A Gleaming Hope

.

..

…

..

.

Two weeks had passed since my arrival on Naboo. I had achieved what I came for—a crystal to call my own—but constructing a lightsaber was proving to be far more complicated than many believed. It required not only the right components but also deep attunement with the Force. Without Huyang, the ancient droid who guided Jedi in lightsaber construction for generations, we had to rely on our instincts. That led us to the local markets of Theed, where Shaak Ti and I procured the necessary materials.

Now, I sat in meditation, aligning myself with the Force as I carefully constructed my weapon.

The aquamarine crystal I had found in the deep waters of Naboo rested at the center, pulsing with energy. Around it, I began assembling the pommel, a carefully forged piece consisting of Haysian gold and Hypersteel. Next came the handle, where the crystal was encased within a durable casing, with Haysian gold rings marking the top and bottom. The grip itself was a black, rubberized material for firm handling. Above that, a Hypersteel section housed the ignition mechanism, with a thin, rubberized divider separating it from the emitter at the top.

As the final piece slid into place, I whispered the name of my blade in my mind—Gleaming Hope.

Taking a deep breath, I pressed the ignition switch. A brilliant bluish-green blade erupted from the hilt, humming softly in the still air of the Naboo night. The color was rare, but it was expected due to the nature of my aquamarine crystal. The Force had guided me here for a reason, and now, my path was clearer than ever. The crystal's properties granted me natural attunement with water, though I could only hope I wouldn't need to use that ability anytime soon.

Shaak Ti stood nearby, watching with an approving nod.

"Well done, Will. A Jedi's weapon is an extension of themselves. You have taken your first true step into knighthood."

She approached and gestured for me to follow her outside. "Your training will now begin. I will instruct you in Makashi and Ataru. One focuses on precision, simplicity, and dueling against other lightsaber users. The other harnesses aggressive attacks and the Force to enhance agility and surprise your opponent. You will learn both, though my expertise lies in Ataru."

I grinned. "If I master both, I'll have an advantage in nearly any duel."

She smirked. "And if you manage to learn Soresu or Djem So with Skywalker, you will be a true force to be reckoned with."

Training with Shaak Ti was grueling but rewarding. Over two weeks, we became close—not just as teacher and student, but as people. I had always carried a confident, easygoing nature, and perhaps because of that, Shaak Ti found herself drawn to me. The chemistry between us grew, and I knew that my upbringing outside the Order granted me perspectives the others did not share.

Master Cordova had always encouraged attachments, believing they made us stronger rather than weaker. "Death is natural," he would say. "Do not fight it—fight the darkness that makes death unnatural."

I honored his teachings, and I intended to form my own path, even if it meant creating my own rules. And that began with my bond with Shaak Ti.

It was the dawn of a new day when I awoke, sunlight creeping through the fabric of our tent. I stirred and felt a weight against my chest. Looking down, I saw Shaak Ti sleeping soundly against me.

I blinked, slightly taken aback. She had never done this before.

As she stirred, her deep blue eyes met mine, filled with warmth. I smiled. "Good morning, Sha. Sorry if I woke you."

She stretched slightly. "Oh, it's all right. I was already waking up."

I smirked. "Want something to eat?"

"No need," she murmured, resting her head against me again. "My belly is already full, my love."

We spent a few more moments simply enjoying the peace, before preparing for our return to Coruscant.

.

..

.

We arrived at the Jedi Temple a day and a half later. The journey back was not uneventful—during our time in hyperspace, we had both sensed something dark ripple across the galaxy. A great disturbance in the Force, as though something had awoken, then vanished just as quickly.

I had a strong feeling it came from Korriban or Ziost—ancient Sith homeworlds steeped in darkness. Something had happened, and though I had no proof, I knew I would have to investigate once I became a Knight.

Upon our return, I found myself once again standing in the center of the Jedi High Council chamber. It had been two days since we arrived, and now, I awaited the next stage of my journey.

Shaak Ti delivered her report, carefully omitting certain details - like our lovers' nights - and when she finished, Master Yoda regarded me with knowing eyes.

"Kneel, you will."

I obeyed, lowering myself onto one knee before the Grand Master. Master Windu lifted his purple-bladed lightsaber and gently placed it upon my shoulders.

"By the power granted to me as Grandmaster of the Jedi Order, I declare you a Jedi Knight."

I exhaled slowly, absorbing the weight of his words. I had done it.

.

..

.

A month had passed since my knighthood, and much had changed on Coruscant. Chancellor Mon Mothma worked tirelessly to undo the damage wrought by Sidious, while Senator Padmé Amidala gave birth to twins—strong in the Force, yet she had decided they would not be trained as Jedi, at least not for now.

Now, I found myself in my quarters with Shaak Ti. We lay together, our bodies intertwined, the air between us thick with an unspoken bond.

After a long silence, she spoke.

"Will… I'm going on a mission."

I turned to her, meeting her gaze. I could already sense the weight of her words.

"What kind of mission?"

She hesitated. "A dangerous one. I cannot say more."

I clenched my jaw. "Then I'm coming with you."

She smiled softly, but her expression was laced with sadness. "No, you cannot. Not this time."

My fingers tightened around hers. "Then promise me one thing—come back to me."

Shaak Ti leaned in, pressing her forehead against mine. "Always."

As the stars outside twinkled over Coruscant's skyline, I felt a deep foreboding in the Force. My journey was only beginning, and darkness loomed on the horizon.

.

..

…

..

.