I’m Star-Lord (SW Xover)

C47 Groot’s Very Bad Day

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Master Windu gestured for Peter to stand in the center of the room. As he stepped forward, Peter felt the weight of the council’s gaze, each member’s eyes seeming to probe his very essence. 

“Padawan Quill has shown exceptional bravery and strategic acumen,” Windu stated. “His actions have directly contributed to saving countless lives and bringing us closer to a resolution in the Kree conflict.”

As Windu spoke, Peter scanned the room, catching a mix of nods and skeptical frowns. He knew his journey had been unconventional, his methods sometimes unorthodox, which had earned him both admirers and detractors within these walls.

Yoda’s voice, clear yet gentle, filled the chamber next. “See the potential in him, I do. A leader he has become, guided by the Force, yet aware of its dark corners.”

However, not all were convinced. A stern-looking Jedi, Master Ki-Adi-Mundi, raised a hand for attention. “While no one doubts his courage, we must consider his impulsiveness and his direct role in escalating the Kree conflict. Is this the temperament we seek in a Jedi Knight?”

Voices of agreement hummed among some of the council members, their concerns palpable. Another council member added, “And what of his attachments? His close bonds with Padawan Aayla, as well as initiates Gamora, and Nebula. These relationships cloud his judgment.”

Another spoke, joining the criticism, “Let’s not forget the deaths of Ronan the Accuser and the Children of Thanos. His actions have brought us nothing but trouble…”

Peter felt a twinge of frustration as he silently endured their jabbing words. He had always acted in self-defense, so the snide remark about Ronan and the rest was completely baseless. 

And his friendships have yet to sway him in any harmful way, though they probably would at some point. Yet, he didn’t really care. After all, he was a Grey Jedi. He didn’t believe all of the nonsense these people spouted on an hourly basis. 

It was then Peter decided to speak, his voice steady yet charged with a tinge of emotion. “Masters, every action I’ve taken, though it may seem radical, was in defense of peace and life. The Kree-Nova conflict demanded tough decisions, ones I didn’t make in the first place. I merely advised you. As for my friends, they are my strength, not my weakness. They remind me why we fight—to protect, to nurture, to preserve. If being connected to others is an error, then it’s one I’ll gladly bear.”

The chamber fell silent, his words hanging heavy in the air. Peter’s eyes met Yoda’s, seeking some sign of support. The old Jedi Master nodded slightly, a gesture of quiet approval.

Master Windu stepped forward again, placing a hand on Peter’s shoulder. “This war has changed us all, for better or worse. It’s pushed us to reconsider what it means to be a Jedi. Peter embodies that change.”

A long pause followed, filled with whispered deliberations and contemplative glances. Finally, Mace Windu addressed the council once more. “We’ve heard the arguments, seen the evidence of his growth. It’s time we decide if that growth is enough to earn him the title of Jedi Knight.”

With that, Peter was asked to leave the room, the door sliding shut behind him with a hiss that seemed to echo his pounding heartbeat. Outside, he leaned against the cool wall, closing his eyes, the voices of his mentors and accusers mingling in his mind.

…

..

.

The grand chamber of the Jedi Council was enveloped in a heavy silence, the stars outside casting a serene glow on the deliberating figures within. 

After the vote passed, allowing his Padawan to become a Knight with a stipulation, Master Windu took his seat among the council, his presence commanding yet thoughtful as he spoke.

“Before we call Padawan Quill back,” he began, his voice echoing slightly off the high walls, “there is another matter we must address. It’s time we discussed whether Peter is ready to learn of his potential destiny as the Chosen One.”

Murmurs filled the room, some of surprise, others of concern. The concept of the Chosen One had always been shrouded in mystery and speculation, a prophecy that spoke of a figure destined to bring balance to the Force. That they might now be on the cusp of this moment was both thrilling and terrifying.

Master Ki-Adi-Mundi was the first to break the silence. “Are we certain he is the one the prophecy spoke of? His abilities are remarkable, yes, but his lack of a father and high midichlorian count alone isn’t enough to confirm such a significant title.”

His words sparked a debate among the members. Some nodded in agreement, wary of bestowing such a heavy burden on someone who, despite his achievements, often skirted the edges of Jedi orthodoxy.

Master Yaddle, however, spoke up in defense. “While Peter’s approach might be unorthodox, he has shown a balance within himself and an unparalleled resilience. These could indeed be signs of the Chosen One, as foretold.”

The room fell into contemplation once more, each member weighing the gravity of their potential decision. It was Master Yoda who finally shifted the tide. His small figure, seemingly frail yet imbued with immense wisdom, stood slowly, his voice firm yet reassuring.

“Sure, we cannot be, yet deny, we cannot, that Peter Quill may very well be the closest we have come to the Chosen One. Unprecedented times, these are, and perhaps, unprecedented measures they require.”

A respectful silence followed his words. It was clear that Yoda’s opinion held great weight, his years of wisdom serving as a guiding light for so long.

Master Windu nodded, taking in the council’s reactions. “Then it’s settled. We proceed with caution, but we must prepare Peter for the possibility of his destiny. He has earned the right to know, after the test we have planned for him.”

Agreement came slowly, but decisively. The council members understood the stakes, and while the decision carried risk, they couldn’t stay silent forever.

As the debate settled, Windu gestured to an attendant, who quietly slipped out to fetch Peter. Minutes later, the doors hissed open, and Peter stepped back into the chamber, his expression one of cautious curiosity.

Master Windu didn’t waste a moment. “Peter Quill, the council has reached a decision. Your growth and dedication have not gone unnoticed, and we believe you are ready to take the next step. Which is why you’ll be given a final test. Tomorrow, you will undertake a mission, a test of your readiness to become a Jedi Knight.”

Peter smiled victoriously, absorbing the gravity of Windu’s words. “Thank you for believing in me.” He said, respectfully bowing to the council, even to the members that didn’t like him very much.

Master Windu continued, “Unlike your previous missions, you will embark on this one alone. Without the guidance of your Master or the support of your fellow Jedi. It is essential that you rely solely on your own resources and judgment.”

The room fell quiet, allowing the weight of this statement to settle over Peter. He had always had a companion by his side, a mentor to guide and protect him. The thought of stepping out alone was daunting yet thrilling.

A thrill of excitement mingled with his nerves. This would be his chance to prove not just to the council, but to himself that he was capable of standing on his own. More so, it was an opportunity to wield his Sith abilities freely, without the watchful eyes of other Jedi to judge his methods.

Grasping the challenge before him, Peter squared his shoulders and met Master Windu’s gaze with a newfound resolve. “Whatever the mission, I’ll complete it,” he declared, his voice steady and sure.

Master Yoda, observing the young Padawan’s determination, gave a slight nod, his eyes twinkling with a mix of pride and concern. “Ready, you may be. Yet remember, always an option, failure is. Happen, accidents do; wrong, things can go. Best it is to preserve your life and the lives of those around, than to complete the mission, hmm.”

Peter absorbed Yoda’s words, understanding that this test was about more than just physical and Force prowess; it was a test of his judgment.

As the council members dismissed him, Peter left the chamber with a mixture of fear and excitement battling within him. The door slid shut behind him with a whisper, sealing him off from the council but opening the path to his destiny.

He walked back to his quarters, his mind racing with thoughts of the upcoming challenge. For the first time, he would be truly alone, without any guidance but his own. It was a daunting prospect, but deep down, he knew it was the only way to prove he was ready to be a Jedi Knight, and someday leave the Jedi altogether. 

…

Approaching his quarters, the last thing Peter expected was a crowd. Yet, as he turned the corner, he saw Aayla, Gamora, and Nebula waiting for him. 

Before he could greet them, Peter’s ears caught the tail end of an argument between Gamora and Nebula. Their voices, sharp and contentious, filled the hallway.

“Why are you even here, Gamora? You know Peter’s my friend, so stop whatever it is you're doing,” Nebula snapped, her tone defensive yet tinged with irritation.

Gamora scoffed, her voice defensive. “I have just as much right to be here as you.”

On the side, Aayla watched, arms crossed, her expression a blend of annoyance and resignation. It was clear she had hoped for a more peaceful reunion rather than stepping into a sibling rivalry.

Peter sighed deeply as he approached. The last thing he needed before his mission was to mediate between his friends who seemed to have regressed to their old, combative ways.

“Hey, girls,” Peter called out, his voice cutting through the tension. His presence immediately shifted the atmosphere. Gamora and Nebula’s argument halted abruptly as they turned to face him, their expressions softening.

“””Peter!”””

————

Meanwhile, on the lush moon of Nerit, orbiting the desolate planet of Ossus in the Outer Rim, a small village of Neti—a rare species of sentient, tree-like beings—lived in tranquil isolation. 

But sadly, this serenity was abruptly shattered by the arrival of Cad Bane, a notorious blue skinned bounty hunter known for his ruthlessness and efficiency. Hired by a mysterious figure known only as the Collector, Bane’s mission was clear: to capture a Neti for his employer’s exotic collection.

[Insert picture of Cad Bane here]

As Cad Bane approached the peaceful settlement, his orange eyes narrowed as all eyes turned to him, or more accurately, his weapons. “…” 

Stepping forward, he attempted to persuade the Neti village to willingly join the Collector’s assemblage. “It’s a simple transaction,” he drawled, his voice smooth as he underestimated the resolve of these sentient beings. “I only need one of you, and my employer is willing to pay good money too. Think of it as a new beginning...”

Obviously, the Neti refused to sell one of their own into slavery. Their leader, a towering figure with bark as rugged as a dessert terrain, responded with a firmness that matched the ancient roots that anchored him to the ground. “We are not objects to be bought, sold, or displayed. We belong to this land, and here we shall stay.”

Frustration flickered across Cad Bane’s features, his patience wearing thin. The negotiation swiftly devolved into conflict as the Neti stood their ground. Bane, never one to shy away from violence, drew his weapons and opened fire. The air filled with the acrid smell of blaster fire as the peaceful grove turned into a battleground.

One by one, the Neti fell, their bodies thudding heavily onto the ground that had nourished them for centuries. Soon, only one remained—a young Neti, his limbs trembling like the leaves in a storm. He kneeled beside the fallen forms of his parents, their branches wilted and lifeless. 

Cad Bane approached the last survivor, his boots crunching on the underbrush. “Sorry, kid,” he muttered, though the tone bore no real sympathy. He aimed his stun blaster at the young Neti, prepared to complete his mission by any means necessary.

The young Neti, his eyes wide with a mixture of fear and defiance, looked up at the menacing figure of Cad Bane. In a burst of youthful desperation and strength, he shouted, “I AM GROOT!”

[Insert picture of Groot here]

With that declaration, he extended his roots in a swift, piercing strike, attempting to protect himself and avenge his family. But Cad Bane was quicker. The stun blaster fired, enveloping the young Neti in a net of electric shock that rendered him unconscious.

Cad Bane, with a grunt of satisfaction, hoisted the limp form of Groot over his shoulder. The bounty hunter had secured his prize, indifferent to the tragedy he had wrought upon the once peaceful grove.

A/N: 2188 words :)