Joshua woke up early the next morning on Tatooine and read the good book while everyone else still slept. Ever since he was a child, he had read scripture passages from both Old and New Testaments and now focused his actions and thoughts more on the New Testament. Afterwards, he meditated and did yoga, to keep his heart going and of course, he drank water. He changed into his mystic arts training uniform and started practicing Eldritch magic, gateways and self defense.
Qui-Gon not long after had woken up, and had seen the young man meditate and practice his spells. He was spellbound by the hand movements, and quick reflexes that the young man had as he practiced. It was almost like a dance. After a while, Joshua stopped, wiped the beads of sweat from his face and neck, and drank water. He was unaware that the maverick Jedi Master was observing him and was now headed to do business with Watto.
Joshua continued to practice his spells until Tammie came over and told him it was time for breakfast. Joshua obeyed, drank his water and changed into his grayish blue sorcerer outfit. He greeted Padmé, Anakin and his mother, and C3PO, a droid whom Anakin was in the process of making. Joshua made a quick comlink call to Mary, who wished them all luck with the podrace.
Soon they set off to Boonta Eve via Eopie, a camel-like creature with an elongated snout. Joshua rode with Padmé and Anakin, while Tammie rode with Shmi.
"Better stop your friend's betting, or I'll own him too!" Watto said to Anakin before cackling. Joshua exchanged bewildered looks with Tammie.
"What did he mean by that?" Anakin said confused.
"I'll tell you later. Good morning." Qui-Gon greeted.
Joshua got down from the Eopie and helped Padmé and Anakin down before helping Shmi and Tammie down.
"Thank you," Shmi said with a smile.
"I have two sisters, a wife and two new twin daughters. Ever since I was little, I was taught to respect women and give them unconditional love." Joshua said meekly. "As a young man, it's my promise to all the women in the world and in galaxies that I will never do them harm, that I will always protect them with every fiber of my being."
"And you've kept your promise well, I see." Shmi said. "I feel as if you could be my oldest son, watching over Ani." She stroked Joshua's face tenderly.
"Aww it's nothing, really," Joshua said in earnest. "I just hope your son will do well, Shmi. We do owe it to him and you for your kindness, taking us in when no one did."
"It was the least we could do." Shmi said humbly.
"I've ridden horses before, but this takes the cake! It's close to riding a camel back home." Tammie said.
"Yeah, I see what you're talking about!" Joshua laughed as he and Shmi joined Padmé, Anakin and his friend Kitster.
"This is so wizard, Ani! I know you'll do it this time!" Kitster grinned.
"Do what?" Padmé asked.
"Finish the race, of course!" Kitster said.
"You've never won a race?" Padmé continued to ask.
"Well, not exactly..." Anakin said sheepishly.
"Not even finished?!" Padmé was alarmed now.
"But Kitster's right, I will this time." Anakin said.
"Of course, you will." Qui-Gon said encouragingly.
Padmé was now worried about this race. So was Joshua, but he kept his thoughts positive. He went over to Qui-Gon as soon as Anakin got ready to take his place in the lanes.
YOU ARE READING
JOSHUA BOOK 2: THE TIES THAT BIND
Non-FictionThis is a series near and dear to my heart. I created this story when I was in my late teens and early twenties. These are fictional characters living in a nonfictional world dealing with the issues we all face every day. I based this off of my own...
