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maeve-on-mustafar · 2 years

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How the Jedi Council failed Anakin

Over the past several years, Anakin's first meeting with the Jedi Council has become a topic of heated debate, and there are various takes. I've had my own for a while, but I recently stumbled across a paragraph in the TPM novelization that helped cement my perspective.

Inside, Anakin Skywalker faced the Jedi Council, standing in the same place Qui-Gon Jinn had stood some hours earlier. He was nervous at first, brought into the chamber by Qui-Gon, then left alone with the twelve members of the Council. Standing in the mosaic circle and ringed by the silent assemblage, awestruck and uncertain of what was expected of him, he felt vulnerable and exposed. The eyes of the Jedi were distant as they viewed him, but he sensed they were looking not past him, but inside.

They began to question him then, without preliminary introductions or explanations, without expending any effort at all to make him feel comfortable or welcome. He knew some of them by name, for Qui-Gon had described a few, and he was quick to put faces to names. They questioned him at great length, testing memory and knowledge, seeking insights at which he could only guess. They knew of his existence as a slave. They knew of his background on Tatooine, of his mother and his friends, of his Podracing, of Watto, of everything factual and past, of the order of his life.

-From Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace novelization, by Terry Brooks

Emphasis mine on those three sentences. There has been some discussion and debate as to whether the Jedi Council knew if Anakin had been a slave, if Qui-Gon had kept them informed, etc. Here's official clarity on the subject: they knew everything, and they still decided to have no sympathy for Anakin and his situation.

I'm no Jedi hater by any means, and Mace Windu is my favorite Jedi after Anakin. But I've thought for a long time that this scene embodied how the Jedi had lost their way by this era.

Even though Anakin was someone who could have used the Jedi's help and compassion the most, a former child slave who had spent the first nine years of his life being considered a piece of property rather than a person and who had a bomb implanted in his spine to make sure he could never escape. And in spite of this traumatic upbringing, the Jedi Council does nothing to help him. They don't offer him any sympathy or comfort. They don't try to explain to him that he's safe, they don't even explain to him what he's being tested for. They take a traumatized child and start questioning him without context, and then later declare him unfit for training because he's too old, too afraid, and too angry.

I've seen some other Jedi fans try to recontextualize this scene as Yoda and the Council trying to offer Anakin therapy, with Anakin being the one who's in the wrong for lying about being afraid. But that interpretation makes no sense. Therapy for a traumatized child doesn't take place in a group of twelve strangers who are evaluating said child's fitness to be a warrior monk. They can't simultaneously be offering Anakin therapy while also deciding that his need for therapy makes him unsuitable to be a Jedi. (Which, incidentally, would not only be a conflict of interest, but also mental health shaming and discrimination, and also the exact opposite of compassion.)

Also, therapy for a child certainly doesn't take place without someone specifically and purposefully explaining to the child what's happening and that the session is meant to help them., Meanwhile, this book passage explicitly mentions the Council didn't explain anything to him or even introduce themselves. And finally, therapy doesn't involve shaming traumatized children for their fears, or holding the child's very real and warranted fears of loss from a lifetime in slavery against them.

One point I want to clarify: I don't think the Council failed Anakin by initially refusing to accept him into the Order. They thought he was too damaged to bother with and didn't want to take the time to train him/help him? Pretty heartless, IMHO, but let's be real: today's US Supreme Court would probably back them up on this decision.

I think the failure is contained within this line "They began to question him then, without preliminary introductions or explanations, without expending any effort at all to make him feel comfortable or welcome."

I've argued before that even if the Council didn't want Anakin in the Order, they still could have found ways to help him. Offering him medical care because he probably had health issues from spending, y'know, nine years as a slave. Offering him clean clothes. Getting him a meal. Treating him with the slightest iota of sympathy or kindness or trying understand why he might be afraid instead of treating his fear like an instantaneous path to the dark side, (which it isn't, anyway).

And the TPM novelization confirmed that none of this happened. The Jedi Council failed Anakin--not because they didn't want him as a Jedi, but because they decided an abused child who'd been deprived of rights his entire life was beneath their compassion. And compassion is a trait the Jedi prize themselves on, so why could they not find it within themselves to offer it here, to someone who desperately needed it?

And the conclusion I'm left with is this: because the Jedi at this point weren't actually all that great at being compassionate. They decided Anakin wasn't worth it, and that was that. He didn't meet their standards of what a Jedi candidate should be, therefore he wasn't useful to them, and therefore, they weren't going to expend any effort to help him. They clearly didn't care what happened to him afterward, because then they just allowed Qui-Gon to take him back to an active war zone on a hostile planet.

People complain about Qui-Gon having a reputation in dudebro circles as "the one good Jedi", but let's be honest: he spent a good forty minutes of the movie being kind to Anakin and Shmi and tried to free both of them. The Jedi Council can't be bothered to try to help Anakin (or his mother) at all during the three minutes of the movie they're on screen.

(Of course, if you want a Doylist perspective, the alternative reason is that George Lucas maybe isn't the best at character writing and forgot to include a scene where his order of compassionate warrior monks actually are compassionate.)

Don't get me wrong: the Jedi Council gets a lot of bad takes in fandom. I find Mace's fandom-wide mischaracterization as infuriating the next fan.

But let's be real: the Council didn't exactly cover themselves in glory here, and it's kind of appalling that not one of the twelve adults in the room could find in themselves to be kind to a traumatized child slave.

#anakin skywalker #jedi council #my meta #anakin skywalker appreciation #jedi critical

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des8pudels8kern · 3 months

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You ever think about how Anakin was just singularly ill-suited for life as a member of the Jedi Order?

It's in the big things, e.g. how he spent his childhood a slave, in a lawless society where decency meant nothing and the only person he could truly trust and rely on was his mother. Attachment is anathema to the Jedi whose philosophy is about putting the greater good and what is right above their own desires but who also always had a like-minded community, a safe home, and the legal protections that come with being a Jedi on Coruscant to fall back on, so there was no need for one single person to become so important their loss cannot be overcome. For Anakin, on the other hand, attachment to few, specific people above all else is deeply entwined with survival and the only source of safety and stability.

It's also in the small things, like the clothes and haircut he got as a padawan. We dress and style ourselves to convey certain things about ourselves, our role in society, which group or sub-culture we belong to. This goes from teenagers, who all must wear their hair the same way or wear the same shoes as their friends group, over sports fans who wear their team's colours, to office dress codes. But Anakin grew up a slave who had little agency over his own person, and forcing people to cut off their hair and wear uniforms is also way to take control and individuality from them. Did those changes to his looks make him feel like he belonged, i.e. he was adopted into the community and became one of them, or like he belonged,. i.e. he was forced into the role at the expense of Anakin-the-individual?

And, in my opinion, making him a padawan straight away was also doing him a great disservice. He went from Shmi, to Qui-Gon, to Obi-Wan as his one, singular caregiver, and, worse, he knew how dependent his being allowed to become a Jedi was on Obi-Wan taking him on as his responsibility and declaring him his to take care of. Sure, he was more in need of a mentor that his age-mates at the temple, simply because he missed 6-9 years of lessons in general and Jedi-specific knowledge and was in need of special tutoring. But he was also, desperately, in need of forming bonds, integrating into the community, and learning the Jedi way of life. Going into the crèche for a couple of years would have given him a clan, bonds, people instead of person. It could have helped him so much letting to from his own views on attachment and adapt the Jedi ones. It also could have stopped him from growing up a) a single child and b) with the hype of being the Chosen One, thus developing this self-image of being special and above the rules that led to him thinking he was entitled to being both a Jedi Knight, a Master even, without following their rules and tenants about putting duty above his own desires. Nothing humbles you like a group of fellow kids that treat you as one of them rather than the most specialest little boy ever.

#star wars #anakin skywalker #meta #i'm not even an anakin girlie. just.#i think the jedi and obi-wan in particular tried so hard #but younglings usually come to the temple no older than three #and they underestimated how anakin's life so far shaped him and changed how he would react to and be able to adapt to the jedi way of life #anakin still made choices and imo he and no one else is to blame for his choice to murder children hurt padme and become vader #but there were a lot of factors that influenced his path and could have helped him make different choices

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bart1607 · 10 months

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Better days

This is my first Star Wars fan fiction, I've never written anything before. I'm not native speaker/writer, so I would like to apologize for any grammar mistakes, e.t.c. Originally this fan fiction was supposed to be only about Ahsoka & Rex, but I decided to make alternate AU, where Anakin doesn't turn to the dark side. I also plan to write a second chapter that will be devoted to what else happened later, something like epilogue. I hope this fanfiction isn't that bad.

Link to AO3:

Anakin kept wondering if he had done the right thing by telling Mace Windu that the Chancellor was a hidden Sith Lord. As a Jedi Knight, he should have defeated the Sith and the darkness that surrounded them. On the other hand, he still had Palpatine's words in his mind that he had knowledge about saving people from death. Anakin really wanted Padme to survive. He had already lost his mother, which caused him great suffering and anger, which led to the slaughter of an entire tusken village. Losing his wife would be even more painful for him. What if only Chancellor Palpatine could save her? Anakin realized that Mace Windu and the Jedi accompanying him would defeat the chancellor, the only person who could help him. After some thought, Anakin decided that he needed to get to the chancellor's office as soon as possible to protect Palpatine from certain death at the hands of the Jedi. Anakin ran to his ship and started it up. Just as he was about to leave, Anakin suddenly heard a familiar voice in his head:

- Anakin, think about what you're about to do - said Qui-gon Jin's voice

Anakin was in shock, he didn't know what happened now. Can the Jedi communicate with the living after death? After all, the Jedi had always told themselves that life after death was impossible! At the same time, Anakin recalled the case of Master Yoda, who was also allegedly contacted by Qui-Gon Jin's ghost. No one believed it at the time, everyone assumed that the "voice" he heard was the result of Master Yoda's old age and fatigue, or it could even be the work of the Sith. After a few seconds, Anakin answered him:

- Master Qui-gon, is it really you? How come you keep contacting me despite your death?

- When I died, I became one with the Force. It is being one with the Force that allows me to connect with the living.

Anakin was still amazed at what he heard, but Qui-Gon continued:

- But I am speaking to you for a much different, very serious purpose. Please, listen carefully to what I have to say!

Anakin's emotions had subsided a bit, but he was still a little shocked by the whole situation.

- You can go on, Master, I'll listen - Anakin told him

- Anakin, in a moment you will make a very important choice. You can destroy the Sith once and for all and restore the balance of the Force. I would just like to warn you against committing stupidity. Your bad decision can condemn the entire galaxy for years of suffering and plunging into darkness.

- But the Sith have the knowledge to save people from death! I must possess it to save from death...--Anakin jammed at that moment. He couldn't just tell a dead Jedi that he was secretly married to Padmé, much less that she was pregnant!

- I know everything, Anakin - Qui-Gon said - Padmé is still healthy, she's safe.

Anakin was surprised to hear these words. Does this mean that the late Jedi Master watched his life and deeds all the time? And how could he know that Padmé was safe?

- But Master, in my sleep I had visions in which she died! How can you be sure that she is safe?!

- Anakin, these are just visions that may be false. Also remember that the future is always in motion, at any time you can change it, influence it.

After a pause, he added:

- Anakin, you have to trust the Force, it will guide you, it will clear your mind. Thanks to it, you will make the right choice and you will not make a mistake!

- I understand, Master, but I feel like I have to go there - Anakin said

-May the force be with you! - Qui-Gon's voice told him

After a while, the Jedi master's voice faded, and Anakin took off in his ship and began to head for the chancellor's office.

After a few minutes, Anakin landed next to the Senate building. He got out and hurried to the office where Palpatine was. When he arrived, a Jedi fight with Palpatine was already underway. Anakin walked past the bodies of Kit Fisto, Agen Kolar and Saesee Tiint. Only Mace Windu remained alive. Anakin realized how powerful an opponent Palpatine was, since he could defeat three Jedi masters. Meanwhile, Mace Windu almost beat Palpatine. During the duel, the Dark Lord's lighthsaber fell out through the previously broken window of the building, and the Chancellor himself fell to the floor, who after a few moments spoke to Anakin:

- Anakin, I told you it would come to this! I was right! The Jedi are taking over!

- The oppression of the Sith will never return! You have lost! - said Mace Windu

- No... no... no! YOU WILL DIE! - at the moment of uttering these words, the Sith Lord unleashed powerful lightning bolts of Force directed at the Jedi Master. Master Windu covered himself with a lightsaber and began to deflect a lightning attack towards the Chancellor.

- He is a traitor! - shouted Palpatine

- No, he is a traitor! - Windu replied, blocking the Sith attack

- I have the power, to save the one you love! You must choose! - Palpatine said in a slightly weakened voice.

- Don’t listen to him Anakin! - Mace Windu replied quickly to these words

- Don't let him kill me! - just after these words, Anakin noticed the changes taking place on the Chancellor's body. His face was beginning to become wrinkled and folded, and his eyes became visible in the yellow that was characteristic of the Sith. Anakin tried to think quickly about what he was seeing. Chancellor Palpatine at this point was not the same person who Anakin knew. He never expected that Palpatine, the person who was like a father to him, was such a powerful Sith Lord. Anakin was also shocked by the Chancellor's change in appearance. Did this mean that he had created some kind of Force illusion? This would explain why the Jedi could not sense the presence of a dark aura around the person of the Chancellor. Only Palpatine's words snatched from Anakin's musings:

- I can’t hold it any longer, I’m weak, I'm too weak! - saying these words, Palpatine stopped the attack with force lightnings.

- I am going to end to this, once and for all! - Master Windu said menacingly

- I'm too weak. Oh, don't kill me. Please! - Palpatine replied in a weak voice

- You shouldn't do that, it's not a Jedi way! He must first stand trial.

- He has control of the Senate and the courts. He's too dangerous to be left alive, we have to kill him!

- Help me Anakin, please! - repeated his request to the Sith

Anakin thought for a while about whose side to be on. At first, he wanted to help the Chancellor, but something told him that helping the Sith would be his biggest mistake he would make. So Anakin grabbed his lightsaber and stood next to Mace Windu.

- I will help you destroy him, Master! - Anakin said confidently

Palpatine's face was priceless at that moment. He couldn't hide his shock and surprise at Anakin's behavior. Chancellor Palpatine did not expect Anakin to decide to help the dark-skinned Jedi, his plan was completely different. After a while, the dark lord continued his attack with lightning power, but two powerful Jedi successfully repelled his attacks. At one point, he stopped the attack and tried to escape through a broken window, unfortunately it was his mistake. Taking advantage of interrupting his lightning attack, Anakin approached the Chancellor and confidently pierced his chest with his lightsaber. The former chancellor's body fell limply to the floor. Moments after killing the Sith, both Anakin and Mace Windu felt a massive disturbance in the Force, which ceased after a few moments. Both Jedi were very exhausted from fighting Palpatine, but they knew that the Sith had been defeated once and for all.

- Thank you, young Skywalker, you have done a very important deed today! Together, we defeated the Sith Lord! - Mace Windu happily said

- Thank you for your praise, Master, although I had a few doubts before making my decision - Anakin replied

- Tell me, Skywalker, what were the doubts? And explain to me what Palpatine meant when, trying to win you over to his side, he said that he had the power to save your beloved?

-Because you see, Master, I...- Anakin stammered - I... I married Padmé in secret from everyone! And... She is pregnant!

Mace Windu didn't believe what he had just heard, but then he spoke:

- Anakin, do you realize that you may be expelled from the Order for this?

- Yes, I am aware of that, which is why I concealed everything. I am willing to bear all possible consequences, but please let me tell you everything.

Anakin began to tell Mace Windu that he had visions in which Padmé would die, how Palpatine had told him about the tragedy of Darth Plagueis the Wise, and finally how Qui-Gon Jin's spirit had warned him not to trust the Sith and not to make a mistake. Mace Windu listened to Anakin's story with interest, and his biggest shock was when Anakin told him how Qui-Gon Jin contacted him.

- Anakin, you're going to have to tell your story to the Jedi Council. It will decide your further fate in the Order. Perhaps your action today will be beneficial to you. But now we should communicate to the remaining Jedi that we have killed the Sith Lord.

- Okay Master, let's do it - Anakin replied

Kashyyyk

Meanwhile, on Kashyyyk, Master Yoda felt a great disturbance in the Forca. He dropped his staff and almost fell. Commander Gree ran up to him and asked:

- General, are you okay?

- Serious disturbance in the Force, I sensed. Something must have happened - Yoda replied, then added:

- What progress in battle have we made?

- Droids are being crushed by our soldiers, the Wookie managed to drive the droids out of the depths of the jungle. The last units of clankers retreated to the beaches. I think the battle has already been won.

- Good news, it is - Master Yoda replied with a smile.

Chewbacca and Tarfful roared joyfully at these words. Suddenly, one of the soldiers ran to the command post.

- General, we have a call from Master Windu and Anakin Skywalker from Coruscant!

- Connect me with them, immediately - Yoda ordered

-It will happen! - the soldier replied, and then the hologram displayed the silhouettes of Mace Windu and Anakin

- Master Yoda, we would like to inform you that we have just defeated Darth Sidious. It was Chancellor Palpatine who was in hiding! All the time he was manipulating everyone and hiding his true identity!

- That something had happened, I knew. A disturbance in the Force, I sensed - Yoda replied

- Our next step will be to convene a meeting of the entire Senate. We must inform everyone that we have discovered the truth about the true identity of Chancellor Palpatine and elect his successor.

- Agree with you, I. To add anything else, you have? - Yoda asked

- Yes, the Jedi Council must also be assembled immediately. Young Skywalker has something to tell

- The Council will be convened. To the Senate, you must go first!

- Yes, we will do Master Yoda! After these words, the transmission was ended. Master Yoda watched the battle unfolded and thought about what Anakin had to say.

Coruscant, Galactic Senate

Mace Windu and Anakin reached the Senate building. In the meantime, they called an emergency meeting. As they entered the meeting room, one of the senators spoke up:

- Can you explain to us why the whole Senate was convened?

- Senators - Mace Windu said - we have discovered the terrible truth about the Chancellor! We have learned that Chancellor Palpatine is in fact a hidden Sith Lord, and that he was the one who started the war against the Separatists! It was he who stood on both sides of the conflict and manipulated everyone to gain as much power as possible for himself!

These words were a shock for many senators, in the hall one could hear stormy discussions and voices among the gathered.

- It is impossible! - You have no evidence of that, Jedi! - Why should we believe you? Some senators started shouting.

- Stay calm and let the Jedi continue to speak - Senator Mon Mothma said firmly

- Thank you, Senator - said Windu - and the incriminating evidence against the former chancellor will now be presented!

Anakin inserted a disc with information and recordings incriminating the late Chancellor Palpatine. The hologram displayed footage of Palpatine killing a Jedi in his office, followed by information about the Chancellor's secret travels which he usually took during the most important moments of the Clone Wars. In addition, recordings of conversations that Chancellor Palpatine had secretly with Count Dooku were also presented, which was irrefutable proof that the Chancellor was in fact in charge of both sides of the war. It also turned out that Mas Medda was also a secret collaborator of the then chancellor and knew his plans and true identity.

- Traitor!

- Arrest him!

The assembled senators started shouting after hearing that Mas Medda was a traitor.

- But I'll explain it all! This is not true! I didn't betray! - began to say a stressed former partner of the chancellor.

- Medda, you have always been closest to the Chancellor, as the evidence confirms. You knew exactly what he was planning for a long time! - Anakin responded and ordered:

- Arrest him! You will explain your actions to the court! - shortly after these words, three clones led by Fox handcuffed Mas Medda, and then transported him to the detention center.

After Mas Medda was led out, information was revealed about the army of clones and chips that the Kaminoans placed in the heads of all the soldiers so that they would carry out every order without questioning it. The list of special orders of the Grand Army of the Republic was 150 instructions and orders, but the most intriguing order was order number 66, which assumed the elimination of the Jedi in case of treason and acting against the interests of the Republic. A report by Captain Rex on the private investigation of the late ARC soldier Fives, who claimed to know the truth about the chips and uncovered a plot against the Jedi Order shortly after the Tup incident, was also revealed. It turned out that the Kaminoans carefully concealed the true purpose of the chips placed in the soldiers and secretly supported the actions of Chancellor Palpatine

- As you can see, senators, the evidence clearly shows that Palpatine, also known as Darth Sidious, is responsible for starting the war. The Clone Wars, like the Trade Federation's invasion of Naboo a few years ago, were only part of his plan to destroy the Jedi Order and introduce dictatorial rule in the Galactic Republic! - with these words Mace Windu summed up his speech and the evidence presented. There was still quite a commotion in the room, which was interrupted by Bail Organa:

- Senators, in connection with the commission of treason and the death of Chancellor Palpatine, we must choose his successor! Voting should begin!

When the emotions among the assembled senators subsided, voting began on the election of a new Supreme Chancellor. After several tens of minutes, the results of the election were already known, and then they were displayed on a hologram. Padmé Amidala won the most votes, making her Supreme Chancellor of the Galactic Republic. She was followed by Bail Organa and Mon Mothma, who ranked second and third respectively. Thus, Senator Padmé Amidala was elected the new Chancellor. There was thunderous applause in the meeting room, and after a while Senator Padmé Amidala, as newly elected Chancellor, spoke:

- Dear Senators, I would like to thank you sincerely for the trust you have shown me. I promise to repair the damage done by my predecessor and to serve with dignity as Supreme Chancellor of the Galactic Republic. I can assure you that the state of the Republic will be restored to its pre-Clone Wars glory, and all damage will be repaired and restored. The first thing I intend to do as Chancellor is to sign a treaty with the Separatist leaders, which will be a formal end to the war that has been going on for 3 years. I hope that the Jedi, as well as the loyal army of clones, will help in capturing the leaders of the Confederation of Independent Systems and bring them to justice. The investigation into the chips and Kaminoan will be reopened. We do not know what secrets threatening the safety of all of us they are still hiding. Each clone will have to remove this chip, because if the list of orders and special instructions falls into the wrong hands, the Grand Army of the Republic poses a threat to public safety. I will make sure that the whole process is safe and fast. To conclude, I would like to thank you once again for your confidence in me and for your election as Chancellor. I assure you that a new, better and bright future awaits the Republic!

Immediately after these words, everyone present began to applaud loudly standing up, the applause lasted several minutes. At this time, Anakin looked happily at his wife. He couldn't wait to finally meet her in their apartment. He was so proud of her! Young Skywalker was also looking forward to the birth of their first child. What he didn't realize was that Padmé was actually carrying twins. Mace Windu's voice snapped him out of his thoughts:

-Anakin, it's time for us! We've already done what we had to do. -Alright, I'm going, Master! - Anakin answered him Both Jedi left the Galactic Senate building and went to the temple. Anakin still had to talk to the Jedi Council. The young Jedi knight was very stressed about what awaited him, he did not know what verdict the Council would give and he was very afraid of talking to the Jedi masters. He wasn't sure how the others would react to the news that he had secretly married and become a father.

Space, Tribunal

Ahsoka and Rex walked onto the bridge together. The officers there saluted them, then went back to their activities. At that moment, Venator jumped into hyperspace. Ahsoka moved closer to the window and began to think about something. Rex, seeing her worried expression, decided to ask her what was bothering her: - Commander, is something bothering you? What are you thinking about? - You know, Rex, we as Jedi were trained to be peacekeepers, not to be soldiers and lead an army - Ahsoka replied to him

- I see - Rex said, then continued - we clones have mixed feelings about the war too. If there had been no war, we would not have existed either. Hearing these words, Ahsoka turned to Rex and said: - You have defended the Republic against the threat of the Separatists, you are the best soldiers you can always count on! And you, Rex, you're the best person I've ever met!

Rex's heart started beating a little faster when he heard those words from Ahsoka's mouth. After a moment, the togruta woman added: - And actually, you don't have to call me 'commander'." Ahsoka enough! she said with a smile.

- Okay, comman... Ahsoka! - Rex replied, a bit embarrassed.

After these words, Rex and Ahsoka stared at each other for a few more minutes. Rex couldn't take his eyes off Ahsoka, he was staring into her blue eyes. Then he looked all over her. She was beautiful. Rex was in love with her, the first feeling for her appeared even before the formation of the 332nd Company. The captain first felt something for her when he saw her in a hologram with Bo Katan. He was very happy when it turned out that Ahsoka was coming back. However, it was a different Ahsoka from the one he knew before leaving the Order. Togruta was now a mature and grown woman, not a snotty teenager. When the padawan was still in the Jedi Order, Rex treated her as a friend, which was a bit annoying at times. There was no feeling then. Only the adult and "more beautiful" Ahsoka awakened in him a feeling he had not known before. It was he who suggested to the boys of the newly formed company that they paint their helmets in the colors of her pretty Togrutan face. In this way, he wanted to show her how important she was to them, and especially him.

The Togruta stared at Rex for a moment. She reflected on how much they had lived together, how many battles they had fought in, and had saved each other's lives endlessly. Ahsoka tried to treat Rex only as her best friend, although she felt some chemistry between herself and him. She had wanted to confess it to him before, but she hadn't had the opportunity. They constantly had to take part in fights, there were always new skirmishes, and they both used every free moment to sleep and rest. Constant battles were exhausting for them. Finally, Ahsoka decided to break her silence and spoke, in an uncertain voice:

- Rex - she began to speak, placing her hand on the Commander's shoulder - You are more than just the best fri---

- Commander Rex! We have an incoming call from Coruscant! - shouted one of the officers running in. Ahsoka struggled to hide the anger and grimace on her face. She was already so close

- Why did this fucking guy have to come at this moment? - she thought

- I'll go see what's going on and I'll be right back to you! - Rex said, then followed the officer.

- Good, Rex - Ahsoka said, looking into hyperspace. As the Commander left, Ahsoka suddenly felt a powerful disturbance in the Force and began to hear a certain dialogue:

- Don't listen to him Anakin!

- I'm too weak, please help me! - He should live! - He's too dangerous, we have to kill him! - I'll help you destroy him Master!" -AAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! At that moment Ahsoka staggered on her feet and whispered: - Anakin!

Moments later, she heard a Rex’s voice:

- Ahsoka! General Skywalker urgently wants to talk to you!

- I'm coming!

Ahsoka didn't know what to expect when she went to the communicator. Something serious must have happened if she felt a disturbance in the Force. And it had something to do with her master, too, because she could hear his voice. As she walked over to the hologram, she saw Anakin's silhouette greeting her:

-Hi Snips!

- Skyguy, are you okay? Are you feeling good? I sensed a powerful disturbance in the power and seemed to hear your voice!

- Yes, I'm fine, and the disturbances in the Force were felt by all the Jedi. In a way, I am contacting you on this matter! - Anakin said, and an intrigued Ahsoka began to listen to him with increasing attention.

- If all is well with you, keep talking! I don't understand any of this! What happened?

- Master Windu and I managed to kill Chancellor Palpatine, who was actually a Sith Lord. He manipulated everyone all the time and somehow managed to stay hidden so far!

Rex and Ahsoka looked at each other, then back at Anakin. They couldn't hide their surprise at what they heard, and Ahsoka's master decided to continue: - We also discovered that he was responsible for the invasion of Naboo in the past and the start of the Clone Wars." In fact, Palpatine commanded both sides of the conflict. It all added up to a plan to destroy the Jedi Order and the Galactic Republic.

- Is there anything else we should know? - Ahsoka asked

- I'm sorry to say that unfortunately the creation of the Grand Army of the Republic was also part of Sidious' plan - Anakin said sadly, then turned to Rex:

-Rex, Fives was right to uncover a plot against the Jedi. We have learned that the Kaminoans, at the behest of Sidious, secretly placed chips in the heads of all clone soldiers. This chip was to activate when one of the 150 special orders of the Grand Army of the Republic was issued. One such order was to eliminate the Jedi entirely. Once the chip was activated, each clone actually lost its free will and became a droid.

Sadness and worry appeared on Rex's face.

-General, what will happen to us now? If we are a threat to you, what are you going to do with us? Will the Republic want to get rid of us? - Commander Rex asked sadly

- Don't worry Rex, Chancellor Amidala has announced that each clone will safely and quickly remove its chip! Anakin said with a smile

- Sir, as soon as we land on Coruscant, I and the entire 332nd will remove our chips! - Rex replied, to which Anakin responded:

- You don't have to hurry! The dates and places where you will be able to get rid of these contraption will be announced.

- Thank you, Sir! - said Rex, calm now

- Master - Ahsoka began - did you say 'Chancellor Amidala'?

- Yes! Padmé has been elected by the Galactic Senate as the new Supreme Chancellor - Anakin happily replied

- That's great news! As soon as I meet her, I will congratulate her personally! - said the Togruta cheerfully

- So what will be our next steps? - Rex asked, to which Anakin immediately replied:

- It remains for us to capture the Separatist leaders and bring them to justice. And for now, I can tell you that the war is over! - when Anakin said this sentence, you could hear joy and contentment in his voice. The conflict that has lasted for 3 years has finally come to an end. Smiles also appeared on Ahsoka and Rex's faces. It became clear to them that they would live in new, better times.

- Forgive me, but I have to inform other Jedi. And I'm still going to talk to the Council - saying the last words, you could hear the worry in Anakin's voice -Okay Skyguy, we'll meet at Coruscant and talk! - Ahsoka replied

Shortly after her words, Anakin's silhouette disappeared from the hologram, which was clear that the connection had ended. After a few seconds of silence, Rex looked at Ahsoka and spoke:

- Maybe we should inform my brothers about what just happened?

- That's a great idea! - Ahsoka replied

Rex walked over to the device and recorded the news that the war was finally over. This news was heard on board the entire Venator. A few moments after the news was broadcast, there were loud shouts of joy on the ship. Some soldiers even threw themselves into each other's arms and hugged each other. They were happy that they managed to live to the end of this war and that they fulfilled their destiny of defending the Republic. They knew that because of their sacrifice, everyone would now live in a better, safe time. Rex and Ahsoka watched the joy among the soldiers, but at some point, Ahsoka pounced on Rex and began kissing him. It was a long kiss, but Ahsoka pulled her lips away from Rex's so she could say:

- I love you Rex! I've wanted to tell you this before, but someone always interrupted!

Rex, a little surprised by what had just happened and Ahsoka's confession, replied:

- Actually, I also wanted to confess to you earlier that I feel something for you, but I was a little afraid of your reaction. You know, I'm a clone, I was made to take part in battles... - Ahsoka interrupted him, putting her hands around him at the time:

- No Rex, you are human! You have the right to love and be loved! And besides, there is no more war! Now we will spend every moment together, no longer worrying about our lives!

Ahsoka’s words made a big impression on Rex. He had never heard such words from anyone. He was always seen as a soldier, no one wondered if he had any feelings, dreams. On Kamino, too, they were always told that they were to perform a simple function: to fight and die for the Republic. A moment later, their lips approached again, forming a kiss. Unfortunately, their somewhat intimate moment was interrupted by Jesse, who said with a smile:

- Oh, our Commander found a girlfriend! I have to admit, you even fit together!

- Jesse! Ahsoka and Rex said together - you don't see that we're a little bit of ourselves right now... Busy?! - Rex continued

- Okay, I'm leaving you! I just hope you'll invite me to your wedding! - just after saying these words, Jesse left the room and continued in an unknown direction.

- Damn, he'll probably tell everyone now that he saw us kissing together! - Rex said with a slight smile

- Relax, my dear! I don't care what others say about us, for me it's all about you!

- You're right Ahsoka, I fully agree with you! Why don't we go out on the bridge together to observe hyperspace? - Rex suggested

- With you always! - Ahsoka said

So they went up to the bridge and approached the window. Rex wrapped his arm around Ahsoka, and she laid her head on his shoulder. That moment could go on and on. And so they spent the rest of their journey together on Coruscant. No one disturbed them anymore and they could spend this time just the two of them!

Jedi Temple, Coruscant

- I see that everyone is already present, so I think we can get started - said Master Windu, who continued - "As you have already been informed, Anakin and I defeated the Sith Lord. However, the Council was convened on a much different matter! Shortly after the fight ended, Anakin confessed to me that Palpatine had tried to drag him to the dark side of the Force by using...

- Forgive me Master - Anakin interjected, but it would be better if I told this story!

- Let it be, young Skywalker! - Mace Windu agreed

- Dear Council, Masters! All the while, I kept something secret from everyone. Namely, I secretly married the senator and now chancellor, Padmé Amidala. It was just after the first battle of Geonosis. Also, I'll have a baby with her.

Jedi Masters were shocked by what they heard. They looked at each other and cast curious glances at Anakin.

- The Jedi Code forbids marriage! Your act violates the no-attachment rule! - reacted to Anakin's words Ki-Adi Mundi

- Honestly, that’s what I figured, Anakin – Obi Wan said

- But how is this possible? We hid everything carefully!

-Anakin, you disappeared quite often, you were always the closest to Padme and you were happy when you were supposed to meet her somewhere officially! - Obi-Wan replied, then added: - Just tell me, have you let anyone else into this?

- Yes, only Rex knew about our meetings. He often helped me contact with Padmé in secret and alert me when someone came.

- You trust your captain more than you trust me, your former master? In fact, Rex was acting strangely, as if he wanted to hide something.

- I felt sorry for him sometimes because he had to make a fool of himself in front of others - Anakin said. Hearing these words, a slight smile appeared on Aayla Secura's face, but Anakin continued:

- But this is not the end of the story yet. When Padme got pregnant, I started having visions of her dying. One day when I met the chancellor, he told me the tragedy of Darth Plagueis the Wise. He claimed to have knowledge about saving people from death. Some time later, he confessed to me that he was in fact a Sith Lord and encouraged me to join him. I informed Mace Windu, who later went with additional Jedi to Palpatine's office to arrest him. At that time, I was thinking about the rightness of what I had done and felt that I had to go to the Chancellor. By the time I got there, the fight was already underway. After some thought, I decided to help Master Windu kill the Sith. The rest is already known to all of you.

- Anything more to add you have, Skywalker? - Yoda asked

- No, Master, that's all I've had to say! - Anakin replied

- So, you must leave the room now. Discuss, your actions we must. - Yoda said

Anakin bowed and left the room.

A few dozen of minutes later

- Anakin, the Council has already made a decision on your case, come back! - Obi-Wan called him

- Skywalker - Mace Windu began - after a long and exhausting discussion, the Council has decided that you will remain in the Order. However, we will observe how you behave as a Jedi who is attached to his beloved. We also hold off on making you a Jedi Master. If for a period of several dozen months, you do not show behavior typical of the dark side of the force, the Council will again discuss the possibility of giving the rank of master.

- Thank you Council, thank you master Windu! - Anakin said

- Anakin, I want you to know that all of us, and I in particular, are grateful to you for helping me kill Palpatine. You saved my life, so again, thank you! - added the dark-skinned Jedi in conclusion.

-Additionally, your case may be a step towards reforming the Code and removing the no-attachment rule, but only if you don't become a fallen Jedi.

- Thank you, master, I did what I thought was right. Force guide me! After these words, the young Jedi knight took his seat, and the Jedi Council discussed several important issues during this time. One of these issues was the election of new members of the Council, as several of them fell in the fight against Palpatine.

#star wars #ahsoka tano #the clone wars #captain rex #anakin skywalker #clone wars #obi wan kenobi #ahsoka #rexsoka #rexsoka fic #alternate universe #my first fanfiction

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jedi-qui-gon · 2 months

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Mental health and Comfort Characters

It was difficult to post this, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to...but we all need to pay more attention to mental health.

Here’s a very important video my cousin made, about art and mental health-

Mental health and the arts. I get pretty vulnerable in this one. Probably too vulnerable, but I think this is an important topic we… | Instagram

It really stuck with me.

As an artist – one who writes - I have my mental health struggles. Sometimes I feel like my works are average, never ‘good’ or great’. And sometimes I feel like I’m not improving, that my writings will never reach the levels of the writers who’ve created and published Star Wars novels like E. K. Johnston (writer of the Ahsoka novel) and Claudia Gray (writer of Master & Apprentice). But I know it’s just the mental health issues talking, I just gotta keep practicing!

My cousin does therapy. Though for me, since I’m deaf/hard of hearing and struggle to understand people I don’t know well and often strangers don’t understand me, therapy for mental health the ‘standard way’ just seemed too daunting. But my cousin shared a link more recently for deaf and hard of hearing accessible mental healthcare that’s chat based. Hope to give it a try soon!

And recent events in past months haven’t helped my mental health at all.

I was away on vacation with my mom and my grandma in January of this year to Texas. It started off good but things went awry towards the end and my grandma’s health took a downturn. But thankfully she improved and we were able to go home.

On the 29th of January, I had worked on notes for my therapist for when I do the mental health therapy. It got too much to finish in one day, brought up old painful memories, triggered and upset me. But it is needed for the therapist but didn't want to push myself too hard, it’s not something I need to finish just yet.

If that had been all I would have been back to writing and posting by now, but sadly my grandma passed away on February 6th …still recovering. I was so upset I hadn’t posted any fanfics since then.

Related to my mental health, there’s something called ‘comfort characters’ and here’s what my Bing Search said -

“A comfort character is a fictional character from a film, TV show, book, or video game that someone thinks of in times of distress, to help them feel better. A comfort character can make the person feel comfortable and safe, because they relate to them, look up to them, or feel like they have a special bond with them. A comfort character can also provide a sense of security and order in a chaotic world.”

Qui-Gon Jinn and Ahsoka Tano, both from Star Wars, are surely my comfort characters.

Qui-Gon Jinn used to be my favorite, first got into Star Wars via the Prequel Trilogy long ago.

Back then, I was such a fan of Qui-Gon I had ‘Jedi Qui-Gon’ as my Fanfiction.net username, Xbox gamertag, and used a picture of him as my profile pics on the sites I had accounts on. And have recently changed my usernames on the sites I felt like doing so to ‘Jedi Qui-Gon since he’s still my second favorite in Star Wars.

It’s safe to say he helped me through the last year of High School back in 2011-2012. It got so bad I considered dropping out but hung in there. One saving grace came out of that which was my high school graduation party my family had. I had requested a cake, a Star Wars Qui-Gon Jinn cake and loved it!

More recently, in the new 20’s and onward, Ahsoka Tano became my favorite Star Wars character, Qui-Gon became second place. Ahsoka is my profile pics for most of the sites I have accounts on.

At first I had just liked her. But after the Ahsoka novel, Star Wars Rebels, Season 7 of Star Wars the Clone Wars, and her appearance in The Mandalorian; she became my favorite. And loved her appearances in The Book of Boba Fett and her show too!

And a reason I’m happy for that, her content, Star Wars, and more Qui-Gon content as well is because I used to be a fan of Harry Potter, written by JK R*wl*ng. When she revealed her ugly hateful self and dove into the abyss of evil, I felt betrayed. And that did not help my mental health at all.

To help deal with the hurt jumped in Star Wars more, and Ahsoka Tano. I feel Ahsoka would have some...choice words directed at the sleemo…especially for tricking children…

#writing #mental health #Ahsoka Tano #Qui-Gon Jinn #mental health awareness #mental health matters

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marierg · 2 years

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Of Light and Darkness: Phantom in the Dark 2

Pairing: Obi Wan Kenobi X Reader

WARNINGS!: DARTH MAUL (A warning in and of himself), Death, injuries, loss and sadness. AAANNNNGGGSSSTTT!!!!! Ok we all know what’s coming but it’s still gonna hurt!

A/N: I don’t own any rights to the story or characters in Cannon Star Wars. There are a few portions of the dialogue within this chapter. This is a Loving tribute and work of Fan fiction, with a few tweaks and twists of my own! If you haven’t ever read the novelization there’s a few things that I tossed in there, highly recommend the read. As a kid I thought that the Baddies were more greedy than evil, but after reading a little and watching clone wars I tweaked this to fit more how I thought it should go. Hope you all enjoy!

PS- This is gonna be VERY picture heavy, because I'm not always confident in my ability to write without giving a visual. Sorry....

Picture Credit: Pinterest/ Lucasfilm LTD

Word Count: 4700

MASTERLIST Next Part (3)

Upon jumping out of hyperspace it became apparent that the blockade was over with only one control ship remaining in orbit. None the less your craft was surely detected and time was precious. That the Nubian cruiser landed on the planet in one piece completely solidified your opinion that this was indeed a trap. Queen Amidala seemed to have a plan in mind to garner support and possibly an army from the neighboring Gungans. Enlisting the help of the exuberant Jar Jar Binks your small force was to make their way to the underwater capitol Otoh Gunga. Having found the city deserted Jar Jar surmised that the Gungan populace had probably sought refuge in their sacred temple.

You made plainly clear that you didn’t like the idea of dragging a child into a warzone to Master Qui Gon. Unfortunately, there really wasn’t anywhere safe to put Anakin till this blew over. He was a spitfire though. Having reunited with his friend Padme he insisted that he could help her protect the Queen. Not wanting to give away the surprise you kept your big mouth shut and smirking.

It was during the negotiations with the Gungan leadership that Queen Padme Amidala finally dropped her façade. You and the men knew of course, but you still had to give credit where it was due. Padme had managed to avoid capture and assassination from this well played deception. Not only was she resourceful, but humble and brave.

She made an impassioned speech before Boss Nass and his council, stating that though the two did not always see eye to eye the two groups would always be united by the planet they called home. Humbling herself before them, Queen Padme begged the Gungans help to save her people and their shared planet. It was this act of faith that sealed the pact with the Gungans, even though it was likely that many of them would be killed in this little war.

After the recon team returned from Theed and the last of the strategy had been completed you stepped away to clear your head. Obi Wan was needed to help work with the pilots, but you needed to think away from the cacophony of preparation. Taking a stroll into the woods a ways, you found a clearing. Naboo was a beautiful, vibrant world so teeming with life. You sat meditating for a long while, til small footsteps approached you. “Miss Y/n?”

“Yes Anakin?” you kept your eyes closed, not moving.

“Um … can I sit with you for a while?” His voice seemed tired for a youngling.

Opening your eyes, you studied him. It was clear that he was anxious, but about what was the question. Patting the grass next to you, he took the offered spot. Looking at how you sat he tried his best to imitate. You had to straighten him out a little though.

“Here, chin up. Head tall, no slouching. Master Windu always says that the better the posture the sharper the mind. Just breathe and listen to what’s around you.”

“All I here are speeders and animals dragging things?” Anakin's small face was scrunched in concentration.

Laughing a little, knowing that you were going directly against your own Master’s directive, you thought how best to put it. “Try…filtering it? Listen beyond to what’s going on in the woods. Then hold onto that and just breathe, kind of let go of everything?”

Obi Wan had finally apologized to Master Qui Gon about his attitude of late towards the boy. You had caught him earlier doing a slight of hand trick causing Anakin to laugh. Once he had gotten past his initial dislike and territorialism Obi Wan had actually found that Anakin wasn’t so bad as he thought. The boy couldn’t help that he had gotten attached to Qui Gon, or that the Master had become fond of the boy as well. Anakin was a sweet kid and very easy to like.

“Now feel for something warm like…a blanket on a cold night.” Looking at Anakin’s face again you could see the calm settle over it. “Good job buddy. Why don’t you keep practicing, I’ll send Master Qui Gon over, Huh?”

Peeking one eye open, he smiled, “Ok! Thank you, Miss Y/N!”

“You can just call me Y/N, Ok Ani-Man?” The boy smiled brightly and you set off to find the Master in question. As it would happen he wasn’t too far off.

Qui Gon Jinn had been a Jedi Master and instructor for many cycles and had the opportunity to watch others as they taught. Some had patience, some were strict, and some were just naturally in tune with children. His own apprentice he could see one day being a wise and patient master. You he saw as more of a guide, working with students and letting them lead, but also letting them learn from failure. Both you and Obi Wan complimented each other in those respects.

Qui Gon did worry about the bond that the two young Jedi had with each other. Not for a second did he believe that either of you wouldn’t uphold the spirit of your vows as Jedi or let it interfere with your duties. No, his concern was that one of you may be lost one day, and that the other would face what he had. Together though you and Obi Wan were perfectly paired. He never told Obi Wan that he knew about the relationship, giving that small piece of privacy. He suspected that Mace was unaware, or the two of you would have been separated immediately. Stepping out of the shadows he called out. “Y/n, have you seen Anakin?”

“Oh Master Qui Gon! Yeah, he’s meditating over by the pond. Did you need something?” You were not expecting him to pop out of the blue, normally being able to sense those around you far sooner.

“Actually, I hoping for a word with you. I’m sorry that you got pulled into all this.” Qui Gon looked sadly at you. There were days that your youth was dimmed and the toll of life was evident within your eyes. Today he could well see the map of every battle in your past and felt the apprehension within you, it well matched his own.

“I feel that it’s less anything you did and more Master Windu testing me yet again.” Your eyes rolled, but there was no spite in the statement. Disagree though you often did, you cared deeply for your Master.

“Just the same. I did want to ask, do you believe this to be a foolish venture?” Qui Gon folded his arms leaning against the nearest tree.

“Freeing a people from oppression and pain is never foolish.” You said with ease and confidence. “I do however feel that going into occupied territory, in broad daylight, in large numbers… that might be a little foolhardy.”

Qui Gon chuckled a little under his breath. “Well, I can’t argue that wisdom. Unfortunately, time is not on our side this time my young friend.”

“Is it ever?” You sighed gazing out as if to see a portent of the events to come.

“No, I suppose it’s not.” Smiling he turned towards Anakin, who by now was fast asleep having meditated too deeply. The boy’s future was in the air as much as any of theirs. While Qui Gon knew that Obi Wan was now more amicable towards Anakin, you had developed a small friendship with him as well. “Y/n?”

“Yes Master Qui Gon?” you quirked your brow up, turning to face the older Jedi better.

There was an odd tone in his voice, one you weren’t used too. Cocking your head to the side you looked at Master Qui Gon, really studying him. He seemed far too tired; stressed from the mission and the Council’s decision regarding Anakin’s training. In a way he appeared to have aged rapidly in the last few days.

“I need you to promise me something.” He saw you nod in acknowledgement, though he also saw the suspicious look in your eyes. Smiling a bit to himself he thought about what Melri would have thought of all this, knowing that this was similar in action to the path she had put he and Mace on years ago. “Keep an eye on them for me.”

“Two, if I can.” You winked at him. Your face grew serious then. "Is everything alright Master?”

He tried to relax his expression, smiling confidently at you despite his own wariness. He knew that you too sensed something was amiss. “Everything will be fine. I think Obi Wan was looking for you though.”

Again, you had kept your expression a schooled neutral, though Qui Gon noticed a very small blip in your signature. He often wondered if maybe he noticed these small nuances because he had spent so much time with you and perhaps Mace hadn’t? Taking a few steps forward he gave you a genuine smile and your shoulder a gentle nudge in the direction he knew you wanted to follow. Perhaps you and Obi Wan would avoid the pain of loss.

The two small assault forces infiltrated the capitol of Theed with little trouble. While the second group, led by Captain Panaka, distracted the plaza guards the other went for the main hanger. That’s where all farking hell broke loose between a platoon of droids raining blaster fire down on you and trying to get the pilots to their ships and away. As the fight intensified you had seen Anakin duck into one of the fighters. As the joint assault force finally took out the last of the droids, the hanger seemed secure for the moment.

“Your Highness are you alright.” You asked the young woman from across the bay.

“Yes, thank you. My guess is that the Viceroy is in the throne room.” She straightened an errand hair, checking her blaster.

“I agree,” Master Qui Gon was already scanning the bay for anything out of place. Seeing Anakin trying to get out of the fighter eager to rejoin you all he raised a hand. “No Ani, you stay there, stay right where you are.”

“But I…” Anakin was cut short.

“Stay in that cockpit.” Qui Gon’s voice was firm, it was the end of the discussion.

“Don’t worry Ani-Man, we’ll be back in no time. But keep your head low, Ok?” You shouted to the young man before making your way to the end of the bay, giving him a small smile. He’d be ok, you hoped. If nothing else the ship provided ample cover and concealment.

Your lightsaber was tucked into your boot, out of sight but within reach. You had opted instead to use a blaster like the others so as to not look out of place. Suddenly you felt something, something cold. It was as if you had been dropped in a vat of liquid nitrogen, the hairs on your neck stood straight up. Grabbing young Padme, you pulled her back… from what you weren’t sure. She looked at you startled, “Y/n what are you…”

The bay doors opened revealing not a man, but a monster of legend. The dark figure dropped his cloak, revealing a head of black and red markings crowned by jaundiced horns. The eyes of the creature though, they glowed yellow like the fires from the depths of Perdition. Like many others as a youngling you’d heard the stories of the Sith, had a few nightmares about them too. But none of that compared to the sight in front of you. Stepping between Padme and this creature your first instinct was to grab for your blade.

“We’ll handle this,” Master Qui Gon and Obi Wan had already moved to engage. Nodding to them you understood that your job was now to stay with the Queen and end the fighting on the planet. Giving both of them a glance you sent them a final wish. “May the Force be with you.”

Padme had already switched gears, “We’ll take the long way.”

Heading through the maze of hallways and up a grand staircase the group was soon overtaken by a squad of battle droids. Split down the middle of the hall you were all taking heavy fire. Looking around there wasn’t any real cover, just exposed tall windows. You looked to the Captain, “Any way we can bypass those stairs?”

Panaka nodded his head then blasted the window closest. “One.”

A six-flight ascent by grappling, and yet another blasted window later you were within reach of the objective. However, a detachment of destroyer droids and the Viceroy had other plans. After being captured you were brought before Viceroy Nute Gunray and his second in command Rune Haako in the throne room. Haako sneered at the Queen, raising a hand to strike her. Knowing there was no time to block the blow properly you moved between the two, taking the hit instead. It was made with enough force that you were knocked back onto the floor.

Haako laughed, smiling at his own cruelty, “You should teach your handmaid some restraint.”

“Rune there will be time for that later. Your little insurrection is at an end your Highness. Time for you to sign the treaty and end this pointless debate in the Senate.” Gunray was pacing on the opposite side of the ring of chairs. Haako was still towering over both you and Padme.

“Maybe we shouldn’t kill them after all. Both would bring a fair price on the slave markets.” He ran a lascivious finger down the young Queen’s arm. To Padme’s credit if looks could kill, Haako would have been an ashen pile on the floor.

The Nemoidian was already counting his credits, judging by the look he was giving all of you. Captain Panaka had helped you back to your feet, offering you a sleeve to wipe the blood from your lip. The droids had taken all the blasters but had failed to find your saber. Placing yourself again between the Queen and harm, you swatted away Haako’s hand. He raised his arm once more to strike you, but was interrupted by a commotion in the hall.

“VICEROY!!!”

Gunray and Haako looked down the hallway shocked at seeing what appeared to be the Queen in her full garb, armed guards in tow.

“YOUR REIGN OF TERROR IS AT AN END!” Sabe blasted a few of the droids for effect. Her group then dashed down an opposite hall.

Viceroy Gunray wasn’t silent for long, gesturing wildly. “AFTER HER! This one’s a decoy!”

As some of the droids marched out Padme used the distraction to perfection. Retrieving a set of small blasters hidden in her throne, she tossed one to the good captain. Running forward you went into a slide under the remaining droids as they tried to blast you. Rising with your blade in hand you sliced through the clattering machines. You turned again, pressing the control panel on the wall bringing down the doors, effectively locking everyone in. The Nemoidians were stunned, but weren’t about to surrender yet. Padme turned to the two jaw set, “And now Viceroy, we will discuss a new treaty. This is the end of your occupation here.”

Gunray scoffed haughtily, “Don’t be absurd. There are too few of you, even with a Jedi. It won’t be long before hundreds of destroyer droids break into this room and rescue us.”

At that moment you doubled over in agony, the feeling one you had only experienced once before. It wasn’t an injury to you, but as if someone dear to you had been. It was soon followed by another wave of both sorrow and anger. The Force itself was rippling from the shockwaves. You recovered as quickly as you could, knowing that the enemy would look for any opening to make an escape attempt. Re leveling your saber at the Viceroy and his man you glared and stood your ground.

Haako sneered, “Our Lord's plaything has finished your friends, and soon he will finish you all.”

Maker but what if he were right? What if Master Qui Gon & Obi Wan were gone? No, you had to focus. The first priority had to be the mission and the people in the room. You lowered your blade infinitesimally, narrowing your eyes. Haako was far too over confident for the situation he was in. Even Viceroy Gunray had begun to sweat a little. So what was the other Nemoidian playing at?

You stared down, or up as the case was, the Trade Federation Skughole. "Not if I have anything to say about it."

Captain Panaka must have had a suspicion of his own, slowly coming to stand nearly in front of the Queen on her throne. The moment happened so fast though, thinking back on it. You saw Haako pull a knife from below his robes and leapt towards Padme. Panaka kicked him, sending Haako back but not disarming him. Sprinting the second the initial threat had appeared you moved again to face the Nemoidian. His red eyes boring into yours with abject hate. “I’m not waiting for Maul to come. I’ll finish you both myself for the trouble you’ve caused!”

Raising his arm he swung the knife to land a blow that would end you. Master Windu often said that it was never about rising to the occasion, but falling back to the level of your training. Simply put you didn’t think about the actions as you took them. Spinning quickly into Haako to close the distance you grabbed the arm with the knife. Twisting and with a great pull you flipped him forward. But as the Nemoidian fell his cloak twisted around, causing him to fall at an awkward angle. This pulled you forward to roll with him. as you both landed Haako slashed your arm and kicked the saber across the room.

Haako had regained the upper hand, kneeling over you. He simultaneously kept a stranglehold on your throat and with his other hand was trying to jam the blade into your chest. It was enough of a struggle that you were barely preventing the blade from doing more than superficial damage. Padme raised her weapon to fire but Captain Panaka stayed her hand, “No! you might hit the girl.”

You were struggling against his superior physical strength and loosing air rapidly. Closing your eyes you focused on using the Force bringing one of the throne room chairs flying across the floor. Like a bug in front of a speeder the chair careened into Haako, and then into the marble wall. Both landed with a deafening thud. Padme kept her blaster leveled at Gunray, “Don’t even think about it.”

Sitting up you coughed, throat finally able to pull in air once more. Something was wrong though, you could sense it. Moving cautiously to where your opponent had fallen you looked down in horror. The knife that had almost ended you was now embedded into Rune Haakos chest. He must have died on impact, near instantaneous. Not even the sacred crystals in the Halls of Healing could have brought him back. Bile rose in your throat, stumbling back you wretched your guts upon the floor.

Your mind reeled, “What have I done?”

“What you had to do.” Captain Panaka had come to stand behind you. He pulled you up by your arm and handed your lightsaber back to you. “It was him or you. Make no mistake he wouldn’t have regretted killing any of us.”

Your mind became a torrent, not wanting to accept that your hands were now stained with this Nemoidian's blood. What kind of Healer…what kind of Jedi were you? The logical part of yourself knew that the Captain was right of course. That is had you not acted then you and or Padme would be dead. Staring at the body one last time you asked Panaka to ensure that Haako’s family be given the body for burial. He may have been a fallen enemy, but you could at least ensure that courtesy. There were no tears to shed, only the feeling of hollowness and cold.

The word came down that the control station destroyed and the war over. The reports from the field were still counting the Gungan injured and dead, casualties mercifully still less than initially expected. After securing the Viceroy and his remaining staff you went in search of your friends. Tracing your way back to the hangar you found Anakin who, as asked hadn’t left the cockpit of the spacecraft. He had however flown said craft straight into the dogfight above and been the one to blow up the control ship. You had crushed the boy to you upon finding him, relieved at his safety. That was one accounted for at least.

Placing him in the care of the other pilots you continued your search. The power station below the capitol was deep and winding. You had to reach with the Force to find an exact location, focusing with all that you had left. The signatures weren’t distinct initially and one faded as you were making the descent, snuffed out of the world like a flame in the wind. When you came at last to the pit, you were both relieved and saddened.

Obi Wan cried out like a wounded animal, cradling the body of his fallen Master. There was no sign of the Sith. Making your way to them you had to fight the bile rising in your stomach again. Slowly you knelt next to Obi Wan, not wanting to jolt or startle him. You tried to reach your signature to his, whispering to him, moving cautiously. “Obi?”

He didn’t hear you, so again you called to him, placing a gentle hand to his arm. “Obi Wan, are you hurt? Is that thing still here?”

Tear-stained eyes looked at you, so lost and in pain that it tore your heart to absolute shreads. His signature finally flickered against yours, wrapping tightly. “Y/n?”

“I’m here, I’m Here.” You voice cracked.

Your hand moved to rest on his cheek turning him to look at you, thumb swiping away the tears. Looking down at Master Qui Gon you could see the evidence of what had befallen him. The tears you were holding back threatened to break loose and join Obi Wans. Master Qui Gon had to have felt something within the Force, that was the only explanation you had for all of his odd behavior leading up to this. Falling back to your training once more, you reached out to see if Obi Wan was indeed uninjured. His gaze was far away, tolerating your examination with little acknowledgement. His gaze passed from Qui Gon to the Pit, then finally back to you. “I killed him.”

Your hands paused their work, looking into his bleak eyes. “Who did you kill Obi Wan?”

“That thing, I killed him.” His voice cracked.

Obi Wan finally blinked, coming back to himself. It was as if he was finally seeing you; that until then you had only been a part of the ether. Obi Wan glanced to your face, then to your neck. The bruising was starting to form dark purple marks, the cut on your lip very apparent. Anger rose within him again, threatening to set loose on whomever had done this to his woman. Raising his hands he turned your chin, seeing the full extent of what had happened. Then he noticed the cuts on your chest where your dress had been blood soaked from the struggle with the knife. Rage crossed his features, no longer only from the loss of his Master and mentor.

"Who did this?" Obi Wan's voice took on a distinctive growl. "Who?!"

“Obi I’m alright. I promise I’m alright.” You had never seen him like this, it frightened you. Reaching further you felt something terrible within his signature, trying to get out. No, you wouldn’t lose him, not to the darkness... not like this!

"I'll kill the bastards..."

“Obi Wan look at me… Its over, it’s over! Please, let it stay over.” Your pleas high pitched but soft spoken. Stroking his face you prayed to whichever higher being was present to aid you. “Obi please… Stay with me love? Please stay please....”

Obi Wan saw the tears in your eyes finally fall, twin trails marking your battered face. He felt your signature calling for his own to be calm, to find peace. Was it not enough that his Master had been killed this day, was it not enough that he was now responsible for a young man’s future? Was the Universe itself trying to beat him down, crushing him beneath its weight?! But Obi Wan knew that he could not give into these feelings of fear, of anger, of despair. No, he would not abandon the light, not abandon all that Master Qui Gon had taught him. Most of all he would not abandon you.

You saw it, the minute that it was over for him. When the light returned to his eyes and he pulled you into his arms, kissing your forehead gently. Obi Wan held you tightly, as if you too would disappear. You clutched him just as tightly, crying like you hadn’t in years for the losses of this day, true wracking sobs. The tension within you began to uncoil, you gazed into his clear blue eyes again.

“I’m so sorry Obi Wan. I’m so very sorry...”

“I know love,” pressing his forehead to yours, pressing a ghost of a kiss to your lips, “I know.”

The two of you brought the body of Qui Gon Jinn back to the hanger, from there the pilots took him to their chapel nearby. A gesture of kindness and respect. Anakin was with Padme, having insisted that he protect her until your return. As he saw you and Obi Wan enter the room his young face fell in sorrow, Padme held him as his tears fell.

Obi Wan wasn’t sure how to comfort Anakin, but he had made a promise to his Master and it would be done. He moved to kneel in front of Anakin, Padme and her escorts let you three have the room, she informed you that both the new Chancellor and members of the Jedi Council would arrive soon. There was a river of unwept tears behind the Queens eyes, for her people and the Gungans and for the Jedi. In the years following Padme would observe the anniversary of the victory in the Naboo Temple, deep in prayer for the souls of who gave all their tomorrows for the peace of today.

Using the sleeve of his robes Obi Wan tried wiping the tears away, giving a sad smile. At first he though what would Qui Gon do, but there was still too much pain there for an answer. So, Obi Wan looked at you, now kneeling next to him and thought what would Y/n do? That answer came more readily, he pulled both of you to him in a hug. It was brief but it seemed to help you all, a little balm on such a large wound.

“It’s alright to feel sad Anakin, we miss him too.” Your own eyes threatened to cloud over again.

“Why…Why did he have to die?” Anakin’s eyes held just a touch of anger behind them.

Obi Wan swallowed thickly, “Qui Gon was a protector of the light, at times that means making a great sacrifice so others may carry on.”

“I’m sorry mister Obi Wan, for your loss. You don’t have to worry about me.” Anakin stared at the floor, trying to figure out what he would do from there. “Maybe… Maybe I could stay here instead? Or one of the pilots could bring me back to my mom?”

“Anakin, look at me.” Obi Wan was firm but still used a soft tone with the boy, not wanting to upset him further. “I promise we will talk with the Jedi Council, you need not worry.”

“Ok.” It was a soft, small reply. The young man looked from Obi Wan to you. “Do you promise?”

It was not an easy question to answer. From experience you knew that it was never a good idea to make a promise that you may not be able to keep. Once given your word was your bond, but it would seem that you were already bound to these two men. Extending your hand Anakin took it. “You have my word, Anakin Skywalker, we will see this done.”

#oooohhhh ma HEART #Qui Gon Nooooooo!#Why do I do this to myself?!#obi wan kenobi x reader #obi wan fanfiction #obi wan x reader #obi wan kenobi #obi wan x y/n #obi wan star wars #I've been at this for 12 hours now! :-P

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rexismycopilot · 2 years

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not sure about u rex but personally i'm a big fan of anakin breaking his arm while playing soccer perhaps with obi-wan there to watch. maybe it's the first time he's gone so watch him play so anakin is absolutely confident and preening and then it happens. they r both helpless cuz immediately anakin wants his daddy but can't ask for him that way in public and obi-wan's automatic instinct is to switch into Daddy mode for his boy but he has to hold himself back until it's just them safe and at home. drama and angst and shame and embarrassment and obi-wan comforting his boy and giving him everything he needs. maybe it's a severe break that requires surgery and pins and needs to stay in a cast for at least several months afterwards. a few days or maybe weeks after anakin is still feeling bad and he just needs a little bit of gentle comfort sex from his Daddy to set him right. 😫🥺🥺🥺

THIS. IS. UNBELIEVABLY. SOFT. AND JUST

FJA;FJEIJAJAD;FJALJEMJNSITJFA;

Okay, so I know I got this a few days ago but yesterday I had to drive 4 hours, visit family, and then drive 4 hours home so I didn't get a lot done yesterday, but let me tell you.... I thought about this ask a lot on my drive.

A lot.

I even talked to a few people about it because I couldn't get it out of my head. I love the way you set this up! So let me build on it a bit, if I may.

Honestly, Anakin breaking his dominant arm is just incredibly angsty on his own because though he willingly gives a lot up to Obi-Wan, to have his independence forcibly taken away is so hard.

So he would be an absolute menace as he tries to cut his own food, bathe himself, brush his teeth, get dressed. And Obi-Wan is trying so hard to be understanding, but their whole dynamic is off because Obi-Wan also doesn't want to punish him the same way (Anakin's already in pain and already suffering, he reasons) but it's hard for them without it.

And Anakin feels like he's being treated differently because... well, he is.

So both are getting frustrated with each other and Obi-Wan seeks out Qui-Gon's advice and it's basically "You need to fuck him and you need to punish him. Not necessarily in that order."

So Obi-Wan does. 😌

#ask #anon #fifty shades au #obikin #writing suggestion

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trustsdirect · 2 years

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Zombie hunter spidey

#Zombie hunter spidey series#

Before using any type of cleanser, try a small bit on the bottom of the figure's foot to test it. Magic erasers are good at removing scuffs from the vinyl figures. If necessary, you may want to use a gentle soap. If you use water, it should only be lukewarm. One (1) burgundy-colored cloak (Cloak of Levitation) (embedded with bendable wire & magnetic feature) Accessories: - Six (6) strings of spider web in. One (1) pair of silver colored web shooters. Sometimes you will only need to wipe the vinyl figure with a dry or damp cloth to remove the dust. Costume : - One (1) red and blue colored Zombie Hunter Spidey Suit with grayish black trims, cobweb pattern and black spider emblem on chest. To clean your Funko Pop bobbleheads, always start with the least intensive cleaning method. Descubra nuestra colección de minifiguras de LEGO®. You can find protector boxes that are made to fit Funko Pop vinyl figures. Ver figura de LEGO® Zombie Hunter Spidey (Spider-man) en. To keep your Funko Pop bobbleheads and vinyl figures in prime condition, display them somewhere where they will be safe. How do you care for your Funko Pop bobbleheads? (Additional figures each sold separately.

#Zombie hunter spidey series#

If you are a fan of the X-Men movies, you can find Wolverine, Magneto, Professor X, and Storm. This quality 6-inch Legends Series Zombie Hunter Spidey figure features multiple points of articulation and is a great addition to any action figure collection MARVEL UNIVERSE IN 6-INCH SCALE: Look for other Marvel Legends Series figures (each sold separately) with comic- and movie-inspired characters. If you are a fan of The Avengers, you can select from Captain America, Thor, Iron Man, the Hulk, and more. Marvel: You can find a Funko Pop for almost every character in the Marvel Universe films.Some even come with accessories, such as Leia on a Speeder and Kylo Ren with a Tie Fighter. There are also many characters available from the first standalone film, “Rogue One,” such as Jyn Erso and Cassian Andor. Zombie Hunter Spidey is in a ragtag group of survivors, fighting his way through a zombie-infested world. If you are a fan of the new trilogy films “The Force Awakens” and “The Last Jedi,” you will certainly want the Pop characters Finn, Rey, Kylo Ren, and Poe Dameron. You can also find characters from the prequels, such as Anakin Skywalker, Queen Amidala, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Qui Gon Jinn, C3PO, and R2-D2. You can find Pop characters from the original trilogy, such as Luke Skywalker, Leia Organa, Han Solo, Yoda, Darth Vader, and Chewbacca. Star Wars: There are many series of Star Wars bobbleheads from each of the films.What Funko Pop bobbleheads are well-known?įans of the Star Wars and Marvel film series can find many bobbleheads to complete their collections. All other Funko Pop vinyl figures are referred to as figures. Due to licensing restrictions, any Funko Pop vinyl figure toy that features Star Wars or Marvel characters must be called a bobblehead. The only difference between a Funko Pop bobblehead and a Funko Pop figure toy is the brand. How are Funko Pop bobbleheads and Funko Pop figures different? Includes 2nd head Includes black minifigure base plate of 3 x 4 studs Complete your collection of LEGO 71031 Minifigures Marvel Studios now Other minifigures from the series are also available. When collecting Funko Pop toys, you will often want to get an entire series from a particular fandom in order for your collection to be complete. LEGO Marvel Studios Minifigure Zombie Hunter Spidey. These bobblehead toys are highly collectible and come in various sets and series. Lego Marvel Studios Series T’Challa Star-Lord Minifigure 71031. Sold by Toys and Brick Attic and ships from Amazon Fulfillment. The web patterns on Peter Bs fists are more intricate and the. Finally I realized that Peter B Parkers hands are a slightly different mold than the MCU Spidey hands which ZH came with. HOT TOYS - TMS058 - WHAT IF.? - ZOMBIE HUNTER SPIDEYĮxpertly crafted based on the appearance of Zombie Hunter Spidey in the soon-to-be-released animation series, the 1/6th scale figure features a newly crafted masked head sculpt with multiple interchangeable right eye pieces to create different combinations of expressions a greatly poseable figure body finely tailored Zombie Hunter Spidey suit following the classic blue and red color scheme with a Cloak of Levitation in burgundy a number of interchangeable hands for signature poses assorted web effect accessories, and a dynamic figure stand.Funko makes vinyl Pop bobbleheads and figures for almost every fandom you can think of. This item: Lego Marvel Studios Series Zombie Hunter Spidey Minifigure 71031. You gotta be able to line up the wrist gauntlet with the direction the hand is rotated, since we havent gotten forearm rotation since the Toybiz molds.

#Zombie hunter spidey

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crispyjenkins · 4 years

Link

Mandalore recognises him. He knows it from the moment they disembark from The Legacy, when that same jolt runs up his legs to his chest, when Dha greets the planet like an old friend.

ayyy i’m not dead and also this is over 6,000 words ‘cause i have no self control. there is. a lot of gay in this one.

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stairset · 2 years

Video

youtube

Someone recorded the Tales of the Jedi trailer at Celebration, sharing to Tumblr before it gets taken down

Things of significance that I noticed:

I assume the animal at the beginning is an Akul and they’re gonna show how she earned her Akul-tooth headdress.

Ahsoka training with some Phase I clones. Her outfit his sort of a hybrid of her seasons 1-3 outfit and her seasons 3-5 outfit telling us that this takes place during the gap between “Hunt for Ziro” and “Heroes on Both Sides”. I assume this is not long after she gets her second lightsaber and that’s why she’s training.

(Also notice the clones have her surrounded as they fire stun blasts at her while she tries to deflect with both blades, not entirely dissimilar to what happens in “Shattered”...foreshadowing much?)

Anakin and Obi-Wan have their armor from the seasons 1-3 period.

Some clips of Jedi!Dooku and Padawan!Qui-Gon, and later an older Dooku on a mission with Mace. It seems in both cases Dooku takes some sort of extreme/aggressive actions that the others don’t approve of, obviously foreshadowing his eventual fall to the dark side.

The crowd cheers for Mace which is nice. Dude deserves some fucking respect.

Brief glimpse of Bail in one shot.

Also brief glimpse of Tera Sinube and Saesee Tiin standing beside Dooku at what looks like a funeral.

In one shot it looks like Anakin is just starting to grow his hair out, at it’s slightly longer than it was in seasons 1-3 but not quite as long as the seasons 3-6 look.

Yaddle also gets some love because we Star Wars fans just love our minor characters.

Ahsoka about to fight an Inquisitor in a burning town (between this guy and the Sixth Brother that’s the second time she’s done that lmao). She’s wearing her outfit from the Walkabout arc in season 7 which is a little disappointing, not because I don’t like that outfit but because I reeeally wanna see her wear the original concept outfit that’s featured on the cover of the Ahsoka book.

Naturally, we hear voice clips of Matt Lanter, Dee Bradley Baker, Corey Burton and Terrence Carson as Anakin, Rex, Dooku and Mace respectively. Safe to say Ashley Eckstein will once again voice Ahsoka and with Obi-Wan there I’m sure James Arnold Taylor will voice him again as well. The only one I’m not sure about Yoda, what with Tom Kane losing his voice due to his stroke back in 2020.

Coming this fall meaning they might be saving Bad Batch season 2 til next year since we haven’t heard anything about it yet.

#star wars #tales of the jedi #ahsoka tano #count dooku #shut up tristan

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padawanlost · 3 years

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Something I noticed: a lot of Obi-Wan fans insist that Qui-Gon rejected Obi-Wan when he said he would take Anakin as an apprentice because Obi-Wan was ready to take the trials. (I see it as Qui-Gon realizing a 9yo former child slave needed him more than a 25yo man, but w/e.) But what about when Anakin told Obi-Wan he thought of him as a father, and Obi-Wan criticized him in response? Why isn’t that seen as a rejection?

Qui-Gon was wrong in *how* the conducted the whole thing. He should’ve talked to both Anakin and Obi-wan before the told anything to the Council. In that aspect, Obi-wan was right in feeling hurt but his master’s actions. But, yeah, some fans do react to that scene as if Qui-Gon was abandoning a helpless puppy in the middle of the road.

Obi-wan was still a padawan but he was also a highly prepared 25 years old and fully capable of taking care of himself (as shown later in the movie). On the other hand, Anakin, at the time, was a terrified 9 years old child who *needed* an adult around to grow properly, safely and healthy.

As for Obi-wan reaction to Anakin seeing him as his father figure, I don’t think it came from a negative place. Personally, I don’t think the two situations can be compared. Obi-wan was upset because he felt abandoned and betrayed by his master. Anakin was openly stating his views and Obi-wan was responding with his usual dry humor. If anything, Obi-wan was critical of Anakin’s handle on attachments. It had nothing to do with him picking one person over another.

Obi-Wan had tried to talk to him about it, but the boy would just shut down. His eyes would turn opaque and the corners of his mouth would straighten into a thin line. He would seem very far away. Obi-Wan did not know how to reach him at such times, but they were infrequent and passed as quickly as a rain shower. When they’d met, Anakin had been a warm-hearted nine-year-old boy with an open nature. He was twelve and a half now, and the years had changed him. He had grown to be a boy who hid his heart. [Jude Watson’s Deceptions]

Palpatine always did have a soft spot for Anakin … and there was a part of Anakin that would always need emotional ties. Having lost his mother and Qui-Gon—and then being denied Padmé—of course he’d turned to Palpatine. A benign, uncritical father figure. A source of unconditional support. Anakin had come to the Temple years too late for anything or anyone to undo his need for love. And what cannot be cured must be endured. [Karen Miller’s Star Wars: Clone Wars Gambit: Stealth]

Emotionally speaking, Obi-wan did reject Anakin’s need for emotional support but I don’t see it as a personal failure on Obi-wan’s part. Obi-wan had to reject Anakin’s need for love because that was the Jedi way. As far as he was concerned, he was doing what was best for Anakin and his future with the Jedi. And we can’t really blame Obi-wan for being emotionally distant because that’s how he was raised too.

Yoda’s stare was bleak. “Great are the challenges your Padawan will face. To be his friend your heart will urge you. But Obi-Wan, a mistake that would be. A friend young Skywalker does not need. A Master he needs, and a Master you must be.” “I understand,” Obi-Wan replied, and took his leave. But as he made his long way to the Halls of Healing, he realized it wasn’t advice he was prepared to take. [Karen Miller. Star Wars: The Clone Wars: Wild Space]

Of course, as we all know, Obi-wan failed at being emotionally distant but his inability to express his feelings for Anakin in a way Anakin could recognize (like his mother did) created a communication problem between them.

Again, very different from what happened between Qui-Gon and Obi-wan.

As for the fandom discourse, people will hold on to any reason they can find when it comes protecting or attacking a fictional character. It’s more a emotional response than a logical one so I won’t get into it :P

#ask #anon #anakin skywalker #obi wan kenobi #qui gon jinn #sw meta #anakin & obi wan #meta: anakin #meta: obi wan #txt

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fireflyfish · 2 years

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What Are We Calling Our New Copy-Paste Son?

I was thinking, inspired by a post floating around out there that Lily read to me so I didn't actually see it myself, about the veteran clone soldier who's begging for change in episode 2. While it is entirely possible that this is just a little easter egg for fans of the Clone Wars series, what if the Clone Vet-- you know what I'm just going to call him Vet-- what if Vet is more than just a tragic example of how the Empire and the Galaxy *coughcough and the United States cough cough* have failed these brave men who sacrificed everything to keep civilians safe?

What if Vet is a plant for the Rebellion or some kind of underground freedom trail for Force sensitives? That post talked about how Obi-Wan is asking Qui-Gon for help and guidance and the very next shot is of Vet asking for change. What if Vet and Kingo Haja are working together? Haja makes money and Vet gets to atone for the murders he was forced to commit in the Jedi Temple when Order 66 went out? I'm also kind of surprised that Reva and the Incredibly Inept Inquisitors didn't notice him at all.

What if this is connected to what Rex is doing during the Bad Batch series? OH MY GOD WHAT IF OBI-WAN MEETS REX AND TELLS HIM ABOUT THE CHIP AND REX WAS LYING DURING EZRA'S WALKABOUT IN REBELS??? IT WOULD EXPLAIN WHY REX SHOT HIM DOWN! IF GEORGE LUCAS CAN TURN OBI-WAN INTO A LIAR, THEN DAVE FILONI CAN TURN REX INTO AN EVEN BIGGER LIAR.

Eh-ehm, anyway, I hope we see more rebellious clones and please support your veterans and local homeless shelters.

#Kenobi Series #Kenobi Spoilers #The Further Adventures of a Sad Man in a Bathrobe #Headcanons #The Clone Wars

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ariainstars · 3 years

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When You Don’t Know What Your Heroes Want, Neither Do You

Having read and heard so much about what made the Star Wars sequels botch and why some fans still have problems with the prequels, these days I was struck with a sudden, very simple thought.

The problem is not only the character’s lack of agenda as such, but how this impacts the viewer’s impression. The thing is that we want to immerse ourselves into another world on watching a movie or tv show; we want our imagination to be tickled to be spirited away into an entirely different world.

I still love the Star Wars classics more than the other movies; they’re not bad and e.g. Revenge of the Sith and The Last Jedi, are actually quite good, but it can’t be denied that they still didn’t match the classic movies in quality and that a lot of their success is due to the fact that the fanbase is enormous and that some will watch almost anything Star Wars related just because.

The narrative task is as simple as it is crucial. We need to understand what the characters actually want; even better, if their desire is decisive to their own well-being, if it clearly is a need and not only a wish or a dream. But with the Star Wars stories which were produced since the classics, characters are often confused or outright in the dark. And as a result, so are we.

As viewers, we want to feel and think with our heroes. We root for those we can identify with; we can hardly be expected to get all excited about people who merely want to prevent things, or who have vague wishes but not personal wants and needs. The Star Wars classics are excellent at this, and they outline the characters, making abundantly clear what they are here for, in a few minutes.

As viewers, we do not need to know why Darth Vader wants to terrorize people; why Leia is a good character, as Luke is. Han at first is only in for the money, but it is clear enough that he is not a villain. Within a few minutes of having met them we have sized them up and know whether we like them or not. We do not need to immerse ourselves intellectually into the world of Star Wars by knowing how the Jedi Order looked like or the old Republic, who the Emperor is, what the Force is etc. We may want to learn about it later, but it’s not necessary to enjoy the story as it is, and to love the characters. The subtext adds to the story’s magic; it is not and does not become boring or annoying because we don’t care for understanding all details, we care for the characters.

The prequels’ and the sequels’ main mistake was to go too much into the details or world-building, at the expense of what to us, as viewers, is of paramount importance if we want to enjoy a story. We need to know what drives the characters if we’re supposed to feel with them.

~ More under the cut ~

Prequels

The Phantom Menace works relatively well because we are aware of the protagonists’ agendas for the most part.

Qui-Gon wants to do the will of the Force, which makes him free Anakin and bring him to the Jedi to be trained, convinced that he is the Chosen One.

Anakin wants to win the pod race, to free the slaves on Tatooine and to explore the galaxy. His mother wants him to be free.

But here’s where things get tricky.

Obi-Wan, a beloved and popular character from the classics, in his youthful impersonation has hardly anything to say, he merely is his master’s sidekick.

Padmé wants to keep her people safe, but she is a healthy, affluent young woman from a powerful background. She acts out of idealism; if she was not a queen, personally she wouldn’t be any worse.

Darth Maul says he wants “revenge” over the Jedi, but it is never said what that revenge is to be for. He kills Qui-Gon and again, it is not said why. (We can only imagine it is to deprive Anakin of the father figure he needs, leaving him with the too young and immature Obi-Wan.)

Palpatine is already working towards taking over absolute power over the galaxy, but again, we don’t know anything about him personally; what made him the way he is, why he wants this kind of power so badly that he will do anything for the purpose.

The Jedi Council is the most disappointing part of the movie: they obviously have no wish but to keep things the way they are.

JarJar is not only irritating due to his quirks but because he is merely a comic relief. We have no idea about what he actually wants in the story, and neither does he.

Attack of the Clones is a weak movie due to the same reasons.

Who ordered Shmi’s abduction and torture, and why? Palpatine, most probably, but that is never uncovered.

Anakin wants to rescue her, but again, he wants to prevent something; he does not actively want something of his own. We e.g. never hear him speak about wanting to save the slaves on Tatooine again.

What does Dooku want, and again, why?

Jango Fett wants a good life for himself and his son, which makes him an interesting character; but he meets his death and his son picks up right where he ended.

A very important scene where Padmé tells Anakin that she laid down her mandate because she wants to get married and have children was, unfortunately, cut from the movie.

Many fans remember this movie mainly as a love story - why? Exactly. Because that Anakin and Padmé are in love and want to be together is the clearest narrative thread in this movie that is packed full of details but leaves us without much actual knowledge about what is happening, and why.

In Revenge of the Sith everyone has an agenda, but except for Palpatine, they all want to prevent things from happening; they have nothing new in mind.

Anakin wants to keep his family safe; Padmé wants the same; the Jedi want to preserve their power, and so on.

On Mustafar, Anakin says to his wife that now they can finally “make things the way they want them to be”, but that is very vague. Also, he obviously never knows that Palpatine groomed him from the very start. His own will seems to be of no importance.

The population of the galaxy hands over power to Palpatine tired of the long war; but we never see anyone mourning loss and death, so that motivation is not really stringent.

Of course, the prequels are a tragedy and we learn that the Jedi are supposed to live for the “greater good” and not to have any personal drive. But if that is one of the causes of their downfall, at least it ought to be said or shown clearly. Also, there is a lot of fatalism at work. But even in that case, it ought to better be shown how the characters fight desperately against fate and in the end are incapable to prevent it.

One of the reasons why Darth Vader is such a popular character is that even if he is of course not likeable, we always are led to understanding him, both with regard to his fate and to his personal wishes. In the end he kills Palpatine, accomplishing his fate by killing the actual mastermind behind the Empire, the archvillain; and in doing so, he also fulfils a personal wish, which is to save his son. This action and both his motivations are clear enough within the scope of minutes. The prequels are nice to fill in the details that led to this moment, but they are not actually needed to understand the story.

Sequels

I remember well, on watching The Force Awakens, how Kylo Ren’s character irritated me. I kept asking myself, “What is the matter with this guy?” He is deeply conflicted - due to what? He killed his own father - why? He only becomes more interesting when it is revealed that he wants Rey more than anything else.

Rey is a passive person waiting in an awful situation although she could run, waiting for her family whom she intimately knows to be dead. She runs from Maz Kanata’s castle; she says to Luke that she wants someone to tell her where her place is.

Finn wants to get away from the First Order. He has nowhere to run to the way Luke did when he chose to go with Ben and become a Jedi.

Poe is devoted to the Resistance and Leia, but where does his loyalty come from?

Holdo is hated by many antis because she is secretive about her aims.

Han and Leia want their son back, but why “back”? What drove him away in the first place? Why are they looking for him only now, years after his fall?

Luke’s aim is to wait for his death. Only shortly before that, he decides to give Rey encouragement, to apologize towards his sister and nephew and to save the Resistance.

Rose wants to help the Resistance and, later, to keep Finn safe. Her character is a major drive to the second sequel film.

Jannah and Zorri - forgettable due to the same reason.

Palpatine - wants to have one person killed and then another.

The sequels, and with them the entire saga, end with Rey, a Palpatine, on the desert dunes both Anakin and Luke ardently wanted to leave. Why? What does she want there?

In-Between

Rogue One is a well-made story but somehow depressing because all the protagonist wants is to do her father’s will. Jyn seems to have no agenda of her own; neither does the rest of her squadron. They all join her because they have nothing to lose.

Solo is a good action film with a feel-good ending because we are always aware of what Han wants: his first motivation is to find and keep his freedom, and when he finally gets the Falcon, that aim is accomplished.

TV Shows

The Clone Wars gets irritating after a while because there is no overarching structure. The Separatists fight the Republic, the Republic aided by the Jedi fights back, yada yada. A nice time filler but nothing to get enthusiastic about.

The Bad Batch has a similar problem. After the war, the five clones have no actual aim in life anymore and all they want is to remain together and keep Omega safe; however, that is no definite aim and although the show is well received, it’s no wonder fans don’t get all excited about it.

The Mandalorian leaves no doubt about its protagonists’ aims. Mando wants to protect his covert, to keep the child safe, then he wants to bring him to his own kind. What the other characters want is also never left in the dark, except for Greef Karga who is an ambiguous figure; but even that changes after a while. The show was a cult among fans even before the first season was fully aired.

What’s so sad about this problem is that with a little more concise writing, it could have been avoided.

The saga of course has the problem that many fans are not elbows-deep in it, that others believe it’s only about action and outright deny or overlook the deeper themes; many fans simply want a hero who kills the bad guy, saves the world and gets the girl because otherwise they won’t understand it. Which is of course annoying, but can’t be helped. Fans have a right - excuse me - to be stupid, respectively to only want to be entertained and not to spend months or entire years delving into the saga’s themes.

However, simply fleshing out what really drives the characters and why would boost these stories enormously. It’s such a simple thing: any Disney movie makes the characters’ setting and agenda clear within the scope of five minutes. Why in this case they left everything so shrouded, leaving the fans baffled or even hugely disappointed, is beyond me. I have not studied filmmaking but if I did, I would expect such basics to be taught beginning with the first lesson.

Viewers watch movies with their “child brain”, and while it’s not wrong to introduce deeper themes, at least on first viewing I daresay what we all want is to entertained and to actually understand what the story is about. It’s deeply frustrating when we don’t, and such movies or shows never age that well, as good as they may be otherwise.

Personally,

- I don’t need the cliché “hero saves the world, kills the bad guy and gets the girl” to be accomplished

- I don’t watch Star Wars expecting nothing but special-effects-packed, plot-driven action

- I’m fine with a female heroine, Jedi or not, and I never thought that Rey is a Mary Sue

- I know that a villain like Darth Vader can’t be topped and I’m fine with his angsty counterpart

- I never saw the Jedi as almighty, all-wise superheroes and I can live with the fact that they failed; the saga is ultimately not about them but about the Skywalker family, and that’s fine by me

- I don’t need a happy ever after to go on loving and admiring my heroes

- I can accept that someone like Luke Skywalker would go into exile and refuse to join the fight again

- I like the idea that both heroes and villains are human and that there is no clearly definite black / white pattern

- I don’t need to see the Adventures of Han, Luke and Leia in an endless loop, much as I may love them

- I did miss the magic atmosphere of the classic movies in all new ones except for The Last Jedi, but I can accept that not everything can be a fairy tale

- I liked the idea of Kylo’s more fleshed-out redemption arch than in Vader’s case

- I like profound dialogue but it is not a must (in The Mandalorian, we realize that the hero’s aim is to protect his foundling from the moment of their first meeting - they don’t talk, one wears a helmet and the other is a literal puppet).

PLEASE, let us know what the characters are up to. Don’t just leave us in the dark for three movies in a row. Plot twists are fine. Endless confusion is not.

Define your characters by making us understand what they actually want and why, if you don't want your audience to bang their heads against a wall. Thank you.

P.S. If being unclear about what the characters actually desire was aimed at not letting us realize that in the end nobody got anything they longed for: that has failed, too.

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