Chapter 21: Avatar on Trial

Hey everyone! I'm back with a new chapter. Boom! Two chapters in one day! You guys really went nuts for my last update. I knew you all would want this so I made sure to get this one out and ready ASAP. I've been planning this for a long time. I hope you like what I have planned. Please Review and Enjoy.

News of Shun's arrest after the Holocron mess had spread through the Jedi Temple and to the Senate.

In Palpatine's office, Jinora slammed her hand on the table startling the old man as they, Padme, Riyo and Bail sat with Holograms of Yoda, Mace and Obi-Wan.

"You threw our Avatar in jail?!" Jinora said outraged.

"Senator Jinora calm down." Padme said urging her to step back.

"Please, Senator. The Jedi must have a good reason." Palpatine assures.

"Reason yes. Good no." Yoda said.

"Padawan Namikaze has been charged with not only disobeying the Jedi Code but also has been corrupting the Order from within." Mace said as they saw the footage of Shun giving Anakin bending.

"What is this?" Riyo asks confused.

"It can't be." Jinora said amazed.

While everyone was focused on the footage no one noticed the smirk on Palpatine's face.

"Shun has given the power of bending to Anakin Skywalker now he will stand trial for this and his other misdeeds." Mace declares as Obi-Wan frowns.

"And what will happen to him if he losses?" Bail asks.

"Should he lose the trial…he will be expelled from the Jedi Order and his lightsabers destroyed." Obi-Wan declares horrifying them.

"Master Jedi, the Avatar is a vital key to the planet of Yuansu. As Supreme Chancellor, I insist we make sure the safety and well-being of his home are assured." Palpatine said.

"Agreed. Should he lose he must be at least allowed to return home." Bail said.

"Very well. We allow that should it be the outcome." Mace said.

"And what if we wins?" Jinora asks.

"After the trial is over we will discuss." Yoda said as they hung up.

"I'm sorry Senator but as this is a Jedi matter the Senate is not allowed to interfere unless it harms the Republic, but not to worry I will go check on the boy's well-being personally." Palpatine said.

"Thank you, Chancellor." Jinora frowns.

'Anakin what is happening?' Padme thought worried.

Needless to say, Riyo was not a fan of this either.


We soon find ourselves in a holding cell where Shun was locked up.

Sitting on what was supposed to be his bed, the door opens revealing Obi-Wan Kenobi.

"You know I didn't think it was possible but you might be a more difficult Padawan than Anakin ever was." Obi-Wan said.

"Hello Master." Shun acknowledges as Obi-Wan sat down across from him. "So what's going to happen?"

"You'll be held on trial by the council everyone is quite eager to learn more about you and this movement of yours." Obi-Wan said.

"The Gray Order." Shun clarifies.

"Yes that the Council will act as the judges in this manner. I'm afraid I'm on it too." Obi-Wan said.

"Let me guess you're here to scold me too?" Shun asks.

"Not yet. I have some questions and I hope you'll answer them honestly." Obi-Wan said.

Nodding his head, Shun looked at him ready to answer.

"Why do you do this? You haven't for a Jedi for even a year and yet you go and do all this? Giving Anakin and Ahsoka bending? Arguing with the council every time you hear something you don't like. Why do you insist that going behind the Council's back and that this is the right answer?" Obi-Wan asks pointing to the Gray Order necklace. "Why do you think the Jedi Code is wrong?"

"Because it is Master. It goes against everything I believe is right. Everything I needed to help me become the Avatar the Jedi are against. Haven't you ever wished you could walk away from this? Haven't you ever wished you could have something the Jedi wouldn't let you have?" Shun asks.

"I did…once." Obi-Wan admits. "I had strong feelings for someone when I was a Padawan. Had she said the word I would have left the Jedi Order."

"You fell in love?" Shun realized.

"Shun, I can't predict the outcome of this trial but I do know that whether you win or lose things will never be the same for you. Do you understand that?" Obi-Wan asks.

"I do Master and whether I'm ready or not I'll face it." Shun said.

Reaching out Obi-Wan put a hand on his shoulder.

"No matter the outcome I have enjoyed being your master and I hope you can still see me that way." Obi-Wan said.

"Thank you Master." Shun said as Obi-Wan stood up. "You think I have a chance of winning?"

"With you anything is possible." Obi-Wan smiles before leaving.

The next visitors Shun had were the Bad Batch and BD-1.

Beeping happily BD jumps onto Shun's back.

"Good to see you too little buddy." Shun said happy he was okay.

"Don't worry we've been keeping a close watch on him and Haya. They're fine." Hunter assures.

"Thanks guys." Shun said.

"Give us the word Shun we'll blow you an escape route, get you to the Falcon, and off this planet." Wrecker said.

"We got it all figured out. And we have the best escape route." Hunter said.

"I can't guys." Shun said.

"Sure you can just do your bending and break down that wall." Wrecker said.

"And live the rest of my life on the run? I don't think I can be much help that way. I have to say here for the trial." Shun said.

"That's the dumbest idea I've ever heard and I work with Wrecker." Crosshair.

"Yeah…hey." Wrecker glares.

"Agreed the odds of you losing this trial are 99.9999—" Tech counts.

"He doesn't need to know Tech." Hunter interrupts. "Kid are you really sure you want to do this?"

"I do, but if you guys want to help me grab Rex, Cody, Waxer and Boil. Bring them to my trial." Shun said.

Confused the clones were unsure what he had in mind but agreed to it.


That night, as everyone was asleep Ahsoka slowly made her way inside to see him.

Opening his cell, she walks inside to see him lying in bed.

"Hey there sleepyhead." Ahsoka said getting his attention.

"Ahsoka." Smiling for the first time Shun gets up and the two hug.

"Sorry I couldn't come sooner; everyone is preparing for your big trial. Master Skywalker and I have even been questioned because of that footage." Ahsoka asks.

"I'm sorry I dragged you two into this." Shun said.

"They said they might expel you from the order." Ahsoka said making him nervous.

"Master wasn't kidding. I'm in trouble." Shun said.

"They're making it public to all the Jedi in the temple. How are you going to handle this?" Ahsoka asks.

"I-I don't know." Shun said sitting down.

Seeing how stressed he was, Ahsoka sat next to him.

"Look I know you had a whole life before you came to the temple but so did my Master. Why are you so passionate about this? I mean why are you against the Jedi Code? Against not forming emotional attachments?" Ahsoka asks.

"Because…because when I was training to be the Avatar the emotional attachments, I made were the only thing that helped me get this far." Shun declares surprising her.

"Wait what?" Ahsoka said surprised.

"You know what it's like to find out you're the Avatar? For years I was sent all over the world to learn everything I could and so many times I felt I was going to break or that I wasn't good enough. But whenever that happened my parents and the friends I had made they would drop everything and call, talk to me or even visit me. It's because of them I'm the person I am today. Be honest Ahsoka how do you feel when you're around me?" Shun asks.

"I…I feel good. I feel like I can be safe around you like I can lower my guard and not have to worry about anything." Ahsoka confesses.

"And that's what's wrong with the Jedi Code they won't people like us have those attachments. That's why I have to see them tomorrow. That's why I have to go to trial." Shun said.

"I understand." Ahsoka said about to leave.

However, at the last second, she stopped herself.

Turning around Ahsoka ran back to Shun and kisses him on the lips surprising him.

"Ahsoka? Wha what was that?" Shun blushes.

"Me forming an emotional attachment." Ahsoka blushes. "I hope you don't get expelled Shun. I really like having you around." Ahsoka admits.

"Thanks Ahsoka I needed this." Shun said.

"We'll be at your trial. I promise." Ahsoka assures before leaving.

Watching her leave, Shun sighed hoping this wasn't the last he saw of her.

Leaning against the wall, Ahsoka put her hands to her chest and felt her heart beating fast.


Soon the day of the trial came, as Shun waited for the Temple Guards to come to escort him the door suddenly opens revealing Chancellor Palpatine.

"Well I'm sure popular today." Shun said.

"Forgive me young one. I just had to see you before this started." Palpatine said walking in. "Word of your deeds travels fast. Senator Jinora was ready to cause a hurricane she's so worried about you."

"And she's usually the calm one." Shun chuckles.

"It's so unfair. You only want to help and you were punished for it." Palpatine said.

"I know." Shun said looking away.

"The Jedi are too stuck in their old ways and think anything new is dangerous. They're too ignorant." Palpatine said.

"Really? I hadn't noticed." Shun sarcastically.

"But I recognize potential when I see it. You have it Young Man and I don't like seeing it wasted." Palpatine said.

"Thanks now if only more people could." Shun said.

"You know I like you Shun and I believe you could be great. Worse comes to worst seek me out and I'll help you." Palpatine offers.

Looking at him Shun sensed a hint of venom in his voice when he said that.

Suddenly the door opens revealing the Jedi Temple guards.

"Sorry Chancellor, but it's time for the trial." The guard said.

Standing up, Shun turns to Palpatine. "Thanks, sir but let's hope worse never comes."

"Ah to be young and full of hope. Good luck young Avatar." Palpatine chuckles as Shun made his way out. "You're going to need it."


As many members of the Jedi Order: Younglings, Padawans, Jedi Knights, and Masters gathered in the audience of a large courtroom we see the clones standing in a corner.

From a high platform, we see Jedi Council Members: Yoda, Mace Windu, Obi-Wan, Plo Koon, Ki-Adi-Mundi, Eeth Koth, Shaak Ti, Adi Gallia, and Kit Fisto acting as the judges and jury in this matter.

Near the front, Anakin and Ahsoka watched as the door opened revealing Shun to be escorted in by Temple Guards.

As one shoves him forward Shun turns around and glares.

"I can walk by myself." Shun said before approaching the stand and was lifted up.

"Padawan Namikaze, serious accusations, and violations have been levied against you. Aware of this are you?" Yoda asks.

"Yes Master." Shun nods.

"Tell us how long have you been trained in the ways of the Jedi?" Adi Gallia asks.

"Hmm about 7 months give or take." Shun said.

"And yet in such a short time here, you have done much to raise heads. Arguing with fellow Jedi, leaders of other planets, disobeying orders, bargaining with pirates, refusing to bring in a youngling, and starting an uprising." Mace lists.

"I didn't start any uprising." Shun defends.

"Then would you tell us what is that symbol around you neck?" Plo Koon points.

"It's a symbol…of the Gray Order." Shun declares making several Jedi in the audience gasp in surprise and confusion.

"Gray Order? I've never heard of such a thing." Shaak Ti said.

"Because I just created it." Shun said.

"So you think in the short time you were here you thought you were too good for the Jedi? That you need to go behind our backs and do this? After we allowed you to join at such a late age?" Eeth Koth asks.

"Tell me Masters what is a Jedi's goal?" Shun asks.

"You're the one on trial not us." Mace said.

"Just answer the question." Shun said.

"A Jedi's goal is to defend life." Kit Fisto answers.

"Can you define defend for me?" Shun asks.

"To protect from harm or danger." Plo Koon said.

"And isn't that what I was doing? I was protecting a mother from the emotional harm that she might never see her child again or that her last memory was handing her baby over to a fake Jedi who would probably turn said child into a monster. I did what I thought was right and I don't regret it. Seeing that woman's smiling face as I brought her child to her. It was amazing." Shun smiles.

"But you disobeyed the Jedi Code and brought the child to her. Did you not?" Mace asks.

"I did." Shun nods.

"But then you had to go and bestow a new gift to Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker and corrupt him into believing in your cause. Is that right?" Eeth Koth asks.

"I didn't corrupt anyone Master Skywalker wanted this on his own accord. He knew the struggle these families were going through. And he wanted to be more so I helped him." Shun said.

"Did you consider the consequences of your actions? What if Master Skywalker had died?" Shaak Ti asks.

"What's wrong with death masters? What are we all so afraid of? We all know we're gonna die someday." Shun said turning to Yoda. "Even you Master Yoda despite how crazy old you are you're gonna drop dead someday too. Death is a part of life; we can't fight it and we can't ignore it. Death is not the enemy. If we're gonna fight something, why don't we fight a real issue in this temple? Indifference. I've listened to your lecture about how we can't have emotional attachments, how we can't let our emotions get in the way. Attachments are a part of life Masters. When did being a Jedi mean you have to deprive yourself of everything that makes you a living being? That's why I've listened to your lesson and I believe they're wrong. A Jedi shouldn't just defend life but should also enjoy and improve life. This is what separates us from droids. If you fight a war you'll win or lose, but if you help one person I guarantee you you'll win no matter the outcome."

"How so?" Adi Gallia asks.

"I know your Jedi Code and what it states. 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, the is harmony. But that's not how a Jedi should look at life." Shun said.

"Then tells us what does your Gray Order represent?" Obi-Wan asks.

"There is passion, yet peace; serenity, yet emotion; chaos, yet order." Shun declares.

"All the things the Jedi Code forbids." Yoda said.

"It has the code of the Sith." Mace said.

"But also what you allow." Shun said. "It's not the Sith and it's not Jedi. It's the Gray." Shun said.

Turning around Shun had his back to the council and faced the audience.

"Hey we're not done." Mace said but Shun didn't listen.

Instead, he turned to the audience.

"To all the younglings and Padawans in this room and in this temple. Don't let these people numb you out. Always look for the joy and wonder in things. Let those be what drives you to be better and not just push it all away and deprive yourself of everything that makes you a living being." Shun begs.

"Padawan please turn and address the council." Mace orders but Shun didn't listen.

"And don't wait until you're shipped off to battle to get your humanity back because let me tell you no amount of training in this place can prepare any of you for the hell that is the Clone Wars. Start forming attachments with your fellow younglings, your friends, the ones you have trained alongside for as long as you can remember." Shun insists.

"Padawan." Mace repeats.

"And form bonds with those amazing men standing in the back." Shun said pointing to the clones. "Clones who can teach you, help prepare you for the worst. Every day those brave men fight through blood, sweat and shit for us. They're not just numbers or the same person. They are unique individuals and they can share so much with you all and so can the other Jedi. The ones who aren't dead from the heart up." Shun said looking at Anakin and Ahsoka.

"Padawan I demand that you turn and address the council." Mace said standing up.

Turning his head, Shun turns to face the council. "I don't want to be your enemy. I want to be a Jedi. And I still want to be a Jedi with all my heart." Shun declares.

Hearing this Mace sat back down to listen to this.

Sniffling Shun rubbed his eyes.

"I came to the Jedi Order because I wanted to help others. Because of that I've lost so much but I've also gained so much. I shared in the lives of clones and Jedi. I've laughed with them, I've cried with them. I've seen the horrors of war and what it brings to planets. This is where I need to be. And no matter what you all decide today I will still strive to create the Gray Order. Now you have the ability to expel me. You have the power to keep from having the title and the robes, but you can't control me, Masters. You can't stop me from learning you can't stop me from fighting. Take away my clone army I'll fly to planets on my ship and recruit others. Destroy my lightsaber I'll make a new one. If you won't teach me the Force, I'll learn on my own and fight with my bending. Nothing you say can bring me down. Now you all have a choice. You can have me as an ally or you can have me as an outsider. Either way, you'll probably still see me as nothing but a thorn in your side. But mark my words Masters…I am a thorn that will not go away." Shun said.

Hearing this the Jedi in the audience couldn't help but be moved by this Padawan's declaration. He may not have been in the Order long, but he knew enough to know what was right.

"Is that all you have to say?" Yoda asks.

"I hope not." Shun said.

"We will adjourn briefly to make our decision. Stay put until then." Obi-Wan said as the 7 Masters stood up to leave.

Turning around Shun looked around the room and he could feel everyone really listened to him.

In the back Wrecker sniffles softly.

"Are you crying?" Crosshair raised an eyebrow.

"No! I just had something in my eye that's all." Wrecker said.

"Wow no Jedi has ever given us that much credit before." Cody said.

"Yeah this kid is something else. No wonder you guys like him." Rex said looking at Hunter.

"Yeah that kid knows how to make you smile." Hunter smiles.

All around the room, the Jedi were discussing what he said. Needless to say, it was very mixed.

"Where does this kid get off saying all that?" Saesee Tim said.

"He does make a few good points though." Aayla admits.

"Master." Barriss said looking at Luminara.

"He's a bold one Barriss, his words are one thing but his actions are another. Part of me wonders if it's true though." Luminara said.

"I don't know Master, but…he is interesting." Barriss smiles softly.

She had never seen anyone call out the Jedi Council before but this definitely got her attention.

In one corner, the Younglings Shun had played with took what he said to heart.

"Hey we got to stick together right guys?" Cal asks.

"Absolutely." Petro nods.

Roaring in agreement Gungi suggests something.

"Good idea Gungi." Katooni said.

Looking down, Shun saw Ahsoka and Anakin smile at him.

"What do you think Master?" Ahsoka asks.

"Honestly his chances are better." Anakin said.

After a half hour, the doors open.

Making their way back in the Council took their seats.

Taking a deep breath, Shun turned to them ready for the final verdict.

"Padawan Namikaze, we find your methods less than appealing and your blatant disregard for thousands of years of training and rules to be frustrating and downright annoying." Mace said.

Cringing Shun braced himself for what was about to happen.

"However." Obi-Wan said standing up. "You somehow are able to improve the quality of life around you. You have the courage to stand by your beliefs even when faced with the worst possible punishments. The Council has voted and by a narrow margin of 1 vote we have decided to test you."

"Test me?" Shun asks confused.

"A chance. Prove the Gray is more than what we believe, you must." Yoda points.

"If your way is the true path of balance then not only must you master this new method of yours but you must also master ours." Shaak Ti said.

"So…I get to stay?" Shun asks in disbelief.

"You will continue your training under Master Kenobi where he and all the other Jedi will keep an eye on you and your methods. If you are able to earn the title of Knighthood you will prove to us that you and your methods are worth pursuing." Adi Gallia said.

"And if you can bring others to your side by choice, not by any other methods." Plo Koon insists.

"And what about the people who are or might want to join?" Shun asks.

"If this is what you claim it to be. They must come to you of their own free will." Mace said.

Hearing this Anakin and Ahsoka breathed in relief.

"You talk a big game young one, but let's see if you can back it up." Kit Fisto said.

"You gave us a choice. Now we're giving you one. What do you say?" Obi-Wan asks.

Throughout the room, everyone held their breath as Shun slowly looks up.

Stomping his foot down stone steps appeared and he walked all the way up the council to look them in the eyes.

"Bring it on." Shun smiles and instantly the tension in the room went away.

The Jedi Order and the Gray Order were now allies.


After the trial, Shun made his way through the Senate with Jinora alongside him.

"You have a lot of explaining to do. How did you unlock this skill? How long have you had it? How many benders have you made?" Jinora asks.

"Master I promise you I will answer all of them

"Ah Avatar. So tell me what happened with the trial?" Palpatine asks.

"I won." Shun smiles surprising him.

"What?" Palpatine said confused.

"Yeah I convinced the council to give me another chance. The Gray Order is happening and is now an ally to the Jedi. Which means I have to decline your offer." Shun said.

"Well as the Supreme Chancellor, I hope I can count on the Gray Order's cooperation in this war. Maybe when your numbers grow you can come to me with assistance. As the Jedi's link to the Senate, I'm sure yours will be a great addition." Palpatine.

"Thanks sir, but I'm good for now. The Jedi are part of the military but not the Gray. I'm afraid you have no control over what I do or what any future members of mine do. If you want our help you'll have to convince me to agree with you." Shun said.

"I see." Palpatine said tightening his fist.

"I just want to say I appreciate what you did for me but for now I just hope I can come talk to you from time to time. Assuming that offer still stands?" Shun asks.

"I think we can come to an arrangement." Palpatine said.

"I knew you would understand." Shun said before walking out.

Once he left, Palpatine narrows his eyes glaring at the door.

"Clever boy. It seems you're insistent on making things difficult for everyone." Palpatine said.

Looking out the window Palpatine looks down in the direction of the shipyard.

There we find tons of rubble and machine parts being taken out of the Republic Cruiser Anakin, Shun and Ahsoka were on.

Looking closely at the garbage being taken out in one pile we see mixed with the machine rubble were the destroyed parts of an old spy droid but the footage of its recording was missing.

"Very well Gray Order, we'll see how well you last." Palpatine declares as the parts were destroyed.