, the children cheered in unison.
“Excellent landing.” Fisto put a hand on his shoulder. “I require another adult for this little trip, you wouldn’t mind getting your swimsuit on, would you?” Anakin smirked with wonder in his eyes. He thought Fisto would never ask.
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Most of the children were aquatic beings, a Selkath and a Mon Calamari while there was just a Zabrak kid. He looked nervous.
“Is this your first time in deep waters?” Anakin asked joining him and aiding the kid with his Breather. The child nodded. “Don’t worry, I need my breather too. I will be close behind you if you need help, alright?” The child smiled with the metal piece between his lips.
The trip underwater promised to be interesting, and Anakin enjoyed the task Master Fisto was already giving them before diving in.
my full piece for @untoldstoriescwzine
