Ch. 3

Judgement

Yoda and Mace Windu led Onin out of the classroom that just so happened to be coming to a close. Onin stared down at his shoes, a little scum on them from his outside stroll he had earlier that day. It appeared to him that he was like the scum upon the boot, it was never a good thing, and was to be scraped away before any attachments were to be made. Was he like this to the republic now?

Upon reaching a safe distance from the classroom, Yoda stopped turned and looked up at Onin. "Onin," He lifted his head slightly to look at Yoda, "news I have of a red lightsaber, have you?"

Onin hesitated for a moment, then nodded. He didn't feel like talking, he felt that in doing so he was committing a sin.

"Then you know what this means?"

Onin almost felt like nodding, but had he that would only be an assumption. Onin didn't nod, instead he spoke softly.

"I do not, Master Yoda."

"Tell you, we will." Yoda replied, beginning his walk down the halls again. Onin followed the two, awaiting the next few words. Not surprising was that Yoda spoke next.

"Know you, what the red lightsaber means?" Yoda asked.

In an instant, Onin answered. "Evil."

Yoda gave a small chuckle, then answered back. "No, heh, no. Power."

Onin cocked an eyebrow, then nodded. It would be stupid to ask question when he already knew the answer. It was clear to him, and the council, that red meaning his power toward the force. His next guess, was that his green colored 'saber was that of his loyalty toward the republic and the force.

"I see Master Yoda. Is there anything else that you wish to speak to me about?"

"Yes, yes. After the graduation ceremony next week, come see me, we will see what we can do with you." Master Windo said, turning slightly as he walked.

"Thank you, Master Yoda," Onin bowed, "and Master Windo." Onin bowed the second time.

"May the force be with you." Yoda said.

"And also with you." Onin replied.

The graduation ceremony was short, a mere calling of names, presenting of Jedi robes, and a few other jewelry, then off toward the council. Like all the other Jedi students, Onin was presented his own brown robes, and under clothing. He felt too much pride for himself, it was nearly unbelievable. The ceremony for each student lasted about two seconds.

Upon the ending of the ceremony, the students eagerly went to the council to see their first assignments as Jedi Knights. There was a very long line, much like what Onin had envisioned the graduation to actually be, long. Onin had been in the line for nearly an hour and had only gotten through toward the middle, nearing the front slowly. It was then, that time would pass quickly.

"Hey, Sith!" Assuming his nickname now, Onin turned. Behind him walking quickly came a newly graduated student. It was clear that to all the other students from the beginning that this particular student was not entirely even-tempered. To be precise the word 'Jerk' was heard often at his name. He was a brown haired sixteen year old, his robes already on him, as was most of the other students, Onin as well. Though Onin had never known this poor child's name, or those who hung around him for some sort of protection, always picked on someone for their mutual enjoyment.

Onin looked at him, eye level. "What do you want?" Onin asked, pulling most of his strength toward his voice.

"I want you outta here!" the other student poked at Onin's chest and then toward the back door.

"And what if I do not abide by this rule that you have so hastily made?" sounding rather smarter than he usually did, Onin gave himself a mental applause.

"Then, I think I'll kick your ass!" in that instant, a hand gripped the torso area of his clothing and Onin was quickly tossed backward. With agility, Onin flipped around and landed on his feet.

"If you wish to fight me, then do so." Onin said, standing straight and calm as if he were in the military.

"Go get him Deg!" one of his friends yelled to him, a cheering statement.

"Let's go!" Deg said, popping his knuckles, and advancing forward.

Onin took a kneel, lowered his head and whispered "Council, forgive me. He does not see." In an instant Onin stood, and awaiting the first move.

Deg raised a fist and thrust it forward toward the bridge of Onin's nose. Successively Onin dodged and moved to the side. Then while all of Deg's strength was forced on that one punch. Onin called upon the calm, and used the force to speed him. To the students Onin was moving like a blur around Deg. The words "Yield." Were heard whenever Deg took a hit, and always replied with a "No!"

Until at last, the speed wore off and Deg landed a hard sidekick to Onin's chin sending him a few feet back and onto the floor. Once hitting the floor and the hard thudding sound afterward, Onin flipped upward with forward momentum. The hood of his robes came up and concealed his eyes.

"C'mon you little freak!" Deg taunted.

Onin narrowed his eyes, called on the force to lift Deg up off the ground. It choked him; Deg's eyes began to bulge after a small amount of time. At the third gurgle from Deg, Onin released him and began to take his place back in line. Deg regained his breath rather quickly, and sprinted toward Onin, his back turned. Deg pulled back a clenched fist raised it, pulled back. Once he started to release it, Onin turned, shifted to the side, dodging the oncoming attack. To add, Onin grasped onto Deg's robes, and flipped him behind Onin. Now Deg hit the ground hard, and started to stand, but was stopped by the hiss of Onin's red blade at his neck.

"Yield!" Onin commanded.

The doors before Onin burst open, and there stood Mace Windo and the other council members standing at the ready. "What is going on here?" Master Windo asked, looking directly at Onin, who quickly pressed the red button to destroy the red beam. Onin turned his head, toward the council members, still his face concealed by the hood.

Deg stood and in a panic, started to explain himself. "The S-S- Onin, has gone mad! He tried to kill me!" Deg lied, it was very unwise for a Jedi to lie, even for one that was a terrible liar.

"Fighting, were you?" Yoda asked, behind Master Windo.

"We were, and not to act at all childish, but Deg wanted the fight." Onin said.

"No way! THAT'S A LIE!" Deg lied again.

"Silence!" Mace Windo commanded.

Yoda sighed, then walked slowly to Deg. "Shame on you Deg. Dung shoveling you shall do for the next week. Punishment it will be." Yoda said, and in an instant Deg was going to roar back at Yoda. Something along the lines of 'I didn't do anything!' or 'he did it!' As he opened his mouth, his other friends shook their heads, it wasn't worth it.

"Onin, come with me you will." Yoda said still looking up at Deg with utmost disgust before following Onin into the Council chambers. The other students looked surprised at Deg. Deg then narrowed his eyes at everyone, then walked heavily toward the door. The girls, who were once giggling, were ready to take a vow. It was at one time Onin who had won their hearts, just by a look. Onin had proved his strength toward them, without knowing. The girls didn't giggle, but were in near awe at what he could do. Deg was one of the best 'aggressive negotiations' students they had ever seen. Onin, staying quiet, had said the most toward anyone in the classroom in that moment. His strength outweighed theirs by far. The girls would attempt to be around Onin, to get to know him from henceforth. Each of them decided that they would do whatever it took to bring him down to them. No matter the cost.

Inside the chamber, which was elaborate and very well designed, took Onin by surprise. The council members took their seat, and gazed upon Onin, looking into his soul. Onin could only stand there and be judged, until he removed his hood and let them peer at him even better.

"Onin, we want you to Yavin 4 and aid a small resistance group trying to set up operations in one of the temples. I want you to cripple the defenses of the invading army and then see to it that Yavin 4 will be an outpost for the republic. We will send others with you." A council member said.

"What others?"

"The girls who are giggling for one, a few other students, that's all." Mace Windo replied.

"I see, thank you councilors. May the force be with you."

Each replied in unison, "And also with you." Onin bowed and exited the tower of the Jedi, slowly, and anxiously.