A/N: My first attempt at a fic. Please R & R...thanks muchly! Lucasfilm owns most of this...I own Arryn, Elantra, Anaria, and the bad guys. Please don't sue me. Thanks!
Prologue:
The lightsabers crashed in a blaze of bronze and teal sparks. Eleven-year-old Jedi student Arryn Mindalen gritted her teeth in concentration. She knew that somewhere within the training room, amidst the audience, were two Jedi knights both searching for an apprentice.
After a series of fast attacks and parries, Arryn and her opponent separated to vie for a new tactic. Arryn switched off her teal blade and focused her energy inward to prepare for her next attack. The only sounds in the room were the stirring of the crowd and the barely audible echo of her breathing. Suddenly, she turned and sensed her opponent trying to slink up unnoticed on her right. Arryn shook her head, unimpressed by the move. Arryn ignited her lightsaber and flipped over the cube, leaving it in her opponent's path. It was a tactic she hoped would succeed in mobilizing her opponent, if only for a minute, giving her an opportunity to deal the blow that would end the match.
Unable to see because of a blindfold covering her eyes, Arryn had to rely solely only on the Force. Beads of perspiration dotted her forehead after three hours of non-stop battle. This is getting to be ridiculous, she thought. Her opponent had parried every move that she made. It was as if he or she knew exactly what was going through Arryn's mind. But, then again, she had blocked every move her opponent had tried to use on her. Arryn's impatient side told her to just hurry and finish the match. Her other more reasonable side said to let go of her fatigue and annoyance and finish the exercise with as much grace and skill as when she began. Nodding in agreement to her rational side, she ran forward in offense and was once again locked into battle with her opponent, fighting with renewed agility and speed.
Arryn backflipped onto a railing and quickly deactivated her lightsaber. She was careful not to make a sound and concealed her feelings, trying to remain invisible to her opponent. With all her remaining energy, she expelled her enhanced senses to locate her notably clever adversary. Once she had a fix on a location, she focused as hard as she could to try to remain invisible as she somersaulted through the air to land directly across her adversary. Stunned by the simplicity and precision of the move, Arryn's rival could not parry her attack in time. Arryn brought her lightsaber blade to her adversary's neck and tapped with a searing kiss that ended the Velocity. Had her lightsaber been set to full power, the blow would have been fatal.
"Solah!" Her opponent cried in defeat. Arryn grinned broadly as she recognized the voice. Her opponent was her best friend, Elantra Villa-Neuava. That explains the similarity in fighting styles. No wonder he was able to parry all my moves, she thought as she beamed.
"Velocity to Arryn Mindalen," said the Overseeing Master. "You may remove your blindfolds."
Arryn quickly untied the knot that held her blindfold in place. The lights returned on and she bowed to the crowd out of respect. She turned to Elantra and grinned at him. His brown hair was slightly disheveled from the match, but his dark eyes sparkled in good humour. Arryn and Elantra's other best friend, Anaria Zahn, was sitting in the front row giving them a 'well done' sign. Anaria signaled that she would meet Arryn and Elantra after they had cleaned up.
As the audience filed out, murmuring commentary about the match they had just witnessed, Arryn saw the two Jedi knights, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Siri Tachi, descend the stairs of the viewing area to converse with the Overseeing Master about the details of the Velocity. With a final glance at the two Jedi, Arryn switched their lightsabers back to full power, and followed Elantra to meet with Anaria.
"Master Yoda, you know I have my reasons for not taking another apprentice," said Obi-Wan Kenobi later the same evening. "I am just not ready!"
After having discussed the match with the overseeing Master, Obi-Wan and Siri had individually conferred with Yoda.With an internal sigh from his seat in the Jedi Council chamber, Obi-Wan fixed his gaze above the little green master's head to the sprawling Coruscant skyline surrounding the room, trying to mask the fact that he didn't want to be under the scrutiny of the small, green Jedi Master.
"Trying I am not to force a student upon you. But believe I do that it will be good for you," Yoda said confidently.
Obi-Wan sighed. He trusted Yoda's judgement and did not want to disappoint him, but at the same time realized that he just might have had a point. He acknowledged Yoda's opinion and replied, "Very well. I will consider one."
"Await your decision the Council shall," Yoda replied.
Obi-Wan bowed to the Master and walked out. On the turbolift down to his quarters, Obi-Wan thoughts were occupied on his first apprentice, Anakin Skywalker, who had succumbed to the Dark Side. Of course, there was no guarantee that a new Padawan would turn to the Dark Side, but he wasn't sure if he wanted to take the chance again. When the door opened at his desired level, Obi-Wan felt just as confused as he had before his meeting with Yoda. He had hoped that the conference would somehow provide him with the answers he sought.
If he did take on an apprentice, which student would it be? Elantra Villa-Neuava was incredibly bright. He was the top of all of his classes. But Arryn Mindalen could certainly surpass him at physical training, and she was academically alevel ahead of the students her age. Obi-Wan sighed in confusion. For one of the few moments in his life, Obi-Wan Kenobi didn't know what to do.
"Good match today," said Elantra to Arryn as they walked down the hallway with Anaria, who remained quiet. "I really hope that Siri Tachi takes me as her Padawan. But then again, Obi-Wan Kenobi is one of the most powerful Jedi in the Order, which could also be exciting. I just don't know. But then, he would be good as your Master, too, Arryn." Elantra burbled incoherently as he turned toward her. He noticed she hadn't spoken for quite some time and frowned in concern. "Are you okay? You have been unusually quiet since the Velocity."
Arryn smiled. "Yes, I'm fine. I've just been thinking. There are two of us, and two Masters, right?"
"Yes…What's your point?" asked a perplexed Elantra.
"We all know that Obi-Wan Kenobi's first apprentice, Anakin Skywalker, turned to the Dark Side several months ago. Now put yourself in his place. Do you think Obi-Wan would really want to take on a new apprentice right after Anakin turned? I would be surprised if he took anyone as Padawan. Honestly, would either you of take on another apprentice after your first one betrayed you?" said Arryn.
Anaria nodded. "True, but consider this: If he weren't thinking of taking on a new Padawan, he wouldn't have come to your Velocity today."
Arryn thought about it for a moment. "I guess you're right. I'm guessing Siri Tachi will take you as her Padawan, Elantra. She excels at physical training, which is where you need the most work," said Arryn.
"Arryn, I can read you like the back of my hand," said Elantra, carefully considering the situation. "You think I will get chosen as Padawan by Siri and since you believe Obi-Wan won't take on another apprentice, you'll be left all by your self."
Arryn nodded. "Well, yes…you're right. I would be disappointed if you became a Padawan and I didn't."
Elantra laughed at her comment. Arryn didn't waste a second before playfully hitting him in the arm. "Don't make fun of me!" she mockingly cried.
"Sorry," said Elantra, who was still laughing and obviously didn't mean his apology.
Anaria, who had remained serious throughout the exchange, chimed in "How many times do I have to tell you…there is no competition here! Everyone will get chosen in their own time, Arryn."
Arryn returned to the issue at hand. "There's another thing. If I were to even be remotely considered by Obi-Wan, I'd probably be constantly compared to Anakin and I'm not him!"
Elantra rubbed his sore arm and said, "No, you're certainly not!"
Anaria continued. "If you're this concerned, maybe you should talk to Master Kenobi. Tell him what you just told us. It might convince him to take on a Padawan."
Arryn sighed. "At least I don't think I'm Anakin…but then again, the future is always in motion...and besides, this is taking a major shot in the dark. Our speculation could be completely off, and I'd rather not make a fool of myself."
Arryn, Anaria, and Elantra finally reached their quarters.
"I still think you should talk to him," said Anaria.
Elantra shrugged. "Yeah, what's the worst that could happen?"
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After several hours of pondering over the conversation she had with Elantra and Anaria earlier, Arryn summoned her courage and decided to take their advice. She walked to Obi-Wan's Kenobi's quarters. With a deep breath, she pressed the door chime. The door opened to a well-lit study. Obi-Wan Kenobi sat at his desk, occupied with several texts.
"Master Kenobi… may I speak with you for a moment?" Arryn shyly asked.
Obi-Wan looked up. "Of course."
Arryn looked at her hands. "I understand if you don't take an apprentice. I mean after Anakin..." She paused momentarily and rethought her point. "What I am trying to say is that it is the choices we make that show who we truly are, far more than our abilities. I am not Anakin, and I won't make the same choices that he made. Whatever your decisions is, I know you have your reasons." Arryn quickly turned and ran out before Obi-Wan could say anything.
Siri Tachi, who had heard the entire conversation from the hallway, leaned on the doorway of Obi-Wan's quarters after Arryn left. "You know, that was a pretty powerful statement she made," she said.
Obi-Wan raised his eyebrow at his colleague. "Siri, it's not polite to eavesdrop," he said dryly. "I don't disagree with you. Arryn Mindalen did have a point, but I am curious to hear your opinion. What do you think about this whole situation?"
Siri smiled. "If I remember correctly, Qui-Gon Jinn, your own Master, had an apprentice who turned to the Dark Side…wasn't it Xanatos?"
Obi-Wan nodded.
"And yet, Qui-Gon was able to get over his betrayal and took you as his Padawan. You know that Anakin's betrayal was not your fault."
Obi-Wan tried to interrupt, but Siri held up a hand. "Hear me out, Obi-Wan. You've always had trouble concentrating on the here and now. This is one instance where you need to apply that knowledge. Stop living in the past. Look beyond what happened with Anakin. Let the wound heal.
"I know I'm lecturing, but once in awhile, you council members need a good one. I have faith in you. This Order has faith in you. Even Yoda has faith in you, but it would be like pulling teeth to get him to admit it. You know that the Order needs new Jedi now, more than ever with the growing threat of Chancellor Palpatine. These two students didn't have to take the trials to become Padawans. Arryn Mindalen and Elantra Villa-Neuava still have several years until they become too old to get chosen, but they want to serve the Order, which is why they chose to take the trials now. And the only way for them to become Jedi is to be taken as a Padawan. So, whether or not you want my opinion, I say take an apprentice. Think of it as a challenge to better not only your student, but yourself as well. Remember, also, that there is no pressure of fulfilling a prophecy or being "too old" to start training. These are ordinary, talented students, just like we were."
"Thank you for your formidable speech," said Obi-Wan, sardonically. "I can sense that you are anxious to begin choosing and your tirade just now confirmed my suspicions."
Siri grinned. "You know me well. I liked both students for a variety of reasons. Arryn Mindalen is very strong in the physical portion of training, as evidenced by that perdormance in the valocity today. That was strength and speed that..."
Obi-Wan had to intervene before she got carried away. "Siri!"
"Sorry. According to the teaching staff here, both have very high marks in their classes. I'm not sure whom I will take, but one thing is certain, Elantra does need work with physical training," said Siri.
"I agree. Arryn Mindalen has incredible talent with a lightsaber. In some ways, she has more skills than even Anakin. And Elantra does has numerous good qualities too. I was considering Arryn, but I wanted to hear your perspective before I made my decision."
"I think that arrangement works out well. I can work with Elantra on getting physically stronger and you can teach more academic subjects to Arryn."
Obi-Wan nodded. "Then it is settled."
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Arryn was working on a mathematical computation for one of her classes when the door chimed.
"Elantra, I have told you before, you don't have to knock!" she called from her desk.
She hit the control that opened the door and was surprised to see Obi-Wan Kenobi, instead of Elantra. Arryn got up and quickly bowed her head. "Master Kenobi, I...I'm sorry, I didn't realize it was you."
"It is understandable. Please, don't worry." he paused. "May I have a word with you?"
"Of course, Master Kenobi."
"I was thinking about what you said to me earlier," Obi-Wan said as he and Arryn walked down the hallway of the Jedi Temple. " You did make a point that I had failed to see. You are not Anakin. You are very different from him, and I did not understand that. You are a gifted fighter, with skills that are very rare. He turned to face her. "You have taught me a lesson, Arryn, whether you know it or not. When the Padawan teaches the Master in turn, the partnership is right, which is why I wanted to talk to you. You have shown great strength and skills, but when you came to me earlier, you showed a strong will. It took an extraordinary amount of courage to say what you said, and it is because of those factors that I would be honored to take you as my Padawan learner."
Arryn smiled. She wasn't filled with the pride she had expected to feel, but she was happy in a way that she never knew existed.
Arryn took a deep breath and said, "I accept, Master, Obi-Wan Kenobi."