Star Wars: Altered Fate

Summary: AU story! What if Anakin got the master he needed rather than the one he wanted? How will Master Windu's training impact Anakin's destiny? Will he bring balance to the Force or destroy it? Rated M for future chapters.

Special thanks to the author gamePsycho11 for allowing me to use Star wars: Bound By Heart & Soul: A Star Wars Love Story as an inspiration for this story.

Disclaimer- This is the property of George Lucas

Genre: Adventure/Romance

Author Note: The reason why I've chosen to write this fanfic is because I believe that Anakin should have had a different Master. I'm not saying that Obi-wan was bad or anything as I respected him a lot. However, he was too young to be given an apprentice of his own and he acted more like a brother to Anakin rather than a father. While I respect George Lucas a lot I feel as if he did the Order and more importantly Anakin a disservice. Rest assure that Ashoka and Rex will be in this story. Also the first three chapters are merely preludes of this story.

By the time this chapter is posted on fanfic. There will be 3 tiers made available on for this story.

Chapter 1: The Beginning I

Shortly after the destruction of the Trade Federations blockade over the planet Naboo and the death of Master Qui-Gon at the hands of the Sith Lord Maul. Obi-wan reported to the Jedi High Council via Holonet about what happened in the palace's power generator's melting pit and his Master's final wish for Anakin to be trained as a Jedi. With his dying breath, he believed the boy could be the Chosen One to bring the Force back into balance.

Later that day, in the courtyard of Theed, a large, grand cruiser of the Supreme Chancellor lands in the courtyard of the main hanger. Captain Panaka and members from the Naboo security force guard Nute Gunray and Rune Haako. While Obi-wan, Anakin, Queen Amidala, and her handmaidens stand before the leader of the Trade Federation and his attendant.

Padmé, the sovereign ruler, stepped forward with a menacing glare. "Now, Viceroy, you are going to have to go back to the Senate and explain all this." Silently hoping this would get them convicted of their crimes.

Captain Panaka took a step in front, licking his chops, "I think you can kiss your Trade franchise goodbye," leading them up the main ramp of the cruiser as the new Chancellor of the Galactic Republic came down the walkway with a team of Republic guards, followed by Yoda and several other Jedi Masters.

Obi-wan and Anakin bowed as the Chancellor approached them with his guards. "We are indebted to you for your bravery, Obi-wan Kenobi," a small smile flashed across his face. Soon became bigger as he looked down at the young boy, "and you, young Skywalker. We will watch your career with great interest," patting him on the shoulder like a proud master would.

Leaving the two to the Jedi who accompanied him, he approached Queen Amidala. Giving a small smile, she returned. "Congratulations on your election, Chancellor."

"Your boldness has saved our people, your majesty. It's you who should be congratulated. Together we shall bring peace and prosperity back to the Republic." He replied.

Obi-wan and Anakin bowed once again to the Jedi Masters. Anakin took a step back, remembering they said he would be trained, despite passing the council's test. Sensing the boy's concern and fear, Obi-wan placed a hand on his right shoulder, giving a reassuring smile. When Yoda and Mace stopped before them, the former looked solemn while the latter held a calm-expressionless visage.

"Of Master Jinn's loss, we are sorry to hear," Yoda came forward.

"He will be missed. But thanks to him, we now know the Sith have indeed returned," Windu added. While he and many others considered Qui-Gon to be a maverick Jedi, he did respect him and his wisdom. They may have had their disagreements about the Jedi code, methods, and perceptions of the Force. But his loss was a grave one. He began to wonder about what his former friend suspected about this young boy could be the chosen one.

"Much to discuss, we do. Decide how to move we shall," the green diminutive Master leads his fellow Jedi and Anakin into the palace.

Later that day, Anakin was escorted into a section of the palace where he stood alone on the terrace looking off into the sunset. Despite only knowing Qui-Gon for a short time, he respected him greatly as he not only freed him from being a slave but also gave him something he'd been lacking. Hope! Hope that he could possibly fulfill the dream he had about being a Jedi. All his life, he only had one person in his life. His mother. Being a slave, they did not have much, but they at least had each other. As he continued staring off into the distance, a feeling washed over him, telling him that someone familiar was approaching.

"I thought you had to meet with your advisors," not bothering to turn around.

"I came to see how you were doing," the person was another person he had grown fond of, and the feeling was mutual. Padmé noticed the sad expression on his face earlier today after learning about the Jedi Master's fate. "How are you holding up?" Mentally kicking herself for asking a question she knew was a mistake.

"I miss him," his voice started to crack.

"We all do," going to stand next to him. "From what I hear, he was an honorable man. One that will forever be remembered." Seeing as he did not look at her, she continued. "Before we left Coruscant he told me you were special. After hearing what you did, I have to agree, as you helped save my home world from the droid army of the Trade Federation. Thank you."

Anakin turned to her, "just doing my job, Milady. The other Jedi are debating about my fate so I might or might not become a Jedi. If they agree, then I might not ever see you again."

She pulled him into a hug which he returned; they stayed like that for what appeared to be years but was actually a couple of minutes. Padmé silently promised herself she would never forget him. Pulling back, "Ani, you are and will always be special to me. Even if we never see each other again, I will always have something to remember you by." Revealing the japor snippet he made for her was around her neck.

"You still have it?" Surprise was evident in his voice, remembering their previous conversation aboard the cruiser.

"Someone special made this for me," tracing her fingers around the necklace.

Together they looked off into the distance, not knowing they were being observed by the Jedi Champion, who watched with a skeptical look. "Perhaps she might be his strength," Mace thought to himself, though he quickly remembered how the code states that a Jedi must not form attachments. Already he could tell she was important to him and he to her. Contemplating his thoughts, he left the two alone to say their goodbyes while he went to where his fellow Jedi were.

In the turret room of the palace, Yoda stood before a kneeling Obi-wan Kenobi whilst the other Jedi who stood behind him stayed silent. After much deliberation, the masters reached a decision. Pacing back and forth, "Confer on you, the level of Jedi Knight the Council does. But agree on you taking this boy as your Padawan learner, we do not."

Obi-wan looked seemed slightly miffed about being denied the right to train Anakin. "Master Yoda, Qui-Gon's dying wish was for me to train Anakin, and I intend to do just that."

Yoda released a long sigh, "the Chosen One the boy may be; nevertheless, grave danger I fear in his training. Honor your Master's final wish. We will. A Jedi Skywalker will be, but he will receive a different master." The Grandmaster tapped his cane.

Mace spoke, "Obi-wan, you are the first Jedi in a thousand years to defeat a Sith Lord, thus earning you the rank of Knight. But you are not ready to have a padawan of your own." Then, rubbing his chin, "since he will be starting much later than everyone else he will require someone with more experience."

Tapping his cane against the floor, "I agree. However, you must be allowed time to grieve and come to terms with your Master's death. Understand this is one of the rare exceptions to the Order you must understand. Therefore, young Skywalker's apprenticeship shall be left to Master Windu."

This shocked everyone currently in the room, especially Mace. While it was true, he had an apprentice before—Depa Billaba. Briefly turning his head over his right shoulder to see his former padawan. He was stunned to hear that he would soon have another much older apprentice.

Finding his voice, "if that is what the council decides. Then I will take the boy as my padawan," looking at his fellow council members. One by one, they voiced their agreement that the apprenticeship of Skywalker would be left to Mace Windu. Thinning his lips and mentally sighing, "very well. I will train the boy. Obi-wan," looking down at the newly appointed Knight, "you will serve as an advisor to him should I become too busy."

Obi-wan wanted to argue the point, but remained quiet, accepting the decision. He bowed his head. Yoda drew his short lightsaber, igniting it and then severing Kenobi's padawan braid.

As the masters left the room, Mace thought about how he would train Skywalker, running through several possibilities. Should he train him the same way he trained Depa, or should he try a different route? Those thoughts followed him as he walked through the palace. Eventually, finding himself back where he saw the boy and Queen. The Force told him Anakin was still by the terrace; sucking in a breath, he went to approach.

"You seem to be taking in the scenery nicely after everything that's happened," he said, causing the boy to jump in surprise.

Slowly turning around, Anakin paled at seeing the dark-skinned Jedi. "M-master Windu," slowly bowing, "how did you know I was here?"

"Coincidence and the Force. I have some news for you," his grim expression not wavering in the slightest.

"Is Obi-wan going to be my master?" The boy asked with hope in his eyes. Mace knew how sad the boy was at the council's previous response for him to become a Jedi.

"No. He will not," quickly raising a hand to silence the boy as it looked like he was about to protest, "the reason why is because he was just granted the rank of Knight a few seconds ago and is not ready to teach. Qui-Gon's final wish was for you to become a Jedi…even though the Order does not take ones who are too old, it was his dying wish. Therefore, it was decided that I would be your Master."

Anakin couldn't stop his mouth from opening as he was both elated and disappointed. They decided to train him as a Jedi, but it would be done by someone other than the person he wanted. Swallowing the lump in his throat, he nodded toward his new Master, who motioned him to follow behind. Not knowing what the future had in store for him, he got the feeling his journey was only about to begin…

(0^0)

3 years later

Life as a Jedi was far more different than what Anakin had expected. After the cremation of Qui-Gon Jinn, he was taken back to the Jedi Temple on Coruscant, where he was given his own room. Not too long later, he installed a workbench full of tools so he could tinker with various droids of the temple or any pieces of machinery he could find. The day he was given a room, he was placed in one of the ten Jedi initiate groups known as The Bear Clan.

Growing up as a slave on Tatooine, he sometimes heard stories about the Jedi. Their powers with the Force and skills with a Lightsaber. Some viewed them as heroes of peace and liberators who dedicated their lives to protecting and freeing innocent civilians from those who wished to enslave, slaughter, and use the innocents. Others viewed them as mere lapdogs of a corrupt senate who claimed peace but only kept law and order for the rich and powerful at the expense of the weak.

The first three years, he would spend most of his time in the temple's library with the other initiate, studying as hard as possible to catch up and prove his worth. If it wasn't studying with the other initiates, then it was lightsaber training with Master Yoda and the members of the Bear Clan. First, the Grandmaster of the Order would have the younglings use training lightsabers against seeker droids while wearing blast shield helmets that covered their faces. Next would be his sessions with Master Windu—which consisted of the origins of the Jedi, their importance as peace keepers, and applications of the Force.

Simply put, he felt alone with only the memories of his mother and the promise he made her before leaving with Qui-Gon and Obi-wan. Moreover, no matter how much he dedicated himself to his studies the other people from his class did not know how to treat him; most of the younglings felt like he did not belong, which annoyed him. Thankfully, Obi-wan was around to spend time with him on his days off, giving him advice about what the Jedi Order stood for and the importance of keeping the peace.

One day in Master Yoda's quarters, Mace arrived to speak with the Grandmaster. Taking a seat on one of the tuft meditation pads, he got in a meditative position and closed his eyes. Normally meditating would be easy for him as he would allow the Force to move through his body, but his thoughts dwelled on his apprentice. The boy may have been inducted much later than any of the other younglings, but he proved to be dedicated to his studies. During his saber lessons, Anakin was the best in his class and possessed an inquisitive mind. He would sometimes test the waters of their relationship and his Master's patience by sneaking out of the temple to go explore Coruscant. Despite his cold and cynical attitude towards the boy, he was actually proud of how far he had come since arriving at the temple. That said, he wanted Anakin to learn some humility and responsibility as Qui-Gon intentionally or unintentionally filled him with some arrogance that he could do whatever he wanted. For this reason and a collection of others, he put the child with a group of kids younger than him. He only wanted to do what he believed was best for him.

A couple of minutes of meditation were then interrupted by the arrival of Masters Yoda and Billaba and Knight Kenobi. "A concern you have? Hmm? Yoda went to one of the two remaining meditation pads, with Billaba taking the other and Obi-wan standing next to her.

"It is my padawan. He has been here for three years and has yet to fully adjust to his new lifestyle." The normally composed Jedi Master had an unsure look. "I can sense a great deal of doubt and confusion with him."

"Hmm, clouded the boy's future is," Yoda closed his eyes, "much fear I sense from young Skywalker.

"Masters," Billaba spoke, drawing their attention, "perhaps it is the way he is being taught. From my own analysis, he exhibits qualities similar to many Masters and shows great promise for one so young."

"I am not doubting his abilities," Windu replied in a monotone voice. "Merely trying to judge how to best train him. He is different from the standard younglings."

"True, and that is why you are the best person to train him. Remember, children are inducted when they're extremely young and spend their childhoods learning our ways. He spent most of his childhood as a slave with the goal of being free."

"A suggestion you have?" Yoda enquired

The Chalactan Master proceeded, "instead of being cold and distant with him, try connecting with him. I have spoken with him a number of times, and I believe he tests the waters of his relationship with you because he struggles to understand things are different. Anakin was raised as a slave in a hostile environment where he was barely free to do as he wished." She explained. "I believe the reason why he takes such offence to whenever you scold or lecture him is based on the punishments he would get if he acted out on Tatooine."

"We do not use corporal punishments on younglings or padawans," Mace icily replied. "No, Jedi in history has ever used whips, knives, or force; what else slave masters use on their victims."

"There are other forms of punishment, Mace." She informed. "Whether you want to acknowledge it or not, you can be cold, severe, and borderline heartless towards people." That made the usually stoic Jedi Master cringe, despite wanting to retort, he remained quiet to let her finish. "If you want the boy to progress then try talking to him not as a cold, cynical Master, but as someone who wants what's best for him. Get to know Anakin."

"Sound advice," quipped Obi-wan, stroking his growing beard. While he may not have been granted permission to train Anakin, that did not stop him from keeping an eye on him. "Talking to him may be beneficial."

In a way, he understood where she was coming from, as being a Jedi could sometimes be lonely. The Jedi who lived at the temple had no families and were forbidden from forming attachments. At a young age, younglings are inducted into the order without ever getting to know their parents, and in that time, the clans they're put into as children become some sort of family member. But sadly, it doesn't always go that way.

Mace grimaced the advice, looking at Yoda, who nodded in agreement. Then, taking a minute to think, he released a long breath. "I will speak with him on his next day off."

Over the next week, Mace kept a watchful eye on his soon-to-be padawan. True to what he'd seen before, Anakin had dedicated himself to his studies, learning everything he could about being a Jedi. Their history, ways of life, how they used the Force in lightsaber combat, and everything a Jedi needed to know. At the end of each day, he would always return to the training room to practice his saber techniques with a training lightsaber.

As the sun began to set, Mace walked through the temple halls, where he sensed the anxiety and confusion of the boy. Arriving at one of the many dojos, he found Anakin practicing against a few remote-controlled seeker droids. Folding his arms across his chest, a small smile came across Mace's face as the blaster bolts were deflected back to the droids. Dodging the last two, he jumped into the air and defeated the remaining droids with a swipe of his sword.

Mace had to admit he was impressed as the boy showed exceptional skills, clapping his hands to draw the boy's attention to him.

"M-Master, I was only…" Anakin deactivated the lightsaber and tried to speak, but the Korun held a hand up to silence him.

"Your skills with a lightsaber are impressive for one so young." Anakin was startled as he had never heard his Master praise him before. "Put the lightsaber away and come with me. A long and overdue discussion is needed between us," turning around, he left whilst the boy put the sword back on the wall and raced out of the dojo to catch up.

The two walked to Mace's quarters without uttering a single word. At first, the silence would make Anakin feel uncomfortable as his Master never expressed any emotions with him save for when he would be scolded or lectured. There was always a cold, blank, expressionless visage devoid of any warmth or compassion. His relationship with Mace could best be described as cold and distant, with him often getting the impression that he wanted to send him back to Tatooine. These thoughts stayed with Anakin during his first year of being in the temple. Eventually, for the most part, he came to accept that his Master would forever treat him like an outcast. Arriving at his quarters, Mace pressed a button that opened the door so he and Anakin could walk in. As a Jedi Master and a member of the Council, his living space would be much bigger than the Younglings, Padawans, and Knights.

Motioning to the meditation pods, he took one while Anakin took the other. Facing each other, Mace did not need to use the Force to see the boy was nervous, as it was written all over his face. "Anakin, do you know why the reason you are treated differently rather than a simple Youngling? Why I'm hard on you?"

"No, Master," he replied, not expecting this conversation.

"It has to do with Master Qui-Gon. You were brought in much later than the other Younglings, which is not normally accepted. However, it was his dying wish that you be admitted," he explained. "The minute you entered the Council chamber, the members sensed you had a strong connection with the Force, as your midi-chlorian count was significantly higher than any other Youngling or Padawans for their age. I believe Qui-Gon told you about a Prophecy, correct? Where it says someone will bring balance to the Force?"

"Yes, it was one of the things he told me before we left for Naboo. He believed that because my Force abilities were higher that I could be the Chosen One," he answered honestly.

"And that is why you are treated differently," Mace narrowed his eyes at his stunned apprentice. "When he told you that, it instilled a sense of entitlement in you. Hence the reason why you were assigned to me and not Obi-Wan. In spite of not completing his training nor undergoing the trials, he defeated a Sith Lord and was granted the rank of Jedi Knight. However, that did not mean he was ready for a Padawan of his own."

"Why are you telling me this?" Anakin enquired.

"So, you can understand why you were assigned to me," his cool voice told Anakin to be silent. "Though he was considered a maverick Jedi for his independent thinking, and often did things that contrasted what the Council deemed necessary. For him, he relied on the Force to guide his actions and thoughts, and that made him an exemplary Master." From there, he explained as while they had their disagreements, they both believed that Anakin had the making of a great Jedi. Then after that, he elaborated on his treatment of him as his padawan as he wanted to teach him some humility, that he wasn't different from any other apprentice.

"I'm aware that you often sneak out of the temple at night. Younglings and Padawans have done it in the past. . .including myself, Obi-Wan, and Qui-Gon. So you're not the first. Wanting to explore a different area is not uncommon," a brief chuckle escaped his mouth, surprising the boy as he had never seen him laugh before.

"But for you I think it has something to do with your past as a slave on Tatooine," the boy stiffened, showing he was right. "It's also the reason why you test the waters between us. You want to see how much freedom you're allowed without getting into trouble."

"I don't mean to cause trouble, Master," Anakin replied in a small voice. "It's just that when I was on Tatooine, it was difficult to move around without setting off the tracking device embedded in me and getting into trouble with Watto."

Rising to his feet, he walked over and knelt down so he was at eye level with the boy, "what happened on Tatooine was never your fault as it is natural to be curious. The past is the past. You are in control of your future, not anyone else. Anakin, you have my word that I will never use corporal punishment to discipline you. That is not the Jedi way. I'm sorry for not making that clear during the first year of your training. At the time, I thought it would have been easier for you to adjust to life on Coruscant by distancing myself from you. But clearly, I was wrong. For that, you have my apologies."

Not knowing what to say, he was completely silent as so many things were running through his young mind. Then, right before he was about to speak, Mace beat him to it. "I'll make a deal with you, Anakin. . . If you agree to open up to me about your past and better control your impulses, then I will be less critical."

Something inside Anakin told him he could trust his Master, but to open up about his past would be painful. "Please don't think badly of me. . .life on that desert planet was not pleasant."

"If you want to advance as a Jedi, you will need to come to terms with your past so you can have a better future. I want to get to know you. You do not have to talk about it, but if you allow me to use the Force to see what transpired, I can better understand what happened and help you move forward."

Thinking for a few minutes, he hoped his Master would understand. Then, with a small nod, he allowed his Master to proceed. "Deal."

Mace nodded as Anakin agreed to the arrangement returning to his own pod; closing his eyes, he used the Force to look into the boy's mind. The Force shields around his mind kept Windu out as he could sense the fear and anger through their Force bond. Please let me in so I can help you heal, Mace said through their bond.

Letting go of his stubbornness, he allowed his Master into his mind though this time it didn't feel as much like an intrusion to some personal memories, but at peace and understanding. Mace shifted through the buried memories of his padawan's past as a slave. The blue Toydarian known as Watto won Anakin and his mother Shmi from Gardulla the Hutt when she lost a podracer bet. From there, he saw how the two were forced to work in his shop from early morning to late evening. After that, he dug deeper to see how some of the slavers would occasionally whip Anakin whenever he did something wrong, no matter how small. Watto sometimes made him enter the Boonta Eve Podrace to earn some extra money, much to Shmi's protests. When he could, he'd often explore Mos Espa; unfortunately, that's what he would get. If gone any further, it would set off the slave tracking device inside him, and Watto would use it to blow him up. Mace frowned as he saw through his memories.

Yet throughout the child's experience, he had his mother to comfort him, thus making her his emotional support system. The day he left was practically the hardest thing he ever had to do, feeling he would never see her again. Having seen enough, Mace exited his mind. Opening his eyes, he saw tears running down Anakin's eyes; instinctively, he walked over to pull the child into a hug which he returned.

"That was very brave of you to open up. Now we can focus on healing you," Mace pulled away. "I will be taking a more direct approach to your training."

(0^0)

A couple of weeks later, the members of the Council gathered in the council chamber to discuss the progress of the Padawans. Standing in the center was Obi-Wan Kenobi. Being an advisor/substitute teacher to Anakin, his presence was required.

"Knight Kenobi, your thoughts regarding young Skywalker's training thus far," Master Yoda enquired.

Clearing his throat, "there has been a change in Anakin," he began. "I no longer sense any fear or hesitation as he comes to terms with what happened as a slave. While still young and headstrong, he's attempting to become more thoughtful and less impulsive. As a result, he no longer tries to sneak out at night and is adhering to what is expected of him." Going on to explain that Anakin is starting to understand the importance of a Jedi, becoming less arrogant and entitled, and learning to put his past behind him.

"I believe Master Windu can shed some on young Skywalker's growth," Depa inclined her head to him. Mace saw the small smile on her lips and knew what she was thinking.

"Several of Anakin's struggles stem from his time as a slave," bringing his fingers together, as his face held no emotions. "On his day off, we made a deal that I would be less critical toward him; if he would open up about his past and better control his impulses."

"You got him to agree with this?" Asked Ki-Adi-Mundi. The Cerean Master appeared surprised. Young Skywalker was rebellious and often tried to get around the rules. It was hard for him to believe the boy would agree to such a deal.

"I did. Torn between fear and guilt about confronting the past, he ultimately agreed and allowed me to use the Force to see his memories. There I saw the remnants of his past and why he did what he did. One thing, in particular, got my attention." Mace was still trying to make sense of the boy's attachment to his mother.

"A 'thing' or 'someone'?" Master Plo enquired.

"His mother. Shmi Skywalker," he said, and automatically everyone in the room leaned in with interest. "Throughout his life, all he had was her; she was his source of strength and made life bearable. During our last meditative session, he told me about the day he left her. He promised that he would try to return and free her if possible. His leaving her was the hardest thing he ever had to do, and that is where most of his fear and anger dwelled. The fear of abandoning and not ever seeing her again. I believe that doing what she would have wanted is what keeps him together."

"A powerful connection he had to her," Yoda surmised. "Uncertain was his future when first arrived, though much clearer it is now. Forgo all attachments a Jedi must, though, that appeared to be a source of strength for what had to do. Likely be the source of new growth in him."

Adi Gallia asked, "are you suggesting he could help change the Order?" She looked curious. "I have observed him, and he's come along the way, not just as an apprentice, but as a person. Right now, he is in the middle of healing."

Then closing his eyes and ears a little, "a just debate this is. Pave the way for a new start young Skywalker could. Trust in the Force, we must."

They continued talking about Anakin's progress thus far, with Mace, Obi-Wan, and Depa leading the conversation. Talking about the good and the bad. Mace made a mental promise to help the boy through his training as he wanted to be better and learn how to be a true member of the Order. He believed that with the right amount of guidance and patience, Anakin could change the Order for the better. There was no doubt that the boy had enormous potential and that maybe Qui-Gon saw something in him that others didn't. Whatever it was, Qui-Gon always did what he believed to be right and allowed the Force to guide his thoughts and actions, even when it went against the wishes of the Council. Mace was no fool as he knew the Council had made its fair share of mistakes. At the end of the meeting, as his fellow Masters left the Council Chambers, he remained in his seat in deep thought as Anakin would soon undergo an important trial. One that will test his spirit and see if he is ready to move forward with his training. Rising from his seat, he left the Council Chambers, and after, using the bond he shared with Anakin, he found the boy in the Archives.

Walking through the halls of the temple, he entered the Archives and found his apprentice sitting at an open table, reading through a holobook on the computer. Anakin sensed his presence and turned his head. "Hello, Master. How was the Council meeting?"

"Illuminating," Windu stoically replied. Then looked at the monitor to see what the boy was reading. Narrowing his eyes a little, "I assume that since you are reading something not assigned by the instructor, you have already completed your studies for the day?"

"I was only curious," showing the book cover he was researching.

"Anakin, you know I do not like it when you read things not authorized by either myself or the instructor," he chided. As Anakin looked down, Mace continued, "it is natural to be curious about things. However, there is a time and a place when it should be looked into. Return the holobook to where you got it and come with me." Anakin missed the ghost smile on his Master's face when he turned around.

He led him to his private quarters and had him sit on a meditation pod. The two sat in silence for what seemed like a half-hour, but it was actually a couple of minutes. "Anakin," Mace broke the silence between the two. "To study one of the seven lightsaber combat forms, the padawan must have the consent of his or her current Master. Each form, like the duelist that has chosen it, will be unique in its own way. While you will need to study a form and become exceptional at it, the form must also choose you."

Anakin was a little confused about what Mace was talking about but stayed quiet and listened. "But before they learn a style exclusively, the padawan must either have the consent of their Master or have already constructed their own lightsaber."

Feeling as though he was about to be scolded, Anakin braced himself. Though was surprised when Mace's tone changed, "luckily for you, I have already given you permission." His lips formed a smirk when Anakin looked between confused and shocked. Knowing what was going on in his head, he asked. "You recall a few days ago that I finally let you go on a mission with Obi-Wan, correct?"

Receiving a nod. "That was my way of saying you could study a form. Force knows you've been itching for the opportunity to learn something other than Form I."

"So I can finally study any of the forms?" Anakin became very excited to the point where he was jumping in the inside.

"Do not get ahead of yourself, my young padawan," calming the boy's excitement. "You will study the forms that I deem are acceptable. But the forms you choose must also choose you. Sometimes two forms choose you. This is a lot more common nowadays because understanding another form can help supplement or improve the weaknesses of another. Do you understand?"

"I do. But Master, may I ask you something about Masters Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan Forms?" Windu gave him a nod. "Prior to the Battle of Naboo, Master Qui-Gon taught his apprentice Form IV: Ataru, Form V: Shien, and Jar'Kai. But since then, Obi-Wan has spent his time learning Form III: Soresu choosing to focus on that more and elements from the other forms. My question is, why is that?"

Bringing his fingers together, Mace replied, "Ataru is an aggressive acrobatic form that relies on speed and agility to rein down offensive attacks. While formidable in combat, it has its drawbacks. One will be that it requires an open area to be used properly. Second, it will drain the person if used for too long. Obi-Wan saw how his late master fought and why he was defeated the way he was. It is my understanding that he wants to either create a hybrid between the two or attempt to master and utilize a style that is differentiated from Qui-Gon's chosen style. You will have to speak with him to learn more." In truth, he was also curious as to why the young Knight had begun studying the more defensive style of lightsaber combat. Despite later studying Soresu, he nonetheless mastered Ataru and changed his preferred style to a more defensive one.

"What forms did you study first?" Anakin asked.

"Ataru, Shien, and Soresu. Now, don't you get any ideas," Mace firmly stated. "Master Yoda taught me the first two, and the third chose me. After becoming proficient or mastering them, I focused on studying the other forms."

"You said that Form III chose you. How is that possible?"

"Meditation. I allowed the Force to guide my actions."

Anakin groaned. "But I hate meditating. It's so boring, and trying to sit still and find my centre is not one of my specialties." He ceased any further objections when he was given a stern look.

"A lot of apprentices before you have disliked when they're young, but after an odd number of years, you will come to appreciate it." Having a similar problem when he was younger, so he understood the boy's annoyance. "Remember, meditation is one of the most important aspects of becoming a Jedi. Get into a meditative position and close your eyes."

Anakin did as he was instructed. "Shut everything else out and let the Force guide your thoughts," Mace's voice echoed through his voice. Adhering to his Master's wisdom, he shut down all his thoughts and allowed the Force to show him images. There he saw an older version of himself using two distinct Forms in concert. However, the first seemed to literally call him. Delving more into what the Force was showing him, he eventually opened his eyes to see; he and Mace were not the only ones in the room anymore. Master Kenobi had entered the room with a small smirk on his lips.

"'Good to see that you are meditating, as I know it is not your favorite thing," Obi-Wan quipped.

"I still dislike it," he grumbled, much to Obi-Wan's amusement. Mace, on the other hand, raised an eyebrow at him.

"What Forms did you see? Which ones seemed to call you?" Obi-Wan's expression changed into one of surprise as he looked in between the two. Mostly at Master Windu. Was he thinking what he thought he was thinking?

"Form IV and both variations of Form V," Anakin replied under his master's gaze.

"Hmm. Curious, very curious," he said, deep in thought. "Those two are aggressive in nature and share similar aspects. The former is a relative favorite among apprentices, as is the first variant of Form V." Closing his eyes, he decided to think about Anakin using them. After a couple of minutes, he came to a decision and released a breath.

"Alright, you may learn them, but you research their histories and philosophies first, will do them under my supervision, and learn Soresu. I want you to learn their origins inside and out and understand their importance, not just in combat but also in life."

"Yes, Master," even though Anakin tried to conceal his delight, he nonetheless respectfully bowed in gratitude.

Mace then beckoned him to leave so he and Obi-Wan could speak in private. "You have a concern Obi-Wan?" Raising an eyebrow at the young Knight.

"I am just wondering if it is the best decision to have trained in more lightsaber combat—specifically the two most aggressive forms," voicing his concern. "Despite performing exceptionally well on his first mission, he was headstrong and displayed some amount of aggressiveness in helping me fend off the pirates."

Inhaling a bit. "The boy may be headstrong and have fits of aggressiveness in combat, though I seem to remember a certain padawan that was similar when he was younger. This apprentice was headstrong, rebellious, impatient, and willful." Obi-Wan looked down as he knew who his Master was talking about. "That said, as the years went on, he later became a promising and more level-headed Jedi."

"I am well aware that Anakin has questionable tendencies; however, with the right amount of training and patience, he will also become an exemplary Jedi. Forms IV and V, aggressive though they are, might be a good thing for him if I add Form III to his training."

"You want him to understand the importance of patience and that not everything can be solved by using force and power," the younger Jedi surmised.

With a curt nod, "my hope is that he learns it faster than you and Qui-Gon did." At that, Obi-Wan blushed in embarrassment, and his mouth went dry. He definitely remembered that when he was younger, he also displayed signs of aggression toward his enemies and others. He was known to be very straightforward to the point where it blinded him to the larger points of life, and it would land him and his Master in trouble either behind enemy lines or with the High Council. "Now, there is something I wish to discuss with you. . ."

A/N: This is my first time writing a Star Wars story so please be patient with me. I firmly believe that Anakin will greatly benefit from learning under Mace Windu than he ever did from Obi-Wan Kenobi. While Anakin will still learn Forms IV and V he will learn Form III so he can learn patience. Unlike in canon and legend where he is cocky, arrogant, impulsive, and self-appreciating. In this AU story that will be ironed out. He will still be an independent thinker, but will allow the Force to guide his actions and thoughts, have a better control over his emotions, and learn to see the bigger picture of things.

However, the big questions are: Will Palpatine get what he wants and have Anakin as an apprentice? Will Padmé die in child birth? Will Anakin succumb to the dark side and destroy the Jedi Order and himself in the process? And will Shmi Skywalker be involved in his life again? Stay tuned everybody.

Next Chapter: Beginning II