episode one — LANDING ON UNKNOWN SHORES
after : The Phantom Menace

Anakin Skywalker sat in the cockpit of the ship, Obi-wan controlling the gears next to him. The boy was nervous, even if he did not admit it, he tapped his foot on the metal floor of the ship as it rattled. Blue and white swirls electrified his starry eyes. Obi-wan was quieter from the first time Anakin met him, but in reality, he did not know him very long to understand what he was truly like. The small boy sat up straighter, his feet now barely reaching the ground as he kicked them back and forth under the chair. "We are approaching, put on your seatbelt." Obi-wan instructed from beside him.

Anakin searched for the belt, head turning from left to right as he found it and hatched it into the top part. The ship jolted as they exited hyperspace. The planet that lay before them was extraordinary. The shades of sapphire and emerald lit his face, while the planet illuminated bright whites from its atmosphere. Valérian was beautiful from afar, but Anakin could only imagine how it would look when they landed. When he was on Naboo, it shocked him how much green there was in the world. He had only ever seen the same sand and twin suns every morning, he grew to be tired of it.

The ship entered through the sky, light clouds flooding their way onto the glass in front of them. Anakin sat up to get a better look at the view. They flew directly toward the capitol, Selenta. Anakin had read very few books, but he remembers hearing the name of this one. Selenta was full of soft mountain ranges, mostly covered by the city that was built off of the cliff side. He could see mountains in the back, which casted a light shadow over parts of the city. Golden and white architecture flooded the grounds and walls like heaven painted the skies.

The boy smiled widely as the ship lowered onto the landing platform. He jumped out of his seat, hurriedly walking toward the ramp that was now well set on the floor, but Obi-Wan stopped him. "I ask you to keep your focus, I understand that this is all so exciting, but you must remember why we are here." He looked to the blonde boy that stood in front of him, Obi-Wan did not like tearing the boys smile off his face, but it was for the sake of the Jedi, and Obi-Wan Kenobi had now taken a huge step after his master died.

Anakin nodded. "Yes master." He pulsed his lips together slightly and then began to follow the older man off the ship. The planet was warm -- but welcoming to his tan face with star fallen freckles. The tropic smell of the sand hit this nose, although he grew up on the dunes of Tatooine and did not appreciate them, this was different. It felt more like a home instead of a dungeon. The pair were met with a man and a woman, both dressed neatly. They looked wealthy, while the woman wore a floor length flow white dress, with a gold plate to tighten the waist.

Anakin thought it looked uncomfortable and almost wanted to say something, but he decided not to. "Welcome to Valérian, I do hope it was an easy travel." The woman smiled, her hands clasped together. "Thank you, your highness," Obi-Wan bowed, Anakin followed. "we are truly grateful to be here." He continued. "We have so very few new Jedi show up, but we are happy it is finally put to good use." Kier Val'eaon beamed, his smile pearly white, and his eyes young.

They began to turn around, walking inside the tall white building. The actual space inside was smaller than how it looked on the outside, columns lined up along the border, stopping just a few feet apart for the great stairs that led to the top. As Anakin looked around, he realized that him and Obi-Wan were at the cusp of Valérian, he looked over the sharp buildings, his gaze focused on the distant mountains in the horizon. Obi-Wan nudged his shoulder, signaling him to return to reality. As they walked in, another person waited at the table. She had dark hair, and dressed in similar Jedi robes.

"This is Master Sarratla, she has been here for quite some time." Kier muttered. She stood up, bowing her head at the royals and the Jedi who she greeted.

"It is nice to finally meet you," She began, looking toward Obi-Wan, who nodded his head with a small grin. "I am sure there is much to teach you, young one." The woman looked down to the young boy, Anakin nodded, grinning happily like we was ready to take on the galaxy.

⠀⠀⠀.　　　　　　　　　　　　　.　　　ﾟ .　　　　　　　　　　　　　. 　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　✦ 　　　　　,　　　　　　　.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀　　　　　　*　　　　　　　　　　　..　　　　　　　　　　　　　. 　　⋆✴︎　   　　　,　　　　　　　　　*　　　　　⠀　　　　⠀　　,⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀.　　　　　 　　⠀　　　⠀.　 　　˚　　　⠀　⠀  　　,　　　　　　.

It was now later in the day, the sun was bright and hot, its presence challenging against the dark robes. The temple was smaller than the one Anakin had faced on Courscant, but still, it held a chance for Anakin Skywalker to take. It was white instead of a sandy dim orange, with golden statues of ancient Jedi that lived long before him. Anakin's Palawan braid blew as the old doors swung open into a neat courtyard. Two short flights of stairs led to the bottom of the in-ground training center, with luscious greenery and vibrant flowers decorating the sides.

Anakin took a deep breath, staring up at the sky in admiration. Valérian was beautiful, its moons Haakon and Solae sat brightly above. There was much to learn about this planet, so much knowledge buried in the core that begged to be revealed. The garden stretched out far enough so that it reached the countryside. Anakin was grateful he was able to see it, how the mountains reflected the moons and sun. He could die here. The boy would thank Valérian for letting him be wrapped in its ancient vines and turn to nothing but bones.

Except he couldn't.

He was now a Jedi, and he was expected to be one, not to fool around while day dreaming of places he will go. Anakin was just a boy, but he was ready to be great. The Jedi had told him he'd be great, and he believed them. It was almost dusk, within a few hours, the sun would be submerged beneath the planets surface. Obi-Wan walked down from the stairs, looking at the boy with his hands behind his back and ready to train.

"Master." The boy turned, bowing his head as his padawan braid fluttered in the wind. "This temple is old, but it will do," Obi-Wan started, reaching the end of the steps.

"the Jedi who remain here are welcoming, but our stay will not be so lengthy." The man walked over to the little boy. "Our training starts now, we will begin with meditation." Anakin nodded, sitting down criss crossed on the pavement. "You must remember, Meditation is key to a Jedi's daily life," Obi-Wan copied the padawan's pose on the floor. "it creates balance and clarity." He finished. Anakin took a deep breath, eyes closed as he felt the ground beneath him shrink. There was a silence for a few minutes, Anakin had lost himself to pure solace, and he cherished it. "Beginning training with meditation is important." Obi-Wan got up as Anakin opened his eyes.

"Now, we will do what Master Qui-Gon taught me," He paused, looking at the confused boy. "using the Force to move desired objects." He finished, a small smile on his face. This had been one of Anakin's favourite lessons, he had done it before back on Courscant within the first month of his training. The boy jumped up, grabbing rocks from the nearby ruins of old cobblestone. He set them down and then ran over to stand next to his master. "Force telekinesis is born within the mind." Obi-Wan enlightened the padawan.

"It is an important skill, something I'd be grateful to use in a battle." He continued. Anakin admired his master, he thought he was wise, and he took on a huge responsibility after Qui-Gon passed away. He thought of the times he may use this skill — perhaps in an everlasting fight with the droids he encountered on Naboo, or even a creature he comes across on another planet.

He closed his eyes, envisioning the rocks in front of him levitating with his outstretched hand. He then took a deep breath, feeling the clean and salty air fill his lungs, as opened his eyes, he saw the rocks in a new position — about five feet away from its previous. "Impressive." Obi-Wan looked to the setting sun that was now on the waters of Procidens Stella — otherwise known as The North Sea. "That will be all for today, the celebration must be starting soon," He paused, turning his head back to the boy.

"join us soon." Obi-Wan finished, walking away with a slight nod with his head. Anakin stared off at the waters, something had been bothering him. He felt a pair of eyes watching him from afar, but they did not seem threatening. Anakin did not feel the need to use his new force abilities right then and there. The presence was soothing, soft and kind. He turned, looking toward the conical trees that lined the small training area. Something had scurried behind it, the trees gently swaying as Anakin walked closer.

"Hello?" His voice rang out, nearing the tile wall that separated the higher land above the sector. "Who's there?" He asked again. A young girl walked out, her gentle footsteps on the soil underneath her, her hair was slightly messy, but still curled and flowing down her shoulders.

She wore a long light blue dress, with golden jewels cascading down the center, similar to the dress he saw on the woman earlier. The young girl had flowers in her hair, which sat nicely upon her head and forehead. She looked as if she was from the stars, twinkling in the setting sun and violet skies."Are you a Jedi?" Her voice was as soft as she looked, and Anakin Skywalker swore he had just met a fallen star. He looked up at her as she stood on the raised land in front of him. "A Jedi Padawan, but i'm sure that's the same." He smiled. The girl giggled slightly, fully coming out behind the long and skinny tree that 'hid' her.

She sat on the tile wall, jumping down next to the boy. "I've always wanted to meet a Jedi, this temple has been here for several years," she paused, looking up toward the sky and her lips silently moving, "four-thousand seven-hundred and twenty eight years in fact!" She beamed. "How do you know that?" Anakin asked her. "I have read the history books several times, i'm training to be the queen of Valérian some day." She twinkled. Anakin's mouth opened slightly. "You're the princess?" He questioned, bowing as he said so. She nodded, smiling as he bowed.

"Lillia Dione Val'eaon, what's your name, Jedi?" She held out her hand, in which he gladly took it. "Anakin Skywalker." He shook it. "Well I suppose I'd have to bring you to the celebration now, my family expects you as much as they expect me." Lillia scrunched her nose and smiled. "If we had more time, I would love to show you around Valérian." They walked up the stairs and toward the city of Selenta, which beamed in lights and fireworks as dusk came upon them.

"I never thought an actual Jedi would be here." Lillia looked toward the sandy haired boy who walked next to her. He looked confused, "don't you already have Jedi?" Anakin questioned. "Well, yes, but they are older, you are new." She shrugged. Anakin laughed as they walked by townspeople with sparklers and colored powders.

The stars above them had finally been able to peak out among the mix of lilac and cerulean. The seas next to them on the platforms glistened. Selenta was built right off a mountain, with staircases that led straight up to the main hall. The main hall was a circular structure, with a dome roof and pillars that surrounded it. Valérian was known for its white and gold architecture, and many had loathed them for it. They had also loathed it for its materials, but Valérian was protected — only a madman would be able to breach its waters.

They walked up the stairs to the building, where the royal family had stood next to Obi-Wan and Master Sarratla. Lillia hurried over to her mother, then nestled lightly into her skirts. Soteria smiled at her daughter, placing her hand on her back and hugging her slightly. "This evening, we welcome our Jedi who have made the long journey to our home." Her father's voice echoed over the town as people gathered in the center before him. Keir Val'eaon placed his hand on the podium in front of him. Lillia looked toward her people, grateful that she could be apart of a dynasty as great as this.

"We are appreciative that we can provide them the temple." He smiled, looking back toward the two Jedi who nodded. "Now we must celebrate!" The King raised his hands as shouts of happiness rang out from beneath them. Lillia was a mere nine stars old — that's what they had called age on Valérian, relating back to its oldest star: Asteria, but still she was a girl full of wonder and a strong future.

Fireworks danced above them as music echoed in the young girls ears, Valérian was truly exactly where Anakin Skywalker wanted to be.

authors note. hiii welcome to the first chapter of After The Fall, so this does take place way before the events of ATOC/lillia's true plot. I decided to do this because I really wanted to show Lillia's carefree side when she was younger, and how her intelligence would help her in the future! She is quite the handful of you guys couldn't tell 🤭🤭 Anywho, I would love to dedicate this beginning chapter to my favorite people of all time, and those who helped me figure out the base of this fic :) evenstcr saturnsokas binarysun -undomiels moonburrn Love you guys so much <3

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