Chapter 10

We walked through the hallways of the Jedi temple, ignoring the stares of the other Jedi as we walked by. I mean other Padawans and Initiates.

We had landed safely, and I had managed to maintain my calm and indifference when I saw Palpatine there to greet us. Shielding Anakin so that Palpy, as I like to call him, couldn't plant any seeds of darkness in his mind had been a spur-of-the-moment plan and had worked very well.

He had given me a glance, I could tell, but the shields only had the intent of sisterly concern, so as not to raise his suspicions.

We walked calmly to the council room, and My master answered Anakin's questions about what would be expected of him. I was preoccupied in thought about how to present my case to the council when we arrived. I made up my mind, and, making sure that all of my necessary shields were up, entered behind master along with Obi and Ani.

"Welcome. Trust that your mission went well, hmm?" The Grand Master's voice made me relax in happiness and relief to see all of the masters well. A smile twitched at the corners of my mouth as I glanced at master Windu.

"Yes, masters, all went well."

"And who is this that you have brought along with you?" The sharp voice of Mace made me stiffen slightly. He had always been cold to Anakin, I remembered coldly. The poor boy had beat himself up over it so much, trying to win the Master's approval and trust. I reached out and put my hand on his shoulder. He gripped my hand tightly. I sent him a soothing wave through our link.

"We found this boy on the planet of Tatooine. He is very strong in the Force, Masters."

"Wish him to be trained, you do?"

"I assume noth-"

"Oh, but you do, hmm."

"I only asked for Him to be tested."

"Then he will be." Master Windu brushed it off. "What is this mention of a Sith in your report?"

My mind wandered slightly as father debriefed the council.

/We were so blind. We had become too complacent. We didn't want to think about the possibility that presented itself. No wonder we were so unprepared when it finally came./

The faint thought made him feel a little startled. He couldn't figure out where it came from. The council was dismissed, and as they left, leaving Anakin behind to be tested, he noticed with a start that Kiya also remained behind.

/Ki?/

/Go ahead Obi. I need to be here and also debrief the council.../

/Okay/

And before he left, a thought drifted through his mind again.

/It's no different now. We chose to remain in ignorance./

Anakin seemed startled that I remained behind, but I just smiled and squeezed his hand softly. Sending the thought: /It's okay, Ani, I'll be here for you./

His eyes widened marginally and then he nodded, giving me a faint smile of relief.

"Padawan Kiya."

I bowed. "Yes, Master Yoda. I wish to remain while Anakin is tested. I also have something to tell the council once the testing is over." My voice was polite.

"As you wish. Grave news, I sense that you have." I said nothing.

And the testing began.

"Cup. Speeder. Gungan. Racer. Pod." The device switched off and the council members looked at one another, murmuring.

"He is strong in the Force."

"How feel you?" Asked the grand master.

"Cold, sir." Anakin replied steadily.

"Afraid you are."

He paused for a moment, as though contemplating his answer. "Yes, sir, I'm afraid of what will happen if I don't become a Jedi." His answer seemed to please Yoda.

"Hmm, good. Formed a bond, with Padawan Kiya and Obi-Wan, you have."

Ani looked confused, then remembered what I told him about bonding and nodded shyly.

"There is much darkness in him." I gritted my teeth inwardly at Master Windu's statement and my eyes suddenly swirled red. The council members noticed, and sent me sharp glances.

"No." Master Yoda's voice was sharp. "Darkness in him, there is not. Darkness around him, yes. A darkness growing, I sense. But light there still is. In the Bond between Padawan Kiya and young Skywalker, it glows brightly."

My eyes returned to the wise green that reflected the masters words.

Master Windu inclined his head in acknowledgement.

"But who is to train him? If he is the Chosen one, then he must be trained by one wise. Someone strong."

"Padawan Kiya will train him, hmm?"

My head snapped up towards the master, eyes turning grey for a moment before flashing quickly to misty blue. "But master, I am only a Padawan." My incredulous statement only made the master's stick whip out and crack me in the shins. Sith, why was it always me!?

"Decide who is ready and who is not, the council will." He replied.

"Yes, Master."

Anakin looked happy. I smiled weakly and knelt down in front of him. "Anakin, I must talk with the council alone now. Can you go and stay with Obi-Wan and master Qui-Gon? I'll be a while, but I'll come as soon as possible, okay?"

He nodded and hugged me. I hugged him back and turned as soon as he went out the door. And took a deep breath. And called on the Force to help me. And started.

"Masters, while coming back from Tatooine on the ship..."

When my story was told and done, I felt relief fill me and also tension. I had told only the bare necessities, leaving out the details like who the Sith Lord was. It would cause havoc in the timeline, not to mention in the council... and the galaxy... you get the point.

The council immediately exploded. When order was finally restored, they turned to me.

"Believe you we do." Master Yoda's voice was heavy.

I looked down and nodded.

"What would you have us do?" The voice of Master Windu made me look up.

"Just to let me rely on the Force and be open to what it says."

"As you wish. Meeting adjourned."

Dismissed, I bowed and walked out, knowing that all of the masters needed to talk about the information.

I wasn't afraid about any of the information leaking or treated lightly. They knew what the consequences could be, and would keep the knowledge safe. I glanced at a wall chrono and was shocked to find that I had been in the council room for three hours. My legs suddenly ached, and I stumbled the rest of the way to our quarters.

Thank goodness that that was over. Peace flooded me. And then I grimaced. Now, what would I say to my master and Obi-Wan?

Next chap tomorrow! Do you think it was too vague and sketchy? I promise, it will get better. I'm trying my best here. Sorry if this wasn't good. Next will be better. I thought that it would be good if the council knew because it would make things less confusing and not completely kill Kiya with added stress of keeping it from them too. Reviews appreciated and loved!