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Obi-wan looked at his Padawan curiously. Anakin was actually cheerful about his return from the infirmary today. Noticing Obi-wan's feeling of puzzlement through the training bond, Anakin grinned smugly.
"Yes," the teenager said. "I don't mind my punishment."
"You aren't just saying that because you are done for today, are you?"
"Nope! I'm looking forward to going back tomorrow."
Obi-wan stared at him. It was the truth. Anakin was happy and truly content with the consequences of his behavior yesterday.
"I had no idea you enjoyed emptying bedpans and scrubbing floors, Ani," Obi-wan looked at him askance.
Anakin tried not to roll his eyes, "Its not as degrading as some of the other stuff I've had to do in the past."
When Obi-wan didn't answer, Anakin did roll his eyes, "Would you rather I acted all sulky and mad? Aren't I supposed to be accepting and calm? And anyway, its not like I don't deserve it."
Obi-wan stared at him, the only response he could think of was, "I am pleased that your attitude has improved."
Anakin smiled serenely and continued to follow him.
"But I know you are hiding something." Obi-wan added suddenly.
Anakin put on his best innocent expression. Obi-wan suddenly stopped outside one of the training rooms. Anakin looked at the door and then back at him in dismay.
"Master....," Anakin began in dread.
"Yes," Obi-wan interrupted him before Anakin could say no. "That Sith nearly took you down despite your skill in Force-shielding, Ani."
Anakin sighed dismally and followed him into the room.
"And if you'd fought better with your lightsaber you might have actually had a chance to escape."
Anakin cringed at the stern tone of Obi-wan's voice.
"Ani," Obi-wan continued to lecture, but in a softer tone. "We almost lost you. So far, you have given at best only half-hearted efforts towards your saber training. Qui-gon and I have let you and for that, I apologize. From now on your training will focus primarily on lightsaber fighting."
Anakin's head was bowed and his eyes didn't look from the floor, "What about my recovery from my injuries?"
"We'll be careful not to overstress your heart. However, we both know you have nearly returned to full health and the remainder of your time recuperating will be just a cover story."
Anakin could not disguise his wince. I really do regret disobeying. And I'm sure I'll never do it again! I've learned my lesson. He thought irritably. But is only reply was, "Yes, Master."
"Now, since you currently are still recovering, today you can limit practicing to only your katas. However, tomorrow we will begin working in earnest."
"Yes, Master."
***
"Good morning, Master An-Paj!"
The Jedi Healer glanced up at the blond head looking inside his office doorway. "A pleasant morning to you as well, Padawan Skywalker."
The teenager smiled brightly and continued down the hallway with his bucket and mop. An-Paj listened as the teenager called out greetings to every Healer and Padawan he saw as he made his way down the corridor. Like yesterday, they answered him with puzzled replies. Obi-wan had warned him that Anakin's suspicious behavior had not changed after he left the infirmary the day before. And here he could see that if anything, it had increased.
A loud squeal of delight echoed suddenly thorough out the hall.
"Anakin!" A very boisterous female voice yelled.
Anakin Skywalker did an excellent impression of a nerf in front of landspeeder lights. He froze as a trio of girls practically danced over to him. The instinct to run was very hard to fight.
Fighting the urge to flee, instead, Anakin put on a broad, fake smile and waved at the girls. Just keep on walking, ladies. Go right past me, please!
The cyan-haired girl stopped right in front of him and gave Anakin the distinct impression that she would have hugged him if she could have gotten away with it. The other two were close behind her and they all began talking at once.
"Where have you been?"
"Are you feeling better now?"
"Everyone's noticed you never come to the Dinning Hall anymore."
"Will you be at Swim Club tomorrow?"
"Whoa," Anakin broke in. "Slow down. I'm recovering okay, but I have to do chores here for awhile."
The girl with the curly blue hair eyed the mop in his hand, "Whatever did you do to get bucket duty?"
"Poked around where I didn't belong."
"Well that's a relief," The redhead sighed.
"Yes," The Twilek gushed. "We were beginning to think you were avoiding everyone!"
Anakin smiled brightly, "Well, I have to get back to work!"
"Oh, we can help you get done faster!"
"Thank you, but I have to work here all afternoon."
"Are you sure?"
The girls really looked disappointed. Anakin gave them what he hoped was a reassuring smile, "I do appreciate the offer. See you later."
"Bye, Ani!"
Anakin carefully concealed his wince as all three girls loudly chorused their farewell and left the infirmary giggling about it.
"Mopping the floor is more appealing then being with your friends?"
Anakin turned around to see An-Paj standing behind him. The teenager shrugged his shoulders and hoisted his buckets.
"It is for now."
An-Paj was disturbed at the forlorn tone of Anakin's voice, "You cannot avoid them forever, Anakin."
"Yes, sir. I know," Anakin moved past him down the hall, "I just need time to think of how to explain things without really telling them what happened." He grimaced and mumbled, "Like the Council and my Masters want me to."
***
Anakin stood outside of the closed door. He wanted to leave and he wanted to hide. However, he wasn't allowed to do either. Obi-wan had given him a direct order.
***
Earlier that morning...
"Master, please -"
"No, Ani. This has gone on long enough, you must face this."
"I just need a little more time."
"You've had weeks. If you haven't determined how to handle it best by now then you are not going to. And yes, An-Paj told me about how you've been using your chores in the infirmary as an excuse to completely avoid everyone. What were you planning to do when your punishment was over? Absurdly disobey again or intentionally injure yourself just to keep away from your friends?"
As Obi-wan continued to lecture in an exasperated tone, Anakin's eyes never left the floor.
"You need to talk to them, and to get past this today. You will go to the Padawan's Dinning Hall and you will stay there long enough to eat an entire meal. Sneaking in and out is not an option."
"Yes, Master."
***
I really wish I knew how to make myself invisible. Anakin continued to stare at the door. Why is this so hard? Just pull the handle! He berated himself.
Suddenly, Anakin tensed up. He could sense a few Padawans approaching the other side of the door. As they came closer and closer, Anakin could only stand frozen in place. He knew he couldn't hide and he couldn't leave.
The door shook.
"Huh?" A muffled voice said through the doorway.
"What's wrong?" Another asked.
"The door's jammed."
"Let me try."
The whole framework jostled slightly as a strong Padawan pushed on the door with the Force.
"It's really stuck."
"Maybe they are going to get rid of this exit and make it part of the wall?"
Anakin gave a quiet sigh of relief as he felt the teenagers leave to go to another door out of the Dinning Hall.
You coward, Anakin growled irritably himself. Holding the door shut so they couldn't see you was just idiotic.
Anakin once again resumed gazing blearily at the doors. I wish Kaely were here. She'd fuss at me and just pull it open and then I'd have to walk in and get it over with. But Kaely couldn't fly again yet and so was still in the apartment.
Again, Anakin felt people coming to the door. He tried not to do anything. With all his might he held back. And when he sensed them about to touch the door....
I am so pathetic.
Miserably, Anakin waited as he sensed this group also walk away in confusion. If someone would just come down this corridor to enter the Dinning Hall, then I wouldn't keep driving myself crazy like this.
Initially, Anakin had thought it would be a good idea to wait until the last minute to go to lunch. He'd hoped that by then most of the Padawans would be finished and leaving. That way he'd only have a few dozen to contend with. But now he wondered if going early would have been better. Nah, they wouldn't have let me leave and then everyone would have gotten a chance to attack me.
Steeling himself, Anakin slowly pulled the door towards him and peeked inside. The normal roar of the crowd didn't change rhythm, so Anakin slipped around the edge. Hugging the wall he tried his best to go un-noticed. Not an easy feat when most of the people around you are sitting and you happen to be rather tall for your age.
Of course it didn't work. Between squeals from the girls and loud yells from the boys and a variety of alien sounds, Anakin thought his ears would bust. Before he knew what was happening both of his arms had been grabbed and he was practically dragged to a table and gently but firmly placed in a chair.
I'm doomed!
The noise really was deafening as everyone was asking questions at the same time. Anakin's first friend at the Temple, Elbaima, wove his way through the mass around him. He saw Anakin's face grow redder and redder in mortification and decided to take action. The dusky toned boy clamored up on the table and quietly gestured for silence.
It took a few minutes for the excited teenagers to realize that Anakin wasn't going to answer them. They finally began to reduce their babbling enough for Elbaima to actually speak.
"That's enough. Anakin doesn't need to be stampeded."
Anakin tried not to smile at the looks of embarrassment that crossed the nearest teenagers' faces. He glanced up in surprise as Elbaima stepped off the table and all eyes returned to him. The room went dead silent.
Anakin tried to remain calm. Is anyone even breathing?
"Well, I," Anakin paused to keep his voice steady. "I am doing better. I was stabbed pretty badly on my last mission with my masters. I'll be stuck here for awhile until Master An-Paj says I'm healthy enough to go on missions again."
Instantly, the rush of questions resumed. If Anakin could have crawled away he would have. They wanted details. Lots of details. And that was the one thing he was not allowed to do. The Council had absolutely forbidden him from telling anyone about those Sith, or to even refer to an evil Force-user. Naturally, that meant he couldn't tell them that he was stabbed by a lightsaber, either. To Anakin's relief, they had had ordered him to not tell anyone that he had been kidnapped at all.
The crowd quieted somewhat as several people began asking one identical question, "What was that glowing you did?"
Anakin very carefully schooled his features. This was a question he'd been expecting for over a month. Qui-gon and Obi-wan had taken him on a mission the day after his glowing incident in this very Dinning Hall, so the Padawans never got a chance to ask him. Anakin had plenty of time to mull over this on the ship and during the long, boring days on their mission. And a week and half ago while lying in bed after his surgery, he'd again thought about what they would say and what answers would satisfy them.
For all that time, Anakin had never found a way. And so, he decided to just play dumb. In his most nonchalant tone Anakin answered the eager Padawans.
"Oh, that. I don't why that happened. It was very strange."
Again they barraged him, wanting him to explain how he felt, if it hurt and what he remembered about it. If I could, I'd just tell them I don't remember much. That would get rid of them, but that's not true, I remember it all too perfectly.
The roar reduced to a mild rumble abruptly as one voice rose above the others, "Give him some space! He didn't come here to be interrogated."
Once again the crowd backed down, however this time it wasn't Elbaima who came to Anakin's rescue. It was the very last person Anakin wanted to see, Lavir Rouy.
Anakin looked up as the young man approached him through the sea of Padawans. As he expected, they all moved to let him through without even thinking. Anakin watched him with distrust and well founded suspicion. Especially when he saw the small pin attached to Lavir's padawan braid. Its green metal glinted under the Dinning Hall's lights.
He is still running the Elite. Anakin grumbled to himself. Of course he is! He loves the prestige and power it gives him over the rest of us. He wouldn't be able to cope without it.
That last thought made Anakin cringe. It was a painful reminder of how he'd obtained that information. Waves of guilt assaulted him as he recalled the memories and private thoughts he'd seen in Lavir's mind while the older Padawan was unconscious and unable to defend himself during that glowing episode.
The 19 year old stopped and looked over the eager crowd haughtily, "You've asked your questions and Anakin has answered. Now, as he is still recuperating, he doesn't need the lot of you buzzing around him in this fashion." The crowd murmured quietly.
"And someone fetch him a lunch, he came here to eat, after all," Lavir's command set everyone in motion. Most of them had finished eating and left, while the rest loudly returned to their own tables.
Elbaima sighed in relief, "Thank you Lavir, crowd control is not one of my strong points."
Anakin looked at Elbaima in surprise, Even though he did get rid of everyone, there is no way I'm going to thank Lavir.
"Anytime," Lavir replied graciously, "If you don't mind, Elbaima, I'd like to talk with Anakin alone for a few minutes."
Anakin opened his mouth to speak, but his friend was quicker, "Certainly," Elbaima turned to Anakin, "I'm glad you are back again, Anakin. I'll see you later."
Anakin seethed. Lavir did it again, and I just let him.
Before Anakin could response that didn't involve growling, two Padawans practically skipped up to him with an over flowing tray filled with a bit of just about everything being served. Anakin did his best to thank them politely and to not look dismayed when they left.
"Now," Lavir began when the others were out of hearing range. "I have a proposition for you."
"I'm not joining the Elite and that's final," Anakin replied sourly.
"I am aware you have no intention of changing your mind, but that is not what I've come for."
Anakin shoved the food on his plate irritably as he waited for Lavir to finish pausing dramatically. He does it pique his audience's curiosity. In the past when he has just gotten to the point, it didn't always sway who ever he was trying to convince. Anakin gulped as he realized he was relying on his ill-gotten knowledge again. I've got to be careful.
"I would like," Lavir resumed. "To spar with you on a regular basis, say twice a week or so. And later when you've fully recovered, every day when we both are not off on missions."
Anakin's jaw dropped. The audacity of this guy is really getting on my nerves! Anakin looked Lavir straight in the eye, "No."
"I'm sure your masters would agree that you would benefit from sparing with other Padawans."
"Master Obi-wan wouldn't," Anakin smirked and then froze as he thought more about it. Actually, Obi-wan might, I need a better excuse.
"And anyway," Anakin continued. "Its no use talking about it now, I can't do anything that strenuous for awhile."
Lavir gave him a sly look, "Really. Your master has sparred lightly with you every morning for the past three days."
"Are you spying on me now," Anakin growled.
"No," Lavir replied loftily. "I just happen to walk by that particular training room to reach the one my Master and I typically use. The sign showing that you have reserved it is hanging outside in plain view for anyone to read."
With a glare, Anakin grabbed his half eaten tray and stormed away. He was more then a little relieved that the older Padawan didn't follow and pester him further. When Lavir wants to know something, he finds out. Usually by sticking his Elite on the job if he can't do it. I'll have to be very careful. For the first time, Anakin did not regret that he had peeked into Lavir's mind over a month ago.
***
"So, how did it go?"
"Exactly as I expected it to," Anakin grumbled.
Obi-wan decided not to comment on the boy's sour expression, "They really mobbed you?"
"Yes," Anakin replied curtly.
Kaely buzzed over their heads, reveling in her new repulsor lifts. She'd been miserable while reduced to just running on her wheels for the past week after Obi-wan had repaired her a little. In gratitude, she hadn't tormented Obi-wan the whole week. Though she had pestered Anakin incessantly to make her fly again.
Anakin was frowning heavily and brooding. Obi-wan sighed as he realized that cheering his Padawan up would be a battle. "You'll be fine. And besides, I'm sure your friends will help you. And I'm sure Padawan Ecin will enjoy sparring with you. You really do need to practice dueling with other Padawans."
Anakin stared at his master's back in horror. Well, I'd suspected he would think that was a good idea.
"And Qui-gon will likely return before I do," Obi-wan continued. "So, be prepared. He will expect you to have spent your time focused on your lightsaber practice."
Obi-wan glanced backward at Anakin and the teenager quickly schooled his expression from the disgruntled frown to a look of thoughtfulness.
"Obi-wan," Anakin said as nonchalantly as he could. "Have you sparred with any of the Padawans just a few years older then I am?"
"No, why do you ask?"
"Just curious. I know that the ones really good at dueling will usually spar with Knights and Masters who happen to be passing through the Temple. You know, to improve their skills."
"Are you trying to say you want to spar against -"
"No," Anakin interrupted quickly. That's not what I meant at all! "I'm just worried about having to fight the older Padawans in the big Dueling Competition in a few months. I don't want to get creamed."
"You'll do fine, Ani." Obi-wan said reassuringly. His placid face suddenly brightened, "You should spar with the older Padawans during the times Qui-gon and I aren't here. It would be good for you."
Anakin's jaw dropped, I should have kept my mouth shut and not given him ideas! "Uh, I can just spar with Elbaima Ecin. He's two years older then I."
"Yes, however, you are equally matched. You need to practice more with those who are better then you as well."
Their conversation ceased as they exited the building and walked out on an outdoor landing platform. On it was one ship, prepped and ready for take off. Anakin stared at it like it was a viper and Obi-wan just sighed. Anakin normally kept a good reign on his anger, but today he didn't bother to even try.
"Don't say it won't be long," Anakin said through gritted teeth. "Weeks are not a short time to me."
"I'll miss you, Padawan."
As the sleek ship took off, Anakin sat on the landing pad's deck in misery with only Kaely for company. He didn't move to go back inside for a long time.
***
Once again, Anakin stood on a landing platform waiting anxiously. However, this time he wasn't staring at the deck in agony, but at the sky watching for a ship. In his excitement, Anakin had come an hour earlier then Qui-gon was to arrive.
Almost, just a little bit longer. Anakin squinted at the sky and pulled on the training bond. I can feel him! Master Qui-gon's ship will descend into the atmosphere over the Pihs Tower.
For the past three weeks, Anakin's every thought and action had been overshadowed by his yearning for his masters to come home. Though he was living with his friend Elbaima and his master, Anakin spent little time with them. Anakin had practiced lightsaber fighting with him, but most of the day Elbaima was being trained by his master.
At first, Anakin had been pleased that Obi-wan had not asked another Knight or Master to drill him in Force exercises while he was absent. Instead, he'd only instructed Anakin to practice his Force-exercises each morning focusing on saber katas.
I thought it would sorta be like a vacation. And it was at first, but I just got fed up with nothing interesting to do.
Anakin had intended to enjoy his spare time tinkering with his droid pieces and devising new attachments for Kaely. But his mind would unexpectedly wander to what his masters might be doing and where they were while he was alone at his worktable. As the days became weeks, Anakin had been completely miserable and not even Kaely could cheer him up. Yet, this morning that changed when he'd received the news that Qui-gon was coming. It had irked Anakin that they hadn't told him until the day he was to arrive. But after the way he'd annoyed everyone with his impatience today, Anakin wasn't surprised.
The eager Padawan grinned from ear to ear as the ship landed and Qui-gon descended the ramp. Only the presence of two others accompanying him, another master and her padawan, prevented Anakin from jumping up and down with glee. Qui-gon spoke briefly with them as they were heading for the door before walking to Anakin.
"Greetings Ani. Hello little Kaely," Qui-gon smiled. "You look well."
"I'm glad you're home, Master," Anakin beamed. Kaely cooed sweetly at Qui-gon and flew to hover by his head as they turned to enter the Temple.
"I am doing much better," Anakin continued. "I have just one last check-up with the healers."
Anakin glanced anxiously up at Qui-gon's face, hoping for a response. I know that I'm completely healed and that this last visit to the healers is only so Master An-Paj can be sure that I am. Qui-gon's expression didn't change and he didn't say what he knew Anakin wanted to hear. Its been over a month, surely that is long enough to be restricted to the Temple.
"Do you know when Obi-wan is likely to return from his mission?"
Qui-gon's question startled Anakin from his thoughts, "He'll be here tomorrow. He has been gone longer then I expected." Anakin looked wistfully off into space, And so were you.
Qui-gon didn't comment on Anakin's implied statement, "How have you been?"
"Bored mostly."
Qui-gon's eyebrows shot up. Anakin smirked, but continued, "Not much has happened really. I did finally get the other Padawans to stop bugging me. Hopefully, the gossiping will die down soon."
"Good."
"Oh, and, um," Anakin stumbled over his words for a moment. "I goofed."
His master only waited patiently for him to proceed without comment or prompting him. Of, course he wouldn't make this easier. Anakin sighed to himself.
"I found out what my midi-chlorian count is."
Anakin held his breath. He really had no way of anticipating what Qui-gon's response might be. Master An-Paj had been disappointed and Obi-wan had been very irritated. Qui-gon's stoic expression never faltered and his emotions were locked tight. Odd, Anakin's eyes widened. Isn't he going to say something?
"And how did you accomplish that?"
Anakin took a deep breath and spoke quickly to get it over with, "I snooped into Master An-Paj's files, and yes, I've already completed my punishment for that. Obi-wan let Master An-Paj put me to work in the infirmary."
"Sounds fitting," Qui-gon's voice was still completely emotionless.
"I guess so," A look of confusion passed over Anakin's face. "I really didn't mind it though. The healers do a lot of really neat stuff and when things got really dull after Obi-wan left, I sometimes stopped by to run errands for them."
A burst of something flashed across the training bond too quickly for Anakin to identify, What was that? Anakin stared at his cool and collected master in shock as he glimpsed a fleeting smile disappear from Qui-gon's face. What is so funny?
"I'm sure Obi-wan will be very interested to learn that you enjoy visiting the Healer Ward, Anakin."
Qui-gon's smug tone of voice only puzzled Anakin further. Did I miss a joke?
Before Anakin could ask, Qui-gon changed the subject, "Have you resumed your lessons with the Council yet?"
"No," Anakin replied curtly.
Master Qui-gon frowned, "Have they said when they will?"
Anakin shook his head, "None of the Council has talked to me since before Obi-wan went off on his mission three weeks ago."
Qui-gon's stride slowed almost to a halt as he stared at Anakin, "How was your report to the Council the day I left?"
"Lousy."
Qui-gon stopped by an entrance to one of the many indoor gardens. Sensing Anakin's irritation and worry, he knew it would be best to stop and talk about this now, rather then wait until they reached the apartment. Anakin followed him in miserably and slumped onto a stone bench. In a strained voice, Anakin began to relate how the Council had reacted to his recollection of the Sith's actions and how they only sent him away without an explanation.
"When Obi-wan left he thought that they would call me back soon, but they never have!"
Qui-gon's expression and resonance in the Force was the closest Anakin had ever seen his master come to real fury. He stood up and briskly made his way to the exit, "Come, Ani. They will not continue to avoid you for another minute."
***
Anakin gawked as Master Qui-gon breezed past the reception room and boldly shoved open the massive Council chamber doors. Without pausing or bothering to announce himself, Qui-gon strode right in. The entire Council was assembled to hear from two teams who had just returned to the Temple. They all gazed at Qui-gon's disruption with mixed reactions ranging from surprise to irritation.
Qui-gon walked up to the mildly confused Jedi teams standing in the center of the room, "An urgent matter must be addressed."
Mace Windu's carefully schooled features never wavered as he looked at Qui-gon and then back at the teams, "Thank you for your swift report, Master Tuostuc Iuq, we must hear the remainder of it tomorrow."
The four Jedi quietly left the room passing where Anakin hovered uncertainly by the entrance. They probably think something really important has happened for Master Qui-gon to interrupt like that.
<Ani, come in.>
Qui-gon's telepathic call jerked Anakin out of his musing. As the doors closed behind him, he quickly walked into the room to stand beside his master in awe. Wow! I can't believe he did that! I never would have dreamed of storming in here. And I don't think Obi-wan would have either. He would have talked privately and quietly with Yoda or Mace.
"This has gone on far too long," Qui-gon immediately got to the point.
"We have not yet determined what information is appropriate to divulge and what to withhold," Mace replied.
"You've had more then a month to discuss this," Qui-gon's irritated tone conveyed his disapproval plainly.
"This is not an easy matter to decide," Mace retorted.
"If you haven't reached a satisfying conclusion by now, then you aren't going to."
Anakin glanced at Qui-gon sharply as he echoed Obi-wan's words from three weeks before. Obi-wan had insisted that Anakin couldn't keep waiting to talk to his friends. Anakin's stalling was useless and wouldn't help at all to continue. It was un-nerving to see the Council receive the same lecture.
"He is not prepared to deal with this situation as it is, later however - " Mace tired to explain.
But Qui-gon would not be placated, "Anakin needs to know all of it, now."
Yoda stiffened, "Dangerous that is!"
"And leaving him to speculate on what little he has already learned is not?" Qui-gon countered pointedly.
Anakin did his best not to stare or react as they argued about him. I just want to get this over with.
"Let's try something else," Anakin blurted.
The masters ceased their intense, but Jedi-like bickering to look at him. It wasn't Anakin's place to interrupt, but then nothing about this impromptu meeting was following protocol. Yoda and Mace in particular gave the impression of attempting to stare Anakin down for his outspokenness.
"I'll ask questions and you answer them. That way you don't have to tell me the other things you don't want me to know."
"Some of your questions might be just that." Ki-Adi Mundi pointed out.
"If he understands enough to ask the question then clearly he is not only ready but must need to know the answer," Qui-gon defended. Anakin smiled as he felt Qui-gon's approval of his solution to this dispute shine through their training bond.
Mace glanced around the circle listening to the others' telepathic responses before settling back in his chair and clasping his hands together in resignation, "Ask."
Anakin had to think very carefully, I haven't had any time to prepare and I never thought I ever get a chance to ask them questions now. I've got to be cautious to not give away what Obi-wan and Qui-gon let me find out.
"Am I right in just completely assuming that the Sith was lying to me?"
"Yes," Mace promptly replied. "You many ignore everything he said in regard to training you and his claims that you must learn to use the Darkside."
Anakin very quietly sighed in relief. Though he tried to hide it, he knew that they all could sense him relax. Oh who cares? They are probably happy that I didn't want to do what that Sith said.
"Where did this whole 'balance the Force' idea come from?"
Mace looked to Anakin's left at Master Yaddle. She cocked her head to one side, "An old prophesy. Collaborated by many Jedi visionaries, it has. For centuries, true we have known it will be. Texts of this I will show you."
"How well known is this prophesy?"
"It is included, with many other prophesies, in a class that those in their seventh or eighth year as a Padawan attend." Mace supplied.
"Perhaps Anakin should attend that class this year," Qui-gon suggested.
Mace glanced at Yoda, who nodded, "Yes, that would be prudent."
Their attention returned to Anakin as he spoke again, "By the way, when I have more questions later, you will still answer them won't you?"
"Yes," Yoda actually sounded a little reassuring.
"How does the Sith fit into this? I know you all thought that they completely died out a thousand years ago, so what do they have to do with that prophesy?"
Mace looked rather like a schoolteacher explaining what air or gravity is as he answered, "We know that the Chosen One will be the only person capable of vanquishing a great evil. The Sith are the most terrible evil we have ever encountered. Now that they have returned, we feel that it could only be them."
"Have any of you had visions of me fighting the Sith?"
"Too difficult to see," Yoda shook his head and looked at Anakin from under his drooping eyelids. "Well hidden the Sith are."
Yeah, I know that. Been there, seen that, barely survived to tell about it. Anakin thought sarcastically.
Yoda's eyes suddenly opened fully, "Seen visions of them, have you?"
"No, sir," Anakin looked a little startled. "I haven't thought to try."
"Hmmm," Yoda resumed studying the Padawan intently.
Anakin failed to hide his suspicious looks at the ancient Jedi Master, "How is this balancing supposed to work?"
"There have been many theories over the centuries," Mace replied. "Master Yaddle will supply you with the books about them. They are also discussed in that class."
They don't know the answer, Anakin sighed silently to himself. Why am I not surprised?
"How many of you think I'm this Chosen One, anyway?"
Silence filled the room and Anakin had to fight to not roll his eyes, Well, what are they expecting? Obviously that was one of the things they didn't want me to know now. And from the way Yoda is staring at me, it looks like they didn't think that I'd ever ask it either.
"Due to recent events, we all are certain that you are the Chosen One," Mace answered.
Anakin frowned.
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