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Anakin sat on the bleachers watching the battles raging across the arena floor. He was high enough to see the divisions in the space for each set of Padawans. Qui-gon and Obi-wan had explained the rules of the Tournament and what to expect a few days ago. So far, Anakin hadn't decided if he was despising it or not.
Today was one of the Adapting days, also known as the first round. Obi-wan had said that there were actually three rounds, but you were only required to attend the first. The day before, they decided who you would fight against by drawing lots from the names of others your own age. Everyone was required to duel five times and the rotation would continue until everyone had done so. This was so the masters could see what their Padawan's strengths and weaknesses were when unprepared and unknowledgeable about their opponent.
There weren't many people in the stands, just the Padawans who had already fought, currently were dueling or would fight soon and their masters watching them. Anakin, like a few others, was watching one of his friends while waiting for his turn later on. Obi-wan and Qui-gon would come to observe him then.
"Hi Anakin!"
Anakin turned to see Suoicarg bounding down the steps with a couple of others. He was surprised; she wasn't usually the enthusiastic type, "Hi." Anakin waved absently at her companions.
"Isn't it so exciting?" She almost gushed.
Anakin looked at Suoicarg worriedly. Usually when girls acted like that around him, trouble was on the horizon. But she's sixteen, almost seventeen years old. Suoicarg isn't interested in me, I'm only fourteen. A small voice in the back of his mind reminded him that Padme was much older, but Anakin squashed it.
"My master and I were worried we wouldn't get back to the Temple in time. I reached the second round last year and I really hope I'll qualify for the third this year."
Anakin relaxed. She's just happy about the tournament. Good.
"So, have you competed today yet?"
Anakin glanced at the boy who spoke and couldn't recall his name, "Yes, I did this morning and I'm up again in about an hour."
"Did you win?"
"Yes."
Suoicarg clapped her grayish hands together, "That's great! I'm sure you'll reach the second round, at the very least!"
"Second round is for the good fighters who want to do extra or something, right?" Anakin vaguely remembered Obi-wan mentioning it.
Suoicarg looked blankly at him for a moment, "Oh, I remember now, you didn't attend last time?"
"Yeah, I didn't know enough about lightsaber fighting to compete and I didn't get to watch because I was uh, recovering from one of the glowing problems," Anakin reluctantly told them. "They happened a lot back then."
The whole group murmured in sympathy. When this become a group?! Suoicarg walked down with only two! Anakin thought in dismay.
"Well," Suoicarg went into lecture mode. "It's a special thing for good fighters yes, but its not required. If you win three of your five duels you can put your name into the second round."
"Except this time," One of the Padawans interrupted. "Its not according to age, so your name could be drawn to compete with a Padawan ten years older then you."
"You can duel only three times," Suoicarg continued. "If you win twice you get the honor of sparring with one of the Knights or maybe even a master!"
Anakin wasn't impressed, but everyone else was clearly very eager. Suoicarg noticed his lack of interest and so decided to elaborate.
"You see Anakin, this is the only chance most of us would ever have to spar with the best fighters. Like your masters for example. They are busy teaching you and going out on missions. So even years from now when you and I are Knights, I still would probably never get a chance to ever spar with them. Not even once."
"You'd want to duel against my masters?" Anakin said the words with a sardonic tinge to them.
The response from the assembled Padawans was unanimous, "Oh yes!"
"Ani," His friend persisted. "Many of us would love to spar with them, just once. If I make it to the hird round this year, I'll request to spar with Knight Kenobi. I know I'd lose against him, but it's such a great honor."
"I guess I can see how that would be an honor, though I wouldn't describe it that way myself."
"Oh?"
"Grueling, would be more accurate," Anakin told them. "Torture, would also apply."
Suoicarg just smiled knowingly at him. Suddenly below, one of the competing Padawans crashed and skidded across the floor. He was a species Anakin didn't recognize, with four arms. His opponent, a tall human girl, helped him up and they bowed to each other.
Anakin blinked in surprised when he saw the boy collect two lightsabers from the floor, while the girl had only one. Ah, the masters are watching to see how we adapt to not just Padawans we've never sparred against, but their different styles and natural abilities for their species. Anakin realized. I've never fought with two sabers before and I don't know how to fight against someone who has two.
And Lavir has won this tournament for the last three years. Anakin remembered. "So, how do you win? Not just eliminate everyone, I hope."
"Oh, no," Suoicarg looked a little confused. "The masters don't declare a winner at all, they frown on that sort of thing. But we keep count of how many times the best fighters win and if they win against a Knight it's a very big deal. Usually, its obvious who has won the tournament."
One of the others in the groups broke in, "The masters know we do this, but they've never really done anything to discourage it, after all, they did it too once. Padawans have kept score for themselves for centuries at least, but it's always harmless."
Well, lets hope it stays that way. Anakin thought.
***
Anakin bowed politely to his opponent, "Thank you, Llew Thguof."
"Thank you, Anakin Skywalker." The girl beamed at him, "I was very pleased to spar with you, even though I knew I'd lose."
Anakin blinked rapidly and struggled to keep his face neutral, "Uh, you fought very well, winning wasn't easy for me."
As Anakin left the floor he let his eyebrows raise up and the surprise he felt show on his face where Llew couldn't see. Obi-wan and Qui-gon were waiting for him by the bleachers. Anakin gratefully took the offered towel and water.
"Glad its over with?" Obi-wan asked him.
"Yeah."
Qui-gon sat down, "Have you thought more about the second round?"
"Some."
Obi-wan tried to encourage him, "It would be a pity if you didn't compete. You've won four of your five duels."
Anakin didn't look quite disgusted, but more like he had a bad taste in his mouth. Still, Obi-wan couldn't help but laugh.
Even Qui-gon was almost smirking at him, "It can't be that bad, Ani. You certainly looked like you were having fun."
"Okay, I guess I can join the second round tomorrow," Anakin glanced around as he suddenly remembered something, "Where's Kaely?"
Qui-gon frowned, "She was here just as you began your last duel."
The two of them began to look around for her. Qui-gon hunted through the stack of towels and other items to see if she was hiding in them while Anakin looked under the bleachers. Obi-wan remained sitting on the bench.
"Obi-waaaannnnn," Anakin drew out his name in a low growl. "What did you do with her?"
"She wouldn't leave me alone and was distracting me from observing your match!"
Qui-gon looked down at his former apprentice, "That's a poor excuse."
"That's easy for you to say. The droid never pesters you."
Obi-wan reached out with the Force and pulled one of the used towel receptacles. As the bin slid over to him, they could see that it was actually upside down. Inside it, they could hear muffled thumps that were nearly drowned out by all of the noise of the arena. Obi-wan lifted it and the tiny pink spitfire came buzzing out. Kaely immediately flew to attack Obi-wan and screeched loudly. However, Obi-wan kept her at bay with the Force.
Anakin rolled his eyes in exasperation, "You are being ridiculous." He snatched her from the air and stuffed her in his pocket. "Be quiet and maybe I'll let you out."
"What did you do to anger her this time, Obi-wan?" Qui-gon asked.
"She found a shiny golden circlet of metal and she wants to wear it as a crown like a princess or some other such nonsense. And she's furious that Anakin is not allowed to solder it on her. Naturally, she blames only me."
***
Anakin slid across the floor and barely kept his balance enough to not tumble. This was his last fight of the second round. He'd won once and lost once. This battle would break the tie. If he won, he'd gain the privilege of sparring with one of the Knights or masters.
His lightsaber felt slick in his hand. I'm glad I listened when Obi-wan told me to add extra grips to it. As per the rules, his challenger was not allowed to give Anakin a chance to stand up. Out in the galaxy, someone trying to kill you wouldn't.
The other Padawan dove at Anakin swiftly and aimed a blow at his head. Anakin tucked his legs under himself and sprung out of the way. Finally, It's getting tired! Anakin had taken to thinking of his opponent as, 'It'. Neila Sti was big, hairy, had no visible face and was bright orange. Anakin had no way of knowing if it was male, female, or something else entirely.
Despite its great arms, Neila was becoming visibly tired. Anakin had nearly lost with the first blow due to the power behind Neila's strikes. If this thing is faking it to try to trick me... then I'm in big trouble.
Neila weakly parried a few more of Anakin's thrusts and began to step backward. It's setting me up! I'm sure now!
The big orange hulk continued retreating farther and farther. Anakin was perplexed. What possible advantage would It have in the corner? The masters won't let us get out of bounds, because that would disturb the neighboring matches.
Anakin gasped and he tensed as the answer came to him. He ducked and rolled away just in time as Neila suddenly channeled all of It's strength into a huge push with It's lightsaber and the help of the Force. Anakin could sense how the air compressed and vibrated from the strike and hear Neila's saber crackle.
Taking the opportunity, Anakin swung upward and neatly disarmed Neila. Anakin tried not to look too cheerful as he felt shock and utter disbelief rolling off of It. Anakin bowed and thanked his opponent as usual. After a second's pause, Neila did the same and they both trundled out of the sparring ring.
If It had hit me, I'd have fallen hard and certainly would have lost my lightsaber. I might have even been knocked unconscious for moment. At the very least I would have been dazed enough that Neila would have won. Anakin realized and walked tiredly over to his grinning masters.
"So, Ani," Obi-wan asked eagerly. "Who will you request to spar with? There are many here to choose from. You might even be able to convince Master Yoda."
"Yeah, right! Like I really need to give him a chance to squish me," Anakin said. "I would like to fight you, Master Qui-gon."
"Ani," Qui-gon was puzzled. "You can spar with me anytime."
"Its not the same. Here," Anakin gestured to the arena. "You aren't allowed to hold back."
***
The arena was full as everyone waited for the Third Round to begin. The Padawans and all of the Initiates were eager to watch. The list of who the Padawans had requested to fight circulated the night before. They were especially excited to hear that both Obi-wan and Qui-gon were asked to spar. Neither of them had participated in the Tournament in five years, due mainly because they had been absent from the Temple at each time or simply unavailable.
"Please!" Anakin called out as he followed his masters towards the arena doors.
"No."
"Obi-wan has gone all out before! And see, I survived."
Qui-gon looked sharply at Obi-wan, "He asked, and it was only once," Obi-wan looked back at Anakin. "And I expected him to not want to again."
"Not with you anyway," Anakin added and turned look up at Qui-gon.
"Ani, you know I can fight you 'all out' as you call it, at anytime. Take this opportunity to spar against someone else, or no one at all if you prefer."
"I mean no disrespect, but that's a lousy evasion, Master. You will one day, but that will probably be years from now. I really want to do this and this is the only way and the only time I can be sure you won't hold back."
Qui-gon didn't like that. He liked it even less when Obi-wan chimed in, "Ani's right."
"Anakin you are still growing," Qui-gon explained. "Its not safe to put you through this."
"Oh, come on," Anakin persisted. "Its not like you have to worry about chopping off my hand or something."
"Even a low-powered blade can break your arm."
"And the Healers would be happy to mend it," Anakin quipped. And I've fought with a broken arm before. Anakin could sense that Qui-gon was remembering the same thing.
"I can do this," Anakin almost whispered.
Finally, Qui-gon relented, "Very well."
***
Anakin and Qui-gon waited in the center of the arena as their names were announced. Anakin knew that the rest of the Jedi would be surprised that he was fighting one of his own masters. However, he also knew his explanation of why would be known throughout the Temple before sundown.
Remaining completely calm, Anakin scanned Qui-gon's face and presence in the Force. I've got to move fast. This fight won't last long. I'll get in three maybe four moves before Master Qui-gon wins.
The crowd went silent as the Arena master left the floor. One clear chime echoed in the cavernous room, signally that the fighters could begin. Anakin decided to take the initiative and attack first, even though it wasn't his style.
Master Qui-gon knows every move I know. Maybe if I don't stick to my favorite tactics, I'll last longer.
Qui-gon's first block nearly knocked Anakin to the ground. His arms were strained badly and Anakin's blade itself had rebounded back so hard it nearly hit him in the nose.
Whoa! And I thought that Lavir and that big orange Padawan I fought yesterday were strong!
Anakin had known that Qui-gon would far surpass the Padawans and maybe even be a little better than Obi-wan. But he was unprepared for this much. The only reason Anakin didn't lose his lightsaber from Qui-gon's first parry was because he'd held it in a frontal strike.
Taking a chance, Anakin quickly decided to just attack Qui-gon from the side. Qui-gon had to block with one hand instead of a two-handed grip due to the speed of Anakin's blow towards his vulnerable ribs. Exactly as Anakin had expected and wanted. It forced Qui-gon to parry one-handed, and it was much easier for Anakin to withstand.
However, Anakin knew it wouldn't last long once Qui-gon went on the offensive. His master's first attack was a wide swing at his mid-section and Anakin wisely resorted to dodging. He was quick, but not enough to save his elbow from being burnt. Anakin danced backward and held onto his lightsaber with all of his might as Qui-gon struck again. His block held, barely. Anakin could feel the faint heat from Qui-gon's blade brush lightly against his shoulder. Anakin struggled to push it back.
Maybe I was a little too flippant about not worrying about breaking bones.
I've only got one chance to lose gracefully. Anakin tried to relax in the Force. It buffeted him, demanding to be heard and wanting to surround him. Out of a long practiced habit, Anakin only let in as much as he felt he could control. But this time, he felt like trying something new.
If it works it might be fun, if it doesn't, well, it's no loss. I'm probably going to lose no matter what I try against Master Qui-gon.
Anakin gambled. Opening himself fully, he let the Force crash into him as much as it liked. He'd never done it voluntarily before. Normally, when the Force overwhelmed Anakin it was during one of his glowing episodes, and he had to fight with all his strength to stop it. Anakin didn't know if doing it on purpose would cause him to glow or not.
As if in slow motion, Anakin saw Qui-gon's green lightsaber heading for his left shoulder and knew that he'd never parry enough in time. If that blow landed the match would be over. In a daze he felt himself vault upward out of harm's way, despite how very high Qui-gon's blade was. He swung down to shove Qui-gon's lightsaber it out from below him, so that he could land back on the down out of danger.
Qui-gon's lightsaber was far to his right at the end of his swing when Anakin's feet hit the floor. In a flash, he struck out to try to earn a killing point. Qui-gon's quick reflexes did succeed in deterring Anakin's blade from hitting his ribs, however it landed on his unprotected forearm.
Yes! I got him! Anakin crowed silently. He knew it would probably be the only hit he'd succeed in the entire match.
Qui-gon stepped back two paces. It wasn't exactly a retreat, Qui-gon didn't move far. But it was enough to startle the crowd. Anakin pressed onward and hardly noticed that Qui-gon's overwhelmingly powerful strikes and parries weren't quite so hard to withstand. And that Qui-gon's blade wasn't getting through his defenses to scorch him anymore.
My head feels fuzzy. But at least I'm not glowing or anything bizarre like that.
Anakin struggled to retain a hold on the Force instead of the Force holding him, and dragging him along for the ride. Anakin's eyes drooped lazily and suddenly he began driving Qui-gon backwards across the floor. His master skillfully blocked and returned every move Anakin made, but he had no choice but to continue to give ground. Neither could get a hit in.
Qui-gon finally halted. Their sabers crackled loudly and Qui-gon put all of his strength into holding Anakin's blade downward. It should have disarmed the Padawan, but instead became a deadlock. Though Anakin's smaller arms were visibly shaking from the effort, he withstood it. In one smooth motion, Qui-gon bent his knees and pivoted around bringing himself shoulder to shoulder beside Anakin. He pushed his own saber against Anakin's and used his elbow to shove Anakin's arm down. Anakin stumbled and lost his grip.
Before Anakin's lightsaber even hit the floor, he was already moving. He raised up his right knee and hit the base of Qui-gon's lightsaber sending it flying high into the air. A seasoned fighter would have called his own blade to his hand and won the match then and there. However, Anakin's knee was too high up and out of exhaustion, he couldn't regain his balance in time.
Anakin landed on his back hard and his head bounced on the arena floor. His vision blurred and he blinked rapidly to try to clear it. Anakin managed to focus enough to see his master's now deactivated lightsaber fall back down and land neatly in Qui-gon's hand. Within a second, Anakin's flew over to land in his master's other hand.
Oh, well. I knew I was going to lose. I'm just glad I didn't lose badly. Anakin promptly gave into blissful unconsciousness.
***
Padawan Lavir Ruoy was having the most spectacular lightsaber battle of his life. It was what every talented dueler strove for. One on one, no holding back and against the one person you have always wanted to test your skill against. And in the best place, the Arena, with the entire Temple watching and cheering you both on. The kind of fight that you only dreamed about.
Though to be frank, dreams usually were not this painful.
Lavir ducked another swing to his head and lashed out in return. His attacker feinted to the left catching Lavir by surprise. He stumbled back and flinched when the blade jabbed his chin. If it had been just a few centimeters higher, it would have qualified as a kill point and the fight would be over.
Lavir backed up and chose his next moves with more caution. His opponent's agility, speed, strength and even his height were almost equal. Lavir decided that the only real advantage this man had over him was experience.
A hefty advantage indeed.
One of the stipulations of arena fighting that Lavir didn't like was the no talking rule. It wasn't truly a rule so much as a necessity. Even during the times when the huge crowd's noise reduced to a lull, any words spoken were unlikely to be heard. Lavir enjoyed pointing out the other fighter's weaknesses and compliment their well-executed moves as the fight progressed. To not do so was irritating, but also a moot point. Lavir could already feel his jaw swelling along with stinging from the burn.
Lavir moved in for an upper strike, but was caught off guard when it missed completely. His opponent had sidestepped the blow entirely and took the time to deliberately run his lightsaber blade all along Lavir's left arm from wrist to shoulder. Lavir retreated again.
However, he did not get far. The other fighter chose to go on the offensive and jabbed at Lavir's chest. He raised his blade horizontally to push the attacking lightsaber's point up out of danger and was startled that it wasn't there. It was another feint. Lavir began to jump as he realized that his opponent was going for a leg sweep. He wasn't fast enough and the lightsaber caught his toes. It didn't hurt for his boots protected him. However, it ruined Lavir's balance and he crashed.
Yet, the battle wasn't over. Lavir was ready to fight his way off the floor. He landed hard on his side, and blocked the strike to his head one-handed. Lavir pushed the other blade back in order to give himself the room to roll backwards and regain his feet. Despite his speed the next blow caught his ribs and he was only able to get into a crouch. His attacker rained strikes down on him and wouldn't let Lavir stand up.
Though Lavir was at a serious disadvantage, he knew that there was a chance at hitting his opponent's legs, if he could only stop the barrage from above. His left arm throbbed in protest as he put all of his weight on his palm, struck out with his lightsaber in his right hand, and launched both feet at his attacker's knees. It was a very awkward move, and risky, but the Force kept him from falling.
Naturally, the Force was with the other man as well and he jumped into the air easily clearing Lavir's kick. Again, Lavir had no choice but to roll away, because this time he was in danger of being landed on. Lavir's left wrist locked on him and it hindered him from moving far enough away. He knew that this would be a good time to yield, but he hoped that he'd have a chance to lose gracefully. Yielding was so embarrassing.
So, it didn't surprise Lavir when he couldn't hold back a blow to his vulnerable legs. The other fight pushed back Lavir's own lightsaber blade so much it connected with Lavir's lower thighs and knees leaving a long burn. His opponent was merciful and didn't press harder, but let up and placed his blade lightly beside Lavir's neck.
Lavir took his defeat as graciously as possible and his opponent helped him up. Lavir bowed politely to him and was disappointed that he couldn't thank him with a burnt and swollen jaw. Instead, Lavir could only limp off the sparring floor of the arena. His only real regret was that he never succeeded in getting even one hit in.
***
"Ani," A familiar voice repeated. "Ani."
Anakin unwillingly opened his eyes and frowned in confusion at the unfamiliar high ceiling. It took him a moment to remember he was in the arena. He groaned quietly.
"Can't I just sleep here?"
"The healers have pronounced you fit to rise, so get up," Qui-gon ordered.
Anakin hauled himself into a sitting position and winced. He ached all over and not just because they'd laid him out on a hard bench. Anakin examined his burns. Oh good, they already patched me up.
Anakin carefully dropped his legs over the bench and put his feet on the floor, but didn't try to stand. He reached up to rub the back of his head and encountered another patch to reduce the swelling there. He looked at Qui-gon ruefully.
"I knew you'd were going to beat me, but couldn't you at least look like you didn't walk away unscathed?"
Qui-gon laughed at the indignant tone in Anakin's voice, "I have this." He gestured to the bacta patch on his right forearm.
"That's nothing," Anakin half grumbled and half smiled. But I did get him!
"I was impressed, Padawan," Qui-gon said seriously. "You fought far better than I anticipated."
"Thank you, Master," Anakin beamed.
"Some of the Council were very interested in how you used the Force like that," Qui-gon almost seemed to hesitate. "I've never felt anything like it before."
Anakin was puzzled. Does he mean he has never seen someone use the Force like that, or that he's never felt the Force in himself like that? Or both? Anakin decided it was a question too personal for him to ask.
So, he changed the subject, "Where's Obi-wan?"
"Finishing a sparring match," Qui-gon nodded to the arena floor visible through the doorway. Anakin gaped as he saw the two fighters bowing to each other and leaving the arena.
"Obi-wan wiped the floor with Lavir and I missed it?!" Anakin wailed. "No fair!"
"Try not to sound so happy about it," Qui-gon smiled.
***
The last time Anakin had been on a mission, he'd packed a whole satchel full of droid parts and tools. He'd spent hours deciding what to take and removing all the silly things Kaely had put in. For this trip, it took mere minutes for Anakin to stuff a few tunics and other minor necessities in his bag.
Anakin looked longingly at his empty shelves and sighed. His hands felt useless without something to occupy them and he knew it would be harder while on a ship. He had noticed one benefit to his punishment. At least, Kaely's behavior has improved.
Before, she wasn't concerned with taking chances and would often come to her maker with a scraped up hull or broken and bent arm appendage. Now that Anakin was not allowed to repair her, she was more careful and thought before trying to pull something too heavy or squeeze through a gap too small for her.
This time he remembered not to take anything really important with him. Kaely was the only item he couldn't bear to part with. Anakin recalled how he'd lost everything he'd brought when the Sith had kidnapped him. None of it was very special and it all was easily replaced. Yet, it worried him that he would have lost something important, like the ancient books Obi-wan had given him, had he taken them.
Obi-wan and Qui-gon had nothing but what they wore when I first met them, Anakin recalled abruptly. What little they had brought when they first went to Naboo had been lost when Trade Federation destroyed their ship. For the rest of their mission, the two of them, like the ship's crew, had only the clothes on their backs. It was a good thing that the Queen's ship had plenty of 'freshers.
Leaving the bedroom, Anakin went to gather his survival gear. The food rations were in a big box in the kitchen. Kaely followed Anakin and began picking through the rows of ration clips and looked them over. Most were soups and a few had dehydrated pieces of fruit, vegetables or meat. They looked like rather pitiful meals to a growing boy. Hopefully, I won't need them.
Kaely began to choose them for him, despite that she knew nothing about food or taste. Each type was color coded by a small dot on one end and she simply picked the colors she liked. Anakin let her play and clipped the ones he wanted on his belt.
"Almost ready?" Qui-gon's voice came from the doorway.
Anakin glanced up briefly from his seat on the floor. He quickly returned to the box, "Yes, sir."
Qui-gon entered the kitchen and took a seat by the table, "Have you thought more about yesterday."
Anakin didn't look up, "Some."
"We need to know, Ani."
Qui-gon wasn't going to order him directly. At least he understands that this is hard for me.
"I don't know how to explain," Anakin winced at his own answer. It was a pathetic attempt to get out of talking about it.
"Just do your best," Qui-gon was as calm as always, but Anakin could sense a faint urgency in his master's tone.
Anakin remained on the floor and leaned against the kitchen cabinets looking up at the ceiling. He couldn' make himself look Qui-gon in the eye.
"I didn't block a lot of the Force out like I usually do. I dropped my barriers and let it in as much as it liked," Anakin sighed. "Even though nothing bad happened, I shouldn't have."
"You don't like how the Force flows in you?" Qui-gon was both puzzled and concerned. He was one of the few that were close to understanding what the Force was like for Anakin.
All the other Jedi strived to feel as much of the Force as they could and spent years learning to command it. Qui-gon had heard many Jedi marveling over how strongly the Force was with Anakin. Like the rest of the Jedi, Anakin also struggled to maintain control, just not in the same way. When the others lost their grip on the Force nothing dangerous happened, they merely lost their perception of it. But, Anakin didn't dare loose control, it took all of his strength to hold the Force at bay.
Anakin mumbled quietly, "The Force can be so pushy that sometimes I feel like a holo-puppet."
There were many other ways Anakin could have described it and Qui-gon immediately saw through to the real reason for Anakin's reluctance, "The Force makes you feel like a slave."
Anakin wilted and slumped against the cabinet doors.
"The Force does control your actions to a degree, however it also follows your directions, Anakin," Qui-gon tried to reassure him. "Fearing your power will not help."
Anakin didn't respond and Qui-gon knew he'd not gain another answer at this time. "Come," he told the teenager, "Obi-wan will have the ship ready by now."
***
Obi-wan was waiting for them on the landing deck. Anakin quietly walked around and examined the outside of the ship. Obi-wan took to opportunity to speak to Qui-gon, "Did you get him to talk?"
"A little," Qui-gon looked tired and a little worried. "He didn't exactly call on or command the Force to massively obey him, as the Council seems to think. You were right Obi-wan."
"He didn't prepare in any way either, did he?"
Qui-gon nodded, "None at all, Anakin could do that at any time."
"Could we not talk about it out here, please?" Anakin announced petulantly.
"Certainly, we would have no need to if you'd stop doing everything you can to evade the questions," Obi-wan replied.
Anakin did like that response, but he didn't get angry either. Qui-gon was already walking up the ramp into the ship and Obi-wan had turned to follow when Anakin froze.
***
Loud destruction
Screams split the darkness
The cold wouldn't go away
Burning so bright
***
Anakin choked on air as he struggled to breathe. Obi-wan glanced back at Anakin as he began coughing lightly. The vision had only lasted a few seconds and had told Anakin little more then that there was danger ahead. He quickly covered up his startled reaction, "Where are we headed anyway?"
"A little system called Reh-Ot-Esolc."
"Reh-Ot-Esolc," Anakin tried the convoluted name on his tongue. It sounded vaguely familiar. Anakin began to grin suddenly as he remembered the location of that system.
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