Disclaimer – all original Star Wars characters in this fanfic (excluding my OC's) are the property of Lucasfilm and Disney.
Chapter 49 "Forgoing the Traditions."
In need of Jedi Knights! As the war rages on, General Grievous quickly became a notorious Jedi killer and a serious threat to the Jedi Order and the Republic. The presence of the Kaleesh cyborg in battles tips the scales of the war in the Sith's favor.
After another vicious battle, in which General Grievous killed a Jedi Master and his Padawan, the Jedi High Council contemplates how to handle the situation before it's too late.
Coruscant, Jedi Temple, High Council Tower, Council Chamber.
"I don't remember when the was last time someone was able to stand up to a Jedi and hold his own with such ease," said Master Ki-Adi-Mundi. "We must deal with General Grievous as quickly as possible.'
"I agree," replied Master Windu. "This General Grievous is changing the shape of the war."
"First the Sith abolish the rule of two, and now this," said the holographic image of Master Shaak Ti. "We need more Knights."
"Yes," agreed Master Dooku, stroking his chin. "I know this will cause a debate, but I would like to propose something." All Jedi Masters looked at Dooku. "In this time of war, we could forgo the trials and promote skilled Padawans to Jedi Knights."
Many Jedi arched their eyebrows after that proposition. "Forgive my harsh words, Master Dooku, but this suggestion is preposterous," stated Master Oppo Rancisis. "We can't set aside our most sacred traditions."
"Our numbers are dwindling," pointed out Master Dooku. "Like Master Shaak Ti already said, we must have more Jedi Knights to protect the Republic and the Order. I don't mean we should promote every single Padawan in the Temple. Just the most skilled ones, like Anakin Skywalker for example."
Not all Jedi Masters were happy with that suggestion. "In my opinion, I don't think he's ready," stated Adi Gallia.
"I agree with Master Dooku," said Master Ki-Adi-Mundi. "We shouldn't hold back the Chosen One."
"Whether or not he is the Chosen One is still to be determined," Master Windu said doubtfully.
"Promoting Skywalker for a Jedi Knight is something that even Chancellor Palpatine requested for some time now," stated Master Even Piell.
Master Windu looked at him and frowned. "Politicians have no voice in the Jedi matters."
"Well he is a cunning warrior and our best pilot," noted Master Kit Fisto, smiling widely as always. "Many agree that he's a great user of the Force and his skills in lightsaber combat impressed even Master Cin Drallig."
"But he's reckless with his gifts," replied Master Gallia. "And more importantly, natural talent in lightsaber combat and being skilled in the use of the Force alone does not make one a good Jedi Knight. He has many weaknesses. One is his obsession with Darth Enigma."
"I second that," said Master Windu. "Jedi Knights lead troops into battle. With his reckless behavior and obsessive desire to best Darth Enigma, Skywalker could walk into a trap, which could cost him the lives of the clones and even innocent people."
"It's true that the young Skywalker focuses strongly on the Sith apprentice and wants to defeat him at all cost," agreed Master Dooku. "But we'd be foolish to ignore the fact that the Anzat is a dangerous and a clever opponent, not to mention an active CIS commander. Capturing him would greatly shift the tides of the war in our favor. And don't forget that it was Anakin who proposed a peaceful solution when ArchKnight Deiven wanted to kill the two Force-sensitive clones. He averted a unnecessary conflict and saved many lives that day."
"What's more," Dooku raised his finger and continued. "After what I've seen and what Obi-Wan told me, after his sudden escalation from slave to being known as the Chosen One, Anakin became cocky, self-appreciating, and arrogant. However, his loss at the hands of Darth Enigma taught him humility. His rivalry with the Sith apprentice helped him become a stronger and more humble Jedi. The war forced him to face tasks far more difficult than the trials."
"I sounds like we should thank the Anzat when we'll have a chance," Master Windu said sarcastically, arching his bald eyebrow.
"But despite everything, Skywalker lacks discipline," pointed out Master Rancisis. "He disobeyed Kenobi on multiple occasions."
"Did you not disobeyed me from time to time in your youth, Master Rancicis?" Yoda asked, pointing his finger at the Thisspasian Jedi Master. The other Jedi Masters smiled while Yoda closed his eyes and pondered. "A just debate, this is. But in this days of war, need all the Knights we can. A risky suggestion, this is, but trust in the Force, we must. A Knight, Skywalker shall be."
Coruscant, Undercity, Level 3056.
The Coruscant underworld, also called the lower levels or Undercity, were the levels underneath the planet Coruscant's surface structures. Skyscrapers towered above the surface structures, the highest livable level on Coruscant being Level 5127. Still, under the surface structures, the levels of Coruscant descended down all the way to Level 1, which was deemed uninhabitable.
The various levels of Coruscant were accessible by huge portals that also served as ventilation shafts. Covered by the surface structures, sunlight did not reach the lower levels leaving them in a perpetual state of darkness illuminated only by artificial lights for thousands of years.
Undercity dwellers often had to breathe toxic fumes from millennia of urbanization, while wealthy citizens in the upper levels had access to rich and filtered air. Influential crime families operated in the lower levels of Coruscant, which were patrolled by the underworld police division of the Coruscant Security Force.
While a dark alleway wasn't the most romantic place for two lovers, it gave Anakin and Padmé the privacy they needed. No one knew they were here, and they could share this moment in peace. The two never got married since after the battle on Geonosis, Anakin stayed with the badly injured Obi-Wan. Still, the two loved each other and were secretly a couple.
"I've missed you so much," Anakin said lovingly as they broke a kiss. He placed a hand on her cheek, and the Senator leaned her head into his palm. The two kissed once again, but Anakin pulled away abruptly and covered Padmé when some passerby just took a glance into the alleyway.
"Ehhh... I'm tired of all this," he complained, turning around. "Our love should not be hidden like its some immoral thing!"
"Ani, you're almost a Jedi Knight," Padmé said gently. "And then-"
"And then what?" Anakin interrupted, turning back to face Padmé. "Jedi aren't suppose to form attachments. Ehh.. it doesn't matter."
"It does matter," Padmé assured and placed a hand on his shoulder. "We knew it would be like this. Perhaps the things can change after the war, but for now, the Republic and the Order needs you. Remember that in the shadows of Coruscant or any other place, and more importantly in my heart, I will always love you."
Anakin smiled and teased. "Well, you do look good in the dark."
"Ani," Padmé whispered lovingly, and the two kissed again. As they embraced each other, a familiar voice called out Senator Amidala's name, drawing their attention. "Miss Padmé! Miss Padmé!"
Anakin peeked out the alleway, looking towards the direction of the voice. "Oh, no!" he groaned, seeing the protocol droid he himself built. "It's Threepio."
Covered by a dark cloak, the protocol droid walked among the crowd and called for the Naboo Senator. "Miss Padmé! Miss Padmé. Oh, where could she be?!"
As he was about to pass by the alleway, Anakin yanked him inside so that he would not draw any more attention to himself. "Please don't damage me! I'm only a droid!" C-3PO pleaded in a panicked manner.
"No one is going to hurt you, Threepio," Anakin reassured. C-3PO turned around and looked at the Jedi Padawan and the Senator. Anakin noticed that something was off with him. "Master Anakin? Oh and Miss Padmé! Thank goodness you're unharmed. I was so worried. You left without notifying-"
"You look different Threepio," Anakin noted, grabbing his chin.
The droid pulled off the hood and replied. "It must be this disguise." However, Padmé quickly stated. "No Threepio, it's your new gold plating."
"Gold plating?" Anakin arched his eyebrow, now being intrigued.
"Oh yes," C-3PO confirmed. "In the service of a Senator, one must be presentable."
"Huh, well, let's see it," Anakin said, but the protocol droid looked around. "Here? Now? In this neighborhood? Hmm... very well, if you wish." Threepio revealed his whole body, which shined in gold color.
Anakin nodded approvingly. "Impressive," he said with a smirk. "Most impressive."
Anakin's wrist-mounted comlink suddenly beeped, and Obi-Wan's voice issued from it. "Anakin, the Council requests your presence." The Padawan made a wry face but replied. "I'll be right there, Master."
He looked at Padmé with an unhappy expression. "I don't want to go," he said, placing a hand on her cheek.
"You must, Ani," Padmé replied with a smile.
"I love you," Anakin said, and the two shared a farewell kiss.
Sometime later – Coruscant, Jedi Temple, Temple Spire, Outside The Hall of Knighthood.
The Temple Spire, also referred to as the Tranquility Spire, was the highest of the five spires of the Jedi Temple. It was filled largely with turbolifts which carried visitors to the tower up and down. As passengers traveled up within the turbolifts, visitors were able to view the history of the Order through transparisteel windows. Mosaics, heritage tapestries, and towering memorial statues of the most revered Jedi were suspended within the tower on repulsorlift pads.
At the base of the tower, the original mountain peak of the sacred spire jutted out of the Temple Ziggurat. It was encircled by transparisteel hallways, which overlooked the barren slopes of the edifice. Pathways led from the outer halls onto the mountain and through it, leading down into ancient chapels and temples. It was the site of meditation chambers and halls where the youngest Jedi were brought to have their minds opened to the vastness of the Force.
The pinnacle chamber of the Spire housed the most important documents and artifacts of the Order; it was also used as a meeting place for the High Council in addition to the Jedi Council Chamber. Located below the pinnacle room and above a private meditation chamber, the Hall of Knighthood was an open room with tall windows and several pillars. The circular pattern in the center of the chamber was reminiscent of the High Council Chamber's pattern at the summit of the Tower Spire. Accessed by a turbolift and a staircase that spirals up from the lower levels, the chamber allowed the ones inside to have one of the highest and rarest views of the area surrounding the Temple. Using no artificial lighting, the chamber would be filled with sunlight during daytime ceremonies and the glow of the planet at night.
Obi-Wan waited for his Padawan next to the door that led to the Hall of Knighthood and observed the view of the city of Coruscant through a large window. Of course, like many times before, Anakin was late. Obi-Wan had no idea that his Padawan was in a romantic relationship with Senator Amidala.
When Anakin finally arrived, Obi-Wan didn't hide his dissatisfaction. "Anakin you're late," he said with a frown. "When the Jedi Council requests your presence it is always of great importance."
Anakin also wasn't happy since his secret meeting with Padmé was cut short by Obi-Wan's call. The Padawan sighed and moved towards the window. "If I'm late for another scolding doesn it really matter?" he asked gruffly.
"Scolding?" Obi-Wan moved closer to Anakin. "You're not a little boy anymore. However, as long as you're my student you will heed my wisdom."
"You're right," Anakin replied as he faced the window. He finally turned towards Obi-Wan with a frown. "I'm not a little boy and as far your wisdom goes, you're not Qui-Gon Jinn."
Obi-Wan's eyes widened, and Anakin's expression saddened as he realized what he just said. "Master... forgive me... I didn't mean-"
"I know," Obi-wan reassured gently. I worry about him too. He placed a hand on Anakin's shoulder. Not a day goes by that I don't think about a way to wake him up from his coma. I know you'd want him to guide you, but I did my best to pass all his teachings to you. And in our time together, you've proven to me to you're more than capable of all he believed you would be."
Anakin smiled gently as Obi-Wan continued. "And now, we must leave our roles as Master and student. It is time we became, brothers."
"Master?" Anakin got confused.
The door to the Hall of Knighthood opened, and Obi-Wan gestured Anakin to enter. The Padawan complied, entering the darkroom, and Obi-Wan followed him. As the door closed itself behind them, they heard the sounds of lightsabers being ignited, and their lights illuminated the room.
The members of the Jedi Council, excluding Master Shaak Ti, formed a circle around the two humans with their lightsabers raised in a double handed grip.
"Step forward, Padawan," said the Master Yoda, who stood on a chair. Anakin knew what this was. He did as he was told and kneeled before the small Jedi Master, closing his blue-colored eyes.
"Anakin Skywalker," Yoda began lowering his green blade to the Padawan's right shoulder. "By the right of the Council." He raised the blade and moved it to his left shoulder. "By the will of the Force." Once again, he raised the blade and moved to Anakin's right shoulder. "Dub thee I do, Jedi." With a swift move, he cut Anakin's Padawan braid. "Knight of the Republic."
Silently, Anakin collected his braid and stood up with a smile on his face. He felt amazing. He finally became a Jedi Knight.
A few moments later, Anakin left the Hall of Knighthood with Dooku and Obi-Wan. Since Anakin became a Jedi Knight, Obi-Wan ascended to the rank of a Jedi Master. Both of them had proof of their ascension: Anakin didn't have his braid anymore, and Obi-Wan received brown robes.
"Congratulations are in order," said Dooku. "You both earned it."
"Thank you, Master Dooku," Obi-Wan said, bowing his with respect. Anakin did the same. The freshly knighted Jedi was in a great mood right now. Dooku looked at Anakin and spoke. "You deserve a word of explanation. The Jedi Council agreed that for the time of the war, the Order should forgo the trails and promote skilled Padawan to Jedi Knights. I suggested that idea myself and propose you to be the first Padawan."
Obi-Wan and Anakin looked at each other and back at Dooku. "That's quite the decision," noted Obi-Wan.
"Indeed," Dooku agreed. "But if the Sith are ready to abandon the rule of two and join forces, the Jedi Order also must be ready for changes, even if those changes are only temporary and risky. The sooner this war ends, the better for everyone."
"I'll defeat the Sith and bring peace, Master Dooku," Anakin assured confidently.
"I believe you," Dooku replied. "But there's one Sith that'll give you trouble with this task and the Jedi Council considers him to be your obsession and thus, your weakness."
"Darth Enigma," Obi-Wan stated, knowing exactly what the Jedi Master meant.
"I'll become stronger and defeat him," Anakin promised, but Dooku shook his head and replied. "Being stronger or more skillful in combat won't guarantee you victory against him. His cunningness, and your hot-headedness is what concerns the Council. On the battlefield, you'll have the role of a General and the Sith apprentice can lead you into a trap along with the troops under your command if you let him. You have to use your head when you deal with him and think twice about your every move. He's not a raging Sith, which makes him a formidable foe. You have to be calm and smart. "
Anakin was silent for a moment and nodded. "Thank you for the advise," he replied. "I won't let the Anzat trick me."
Dooku nodded, but he had a slight doubt that Anakin would be able to best Darth Enigma, aka ArchKnight Avelon. He had a long way ahead of him.
The next day – Coruscant, Jedi Temple.
The words about forgoing the trials spread quickly, and after Anakin, a few other skillful Padawans became Knights as well. The atmosphere at the Temple was mixed. The Padawans, who became Knights without trials, were naturally pleased, but the Padawans who became Knights traditionally found the idea unjust.
Anakin and Ventress walked down the corridor engaged in a conversation. "I hope you're not angry at me or anything," Anakin said hopefully. "I mean, your Master suggested me and not his own Padawan."
"Oh trust me, I'm glad he suggested you instead of me," Ventress assured. "I'm not ready to be a Knight. At least not just yet."
Anakin smiled, glad that Ventress wasn't upset with him. As they turned a corner, they noticed two figures arguing at the entrance to the training grounds. One was a female Firrerreo, the other was a male Zabrak. They also spotted a small group of younglings nearby, and Ahsoka was among them, observing the arguing pair.
As Anakin and Asajj got closer, they began to understand the heated conversation. "You're not fitted to be a Knight!" the Zabrak said harshly. "And now, you want to teach the younglings?! What a joke!"
"They asked me to give them some lightsaber combat lessons themselves!" the female Firrerreo replied, crossing her arms over her chest. "Even before I became a Knight, younglings asked me to spar with them and give them pointers! And as far as combat goes, I've kicked your butt in all of our sparing sessions!"
"You would never become a Knight if it weren't for the Council's decision!" stated the Zabrak.
Anakin actually had no idea the Jedi Order had a member of the Firrerreo race and took a good look at the appeared to be older than him. She had gold skin, a pretty, heart-shaped face with large, purple eyes, and long black-blonde hair. Unlike Deiven, she didn't have horns, a tail, and snake-like pupils.
"What's going on?" Anakin asked, approaching Ahsoka with Asajj.
"We asked Knight Aritia to give us some lessons," Ahsoka explained, looking at the Zabrak. "But Knight Orden was unhappy when he learned about it."
Anakin narrowed his eyes and wanted to stop their dispute, but Master Plo Koon, who just entered the corridor, beat him to the punch. "I think that's enough!" he stated loudly. Both Knights looked at him and lowered their gazes.
"The Jedi Temple is a place of harmony and peace," reminded the Kel Dor Jedi Master. "It's not a place for childish arguments."
"I'm sorry, Master Plo Koon," the Zabrak apologized and looked at him. "I just think the Council's decision is wrong. Some Padawans aren't suited to be Knights. It's just not fair they became ones without trials."
"That's the Council's decision to make," Master Plo Koon replied.
"Yeah, so give it a rest already," the Firrerreo said, looking to the side. "Your objections won't change anything. The Council has decided, like always."
"Ghh!" the Zabrak turned around and walked away while Plo Koon looked at Aritia. "If I remember correctly, you're Aritia Vemo, yes?" he asked.
"Yes," the Firrerreo confirmed, looking at the Kel Dor.
Master Plo Koon nodded. "Although your heart is at the right place, you were always a very vocal, passionate, and troublesome Padawan. To be honest I was also a difficult when I was a Padawan of Master Tyvokka. But you have the tendency to go overboard. Especially after the events with planet Firrerre."
"Of course!" Aritia narrowed her purple-colored eyes. "You abandoned my people because the Republic said so!"
"The Jedi Order serves the Republic," Master Plo Koon said calmly.
"And no one else." Aritia sighed and shook her head. "Why do I even bother?" she asked out loud, and not waiting for any response, she turned around and entered the training grounds. The younglings followed her quietly, but Ahsoka approached the Kel Dor along with Anakin and Asajj.
"Koh-to-yah, Master Plo," she greeted in the Keld Dor language.
"Koh-to-yah, little Soka," the Jedi Master replied.
As they began to talk with each other, none of them noticed that Master Dooku observed the situation from afar. He knew that his suggestion would end in such a way, but it was a good idea to create some slight turmoil inside the Order and made the young Jedi susceptible to influence. Now, the members of the Kingdom could attempt to pull some young Jedi over to their side.
Sometime later – Coruscant, Jedi Temple, Accommodation Sector, Knight's Billet, Aritia's Quarters.
As the female Firrerreo meditated silently in the middle of her quarters, she heard a sudden knock on her door. She assumed it was her former Master who wanted to give her some 'wise' words of advice after her dispute with the Zabrak. Aritia sighed and spoke. "Enter."
When the doors opened, it was PROXY who entered her private quarters. "Huh?" Aritia was confused and surprised. "You're that droid from the Kingdom of the Force."
"That's correct, Knight Aritia," PROXY confirmed. "ArchKnight Deiven would like to speak with you if you have nothing against it."
"Emmm... sure," the female Firrerreo shrugged and stood up. After a few moments, PROXY was covered by a real-sized full-colored holographic image of ArchKnight Deiven. The young ArchKnight smiled and bowed his head. "Greetings, Aritia Vemo."
"Ummm... hello," Aritia bowed her head as well. I never got a chance, but I wanted to thank you for helping my people on Firrerre.
"There's no need for thanks," Deiven replied with a smile. "Despite my 'original' look, I am a Firrerreo and they're my people as well."
Aritia nodded with a smile. "So... to what do I owe the pleasure?" she asked.
"I'll be direct Aritia, I want you to join the Kingdom of the Force," Deiven said bluntly with a serious expression. "We could use someone like you."
'Someone like me?" Aritia arched her eyebrows, confused and surprised. "I'm no one special. I even became a Jedi Knight because the Council decided to forgo the trials. Who knows how long it would take me to become a Jedi Knight if they hadn't?"
"You're strong with the Force and your lightsaber skills are impressive," Deiven stated. "I don't care about what the Council says in regards to proper mindset or following the Jedi Code. We have our own rules in the Kingdom and someone who's loyal and passionately wants to protect others is more then welcome."
Aritia was silent and unsure, but Deiven spoke. "You don't have to answer right away. If you're okay with joining us, find PROXY nad contact me."
"Okay," Aritia nodded. "I'll think about it."
Deiven nodded, and his holographic image vanished. PROXY bowed and simply turned around, leaving the room. Outside, Master Dooku observe the droid, who looked at him and nodded silently. The Jedi Master smirked and walked away.
Please R&R ;)