Chapter 6-

Hello, Ya'll! Sorry it's been so long since I've updated, but I've gotten so busy I've barely been able to do my homework! But just as I was going to bed a few nights ago, Inspiration came. (Isn't funny when that happens? But when you have some sort of paper due the next day you get nothing but a big wall?) Anyway, for the sake of my story, just pretend that everything in here is true, Kay? I'm not sure how many times Jedi Knights are allowed to go through the trials before they can't become a Knight... Same disclaimers apply that are in the first chapter, and as always, Enjoy! ^_^

***

As Qui-Gon deactivated his saber, he felt the last bit of hope flow out of his body. His head hung low as the simulation around him ended, and the lights came up.

He had failed.

He heard the soft tap of the came coming near before he saw Master Yoda approach. Qui-Gon knelt down before the Jedi Master.

"Do or do not, Padawan Jinn." Yoda said as he placed a hand on the young Jedi's shoulder. "This time you did not, yet to give up you are not. Believe you can. Only then will you do.

"Yes, Master." Qui-Gon said, trying to mask the disappointment he felt. Yoda lifted his hand and walked quietly out of the chamber.

Qui-Gon Sighed as he allowed himself to sink to the floor. He brought his legs up to his chest and rested his head on his knees. Running the trials through his mind, he could see instances where he knew he should have moved differently, or waited longer before striking. "If only I had done it then."

"They say that hindsight is twenty- twenty." A voice interrupted Qui-Gon's thoughts. He turned slightly to see Master Dooku.

Dooku walked farther into the room and stood before his crestfallen Apprentice. "You did well, Young One."

"Not well enough." Qui-Gon kept his gaze at his feet.



Gently, Dooku sat beside Qui-Gon. "I made mistakes when I first faced the trials. I moved at the wrong time... But I was also overconfident of my abilities. I think going through the Trials twice helped to cure me of that." He remembered with a slight chuckle.

"I had so much training... I thought I was ready. I was sure I would pass."

"Ahh... You see?" Dooku asked as he placed his arm around Qui-Gon's shoulders. "You are very strong in the ways of the Living Force. More so, I think than I could ever be. But you must remember to trust in the force, not yourself. The Force uses us as a tool. We must train so that we are able to handle the power it gives."

Qui-Gon nodded. "Yes, Master."

"You will pass, Qui-Gon. This just means you are mine for just a little while longer." Dooku stood and pulled Qui-Gon to his feet.

"Can we do some more training now, Master?" Qui-Gon gave a grin. "The sooner I pass the sooner I get away from you."

Master and Apprentice began to walk out of the Chamber. "You're so kind Qui-Gon." He said his a sarcastic scowl. "I do hope that you pass quickly. The sooner you do, the sooner you can train an apprentice of your own. And I hope he's just as contrary to you as you are to me."

***

Qui-Gon felt the force serge through his body. He could defeat this last obstacle. He could with the Force as his ally.

Qui-Gon waited, blocking the attacks that came at him. Suddenly he felt as if the time was right, and attacked. With a few short swings of his saber, the match was over.

Qui-Gon released the breath he didn't know he was holding. The green tinge to the room left as he deactivated his saber, and the lights came up.

Once again, he heard the soft tap of the cane before he saw Master Yoda come up to him. Qui-Gon kneeled once more.

"Well done, Padawan Jinn. Fought well as well as use the Force you did. Confer on you, the level of Jedi Knight, I do."

Relief washed over Qui-Gon. He had done it. He had passed the trials. Qui-Gon looked up at the small Jedi Master. "Thank you, Master." Yoda nodded and quietly walked out of the chamber door.

Qui-Gon turned. Master Dooku walked in from the doorway to stand by his Padawan, a smile present on his face.

"I did it, Master." Qui-Gon said. "I'm a Jedi."

"You were always a Jedi, Qui-Gon. And you will always be one." He reached around and embraced Qui-Gon. Qui-Gon thought it strange for a moment, as his Master was not the affectionate type. However, he dismissed it and relished the emotion.

"Well done, Qui-Gon. Well done."