Disclaimer: I'm neither George Lucas, nor Disney's CEO and have respectfully no copyright regarding the SW Universe.
Notes: ARR = After the Ruusan Reformations, which are carried out after the end of the Battle of Ruusan, led by the Jedi Army of Light against the Sith Brotherhood of Darkness. Exactly 1000 years before the Battle of Yavin, the Jedi are convinced all Sith have perished, but this is exactly what the only survivor, Darth Bane, wants them to believe. (953 ARR = 47 BBY). Since a Battle of Yavin will, most probably, never take place in this AU, I've come up with another system of chronology.
Chapter 1: Expect the Unexpected
953 ARR, Coruscant, Jedi Temple, Master Yoda's Quarters
"He is ready for the trials. You must see this. He's been waiting for over a year now for the Council to realize the truth that has been staring at them from right in front of their faces. Xanatos is the most able Padawan, his skills surpass not only his peers', but even the ones of some Jedi Knights. He deserves to be a Knight in his own right and would have become one by now, if it wasn't for your stubbornness and the one of the other 11 old fools, who call themselves the "Jedi High Council"…!"
"Enough, Qui-Gon! Respect both you and your Padawan should learn! My own counsel will I keep on who is ready. Old I may be, but foolish and stubborn you are, young one. Behavior worthy of a Jedi Master you think this is, hmmm? Or ready for this title you were not, as your apprentice ready for knighthood is not?"
Stunned speechless, Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn took a deep breath and released it slowly. Regaining his composure, he continued, an audible tinge of regret breaking through his deep baritone:
"I am sorry for the harsh words, I meant no disrespect. However, the fact that Padawan du Crion must be allowed to take the trials is beyond further discussion," he uttered, this time with a steel resolve.
"Agree with you, I do."
"You do? But why did you prolong the whole process, then? Why did the Council…"
"Finished, I am not!"
Interrupted by the venerable Master, Qui-Gon stopped in middle-sentence, still wondering just what kind of game the old troll was playing this time. There was simply no way Yoda would miraculously consent to his view regarding Xanatos' future without a hidden agenda after a year of never-ending disputes, which sharpened significantly Qui-Gon's already strained relations with the Jedi Council. But he was quick to put an end to his own musings. Maybe Yoda was about to reveal his intentions himself.
"Discussions and conversations – pointless they are, when the one side the other's arguments heed does not. A final mission for you and your apprentice the Council has. Consider it a part of young du Crion's trials we will. If successful he is, the remaining trials he may take. If he fails…"
"He will not fail. " Qui-Gon couldn't help himself from making clear. If he wasn't sure in his Padawan's abilities, he wouldn't have been arguing his case for more than a year.
"Hope you are right, I do. Tomorrow at 0800 hours in front of the Council you are to appear. Assigned this mission, you and your Padawan will be."
"Xanatos has proven himself time and time again. Although I am convinced that there is no need for any more missions, I am glad that the Council has finally agreed upon a reasonable course of action. We will be there, Master Yoda."
With these final words and a bow, Qui-Gon left the Grand Master's quarters. Smiling, he could not wait to share this information with his Padawan. He didn't hear what Yoda muttered under his breath with a sigh: "Humph. There, of course, both of you will be. Will your Padawan from this mission return, know I do not. Clouded the future is."
SWSWSWSWSW
Xani will be overjoyed to hear the news. He has waited for too long to gain the Council's approval. I have no doubts he will succeed and will be knighted sooner than Master Yoda or the rest of the Council expects him to be…
Even the sorrow over the fact that Xanatos would soon be leaving their shared apartment and would no longer accompany him on every mission could not overshadow the pure pride and joy Qui-Gon felt for his beloved Padawan's fast approaching knighting ceremony. The past year had been arduous for their Master/Apprentice team, filled with endless conflicts with the Council over Xani's readiness for knighthood and the resulting trying missions Qui-Gon and his Padawan had to undertake. Against all logic and common sense, it would appear that the Council simply did not want to knight Xanatos in the near future and provided only vague argumentation to prove its point. Xani was by far the best Padawan in lightsaber combat, his skills in diplomacy were unmatched, his mind was sharp and could pierce through every entangled situation. Everyone could see it, except for the Council. Even his so-called "enemies" within the Temple could. There was no way a good-looking and proficient young man as his Padawan not to arise jealousy even amongst the Jedi. A further proof of his qualities – if he didn't possess them, why would anyone envy him?
Following this line of thought, Qui-Gon entered the Temple's sparring arena, where he had a scheduled sparring session with the already 19-year-old Xanatos. Only to find it full of excited Padawans, Knights and even Jedi Masters, obviously observing a heated duel. He wasn't surprised to hear his apprentice's cultured voice, a mix of Coruscanti (the result of his 16 years spent in the Temple) and Telosian (a reminder of his royal heritage as Prince of Telos IV*) accent, coming from the centre of the hall:
"You should not have agreed to this duel, Fisto. We both know who's going to win."
"Yes, we do," came a reply from the same direction. "And it is not going to be you, Your Highness."
"We will see about that, my Nautolan friend."
In a blur of blue light, Xanatos du Crion somersaulted over the newly-knighted Kit Fisto. Utilizing his Master's signature Form IV, he lashed at what was supposed to be Kit's back. Having anticipated his adversary's intention, the Knight turned around just in time to meet the Padawan's blue blade with his own green-coloured lightsaber. Aware of his own strengths and weaknesses, Xanatos hurried to break the deadlock. Despite his extensive physical training, he was no match for the Nautolan in brute strength and he knew it. One has to assess the enemy well enough before battle. Especially when he strives to win. And Padawan du Crion always strove to win.
With another sophisticated acrobatic he flew towards Kit's right. However, this move was even further away from catching the Knight off-guard than the somersault. Fisto was already swinging his blade at him when he arrived at his destination. It was obvious that his skills in Ataru would not suffice to win the match and the aristocratic Jedi apprentice was already tiring from its extensive acrobatics.
Blast Form IV and its ridiculous jumping around! Why did Master have to choose this one of all seven to become proficient in? Sometimes I wish I hadn't opted for learning it from him. But what is the point of being the Master of Ataru's apprentice had I refused to be taught Ataru? Oh, I forgot – Qui-Gon is not even the Master of the damned thing! The old troll can beat anyone anytime utilizing these absurd acrobatics. And he is almost 900 years old! Blast the troll, walking around with a gimer stick, one would think he's barely able to move without it. Dare challenge him to a duel and see what happens… He furrowed his brow at the memory of his own narrow-mindedness about 4 years ago, when he had had the audacity to claim he could beat Yoda in a duel. Having overheard his arrogant bragging, the old Master had accepted the challenge and an unsuspecting Xanatos had ended up with various bruises and an even more battered ego. His Master had joked at his expense for weeks afterwards. How could I have been so utterly stupid?
Distracted by his thoughts, he narrowly missed a strike, aimed at his head. Being on the defensive since his last attack, he could hardly hold his own against the Knight. Not surprising. Only an exhausted fool would defend himself by using Form IV! Ataru's offensive nature suits me perfectly, except when I am up against a tireless green Nautolan monster. Damn you, Fisto, your skills have improved significantly and you were knighted just 6 months ago! Blast, if I keep feeding my anger, it will only get worse... Focus, du Crion! Time to test your Makashi skills. If this doesn't work though… He could already hear his Master's favourite admonition in his head, "Xanatos! Keep your focus here and now, where it belongs!" That is surely what Qui-Gon would tell me now, if I opened my end of the training bond… The young man could sense his Master's presence in the hall. Defeat was even less of an option now. He had to rise above his own fear and anger. He had perfectly memorized one of Master Dooku's elaborate moves from a sparring session with Knight Windu. He had practiced it on his own, together with a dozen other Makashi sequences, described in an ancient book, he managed to get hold of from the restricted section of the Jedi Archives . It was high time to reap his diligence's whirlwind.
Xanatos parried clumsily Kit's latest assault. Relying on his last reserve of strength, he leapt for a second somersault over the Nautolan – a ruse, looking like a desperate attempt of winning a lost battle. Fisto went for it and reacted automatically the same way he had moments ago. Instead of meeting the Knight's blade, which was already moving towards him, the Padawan stepped back, as if trying to escape Kit's blow. He then took a step towards Kit's left side, leaving his own left shoulder exposed. Fisto took advantage of the seemingly perfect opportunity to end the duel and swiped. Having provoked the desired reaction, Xanatos moved. A gracious step in his opponent's direction and he hit the Knight's right arm as close to the wrist as possible, leaving a nasty burn. As a result, the surprised Nautolan almost dropped his lightsaber. But Xanatos managed to turn an "almost" into a "good enough". Using the Force, du Crion called the weapon to his left hand, successfully wrenching it from Kit's loose grip, igniting it and pointing two blades simultaneously towards his rival. The battle was over. He had won.
SWSWSWSWSW
Applause could be heard from every corner of the hall. Xanatos looked around to see what turned out to be one of the biggest crowds he had ever attracted during a lightsaber duel. Somewhat taken aback, he bowed and gave Fisto his lightsaber back.
"You are a worthy opponent, Knight Fisto. I'm looking forward to our next duel," the Padawan said honestly, his lips curving slightly upwards.
"I actually enjoyed this one as well, Xanatos. Full of surprises, aren't you? I expected some dirty play towards the end, but you won fair and square. By using Makashi, nonetheless. Impressive."
"Hm. Receiving praise from you? Are you sure you are in your right mind? Though a little wound and some physical exhaustion should not be sufficient to cloud the judgement of an esteemed Knight such as yourself."
"I was simply astounded by the fact that you actually won a duel against me without cheating, Prince. Speaking of exhaustion, go look at yourself in the mirror. If you manage to get there without collapsing, that is."
"Alright, alright, I am not in the mood for snobbish conversations. I really meant what I told you initially, Kit. But I could not believe that you would answer in a decent manner. So I had to make sure I hadn't missed on some subtle Nautolan sarcasm. And I confess you almost kicked my ass today. Almost."
As if to deliberately startle the younger man even more than he already was, the Knight laughed merrily at his response, letting his good humor transform into a heartening glistening ripple in the Force, released in his sparring rival's direction.
"I appreciate your sincerity, Your Highness. Believe me, I am more surprised one can actually have a decent chat with you, Xanatos."
The Padawan arched an eyebrow.
"If you cut the "Your Highness" crap and call me Xan instead, I might actually start enjoying this conversation."
"Then you'd better cut the Nautolan crap, Xan," Knight Fisto countered, pointing a finger at Xanatos in a warning.
"No more nasty remarks on this topic, you have my word, Kit."
"Great! We have a truce!" Kit flashed one of his trademark smiles, bristling with youthful enthusiasm, and extended a hand towards Xanatos, who shaked it with a smile of his own. A rarely seen, purely genuine smile, which reached his eyes and illuminated his noble features.
"This smile of yours may be the clue to why all the female human Padawans display odd and sometimes even disturbing behavior, when they are in a close proximity to you, Xan."
However, the Padawan didn't have the opportunity to answer the Nautolan's friendly taunt. Qui-Gon Jinn was approaching the two young Jedi, who were still standing in the centre of the hall and Kit greeted him.
"Knight Fisto," Qui-Gon nodded a greeting in return.
"I hope you haven't come to spar with your Padawan, Master Jinn, because I doubt he can handle it at the moment."
"I am afraid that is exactly why I am here," came Qui-Gon's amused response.
"Hey, I am not that tired, Kit!" Xanatos glared at his former adversary. "Forgetting so soon about the truce, are we, Knight Fisto?"
"After this look you've just given me, I'd better refrain from making any more biting remarks on your behalf, Padawan du Crion. I am leaving you in the capable hands of your Master."
"See you around, Kit. No bitter feelings, right?" the Jedi apprentice was quick to make sure.
"Of course not. And what I meant was no more teasing for today, Xan. Better pay attention to Master Jinn's instruction, because I can't wait to kick your ass properly in the arena one of these days."
"We will see about that!" Xanatos winked at the retreating figure of his former rival and potential friend.
"I am glad to see you in such high spirits, Padawan! Care to explain how you managed to win the duel and build such a good-natured relationship with Kit Fisto in mere minutes after a decade-long rivalry?"
"Let's say that this Nautolan had a side I hadn't witnessed before. And that it took me just a kind word or two to unlock it," Xanatos said mindfully.
"Well, maybe you used to treat him unfairly and he just fought fire with fire. Now, where did you learn that advanced Makashi sequence?" Qui-Gon eyed his Padawan suspiciously.
"I stole an ancient book from the restricted section of the Archives, made copies of several pages of Makashi sequences, smuggled it back unnoticed and practiced them on my own," was the blunt answer that followed.
Qui-Gon gazed at his apprentice in disbelief.
"Who are you and what did you do to my Padawan? Exchanging pleasantries with Knight Fisto and openly admitting to having broken the rules."
"Master, you know well enough that I do not always stick to the rules. For that matter, neither do you."
"Yes, but you usually have some tale to acquit you of your crimes."
"Well, I can't think of any proper excuse this time. I've just been watching your former Master duel in the Temple for quite some time now and I virtually got obsessed with his old-school lightsaber style. I wanted to test myself and find out whether I would be able to learn some elaborate Makashi sequences on my own. Once I become a Knight, I will have to be able to get by and improve my skills on my own."
"But had you told me, I could have arranged for you a training session with Dooku himself. And you can always count on me for advice. Even when you become a Jedi Master in your own right. Though I doubt you would need it then. However, I can totally understand your need to be more independent. Just next time instead of sneaking around the Archives, let me borrow what you want for you. To avoid more problems with the Council."
"Of course, Master, I knew that you would understand. But why do I sense there is something else you wish to tell me?" Xanatos uttered, looking inquisitively at his Master.
"Because I do, my young Padawan," Qui-Gon replied with a warm smile, eyes shining with pride and love. "We are heading on a mission tomorrow, which is going to serve as your first trial. You have an old troll to thank for that," he added, youthful mischief evident in his gaze, as he called the respected Grand Master by the nickname he had used for him while still an unruly teenager.
"They're finally letting me take the trials? And it was Master Yoda who told you that?" Xanatos shot his Master an incredulous look. Of all Masters on the Council, Yoda distrusted him the most. And it wasn't only due to the lightsaber challenge incident. He just didn't like Jinn's current Padawan. At all.
"Yes, my reaction was similar to yours, when he broke the news. But before we celebrate, would you like to show me some of the Makashi moves you've learned so far?"
"It would be my pleasure, Master Jinn," Xanatos smiled, thinking what a strange day it had been so far. He couldn't have planned it better. His bluntness couldn't have served him better. It was unbelievable how sometimes pretending to be the perfect Padawan and inventing cover stories for his indiscretions couldn't provide better results than just being himself and acting naturally. What's more, a few honest words just erased years of animosity between him and Kit. Come to think of it, was there even an actual reason for their rivalry? He could only come up with pointless bickering over his royal heritage and the fact that Fisto was a Nautolan - the only one he had ever seen in the entire Temple.
Meanwhile, his Master was beaming with pride – Xanatos had showed that he could make peace with his enemies and that he practically no longer needed the guidance of a Master like a Padawan did. Qui-Gon didn't doubt the latter, even though he sometimes had reservations about the former. All in all, he was more than content to see evidence of both. His Padawan would make a great Jedi Knight.
*Original Expanded Universe: As far as I'm concerned, Xanatos' father Crion is Governor of Telos, not the planet's monarch. This is an AU, so I decided that Xan should have a noble heritage.
TBC