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With the first meal of the day over with, Anakin was anxious to do something or anything. He felt terribly cooped up. He always traveled well on his ship because of all the mechanical work and building things he did. Living in confinement with nothing to do but think was slowly driving him out of his mind.
Anakin glanced at Master Qui-gon and Obi-wan. The Jedi probably love just thinking and stuff like that. he thought in exasperation. I don't suppose the Jedi have any droids in need of repair around here.
"Hey, Kaely!" Anakin called.
He turned and looked over at the beeping bedcover. A small movement began under the rumpled sheets and rolled off the edge of the bed. Kaely fired her repulsor lifts just in time to prevent herself from landing on the floor.
"Obi-wan, did you get the paint?"
"Yes, and everything you'll need. It's in that box." He gestured to the small parcel that Anakin had not noticed resting on the floor by the desk. Excitedly, the boy brought it to the table and the Jedi cleared away the remainder of breakfast.
Kaely began chirping eagerly and zoomed in circles above Anakin's head.
"Let's see what color you got." He opened the box and pulled out the paint remover, applicators, and three containers. One was the primer, the second was the clear finishing liquid and the last was paint. Pulling off the top he noticed immediately that the paint was odorless. And a very bright shade of baby pink.
Anakin looked aghast at Obi-wan's smirking face. "And how did she find out that most little girls like pink?" he accused sternly.
Obi-wan couldn't answer he was too busy laughing. Even Qui-gon was struggling to not look amused.
"You did it on purpose!"
"Ask her yourself," he managed between snickers, "She chose it."
Kaely agreed with Obi-wan enthusiastically. She landed a bit awkwardly on the table, but didn't slide off or thunk on the surface.
She really needs more practice. I'll have to make her do landing drills. She'll hate it. Anakin mused.
Anakin picked her up and began cleaning off the remaining patches of green paint, orange stains and whatever it was that the Crèche children had scribbled on her.
"Obi-wan," Qui-gon looked up from what Anakin was doing. "I don't recall any of our ships being pink."
"Ah hah!" Anakin pointed the brush he was holding. "You mixed up white and red and told Kaely to pick it!"
"Perhaps you should not have coerced me into taking her?"
Anakin decided to ignore him and coated Kaely's flat underside with the fast drying primer.
"Anakin," Qui-gon commented in a relaxed manner. "If we had found you sooner. And had the Council retracted their decision and accepted you, would you have agreed to be a Jedi?"
"I was really upset with them, but I suppose I would have said yes." Anakin turned his droid right side up to coat her domed top.
Obi-wan asked nonchalantly. "And how do you feel about them now?"
"I'm not sure. I don't like them, but they are trying to help. I think that they are sorry for tossing me aside as a lost cause or something like that. At least I hope so."
Anakin glanced up to see the Jedi's reactions. Obi-wan's eyes were wide and Qui-gon was projecting controlled alertness. Anakin was startled.
Was it something I said? He followed the direction of their gaze. They were staring at Kaely. What? Anakin thought in confusion.
"I did not realize how very easy it is for you to levitate objects, Ani." Qui-gon told him.
"Huh?" Anakin's brain struggled to comprehend Qui-gon's statement. He had automatically held his droid in the air with the Force while applying the primer to the rest of her hull. He couldn't hold her in his hand while she was wet and he didn't want her to move herself until the primer dried enough to not drip or fill the cracks of her compartment doors.
"Oh! Um, I guess I really don't think about it." He looked down at little Kaely. She knew he was holding her in the air and it never concerned her that she couldn't detect how he used the Force.
As far as Kaely knew, Anakin had always been able to move or pick her up regardless of whether she was near him or at the other end of a room, even when she knew he wasn't looking at her. She probably doesn't know that most people can't use the Force.
"When you are done, perhaps Kaely would like to see herself in a mirror?" Obi-wan suggested.
"Oh, no!" Anakin warned him. "She already has enough bad habits. Don't you go teaching her how to be vain!"
"But I am sure that she will be delighted to see how pretty she is in pink."
Kaely whistled in agreement. Anakin just groaned and opened the container of pink paint in disgust.
***
Later that morning, Qui-gon and Obi-wan escorted Anakin to a different room in the Temple. Once again they walked through the corridors without seeing a single person. Anakin had concluded that this area was either off limits or very rarely used. They entered a large, empty hall with a very high ceiling and no windows. The entire Jedi Council was standing in a rough circle with a generous gap between each of them.
"Anakin," Mace Windu instructed. "Stand in the center. Let the Force glow around you, but do not control it or fight it."
Anakin glanced back once at Qui-gon and Obi-wan, who had stationed themselves near the door, before he complied with the Jedi's order. The Council all closed their eyes and he felt their power focus heavily on him.
Anakin tried to not let it irritate him. Don't they ever say hello to anyone, or is it just me? I know that I want to get this over with, but they are really getting on my nerves!
It took a little longer for the light to start this time. Anakin almost didn't feel the glow beginning. His skin tingled, but didn't sting. Normally, Anakin was so busy trying to stop it he never really had a chance to observe what happened before an explosion went off.
Cautiously, he opened his eyes. He held up and moved one hand to see how the light left a trail of glittering sparks in the air like a comet. A dizzy feeling assaulted him and quickly receded, but he still felt no pain. Then, Anakin felt the familiar overflowing of power that always occurred when the illumination increased. Out of curiosity, Anakin lifted his head to look at the Jedi.
Oh WOW! Anakin caught is breath in awe. Clinging to and expanding from each Council member was a wave of power unlike anything he'd ever seen. Anakin could perceive it visibly and not just sense it with the Force.
The expansion of intense Force power seemed terribly loud to Anakin. It came from the Jedi Masters in waves and surged together to form a barrier all around Anakin. None of Anakin's physical senses could ignore the use of the Force surrounding him. Despite the brightness of his glowing, he could see each of the Jedi clearly.
It almost made him want to plug his ears and shut his eyes, but he endured it. Blocking out the Force was always hard. Anakin waited while his mind adjusted to the extreme Force activity and relaxed when his brain stopped sending his body mixed signals.
He turned his head to look for Qui-gon and Obi-wan's reactions. They don't see it! I know they can feel what the Council is doing, but why can't they see it?
Anakin was facing Yoda and Mace Windu. He watched in fascination as the two Jedi Masters' power crashed against his light. Their efforts had no color or distinct shape until it touched the churning and sparking yellow and white. Master Yoda's made one narrow section of the rim of Anakin's glow turn green and Master Windu's was blue.
How do they do that? Anakin was determined to find out.
***
From the large room's entrance Master Qui-gon and Obi-wan waited expectantly. They were both comforted that Anakin was calm and not suffering this time. The glowing had brightened to obscure the boy from view as before, but it did not advance.
The intense white center and yellow edges swirled slower and slower until they nearly stopped. They could both feel the Council push the light back towards Anakin. Qui-gon could faintly see other colors blending with the rim. Obi-wan glimpsed it for a few seconds.
Suddenly, the light reversed, smoothly flowed back to Anakin and vanished. The boy sat blinking his eyes and slumped slightly from exhaustion. The Council put on a good show of composed tranquility, but Qui-gon and Obi-wan knew that they were fatigued as well. The two Jedi smiled at each other in relief.
***
Anakin looked down at his pink droid in irritation. I'll just have to get used to it. He carefully began applying the clear protective finish. He was very tired, but Kaely had waited for almost a month and a half for a new paint job. It was almost done, so he decided to just finish it now.
His brush strokes were slow and he yawned frequently, but Kaely didn't complain. Master Qui-gon and Obi-wan were still talking to the Council, but would come visit soon and they probably would not like it if he wasn't resting. Anakin tried to work a little faster.
The Jedi arrived just as Anakin finished putting the painting supplies back in the box. As before, he use the Force to hold his droid suspended in the air and prevented the liquid from jamming her tiny doorways.
As he expected Qui-gon's first words were a reprimand for not relaxing. "Ani, promise me that you will rest for the remainder of the day."
"I will." That is a good idea.
Anakin sighed and slouched in the chair. "I really am okay. So, when does the Council want to try it again? Tomorrow?"
"Possibly."
"What did you both think about all that stuff the Council did?"
"They halted your light's expansion skillfully."
Obi-wan suppressed a laugh. "That's not exactly the answer Ani is looking for, Qui-gon."
"It is an accurate assessment."
"They did block the glowing and even began slowing it down, however I did not see if they truly prevented another explosion or if one simply did not occur." Obi-wan looked to Anakin.
"I'm not really sure either." Anakin thought for a moment before elaborating. "They pushed it back differently. Not like I've always tried."
"Can you imitate their methods?" Qui-gon inquired hopefully.
"Yeah, I think so. But I can't do it exactly the same. I really can't push the light, I'd have to pull. Before, I always tried to just snuff it out and squash the glowing. Maybe that's why it hurt so bad?"
"Possibly. Did you feel pain at all this time?"
"Not really, when the Council was working I felt dizzy and kind of overwhelmed."
Obi-wan sat back in his chair and looked pensively at Qui-gon. "Was Ani really not hurting, or did the Council suppress his pain for him?"
Qui-gon closed his eyes and recalled the morning's events in detail. "No, they did not."
"Great!" Anakin grinned. "How come the Force stuff they were doing became colors?"
"You could see that?" Qui-gon was puzzled.
"Yeah." Anakin shrugged his shoulders.
"Did the light hurt your eyes?" Obi-wan was stunned.
"No, not at all. My light never blinds me or anything like that."
"Well, Ani, I am not certain as to why the colors occurred." Qui-gon told him. "It seems likely that this was just how their efforts reacted to your glowing."
"Has the Council found out why all this stuff keeps happening in the first place?"
"Not, yet. Or, at least they haven't told us." Obi-wan explained.
"Explain to us again what the glowing feels like, Ani." Qui-gon asked.
"Well, there is a lot of the Force hitting me. Too much. I think I'm getting used to it, but it's hard not to panic. Why does it always happen when I meditate anyhow?"
Obi-wan was just as confused, but Qui-gon had a theory. "When Jedi begin learning the Force, they must meditate to achieve their goals."
"Ah, I see now." Obi-wan relaxed as Qui-gon began to lecture Anakin.
"When learning to levitate an object, it is at first necessary to meditate. Otherwise your mind will not become quiet enough to concentrate. Once you are without distractions, only then can you feel the Force. In time, meditating before every action is no longer essential. By then your mind is naturally calm and the Force flows smoothly when called upon."
Obi-wan added his thoughts. "This is why we thought that you had a teacher, Anakin. You have been unable to meditate without severe pain, and yet you have accomplished many Jedi skills."
"Like right now." Qui-gon gestured to Kaely. Anakin was still holding her aloft. "No one your age can do that so effortlessly."
"Oh. Well, it's never really been hard for me to do once I started trying."
"I think that perhaps the Force screams at you, while it whispers to the rest of us, Ani." Obi-wan concluded.
"So, when do I get sprung out of here?" Anakin asked with a crooked smile.
"When you are a Padawan." Obi-wan replied. He and Qui-gon waited anxiously for Anakin's response.
Disbelief, surprise and bewilderment flashed across the boy's face. He didn't even notice when he dropped Kaely. She fired her repulsor lifts just in time and squealed indignantly at Anakin.
"Uh, Kaely I'm sorry...um, it's sticky enough that you can hover yourself until it finishes drying." He waved absently for her to move away from the table. Frowning, Anakin rested his elbow on the table and supported his forehead with one hand.
Obi-wan almost regretted speaking. He glanced at Qui-gon, who gave him a reassuring look. They did need to tell Anakin and now was a good time. They waited as the minutes passed and Anakin still did not look up or answer. The only sound in the room was the soft whine of Kaely's engines.
"Ani." Qui-gon said softly. "It is not necessary that we talk about this now. Take your time."
"No, it's okay." Anakin's voice was hoarse. He lifted his head and his eyes shone with unshed tears. "I'm really glad now that you both dragged me back here. I..."
Anakin face was strained and he frowned deeply. "They don't want me." He choked out.
"Anakin, the Council does not resent you or want to get rid of you. Give them time." Qui-gon advised.
"Why are they...?" He stopped speaking, again not trusting his voice. The room became oddly quiet for a moment.
"This all depends on your control over the Force glowing." Qui-gon warned. "However, you have made so much progress that we are certain that they will accept you soon."
Anakin relaxed a little. "Who would teach me?" he asked cautiously.
"That remains under debate." Obi-wan answered.
Kaely's repulsor lifts made a strange sputtering sound behind them, but Anakin and the Jedi ignored it.
"Anakin, do you want to be a Jedi?"
Anakin didn't hesitate. "Yes, I always have."
Master Qui-gon smiled and Obi-wan exhaled in relief.
"The Council is considering the possibility of having two masters teaching you." Qui-gon explained. "They have not yet determined which two would be the best choice."
"Why not you and Obi-wan?"
Obi-wan tried to lower Anakin's hopes gently. "The Council would never agree. I've never trained a Padawan and I do not feel that I have the experience necessary, yet."
"And you like being on your own." Anakin added for him.
"That also." Obi-wan admitted. "A Padawan is a huge responsibility."
Qui-gon clasped his hands on the table and looked at Obi-wan. "But, in this case you'd only have half a Padawan to deal with."
Anakin snickered. "Besides, none of those stuffy Council members would be able to tolerate me."
For the sixth time, Kaely's engines went silent and then re-engaged. Anakin turned his head around, but she was only flying slowly up to the ceiling.
"And just how to you intend to convince them?"
"If it is the will of the Force, we will not have to." Qui-gon reminded him.
They could hear Kaely's repulsor lifts cease activity again.
"Kaely!" Anakin exclaimed in irritation. "Quit freefalling! It won't make you dry any faster!"
***
Anakin waited excitedly for the Jedi Council to arrive. They were in the large room again. He was having a hard time being still and not smiling.
Qui-gon looked at him curiously. "You aren't pensive like you were yesterday."
"I know what will happen this time."
"Is that so," Obi-wan said with raised eyebrows.
"You know what I mean."
The doors opened and the Council filed in and took their previous places without a word. When they surrounded Anakin, Mace Windu gave the only command. "Begin."
And Anakin began. Swiftly, his light swelled out from him in sparks. The glow obscured him and then abruptly froze. It had the appearance of a miniature sun.
The Council did not lower their barrier nor allow it to touch the light. Master Windu opened his eyes and spoke to the ball of light. "Anakin, don't rush."
Over several minutes, each golden spark slowly streaked back towards the white ball. All at once, Anakin became visible again. The light reduced to a diffuse glow and the sparks were all in inter connecting clusters loosely wrapped around his arms. Steadily, Anakin dissipated the light more and more until the last vanished along his palms.
Anakin looked straight at Master Yoda in triumph.
***
That afternoon, Anakin stood alone before the Jedi Council. Each Jedi was in their seats except for Mace Windu. He stood facing Anakin.
"Anakin Skywalker," Master Windu announced. "We are prepared to receive you as a Jedi Initiate. Do you accept?"
"Yes."
Everyone remained composed and serious. "We have determined that for your training to succeed you must be under the charge of two masters and receive additional lessons from the Council."
Anakin remained cool and focused. He looked at Master Windu as if waiting for him to continue.
"Surprise you, this does not." Yoda's eyes closed to slits.
"I can not argue with the best course of action." Anakin said stiffly and formally. If any of the Council noticed his evasion, they chose to ignore it.
"You will be a Temple Initiate for now and we will inform you when suitable masters have been selected."
"Master Qui-gon asked for me over three years ago." Anakin reminded them.
"Master Jinn choose him first and that takes precedence." From across the room Qui-gon's friend, Master Plo Koon, spoke on his behalf.
The rest of the Council knew that they could not dispute that. Master Yoda and Mace Windu shared a look briefly.
"So be it."
Anakin could sense that they were preparing to debate over who would be the second master. Before Master Windu could dismiss him, Anakin spoke quickly.
"How about Obi-wan."
Master Windu looked down at the boy. "Knight Kenobi is young."
"Exactly!" Anakin said cheerfully.
"Old, are we, hmmm?" Yoda challenged.
"Yup. You said it!" Anakin grinned at the ancient Jedi Master.
"The pair that teach you must be capable of blending their training methods smoothly. Kenobi has never taken a Padawan."
"Well, there is a first time for everything. And do you really think that any of you can work with Master Qui-gon better than Obi-wan can?"
The Council did their best not to react to Anakin's bold question. When they did not answer immediately, Anakin plunged on ahead.
"We all know that Master Qui-gon and you all sometimes can't agree on things. And it's great that Obi-wan is young! Think of how many decades it's been since all of you were Padawans."
That might not have been the best thing for Anakin to say just then. Regardless of how the Council felt about his impertinence, it did serve to validate his point. And to encourage them to foster him off on Master Qui-gon and Obi-wan.
Mace Windu sat down in his chair. "Remember to tell Master Qui-gon that your diplomatic skills need work." At his gesture the Council chamber's great doors swung open and he mentally beckoned the two Jedi waiting outside.
Master Qui-gon and Obi-wan entered briskly to stand on either side of Anakin. They bowed to the Council as usual.
"Master Jinn, Knight Kenobi, will both of you take Skywalker as your Padawan?" Master Windu said officially.
Obi-wan's yes was only a second slower than Qui-gon's. Anakin just grinned and didn't care who saw him.
"Very well. The three of you will be assigned new quarters. We will inform you of when Padawan Skywalker will have sessions with the Council soon." Master Windu looked at the boy with a soft smile. "Congratulations Anakin."
***
"How," Obi-wan looked over at Anakin as they walked down the hall. "Did you manage to pull that off?"
"I told Master Yoda he was old." Anakin quipped.
"Ani..." Obi-wan said in warning.
"Yes, Master." Anakin replied seriously. "I told them that you would be a much better teacher then any of them."
Obi-wan and Qui-gon were momentarily speechless. Anakin didn't seem to notice or worry about it.
"And their response was...?"
"That I needed better diplomatic skills."
"Ani," Qui-gon answered calmly. "In the future refrain from speaking too boldly to the Council."
"And you really don't have to call me Master." Obi-wan mumbled with an odd expression on his face.
"Yes I do!"
"Ani is right." Qui-gon enjoyed his former Padawan's discomfort.
"Only during training or around other people, then. Other wise just stick to Obi-wan."
Anakin grinned at the sour look on his face.
"I must say that I did not anticipate that this situation would resolve itself today." Qui-gon informed them. "You gained control of your glowing much better then I'd hoped, Ani."
"Thank you. I've practiced controlling it a lot of times and I'm very familiar with what happens and how it feels. I just didn't know a better way of stopping it until now. Everything else I've tried either worked for only a little while or made it worse."
"I'm glad this is all over with. The past three years have been one long frustration." Obi-wan sighed.
"So, what will things be like now?"
Qui-gon answered him. "We will spend the majority of the next few weeks evaluating everything you can and can not do. Including how far behind you are on academics. After that we will have a steady schedule of training for the next several months at least."
Anakin nodded. They reached his room and Anakin quickly collected his belongings. He was excited that he would finally be out of that prison. Kaely hummed a little tune and followed them to a turbolift.
'I doubt that the Council will send you or I on missions for a while, Obi-wan." Qui-gon said apologetically.
"That's fine. I'm looking forward to relaxing a bit." Obi-wan said pleasantly. He then glanced over at Anakin and seemed to re-think what he just said.
"Well, perhaps I won't get to relax that much." He said ruefully.
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