Reetha's point of view

The last thing I remember...I remember, Ventress. I remember seeing, visions? Yes, visions. Count Dooku.. truths.  My head hurts. I felt my veins on fire. It stung. It stung so bad, but it somewhat felt...good. Powerful. I start trashing on my bed. My body shakes violently. Every part of my body feels like its being pricked by a thousand needles.

"Hold her down!" I hear Kix scream. I feel hands holding me down, then i feel secure straps binding my arms and legs and torso. I panic. 

"Kix, what's going on?!" "

General Skywalker, I don't know. Her pulse has quickened rapidly and has come down with a very high fever." 

"Is she hurt? Is she alright?"  Ahsoka?

"She hasn't sustained any fatal internal or external wounds, commander. Physically, she is just exhausted, but, I can't say mentally." 

"Mentally? What do you mean?" 

"Gen'ral, her brain waves are off the charts. I have never seen such aggressive brain activity before. I can't tell how she'll be when she wakes up." 

Light enters my eyes, I blink it off . My eyes travel drowsily around me. Everything is so fuzzy and blurred. I feel extremely disoriented. I see Master Skywalker, Ahsoka, Kix, the captain and some other clones who I could not identify. I let out a disoriented sigh, my head lulls from one side to another as I try to collect my bearings. 

"Kix! Kix she's awake!" I hear Rex call. Kix rushes to my side and places his hand on either side of my face. "Reetha, focus on me, please." His voice is calm, but I can sense his worry. 

My eyes manage to lock on to his, but my vision keeps blacking out. I hear Anakin and Ahsoka call out my name. I hear Rex's soft worried calls. In an attempt to speak, I feel a metallic taste burst into my mouth. I choke on my own blood. 

My eyes widen in pain and I let out a shout and start trashing on the bed again. My veins burn and I scream in agony. Something pricks my neck, I let out my last scream. My limbs cease movement. My eyes widen momentarily, as the drug kicks in. 

I feel my pain fading away. My muscles, before twitching  violently as if electrocuted, now relaxing. Black spots cover my vision. The room is quiet, but the force hums in my ear, lulling me into a deep slumber. A slumber that I never want to wake up from.

----

3 months later

----

My eyes blink slowly as they open adjust to the lights of a room. I flinch as a light pain courses through my body when I try to move. When I completely come to my senses, I realize that I have been placed in a med bay. I feel very tired but at the same time, I feel like I've got the best sleep in my life. I let out a content sigh and look around the room. I see a heart monitor at my side, beeping steadily. 

"Reetha.." I hear a gasp from the side of the room. "Hey, Kix" I smile weakly. At my response, he doesn't hesitate a second before rushing up to my side, quickly placing his datapad on a table beside my bed. I notice the worry in his eyes. Not only that, but there are huge bags under his eyes, as if he's never had a day of decent sleep in a while.

 "You look terrible." I manage to joke weakly. "Kid, if only you knew." He laughed a reply, but then his face immediately washed over with a look of worry. "We thought we lost you. Reetha, we nearly lost you." the medics voice caught in his throat. I carefully raised my hand to hold on to his shaky ones. "I'm here now, ay. I won't be going anywhere in a while." 

Kix's eyes soften at my reply. "Well, at least you still have your sense of humor. I-I'm just glad you stayed alive. We glad, you stayed alive." I felt the calmness that washed over him and decided not to reply.

 Although I didn't speak a reply, I smiled to show my gratitude for all the medical team, especially Kix, went through to save me. "Rest up vod'ika. I'll go get the rest of the family." Kix rubbed my shoulder affectionately before leaving me to get the rest of the group. 

"Reetha?" Someone called my name worriedly from the med bay doors. "Hey, Master." Anakin looks at me, bewildered. Ahsoka comes to stand beside him, eyes wide open when she saw me before she ran up to my side. "Reetha! Your alright. I, I'm so happy." A chuckled softly.

 "Hey Soka." Anakin rushes up to my bed, next. "Reetha, don't you ever, and I mean never scare me like that." Anakin says as he gently holds one of my hands. "I won't, master." 

Heavy footfalls draw my attention to the door. That is when I see several troopers slowly entering the medbay. "Boys" I call out. "Looks like you've seen a ghost.." I laugh out. 

Rex stops several inches away from my bed. His helmet clutched tightly in his hands. He stammers my name as he come closer. The other troopers behind him, Jesse, Hardcase and Kix, walk up from behind him. All looking equally shocked, expect for Kix, who saw me wake up earlier. 

Rex steps forward to the right side of my bed and sat himself down on a chair. "Hey, Vod." At my voice, Rex let's a tear slip down his face and a grateful smile takes over is previous shocked face. "Oh, vod'ika, y-you.. Don't ever scare me like that!" He says in all seriousness, but his gentleness doesn't fail to show. I grasp his hand tighter. 

"I didn't know captains get scared." My sass draws light laughter from the rest who sit beside me. 

I reach m hands out to Rex, to which he hugs me at the opportunity. "Don't ever you dare die on me, alright, kid." He says in a shaky breath. We pull away and I smile. "I'll try, ner vod." 

----

3 weeks later

---

My recovery was rather fast. Kix said that it might have been because of my deep connection to the force. I think I can force heal now. Force heal myself, at least. Ever since I woke up from my injuries, the clones, Anakin and Ahsoka would constantly visit me. 

Kix was there all the time making sure I took my meds and got exercise. Rex came over after every mission to tell me about it, which I would gladly listen to. Ahsoka would swing by with Jesse and Hardcase, bringing my favorite drink, Melourun Slushy.

 Master Skywalker introduced me to a few new troopers. Appo, Sterling, Vaughn, Tup, Dogma, and two new arch troopers. Fives and Echo. To say we got along well was not even a beginning of the truth. We all got on splendidly, as if we knew each other since the beginning of time. Not only that, but I got visits from Master's Luminara and Ti. Plo Koon dropped by when Ahsoka did. So did Master Kenobi.

By the end of three weeks, I was walking on my own around the Jedi temple and the clone barracks. However, when ever I walked in the temple, even to my own quarters, I realize the watchful eyes of the temple guards on me. I could feel a fear in them whenever I passed. It made me feel, cornered. Was is something I did? 

The same happens when I visit the Senate building or the trooper barracks. The guards on duty would watch me like a hawk. It's funny, how a place that felt like my home, was my home and still is, feels so alien to me. Especially when the people you thought you could trust, watch you like you've committed treason or have betrayed them. 

I would admit, that everything after the talk Ventress and I had was a complete blur. I tried asking the 501st boys about it, but they truly did not know. The the most peculiar thing happened. 

When I asked Master Skywalker or any of the Jedi that visited me about what happened after the talk, none of them would tell me. "What ever happened after that, was not your fault, young one." They would say. Not even Ahsoka was allowed to tell me, but I would not blame her. I knew she would tell me anything if she could, but the older Jedi masters forbade her to. 

I was hanging out with the new 501st troopers when I was called to meet with the Jedi Council. And that is where I am know. I was escorted by four temple guards. Anakin and Ahsoka walked behind me, a worried look on their face. Whenever I glanced back at them, I'd be given a look of guilt. What could have I done to be suddenly called to face the Council? 

----

"Padawan Khan, step forward." Mace Windu's commanding voice called to me as soon as the council doors opened. I hesitated a moment  before entering. The guards stayed at the entrance while Ahsoka and Anakin walked in after me. 

"Masters" I bowed gently greeting the other Jedi. Among all the masters, I only felt comfortable looking at Obi-Wan and Plo Koon. I felt my heart hammering against my chest but willed myself to calm down. 

"Glad to see you fully recovered, we are." 

"Thank you, Master Yoda. I am grateful to all those who fought to keep me alive." 

Yoda grunted in approval. "A matter of great importance to discuss with you, we have." I nodded. 

"Padawan Khan, what do you remember after your talk with the Sith assassin, Ventress?" Mace commanded the stage now. 

"Nothing, Master. Everything after the talk is a blur." I answered honestly. Shaak Ti spoke up next. "Padawan, are you sure you don't remember anything?" I shook my head before saying no. At my reply, Shaak Ti shared a distressed look with Master Luminara and Mace Windu. 

"Have Skywalker and Padawan Tano told you anything about what happened after the talk?" 

"No, Master Windu. They didn't." I answered honestly before turning around to face Anakin and Ahsoka. 

The council was quiet before a silent agreement passed between them. "Anakin, Ahsoka, It's best if you leave us, for just a moment." Obi-Wan gently requested. "Master, you can't expect e to just-" 

"It's alright, Master Skywalker." I cut Anakin through his sentence. "I'll, be fine." Anakin looked at me worriedly, but I nodded to convince him that everything would be fine. Anakin looked at me for a moment, before nodding and leaving the council and I, alone. "We'll wait outside for you." He told me, then himself and Ahsoka left. 

The council room's lighting dimmed and a holocron was levitated to the middle of the room. 

I looked worriedly at Obi-Wan, but he told me to keep calm. Master Yoda concentrated in the force to open the holocron. Blue light emitted from it and a scene played in front of me. My eyes widened immediately when I saw the scene play. 

There I was at the temple entrance, mercilessly attacking Ventress. I gasped in shock when the video showed me attacking Master Shaak Ti and Luminara when they tried to stop me. "I-I, I didn't, I, no. Masters I-" 

I choked on my words as I watch the scene unfold. Master Windu was now confronting me. I saw my eyes burn in a deep yellow and reddish color. The conversation exchanged between myself and Mace Windu only drove more tears down my cheek. "I- I wouldn't.." I blinked away my shock and listened carefully to the scene. I passed out. 

The scene ended and the holocron drifted to the ground. 

I stared to the middle of the room. What I saw didn't make my day at all. What I saw frightened me to the core. "Reetha?" Plo Koon called to me gently. "It was never your fault." I didn't look at him or the other Jedi. 'How, why? What am I?' 

"Am I expelled from the order, then?" I asked quietly. "No, Reetha no, it's just-" Obi-Wan's gentle reply was cut of by Mace. "It's just one thing, padawan. This is proof that you are not able to handle the truth that we are about to tell you." I looked at Mace, tears streaming down my face. "Master, I don't even know what the truth is." 

"Revealed to you the truth, Ventress has. Know this you do, hmm." Master Yoda spoke. "Aware of it now, you are." I nodded and quietly replied. "Yes, master." "Your master was a great Jedi. He only wanted what is best for you." Master Luminara told me.

I kept quiet for a while before speaking. "Why was I not told before?" I asked no one in particular. No anger in my voice, but sadness. When the council did not answer, I asked again. "I was aware of my powers and how string they are. I've asked questions about what I am, and who I am. Where I came from. Only to understand myself better." The council kept quiet. 

I looked at Obi-Wan. "Why did the council hide this from me? Was it not wise to let me know earlier, when I was curious and willing enough to know and understand?" I turned my head to Plo Koon. "Why tell me now? Why tell me, only when I am a danger to every one?" 

Sadness drifted from the Kel Dor Jedi to me. I shook my head in disbelief. "What does this mean for me?" When I was done, Master Yoda spoke.

 "Great many question, you have. The truth I will tell you. True it is, your powers origin. Manifest a part of the dark side, you do. Allows you to change into your projection." I closed my eyes and calmed my breathing, choosing not to reply. 

"Your powers are one of a kind padawan. Not many Jedi posses it. But this power is a fraction of the dark. You powers were cultured to turn your passion and emotion into a force projection." Shaak Ti spoke in her famous gentle manner.

 "If you allow this power to be manipulated by the Sith, it can become your worst enemy. Ventress tried to manipulate you and succeeded. It is clear that this power is to dangerous for you." Luminara spoke next. 

"Master, if I was made aware, this could have been avoided. I would have known what Ventress was up to." I defended myself. "And the council was wrong to keep it from you for so long, dear padawan." I looked at the Mirialan jedi "So what has the council come to conclude of me? Am I a danger to the temple?" I didn't allow a gap to pass for a reply from the council. 

"Because as far as I'm concerned, I do not feel welcomed to the temple anymore. I can't even walk to my room in peace without having whispers thrown behind my back. Judging eyes trailing my every move." 

I was disappointed when the council didn't manage to answer my questions. "We have considered some options. One of which, to expel you from the order." Mace's reply was not expected. "What?" I exclaimed. "You- you can't expel me. I would just be a bigger target out there!" I defended myself. I felt so betrayed at that point. 

Mace simply shook his head. "So we have been told. But now that you know who you must avoid, expelling you from the order would only benefit both the Order and you." I thought to myself that this doesn't make any sense. 

"Mace, certainly we could not just abandon her-" "I would be far off better if I was kept in the order to train myself more. I'd learn more about myself here than I would on Coruscant's streets." I cut Obi-Wan off. "Even if I went out there, I would not know how to live. I have lived in the temple for as long as I can remember. It's my home. The Jedi order is my life." 

"And that is another reason why we should expel you. The key to be a strong Jedi is to not form attachments. As far as I a concerned, padawan, you have formed to many attachments." It seemed at this moment that Mace was the only one doing the talking. "But isn't past of the code to be compassionate? How does one be compassionate without being attached to someone?" 

"That is for you to figure out." Mace bluntly told me. I froze. Does he expect me to understand everything on my own. Especially now. I just figured out that my power descends from the Sith and is a fraction of the dark sides power. "Then has all my master done been in vain?" 

The question stunned the Jedi. Even Mace. I looked at Mace, eyes full of sorrow. "You master, did all he could to help you learn. But his attachment to you became his downfall." I looked at the Jedi master bewildered. 

"He was aware of your power and was very determined to teach you, when a renegade Sith was about to manipulate you. He didn't allow it. The council advised his to stop teaching you, but he would not listen. He had formed an attachment to you." 

When Mace kept quiet, all I could think about was that I was a cause for my master's death. Obi-Wan seemed to pick up to this. "Reetha, Dante loved you like you were his own daughter. He did not die in vain." "But I caused his death, didn't I" I forced my eyes to meet Obi-Wan's. 

After a moment of silence, I decided to speak. If the Jedi did not want me in the order, I would leave to please them. My thoughts drifted to the 501st. The relationship I forged with them, my new master and friend.

 I promised myself, that if I leave, I would still come back to help them as a soldier, but not a Jedi. "What does the council decide for me, then?" My question raised surprise. "I will accept my faith." I readied my self to be expelled. 

"May I suggest and alternative." Master Plo stood and walked up beside me. The council agreed in silence. "It is clear to me, that Reetha is a powerful Jedi. And to abandon her in her moment of need is not the right path. Master Yoda, If Reetha is need to learn about attachments, I would be glad to help her. Dante was a close friend of mine, and like him, I understand what he would have gone through to protect young Reetha." 

"Want to take her as an apprentice, you do?" Master Yoda asked and I looked up to the Kel Dor. "Yes master. But only to teach her to get used to her new abilities. I would not want to replace her new master. Skywalker does well to teach Ahsoka and Reetha." 

I looked at Plo in shock that he would help me. "I agree with Master Plo." Obi-Wan spoke up. "Reetha can learn more staying in the order. If it would clear the councils decision, I would also like to help Reetha in her situation. She deserves it after all she has been through." 

"And what about Skywalker?" Mace asked Obi-wan. "I will talk to him. I'm sure he will understand." 

"Agree with this, I do." Master Yoda spoke up next. The old master then shuffled towards me. "Young Padawan, through much you have been through. A fine Jedi you will be. Stay in the order you will. Learn from the heart, you must." I looked at the old Jedi, a felt happy that I was staying in the order, but, after everything that had happened, I didn't know whether to smile or cry. "Thank You." 

Mace Windu looked at me and nodded. "You may stay in the order." I nodded. The council was dismissed. Obi-Wan thanked Master Yoda and Master Windu a farewell and thank you. "We are very sorry to throw this on you, Reetha." He said, walking over to me and Master Plo. "It's alright Master. I answered half heartedly. I just thank you and Master Plo for trusting in me." 

Plo Koon placed a hand on my shoulder. "Get some rest, Little Reetha. We will discuss matters further with your master." 

I nodded my thanks. When I left the room, I saw Anakin and Ahsoka waiting for me. I froze, as everything came rushing back to me. I would have lost my new family if I was truly thrown out of the order. But thankfully, I had the right people to back me up. I hadn't realized how fast my feet carried me to my two friends. I tackled them in a hug, crying my heart out. They hugged me back. The only thing I could think of, is cherishing my new family. 

Now that I knew the truth of myself, I was determined to learn about how to properly harness the ability. I might have been a Jedi, but maybe its time to change the codes a little. After all, I'm not exactly a Jedi or a Sith. 

I, am one in the middle.