The Perfect Jedi • Anakin Skywalker

Ch 24: New Padawan

There was a knock at my door as I slowly stood up, walking towards it. Obi-Wan stood there with his hands behind his back.

"We have been able to recover Cal's body from the wreck of General Grievous' ship" he said. "I know this is hard but if you want to say a final goodbye, you are a part of the council and are able to do so."

I nodded as I went to grab my sabers from the bed. I clipped Cal's to my belt as I followed Obi-Wan down the hall.

"I'm so sorry, Luna" he said. "I understand this pain all too well."

"He was my brother" I said. "I was so close to saving him but I couldn't."

"Don't blame yourself" he said.

"I'm not" I said. "I'm not the reason he was there. It was the chancellor and the councils decision to oblige without me there."

"Are you blaming the council?" He asked.

"We've lost so many men and Jedi to this war. When will it end? How many Jedi do we have to lose until a side wins?" I said.

"I know you are frustrated but there is no room for this type of mentality" he said.

I remained silent as we continued down the hall.

"If anyone feels your pain, it's me" he said. "I watched my master get killed, who was as a father to me. Who was the reason I was let back into the Jedi Order."

I sighed as we came to a stop.

"I've known you a long time, Luna" he said. "Since you came to the temple as a baby. You are a sister to me, and I want you to know, you are not alone."

I forced a smile as we entered the room. I put my sabers on top of Cal's body as Obi-Wan took a closer look.

"Are those your lightsabers?" He asked.

"Yeah" I said. "A piece of me will always be with him, even in death."

He looked at me stunned.

"You've spent nearly your whole life perfecting the handles" he said.

"I know" I said softly. "He always admired them. They belong with him."

I closed my eyes, fighting back tears when Obi-Wan put his hand on my shoulder. I walked out of the room as he followed slowly behind. I looked up as Anakin stood at the other side of the hall. He ran towards me as he wrapped his arms around my body.

"It's okay" he whispered.

"I know" I said softly.

We pulled apart as I looked into his eyes. He broke eye contact, looking behind me to Obi-Wan.

"You're wanted in the chambers" he said.

I nodded as I walked to the council chambers. I took a deep breath before walking in.

"I've received word that I was needed here" I said.

I looked at Mace who was avoiding eye contact, looking down.

"What is this about?" I asked.

"Assigned a new padawan, you have" Yoda said.

"What!" I said. "With all due respect, I do not want another padawan!"

"You are a great teacher and role model for many younglings" Kit Fisto said.

"I don't want a padawan, not after Cal" I said.

"A choice, you do not" Yoda said.

"Your attachment to him is clouding your judgment towards having another padawan" Ki-Adi Mundi said.

"My attachment to him made me a better Jedi! My judgement was never clouded!" I said. "His death is not on my hands. I'm not the one who failed him!"

I began to walk out, angered at the thought of replacing Cal.

"Luna!" Mace yelled.

I stopped in my tracks slowly turning back around.

"I know the pain his death must've caused you" he said. "This padawan lost her master. She's been jumping around training with different masters. You both share the same loss. I'm asking you to give her a chance."

I sighed, slightly nodding my head.

"What's her name?" I asked.

"Poppy Lakose" he said.

He motioned for the door as a girl walked in. She was a Twi'lek with green skin. I walked towards her holding my hand out.

"Luna Organa" I said. "But you shall call me Master."

She shook my hand firmly as we walked out. I glanced at her as we walked outside of the temple. Gree and my men walked towards me as he took a second look at Poppy.

"Commander Gree, this is Poppy Lakose, my new padawan" I said.

"I thought you.." he said trailing off. "Nevermind then. If you have a new padawan, I can go by captain again."

"No need" I said. "You will stay as a commander."

"It's no proble-" he said.

"Commander" I said interrupting him. "It is to my understanding we have a mission?"

"General Secura is awaiting our arrival" he said.

"Let's get going then" I said. "No need to make her wait any longer."

We boarded our shuttle as Gree shot me looks.

"General" he said.

"Yes?" I said.

He pointed to the side of his helmet revealing a purple C. I looked at Grey who did the same. I attempted to hide a smile realizing my entire squadron had it on their helmets.

"He's always with us, sir" Gree said.

I grabbed one of the sabers clipped to my belt, holding it up.

"Always" I said.