Anakin and the Master

Anakin Skywalker stands at the center of the High Council Chamber. Members of the council, seated in a circular arrangement, are deliberating the appointment of Anakin as Chancellor Palpatine's personal representative on the Jedi Council. In the end, they decide to abide by the Chancellor's decision.

"Allow this appointment lightly, the council does not," says Yoda, the grandmaster of the Order. "Disturbing is this move by Chancellor Palpatine."

"I understand," says Anakin. The reluctance of the council is to be expected as it has always elected its members.

"You're on this council," adds Master Windu. "But we do not grant you the rank of master."

"What?" Anakin asks in surprise. He looks around at the other members of the council hoping someone will speak on his behalf, but no one does. "How can you do this? It's outrageous! It's unfair – How can you be on the council and not be a master?"

"Take a seat, young Skywalker," says Windu, unimpressed with Anakin's tone.

"Forgive me, Master." Anakin realizes his impatience and does what he is told.

Obi-Wan looks at him and shakes his head at his former padawan.

Meanwhile, the council starts discussing the state of the ongoing war. General Grievous, the current leader of the Separatists Droid Army is still missing and he must be found before they can put an end to the war. They decide that Yoda will go to Kashyyyk with an attack force to help the Wookiees defend their system from droid attacks.

***

Later after the council has been dismissed, Yoda asks Anakin and Obi-Wan to join him in his private meditation room. Anakin's mind cannot seem to focus. He still feels that the Jedi Council has treated him unfairly by not promoting him to the rank of Jedi Master.

"Clouded your thoughts have become," Yoda comments.

"Master Yoda, why have you put me in the council but refused to give me the rank of Master? It has never been done before in the history of the Jedi." His disappointment is apparent.

"Unprecedented it is," Yoda replies. "That someone as young as you on the council, just as unprecedented."

"Anakin, being on the council is a great honor." Obi-Wan tried to calm him down. "However, you have become close to Chancellor over the years."

"I did not ask for this. I swear." Anakin realizes the insinuation that he used his relationship with the Chancellor to get himself appointed as a member of the High Council.

"Know this, we do," says Yoda. "Made this decision, the Chancellor did on his own. Apprehensive we are that he made this choice without consulting the council."

"The only reason why the council agreed to your appointment is that the Chancellor trusts you," Obi-Wan explains.

"I don't understand," says Anakin.

"Anakin, I'm on your side and I didn't want to put you in this situation. But, the council wants you to report on all of the Chancellor's dealings. They want to know what he's up to."

"You want me to spy on the Chancellor? That's treason."

"We are at war, Anakin."

"Why didn't the council give me this assignment when we were in session?"

"Not on the record, this assignment will be," answers Yoda.

"The Chancellor is not a bad man. He befriended me, and watched out for me ever since I arrived here."

"That is why you must help us," Obi-Wan pleads. "Anakin, our allegiance is to the Senate, not its leader who had managed to stay in office long after his term has expired."

"Very out of place, things have become."

"You are asking me to do something against the Jedi Code, against the republic, a mentor, and a friend. That is what's out of place here. Why are you asking this of me?"

"Because you are the only one who can, young Skywalker."

"It is a hard thing to do, but I'm confident that Anakin won't let us down, Master Yoda."

Anakin is relieved that Obi-Wan has faith in him, but it is not enough to ease the discomfort that he is feeling. They are asking him to use his friendship with the Chancellor to spy on him. It betrays everything he believes in.

"Hrmm… Another reason I have for inviting you here. A mission I have for the two of you."

"Do you have a lead on General Grievous' location?" asks Obi-Wan.

"No. Of a different matter, this mission is. Not be on the record, it must be."

"Another secret?" Anakin accuses. He is not sure that he can condone any more secrets that day.

"Yes. Concerning a secret that only Windu, Yaddle and I know, this mission is."

"What is the mission, Master Yoda?"

"Go to Cadmus, a planet in the Unknown Regions. A colony of my people, I know it to be. Meet with its leaders, you two must."

"Your people, Master Yoda?" Obi-Wan is surprised. "I thought your species has never been classified."

"Elves, my people are called. Hidden, our existence was made. An ancient agreement with the Order and my people, it is."

"Why now?" Anakin asks. "The war is almost over."

"Always uncertain, the future is." Yoda closes his eyes. "Coming to a close, the war may be. But dark, I'm sure our tomorrow will be. For the Order, for the Republic."

"What have you seen?" asks Obi-Wan.

"Have the answers, I do not." Yoda hands a datachip to Obi-Wan. "Use this to find Cadmus. Other records of its location, you may not make."

Obi-Wan and Anakin look at one another. They cannot imagine why the Jedi Order has agreed to keep the existence of an entire group of people hidden. But, they understand that this secret is very important for Master Yoda.

"What should we say to the leaders of your people?" Obi-Wan asks.

"About the war, you must tell them. Be honest, you have to be. That they can help us end this war sooner, my hope it is. To provide a place of refuge for our Order, you must ask them. Need it, we might, in the future."

"What can you tell us about your people?"

"Know little of my people, I admit I do. Too young, I was when given to the Jedi."

"You have never communicated with them?"

"Receive news from my homeworld, we do when a youngling like me is given to the Order. Once every 300 years, it happens. When little Grogu arrived, the last contact we have from the Elves, it was."

"When should we go?" asks Obi-Wan, realizing that they will not learn anything more.

"Today, if you can. Your judgment, I trust, in this matter. Go Kashyyyk soon, I will."

"May the force be with you, Master Yoda."

Anakin joins Obi-Wan in giving their respect to the grandmaster. Then, they leave to prepare for their new mission.

***

Later that day, they boarded the IPV-2C Stealth Ship that they have used before to get to Cadmus. Obi-Wan will not risk anyone else finding out about their mission.

"You look very tired, Anakin." Obi-Wan cannot help but say. "Something troubling you?"

They are already well on their way when Obi-Wan decides to break the silence between them. It has been awkward between them lately. Anakin has not even talked about the way that he killed Dooku with his old master. Killing an unarmed man is not the Jedi way. Revenge is natural according to the Chancellor, but Anakin is ashamed of what he did. He knows that Obi-Wan will be disappointed.

"It is nothing, Master. I'm fine."

"You're not still thinking about being denied your promotion to master, are you?"

"No, I'm not. I'm just not comfortable with these secret assignments," deflects Anakin.

"It is rare for the Order to move in secrecy. But it has been known to happen when the need is there."

'Since when have the Jedi needed to spy on the leader of the Republic?' he asks inwardly. Then, he decides to steer away their conversation from the topics that he does not want to talk about. "Why do you think Yoda's people live in isolation?"

"I don't know. The only members of his species that we know of have been part of the Jedi Order. Remember, some cultures have their views concerning the Force. From the limited information that we have, I am guessing that these 'Elves' have their traditions regarding the use of the Force."

"Like the Witches of Dathomir?" asks Anakin.

"Perhaps. But considering that they have a standing agreement with the Jedi, they must be different."

"What do you think Master Yoda hopes for us to accomplish in this mission?"

"I don't know, but I trust that we will find out what we can do once we get there."

"I just feel like he is sending us on a pointless quest when we should be hunting General Grievous."

"Have patience, Anakin. Think of what we are doing as a personal favor for the grandmaster. You should catch some sleep. It will be a while before we get there."

***

"Anakin, wake up… We are almost there."

Anakin has slept since their last talk. He must be more tired than he first thought.

"We're exiting hyperspace right about… now."

When they return to normal space, they can see a green planet from the cockpit window. There are several ships in its orbit, just above what they assume is a defensive barrier that covered the entire planet. Before they can set their ship to approach the planet, they hear the beeping noise that signifies they are being hailed by someone.

"That's impossible," says Anakin. "Cloaking projectors are functioning normally. They should not have detected us."

"Turn off the cloaking. We must not look like we're hiding something. I'll do the talking." Obi-Wan answered the hail.

[Unidentified vessel, please state your name and intent.] The voice spoke Basic perfectly.

"This is Jedi Master Kenobi. We are representatives of the Jedi Order, here on a diplomatic mission to contact the people of Cadmus under the orders of Grandmaster Yoda." Obi-Wan remembers Yoda's words that he needs to be honest.

[Hold your position until we can confirm your identity.]

Anakin looks at Obi-Wan. "What now?" he asks.

Obi-Wan just shrugs.

[You've been cleared for the approach. Please follow the flight path we are sending. Your vessel will remain in orbit. We can send a shuttle to you if you don't have one.]

"Thank you. We will use our shuttle for landing," Obi-Wan replies.

"That was quick," observes Anakin.

So, they have taken the shuttle through the gap in the planetary shield that was made for them. They saw an expansive city where they are heading. Unlike most big cities in the galaxy, the buildings here are not very tall. The only exception is the one ornate building located at the center of the city that looks like a temple.

Their shuttle landed on a small landing port in the middle of the city. When they exit their shuttle, they are greeted by a group of Elves outside their shuttle who are wearing colorful tunics with little distinction between females and males. On the other hand, the two Jedi are wearing their traditional brown hooded robes.

"Greetings. I am Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi and this is Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker."

"Greetings, I am Pilsy, your guide," says the leading elf. "On behalf of the Stewards of Cadmus, we welcome you Jedi. Please follow me to the Forum. It is not far."

Obi-Wan and Anakin looked at one another before following the elf. Seeing so many people like Yoda is very strange. They can tell that everyone that they have seen so far is strong in the Force, but their presence is hard to distinguish from the surrounding.

As they walk through the streets, they see that there are plants almost everywhere, be it on the ground or hanging on the walls. All the buildings are made from the same type of stone. It is like some of the prehistoric cities that he read about in the archives. Although, he is sure that the Elves have advanced technologies judging from the communication tools that they carry with them.

The Forum where they are heading is a very public building as it turns out. It is a roofed structure in the center of an open space that anyone can walk into. There, they see that a group of Elves are already there.

Pilsy stops at the center of the Forum and says, "We will wait here for the Stewards to arrive before we hear out why you came here."

"Agreed," replies Obi-Wan. Then, he turns to Anakin and says "Why don't you explore the city? I can handle it from here."

"Are you sure?" asks the younger Jedi.

"Yes. It seems that they are willing to hear us out."

"If you want," Pilsy interjects, "I can give you a tour of our city, Jedi Skywalker."

"Thank you. That would be lovely."

***

Anakin is glad that Obi-Wan is going to handle the talk, but there are some things about the Elves that picked his curiosity. He can't make sense of it. They walked to a nearby park where Anakin felt he could ask the elf some questions.

"Are the Stewards the leaders of your government?" he asks his guide.

"Yes," answers Pilsy who is walking beside Anakin. "They are trusted to make the decisions for the Elves of Cadmus."

"The Elves of Cadmus? Are there more worlds with Elves in them?"

"There are three main worlds in the galaxy that the Elves live in. Cadmus is the second. Other than that, we have other small colonies in the sector."

"Do you think your leaders will help the Republic?"

"They will discuss the issue, then, everyone will vote on it. We have direct democracy here. The Stewards handle administration, but laws and important decisions are made by the public."

Anakin thinks about what he just heard. He knows that some tribal groups in the galaxy have direct democracy, but, he wondered how it could apply to a planet-wide government.

"How do you keep your government free of corruption?" His talks with the Chancellor have made him view democracy in an unappealing light.

"We don't. Some elves may be more selfish than others, but the Master decreed that we must all speak honestly when in the forums. So, no one lies when they are arguing."

"The Master tells you that you can't lie, and you trust everyone to follow?"

"Yes. What else will we do?" asks Pilsy while looking at Anakin strangely.

"Who is the Master? Is that your highest leader?"

"The Eternal Master is the master of all Elves."

'What does that mean?' Anakin says inwardly, irritated. The elf spoke candidly, but Anakin was having a hard time understanding all she was saying. She speaks differently from Master Yoda, but she is just as confusing. "Is the Master your king or something?"

"No. Elves do not have kings. The Master is higher than a king."

"Like a god?"

"To the Elves, the Eternal Master is a god."

"Grandmaster Yoda never mentioned that your people are religious."

"Poor Yoda…" Pilsy sighed. "He is my little cousin. He was just a newborn when he was picked to be sent to your Order."

"Wait, are you older than Grandmaster Yoda?"

Pilsy nods and says, "it is sad that Yoda never learned about the Master. He was too young to remember."

"The Jedi take initiate as young as possible, before they can form attachments."

Pilsy just shook her head in disapproval which picked Anakin's interest in their ways in the force. As a society completely made up of force-sensitive people, how would their beliefs about the force differ from the Jedi teachings?

He pointed at the big ornate building that they could see from where they were. "Is that a temple for your god?"

"Yes. That is the home of the Eternal Master in Cadmus. He has other homes in Antioch and Ignotus."

"How do you practice your religion? Do you pray or perform rituals?" Anakin asked.

"We listen to instructions. We obey and do the work."

"Are the instruction like a code? Or is it more like a public sermon?"

"Instructions are command. Am I not speaking Galactic Basic clearly? Besides, the Master does not give sermons, even though we want to see him always. He does not like it when people visit him for no reason."

"Wait – the Master is an actual person? I thought he was a religious figure or a god in your sacred texts."

"Of course, he is a person. We would not obey an imaginary being." Pilsy looked offended.

That sounded bad to Anakin. "Pilsy, are the Elves slaves to the Master?"

"Slaves? How dare you! We are proud Elves! Hmph!" Pilsy walks away from Anakin. Before he can apologize for apparently offending the elf, Pilsy vanishes in front of him.

Anakin looks around in confusion. He can't understand what happened. He feels a sudden surge in the Force, then Pilsy is swallowed by some kind of wormhole. Then with a sound like a clap, she is gone. He has never seen anyone use the Force like that. He had better talk to Obi-Wan about this later.

***

Later that evening, Anakin and Obi-Wan retire to the hotel room that was provided for them. Even when they prefer isolation, the Elves seem accepting of receiving the occasional guests. The two Jedi wonder how the Elves managed to keep the secrecy of their worlds.

"Obi-Wan, did you know that the Elves can use the Force for teleportation?" Anakin asks as soon as they could talk in private.

"Teleportation? I read from the archives that some ancient Sith were capable of such. How did it feel to you?"

"It's not the Dark Side if that is what you're thinking. I felt a small surge in the Force, but it was subtle. If I wasn't close enough, I don't think that I would have felt it."

"Interesting…" Obi-Wan stroked his beard. "Perhaps after the war, we can come back and learn from the Elves."

Anakin chuckled. "I don't think Yoda sent us here for that – How did the meeting with the Stewards go?

"I presented our case the best I could," Obi-Wan explains, "but, I doubt things would go as we hoped. These Elves are unlike anything I have seen before."

"What was the mood in the forum?" asked Anakin.

"They patiently listened to everything I have to say and they tried to understand our situation the best they can. In the end, the Stewards agreed to provide a safe refuge for the Order in case we need it. I don't know how they will do it, but they said that there will be a vote on whether they will lend their help in the war or not."

"You don't sound hopeful," observes Anakin.

"I doubt that they will go out of their way to help the Republic. As far as I could tell, they don't want anything to do with us."

"Perhaps we can make a deal? It would not be the first time." Anakin recalls all the times when the Jedi practically bribed people to make them stay with the Republic.

"I can't think of anything we can offer. They are more advanced technologically. As for resources, they seem to have more than enough of what they need. I don't know about their militaristic capabilities, but I think they are confident that they can protect their world with their forces. As for their economy, well, I don't think they have one."

"They don't have an economy? What do you mean?"

"Whatever their form of economy is, it doesn't use any currency. The Elves have few personal possessions. They are free to take whatever they need wherever they can find it. I've never seen anything like it."

"What about jobs? I saw a lot of Elves who were busy doing their tasks in the city. How are they compensated?"

"Working for the Elves is its reward… I know, it is strange. But look at us, the Jedi, we do what we do without pay and the work is fulfilling, most of the time."

"I guess I can understand a little, but still… Perhaps, we can go to the temple tomorrow."

"Hmmm… It might give us a better chance if we can convince their religious leaders to campaign for our cause." Obi-Wan asked.

"My guide earlier told me that the Master can be found there."

"The Master? The Stewards didn't mention a Master."

"I think the Master is some kind of spiritual leader for the Elves. I think if we can convince him or her, then the Elves will follow suit."

"We'll go tomorrow," decides the older Jedi. "We can also use this time to learn more about the Elves."

***

They make their way to the temple the next day. The grand structure is comparable to the Jedi temple in Coruscant. They can tell how the Elves revered whoever the Master is based on how prominent the temple was compared to all other buildings in the city.

Anakin and Obi-Wan walk up the steps to the temple on their own. The hoods of their robes are covering their heads as the Jedi are known to do. Meanwhile, the Elves in their surroundings look at them silently without saying or doing anything to stop them.

When they reach the entrance, the guardian of the temple stops them. The elf is equipped with what looked like golden armor while brandishing a spear. This is the only elf that they have seen so far that is armed with any weapon.

"Stop!" says the guardian with a deep voice, unexpected from the Elves. "Who comes seeking an audience with the Master?"

"We are the visiting Jedi from the Galactic Republic. My name is Obi-Wan Kenobi and this is Anakin Skywalker." Obi-Wan answers very respectfully while bowing slightly, his hands hidden inside the cuff of his sleeves.

"Have you a reason why you seek the Master?"

"We have come to discuss whether the Elves can help the Republic in our time of need."

"That is not reason enough." The elf shook his head. "The Council of Stewards can decide such things. You may leave."

"Wait a minute," Anakin interjects. "We just want to talk to the Master even for a moment."

"Please," Obi-Wan added, "the matter is urgent. The Republic cannot afford to wait. Will you please let us inside?"

"This is not a reason to see the Master." The elf declares with finality.

Anakin looks at Obi-Wan. What will they do now?

It has taken only a moment for the older Jedi to switch his approach.

"We have legitimate reasons for meeting with the Master." Anakin can feel Obi-Wan using the Force with his words.

However, the elf just stands there and looks at them in annoyance. Anakin sighs. His former master's usual tricks will not work it seems.

"What do we need to do to gain an audience?"

"The temple is open for those with true cause to see the Master."

"The survival of the Republic is not reason enough?" Anakin is beginning to lose his patience which earns him a stern look from Obi-Wan.

"The Council of Stewards is entrusted to decide such matters. This is not a reason to disturb the Master."

"And what reason is the right reason?" Anakin is just about to give up. He is only asking out of curiosity at this point.

"That which keeps you up at night – that paralyzing feeling of uncertainty which occupies your waking hours – that admittance of being lost and needing new directions, these are the reasons for which you can meet the Master. He who has guided us throughout the ages will give answers to those willing to receive his instructions. His words resolve doubts and give direction."

"I don't understand…"

The guardian steps closer and looks into his eyes directly. For a moment, Anakin has felt like being exposed and he cannot help but step back. The 'Hero With No Fear' is intimidated by a creature half his size.

But then, the elf stood aside. "You may enter," he said.

The two Jedi look at one another and nod in understanding. But before they both can enter the temple, the elf raises his hand toward Obi-Wan.

"You may not enter," the elf warns.

"What," Obi-Wan began, but Anakin says "It's alright, Master. I can handle this on my own."

"Very well."

Despite his occasional lapses in controlling his temper, Anakin has grown much these past couple of years. As his former master, Obi-Wan has been trying to show more trust in Anakin. So, he let him go alone.

***

As soon as Anakin enters the temple, he knows that he has walked into a special place – a sacred place if he is being superstitious. The sound of his steps on the stone floor echoes through the long corridor. Along his path, he observes the numerous carvings on the walls that depicted, he is assuming, historical events that are important to the Elves. There are figures of humans, elves, and other unknown species like fire-breathing lizards and giant serpents. The carvings are illuminated by ethereal flames on golden braziers with no discernable fuel.

The corridor leads him to a large chamber decorated with more artistic works of stone and gold. The same warm glow of the corridor is lighting up the room. At the opposite end of the entrance, he can see an elevated throne but there is no one there.

'This room was made for a king,' he observes. 'No, that is not right. Not exactly…'

Then, as if on cue, he hears a loud crack. A person has appeared sitting on the throne. Anakin assumes that this was the Eternal Master. It can be no one else because this chamber is a hallowed place reserved for only him.

'Human? The Master is a human?' Anakin is shocked to learn.

The Master is a human of average height and build but, even then, he won't be mistaken for an ordinary person. His eyes glow with green light and his hair has an unnatural blackness to it. His suit is just as dark which contrasts his pale skin. He is wearing several rings inlaid with gems of different colors but the one that stands out the most is the ring with a grey crystal on it.

Anakin cannot help but lower his head in the presence of the Master.

"Human child…" starts the Master, "it has been a while since last I talked to one of your kind… Well, go on then, ask your question."

"The—the Republic is in chaos!" Anakin blurts out a little too late. "We are at war with the Separatists, a war that spans the galaxy. The Jedi have sent us here seeking help."

"And?" the Master asks casually.

"Won't you lend us your strength to bring the war to a close?"

The Master shakes his head. "The Republic being at war is not something new. It is up to them whether they can survive another one. But this is not your question – what is it that you fear most."

"What?" His eyes widen in realization. "How do you know that?"

"I looked at you and I knew. Your troubles are reflected on your face."

Anakin tries to hide it. He does not want to admit his fear, which has caused him so much misery lately. But something about the Master, with his all-seeing eyes. Anakin feels that he will not be harshly judged. Maybe he can confide with this being? Just this once?

"I have been having these visions…"

"Of your wife dying, I know. Now, what is your question?"

"How can I prevent it?"

"You cannot for death comes to us all. Even I will pass someday despite being alive for so long. Naturally, you and your wife will die as well."

"Yes… What I meant was, how could I prevent my vision from coming true?"

"You have seen a true vision and it will come to pass sooner than you think. Some believe that true prophecies are set in stone, while others will say that the future is always uncertain. Both statements have the truth in them. But all events follow the rule of cause and effect. what you have seen is no exception… If the cause is true, then the consequence will be true.

"It is foolish to attempt to prevent vision that you don't understand. In it, you saw your wife dying, but you did not see what led to it."

"Will you tell me? I can't let her die…"

"All knowledge has a price. Once you know, it cannot be unlearned. Are you willing to pay the price to save your wife?"

"Yes. I will give everything."

"Even by sacrificing your very being?"

"Yes…" Anakin answered grimly.

"Then I will show you."

With a wave of the Master's hand, Anakin's vision turns dark. He is sent somewhere else, a vision more vivid than what he has experienced before. It is like a memory of the future if that is even possible.

In the vision, he finds himself with Padme standing somewhere he does not recognize.

"I was so worried about you…" Padme says softly holding him by his arms. She is in the later stage of the pregnancy. "Obi-wan told me terrible things."

"What things?" Anakin asks grimly. The words leave his mouth involuntarily. He realizes that, in this vision, he cannot do anything but watch the events unfold on their own.

"He said… you've turned to the dark side! That you – killed younglings!" Padme said in disbelief.

"Obi-wan is trying to turn you against me." 'Why do I sound like I'm lying? Would I kill younglings in this future?'

"He cares about us."

"Us?"

"He knows… He wants to help you… Anakin, all I want is your love." She is pleading, her voice trailing.

"Love won't save you Padme. Only my new powers can do that." 'Powers? Listen to how you sound!'

"At what cost? You're a good person, don't do this!"

"I won't lose you the way I lost my mother. I am becoming more powerful than any Jedi has ever dreamed of. And I'm doing it for you. To protect you." 'Oh no… no…not like this…'

"Come away with me." She pulls him closer. "Help me raise our child. Leave everything else behind while we still can!"

"Don't you see? We don't have to run away anymore!" He tries to convince her. "I have brought peace to the republic! I am more powerful than the Chancellor – I can overthrow him!" Padme stepped away with fear and sadness in her eyes. "And together, we can rule the galaxy! Make things the way we want them to be!"

"I don't believe what I'm hearing… Obi-wan was right! You've changed."

"I don't want to hear any more about Obi-wan… The Jedi turned against me – don't you turn against me!"

"I don't know you anymore… Anakin, you're breaking my heart! You're going down a path I can't follow!"

"Because of Obi-wan?"

"Because of what you've done. Because of what you planned to do. Stop! Stop now, come back!"

Just then Anakin sees Obi-wan standing on the ramp of a starship.

"I love you!" Padme cried.

"Liar!" He yells. 'How could it come to this? I don't want this!'

Padme realizes that Obi-wan was there. "No!" she exclaims.

"You're with him! You brought him here to kill me..."

"No!" Padme tries to explain but Anakin begins choking her using the Force.

"Let her go, Anakin!" Obi-wan says walking down the ramp.

"Anakin…" Padme struggles to say.

"Let. Her. Go," Obi-wan commands. Padme falls to the ground. Then, his vision turns dark again and he found himself in front of the Master.

***

Anakin falls to his knees staring at the cold stone floor. 'What did I do? What have I become?'

"What did I just see?" he asks. "I – what was that? Those things she said I did. I would never! And I would never hurt Padme!"

"But you will. That is your future… You will choke her until she passes out. Moments later, she will go into labor, giving birth to your children a month earlier than she is supposed to."

"Children?"

"Twins. A boy and a girl. The childbirth will result in her death, unfortunately. And you will not be by her side. The pain and the shock when you choke her combined with giving birth early will kill her. The trauma will be too great even with modern medical knowledge."

"What can I do?"

"People come here to get answers and instructions. I have given you the answers to your question. How you act with the knowledge is up to you. Now, I will give you your instructions."

"Instructions?"

"I am called a master for a reason. This is the price that you have to pay. I can tell you exactly what you need to do to prevent your vision from coming true."

"Will it save my wife?"

"If you succeed, yes. If you fail, then you will die, and so will your wife, your children, everyone you care about, and billions of other people in the galaxy."

Anakin takes a moment to accept it all. Then he asks, "what do I have to do?"

"Listen well, Anakin Skywalker. First, you will kill Palpatine. If not, he will cause an unbelievable amount of death and suffering.

"Chancellor Palpatine?" Anakin is shocked. But he quickly came to a realization. "He is the Sith Lord.

His head is becoming clear. It explains why the war has developed the way it has, why the Chancellor has asked him to kill Dooku, and why he has befriended him all those years ago. How can he not realize it? How has the rest of the Order missed it?

"Yes, the Sith that the Jedi fears most. Do not underestimate Palpatine. He has grown powerful compared to the Jedi while your Order has grown arrogant and weak after centuries of peace. Even Yoda will not be able to defeat this Sith master on his own. Remember this, Skywalker, Palpatine must be killed before he learns that the Jedi are finally making their move against him. You will do this and do it quickly to prevent him from giving the command to execute Order 66."

"Order 66?"

"That order, once given by the Chancellor, will result in the Clone Troopers attacking and killing every Jedi. They won't be able to stop themselves as a datachip has been implanted in their heads that will force them to follow."

Anakin can't believe it. He wants to ask for more about the clones but he is cut off before he can speak.

"I'm not finished. My second instruction for you is this – after Palpatine is dead and you somehow managed to stay alive, you will leave the Jedi Order and you will make a public announcement explaining that you can no longer follow the Code. You know that you have already strayed from the path of the Jedi, and I'm not merely talking about your marriage… You have darkness within you and a thirst for power. And with this knowledge, you can no longer pretend to be ignorant of it."

Anakin can only nod at this. He feels relieved somewhat. Considering what he has with Padme, he cannot understand why he has been trying so hard to be a part of the Order when he can leave anytime he wants.

"What will I do then?" he asks.

"That is up to you. I can't decide for the rest of your life. However, heed this. You are a favorite of the Force, its champion. Don't get excited. All it means is that the Force is keen to watch over you."

"What should I do then?!"

"Nothing special. Always be true to yourself and the Force will be there for you."

"Can you explain some more?"

"No. You have your answers and I have given my instructions. You will either follow them or you won't. We are done here." Then, the Master waves his hand and dismisses him.

***

The next moment, he finds himself walking out of the temple. He sighs as he sees the light from the sun coming in through the door, thinking heavily about the daunting tasks ahead of him.

'The price of knowledge indeed,' he remembers the Master's words. 'Resolves doubts and gives direction…'

He wonders what kind of being the Master is…

"What happened in there?" asks Obi-Wan who has been waiting outside. "You were quicker than I expected. Did you meet with the Master?"

"I did." Anakin smiles and looks at his former master with acceptance. Unless he changes his path, he and Obi-Wan will likely fight to kill one another, but, that day has not come. The anger, the hatred… he wants to say that he can't recognize that version of himself, but he knew that they are always with him, just underneath the surface waiting to destroy him.

"We have to go back to Coruscant," says Anakin. "There is something I have to talk about with the council."

"Why? We are still waiting on the vote from the Elves."

"I don't think they will vote to interfere in our war. They have never done so before. But, I think we have what we came here for." He has things to do after all.

"We will return to the Forum and say our goodbye. Are you certain about this?"

"Yes. I have never been so certain in my life."

"After you then." Obi-Wan smiles.

The End