Destiny
Summary: AU. Anakin Skywalker is destined to change the future. His best friend, Tsena Jotain, is destined to change his. What do they have to do to fulfil their destinies and bring balance to the Force?
Characters: OCs: Tsena Jotain and her Master, Jovarii Amara. Also, Anakin, Obi-Wan, Yoda, Mace, Palpatine and any other characters within the timeline that are the invention of George Lucas
Timeframe: AotC timeline, into RotS. Elements of the AotC part is taken from the novels, for which I give the authors full credit.
Disclaimer: All things recognisably Star Wars belong to George Lucas. I just like making up my own stories.
A/N: This is my first fic ever – please review, but be nice! Otherwise, I might go over to the Dark Side like Anakin and try to slaughter all the innocent reviewers. Italic type is thought/dreams, bold type is Force communication. It's not too tricky to figure out. So yes, this is my first attempt – hope you enjoy!
Chapter One: Reunions
It's good to be home, Anakin Skywalker thought as he strode into the Jedi Temple behind his master, Obi-Wan Kenobi. Feels like I haven't been in Coruscant for years. He looked into the training rooms as he passed, watching young children training with miniature lightsabers and older masters meditating quietly. Anakin was itching to begin preparation for the Jedi trials in these familiar places. He couldn't wait to show his friends the skill he had picked up on his missions with Obi-Wan. Speaking of friends…
"Master!" he called to Obi-Wan, stopping in his tracks.
"Yes, Anakin?" his Master responded, turning to face him.
"Could I have a few minutes?" Anakin gestured to the room he had stopped beside. Seeing the occupant, Obi-Wan gave a slight smile. He had been hoping to discuss their last mission and launch Anakin back into training, but he knew that the boy had been missing the Temple and his friends.
"Yes, of course, Padawan," he replied. "Come find me when you are ready."
"Thank you, Master." Anakin grinned, then turned and leaned against the doorframe. Inside, his friend Tsena Jotain sat meditating, her eyes calmly shut and her back ridiculously straight. He grinned, and sent her a message through the Force.
Hey Jotain – have you figured out the mysteries of the universe yet?
Tsena's blue and gold eyes snapped open, and her hand leapt to her chest in shock.
"Anakin?" she exclaimed when she saw him standing there, laughing at her. She shot him a severe look. "Why did you disturb me? You know how important it is for me to meditate for as long as I can."
He returned her glare, his face sullen. A few tense seconds ticked by – until both Padawans' angry faces split into delighted laughter. Tsena rose and crossed the room swiftly to embrace her friend.
"It's good to see you, Anakin," she smiled. I missed you, she added silently, more to herself than to him.
"It's good to see you too, Tsena." And I missed you too.
Startled, Tsena looked up at him. She hadn't realised he'd understood her thought. Then again, they had always shared a close bond, ever since they first met when they were children in the Temple. "You must have learned so much since the last time we were together," she said.
"Well, one of us should have learned something!" he teased. "After all, you didn't even sense me at the door, despite the fact that you were meditating and concentrating so hard!"
She raised an eyebrow and Force-pushed him out the door and lightly into the hallway wall.
"Hey!" he protested, eyes bright with suppressed laughter. "A Jedi does not know anger, remember?"
"Who said I was angry?" She widened her own eyes – the left eye golden and the right eye blue. The mismatched colours only exaggerated her expressions. "You'd better go now, though. I need to finish meditation, and you should go find your Master."
"Okay, I'm going." He gave her another quick hug, and she turned to go.
"Tsena?"
She faced him. "Yes?"
Anakin looked at her, a strange expression on his face. "I really did miss you."
Tsena smiled, then entered the room and settled on the floor again. Anakin watched her quietly for a few moments before leaving to find Obi-Wan. Yes, he mused. I really missed her.
"I really did miss you." Anakin's words reverberated in Tsena's mind. She frowned and shook her head slightly, trying to clear and empty her thoughts. Again, Anakin's voice echoed in her mind, and his face appeared behind her closed eyelids. She sighed and opened her eyes. It didn't look like she'd be able to concentrate very well any more. Thanks Anakin – you've ruined my concentration twice now. Not that she was angry with him. She hardly ever was angry. How could she be? She was too happy that he was back to be irritated. For a moment, she pondered why she was so glad he was home. Well, all our other friends are on missions. And I haven't seen Anakin in almost five months now, she reasoned. She could feel that there was something more – some other reason deep beneath the surface – but she shook her head again, pulling her long wavy black hair off her face and twisting it into a knot at the back of her head. Her Master would come to get her soon. She might as well try to clear Anakin from her head and attempt another half-hour of meditation. At least he's back. It was lonely without him. And it seems like he really was thinking of me, too.
Obi-Wan looked up as he sensed his Padawan's approach.
"How is Tsena?" he asked as Anakin sat beside him.
"The same as always," the young man responded with a grin. "Irritated at me for disturbing her meditation."
Obi-Wan smiled briefly. After a minute he spoke again. "Tomorrow morning we will continue your training here in the temple." He sensed a flicker of hope leap in his apprentice.
"Training? In preparation for the trials?"
He could hear the eagerness in Anakin's voice clearly. He sighed inwardly, knowing what would happen next. They had gone through it many times before already.
"No, Anakin. You are not ready yet."
"Yes I am!" Anakin blazed, bristling with anger. "Other Jedi my age have made it through the trials. I know I began my training later, but I've already passed everyone else! I know I'm ready now!"
"You still have much to learn, my young Padawan," Obi-Wan replied calmly. "You are still too brash, too impatient. You cannot see fault within yourself. When you have learned to control your impulses and your temper, you will truly be ready for the trials."
Anakin stood up abruptly. "I'm ready for the trials, Master." His voice was forcibly calm, but his hands were shaking. "You know it too, and for some reason I cannot fathom, you don't want me to move forward. Well, there's nothing I can do about that, but you should know that I completely disagree with you." He stalked off toward the training rooms. Obi-Wan watched him go with a sigh.
Oh, Anakin. Can't you see? That's why I don't want you to take the trials. What if that anger caused you to turn from your path? I couldn't stand to lose you to the Dark Side.
"Trouble with the Chosen One?" a female voice interrupted his thoughts. He looked to his left and saw his old rival Jovarii Amara slipping into the seat next to him. He gave her a wry smile.
"You could say that."
"I couldn't help overhearing. You were right though," she said, looking at him sideways. "He's too impulsive. And I don't think he's ready for the trials yet, I agree with you there."
Surprised, he stared at the side of her blonde head. He and Jovarii had been very competitive when they were both Padawans. She had adored his master, Qui-Gon Jinn, and had been determined to prove that she was a better Jedi than Obi-Wan. After Qui-Gon had died, they had patched up their differences – but although they had become friends, their relationship had always been a little shaky. She rarely ever agreed with him, for instance. "I'm glad someone does." He rubbed a hand over his face wearily. "The boy is impossible sometimes."
Jovarii smirked. "Well, it would be frustrating for him, knowing that his is incredibly powerful and skilled, but getting no praise or approval to take the trials. He is impatient, after all, with a temper to match."
"Was that a criticism of Anakin or me?" Obi-Wan raised an eyebrow at her. She chuckled.
"Both. Don't worry, Kenobi – I will make sure your Padawan isn't the only one to receive all the criticism going around here." She stood up to go. "It's nice to have you back to criticise and argue with again, especially since I've been here for three months with nothing to do." A look of annoyance crossed her face. Obi-Wan smiled. He knew she hated not having a mission to keep her occupied. She thrived on adventure and action, opportunities to use her skills. In that way, she was quite similar to Anakin. "Have you seen Tsena? I want to give her some lightsaber drills," she asked him.
Obi-Wan found it a little amusing how Anakin's childhood friend was his own childhood rival's Padawan. "She was in a meditation room. Anakin stopped to greet her," he replied.
"Thanks," Jovarii nodded at him, then paused. "I kind of missed having you around, Kenobi. Irritating you is a lot more interesting than wandering around the Archives all day."
He laughed. "It's good to see you too, Jovarii."
She gave him a rare sincere smile, then swept off. He stood up and looked around. He would have to find his own Padawan soon – but he knew he would need some time to cool off first. He closed his eyes briefly. Maybe Jovarii was right – maybe he should give Anakin more encouragement. He still was not ready for the trials – but maybe he should hear it in a positive way for once.
Obi-Wan doesn't know what he's talking about! I'm ready! I'm stronger than him – I should be a Knight already! Anakin fumed as he angrily deflected each attack from the training remotes. As his bitterness increased, so did his tempo – his lightsaber a blur of light as he began attacking the droids. They fell sizzling to the floor as he sliced his way through them. I hate him! With this last angry thought, Anakin lunged, plunging his blade into the last remote, and watched, breathing heavily, as it fell with a clatter. He stared dazedly at the mess littered at his feet, the smell of singed metal pervading the air. Then the realisation of what he had just done sank in, and he slumped to the floor with a groan, all his anger dissipating. What was I thinking? I don't hate Obi-Wan. I love him like a father. He deactivated his lightsaber and began sweeping up the fallen droids. Obi-Wan's right. I do need to control my temper. A Jedi does not know anger or hatred – and look what I just did. I destroyed four training remotes out of energy channelled by anger, and I said I hated my Master. He looked gloomily down at his hands. Maybe he should sit awhile and meditate – clear his mind. Then he would find Obi-Wan and apologise for his outburst. He was right, after all. He usually is. Anakin sat down on one of the benches lining the walls and reluctantly closed his eyes and began to meditate.
Just then, the door slid open, and Anakin looked up to see Tsena and Jovarii walk in, lightsabers in hand. Tsena looked mildly surprised to see him. Jovarii, on the other hand, seemed as if she had expected to find him there.
"Anakin," she nodded at him by way of a greeting.
"Master Amara," he replied, standing and giving a short bow. Despite knowing her for years, Anakin always felt that her presence commanded a degree of respect.
"Obi-Wan will be coming for you shortly," she continued. "In the meantime, I hope you don't mind if Tsena works on her lightsaber training here." Her gaze swept the room, her eyebrows lifting when she caught sight of the small pile of broken remotes in the corner. Anakin flushed slightly. It was bad enough that he had lost control of his emotions. He didn't want Jovarii – or Tsena – to know that too.
"Not at all," he hesitated for a second. "Would it be all right if I watched?" he glanced at his friend, who gave him her usual calm smile.
Jovarii looked at Tsena. "It's fine with me, if Tsena doesn't mind."
"No, it's fine," came the quiet reply. "Just no laughing."
Anakin settled back in his seat to watch the pair fight. While Jovarii was more imaginative and adventurous in her attacks, Tsena's defence was solid and effective. There was no doubt that his friend was skilled – but she lacked her Master's accuracy and precision in her attacks. However, as the fight progressed, Anakin could see Tsena gaining more confidence, and her moves drove her Master back more often. The contest became more of a dance, each gaining the upper hand only to lose it seconds later. Anakin gave up analysing the technical and strategical points simply to enjoy the spectacle. Tsena now had more control over the battle, and in a few minutes it was over – Jovarii momentarily lost her concentration and Tsena kicked out, landing her Master on her back with her lightsaber at her neck. She reached out and helped her to her feet.
"Much better today, Padawan," Jovarii grinned, deactivating her saber and replacing the hilt in her belt.
"Thank you Master," Tsena panted, out of breath. She smiled over her shoulder at Anakin. "I think I must be having a good day."
"Well, let's see how good a day it is." Her Master turned to regard their audience. "Anakin! Come here."
Anakin walked over warily. There was no telling what Jovarii would make him do. Probably Force-throw things at Tsena to give her blocking practice – and me ducking practice!
Sensing his thoughts, Jovarii smirked. She stepped away from the two. "Spar with Tsena. She could use the practice."
Tsena gave Anakin an apologetic smile. She's right, I do need the practice – I'm really not very skilled. I need a lot of improvement.
He shrugged and activated his own lightsaber. It's just like Tsena to say she's not skilled when she just defeated her Master. She's modest almost to a fault! Quickly, he mentally replayed Tsena's performance, recalling her weaknesses and strengths. If he was to spar with her, he might as well get some training of his own in as well.
He raised his lightsaber and ran forward. His heavy attack caught Tsena off-guard, and she struggled to fend off his parries. However, as before, she gained momentum and began to drive him back. He brought his blade lower and kicked out at her legs, but she flipped over his head and landed behind him, bringing her saber down in a blow that he only just managed to block in time. They pulled apart and circled each other. I'm going to have to take risks if I want to beat him, Tsena realised. She charged forward, not striking high as was the norm, but attacking at his knees. Surprised, Anakin jumped back and dodged out of the way. Once he regained his footing, he placed his attacks in impossible angles, forcing her to defend and block more than attack. The fight went on, both Padawans moving with stunning grace and precision.
The door slid open and Obi-Wan walked in. Jovarii turned and grinned at him. "Enjoy the show," she mouthed, motioning silently towards the pair, who had not broken their concentration or their pace. Obi-Wan stood beside her, his eyes following his Padawan's every move. He couldn't help but feel a swell of pride as he watched Anakin use the Force, allowing it to guide each parry and attack. His skill with a lightsaber is incredible. He is certainly not perfect – but in a few years he will be one of the greatest swordsmen the Jedi will ever see.
Tsena was tiring. Wisps of her hair were falling from the now-loose knot, and the tendrils stuck to her damp neck as she spun around to block Anakin's flurry. He could sense her weariness and moved in quickly. With one clever move, he knocked her lightsaber out of her hand and flipped her onto the ground. With a cocky grin, he saluted her and reached out to help her up. She grasped his hand and let him pull her to her feet, using the Force to snap her lightsaber back into her hand. She flicked her Padawan braid over her shoulder and shook the rest of her hair out of its knot.
"I guess my day isn't quite that good," she managed to say, breathing heavily.
Anakin wiped his forehead and laughed, but stopped short at the sight of his Master. Tsena caught the unusually pensive and sombre look on his face, and sensed that he wanted some time with Obi-Wan alone.
"Thank you for the training, Anakin," she smiled, walking with him back to their Masters. "You've given me a lot to work on."
"Thank you, Tsena. Honestly, I didn't think I'd have to work that hard to defeat you. You taught me to expect surprises."
"Come, Tsena – you've trained hard. We'll go for a drink." Jovarii nodded to Obi-Wan and Anakin, then walked out, her Padawan giving the two a quick smile then following behind.
When they were gone, Anakin turned to Obi-Wan. His Master's face looked stern and almost grieved. He took a deep breath. "Master, I'm sorry for what happened earlier. You were right. I'm not ready for the trials right now. I should have listened to you."
Obi-Wan's face softened. "The way you reacted was wrong, there's no two ways about that." He felt Anakin stiffen, probably anticipating another lecture. "But I can see that you are truly sorry. I wish to apologise as well," he continued. His Padawan looked up in surprise. "I'm sorry if I was overly critical of you, Anakin. I swore to you that you would be a Jedi – but I don't want you to become a Knight before you are ready. I point out your shortcomings to help you grow, not to hurt you."
"I know, Master. And I am truly grateful to be your Padawan."
"And I am glad to be your Master." Obi-Wan said sincerely. "Although," he added with a wry smile. "Sometimes I wonder if it's worth the trouble!"
Anakin laughed. The two walked out of the training room and headed to the cafeteria, all tension dissolved. Now that we're home in the Temple, I'll train harder than ever. And then I will be ready for the Trials.