Chapter 142: Training to become a Jedi
The Jedi Temple training chamber was bathed in the soft glow of Coruscant's endless twilight. Inside, Master Yoda stood before Anakin Skywalker and Bell, his diminutive figure commanding attention with an air of serene authority.
"No more holding back, there will be," Yoda began, his eyes gleaming with wisdom. "Strong in the Force, you both are. Balanced, your hearts remain. Different paths, your destiny may take. But teach you all I can, I will."
Bell and Anakin exchanged glances, their curiosity and determination mirrored in their expressions.
"For the Jedi," Yoda continued, "the Dark Side avoided, it is. A path of destruction, it can be. But balance in you, there is. If the Dark Side's touch you use without fall, then wisdom I will offer."
Over the next weeks, Yoda's teachings grew deeper and more intense. The two were taught to move objects effortlessly, sense emotions and events across the galaxy, and even commune with the Force to understand its will. Bell's unique connection to his Ki and divine essence allowed him to master these skills with a speed and precision that astonished Yoda. Anakin, bolstered by Bell's guidance, flourished, finding confidence in his ability to remain balanced despite his fiery nature.
Amidst their training, whispers of unrest spread through the galaxy. A former Jedi, Count Dooku, had left the Order, voicing his disillusionment with the Senate's corruption and the Jedi's waning influence. The Separatist movement began gaining traction, fueled by Dooku's charisma and the support of countless systems disillusioned with the Republic.
The sudden disappearance of Senator Palpatine left a power vacuum in the Senate. Tensions flared as debates over leadership and military readiness intensified. The Kaminoans' secret clone army was thrust into the spotlight, and the galaxy teetered on the edge of war.
Amid this chaos, Bell and Anakin were summoned for their next trial: forging their own lightsabers.
The frozen world of Ilum loomed large as the Jedi transport descended through the atmosphere. Bell, Anakin, and a group of other Padawans and newly knighted Jedi gathered in the ship's hold, their breath visible in the frigid air.
Jedi Master Shaak Ti stood before them, her graceful presence emanating calm.
"The Kyber crystals within the caves of Ilum are alive with the Force," she explained. "Each of you must find the crystal that calls to you. It is a journey of self-discovery and connection. Trust the Force, and it will guide you."
The Padawans nodded, their excitement tempered by the weight of the task ahead. Bell and Anakin exchanged a determined glance before following the group into the caves.
Inside the glittering caverns, the Force was palpable. The icy walls sparkled with veins of raw Kyber, and the air hummed with energy.
Bell walked through the labyrinthine passages, letting his senses guide him. A faint hum resonated in his mind, growing stronger as he approached a secluded chamber. In its center rested a solitary white crystal, glowing faintly with a pure, serene light.
As Bell reached out, the crystal seemed to pulse in response. He closed his eyes, channeling his Ki and divine essence into the Force. The crystal shimmered, turning transparent as his energy flowed through it.
A voice whispered in his mind—ancient, wise, and powerful. The crystal resonated with his unique balance, its connection to him deepened by his extraordinary essence.
Satisfied, Bell carried the crystal back to the ship, his mind already turning to the crafting of his lightsaber.
Back on Coruscant, Bell set to work constructing his weapon. He chose the finest materials:
Phrik alloy for the hilt, ensuring it was lightweight and impervious to lightsaber strikes.
Electrum plating to enhance the blade's conductivity and channel the power of the crystal.
A carefully tuned emitter matrix, allowing the blade to channel the crystal's unique energy to its fullest potential.
The result was a masterpiece. The blade ignited with a brilliant white light, its hum deep and resonant. The crystal's energy harmonized with Bell's essence, imbuing the weapon with power rivaling the legendary Excalibur saber of Master Oppo Rancisis.
Anakin, inspired by Bell's creation, crafted his own blade—a blue saber that shimmered with the promise of greatness.
As the two completed their lightsabers, news from the Outer Rim reached the Temple. The Separatists had launched an offensive, sparking the Clone Wars. Bell and Anakin, now officially Jedi Knights, were summoned to their first mission.
Together, they stood ready to face the challenges ahead, their blades a symbol of their strength, unity, and balance. The galaxy was at war, but with Bell and Anakin in its defense, hope burned brightly in the Force.
This chapter builds on Bell and Anakin's connection to the Force and the galaxy's escalating tension, setting the stage for their roles in the Clone Wars. Their new lightsabers symbolize their growth and readiness for the challenges ahead.