Chapter Text
“Why are you interested in meeting with Skywalker?” Mace asked as they overlooked the training session that was taking place. He and the Chancellor watched as Anakin took on a droid that was designed to fight like Maul, and he held up against it better than most of his peers.
“Young Skywalker seems as though he needs guidance.” The Chancellor replied with a slight smile.
“I was once a young boy, I know how… troubling these times can be.”
But Mace frowned at those words. “Knight Kenobi is more than capable of providing guidance to his apprentice.” He pointed out. They both watched as Anakin blocked another strike from the droid.
“Why Skywalker specifically?” Mace asked as they continued to watch the training session below.
“Truthfully, I see a lot of myself in him.” The Chancellor replied with a slight chuckle. “I know it may sound strange, but it’s true.”
“I see.” Mace said, narrowing his eyes and looking at the Chancellor. “Skywalker is a… troubled child.” Mace began cautiously.
“His past is not like the other children that we have taken in.” He continued. “We fear that it has left permanent marks on him and hinders his ability to let go.”
“Which is precisely why he may need someone outside of the temple to mentor him.” The Chancellor countered. “I am personally invested in the Jedi order, not just as Chancellor, but ensuring that it’s members are more than fit to serve and protect the republic.” They both turned when they heard a sudden crash and watched as the droid that Anakin was fighting fell to the ground.
“His skills are impressive, especially for someone of his age.” Mace said, watching as Anakin turned to speak with the other padawans. He could tell by their body language that something was off however, and he could see by the way that Anakin was squaring his shoulders, that he was preparing for a fight.
“Indeed, they are.” Palpatine muttered, watching as Anakin began to give into his anger. He couldn’t hear the conversation that was happening below them, but he had a feeling that this would be a good demonstration of if the boy was capable of handling the things that he was going to put him through. Palpatine’s face lit up with glee as he watched Anakin activate the sabers of the other padawans who appeared to be taunting him. Calling them towards himself with the force, he levitated their blades in the air while the other children recoiled back in fear. His suddenly turned when he watched as a flurry of robes pass him, and head for the ground.
“Anakin.” Obi-Wan said sternly as he approached the boy. Palpatine watched as his shoulders slumped and the sabers fell to the ground.
“Perhaps it would be good for Skywalker to have… an additional mentor.” Mace said, watching as Obi-Wan spoke to Anakin. But Palpatine knew that body language. The way his shoulders hunched forward. The way his eyes refused to meet his masters.
Yes, Anakin Skywalker was perfect.
“You should be honored, Knight Kenobi.” Mace pointed out as they made their way through the halls of the temple later that day. Sunlight streamed in through the windows, and children ran past them, quickly followed by an exasperated crechemaster.
“I am, Master. Truly.” Obi-Wan stated. “But I am also confused.”
“Why would the Chancellor take up such an interest in Anakin?” He asked.
Mace sighed. “He said that he saw a lot of himself in Skywalker, especially at this young age. I am aware that Skywalker can be… difficult at times, so it might be for the better if he receives additional guidance.
Obi-Wan tried to hide how much that hurt. How it made him think of Qui-Gon, and how he would have been a better master for Anakin. How he was unfit, not qualified, too young, not ready, to be Anakin’s master.
“Perhaps.” Obi-Wan replied softly, hiding his hands in his robes. “I only want what is best for him.”
“This might be what is best for him.” Mace pointed it. “It is important that Skywalker find the path that is right for him, and he may need different people to show him different options.”
“Of course.” Obi-Wan said while bowing his head slightly.
“All is as the force wills it to be.” Mace continued with a more sober tone. “I trust that eventually, Padawan Skywalker will find his way.”
“As do I.” Obi-Wan said, turning to look out of the window, not wanting to mention that he wanted to be the one that guided him there. That showed him what options he had.
“But for now, we shall see how this first meeting with the Chancellor goes.” Mace said, turning to look out of the window as well.
“We shall.” Obi-Wan whispered.
“Are you excited for your meeting with the Chancellor?” Obi-Wan asked Anakin as they walked towards the hangar together. His apprentice shrugged, but through their bond, Obi-Wan could feel waves of anxiety rolling off of him.
“You should be honored, Anakin.” Obi-Wan said, echoing what Mace had told him earlier that week.
“I am.” Anakin replied softly, looking straight ahead.
“Most Jedi do not get to meet with the Chancellor on such an intimate level, especially a padawan as young as you.” Obi-Wan continued.
“I know.” Anakin said as they turned another corner and entered the hangar.
“Now, you must remember to be on your best behavior.” Obi-Wan stated with a firm voice. Finally, Anakin looked up at him, but his expression was unreadable.
“I will.”
“No messing with droids or anything else that you might find interesting.”
Anakin nodded.
“And mind your words, padawan. They will become your actions if you are not careful enough.”
“I know.” Anakin said as he looked away. They continued walking through the hangar in relative silence after that, heading towards the same speeder that Obi-Wan usually liked to fly. It wasn’t fast, but it was reliable, and that was the important thing to him.
Obi-Wan gripped the steering yoke tightly, wishing that Anakin would break the tense silence between them. But his padawan seemed more interested in watching the speeders pass by as they flew towards the senate building than holding any kind of conversation with his master.
He hoped that Anakin would not act the same way with the chancellor.
When they pulled into the hangar of the senate building, Anakin quickly climbed out, and two senate guards approached them.
“We will escort Padawan Skywalker from here, Master Jedi.” One of the guards said in a typical Coruscanti accent. Obi-Wan blinked. He thought that he would have more time with Anakin. More time to talk to him and prepare him for such a prestigious encounter.
“Is it alright if I come with you?” Obi-Wan asked after a moment. The two guards looked at each other before one of them shrugged.
“I don’t see why not.” He replied.
The trip to the Chancellor’s office was even more awkward than the ride over. Now, neither guard was up for much conversation either, and Anakin had decided to keep his mouth shut. Regardless, Obi-Wan could still feel the anxiety rolling off of him, and the fear, and the annoyance, and the anger
It was why he wanted more time with him alone before his encounter with the Chancellor. But, he never got the chance, and before he knew it, the guards were stopping him from going any further. But between the two of them, he watched as the Chancellor opened up the door to his office and smiled down at Anakin, the light from behind him casting his entire body in a large shadow.
He watched as Anakin walked inside of the office, his small frame being consumed by the Chancellor’s shadow. And then the door slid shut behind him.