Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

‘Master Obi-Wan is going to kill me,’ Anakin thought with a groan attempting to shake the pain currently pounding inside his head.

He was recently knighted, as many padawans his age were due to the start of the Clone Wars. Thanks to this, he was made a general and thrown into the war. His reckless yet successful plans made up for his lack of experience, which is why he was confident he would have succeeded in his endeavors.

Anakin had, like usual, gone through another of his reckless plans. He remembered his master clearly saying with a painful sigh looking at him as if he’d grown a second head, ‘ Anakin, even for you this is impossible, there are too many Separatist ships surrounding the planet .’ Anakin had waved off his master’s concerns with a cocky grin, confident that he could get past the blockade, especially with his 501st by his side.

Let’s just say he crashed his ship. He went in a blaze of panic and glory. One of the wings of his ship was shot and down into the planet he went. With sweat running down his forehead and hands flipping every switch, the ship entered the planet’s atmosphere. The 212th’s flagship was attempting to make contact with his ship, making Anakin wince at the thought of how manic his master must be.

‘ I’m gonna die at the ripe age of 19 ’ Anakin thought as the ship only continued to plummet to the ground. ‘ Force, Obi-Wan is going to outlive me.’

When the ship finally crashed into the planet’s surface, everything went dark. He felt as if he was in stasis or floating in a sea.

If Anakin didn’t die from his injuries then Obi-Wan certainly would finish the job. He did not want to even think of his master’s reaction.

His vision was blurry and his head pounded. Once he somewhat managed to alleviate the after-effects of the crash that he miraculously survived by only the will of the Force, he began to look around. ‘ What the hell am I doing back in the Room of a Thousand Fountains? ’ Anakin thought, clutching the back of his head in pain.

He looked at his hands, “Did I somehow get teleportation powers?”

“Maybe you did. Would you perhaps tell us who you are and how exactly did you get in here?” A voice said from behind him. A voice that he recognized with ease due to how many times that voice got annoyed with him.

Anakin turned around and came face to face with Mace Windu with Master Yoda next to him, eyes narrowed at Anakin picking his Force presence apart. Anakin internally groaned before catching onto what the man said. His eyes widened, “What do you mean, Master Windu? I’m literally your biggest headache.”

“I have never seen you before in my life.” Mace Windu said with a frown. Yoda simply hummed in agreement, eyes closed and ears twitching, no doubt listening to whatever the Force was telling him.

Anakin narrowed his eyes at Windu, noticing fewer wrinkles and frown lines on the man’s face. “Why do you look less old and disappointed than usual?”

Before Mace could even respond, Yoda’s eyes opened, sparkling with excitement, and cackled, “Have an interesting story, you do. Eager to find out more, I am.” He gestured at Anakin to follow him, happily hobbling away as Anakin trailed after him with Mace on their tail. “Know us you do but know you, we do not.”

“What—How could you not know me?” Anakin spluttered, waving his hands around as his voice got higher. “Is your old age getting to you?”

“Show some respect-“ Mace growled. A vein that looked close to bursting was clear on his forehead.

‘At least that hasn’t changed,’ Anakin thought.

Yoda interjected, giving out a chuckle as he said, “Refreshing your impudence is.”

As they walked, Anakin watched groups of younglings run around chasing each other. Some of them pointed at Anakin and whispered to one another, no doubt wondering about this new presence. There was one or two that Anakin thought he recognized or noticed they looked like the mini-versions of people he knew but he shook the ridiculous thoughts out of his head.

One in particular made him pause. The resemblance was uncanny.

‘That’s karking Obi-Wan Kenobi,’ Anakin stared at a happy 12 year-old version of his master running around with other younglings.

Mace cleared his throat, “Would you mind introducing yourself?”

“Oh—right!” Anakin stammered, not wanting to seem like a creep for staring at a kid despite said kid being his master. “I am Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker.”

Mace frowned while Yoda laughed, no doubt already having somewhat of an idea about Anakin’s ordeal, “Skywalker? I don’t remember any knightings under that name.”

“Uh—that’s likely because there won’t. Not until maybe give or take two decades.” Anakin scratched the back of his head looking nervously at the two councilors.

Mace froze, “And who was your master?”

Anakin glanced back at the red-haired youngling in the distance and began to panic. He couldn’t say, ‘See that youngling over there? He’ll lead a sad life that’ll make him take me as a padawan at a young age.’

So Anakin did what he thought was the smartest thing at the moment. He pointed at Mace Windu and declared, “You are, Master!”

Yoda cackled.

Chapter Text

Perhaps claiming that Mace Windu is or will be his master was not Anakin’s brightest idea but it was the only one he could think of while suffering from a concussion. 

Yoda continued laughing with tears now in his eyes, earning him a glare from Mace. He clearly did not find it as amusing as Yoda did, considering how much he paled. 

He turned to Anakin and said, “I beg your pardon but perhaps I heard wrong, could you repeat that once more?”

“Master,” Anakin pointed at Mace, “Padawan,” He said pointing to himself. “You trained me.” 

The Force was silent at Anakin’s words, neither proving them to be true or false. Mace sighed muttering, ‘Why did it have to be me?’

“This amused in ages I have not been,” Yoda said happily, much to Mace’s dismay. Anakin tried not to be too offended by Mace’s reaction toward having him as a padawan. “Come come, quick! To my chambers for tea we must go,” Yoda hobbled away at a speed that should be infeasible for a being his age. 

Mace and Anakin looked at each other before the former scowled, trailing after Yoda leaving Anakin to catch up. 

The three made for a weird sight to nearby Jedi—masters and padawans alike. Yoda was chuckling to himself, Mace looked as if he would pop a blood vessel, and Anakin was whistling an old cantina song.  

“Come in, come in!” Yoda input a code at his door, becoming the two inside. “Make you some of my tea, I will!”

Yoda’s quarters were completely different to that of other Jedi. Unlike Anakin’s room which was littered with droid parts and random scraps of metal, Yoda’s living space had various species of plants and had a more homey feel to it.

Anakin found a seat on a small brown cushioned seat made for someone Yoda-sized. He probably made for a funny sight—someone of his stature squeezed into a tiny chair. The only thing that kept Anakin from complaining was that Mace looked equally as uncomfortable. If their awkwardness was clear on their face, Yoda paid them no mind. He placed a tray of tea and sat down on a seat opposite of them, he gestured at them to grab a cup—which they did but with much reluctance. 

Mace sipped on Yoda’s godawful tea showing only a slight grimace at the taste. One would think he would be used to the taste after meeting so many times with Yoda, but that was just plain false. The only one who could ever enjoy that cursed tea was Yoda himself. 

Anakin choked on his tea from a sudden urge to vomit. This beats Obi-Wan’s cooking. He never thought anything could taste worse than something made by his Master. As a padawan, Anakin had to always either cook for him and his Master or grab food from the dining hall. Anakin still vividly remembers how a month into his apprenticeship, Obi-Wan attempted to make dinner. He remembered waking up at the Halls of Healing begging his distraught master to never cook or go near a kitchen again.

“Like the tea do you, young Skywalker?” Yoda asked with a hopeful gaze.

“Yes, Master Yoda,” Anakin lied, tears in his eyes as he took another gulp, “It’s really good.”

Yoda smiled. He grabbed the kettle and refilled Anakin’s cup making the young Knight look as if he aged a few years. Mace shot him a look of sympathy and patted him on the shoulder. “First person you are to say so. Happy I am.”

“So, how did you find yourself here. . .padawan?” Mace asked curiously, making Anakin stunned. Never would he have thought that Mace kriffing Windu ever would refer to him with no annoyance in his voice. It was like imagining Obi-Wan shaving his beard or a young Palpatine. Both those were impossible. Anakin knew how long it took Obi-Wan to grow that beard and how much he took care of it. Whenever Anakin would point that out, his master would simply say as he was trimming his beard into perfection, ‘Vanity is not a quality befitting a Jedi, padawan.’ And a young Palpatine? Anakin was sure he was born old. 

Anakin shook his head and snapped back to attention. “I was on a mission, Master. I’ll be honest and admit that it wasn’t looking in my favor. My ship was hit and it went down.”

“Strange? Did the force feel?” Yoda inquired, shifting in his seat and leaning in, eager to hear more. “Tell us more you must!” Everyone in the Order knew how nosey Yoda could be, but nobody dared mention it. It was common knowledge that no one admitted and turned a blind eye to. 

“There’s not much else to tell, Master Yoda,” Anakin shook his head, “When I crashed I woke up here.” 

Yoda rubbed his chin in thought. “Hmmm, very strange.”

Mace turned to look at Yoda. “What will we do now? We can’t publicly say he’s my padawan despite that being the truth. It wouldn’t add up.”

“A shadow he can be,” Yoda answered. He grabbed his cup and took a sip with much gusto that made Mace and Anakin both cringe. “Came back from a mission in the Outer Rim he did.”

“Hey, that could work,” Anakin pointed out. “Any information on shadows remains confidential and not always is there any information on them.”

“I suppose it could work. This plan isn’t perfect but it’s the best we have for now.” Mace conceded before turning to look seriously at Anakin. “This doesn’t mean I won’t support you, Anakin. Knighted or not, you are my padawan and my responsibility. I’m sure my future self is frantic with your disappearance.”

‘I’m sure my master is,’ Anakin thought of Obi-Wan’s reaction. If he found a way back to his time, Obi-Wan would kill him.

Anakin gave Mace an indecipherable look, feeling only a bit guilty at the lying. “You know, it really is strange having a normal conversation with you that doesn’t end up with you frustrated. . .Master.” He added to get a reaction from him.

“I’m starting to think you will be responsible for my future migraines.” Mace grieved, shaking his head. He looked frustrated enough that Anakin pitied him slightly, only a tiny bit because he felt mostly amused with Windu’s frustration. 

“Now,” Yoda said, “To the healers, you should probably go. Keep you any longer, we should not.”

Chapter Text

Whispers of a Jedi Shadow's return after a prolonged mission in the Outer Rim had spread like wildfire throughout the Temple. Anakin had grown accustomed to rumors trailing him around due to his reputation as the Chosen One. However, for the time being, he could take a break from that title. He was slightly thankful for that.

‘I suppose that’s one good thing about traveling to the past,’ Anakin thought as he munched on his food. Anakin decided to go get a quick meal at one of the dining halls after getting himself checked out at Halls of Healing.

The healers were not amused when Anakin explained how exactly he got a concussion. Well, healers being annoyed with Anakin wasn’t something new. After seeing that his injury wasn’t too grave, they reluctantly let him go with a threat of ‘Don’t strain yourself or else.’

He would try to comply since he did have a tough time staying still and doing nothing for too long. Even if he didn’t comply, all he would have to do is avoid them. Without his Master here, there was nobody who could drag him to the healers kicking and screaming.

As he devoured his meal, he felt a prickling sensation at the back of his neck, as if he was being watched. He let out a weary sigh, took a napkin, and wiped the crumbs off his lips, all while slowly turning his head to look behind him, trying to identify the cause of the uncomfortable scrutiny.

Two tables behind him was a group of younglings staring at him and whispering to each other. Once they noticed Anakin caught them they tried to play it off by looking away. And just his luck, one of those younglings was Obi-Wan Kenobi.

‘It feels as if he’ll always follow me no matter where I go,’ Anakin thought mournfully, thinking of his master’s nagging. 

One of the younglings with dreadlocks got up and began to walk towards Anakin, pulling a squirming Obi-Wan with him. Once they were in front of him, the boy nudged Obi-Wan sharply in his side making him scowl before turning to Anakin who was trying to hide his amusement. 

He bowed and introduced himself, “Hello there, Master. I am Jedi Initiate Obi-Wan Kenobi and this is Padawan Quinlan Vos.”

‘Just my luck,’ He glanced at the Kiffar. Anakin didn’t have anything against Quinlan Vos but he was one of the most annoying Jedi Anakin ever met. When Anakin first became a padawan, Obi-Wan wanted to introduce him to his friend. And of course, young Anakin was excited to meet another Jedi. That excitement died down when he realized Vos had the personality of a spice smuggler and insisted on calling him ‘Little Ani’ every time he saw Anakin. “And I am Knight Anakin Skywalker.”

“I heard you're a Jedi Shadow!” Quinlan chirped. “My Master—Tholme, told me! And he heard it from Master Windu. Although it is surprising that Master Tholme didn’t know you. Anyways, my friend Obes here had a question.”

Anakin turned expectantly towards Obi-Wan who looked slightly flushed before clearing his throat, “I wanted to know if you already have a padawan.”

“No, why?,” Anakin asked before coming to a realization, “Oh!  I’m flattered you would ask—truly, I am. . .”

Of course, he would be, this was his Master thinking he was good enough to ask him to be his padawan. Will wonders never cease? 

“But?” Obi-Wan asked, looking miserable. Anakin hated being the cause of it.

A dejected-looking Obi-Wan Kenobi was something that should never happen. “Surely there are others more qualified to train a padawan than me? Maybe you haven’t looked everywhere?” Anakin hastily said, trying to cheer him up. He hated seeing Obi-Wan look so hopeless. 

Quinlan snorted while patting Obi-Wan on the back, “Trust me, we have looked everywhere.”

“Have you perhaps asked, Master Qui-Gon Jinn?” Anakin prodded. “I’ve heard how talented he was—I mean, is in the ways of the Living Force and Ataru. Surely he would be a better choice.”

Obi-Wan shook his head, “I wouldn’t even dare ask. I’m not surprised you are unaware since you were away but Master Jinn swore off taking another padawan.”

“Oh?” Anakin’s eyes widened. He thought Qui-Gon had chosen Obi-Wan. “Well, you have to try to convince him.”

“Do or do not, there is no try,” Quinlan muttered under his breath earning him a slap on the back of the head from Obi-Wan.

Anakin laughed, “I suppose that’s true. I’m sure we can get Master Qui-Gon to take you on as a padawan. You’d make a great Jedi.”

“Do you really think so?” Obi-Wan's insecurity was evident on his face. "No Master has asked me to be their Padawan yet." At that moment, Anakin realized that he didn't know his Master as well as he thought. Obi-Wan had never told him that he was close to aging out, nor had Anakin ever seen him so unsure.

A little reassurance was the least he could give young Obi-Wan after older him practically raising him. Anakin clapped Obi-Wan on the shoulder, giving him a reassuring smile, “I know you’ll become a great Jedi, Obi-Wan Kenobi.”

After all, Anakin's Master was as wise as Master Yoda and as powerful as Master Windu, and one of the best people he had ever met.

Chapter Text

The first encounter between Anakin and Qui-Gon Jinn occurred entirely by chance. Anakin was strolling, engrossed in a datapad displaying podracing events in the lower levels when he unintentionally collided with Qui-Gon Jinn. Initially, Anakin was unaware of the identity of the person who had bumped into him, until the Jedi began to speak.

“My apologies,” Qui-Gon Jinn said as he gave a small bow with arms tucked inside his sleeves making him look like the epitome of a Jedi as he began to walk away with large strides.

Anakin watched the man walk away with admiration in his eyes before cursing himself for standing there like an idiot. He quickly jogged after the man who was already halfway down the hall. “Hey, wait a second!”

Qui-Gon slowed down just as he was about to turn a corner and glanced behind him to look at Anakin. “Can I help you?”

“You’re Master Qui-Gon Jinn right?” Anakin exclaimed with unsuppressed excitement looking like a kid on a sugar high. It was properly unrefined for a Knight to be acting this way in front of a fully-fledged Master but Anakin did not care. This man freed him. And because of him, he became a Jedi.

Qui-Gon turned around to face him properly. “Last time I checked, yes. May I inquire as to how you know me?” He looked amused with how excited Anakin was to meet him. 

“What?” Anakin squawked while waving his hands around in the air, “How could I not know you? My master talked about you!”

Qui-Gon tilted his head, “And who is your master?”

Kriff

Anakin stilled. Not even an entire day in the past and he was already messing up. He could just imagine his Master’s exasperation saying his name half groaned out and sighed as it always did when Obi-Wan said it. ‘Really, Anakin? You really are the master of getting caught.’ Anakin scowled at his imaginary Obi-Wan before shaking his head and turning to Qui-Gon who was waiting patiently for his answer.

“Uh, well you know my master,” Anakin laughed nervously, “We just never got the chance to meet you and me.”

“I’m afraid I don't know,” Qui-Gon apologized, “If it somehow slipped my mind then I would like to rectify this situation. I would think of myself better than to forget a friend but here we are.” 

Then he remembered one of the few pieces of wisdom that he actually paid attention to during his apprenticeship that Obi-Wan imparted to him. 

‘The best way to lie, Anakin, is to not lie. Just change a few words and anything can be true…from a certain point of view, my padawan.’ Obi-Wan could spin banthershit into yarn as good as a politician but if Anakin would say that, his master would always act offended. For as much as he hated politicians he certainly acted like one.  

Anakin did his best to look like a kicked tooka. “My master, you didn’t know him personally…he’s gone now but he spoke highly of you.” He said softly looking at the ground. Anakin thought Obi-Wan would be proud. He finally remembered something he taught him and even used it.

“There is no death. There is only the Force,” Qui-Gon stated, trying to be comforting, which in Anakin’s opinion would not have helped at all if his master had died. Force, no wonder Obi-Wan was so emotionally constipated at times. It made him wonder if his entire lineage was the same way, which honestly, it probably was. Did Yoda not teach Dooku healthy ways to release his anger? Anakin was thankful he didn't inherit that trait apparent in their lineage. Really, Obi-Wan could complain all he wanted about his temper but at least he didn't go around on a murder spree or subjugating planets. 

“I understand, Master Jinn,” Anakin couldn’t help but feel exasperated by the older man’s touching words. “But it doesn’t mean it hurts any less.”

Qui-Gon considered this and nodded. “Yes, I suppose you are right, Knight—”

“Skywalker. Anakin Skywalker.” 

“Well it was a pleasure meeting you, Knight Skywalker,” Qui-Gon tipped his head slightly, “I’m afraid I must be on my way.”

“Before you leave, is it possible you would be available maybe around tomorrow afternoon for a spar? You see, my master spoke highly of you so it would be an honor to spar against you, Master Jinn,” Anakin asked, already clearly plotting something with the unsuspecting master who simply saw the request as an attempt to get to know his role model.

“I don’t see why not.” Qui-Gon shrugged and agreed knowing he wouldn't be sent out on any missions for a while thanks to his grandmaster preventing him from doing so for whatever reason. “Would right before dinner tomorrow work for you?”

“That’d be perfect,” Anakin smiled innocently and bowed at the Master. 

“I look forward to sparring with you, it has been a while since anyone has asked me to do so,” Qui-Gon admitted, “I hope this will be a learning experience for both of us.”

“I’m sure it will,” Anakin said truthfully before the man began walking away. After all, Anakin would help Obi-Wan get a master and Qui-Gon would get a padawan in return. A win-win for every party involved.

Anakin's laughter resonated with a touch of madness as he strode confidently in the opposite direction of Qui-Gon, reveling in the belief that his devious plan was soon to be realized. A padawan passing by saw Anakin’s state and quickened his pace, practically running away from the Knight.

Chapter Text

After his encounter with Qui-Gin Jinn, Anakin walked with a skip in his step for the entirety of the day. He’d keep his promise to Obi-Wan. Obi-Wan will have a master before he ages out. He opened the door to the quarters he would be sharing with his “Master” for the unforeseeable future. The man had convinced Anakin to stay in his extra room feeling responsible for his supposed “padawan". 

Anakin’s wide smile caused Windu who was sitting on the sofa whilst scrolling through a datapad to tilt his head at him. “What has made you so happy now, padawan?”

He still found it hard to believe that Mace Windu could address him without the usual hint of irritation in his voice. The seasoned Jedi Master, known for his stern demeanor, seemed strangely at ease at this moment, which only increased the incredulity of the situation. He longed for Obi-Wan's presence, knowing his Master would have been equally as shocked on this once-in-a-lifetime occasion. “I just spoke to Qui-Gon Jinn,” Anakin said with delight. 

Mace furrowed his brow at the mention of his rebellious friend, a surge of annoyance flashing across his face. “That’s what made you happy? He gives me a headache with every passing word. In fact, it's not only him but it feels like his entire lineage is the cause of each and every one of my headaches...”

Anakin threw himself onto the space next to Windu and laughed, momentarily forgetting he was a part of that lineage, “They can’t be that bad.” 

“Oh, they are,” Mace said as he placed the datapad on the small table in front of them, “Which is why I’m glad that there have not been any new additions to their lineage.”

“Yet?” Anakin asked curiously. Was there somebody his master never told him about?

“The Kenobi kid,” Mace simply said, “Yoda has eyes on him. Have you wondered why the kid doesn’t have a master yet? Yoda called dibs on the kid in hopes Jinn would take him.”

“Oh,” Anakin frowned, feeling slightly miffed that his little not-yet Master felt so insecure as a result of Yoda’s meddling. That was seriously not cool, Anakin knew how much it hurt to feel as if you are not wanted. He remembered how barely anybody talked to him when he became a padawan, or if they did, it was to initiate an argument. Not a lot of the other kids liked to approach him. His Master went through the same but with adults. Kriff, that’s worse. 

At least Anakin could tell the other kids to go eat bantha-shit and yes, he did say it to their faces. How was Obi-Wan supposed to deal with Masters shunning him? He hated knowing his Master experienced the same thing as a kid and it was making him feel bad for all the tantrums he made Obi-Wan deal with. “That little green— “

Mace raised an eyebrow while his imaginary Obi-Wan felt exasperated with him. Anakin could just feel Obi-Wan’s sigh as if the man was present in the room. ‘Have I not taught you any manners, padawan?’

Not that he would admit it out loud, but he was starting to miss his Master. He was not attached, thank you very much. 

“—being,” He said quickly after seeing the look the older man gave him, “should really stop getting involved in the lives of others.” He would gladly tell Yoda the same thing–in his head because Anakin valued his shins. 

Mace nodded in agreement before saying in a voice that sounded both curious and concerned, “So, what about Qui-Gon Jinn caused you to smile?” 

“I managed to talk to him,” Anakin replied with a grin, “And I get to spar with him tomorrow.”

“A spar with Jinn?” Mace narrowed his eyes at Anakin, “You’re planning something, aren’t you?”

Anakin put his hand against his chest dramatically, his eyes wide with a blend of mock betrayal and anguish. "Why, Master?" he exclaimed, his voice emitting fake sorrow. "Do you not trust me?”

“No, I don’t.” Windu bluntly stated. The man seemed to age rapidly before Anakin’s own eyes. “Don’t even tell me. For the sake of my sanity, I don’t want to know what you’re planning.” He got up with a heavy sigh and walked into his room while muttering something about padawans and headaches. 

Chapter Text

Despite Anakin Skywalker’s recent arrival, it had quickly become common knowledge among the Temple to avoid the man as much as possible. This caution stemmed from his unpredictable bursts of maniacal grin and the sense of chaos that flickered in his eyes, a promise of chaos if you got near.

 The only one still unaware of this was Anakin himself who assumed that the reason for the Jedi’s avoidance of him was because they were intimidated by him. That was true, but again, not for the reason he thought. The poor padawan who had to lay witness to Anakin’s maniacal laughter had spread the word to stay far away from the Jedi Knight. Unbeknownst to Anakin, there were now multiple rumors surrounding him. One suggested he went crazy after his assignment in the Outer Rim. Another said he was a dark sider masquerading as a Jedi which explained the laughter. Half of them expected him to start breaking out into monologues when they saw him.

So here Anakin was, eating lunch alone yet again. 

‘Oh well, nothing I’m not used to,’ Anakin thought as he munched on his food as he glanced around in search of one person in particular. It was still early in the morning so he didn’t expect that many people to be around but the person he was looking for always woke up early. Anakin’s eyes widened as a group of Initiates trailed in.

There he is.

Anakin slammed his hands on the table as he rushed to get up, much to the confusion and startlement of the few other Jedi who were nearby. The loud noise caused some of them to slip their cups of caf on themselves though they didn’t do anything besides stare mournfully at their now empty cups.

“Obi-Wan!” Anakin exclaimed as he rushed over to the boy and his gaggle of friends. His little not-yet Master looked surprised at hearing his name but his friends, no doubt having heard the rumors of Anakin Skywalker, ran off. Obi-Wan scowled at their retreating backs for a second before schooling his expression and bowing at Anakin. 

‘Awe, like a little politician,’ Anakin thought with much mirth knowing very well his Master would’ve been outraged.

“Yes, Master Skywalker?’ Obi-Wan asked, looking like the epitome of Jedi serenity. Unfortunately for him, that would change soon.

“You still need a Master, right?” Anakin said excitedly.

Obi-Wan sighed and replied, “Obviously.”

“Well, I found just the perfect candidate for you.” Anakin paused for a second before whispering, “Qui-Gon Jinn.”

“What?” Obi-Wan asked, his brow furrowing in bafflement at his response. “Are you mad? Actually, don’t even bother answering that.” His voice revealed how done he was with the conversation.

Anakin was unbothered, completely used to his master’s frustration, and shrugged as he crossed his arms. “I think it’s a great idea. You’d both make quite the formidable Master–padawan duo.”

Obi-wan was unconvinced. “Me? And Qui-Gon Jinn? Renowned master and former padawan to Master Dooku?”

“He’s still around here?” Anakin said quickly but mostly to himself. He didn’t exactly think that much about how different things were at this time. Obviously, he knows Dooku used to be a Jedi but it’s still hard to imagine that the man hellbent on raging destruction across the galaxy and skewering Anakin was a good guy right now.

“What?” Obi-Wan’s expression seemed to worsen, concern for Anakin’s mental stability clear on his face.

Anakin waved him off and continued as if nothing happened, “Just trust me on this.”

“I hardly know you,” Obi-Wan said, exasperated, reminiscent of how his master would have sounded. It sent a pang of longing through Anakin; he missed his master.

“Well, you will!” Anakin replied cheerfully, “Look, he promised he would spar with me later. I could convince him.”

“Uh-huh.”

“Relax. You’ll get a master in no time. I’ll convince him, I promise,” Anakin assured him which had minimal effect on the kid who relented seeing Anakin’s stubbornness.

Obi-Wan could only pray everything would work out okay. 

Chapter Text

In the late afternoon, the training room echoed with the clash of lightsabers. Two men stood facing each other as the blue and green lights from their sabers met. Their expressions were focused as they danced around each other. 

“Come on, Master Jinn,” Anakin huffed in slight annoyance as he easily blocked a blow, “You’re going easy on me.”

Across from him, the long-haired Jedi raised a brow, “Or maybe your master taught you well.”

Anakin lowered his saber and deactivated it. He flashed Qui-Gon a grin at the thought of his master, “You’re not wrong.” 

Qui-Gon let out an undignified snort of amusement as he deactivated his lightsaber in turn. With the sleeve of his robe, he wiped off the sheen of sweat from his brow and clipped his saber to his belt. “I’m curious, though—why did you approach me out of all people?”

Anakin takes a breath and blurts out, “Are you thinking of taking a padawan?”

Qui-Gon simply blinked in befuddlement before asking, “No. What brought this up?”

“Well, you should. I mean, I’ve heard great things about you,” Anakin replied. He takes a few steps away to plop down on a nearby bench, making his exhaustion evident. They had been engaged in their spar for nearly an hour. Anakin could feel the damp fabric of his robes sticking uncomfortably to his skin.

“That's quite the conclusion to make when you barely know me,” Qui-Gon, looking as tired as Anakin, replied as he followed the man's actions. As the older man sat down, he let out a wince and placed a hand against his ribs. 

Anakin glanced at him and smirked, and only slightly bragged as he stated, “What can I say—I’m a great judge of character.”

The voice of his master in his head made its feelings known as it said, ‘Now, Anakin, I highly doubt that is true.’ Internally, Anakin shooed him off. He really didn’t want to deal with Obi-Wan’s digs at his capabilities or lack thereof at the moment. 

Qui-Gon looked amused at his response and continued, “There must be another reason as to why you brought this up.”

“There’s a kid—He needs someone to train him.” 

“There are many younglings that do,” the older man replied easily, “Not all of them become Jedi.”

Anakin clenched his fist and sighed as he turned to the man. With the most sincere look he could muster, he said, “Yeah, but this kid—Obi-Wan— is different. He’ll be a great Jedi. I know it.”

Qui-Gon’s brows furrowed in thought, “Ah, the Kenobi kid?”

Anakin’s eyes widened, and he smiled, “So you know him? You’ve considered it?”

The other man shrugs, “I know of him, not that I’m considering it. I’m not sure taking an apprentice is right for me.”

In response, Anakin's face became puzzled. His voice, laced with curiosity, asked, “Why do you say that, Master Jinn?”

Qui-Gon’s face falls. His eyes contained a hint of self-deprecation. In a hesitant voice, he says, “I used to have a padawan. And after what happened, I’m not sure if I would be a good teacher.” 

‘Obi-Wan never told me about that,’ Anakin thought to himself, feeling a bit peeved about not knowing that particular fact. 

Even Anakin, as blunt as others may describe him, is reluctant to pry. The two stew in silence for a few minutes. Finally, Anakin’s steady voice cuts through the heavy silence, “I can’t say I relate to you, but I will say that you are wrong.”

Anakin sees Qui-Gon startle next to him. Clearly, he was not used to hearing that. The man quickly says, “I beg your pardon?”

“You are a good teacher. Maybe you made mistakes, but so does everyone,” Anakin states firmly.

“You don’t understand— “

Anakin places a hand on his shoulder, interrupting him, and continues, “Nobody is perfect. My master made mistakes with me, and I with him—guess what? That’s okay. He is, I mean was, my master and a kriffing good one at that.” His eyes soften with emotion as he mentions his master. 

‘Maybe I was too harsh on him at times,’ Anakin thought as more appreciation slowly grew for his master, ‘He did his best with me.’ 

“You speak with such conviction—it’s admirable,” Qui-Gon smiles slightly before asking slowly, “And why him? Obi-Wan Kenobi, I mean.”

“He’s a good kid. He tries hard to be an even better Jedi. He deserves someone who sees that in him—who’ll help him become great,” Anakin explains with a smile mirroring Qui-Gon’s. His master only deserves the best. And despite his occasional annoyance with Obi-Wan for his adherence to the council, he respects him.

The other man lets out an amused huff and nods, “I’ll…consider it.”

A wide grin breaks out on Anakin’s face, “That’s all I can ask for, Master Jinn.”