Chapter Text
The temple is a sanctuary to all living things in the force. It serves as a peaceful tomb; or place of learning for many Jedi. If you focus closely enough you might even hear the voices of fellow Jedi from the long-forgotten past.
At least, that's what Master Yoda had said.
Master Windu never outright said he didn't agree with the words but from what I had gathered from the force bond with him and the subtle shift in his body language. He had other opinions on that topic. It's a miracle that Master Windu tolerated me when I was younger—that is a mystery I'll always be confused about. With his impassive mask almost always on and the stoic behaviour he portrays around everyone; no one would believe me if I told them he has a soft side.
The first time he showed me that suppressed part underneath the cold mask I had to stifle a gasp and remain as ignorant of the change. It was during Light saber training as a padawan. Master Windu accidentally underestimated my reaction time and clipped my head.
The injury was not a big surprise, especially with the complicated form Master Windu chose for me to learn.
What shocked me deeply however was when he crouched down and worry was brimming in his dark brown eyes. The gentle touch against where the wooden sword struck me was soothing against the pounding pain. It was a special memory that I'll always cherish. I always laugh when I remember when Master rushed me to the medical ward and scolded the staff for not being more concerned about a severely injured padawan.
Perhaps if I had a concussion it would've been a lot more serious but I didn't, the medical staff confirmed that I didn't sustain one.
But Master was worried, worried about me.
After I had been dismissed from the ward I made sure Master Windu knew I was not disappointed with him and I would be happy to train as soon as possible again with him. The guilt he tried to hide behind his mask instantly vanished at my reassuring words.
That was nine years ago.
I had been new to the temple at that age, still older than most which made the other younglings shun me. Perhaps my stubbornness was what caught Master Windu's eye, I had always had a knack to backtalk the many Jedi that taught and cared for the younglings—prepping them for the selection process.
If one didn't pass they weren't made a padawan and sent away to learn other skills for another purpose.
I still find mirth at the many glances that multiple Jedi masters gave me that evening when they came for a padawan. The shock in their eyes, when they noticed me among the selection of younglings, was amusing. Perhaps it was because they thought I would fail, maybe tick off the wrong Jedi. Kriff! Maybe even get injured so badly I couldn't move leading to me being kicked out! Whatever they believed, it probably wasn't the mere idea of me not getting chosen that had almost gotten me cast out.
It had been close to the end of the selection period, it lasted just over a month.
Those not chosen yet by a Master were taken away, I didn't want to be taken. I found joy and peace here even though many despised my very existence.
One day at the temple when I was meditating in the room of a thousand fountains I got to formally meet Master Windu.
I had seen him occasionally through the temple halls before but my first interaction with him; alone, was here.
He had walked over and asked if he may sit with me.
Surprised at his manners and the peculiar question I stumbled over my words and agreed to allow him to sit with me.
During that time we both sat in silence taking in the gentle waves from the force around us.
He then began slowly asking simple questions, trying to learn more about me.
It was all going smoothly until he asked, 'Why do you want to be a Jedi?', I hesitated with my reply.
I've answered this same question numerous times from other Jedi.
So when I hesitated I didn't know why.
"I... I suppose I... Want to help others, sir... I want to stop all of the suffering many are succumbed to; and reach out and help not only the victim but the aggressor, with all stories it's not just... Black and white."
Those very words had changed something in both of us.
That was what made Master Windu choose me to be his Padawan.
That was what made me want to help those suffering be it good, bad or morally grey