It had been a few days since then and I was under the ward of Master Windu for the time. I was also interrogated with just him and Yoda in the Council's room. I sat there while they studied me and talked to each other. "Grand Master Yoda, when the girl told me of this, I sensed no deceit in her. She told the truth" Mace said to Yoda who looked to be in deep thought. "She has no ill intent yes I also feel. from a different universe, she is. Keep her in our protection we must.." He said to Windu. Windu nodded. Obviously trusting the grand master's judgment. "I am happy you believe me. But I must ask as before that you keep this between the three of us. No one else can know" I said calmly to them. "Dangerous if word got out about this yes it would be. Yrsssss" Yoda said and closed his eyes. "Not only to you but to the whole galaxy. As River said, if the sith are really out there, they would catch wind of this and try to use her as a weapon. That is something we cannot let happen" Mace added. I nodded in agreement. "Strong with the force you are, here as a padawan you will stay, kept between us this matter will be," Yoda said. "You haven't even given me the tests yet," I said and Yoda shook his head. "Give you the test we will, but decided we already have," Yoda said and looked to Mace Windu. "Master Windu will train you, to be nothing but a normal padawan here you are. Yes, hrrrm" Yoda said. So it was to give me a cover-up and protect me. Mace Windu is strong, so having him near me as my master would be beneficial.

"Now we will perform your test young one," Mace said and then we finally got started. I did manage to pass it even though they noted I need help to focus on my emotions. I could tell that it concerned them, they had always been very big on the emotion part of their code so for me to struggle with that, made it probable that I could fall into darkness. I was not going to let that happen but I felt it more beneficial to stay neutral. then I would have the chance to see not just in black and white like most Jedi seemed to do. For the rest of the days, I was living with Master Windu and started to train with him. It was indeed hard and I hated the cardio exercises Mace made me do. I was out of shape and now very sore. Today Master Windu took me to the room of a thousand waterfalls and looked like he needed to tell me something. he had been strangely gentle with me since this afternoon when he was called for a meeting. He went and sat down. "Come River, sit with me," he said and I went over and sat next to him in front of one waterfall that was especially beautiful. "I brought you here to tell you that Obi-wan and the others are coming back from Naboo," He said to me. I perked up and looked over at him. He raised a hand before I could say anything. "But I am sorry to say, Qui-Gon..he has passed." He said and I couldn't believe it. They got the message, I warned them! Yet still, he was killed. "How! I told you to tell them, Master! How did it still happen!?" I asked and he put a hand on my shoulder. "River your anger is overcoming you, I need you to breathe," he warned and I could see that my anger was affecting the tranquility of the water. I took a breath like instructed and he took it as a sign to continue "We told them and gave them enough warning, but Maul killed him, Obi-wan was able to end him after though.." He said to me. Like that was supposed to make me feel better. I looked away from him and tears pooled in my eyes. "He was a good man, and a good Jedi, you did the best you could my padawan," Mace said and removed his hand from my shoulder. "What about Anakin?" I asked in a broken voice. "He will be trained under Obi-wan once he has faced and passed the trials," he said and I nodded. Wiping my tears away. "I see," I said softly. "They should be back soon actually," he said and checked his communicator...

"Oh yes, they just landed," He said and I perked up. I had to see them! "Master um.." I didn't want to be rude and just run away. "Yes come on" He knew what I was going to ask. I sprung up and ran to the door. "Walk River!" He called out and I slowed my running to a brisk walk. We eventually got to the high council's doors. There was a meeting going on and I could hear the voices of Obi-wan. I moved away and waited patiently for them to come out. Soon many Jedi exited the room. But then I saw a sad-looking Anakin and Obi-wan not far behind. I ran and tackled Anakin with a bear hug. "Annie!" I said and he yelped. Losing our balance we fell to the floor. I giggled and he let out a small laugh "River! I'm so glad to see you!" He said and we hear a small cough coming from above us. It was obi-wan giving us a look as a mom would. Like the 'you better get off the floor now child' look. We got up and still smiled. "I have to tell you all about it! I was on a ship! And I shot down a control ship in space with R2! It was so cool!" He rambled as we walked out of the room. But then it kinda got quiet. "I'm sorry about Master Qui-gon," I said softly to them both but mostly looking up at Obi-wan. He flinched a bit at the mentioning of his late master. "Thank you River, he is one with the force now though, and he never truly will be gone." He said and I didn't bother to ask about it further. He needed a chance to grieve not teach. They had brought his body on the ship with them and prepared him for a funeral. Anakin and I were spending some time together in the gardens and finally took notice of my attire. "wait. are you a youngling now? what! " I laughed "I am a padawan, but yeah I passed the tests and Master Windu agreed to teach me" I explained and he had a look of envy on his face. "I am happy for you River, uh isn't Master Windu that guy with the scary stare? he looked like he could stare blaster holes through me!" he said and shivered. I smiled at him and nodded. "yep that's him! He is very wise and strong though so I am very excited to learn from him. And soon I know you will be in training too" I said and he looked skeptical and picked a small flower off a bush. "They said they wouldn't train me though...said I had a cloudy future or whatever," he said and pouted. I put a hand on his shoulder. "I know they will take you eventually, just give it time buddy" And then I ruffled his sandy blonde hair. "hey watch the hair Riv!" he said and fixed it the best he could causing me to giggle. he smiled back at me and then handed me the flower he had picked. it was a daisy of some sort but the color was pale pink. I took it gently "why thank you it's beautiful," I said and admired the flower. I then put it into my braid and made sure it wouldn't fall out. "Anakin!" We both looked over to see Obi-wan. He was finally out of the funeral temple and looked worse for wear. he walked over to us and sent me a small smile. "come on we have to go get ready for the ceremony. you too RIver, your Master is looking for you" he said and I nodded. "Congratulations, by the way, you will make a fine Jedi someday," he said and I was kinda shocked that he even gave me any praise. but I kinda figured he was just being nice. "thank you," I said and then said goodbye to them both. I ran out of the gardens and back to the living quarters that I shared with Master Windu. It was something I was sort of still getting used to but I am sure he is still trying to get used to it as well. I freshened up and took the flower out of my hair gently. I actually still have it after all of these years. I had placed it under a heavy object and left it there so it can flatten out and dry. It was a technique my mom had taught me, and it preserved the flower.

After I was ready I walked out and saw Master Windu about to enter and stopped myself from bumping into him. "there you are, I have been looking everywhere for you, it's time" he said and nodded for me to follow him. it was a long silent walk to the funeral ceremony. Master Windu was the first to say anything "Remember not to blame yourself for this River, I can feel your emotions from a mile away. it is important to control those emotions and be at peace. you did nothing wrong" he said and looked over to me. it was his way of assuring me that I had done everything I could. but I still felt I didn't do enough. I didn't say anything and looked ahead. I am pretty sure if I did say anything I was going to cry. At the funeral for Qui-gon. His body was burned as we stood in silence. It was probably the coolest funeral I had ever been to, but I couldn't stop myself from crying. He was a good man who shouldn't have died. At that point, I had made a vow that I was going to do my absolute best to prevent Anakin from going to the Dark side, even if I had to die trying. Anakin was near me as the funeral progressed, he had his hair cut and wore similar padawan robes to mine. soon as I saw him in that get up I gave him a look that screamed 'I told you so' and he smiled. We watched as Qui-gons body was burned and suddenly it disappeared! My eyes widened at the sight and I looked up to Master Windu who stood behind me. "He is one with the force now, and we all must let go," He said to me quietly. Soon after a long while of watching the fire. the funeral was over. I looked around at the people leaving and saw the new Chancellor Palpatine start to head out. speaking in hushed tones with one of his colleagues. Just looking at him made me sick. I stayed near Anakin mostly, not wanting him to be alone as Obi-wan conversed with the other Jedi Masters. as we stood there looking at the fire, I heard my Master call me. I look over and see him standing with Obi-wan. "Yes, Master?" I said and looked at him. "Queen Amidala requested that you join her at a celebration on Naboo. I cannot go so I am trusting you to listen to Knight Kenobi and follow his lead. He is in charge of you for the next few days" He explained. I was excited that I would get to see Padme again. I nodded and looked over to Obi-wan. "Then I will follow your lead Master Kenobi," I said. holding back any sarcasm or teasing in my voice. He nodded "we are going to leave tomorrow." he said and then bid us goodbye before returning to his new padawan.

I was so excited to be back on Naboo. It was so beautiful here, and with the green wildlife and water, it reminded me of Earth a bit. Padme had welcomed us as soon as our ship landed. she was no longer dressed as a handmaiden and adorned in a beautiful gown and had her makeup done. soon as she saw me she hugged me. I didn't really expect it but hugged back nonetheless. "River! you look amazing, I had heard that you became sick back on coruscant and was so worried" she said and I sent her a smile "Thank you for worrying about me but I am feeling much better now. I am so happy you are safe" I said and she had a bright smile on her face. "its all thanks to Knight Kenobi and Master Qui-gon," she said and then looked at Obi-wan softly "you both helped me save my people, I am eternally grateful," she said and Obi-wan bowed to her. "it was an honor to serve you in your time of need Majesty," he said. "now come let me show you to your rooms," she said. clearly excited to have us stay here for the next few days. We soon made ourselves comfortable in the palace. The great parade was in celebration of the Gungan's joining forces with Naboo and also their joined victory against the Trade federation. Everyone was so happy, it was bright. Streamers and confetti filled the sky. we all stood as a group as we watched the leader of the Gungangs walk up to Padme. I did not understand what the huge glowing ball was at all and honestly, didn't wants to question it. I stood near Obi-wan since while we are here I was under his charge. And that was sort of where it ended, well for the movie anyway. It was wild and only the beginning of things for me and everyone else. Now it has been ten years, it sort of flew by fast. Especially when you are training to be a Jedi under Mace Windu. He was always strict with my teachings but over the years we grew a bond. He was like a father to me. As for Anakin.. we were very close at first during our training, but then slowly began to grow apart once we went on different missions with our masters. when we would have time, we would meet in the gardens and talk about everything together. those were probably the memories I cherish most. I got to see Anakin grow up into the young man he is now. that is something the movies could have never given me. but Anyways! I also have learned Galactic Basic Standard so I can now read everything! I am still working on my writing but it isn't as easy as I thought it would be. But I still want to write this in my old English language so no one will be able to read it, it gives me privacy from prying eyes and also protects the information I have. Right now I have just turned twenty and from what I gather, the events of the Attack of the Clones are about to happen. Padme is now the Senator of Naboo and has had multiple assassination attempts on her life from what I have seen on the news. It was time and I am very nervous, what If I fail? no, I shouldn't think that way, I will succeed. I will not fail. As Yoda says There is no fail, only try.

I will try to keep this updated.