All the Stars :: Anakin Skywalker

Jedi in Training

I was alone in the hallway for quite some time. I hated being gone for so long, but I couldn't go back there still emotional. I found a small balcony with an open window and let the warm breeze dry the dampness from my cheeks. It was calming and anchoring.

I felt a pair of strong arms wrap around me from behind. He let out a soft sigh and pressed his chin to the top of my head. "You okay?"

"No," I sighed too. "Ani, what if I just put an entire planet in danger? What if it's my fault that millions of lives are lost? What if-"

"Ellie," Anakin interrupted me. "You are not at fault for any of this. That dirty spy took advantage of you. None of us blame you and you're not in trouble. In fact, Obi-Wan has asked to speak with you after the meeting, but only if you're okay with it. And only if you are."

"Yeah, I'm okay," I turned around in his arms and buried into his muscled, well toned chest. "I cried in front of them. Of all of them. I probably looked so weak."

"Quite the opposite, actually," Anakin told me. "Most people have a hard time even leaving their safe space after things like that happen. Not only are you up and doing things about it, but you were able to tell them what happened. It showed strength. Determination to do what's right. If there was anything that they felt towards you after you left the room, it was adoration. That was a show of strength."

His words went straight to my heart. I needed to hear all of them. He made me feel so much better about myself. He made me feel stronger.

"Thank you," I huffed. "I love you. Thank you. You say all of the right words."

"I love you," He replied. "That's my job. To keep you grounded."

I met his eyes and caught his smirk. "Knew that sounded familiar."

"Ah, I'm just returning the favor," He swayed our hug a little, then looked down the hallway at where the door had opened. "Looks like the meeting's out. So, I'll wait for you in the room. If you'd like. Or I can wait for you out here to walk back with you."

"I'm okay. You look tired," I leaned up to kiss him. "You go back to the room. I'll be there in a moment. I remember the way back and I won't stop for anyone."

"Okay, good."

I watched as Anakin caught one of the Jedi's that I had yet to learn the name of. They began speaking in hushed tones as they advanced down the hallway. I turned towards the meeting room door, took a deep breath, and entered the room.

Obi-Wan was standing at the giant window, watching various aircraft pass by on the airborne highways below. As well as appreciating the city lights.

"That was very admirable, what you did," Obi-Wan said before he turned slightly to face me. "I can't imagine how difficult that must have been for you."

I soaked up the sympathy like a sponge. I'm gaining a very fatherly vibe from him suddenly. It was a nice feeling to replace the uneasiness I felt around him at first.

"It was very hard. I felt I must have looked weak to the rest of you when I got emotional."

"Not at all. You, in fact, looked very strong," Obi-Wan faintly smiled. "You have a strong heart, Ellie, I can feel it. You have passion for people, for doing the right thing. And it's exactly what a Jedi is made of."

"Really? You're not all just... men who like war and protecting people?"

"It takes an open heart to accept the Force, Ellie," Kenobi shared. "If all of us were coldhearted war heroes, we would be soldiers, not Jedi."

I nodded. It made sense. The Jedi have to be sensitive.

"Anyway, that is not what I've requested to speak with you about," Kenobi moved two chairs from the circle to rest behind us in front of the window. He could tell that windows and looking outside is very grounding for me. "I wanted to tell you that you have my full permission to surpass the Initiate Training and advance into the Jedi Trials. You see, the Initiate Training is for men and women to develop selfless morals and test their sensitivity of others and their emotions. It is very obvious to me and my fellow Jedi Masters that you already have all of those requirements. I don't see a reason to put you through training if it isn't necessary. It would take up precious time and hold you back from your full potential."