3rd person

Of all places for the headquarters of the Jedi to be, why Coruscant? One would think that a sacred temple would fit better in a more.... natural environment? Regardless, what was even more peculiar was the role of the Jedi on Coruscant. The Jedi were intended to be servants of the force... yet the hub of all Jedi activity lay atop layers and layers of muddled chaos and silent suffering. As the members of the council sat in their usual circular formation to discuss political matters and trivialities, the common citizen withered away at the lowest level of the planet. The current discussion among the Jedi Masters would have to wait, however. They were currently anticipating a guest.

Zevon

I tried not to quiver from the nerves, but it was difficult. I'd never been summoned by the council, let alone even been in the council room. Why had they asked for me? Why now?

'Come on, you know the reason.' my inner self whispered in my ear. Yeah, I knew what would probably happen. They were going to send me off to the service corps. I'd been lucky enough to evade their scrutiny this long because of the war, but my luck had finally run out.

Arriving at the zenith of the council tower, I opened the hallowed doors of the council room. Averting my eyes, I first made my way to the center of the chamber where a makeshift chair had been placed. Taking in my surroundings, I easily picked out each of the twelve Jedi Masters, though some of them only attended in holographic form.

The rightmost master was called Plo Koon. He was the Jedi who discovered Ahsoka on her home world. He was renowned for his wisdom and calm demeanor. In spite of his mask that covered his eyes, I knew he was watching me carefully.

The man to his right needed no introduction, and I'm sure his cold gaze would pierce through anyone. Mace Windu was perhaps the greatest lightsaber duelist the order had to offer, though some would argue that Anakin Skywalker deserved that title. Oh, but you couldn't forget Master Yoda.

Speaking of which, the one next to Master Windu was the Grand Master of the order himself. Yoda. Timeless knowledge and experience... nothing more needed to be said. He peered directly at me with that familiar twinkle in his pupils.

Next up, Ki-Adi-Mundi. The guy with the tall head, a Cerean. I remembered reading somewhere that their enhanced brain function allowed them to process events more quickly. His stare was blank.

Saesee Tiin was an Iktotchi Jedi Master. To be honest, I didn't know much about him. He didn't say much.

Settled in the middle of the council's arc was the ghostly form of Shaak Ti. She oversaw much of the training of clone troopers on Kamino, so it was natural she couldn't appear in person. She had compassion for the clones, treating them as individuals rather than things. Admirable, to say the least.

Ah, interesting. The next seat should have been occupied by Even Piell, but its occupant was instead Obi-Wan Kenobi. Master Kenobi was famous as the Master who trained Anakin Skywalker. Even more well-known was his triumph over the first Sith seen in millennia, Darth Maul. Seeing as he was sitting in for Master Piell, it probably wouldn't be long before he had a seat under his own name.

Succeeding him was Oppo Rancisis, a Thisspiasian. Beneath the hairy exterior was a seasoned veteran of the force. According to some rumors I heard, he disliked using a lightsaber, preferring combat purely consisting the force. If only we all had that luxury.

Next up was a... familiar face. Adi Gallia. She had a cold, humorless exterior and interior. Why did she have to be here? I couldn't think of anyone worse to decide my fate. She was observing me carefully, but as usual it was impossible to read her expression.

Contrary to Master Gallia, Kit Fisto was know to love a good laugh. His relaxed attitude was a welcome departure from the rest of the council.

Ah, Eeth Koth, a Zabrak Jedi Master. He had been captured and tortured by General Grievous. His presence indicated that he'd made a full recovery.

Lastly, Master Depa Billaba. The former Padawan of Mace Windu, she was a clever strategist and a good leader. Her tactics made her an effective general in battle.

Master Windu cut to the chase immediately.

"Take a seat, young Boltreaver." he stated, motioning to the chair they had provided. I obliged. "We are here to discuss the incident that occurred yesterday in the lower levels. This council has little time for such matters, so we will make it quick." I nodded. Phew, maybe it wasn't what I thought after all. Apparently during my pursuit of the Jango Jumper there were some witnesses, and the gossip made its way up to the council.

"Where should I start, Master?" I inquired.

"From the beginning." Master Windu clarified. As I was still a youngling by rank, it was natural they would be curious about my experience in the lower levels. A bit of disapproval was also sure to come. I went over all the events of the previous day, leaving out little detail. I did skim over some of the facts regarding Ahsoka's lightsaber, however. No snitching.

"So while I chased the Jango Jumper directly, Padawan Tano caught the hovertrain to get ahead of of us. She also lent me her commlink. That way she could give me a signal when in position for an ambush. I then distracted the assailant long enough for Tano to incapacitate her. That's all that happened on my end at least." I finished. The council looked satisfied, putting my stomach at ease for the time being.

"Your methods are... interesting." Shaak Ti uttered simply. The other Masters murmured in agreement, though I now felt a shift in the mood of the room.

"Young Boltreaver, there is something else we must discuss." Ki-Adi-Mundi announced. I gulped.

"Yes, Master?" I asked.

"In truth, all the Masters here know of you. We've all heard the tales of your abilities, or lack thereof." he revealed bluntly.

'No... please... no...' I thought in denial.

"This council has been spread thin due to our current situation, so we've ignored it. Nevertheless, there's no better time than now to address the matter." he continued.

"I agree." Master Tiin commented. One by one, the Masters nodded in unison.

"I propose that youngling Boltreaver begin training with the service corps." Ki-Adi-Mundi declared, fully realizing my fears. This announcement was met with some differences of opinion.

"Recommend Boltreaver, Master Sinube did. Keep this in mind, we should. A former council member, he is." Yoda mentioned. At least the Grand Master seemed to have some faith in me.

"He did catch a Terrelian Jango Jumper. That alone is proof the boy has some skill." Master Windu acknowledged.

"We, the Jedi, study the force. This boy is not skilled with the force, he used other methods. The Jedi are not sportsmen." Master Rancisis stated harshly. He wasn't wrong, though. The council continued their debate for a couple more minutes. Interestingly, Master Gallia said nothing. She merely sat in her chair in meditation. Guess I wasn't worth her time. Desperate to win the council's favor, I spoke up.

"Um, Masters? I heard Master Sinube spoke of me, so what about Padawan Tano? I'm sure she would put in a good word for me." I suggested confidently. This advice produced concern in Master Kenobi, who responded slowly.

"Young Boltreaver, I regret to inform you that Padawan Tano has already given us counsel. She strongly recommended you join the service corps."

'What?' was all I could think. No, no way. Ahsoka wouldn't say that. Why would she?

Eventually, the room reached a consensus. Either a Master would take me in as their Padawan by tomorrow, or I would be sent to the service corps.

"Any Master present willing to take young Boltreaver as their Padawan, speak now." Master Windu asserted.

Silence. Painful, agonizing silence. About what I expected, yet it hurt still. Even with the few Masters who came to my defense, none would take me under their wing.

"Very well, a notice will be sent out to all of Knight status or higher. We will inform you of the results tomorrow young Boltreaver. You are dismissed." Master Windu informed me. Swallowing my pride and sorrow, I gave a small bow to the ring of Masters.

"Thank you, Masters." I muttered. Then I was gone. The last thing I wanted right now was their pity, their empty lies of encouragement. I'd gotten the message. I was a failure. I knew that better than anyone.

3rd Person

The dwellers of Coruscant's underworld knew nothing of day or night. Darkness was a constant there, meaning the sunlight never touched the depths of the planet's underbelly. Thus, the beings that called this locale their home were invisible to others. Inhabitants of the underworld adapted to this gloom, their attire reflecting the pitch black. If one was to survive in the harsh crime-ridden landscape, they had to be unseen. As such, it was natural that a single youngling walking aimlessly in his tan robes would stick out like a sore thumb.

Zevon

Deep beneath the surface of my home world, I walked. I walked, and walked, and walked. While doing so, the events from earlier replayed over and over in my head. Even with potent concentration, I couldn't banish the thoughts from my mind.

Ahsoka, why? I knew something had been bothering her during the investigation, but telling the council I should be sent to the service corps? Behind my back? It stung like the venom of a Kouhun. More than anything, it made me angry. Ahsoka knew more than anyone how badly I wanted to become a Jedi. She knew what it meant to me. She knew how hard I worked for this. She, who had always been gifted from a young age. She, who had been assigned a Master earlier than anyone. She, who was apprenticed to Anakin Skywalker, the chosen one. She had no right to take this away from me, whatever her reasons.

It was around this time that I routinely did my strength training, but who cares at this point? None of that mattered anymore. These last few years had been a blur. I had spent the last few years doing the same thing every day. Train, study, sleep, then wake up and do it again. Even when my vision darkened and I could barely breathe, I had kept running. Even when I could barely lift my arm due to muscle fatigue, I kept training. Even when I could barely stay awake, I kept reading. The effort I exerted was indescribable, it was inhuman, and it meant nothing to anyone.

Hanging my head in shame as I continued to wander aimlessly, I began to feel a familiar feeling. It was that same empty sensation of powerlessness I had felt years ago on that fateful day.

'No!' I yelled internally, clenching my fists. I was past that, I promised myself I would never feel that way again. That's why I began my physical training. That's why I sank so many hours into studying the force. Even if I was unable to use it properly, I would learn its inner workings better than anyone. To transcend my own weakness, I would become something more. Slowly, however, my resolve dwindled.

'Maybe it's time to throw in the towel.' I reflected wistfully. 'Maybe... maybe I've just been hitting a brick wall all this time.'

A sudden movement ahead took my out of my thoughts. Coming to my senses, I came to the unfortunate realization that I was surrounded. A gang of five or so outlaws had me cornered in a dark alleyway. They collectively sported beat-up armor and crude helmets, with elaborate weaponry strapped wherever they could fit it. Bounty hunters, perhaps?

"Hey kid, come with us. Don't worry, we won't hurt you. As long as you cooperate, at least." expressed a rodian member of the group. His last comment was met with gruff laughter from the rest of the hoodlums.

I said nothing. I simply stood where I was, staring down the rodian. Presumably, he was their leader. Ugh, I didn't want to deal with this right now.

"Omar, grab him." The rodian commanded. At his order, a large helmet-bearing outlaw made his way toward me. Before he could grab my arms and restrain me, I acted. First, I stomped on his foot with as much force as I could. He cried out in pain, but my uppercut to his jaw swiftly silenced him.

"If you're going to wear armor, make sure it covers everything." I spat, kicking the now unconscious gangster. Now I had their attention.

"You little shit, you think you can take us all on just cause you're a Jedi?" The rodian growled, much to my surprise. "Yeah, we know who you are. You're wearing Jedi robes for fucks sake! Did you not think someone would notice down here?" He continued, pacing back and forth in front of me. "I was thinking you would fetch a hefty ransom, but it seems you're tougher than you look!" he monologued. The rodian paused for a brief moment... then all hell broke loose.

"GET HIM BOYS!" he roared. Attackers charged me from all sides, and I readied my fighting stance. There were too many of them. I wouldn't be able to fight them all off, I'd been lucky to down one while his guard was down. In that infinitesimal second before I was beaten to a pulp, I still lamented over my own weakness. If only I hadn't been born so weak in the force...

The iconic sound of a lightsaber's ignition might as well have stopped time. The alleyway became completely still, not a peep coming from anyone. Every person in the galaxy knew that sound. For the gangsters, it meant trouble. Standing at the alleyway entrance was a Jedi Master I knew all too well. Her sapphire blade seemed otherworldly in this realm of shadow.

"Leave this place!" Adi Gallia ordered the hoodlums. They didn't need to be told twice. One by one, the assailants scurried away into the darkness.

"You Jedi are nothing but glorified enforcers!" the rodian snarled, getting in the last word before vanishing. With the attackers gone, only Master Gallia and I remained.

"Master Gallia? Why... why are you here?" I questioned, perplexed. At this, she sighed. I couldn't believe my eyes... the Master Gallia was struggling to find words to say.

"Young Boltreaver, there is something for me to discuss with you." she responded, finally finding the right words. At this point though, I'd already gotten over the shock of her entrance.

Now the events of the council meeting came back to me in full force.

"Actually, no. I know what this is, you're here to officially retire me. Either that or you're here to gloat about how you were right all those years ago." I stated angrily. Master Gallia absorbed my outburst without even an eye twitch.

"Young Boltreaver, five years ago I told you and many others that, if you failed the gathering, you would likely never become a Jedi." she echoed.

"Yeah, I know. I was there." I muttered sarcastically.

"Throughout my time in the order, I've seen other younglings who failed to receive a crystal. You were not the first." she revealed, ignoring my interjections. Acknowledging my look of surprise with a nod, she continued.

"However, none of the others stayed... unlike you. Eventually, they all left. Whether it was the day after, or a week, nobody else lasted even a year. They all gave up." she explained, stone-faced.

"Okay." I nodded, getting a bit bored. When would this farce end?

"When I saw you yesterday on the temple grounds, I was amazed. All these years, and you were still here. Then I heard about your exploits down here, your investigation into the pickpocket. Even without the guidance of a teacher, or any talent in the force, you persisted."

"And?" I demanded. At this, I noticed a crack in her demeanor. The cold, strict Master Gallia was losing her icy exterior.

"You see young Boltreaver, it is that... well..." she sputtered. Evidently, she wasn't quite sure of herself.

"Earlier during the council meeting, I had to meditate on it. I wasn't sure, and I'm still not fully. But... after careful consideration, I've decided that I can't let someone as intriguing as yourself end their training so prematurely." she stated, clearing her throat.

I didn't believe her words, how could I? It was Jedi Master Adi Gallia, the stoic arbiter of callousness. She represented everything I was not, everything that stood in my way. Tears began to flow down my face as I released all of my pent up frustration and misery.

"What are you saying?!" I howled in disbelief. Master Gallia held out her hand, a look of determination in her eyes.

"Young Boltreaver, no... Zevon Boltreaver, be my Padawan!" she exclaimed. There was no way, I must've been dreaming. For so long I had only wanted to hear those words.

"Really?!" I shouted, raising my voice.

"Yes. On your feet!" Master Gallia demanded. I obliged, raising my head.

"I accept, Master Gallia." I declared with a newfound smile.

"Don't make me regret my decision." she stated, matching my energy.