Star Wars - Series Fan Fiction ❯ Castaways ❯ Castaways ( Chapter 1 )

Disclaimer: I do not own Star Wars, or have any rights to them. This story is only for entertainment, and is not intended to infringe on any copyrights.

 

Anyway, I'm not gonna be putting in dates for this fic, but it will switch rapidly between different time periods. Hopefully its not too confusing.

Oh, and I've never read the books etc for Star Wars. So any references to the Star Wars universe outside of what is in the movies and Clone Wars are small and won't have any big effect on the story. ^_^ Enjoy!

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I lift my hood up the barest bit and feel a blast of warm sand. Damn this planet. I've never been fond of either sand or heat, and Tatooine just happens to be abundant in both.

From under my heavy Jedi cloak (which is now filled with itchy sand, thank you very much sudden sandstorms) I glance around the bazaar. The people who live in this forsaken area on the outskirts of what passes for a city on this planet congregate in this small town to sell their goods.

I'm not here to sell. Or buy.

A flash of blond in the crowd catches my attention and I detach myself from the comforting shade under the awning of a jewelry dealer. A few creatures of suspicious reputation glance over at me. I know what they're thinking. Some old nutcase pretending to be a Jedi.

I wave my hand and they go about their business. One good thing about being this far in the outer rim, very few species are aware of the Force, and even less know how to defend against it. Except a few of the more interesting shop owners. But where would the fun in life be if I had the power to control everyone?

“Hey boy! You can't park that thing here!”

I edge along the wall closer to the creature that had the boy by his arm. It was yelling and sending specks of spit flying onto the small human in his grasp.

“It's a free parking space. Listen I just need to grab some cabbage then I'll move it,” the boy, no more than 12, whined as he tried to struggle away. But the slobbery brown creature kept a tight hold on him.

I smile, not that anyone can see it thanks to my hood, and walk forward. No one even takes the moment to acknowledge my presence before I am standing next to the pair.

“It's really alright to let the boy park his speeder here for just a few moments.”

“I guess it's alright, but only for a few moments.”

Throwing the human's arm down the shop owner wobbled back into his small hut.

“Ben? Hey, thanks. I haven't seen you in town in a while.”

“Too many storms lately. It's a long walk here from my place. How are your aunt and uncle doing?”

The young Skywalker laughs and I see in his blue eyes something that is achingly familiar and foreign. He begins telling me all about his recent antics, and I follow after him, nodding politely and laughing at the appropriate moments. I know Owen and Beru don't like me spending time with Luke, they're afraid a crazy old hermit like me will have a bad influence on him.

Imagine that, me a bad influence on a Skywalker. Can't imagine where they got that idea. After gathering his fresh vegetables Luke quickly returns to the speeder and I follow him, an obedient shadow. Even if the boy does show evidence of Force powers, his sharp shooting for example, he is not old enough to defend himself from the dangers of Mos Eisley.

“And then Uncle Owen made me take it out on my speeder and leave it in the desert because he said he wouldn't be taking in any more strays.”

I bristle at this. I was never terribly fond of Owen, mostly because he told Luke he wasn't allowed to see me. Me, the person who was there when he was born. The one who was entrusted with his guardianship. I know more about that boy and where he comes from than anyone.

“Its strange though, I don't remember us taking in strays before…”

He means you Luke. You're just a burden to him.

“Well Luke, the suns will be going down soon. I wouldn't want to make your aunt and uncle worry.”

“Alright. Thanks again Ben,” Luke sat in the speeder and looked down, fiddling with one of the controls. I could tell he wasn't finished. “I know I'm supposed to stay away, but I was wondering if I could come by sometime and, you know, hear some stories.”

About his father. Of course I know that's left unsaid, but still blaringly obvious. I softly nod my head and realize that I really have changed. Years ago I would have honored his legal guardians wishes. Oh the times.

“Maybe I can even bring that baby scurrier with me!” Luke took off an instant later, his speeder leaving a billowing cloud of sand. Most of which miraculously found its way into my boots. How, I will never know.

Wait a minute…I thought he said he freed…

…a lizard in our apartment.

My padawan was right on the small animal's tail, chasing it through the living room and into his bedroom. As I walk far enough into our foyer so that the automatic door behind me will close, I toss my heavy cloak onto a nearby chair.

“Padawan!”

With the appearance of my voice I know that Anakin is now aware of my presence. Of course, had his interests not been focused elsewhere he should have sensed me coming. Even without a training bond. I wince at this thought and take a seat on the small sofa that is the centerpiece of the furniture in our apartment. I have been training Anakin for four years now, and we still have yet to form a complete bond. Just small snippets here and there. But with his potential I know its possible.

I wonder for the millionth time which one of us is truly the cause.

“Sorry Master, I can explain,” he spits out as he walks into the living room empty handed.

“I should hope so,” I say in my sternest voice. When I see the boy wilt at this I can not help but sigh heavily and rub my eyes. No wonder we can't have a proper apprentice and master bond. I don't know who in this relationship is the apprentice and who is the master.

“Well, it all started in class today. Master Fisto was training us to use the living force to influence the actions of wild animals.”

I knew this wouldn't be easy.

“And these wild animals, were they lizards?” I motion to Anakin's room where, presumably, the creature is still in hiding.

“No. They were wild tauntauns.”

I can't keep back a groan. I know this story is not going to end well and just lean back into the comfort of the couch as I listen to Anakin's tale. Apparently his grip on the living force left something to be desired, and his tauntaun was the only one that refused to obey his commands.

“So I figured I'd try and practice with an animal here at the temple, but all I could find was that lizard in the gardens…”

With a soft sigh I smile to my young padawan and he looks immensely relieved. After motioning to the seat next to me he practically leaps onto the couch, a crazy grin on his face. I recognize it as the look he always gets when I agree to help him with his studies. Apparently I'm “way better at this stuff” than all the other Jedi who usually try and impart knowledge on my headstrong apprentice. Despite them being masters, and myself a newly appointed knight.

“I'll tell you a secret my padawan,” as I pause for dramatic effect Anakin leans over and his mouth hangs open. Sometimes, when he isn't raising hell, my apprentice really can prove to be quite the impeccable student. “I'm not very good when it comes to using the living force either. You should have seen Qui-Gonn though. He was a true master at it.”

Anakin's face flashes with a second of sadness, but I pat him on the shoulder and it is gone just as quickly. I know my master is gone, and I miss him, but not like my padawan. Anakin mourns his loss, even this many years later. I know I should worry more about his attachment issues, but it just seems hypocritical to me to tell my apprentice, who I love like family, that he should feel less.

Focusing on the force, and letting my eyes close halfway, I sense out the living presence in Anakin's room. Although there seemed to be a slight force presence under his bed, leftover late night snacks no doubt, I quickly find the lizard stuck to his wall. With a nudge through the force, it becomes compliant and I give it the slightest desire to come into the room with us.

The foot long green lizard loped casually into the room and I hear Anakin sigh dramatically. I can't help myself and ruffle his short hair, assuring him through whatever small amount of a bond we have, that he will do just as good as I will.

“Now why don't we see if between the two of us we can maneuver this little guy back to the garden where he belongs.”

“Are you sure I can't keep him master?”

“Absolutely not…and Anakin.”

“Yes master?”

“Stop trying to use the force to get me to allow you to keep him as a pet.”

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Let me know what you think. ^_^ This fic is completed, so I will be posting the next chapter in a few days.