Chapter 10: Dantooine Part 2

It had been almost three months since Sarryn, Willow and Dawn's training started. Their companions had also been informed of the new developments. They were partially aware of the mission that the Council had bestowed upon the four of them, but not everything could be shared freely. They did know Dawn, Willow and Sarryn had been made Jedi Initiates and would investigate the Sith threat when they had been promoted to padawan.

It had piqued the interest of Canderous Ordo and he had immediately offered his assistance in whatever task they were given, hoping to find glory. Carth Onasi had been called back to the Republic. After his debriefing and a psychological evaluation, he was deemed unfit for duty in the field, meaning he was bound to a desk job and therapy. Dawn felt pity for the guy.

Mission and Zaalbar had found a home in the enclave, in the very room neighboring the one Dawn and Willow shared. Dawn had wondered if that had been intentional on Bastila's part since Mission looked up to her and Zaalbar had sworn a life debt to her.

Mission had been the subject of worry for the first few days. She was taking the destruction of Taris and the loss of Zaerdra very badly and refused to speak or eat. She was wasting away in her room, secluding herself from everyone, even Dawn. It was Bastila who eventually had been able to get through to her. Dawn didn't know exactly what had transpired, but at the third day the knight had entered the girl's room and somehow emerged with a frail-looking Mission in her wake. The girl had tightly hugged Dawn and promised to be strong and work hard to be able to help her boss.

Mission and Dawn had spoken often during the next weeks and she had slowly been able to ease the girl's troubles, made her look forward to the future again. As a result, the girl had become more cheerful, which had a positive effect on Dawn as well. Mission was such a nice kid, very kind and always in for a laugh, but also serious and eager to learn. Learn the things she deemed useful, that is. The Jedi of the enclave had quickly found out the Twi'lek was as stubborn as a mule when they tried to teach her things she considered 'bantha poodoo', flat-out refusing to listen to them.

She did accept most of Dawn, Willow and Sarryn's lessons though, especially the ones about droids. T3-M4 had been moved to Mission's room and many evenings were spent working on it, as long as Dawn, Willow or Sarryn wasn't reading in the library like they loved to. Nights like that were very enjoyable, Mission had come to accept Dawn as something like a big sister or maybe a mother. As a result, she had become very clingy, something Dawn was completely okay with since she knew what it was like to need someone.

Zaalbar also started to open up a little. When Mission broke out of her gloom he immediately transformed as well, becoming more cheerful and looking forward to his future with Dawn. He was still very closed off about his past, but Dawn had found out he was born and raised on the Wookiee home world Kashyyyk. Something bad had happened and he had fled from his family, ending up on Taris. Dawn didn't push for details knowing that Zaalbar would tell her when or if he was ready.

While Dawn, Willow, Sarryn and Bastila had become close friends. Dawn was sure that Sarryn was slowly beginning to wish his relationship with Bastila was more than just friendship. Which had gotten her to thinking also. She was rapidly closing on turning seventeen and would like to go home having found love while she was here. That had led to Dawn thinking about Willow a lot, but at the same time she knew that Willow was with Tara, and she didn't want to come between her friend and Tara.

0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0

"Concentrate!"

Dawn tried her best to follow Bastila's order to focus on meditating, but it just didn't work. She heaved a sigh in defeat and opened her eyes, looking at the woman in front of her. "Can I ask you a personal question, Bastila?" she asked softly, deciding to finally ask the question that had been bothering her for quite some time.

Bastila opened her eyes and gave her an annoyed glare. "And I suppose this is more important than your meditations?"

"Why are attachments forbidden?" asked Dawn.

"Attachments can lead to the Dark Side," answered Bastila.

"That's what I mean, why do they lead to the Dark Side?"

"Let's assume for a second you were able to follow your feelings to a logical conclusion," said Bastila.

"What feelings?" asked Dawn confused.

"Your feelings for Willow," answered Bastila.

"She's my friend, is that what you mean?" Dawn asked.

"I've seen how you look at her, when you think no one is looking," said Bastila.

Dawn let out a sigh. "Do I think about Willow and myself in a romantic relationship, sure. I'm seventeen, it's normal to crush on someone you can't otherwise be with. I have no intention of moving beyond friendship with Willow. Mainly because Willow has a girlfriend back home. And I am not going to come between them."

"Okay then let's shift it out of the realm of romantic relationship to just friendship," said Bastila. "What would you do if Willow were hurt or killed?"

Dawn thought about what Bastila had asked. "I don't know."

"Yes, you do."

"I would be angry," admitted Dawn. "If Will were hurt I might desire to protect her. If she was killed …"

"And now you see," said Bastila as she saw the realization in the teen's eyes. "I may have a trick to help you calm your mind. Close your eyes and imagine total darkness."

Dawn closed them, blocking out the dim light of the room. She focused on the darkness and her entire field of vision became black.

"Now imagine a small flame, frail and weak."

A small spark lit a flame in her mind.

"Now feed your thoughts to the flame to make it grow. Don't let the flame go out. Keep adding thoughts, until all of them are replaced by the raging fire."

And that was when it happened again, Dawn disappeared in a flash of green.

Bastila looked at where Dawn had been and saw only Dawn's clothes and her eyes went wide.

Dawn appeared in hers and Willow's suite completely and utterly naked.

"Dawn!" Willow blushed as she looked at her naked friend. "You did it again didn't you!"

"Apparently," said Dawn as she looked down at her naked body. "Could you go find Bastila get my clothes for me?"

"Of course, Dawnie," said Willow as she ran out of the room, making sure to close the door behind her.

0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0

In the weeks after Dawn appeared naked before Willow. Bastila, Willow and Dawn all agreed that Dawn unknowingly had used the Key to move from one place to another. They even theorized that it was possible for Dawn to learn to control the Key. Since Willow knew the most about Dawn and the Key the two of them took regular walks through the vast grasslands of Dantooine.

Bastila thought it might be easier for Dawn to learn control away from any distractions as well as away from the prying eyes of the Masters. She thought if the Jedi Order knew of Dawn's ability, they might exploit it and they and Sarryn all agreed the less the Masters knew about the Key and the potential for Dawn to control it the better.

Out in the countryside where they were treated with tremendous views of valleys filled with gentle rivers and lakes, Dawn and Willow had taken to meditating out there in hopes that Dawn could control the Key. And it was working, Dawn was slowly learning control.

"Good, Dawn," Bastila said one-day as she watched Dawn disappear and reappear five feet away. "You have mastered what is in your blood. When you and Willow return home. I have no doubt that you will not need anything but the Force to guide you."

"Bastila," said Willow. "I have been reading up on Force Bonds. The kind you share with Dawn and Sarryn have never been reported as happening before."

"The Council isn't much help either," Bastila added, feeling just as frustrated. "They claim it's merely the Bond helping Dawn and Sarryn accept me as a mentor, aiding us in fulfilling our shared destiny. And could be why you have yet to form one at all with anyone."

"That is possible," agreed Dawn. "After all, when I jumped into the portal, I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt there was something I had to do here."

"The Force was guiding you before you traversed the breach between your universe and this one?" asked Bastila.

"I think so," said Dawn.

"With the Masters believing you to be a Child of the Force," said Bastila. "It would not surprise me that the Force guided you unknowingly before you crossed the breach for some time."

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Willow, Dawn and Bastila returned to the enclave after their morning session. They were joined by Sarryn before immediately heading for the cantina to satisfy their hunger, where they were greeted by a familiar cheer. "Dawn!" Mission came rushing towards them and crushed Dawn in a bear hug.

"Hey, Blue!" Dawn grinned impishly, clearly glad to see her little brat. The Twi'lek planted a kiss on Dawn's cheek and returned the happy smirk.

Zaalbar came slouching after his best friend and Dawn bumped fists with him. "Hey, Big Z!" Dawn greeted. She turned back to Mission. "I'm not going to be able to help you with the droid tonight."

"What did you do?"

"Nothing, I promise, Mission," said Dawn. "Bastila just wants me to work on my green."

Mission nodded in understanding. She knew that when Dawn mentioned green, that Dawn meant the teleportation power that she had seen back on Taris. She also knew not to actually mention the teleportation power to anyone other than, Dawn, Willow, Sarryn, Bastila or Zaalbar. That was why they used the codeword green. "Well you can still help me. All you would have to do is green to me."

"I wish I could," said Dawn. "But you know Bastila. She wants me to learn to control it so that I don't keep accidentally greening without my clothes. Besides she's likely to check up on me, Blue."

Mission groaned. "You know how boring the enclave is."

"I'm really sorry," Dawn pleaded.

"Alright, alright," Mission said. She looked sternly up to her boss. "Just try to learn to control the green, okay?"

"Sure thing," Dawn answered with a relieved look.

They six of them headed to the kitchen where they fixed their plates and took a secluded table in a corner of the cantina. The other Jedi cared little for them and they preferred staying out of their field of vision as most as they could. Besides, witnessing a Wookiee eat wasn't for the faint of heart.

"So, what are you two up to this afternoon?" Sarryn asked Mission when they were attacking their plates.

"We'll be helping with the construction of that refugee camp north of the enclave," she answered brightly. The war in the Outer Rim had caused a stream of refugees and many of them had fled to Dantooine. "They could use a heavy lifter like Big-Z!"

"And what will your part in the construction be?" Bastila asked suspiciously.

Mission averted her gaze from the knight. "Err… you know… overseeing business and everything."

Dawn had to laugh. "You lazy brat, letting your buddy do all the heavy work."

"Have you stolen anything lately?" Bastila asked.

"Apart from that half-written love letter you made for Sarryn?" Mission stated. "Nope."

Bastila nearly choked on the potato she was chewing on and felt the blood rushing to her cheeks. As she coughed violently Dawn gave the Twi'lek a high-five.

"That's my girl," Dawn smirked proudly.

"You insolent brat," the knight managed when her fits of coughing had lessened.

"She learned from the best," said Dawn as she grinned at Mission.

After a while Mission got to her feet and pressed a kiss on Dawn's cheek. "Got to roll, construction crew is waiting for us."

She already wanted to scoot off, but Dawn called her back. "Mission?" Her tone had lost all warmth, causing the Twi'lek to look back nervously.

"Y…yes?"

Dawn looked at Mission's plate. "You've forgotten something."

Mission also looked at her plate. She had eaten all fat, fried bits and had left all the vegetables. With a sheepish smile she massaged her stomach. "I'm really full."

"Sit. Back. Down." Mission paled from the harsh command and did as she was told. Under the watchful eye of her boss she quickly wolfed down the remaining vegetables. She uncertainly looked up at Dawn when she was done. Dawn sent her off with an approving nod, and Mission all but escaped the scene with Zaalbar in tow.

"One moment you're spoiling her like she's your own blood, the next you're commandeering her like she's a soldier in your squad," Bastila remarked when the girl was gone.

"More like she's my younger sister," admitted Dawn. "Besides someone has to take care of her eating habits. She'd put herself on a diet of candy and soda if I'd let her."

Willow watched her friend keenly. "You care a great deal about her."

"I do," said Dawn. "She reminds me of me. She needs someone who takes care of her, like I did."

0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0

That evening the Dawn and Willow were walking back to their room after another evening of Dawn practicing her control of the Key. "Dawn, can I ask you something?" Willow said.

"Shoot."

"Do you love me?" asked Willow.

"Of course, I do, you are my friend. Why wouldn't I?" Dawn answered.

"That's not what I mean," said Willow. "I've noticed at times you look at me like your falling in love with me."

Dawn let out a sigh. "Willow, I know you love Tara and I don't intend to come between you and her no matter if I am interested in your or not."

"So, you are interested in me romantically?" asked Willow.

"I've thought about it," said Dawn. "But I know you love Tara. And as I said I am not coming between you two."

Willow looked at Dawn debating with herself. She didn't know how long they would be in this universe, not for sure, after all they had already been there for months. They could be there for years for all she knew. She didn't want Tara to wait for her, and she was sure Tara wouldn't want her waiting either. But even if she considered dating Dawn, there was still the age gap, Dawn at least back on Earth would still be considered a minor. Then there was Buffy. She decided it would be best if Dawn found someone else. But the question was who?

0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0

For the first time in six months Dawn entered the Council chambers again, accompanied by Bastila. Another youngling – an adorable Twi'lek girl of barely six years old – had been sent for Dawn earlier that morning to tell her she had been summoned. Dawn had met Bastila outside the Council chambers. Only official business took place in the Council chambers, so Dawn had high hopes it'd be about her long overdue promotion.

All four Council Masters were present. When the two women were standing before them, Master Vandar spoke, "Initiate Dawn Summers, we have summoned you here because you have shown great progress during the last six months. The time has come for you to prove your worth and undertake your Padawan Trials. Are you ready?"

"I am, Master Vandar." Dawn barely contained a triumphant cheer.

"Then please recite the Jedi Code as you were taught and demonstrate you understand the full meaning of each line."

"Certainly, Master Zhar." Time for some textbook answers, no need for the four masters in front of her to know what she truly thought of the Jedi Code. "Emotion, yet peace. Self-discipline. Conquer your emotions and act with logic. Quell any sentiments through meditation to allow for a clear outlook on the task at hand."

"Ignorance, yet knowledge. Observe, learn, and act out of the information you've gathered. Don't prance around in the dark without knowing what you're doing. Passion, yet serenity. A Jedi is only loyal to the Jedi Order, all other relationships are merely a distraction and must be severed."

A sideways glance at Bastila told her exactly what she thought about that particular line.

"Chaos, yet harmony. The Force connects everything like a vast web. Shaking a thread will have consequences, like ripples in a still pond. Study the possible outcome of your actions before you act."

"Death, yet the Force. Death is no tragedy, it's part of the cycle of life. Through the Force our deeds live on."

"You use the abridged version of the Code and your answers are short, albeit sufficient," Master Vrook reproached. "It shows you have yet to conquer your impatience." His gaze shifted to Bastila disdainfully. "But perhaps you merely copy the behavior of your Master."

Bastila hung her head but Dawn immediately flared up. "I was taught a Master is not to reprimand his apprentice in public. 'Honor your Padawan'? Are Council Masters excluded from that rule? Can they treat their flock as they damn well please?"

"Settle down you two," Master Vandar interrupted before Vrook could snap back. "Master Vrook, please show these two young Jedi the respect they deserve." Despite his small figure Master Vandar never had trouble keeping authority. "Dawn, you show deep understanding of our Code. I can only hope it will transcend from mere understanding into actual practice one day."

Dawn gave him a self-conscious nod. She doubted she would ever fully adopt the Jedi Code. She couldn't imagine not having her friends at her side. After all Buffy was alive today because Xander was her friend. If Buffy hadn't met Xander or if Buffy had been the dutiful Slayer that Giles originally wanted her to be then Dawn was sure her sister would likely have been dead long before now.

"You've passed the First Trial," Master Zhar said, saving her from having to defend herself. "Congratulations. Now is the time to choose which path in our Order you will walk. As you know, there are three distinct branches in which…"

"Sentinel," Dawn interrupted, knowing exactly where he was going.

The Twi'lek cocked an eyebrow, looking slightly offended. "Excuse me?"

"I know this will be some psychological test to determine if I'm best suited for Jedi Guardian, Jedi Sentinel or Jedi Consular. Allow me to save you the trouble. Guardians and Consulars are two extremes. The Guardian actively pursues and combats the forces of the dark side, preferably with a lightsaber. That sounds more like my sister, Buffy, than myself. The Consular is a researcher and scientist, who tries to uncover the secrets of the universe and bring it into balance. That sounds more like Willow to me. I can see my friend doing exactly that."

"The Sentinels are the most practical of the Jedi, use all skills at their possession. Not only do they use both the lightsaber and the Force during combat and out of it, they don't forget the basic skills as well. Pick a lock, rewrite a droid's programming, hack a terminal… skills the Guardians and Consulars might deem unworthy, but ever so helpful for a Sentinel to achieve his or her goals. They're sober and know the limitations of their training. Not so quick to jump into action as a Guardian, yet not as indecisive and benevolent as a Consular. The perfect balance, a jack of all trades who can take on virtually any job. That's the path I wish to pursue."

"I see you have given the choice great thought already," Zhar commented in an approving tone.

"Certainly master, I'm convinced it's the right choice for me. I'm not simply copying the behavior of my Sentinel master." Vrook didn't miss the jab at him. "But honestly, who could be blamed for wanting to be just a little bit like such a great woman?" Bastila looked very grateful for the compliment.

"Who could be blamed indeed?" Zhar agreed with just as warm a smile at the knight. "Very well," he continued. "The reasoning behind your choice is sound. Whatever doubts I still had about Bastila becoming your master have all been swept away. You two are very similar, both no-nonsense women who represent everything the Sentinels stand for." He turned to Master Vandar and allowed himself a small smile. "Although I'm sure the Consulars will be disappointed you won't be fully exploiting your incredible connection to the Force."

"Again, the Force is a great weapon and a marvelous tool, which I love to study. Yet it's not omnipotent, it has its flaws. I prefer having a contingency plan or three."

"You love to study everything," Master Vandar said kindly. "Your place is with the Sentinels; it is where you will be most happy."

"I agree," Zhar added. "I would hate to see your other talents go to waste. I'm sure they'll welcome you with open arms." The Twi'lek chuckled as he looked at Bastila, who was positively beaming at her apprentice. "In fact, one of them already does."

"I'm glad my apprentice has made this choice," Bastila said with twinkling eyes. "I'm sure she'll fit right in." Truth be told, the two of them had discussed this topic greatly over the months. When Bastila had explained everything about the three branches Sarryn, Willow and Dawn all had immediately made their choices. Sarryn and Dawn agreed Sentinel was best for both of them and Willow had decided Consular. While Dawn had argued that Sarryn should go for Guardian to cover their bases, he disagreed. He had given her the same reasons that she had given the Council just now. She just hoped that when all was said done that the Council would assign a Jedi Guardian to the group.

"With that choice out of the way, it is time to construct your first real lightsaber," Zhar continued. "A custom hilt has already been constructed to perfectly fit your hands and defensive style." He reached into his pocket and took out a crystal. "The choice of color has been made for you when you chose your branch."

Dawn pouted slightly when Zhar handed her the yellow crystal, but decided not to speak her disappointment. Instead she followed the Twi'lek Master into an adjacent room, where he handed her the custom hilt as well. She wasted no time to clamp it into the workbench and started focusing the crystal. It was a meticulous job that had no margin for error, so she took her time, despite her impatience to start using her new toy. Her training lightsaber was nice, but it lacked bite. This right here was the real deal, easily capable of amputating a limb or ten.

When she was happy with her work, she turned to Zhar, who inspected her work. "Well, I'll be… this crystal is focused perfectly, couldn't have done it better myself. Impressive job for a first time, congratulations." His twinkling eyes turned grave as he looked back at Sarryn. "You know, a wrongly focused crystal will cause the hilt to explode as soon as it is activated, usually costing the wielder a hand. They say the Sith use this to weed out the weak."

"An effective approach, were the capability to focus the crystal indicative for the overall skill of a Jedi. Which it's not, so it's merely a waste of talent."

"Indeed." He gestured at the workbench. "Please finish your lightsaber so we can test the results."

Dawn did as she was told and tightly secured the hilt over the inner mechanism. She then unclamped the device and took it in her hands. The hilt felt familiar and comfortable, her hands fell perfectly in the ergonomic grip. She crouched into the opening stance of Soresu and activated it, sending a perfect beam of yellow light piercing the air.

Zhar studied the pristine blade with admiration. "Excellent! Truly marvelous. You've passed the Second Trial flawlessly. The First Trial has proven you are worthy of carrying the title of Jedi and the Second Trial has proven you are worthy of carrying a lightsaber. Now it's time to prove you're worthy of carrying the title of Padawan. The Third Trial will test your understanding of your place in this galaxy and the role you play in it. Not far from the enclave lies an ancient grove, left by an alien race that has long gone extinct. The normally docile kath hounds that live around that area have recently shown a tendency of becoming aggressive. Go there, seek out the source of this taint and see to it order is restored."

Dawn eyed him thoughtfully. "That's not much information to go on."

"It is all you are given. This Trial will measure the extent of your self-reliance, as the Order will not always be able to take your hand and guide you. Are you able to resolve problems on the go as you encounter them?"

Dawn nodded, understanding the necessity of the Trial now. "I'll depart immediately."

After Zhar explained how she could find the grove she exited the room with a final nod. Bastila followed her out and fell in step next to her. Dawn eyed her new lightsaber with a pout. "My lightsaber, it's…"

"I know," Bastila interrupted with a knowing smile. "There is a crystal cave not far from here. Tonight, we'll go there and fetch one with a better color."

Dawn felt her mouth fall open involuntarily. "Y-you know?"

Bastila chuckled. "You forget that I know that you are not from our universe, that when you return home that you will want everything you take with you, including that lightsaber to be something that is truly yours."

"Thanks," Dawn said.

When they reached the front gates of the enclave, they stopped to look at each other. Bastila gave Dawn a reassuring smile. "Good luck out there, my apprentice. Return victorious."

Dawn smiled and she disappeared in a flash of green.