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Chapter Text

Anakin hid away as two of Jabba's men walked through the crowded racing pod garage.  He snuck around, making his way to it when he saw Qui-gon and Watto talking.  Hiding behind some crates he strained to listen, "I'll wager my new racing pod against say, the boy and his mother," Qui-gon bet.

'He's betting for us?'  Anakin's thoughts raced at the chance for freedom.

"No pod is worth two slaves," Watto refused, "Not by a long shot."

"The boy then," Qui-gon spoke after a moment of hesitation.

'But... mom would still be a slave,' Anakin thought sadly.

Watto stuttered as he tried to find a means to decide the bet, "We'll let fate decide, huh?"  He took out a cube, "I just happen to have a chance cube here.  Blue, it's the boy.  Red, uh... his mother."

Qui-gon nodded and Watto tossed the cube.  Anakin focused on it, hoping for it to land on red.  His mother had gone hungry so many times to make sure he was fed, taken so much pain for him, he couldn't take it if she suffered more.  As Qui-gon waved subtly waved his hand to manipulate the cube with the Force, Anakin unknowingly manipulated it himself.  The cube rolled about for a moment as the two force-sensitives battled over what color it would land on.  Anakin, his raw emotions and untrained power, won out and the cube landed on red.  "Mom'll be free," Anakin sighed in relief.

Qui-gon looked at the cube in surprise as Watto grumbled, 'That should not have happened.'  He looked around and saw Anakin peeking out from the side of the crate, 'Anakin, what are you-'

"What was Watto talking about your betting problem?"  Shmi asked as she walked up to him, Anakin running up to her from where he had been hiding.

"Nothing, I will tell you later," Qui-gon dismissed her concerns.  'We do not have the time for me to free him now and get the ship repaired in time before we have enemies attacking us.  We cannot risk the Hutts coming after us.  We will have to return after the situation with Naboo is settled.'  He would have much preferred to free the boy now and leave with him, but the mission he was on was in too precarious a state for him to take his usual risks.

Anakin ran to his pod racer and immediately began looking it over, 'Just have to win, win and mom is free.  She can leave; she can be happy.'  Anakin's mind was only on his mother gaining her freedom that she deserved above everything else she deserved.  Ignoring even Sebubla he looked over every small piece noticing a broken stablizer he quickly fixed it as well as he could with the time he had and then jumped in his pod.  'Win, win, win win win win win win!'  The moment the gong was rung nearly all of the racers shot off, Anakin well in the running.  His vision tunneled, nothing else mattered to him but winning the race.  The first lap he was nowhere near the front, but then racers were taken out and he moved up the ranks.  His concentration was so great he almost forgot to breathe.  Second lap passed and now it was just him and Sebubla.  He was knocked off the track, but he directed his racer and overtook his opponent and crossed the finish line.  He felt a ringing in his ears as he looked at his mom, now free.  He let out a loud cheer, a sentiment shared by the crowds.

Hours later he was back home, the pod racer sold, and he was rushing himself to finish C3PO, putting on the final plate as Qui-gon entered.  "You are free now Shmi," He told her.

"What?"  Shmi asked in surprise.  Anakin placed the final plate on C3PO and turned him on.  "What about Ani?"

"I tried to free him, but something else influenced the bet, in your favor," Qui-gon admitted, "If my current situation were not what it was I would work to free him as fast as possible, but as it stands we must leave."

"I... I understand, please give me a moment," Shmi shakily said.  Qui-gon nodded and stepped outside.

"You should go mom," Anakin said softly, "I'll be okay."

"I cannot just leave you Ani, you-" Shmi was cut off as Anakin put a bag in front of her, "You... you already packed for me?  You knew?"

"You're free, they'll take you somewhere better," Anakin couldn't look her in the eye, he was on the verge of tears.

"Anakin-"

"Go mom, take Threepio and go with mister Qui-gon," Anakin unknowingly used Force Persuasion on his mother, "Go and live a better life." His will proved greater than her and she picked up her bag and grabbed C3PO and walked out of their home.  He could hear her speak to Qui-gon, and then they left.  He stood in his now empty home for but a few moments and then he fell to his knees and wept.  The Force swirled around him, a protective blanket of a father.  He was alone now, his mother freed and on the path to happiness that he had wished for her for so long.  He almost fell asleep there, but forced himself to stay awake, his eyes tinging with yellow as his thoughts turned to Watto.

Watto, who had threatened to blow them up when he was pissed about losing a bet.  Watto, who had abused them.  Watto, who for once made an actual sensible bet and it separated him from his mother.  The air around him began to heat up, the rugs burning, the metal melting, as his rage began to consume him.  His sorrow tempered the heat of his rage, creating steam in the air that leaked out of the building.  This feeling, this power, it was something new, yet it felt familiar.  He grasped at it, his rage, his sorrow, his joy for his mother's freedom, and held onto it tightly.  The house collapsed around him, and then the town burned as the early hours of morning shined through.  A few bodies would be found, Watto among them, and Anakin's tracking chip would be found torn out amongst the rubble of his home, flesh still clinging to it.

Chapter Text

Padme observed Shmi as they landed on Coruscant.  The moment she had come to the ship with Qui-gon, only after they had avoided a confrontation with a cloaked man with a liaghsaber, she had simply been sitting at the table, her expression blank and her eyes glassy, as though she were holding back tears.  Padme wasn't even certain Shmi had slept the entire way to the Republic's capital planet.  'She did not strike me as someone to leave behind others, why is she not with Anakin?'

Qui-gon observed Shmi as the ship landed.  He saw Chancellor Valorum and Senator Palpatine coming in from one ship, and Mace Windu from another.  "Chancellor Valorum, the situation proved more complicated than we were led to believe," He reported, "And the Banking Clan appears to have connections to resources the Republic is ignorant of."

"I will read your reports once I return to my office," Valorum nodded, "Queen Amidala, it is good to see you alive and well."

"Chancellor Valorum, Senator Palpatine," Padme acknowledged them both, "What is to be done to save my people?"

Qui-gon stepped away as the trio of politicians and walked up to Mace who was staring at Shmi, "Qui-gon, what is it exactly that you wanted the council to be made aware of?  And is that woman well?  She appears ill."

"The distance should be far enough now," Qui-gon observed and extended his will through the Force at Shmi.

Shmi's eyes regained their light, and she let out a shaking gasp as she looked around rapidly, "What?  Where am I!?  Where's Anakin!?"  She dropped her bag that had not left her grip since Anakin had unknowingly used Force Persuasion on her, "What is this place!?  Who are all of you!?"

"Ma'am, are you okay?" Palpatine approached with his usual kind smile, only for Shmi to punch him in the face, breaking his nose.  He stumbled back, clutching his bleeding nose as Shmi rushed a soldier, kneeing him in the stomach and stealing his blaster.

She grabbed Padme and pointed the blaster at her, "Where did you take me!?  Where is my son!?"

"Back on Tatooine, as I had explained to you before we left," Qui-gon explained, far calmer than the others.

"Then why am I here?"  She yelled at the Jedi Master, "I... I was just with Anakin, he was trying to get me to leave, I blink and suddenly I am here."  Shmi ignored the blasters pointed at her, "Take me back to Tatooine, right now!"

"Please release the queen first," Mace requested as he slowly stepped forward, moving his hand away from his lightsaber, "And we will see what we can do."

"Do not think I will sacrifice what leverage I have right now," Shmi glared at everyone around her, "I did not survive being Gardulla the Hutt's slave by not understanding what power I hold.  Padme is obviously someone important, now take me back to Tatooine or I will pull the trigger!"

"We cannot due to the current crisis my people are faced with," Padme tried to keep her voice steady despite the current situation.  Something strange had happened, clearly.  The fact that Shmi had recognized her did not even occur to the queen.  "I promise you Shmi, I will give you all resources possible to rescue Anakin.  Everyone, stand down," She ordered her soldiers, "Anakin risked his life to ensure we could get here, we owe him a debt that we will pay back.  Please Shmi, allow me to save my people so I may help Anakin."

Qui-gon stepped forward, "Anakin used a technique of the Force that forced you to come with us.  I had tried to break it when you came out and said you would leave with us, but I could not break it with how close we were to him.  When I made my bet with Watto my goal was to free Anakin, but he unknowingly ensured that it would be you who would be freed."

"Mistress Shmi," C3PO peaked out from the ship, "I have been trying to tell you for the past five days a message Master Anakin gave me to tell you while he was giving me my plating."

"Threepio?  What are you- five days!?"  Shmi's eyes widened in horror, and she let go of Padme as she rushed at the droid, "I've been on this blasted ship for five days!?"

"Oh, my goodness," C3PO jumped as Shmi grabbed him by the shoulders.

"I told you all to stand down!"  Padme yelled at the guards, "Do not fire on her!"

"What did Anakin say, what did he say!?"  She yelled at the translator droid her son had spent so much time building to help her.

"He said, 'Do not return mom, have the life you were denied because of me.'"

The blaster fell from Shmi's hand.  She had heard what others had spoken, of how she had been close to freedom, until she had found herself pregnant.  She had never been close to freedom, but people loved to gossip.  She hadn't thought Anakin had heard them, he had never said anything.  "I... no, oh Ani I didn't think that," She muttered to herself as she stumbled back

Valorum gently stepped forward, "Miss Shmi, once I have sorted through the reports, I will send some of our Jedi to rescue your son.  Please, come with us to a more private area so you may not be pestered by the public during your time of grief."

Obi-wan put his robe around Shmi's shoulders and gently guided her to the shuttle headed for the Jedi Temple.  Mace stepped to the side and observed her, "For a Persuasion to work like this did, and for five days and across such a distance, how old is this boy?"  He asked Qui-gon.

"Nine years of age, the midichlorian counter we had available was able to count him at over twenty thousand, higher than even Master Yoda's," Qui-gon revealed, "Had our situation not been what it was I would have risked battle with the local authorities and the Hutts to free him.  Shmi was Persuaded to come with me, so I brought her along as evidence for why we must free Anakin.  Mace, I believe he could be the Chosen One the prophecy spoke of."

"We have had high midichlorian counts before, and you and others have made such similar claims.  We will not trust that statement, but he clearly has a strong connection with the Force and will need proper training," Mace hummed, "Over twenty thousand though is a first, and the power of his Persuasion lends credence to your claim, I will share this with the Council."  The two walked to a second shuttle Mace had summoned since there wasn't enough room now in the one that he had arrived in.  Mace drummed his fingers lightly against the top of his hand in thought, "With her words, her history, perhaps we can gain the Republic's permission to finally go after the Hutt Cartel."

"We can only hope, but we have made our attempts in the past that have gone to nothing," Qui-gon shook his head, "I am concerned for Anakin, he is truly alone for the first time in his life.  We can only hope that he is not in danger."

Mace held back a sigh as the shuttle came to a stop in front of the Jedi Temple.  The Force had been feeling strange, as though it were scared, and it had the Jedi who were aware of this change in it feeling tense.  "Have you sensed it?"

"Sensed what?"  Qui-gon asked, sending his senses out for any enemies.

'So he does not feel it, why?  He is one who has invested much in his connection to the Force, what is the reason we are aware of this change in the Force?'  Mace pondered silently in his thoughts, "There are no enemies, I apologize.  I suppose I am simply high-strung given the current situation with Naboo.  You said in your report you were attacked by someone with a lightsaber, it just concerns us what that could mean."  They did not want anyone to be aware of this change in the Force until they understood what was causing it.  And it was not a direct lie what Mace spoke, just an omission.

"I understand the sentiment," Qui-gon nodded as they walked through the halls of the temple, "The galaxy has been slowing descending into disarray for a long time.  The situation with Naboo is it finally being seen by the public instead of hiding within the shadows."

"I wish I did not hold some agreement to that statement," Mace muttered as they entered into the council chambers.  "Now, give your full report to us on your mission, and tell us about the boy, Anakin Skywalker," Mace said as he sat down, "We will speak with your padawan for his report once he is done comforting Shmi Skywalker."

~Tatooine~

Anakin stumbled through the desert, his lips cracked, his throat dry.  He clutched at his side, his hand covered in dry blood.  He didn't know how long he had been running, he had blacked out, woke up among Watto's burning shop with his old master's burning corpse right in front of him, and his side bleeding heavily.  He did all that his young mind could think of in that moment, and ran.  Out into the desert he went, forcing himself to get back up every time he fell.  No matter how hungry he was or how thirsty he didn't stop running.  All he could feel was heat unlike anything he had ever experienced in his life on Tatooine.  Smoke escaped from his mouth with every breath he took, his eyes were alight with a flame that illuminated his way through the night.  Every step he took the sand burned to glass, his veins glowing in rhythm with his heartbeat.  Finally, Anakin let out a scream as flames shot out in a wide circle around him, creating a field of glass as his body finally cooled.  He fell to the ground, and he could not get back up.  His eyes rolled back and for the first time in five days he fell to a realm only seen by those asleep.

A ship landed at the edge of the circle of glass and two men ran out of it.  "Did you see that!?"  One of them yelled out, a rodian, "Did it come from that boy?"  He asked as they ran towards Anakin.

"I mean he's the only one around, has to have been him.  You think he'll do well in the arena?"  The other, a zabrak, asked.

"Doesn't matter, we'll make plenty of money off of him," The rodian reached forward to grab Anakin, only to let out an ear-piercing scream as ice traveled from the tips of his fingers that had brushed against Anakin all over his body, turning him into a statue of ice.

"What in the fucking moons of Iago!?"  The zabrak jumped back, only to slip on the glass and fall near Anakin.  "Shit!"  He cursed and scrambled back, looking at Anakin with a different eye now.  He took a deep breath, looked around once, then pulled a commlink out, "Hey, boss, I'm gonna need some special transportation for a new slave for the arena.  And Zalok is dead."

"Did the new slave kill him?"  A deep voice spoke through the commlink.

"Something like that, look, just get special transport here before the kid wakes up.  Boss, I think we'll make some serious money with this new contestant," The zabrak smirked.

Chapter Text

Qui-gon grunted as he sat up, the wound the Sith Lord had inflicted upon him growing agitated, "You did not need to come with us Obi-wan.  You have finally become a Knight; you are no longer tied to me."

Obi-wan rolled his eyes, "That may be, but I would rather you not greet death's door again so soon.  Knowing you, you'll manage to get into a war with the Hutts."  He read over the reports of everything that had happened on Naboo.  The blockade had been the greatest challenge, until Shmi broke into the Banking Clan's communication array connecting them to the blockade and got it blown up.  She had snuck onto Padme's ship soon after the vote of no confidence was called against Valorum.  Shmi had turned the Vulture Droids against their owners, and once the blockade was blown up shut them down.  Once the ceremony was over Padme immediately gave a ship to Shmi alongside pilots and some of her soldiers to go free Anakin.

Qui-gon had immediately volunteered to go along with them despite his injury.  "Should this come to blows please don't try to fight," Mace sighed.  He came along due to the power that Anakin seemed to hold.  While he was older than what the Jedi deemed acceptable for Initiates, he desperately needed training.  Qui-gon had volunteered, but it was decided that Mace was the better option given his expertise in combatting one's inner Dark Side.

"We are lucky Queen Amidala and Jar Jar were able to be talked down from coming with us," Obi-wan shook his head.  He had not met Anakin yet so he did not fully understand the sort of impact the boy had on the two politicians.  "How is Miss Skywalker?"

"She hasn't stopped pacing," Mace answered, "It's a struggle to get her to sleep."

"Excuse me sirs," C3PO walked in, "We will be landing soon."

"Thank you," Mace nodded at the droid, a creation of Anakin's.  It was something interesting to see, a completely original translator droid with unique directives.  It was something to consider for when he took him on as a student, a talent to nurture.  The ship shook slightly as they broke through Tatooine's atmosphere.  Mace walked towards the middle of the ship where Shmi was still pacing, "Miss Skywalker, is there anything we should know last minute?"

"I've told you everything," Shmi snapped at him.

"My apologies," Mace bowed his head, "When having to deal with the Hutt Cartel we must be as careful as possible."

"It's..." Shmi sighed, "It's fine."  The ship landed and the doors opened.  They all stepped out and the guards handled paying for the space.  Shmi led them through Mos Espa, knowing it like the back of her hand.  Her eyes widened as she saw some smoke in the air and noticed scorch marks on some of the buildings, "Has there been an attack?"  She started running through the streets, going past the burnt buildings, the smoldering remains of Watto's shop, his corpse still within.  She let out a gasp as she ran towards the smoking rubble that had once been her home with "Anakin!"  She called out, looking around, hoping he would come out of one of the buildings, or from where he would work on his pod racer.  But there was not single sight of him.  She dug through the rubble, not caring for the cuts she gained on her hands.

"What could have happened since we left?"  Qui-gon questioned as he looked around, "Was this caused by the Sith from Naboo?"

Mace ran up and used the Force to aid Shmi with moving the rubble.  "Go question the locals, find out what happened," He ordered the two, already analyzing the crime scene for clues.  It wasn't his specialty, but he would do his best.

"Shmi?"  An old lady called out, "What are you doing back here?"

"Nia'tla!"  Shmi ran up to her, "Where's Ani?  What happened?"

Nia'tla grew a somber expression, "After you left several fires started, we only recently had them extinguished.  I've never seen fires move the way those things did," Mace turned to pay attention to the conversation as he continued to dig through the rubble, "It was almost like it was alive and hunting.  Nearly all of the slavers and slave owners within Mos Espa were killed, it was so bizarre.  It started here at your home."

"W-where's Ani?"

Nia'tla shook her head, "We don't know, all we have is this," She held out a small box towards Shmi.

Shmi shakily opened it, revealing a slave chip with some flesh still attached to it.  Her legs gave out and she fell to the ground, "No, oh no my baby, how, what..." She couldn't find the words to speak her horror.

"Obi-wan, please talk with Miss Nia'tla about everything that she knows," Mace instructed as he kneeled next to Shmi.  "Let me care for this Shmi," He spoke softly as he carefully took the box out of her hands, "Our people at the temple can be able to give us more information to go off of.  There's nothing here, let's go back to the ship."  Shmi shakily held onto his robes as he helped her back to her feet.  As they walked through the burned town, Mace felt the Dark Side rage within him at the injustice these people had to face, the enslavement.  "It is not common for us to offer this, but if you would like you can reside within the temple while we search for Anakin," He offered, stamping down the Dark Side.

"I... please give me something to do," Shmi's voice was hallow, broken, "I-I-I need something to do."

"We will find something," Mace whispered softly as they walked back onto the ship, "For now, just rest as we conclude our search here for now before we head back."

~Elsewhere, within an unnamed asteroid field~

Anakin groaned as he woke up.  His vision still blurry he felt around, his touch being met only by metal.  He rubbed at his eyes, trying to clear his vision but it only made the blurriness worse.  He could see light, but anything else he couldn't figure it out.  Suddenly the floor opened beneath him, and he fell, landing onto ground he had only heard travelers describe, dirt.  Anakin could now hear people cheering, and others cursing near him.  "Ladies, Gentlemen, and all the freaks in between!  Welcome to the Bird of Paradise Arena!  It is that long awaited time again, the time for a bloodbath!"  A man screamed into a speaker system, "You and our people have brought us hundreds of fresh meat, which ten of them will survive and become new contestants of the Everlasting Tournament?  Do we have a new champion amongst them?  We shall see," The announcer laughed, "In five minutes we shall begin, so get any last-minute concessions, place your bets, and be ready to bear witness to the galaxy's greatest arena's annual bloodbath!"

Anakin stumbled to his feet, only to hit his head on another wall.  "Hey kid, are you an idiot?  You're not getting out that easily," Someone growled out at him.

Turning around to where the voice had come from, despite the fact that his vision was still blurry, he could see a Besalisk glaring at him.  He could see the entire arena, as though he were a camera droid.  And then he was looking at himself.  He flinched back at the sight, but then focusing on it he realized that he was looking through a camera droid.  As he focused on it, he reached out, seeing his movement through the droid, until his hand touched glass.  The droid moved closer to his hand and then electricity surged through it, then into the glass.  Creating a small crack, it traveled into Anakin's hand and his vision was returned.  "What... what's happening?  Where am I?"  Anakin looked at the camera droid, laying on the ground deactivated.

"You heard it," The besalisk snapped at him, "The Arena for the Warlord's Alliance.  I told you!"  He yelled at the camera droid circling around him, "I didn't sell you out!  Get me out of here and I'll find your rat!"

Anakin looked around at all the other people trapped in similar domes like him.  Some were lashing out in anger, others crying, and a few were just sitting as they waited for this battle royale to begin.  He didn't know how he got here, last thing he remembered was running through the desert then everything went black.  He had felt incredibly hot; unlike anything he had felt before during his life on Tatooine, and then before he lost consciousness it was like a krayt dragon's roar thundered in his ears and then the heat was gone.  Now here he was, 'Why me?  Why did they grab me?  Everyone else here is a fighter, why did they grab me!?'

"Alright everyone!"  The announcer yelled out and the audience quickly crowded in, "All bets have been made and finalized!  It is now time for the bloodbath to begin!"  The crowd cheered as everyone trapped in the arena got ready for the coming battle.  "But first, as is tradition, we call out our thanks to all of our sponsors who without them we would not have nearly as many contestants as we do here.  Now, let the bloodbath begin!"  Red lights appeared over the contestants, then turned to yellow.  With a final moment Anakin turned his focus to the broken camera droid and as the light turned green, he lunged forward and grabbed it.

He immediately started running, ignoring the screams as he examined the droid.  It was of a finer quality than what he was used to working with, and unlike the ones common to Tatooine, this one had no weapons.  "Dammit!"  Anakin cursed as he dodged out of the way of someone trying to grab him.  The droid sparked in his hand, but instead of hurting him like he was used to happening, he felt himself become faster.  He breezed past the combatants as he examined the droid further, but without his tools he couldn't look inside it.  So, for now, it was only useable as a bludgeoning tool.

But he didn't know if he could actually kill someone.  He had always dreamed of killing his slavers, but not once in his life had ever tried to kill someone.  His fear of his slave chip exploding held him back, and the fear of Shmi looking at him in horror.  He had seen it once before when they had seen someone eaten by Gardulla just before they were handed over to Watto.  Before that neither of them had seen the rumored appetite of their master, and to have the rumors confirmed and that there were times they were close to being eaten was terrifying.  But Anakin remembered the look of horror on his mother's face far more than the screams.  He had never seen her look like that before, and he never wanted to again.  Now though, there was nothing for him to fear, his chip ripped out and his mother somewhere she could have a far happier life without him holding her back.

Anakin could feel his body grow hotter as he ran, and the feeling only grew when a twi'lek tackled him to the ground.  He could feel her desperation to survive, but also her glee at killing people, that she was about to kill him.  Anakin didn't understand all of these feelings, why he was reacting to things in ways he never had before.  But he could feel something surrounding him, trying to protect him.  Gritting his teeth Anakin slammed the droid into the twi'lek's head and she fell to the ground next to him.  Anakin got on top of her and slammed the droid into her head again and again, over and over.  His anger burned within him and increased with each strike.  The injustice of this all.  He had finally escaped from slavery only to be captured and brought here.  Just when he was beginning to be able to have the right to choose it was taken from him again.  Anakin let out a yell as his hands glowed red, the energy flowing into the ruined droid causing it to glow as well.  Bringing it down on the twi'lek again flames exploded out of Anakin, amplified by the electricity sparking from the droid being channeled into his body, it covered nearly all of the arena.  All of the combatants hit by the wave of flames were turned to ash.

Anakin panted, looking around himself at the carnage he had just unknowingly unleashed, "...how?"  He fell to the side and looked up, the crowds of the arena completely silent.

Within the announcer's box a heavily scarred, robust human gaped at the sight, "So that's why you bet so much on him?  Smart move Zenklo," He nodded at the Zabrak that had brought Anakin in.  "Scanners say we there's only two left alive in there, have them captured immediately," He ordered two guards who nodded and ran off.

"So, what's the plan N'ch?"  Zenklo asked, "The sponsors and the other warlords won't be happy that their tributes weren't given a proper chance at entering the Everlasting Tournament."

"We'll hold another bloodbath to get eight more people to enter the tournament," N'ch tapped away at the console attached to his chair, "As recompense we'll provide the tributes, and they'll pick the one they want to have represent them.  Given what just happened at Naboo and the new Chancellor we'll need to stick to Outer Rim planets."

Zenklo nodded, "I'll also include trash planets in that search, might find some scum trying to hide away.  Should we try getting anyone from the Republic's prisons?"

"Not until we have a better understanding of how things will be under Chancellor Palpatine," N'ch shook his head, "Until then, play it safe.  And you'll be this boy's handler," Zenklo looked surprised at the offer.  He'd be given even more money than his position as one of N'ch's top lieutenants already granted him, "I have a good feeling he is going to make us lots of money.  We might just have our new champion here."  N'ch smiled sinisterly as Anakin was carried out as one of his other lieutenants began to make the necessary announcements to the crowds, "Get me his name, I want to know if there's a chance there are others like him."

Chapter Text

Count Dooku, the head of the Separatist movement, raised an eyebrow at his apprentice Asajj Ventress.  "You stated you were done with these warlords when you chose to become my apprentice.  Yet we are flying into their primary arena, for what exactly?"

"Forgive me Master," Asajj bowed her head, "But you spoke of your concerns of what Sidious might try against you with the vast control he will have over the coming war.  During my time fighting within their arenas, I met their champion.  He holds no love for them, or the Republic.  As well, he is powerful, with strength in the Force that I do not know how to describe."

Dooku shook his head, "If nothing else, it will give us the opportunity to remove these pests from the Outer Rim.  With so many factions they are too unpredictable to allow them to continue.  How do you plan for us to meet with this champion?"

To Dooku's surprise, Asajj blushed, "W-well, my history with him, what his masters want... his jailers are hoping this visit is an attempt for me to have his child," She managed to finally say.  "My-"

"Is this a romantic relationship?"

Asajj nodded, embarassed, "Yes, at first it was just the both of us finding comfort in another, but it grew from there."  As their ship landed and opened, they were met with a Zabrak, "This is Zenklo, Anakin's handler."

Dooku hummed as they walked out of the ship.  "Asajj, I am so happy you are willing to visit Anakin even with your new freedom," Zenklo said with a slimy voice, "Please, follow me."

Dooku observed the arena as they walked through its halls, he could hear the distant cheers of the crowds.  'Barbaric,' He expressed his true emotions in his thoughts.  He noticed that some of the cameras were tracking them too closely to be simple protocol.  'There's a fluidity to the movements that is quite odd.'

"Anakin!  Stop napping!"  Zenklo slammed his fist against the doors of a cell.

'He's meditating,' Dooku observed as one of Anakin's eyes slowly opened.  For a brief moment, Dooku felt the force flow from the camera looking at them to Anakin.  'Curious.'  Observing the stranger closer, with his long hair, the various scars decorating his arms and the one over his right eye that remained closed.

"What do you want Zenklo?"  Anakin's voice was rough, clearly not used often.

"Your lover is here, wants to talk to ya," Zenklo opened the door and Dooku and Asajj walked in.  "Try and make N'ch happy."

"The head of the Separatist movement, former Jedi Master, secretly a Sith, current mentor to Asa.  Is that not correct, Count Yan Dooku?"  Anakin smirked at Dooku's brief surprise that flashed on his face.  "What is your offer exactly?"

"Tell me, are you a Skywalker?"  Dooku remembered some of the last words he heard from Qui-gon before he left the Order.

"Hmph, did you tell him?"  Asajj shook her head, contending to simply observe the two for now.  "Yeah, if memory serves right, you trained Master Qui-gon.  How is he?"

"Last I heard of him he was making a greater nuisance of himself to the Senate," Dooku chuckled, "He spoke of his regret in his failure that he was not able to free you."

"I didn't blame him," Anakin shrugged, "What of my mother?"

"I do not know.  You know of our purpose here; you were the one controlling the cameras.  A curious ability of the Force I was not familiar with."

Asajj smirked at the mention, "As I told you, his abilities are incredibly unique.  Are you still observing?"

"Keeping Zenklo from being able to listen in on our conversation.  Now what is it that you want?"

Dooku finally took a seat, "I can assume you heard about Darth Sidious.  He is a means to an end right now, but the control he has over everything, and his various machinations leave me concerned of what else he intends for.  I need someone who will be able to create chaos against his plans and if need be, kill his pawns."

Anakin for a brief moment turned away and took Asajj's hand.  It was silent, and then Anakin chuckled, "I would be happy to say yes on two conditions."

"Name them and I will consider."

"I want to destroy the Hutt Cartel, and if I have to aid you in your endeavors then you will aid me with that," Anakin stated.

Dooku smirked at the request, "Perfectly reasonable."

"Second, I have a friend here who has his own goals.  Agree to negotiate with him, whatever comes of that doesn't matter to me just give him a chance."

Dooku considered the request, "Point me to him and I will see what I can offer."

"Great!"  Anakin smiled widely, "Now could you deactivate the explosive chip in me?  I'd do it myself but if it's not done with a specific code then it'll blow up.  Unfortunately, Zenklo and N'ch each know half of it, and I haven't been able to reach N'ch to get his half."

"Asajj, go retrieve the code," Dooku instructed.

Anakin pulled her in for a quick kiss, "I have missed you my dear, when we have the time let us relax together," He whispered to you.

"You better keep that promise Ani, alongside the other things you gave your word on," Asajj gave him a teasing smirk and after one more kiss left.

Anakin rolled his shoulders, "My friend is two cells down that way.  You might know him; he's spoken of Sidious as well."

That caught Dooku's attention quickly.  There were few people who knew of Sidious and remained amongst the living.  "You will know when to begin your breakout?"

"Asa knows how to signal me and I'll keep an eye on her.  The chip is the only reason I haven't broken out of here.  After that, we can make a plan," Anakin carefully extended his hand to Dooku and the two shook.  "If you start supporting slavers and the corrupt, I will kill you."

"An understandable sentiment," Dooku nodded and stood up.  Walking out of the cell he gave Zenklo a quick look over, "I am considering hiring his services for an assassination.  He spoke of a friend of his that may also be able to do the job that is more available, two cells from here."  The possibility of money immediately led the handler to not question anything.  Guiding Dooku to the cell he opened it and let him in.  For a brief moment Dooku froze in shock, then he smirked.  Seeing a camera outside the cell give a nod to him he turned back to the occupant, "Darth Maul, this is certainly a surprise."

"It is just Maul now.  Now why are you here Jedi?"  Sidious' former apprentice and assassin rose from his cot, his cybernetic legs clanking against the floor.

"I am no longer a Jedi.  As well, I am here at the behest of Anakin," Dooku observed how that caught Maul's attention, "To offer you a means to create your own plans, and to cause problems for Sidious."

Maul tilted his head in thought, "I am listening."

~Coruscant, Jedi Temple~

Obi-wan sat within the temple's gardens, various produce growing in the different biomes that had been created.  He simply observed Shmi Skywalker as she pulled some of the fruits and vegetables and gave them to younglings.  She had first started with just helping with the maintenance of the Room of a Thousand Fountains and then found a greater joy in growing produce.  Moving to the gardens she helped expand them as necessary, creating a great symbol of unity within the temple as she taught younglings.  At some point, the idea of helping her set up a life outside of the temple had been quietly abandoned.  She had created a new life with the Jedi.  "Do you require any food Obi-wan?"  Shmi asked him with a small smile.

Obi-wan shook his head, "No, just waiting for my first Padawan.  I thought meeting here would be best, I do not know how well I will do with this."

"You have done well as teacher before," Shmi said as she sat down next to him, "This will show you where you must strive to overcome what limits you can.  I know this is not something that is easy for you, but you will learn and you will grow."

"Have you been spending more time with Master Jocasta?"  Obi-wan chuckled.

Shmi laughed, "We have tea every week, and she does appreciate the younglings coming to her to learn more about farming.  They have been trying to have the gardens expanded and causing no shortage of headaches for the Council to achieve that goal."

Obi-wan nodded, "Master Qui-gon has crossed off a few other names that could have taken Anakin.  He will be returning within the next few days to give a more detailed update before heading off in a different direction than he last left.  And of course, causing more problems for the Senate."

"Thank you Obi-wan, for the warning.  With the Separatist Movement the search may need to be put on hold, as much as I hate that fact," Shmi grabbed a dameapple and bit into it.

"Qui-gon is of a similar opinion.  Padme will be returning to Coruscant from her vacation later today.  No doubt she will be visiting the temple to see you."

Shmi nodded as the doors of the gardens opened and a young Togruta girl walked in.  "Ah, Ahsoka.  How are you, it's been a while since I last saw you."

"I'm sorry Miss Skywalker, but I am actually here to meet with my new master and begin my padawanship," Ahsoka gave her a smile before turning and giving Obi-wan a bow.

"It is nice to meet you Ahsoka Tano.  I will do my best to train you, and I hope I may be able to learn from you as well," Obi-wan stood up and gave his own bow.  "Let us visit the training rooms, I wish to understand what you know right now with the lightsaber, and we will then move from there."

~Bird of Paradise Arena~

Maul let out a laugh, the mirth shared by Dooku's own chuckles, "And then he tried to kick my legs out and yowled in pain gripping his shin!"  Maul devolved into further laughter.  The negotiations had been quick and simple.  Now the two of them were just waiting for Anakin to begin his breakout, sharing stories with each other as they exercised their patience.  "Then I snapped his neck so fast he was stuck gripping his shin!"

Dooku nodded, "Clearly you have been quite busy whilst here.  Why have you not tried to escape, do you have a chip like Skywalker?"

"I did, but he got it deactivated for me.  With the debts I owe him and our friendship I've refused to leave him behind," Maul confessed, "He even restored some of my memories that Sidious had buried, helping me to remember my brothers.  Once I have retrieved them, I will begin acting on our shared plans.  Ah," Maul smirked as the cameras suddenly exploded and the cells opened on their own, "It would appear it has begun.  I would not recommend stepping out just yet."

Dooku's eyes widened slightly as the halls were filled with fire.  In a few short seconds the noise of the arena was silenced, replaced with the low crackling of embers.  Not even the smell of burnt flesh was left behind.  "Impressive control Skywalker."

"Yeah, these guys were at least good with providing plenty of training dummies," Anakin stretched as he threw his chip to the ground and crushed it beneath his foot.  "Maul, seems you guys came to an agreement."  With precise and practiced ease he cut open Maul's side and took his chip and then easily sealed the cut.

Maul crushed the chip, "Yes, I just need to go retrieve my brothers before I can properly offer my aid.  What will you be doing?"

"Heading to Coruscant, I need some answers and then I'll start helping.  Plus Ziro the Hutt is there and there's rumors of him having some blackmail over the others.  Can give me some good places to start with the attacks," Anakin smirked as Asajj walked in with N'ch's head in hand.  "I love you."

"I know," Tossing it aside Asajj traced her fingers across Anakin's cheek, "And I will make you show me just how much you do."

Anakin gave a small shudder, "I'll be taking a ship, where can I meet up with you afterwards?"

"Geonosis, and I will give you something that will help you with your fight against the Hutts there as well," Dooku nodded.

"Let's send the galaxy into chaos!"  Anakin cheered as he walked away, sharing one final kiss with Asajj.