"Here's to the nights we'll never remember with the friends we'll never forget"

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Chapter Two

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There was a grain of rice somewhere in the room. You had to find it to become a Jedi Knight. Becoming a Jedi Knight was the next step in understanding your purpose. This was incredibly important and required focus-

Something didn't feel right about Obi-Wan's mission.

First it was his bad feeling, then it was not answering his comm. It had been two days, he should have answered. But there was complete radio silence on his end and it was worrying.

Force, your family was right. You were totally gone on Obi-Wan. You were in love with him, you had been ever since Satine threatened your place during your joint mission to Mandalore. The two of you just... fit. Jedi were forbidden attachments, of course, and that caused quite a few problems when it came to your feelings. But those could be pondered later, because you were in the middle of the most important test of your life.

"Focus, (Y/n)," you shook your head, looking around the room hopelessly. You needed to focus, to ground yourself.

Without hesitation, you sat down in a meditation position on the floor. The rocks were uncomfortable but they were also grounding. They kept you in the High Council chambers, instead of stuck in your own mind.

Reaching out to the Force, you sought out its guidance. You could have spent minutes or hours meditating, falling into a trance so deep that you'd be able to find a grain of rice.

Finally- finally the Force gave you a little nudge. You stood, keeping your eyes closed to maximize your concentration. Trusting the Force, you went where it told you, lowering your hand when it felt right. Instead of feeling a rock, you felt the plush fabric of one of the councilors' chairs. Running your hand over the fabric, you reached into the crevice between the seat and the arm, and you felt it. Pinching it tightly, you pulled out your grain of rice and opened your eyes.

"Master Yoda you green troll," you mumbled when you saw whose chair was hiding the grain of rice.

The door to the Council chamber slid open. Smiling, you stood up and turned around to greet who was waiting for you- only to have to duck under a lightsaber swipe immediately after.

Pulling your own lightsaber from your belt, you activated it and held it up to block another strike. Purple met purple. This close to Master Windu's lightsaber, you could see that his was pinker than yours. Probably because his was a Hurrikaine crystal, and your was a mid-point between Light and Dark. A concept you could ponder more later when you weren't in danger.

Pushing back, you had to contort your body to avoid running into Master Yoda's chair. Master Windu took advantage of your momentary distraction and struck again.

The battle was brutal. Your combat styles clashed strongly, making for a difficult fight for both of you. Master Windu was a master of Form VII - Juyo. He was the only Jedi who had never Fallen using it. It was aggressive, vicious, and unpredictable. You had become a master at Form VI, Niman when you were twenty. Niman was the jack-of-all-trades style. People called it the diplomat's style because they assumed it didn't require much finesse. But you poured your heart into your training- learning every style individually before combining them.

Dodging, slicing, parrying. The fight took both of you around the outside of the conference room twice, and directly across the room several other times. There were several burns on both of your bodies from near misses- more on you than him. The Force was screaming at you so loudly that you knew you were in true danger. Master Windu would have taken limbs if you'd given him the chance.

Nearly thirty minutes into the fight, Master Windu delivered a brutal kick to your ribs. It sent you crashing into Yaddle's seat, nearly tipping it with the sudden action. Biting your cheek so hard you cut through the flesh, you knew that your ribs were cracked at the very least.

Swinging your lightsaber up, you sweat under the heat of Master Windu's saber when it came too close to your face. Eyes darting quickly to the arm holding his saber, you acted fast. Kicking your leg up, you draped your knee over his elbow and hooked your foot up near his shoulder. Gritting your teeth, you quickly jerked your leg to the side.

Master Windu stumbled when his shoulder was pulled out of socket, his saber momentarily falling. Seeing your only chance, you acted without hesitation and pointed your blade at his throat. The heat of his own weapon was felt against your neck. The two of you made eye contact and held it for several excruciatingly long moments.

"It's been a long time since I've tied with someone," Master Windu deactivated his saber, stepping back, "You dislocated my shoulder."

"You cracked my ribs," you griped back, "What, are your boots steel toed?"

"No, just a lot of lower body strength. Where did you learn that move with your leg?"

"Quinlan."

Master Windu sighed in exasperation, "That's not surprising in the least. I don't dare ask him where he learned it."

"That'd probably be best."

The Council chamber doors opened again, and this time the rest of the Council filed in. They had no trouble stepping over the rocks, and you felt a small bit of resentment at their ease of movement.

"Well done, Padawan," Master Plo spoke first, pride clear in his voice.

"Thank you, Master," you fed off of your master's pride, feeling proud of yourself as well. Not only did you find the grain of rice, but you tied with the best duelist in the Order.

"Passed all of your trials, you have. Been summoned for your Knighting ceremony all of the councilors have."

Clipping your lightsaber back on your belt, you felt confused, "All of my trials, Master Yoda? I assumed there'd be more tests than this."

"Passed Insight, Strength, and Flesh you have. Your ribs Master Windu broke, yes?" Master Yaddle asked.

"Cracked, I believe," the action made sense now. The Trial of Flesh almost always ended in some sort of injury. He was probably making sure you passed it without permanently being harmed. When you looked at him, he met your eyes and smirked. He was playing favorites.

"Passed long ago, when you remained Gray, Spirit was," Yaddle continued. That made sense. The Trial of Spirit was all about facing your demons. You did that constantly by toeing the line between Light and Dark.

"The Council agreed that you passed your Trial of Courage last year when you defeated those three bounty hunters," Master Plo finished.

You shuddered at the memory. Three bounty hunters spotted you on a mission and got it in their heads that a Force Sensitive Othan would be priceless on the slave markets. They separated you from your master and tried to capture you. Two of them were killed, the final losing both their arms. It was one of the scariest experiences of your life- forced to face the dangers of being a highly desired slave race.

"Ready for you the Hall of Knighting is if you wish to be knighted before healing."

"Yes, Master Yoda. It would be a great honor to be knighted."

Master Plo and I talked about knighting two days ago, you mused in the elevator. The Hall of Knighting was at the highest point in the Temple, a sacred space, And now it's happening.

"Pondering, Padawan?" Master Plo questioned.

"Two days ago we talked about me being ready for the Trials. I didn't think it would happen this quickly."

"If there is one thing you remember me telling you, Padawan, let it be this," Master Plo put a hand on your shoulder, and you could feel the amusement rolling off him in waves, "Nothing will ever be normal with you."

You laughed. You'd miss joking around with your master. Of course the two of you could stay in contact, and even potentially go on missions together- but you'd move out of Master Plo's apartment the next day into your own. Your training bond would be cut with your braid. Things would be different.

"I will miss you, Master," you admitted.

"And I you, (Y/n). But we are not truly leaving each other, are we?"

You shook your head. The elevator doors opened straight into the Hall of Knighting. The other masters were already there, standing in a circle and patiently waiting. Your Master stood in the last open spot. You slipped between bodies and kneeled in the center of the circle, facing Master Yoda. When you were settled, all of the Masters drew their lightsabers and lit them up.

"Welcome Master Plo Koon, Master Mace Windu, Master Yaddle, Master Ki-Adi-Mundi, Master Saesee Tiin, Master Even Piell, Master Oppo Rancisis, Master Adi Gallia, Master Eeth Koth, Master Depa Billaba, Master Yarael Poof. Here today we are, to Knight Padawan (Y/n) Pavond. A Gray Jedi, yes, but one of us still. We are all Jedi. The Force speaks through us. Through our actions, the Force proclaims itself and what is real. Today we are here to acknowledge what the Force has proclaimed."

It was jarring, hearing something so different from Master Yoda's normal speech pattern, but it was the most important part of the ceremonial speech and was to be followed to the letter.

Master Yoda lit his lightsaber, "(Y/n) Pavond," he hovered his saber over each of your shoulders, "By the right of the Council, by the will of the Force, I dub thee Jedi, Knight of the Republic."

The lightsaber expertly cut off your Padawan braid, and you watched it fall to the floor in what felt like slow motion. Reaching down, you picked up the braid and stood- your ribs screaming in protest as you did so. Casting one final glance at the masters around you, you left the Hall of Knighting silently- completing the ceremony.

Once outside the Hall, you let out a breath and clutched your Padawan braid to your chest. Beads were braided in throughout- beads that showed how much you had been through, how much you had survived up until this moment.

The Knighting Ceremony was a big deal for Jedi, but it wasn't a grand affair. It was an acknowledgment of your growth and potential, and that could be done without a giant show- besides, every Master knew that the real party came when the newly minted Knight would go out with their friends afterward.

As soon as you stepped into the elevator, you activated your comm and sent a group message to Garen, Bant, and Quin (Siri had joined the Force on a mission gone wrong several years ago, Force bless her soul). Their responses were immediate and just as surprised as you felt. Quin and Garen promised to meet you in the Halls, and Bant said she'd try to get dismissed from her duties early (she was a Padawan under one of the healers)

"Ah, Padawan (Y/n)- or should I say Knight (Y/n)," Master Che greeted with a smile, holding up her datapad at your questioning look, "An announcement was sent around the Temple. Congratulations are in order."

"Thank you, Master Che. Though I'm afraid I didn't come here in search of congratulations."

"Yes. You went through your Trials tonight as well, unusual but you're always full of surprises. I see you have all of your limbs, so what did the Trial of Flesh conclude with?"

"Cracked ribs, and several burns."

The Twi'lek healer nodded, ushering you over to a bed. Sitting down with a wince, you waited until she spread out a privacy curtain before you pulled off your tabards, obi, and tunic.

Master Che held a scanner over your torso for a few moments, "You're correct, they're cracked not broken which is good. I'm assuming you wish to celebrate tonight?"

"I'd like to, yes."

Master Che tutted but didn't argue, "That means no bacta tank. I'll spread bacta over it and bandage it. It will take longer to heal that way, but if that's what you wish..."

"I'm fine with a longer healing time, Master."

Nodding, Master Che went and got what she needed. When she returned, she spread a bacta gel over your ribs before wrapping them tightly in bandages and handing you some painkillers. Once she was done with that, she treated the burns around your body.

"Knight (Y/n) Pavond!" A familiar voice called out.

"Not so loud in my Halls," Master Che scolded, pulling back the privacy curtain when you put your tunic back on.

"Sorry Master," Quin wasn't sorry at all.

"Sorry Master Che," Garen was slightly sorry.

Sighing, Master Che crossed her arms, "I'll dismiss Bant for the night- as long as I don't see any of you back here for stupid injuries!"

"Cross my heart, Master," Quin grinned.

Master Che rolled her eyes and left you two alone. Several minutes later, Bant rushed up to you, pulling you into a tight hug, "Congratulations, (Y/n)! This is wonderful!"

"I know! It all happened so fast! Two days ago Master Plo brought up the Trials and now I'm a knight. There's so much I have to tell you two."

"Let's do it over a drink! A new bar opened up in the middle levels," Quin suggested.

"Sure. I just need to change first, this tunic is practically falling apart. I'll meet you at the entrance in twenty minutes."

All of you dispersed. You went to your apartment with Master Plo. When you stepped through the door, Master Plo was sitting on the couch- seemingly waiting for you.

"I assume you're going out with your friends?"

"Yes, with Quin, Garen, and Bant. I wish Obi-Wan were here though, it'd be more fun with him..." You fiddled with the Padawan braid in your hands, "This is for you, Master." Master Plo held the braid like it was something precious, "It seems silly that you put up with me for twelve years and only get a piece of hair in return."

"On the contrary, (Y/n). As a master, a Padawan braid is the greatest gift I could receive. I could not be more proud of you and who you've become. I was very privileged to be your Master as well. Not only did I get to raise you, but I learned much about the Force through your studies as a Gray Jedi."

Sniffling, you quickly wiped away your tears. Master Plo opened his arms and you practically fell into them, holding him close.

"I'm not ready."

"No one ever is."

"What if I mess up?"

"Then you will learn and be better than before."

"What if I Fall, Master?"

"Then I, and those around you will be there to catch you."

"It's strange, not having the bond anymore. My head feels a bit empty."

"Yes, I will miss having you so close to me as well."

You pulled out of the hug, sitting next to your former master instead, "That sounds like attachment, Master."

Master Plo sighed, "It is, my Padawan. Despite what the Code says, attachment is unavoidable. I am attached to a great many things. What one must remember, is that you must be able to let go. If you are willing to do that, then love and attachment will not affect your duties as a Jedi."

"I'm in love with Obi-Wan, Master."

Master Plo became amused, "Have you just now discovered your feelings?"

So it was obvious. Great. "No. I've known for a while- since Mandalore, actually. I'm attached to him, and I love him, and I'm not sure if he loves me back, but I want to see. He's strict to the Code but we've always made exceptions for each other."

"What I said still stands, Padawan. It is not avoiding attachments that is the challenge, it is being okay with letting go that is. Jedi lead dangerous lives, and the two of you will be put into dangerous situations. What would you do if it was Obi-Wan or the lives of millions?"

"I would save the millions," you answered without hesitation, "I love Obi-Wan with all my heart, but I think both of us would agree that our duty to the galaxy trumps that."

"Then if it is my blessing you want, you have it," Master Plo pulled you into another, shorter, hug, "Now, go celebrate with your friends."

Hurrying off to your room, you quickly pulled on one of the few outfits you owned that didn't immediately mark you as a Jedi. Wishing goodbye to Master Plo, you rushed back to the entrance of the Temple where Garen, Bant, and Quin were waiting.

"Ready?" Quin had a grin on his face that you knew meant it was going to be a long night.

"As I'll ever be."

~*~

The next morning you woke up to a glass of water and two pain reliever tablets next to your bed. Thanking the Force for giving you the best Master ever, you quickly downed the pills and chugged the glass of water. A biological quirk you were very thankful for was that alcohol went through your system quickly if you drank a lot of water. It made for faster, less painful hangovers.

You remembered the night clearly up until the three of you did shots of a new Alderaanian liquor. After that was a bit of a blur.

Bant (an angry drunk) started a bar fight that quickly got you kicked out (and maybe banned?) from that new bar. At some point you thought you made out with something to prove... something - you hoped it was one of your friends, it wouldn't be the first time it'd drunkenly happened (you still remembered Obi-Wan and Garen at Garen's 18th birthday). Quin drank either Corellian Whiskey or perfume- Garen won a thousand credits betting that it was perfume, which meant Quin drank perfume. And the four of you might have taken down a slavery ring after going to a strip club? If that last one was true you'd be making Quin file all the reports.

Your comm was blinking on your bedside table, alerting you to several messages. There was one from Bant making fun of Quin for getting chewed out at the Halls of Healing for drinking perfume, one from Garen wondering why he suddenly had so many credits and several from Quin complaining about his hangover. You rolled your eyes, wincing when it irritated your headache. That was when you noticed that your holocom was also blinking. Quickly picking it up, you were greeted by a hologram of Obi-Wan.

"(Y/n), I'm sorry for not getting back to you sooner. There were several complications on the mission that made things difficult. We're entering Coruscant's atmosphere now, so I'll explain things when we land. We'll be reporting to the Council immediately after Queen Amidala is dropped off, so comm me when you get this. I'll see you soon."

"Of course his bad feeling was right, intuitive bastard," you grumbled, rolling out of bed and slowly stretching so you wouldn't irritate your ribs. They already felt better than they did yesterday but without a dip in the bacta tank, you wouldn't be fully cleared for a couple of weeks.

Sending a comm message to Obi-Wan letting him know you didn't have any plans for the day, you got ready in the refresher before anything else. You smelled like a bar and the perfume that Quin definitely drank so a shower was first. After that, you got ready for the day and stopped at the kitchen. Your master was nowhere to be found, so you assumed he was with the High Council meeting with Master Qui Gon and Obi-Wan.

After breakfast, you stopped at the Halls of Healing to check on Quin. He was lying back in one of the beds, a pout stuck on his face.

"I thought you drinking perfume was a fever dream, but all evidence points to you actually being that stupid," you teased, seating in the uncomfortable plastic chair next to his bed.

"I only drank it cause you dared me."

"And you actually did it? That's still on you."

Quin scoffed, crossing his arms, "Uh, excuse me, but you had just finished sticking your tongue down my throat and I was a little out of it."

Well, now you knew who you made out with, "Why did I kiss you, again?"

"Bant asked a medical question about Otha saliva- you know, cause you guys do that thing, and instead of answering with your words like a normal person you thought it would be better to show her."

Groaning, you dropped your head into your hands, "And that's why you were out of it- because you ingested some of my saliva."

"Gross way of putting it, but yeah. Also, I'm honored I got you hot enough to produce that aphrodisiac stuff," Quin wiggled his brows and you rolled your eyes.

"As if."

"Oh, yeah, I'm sure you were thinking of Obi-Wan instead," Quin cackled when you flushed dark blue.

"If you're gonna be mean to me then I'll let you deal with Master Che alone-"

"No, no, no, I take it back! Please- she hasn't stopped lecturing me all morning! And Bant just stands behind her looking smug."

Your comm buzzed on your sleeve, and you saw it was a message from Obi-Wan. He wanted to meet in the Room of Waterfalls, "Sorry Quin, I've got to go meet up with Obi-Wan."

"Give him a kiss for me! Like the one you gave me last night! That should pull his head out of his ass."

"Goodbye, Quin," you turned away so he couldn't see you blush again.

You loved your friends, you really did. They made you feel like a normal young person instead of a Gray Jedi stuck with Light Side rules, but Force, sometimes you wanted to put the fear of the Dark Side in them.

On the way to the Room of Waterfalls, you stopped for just a second in the middle of the hallway. Obi-Wan only ever went to that room when he was troubled. It was where he accidentally killed Bruck, and the place he went when upset because of that.

Unsure of what state you were going to find him in, you entered the Room of Waterfalls and sought out his Force signature. It wasn't near the waterfall Bruck fell off, which was good. He was upset, but not overly so.

Finding him sitting at the edge of one of the calmer pools, you settled next to him with a smile.

"Hey, stranger," you greeted.

"Hello there," he greeted quietly.

Observing his demeanor, you noted that he seemed distraught. That led you away from the idea of it being a Sad Day for him. There were other reasons behind his mood.

"What's wrong?" You nudged him gently, nudging him a second time when he simply shrugged, "Come on, Obes. Talking always makes you feel better."

Obi-Wan sighed, and looked away, "The mission was a disaster."

"I figured. But there's something more than a mission gone wrong, isn't there? Why don't you tell me the whole story?"

"When we arrived on the ship for negotiations they locked us in a room and filled it with poisonous gas. We got out and managed to take a ship down to the planet. By the time we got to the Queen, she had been taken captive. After freeing her and attempting to flee the planet out hyperdrive was damaged, causing us to land on Tatooine."

"That dustball of a planet?"

"Yes, 'that dustball of a planet'. There... my master met a boy. His name is Anakin Skywalker. He tested his midi-chlorian count and it was 20,000."

"Twenty- twenty thousand?" You hissed. Midichlorians, most people assumed, were similar to cells. However, your research led you to believe it was the Force's presence in one's body manifesting itself in a comprehensible way. There was no other explanation as to why people never lost midi-chlorians even after major injuries.

"20,000," Obi-Wan repeated, "I ran the test myself- twice just to make sure. The boy helped us earn the money for a new hyperdrive, and Master decided to take him with us."

"I understand that he is powerful in the Force, but the Council won't like having a child so old here. They might refuse to train him," Obi-Wan made a face, "What am I missing?"

"Master thinks the boy is the chosen one, the one destined to bring balance to the Force."

"Master Qui Gon Jinn- the man who embodies the living Force, the man who has dismissed your visions your entire life, thinks that Anakin is who the prophecy speaks of?" Obi-Wan nodded miserably, "Even if he suspects, the Council will likely refuse the boy."

"I tried to tell himself the same, but he is very determined. I'm afraid if the Council refuses he will find a way anyway."

"Well, they don't call him the Maverick for no reason," you muttered. The two of you fell into silence for a few moments, "Two days ago, before I left for Othan, Master Plo brought up taking my Trials."

Obi-Wan perked up at that, "Your Trials, already? How soon does the Council wish for you to take them?"

"That's the thing. I um... I took the Trials of Insight, Strength, and Flesh yesterday. They deemed that I had already passed my Trials of Spirit and Courage. I was knighted yesterday."

Mouth falling open in shock, Obi-Wan stared at you wide-eyed, "Yesterday? But your Trials were brought up two days ago! Normally the process takes weeks, if not months!"

"I was shocked too. I believe the Council wanted to push forward because I had already passed two. I found a grain of rice in a room of stones and fought Master Windu in the same room."

"And you survived to tell the tale?" Obi-Wan was astonished.

"Well I'm not dead, am I? Master Windu cracked several ribs, but I dislocated his shoulder."

"I noticed he was holding himself strangely today."

You chuckled, "That was my doing. The ceremony was yesterday as well, completed before I went to the Halls of Healing. I spent last night with Garen, Bant, and Quin."

Obi-Wan snorted, "How did that go?"

"About as well as you can expect. Quin is in the Halls of Healing for drinking perfume if you want to see him. He sends his love."

Rolling his eyes, Obi-Wan stared at your hair, where your Padawan braid used to be, "I'm sorry I missed the celebrations."

"You were quite busy, I'm not upset with you. We can go to Dex's to make up for it later this week."

"That'd be nice."

The two of you talked about mundane things for a while longer. You told him about meeting your family, and he was even more shocked about you being royalty than he was about you being a Knight- though you felt the same way when you found out. Despite the obvious signs of affection you were showing toward your family, Obi-Wan remained happy for you and didn't chide you once on potential attachment. It gave you hope. Perhaps when things calmed down a bit, you could tell him about your feelings.

Eventually, Obi-Wan had to leave to write his version of the mission report. The two of you bid each other goodbye and went your separate ways.

"Knight (Y/n)," Master Yoda came up behind you and you jumped in shock, "Scared you I did?"

"A bit," you held a hand over your heart, frowning good-naturedly when Yoda cackled lightly, "Did you need something, Master?"

"Show you to your new rooms, I will."

"Oh, thank you, Master Yoda. That's very kind of you."

You were expecting a message with your apartment number, but you weren't upset with the Grandmaster of the Order showing you the way instead.

As you walked through familiar halls, you realized you were getting closer to Master Qui Gon and Obi-Wan's apartment. When Master Yoda stopped and pointed at a door, your heart sped up with the realization you were across the hall from Obi-Wan.

The apartment itself was standardly furnished, with a couch and two chairs in the living room, and a bed, nightstand, and dresser in each of the two bedrooms. As you moved your items in and actually lived in the apartment a bit more it would become more of a home.

"Sit, youngling," Master Yoda settled on one of the chairs and pointed at the couch with his gimer walking stick.

Cautiously taking a stick, you reached out to the Force around Master Yoda. There wasn't a hint of any negative emotions there, which calmed you slightly. Unless Master Yoda was masking his entire emotional presence, this wasn't going to be a damning conversation.

"Approved this form, I have," Master Yoda set a datapad in front of you, pulled from his robes, "Needed, I suspect it will be."

Picking up the datapad, your jaw dropped when you saw what form Master Yoda had approved for you, "Master Yoda-"

"Clouded, the Force is. But clear it is with this," Master Yoda stood and left.

You stared at the door to your apartments for a few seconds before looking back at the form. It was approval for a special circumstances based relationship- it actually said marriage but you were blatantly ignoring that part. The only other person who had such a thing was Ki-Adi-Mundi due to his species' low numbers. Your special circumstance was security for Othan's future royal line.

The real kicker was that your name and Obi-Wan's were already filled in.