29 BBY
Lothal
As the sun rose to the heavens it cast a light over the home of the Ordo family. If one were to see it they would have thought that a great battle had taken place. Bodies decked in armor were scattered everywhere. Some were on the ground, others were face-planted on tables, there was even a man hanging off a ship's blaster cannon.
Some of the warriors began to stir as the light of the day reached their eyes. From within the home, a different kind of stirring took place. Shaak Ti moved through the home rubbing her head with a painful wince on her face. When she moved into the kitchen and saw that Kunon was sitting at the table with a steaming kettle and two cups in front of her.
The Echani looked up and smiled at the state of her friend. "How are you okay?" Shaak Ti whispered as her head spiked in pain.
"I learned a long time ago never to drink at a Mandalorian party," she said as she filled the extra cup with a steaming green liquid. "It never ends well."
Shaak Ti glared at Kunon. "And you didn't warn me because," she asked as she sat down.
Kunon's smile grew wider, "It was fun to watch."
Shaak Ti pulled her lips back just a little before Kunon pushed the cup towards her. "Here drink this, it will help," Kunon said.
Taking the cup, the togruta sipped the tea. As the warm liquid went down her throat her headache slowly went away. "You have mastered the art of tea," she said as she took another gulp.
"Well I had a lot of free time," Kunon said as she handed Shaak Ti a small leather bag. "Here is the tea you liked."
Shaak took the bag with a nod and looked around the room. "Where is Reeva?" she asked. To which Kunon nodded up the stairs.
"With his father," she explained, "he wanted to say his final goodbyes and to give him something."
Just then Reeva and Drudu came downstairs. "Remember," Drudu said as he stuffed a box into Reeva's rucksack, "Don't open it until it is time to create your Jetii'kad, I think your mother called it the Gathering or something." The box was the length of Drudu's forearm and hands' width.
"Yes Buir," Reeva said as his father gave him the sack.
"And don't forget to do your exercises," Drudu said as he rested his hands on his hips, "Remember Mishuk gotal'u meshuroke, pako kyore."
"Yes Buir," Reeva repeated as he hoisted the sack on his back. His newly braided hair had three beads, a silver one at the bottom, and a blue and green one on top of it. This signified in the Echani culture that he was a youngling in the Jedi order.
"Keep practicing your Mando'a," Drudu told him, "You may be a Jetii, but you're still a Mando'ad."
Reeva let out a sigh and smiled, "Yes buir."
"I thought," Kunon said, also smiling, "That I was supposed to worry over him, you know being the mother."
Shaak Ti chuckled and Reeva did his best to hide his smile by covering his mouth. Drudu looked a bit embarrassed, "I'm not worrying, I'm just making sure that he is prepared, that's all," he said before looking at Reeva. "Now since your going to be with the Jetii training, we're going to have to postpone your Verd'goten so that it doesn't disrupt your training."
Reeva nodded in understanding.
Drudu continued to look at his son before he patted Reeva on the shoulder, "Well...I," he choked, his eyes becoming wet. Taking a deep breath he grasped both of Reeva's shoulders. "Just remember, that no matter what I will always be proud of you." Kunon then stood up and went over to give her husband a hug before she lowered herself to Reeva.
"And also that we will always love you," she said as Shaak Ti moved behind them, coming to a stop at the door where she waited for the family to say their goodbyes. Kunon then pulled her son into a heavy hug. "Remember to question everything," she whispered into Reeva's ear, "Just because the Jedi have done it for a thousand years doesn't mean that it is the right way or the only way."
Kunon then released the hug and held her son at arm's length. "Remember that, okay?" she said.
Reeva bit his lower lip before he nodded.
"Reeva," Shaak Ti said softly, getting the boy's attention, "It's time to go."
Reeva nodded and slowly walked away, Kunon's hands slowly drifting down her son's arms before they fell away.
Shaak Ti opened the door and led the boy outside.
What awaited them was Clan Ordo standing around and looking right at them.
Bondur walked up to the two, "Adi'ka, Jetii," he said motioning them to follow him, "Mhi drop gar bah haar spaceport." He then walked towards two speeder bikes. Shaak Ti looked to Reeva for clarification.
"He said that they'll take us to the spaceport," he translated to which Shaak Ti nodded and led the way.
"Kih vod," someone said with a thump of metal hitting metal.
"Kih vod," was repeated as the sound of clanging metal grew.
"KIH VOD!" more joined in the chant.
As they got closer and closer the chanting and clanging grew louder and louder. It got to the point that Shaak Ti's montrals began to vibrate.
When they reached the speeders the chanting stopped and Drudu yelled, "Reeva be aliit Ordo!"
Reeva turned to look at his parents as they stood in the doorway. "Ret'urcye mhi!
Reeva slammed his fist to his chest, "Ret'urcye mhi, buir!"
And with that Shaak Ti and Reeva got on the speeders and were driven off towards Lothal City by their Mandalorian drivers.
Drudu and Kunon watched as the speeders zoomed off toward the hills. They watched until they became specks on the horizon, and then they were gone. Kunon rested her head on Drudu's chest having shed her tears the night before, while Drudu continued to watch the horizon.
"So," Kunon said and everyone turned their head toward her, wondering what she was going to say. "Why did my son have a bandage on his arm?" she asked, having felt it when she held her son.
Krig was the one who spoke up, "We gave him his clan tattoo last night," he said with a shrug thinking that it wasn't a big deal.
It turned out to be a very big deal.
Clan Ordo was reminded why Kunon was married to Drudu.
Since Lothal was on the Outer Rim and far away from any major trading lines it did not receive a lot of galactic travel. Therefore its main spaceport in Lothal City wasn't a busy place and was relatively small. So it didn't take long for Shaak Ti to take Reeva to her ship. When the duo came up to their docking bay Reeva froze at the sight of Shaak Ti's ship. Its semicircular body and oval-shaped cockpit immediately told Reeva that this was a T-6 shuttle, also known as the Jedi ambassador shuttle. It had a red and white color scheme with the Galactic Republic emblem on its wing.
"Reeva," Shaak Ti called out to the boy.
"Sorry," he said hurriedly as he ran to catch up, "It's just that it's starting to become real."
"What is?" Shaak asked as the ramp of the ship lowered.
Reeva waved at her and the ship. "All of it," he said, "going to be a Jetii."
As the two went up the ramp Shaak Ti asked Reeva, "Have you never left the planet?" To which he shook his head.
"There was never a need for it," Reeva explained, "Sure buir would have to go on trips every so often but I was always left behind to train."
As the two made their way towards the cockpit Reeva looked around at all of the lights and metal walls of durasteel. When they got to the cockpit Reeva set down his sack and immediately ran to the co-pilot seat. Shaak Ti smiled as the excitement came out of the child in waves. The Jedi took her seat and began to bring the ship to life. Reeva jolted a bit as the trio ion engines whined to life. As the ship rose off the ground the boy plastered his head onto the nearest window and watched as Lothal City began to shrink. There was a low grinding noise as the wings of the T-6 rotated into flight mode.
This granted Reeva a much better view as the ship took off toward space. He watched as the grasslands lost their definition and the Capital City became a dot. Soon all he could see were the stars. He looked at the Jedi, some of his excitement gone, just as she raised a hand up towards a handle.
Shaak Ti pulled the handle and slowly the stars became lines before they turned into a blue tunnel.
"This is so cool," Reeva whispered as the tunnel of hyperspace whizzed by the viewport.
"Reeva," Shaak Ti called to the boy. Reeva turned his head to the Jedi, "I know that Kunon taught you about the ways of the Jedi," Shaak Ti said as she rose from her seat, "and we have seven hours before we reach our destination." She motioned him to the back of the ship. "Why don't you show me what she has taught you so far."
Reeva nodded and followed the Jedi to the back of the ship.
"That's it," Shaak Ti as she watched over Reeva as he levitated a box using the Force.
The boy stood there, his eyes closed and his hand outstretched. Just as his mother taught him he allowed the Force to flow through him, to become one with it.
"The Force is with you, you are the Force," Kunon's voice rang through him as he allow the box to turn. He then set the box down on one of its corners, perfectly balanced.
Reeva opened his eyes and smiled looking at Shaak Ti. The Togruta was not as impressed, "Showing off is not the Jedi way," she chided. Reeva's smile died and he used the Force to flick the box back on its side.
"Sorry Master," he said sheepishly.
Shaak Ti sighed and placed a hand on Reeva's shoulder. "There is nothing wrong with being talented, but pride can lead to overconfidence which will get yourself or others hurt."
Reeva nodded as the ship's intercom chirped. "Ah we have arrived," Shaak Ti said, moving towards the front of the ship, Reeva right on her tail. The two quickly made their way to their respective seats. Just as Reeva sat down his Jedi companion dropped the ship out of hyperspace. The blue tunnel dissolved back into stars and a plant swooped into view.
"Wow," Reeva gasped as the city-planet came into view, "I've never seen so many lights or ships!"
Shaak Ti smiled as the boy had once again plastered himself onto the window. Reeva watched as numerous ships flew past them. Still smiling, Shaak Ti punched in her Jedi clearance codes to Coruscant Traffic Control. There was a single beep from the ship's console alerting her that the codes went through. Shaak Ti then pushed the ship forward heading towards the planet's surface. She then reached over to the communication area and activated it.
A blue hologram of a small creature with long pointed years materialized. "Master Yoda," she said, getting the little creature's attention.
"Ah Shaak Ti," Yoda's gravel voice came through, "Worried we were. When you didn't contact us. You were making a stop, Master Fisto said."
Shaak Ti nodded, "I'm sorry to worry you, Master Yoda," she said, casting a glance to Reeva, whose eyes bugged widely as they passed through the clouds and the city came into view. "I made a little food stop when I discovered something."
"Something? Hmm," Master Yoda said before he had a knowing look on his face, "You are not alone, someone I sense."
"It's a bit complicated."
"Master Yoda!" Reeva whispered, finally turning his head away from the window. He didn't want to interrupt the conversation, but alas Master Yoda heard that.
Turning his small body he looked over at the boy. His eyes studied the boy for a moment before they opened slightly. "Your name youngling what is it?" he asked in a tone that was calm yet playful.
"Reeva Muleora Ordo, Master Yoda," Reeva said as a smile split his face, "My mother has told me a lot about you!"
Yoda's eyes got wider in shock. He then turned to Shaak Ti, "Complicated this is," he said his face unreadable, "I will assemble the council. In the council chambers meet us, as soon as you land."
"Of course Master Yoda," Shaak Ti said with a bow and the hologram fizzled out. The Jedi looked over to see a worried Reeva.
"Is everything alright Master Jetii?" he asked.
Shaak Ti turned her attention back to flying. "Nothing is wrong, but…" she trailed off, not sure how best to put it. She didn't want to give him too much hope, but then again she didn't want to make him worry too much. She decided that it would be best, to tell the truth, "When Kunon left it wasn't on the best of terms," she explained, "some of the Council might be wary of you."
"And my age as well," Reeva said as he turned away from Shaak Ti.
Sensing his worry she reached over and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Everything that will happen is based on the will of the Force."
"I know," Reeva said as he watched the skyscrapers zoom by, "But it still doesn't stop the worry." He chuckled, "It would be a poor joke from the Force if I get discovered by a Jetii only to be assigned to the agriculture corps."
Shaak Ti's eyes widened in surprise and she wondered if this is what Kunon meant when she said that he seemed older at times. She shook her head and put that thought out of her mind. "If that is the will of the Force then so it shall be," she said.
Unknowingly to her, Reeva rolled his eyes. He then spotted a large dome building in the distance, "What's that?" he asked pointing at the building.
"That is the Galactic Senate building," Shaak Ti explained, "That is where the heart of the Republic is." She looked up and saw the five towers of their destination, "And there is your new home Reeva."
Reeva looked to the front and saw the Jedi Temple. It looked a lot like a fortress with its towers and ziggurat body. "It's just like my mother described it," he whispered as the ship flew to one of the sides where a circular landing pad extended. Landing lights began to flash and Shaak Ti used that to guide her landing.
With a soft jolt, the ship touched down. "Reeva," Shaak Ti called to the boy as he got out of his seat. "The Jedi forbid having any attachments," she said looking at the boy with a serious gaze, "You would be wise to let go of your parents and not mention them here."
Reeva opened his mouth to speak out against that, but closed it and nodded. After all, he wanted to be a jetii. If he wanted to become one he needed to follow their rules as it wasn't his place to dispute them.
Yet.
Satisfied with his compliance, Shaak Ti left her seat and led the way off the ship. With Reeva right behind her shrugging on his sack.
As he stepped off the ship Reeva felt a large pressure all around him. It was as if the entire planet was squeezing him. It was enough to bring him to his knees. His breath became quick and erratic. A volley of emotions drowned his mind. He felt anger, greed, lust, happiness, sorrow, joy, boredom, and frustration. The entire spectrum was trying to claw its way into this mind.
Breath!
Reeva clenched his eyes shut as he tried to calm the storm in his mind. There was a muffled voice.
Quiet!
"Breath, use the Force to calm your mind."
Slowly, he was able to calm the flurry of emotions. The pressure eased up and was pushed to the back of Reeva's mind. When things were manageable he got back on his feet. "Are you alright?" It was Shaak Ti. The Togruta Jedi looked at Reeva with concern as he swayed a bit where he stood.
He nodded, "I'm okay now," he readjusted his sack.
Shaak Ti didn't look convinced but she let it go for now. Once Reeva was steady on his feet the duo made their way into the Jedi Temple. Inside they were met with a Kel Dor male wearing burgundy robes. "Hello, Shaak Ti," the Kel Dor said, his voice amplified and static-like, "I've been informed by Master Yoda that you found a youngling?"
The Togruta nodded, "Yes Master Koon," she said, motioning to Reeva who was spinning around and looking at all the ships. Seeing the boy's white hair and pale skin Plo Koon made the connection.
"An Echani?" He said looking at Shaak Ti.
At the pronouncement, Reeva turned and looked at the Kel Dor. "Hello Master," he said, giving a bow.
"Hello there little one," Plo said as he gave a bow back. When he straightened back up he couldn't help but feel as if the boy was familiar to him. That couldn't be the case, seeing an Echani was rare but seeing a male was even rarer. It would make sense that he would remember such a person. Plo Koon scratched one of the spikes of his mask as he tried to understand this conundrum. "What is your name, little one?" He asked thinking that perhaps a family name would help him in unraveling this mystery.
"Reeva Ordo, Master Jetii," Reeva answered.
"Ordo?" Plo murmured, yes this did not help one bit.
It then occurred to him. "Ordo!" He exclaimed, "As in Clan Ordo of the Mandalorian!"
Taken aback Reeva nodded his head, "Yes," he said slowly.
Deciding to move things along, Shaak Ti stepped in. "His mother is Kunon Muleora," she said and Plo Koon's eyes widened. "I see," he said slowly, "That is why Master Yoda called us to the council chambers."
Shaak Ti nodded, "Very well then," Plo Koon said as he turned around, "I was sent to escort you to the chambers."
"Come, Reeva," Shaak Ti said, resting her hand on Reeva's back and gently pushing him along. Time was limited and they didn't have time for the boy to get star-struck at every little thing.
One does not keep the council waiting.
For the first time in his young life, Reeva felt small and insignificant. He stood in the center of a circular room surrounded by the High Council of the Jedi Order. In front of him was Master Yoda, a small wrinkly green alien, next to him was a dark skin human whose eyes were burning right through Reeva. The boy took a moment to look around as Shaak Ti gave her report on what happened on Mon Cala and after.
Reeva looked around the room and was able to pick out the Jedi Masters from the room based on his mother's description. There was Yarael Poof, a male Quermain who sat off to the side, his red eyes looking to his left to the Lannik, Even Piell. Yarael was wearing a set of light brown robes the same shade that Piell had. Piell leaned over to Yarael and whispered something while his one good blue eye looked dead at Reeva.
Next to him was a tan-skinned human female that his mother had not told him about. This meant that she was a newer addition to the council. She had black hair which had two braids leading to the back. On her forehead, she had a small jewel. The master wore a brown robe with tan under the robe. She listened to Shaak Ti but her eyes were on Reeva.
There was Eeth Koth, an Iridonian male with long black hair. He wore beige robes and he had his fingers in front of his face as he listened to Shaak Ti.
Next to him was a Tholothian female Adi Gallia who wore tan robes and watched Reeva with slightly narrow eyes, as if she was contemplating something. Next to her was another creature that was just like Yoda only this one was female, her name was Yaddle. Yaddle sported a beige robe and cloak and had auburn hair. She had a kind smile on her face that put Reeva at ease.
The next two took away that ease as he could feel the hostility. They were Oppo Rancisis and Saesee Tiin.
Oppo was a Thisspiasian male of great age and supposedly great wisdom, but according to Reeva's mother, he was cut off, cold. He was prone to always following the Jedi Code no matter the situation. His snake-like body gave his mother the creeps as well. She hated snakes.
Saesee Tiin was a male Iktotchi, and he despised everything touched by the dark side. Reeva would have to assume based on what his mother told him about the Jedi that Saesee would view him as the physical embodiment of the dark side.
The final Jedi Master of the Council was Ki-Adi-Mundi, a cereal male. As such he is the only Jedi to marry and have children. Which was odd to Reeva. If he could, why not other Jedi? Reeva wondered if this is what his mother meant by questioning everything.
"So this boy," the dark-skinned man said, leaning forward and resting his head in his hands. "Is the son of Kunon."
Shaak Ti nodded, "Yes Master Windu."
"And you won't tell us where she is at," the human female said, her back resting against her seat.
"No Master Billaba," Shaak Ti said in a respectable tone.
"You need to tell us," Oppo said glaring at Reeva, "If she is teaching people outside of the order of our ways she needs to be stopped."
"But she isn't," the Tholothian master pointed out before she turned to Shaak, "That is correct?"
"Yes Master Galia," Shaak Ti said, "she was only teaching her son and no one else."
"The fact that she had a child strong in the Force and didn't bring him to the Jedi," Saesee said and shook his head, "that is the greatest sin of all."
"She only sent him to us because she was found," Eeth Koth pointed out "Who knows what could have happened if Knight Ti didn't find them."
"And now she wants us to train him?" Oppo shook his head, "He is too old to begin the training."
Plo raised a clawed finger, "But he has been trained in the ways of the Jedi," he interjected. "We allowed Anakin Skywalker to be trained and he had no exposure to the life of the Jedi, and he wasn't that much older than young Reeva here."
"Masters," Shaak Ti said, taking a step forward, "I can attest to some of his skill in the Force."
"No one is discounting his skill," Saesee said with narrowed eyes, "just the source."
"I can also attest that Kunon was not influenced by the dark side," Shaak Ti said quickly, feeling that she was losing the argument.
"You were close to Kunon weren't you?" Piell said as he rested his arms inside his cloak, "Can you be sure that your judgment is not clouded?"
As the masters continued to debate, Yoda sat in his seat and closed his eyes, and reached into the Force. As he swam through the currents of the source he tried to pick out something about Reeva's future. Anything that could help him guide the council, the Jedi on the correct path. All he could grasp was the cold sludge of the dark side. Seeing as the dark side continued to block his vision he turned his attention to Reeva instead. He felt the Force flow around him like a storm, with him being the eye. There was no light nor was there dark. Just the Force.
The Grand Master let out a hum.
"Whether or not Kunon did anything wrong," Master Windu's voice broke through the debate, "Is not what we should be discussing right now." Everyone looked toward him. He leaned back in his seat as he looked around at the occupants, "What we should be discussing right now is whether or not we should let Reeva into the Jedi Order."
"He is too old," Oppo said immediately.
"We allowed young Skywalker in," Ballaba chimed in
"He is the Chosen One," Oppo cut in harshly, "An exception must be made in that case, there is no such need for this boy."
Yoda felt it, a flicker of anger, no it wasn't anger. It was irritation within Reeva, but just as it came it went. As if someone drew a line in the water. This was strange as usual, someone with a deep and strong connection with the Force could do that, a master.
"The will of the Force brought this boy to us," Plo Koon said, "We shouldn't dismiss this out of hand."
"Then take him to the Council of Reassignment," Oppo said with a wave.
"Don't you think you're being unnecessarily strict on the boy?" Eeth Koth said with a raised eyebrow.
"Our customs are clear in this manner," Oppo counters, "They are in place for a reason." The snake-like master shook his head as he attempted to be reasonable, "Look I understand this is a strange situation but we can not waver. He should be either reassigned or asked to leave the temple."
Yoda felt Reeva struggling to maintain his emotions and the storm around him grew darker but it was still grey. The darkness then receded and the light came calming the storm slightly and it looked more like clouds swirling around a point. Out of curiosity, Yoda looked into the eye of the storm.
What he saw snapped his eyes open.
The rest of the council was still deliberating about letting Reeva into the order. All except one.
Windu looked over to Yoda and leaned in. "Is everything okay Master Yoda?" He asked and Yoda looked at him.
"Hrrmmm. At young Reeva what do you see, when you look?" Yoda asked softly, content to allow the master discussion to cover theirs.
Windu raised an eyebrow and looked at Reeva who was standing in place. He was still except for his right hand which was tapping his side. "I see a nervous boy," Windu whispered, his hand covering his lips.
Yoda shook his head, "At him with the Force look." Master Windu turned and did just that. He closed his eyes and cast his senses towards Reeva.
After a moment he opened them and turned towards Yoda. "I sense a great power around him, the Force is strong within him" he said. Yoda raised an eyebrow but said nothing. "Is everything alright Master Yoda?" Windu asked. Again the Grandmaster said nothing.
"Master Yoda," Ki-Adi-Mundi's voice came and the other masters fell quiet. "You've been silent, what are your thoughts on the matter?"
Yoda sat in his chair still and quiet, his eyes closed. "Master Hefot, bring."
"Master Yoda!" Oppo gasped out, "You can't be serious, you're not actually considering letting this boy join the order!"
"To us, the Force brought," Yoda said, "Question it, why should we?"
"Perhaps the Force is testing us?" Oppo countered, "We already bend the rules to allow Skywalker. Even though we thought it was necessary."
"I think Master Rancisis has a point," Saesse said, "Perhaps the Force is testing our resolve to the light."
"He has been trained like a Jedi, if his destiny is to fail then the Force will guide him to that point," Master Poof said, "it's not our place to question the will of the Force. Only to listen."
Just the doors slide open to reveal a woman dressed in a long beige cloak with brown robes. Her head was covered by a brown hood and left only her lower mouth exposed. "Master Yoda," she said, her voice airy and slow, "you called for me?"
"Yes, Master Hefot," Yoda motioned for Reeva, "This boy take, his name Reeva it is, and step outside. The council needs to decide his fate."
"Is that all," Hefot said and she seemed slightly miffed.
"For now, if we decided to allow him into the order then he would need to be assigned a clan," Windu said.
Hefot nodded, "As you wish, come Reeva."
Reeva looked at Hefot before he looked at Shaak Ti. "It's okay Reeva," she said in a comforting tone, "Go with her."
"Shaak Ti," Windu said, getting the Knight's attention, "You are no longer needed by the Council."
Shaak Ti stood there and was about to open her mouth when Yoda said. "More you need to tell us. Yes," he asked.
She nodded and said, "There is something that I need to discuss with the Council," she looked to Reeva before going back to the council, "In private."
"Does it have to do with young Reeva?" Plo asked, his glance hovered for a split second on Reeva.
"Yes," she said.
"Very well," Windu said, "Hefot, Reeva step outside while..."
Reeva felt his stomach turn as it started to demand food, with an audible growl. Heat rushed to his face as he bowed his head in shame. There was a cackle of laughter and Reeva looked up to see Yoda with a smile on his face."When was the last time you ate?" Plo Koon with a chuckle.
"When I left this morning," Reeva answered in a low voice.
"To the commissary take him, yes," Yoda instructed, still chuckling. "Done when he is, we will be."
"As," Hefot paused coming to terms with the oddity of the situation, "As you wish Masters," she turned to Reeva, "Come youngling."
"Yes Master," Reeva murmured as he followed Hefot out of the council chambers.
"Masters," Shaak Ti began when the doors were sealed. "Kunon had a vision…" She trailed off when Master Windu raised his hand. He looked to Yoda and asked.
"Master Yoda, what did you see?"
"Clouded the boy's future, it is," Yoda said, "Look at him with the Force…" he trailed off.
"Like staring right into the heart of the Force it was. Hmm..."
Hefot, Reeva decided, was very boring.
The woman hadn't said a word since they left the council chambers. This of course didn't do anything for his mood. He was afraid and angry. He was afraid that he wouldn't be able to be a Jedi. He was angry about the way they treated him and his mother. They talked like he wasn't there like he wasn't worth the time or the respect! On top of that were just the horrendous things they said about his mother.
"You should control your anger," Hefot said, which were the first words out of her mouth since they headed towards the cafeteria.
Reeva didn't say anything, but he did throw up barriers around his mind. She was right after all, but that didn't mean he had to like it. The boy began to wonder if being a Jetii was really worth all this. Well, he could always travel back to Lothal and return to his parents. He shook his head. No, he couldn't just turn tail and run back to his parents, not in disgrace! He was a Mando'ad for Force sake! He couldn't just run away just because a few old geezers were being osik. Right then and there Reeva decided that he was going to be the greatest Jetii they have ever known. Make them eat their own words.
"Here we are," Hefot said as a pair of silver doors opened and revealed a sterile white room with long grey tables. On the side of the table are small circular chairs with dark blue coloring. Hefot then led Reeva towards the counters where grey service droids with the Jedi Order emblem on their chest were serving food.
One of them looked up its yellow eyes flashing, "Master Hefot," its mechanical voice droned, "Welcome to the commissary, how can I assist you?"
Hefot motioned towards Reeva, "The council has asked that we feed this youngling while the council deliberates," she said standing aside so the droid could see him.
"Good afternoon youngling," the droid said as he leaned over. "Can you please state your race?"
Reeva cocked his head and Hefot told him, "It's so it can set your plate that is appropriate based on culture and species. With the different kinds of humanoid species, it needs to clarify."
Reeva nodded his head in understanding, "I'm a half-breed," he said, "Part Echani part Mando'ad."
An unsettling stillness clung to the air as Reeva said those words. The droid said nothing else as he went to work filling up a tray, but Hefot and a few Jedi around Reeva looked at him. He didn't need Force Sense to tell that he just stepped into Nerf dung. Reeva looked around to see that a few of the Jetii was looking at him with wide eyes. When he looked at them they returned to their food, and their conversation was hushed. Reeva knew what their conversation was about. Reeva remembered what his mother told him the night before as she braided his hair. She warned him that things were going to be difficult for him once his fellow Jetii found out that he was a Mandalorian. Afterward, his father told him to hold his head up high and be proud of his Manda'ad roots, and his Echani roots Drudu added as an afterthought.
So when the droid placed a tray in front of him filled with vegetables and some kind of brown pudding. He picked up the tray with his head held high and followed Hefot as she led them to an empty spot.
The duo spent the time in silence as Reeva ate and Hefot sat there watching him. It wasn't his mother's cooking but it would do, for nourishment.
"Master Hefot," a boisterous voice called out to them. Reeva looked up to see a human male with short brown hair and tan robes. He had a strong jawline and vivid blue eyes with a head full of dirty blonde hair. Reeva paid him no mind and continued to eat. The council would be ready for them at any moment.
Reeva finished the leafy green stuff and only the brown pudding was left. With a spoon, he scooped some and put it into his mouth. It was sweet and cool.
It was acceptable.
"Wait you're telling me that this boy is Kunon's kid?!" The man cried out and Reeva looked at him.
Reeva frowned as he watched the man glare at him. "Don't tell me he's going to be a Jedi is he?" The man asked with a glance at Hefot, "Surely he'll be sent to the Reassignment Council!"
"Instructor Craven," Hefot said her tone hard, "Please lower your voice. The council is voting on whether or not the youngling would be accepted into the order."
Craven shook his head, "I need to see the council," he said and turned around.
"You need to take care of your clan," Hefot said and Reeva's ears perked up. He looked over to see a group of children all of them staring at him. There was a Rodian, Togruta, a few humans, a Mon Calamari, and a Nautolan.
Craven looked over his shoulder and glared at Reeva before he went over to the youngling and shooed them away. "Back to class, let's go," he snipped and the younglings moved away with their trays. The Torguta gave Reeva a quick wave to which he gave an awkward one back.
"What did you mean by clans?" Reeva asked as he put another spoon of pudding in his mouth.
Hefot looked at him and said, "When younglings are ready to become initiates they are sorted into different clans."
Reeva nodded his head and swallowed the pudding before asking, "How is that done?"
"It is done by us fosterers at the nursery," Hefot explained, "We look into the Force and pick the appropriate clan for the individual."
"Is that why you've been staring at me this whole time," Reeva said, taking the last bite of his food. "I know that you're a Mirkaluka and you see differently," he said, placing his eating utensils onto his plate.
Hefot's mouth was slightly agape as she watched Reeva drink down the cup of water. He then placed it on the tray and looked towards Hefot. "I'm finished master," he said grabbing the tray, "We should probably head back to the council chambers."
With a quick nod to get rid of the shocked look. When Reeva disposed of his tray he walked with Hefot back to the council chambers. "Why does Craven hate me?" He asked.
"A Jedi doesn't hate," Hefot snapped, "Nor do they dabble in gossip."
With that Reeva kept his mouth shut and continued the journey in silence.
Back at the High Council Reeva found himself back in the center of the room under the eyes of the High Council, but this time he didn't have anyone beside him. Shaak Ti had been sent off to who knows where and Hefot was by the door.
Reeva stood alone with only the Force as his ally.
"Young Reeva," Master Windu said and Reeva looked at him. "It is the will of this council that you…" Reeva held his breath and his right hand grasped his pant leg. This is it. The moment that will define his life's path. Will he be a Jedi or be reassigned somewhere else? Will he be banished from the temple doomed to travel the galaxy at the mercy of whatever cruel faith the Force had for him?
"…will be allowed to be trained as a Jedi."
The breath was released as quietly as possible and he disguised it with a bow, "Thank you, masters," he said.
"We will be keeping an eye on you," Tiin said pointedly and Reeva didn't have to guess to know who was against him. "To make sure that the training you received wasn't tainted."
"Master Hefot," Windu said, continuing as if nothing else was said, "Which clan will Initiate Ordo join?"
Hefot stepped forward, "I have looked into the Force and found that the initiate would be placed in Clawmouse," she said and stepped back to the door.
Windu nodded his head, "Thank you Master Hefot," he said before he turned to Master Yoda.
"With Master Hefot, go young Reeva, your new home she will take you," Yoda said with a finger pointed at Reeva, "Time to begin your life as a Jedi it is."
"Thank you, masters," Reeva said straightening his back, "I promise to bring great honor to the Jetii Clan." He gave a bow and when he raised back up Yoda dismissed him with a nod. Reeva turned and followed Hefot out.
"A new member to guide, alert Knight Craven I will," Yoda said, "Dismissed this council is."
"What about Kunon's vision?" Plo Koon asked
"Meditate on her vision I must," Yoda said as reached over and activated his seat's repulse function. "Time to decipher, we will discuss it when I have." Part of his seat lifted into the air.
"I believe we should all meditate on it," Mundi commented to which Yoda nodded in agreement.
With that, the rest of the masters left their seats and made their way to the door. The exception of Master Windu and Plo Koon who stayed behind for Master Yoda. "Do you mind if we join you master?" The Kel Dor asked.
"Yes, like that I would," Yoda said as his chair floated forward flanked by Windu and Plo.
As the masters waited for the elevator to come back up Plo Koon turned to his fellow council members. "I know you wish to discuss this another time but what are your initial thoughts about Kunon's vision, particularly around Reeva?"
"The Force telling her something I think," Yoda said, "Is it to her or to us I wonder?"
Windu frowned, "If the Force was trying to tell us, wouldn't it give us this vision? We are on the High Council."
Yoda looked to Windu and shook his head. "No, she needed to see it," he said, "Allow Reeva to come to the temple, otherwise she wouldn't have.."
"If that was the case we would have gotten involved," Windu pointed out as the doors to the elevator opened and the masters entered, "we could have gone in there and removed the child."
"That's a little extreme don't you think Master Windu?" Plo said as the lift began its descent.
Windu shook his head, "No, considering what the vision entailed. Reeva is needed to heal the Force," the dark skin human crossed his arms within his cloak. "We would need to secure him as soon as possible and make sure that he stays within the light.
"Better this happened this way it is," Yoda said, cutting off the conversation, "Nomadic by nature Mandalorian are. Kunon would have left once Knight Ti left, been able to find them we would not have. Better for all those involved, this way is."
Plo began to stroke his mask as he chose his next words carefully. "Do you think that Reeva could be the prophesied Chosen One?" He asked tepidly as if he wasn't sure what he was saying.
Windu looked down and frowned. "There was only one who was foretold to bring balance to the Force," he said before he looked at Plo Koon, "Qui-Gon was sure that young Skywalker was the one, and his midichlorian count seems to back that up."
Plo gave a chuckle, "It sounds like you think that he is the Chosen One."
"I'm still skeptical," he said with a roll of his eyes, "I'm just pointing out the facts."
"Still," Plo said, his brow scrunched up, "Isn't it odd that we would accept two children into the order that are well beyond the acceptable age? Especially so close together."
"The talent that was in those children was too much to ignore," Windu pointed out, "if either one were to fall to the dark side it would be catastrophic for the Order and the Republic."
Plo turned to Yoda who sat there quietly in deep contemplation. "What do you think, old friend?"
"Clouded around both Skywalker and Ordo the future is," he said just as the door opened and allowed the masters to leave. "Watch them and guide them we must, towards the right path. The will of the Force the rest is."
The trio of masters traveled down red-carpeted halls toward the Hall of Learning.
"The Force has an odd sense of doing things," Plo said as he clasped his hands in front of him. "For all the clans to be assigned he gets assigned that one."
Windu hummed, "It would be a test for Knight Craven." He said, "to see if he has truly let go of his attachment to Kunon."
As the masters rounded the corner of the hallway they entered the first door they came across. Inside was a group of ten younglings as they balanced on the toes of one of their feet while their arms were outstretched to their sides. In front of them stood Craven as he watched the initiates.
His eyes perked up as he felt the presence of three masters entering the room. Craven turned and bowed to the masters, "Masters," he said, "I was about to come to find you when I was done with the younglings."
"Oh," Plo said with a raised eye, "what for?"
Craven leaned towards them so he could whisper to them, "I've heard that the council is deciding on whether or not to allow a youngling into the order, Kunon's son." The masters looked at Craven with a curious looks. "I don't think he should," Craven said and Master Windu raised an eyebrow. "We don't know what she's been telling or teaching him, we cannot allow him to corrupt other younglings."
"Bold of you, such assumptions to make," Yoda said, his voice calm but one could tell that there was an underlying message in it.
Tread lightly.
"Bold of you to assume you know what is best," Windu said he's eyes narrowed, "for the Jedi."
"But that is why we are here," Plo said as he stepped in to diffuse the conversation, at least for now. "We have allowed young Reeva to be trained as a Jedi."
"WHAT!" Craven yelled, causing the younglings in the room to jolt in surprise and a few of them to fall on their backs.
The masters narrowed their eyes at the instructor. "Perhaps we should continue this outside," Windu said coolly and Plo nodded his head.
"I'll take over from here," the Kel Dor said as he stepped into the room.
Yoda, Windu, and Craven stepped outside. The instructor tried his best to keep his emotions calm. When they were outside the room and the door closed Craven demanded, "Masters why!"
"Calm yourself, Instructor Craven," Yoda said, his hands resting on his knees, "The Jedi way anger is not, the path to the dark side it is."
"My apologies masters," Craven said, taking a deep breath, "I just wish to understand the wisdom of the council."
"We do not need to explain ourselves to you, Instructor Craven," Windu said harshly as he established just where the man resided in the hierarchy. Craven lowered his head, "I suggest you let go of your resentment and anger against Kunon."
"Yes, joining your clan Reeva Ordo will be," Yoda pointed out.
Craven head snapped up and for a split second anger flashed in his eyes. "I…I see masters," he said before his face tightened. "He's a Mandalorian?" he said connecting the dots
"That's not going to be a problem is it," Windu said with narrowed eyes and arms crossed.
"No master," Craven said firmly, "I'll teach him like any other youngling."
"Good," Yoda said, "Joining you soon he will be."
"I understand," Craven said before he bowed, "excuse me masters I must return to my class."
Windu and Yoda dismissed Craven and he returned to his class. A moment later Plo Koon returned to the other masters. "I sense much anger within Craven," the Kel Dor master said.
"Close to Kunon, he was," Yoda pointed out as they moved away, "Betrayed when she left he felt."
"Probably too close," Windu said with narrowed eyes.
"I sense a very troubling future," Plo Koon said.
"Trust in the Force we must," Yoda said, "Never failed us, it has."
"Here is your clan's living quarters," Hefot said as a door slid open to a bare room. Grey walls, a short grey carpet, and ten sleeping pads on top of a bunk bed. "Now you must turn over your things," she told Reeva pointing at his sack.
"It's-" Reeva began before he was cut off.
"A Jedi must not have any possessions," Hefot snapped.
Reeva took a deep breath, "I know Master Jetii," he said, "That's why my mother sent me with only a change of clothes and lightsaber parts."
"Oh," Hefot said not expecting such an answer. "Well you can place them under that bed," the Miraluka pointed at a singular bed in the corner. "That bed is unclaimed," she said.
Reaching into his sack Reeva pulled out a box and held it under his arm. "Here you go Master," he said as he handed Hefot the sack in a peace offering. Hefot took the sack and nodded. With that done, Reeva took the box and put it under his bed with a thud. After he shoved the box further underneath the bed Reeva stood back up and headed towards Master Hefot. "Follow me initiate," she said exiting the room, "It is time for you to get proper Jedi robes."
As they walked down the halls of the Jedi temple Reeva took note of the outside of the temple through the tall glass. He watched as the sun began to set and cast a pleasant orange glow off the skyscrapers. Sky cars and other personal transport zip across the sky. The light reflecting off their hulls gives them the appearance of shooting stars.
"Beautiful isn't it," an old wizen voice called out to Reeva. The boy turned to see a very old Cosian standing in their way. He had yellow eyes, speckled brown-green skin, and white hair. He wore a slight variation of the traditional tan Jedi robes that accommodated his and allowed his lengthy tail to move. In his hands, he had a cane to support his gnarled frame.
Reeva stopped and bowed in respect, "Yes it is Master Sinube," he said with a slight smile before he walked towards the master.
Tera Sinube cocked his head to the side and narrowed his eyes, "Have we met, young one?" he asked, "You look familiar but I can not seem to recall from where."
"We haven't met Master," Reeva said as he stopped in front of him. "But my mother Kunon always spoke highly of you."
Sinube's eyes widened and he smiled, "Kunon, ah you must be her son!" The master walked over and patted the boy's shoulder. "I always wondered how she was doing." He turned to Hefot, "Ah Master Hefot I'm sorry I didn't see you there."
Hefot bowed slightly, "It's alright master," she said in her airy way, "I was just escorting Initiate Reeva to get his robes and braid."
Sinube looked back at Reeva, a smile still on his beak-like lips. "I wonder if you would mind if perhaps I could do that instead?" he asked, "I'm sure that you have plenty of other responsibilities."
The Miraluka looked at Reeva before she turned back to Sinube and bowed, "If it is not too much trouble."
"No trouble at all," Sinube said joyously as he guided Reeva down the hall.
"Then I'll take my leave," Hefot said with another bow and departed the two.
"Thank you Master Hefot," Reeva called to the Miraluka, "I'm grateful for your help."
"It was no trouble," Hefot said.
"Come Reeva," Sinube said as the two walked down the halls, "Tell me, how is your mother doing?"
Reeva smiled and began to regale the elder master of his mother.
"I'm glad that she and Drudu were able to find peace," Sinube said as he and Reeva walked into a circular room surrounded by mirrors.
Reeva looked stunned, "You knew my buir?" he asked bewildered.
Sinube nodded his head, "Oh yes, I never met him but your mother would come to me and talk about her interactions with him." The Cosian nodded, "In fact, I encourage her to follow her heart."
"Really?" Reeva said, walking in front of the master.
"Yes," Sinube said as he tapped his cane on the floor. "I could tell that your mother's destiny did not lie with the Jedi."
Reeva didn't say anything, confused at the way this jetii acted. Of the ones he met so far, all condemned his mother for her actions.
"Confused are you?" Sinube said with a smile, "Unlike other Jedi here I understood your mother. She was a powerful Jedi and a cunning warrior." The elder master took a deep breath and continued, "I remember teaching her when she was in my clan," he looked far off as if he was transported back in time. "She was like a bright star, so full of talent and kindness. I was even tempted to take her on as my apprentice."
Sinube turned and moved to a chair that was floated over by a Rodian Jedi dressed in black and tan robes, "But my times running across the galaxy are done," Sinube said wearily as he sat down giving the Rodian a nod. "Perhaps you'll be assigned to my clan, hmm."
Reeva smiled and hoped that was the case as well, "I've been assigned to the Clawmouse clan," he said and Sinube's face dropped a fraction.
"It seems the Force has other plans," Sinube said and Reeva's face also fell, realizing that he would not be trained by Sinube. "But if you have any questions don't hesitate to find me and ask."
"Of course Master Sinube," Reeva said just as the Rodian came up to him.
"So you're the youngling that everyone is making a fuss about," the Rodian said as went up to Reeva and held up a small square object. He held it up and it began to scan Reeva in a blue field.
"What do you mean?" Reeva said his eyelids flickering as the light passed over them.
"Well about half of the temple has heard that you're the spawn of Kunon," the Rodian said, his blue eyes glittering in the light, "and a Mandalorian."
Reeva pursed his lips and his eyes flickered toward Sinube who seemed to be nodding off. "Ah don't worry," the Rodian said as he finished his scan. "It will pass in time," the Rodian then began to dance in place, "but I'm so excited to make robes for you!"
"Uhh…" Reeva gapped at the one-eighty.
Remembering himself the Rodain stopped his dance and placed a hand on his chest, "Forgive me initiate, my name is Wezza Jovrias and I am the temple's tailor."
Reeva nodded slowly, "and you're excited because."
"Well the last time a Mandalorian came was in the days of the old republic," Wezza said as he began to dance in place. Reeva had to bite his lips to keep from laughing at the scene in front of him. He didn't think Jetii could be this happy. "And an Echaini as well, ah!" he exclaimed giddily.
Wezza clapped his hands, "Assistants!" he cried out and three bowl-shaped droids floated into the area. Small mechanical arms popped out of their bodies and light blue lights came on on their sides. "Take this and let's begin dressing our newest member!" Wezza tittered handing the square contraption to it.
"What colors should we use?" one of the droids buzzed as it flew over to Reeva. "Tan or brown."
Wezza gagged, "Oh by the Force no!" he said as he spun around and placed himself behind a bewildered Reeva. "Look at his hair and complexion, no!" He waved a finger at the droid. The Rodian looked back at Reeva and examined him. "Let's go with a dark grey overtunic and a white undertunic." The droids dipped in the air and went over the desk that was built into the wall. Wezza moved towards the table as well when he was stopped.
"Actually," Reeva cut in and the Rodian turned to him. "Would it be alright if the colors were reversed?"
Wezza looked at him with a curious glance, "You mean a grey undertunic and a white overtunic?"
Reeva nodded, reasoning that if he at least looked bright that perhaps his fellow Jetii would see him in a different light.
Wezza's face brightened, "Of course! It would make those brown eyes pop! Freya!" he called, and from the side of the table a mirror shot to the side and a human girl with red hair and green eyes came out. She wore a simple tan jedi grab and looked tired. "Yes, Master Jovrias?" she said her voice slightly rasped.
"Give young Ordo here an initiate braid while I worked on his robes would you," Wezza said as he went to the table the droids scattering into different mirrors which also turned out to be doors as well.
Freya just grunted and went over to Reeva using the Force to pull a chair from the room that she came from. "Sit," she said to Reeva once the chair settled in front of him.
When he took a seat he felt Freya holding the braid on his left side, "Master, he already has a braid," she called out.
"He's an Echaini," Wezza said from his table as rolls of white and grey fabric spun in front of him, "They tend to braid their hair with beads to mark accomplishments. Just use the other side."
"Alright," Freya said as she began to braid Reeva's right side. She grabbed a finger full of white hair and began to twist. "Make sure that you retie it after every bathing," Freya said, "Technically, you should keep it on at all times besides bathing, but those with hair find it easier to untie it for the night and retie it in the morning."
"Elek," Reeva said. He felt Freya pause and he looked up to see her looking at him confusedly. "Sorry, I mean yes," he said hurriedly and looked back down.
Freya continued her task, "There is nothing to apologize for," she said as she held the braid in her hands to inspect her work. "I've always liked learning new languages, perhaps you can teach me?"
Reeva squirmed in place as he replied, "I can't teach it to aruetii or non-Mandalorian," he smiled, "Unless I adopt you as my child and teach you the ways of the Manda'ad."
Freya sputtered and jerked, in the process yanking Reeva's hair. "Ow!" He cried as he leaned into Freya. At that moment Master Sinube jerked around.
"I'm awake," he said as he looked around, blinking. His eyes rested on Reeva and Freya. Freya had Reeva's braid in her hand with him leaning towards her.
"Did I miss something?" Sinube asked, looking at the two.
Wezza chuckled as he spun around robes in hand, "Initiate Ordo was just showing his mischievous side," he said as he handed the robes to Reeva.
Freya grunted as she tied off the braid. "There you go," she said hotly.
"Thank you," Reeva said as he stood up and placed his robes on his chair. Without another word, he began to strip down.
"What are you doing!?" Freya screeched as she covered her eyes.
Reeva just stood there, his pants halfway down a confused look on his face. "What's wrong?" He asked looking around at the occupants in the room the elders had amused looks and Freya had her back to him.
Wezza began to laugh and Sinube explained with a chuckle, "It seems that Padawan Freya did not expect to see you openly undress." The old master tapped his cane to the floor. "Not everyone will understand your Echani ways," he explained as he eyed the bandage on the boy's arm. Reeva let go of his pants and moved to remove the bandage to reveal a tattoo. It was black as night and had a lot of sharp edges. It reminded Sinube of a winged animal like a Strill that was native to the Mandalore system.
"I see," Reeva said before he tossed aside the bandage and grabbed the robes to put them on. "I'll try to keep that in mind," he said as he slipped the pants on.
"What is that mark on your arm?" Wezza asked as he brought over a pair of brown boots.
Reeva looked at the tattoo and gave a small smile, "It's the mark of my clan," he explained, "It shows that I'm a member of Clan Ordo. When I earn the right to wear beskar'gam it will be placed on my chest plate."
"I see," Wezza said as he took a step back and allowed the boy to finish dressing.
When Reeva slipped on the belt over his over tunic he looked at the many mirrors in the room. The dark grey under tunic clung to his form tightly almost accenting his muscular form. The sleeves were wide and open more so than the average Jetii robes that he has seen. "Your mother preferred that style," Wezza explained, "I thought you might like it as well."
Reeva nodded and looked at the over tunic which helped break the lines and made him look more normal and less threatening. A piece of black leather belt held the robes together. Grey pants tucked into his brown boots caused a weird feeling for him but he reasoned that he could get over it eventually.
"How do you feel?" Wezza asked, "Does everything fit okay?"
Reeva punched the air once, twice then three more times in quick succession before he jumped in the air and performed a spinning kick. In mid-air, he flipped so that he landed on his hands and flipped away. "It works," he said once he was back on his feet and straightened out. "I feel like a Jetii," Reeva said with a smile.
Wezza bowed to him, "Well I'm glad that my robes are satisfactory," he said.
"More than satisfactory," Reeva said with a bow, "You are truly a master at your craft, Master Wezza."
The Rodian chuckled, "It is my honor, very rarely do I get to craft for your kind," he said as he escorted Reeva and Sinube out of the room. "I'll craft more robes for you and have them sent to your clan's living quarters, if you have any issues or adjustments please come see me and we'll take care of it." With a mischievous smile, he looked over his shoulder at Freya. "Would you like to say goodbye?"
Freya just glared at the Rodian seamstress and turned away with a huff.
After their visit with the Wezza, Reeva and Sinube were once again walking down the hallways. Their destination this time was where Clan Clawmouse was currently training in lightsaber combat. The two's journey was quiet and slow. Something that Sinube picked up. "You seem very patient and quiet," Master Sinube said with a smile, "Most younglings would be itching to go."
Reeva glanced at the elder master and grasped his arms in front of him, his robe sleeves coming together to hide his hands. "Of course," he said looking forward, "But one cannot hunt if they are loud and in a hurry." Reeva slightly nodded his head, "Besides the class will still be there, it's not really going anywhere."
Sinube raised an eyebrow and made a note of the maturity and wisdom that was coming from the youngling. "Keep that mindset young one," he said as they rounded the corner, the sounds of lightsabers moving through the air began to be sewn into the air. "You'll be a fine Jedi one day."
Reeva bowed as they walked, "Coming from you Master Sinube," he said coming back up, "That means a lot."
The two passed through a set of tall brown doors that had golden lightsabers etched on them. When they entered the room Reeva took in the massive open space. Plenty of room for at least twenty people to spar if not more. Giant statues of robbed Jetii each in a stance to represent each of the different forms of lightsaber combat. Form I Shii-Cho, Form II Makashi, Form III Soresu, Form IV Ataru, Form V Shien/Djem So, Form VI Niman. There was a seventh but apparently, it is only known to Master Windu.
The floor of the training was a white carpet that had red rectangles, which Reeva guessed was to separate out sparring zones or for a clan to practice just like now.
Reeva watched as the instructor, Craven, stood in front of his clan and called out "Set" and the rest of the younglings to move as one. Reeva was able to pick out that they were practicing Form I.
Sinube and Reeva stood there silently as Craven took his clan through the motions. Reeva looked at the man who would be teaching him the ways of the Jetii and couldn't help but pick up that the instructor did have some hostility aimed at him. The boy couldn't help but wonder if his mother did something to him?
"Hold," Craven called and the younglings held their spot with their lightsabers held across their heads. A few moments later Craven said, "relax," and the students dropped their stance and turned off their lightsabers. He then turned towards them, sending a glare toward Reeva before he addressed Master Sinube. "Master Sinube," he said with a slight smile, "It's nice to see you again."
Sinube nodded his head, "It is good to see you as well, Instructor Craven," he said, "I was just escorting Initiate Reeva here to you."
Craven eyed Reeva with thin lips, "Ah, yes the…council," he said slowly as if the idea disgust him. "Have made me aware of the…situation." Again Reeva picked up the distaste Craven had for him, and a sense of dread and worry filled him. He had a feeling that his training was going to be rough.
"That's good," Sinube said, unaware of or not heeding the tension that was settling between the two. "Well, I must be off," Sinube said as he gave everyone a wave. "Once again welcome to the Jedi Order, young Reeva," Sinube whispered to Reeva before he began his slow walk.
"Might as well introduce yourself, Mandalorian," Craven spat and the younglings began to wisher amounts themselves.
With a glare aimed at Carven he said evenly, "Yes Master Craven," before turning to his fellow clan mates. "My name is Reeva Ordo, it is nice to meet you," he said a bit more diplomatically.
'Hopefully, they are not a bunch of di'kut like master Craven,' Reeva thought to himself.
"So it's true then," an oily, sleazy voice called out, "There really is a Mandalorian joining the Jedi." Reeva spotted the owner of that voice. It was a boy roughly the same age as him but he had the look of someone who came from wealth. Reeva pointed out at least seven different markers to prove his statement from his straight confident stance to his slick back blonde hair. The boy's blue eyes shined like sapphire as he smugly glared at Reeva.
"Yes," Reeva said, "I'm both Echaini and Mando'ad." He then narrowed his eyes at the boy. "Is that going to be a problem?" he asked challengingly, his arms dropping to his side.
The boy sneered before he looked towards Craven, "Master, is it wise to allow a member of such a savage people to become one of us?" His tone could have easily been misunderstood as child ignorance, but his words and face said otherwise.
Anger flared in Reeva, "I would be careful di'kut this beast has teeth," he sneered and took a step forward.
"Enough," Craven said cutting the argument, "Initiate Reeva while you are here you will speak to others with respect, and in Galactic Basic," he chided, "You are not with your people, you are a Jedi, for now."
Reeva spun around and looked at the teacher in shock and dismay. Forget his heritage! His buir didn't mention something like this when she talked about the Jetii. She didn't say that a Jetii must forsake everything connected to who they were. Did something change while she was away?
Craven turned to the boy with a slight smile, "And Connor," he said, "I've tried to talk the council out of this decision, but they believe that we can train him to suppress his bloodlust that his kind is so prone to be."
Biting his lower lip to keep from talking Reeva watched as his trainer talked down not only about him but his people. 'What does this mir'osik aruetii know about Mando'ad!' he thought as his anger began to rise. He closed his eyes and released his anger. It went away but the embers still simmered. Reeva would have to meditate later to release it fully, but it would suffice for now.
At least he won't be breaking any arms.
"While I might disagree with the council," Craven continued, "We must trust in their wisdom." He then turned to Reeva who was still glaring at him. The instructor just smiled, "We are practicing Form I Shii-Cho, do you know what that is?" he asked snidely, "I would hope that Kunon would have taught you that much I hope," he said condescendingly.
The fire began to crackle back to life.
"Yes, Master," Reeva seethed, keeping his temper in check.
Craven let out a huff, "Well see," he said before turning back to the clan of younglings. "Ahsoka!" He called out and a small Togruta girl jumped.
"Yes, master," a slightly squeaky voice spoke out as the Togruta made her way to the front. The Togruta had a lighter shade of orange than Shaak Ti. She had white markings around her blue eyes that looked like eyebrows. On her forehead, she had two diamond shapes and in between two lines came down and formed another diamond just above her brow. Her cheek had markings that reminded Reeva of a pair of wings. Ahsoka's montrals were only small numbs on top of her head. She wore a red leather-like vest and cream-beige pants with a pair of red boots.
Craven waved his hand dismissively, "Show Initiate Reeva where the training sabers are and allow him to be near you while we go through the sets," he then looked at Reeva and shook his head, "Perhaps he will learn something by watching you."
Ahsoka smiled nervously before she bowed at Craven and held out her hand towards Reeva, "This way," she said.
Reeva didn't say anything and just walked towards Ahsoka, ignoring the hand. Pinching her lips together she quickly ran in front of Reeva so that she was leading him to the other side of the room. Ahsoka wanted to give the new kid a piece of her mind for ignoring her like that.
'There is no emotion there is peace,' Ahsoka recited to herself and took a step back to evaluate the situation. Reeva was upset at Master Craven, not her. She found this odd Master Craven was never this mean to any of the other younglings. So what did Reeva do to cause such a response? Ahsoka decided to ask to find out why and perhaps find out if this boy was really mean or not.
Perhaps they could be friends, she didn't have that many which greatly upsets her. Togrutas are an extremely sociable species after all. Being the only Togruta youngling made her a bit of an outcast within the order. "What did you do?" Ahsoka asked once we were out of earshot, "I've never seen Master Craven act like that."
Reeva looked at the Togruta with a raised eyebrow. He could feel that she was just being friendly, and with a deep breath calmed his mind. "I think he has an issue with my buirs."
"Your what?" Ahsoka said as the duo came up to a white cabinet on the other side of the room.
Reeva looked at Ahsoka and shook his head, "Sorry, my parents," he said before he shrugged, "My mother never said anything about him so it can't have been that bad."
Ahsoka opened the cabinet and leaned in, "Is it true then?" She asked with a whisper as she grabbed a training saber from the rack. "Your mom is Master Kunon," she whispered as she grasped a small cylinder. She pulled the cylinder out and handed it to Reeva.
"Yes," Reeva said as he took the saber, "Everyone seems to know her, why is that?" Ahsoka's eyes got wide.
"Seriously!" She exclaimed barely containing her whisper. "Master Kunon was one of the greatest duelists of her time, almost as good as Master Drallig if not better! I want to be just like her!" Ahsoka began to hop in place with the training saber. She then stopped and got a, Reeva could only describe it as gooey, "It was a huge shock when she left the order to marry." She let out a sappy sigh, "It was so romantic."
"No it isn't," Reeva said with a smile, "it just sounds sappy."
Ahsoka frowned before she punched Reeva's shoulder. She pulled her hand back and began to massage it while Reeva did the same thing with his shoulder. The Mando-Echaini looked at the small diminutive Togruta and was surprised at the power of the punch. He had to watch this one.
"Ahsoka, Reeva!" Craven yelled out to them causing them to jump, "Hurry up and get into position!" With a worried glance, the duo ran over to the mat and readied themselves for practice.
Reeva grunted as he peeled off his robes and jumped into the refresher. As the water sprayed down his body his mind wondered to saber practice. Reeva managed to learn one thing.
Instructor Craven has it out for him.
Craven hovered over him the entire time and pointed out his 'flaws' at every moment.
Oh Reeva your foot is an inch off! Reeva your back is not straight enough. Reeva you're too low.
But Reeva knew that was right in most of those sets. His buir hammered those into him, especially Form I! That kriffen shabuir of a Jetii just wanted to pound him down. Well, he'll show him. He'll take that scorn and come to the Apprentice Tournament and will unleash his full potential and knowledge. He'll show Master Craven just what Kunon taught him. She not only taught him Form I but Form II-VI as well.
With a new goal set, Reeva turned off the refresher and dried himself off. Dressed in fresh robes Reeva stepped out of the bathroom and went to his bed ignoring the rest of the younglings, all of who were watching him intensely. Reeva got to his bed and sat on it with cross legs. He closed his eyes and began to meditate.
Or at least tried to.
"Do you think he'll attack us?" he heard someone whisper
"I don't think so?"
"Do you think it's true that Mandalorians are savages?"
"Of course don't you remember they are always starting fights, especially against the Republic and the Jedi."
"Do you think the council made a mistake?"
"Why is he here?"
"He seems a bit old."
"Why don't you talk to him?"
"What are you crazy!?"
Reeva took a deep breath and tried to let go of the anger, to not get caught up in the swirling emotions that were bubbling up.
'Have I made a mistake coming here?' Reeva thought sadly as he felt a desire to grab his things and run away. To run back home where he is accepted and not...alone.
Suddenly he felt a familiar presence coming toward him and his bed jolted. Reeva's eyes snapped open to see Ahsoka sitting right in front of him with a smile on her face. "I wouldn't worry about them," she said, pointing her head at the rest of the Clawmouse Clan, "They just got to get to know you."
"I wouldn't waste your time with him," Conner's snide voice came from across the room. Conner was resting on his bed, his arms behind his head. "He'll be gone within a month tops."
"Leave him alone!" Ahsoka yelled at him, "He didn't even do anything to you."
Conner rolled his eyes, "It's not that he did anything to me," he said, looking over at the two, "It's what he is. He's a son of a savage and a traitor."
Slowly Reeva got to his feet and stood up, "That's not very jetii like," he sneered back his anger rising. Conner's head snapped at him and his eyes hardened.
"What do you know about what a Jedi is like," he spat as he too got to his feet. "And Master Craven said not to use that disgusting language anymore!"
Reeva didn't say anything but Ahsoka heard him growl in his throat. She eyed him and Conner wondering if she should run to get a master before things got out of hand. When she looked around at the other younglings she could tell that they were wondering the same thing.
"Who's going to stop me?" Reeva challenged as he took a step forward, "you?"
Conner took a step forward too, his arms slightly raised, "You would like that wouldn't you, savage." he then smirked, "Just like a Mandalorian, always looking for a fight."
Reeva snorted, "What do you know about what a Mando'ad is like," he said, slinging Conner's own words against him. "I didn't realize arrogance was a part of being a Jetii was like mir'osik aruetii." One didn't need to know Mando'a to know what that meant.
"I'll show you," Conner snapped as he raised his arms. Reeva snapped his arms up and prepared to attack when another youngling, a Nautolan, stepped in and grabbed Conner's arms.
"Conner," he said, "It's not worth it."
Conner glared at the boy, but lowered his arms and looked at Reeva. "Your right Bic," he said with a smile forming on his face, "He'll be gone soon anyway."
With the confrontation over, Conner joined a group of younglings and they began to whisper to themselves. Seeing as everything was done Reeva relaxed his body and took a deep breath. 'This is going to test my patience,' he thought as a Mon Calamari walked over to him.
"It is not wise to test Conner," he said in a wet voice, "He is one of the strongest in the clan."
Reeva snorted, "That remains to be seen," he said, eyeing the boy in question. "But I think he has a point," he muttered to himself.
"What do you mean?" Ahsoka said standing next to him.
Reeva looked at her, "I don't belong here," he said as he shook his head, "I shouldn't have come."
"What!" Ahsoka shouted, causing everyone in the room to look at her. Reeva pulled his head back at the sudden shout. With her montrals turning a deep shade of blue, Ahsoka whispered, "You can't be thinking about leaving are you," she asked, "You just got here, don't let jerkface Conner scare you like that!"
With a snort, Reeva said, "it's going to take a lot more than that di'kut to frighten me, but the point remains."
Ahsoka placed a hand on Reeva's arm, "Please don't go," she begged.
"Ahsoka is right," the Mon Calamari said, "The Force brought you here for a reason. It would be cowardly for you to run away now."
"Exactly," Ahsoka said pointing at the Fishman, "Nahdar is right! Besides." The Togruta then began to punch the air, "You gotta show me some of your mom's cool moves!" Ahsoka swung her leg but it went too wide and she nearly lost her balance if it wasn't for Reeva catching her leg.
"I will have to think about teaching you," Reeva said as he looked pensive, "Echani sparing has a different meaning than what most think." Nahdar cocked his head as he listened to Reeva and wondered what he meant by that. Reeva stood there for a moment, holding Ahsoka's foot, "But," he said slowly as Ahsoka bounced in place trying to regain her balance, "you are right I suppose, both of you."
"Let me go," Ahsoka said, hopping in place.
Reeva raised an eyebrow and smiled slightly, "As you wish," he said and let Ahsoka's leg go. Instead of helping her regain her balance Ahsoka lost it and fell backward on top of Reeva's bed. She pushed herself up with her elbows and glared at Reeva who just cocked his head, "You told me to let you go," he said innocently.
Ahsoka humped and glared at both Reeva and Nahdar who were chuckling.
Reeva turned towards Nahdar bow, "I'm Reeva Ordo, it's an honor to learn by your side, both of you."
Nahdar bowed in return, "I'm Nahdar Vebb, and the honor is mine."
Ahoska jumped from the bed and got in front of Reeva with arms crossed. A smirk on her face, "And I'm Ahsoka Tano."
