#also sha as anakins other babysitter when obi wan is busy

[hopefulstarfire]

Late night thoughts bc I can't stop thinking about the Plo takes Anakin on as a Padawan AU

So I saw a tiktok about Shmi that stated that she had found out about what happened on Naboo and Qui-Gons death from Watto who heard it from some associates and she writes to the Council to like ask if her baby is okay and they don't answer her.

If this had been the case, for this AU, Plo speaks up, saying they still had a duty to be compassionate to people and she should at least know her son is safe. He actually plans to write the letter in spite of anything the Council says, as it's his Padawan and he is at least understanding to the concerns of people.

It's probably while in writing this that he and Anakin are having a long chat and Plo knows this boy misses his mother and they have to try and teach him how to have attachments in a healthy manner. And then Anakin talks about his dream. He wants to go back one day and free all of the slaves. Including his mother.

Plo sits back for a moment. There is true kindness coming from the trauma this little nine year old has endured. He understands even more where a lot of this boys fear and frustration had come from. Like oh the pieces are finally coming together and he has a better idea on how to help this kid.

He also knows that slavery is abhorrent. And that his old buddy Qui-Gon probably had plans to try and spring the boys mother somehow once all had been said and done on his final mission. Because Qui-Gon played by his own fucking rules.

Cue Plo sending a quick message to his dear niece Sha to watch Anakin for a few days and him going to Obi-Wans room in the middle of the night, and this tired newly knighted Jedi is just eighty levels of confused as to why one of the Council is at his door.

"Get dressed, young Kenobi. We're heading to Tatooine and doing something to make your Master proud."

Obi-Wan really has no clue what the fuck he's talking about, and this is probably not gonna look good, but Plo is on the Council and who is he to argue with a Jedi Master?

They hop on a ship and go all the way to the Outer Rim, to Tatooine, with Plo filling Obi-Wan in on the way. He isn't sure if it's the best idea.

"The Council has made it clear that his attachment to his mother could be dangerous, Master Plo Koon. They almost didn't take the boy because of it. Bringing her back to Coruscant would --" "Ease the boy's mind that his mother is not suffering under slavery and clouding his mind further with fear. And give him hope that his dream of freeing all of the slaves, a noble and selfless dream, may one day be achieved. I agree wholeheartedly, young Obi-Wan."

He has Obi-Wan try and help him navigate his way to the city that they had crash landed near. It's about this time in trying to navigate through the city they meet with one of Padmes handmaidens, who was sent to look for Shmi and to pay to free her and bring her to Naboo. "Perfect, she can have a nice residence until we can eventually move her to Coruscant." "It may be easier just to let her stay on Naboo--" "Perhaps. Perhaps not. We shall see."

They eventually find Wattos shop and he's initially reluctant to part with her, regardless of the amount of credits offered. Shmi is plenty of help and he's already lost little Ani bc of the Jedi. But we know in the books Watto was actually kind of worried about Shmi and let her be bought and freed by her eventual husband. He eventually relents here as well ans takes the full amount of credits.

Shmi doesn't know what to expect but she did not expect two new Jedi and a Naboo Royal Handmaiden at her door. She hadn't even expected a response back from the Jedi, but here is her son's new mentor, who's very eager to learn about his new Padawan -- what foods he likes the best, ways that work to comfort him, what he can do to help him adapt and grow into a fine young man.

They help Shmi pack and Shmis still just flabberghasted and a bit emotional. She misses her son and now she knows he really is in safe hands. And now she's freed, when her whole life has been spent being separated from family and being forced into a life of servitude. Now she's free. She can be whatever she wants, do whatever she wants.

Her leaving Tatooine feels like years and years of weight on her shoulders are gone.

When they bring her to Naboo, she asks to write a note to Anakin and Plo promises to bring it to her. She asks him and Obi-Wan both to look out for him, be there for him. A promise both of them intend very well to keep.

They return to the Temple and Plo knows all was worth it when he sees Anakins eyes light up and feel nothing but joy and hope beaming off of him at the news.

He asks to write his mother back and to write a letter to Padme, to thank her, and Plo helps him do so, sending them off. And if his new Padawan wants to continue to write those letters, seeing as it helps keep him focused and grounded and happy, Plo sees nothing wrong with it.

Plo also finds a new friend in Shmi. He knows the importance of life, of finding that importance and compassion and he sees her as someone who is just as kind, determined and strong. They become really good friends through their letters and should she move to Coruscant, set up and never having to want for anything ever again, who is he to not stop by maybe once a week or so with little Anakin in tow to have tea with her?

Shmis cooking is also far greater than anything served at the Temple so there is that added bonus as well.

I also would like to believe that, during the Clone Wars, the Wolf Pack know that, while on shore leave, if they need a place to relax and find a good meal, they are to go to Shmi. She also helps get them and the 501st some civvies to wear. They're nothing fancy, but they're clothes all the same, ones that aren't just their regulation blacks and their armor.

And she totally helped Plo get the Wolf Pack emblems on his vambraces. Just saying.