Coruscant

27 BBY


It took Reeva a few months but he got used to his life at the Jedi Temple. The schedule was the easiest to get used to.

Wake up, bathe, dress, tie his braid and go to breakfast with Clan Clawmouse. Then spend the morning learning about the Force and other skills that a Jedi might need such as diplomacy, culture, flight training, and other basic life/survival skills. After that, they would break for lunch and a small break. Once that was completed they would go into the physical aspect of the Jedi like lightsaber combat, physical training, and unarmed combat.

While a good chunk of these lessons was undertaken by other masters of the order like Master Yoda, a majority were overseen by Instructor Craven.

That leads to Reeva's main conflict. When other masters were in charge of training Reeva did well if not excelled. He had a hunger for learning, but when Craven was in charge of the lessons his performance suffered. It didn't help that Instructor Craven belittled him in front of other members of the Order or allowed Connor and other younglings to pick him.

Ahsoka tried her best to defend Reeva but only made things worse for him and herself as she got roped up in the bullying. This is when Reeva found out that they too outcasted her before he came along. Apparently being one of the few Togruta in the order was a bad thing. Reeva couldn't even fathom that logic. At least with him, it made some kind of weird sense.

Nahdar took a more hands-off approach to the situation. He didn't really condone such acts and stepped in before things got out of hand, but apart from that the Mon Calamari just tried to steer everyone away from such conflicts.

Besides that life at the temple was a simple one, and as such it was easy for time to slip by. Before Reeva knew it two years had slipped by.


"Initiate Ordo!" Instructor Craven yelled.

Reeva closed his eyes and took a deep breath as he lowered his blue training saber. "Yes, Master Craven," he said as evenly as he could as the Master stomped up to him.

"I didn't tell you to lower your saber," Craven snapped and Reeva got back into his previous stance. His saber above his head pointed straight and parallel to the ground. "Your feet are off, again," Craven said, exasperated as he had told the boy many times to watch his footwork. "Honestly, if this was an actual battle you would have tripped so many times and died it's actually starting to get depressing to watch."

'If this was an actual battle I would have ended long ago,' Reeva thought as he controlled his anger, 'Kriffen chakaar.' Feeling his anger start to rise he began to chant the jetii code.

There is no emotion, there is peace.

There is no ignorance, there is knowledge.

There is no passion, there is serenity.

There is no chaos, there is harmony.

There is no death, there is the Force.

He then recited Resol'nare

Ba'jur bal beskar'gam,

Ara'nov, aliit,

Mando'a bal Mand'alor—

An vencuyan mhi.

When he was done Reeva felt much calmer and reconnected. Enough to calmly answer, "Yes Master."

Craven let out a sigh and pointed across the room to where two other members of Clan Clawmouse were sparring. "Look at Conner," he said, "See how his feet are moving." He then condescendingly patted Reeva's shoulder, "You should take lessons from him. Otherwise, your chances of attending the Gathering would be slim to none, and if you can't attend then you might end up before the Council of Reassignment."

Reeva closed his eyes to let the words flow off of him. Unfortunately, the word's barbs still scratched at him as they passed. Across the room, Conner had just disarmed and defeated his opponent.

Instructor Craven clapped his hands, "Very good Connor," he called out, "you can go ahead and get ready for supper as well as the other winners." He looked around as Conner and a few other younglings left the room triumphant. "The rest of you are to clean up the training area before you leave," Craven said motioning toward the disabled droids and remotes.

"What about us," Ahsoka, Reeva's opponent, asked, "We haven't finished our duel."

Craven looked at both Reeva and Ahsoka. "No one," he said, much to the chagrin of the two. "Reeva obviously you still need to practice, and Ahsoka how many times do I have to tell you not to use the reverse grip." He shook his head, "No both of you will stay and help clean up with the others, and contemplate on your shortcomings."

With that Instructor, Craven left the training room.

"Kriffen shabuir," Reeva spat as soon as their instructor left the room.

"You can say that again," Ahsoka said as she deactivated her training saber, "I totally would have won."

Reeva snorted as he deactivated his own saber. "What makes you say that shorty," Reeva said as he walked towards the training saber rack.

"Oh please," Ahsoka scoffed, "We both know that I'm the fastest out of us."

"Speed means nothing if you can't hit anything or have the strength to follow through with the attack," Reeva pointed out as he held his hand out for Ahsoka's training saber. Insulted she slapped the saber into his hands and put her hands on her hips.

"Are you calling me weak!?" she said hotly her eyes narrowed and her teeth barred.

Reeva looked over at her amused. Most people think that the Torguta have sharp poisonous teeth, an idea that they do not try to disprove, but Reeva knew better. "Ahsoka," he said putting the sabers away, "You're one of the top duelists in our clan, possibly out of all the Initiates."

Ahsoka's eyes widened, "Oh," she said as she crossed her arms across her chest, her montrals darkening, "You really think that."

"Of course," Reeva said nodding his head, "Behind me of course," he added as he shut the door on the training rack. This time it was Ahsoka who snorted.

"Your head is getting a little bit big there Mandy," she said with a smile which Reeva frowned at.

"I wish you'd stop calling me that," he muttered as they went around the room collecting the round training bots.

"Well stop calling me shorty," Ahsoka bit back as she reached down and picked up a training droid.

"But you are short," Reeva said with a smirk.

Ahsoka growled and chucked the training droid at the back of Reeva's head. Just before the round droid could hit him however it froze. Reeva turned around with a smile on his face and plucked the droid out of the air. "Now, now Ahsoka," Reeva chided as he floated the droids over to a basket for them to be repaired and recharged. "If you hurt me, who's going to teach you Echani martial arts? Hmmm?"

In response, Ahsoka huffed, "As if you would get seriously hurt," she muttered before she said, "By the way when are we going to move on to the higher tiers?"

Reeva looked around and saw that the training room was clean and other younglings were leaving. Since they were done he followed them out with Ahsoka on his tail. "We'll do so when you're willing to do it correctly," he said as they entered the wide halls of the Jedi Temple.

"I'm not stripping naked," Ahsoka snipped her arms crossed over her chest.

Reeva rolled his eyes. "For the hundredth time, we are not supposed to get naked only down to your undergarments."

"That's the same thing!" Ahsoka said her montrals were turning darker again.

"There's a big difference," Reeva said neutrally but his eyes were playful. That's why Ahsoka punched him in the arm. Ahsoka pulled her hand back and rubbed it with a hiss of pain. This caused Reeva to chuckle, "Why do you keep doing that Ad'ika?" he asked. "I would have thought you learned by now not to do that."

"It's not my fault that you're built like a tank," Ahsoka grumbled gesturing to Reeva's hardened physique hidden underneath his robes.

Reeva just shrugged

"Ahsoka, Reeva," Nahdar's voice called to them. The two of them looked up to see the Mon Calamari walking towards them. "If you two don't hurry up then there won't be any dinner left."

Ahsoka scoffed, "It's not our fault that Master Craven held us back!"

Reeva didn't say anything but just looked mischievously at Nahdar and Ahsoka. "He's right," he said before suddenly taking off, "Later."

"HEY!" Ahsoka called out, "GET BACK HERE!" She then ran after the laughing Mando.

Nahdar let out a sigh and shook his as he watched his fellow clanmates run down the halls. He watched as Reeva made use of his Echani martial arts to duck and weave through other Jedi, like water down the stream. Then there was Ahsoka who used her small stature to do the same, but unlike Reeva she lacked the fluidity. What she lacked she made up for it raw in speed. "Those two are going to be the death of me," he muttered before he followed.


Night had settled on Coruscant and yet half of the planet was still wide awake. Particularly at the Jedi Temple in the room of Clan Clawmouse. Reeva lay in his bed as he stared at the ceiling. He looked over at the crono and saw that it was time. He reached out with the Force and felt that everyone in the room was asleep.

Slowly Reeva rose from his bed and silently put on his boots. He then quietly snuck out of the room to start his nightly mission.

For the past year and a half, Reeva has snuck out every night to train. Alternating between saber training and strengthening his ties to the Force. If he was lucky, he would sneak into the archives to study history. Tonight was saber practice of Form IV.

So he did, after sneaking through the halls dodging wondering masters and the temple guard Reeva made it to the saber training room. For the next hour or so he practiced Niman going through the sets before turning on a fixed training remote. He practiced until he deflected each bolt successfully. Reeva was about to turn on a training droid when an old wizen voice spoke up.

"Late it is Initiate Ordo."

Reeva jumped and spun towards the entrance of the room to see Master Yoda standing there with his wooden cane in his hands. Wide eyes Reeva bowed his head as deep as he could, "Master Yoda! I didn't see you there."

Yoda chuckled, "Being small advantages it has," he said as he walked into the room, a muffled tap accompanying his every other step. The diminutive master came to a stop next to a fallen training remote. "The increase in damaged droids, because of you it is," Yoda said looking at Reeva with a small smile. "Stressed, Master Tong is."

"I try to only use what I need," Reeva muttered feeling very embarrassed, "I didn't mean to cause anyone problems. That is why I come down here at night and only when it's not in use."

"Training important it is," Yoda said with a nod, "So is rest. Tell me, why so late?"

Reeva stood silently as he looked at the floor. Yoda watched as Reeva's boot grounded into the carpet. "I…" he started before he trailed off.

"Doing poorly are you?" Yoda inquired as he watched Reeva become nervous.

"Not really…" Reeva answered softly. He wanted to tell Master Yoda everything. How he is being treated by his fellow Jetii. How Master Craven was always belittling him, putting him down.

"Doing poorly in his classes Instructor Craven says, that your fate is to be reassigned, it is. " Yoda asked, prodding the boy, "is this true youngling?"

Shock hit Reeva like a cruiser when Yoda told him what Master Craven had told.

Yoda watched as Reeva bit his lips to hide what he was feeling, but Yoda could feel the shock and anger within him. "There is no emotion," he said.

"There is peace," Reeva finished as he took a deep breath.

Yoda nodded his head, "Good, very good." he then began to walk out of the room. "Come, come," he said to Reeva.

Reeva looked around at the down remotes and to his training saber. "But what about all of this?" he asked. To which Yoda turned to him with a mischievous smile, "Master Tong worried about that, we should. Hrmmm," he chuckled. "Relax he needs to. A good mystery for him this will be."

With a snort, Reeva floated his training sabers back into the cabinet and followed the Grandmaster. Reeva noticed that they were not heading toward the living quarters. In fact, he wasn't sure where they were going. He wanted to ask where they were going but thought it would be best to wait and see. So he followed in slow silence.

"Getting conflicting reports about your instruction, we are," Master Yoda said after a while.

"Reports?" Reeva wondered.

Yoda nodded, "Yes, a part of the agreement to allow you to train as a Jedi this was," he explained, "Worried the council was, how your mother trained you."

Reeva wanted to defend his buir, but knew that it wouldn't help his case. In fact, it could work against him and all of his work.

"That you behave poorly," Yoda said as they walk, "Instructor Craven says, you do. Different other instructors say. Telling the truth who is? Hmm."

Reeva was going to say Master Craven, but something told him not to. This was a test. "It is not my place to say, Master Yoda, what do you believe to be true?" he said.

Yoda chuckled, "I believe Instructors Craven's emotions are getting in the way. Now sure I am not. Caught you practicing I have.

"I just want to keep my skills sharp," Reeva explained his face blank.

"Oh," Yoda said with a 'shocked' look, "holding yourself back are you?"

Under scrutiny now Reeva began to falter, "Sort of," he then sighed, "I'm not going to lie Master but most of the things I've already learned."

"Know more, than Master Craven you think?" Yoda said with a raised eyebrow, "Ready for the trials are you?"

"Yes, no, well, I" Reeva stuttered before he bit his lips and took a deep breath. "Yes," he began, deciding that it was best, to be honest, "I'm not saying that I'm better than everyone else, I know I have so much to learn, but I think I am ready to gain real-world experience."

"More to it there is," Master Yoda pointed out with his cane.

Reeva hugged himself wanting to keep quiet, but Yoda had hundreds of years of reading people of all races. "Prove yourself, you think.

The boy's head sunk, "Master Yoda," he said softly, "I know that a lot of Jetii think that I'm just some savage who only wants to fight. When they see me that's all they see, that or my mother. I'm alone, I have no one else."

Yoda hummed in thought, feeling the boy's depression grow as Reeva continued. "I know that I have to prove myself trustworthy."

After he was done talking the two continued in silence for a few moments. "Hold yourself back, to prove that you are not these things," Yoda said to Reeva as he came to a stop. "Prove yourself you do not, alone you are not."

Reeva cocked his head to the side as the Grandmaster continued, "The Force is your ally, is it not? Your clan, family is not? Young Ahsoka and Nahdar, friends are you not."

Reeva nodded.

Yoda smiled as he started walking again, "See, see alone you are not."

The two of them continued their walk in silence. Reeva looked around and made a note of how quiet and still it was. There was a sense of peace as if everything was right in the galaxy. "Calming it is," Yoda said, "The temple at night."

"Yes master," Reeva agreed.

Yoda let out a humm before he spoke, "Continue to practice you can, but if these sessions interfere with your studies. Stop them we will."

With a slight smile, Reeva nodded, "Yes master."

"Also visit the archives as well Master Jocasta tells," Yoda said giving the boy a sideways glance.

Reeva's face flushed for a moment before he answered, "Yes master," he said his speech getting faster as he moved on, "I love reading about history. Especially about the Order of the past, but not just that but other cultures. I just wish I could learn more particularly those before the Ruusan Reformation," he finished with a sigh.

"Lock that information is to initiates," Yoda explained.

"But why?"

"Not ready you are," Yoda said quickly before he let out a deep breath, "Careful young Ordo. Curiosity is good but unrestrained, leads down the dark side it can."

"But Master," Reeva said with confusion painted on his face, "if we don't learn from our past are we not doomed to repeat it?"

This is why Master Yoda loved teaching the younglings. They had such a pure view of the galaxy around them. Reeva was one of the few that actually had the curiosity to learn what goes on not just around him but what came before him. "Wise words those are," Yoda said with a smile, "worry do not. A time will come when you will learn what you seek. Patience for now."

"As you wish, master," Reeva said disappointedly.

Yoda chuckled, "True to yourself, you must be, and trust in the Force. A great Jedi you will become."

With that statement, the Grandmaster washed away the sorrow of the boy. Reminding him why he was there in the first place. He remembered his mother and father who were at Lothal. "Thank you, master," he said.

"Here we are," Yoda said as they turned down the hallway to the initiate's clan quarters. Bewildered, Reeva looked around, swearing to himself that he was sure that they were not heading in this direction. "Late it is," Yoda said with a chuckle at the younglings' shocked state.

"How…"

"900 years old I am, Lots of secrets I know," Yoda let out another chuckle before he turned around and walked back down the hall. "Good night youngling."

"Good night Master," Reeva said slowly as he watched the master hobble down the hall. When the master was nothing but a dot Reeva turned and walked towards his bedroom, his mind buzzing with Master Yoda's words. He didn't know how he should feel but he did feel...comfort. He felt as though he could get through Master Craven's belittlement and even Conner's snide remarks. It will be hard and difficult but he only had to deal with them for a little while longer. Soon he will be tested for the Gathering and after that, it will be time for him to take the Initiate Trials. Then he'll be selected by a master and become a Padawan.

With this clarity, Reeva picked up his pace. It was late after all.

...

Reeva paused and turned around. Something had tickled the back of his mind.

...find…

There it was again. Something was reaching for him. He could feel it, something cold was trying to grasp him.

...me...

He concentrated with his senses trying to find the source, but just as he tried the feeling went away.

With a shiver, Reeva walked back to his room. A sense of urgency in his steps. Whatever that was, he did not like it.

He did not like it one bit.


One Year Later

26 BBY

Coruscant-Jedi Temple

"Alright Initiates!" Instructor Craven called out to the Clawmouse clan. The younglings were buzzing with excitement at the coming announcement. In the room with them was the Battlemaster Cin Drallig and his Padawan Serra Keto. Normally it wouldn't be that big of a deal, Master Drallig would constantly come and oversee lightsaber training and teach younglings different forms of lightsaber combat, but this time was different.

"Do you think we'll get selected to do the Gathering," Ahsoka whispered to her friends Reeva and Nahdar.

The Gathering, a ritual that all successful initiates undergo, was coming up for Clan Clawmouse. Out of ten, only half would be allowed to participate. The rest would have to wait until the next cycle and would not be able to complete the Initiates Trials. It wouldn't be bad for the younger members of the clan as they had time, but for those like Reeva and Connor who were older, it was imperative that they complete theirs soon. Otherwise, they would be brought before the Reassignment Council and have their fate decided.

"Of course ad'ika," Reeva said back, "why wouldn't we."

"Perhaps you ticked off Master Craven too many times," Nahdar commented with a neutral face that changed to a smile when Reeva glared at him.

"It's not about feelings it's about skill," Reeva said before turning his attention back to the front where Instructor Craven held a data pad in his hands and was going through it.

"Which you lack," Nahdar pointed out, "According to Master Craven."

"That mir'osik has had it out for me from the beginning," Reeva said with a shake of his head, "Of course, he would say I don't have the skills, thankfully it's not him that I have to prove myself to."

Next to them Ahsoka got a nervous look on her face and grabbed her arm as she began to bite on her lower lip. Picking up her distress, Reeva turned to her, "What's wrong Ahsoka?"

Ahsoka cocked her head away from him and began to rub her hands together. "It's not Master Drallig who is deciding who is going," she said slowly pointing at the man in front of them. "It's Master Craven."

"WHAT!" Reeva yelled, causing the whole room to stare at them.

In the front Master Craven glared at the trio particularly at the source of the interruption, "Initiate Ordo," he said icily, "is there something you want to share with the class?"

"No, master," Reeva said with the end being an afterthought.

"As I was saying," Craven said, sending one final glare at Reeva before he continued, "Since I have overseen most of your lightsaber training I have been put in charge of selecting those that are ready to go through the Gathering."

A hand shot out from within the group. "Yes Jen-ai," Craven acknowledged the human girl with long brown hair tied up in a bun.

"What's the Gathering?" Jen-ai asked.

Craven tilted his head slightly, "That youngling will be revealed in time," he said kindly, "Just know that for you to continue down the path of the Jedi you must complete it." Holding up the data pad he continued, "When I call your name please step forward."

"Conner Donos," he called first and there was a round of polite clapping.

"No surprise there," Ahsoka grumbled as she clapped politely. Next to her Reeva stood the life sucked out of him. Sensing his distress she placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Hey it's going to be alright," she comforted, "You'll get chosen for sure there's no way you'll get passed over. You're one of the strongest fighters, both Master Xan and Drallig say so. Even though you hold back," she muttered at the end. "I don't know why you do though, you never with me."

"Because I respect you Ahsoka," Reeva murmured, "I would never dishonor you by not giving it my all."

Nahdar decided to chime in, "I agree with Ahsoka," he said, "You are talented and it is almost time for you to take the Trials. I…"

"Nahdar Vebb," Craven called out, cutting off the youngling.

Surprised Nahdar stood there blinking at the instructor, his mouth opening and closing. With a sad smile, Reeva pushed Nahdar forward, "Well get going or'dinii." With a slow nod, Nahdar moved to the front.

"Thank you for your trying to cheer me up, but I know how things are going to happen," Reeva lamented.

Ahsoka opened her mouth to say something but the sound of her name being called stopped her.

"Ahsoka Tano."

The youngling cast an apologetic glance at Reeva before slowly making her way to the front.

Unknowing to them they were being watched by Master Drallig. His blue eyes looked right at the somber Reeva.

"Master," Serra whispered, "Is something a matter?"

"Tell me, Serra," Cin said, his eyes never leaving the initiate even as Craven called another initiate. "What do you know about the Echani?"

"They are warriors are they not?" Serra answered quizzically.

"And the Mandalorians?"

"Also warriors but more bloodthirsty,"

Cin shook his head, "A common misconception that is taught here at the Temple."

"Master?"

"Mandalorians are a proud people, they are excellent warriors. This is true as they are one of but a few that can stand toe to toe with a Jedi, but what they value most is family.

I see.

And Echani value combat as a form of self-expression, they believe to truly understand someone you must fight them. As when you do everything is stripped away leaving only someone's true nature.

Is there a lesson in this master?

An observation," Cin said as he motioned toward Reeva with his head, "What do you know about that boy?"

Serra looked at Reeva for a moment before she answered, "That's Reeva Ordo," she said. "His mother was a part of our order but left to marry a Mandalorian.

Cin nodded his head, "Yes you may not remember her but she was a skilled warrior, she used her Echani training to learn her opponents and strike at their weaknesses. She was also the most compassionate Jedi I have ever known. Something her son seems to have picked up from her.

Master?

He's not going to be picked.

"What," Serra looked confused, "If he is as skilled as his mother then shouldn't he be going through the Gathering?

What is the first line of the Code?

There is no emotion, there is peace.

Correct, and that is why young Reeva will not be chosen by Instructor Craven to go on the Gathering.

Does Reeva have an issue with emotions?

"No, Instructor Craven does," Cin said as the final name was called and another youngling came up to join the line that was gathering in front of him. "Give me one of your sabers," Cin ordered his padawan, "and turn down the intensity."

Serra did so but with a questioning look. "Just watch my padawan," Cin said as he walked in front of the line of younglings that had gathered in front of him.

"Now listen to Master Drallig as he gives you your instructions for the Gathering," Craven said before he stood aside and allowed Cin to take center stage.

"Thank you, Master Craven," Cin said with a slight bow before he turned to the five younglings before him. "Initiates," he began with a smile, "Congratulations on being selected to go through the Gathering. The Gathering is one of our most sacred ceremonies. To successfully go through it means that you are one more step closer to becoming fully fledged members of the Jedi Order."

The Battlemaster smiled as he felt the younglings' excitement grow. "You will bring nothing with you except a change of robes," Cin said, "The rest will be provided for you by the quartermaster which you can collect at any time. Now younglings listen and listen well, you'll be escorted by a fellow Jedi and you follow and listen to them as if they were your master."

Cin took a moment to make sure that every chosen youngling was looking right at him. "You will meet them tomorrow at 0900 and depart immediately afterward. Do not be late, if you are, you will be left behind and must wait to complete the Gathering, if you get chosen again." He gave them a slight bow.

"You are dismissed."

The younglings began to file out chattering excitedly to each other, followed by a happy Craven. All but two who went over to comfort one another.

Cin made his way over to the trio as they slowly made their way out of the room. "Initiate Reeva," he called to them and all three younglings froze and looked up at him. "A moment please," he said looking at Ahsoka and Nahdar, "Alone please."

The two nodded and Nahdar patted Reeva's shoulder and left, but Ahsoka wrapped the boy in a hug and whispered something to him before she too left.

Cin watched as the two walked out of the room. "You have good friends, youngling," Cin noted as he held up Serra's lightsaber.

Reeva nodded, "the best Master," he said as he looked at the battle master.

"Cherish your friendships young one," he said as examined the saber's hilt.

"Yes, Master," Reeva said, "But I don't think that's why you wanted to see me."

'Perspective,' Cin thought as he held the lightsaber up for the youngling to see, "Tell me what is a lightsaber to the Jedi?"

"It's their life," Reeva explained, "It shows that they are members of the Jedi Order, it is a weapon and a tool." Cin nodded his head as the youngling went over the textbook answer. "But it also represents who they are as a person, who they are in the Force."

Cin nodded again but with a smile, "You are correct youngling," he said as he toss the blade to Reeva.

The boy caught it and held it in his hands. Cin allowed him to study the blade for a moment. "The lightsaber is the Jedi's life because without it they are defenseless to ATTACK!" Cin yelled as he ignited his blade with a snap-hiss. A bright emerald blade swung at Reeva who only had a split second to turn on his blade to block the attack.

Green met green as Cin Drallig used his height and strength to push down on the boy. Reeva began to struggle against the power of the elder master as he tried to shake the shock of the sudden attack. "Come now boy," Cin grunted, "You've been practicing in secret at night have you not?"

Reeva began to grunt as his arms began to burn, the blades getting closer to him.

"Is this the best Reeva Ordo can do?" Cin goaded, "Is this all the son of Kunon can give, is this the extent of the prowess of the Mandalorian warrior!"

That snapped Reeva into battle mode. Cin watched as the fear and uncertainty in the younglings' eyes disappeared and were replaced…

...with the eyes of a warrior.

"That's it," Cin said, "Show me what you got!"

Reeva tilted his body so the saber lock was broken and Cin slid with it. With a flick of his arm, Cin blocked the next strike that Reeva aimed at his side when he shifted past him. Regaining his balance Cin stood on his feet and turned to face Reeva. Cin then slipped into Form II: Makashi and watched as Reeva went into Form VI: Niman.

The move caused Cin to raise an eyebrow at the peculiar choice of lightsaber form. 'What are you up to?' he thought. Niman was also known as the diplomat's form. It was a form used by those that rather focus on diplomacy and other non-combative skills. All of which he knew that Reeva did not heavily focus on. So why…

Then it clicked to Cin when he noticed how Reeva was holding the blade. 'Interesting,' he thought as Reeva stood there looking right at him, 'interesting indeed youngling.'

Seeing as Reeva was not making a move Cin decided to force him to.

The battlemaster charged at the boy and flicked his downward blade up and was caught by Reeva's blade. Cin brought his blade back and lunged it at him only for it to be parried. Reeva used that opening to launch his own attack which was quickly blocked by Cin.

Off to the side, Serra watched as the two sparred trying to understand what her master was doing. She couldn't figure out why her master would spar with the youngling unless...unless he was testing him. Immediately she started to analyze the duel just like her master taught her. Cin would bring in Serra whenever he was teaching other younglings either to show proper form steps. She would also be brought in to study different sparring matches and would be asked by Cin what she noticed.

With this in mind, she studied Reeva as he sidestepped a downward slash.

Just like her master she too wondered why the youngling would choose such a mild form. Master Drallig was a master swordsman everyone knew that. It is obvious that such a form would be useless against him. So why…

Serra's eyes snapped open as she watched her Master get slammed with a powerful force push that sent her master flying across the room. She was even more shocked when she got a glimpse of her master's face. He was smiling, even Reeva had a smirk on his face as he charged the master. Cin was able to recover mid-flight and land on his feet just in time to block Reeva's blade from his jump attack.

Cin shoved the boy off and Reeva spun in the air to bring his blade back around for another attack. Much like someone who would use Form IV: Ataru. The attack was blocked and Reeva was pushed back again. This time he landed on one hand and pushed away just long enough to shift into Form IV and launch a series of jumps and spins to come at Cin from many possible angles.

Then it clicked for Serra. The reason why Reeva started off with Niman.

Form VI was created to have elements of all forms of lightsaber combat. It was supposed to be the jack-of-all-trades form. Simple to use and good for all instances. What Reeva was doing was more than that. He used that form to study Cin's fighting style much like a practitioner of Form III: Soresu. Reeva used it to poke and prod Cin's defenses and attacks. To find a weakness and when he did, he would easily shift to another form that was already woven into Niman. Niman also allowed Force attacks to be used within that form to help compensate for its inherent weakness.

Serra was impressed never seen a Jedi use Niman in such a way. If the youngling was skilled then why was he passed over for the Gathering? After witnessing this much she could see that he was ready so why?

Correct, and that is why young Reeva will not be chosen by Instructor Craven to go on the Gathering.

Does Reeva have an issue with emotions?

No, Instructor Craven does

'Instructor Craven,' Serra wondered, 'Is he purposely holding Initiate Ordo back?'

Serra couldn't really put the pieces together so instead went back to the sparring match.

Even though it was impressive, a youngling stood no chance against a master.

Serra was proven correct when Cin latched out his hand and grabbed a fist full of Reeva's robes and slammed him into the ground. Before the boy could get back up a blade hovered next to his neck.

With a frustrated grunt, Reeva turned off the lightsaber. Cin nodded and turned his off, clipping it to his belt. "That was excellent," Cin said between labored breaths.

"But I lost," Reeva said in between his own.

"Well," Cin said as he held out his hand to Reeva, "I've been at this a lot longer."

Reeva nodded and took the hand but he still looked troubled. Sensing this, Master Drallig asked, "Is there something else youngling?" The boy was still for a moment. The only motion was that of his heaving chest as it slowly began to recover.

"I...I'm just wondering what this was about Master," Reeva asked.

Cin nodded his head, "I will explain but first return Padawan Keto's lightsaber if you would please." Reeva's eyes grew wide as he looked at the saber in his hands and saw that it was in fact Keto's saber and not a training saber.

"My deepest apologies Padawan Keto," Reeva said quickly as he hurried over to give Serra her lightsaber, "I had no idea."

Serra giggled as she grabbed her lightsaber, "It's alright youngling, Master Drallig didn't really give you time before he began the sparring match," she said as she clipped her lightsaber to her belt. Reeva just nodded, his face flushed.

Cin chuckled as he stepped up to the two. "Well Initiate Ordo," he said getting Reeva's attention. "I think you should get going you have a busy day tomorrow."

Reeva cocked his head to the side his face blank. Cin smiled, "The Gathering takes place on a plant that is very far away."

Still confused Reeva scratched his head, "But Master, my name wasn't called?"

"As Battlemaster I'm clearing you to go," Cin explained as he rested a hand on Reeva's shoulder as the boy's expression changed from shock to joy. "You have shown that you are more than ready. While a bit rusty your skill are exceptional for someone your age."

"Really!" Reeva said with a smile threatening to split his face in half.

"Really," Cin confirmed with a nod.

"Thank you Master Drallig," Reeva said with a deep bow, his voice slightly cracking.

Cin chuckled as shooed the boy, "You don't need to thank me, you earned this, now go."

Reeva nodded his head before he zipped out of the room with great speed. Cin and Serra chuckled as the boy did so. "Apprentice," Cin said, turning towards Serra, "go to the quartermaster and let him know that one more will be going to Illum for The Gathering."

"It will be done," Serra said with a bow.

"Good," Cin said with a nod, "Now I have to alert the council of this development."


"So this is the list of the younglings in your clan that is going on The Gathering," Mace Windu said looking at the data pad that was given to him by Instructor Craven. Along with him to go over the list were Master Plo Koon and Yoda. They were currently just outside the elevator of the council chambers. For matters such as this, the full council was not needed.

Craven nodded, "That is correct Master."

Mace handed the data pad to Plo who looked it over. He was surprised and happy to see Ahsoka's name on the list. For a moment he felt pride to see that the youngling that he saved all those years ago was starting to flourish in her own right. Something, he suspected, was thanks to young Reeva. Without knowing he has helped her as much as she helped him. The Kel Dor felt as though those two will become fine Jedi.

Speaking of Reeva, Plo noticed that his name was not on the list. "Are you sure that this is everyone?" he asked looking up from the pad.

Craven nodded his head, "Yes Master Koon," he said resting his arms behind his back. "The rest of the younglings still need time to perfect their lightsaber skills before they can go on The Gathering. I am positive that next time around the rest of Clawmouse will be able to go."

"Including young Reeva, yes?" Yoda asked, also noticing that the youngling was not on the list. Knowing about the boy's extra training sessions not seeing the boy's name on the list was surprising, to say the least.

To his credit, Craven looked sad. "I'm afraid that despite my best efforts Initiate Ordo is having trouble with just the basics of forms," he said with a shake of his head. "I'm afraid that he may have to be sent to the Reassignment Council."

"Your decision, that is not," Yoda said, tapping his staff onto the floor, "clouded your judgment is."

Craven looked puzzled, "I do not understand Master?"

"We have been getting conflicting reports," Windu said slowly.

Plo nodded, "Yes it seems that in most of his classes Reeva does extremely well."

Craven shook his head, "Well I can't speak for other masters and instructors only what I have experienced, and in my experience, Reeva is not ready for The Gathering."

"Well by my experience I'd say he is more than ready," Cin said as he walked up to the Masters and gave them a bow.

"Test Initiate Reeva have you?" Yoda asked as he turned toward the Battlemaster.

"Yes Master Yoda," Cin said with a nod, "And while he has a long way to go, as most younglings do, he has mastered the basics of lightsaber combat. He is clearly gifted in combat, and so as Battlemaster, I give my approval for Initiate Ordo to partake in The Gathering." Cin finished his report with his arms crossed behind his back.

"With all due respect Master Drallig," Craven cut in his voice sharp, "I think you're mistaken, the boy is not ready."

Cin turned to the instructor with a raised eyebrow, "Oh, and are you a blade master?" he questioned

"No," Craven said through gritted teeth, "I am not, but what I do know is that Initiate Ordo is not mature enough to go through The Gathering." He held up a hand as he counted off his reasons, "He misbehaves during class, talks out of turn, is arrogant over subjects he knows little about, overly aggressive in combat, and he has even threatened other younglings."

"That's a serious accusation," Plo said with wide eyes.

Windu nodded his head as he raised a hand to his chin, "I agree," he said slowly as he pondered about the boy in question. He wondered if he should take over the boy's training. Ever since Reeva came to the Temple Windu was one of the Masters that would check in on him in secret. What he would sense from the boy was the dark side but it would always be pushed away by the light side. A darkness that would never go away, much like him. Perhaps he should train the boy. Something to discuss with Master Yoda at a later date.

"Yes, proof you have?" Yoda asked unconvinced by the accusation. Prideful the boy was, but violent he was not.

"I have none," Craven admitted bitterly to which Yoda shook his head.

"Decided it is then," Yoda said.

"Yes," Plo said looking at his fellow masters before shifting his gaze to the instructor, "Young Reeva will join his clan on The Gathering."

"As you wish," Craven said, his anger barely contained. He gave the master a bow and left, dismissing himself.

"We will discuss your behavior," Windu's cold voice said, stopping the retreating Instructor, "and whether you should continue to train younglings."

Craven looked back at the Master with a glare. "With all due respect Master," he seethed, "That is the decision of the Council of First Knowledge, not the High Council."

Windu narrowed his eyes, "That can be easily fixed," he threatened only for Craven to snort before he departed from the masters.

"I'm afraid that Instructor Craven is starting to lose his way," Plo said as he rubbed his mask, "His resentment of Kunon is starting to cloud his judgment and hinder his ability to teach equally."

"Agree, I do," Yoda said, "May need a change. Yes."

Windu let out a humm and thought for a moment before he spoke, "The Jedi Tournament is happening soon," he said, "If Reeva succeeds in The Gathering then he'll be ready for the Trials. Should he succeed in them and Instructor Craven's attitude doesn't change then we should step in and replace him."

"The Initiate Trials are still quite a ways away," Plo said concerned, "Should we not act now before Initiate Ordo's training is hindered permanently?"

Yoda shook his head, "No, agree with Master Windu, I do." he said as he closed his eyes and reached into the Force. "Testing young Reeva, the Force is. Overcome them he must, stronger he will because of it."


In Clan Clawmouse dormitories Reeva sleep in his bed with a smile on his face. The smile was quickly replaced as the boy shuddered in his sleep.

...come...to...me...