Echo: Why, hello, humans...*peeks out from dark hood*

Resist: Um, aren't we humans? *whispering to Echo*

*Echo just narrows her eyes at him*

Oni: *whispers to Resist* You haven't seen her in person….she cray-cray…

Resist: *whispering reply* Yeah, I picked up on that. Anyway, *turning to readers* Hope you guys enjoy this chapter.

Green: As always, Resist and Echo don't own anything….really….like….at all

Echo: *fake laughs* We don't own Star Wars or any of its characters. Thanks for reading!

Star Wars: The Clone Wars

Starting Over

(Council chambers)

Windu looked to the Chamber's entrance to see Master Kao arriving precisely on time with her Padawan, who to the council, has become a slight thorn in the side. This Padawan, Arthur Perry, has been in front of the Council for reckless behavior countless times and is only at the beginning of his journey. Perry's leash has shortened and with this new development, Windu wasn't sure how the outcome would turn out.

"Master Kao, please stand with your Padawan for now, and give us your account of what happened on Delphon" he ordered, though his voice was not raised nor did it carry any foul emotion toward her or her padawan.

Oni sighed and stepped forwards next to Arthur. "Arthur was ordered to remain on General Tano's cruiser while Marshal Commander Alpha-3 and I gathered up information on local gang activity on the planet surface. He disobeyed orders and took a gunship down to the surface, accompanying Delta Force on a top secret mission. It is to my understanding that he almost killed a man using the Force and then went rogue for a short period of time. Tano tried to apprehend him, only for him to reveal he knew the location of stolen Republic weaponry. My Padawan wanted to use the weapons as ransom for an acquaintance who was being held hostage by the gang leader. Due to the illegal nature of his proposal, General Tano and I opted to call in reinforcements rather than turn over the guns.

She paused to make eye contact with her fellow Councilmen, also with Arthur. "However, Arthur made an attempt at escaping and would have succeeded if Delta Force hadn't aided my team in apprehending and arresting him." Oni's face went blank and she awaited any further questions. She hated the fact that she had to, for the lack of a better term, tattle on her own Padawan. But, if he does not face the consequences of his actions, he might be pulled further towards the Dark Side as Dooku predicted.

Windu then turned his gaze to the Padawan that stood by his master, "Do you have anything to add Padawan?" he asked Arthur.

Arthur had remained silent through his master's description, something that he didn't do the last council meetings he has had. Arthur looked up at Master Windu, and shook his head, "No Master" was all he said. Kao was proud that he did not choose to defend himself and possibly damage his case further. Master Windu is not a Jedi to pick a fight with.

Oni looked around at her fellow Councilmen, analyzing their faces. She saw the tired, battle-worn face that she always tried to conceal. Narrowing her golden brown gaze, the woman turned to gaze out of the Chamber windows. Life on Coruscant was practically normal even in war, but here before her is the evidence that times really have changed. Before the war, Jedi did not wear these faces or point fingers at one another when something went wrong.

The Jedi Master resisted the urge to shake her head. Everything felt wrong now. Had Arthur done what he had a few years ago, he would not be brought before the Council on terms of insubordination; he would have been sentenced to some meager punishment. Training Younglings for a few weeks, maybe? Oni felt confused and trapped. What have the Jedi been forced into? What have they become?

"Outside you two must go. Punishment to discuss we have," came the raspy voice of the old and wise green Jedi Master. Arthur and Oni made their way out the chamber doors and waited to be called back in. The female Jedi had a calm expression as usual, but her thoughts and eyes betrayed her. They displayed the growing frustration and anger boiling inside, like a volcano ready to erupt.

Oni had calmly taken a seat on a bench that was outside the entrance to the Jedi Council, while Arthur paced back and forth in front of her. As he paced in front of her, he was chewing on one of his nails.

Kao hardly noticed visually, but felt his anxiety. "You're not helping, young one," she said without emotion. Oni was bottling up her feelings again; pushing them into a safe and locking them away for later...for another time. Fixing her armor, she brushed off her battle skirt and folded her hands in her lap. Her eyes seemed to focus and lock onto something, but nothing. They widened for a moment and she snapped her head off towards the hallway to her left. Her eyes scanned the space, as if someone had called out her name. Shaking her head, she turned back to Arthur.

"I'm sorry. I just feel like I finally got a grip on the bigger picture and I don't want to get kicked out, before I can even prove to anyone that I can be better," he said still pacing and biting his nails.

Oni sighed, "This is war, Arthur...the rules have….changed. I don't know if the Council is willing to give fourth chances." She glanced back down the hallway, her eyes focusing as she tilted her head.

Arthur walked to the end of the hallway closest to his master and banged his head on the wall, "I'm finished. There is no way they let me back in" he said as he slowly sank down to the floor. Kao snapped her gaze towards him and glared. "Arthur!" the woman scolded, "Seriously! The whole self-doubt thing is really trying my patience!" She scoffed and sat back on the bench, folding her arms across her chest in a pissed-off manner.

Arthur flinched, "You would too, if you completely struck out against a council of very powerful people who could kill you with a simple look. Kinda like the one that's on your face right now" he replied, hoping to lighten the mood a bit.

"No, I didn't, thank you very much," Oni said coldly, "I stood there and accepted my mistakes. I accepted that I had messed up and that I needed to suffer the consequences and try harder to achieve my goals. I didn't let me indulge in self-deprecation." Kao huffed and glared at the floor, "This is no joking matter, Arthur. This is serious."

"I know" he said, looking to the floor, nervousness was easily noticeable. He looked at his master, but quickly looked away and back to the floor when she made eye contact with him. He had tried to lighten the mood, but she shot it down pretty quickly. He wished he could start over and be more obedient if this was where he was going to end up.

"All of this is the reason why I told you to do what Green and I say and when we say it," Oni started, still looking at him, "You do understand now that this is the reason why?"

Arthur nodded his head, "Yes I understand" he still didn't look at her. He was ashamed and angry with himself about not realizing or understanding things that he now understood, but he felt that he was a little too late.

"Patience, Arthur," Oni sighed, "Patience."

(Ten minutes later)

The Temple Guards escorted Oni and Arthur back into the Council Chambers, where fate was yet to be witnessed. Both the Jedi Master and the Padawan bowed in respect as the Councilmen glued their eyes to the pair.

"We have reached a decision," Windu spoke up after receiving a confirming glance from Yoda. "Arthur Perry, we believe that you are not yet ready to take on the pressures of being a Learner. You are to report to the Mountain Pass Clan for further training. We will assess you at a later time to see if you meet the requirements of becoming an apprentice."

Oni felt her stomach twist into a knot and she blinked a few times before shutting her eyes closed tight.

Arthur bowed in respect, "Yes master" and he turned to leave the Council chambers and do as he was told. At least I wasn't completely kicked out, he thought as he made his way out of the chambers. He made his way past his master, but didn't make eye contact. He didn't want to see the look on her face. He probably would never see her again, or at least not be her Padawan. He figured he might pass her in the halls of the temple while doing Clan stuff.

Kao turned to Windu as soon as Arthur was gone and sighed. "Master, please," said Oni, "I know he's reckless, but Yoda assigned him to me to teach me a lesson, a lesson I don't yet know. Why are you taking the boy out from underneath my wing?"

Yoda surprised Oni by speaking up. "Ready for a Padawan, you are not, Oni." She stared at him, completely dumbfounded. "Then why did you assign him to me?" she asked. Yoda chuckled, "To teach you a lesson, I wanted. Ready for anything, you thought you were. Proven yourself wrong, you have."

"I understand, but," Oni looked around frantically, "What am I if not ready to teach a pupil?" Yoda laughed again and looked to Windu, nodding. The far younger Councilman turned to the others. "This meeting is adjourned." The Jedi Masters stood up, bowed, and retreated. Only Yoda, Windu, and Kao were left in the Chambers.

"Please, sit," Windu said, gesturing towards Oni's seat, which has been empty for weeks due to her constant call to battle. Once the woman had taken her spot and glanced back over, he continued. "Arthur is dangerous, Oni," he said, "The Council discussed this many times and we believe the darkness in his heart is too risky. We were wrong to push him into your hands, as you are not yet ready to teach the older, more stubborn Padawans."

Kao looked over at Yoda, who was smiling grimly. "What are you suggesting?"

"That you start teaching Younglings," Windu answered, "The war has taken away many of our teachers. Besides, your new position will keep you within the Core Worlds most of the time, so you'll be able to pass on your knowledge easier."

"Wait," Oni held up a hand and sat on the edge of her seat, "New position?" She knew this was coming one day, but not this soon.

(Arthur)

Arthur walked down the hall, he was glad that he wasn't completely kicked out of the Jedi Order, but he didn't want to be bumped back down to a 'Youngling' again. He knew it was his fault and that his arrogance had lead him to this point. The thought of just leaving crossed his mind, but only for a split second, What is a man who can't face his consequences head on?

He wouldn't admit it outloud, but this whole situation he was in had made him see the error in his ways and he felt stronger, wiser, and more relaxed when around others. He didn't feel like the reckless, and angered boy he was when he first started. He knew that person was still inside him, but he felt like he had better control over himself. It figured that he would finally be able to tame the beast inside him when it was too late. He figured the Council would never let him rise back up to the ranks of Padawan ever again, not when Master Kao is going to be given her new position in the coming days, he thought, I'll be stuck in this Clan forever.

(Council Room with Oni)

"Yes," replied Mace, "While you were on Delphon, the Council discussed who should receive the title of Master of the Order now that I cannot carry it." His words processed in Oni's head, but she didn't change her facial expression of pure shock. "Oni," Windu continued, "We believe you are ready for this responsibility."

Kao scoffed, "But not for the privilege of teaching a student?" She wasn't expressing anger, rather confusion. Yoda hummed, earning her attention. "Ready to teach his calibre, you are not. Have the ability to pass knowledge onto the younger students, you do. Made its decision, the Council has."

Oni nodded, a smile slowly forming. "Thank you, Masters," she paused, "But...wouldn't that mean I would be stationed here on Coruscant? What of my men?" Her questions got the two elder Masters thinking. Mace answered. "Alpha-3 and the Tenth Star Corps will remain under your command," he said, "But we'd only send you out when absolutely necessary. Until then, you and the Rangers will stay on Coruscant as security detail."

Kao sighed, knowing that even though Green would be on the planet with her, it would be ten times harder for them to be alone together. It was another obstacle that they would have to face. "Alright," Oni spoke softly, "I accept the offer." Her own words pained her, but she knew she had a duty to the Jedi Order. Passing on knowledge to the youth was a part of being a Master and an experienced Jedi. The woman sat up straight and looked Yoda and Windu in the eyes, so that they knew she was serious.

(Arthur)

Arthur made his way through the temple till he was able to find the Mountain Pass Clan. He was nervous and his adrenaline was rushing, mostly from the Council meeting. He hoped that he would become Oni's Padawan again, but he would have to prove he was ready and the first step was to meet the Clan, so he entered the room where they were at.

The first thing he noticed was that the room was full of familiar faces. To be specific, it was the faces of the Padawans he and Oni took to Illum for the Gathering. They all stared at him in shock, noticing his Padawan braid was gone and that he didn't look all too happy.

The gray-skinned Togruta, Meela, spoke up. "Padawan Perry! Where's Master Kao?" she asked, looking around Arthur as if Oni would suddenly pop out.

Arthur looked behind him as well, hoping Master Kao was there as well, but he knew she wasn't going to be. "I ummm, well she is at a meeting and I've been made a Youngling, because I got in trouble. I tried to rescue someone, but I put a lot of clone's lives at risk, and so I went rogue, so only I was at risk, but I was caught and arrested for insubordination and now I'm here," he told her and the others that were now listening.

All of the children gasped in some way and stared at him with dropped jaws. "B-but," Meela started, but couldn't finish.

Arthur couldn't say anything else to them. He looked at their shocked faces and dropped jaws and he felt pain. These same kids looked up to him when they went on their Gathering trip. He felt like he betrayed them. "I'm sorry" is all he said.

"Why?" the Twi'lek boy, Nab'sike, asked, narrowing his gaze and closing his mouth, "Why are you saying sorry to us?" One of the twins, the blonde one, smiled. "Yeah, you didn't do anything to hurt us," he said, trying to give support.

Arthur gave a slight smile, "You looked up to me. I was stubborn, reckless, and didn't follow orders. I'm not a role model to admire to become. I am trying to fix that though" he said, looking at the blond haired twin.

"But you are," the brunette twin, Arin, said, "You accepted your mistakes...and are now dealing with the consequences."

Arthur gave her a smile, "Thanks, but I shouldn't have made the mistakes in the first place. I should have known better and listened to Master Kao in the first place." Meela tilted her head to the side as she nodded, "Yes, but now you know that you messed up. It's better to feel guilt and know your mistake, than to be ignorant and keep making it over and over again. Don't you agree?"

Arthur nodded at her, "Yes, it is" he said, before deciding to change the subject, "So what are we doing now?" he asked. He was told to report to the Clan, but he wasn't sure what to do once he got here.

"Well," Arin began, sitting on his bedroll, "We usually meditate before our lightsaber practice. I heard we're getting a new Master today, so I'm not sure what form we'll be working on today."

"Oh?" He said, having a weird feeling, "Best not keep them waiting" he said, but realized he still had his personal possessions in a bag he had over his shoulder. He looked at the empty bedrolls, "Uh, which one is mine?" he asked.

"You can have the one next to Amer," Meela said as she sat down on her own bedroll. She saw the look of confusion on Arthur's face and pointed to the blonde twin, "That's Amer."

Arthur shook the boy's hand and sat his bag on the bedroll, "How are you guys doing with your lightsabers?" he asked. "Good," Nab'sike, the Twi'lek, answered, "We've been learning a bit of Soresu from Master Yoda."

"Nice, well when are these lessons? Can't wait to see who the teacher is going to be" he added the last part, though he had an idea, and wasn't looking forward to it.

"I'm hoping for Master Fisto or Kenobi," Arin said, "Kit brings us outside for training and Kenobi actually duels with us." Arthur smirked, "I could always duel with you. I always get my butt handed to me with Oni or other Jedi we meet on our journeys," he said, looking at Arin, while giving a chuckle.

Meela and Arin gave each other a look. "Well, it's all up to the teacher on who gets to train with who," the Togruta said, "You haven't been a Youngling before, so there's a lot you need to catch up on."

Arthur smirked, "If the teacher is who I think it is, then I will be catching up pretty quickly," said Arthur, before losing his smirk, "Should we go to class now?" He asked, not sure when they actually left for class. "No, we meditate first," Amer said quietly, sitting down on his bedroll. He closed his eyes and folded his hands in his lap. The other Younglings followed suit and sat down. Arthur followed their lead, since he was the newb and quickly started to meditate on his bedroll, after moving his bag out of his way.

(Training Room)

Oni walked into the Training chamber, ready to teach her first class that day. Master Yoda had informed her that Aayla Secura, the main teacher of this group, was called back to battle and needed a Master to fill in for her. Windu had assigned her to the Rancor Clan in the days following, so she knew she shouldn't get too attached to these students.

She was surprised to see the same Younglings that she and Arthur took to Illum. She then noticed the slightly older student among them. It was Arthur. However, Kao maintained her composure and gave each student a warm smile. "It's good to see you all again," she said with a respectful bow, "How has your training gone since the last time I've seen you?"

Arthur continued to look at his crossed legs and tried to keep his eyes closed. He didn't want to look at her because it would just remind him of things he was trying to move past. He also felt that he didn't deserve to look at her, since he failed her so many times. The other Younglings however were full of energy and really pleased to see Master Kao, "I'm the best with the lightsaber!" shouted Meela as she raced forward to greet the Jedi Master. "I'm the best pilot by far!" bragged Arin.

Oni laughed lightly and rested a hand on Meela's shoulder. "You all are indeed ready to become a Padawan. All you need to do now is pass your Initiation. Then a Master or Knight will choose you as an apprentice."

Arthur allowed a faint smile on his face, but continued to try and not make eye contact with his former master. Meela on the other hand was trying to stop herself from jumping up and down. Arthur could tell that all of these Younglings worked hard at becoming a Padawan and he hoped to follow as well. He wouldn't admit it, but the short time he has been around them, he feels they are his role models. He hopes to also live up to what they expect of him as well.

"Alright," Kao started, "What forms have you been working on with Master Fisto? I heard you children like going outside to practice katas with him…"

Amer then spoke up, "We are starting to learn Soresu. Master Secura was suppose to start teaching us about it today" he said, giving a smile to Master Kao.

"She's very talented with the lightsaber," Oni smiled and then unclipped her right hilt. Using the Force, she levitated it into the air and sat down on the floor, the weapon floating above her lap. "I hope that each of you one day will be able to achieve skills like the ones she possesses. Now, take out your lightsabers."

Arthur didn't make any move to make himself more noticeable to Master Kao and just did as she said, using the force to levitate his weapon in front of him, still not looking at her. The other Younglings scrambled to get their lightsabers out and follow Master Kao's instructions.

"What do you see in front of you," the Jedi Master asked. When she saw their confused faces, she continued, "I don't see just a lightsaber...I see my life and the life of others. Understand this, children: your lightsaber is your life and you are responsible for what you do with it. Your life and the life of those around you are in your hands when you wield this weapon."

Arthur remembered his first lightsaber being taken by Grievous and though Green had helped him through this part of his past before, he still felt responsible for what Grievous would do with his blade. The Younglings all looked at their lightsabers and nodded their heads in agreement with Master Kao, "What about Arthur's first lightsaber being taken by Grievous?" asked the Twi'lek boy, Nab'sike. Arthur visibly winced at the question.

"Whatever Grievous does with the weapon is on him, for it is his hand that wields it," Oni said casually. She didn't even flinch at the mention of her former Padawan or the loss of his first lightsaber; she wouldn't allow herself to dwell on it.

Arthur visibly twitched again after his former Master answered the question. Though he moved on from his past, the subject was still an uneasy one for him. Arthur stole a glance at his former Master but quickly looked away for fear of meeting her eyes. The twin, Amer, couldn't wait to start learning Soresu from Master Kao that he couldn't contain his excitement, "When are we gonna learn to use Soresu from you, Master Kao?" he asked rather excitedly.

Kao chuckled, "Patience, young one. You and your clanmates will learn soon enough. Remember, the path of a Jedi is a long and tedious process. Only those who have the will to wait and put in the time will become a Knight. Even then, you will face trials for the rest of your life." She paused and glanced at every Youngling, including Arthur. "I see each and every one of you becoming strong users of the Force. Some of you will go on to be Healers, others will choose the path of Guardian or Sentinel. But to get to that point, you need to have patience."

Meela tilted her head, her small lekku swaying as she did so. "How long does it take to become a Knight, Master?" Oni looked off in thought before answering. "It is not set in stone. Many Jedi spend over a decade learning from their Masters. It's rare, but some can finish their training and pass the Trials in five or so years. I can't tell you for sure."

Arthur couldn't help but think about how awkward the whole situation in front of him was. After being torn away from Master Kao, after being deemed not worthy of carrying the weight that came with being a Padawan, and made a Youngling, here he was learning from her again. He felt as if the Force enjoyed playing these types of games with him.

Amer shook his head. "I don't understand, Master. If some Jedi are more prepared than others, why do we have to be of a certain age to become a Padawan?" Meela and Nab'sike nodded their heads, affirming their confusion as well. Oni sighed as she put together a response, "Well, we want every Youngling to have the same opportunity to achieve the title of Padawan, so we hold Initiation trials when you turn fifteen."

"Is this why Arthur wasn't a Youngling when he joined? Since he was already fifteen?" asked Meela, who looked at Arthur, who was still levitating his lightsaber in front of him with his eyes closed. Oni nodded, "Yes, this was one of the determining factors. But the main reason was because we believed one on one training would help with his quarrel with the Dark Side."

Arthur knew they were talking about him, but he didn't really care. He could hear the concern in the Younglings' voices when they asked questions about him. He did lift an eye slightly to see everyone's faces before closing it again and concentrating on his lightsaber. "His quarrel?" asked Arin.

"Yes," Kao started, "Arthur, due to not having someone to teach him how to control his power when he was younger, endured pulls to the Dark Side of the Force. He wasn't fully converted, but still needed guidance back to the Light."

"Has it ever….um...consumed him?" asked Meela, concern for her friend evident in her voice.

Kao glanced over at Arthur. "I believe he should explain for you. Only he can tell you what it did to him."

Arthur hesitantly lifted one eyelid and saw pairs of eyes on him that showed concern and interest in his past, "It pulls at me constantly, though I have gotten better at keeping it at bay thanks to Master Kao and Master Tano's teachings. It hurts and feels cold. However, I always blackout and have no control over my actions until someone tells me what happened" he explained, giving a quick glance to his former Master, and then focused on the Younglings again. "Have you ever witnessed it?" asked Ameer to Master Kao.

"His encounters?" Oni asked rhetorically, "Yes, I have witnessed one before. It's hard for a Master to see their apprentice struggling, knowing that it is your job to help them."

"What was it like?" Asked Amer, interested and concerned for Arthur. Though Arthur didn't mind them talking about him, he felt like this conversation was going a little too far, but he said and showed nothing that would tell them that he didn't approve of the conversation. He decided that if they knew what happened to him, then they would be able to learn from his mistakes.

"He was completely enraged and willing to destroy anything in his path," Oni said honestly, "That is what the Dark Side turns you into: a destructive monster with no thought of repercussions."

"Sorry if we crossed some kind of line Master Kao" replied Meela, looking at Arthur. She was by far the most advanced of the group and could sense things before the others. She could feel Arthur's uneasiness and tried to stop the conversation before the others would sense it.

"Sometimes a Jedi must go beyond their comfort zone to learn and adapt, Meela," Kao said. Looking at all of the Younglings, she stood up. "I'll be nice today," she chuckled, "Let's go outside and practice Soresu."

The Younglings got really excited about this and stood up right away, ready to learn. Arthur was a little bit slower to do so, since it was his first lesson, and didn't see the difference between outside and inside, though he figured he would be here long enough to see why the others enjoyed going outside, since the Council doesn't really like me, he thought. As he and the Younglings made to leave the room, he didn't make eye contact with Master Kao as he walked past her.

Resist: Well that's another chapter down and plenty more to come, at least till Order 66 anyway…

Arthur: What's Order 66? *asks cautiously*

Echo:uh…..NOTHING! *pushes Arthur out of the room* Phew...that was close

Resist: Yeah *wipes sweat from forehead* Sorry about that.

Echo: *un-breaks fingers* Thank you all so much for reading and supporting Resist and I. We really appreciate it. Please stop by again for our next chapter! Have a great day!

Resist: *waves hand in front of readers* You will type a review for Echo and I….

Arthur: Just a reminder, Make sure to check out the other Star Wars story that takes place between Chapters 4 and 5 of this one. It's on Resist's page. Make sure to leave a review, he's still waiting for the first one for that story, which is titled The Bond Between Master and Apprentice