The Second Padawan

Shadow of the Jedi -i-

Like a tattoo
Shadow of the Jedi
Part i

The doors hissed as I landed on Coruscant. That planet was always bustling, no matter if it was the crime-ridden lower levels, or the artificially purified air surrounding the Jedi Temple and Senate buildings.

This time, I hadn't been on planet for close to 11 months, so I was warmly welcomed by my former Padawan. "Master! It's been a while hasn't it?" He smiled then quickly straightened himself once he saw other Jedi passing by.

My lips curved into my own smile, "You've holo-called me nearly every single day." I patted R2, who was now a gift I was given after the twins birth. I didn't really see myself having that much assistance in the birthing process to be rewarded with such a thing, but Padmé and Anakin insisted.

We walked together, briefly reminiscing on the shared past we had, both learning from eachother. My mind flung back to the present after the not so good memories appeared, the war, the loss, the pain.

...

"I understand." I said, 11 years ago when I was called to the council chambers. Both a close representative of the newly formed Republic and Master Windu spoke to me. I was no longer permitted use of Republic or Jedi equipment for the use of my investigation.

I searched and searched for the children I saw briefly in a vision on the day the Chancellor was defeated. I knew within my heart that they were out there, but understood the Republic and Jedi's withdraw.

...

Anatoli's voiced brought me back, "Master Tano said she'd be waiting for you in the dojo."

"That's right," I recalled, today was the Skywalker twin's combat assessment. After long talks with the council, we found it best to retain some of the military and combat focused training we had during the clone wars, just incase there was another Galatic scale conflict. "I haven't seen them in almost a year."

Once we entered the dojo, I took my seat between Anakin and Ahsoka. His eyes widened once he saw me, we both know he sensed me the minute I entered the atmosphere, but he still looked so happy to see me.

Ahsoka on the other hand, acted as if we never been apart. She quickly began telling me about the new systems they had in place for younger Jedi. "We have the students learn the spiritual ways of the Jedi for half the classes, and then the combative ways. Duel wielding is also becoming more popular." She jabbed my arm.

Despite being almost 29, she could always make me feel like we were 13 again, back on Christophisis. It was a double edged sword really, the memories we shared, brought so much joy, yet so much pain. We were Jedi, but also soldiers.

Despite the war being over more than a decade ago, the scars it left were so deep and altering, you'd either wear it like a tattoo or try so desperately, and in vain, to heal it. I chose the hardest option, which ironically came easy.

Luke Skywalker, stood on the side lines as Leia Skywalker walked into the middle. The ray shield, at the tap of Master Yoda's cane, surrounded her. The mini training droids dropped from the ceiling and spun around her, shooting low powered blasts which she easily deflected. He had the power and flashiness of her father, which contrasted with the angelic aura of her mother.

"Auntie!" Leia approached the bleachers we were on.

"It's really good to see you." I smiled, patting her head a bit awkwardly. Younglings, even the ones whom I used to change the diapers of, still made me feel a bit awkward. "You've grown a bit since I last seen you."