I haven't talked to you much on this story. I haven't had much to say. But this is the last chapter, so I should show that there is a living human being behind the story.

I couldn't figure out what the padawan ceremony is like, so I just made it up myself. I have a feeling that the clone wars movie might tell us, but I won't change this even if my idea is completely different than Lucas's, which it probably is. It's his own fault for not telling us.

I feel like I'm walking in a dream. Last night, I was going to sleep with the knowledge that Zefel had a master and I didn't. Now I am undoing my padawan braid and having it trimmed to the length of the rest of my hair. I'll re-braid it after I become Moyek's padawan. For now, I am a simple initiate again. It's like traveling back in time, but I won't forget what has happened since I did this last.

I look in my mirror. My black hair is down, and some of it threatens to hide my eyes. I comb my fingers through it and collect it in the back. That looks better. I tie it there.

Moyek is watching me with great amusement. She, of course, never got to fuss over hair like this. She never had a padawan braid. I miss mine. It will be strange to not have it even for even a half hour.

"Well?" she asks. "How are you doing?"

"It seems like I'm betraying my old master to be someone else's padawan."

"I felt the same way," she admits. "But my second master told me something that is very true, and I will tell you. Wouldn't the worst betrayal to your first master be if you refused to continue the teaching that he worked, and, in my case, died, to give you?"

"Yes, it would," I agree.

"It's just as bad to not be sad when they die."

It is as if she has heard my thoughts. I drop my hands and watch my reflection as she continues.

"I know you probably believe what the masters tell you, to believe in the moment and not form attachments, but it's not all true. You can't forget your friends and teachers after they die. That would be unfair to them. I know you were thinking about that. I've been the same place before."

"I was, but I think you're right." I turn away from the mirror. "I'm ready.

"Good."

We kneel, facing each other, in the middle of a circle of the twelve Council members. I have been here before with Oreti. The words for the ceremony are not fixed, but I remember the Council members prompting both of us so that we would cover everything necessary. This will be different, I think.

"Akite Chairu, Jedi padawan," Master Yoda begins. Here is the first difference: last time, I was addressed as an initiate. "Ready for a master your teachers declared you nearly two years ago. Took you as his padawan a young knight did. With this knight, Oreti Alo, you worked for many months, and much from him you learned. Two months ago taken from you your master was. Today, before us you kneel, and to continue your training you ask. Prepared for a master are you?"

This is one of the longest speeches I can remember having heard from him – other than the last ceremony, when he spoke of my childhood. I raise my head and reply, "I am prepared to continue my training under a new master, and I am honored to have been chosen." I continue with the required promises: "I will do my best to learn whatever you have to teach me, Master Yasi. I will follow you and obey when I can." They don't insist that we always obey. That would only get us into trouble. I add, daringly, "I will follow you until I may pass my trials and become a knight or die. Should you leave me, I will continue under a third master."

There is a murmur of surprise and, hopefully, approval. "Your dedication the Council appreciates," Master Yoda assures me.

Moyek smiles at me.

Master Windu addresses Moyek. I think that knights and masters are his domain. "Moyek Yasi, Jedi Master. Many years ago, your master was killed while protecting you, and we feared that you would never become a knight. Instead, we saw you apprenticed to a new master, then passing your trials, taking your own padawan, and finally becoming a master yourself. Then, your third padawan was killed on a mission, and we once again feared for you. Once again, you recovered, and now, though it has been three years since your padawan died, you are willing to take on a new one, one who has suffered her own losses. Are you prepared to take Akite Chairu as your padawan and guide her to knighthood?"

"Akite." She addresses me, rather than the questioner. "I am prepared to lead you on your road to knighthood. I will teach you all I can, protect you from death or injury when possible, and lead you away from the temptations of darkness. I hope that we will be able to stay together until you pass your trials."

This last comment is not part of the ceremony's requirements, but it is perfect for two Jedi who have suffered the loss of a master.

"This pairing the Council approves of," Master Yoda declares. "May strength you both find in these dark times."

That was not a part of the ceremony last time.

Without waiting for prompting, as Oreti did, Moyek takes my hands and looks into my eyes. I locate her presence in the Force – fierce, strong, even rebellious. I feel an enormous sense of betrayal to Oreti, but I think of what Moyek told me about that, and I take hold of her Force-presence. All masters and padawans bond this way.

"Master and padawan," says Master Yoda. "Rise you may."

We stand. The circle of masters parts in one spot, and I follow Moyek out of the room.

It isn't betrayal to Oreti at all. My master has returned.

The Force is warm inside me. We live in a dark world, but the light always remains if you wish to find it.

Well, this story is finished. But Akite's isn't. I'll be posting the first chapter of her next story next week. It moves away from Geonosis (at last!) and into the Clone Wars – well, a very atypical battlefield with its own war in the midst of the galaxy-wide one. I really hope some of you want to read it!