A/N: This is my first fan-fiction ever and I'm super excited. I got this idea after watching Star Wars II, so you could probably end up connecting some of the points in here to that movie. =P Please Rate! And Reviews are also greatly appreciated! (By the way, my main 2 characters are made up) ENJOY!
Disclaimer: I, sadly, do not own Star Wars or any character from it.

War and Love

Chapter One: Departure

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, at the dawn of the Clone Wars, Paluna, a fifteen year old human Padawan, lay under a tree reading a book.

"Come, young one, time for some quick training,". A tall Togruta loomed over Paluna.
With a disappointed look on her face, Paluna slowly stood up and walked up to the Togruta. The two started to walk toward the Jedi Temple.

"Well you are awfully quiet today," the tall Jedi Master stated.

"Master Shaak Ti, why isn't the Jedi Council taking some action on this first break out of war?" Paluna inquired.

"Ah, well, you see my Padawan, the Senate is what is getting in their way."

"Why doesn't the Senate understand this? We could get invaded at any moment! They're not even prepared!"

"Ah, but this is what you do not understand. The Senate does not want to get into a war. Also, they are prepared, with a huge Clone Army. They may not be at the front lines, but they are still ready in case the enemy strikes."
Shaak Ti smiled as she saw a bit of understanding start to dawn upon Paluna's face.
As the Master and Padawan reached the Jedi temple, Shaak Ti started leading Paluna toward her quarters.

"What about the training, Master?" Paluna asked.

"I believe that has been enough training for today." Shaak Ti replied.
Once the two reached their destination, Shaak Ti sighed and sat down on one of the red, cushiony sofas.

"What's wrong, Master?" Paluna asked as she sat next to the Jedi.

"I have to tell you something, and I hope you will understand. I will be going away for awhile, to save my people from the Confederacy. I hope it will not take long, I need to be here for your training. I have asked Master Yoda and Master Windu to help you keep up with your skills. Now, I need to finish packing, for I am departing in 30 minutes." Shaak Ti was about to stand up when her Padawn spoke.

"How much of the enemy has invaded?"

"Enough that I need to come in and handle it." At that, the Jedi Knight walked into her bedroom to finish packing. Paluna stayed seated on the sofa to let the news sink in. The Togruta, although very dependent, usually don't call in for Jedi help like this.
Shaak Ti walked out of her bedroom and motioned for Paluna to stand up. "Come, it is time for me to depart."
Paluna stood up and walked out of the room with her Master. The walk to the ship field was quiet. Paluna was scared about what was ahead of her Jedi Master.

"I can tell you are worried for me," Shaak Ti said softly and Paluna blushed. "But do not be frightened, for fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, and hate leads to suffering; which will pull you towards the dark side of the force. I'll be fine, just take care of yourself, don't get into any trouble."

"You know I won't," Paluna retorted.

Shaak Ti looked Paluna straight in her sapphire blue eyes and said, "Many things are unpredictable, my Padawan,". Shaak Ti then hugged Paluna. "I'll be back in no time."

"Master, how come you are not on the Jedi Council?"

"That is a story for another day,". At that Shaak Ti turned and walked onto the ship. Paluna stood there a moment, watching her Master's ship leave Coruscant. She then turned and began to walk toward the Jedi Temple.