Chapter Text
This starts with a young boy, who had just witnessed his parents being murdered by a Sith. He was lucky the jedi came before the sith could kill him too. The jedi that saved him crouched to his level, "Hello young one, my name is Gordon. I can help you."
Bruce was brought before the jedi council. They were discussing what to do with him. Bruce was still in shock from the death of his parents.
"The boy is too emotional, his personal tragedy may be a detriment."
"Not if we teach him properly."
"Fine. You want to risk training the boy, you do it. He will be your responsibility."
The jedi who spoke up held his head high, "Very well."
The meeting was adjourned and the Jedi approached Bruce, kneeling to his level, "Hello, my name is Alfred, what's yours?"
Bruce's voice was barely above a whisper, "Bruce."
Alfred smiled, "Well then, your safe now Bruce. I will protect you."
___________________________________________
Bruce had finally completed his training and was now a jedi master. Navigating through his grief and the loss of his parents while learning the jedi way was certainly a challenge, but Alfred was right there with him for every step.
Now it was time for Bruce to train a Padawan of his own. Dick was a force sensitive child that had been found in a family of travelling performers. Bruce greeted the boy, "My name is Bruce, I will be your Jedi Master."
"Dick."
The boy didn't take Bruce's hand but frowned, "There's unrest in the Republic. Things are unbalanced."
Bruce looked at the kid in surprise, "Well you're certainly an intuitive one. Don't mind that though, focus on your training. The politics of the Republic isn't for us to worry about. We just protect it."
Dick nodded, trusting Bruce's word, "Okay."
___________________________________________
One year later when Dick was 11 it began, "What happened?"
Bruce barely had enough time to open up the message, "I'm still not used to you doing that."
Bruce's smile fell when he received the transmission, "Civil War has broken out among the Republic, and we're on the front lines of it."
Dicks face scrunched, "I told you! I warned you something would happen."
Bruce sighed, "I should have listened. You're connection to the force is very strong. I should be teaching you to trust your instincts and I failed you. For that I apologize, but anger won't serve you or any of us in this situation. Breathe, acknowledge it, and let it go."
Dick took a deep breath and nodded, "Yeah. I'm sorry I just- I knew something bad was coming and I was powerless to stop it."
"We can't prevent every bad thing from happening in the Galaxy, but we can do our best to help when it does."
Dick shifted on his feet, "What happens now?"
Bruce crossed his arms tightly across his chest, "We wait for our first orders. In the mean time, I keep training you best I can."
___________________________________________
It had been a year since the war began and things weren't getting any better. Dick followed behind Bruce as they walked quickly down the halls of the Temple, "I'm just saying I don't know if we're doing the right thing. We are meant to be protectors, not Generals and Soldiers."
Bruce didn't turn as he spoke curtly, "What is there to protect if there is no Republic."
"We don't serve the Republic. We should only be serving to the force and bringing balance. This isn't balance, it's chaos!"
Bruce turned swiftly, "The Jedi's loyalty falls with the Republic. We can't protect people and stay uninvolved. The only way for balance to come is if this war ends."
Dick stopped, a crestfallen look on his face. "I just- what if we aren't doing the right thing?"
Bruce sighed. His expression softened, "In war there is no clear right and wrong. If we stay out of the conflict those we are meant to protect die, and we fail. We take action and we lose sight of what our purpose truly is. Neither is the right or wrong option, but we have chosen the option that will lead to less lives lost."
Dick looked at the floor for a moment before nodding, "Okay. I think I understand. Thank you."
___________________________________________
When Dick was 15 he was on his way to becoming a Jedi Knight. His, and many other Padawans training had been accelerated due to the war. This was also the reason he and his Master were presented in front of the Jedi Council.
"This Padawan needs a Master to train with and you are our only viable option. He has great potential but we fear his emotions may become a problem. You are the only one we feel is equipped to handle this."
Bruce looked at the 13 year old kid presented in front of him and back to the jedi council, "I already have a Padawan."
Dick stood stoic, a small frown on his face. Alfred spoke clearly, "Normally that would be a problem, but due to circumstances we can afford to be a little more... unconventional. You're Padawan is nearly a Knight so it won't be too much of an issue."
Bruce finally agreed to take the new Padawan, his name was Jason. He was very force sensitive and in touch with his emotions. It was good that he was able to recognize and feel so easily, but that also posed the risk of him falling for the same reasons. Bruce wished he could do more careful training with him, but the Clone Wars simply didn't allow it.
Dick and Bruce walked beside eachother while the new Padawan followed behind. Bruce nudged Dick, who was lost in thought, "What's going through that head of yours?"
A deep frown etched itself on Dick's face, "Something terrible is on the horizon. I can feel it, something is very wrong. The force is becoming increasingly unbalanced and I fear what will tip us over the edge."
Bruce put a hand on Dick's shoulder, "You mustn't fear what has yet to come. Focus on what we have now, like a new padawan I want your help in training."
Dick shook his head, "It's more concern than fear. I worry about the future of the jedi."
Jason moved in between the two, "What are you talking about? It sounds important."
Dick put on a smile and ruffled Jason's hair, "Nothing you need to worry about."
Jason made a face and fixed his hair, "Hey! I deserve to know. You're still a padawan too."
Dick smirked, "Yes but I'm almost a jedi Knight, and you just started. Which means I get to help train you."
Jason crossed his arms, "Man, that's so unfair."
Dick grinned smugly, "Worrying about what's fair and what's not isn't the jedi way."
Jason looked to Bruce for help, who just gave a bemused look at the boys. Maybe this two padawan thing could work out.
___________________________________________
Bruce could hear Dick on the holocron in the other room again.
"You're not listening! It's coming I can feel it!"
A jedi master spoke with condescension, "We understand your concerns but we promise you there is nothing to worry about. We are producing more clones than ever to fight by your side, trust that the war is nearly over."
Bruce peered inside Dicks room, he was on the verge of shouting, "More violence is helping nothing! You aren't listening there is something seriously wrong here and you just continue blindly fighting a war at the Republics wim!"
"Where is your Master!"
Bruce promptly stepped in, "I apologize for my padawans outburst, but his concerns should not be taken lightly. Last time he spoke to me about something like this the War began. His connection to the force is undoubtable."
"His worries are unfounded. We cannot have a Padawan questioning our leadership."
Bruce wasn't sure what to say. Dick spoke up instead, "Then maybe I shouldn't be a padawan anymore."
Bruce turned to him, "What?"
A jedi from the council laughed, "You expect us to still make you a Knight? After this?"
Dick shook his head, "No. The jedi have lost their way. I can no longer stand by and watch it happen and if that means I am no longer a jedi then so be it."
He ended the call and turned to Bruce. His face was resolute he pulled out his lightsaber to give to Bruce. Bruce pushed it back into Dicks hands, "Are you sure about this?"
Dick nodded, "Yes. If that's what being a jedi is then I don't want to be a jedi."
Bruce sighed, "I understand. You must choose your own path, and if that is one that takes you away from me... then so be it."
Dick tried handing over his lightsaber again, "I'm no jedi. I shouldn't be allowed to keep this."
Bruce gave it back again, "No. You earned your lightsaber. It is yours, jedi or not."
Dick sighed holstering his Saber. Bruce watched as Dick left the temple and didn't turn back. As much as Bruce hoped Dick was wrong he never had been before. Not in matters of the force. The jedi council had made a grave mistake in brushing off Dick, but there was nothing Bruce could do. It was Dick's choice to make.
Bruce knew how much Dick cared. How much he truly believed in the force and way of the jedi. It must've taken great strength to walk away from it all. He wished Dick the best in his path forward.
Bruce decided to check in on Jason. His training was coming along but he still struggled with his emotions. This was an expected challenge though, and they could work through it just as Alfred had done with Bruce.
Jason looked up from the book he was reading, "What happened?"
Bruce took a breath, "Dick has chosen to leave the jedi order."
Jason's eyes blew wide. He slammed his book shut, "What! Why? He was so close to becoming a knight! Why would he leave?"
Bruce sat on Jason's bed, "He no longer felt like being with the jedi order was the right path for him to take. It was his choice to leave."
Jason frowned, "Why?"
Bruce thought carefully about his answer, "He began his training before the war began. He always disagreed with how the jedi have handled the war. Eventually he couldn't stand by any longer and chose to leave rather than continue fighting for something he didn't believe in."
Jason relaxed slightly, "I'm going to miss him."
Bruce nodded, "It's important to let him go. You can't force someone on a path their not meant to take."
Bruce stood and left Jason alone to process and think about what had happened. Some jedi would teach repression of emotions. Fearing that feeling them at all could risk falling. Bruce disagreed with that way of thinking. Alfred taught him that suppressing your feelings was what was dangerous. It was important to acknowledge your anger, or fear, and let it pass. Though they refused to admit it many on the jedi council were afraid, of their future, and of their own emotions.
___________________________________________
Dick was 16 now and lived secluded, focusing on his connection to the force and himself. He spent many hours meditating and working through his complicated feelings about the jedi. He didn't live too far from a temple, just in case the time was ever right and the force brought him back. Until then he stayed away.
He was in the middle of one of his meditations when he felt a pain through the force. He heard screams and felt hundreds of lives gone in seconds. Dick grasped his head feeling as thousands cried out.
Dick gained his bearings and started running. The jedi temple, there were younglings in there. Whatever was happening meant they were in danger. Dick ran faster than he ever had before.
___________________________________________
Jason and Bruce were in another argument, "I don't understand why they won't let me at least see her!"
"Jedi aren't supposed to have attachments."
"Caring about my own mother's wellbeing is an attachment? I'm not asking for much! I just want to know that she's okay!" Jason shot back.
"The jedi council has decided–"
"If caring about other people is wrong then maybe I don't want to be a jedi!"
Jason threw his lightsaber at Bruce.
"Jason-"
Jason stormed out of the training room.
___________________________________________
When Jason left training he ran into 3 clone troopers. Jason didn't pay them much mind until they didn't lower their weapons.
"Why're–"
The one in the middle shot Jason in the shoulder. He cried out clutching his shoulder. For the first time he looked to the clones in fear. They were supposed to be allies to the jedi. They had fought beside eachother for years. Why were they suddenly shooting at him. Jason did the only thing he could think of, "Bruce!"
Bruce came busting through the doors and ran to Jason. The clones attention turned to him. He and Jason's eyes met for a second before Bruce called out to Jason, "Run! Don't turn back!"
Jason ran as fast as he could out of the Temple. Outside there were more clone troopers. Shots fired everywhere, all around him jedi were falling to the hands of clone troopers. Jason ran through the carnage trying to find somewhere safe to hide.
He risked breaking out of the fray and being spotted by making a run for the woods. Jason didn't know how long he ran before he stopped hearing the sound of blasters firing everywhere. He didn't know why the clones had turned on them so suddenly, but he did know that the jedi were no longer safe.
Jason hid out in a cave for the knight. He shed his robes, knowing they would identify him as a jedi. He touched the braid at the back of his head. He took a jagged rock and closed his eyes as he sawed it off. He couldn't afford to be identified as any kind of jedi, padawan or not. Tears ran down his face as he remembered his last moments with his Master had been a fight.
___________________________________________
Dick had finally made it to the temple and shots were firing everywhere. Clones were killing jedi left and right. Dick deflected many shots as he made his way through. He needed to make sure the younglings were okay. They had to make it out.
He made it to where the younglings normally trained and dropped to his knees at the sight before him. A jedi master laid dead at the entrance. All of them were dead, piled on the floor. Hope drained from Dick, until he heard a sound coming from a pile of the bodies. Dick ventured closer to the pile of children's bodies. There was someone under them, hidden.
He took a breath and moved the corpses from the top. A child yelped, staring at him with wide eyes. Dick's eyes welled with tears. All was not lost. There was one survivor. He knelt in front of the child, his voice hoarse, "I'm Dick, I can help you."
The child sounded breathless, "It happened so fast. I had to cover myself so they would think I was dead too. I thought they were friends. I don't understand."
Dick mustered up a smile for the child, "That was a smart thing to do little one. I don't quite understand either, but what's important is that we get you out of here."
The kid nodded and took Dick's hand, "My name is Bart."
Dick squeezed Bart's hand, "You're very brave Bart."
He held the child's hand as they ran through the temple. Dick blocked the few stray shots aimed towards them, always protecting Bart. Dick led him out the back exit as there would be less clones there. He handed his lightsaber to Bart, "This is where we part. I need you to run away. Don't come back here. Use this to protect yourself."
"What about you?"
Dick gave him a tight smile, "I'll be okay."
They ran in opposite directions. All he could hope was that the kid would be able to survive whatever this was. He knew something horrible was coming but this was unimaginable.