To Have a Gift (A Star Wars Fanfic)

Prolouge

Arrai touched the area above her heart, feeling the small device. She'd had it for years, but she had never quite gotten used to it. The device kept her alive. A few years back, a bad accident had left her lungs severely damaged. The little thing acted as an additional lung. It worked, but it was sometimes uncomfortable to have a tube sticking inside you while you're forced to sit still.

The ride to Coruscant wasn't a very long one, it just felt like it. She was constantly tired from lack of sleep. She had been told that Dark Jedi don't sleep at all because they are bombarded with visions of everything. And that did indeed happen, so she had to find substitutes for sleep, sometimes she'd briefly rest her eyes until the swirling voices in her head became unbearable.

The landing was rough. The pilot had not been careful about a decent landing. He just wanted to leave and get paid.

Arrai exited, following her master. "We're back." She said.

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"Thank you for coming, young Skywalker." This was the first time she'd met the Chancellor. She didn't know what to expect. But for some reason, she was hesitant about accepting his kindness.

She bowed. "It is an honor to meet you, chancellor."

He studied her for a moment. "You look younger than described."

"I get that a lot." Her tone was not rude, just slightly sarcastic.

A few of the Council members entered. Masters Yoda, Windu, and Mundi took seats in front of the chancellor. They nodded in acknowledgement to the Dark Jedi.

"We came at your request." Master Windu said. "What is it you need?"

The chancellor adjusted himself. "This is a matter of great importance. I need to place someone to protect the senator from Naboo."

"Senator Amidala?" Master Mundi asked. "We heard of her accident on the landing dock. Is she alright?"

"Yes, she's quite alright. But someone was trying to assassinate her. I would like someone to watch over her. She would never agree with me, so if I may suggest someone she is familiar with."

Arrai immediately knew who he was speaking of. She didn't say anything.

"Perhaps," he continued. "Someone like Master Kenobi and his padawan? And I'm sure Miss Skywalker here would love to help." He looked up at her. She nodded, feeling as if there was no other option but to accept.

The Jedi looked at each other. "That can be arranged." Master Windu said.

The meeting was obviously over. The Jedi left just as the person in question entered. Arrai did not make eye contact with the senator, but kept her eyes down.

"Padawan Skywalker," Master Yoda spoke to her. "Meet us in the lounge in an hour, you will. Until then, unpack from your journey, you may."

She nodded, still not speaking.

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Anakin was waiting with his master exactly where they had been told. They had just returned from a mission he'd rather not speak of at the moment. He just sat opposite Obi-Wan for the time being.

Then she walked in. The last person he was expecting. She looked so much younger than her age, and she was much shorter, but her eyes gave her away. He'd never forget them.

He stood up, wide-eyed. She looked around the room before noticing him. And their eyes locked for the first time in ten years. Neither of them moved, just stared. Finally, after many moments of awkward silence, Arrai began walking towards him. He did the same. And with big smiles, they hugged.

They laughed as they contemplated what to say next. Neither of them knew what their next words should have been. But Arrai got it pretty close.

"Hi, Ani." She was happier than she'd ever been in her life.