Fun Fact: In Tales of the Jedi, Young Qui-Gon is voice by Micheal Richardson, Liam Neeson's son. They intend to keep Qui Gon close to Liam Neeson's heart. Like father, Like son:)
I don't own Star Wars: The Clone Wars or its characters, but I only own Nadia Aomori and my other OCs.
Enjoy!
Threads of Destiny
Chapter 63: Knighthood
Nadia was in her room, writing down in her diary about the problems that were occurring due to the Clone Wars continuing in the galaxy.
Dear diary,
Another day has passed by and the galaxy-spanning conflict between the Galactic Republic and the Separatist Alliance is still raging on. The fighting between them has swept through the galaxy for three years. I don't like being the bearer of bad news, but I have a feeling that things that won't go well in the end of this war. The number of people blaming the Jedi for the cause of the Clone Wars throughout the galaxy is growing everyday. The members of the Jedi Council are emotionless machines that follow a Jedi Code that is bringing them nothing but a barrier between the people they're supposed to protect. Then again, the Old Republic collapsed amidst the conflict between the Jedi Order and the Sith Order. Despite the victories and losses, it seems we're further away from finding Darth Sidious as well as his true identity. The Sith Lord's ultimate goal was to restore the Sith Empire and cause the complete eradication of the Jedi Order. I fear for my life and the lives of the people I care about, if the worst ends up happening…
After she finished writing, Nadia closed her diary and placed it in her backpack before laying down on her small bed.
Like many people, she was getting tired of being part of a conflict that was ongoing and didn't seem to be ending anytime soon.
She was a seventeen year old girl.
Girls her age were supposed to be independent than ever, but probably still facing a lot of ups and downs in her teenage years.
Though her ambition was experiencing a career, living life to the fullest and finding love.
Soon after coming out of her thoughts, Nadia closed her eyes and fell into a deep sleep.
Though some of the Jedi had went to sleep due to being the night hour, Obi-Wan and a couple of the Jedi High Council were in a secret meeting at the High Council Chamber.
"Our numbers have been dwindling before and now this?"Ki-Adi-Mundi asked.
"Yes, we need more knights."Shaak Ti admitted.
"I now this will generate debate."Obi-Wan spoke up."But I suggest in this time of war, we forgo the trails and promote my Padawan Nadia Aomori to Jedi Knight."
"This is preposterous!"Oppo Rancisis stated."We can't set aside our most hallowed traditions!"
"Hmm...Palpatine has been requesting this for months now."Eeth Koth commented.
"Politicians have no force in Jedi matters."Mace Windu reminded with a frown.
"Well, she is a selfless warrior and one of our most elite Jedi Commanders."Kit Fisto remarked.
"But she is reckless with her gifts."Depa Billaba admitted.
"Sometimes in the past, yes."Obi-Wan stated and stood up from his seat."But regardless, Nadia has been through things more difficult than the trails. Surely she has passed the trail of skill when she fought against Ventress and Count Dooku. She also succeeded in the the skill of flesh when she was at the dangerous clutches of Darth Maul during the Death Watch's attack on Mandalore. And she has continued to pass every test of courage this war has dealt her."
"She seemed to have more than one trail left to face."Saesee Tiin commented.
"Testing the spirit."Shaak Ti said.
"Facing the mirror."Eeth Koth added.
"And that is what concerns me."Oppo Rancisis admitted."To walk the path of the Jedi, one spirit must be strong. That requires discipline and she has often disobeyed you. Has she not, Master Kenobi?"
Obi-Wan nodded with a sad look.
"Did you not disobey me from time to time in your youth, Master Rancisis?"Master Yoda questioned.
Master Yoda closed his eyes before opening them and replying to his companions.
"An adjust obey this is. But in these times of war need all the knights we can."Master Yoda replied."A development has young Aomori's reputation had become. So do will be her trails. Trust in the Force I do. A Jedi Knight, she shall be."
The following morning, Nadia decided to have a simple bowl of porridge for breakfast before heading off to her next training session with Obi-Wan.
But to the raven haired girl surprise, she didn't find her master at the combat training chamber.
"How weird."Nadia said in confusion."Obi-Wan said I had training today."
Suddenly, Nadia's comlink started beeping and she picked it up to answer it.
"Young one, your presence is required in the Tower of First Knowledge."Obi-Wan stated.
"Be right there, master."Nadia replied.
Nadia placed away her comlink before making her way to the Tower of First Knowledge.
Maybelline was walking by herself in the Jedi Temple's veranda.
"I know I'm still a kid."Maybelline remarked with a smile."But when I grow up if I become a beautiful and amazing woman like my mum, I wonder if a wonderful husband will come my way."
The smile on Maybelline's shrunk a little as she thought of Rostek.
"I'm sure dad wouldn't mind."Maybelline commented."He would want me to be happy."
Maybelline snapped out of her thoughts when she arrived near a window that showed the morning view of Coruscant as she heard Shaak Ti and Mace Windu speak to each other nearby.
"I'm telling you it's a big mistake."Mace Windu declared with a frown."She's rude, she's sarcastic and she has absolutely no respect."
"I don't see why you have to be so worried about, Windu."Shaak Ti stated."Despite her disturbing ancestry, Nadia proved herself various times that her loyalty is to the Jedi Order."
"Master Yoda may have accepted Aomori to become a Jedi Knight, but I still don't trust her."Mace Windu admitted.
Shaak Ti simply shook her head, but didn't say anything.
When the two Jedi Masters disappeared from view, Maybelline's eyes widen in surprise and astonishment.
Her big sister was to become a Jedi Knight!
"I have to tell Anakin and Hal about this!"Maybelline squealed lightly.
Located on the northwest corner of the Temple, the Tower of First Knowledge was designed to symbolise unity and the steps to enlightenment each Jedi must take. The masonry of the spire was supported by a highly tensile substance known as magnite which aided in the support of the thin frame of the tower. The tower was crowned by a Council Chamber, like that in each of the other three Council towers of the Temple.
At the base of tower was a reception and entrance hall leading from the roof of the Temple Ziggurat into the center of the tower. Two large bronzium statues flanked the entrance; their lightsabers crossed over the entry, lifting to allow access to the Tower.
The hall beyond was dotted with six bronzium statues of long-dead Jedi with two doors to either side, leading to curved halls. A large memorial statue was held in the cavernous center shaft of the Tower held by repulsor pads.
A bridge spanned the lofty shaft of the tower, passing around the chest of the statue and into the Holocron Chamber on the other side. Near the top of the tower, three Contemplation Stations were spaced evenly from each other to provide a meditative retreat for Jedi preparing to go before the Council.
Off of the main hall were several chambers that encircled the central shaft of the Tower. To the left of the entrance hall was a large planetarium made up of giant bronzium globes. In addition to the planetarium, five stone slabs stood in recessed areas with etchings of the Jedi Code inscribed on them. On the three balconies in the chamber ancient artifacts of the Order were kept behind transparisteel display cases, while heritage tapestries hung from the ceiling. At the end of the hall was a large memorial to Master Qui-Gon Jinn; the semi-circular atrium was lined with stained-glass windows. The hall led into a short passage underneath which was another hall that led to a balcony overlooking the central shaft of the tower.
To the right of the entrance hall was a short hallway that led to one of the many training facilities. The chamber had a balcony encompassing the entire area, from which a Jedi Master could observe the training going on below. The floor of the chamber was retractable in order for maintenance to be done on the large holoprojector below it. Four statues appeared to support the balcony, while in fact, they contained the chamber's stock of training droids. The droids wielded training lightsabers and were equipped to discharge electrical bursts from their hands, giving users a taste of combat with another Force user. A hallway off the balcony area led to another balcony in the central shaft of the tower.
Each spire was also equipped with a hangar constructed shortly before the Clone Wars. A landing platform extended from the hangar mouth, allowing ships to land on and depart from the Tower's structure. Located fifteen stories below the council chambers, the hangars were connected with a small garage that serviced the spacecraft. Also within the Tower were the chambers and offices of Jedi Council members.
Nadia made her way to the Tower of First Knowledge to meet up with Obi-Wan at the central chasm which led to the Holocron Chamber.
"Hey, master."Nadia greeted."I'm ready to do the next phase of my training."
"That's good to hear, Nadia."Obi-Wan replied."Because this time, you'll be doing it by yourself."
"Huh?"Nadia said in confusion.
"Nadia. Though you never had the official trials, this war has tested you more than the trials could."Obi-Wan admitted."To be clear, Master Yoda foresaw this. But there is one trial that you still have to face and one you'll have to face by yourself."
Nadia let out a sigh, knowing Obi-Wan was right.
The primary trials were a set of five.
But so far she only faced four trials.
The Trial of Skill, the Trial of Courage, the Trial of the Flesh and the Trial of Insight.
Only one was left that she had to do.
The Trial of Spirit.
A test of a Jedi's ability to face their inner demons, fears and the darkness within.
"Look, master. I've never been a patient student and have been more of the rebellious type. But I proved that I am a Jedi despite Darth Nihilus' wretched blood running through my veins."Nadia exclaimed with a small frown."Even with the Jedi Council's distrust on me, I've come from such a long away. Don't worry. I won't fail you."
"No, Nadia."Obi-Wan declared."Don't fail yourself."
Nadia became quiet at Obi-Wan's declaration before making her way into the Holocron Chamber with Obi-Wan silently looking on.
As she walked into the Holocron Chamber, Nadia saw small bright azure blue lights in the chamber bringing some lightness in the area for her to see.
In her mind, she silently admitted that the sight was beautiful.
However, the raven haired girl knew she would probably be facing the most difficult and intensive Trial than any other she faced before.
After taking a small deep breath, Nadia arrived to the far end of the chamber and found a glowing holocron that lead to the final phase of her trial.
Nadia closed her eyes and used the Force to reach out to the holocron and activated it.
Then the gatekeeper in the former of Master Qui-Gon appeared on the holocron.
"The Trial of Spirit tests a Jedi's ability to vanquish inner battles and emerge unscathed. Outsiders think that the Jedi exist to crusade against enemies–that we are mere counterbalances to the threat of the Sith. Only among our own ranks do we recognize that being a Jedi is an emotional commitment to a higher spirituality. This is the challenge represented by the Trial of Spirit known among some as Facing the Mirror."Qui-Gon exclaimed."Jedi possess great power and those who have fallen to the dark side have unleashed their power in waves of misery. The Trial of Spirit measures your temptations and whether you can put them aside in the service of a greater cause. Although this is just as much a battle as the Trial of Skill, during this challenge you might not flex a single muscle. The battlescape is in your mind, and victory is marked by a profound sense of peace."
Nadia was silent, but listened carefully to the Jedi Master's words.
"It is impossible to describe the Trial of Spirit. I do not know the fears coiled in your heart. Not even Grand Master Fae would presume to dictate your challenges. The Trial of Spirit is to be carried out under deep meditation, with a Master who will nudge you onto the path that you least wish to tread."Qui-Gon admitted."Under meditation you may feel that you've been transported off Coruscant entirely. You may see the faces of colleagues who have long since passed into the Force. You will undoubtedly see things that disturb you, from enemies you have faced to the most horrific cacodemons in the Core's nightmarish mythology."
Despite giving a brave look, there was a small wave of anxiousness growing within Nadia.
"Remember the third precept of the Jedi Code: There is no passion, there is serenity. Stay true to the discipline of self-control and keep in mind that you are, but an agent of the Force."Qui-Gon instructed."Once you accept that grief, shame, revenge, and all other emotions that center on the self have no hold on you, you will emerge victorious. If you do not, you will emerge broken and screaming. You should hope you do not fail the Trial of Spirit. During the Trial of Spirit, Jedi must mentally face their deepest fears. May the Force be with you."
The moment Qui-Gon stopped talking, a big white light consumed Nadia's vision.
After that, there was black out.
Nadia opened her eyes and found herself in a dark chamber.
There was very little light, but the atmosphere was cold and made her have butterflies in her stomach.
Putting her thoughts aside, the raven haired girl started walking in the platform in front of her and used the Force to arrive on the one at the top.
Nadia activated her lightsabers as she waited for the opponent that she was going to face to arrive.
Out of the shadows emerged a female figure, who appeared to be around her late 20s.
The female figure wore a bodysuit that was pitch black with silver lines that appeared to look like glowing veins, long mechanical grey gloves that made the fingertips of her hands look like sharp claws and a pitch black head dress that covered her hair. There was a deep blue cape wrapped around her body that was a bit ripped at the bottom and a silver belt with two lightsabers around her waist. Her face wasn't shown due to the ghost-white mask she had on.
Nadia glared at the figure and stood in a fighting position with her lightsabers ready.
The Sith Assassin didn't say anything and silently activated her blood red lightsabers.
Nadia dash forwards quickly at a sprint and jump into the air for the Sith Assassin.
She kicked out with her feet for her opponent's head, but she leans to the side and slashes horizontally to which she ducked underneath.
Nadia used her lightsabers to bat away the Sith Assassin's blades to block them from hitting her.
The two women shove their sabers around in a momentary blade lock before Nadia backpedal and ducked under her opponent's next swing.
Nadia thrust her arms out to blow the Sith Assassin several feet away with the Force.
Seeing her chance, Nadia leapt up to hit the Sith Assassin, but the dark side wielder used her Force speed ability to avoid from being hit.
A scowl escaped from Nadia's mouth as she watched the Sith Assassin use the Force to head up to the top platform that was above them.
Nadia became horrified when the Sith Assassin used the Force to throw broken pillars towards her, making her jump out of the way from being hit.
To avoid being crushed, Nadia saw another platform and used an approaching broken pillar to aid her in her jump to safety.
When Nadia landed to next the platform, she saw the Sith Assassin was no where to been.
Where did she go?
A sudden psychotic female laugh was heard in the background which brought a chill down Nadia's spine.
"Running won't get you no where!"the Sith Assassin taunted cruelly.
Nadia started flipping backwards to avoid the next few swings the Sith Assassin aim to hit her with het blood red lightsabers.
After taking a safe distance, Nadia deactivated her lightsabers to quickly use her Force Judgement to consume the Sith Assassin's energy.
The Sith Assassin grunted in pain before countering it with her Force Deflection, shocking Nadia.
Just how many Force abilities did her opponent have?
Nadia gasped in shock when the Sith Assassin unleashed her Force Judgement, making her leap out of the way.
The raven haired girl activated her lightsabers again to avoid the Sith Assassin's series of bone-crushing blows, each one of which she blocked with elegant precision.
Her opponent fought brilliantly, never employing anything less than a killing stroke.
It was obvious the Sith Assassin's intention was lethal.
All she needed was one slip, one tiny gap in her opponent's defences.
Nadia vowed not to give her one.
She whirled and danced around her opponent's defences, testing them to their limits.
Their lightsabers danced, blurring and sweeping and shedding sparks in a way that would have been beautiful had their intent not been so deadly.
Nadia felt the wild yet alluring energies of the Dark Side flowing through her and she resisted its call, not wanting to be its puppet.
They fought back and forth across the platform.
As she blocked her lightsabers with her opponent's, Nadia sensed something strangely familiar within the Sith Assassin.
Whatever lay beneath her opponent's mask, it wasn't beauty or happiness.
It was rage and sorrow that hid itself for so long.
"I sense something in you! You're a lost and broken being!"Nadia retorted, trying to distract her opponent."But it's not too late! You can still save yourself!"
"And be the puppet of the Jedi Order again?!"the Sith Assassin growled, her voice mixed utter rage."Never!"
This caused Nadia's eyes to have a glimpse of confusion.
What did she mean again?
The Sith Assassin summoned the Force to throw Nadia back and hit the floor, nearly to the dead end of the platform.
Nadia, however, didn't attend to give up.
She enabled herself to stand up and pick up her lightsabers again to activate them.
"I don't need to hate you in order to beat you."Nadia admitted."That's something I will teach you now."
"You can teach me nothing!"the Sith Assassin scowled.
One mechanic glove clenched and for a moment Nadia's throat closed tight.
Nadia beat back the telekinetic attack with one of her own, shoving the Sith Assassin in the chest with the Force Judgement, throwing her backward across the platform.
Seeing her chance, Nadia rushed forward with only gripping her cyan lightsaber to slash the Sith Assassin by the mask to rip it away causing the two of them to fall down to the ground below.
The Sith Assassin collapsed on the ground while Nadia landed gracefully on her feet.
Nadia slowly approached her fallen opponent in silence, but held her lightsabers ready in case she tried to attack again.
But when the Sith Assassin lifted up her face, a horrified look appeared on Nadia's face.
The Sith Assassin's face revealed to be a woman with pale skin and yellow eyes that symbolised that a Sith was fully immersed in the dark side of the Force, giving into blind rage and hatred. There was also a scar on her left eye.
In other words, her opponent was the physical incarnation of her inner darkness.
"You're afraid that my words might be true. That the dark side doesn't corrupt in and of itself. That you're destined to become the next Sith."the Sith Assassin declared coldly."Because if it is true, you have to make a decision, choosing between your life as it is comfortable. But almost purposeless and life as you know it should be."
Nadia gripped her lightsabers at her inner demon's declaration as she glared at her.
The dark side was within her and it was eager to devour her in its control.
However, with her family and friends's help, she saw a glimpse of a better future for her.
Seen in that light, the decision was surprisingly easy.
Not out of hatred, but only pity, Nadia used her lightsabers to finish off the Sith Assassin causing her to disappear in a flash of azure blue light.
When that happened, a white light blinded Nadia's view.
Then there was black out.
"Nadia."Obi-Wan's voice said."Nadia."
Nadia's ruby red eyes slowly opened, only to see Obi-Wan and Anakin looking down at her.
"Master?"Nadia asked."Anakin?"
"How are you feeling?"Anakin questioned.
Nadia stood up from where she laid down and saw she was in the Holocron Chamber again.
"I'm fine. Thank you."Nadia answered with a nod."I think I passed the Trial of the Spirit."
"How so?"Obi-Wan asked.
"I faced off against my inner demon that was a slave to the dark side."Nadia admitted, surprising Anakin and Obi-Wan."Her power was like a raged beast that was clouded by hate and fear. But I pitied her and finished her off as a Jedi would."
This caused both Obi-Wan and Anakin to smile at approval.
"What?"Nadia said with a small frown.
"Oh, nothing."Anakin remarked simply."Just glad you've passed the trial."
"Go refresh yourself, young one."Obi-Wan instructed."Be sure to meet me at the High Council Chamber in the next hour. I think your period as a Padawan is now over."
An astonished look appeared on Nadia's face.
"You mean…I am to be knighted?"Nadia asked in disbelief.
"That is precisely what I mean."Obi-Wan admitted."I have met with the Council and they agree that you are ready.
Nadia suddenly slapped her own cheek, making her groan in pain.
"Ow!"Nadia whined.
"Whoa there, Nadia."Anakin chuckled in amusement."Why did you just slap yourself?"
"To make sure I wasn't dreaming."Nadia grumbled and rubbed her cheek."Apparently, I'm not."
After washing herself, Nadia placed on her Jedi robe before making her way to the High Council Chamber.
Once she arrived outside the chamber, Nadia looked at her hands and became startled when she saw them appeared to be mechanical claw-like ones as her inner demon was.
But when she shook her head and looked at her hands again, they were back to normal.
Then the doors of the High Council Chamber opened, earning the raven haired girl's attention.
When Nadia went inside the chamber, the doors closed and the room went pitch black.
Suddenly, Obi-Wan and the other Jedi Masters surround Nadia and ignited their lightsabers.
"We are all Jedi. The Force speaks through us."Master Yoda stated."Through our actions, the Force proclaims itself and what is real. Today we are here to acknowledge what the Force has proclaimed."
Nadia smiled warmly at Obi-Wan, who smiled back at her.
"Step forward, Padawan."Master Yoda instructed.
Nadia went up to Master Yoda and knelt in front of him.
"Nadia Aomori."Master Yoda responded, making his lightsaber go down above each of the kneeling student's shoulders."By the right of the Council. By the will of the Force. Dub thee I do, Jedi, Knight of the Republic."
Master Yoda then swiftly cuts off Nadia's Padawan braid and it fell on the floor.
With the ceremony complete, the new Jedi Knight stood up from where she was, silently proud that her dream had come true.
Ferus was in the middle of fixing a ship in the Jedi Temple's cockpit before RG-G1 came over to him and showed him a small hologram of Nadia.
"See something different about me?"Nadia sneered.
A smile appeared on Ferus' face when he noticed his girlfriend didn't have her Padawan braid anymore.
"Congratulations, Dia."Ferus congratulated."You're officially a Jedi Knight now."
"I still can't believe it, Ferus."Nadia remarked."I thought it would never come, but it did."
"I knew you could do it."Ferus chuckled.
"Then I'll see you in a few days?"Nadia suggested.
Ferus slowly reached out to touch the hologram of Nadia.
He truly loved this girl with every fibre of his being.
"Yeah."Ferus agreed."See you then."
Here ends Season 6.
Nadia is finally a Jedi Knight, but next will be Season 7.
The end is near.
See you all in the next chapter and have a wonderful day!