AN: I don't own Naruto/Star Wars: Legends
Before I forget, I didn't say what this arc was called! That's my bad, but easily fixable. So enjoy, and let's begin the arc: Shadows Within.
GRS 4:10:4
Coruscant: Outside the Jedi Temple
"I am really not sure I want it."
"But she gave it to you."
"Yeah, but I'm still not happy about it!"
"She gave you a ship."
"And I still hate flying!"
Naruto grumbled as Aayla stared at him incredulously, looking back where they'd come, as Naruto tried to stare forward. Vos, for his part, kept silent, but smirked all the same. Aurra had let Quinlan pilot it down, but had insisted that Naruto sit copilot and learn as they went down. It was only when they'd landed that Vos had explained that the reason for it was that the Ghtroc 720 was now his. Just like that. Naruto was just, given a ship.
And he hated it. He loved that Aurra was getting him something, and had noted that, after their night together, she'd been coy and tried to act inconspicuous, but he hadn't imagined this. Just a full 720 light freighter, unnamed as far as she'd told him, and for his ownership. It was madness, and yet it was exactly what he'd come to expect from her by this point.
Walking up to the Jedi Temple, Naruto's arm was held in a sling, something that had garnered more than a few questioning looks from Aayla. When questioned, he simply explained that he'd let himself burn too deeply during the chase on Dathomir, and had been using a few techniques to keep him looking fine. According to him, it wasn't the smartest thing, and worse was that he hadn't intended to do so, but had done so reflexively. He would be fine, but that didn't meant that he was currently fine.
Vos said nothing, but Aayla had been chastising and checking his arm over multiple times until he'd finally asked her what she could do to help him. Reminded that, really, there wasn't anything she could do, she went silent, and allowed him to keep walking unfettered. It had gotten a chuckle from Vos, which had been returned with Naruto giving a glare; which only caused him to laugh louder.
Seeing the doors of the Jedi Temple in the distance, and all the people milling about, Naruto sighed. "... this whole place feels, strange."
"What do you mean?" Aayla asked, crossing her arms and breathing in deeply. "It's not the best smelling, but it's home, isn't it?"
"Not the smell. Just, the feeling. After being on Ryloth, and going between Ord Mantell, being on the Breakaway, Kiffex, and even Dathomir... the temple just, has an odd air to them. Comparatively." Naruto rubbed his neck, closing his eyes. There were a few things that looked like they were working on, cleaning and such most likely, that gave it a feeling that just seemed to Naruto like it was too clean in some way. Too perfect in its appearance, and too much of a gleam on the skylines. "Guess I'm just used to seeing more places that aren't maintained as well, or just... look more lived in."
"People do live in the Temple." Aayla laughed lightly, but it died quickly as Naruto's expression didn't change. Looking back to it, she shifted slowly, looking mildly uncomfortable. "... I don't think... that's - I just... I've never thought of it that way."
"It's not how most people see the Temple." Quinlan shook his head, staring up at the Temple with a smile. "Better food here, warmth, people who don't want to kill you all the time. What more could one want?"
"More freedom, people who are just kind to be kind, and who respect me." Naruto's words flowed so fast that even he looked startled. Hearing a sudden grumble, Naruto made a few embarrassed mutterings. "... but I think the food would be a good start."
Laughing lightly, they began walking up the stairs, Aayla noting something as they walked up. "Where's your droid?"
"Hm? Gonk? He's back on the ship. Something about keeping other people off it... which I'm okay with. I don't need people poking around him, and finding... you know."
"... ah."
More than a few people were going about their business, but several gave the occasional wave of greeting to them. Others turned and began whispering after staring for a moment, their voices dropping to more of a whisper. Some even full on pointed to them, covering their mouths to whisper to each other conspiritorially.
"... was my disappearance that well noted?" Aayla asked, looking vaguely uncomfortable.
"Maybe?" Naruto pat her on the shoulder, giving her a reassuring smile. "Just, don't think to much about them. They'll do their thing, and we'll do ours. Simple as that."
Quinlan thought to say something about that as well, but overheard a snippet of what one was saying just a breath too close to him. Letting his jaw click shut, he kept moving forward, deciding it might be better to not bring up what was more likely their reasoning. It would give him too much of a reason to loose his anger, and he didn't trust that Naruto wouldn't do the same. Both for Aayla, and for the larger part that was being directed at Naruto himself.
Entering the Temple proper, they made their way through, for the most part just another group of Jedi walking through, with only Naruto in his Kalee inspired garb standing out among them. Though with Quinlan and Aayla, it was unlikely that any would question him too much. Still, it was something that did garner some attention, and had a few people who recognize him perk up.
"Now that's a man who I've not seen in too long! Naruto, how are you?"
"Kit!" Naruto grinned, stepping up and clasping arms with the Nautolan Jedi. "It has been way to long. What's it been, six months?"
"Seven and change, if you're keeping track. Not that I need to." Kit's infectious grin seemed to widen as he laughed, moving to clasp Naruto on his shoulder. "Ah, it is good to have you back in the temple! And, I see you brought friends."
"Hm? Oh! Master Vos and Aayla Secura. I, was actually out finding Aayla. Glitteryll incident."
"Oh?! Well, it is indeed good to have her back with us then. Better seven months than... well," He nodded, offering a bow to Quinlan, then Aayla. "It is good to have you back with us. How's your head?"
"It's been worse." Aayla bowed to Kit, looking mildly ashamed. "I, had to deal-"
"She's been through a lot," Naruto cut in, smiling as though he hadn't. "Unfortunately, I think the Council is going to want her safe return spoken of before she tells anyone else, or everyone."
"Of course." Kit bowed to Naruto, peaking up with a wink. "You're a good man Naruto. I don't know if I'd have had the forethought."
"Just," Naruto was taken aback for a moment, and could only smile weakly. "I just know a bit of how that might feel."
"Yeah, I can see that. Go on then. But hey, I want a spar some time."
"What? Me, spar you?" Naruto held up his hands, smiling and having an air of nervousness. "You'd kick me from here to the Outer Rim and back."
"Only if you don't take advantage of an opening!"
"I know a trap when I hear it!"
"And if you see it?"
Naruto grumbled, shoving his hands on his hips. "... I walk right into it and improvise."
Kit laughed boisterously at that. "You'd make for a master of Form One. Hopefully you'll take more time for it some day. I'd enjoy that duel quite a bit I think. When your arm is better, of course."
"Probably would end up being the most crazed light show anyone ever watched." Naruto's grin brightened, waving to Kit as he began moving on. "Later though. And remind me! Please! I have no idea what I'll be doing later."
"You know I will. Don't get lost in here!"
"Did they change things?"
"No!"
Naruto laughed loudly, getting a few more people to look their way for a moment. Rubbing his eyes, Naruto shook his head slowly as he walked on. "Ah man, I love him."
"That was..." Aayla said slowly, staring back at the retreating master. "Master Kit Fisto, you said?"
"No, I said Kit. You added the Fisto part." Turning to her, he nodded slowly. "Memories?"
"Some," She picked at her Jedi robes slowly, then smiled. "Not bad ones either. He's, a good man, from what I remember at least."
"Good." Naruto grinned. "It's accurate."
"You're not wrong about his sparring." Quinlan frowned, trying to remember more of his encounters with Kit. "I, think he's one of the higher ranking lightsaber duelists... even though his mastery is over Form One."
"He's an absolutely beast at it. And worse, I'm really terrible against him!" Naruto groaned, running a hand through his hair. "I'm great at overwhelming more opponents, but he can just keep up with me. Him and Mace. Both of them are surprisingly good at beating me in fights where I can go a bit more all out."
Quinlan quirked a brow at that, recalling seeing bits of what Naruto had done before. "All out? What do you call what you normally do?"
"Limiting."
He couldn't help but laugh at that, not understanding what he meant, but understanding enough that Naruto was holding back. There were things he had no need to know, and this felt like one such thing. That was perfectly fine with him; even if his short spars against him had proven that Naruto was a rather skilled lightsaber duelist in his own right. Nowhere near as good as many, but his use of Form VI helped to balance that, giving him access to throwing out uses of the Force to compensate for those parts where he was supposedly weaker.
As they neared the Council Chambers, Aayla occasionally began looking back, frowning and staring a few times before turning forward. Eventually she stopped fully looking back, but would glance to the other two warily. "... why are we being followed?"
Naruto hummed, scratching at his neck lightly. "Mmm... can't say. But if we're being followed and they haven't said anything, I'm going to go with, they're not here to say hi to you. Did you see who it was?"
"A few people. Some looked to be... older."
"Older? Like, Jedi Masters older?"
"Perhaps a few?"
"Then we're probably fine. They'll keep anyone younger from just rushing us, and they should know the way to the Council Chambers well enough to know that we're going that way. So we should be-"
"Naruto!"
"Who in the..."
Turning around, Naruto blinked as he saw Sheeka approach him. When he faced her, he noted her slow down visibly, her eyes locking onto his arm for a moment before she quickly pressed on. Looking him over, she slowly placed her hands on her hips. "... well?"
"... huh?"
"Don't 'huh' me. You've been gone for months! You usually update us and let us know what's going on. I was about thinking you were in the midst of another war no one knew was going on with how quiet things had gotten!"
"Ah, that." Naruto shifted in place, eyes dropping off to the side. "I was busy."
"Busy? You've been busy before and found time to write. What was so pressing this time?"
"I-"
"He was looking for me." Aayla cut in, seemingly getting her own time to step in and save him after his attempt at such with Kit.
"And... you're..." Sheeka stared at her, trying to make heads or tails of the Jedi padawan. "Wow, Xiaan's holopic doesn't do you justice. So you're the elusive Aayla?"
"I am." Aayla gave her a slow, respectful bow. "You, know Xiaan?"
"I'm a friend of hers." Sheeka gave a dismissive wave. "I heard from her how you were gone, and it's been kinda some of the talk in the Temple. And now you're back! ... with Naruto?"
"He helped get me out of a bind." Aayla shifted, suddenly feeling a noticeable uncomfortable sensation, trying to push it off as she spoke. "And we were on our way to speak with the Council regarding my return."
"Oh that's fine. I'd love to talk to you after though, and hear more about it. I know where Xiaan is, and bet she'd be happy to speak with you as well."
"I would as well." Quinlan placed a hand on Aayla's shoulder, giving Sheeka a considering look. "I still need to thank her for some of the help she gave me a while back. That said, we must be going."
"Ah, of course Master Vos." Bowing to him, she gave a glance and a friendly wave to Aayla, then a quick look to Naruto before moving back and away.
"... I have never felt so much like I was cornered without being against a wall." Aayla said after a moment, rubbing her chest slowly.
"Yeah, that happens sometimes." Naruto shifted, looking anxiously back to the group that was milling about, chattering among themselves and seemingly trying to look like they weren't watching them. "... let's get a move on. I don't have time for this."
Aayla took a moment longer to look back into the group, watching a few motion between them, some shaking their head and others nodding. Each seemed to have a different opinion, which seemed to bring up disagreements between them and others.
And then there was one Jedi Master who just stared at them. He didn't say anything to the others, just stared, and watched. Idly, she wondered if she was actually seeing him, when another person apologized for bumping into him. So he was real, there, and was staring at them with a soft smile, that made his visage all the more perturbing to her.
Barely hearing her name said, she shifted and moved away from them, taking comfort in Naruto and Quinlan's presence, and the knowledge she was leaving whatever was happening behind her.
[=-x-=]
Not needing the full council, the few members who were in the council room listened intently to the story that unfolded. Mace Windu, Even Piell, Saesee Tiin, Yarael Poof, and Eeth Koth all sat and listened to the unfolding events Naruto and Aayla had gone through, including some of their exploits on Dathomir as well. It took some time, but those listening all seemed to take the time to listen, and consider what all had happened.
Mace seemed to listen with a particular interest, particularly when Naruto brought up T'ra Saa and Kiffex, understanding crossing his face. When Naruto had continued after giving only a brief explanation of him defeating Volfe, he had perked up significantly as he'd stared at Naruto's arm, seeming to understand that there was more to all of what he was saying and had gone through. By the time he was done, Mace seemed to be thoughtful, and had even leaned back, taking a moment to consider.
"It sounds as though you've had a time, Uzumaki." Even Piell said after a moments silence upon Naruto's completion. "The Force surely has had a time stringing you across the galaxy. You appear to be well though, save a few scratches."
"Nothing my body won't heal from." Naruto wiggled his fingers, wincing when a few dull shocks of pain ran through him. "... eventually. It's always stuff like this that really gets me when I have big stuff like this dropped on me."
"And, you said you sustained this injury on... Dathomir." Mace looked at Naruto pointedly, motioning again to Naruto's arm.
"Yeah. You uh, can do that when you try and burn out a smaller spacecraft." Naruto laughed, though Mace's unchanging expression had him cutting that off faster than he wished. "It's nothing. I've had worse, and recovered fast then. If you need me-"
"It's not about needing you. It's about your own safety." Mace closed his eyes, then glanced to the others.
"You've, seemed to have a habit of that." Eeth Koth nodded slowly, catching what Mace was saying. "Of going out, and returning to us injured in some way. Perhaps, the Force is telling you to stay in the Temple for a while, and give yourself time to recover. Fully."
"I'll be fine, honest. I just-" Naruto slowed down, looking between the masters slowly. Seeing the looks on their faces, he slowly shifted in place. "Are, you ordering it?"
"We, can't exactly order you to not take missions." Yarael Poof said after a moment, tapping his fingers before smiling lightly. "But we are both suggesting, and kindly offering you a reprieve. While you've done what you set out to do, it is clear that you have taken quite a bit of pain along the way. Sometimes, rest and recuperation are best."
"You can take other missions," Koth added again, smiling softly. "We simply ask that you take that time. Especially with your new apprentice. Perhaps, take some time to instruct him here. Give yourself, and him, a chance to bond."
"... of course." Naruto blinked, taking that in for a moment before perking up. "Is Anakin here?"
"... in, the Temple?" Saesee glanced to the others, a hint of amusement to his smile. "I would certainly hope so. We haven't sent him offworld, if that's what you're asking."
"Huh? Oh! No, no that's not, I didn't..." Naruto covered his face in embarrassment. "I meant where is he in the temple?"
Yarael tapped his thin lips thoughtfully. "If he's not training with those of his age group, he'll be learning with another master. He's, needed a few private lessons to catch up with some of those who've been here longer, but he has also been learning quickly enough..."
"Sounds like I need to ask to train his group." Naruto muttered, scratching at his neck. "Can't have him thinking that he just gets special treatment, then jumps right into getting trained. He's just a kid, and should have friends."
That seemed to both take the masters by surprise, and caused them to take a moment to consider what he'd said. Naruto couldn't imagine why, as it made the most sense. Sure he could immediately take Anakin with him on missions if he wanted, but missions with him tended to be dangerous; intentionally so or otherwise. So giving him time to learn, and to develop healthy relationships with others was the smartest thing he felt he could do.
"Perhaps that could be arranged..." Yarael nodded slowly. "Provided we keep you within the Temple. We've heard of your, exploits, and while I am certain you would defend them, their training should be performed in a place of safety."
"Isn't having an instructor the safest place?"
"I wish that were so."
They all bowed their head at that, each understanding what was meant by that. Saying that having a master to protect them would make Younglings or Initiates, or even Padawans safe was a grievous error of thought. There were those out there who would not care, and who would find a way to cause them harm.
"I mean, I wouldn't want to leave much anyways. Getting the basics down is really important." Naruto nodded, recalling his time under not only his master, but his father as well. He'd learnt a lot, and was still needing to revisit them more, but then, much of what he would be doing using that might not be considered the safest or the most natural to others. He knew how to learn; how to teach would be something else entirely.
"That's good." Even nodded, his own rugged smile curling on his face. "You keep that up and we'll be seeing good things from you for sure."
"That being said," Mace cut in, motioning to Naruto as he looked as though he was preparing to step away. "I will need to speak with you further. Preferably sooner, rather than later."
"... yes, of course." Naruto bowed, holding for any other questions or comments he would need to answer.
"It shouldn't be anything too serious, but it's some things I need to check on." Mace wasn't easing Naruto's curious nerves regarding it, but it was the best that could be done. A private conversation then, meant to be discussed when they had a moment. "Preferably after you've had some time to heal from your injuries."
"Um, yeah? No worries, I'll let you know." After his injuries healed? What did Mace need to discuss that required his arms? Did he need him for heavy lifting? That - no, that was silly, they could just use the Force. Then again, some training that people did was lifting objects without the use of the Force, so perhaps that was it.
"... you are dismissed, Naruto." Mace said after a moment, holding a hand towards Aayla and Quinlan. "We'll be needing to discuss a few other things with your companions before they leave, but it should only be a few moments for them as well."
"I mean, I'm not holding their hands... well, not anymore." Naruto turned, and gave Aayla a nod. "You want me to wait here with you? Or are you feeling alright?"
Aayla shifted in place, glancing past Naruto to the masters. Part of her wanted to ask him to stay, as his presence was a soothing balm against the nerves she felt. But that wouldn't be fair to him, seeing how he was eager to wander about the Temple again, as well as to see his actual apprentice. Short lived as it was, being his apprentice had been an experience that had her feeling more confident, and self-assured of the skills she'd learnt. So, she straightened herself and stood tall, smiling as brightly as she could. "I should be fine. Go, let Anakin know how much trouble he's going to be in."
"Trouble? With me?"
"Well, more pain than trouble. Your sparring sessions were particularly difficult." She rubbed her shoulders lightly, giving him a look that seemed to silently say 'you know what you did'.
"Hey, it's not my fault you overextended every time." Naruto waved a finger at her with a smirk. "Just because I have a short range doesn't mean getting a hit on me at long range will be easy, and at short range you were still at a disadvantage."
"Not everyone will use lightsabers as you do. Or use them as unconventionally." She crossed her arms, shaking her head at him. He truly was something of a dangerous combatant, even if he denied himself as being among the more skilled among the Jedi.
"Hey, that's half the fun." Naruto grinned, patting her on the shoulder as he moved past. "You'll do fine... catch up with me when you find the time."
"... may the Force be with you."
"And you." Naruto nodded, walking out of the room, then slowly looked around before making a near comical motion of lifting his leg near his chin and bolting down the hallway just as the doors closed behind him.
"... ever the child at heart I see." Even shook his head, turning to look back to the remaining two in the room. "So, Quinlan, your mission was a success."
"Yes... in a way." Quinlan shifted, interlocking his hands in front of himself as he stepped forwards. "I was able to find a temple that the witches were attempting to circumnavigate their way around upper defenses by going underground, and even saw what I believe ended up as the device that caused the disappearance, and perhaps even subsequent destruction of Ova. However, while I did see what appeared to be the device being disabled, I cannot say whether or not it was something that was destroyed fully, or that it will never be a threat to us again."
The Jedi Masters seemed to take a moment to consider that, each of them looking perturbed by that. His mission hadn't necessarily been to destroy whatever it was that had caused Ova to disappear, but hearing that he had seen that which had destroyed a planet and it's system, and couldn't confirm it's destruction was mildly worrying. Especially seeing how Dathomir wasn't part of the Republic, and so they couldn't have people to watch over it and ensure that it was kept from it happening again.
"You said it was, disabled." Mace cut in after a moment's silence. "But you cannot confirm that will stop it completely?"
"Naruto was the one who said it was disabled." Quinlan admitted, crossing his arms slowly. "He said he'd gone in and asked it to delete everything within, to prevent it from falling into the ... Nightsisters hands. He was very specific about that."
"Nightsisters? I, suppose that is supposed to have some implication beyond what we already know?" Eeth asked, looking between the other masters.
"Something to discuss and ask Master Yoda about later. He's actually had time on Dathomir when the Chu'unthor crashed on the planet." Saesee noted, having recalled when he'd read up on that a while back. Apparently the witches of Dathomir had been something of a difficulty for the Jedi, as they'd repelled the task force sense, with Master Yoda among them, and the Chu'unthor had remained, still stuck on the planet.
"A wise thought." Even nodded, crossing his arms. "Naruto hasn't let us down as of yet, and has been honest enough in his dealings. If he said it was disabled, I see no reason to find him at fault."
"He, did seem like he was distracted when he discussed it." Quinlan mentioned, shifting in place. He didn't want to make it seem like he was throwing Naruto to the hounds, but he wanted the information between them to be clear as possible.
"I think he was thinking of his people."
All eyes fell on Aayla, and she felt herself rapidly dropped to the floor, trying not to curse at herself for speaking without thinking. It hadn't been meant to do so, just to defend Naruto after he'd left to go and take care of Anakin. Yet, she also shouldn't be afraid either. She was among masters, people who had helped her, raised her, and would give her safety. She could trust them.
"He, told you this?" Quinlan asked, looking surprised. Naruto had said nothing of this to him, and seeing how he was the one reporting to the Council, he'd thought Naruto would've at least mentioned something like that.
"... no. I mean, not really. Not exactly." She shifted, looking away from everyone, recalling how she'd known. She'd only seen it for a moment - an instant - but when their minds had been linked up, and he'd let her in, that had been near to the forefront of his mind. "He'd been feeling guilty about something to do with them. He... his homeworld, Ibonihs. He kept thinking he doomed them by going into the Gate."
"Doomed them..." Saesee muttered, tapping his fingers on the back of his hand. "In, what regard? Or did he not say?"
"He... didn't say."
"What did he say?"
"He didn't." Noting the confusion on their faces, she continued. "I didn't find out by him telling me, really. He... let me into his mind, after I did the same. To help me reclaim my memories."
"That is quite dangerous of him." Even muttered, stroking his chin. "Those who have not had time and practice with such a technique could destroy the identity of those they do such a thing with, particularly if they allowed it both ways. You say he just, did this? Did he do so without permission?"
"He had my permission." Aayla cut in quickly, not wanting to get Naruto in trouble. Already she felt like the Masters were suddenly turning up the heat, and she didn't need herself or Naruto in hot water for something she'd said without realizing the danger. "He'd offered it starting out, but I had wanted to try to regain my memories over time. However when..." her gaze turned to Quinlan, her head dropping in shame. "When I realized that I had conflicting emotions from when my mind was at the mercy of Volfe, my old memories, and... my desire to harm my master... I didn't want that. I had to get my mind sorted before I came here, or else I'd have not chosen to return."
"... that, is understandable." Eeth spoke slowly, his gaze not removed from her as he scratched at his neck thoughtfully. "Still, a technique like that can be dangerous. We'll have to discuss that with Naruto later, to ensure he understands the danger in it."
"Still, it gave you perspective into his thoughts, and allowed you to know more about him in that moment." Yaesee nodded to the others, seeming to bring their attention back to that. "We ourselves still know so little of Naruto, and his people. The Dark Woman gave us as much as she felt we needed, yet still held back quite a bit from her report. They mentioned of some things, but held back knowledge. I do not purport to say we require that knowledge, but I do believe it would not be too much to ask... what were his feelings towards his people?"
Aayla considered that, wondering if she could put it into words. It wasn't thoughts so much as feelings, wild and free and unpinned down. Still, if it would help give them peace of mind, perhaps it would help them be able to get Naruto to relax, and to understand him better. So, with a deep breath, she did her best to put them into words. "... that if they joined the galaxy, they might end up destroying more than they understood, or becoming a threat equal in part to the Sith."
"Equal to the Sith?"
"But not as Sith. As something different... his people... Shinobians?" The word 'shinobi' had popped up in her head, as what his people were. She wasn't sure if that was specifically their race, but perhaps it was, and even Naruto was unaware. "They're, dangerous. Even some of their youth are strong enough to cause quite a bit of harm, should they simply act without understanding the galaxy like Naruto. He..."
Pausing, she once more considered her next words. They were Naruto's thoughts, and feelings. Such a worried, and exasperated series of thoughts. Like he expected them to come back to haunt him one day. She had seen him though, and she knew different. She just needed to explain it in a way that the Council would understand as well.
"He worries that their capacity for war would be on par with ours for peace. He's, seen how effective their teachings can be, and wanted to ensure the galaxy wouldn't have to endure that."
"... how did he know the name of his homeworld?"
The question from Mace caught her flatfooted, as she tried to think on that. How had he known it? The thought hovered in her mind, from his mind, but the exact specifics didn't come to mind. Chewing on her lip, she knew that it hadn't been his own people who'd told him, so the only other option...
"I, think the device he shut off... I think it had the world's name on it. I - I can't say for certain, it's only a thought." She tried to quickly make sure they understood, and that they didn't think she was giving them facts; only thoughts, gathered from Naruto's mind, and an educated guess.
The Masters didn't say anything. They looked between each other, each of them seeming to send silent words between each other. Aayla couldn't read their expressions at all, and found herself shifting in place, looking nervous. Had she said something wrong? Given them the wrong idea, or otherwise brought something to them that would cause them to see Naruto in a new light?
"... thank you, Aayla. Quinlan." Mace spoke slowly, nodding to himself. "You are dismissed."
"I-" Aayla cut herself off, slowly bowing to them. That told her nothing, and all she could do was nod when Quinlan bowed next to her.
"Master Tholme will be looking to speak with you both." Even nodded to them both, a light-hearted smile on his face. "I think he hopes to discuss who will be continuing Aayla's training going forward. Considering how much you two have been through, I wouldn't be surprised if you both wished for a short break."
"... just a small one." Quinlan replied after a few seconds, his lips curling into a small smile. "And some variety in food."
A few of the Masters chuckled at that, nodding understandingly. "Go, find yourself some food then... and may the Force be with you both."
The two bowed, stepping out and making their way to find Master Tholme. Behind them, they left the Council in a room of silence, staring between one another. There was much to discuss, and too many things they knew near nothing about. Too many uncertainties, and too much that they would need to discuss to try and work through before coming to any definitive decisions regarding Naruto.
AN: We're back at the Temple! I skipped over them leaving Aurra as the emotional goodbyes were in their other chapter - in front of Aayla and Quinlan they're trying to... not get Naruto in trouble with the Jedi. And, to be fair, Aayla hasn't gotten Naruto in trouble. Though, to be fair, Naruto will have some happiness and good things, and then we'll get back to the "oh, why is this happening?" As I do.
Honestly this chapter was fun to write. I love Kit Fisto, and I'm enjoying his interactions with Naruto. Especially since, with his style of Form I, Kit might be the most dangerous opponent for Naruto to fight. Clones? Form I literally is built for fighting multiple opponents. And yet, Naruto and Kit are friends. That's just beautiful.
Murkwood:I've got a quick question, and it's probably been said before in previous chapters but I'm not certain. Naruto's War Saber having the red blade. Where did he get the crystal from?
An excellent question that hasn't come up yet! He used a method that Darth Maul and other Sith have used where he made his own crystal. In some ways that makes it stronger than normal ones, but also more fragile than a natural crystal.
Guest:I thought Naruto Destroyed the portal temple, not shut it down for a thousand years!? Are those "blood pills" from Naruto's homeworld!? How did Jiraiya die anyways!?
Nope! He shut it down. He wanted to give them a chance, but also didn't feel that - as they are - they'd be peaceful enough not to just go to war with the galaxy.
Nope! They're my own addition to Star Wars.
Jiraiya hasn't told his tale yet! It'll be a story... for later. I'd say it now, but I'm working out the timing.
Naru99: 2 questions naruto will talk to maul again? And we will see the naruto debate with yoda?
Yes and eventually. One sooner than the other.
Thank you all for your reviews, they are always great to read. If you haven't seen, the Naruto poll is done, and now there is a poll to go over the pairing options for Anakin on my Profile page. I look forward to seeing who you choose, and how I'll be able to consider and use it through the building story.
May this chapter find you well, and may the Force be with you.
