The group met in the back area of the pod racing again, Jar Jar had picked up Anakin in a huge hug and told him ' good going '. Padmè got on her knees so she was Anakin's height and gave him a hug too. Athena smiles at him as Shmi stands next to her son and congratulated him. Shmi kneels down and gives Anakin a hug before kissing his dirty face.

" It's so wonderful, Ani. You have brought hope to those who have none " Shmi says proudly " I'm so very proud of you " she added before kissing his cheek again. Anakin made a small face from embarrassment before Shmi, Padmè and Jar Jar left to go get Anakin's pod and other things, leaving Athena and Anakin alone. Anakin turns to Athena and Athena gets on her knees and hugs him.

" You did well, Ani " Athena says as they pulled away and Athena got to her feet " We are very grateful for what you did ".

" It was nothing " Anakin says humbly.

" It means a lot to me " Athena says before leaning down to kiss his cheek.

Before they walk back to where the group was.

⎯

Athena, Padmè, Jar Jar and Qui-Gon had returned to the ship with all the parts they needed for repairs, Padmè and Jar Jar went on to ship. But Athena stayed behind with Qui-Gon. He wanted her to go with him to get Anakin, Qui-Gon had informed Athena that he added to the bet he made with Watto and won Anakin's freedom. However, he was still not able to get Watto to agree to free Shmi. Therefore she was still a slave and Qui-Gon wanted Athena to accompany him and be there for Anakin, because it was going to be hard for him.

" Well, we have all of the essential parts we need " Qui-Gon says to Obi-Wan, who had came out to greet his master. Athena was on the other creature and was going to ride into town, Qui-Gon had the crew tie a rope to her creature so he could guide Athena's for her.

" We are going back, some unfinished business. We won't be long " Qui-Gon says to Obi-wan.

" Why do I sense, we've picked up another pathetic life form " Obi-Wan says smirking, Athena shot a glare at the Jedi, for call Anakin a pathetic life form.

" It's the boy, who's responsible for getting us these parts " Qui-Gon says to Obi-Wan " Get this hyperdrive generator installed ".

" Yes Master, that shouldn't take long " Obi-Wan says and Qui-Gon nodded before taking off back to town.

⎯

" Hey, these are yours " Qui-Gon says to Anakin as the three of them had arrived to Anakin's house, they had sold Anakin's pod and made a good amount of money on it.

" Yes " Anakin says as he took the money and gave Athena a huge smile, they all entered the house.

" Mom, we've sold the pod " Anakin says as he made his way to Shmi, who was working at her desk " Look at all of the money, we have ".

" My goodness " Shmi says as Anakin handed her the money " That's so wonderful, Ani ".

" And he has been freed " Qui-Gon says to Anakin and Shmi.

" What " Anakin says to Athena and Qui-Gon in shock.

" You're no longer a slave, Ani " Athena says with a smile, Anakin then hugs Athena's waist before going back to his Mom.

" Did you hear that? " Anakin asked Shmi.

" Now you can make your dreams come true, Ani " Shmi says " You are free ".

" Will you take him with you? " Shmi asked Qui-Gon " Is he to become a Jedi? ".

" Anakin....A Jedi? " Athena mutters quietly, she didn't know this is what Qui-Gon had intended to do with Anakin and why he wanted Anakin to join them.

" Yes " Qui-Gon says as Anakin and Athena look between the two adults " Our meeting was not a coincidence, nothing happens by accident " Qui-Gon says to Shmi before looking at Anakin and Athena.

" You mean, I get to come with you in your starship? " Anakin asked Athena and Qui-Gon.

" Anakin, training to become a Jedi is not an easy challenge and even if you succeed, it's a hard life " Qui-Gon says to Anakin as he kneel in front of Anakin.

" But I want to go, it's what I've always dreamed of doing " Anakin says " Can I go, Mom? ".

" Anakin, this path has been placed before you. The choice is yours alone " Shmi says as she held Anakin's hand in her own, Anakin looked at Athena and she gives him a sad smile and nodded, Anakin looks back at Shmi.

" I wanna do it " Anakin says as Shmi gave him a sad smile.

" Then pack your things, we don't have much time " Qui-Gon says

" Yippee " Anakin says before running to his room to pack.

but he stops in his tracks and turned around and asked " What about Mom, is she free too? ".

" at tried to free your mother, Ani. But Watto wouldn't have it " Qui-Gon says.

" You're coming with us, aren't you? " Anakin asked Shmi as he walked up to her, Anakin looked at Qui-Gon sadly when Shmi grabbed Anakin's hands in her own. Athena's heart breaks when she sees this.

" Son, my place is here. My future is here " Shmi says softly to Anakin " It's time for you to let go ".

" I don't want things to change...." Anakin says.

" But you can't stop the change anymore that you can stop the sun from setting " Shmi says " Ohh, I love you" she says sadly as she hugged Anakin tightly.

" Now, hurry " Shmi says as she gestured for him to go off, Anakin runs to his room to pack as Shmi got up from her seat. All three of them sadly watched Anakin.

" I'll watch after him " Qui-Gon says to Shmi as they moved towards the dining table with Athena following behind them " You have my word, will you be alright? " he asked as he placed a comforting hand on Shmi's shoulder, Shmi turns around and gives Qui-Gon a sad smile as she whispered ' Yeah '. Her eyes fell on Athena and Shmi turns around to face Athena.

" Come here, young Athena " Shmi says in a comforting, motherly voice. Athena walked up to Shmi who put her hand on Athena's shoulder.

" It might be too much to ask of you..." Shmi says" But please look after Ani, for me....please be there for him, while I can't ".

" I promise, I'll always be there for Anakin " Athena says as Shmi smiled and pulled Athena into a hug.

⎯

Athena and Anakin walked behind Qui-Gon as they all headed back to the ship.

Anakin suddenly stopped in his tracks and looked between Shmi, Qui-Gon and Athena. She runs over to Shmi and gave her a huge hug, Shmi kissed him on his cheek before they pull away, Athena's heart breaks at the goodbye.

" I can't do it, Mom. I just can't do it " Anakin says as his bag fell off his shoulders.

" Ani.." Shmi says.

" Will I ever see you again? " Anakin asked as his voice breaks.

" What does your heart tell you " Shmi says.

" I hope so...yes " Anakin says " I guess ".

" Then we will see each other again " Shmi says smiling.

" I will come back for you, Mom " Anakin says " I promise ".

Shmi smiled at Anakin and placed her hand on his cheek, Shmi took in Anakin's features as she tried to keep her tears in.

" Now, be brave " Shmi says to Anakin " And don't look back, don't look back ".

Shmi got up and watched as Anakin put his bag back on his shoulders. He walks back over to Athena and Qui-Gon. Athena holds her hand out to him and Anakin gladly took it and she gives him a reassuring smile while squeezing his hand as they followed Qui-Gon, Athena looked back and gave A sad smile as she waved.

⎯

" You know Athena, you are to become a Jedi as well " Qui-Gon says to Athena as the three of them walked closer to the outskirts of town.

" I am? " Athena asked Shocked.

All of Athena's life, she was dedicated to being a princess and preparing to take over after Padmè. Now to hear that she could become a Jedi with Anakin was shocking to her.

" Yes, you and Anakin are very strong with the force " Qui-Gin says.

" This means we can become, Jedi knights together " Anakin says happily, but his smile vanished when he saw the confused and worried look on Athena's face.

" I don't know if I can become a Jedi " Athena says quietly.

" Well young Athena, the choice is yours and yours alone " Qui-Gon says as the three of them continued to walk.

Athena knew she needed to talk with Padmè about this because of the big choice she had to make.

⎯

" Qui-Gon Sir, wait I'm tired " Anakin called out, Qui-Gin suddenly broke out into a sprint and Anakin and Athena follow behind him.

" Anakin, Athena. Drop " Qui-Gon ordered, Athena drops to the ground pulling Anakin with her as a man on a rider flew over them. The man hopped off of his rider and whipped out his lightsaber, Qui-Gon quickly pulled out his own and fought off the man. Athena watched as Qui-Gon's green lightsaber hit the man's red one.

" Go, tell them to take off " Qui-Gon yelled at Anakin and Athena.

Anakin quickly got up and helped Athena up as well, he held her hand tightly as they ran to the ship.

" Come Athena " Anakin says as they entered the ship, Athena heard the crash of lightsabers and saw the captain of the ship.

" Go, now " Athena ordered as Padmè rushed to her sister's side.

" Qui-Gon said to " Anakin says as the ships crew quickly worked together to take off.

" Are you hurt, Athena? " Padmè asked worried as she check for injuries, Athena shakes her head as they both went to the pilots quarters.

" Qui-Gon is in trouble " the captain says as Obi-Wan looked at them, he moved over to the pilot and looked out the windshield.

" Take off, go over there and fly low " Obi-Wan ordered as he pointed to where Qui-Gon and the man were fighting. The ship flew over the two and Athena heard Qui-Gon hop onto the ramp of the ship as it closed, Athena, Obi-Wan and Anakin rush over to Qui-Gon.

" Are you all right? " Anakin asked as Qui-Gon put his lightsaber away.

" I think so " Qui-Gon says as Obi-Wan, Athena and Anakin kneeled at his side.

" What is it? " Obi-Wan asked.

" I'm not sure, but it was well trained in the Jedi arts " Qui-Gon says out of breath, R2-D2 beeped in response as Qui-Gon continued " My guess is it was after the queen and princess ".

Athena bites her lip in fear, that man or whatever it was, was after Her and Padmè.

" What are we going to do about it? " Anakin asked as he glanced at Athena feeling her fear. Anakin puts a reassuring hand on her shoulder as Qui-Gon let out a sigh.

" We shall be patient " Qui-Gon says.

" Anakin Skywalker meet Obi-Wan Kenobi " Qui-Gon says introducing the two.

" Hi " Anakin says as he extended a hond out for Obi-Wan to shake, Obi-Wan shook his hand as Anakin continued to speak " You're a Jedi too? It's a pleasure to meet you ".

⎯

Athena and Padmè had entered into the lounge area of the ship, dressed in their handmaiden clothes again.

Athena still had yet to tell her sister about the possibility of her becoming a Jedi, for now it was best to stick to the plan of pretending to be someone she isn't, she would tell Padmè after this was all over.

Athena and Padmè walked over to the transmitter and played the message from the Governor.

" The death toll is catastrophic, we must bow to their wishes. You both must contact me " the message says before ending.

Athena looks away and saw Anakin sitting on a bench shivering.

" Are you okay, Ani? " Athena asked as Padmè look in Anakin's direction.

" It's very cold..." Anakin says stuttering, Athena spotted a blanket, grabs it and walks over to Anakin. Padmè smiled at them before leaving Anakin and Athena alone.

" You come from a warm planet Ani, a little to warm for my taste " Athena says as she wrapped the blanket around Anakin " Space is cold ".

" You seem sad " Anakin says, Athena sighed and sat down in front of Anakin.

" The queen and princess are worried " Athena says lying " Their people are suffering, dying. They must convince the senate to intervene or...I'm not sure, what will happen ".

Anakin looked down before reaching into his pocket and pulled out something, handing it Athena " I made you something, so you'd remember me ".

Athena looked at it and saw it was a hand carved necklace.

" I carved it out of a Japor Snippet for you, it'll bring you good fortune " Anakin says and Athena smiled.

" It's beautiful Ani, but I don't need this to remember you by " Athena says smiling at him, Anakin reached out and held his cold hand in Athena's " Many things will change when we reach the capital Ani, but my caring for you will always remain ".

" I care for you too....only I- " Anakin started as he look down at their intertwined hands.

" Miss you're Mother " Athena finishes, she gave Anakin's hand a reassuring squeeze " I promised her that I would always be there for you and I intend to keep that promise, just like the one I made you. No matter what happens, you'll always have me, Ani ".

Athena's future was very uncertain right now, but she really did want to go with Anakin to the Jedi Academy after all of this. But she couldn't abandon her sister, her people or her duties as a princess, But it was comforting to be with Anakin in that moment.

Athena still holding Anakin's looked at the necklace and smiled.

" You'll always have me too " Anakin says as he admired Athena who was looking at her necklace smiling.