Chapter Text
It's been a few months since Danas’s first mission had ended. Since his inner Dark Side started to take over. Since his secret training sessions with Master Windu had started.
Danas expected... Honestly, he didn't know what to expect at first. Probably something along the lines of some forbidden knowledge. Techniques that even Jedi Masters were afraid to use. Stuff that could make you lose your mind if you weren't focused enough.
Well... While the first two statements were a bit far-fetched, the last one was every bit real. Master Windu started their sessions by explaining what Dark Side is, but in a more detailed manner than all of the Jedi were taught. The Dark Side is anger, fear, selfishness. But most importantly, it's a lust for power. Dark Side users always seek more and are never satisfied with what they have.
According to Master Windu, Danas's problem was his emotions. They were too powerful to ignore. So the key to not succumbing to the Dark Side was to channel them.
The young Zabrak asked why it isn't common knowledge. All Jedi could benefit from this. From ways to deal with the Dark Side.
"Because what I'm about to teach you, requires a certain amount of power. And focus. Not all Jedi have them."
"Master," Danas still had questions. Once he found a problem, he'd ask until he got to the bottom of it. This situation was no different. "Then why isn't Anakin training with me? You say if he were to use such techniques, the Galaxy would pay for it. But wouldn't it be better if he knew how to resist the Dark Side? Besides, my midi-chlorian count is barely 10 000. Anakin's is twice as high!"
"Connection to the Force doesn't come only from the midi-chlorians. It's so much more. It's the training. It's the focus. It's the understanding. If it was a purely biological thing, Padawan Skywalker should be able to overpower every one of us without any training. Though if I remember correctly, you were able to best him a couple of times. Why?"
"I-I don't know."
"Because raw power isn't everything. Because you have something important, that Padawan Skywalker lacks."
"What is that, Master?"
"Patience."
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Danas silently thanked Force that Council sent Barriss and Anakin on a mission on Ansion. Though it kind of hurt that his two best friends got to be on a mission together, Danas didn't have to hide his training sessions from them. Yet. And that will be hurtful, as Danas didn't like keeping secrets from his friends.
That meant the only person, that could possibly find out about his sessions was Serra Keto. The young Zabrak had no idea why the young Jedi Knight still followed him throughout the Temple. Her cheerfulness made him sick for some reason; as well as the fact, that he constantly seemed to accidentally bump into her. He didn't mind having a new friend, but Serra was more like a nuisance if he was being honest.
A few days after Anakin and Barriss had gone on their mission, Danas was trying to study in the Archives. Master Windu wanted to keep him in the Temple for a little longer, fearing that any kind of mission would sabotage any progress he'd made during their sessions. Master Secura agreed with him, concerned for her Padawan's well-being. Every time they talked, Danas could sense the Twi'lek Jedi acting strange. Not in an I-kind-of-broke-the-Code-by-hooking-up-with-Kit-Fisto kind of way (though she still had no clue that Danas was well aware of their little affair). Aayla was tense, looked at Danas with sad eyes, and constantly sighed. She was obviously disappointed. Though it was hard to tell if she was disappointed in him or herself.
Back to the point, Danas tried to study. Then, he felt a pair of eyes on him, almost peering into his soul. He looked up to see Serra, standing in front of him and smiling.
The Dathomirian sighed heavily, trying to calm down. Thank Force his sessions with Master Windu had started when they did. He was already on the brink of snapping and without them, he was sure, he would yell at the young Knight.
"What do you want?" he asked, in an extremely bored tone, hoping Serra would get the memo and leave him alone.
(She didn't).
"Can't I spend some time with my favorite Zabrak?"
"No" answered Danas, his voice sharp. "Why do follow me around? Don't you have some more important things to worry about?"
"At the moment, no. As for the first question - I like you. You can hold your own in a duel; you're smart and sassy. And you aren't boring, which is more than I can say for the majority of the Order."
"You're not boring? Wow, this is like, the greatest compliment I've ever gotten."
"Thanks."
"That was sarcasm."
She didn't seem offended and just proceeded to sit right next to him. Danas was used to people fearing him, pointing at him, insulting him, whispering behind his back. What he wasn't used to, was someone promptly ignoring his personal space.
This was a... change. Though Danas wasn't sure if it was good or bad.
Only time could tell.
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Anakin's and Barriss's mission seemed like a good bonding experience if their tales were anything to go by. They nearly died. Barriss was kidnapped but managed to free herself with her healing abilities and deactivating the explosive devices ("I don't think I'd be able to do that if I didn't hang around Anakin and his deadly devices so much." "Deadly?!" "They pose a threat to every person and droid who have any common sense." "Luckily, Anakin doesn't fall into that category. That's why he's still alive." "Low blow, Danas!").
They had to perform, in front of a whole tribe to prove that they have souls ("Perform for me. Please!" "Not in a million years. I've done it once and that's already one time too many." "You both left me alone to deal with Serra, I don't care.").
Barriss managed a whole bunch of Gwurran's, promising them a party ("We have bad influence on you").
Then they nearly died. Again.
In the end, they managed to convince Ansion to stay with the Republic. That was a victory, but the threat of the Confederacy of The Independent Systems was still present. And didn't seem to stop.
"It's sad" stated Barriss, as three of them sat in the dining hall. "I understand their point of view. Senate is corrupted and people are growing tired of this. They just want to be free."
"Not to mention the Chancellor pretends he doesn't notice that. I can't blame them. The Republic has changed..." added Danas.
"Hey! The Chancellor does everything in his power to stop it! Just because you don't like him, doesn't mean you can throw accusations like that!" countered scandalized Anakin.
"Look, 'Kin. I get that he's your father figure or whatever. Something about that guy seems off to me. I don't know what, but it's enough for me not to trust him."
"Bantha crap. You've never even properly met him!"
"I've heard enough of him. Besides, he's a politician. There are very few politicians who don't have some dark secrets or abuse their power. Especially ones as influential as Palpatine."
"Anyway," interrupted Barriss, taking a sip of water. "I'm concerned. Do you think that whole mess with the Separatists will end in some kind of conflict?"
"Count Dooku is a former Jedi. He couldn't do something like that, could he?" wondered Anakin.
"Whatever way it ends," said Danas, standing up from the table. "I'm sure the Jedi will have to sort that mess out. As usual."
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"Concentrate Padawan Drak! You have to use your emotions to your advantage, but not let them cloud your judgment!"
Danas bit back a very sarcastic reply. During the first few sessions, he learned, that Master Windu doesn't respond very well to sarcasm. Which was essential knowledge, since fifty percent of his session with the brown-skinned Jedi Master consisted of even more brutal duels than the Zabrak had to deal with during his Vaapad training with Master Billaba (the other half consisted of meditation, which Danas didn't mind. Over the years he learned to appreciate meditation as a way to calm his senses).
Currently, the young Dathomirian lied on the floor panting. Master Windu's fighting style was similar to Master Billaba's, so Danas thought he could use the same strategy, that allowed him to last whole two minutes against the female Jedi Master (which doesn't seem a lot, but it was quite an accomplishment considering that Master Billaba has years of experience ahead of him).
Keyword: he thought. Because Master Windu was well prepared for that strategy and disarmed Danas with no problem. The Zabrak pushed himself off the floor and attacked again. And again. And again. Every time he grew more irritated and it made him lose his precision. Which Master Windu didn't hesitate to point out.
Danas wanted to say that he doesn't get it. That he's failing over and over again, while Master Windu just stands does basically nothing (he disarmed Danas without even breaking a sweat). But he didn't.
Maybe he wants to prove something to Master Windu, or maybe to himself. He doesn't know for sure. But he gets up, takes a deep breath and ignites his double-bladed lightsaber.
He's not giving up yet.
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News of an attack on Senator Amidala spread like a disease throughout Coruscant and in the Jedi Temple. Anakin nearly had a heart attack, when he found out. His crush didn't fade after ten years and the thought that he could never see Padmé again scared him. He wanted to rush to her aid and destroy everything that could harm her.
"Whoa, slow down there, Romeo," said Danas during one of his sparring sessions with Anakin. His friend wasn't focused on their match, which showed, as Danas had no problem disarming the older boy. "First, you don't know if she remembers you. So you can't just barge to her home, 'Hey, remember me, Angel? I'm that kid from Tatooine but now I'm legal and hot. So anyway, I want to protect you with my 'lightsaber'. Sounds good?'
"I will always regret the day I told you about my crush on her. And about that 'Angel' thing."
"You knew what you signed up for, 'Kin. Next, you'd have to get approval from the Jedi Council to go on a mission. Sorry to say it, but you're kind of crazy. I'm afraid they won't let you near her, unless she personally requested it. Which is unlikely."
"It's not!"
"It is! If rumors are true, she'd rather fight the assassins herself and shove a blaster up their sorry asses. And lastly, attachments are forbidden, 'Kin. Personally, I think that's bullshit, but no can do. Besides, you just got back from a mission. They won't send you..."
"Good news, Romeo!" said Barriss as she barged into the training area, interrupting whatever Danas was about to say.
"I hate you both..." muttered Anakin.
"I'm back from the meeting with the Chancellor. Senator Amidala barged into his office with the other Senators. Master Kenobi, and by extension - you, got assigned as her glorified babysitters. The Council wants you in their Chamber."
The older boy looked smugly at his Zabrak friend, who had a dumbfounded expression on his face.
"Forget I said anything."
When Anakin left the area in a hurry, Barriss turned to the younger boy.
"Since Anakin is on the way to reuniting with the love of his life, I think you need a new sparring partner," said the Mirialan, igniting her lightsaber.
Danas smirked.
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After finishing their training session (Danas was able to win, though he had to admit that Barriss got a lot better, as he had some serious trouble defeating her) both Padawans exited the training area and ran into Anakin and Master Kenobi, who just got out of the Council Chamber. Their friend looked ecstatic and could barely contain his excitement. Master Kenobi, on the other hand, tried to reason with his Padawan to contain his emotions. And failed miserably.
"Good luck, 'Kin!" said Danas.
"Behave!" added Barriss playfully, which earned her a glare from Anakin and a chuckle from Master Kenobi.
Then, the two Padawans parted their ways and went to their respective quarters. Danas took his sweaty robes off and examined his body. He was quite muscular for a sixteen-year-old. His pectorals were strong and defined and his stomach was adorned with a six-pack. Arms and legs were powerful, their muscles clearly visible.
Danas knew he was different from other Padawans. He knew it for a long time. Now, he could add another thing to the list.
Jedi were forbidden from forming attachments, but that didn't mean they didn't experience sexual attraction. They could, obviously, have sex with no strings attached, but it was hard to keep connections from forming.
Danas was no different. He was a sixteen-year-old boy, from a race that was known for their sex drive. His hormones were wild. But whereas his fellow Padawans would admire the bodies of the opposite gender, Danas was attracted by male bodies, similar to his build - strong and muscular. At one point he was even attracted to Anakin, but he got over his crush (though he was pretty sure that people divided into two categories: ones that at some point in their life had a crush on Anakin, and ones who were 1000% into women).
The young Zabrak was snapped out of his thoughts after he almost fell asleep, while still standing. He yawned, deciding to take a quick nap. He lied down in his bed and almost immediately fell asleep.
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He was in a tent. Or... some kind of tent at least. The walls were made of mud or dirt, but he wasn't sure what it was. Suddenly, he saw a middle-aged woman. She was unconscious, tied to a wooden frame, and clearly endured torture. She looked familiar, but Danas couldn't quite place why.
Then, a lightsaber pierced through the wall, cutting a hole. Danas saw Anakin entering the tent and walking up to the woman, tears in his eyes. He untied her and took her in his arms, whispering.
"I'm here mom... I'm here..."
"Ani?"
Then, there was darkness. The vision blurred. Danas managed to see Anakin's mother's body going limp. He heard his friend screaming in pain. He heard lightsaber igniting. And screams of pain and agony following.
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Then he woke up, sweating. How long has he been asleep? What was that? Was it just a dream? Or something more?
He needed to find Master Yoda.
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Danas had no trouble finding the Grandmaster. He was in the meditation room, along with Master Ti. Danas bowed in greeting, making the Togruta and the Grandmaster smile.
"Danas, what can we do for you?" asked Master Ti.
The young Zabrak told the two Masters about his dream. Or vision, although he wasn't sure what it was. After he finished, both Masters had a frown on their faces.
"A Force Vision experienced you did."
"Master, what am I supposed to do? Should I tell Anakin?"
"Meditate on this, we should. Then, decide what to do, we will. Sit, Padawan Drak."
Danas sat down and closed his eyes. He tried to focus on his vision, hoping to find answers. Why he was the one that saw this and not Anakin?
He tried to remember more details of his vision. Where was it exactly? In what condition was Ms. Skywalker? Did they still have time to save her? Or maybe she didn't need saving?
Suddenly, he felt a brush of Dark Side, clouding his focus. It wasn't his own inner Dark Side. No. This one was different. More powerful. Scarier.
He felt a terrible pain in his head, almost as if his mind was about to explode. He quickly got out of the trance and opened his eyes. Masters Yoda and Ti looked at him worriedly.
Danas was about to say what he had felt, but Master Yoda raised his arm and said: "Felt it too, I did. Cloud your vision and judgment, the Dark Side does.
"But Master" the Padawan tried to argue. "At this point, I know what my Dark Side feels like. Like a cold wind. This... This felt like a blizzard. Something or someone doesn't want me to find out more. Why though? Why is Anakin's mom so important?"
"Know this, I do not."
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Master Kenobi and Anakin had their hands full last night. A bounty hunter by the name of Zam Wessel tried to kill Senator Amidala. The two Jedi chased her around Coruscant, but when they finally got her, someone, presumably her boss, killed her.
So the two Jedi were assigned to split. Anakin was to escort Senator Amidala back to Naboo, while Master Kenobi was to track down this killer.
Danas was ordered, not to tell Anakin anything about his vision, as to not distract him from the mission on hand. To keep his mind clear, he was assigned to help out Master Jocasta Nu in the Archives, which Danas was ecstatic about. It's been a while since he got to spend some time with the Chief Librarian, who's been like a grandmother to him.
While Danas and Master Nu were sorting the last of the data, Master Kenobi entered the Archives. He rummaged through shelves, desperately looking for something.
"Maybe we should help Master Kenobi?" suggested Danas, looking over at the Jedi Master. "He's gonna mess up everything we sorted today by this point."
"When he'll need us, he'll ask for assistance" answered Master Nu, though Danas could tell she wasn't particularly fond of the idea of sorting everything again.
"Madame Jocasta. Could you come here for a moment?"
The Chief Librarian sent Danas an 'I told you so' look, and answered: "In a moment, Master Kenobi. We just have to finish sorting here."
When they were done, they both walked up to Master Kenobi, who was busy staring at the bust of Count Dooku. Master Nu smiled sadly and touched the bust.
"He has a very powerful face, doesn't he?"
That seemed to snap Master Kenobi out of his thoughts. He nodded in agreement, still staring at the bust.
"He was one of the most brilliant Jedi I've had the privilege of knowing," said Master Nu, and Danas swore he felt something more than simple adoration in her words.
"I've never understood why he quit" muttered Obi-Wan.
"Oh, there were a couple of reasons. One might say he was always a bit out of step with the decisions of the Council. That's probably where your old Master, Qui-Gon Jinn got it from."
Both Obi-Wan and Danas stiffened at the mention of Master Jinn. The young Zabrak expected the man to look at him, but when it didn't happen, he sighed with relief.
"They both were very individual thinkers. Idealists. In the end, I think he left, because he lost faith in the Republic. His home planet, Serenno, got attacked and nearly destroyed by the pirates. The Republic and the Council refused to send any assistance to help. He disappeared for nine or ten years and turned up recently, as the head of Separatist movement."
"I never knew that."
"Nor did I."
The three Jedi stood there before Master Nu interrupted the silence:
"Well, you didn't call me over here for a history lesson. Are you having a problem, Master Kenobi?"
"Yes. I'm looking for a planetary system called Kamino, but it doesn't show up in the Archive charts."
Master Nu and Danas both had confused looks on their faces.
"Kamino... That's not a system I'm familiar with... Are you sure you have the right coordinates?"
"According to my information, it should appear in this quadrant here, just south of the Rishi Maze," said Master Kenobi pointing at one place on the Galactic Map. Master Nu pressed a few buttons, but the only thing they found was empty space.
Master Nu looked sadly at Master Kenobi. "I hate to say it, but it seems the system you're searching for, doesn't exist."
"Impossible" answered Obi-Wan. "Perhaps the Archives are incomplete."
Danas's eyes widened with shock, while Master Nu looked incredibly offended. "Rest in peace, Master Kenobi" muttered the Zabrak.
"If an item does not appear in our records, it does not exist," said Master Nu as she turned around and left to help a young Padawan. Danas remained at Master Kenobi's side.
"With all due respect, Master Kenobi, but saying 'the Archives are incomplete' in Master Nu's presence is basically a death sentence."
"Kamino must be there. I'm sure of it. Why isn't it here?"
"Isn't it obvious?" asked Danas looking over Master Kenobi's shoulder. "If you're sure, Master, that you got the right coordinates but Kamino isn't on the map, then someone must've erased it from the Archives."
Master Kenobi looked at the young Zabrak in shock. It was indeed obvious. Why didn't he think of it?
"There is a way I could check it, but you'd have to cover for me, Master Kenobi," whispered Danas. "If Master Nu saw what I'm about to do, she'd have a heart attack."
Master Kenobi nodded and stood up from the chair, making room for the Padawan. The Zabrak sat down and started typing something. In a few moments, something appeared on the monitor. Danas frowned, but kept typing anyway.
"What are you doing?" asked Obi-Wan, figuring it was a good idea to ask. Mostly, to check if whatever Danas was doing wasn't illegal.
"I'm hacking into the Archives history" answered the Dathomirian, as if it was nothing. "Normally, a select few can access it, but it won't be a problem for me."
Obi-Wan's eyes widened in horror.
"You're doing what? Danas! I thought you were better than this!"
"I guess spending time with Anakin rubbed off on me more than I thought" answered the Zabrak, his eyes still on the screen. "There! Gotcha!"
Master Kenobi looked at the screen and couldn't believe his eyes. There was information that someone (although it wasn't shown who) erased Kamino's existence from the Archives. "Could you put it back?"
"I'm afraid that's beyond my abilities, Master Kenobi. Once something is erased from the Archives, it's virtually impossible to get the data back," answered Danas, closing the history.
Obi-Wan sighed. "I'll have to speak to Master Yoda about it. An entire planetary system erased from the Archives is very concerning."
"I'll go with you, Master" offered Danas, standing up from his seat. "I've been meaning to talk to him anyway."
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They found Master Yoda teaching a class of younglings. They were a bit scared of Danas, but once Master Yoda assured them they had nothing to fear, they relaxed. Master Yoda told them to take a break and followed Danas and Obi-Wan outside the classroom.
"With what help you two, I can?" asked the Grandmaster.
"Master. Someone erased information on a planetary system Kamino from the Archives. That planet is a lead to the killer, who hired the bounty hunter."
Master Yoda frowned. "Only a Jedi, erase those files could. Troubling, this information is." He then turned to Danas. "Padawan Drak? About your vision, ask you wanted to, hm?"
Danas nodded. Truth to be told, he should be surprised that Master Yoda knew what he was about to ask. But he wasn't. This was Master Yoda, after all.
"With Obi-Wan, discuss your vision, you should."
Obi-Wan looked curiously at the young Zabrak but didn't say anything. Once Master Yoda left them, he asked: "A Force vision? What did you see?"
Danas sighed. "Two nights ago, I had a vision. I saw Anakin's mother. She was... in some kind of tent made of mud. She looked like she was tortured. Then, I saw her dying in Anakin's arms. And then... the vision got blurred" said the Zabrak, looking at Obi-Wan. "I went to Master Yoda to meditate on this. But then... Something... Or someone tried to block me. I felt... the Dark Side. It was so cold..."
"Cold?" Asked Obi-Wan. He was aware that every Force-sensitive perceives the Force in their own, unique way. Though it was difficult for him to understand Danas's concept.
"I see Force as a giant mountain, with the peak hidden in the clouds, impossible to achieve. I and every Force-being are climbing the mountain, trying to get as high as possible. To understand the Force as much as we can. The Dark Side is a cold wind, stronger or weaker, that tries to knock me off the mountain, to the bottom of it, that's hidden under thick fog."
"I see."
"I think Anakin killed... no, slaughtered whoever did that to his mom."
Master Kenobi held his breath. Although he didn't want to believe that his Padawan was capable of such things, he knew that if something happened to Shmi, Anakin wouldn't hesitate in avenging her. Even though revenge, was not the Jedi way.
"What do you propose, Danas?"
"M-me?"
"Yes, you. The Force chose you for a reason. Not me, not even Anakin. You. So tell me. What do you think should be done?"
"W-well... I'd like to go to Tatooine and find her. Check, if she's okay. I know if it was me in his place, Anakin would've done the same for me."
"Mhm. Go on."
"And... I think it'd be wise to take Barriss. She's Anakin's closest friend aside from me, and her healing abilities may come in handy if, Force forbid, we find Ms. Skywalker in a bad shape."
"Well then. I think we should tell Master Yoda that we've come to an agreement."
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Master Yoda, true to his word, helped them organize a mission on Tatooine. Once Barriss heard about Danas's vision, she was more than ready to go.
Officially, they were going on a 'secret mission for Master Yoda'. No one is to ask any questions.
Of course, they had to get their Masters's approval first. Master Secura allowed her Padawan to go but warned him to be careful and make good use of his lessons with Master Windu. Master Unduli was a bit tougher to convince. At first, she deemed the mission 'unnecessary'. She didn't however anticipate, Barriss almost snapping, telling her that if there was a person that could be saved, it was her duty as a healer-in-training to help.
Master Unduli still wasn't entirely on board with the plan but allowed Barriss to go.
"When you get there, look for a Toydarian named Watto. He will know where she is," said Master Kenobi.
With that, the two Padawans boarded the ship and flew off to Tatooine.
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"After this mission, Master Unduli will probably forbid you from spending time with us," said Danas, as they entered hyperspace. "You used to be a perfect, little Padawan; now look at you - rebelling full time!"
"I'd like to see her try," answered Barriss. "Don't get me wrong, she is a great Master and I've learned a lot from her, but sometimes she seems... emotionless if you know what I mean."
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Unbeknownst to the two of them, they were about to mess certain Sith Lord's plans. And that, later on, will put them in many life-threatening situations.
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Thanks to Obi-Wan's directions, Danas and Barriss were able to find the town where Anakin grew up. Before exiting the ship, they both put cloaks on, to attract less attention. Additionally, on their way here, Danas taught Barriss the basics of Force Cloak, so they shouldn't have problems with staying out of sight.
The marketplace was full of life. People of different races, droids, animals, plants... Every one of them had their own story, their own purpose to be there. But it was the Force, that decided to let all of them cross their paths. It worked in very mysterious ways.
After walking around they spotted a Troydarian, who yelled at a few droids and generally attracted a lot of attention. They walked up to him and a strong smell of alcohol hit them. Clearly, he wasn't a person they wanted to associate themselves with, but they had no other choice.
"I'll talk," said Danas. "Hate to say it, but you don't exactly look intimidating."
"Thanks," replied Barriss sarcastically. "Way to make the girl feel special."
Danas just rolled his eyes and walked up to the man. "Are you Watto?"
The Troydarian eyed him suspiciously and said: "Depends on who's asking." Okay, this was definitely Watto.
"We're looking for Shmi Skywalker" continued Danas, ignoring the question.
"Don't know her."
Danas removed his hood, revealing his face to Watto, whose eyes grew twice their normal size. Despite being only sixteen, the young Zabrak looked really intimidating. "I'm going to ask one more time" he growled, getting closer. "Where is Shmi Skywalker?"
"I-I sold her. Y-years ago. To a moisture farmer named Lars."
"Where does he live?"
"Far from here. Someplace on the other side Moss Isle, I think..."
"Thank you," said Danas pulling his hood up. Then he turned around and left along with Barriss.
"Wait! Who are you?!" Watto tried to interrogate them, but when he blinked, the two hooded figures dissolved into thin air.
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"This is the one, I'm telling you!"
"You've been saying that for the last hour."
Needless to say, the two Jedi had some... trouble finding the Lars farm. But after asking around they found themselves in front of a promising-looking farm. In front of it, stood a silver protocol droid.
"This time, I'm doing the talking" declared Barriss as they approached the droid. "No offense, but you don't exactly look friendly." The Zabrak just rolled his eyes. Okay, he got it. It was payback.
"Uh, hello. How can I be of service? I am C3-PO."
Something in Danas's head clicked. He vaguely remembered Anakin telling him about a droid he built to help his mother with the chores. This could be the one.
"Hello," greeted Barriss removing her hood. Her friend did the same. "We are friends of Anakin Skywalker. We're looking for his mother."
The droid hesitated for a moment, before saying: "I think we better go indoors." The two Jedi followed their guide to the house.
"Master Owen," said the droid to a young man in his late 20's. "We have important guests."
"Who are you?" asked the man, feeling uneasy.
"My name is Barriss Offee, and this is Danas Drak. We are members of the Jedi Order and we're close friends of Anakin Skywalker. We're looking for his mother. Is she here?"
"No, she's not" came a new voice. The Jedi turned around to see a middle-aged man, floating on a power chair. He didn't have a leg. "Cliegg Lars. Shmi is my wife. We should go inside."
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"Those Tuskens walk like men but they're vicious mindless monsters. Thirty of us went out after her. Four of us came back. I'd be with them, but... after I lost my leg I just couldn't ride anymore, until I heal. I don't want to give up on her, but she's been gone a month. There's little hope she's lasted this long."
"We'll search for her" stated Danas. "If she's still alive, we'll bring her back. If she's not... At least she'll have a proper burial."
"I admire your devotion, but it's a suicidal mission."
"We can handle this" assured Barriss. "We've been trained, to endure much worse. Just tell us where we can find the Tuskens."
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After borrowing speeders and asking around, the two Jedi found themselves at night just outside the Tusken camp. It seemed like they... celebrated something. There was a big campfire in the middle of their camp, several silhouettes surrounding it.
"We'll have to be really quiet" whispered Danas. "If they find us, our hopes of finding Shmi alive are gone."
"If we get out of this alive, I'm sending Master Secura flowers, for passing the Force Cloak to you."
After using the Force Cloak, the two Padawans sneaked into the camp. They weren't sure in which one they hold Anakin's mom, so they had to search for a dying or dead woman and pray they could sense her. They really hoped that the latter was not an option. They couldn't imagine how Anakin would react if that was the case.
The thing about the Force Cloak is that it helps with masking sound and sight. But not the smell. The creatures that Tuskens kept around (Danas wasn't sure what their name was) could still smell them. Since Barriss’s Cloak was weaker, Danas brought her close to him and extended his Cloak onto her. The Sand People thankfully trusted their senses more than their animals’ so the two Jedi were safe. For now.
They had to move quickly if they had any hope of getting out of there alive.
After carefully sneaking around for a couple of minutes, they had sensed a dying person inside of one of the tents. Barriss took out her lightsaber and she cut a hole in the wall. They entered.
Inside, they found the woman from Danas’s vision. Barriss was horrified at her state. They quickly untied her.
“Ms. Skywalker,” whispered Danas, placing the woman in his arms. “Ms. Skywalker.”
The woman’s eyes slowly opened. She looked at the two Jedi in confusion.
“Who are you?”
“We’re friends of your son,” said the Zabrak. “We’ll get you out of here.”
“Danas...” Barriss kneeled next to them. “She’s dying.”
“Can you do something?”
“I’ll try” The Mirialan put hands on the woman as she called on the Force. “She’s exhausted. They tortured her.” Suddenly, the girl gasped. "I need more power. Give me your hand.”
Danas took his friend’s hand and focused on the Force as well. After a moment, they managed to stabilize the woman's state, but it wasn't enough to fully heal her.
“We have to get her out of here.”
Unfortunately, Force decided to test them. Because as soon, as they exited the tent, they found themselves in front of two Tuskens. Who alarmed the whole tribe.