PART NINE: THE CEREMONY
The preceding of the celebration began early that evening. Most of the time it was the request of the Council that decided whether or not the rest of the Jedi in the Temple saw the appointing of a Jedi, and if granted the Jedi himself would decide. But this was one event no one would dare miss, especially with a slain Sith in the works of Obi-Wan's appointing.
Jedi had begun to file into the specially-designed celebration room. The place was decorated with formal streamers and banners of whites and yellows. Balloons, mainly of silver, clear and white, were plastered onto the walls of the room in a bundle. Tonight, the Jedi feasted upon the exquisite food provide by the best chefs on Coruscant, as well as the Temple.
Qui-Gon Jinn, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker were seated at the main table, alongside the Jedi High Council. Each wore their robes in great respect for both the new Knight and Apprentice.
Tension was beginning to build as the night drove into hours of talk and entertainment. Many Jedi came to congratulate the bashful Obi-Wan, especially the girls in the Temple. Most of them he had not seen around at all, or for only a second. Anakin was trying to hold his sight of fear in. But to some extent, he was in awe to see so many different species of the galaxy gathered in one room.
After hours had passed, it was time for the real ceremony to begin. The conversations at the surrounding tables died, as Master Mace Windu took his position at the podium. A neutral look was on his face. And it was always a rare sight to see him smile.
"Again, I thank all of you who have decided to attend this special event. Tonight we honor not one, but two Jedi, for their courageous deed in protecting a Queen from the Sith. The Sith, which for the first time in over a millennia, has come to reveal themselves to the Jedi. But that is not the least of our worries. Not tonight. We are here, tonight, to honor a Jedi Apprentice who will shed those robes and move up to the class of a Jedi Knight. An honor student to the Academy, as well as the Temple, for his quickness to learn. Though as headstrong as he may be--" he paused to look at the Jedi sitting next to him, embarrassment on his face. "..he has truly become a great addition to the Jedi in the galaxy. He has come to understand the Force like no other and I'm sure that no one could ask for a better apprentice."
He stopped again to see a small smile pass Qui-Gon's face. "By record, it is clear that if a Jedi were to take down a Sith, an agent of the Dark Side, he would automatically be appointed to the next level in his training." He turned to direct the Jedi beside him. "Obi-Wan Kenobi, you have been a great apprentice, a true and loyal friend. And sometimes a pain. And still headstrong, but it's time to put those petty things aside and get involved in even bigger things now. You have passed the trials with exceptional ambition and a strong mind, proving that only a few things are left to fully complete your training,"he paused briefly. "But the training for a Jedi is neverending."
Obi-Wan took his place beside Master Windu. Yoda came up beside him and spoke to him, directly.
"Indeed a true Jedi you are, Obi-Wan. Work alongside your old master, Qui- Gon Jinn, to train a new and hopeful apprentice?"
Obi-Wan turned to meet the little green Jedi's gaze. "Yes, Master. I will."
"Train him to become a Knight like you?"
"I won't fail you, Master."
A wide smile passed Yoda's face. "Good. Good. A great aspect to know that of fear." He turned to the crowd. "Once an apprentice, now a Jedi Knight. Finish what he will begin and much honor he will receive."
Obi-Wan knelt down, with his Master coming up behind him.
Qui-Gon addressed the crowd, but seemed to be intended for Obi-Wan's ears alone. "Obi-Wan, as your master, I have come to learn many things about you and the way you lived as a Jedi. Learning more about your past, we created some strong memories. The struggles to fit in with the many conflicts you encountered in your early years of training were not easy to overcome. I watched you grow and evolve into a great apprentice, but an even better friend. Together we were unstoppable. We worked as one. A unit. Shared by a master and his apprentice. It was more pure than my bond with past apprentices. You had your mind set on the future, but I ensured you to still keep the Living Force inside you strong. To always know that I was there as a shoulder to cry on, and a father you never seemed to have, the son I always dreamed to have. The Temple providing a home and family for you to grow and control your powers fairly, creating even more memories. No, I could never ask for a better apprentice. And for that, I am glad to still be here to appoint you into your first steps of knighthood and into a whole new light in the Force. I'm proud of you, Obi-Wan Ben Kenobi."
Underneath Obi-Wan's lowered head, several tears escaped his eyes. He knew he couldn't take those first steps into knighthood alone. Qui-Gon had taught his so much over the past 12 years. He had always treated Qui-Gon as more of a father. Qui-Gon was his father. His mentor. His teacher.
"Ready are you?" Yoda questioned the young Jedi.
After a slight hesitation, Obi-Wan nodded.
"The powers of the Force, confide in me, Obi-Wan Kenobi, bring you into the steps of knighthood. Free to be independent, and learn on your own. Decide what is true to you, and fail to not take on missions alone. May the Force be with you always," Mace relinquished his lightsaber.
"Strong you must be, Obi-Wan. Grant you permission to be free. But beware that anger, fear, hate, suffering and aggression will take you down the Dark Path. Confide in me, powers of the Force, strong in both you and your Master, I dub you, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Jedi Knight. May the Force be with you, always," Yoda followed Mace's gesture.
The Jedi Masters ignited their lightsabers in front of Obi-Wan and struck them together in front of him and above him. A gentle touch from their extended hands on each of Obi-Wan's shoulders sent a new syringe of the Force through him. He slowly rose to his feet and stepped aside to let his Master to the front of the stage. In an instant, both Jedi engaged in one last sparring as Master and Apprentice. Each step was in tune with another, no step was missed. No error could be seen. Then Obi-Wan, in significance to appointing, missed a step forcing him to his knees. Qui- Gon's green blade hummed quietly along his neck, among the awe look of the spectators. Most were young padawan, hoping to reach the steps into knighthood, like Obi-Wan. Then with a quick movement and such precision, Qui-Gon slipped out a small vibro-blade and swiped it past Obi-Wan's right ear. The once long-connected braid, signifying the level in Obi-Wan's training, of 12 years, was now a ribbon of memories on the ground. Obi-Wan lowered his head in respect and slowly got to his feet. When he brought his head back up, the place roared with cheering and applauding. A wide smile of happiness crossed his face.
Again, Mace took his place at the podium. He paused for a second, waiting for the applauding to die-down. "For the first time the Council has decided to have not one, but two train an apprentice. A real honor considering this boy may bring balance to the Force. A statement in the prophecy concluding that one who was thought to have been conceived by the Force. There is no doubt that this boy has come to show us he is." He turned to the small boy standing beside him. "Anakin Skywalker, will you take the oath and enter into the Jedi Order? Train to use your powers of the Force for the good of the galaxy?"
Anakin peered around the room, and watched millions of eyes bear down on him. I didn't think it was this hard to get in. I thought it was a simply tap on the shoulder or anointment on the head. But this? Why didn't Qui- Gon tell me? Or even Obi-Wan? He held up his hand and nodded. "Yes, I will."
"Will you respect all life, in any form?"
Again, Anakin hesitated. What is this? I feel rather stupid up here with all these questions. It's not right. "Yes, I will."
"Will you serve others, but not over them, to ensure that safety can in appointed throughout the galaxy?"
"Yes, I will."
"Will you seek to improve yourself through knowledge and training?"
"Yes, I will."
"And will you be prepared to put aside fear, regret and uncertainty and either fight, run, surrender or die in any situations presented before you?"
Anakin took a deep breath and nodded. "Yes, I will, Master."
Mace directed the young boy to face Yoda. Anakin did what he was told.
"Strong you are, young Skywalker. Much like your masters, I see. Impressed and proud you must be?"
Anakin didn't answer.
"Shy, are you?" Yoda grew curious at the boy's gesture.
"No, I'm not. I just don't see why you're pulling in the past to try and impress the crowd?"
Gasped filled the room. To defy the Council was one thing, but the High Jedi Master himself, pure disrespect. Though it was never much of a problem for a maverick Jedi like Qui-Gon–perhaps, he was going to be another Qui-Gon.
Yoda only smiled widely. "Good it is to have another like you. Much like Qui-Gon you are. Headstrong like Obi-Wan. Both will teach you well." He turned to the crowd. "The Chosen One, he is. Agree, do you?"
The crowd murmured comments among themselves, but none seem to be clear enough to hear. Qui-Gon was about to step forward, but Obi-Wan held him back.
"No, Master. Don't," He said, quietly.
"The Chosen One, to you he may not be, now, but bring balance he will. Clouded the future may also be, but trained by the best he will. Two masters, not one. Qui-Gon Jinn, Jedi Master and Obi-Wan Kenobi, Jedi Knight," he turned to the two Jedi standing off to the side. "Train him well, you will. Make us proud you must."
The two Jedi nodded firmly.
"Then confide in me," Mace directed, "the Jedi Council and the Force, we welcome you, Anakin Skywalker, to join the Jedi Order to protect the Republic, holding the power of peace and justice. May the Force be with you." Mace pulled out his lightsaber.
"Protect the Republic you will, young Skywalker." Yoda's smile broadened. "Guard peace and justice you now own and hold. Strong and powerful the Force is if trained well. Anakin Skywalker, I dub you, Jedi Apprentice. May the Force be with you." Yoda followed Mace's lead.
The two Jedi Masters circled around Anakin in a ritual to appointing new Jedi into the Order. A quick tab of the blades clashed above Anakin's head. Then the two turned away to allow Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan through to finish off the appointing, Qui-Gon on his right and Obi-Wan on his left. Each held a pair of razorblades and ran it past Anakin's head. Within seconds, a heap of Anakin's hair laid on the ground before them, aside from the small ponytail in the back of his head. With fluid movement, the two Jedi snagged bits of their hair and collected some of the heap from the ground. In an amazing control of the Force, the two Jedi began to combine the strands of hair to form the beginning of Anakin's braid. Qui-Gon took hold of the small braid and placed it at the base of Anakin's right ear. With a burst of the Force, the loose braid was now attached to Anakin's head. It sent chills down his back. Then the two Jedi touched the shoulders of the young boy, each sending in more energy of the Force into the boy.
Mace entered the circle with a small blade, similar to the vibro-blade. Each man held out their hand and with such a precise hit, Mace Windu cut each index finger, a pool of blood forming around the finger. The Master's stepped forward, their lightsabers held in the opposite hand, and touched finger with finger. A jolt of the Force flowed through their bloodstream. Anakin took a step forward and followed. Each one felt the Force of the other escape and enter their own body, the significance that only a bond can be shared between masters and apprentice.
Then they dropped their hands and both masters ignited their lightsabers, awaiting the first sparring exercise with their new apprentice. Though, it was odd to have one vs. two, Anakin already showed exceptional skills to avoid a defensive attack set up by each of his Masters. It was clear that he was going to be a quick learner. With one last attack that held Anakin's blade locked within the confides of his Masters. His Masters stated the Jedi Code in unison.
A quick gesture sent Anakin floating several inches off the stage. His Masters knelt down and Mace and Yoda assumed position beside the floating Anakin, who was now well over five feet off the ground. They, too, ignited their lightsabers and indulged in a sparring exercise around Anakin. The boy was in such awe, but before he had time to grasp it all, he dropped to the ground with a thump. He stepped forward and the crowd of spectators roared loudly. His new Masters assumed their position beside him. A new set of Master and Apprentice was added to the Jedi Order.
Obi-Wan thought quietly to himself. He may now be a Jedi, but will he be able to show us he is the Chosen One? Either way, I won't let you down, Qui-Gon. I won't let you down, Anakin. I am now a Jedi Knight.
Qui-Gon sighed deeply and thought to himself. He is the Chosen One, but will others agree with me and Obi-Wan? I will prove them wrong. I'll find a way and I'm not about ready to fail Anakin as a Master as I did with Xanatos. I almost lost Obi-Wan to the same fate, but I hope you will be different, Anakin. I won't fail you, Anakin. And I'm not ready to fail you like I have in the past, Obi-Wan.
Anakin looked around the room, feeling the new way of life. Well, mom. I did it. I'm a Jedi. I'm sure I won't fail Master Qui-Gon, but I'm not so sure about my other Master. Obi-Wan. I can't deny the man. He's truly trying, I know. It's not easy to put up with me, especially with the scars I have about being a slave. But I won't fail you, mom. I won't fail, Padmé. And I will not fail you, Master Qui-Gon. Master Obi-Wan. I will do my best and I hope that's all you ask from me.
The crowd continued to cheer as the three Jedi got off the stage to greet them. Obi-Wan couldn't help but try to hide his smile. He was no longer a Jedi Apprentice, but Jedi Knight. He felt proud. His friends greeted him with warm hugs and wet surprises of their drinks. Qui-Gon was greeted by old friends, both in the Council and long-time friends. Anakin treaded around, being congratulated by many. He noted a small boy around his same height stood out among anyone else. His skin was more a gray color, his arms slightly flimsy and rubbery. His dark, brown eyes gave him more character. He approached the young man, greeting him with a smile. The boy returned the gesture. It made Anakin happy to know that this celebration wasn't a total loss. He had met a new friend, Tru Veld.
THE END
{[[==][===][==][[]] A FLYPSYDE PRYDE PRODUCTIONS
The preceding of the celebration began early that evening. Most of the time it was the request of the Council that decided whether or not the rest of the Jedi in the Temple saw the appointing of a Jedi, and if granted the Jedi himself would decide. But this was one event no one would dare miss, especially with a slain Sith in the works of Obi-Wan's appointing.
Jedi had begun to file into the specially-designed celebration room. The place was decorated with formal streamers and banners of whites and yellows. Balloons, mainly of silver, clear and white, were plastered onto the walls of the room in a bundle. Tonight, the Jedi feasted upon the exquisite food provide by the best chefs on Coruscant, as well as the Temple.
Qui-Gon Jinn, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker were seated at the main table, alongside the Jedi High Council. Each wore their robes in great respect for both the new Knight and Apprentice.
Tension was beginning to build as the night drove into hours of talk and entertainment. Many Jedi came to congratulate the bashful Obi-Wan, especially the girls in the Temple. Most of them he had not seen around at all, or for only a second. Anakin was trying to hold his sight of fear in. But to some extent, he was in awe to see so many different species of the galaxy gathered in one room.
After hours had passed, it was time for the real ceremony to begin. The conversations at the surrounding tables died, as Master Mace Windu took his position at the podium. A neutral look was on his face. And it was always a rare sight to see him smile.
"Again, I thank all of you who have decided to attend this special event. Tonight we honor not one, but two Jedi, for their courageous deed in protecting a Queen from the Sith. The Sith, which for the first time in over a millennia, has come to reveal themselves to the Jedi. But that is not the least of our worries. Not tonight. We are here, tonight, to honor a Jedi Apprentice who will shed those robes and move up to the class of a Jedi Knight. An honor student to the Academy, as well as the Temple, for his quickness to learn. Though as headstrong as he may be--" he paused to look at the Jedi sitting next to him, embarrassment on his face. "..he has truly become a great addition to the Jedi in the galaxy. He has come to understand the Force like no other and I'm sure that no one could ask for a better apprentice."
He stopped again to see a small smile pass Qui-Gon's face. "By record, it is clear that if a Jedi were to take down a Sith, an agent of the Dark Side, he would automatically be appointed to the next level in his training." He turned to direct the Jedi beside him. "Obi-Wan Kenobi, you have been a great apprentice, a true and loyal friend. And sometimes a pain. And still headstrong, but it's time to put those petty things aside and get involved in even bigger things now. You have passed the trials with exceptional ambition and a strong mind, proving that only a few things are left to fully complete your training,"he paused briefly. "But the training for a Jedi is neverending."
Obi-Wan took his place beside Master Windu. Yoda came up beside him and spoke to him, directly.
"Indeed a true Jedi you are, Obi-Wan. Work alongside your old master, Qui- Gon Jinn, to train a new and hopeful apprentice?"
Obi-Wan turned to meet the little green Jedi's gaze. "Yes, Master. I will."
"Train him to become a Knight like you?"
"I won't fail you, Master."
A wide smile passed Yoda's face. "Good. Good. A great aspect to know that of fear." He turned to the crowd. "Once an apprentice, now a Jedi Knight. Finish what he will begin and much honor he will receive."
Obi-Wan knelt down, with his Master coming up behind him.
Qui-Gon addressed the crowd, but seemed to be intended for Obi-Wan's ears alone. "Obi-Wan, as your master, I have come to learn many things about you and the way you lived as a Jedi. Learning more about your past, we created some strong memories. The struggles to fit in with the many conflicts you encountered in your early years of training were not easy to overcome. I watched you grow and evolve into a great apprentice, but an even better friend. Together we were unstoppable. We worked as one. A unit. Shared by a master and his apprentice. It was more pure than my bond with past apprentices. You had your mind set on the future, but I ensured you to still keep the Living Force inside you strong. To always know that I was there as a shoulder to cry on, and a father you never seemed to have, the son I always dreamed to have. The Temple providing a home and family for you to grow and control your powers fairly, creating even more memories. No, I could never ask for a better apprentice. And for that, I am glad to still be here to appoint you into your first steps of knighthood and into a whole new light in the Force. I'm proud of you, Obi-Wan Ben Kenobi."
Underneath Obi-Wan's lowered head, several tears escaped his eyes. He knew he couldn't take those first steps into knighthood alone. Qui-Gon had taught his so much over the past 12 years. He had always treated Qui-Gon as more of a father. Qui-Gon was his father. His mentor. His teacher.
"Ready are you?" Yoda questioned the young Jedi.
After a slight hesitation, Obi-Wan nodded.
"The powers of the Force, confide in me, Obi-Wan Kenobi, bring you into the steps of knighthood. Free to be independent, and learn on your own. Decide what is true to you, and fail to not take on missions alone. May the Force be with you always," Mace relinquished his lightsaber.
"Strong you must be, Obi-Wan. Grant you permission to be free. But beware that anger, fear, hate, suffering and aggression will take you down the Dark Path. Confide in me, powers of the Force, strong in both you and your Master, I dub you, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Jedi Knight. May the Force be with you, always," Yoda followed Mace's gesture.
The Jedi Masters ignited their lightsabers in front of Obi-Wan and struck them together in front of him and above him. A gentle touch from their extended hands on each of Obi-Wan's shoulders sent a new syringe of the Force through him. He slowly rose to his feet and stepped aside to let his Master to the front of the stage. In an instant, both Jedi engaged in one last sparring as Master and Apprentice. Each step was in tune with another, no step was missed. No error could be seen. Then Obi-Wan, in significance to appointing, missed a step forcing him to his knees. Qui- Gon's green blade hummed quietly along his neck, among the awe look of the spectators. Most were young padawan, hoping to reach the steps into knighthood, like Obi-Wan. Then with a quick movement and such precision, Qui-Gon slipped out a small vibro-blade and swiped it past Obi-Wan's right ear. The once long-connected braid, signifying the level in Obi-Wan's training, of 12 years, was now a ribbon of memories on the ground. Obi-Wan lowered his head in respect and slowly got to his feet. When he brought his head back up, the place roared with cheering and applauding. A wide smile of happiness crossed his face.
Again, Mace took his place at the podium. He paused for a second, waiting for the applauding to die-down. "For the first time the Council has decided to have not one, but two train an apprentice. A real honor considering this boy may bring balance to the Force. A statement in the prophecy concluding that one who was thought to have been conceived by the Force. There is no doubt that this boy has come to show us he is." He turned to the small boy standing beside him. "Anakin Skywalker, will you take the oath and enter into the Jedi Order? Train to use your powers of the Force for the good of the galaxy?"
Anakin peered around the room, and watched millions of eyes bear down on him. I didn't think it was this hard to get in. I thought it was a simply tap on the shoulder or anointment on the head. But this? Why didn't Qui- Gon tell me? Or even Obi-Wan? He held up his hand and nodded. "Yes, I will."
"Will you respect all life, in any form?"
Again, Anakin hesitated. What is this? I feel rather stupid up here with all these questions. It's not right. "Yes, I will."
"Will you serve others, but not over them, to ensure that safety can in appointed throughout the galaxy?"
"Yes, I will."
"Will you seek to improve yourself through knowledge and training?"
"Yes, I will."
"And will you be prepared to put aside fear, regret and uncertainty and either fight, run, surrender or die in any situations presented before you?"
Anakin took a deep breath and nodded. "Yes, I will, Master."
Mace directed the young boy to face Yoda. Anakin did what he was told.
"Strong you are, young Skywalker. Much like your masters, I see. Impressed and proud you must be?"
Anakin didn't answer.
"Shy, are you?" Yoda grew curious at the boy's gesture.
"No, I'm not. I just don't see why you're pulling in the past to try and impress the crowd?"
Gasped filled the room. To defy the Council was one thing, but the High Jedi Master himself, pure disrespect. Though it was never much of a problem for a maverick Jedi like Qui-Gon–perhaps, he was going to be another Qui-Gon.
Yoda only smiled widely. "Good it is to have another like you. Much like Qui-Gon you are. Headstrong like Obi-Wan. Both will teach you well." He turned to the crowd. "The Chosen One, he is. Agree, do you?"
The crowd murmured comments among themselves, but none seem to be clear enough to hear. Qui-Gon was about to step forward, but Obi-Wan held him back.
"No, Master. Don't," He said, quietly.
"The Chosen One, to you he may not be, now, but bring balance he will. Clouded the future may also be, but trained by the best he will. Two masters, not one. Qui-Gon Jinn, Jedi Master and Obi-Wan Kenobi, Jedi Knight," he turned to the two Jedi standing off to the side. "Train him well, you will. Make us proud you must."
The two Jedi nodded firmly.
"Then confide in me," Mace directed, "the Jedi Council and the Force, we welcome you, Anakin Skywalker, to join the Jedi Order to protect the Republic, holding the power of peace and justice. May the Force be with you." Mace pulled out his lightsaber.
"Protect the Republic you will, young Skywalker." Yoda's smile broadened. "Guard peace and justice you now own and hold. Strong and powerful the Force is if trained well. Anakin Skywalker, I dub you, Jedi Apprentice. May the Force be with you." Yoda followed Mace's lead.
The two Jedi Masters circled around Anakin in a ritual to appointing new Jedi into the Order. A quick tab of the blades clashed above Anakin's head. Then the two turned away to allow Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan through to finish off the appointing, Qui-Gon on his right and Obi-Wan on his left. Each held a pair of razorblades and ran it past Anakin's head. Within seconds, a heap of Anakin's hair laid on the ground before them, aside from the small ponytail in the back of his head. With fluid movement, the two Jedi snagged bits of their hair and collected some of the heap from the ground. In an amazing control of the Force, the two Jedi began to combine the strands of hair to form the beginning of Anakin's braid. Qui-Gon took hold of the small braid and placed it at the base of Anakin's right ear. With a burst of the Force, the loose braid was now attached to Anakin's head. It sent chills down his back. Then the two Jedi touched the shoulders of the young boy, each sending in more energy of the Force into the boy.
Mace entered the circle with a small blade, similar to the vibro-blade. Each man held out their hand and with such a precise hit, Mace Windu cut each index finger, a pool of blood forming around the finger. The Master's stepped forward, their lightsabers held in the opposite hand, and touched finger with finger. A jolt of the Force flowed through their bloodstream. Anakin took a step forward and followed. Each one felt the Force of the other escape and enter their own body, the significance that only a bond can be shared between masters and apprentice.
Then they dropped their hands and both masters ignited their lightsabers, awaiting the first sparring exercise with their new apprentice. Though, it was odd to have one vs. two, Anakin already showed exceptional skills to avoid a defensive attack set up by each of his Masters. It was clear that he was going to be a quick learner. With one last attack that held Anakin's blade locked within the confides of his Masters. His Masters stated the Jedi Code in unison.
A quick gesture sent Anakin floating several inches off the stage. His Masters knelt down and Mace and Yoda assumed position beside the floating Anakin, who was now well over five feet off the ground. They, too, ignited their lightsabers and indulged in a sparring exercise around Anakin. The boy was in such awe, but before he had time to grasp it all, he dropped to the ground with a thump. He stepped forward and the crowd of spectators roared loudly. His new Masters assumed their position beside him. A new set of Master and Apprentice was added to the Jedi Order.
Obi-Wan thought quietly to himself. He may now be a Jedi, but will he be able to show us he is the Chosen One? Either way, I won't let you down, Qui-Gon. I won't let you down, Anakin. I am now a Jedi Knight.
Qui-Gon sighed deeply and thought to himself. He is the Chosen One, but will others agree with me and Obi-Wan? I will prove them wrong. I'll find a way and I'm not about ready to fail Anakin as a Master as I did with Xanatos. I almost lost Obi-Wan to the same fate, but I hope you will be different, Anakin. I won't fail you, Anakin. And I'm not ready to fail you like I have in the past, Obi-Wan.
Anakin looked around the room, feeling the new way of life. Well, mom. I did it. I'm a Jedi. I'm sure I won't fail Master Qui-Gon, but I'm not so sure about my other Master. Obi-Wan. I can't deny the man. He's truly trying, I know. It's not easy to put up with me, especially with the scars I have about being a slave. But I won't fail you, mom. I won't fail, Padmé. And I will not fail you, Master Qui-Gon. Master Obi-Wan. I will do my best and I hope that's all you ask from me.
The crowd continued to cheer as the three Jedi got off the stage to greet them. Obi-Wan couldn't help but try to hide his smile. He was no longer a Jedi Apprentice, but Jedi Knight. He felt proud. His friends greeted him with warm hugs and wet surprises of their drinks. Qui-Gon was greeted by old friends, both in the Council and long-time friends. Anakin treaded around, being congratulated by many. He noted a small boy around his same height stood out among anyone else. His skin was more a gray color, his arms slightly flimsy and rubbery. His dark, brown eyes gave him more character. He approached the young man, greeting him with a smile. The boy returned the gesture. It made Anakin happy to know that this celebration wasn't a total loss. He had met a new friend, Tru Veld.
THE END
{[[==][===][==][[]] A FLYPSYDE PRYDE PRODUCTIONS