¹Destiny | Padme Amidala

Own Padawan

The halls of the Jedi Temple buzzed with activity as I walked through a few days later on a normal noon. My mechanical arm was a constant reminder of the battle I had fought, and of my impatience and inexperience. The weight of our recent triumphs and losses hung heavy in the air, casting a somber tone over the once vibrant sanctuary of the Jedi.

I walked with purpose, my steps guided by a newfound determination. I knew that the battles we had faced were only the beginning, and the galaxy still teetered on the edge of darkness. As I navigated the familiar corridors, my thoughts were consumed by reflections on the events that had unfolded and the path that lay ahead.

About a week after the battle,the ceremony had taken place where my braid was cut off and I was elevated to the rank of Jedi Knight. A day later, Yoda promoted Anakin to Master and he became apart of the Jedi Council, which he was honored. Obi Wan was promoted to Master just as he was. 

 What they didn't know was that I was very jealous of Anakin becoming a Jedi Master while I was still a Jedi Knight, it kind of angered me, but I hid that jealousy and rage my held inside. Two days ago,I had to craft a new lightsaber after I lost mine, so I did.

I was so engrossed in the emptiness of my thoughts that I would hardly have noticed a familiar voice if the person had not alerted me to it with a gentle tap on the shoulder. "Timothee!" The voice belonged to Yoda. I turned towards the venerable Jedi Master, my face lighting up with a mixture of respect and anticipation.

"Master Yoda." I greeted him and smiled slightly at him. "It's a pleasure to see you." A smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. I smirked. "Again." I tilted my head a little, and he allowed himself a smirk as well before a stifling silence filled the room.

"Master Yoda, may I ask why you came looking for me?" I asked, , my voice filled with a blend of eagerness and determination. Yoda lowered his head a little and stroked his gray hair. Then he looked up, and I felt a swell of gratitude towards him as his eyes met mine. I recognized pride behind them.

"Now that you're a Jedi Knight..." He began to say.. ".... a Padawan awaits." The thought made my lips move imperceptibly upward. A Padawan? For me? No longer bound to my master? That would be about the best thing I could imagine. However, I had not expected such a development so soon after the events on Geonosis.

 As if on cue, a figure emerged from the shadows. He had long curly raven-black hair, which was put in a braid, blue skin and piercing green eyes. My gaze locked with his, and a slight smile we exchanged. "Timothee." Yoda began to say in a solemn voice. "This is Zekk Claflin, your new Padawan. He is strong in the Force, just like you."

I studied the young Padawan his features mirroring the curiosity and vulnerability of youth. Zekks eyes held a mixture of apprehension and tiredness, mirroring the emotions that myself had experienced when I was taken as a Padawan.

A wave of responsibility washed over me as I realized the weight of my new role. I understood the profound impact I could have on Zekk's journey, shaping his growth as a Jedi and nurturing the spark of potential within him. My face softened with determination and compassion.

"Zekk." I addressed the young Padawan, a warm smile gracing my lips. "I am honored to be your new Master. I hope I will be able to teach you what my master taught me." 

Zekk's eyes widened with a mix of excitement and trepidation. I knew that his world was about to change, that the path of the Jedi would demand much from him.

 Yet, in my gaze, he found a reassuring presence, a beacon of guidance and support."I am honored to be your Padawan. " He said then  and bowed to me 

A few minutes later, I was standing in my room with my Padawan. Zekk was now wearing his dark gray Jedi robe. In my left hand I had a pair of scissors to cut Zekk's hair.

To pass the time, we talked comfortably. I asked about his life. He talked about his parents being murdered and why he wanted to become a Jedi. In return, I told him stories about my adventures as a Padawan and the many planets I had been on missions to. Before we knew it, his hair was short.

"And now..." I made the last cut and lowered the scissors. "...All that's missing is the braid. " I told him and took it out of my bag. Then I grabbed the hair I had left behind Zekk's hair and started braiding it together with the braid.

"And done." I tied the braid with a little elastic and then squatted in front of Zekk. His green eyes looked at me. "I feel weird in Jedi robes." He confessed to me. I had to laugh a little and put my hands on his shoulders. "We've all done that. But it settles down after a while. You're becoming a strong Jedi, Zekk. I promise you that." I smiled at him and then stood up again.