A/N: This is going to be a lot of stuff to read, but if you really want to know how Ry-Gaul died (like I did), you'll read this. Hopefully, you'll enjoy it. And special thanks to my beta, Shoeanders. –Scifish

xxxxx

Jedi Master Ry-Gaul let out a grunt as he slashed through the last of the droids. His body, though extremely large, was basically solid muscle and moved with grace and ease. He wiped his forehead quickly with his muscular arm, and smiled.

Another exercise—finished.

This was his third exercise today, and he'd demolished more droids in less time than his previous two.

Maybe I should take a break?

He stopped for a moment to think and cool off slightly.

Nah. So what if I have a meeting with the Council in a few hours? I need to train hard now, and I can get ready later.

Though he was beginning to tire, he decided to persevere.

Next exercise, how about some one-on-one?

He glanced around for another Jedi to spar with, but was met with disappointment. The only other Jedi in the room were some Padawans and a medic.

So much for that idea...

He tossed his head to make himself more alert, and prepared himself for some more droids.

XXX

Two hours later…

"Master Ry-Gaul?" Barriss Offee popped her head in the training room. "In case you haven't noticed, you've been working for over six hours. Have you considered resting?"

With a flick of his wrist, Ry-Gaul paused the droids, his twelfth set. He peered over the immobilized droids at his friend.

"Actually, no."

"And have you noticed that several Padawans and younglings have been staring at you for quite some time instead of fulfilling their responsibilities?"

"Really?"

"Yes—shows how much you're aware, huh?"

Ry-Gaul just stared.

"You do realize you have a meeting with the Council in about fifteen minutes, right?" Barriss cocked an eyebrow.

"Yes."

"You plan to be presentable in fifteen minutes?"

"Yes."

"Is that accomplishable?"

"Quite."

"Are you sure?"

"Positive."

"You know, I doubt you can do that."

Ry-Gaul rolled his eyes in a response of "Whatever."

"Do you plan on speaking more than one word at a time to the Council?"

"No."

"Really? It's so hard to get you to stop talking!"

Ry-Gaul's blank stare suddenly burst into a grin. "I know."

He flicked his wrist again, and the temporarily paused droids roared back to life. The biggest one rushed at Barriss.

"Whoa!" She barely had time to Force-flip out of the way and ignite her lightsaber.

"Alertness?" Ry-Gaul shot her a grin.

In a matter of seconds, she'd demolished the remaining droids as Ry-Gaul watched in amusement. "Thanks a lot!" she shot back, her voice indignant.

"Anytime." With a smile and a wink, Ry-Gaul walked past the ruffled Jedi and headed to his room.

Eleven minutes to get Tru and get to the Council Room.

XXX

What would Barriss think of me now?

He'd had eleven minutes to get cleaned up…

And I've done a good job, too.

Ry-Gaul grinned in spite of himself—he'd proved her wrong. He shook his head.

Women…they always think they're right.

"Master! Why were we called here?" Tru asked.

He smiled at his Padawan. "You'll find out."

The boy usually never asks… mostly because I usually tell him… but I guess he knows something is different about today.

Tru just rolled his almond-shaped eyes and walked two steps away in mock disgust.

Ry-Gaul laughed inwardly.

Another sign that he's ready.

With shining eyes, he looked at his Padawan. Usually, he was not emotional, but today… Today was different.

This will be the last time we enter that room as a Master/Padawan team.

Tru caught him staring.

"What?" His voice held a hint of annoyance. "Master," he said with a slightly apologetic tone, "with all due respect, why are you acting so WEIRD?" He flapped his flexible arms in the air for emphasis.

Ry-Gaul raised an eyebrow.

Tru's voice had returned to its annoyed tone. "I do not mean to be insolent, but…you're not emotional, and your eyes are shiny. You usually let me know what's going on so I don't have to ask, but today you haven't told me anything!"

Ry-Gaul blinked.

The Padawan took a deep breath and let it out. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't lash out—especially at my Master. But what I meant to say was, is anything the matter?"

Ry-Gaul blinked and shook his head.

The boy will find out in a few minutes…it's best to keep it a surprise.

Suddenly, the Council Room door opened, and an attendant said, "The Council will see you now."

Ry-Gaul walked in first, with Tru exactly a step behind him.

This is the last time we'll walk in this way.

He steeled himself, and prepared to let his Padawan go.

XXX

When the two Jedi entered, they observed that all of the Council seats were filled—not with holograms, but with the actual Council Member.

Wow…didn't expect this—well, it makes today all the more memorable.

When they'd reached the center of the floor, they exchanged the customary bows with the other Jedi.

Master Mace Windu broke the silence.

"Master Ry-Gaul, the Council has decided that your Padawan, Tru Veld, is ready to become a Jedi Knight in the ranks of the Jedi Order. Do you give your consent?"

Ry-Gaul smiled and said, "Yes."

Windu shifted slightly and looked Tru in the eye. "The Council has decided that you are ready to become a Jedi Knight."

Master Yoda had continued, "Passed your examinations, you have. A Knight now, you are."

Ry-Gaul could do naught but beam with pride.

Tru was so surprised that all he could stammer out was, "T-t-thank you." Tru glanced at his now-ex-master with a look of acknowledgment.

It was all Ry-Gaul could do from giving an "I (didn't) told you so" look.

All he got in return was a sheepish grin.

After the customary ending bows, the two Jedi were dismissed.

They walked out of the Council Room… this time, and for the first time, side by side.