I Won't Fail You: Part 3

I Won't Fail You: Part 3
by Julie

"I oughta melt this down and use it for scrap."

Anakin muttered to himself as he tinkered with his lightsaber. It was nearly finished. He had the casing done and the circuit board. All that remained was installing the focusing crystals.

"Fit in there you... hey!"

Anakin glared up at Kaely. She had thrown a paintbrush at the back of his head. The tiny droid squawked and scolded him.

"I wasn't gonna say anything bad!"

Kaely didn't believe him. She returned to her painting in a huff. One of the walls in the alcove had become Kaely's easel. Obi-wan had insisted that it be one that could not be seen from the main room. From the floor to the ceiling, Anakin's weekly chore was to remove and attach wide strips of art paper to the entire wall.

Kaely had a three-year-old child's finger painting set and a few brushes. She drew anything she saw, and was very picky about what colors she chose. Anakin was always careful to not criticize her work lest she sabotage his room in retaliation. Though how Master Qui-gon had known that the brown blob she'd made was supposed to be a bantha was beyond Anakin and Obi-wan's comprehension.

At least it kept her out of trouble, most of the time.

***

"Next."

Master Qui-gon was testing his class today. The next initiate began the exercise. She flipped into a handstand and slowly levitated two objects. Qui-gon had placed a variety of things on the floor. A cup, two small boxes, a ball, a handful of tiny pebbles, a small potted plant and even a towel. He judged them by not only by their skill, but unbeknown to the students, also their temperament.

Nearly all of them first picked up the boxes or the ball. They were required to lift all of the items until they were holding them all. What order they chose revealed much about their personalities and their affinity for the Force.

This student chose the plant next. Qui-gon was pleased to see that she recognized that lifting the plant would actually help her maintain her connection with the living Force. Due to her choice, she had no difficulty raising the rest of the objects.

Qui-gon nodded his approval as she finished and turned to call the next initiate. Suddenly, he felt as though the air was knocked out of him. The room spun and Qui-gon had to fight to remain on his feet.

"Master Jinn?" One of the larger students went to stand by him in case he fell.

"Are you hurt?"

"Do you need help?"

Ignoring the confused children. Qui-gon's vision cleared finally and he took a deep breath. <Obi-wan!> he called out across the Temple.

Qui-gon stood straighter and the initiates relaxed somewhat.

"I am needed elsewhere. Class dismissed." Quickly, he strode out of the room and broke into a full run down the hall. Even though Anakin had not yet learned telepathy, Qui-gon called to him anyway.

<I'm coming Ani, just hold on.>

***

Obi-wan raced through the corridors and wished desperately that he could walk through walls. When he'd first felt Anakin's distress he'd nearly collapsed. He couldn't even identify what was happening until he realized it was coming through the training bond.

Obi-wan had been in a training room teaching. He had been delighted when asked to test the older initiates' saber skills. He hoped that he would be able to encourage and help them become Padawan material. But today, the initiate he was sparring with had been quite shocked when he easily knocked Obi-wan's lightsaber across the room.

Obi-wan vaulted over a crowd of small children on their way to one of the gardens. He had managed to recover from the first wave of disorientation within seconds, but nearly vomited. His pale face and stumbling had frightened the students. No matter how he tried, Obi-wan could neither block out nor sooth his Padawan's suffering as it spilled into the bond.

Despite his efforts to encourage Anakin, Obi-wan wasn't sure if he could really do anything to help. He literally slid down the last passage and opened the apartment door with the Force.

***

Across the training bond, Anakin could feel Master Qui-gon's reassurance and Obi-wan's concern. He took several slow even breaths and tried not to panic. Little Kaely had retreated to hover by the door and anxiously waited. She had seen this many times.

Anakin's glow filled the alcove. So far, nothing had been damaged, but it was becoming increasingly difficult. The urge to run was driving him crazy. They just don't have any idea how hard this is. Well, at least Master Qui-gon and Obi-wan will understand now.

He managed to keep the light to a soft roar when Obi-wan dashed into the room. Obi-wan could faintly see Anakin in the middle of the white light. He approached as close to the golden sparks as he dared.

"Can you hear me?"

"Yes!" Anakin's voice was distorted, but audible.

"Pull it back, Ani!"

"It's not working."

"You can do it."

"It would be easier to just squash it."

"That would require anger, Ani." Obi-wan warned.

The door was still open and Qui-gon had to quickly send away two Padawans who were about to peek in. He shut the door immediately and hoped that no one else had seen Anakin's light.

"How is he?" He asked Obi-wan. Anakin's frustration was easy to sense.

"Very irritated, but he's not panicking."

Qui-gon gazed at the swirling light in concern. "Anakin?"

He received no answer. Obi-wan wasn't sure if that was a sign that Anakin was succeeding or not.

"Is the Council coming?"

"No, not unless we call them. This is as much a test for us as it is for Anakin."

At last, the light visibly reversed and dimmed. It was a slow process and they could see Anakin's face scrunched with a frown from the effort. As the last shimmering gold collected at his hands, Anakin's face went slack. He looked as though he was about to fall over.

Obi-wan rushed forward and Qui-gon barely held him back in time. The light flashed again and then froze in the air. Suddenly, Anakin's eyes snapped opened. He slumped forward as the light diminished and went out in his hands.

Instantly, the Jedi went to his side. He looked dazed and pale. "Anakin, how many fingers am I holding?" Obi-wan asked him.

Anakin struggled in vain to focus, but finally gave up with a shake of his head. Qui-gon pulled the teenager to his feet and sat him on the couch. He was about to call a Healer when Anakin mumbled out a few words.

"I saw something."

"Be still, Ani."

Qui-gon gently laid Anakin down on the couch and placed his hand on his forehead.

"I'm okay." Anakin slurred out.

"You don't look it." Obi-wan informed him.

When Anakin didn't scowl, they knew he really was not feeling well. Qui-gon sat back and silently conferred with Obi-wan telepathically.

Anakin opened his bleary eyes and squinted to look at them. They are doing that telepath stuff so I can't hear them talk about me.

"I really am okay."

"How did this happen?" Qui-gon asked while Obi-wan went to the kitchen. Kaely hovered nearby and hummed quietly .

"Just did. Sometimes it doesn't need a reason." Anakin said hoarsely.

Obi-wan returned with a glass of water for Anakin and sat in a chair nervously.

"I'll be fine, really."

"You are sure?" Obi-wan asked. Finally, Anakin frowned at him. They could see the color return to his face and his eyes begin to focus again.

Obi-wan leaned forward pensively. "I thought you could control your Force light now. Why did you have so much trouble?"

"I can do it! It was different this time."

"How?" Qui-gon inquired.

"I was distracted. I saw something, kinda like a vision, but it was odd."

"Explain."

Anakin drank more water and took a deep breath. Carefully, he thought back to the first image and tried to compose his thoughts enough to tell them.

"While I was working I had this odd feeling like someone was watching me. And then I looked out the window and it was night." Anakin grimaced, but didn't tell them how he'd fallen out of his seat in surprise.

"I could hear voices laughing and I turned around to see two little kids on the floor. A boy and a girl and they were playing with blocks. And I knew they were Jedi kids, because I saw them levitate the blocks to make a tower as tall as me."

"Then it stopped and I opened my eyes to see that I was glowing. I hadn't even felt it start! That's when I felt the two of you coming."

"Could you tell what type of vision it was?" Obi-wan asked.

Anakin thought about it for a minute. He replayed the vision in his mind and hunted for clues.

He shook his head. "I don't know."

Qui-gon stood up. "Tomorrow at your last review, you must tell Master Windu of this vision."

"Don't work on your lessons, just rest this afternoon." Obi-wan told him.

"Yes, sir." Anakin answered them both. Slowly, he stood up to go to his room, but stopped short at the alcove.

He sighed dismally. "What a mess."

The small room was a disaster. The small table and his tools and parts were scattered on the floor. A few of the tools had obviously impacted the walls, but fortunately left only small dents. Obi-wan's rug was crumpled in a corner and several of Qui-gon plants were either crushed or knocked over. Anakin couldn't even see where his lightsaber was. But the worst was Kaely's art.

The tiny pink droid flew behind him and moaned quietly. Her paintings were strewn across the floor and the paper was shredded. Anakin could see that even her brushes had been snapped in two.

"I'm sorry little one." Anakin leaned heavily against the door jam. Well, it could have been worse. Much worse. Anakin tried to comfort himself.

He stumbled into his room and was briefly thankful that the door had been closed and escaped damage. Anakin collapsed on the bed and stared miserably at the ceiling.

Maybe I should have told them the rest? Anakin thought guiltily. He turned and buried his face in his pillow.

I can't really remember it anyway. He reminded himself. It only lasted a few seconds just before the glowing stopped. If they ask about why I zoomed out towards the end, then I'll tell them. It's probably not important. And if I see it again then I can always tell them later.

Satisfied with his rationalization for the moment, Anakin drifted off into a dreamless sleep.

***

Mace Windu slowly paced the star map room. His calm face did not betray the amazement he felt. He and Anakin were alone in the beautiful room that Master Windu had chosen to teach him in. He stopped is pacing and faced Anakin.

"I must see this myself. Open your mind slowly."

Anakin fought back a wave of panic. He had suspected that Master Windu would want to see his vision, but he didn't like it. If Master Qui-gon or Obi-wan had asked me, I wouldn't have minded. But, I really don't want him in my head.

But he had to obey. Gradually, Anakin complied with the order and let Master Windu see the vision through his memory. He couldn't leave anything out, and hoped that the Jedi Master wouldn't laugh at how he'd fallen out of his seat. Anakin was a bit surprised when Master Windu froze the image of the children for what felt like several minutes.

What is he doing? Anakin began to analyze the picture. The small boy was standing to one side and the girl was sitting. In the air he counted twenty-three colorful toy blocks. The tower was already taller then the boy and those last suspended blocks would finish it. Suddenly, the vision resumed and the children clapped proudly as they placed the last block far above their heads.

"That's all." Anakin informed him.

The Jedi Master began to pace once more. I wish I knew what he was thinking. Anakin's eyes followed him. I don't care if he is the leader of the Council, he ought to explain to me why this bothers him!

Waiting as long as he could Anakin spoke out. "If this is important then I need to know." Anakin hoped that he sounded at least somewhat polite.

Mace halted and clasped his hands behind his back. "Perhaps." He regarded Anakin very seriously. "That was a vision of the future. I am certain of it."

"A possible future?"

"Yes. I suspect that they are your future children or at least your descendants."

Anakin quietly asked. "How do you know..." He gasped suddenly and his eyes went blank. At once a new vision assaulted him.

Anakin realized with a start that this was a repeat of his second vision. However, this time it was much clearer. As had happened before, it began with a house with Tatooine's twin suns setting in the distance.

The suns filled the sky with orange.
Orange became red.
Red became fire.
An explosion burned at his eyes.
What blew up?
A figure emerged from the flames.
A Sith!
A cold night on Coruscant.
A red lightsaber gleams in the darkness.
A young man stands ready to fight.
That's me!

The rush of images was becoming painful and Anakin desperately wished the vision would stop. As though the Force complied, one last image slowly came to him.

A lightsaber cutting off his right hand.

Anakin gasped for breath and slid heavily to the floor as the vision ceased. There was more this time. A lot more. I'd remember if I'd seen myself lose a hand during the last time.

"Anakin, calm you mind."

Anakin looked up quickly to see Master Windu's worried face. "You saw that too?"

"Yes, you were still broadcasting from the memory transference. This new vision seems to have followed it."

Instantly, Anakin raised his shields. But it wasn't a new vision. He stood back up and schooled his features. The last thing I want to do it talk about it. How can I distract him from making me review it?

Abruptly, Anakin remembered what he was asking before this vision happened.

"How did you know that the children I saw was a vision of the future?"

"The resonance in the Force. In time you will learn to sense the difference."

"And why do you think that they are my kids?"

Mace hesitated before answering. "They appeared to be no older then two years, though I noticed that the girl did not stand up. Perhaps she is younger then the boy." He speculated.

"Either way, no child that young, of any species, can levitate an object."

He's going to show my visions to the rest of the Council, I just know it!

***

A week later, Anakin waited patiently outside of the Temple's Great Archive. This morning he was waiting for his first lesson with Council member Adi Gallia. The beautiful and elegant Jedi Master arrived perfectly on time. She was cool and calm as she glided into view.

She nodded her head to him and turned to enter the large ornate doors. Anakin quickly moved to follow. As they walked Anakin was careful to remain one step behind her and to not look too uncomfortable. Why do I get the feeling that she didn't want me to be a Jedi?

The Great Archive was an elaborate place. It was filled with everything you could imagine and even more that you could not. It was divided into sections for different objects. Master Gallia and Anakin passed a sign directing you to the ancient books, and skirted the edge of the artifacts section.

At the end of the passage they entered a domed room. Inside were an array of tables and chairs with many types of viewing machines. Master Gallia walked to the nearest unoccupied one.

"Sit here and place your hands on the device."

Anakin complied silently. If she doesn't want to talk to me then I won't talk to her.

"Tell me what was examined here last, a book or an object?"

Anakin stared at the empty machine. He could get no clues from its design. It was the standard type used for any kind of studying whether it be of a delicate book or a vial of liquid. I gotta use the Force to figure out what was here last. Anakin pursed his lips in irritation.

Maybe if I kinda try to see the past... Anakin concentrated heavily. An unsteady, and very small blur seemed to form in front of him.

"An object."

"Correct." Adi Gallia gracefully sat in the next chair. "This is called Psychometry. This ability allows a Jedi to telepathically get information, from an object or location, about its past."

"Telepathically?" Anakin stared.

"You have difficulty with this?"

"Yes, I do." I am not going to tell her that I can't do it at all.

"How did you know the answer?"

"Searching the past."

Master Gallia looked at him sharply. "That would be the hard way."

Gently, she tapped his mind to get his attention. "Follow the trail."

From there she showed him images of a stone path. Dutifully, Anakin mentally let it take him to the machine. Once there, he could clearly see an after image of what had last occupied that space. It was a small, intricate glass cup.

"This type of telepathy is not the same as mentally speaking to another person. Some find one way easier then the other depending on their talents."
Anakin nodded and repeated the exercise. He was very pleased to see that it took little effort.

"This skill is vital for learning information about who has been somewhere and what actions took place. The Jedi must be in contact with the item in some way, or must be in the vicinity."

"Spy stuff."

"Essentially, yes."

"Details such as the identity of the last person to use an object, such as their name, are very difficult. As is sensing the item's last location, or what the last person's thoughts were at the time they used it."

"What about people?"

"It won't work on the living, but you can sense much from what a person wears or carries with them."

"Now," Master Gallia stood up. "We will walk through the artifacts room and you will describe to me who last employed each item I point out."

As he followed her out he allowed his face to scrunch up in irritation.

"And next week you will do it blindfolded."

Anakin groaned silently.

***

Anakin skirted the edge of an obstacle and blocked a stinging energy bolt. The blindfold itched and sweat dripped from his forehead. Carefully he listened for the hum of the remotes' repulsor lifts. He had fought two remotes before, but not blindfolded.

Today's lesson was about how to magnify ones senses during combat. Obi-wan had explained that most Padawans are not actually taught blind sensing. Instead, they learn this power automatically when lightsaber training with a blindfold on.

It sounded really smart way to learn when my masters explained it, but now it seems dumb. How often will I get blinded anyway?

Anakin did have an excellent direction sense ability and often relied on it to locate an object by its resonance in the Force. The blindfold is a little overkill.

He gripped his new lightsaber tightly. It was a bright cyan blue. Kaely had picked the color. I am so glad this thing is done now. I hope that I don't have to build another, but at least I know it wouldn't be as hard to do again.

Unbidden, the image of someone losing their right hand came to him. He tried to repress a shudder. Maybe I really need to learn this saber stuff. Just in case.

***

The evening before, the Jedi Council had finally found the time to discuss Anakin visions with his masters. They went to the Council chambers without Anakin. Mace Windu concisely related what he saw of Anakin's visions of the future. They deliberated for some time, but drew few conclusions. When they returned, Anakin did not ask what the Council had said. If anything, he behaved as though the entire incident had never taken place.

During this morning's training session Qui-gon and Obi-wan conversed mentally while Anakin battled the two remotes blindfolded. They had made it clear that they expected him to block with his saber or dodge, but simply absorbing the stings would be unacceptable.

Qui-gon watched Anakin dodge another bolt. <The Council is very concerned.>

From across the room, Obi-wan responded without taking his eyes off of Anakin. <They disguise it well.>

<There can be no doubt that the children he saw are Skywalkers.> Obi-wan stepped to one side as Anakin moved closer.

<He would have overwhelmed the Crèche Masters.> Qui-gon smiled faintly.

There was a pause before Obi-wan sighed. <Those little ones built their tower so easily. I couldn't do that until I was seven.>

Qui-gon nodded to himself. <Ani's children will be powerful indeed.>

"Good, Ani." Obi-wan praised as Anakin parried five energy bolts in quick succession.

He has nearly reached the normal lightsaber skill level for his age.

Obi-wan looked over at his friend. <At least Ani appears to appreciate his weapon now.>

<Yes, the second vision disturbed him.>

<It disturbed me!> Obi-wan couldn't hide his worry.

Qui-gon walked slowly around the teenager and tossed a small metal bar at him. Immediately, Anakin sliced it in three pieces before it could fall to the ground.

<I'm reluctant to analyze this too much myself. Anything about Anakin's future is all but impossible to for us to see.>

<They can't be certain if this is an actual event to come or a metaphorical representation.> Obi-wan surmised.

Obi-wan grinned as Anakin nimbly skipped across the unsteady floor without falling or becoming distracted from the remotes.

Qui-gon sighed quietly. <As do I. But we must not intrude, these things are too personal.>

"How much longer?" Anakin called aloud. The Jedi had sensed his growing impatience as battling the remotes became easier throughout the lesson.

"Soon, don't complain." Qui-gon answered. Suddenly, a third remote sprang into the air. Then a fourth and a fifth, and more came at Anakin firing wildly.

Anakin nearly panicked. He blocked a few of the bolts before realizing that the lightsaber would be useless against so many. Hastily, he Force shoved half of them across the room, while absorbing the stings from the others.

Drawing on the energy he'd collected over the entire lesson, Anakin build a Force shield around his body. Once he was certain it was secure he pulled off his blindfold and looked straight at Obi-wan.

"I didn't do it." Obi-wan protested fervently.

Qui-gon's face was grave. "Kaely."

The little pink droid hovered and cooed innocently at him.

"Apologize to Anakin." He instructed her as he and Obi-wan deactivated the remotes.

She bobbed in the air and moaned pitifully.

"Now, be good Kaely." Qui-gon warned.

Obi-wan tried hard not to roll his eyes.