Star Wars: A New Change

Chapter 47.

"Her name is Asajj-"

"Ventress." I finished for Obi Wan. I couldn't remember if I had told them about her, but I couldn't imagine leaving her out.

"Yes. She is a former night sister and very powerful." Obi Wan explained and I nodded.

"We want to apologize. We know you told us to keep an eye out on Dooku. We thought we were doing a decent job but apparently not. You were right to not trust him." Mace Windu said.

"You don't need to apologize, but we do have to figure out how to end this war. Luckily this time around there's no Palpatine. He controlled both sides of the war keeping it going on as long as he could. Hopefully without him this war can move quickly." I said.

"We will do what we can. If you don't mind, we'd like to keep you employed here during the war. I think it would be good to get your opinions and ideas on things. We understand that things have changed, but it couldn't hurt having you here." Mace Windu said.

I bowed. "I am always at your service."

"Good. Skywalker, you've gone through a lot these past few months, but I still don't think you're ready for knighthood. However, desperate times call for desperate measures. With the war, our Jedi numbers are thin and we need as many knights as possible. We're going to put you through the trials and see if you're ready to become a Jedi Knight." Mace Windu said.

"Of course, master." Anakin bowed emotionless.

I knew he had to be excited. He had been wanting to be a knight for forever.

"Ivy, we will take those plans and let you go on your way home. We know you've been gone a long time, but we kept up with your apartment. We didn't want something like this to happen where you return but you have nothing. We'll let you rest for a few days and then expect you at the Temple when you're ready." Mace Windu said ending the meeting.

I bowed and walked out. I was back. It felt strange but actually nice and familiar. I was scared about the war, but excited to be working with the Jedi.

"To have you back, glad we are." Yoda's voice came from behind me.

I turned to him and smiled. "I'm glad to be back. It seems like it's been a very long time."

"How are you feeling?" he asked walking along beside me.

"Nervous, but I suppose you can sense that. I just hope that this war can be over soon. Without Palpatine who knows how this will go. He was the mastermind before. I don't know how Dooku will do things. All I can do is have faith that things will end up better than in the stories." I told him.

"Important faith is, in times like these." Yoda said and I nodded.

"Called your friend we have. Coming to pick you up, he is." Yoda said.

"My friend? Mandro?" I asked in surprise and Yoda nodded.

"Thank you! It's been so long since I've seen anyone. I have missed Coruscant. Korith Mazi was nice and peaceful, but I never felt completely home there like I do here." I told him.

"Seeing you back here safe, brings me great joy." Yoda said and I smiled at him.

"I'm thankful for Padawan Skywalker for being there with me. I felt safe knowing he was there. I want to thank you for sending him on that mission with me." I said.

"Skywalker is strong with the force. Knew we did, that he would keep you safe."

"Well, thank you again." I said.

"Gone a long time, you have been. Close to Skywalker, you have become." Yoda said and I paused. There was no way he could know, was there?

"Of course. When you're gone for months with someone, you tend to become close. It will be an adjustment without him, but it will be okay." I told Yoda, knowing I couldn't just completely lie. "We have become good friends."

"Glad I am, that you had each other. Kept you both strong, it did. Loneliness can bring you to a dark place." Yoda said.

I wasn't sure where he was going with this, but I just nodded.

"Meet your friend now, you can." Yoda said bowing to me in goodbye.

"Thank you master. It was good to see you!" I told him and bowed before rushing towards the Jedi temple landing port.

I saw Mandro's familiar ship waiting on the platform. Mandro came out and opened his arms wide. I ran to him and hugged him tightly.

"It's so good to see you!" I said crying with happiness.

"You too! I had begun to think the worst. I'm so happy you're safe." Mandro said squeezing me tightly.

"Me too." I breathed.

"There's someone here that's been dying to see you too. Come on out Artoo." Mandro called and my little droid came whirling out excitedly.

"Artoo! Oh my gosh I've missed you so much." I said wrapping my arms around the droid. Artoo beeped happily.

"I've missed you both so so much!" I cried hugging them both again. I felt so happy being back and seeing those that I loved again.

"Come. We'll take you back home." Mandro said leading me to his ship.

Before I could board, a familiar voice called out my name.

I turned to find Anakin running towards me.

"Anakin what are you doing?" I asked nervously.

"I wanted to say goodbye. I don't know when I'll see you again. I'm beginning the trials as soon as possible because they want me on the battlefield. They're even bypassing a few that they said I've already completed during my time away. Hopefully the next time you see me I'll be a Jedi Knight." Anakin said with a smile.

"I'm so proud of you. I'm going to miss you terribly. You know where I live, if you're ever able to, come see me. Obviously be discreet." I said and he nodded before hugging me tightly.

I saw Mandro watching us and I cleared my throat and pulled away from Anakin.

"Mandro, this is Anakin Skywalker. He kept me safe while I was gone. He saved my life multiple times." I said introducing Anakin.

"Master Jedi, I am indebted to you. She means a lot to me." Mandro said and Anakin looked at me confused.

"Anakin, this is Mandro Kanton. He's like a father to me. He helped me move into Coruscant all those years ago." I told him and Anakin's posture relaxed.

"It's a pleasure to meet you sir." Anakin gave him a nod.

"I have to be going, but I wanted to say goodbye." Anakin said and I smiled at him sadly before giving him another hug.

"I love you." I whispered shakily as tears started to form in my eyes. It was going to be terribly hard without him.

"I love you." he whispered back and then let go.