Harry Potter sat across the small table in their kitchen, the scorching Tatooine sun coming in the windows, the echoes of the Boonta Eve Classic still reverberating in his mind. The roars of the engines, the smell of burning fuel in the air, the cheers from the crowd after he crossed the finish line … But amidst all those memories bouncing around in his mind he could not get the words from Gasgano and his mother out of his mind … him and his mother were both free and he was invited to join Gasgano's podracing team.
Shmi Skywalker sat across from him silently observing him, her warm gaze meeting his troubled eyes, no doubt sensing the thoughts travelling through his mind.
Even though the entire way back to their dwelling, Harry had been pestering him mother non-stop to explain how or why he was free, even though he strongly suspected it had something to do with Qui-Gon Jinn – based off what Gasgano and Qui-Gon himself had themselves said, his mother had refused to say anything the entire trip, sitting Harry across from her as soon as they got into the door.
Finally, his mother broke the silence as she took a very deep breath and nodded to him. "Ani, you did wonderfully out there," she said, her voice soft, but firm. "You showed courage and skill, well beyond your years … it was beyond anything I had ever seen. It was … incredible …"
Harry nodded excitedly, his thoughts drifting back to the offer extended to him by Gasgano – a chance to escape the planet … his dream come true.
His mother reached her hand out, clasping his hand in hers, a gesture of comfort, bringing him back to the present.
Her smile had become more faint, looking a little strained as she looked at him.
"Ani, there's something I need to tell you," She began, her voice tinged with both apprehension and pride. "It was Qui-Gon who feed you from slavery. He had tried to wager for both of our freedom, but a game of Chance freed you."
His eyes widened slightly at the circumstances, but he nodded hearing that his suspicion had been confirmed. "Qui-Gon?" he echoed slowly, his voice barely above a whisper. "But why would he do that?"
His mother smiled softly, eyes reflecting her maternal love and pride, "Well first of all, I'm sure part of it was out of gratitude for your selfless desire to help him and his group … but more importantly … I believe it is because he saw something special in you, Ani. Something extraordinary." She paused, her expression growing solemn. "We had a conversation last night, Qui-Gon and I."
Harry looked up in surprise, not having been aware of that.
"He believes that the abilities of yours are related to the Force … which is something apparently related to the strength of a Jedi … or something like that. When he tested your blood, he found something that left him in shock. And based on what he said when we were watching you race, I think that's why he's going to come back after he gets the new hyperdrive to his ship … I think he's going to offer to take you to Coruscant with them … to train you to become a Jedi."
Harry's jaw dropped open, certainly not expecting to hear that, as his heart leaped with a mixture of excitement and trepidation at the possibility of becoming a Jedi. Even out there, he overheard rumors of everything the Jedi had done.
However, he froze after a second staring at his mother, remembering the other offer he had just received that day, realizing that he now had a choice to make.
On one hand, there was the allure of podracing, which Harry had quickly found to be even more exhilarating that Quidditch. A world of speed and excitement where he could carve out a name for himself. Joining Gasgano's team would mean freedom, independence, and the chance to pursue the dreams of becoming a pilot, as he raced among the stars.
And then there was now the opportunity to become a Jedi, even in the short time since Harry had awoken on this world, he had heard tales of the Jedi and how they were a beacon of light in the galaxy. And the fact that Qui-Gon seemed to sense something within him and wanted to train him as a Jedi … the prospect of becoming a guardian of peace and justice certainly held a significant draw for him as well.
And yet … even worse than the weight of having to chose between those two options, was the nagging guilt that tugged at his conscience, a guilt at the thought that choosing either of those options would mean leaving his mother behind. The stories of both the Hutts 'convincing' free people to become slaves and the ever present danger of the sand people weighing on his mind.
Harry shook his head, his heart torn between the two paths, each tempting in their own ways, and the situation with his mother. He turned to her, his voice tinged with uncertainty.
"Mom … what should I do? Should I join Gasgano's team and become a podracer or become a Jedi? And what … what about you?
His mother put a comforting hand on his shoulder, her expression filled with compassion. "Ani, it's not a child's job to worry about a parent. Trust me that is my job. But honestly, you'd be foolish to ignore the options in front of you because you were worried about me … I will be alright. But as for your choices … I think both paths certainly have danger, but I'm sure they will both offer you a chance to be great … to become more than we ever dreamed of. As a podracer, certainly if today was any indication, you could no doubt achieve fame and fortune … but podracing is dangerous and the risks are high … honestly, I would be more than a little worried."
Harry nodded, understanding her apprehension. Podracing definitely was not without its risks, as he had already seen on more than one occasion over his short 'career' … but he had to admit the allure of the speed and freedom while racing was intoxicating.
"What about the Jedi, Mom?" he asked.
Her eyes softened as she smiled. "The Jedi … they are a source of goodness in the galaxy. Even out here the people know the Jedi are revered for their selflessness and compassion. They dedicate their lives to serving others, to fight against injustice. If you were to become a Jedi you could help people, make a difference in their lives … you would have the power to bring hope to those who need it the most."
Harry nodded slowly mulling over his mother's words, aware of what she would recommend just based on how she laid out the two options, although it was a daunting idea.
"But what if I'm not strong enough" His voice trembled with uncertainty. "What if I fail as a Jedi … what if I'm not strong enough to do all that?"
His mother's gaze hardened for a second before it softened with compassion as she reached over and cupped his face in her hands. "Ani, strength isn't about never failing. It is about having the courage to follow your heart, to face your fears, and to never give up, no matter the odds … and remember, even if you were to decide to become a Jedi and it didn't work out, you could always choose another path. Sounded like according to Gasgano, podracing would always be open to you. Your destiny is yours to shape."
Harry felt a sense of clarity wash over hi, his doubts fading and giving wat to a newfound resolve as he found himself unconsciously standing up and running to the other side of the table and embracing his mother in a tight hug.
"Thank you, Mom," he said his voice filled with gratitude. "I think I know what I have to do now … I think I know which one I will choose."
Harry felt his mother squeeze him close before slowly releasing him, a smile on her face, "Whatever you decide, Ani, know that I will always be here for you, supporting you every step of the way."
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Shortly after Harry finished packing the few meager things he owned into a small bag, which he dropped by the front door, he ran back to his room to do one last check through the mokeskin pouch, making sure everything was still there.
He had just finished that when he heard his mother calling to him from the kitchen, letting him know that she spotted a familiar figure approaching their dwelling. Anakin's heart skipped a beat as he quickly attached the mokeskin pouch to his waist and ran out of the room, arriving at the front door, just as the Jedi announced his arrival with a firm knock on the door.
Harry immediately opened the door, a large smile covering his entire face. "Qui-Gon!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with enthusiasm, "My mom told me everything. I'm ready to go."
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Qui-Gon's eyes twinkled with pride as he clasped Harry's shoulder in a firm grip. "I'm very pleased to hear that, young Anakin," he replied, his voice warm with approval. "On my way here, I had heard a rumor that a podracer had invited you to join his team and I was worried that I might have just lost a most promising student to a life of fame and fortune."
Harry laughed as he led Qui-Gon into the house, "Well I did get an offer … that is definitely true, but after chatting with my mom … she helped me make up my mind."
Looking up and across the room, he watched as his mother entered the front room at that exact moment a proud smile on her face. "You would have got there by yourself … I just helped you realize it quicker."
Qui-Gon nodded towards her. "Well then I must thank you for that." He paused and looked towards Harry. "Do you need to say goodbye to your friends? There are some things I need to discuss with your mother before we leave."
Harry's brow furrowed in confusion as Qui-Gon tried to motion for him to leave the room, "Why is that? Is everything alright?" he asked, his tone tinged with concern.
Qui-Gon hesitated for a moment, his gaze filled with a mixture of sadness and regret. "Anakin … I had heard that a podracer paid for your mothers freedom and for that I am incredibly happy …" he paused turning to his mother, " … I had tried to do what I could to free both of you from Watto but in the end he was only willing to bet the freedom of one of you on the game of Chance, there was nothing else I could have done."
His mother nodded understandingly to the Jedi who smiled before looking back to Harry. "But while I truly am incredibly happy that she is no longer a slave … as it is a truly horrible practice … I worry that because she is now free, she might wish to come with us … but that can't happen."
Harry stared in shock, wanting to smack himself in the head as that thought hadn't even occurred to him even though it would remove the remaining bit of concern from his mind.
"But why not?" He asked quickly, refusing to leave the room, especially seeing that her expression fell slightly at hearing Qui-Gon's words. "Surely there is room on your ship for one more and she'd be all alone on this planet."
Qui-Gon shook his head sadly at Harry. "I understand your concern, but that is not the Jedi way, we don't form personal attachments … they are a risk. They can have a negative impact on Jedi and lead one towards the dark side."
Harry scoffed. "That is ridiculous and even I can see that. How is compassion for others a bad thing. And wouldn't it be worse to leave her here. Tatooine is a dangerous planet. While I doubt Watto would hold a grudge or do anything to her, I have no doubt Sebulba will be incredibly angry for some time and after finding that I'm gone … he might take his anger out on my mother. Anger that is from a race I flew in to help you. And beyond him … I worry about the people here. Tatooine isn't exactly full of the nicest people … and that doesn't even begin to cover the risks from the Sand People. They are always trying to kidnap people if they are outside the settlements." He paused to take a breath before refocusing back on Qui-Gon. "What if something were to happen to her while I was away and I couldn't do anything … surely that would 'negatively affect' me as well."
Qui-Gon paused staring at Harry, "It's not as if Coruscant is without danger. And she certainly would not be able to live in the Jedi Temple, where would she live? And what if you don't become a Jedi, what then?"
Harry stared resolutely at the Jedi, his expression hardening, "If there is one thing that I'm certain of, it's that there is danger everywhere, but at least if I am nearby, I at least have a chance to help. As for living …" he paused and smiled to the two adults, " … well … I may have bet on myself to win the race … and with those odds, I certainly have enough to get a place for her for a little while, if the Jedi can't help, but certainly at least long enough for her to find a job doing something. Trust me as a slave there is plenty of jobs she's done, so I'm pretty sure she can find a job somewhere. And finally, isn't it all the more important that she is there if I don't get accepted or would the Jedi just kick me out the door alone to fend for myself."
Qui-Gon stared at Harry wordlessly for several seconds before looking to his mother. Eventually he shrugged his shoulders and looked back to Harry, a slight smile on his face, his eyes twinkling in amusement. "Well spoken young one … you certainly raise valid points … perhaps you'd be better suited as a diplomat. I have no doubt with you in the Senate, things might function as they were meant to." He shook his head and looked towards Harry's mother. "Well, it appears you better pack as well. I don't know if the Council will react positively, but I will do my best to help out."
Harry smiled as he turned to his mother, seeing the look of shock on her face at the turn of events. Eventually seeing him looking at her she shook off her stupor and ran towards him, tears of happiness in the corner of her eyes, tightly embracing him.
After several minutes she eventually, and regretfully, let him go. And as Qui-Gon suggested hurriedly ran around the dwelling grabbing whatever she thought she thought they might need.
While she was running around Qui-Gon sat down at the table, smiling to Harry, jokingly asking, "Well is there anyone else you want to bring?"
Harry paused for a second, before meeting Qui-Gon's eyes, "Well …" he trailed off.
The Jedi paled slightly, "That was a joke. I highly doubt the Queen will enjoy taking on more passengers. I'd be able to defend you easily enough due to your selflessness in helping us and I'm pretty sure there would be no objection to bringing your mother due to your age, so that she could accompany you … but … another …" he trailed off, shaking his head.
Harry smiled towards the Jedi, "Well I was planning on leaving him here to help my mom. But if she is coming, I'd sure feel guilty about leaving 3PO behind."
Withing the hour the three of them plus C-3PO were headed out of the settlement, stopping only quick enough for Harry to stop at Kitster's, where he quickly explained everything to his friend, who was initially shocked but eventually incredibly excited for Harry … especially once Harry gave him the podracer to sell, telling him that anything earned was for him.
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About an hour later, as they were crossing the desert, Harry froze in shock, looking over the dunes at the sight of Qui-Gon's ship as it had come into sight, recognizing it immediately as the same ship he had seen approaching the planet …right before he had woken up the first time here.
Harry opened his mouth to call out to Qui-Gon who had continued walking but paused when he felt an uncomfortable sensation start to build steadily in the back of his mind. He looked behind him for a second trying to identify the feeling when it quickly intensified, allowing him to immediately recognize the feeling of malevolence that was quickly approaching.
His instincts screamed of impending danger, causing him to spin in his tracks looking back towards the Jedi and calling out, "Qui-Gon, I think something … something bad is coming." He called out strongly, his voice tinged with urgency.
The words had barely left his mouth, when the high-frequency whine of a speeder filled the air, the sound shattering the relative silence of the environment like a knife. Harry felt his heart began to race realizing that danger approached, and this was no droid this time.
Feeling a sudden spike in danger, without hesitation and before Qui-Gon could even call out a warning, Harry leaped forward, knocking his mother to the ground, just as the speeder whizzed by overhead, the hot air buffeting his hair and tugging violently at the mokeskin pouch that he had securely fastened to his waist.
Snap Hiss
The two identical sounds, which overlapped, caused him to look up quickly. His jaw dropping open at the sight of Qui-Gon and another man holding lightsabers and facing each other.
As he watched, the air seemed to crackle with tension as the two adversaries circled each other. Qui-Gon's face a mask of calm determination, but his opponent wore a face that was twisted into a sinister sneer. And it was Qui-Gon's opponent who unleashed the first flurry of strikes against the Jedi, moving with a speed that Harry had difficulty keeping track of.
From his position, Harry watched in awe as their blades clashed with a shower of energy, the sound of the clashing weapons reverberating across the empty dunes. Qui-Gon's movements were fluid and precise, his green lightsaber a blur as he deflected the relentless assault. But the red blade wielding opponent was unrelenting and to Harry's untrained eye, his attacks seemed to be coming faster and fiercer with each passing moment, preventing Qui-Gon from mounting an offensive and keeping the Jedi on the defensive.
Mesmerized by the sight, Harry didn't register Qui-Gon's shouts toward him, in fact it was only his mother shaking his shoulder which distracted him from the sight before them as she pulled him to his feet. "Come on, Ani." She urged; her voice filled with poorly contained concern. "Qui-Gon said we need to get to the ship and take off, he said the Queen is in danger."
Harry risked one more look back to the fight before turning to his mother and nodding in agreement. He then followed his mother onto the ship, listening to her explain the situation to the individual who had run down the plank towards them as they approached.
The individual seemed hesitant to re-board the ship, appearing to want to run out and join the fight, but slowly nodded, leading Harry, his mother, and C-3PO onto the ship. Standing by the loading ramp that he had not retracted he used the communicator and urged the pilot to take off immediately.
Harry felt a rush of relief as the ship took off, although unlike his mother who allowed herself to be led into the ship, he stayed near the young man who remained standing near the loading ramp door, watching the continued duel below, between Qui-Gon and the red and black colored alien with horns.
Harry's mouth dropped open in shock when, without looking backwards, Qui-Gon jumped almost forty feet straight up, managing to just barely land on the still extended landing ramp, right in front of Harry, just as the ship had flown by right over when the fight had been occurring.
Unable to say anything Harry watched as Qui-Gon's head fell back in exhaustion, before he slowly and carefully got up, fully entering the ship, closing the loading ramp behind them, which was probably a good thing as Harry noticed the ship accelerating upwards, no doubt heading out of the planet's atmosphere.
The other man was the first to break the silence as he looked towards Qui-Gon. "Master … what was that?"
Qui-Gon shook his head as he slowed his breathing, looking towards the figure that had addressed him. "Padawan, I have absolutely no idea what that was. I shall need to meditate. But I have no doubt that it … he was here for the Queen. We must hurry to Coruscant. There she will be safe."
He paused looking over the shoulder of the man he was talking to, smiling at the sight of Harry.
"Ah … perfect … Anakin … I'd like you to meet my padawan."
Harry looked into the honest smiling face and piercing blue eyes of the young man who turned around, realizing he couldn't be much older than his early twenties.
Smiling to Harry, he extended his hand in friendship. "Hello there," he greeted warmly.
Kind Regards,
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