There stood Dooku, in front of the twelve bodies which represent the Jedi Council. His eyes fixed only on one person, Grand Master Yoda.
"Ready, are you?" said the Grand Master.
"Ready for what Master?" asked Dooku.
"Your training! Done well, you have as a youngling" Yoda paused. "Surpassed all others, you have."
"Thank you Master" Dooku couldn't help but grin, being complemented by the highest ranking Jedi in the council.
"The next step, you will take, in your path to becoming a Jedi." Yoda could see that the young boy before him was very much strong in the force but he also had much confidence as well. "Prideful, you will not be, young Dooku. That path leads to the dark side of the force."
Dooku's smile left immediately after hearing the words of the Grand Master. "Yes Master." He replied.
Jedi Master, Yarael Poof, Yoda's longtime friend and council member spoke up. "The council has decided to allow you to continue your training under the supervision of Master Yoda."
Dooku's eyes widened with excitement. "Really Master? You are going to train me?"
Yoda hesitated. "Very strong in the force you are. Good leadership, you will need"
"Discipline as well" added the long-necked Quemian. Yoda nodded in approval.
"But what about Lorion? Are you going to train him as well?" Dooku was referring to Lorian Nod, Dooku's best friend. Lorian and Dooku were practically like brothers, both with the same passion and ambition of being great Jedi Masters. Growing up they would swing around long sticks, pretending them to be lightsabers and they would make believe that they were fighting the ancient, evil Sith they heard in their stories.
Dooku saw both Master Poof and Yoda shaking their heads.
"Ready, he is not. Skilled he is in the Force, but lacking in other areas, he is."
Master Poof added. "Lorian seems too preoccupied with playing with his friends, and not enough time spent with his studies."
"Especially Old Republic History." added Jedi Master Jocasta Nu. Jocasta Nu was also a highly respected council member and a Jedi Historian. She would teach the new younglings about the formation of the Republic and well as history of the Jedi and Sith wars.
Master Yoda could see the poignant expression on young Dooku's face.
"Acceptable friendship is, forbidden attachments are."
"But Master he wants so badly to become a Jedi. He would do anything. Lorian and I have dreamt of becoming Jedi Masters and maybe if permitted, serving in the Jedi Council one day.
Master Poof began to comment as well. "Having high hopes and ambitions is a great mind-set to have but remember Dooku you have gotten this far on your own. It was your determination and studying that has allowed you to begin your next step in being a Jedi Knight. You and you alone." Dooku understood what Master Poof was saying but it was a hard realization that if he does train under Master Yoda that he will probably not see much of Lorian or even at all.
"My Padawan, you shall be. The ways of the Force I will teach you." Dooku realizing that this was the only way he can obtain greater power and become a formidable Jedi was to accept Master Yoda as his Master. Dooku began to kneel down and bowed his head. "Yes my Master. I am ready to begin with my training."
"Good." Yoda began to chuckle which was a sight rarely seen. "Cheer up my young Padawan, a great future you will have. No time for sadness." Yoda kept his wrinkly green smile which caused some of the other members of the council to smile as well.