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Knight of the Old Republic Episode II: Redemption	By : hatochiisai Category: 1 through F > Criminal Minds Views: 2738 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
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Chapter List
- 24
- 25
Knights of the Old Republic: Episode II

Ahmose Inarus

Disclaimer: I do NOT own Criminal Minds, and I most certainly do NOT own Star Wars.

SLASH WARNING!!! H/R

Chapter 25

PLANET: CORUSCANT

LOCATION: JEDI TEMPLE

TIME: MORNING

After breakfast, Hotch and Reid reported to the arena where the Shadows trained, and there were the Four Councils again, waiting for them. Several Shadows were with them.

“Good morning, Masters.” Reid greeted, bowing.

“You seem cheerful this morning, Padawan.” Eesa K’Tal said with a smile.

“I feel very well today, Master. I feel… good about today.” Reid told her.

“You are here to face a trial, and judgment, Padawan.” Strauss reminded him. Reid just gave her a serene smile.

“I know, Master. I’m not afraid. I am ready to face whatever challenge you wish to put me to.”

“I am glad to hear that.” Kitata Ree said, speaking for the first time.

“Are you ready to proceed then?” Raahn Syr asked. Reid smiled and nodded.

“I am eager to prove myself to you, Master. And… to myself.”

“And THAT is what is important.” Amna Kao nodded. “You MUST have confidence in yourself, in your abilities and in your strengths. And you must be able to do this alone.” And she looked at Hotch. The man bowed and backed away, and he closed off the Bond. Reid turned and looked back at him, eyes wide, then closed his eyes and took a deep breath, nodding.

“I’m ready.” He said, firmly.

“Very well then.” Master Syr said. “Please make your way into the Arena. We will be repeating an activity. You will show some new Shadows the power of the Dark Side, and they will try to take you down.” Reid looked at the eight new Shadows, and they all nodded to him. “And YOU,” Master Syr continued, “will control your power, and hold them, AND the Dark Side, at bay.”

“Yes Master.” Reid nodded

“Begin when you are ready.” Kitata Ree said, and Reid bowed, then turned and followed the Shadows down into the arena. He faced them and they all smiled and shook hands, introducing themselves, the women approaching first.

“Hi, I’m Rania.” Greeted a female Mirial, and the female Selonian beside her took Reid’s hand next.

“I’m Cadena.” She said, and Reid nodded to her.

“Rosal Enide,” Growled the Shistavanen, sounding much like Master Syr.

“Naidoo.” Said a green skinned male Twi’Lek, and the red skinned female Zabrak beside him smiled and nodded.

“Taomer.” She said.

“Aluben,” nodded the Nikto, and the stern human beside him also nodded, fixing Reid with a firm gaze.

“Jasper.” He said.

“Ren Koon,” nodded the last of the group, an older Kel Dor. Reid had seen him around, and knew him to be a master of the Kel Dorian Martial Arts, having spent much of his time after becoming a Knight on his home world, learning the Art from his people.

“Spencer.” The Padawan finally said, nodding to them.

“… Welcome home.” Rania said, and Reid smiled.

“Thank you. I… I don’t want to hurt you. I am going to do everything I can to—“

“Don’t hold back.” Ren said. “If we are injured, it is our own failing. Not yours. You focus on your control and defending yourself. We focus on defending ourselves and stopping you. That is why we are here.”

Reid nodded his understanding. “Alright.” He finally said. And as one, the group of young Jedi spread out through the Arena. Reid made his way to the center of the room, feeling a confidence that was… alien to him. He looked up and smiled at Hotch, and then looked to the members of the Four Councils.

“I won’t damage the ceiling.” He called. “Not THIS time!” Chuckles spread through the Council.

“Don’t get cocky, Youngling.” Master Syr scolded kindly.

“Yes, Master.”

“You may begin when you are ready.” He said, and in the blink of an eye, Reid whirled and sent bolts of Lightning at Ren. The Kel Dor yelped, startled, and found himself unable to anything but duck and cover.

Rosal charged, raising her Lightsaber. Reid whirled, dodging her strike. And then his hand caught her throat and she grunted as she was slammed onto the floor on her back, and then gasped as he began to Drain her. Taomer and Rania came to Rosal’s assistance, but were caught up in a whirlwind that suddenly rose to surround Reid, and both were flung back. A moment later, Aluben threw a hand out and Reid yelped as he was sent flying through the air. He hit the ground and immediately rolled as Naidoo’s boot came down right where his chest would have been. Reid kept rolling as Naidoo pursued him, and then finally managed to flip back and land on his feet. A moment later, he found himself fending off the Lightsabers of both Naidoo and Jasper.

The others began to move in. As they did, Reid ducked down into a crouch, throwing his Lightsabers out to his side, and they twisted and spun around him, creating a moving shield that forced the others back. And once he had the breathing space, he caught his weapons and flung his opponents back. None of them were caught off guard, and they all landed gracefully, raising their weapons.

Reid summoned the Lightning again, but this time he didn’t send it in bolts, but gathered it into a ball. Then he turned and hurled one at Aluben, and then Taomer and Ren each. Aluben blocked it with his Lightsaber, but the Kinetite exploded upon impact, and he was thrown to the ground with a yelp, Taomer following a moment later. Ren, seeing this, dodged the Kinetite heading his way. It exploded on the wall behind him, the blast sending him flat on his face.

“HYAAAAH!!!” Rania challenged, darting forwards. Reid whirled to meet her attack, but she was Mirial… her species was known for their speed, agility and finesse and he was quickly being forced back. Cadena scampered forwards on all fours, using her thick tail for balance, and then leapt into the air, arching over Reid and catching the hood of his cloak in her claws, tugging it over his head and face. Naidoo leapt in behind him, dropping into a crouch and spinning, swinging his leg around and sweeping Reid’s legs out from beneath him.

“AHNG!!!” Reid cried out as he slammed down on his back, getting the wind knocked out of him. The three Jedi moved in, and he sent them flying with another blast of the Force. His eyes widened when he saw Ren leaping over Naidoo and flying TOWARDS him, but Reid thrust a hand out and Ren gagged as he felt an invisible pressure catch him around the throat, and then slam him into the floor.

Reid whirled then, facing Rosal and Cadena as they ran towards him. He opened his mouth and let out a challenging shout, but the two Jedi stumbled to a halt, clapping their paws over their ears, grimacing at the Force Scream that washed over them. Reid blinked, then turned and pivoted just in time to dodge a strike from Aluben. He placed a hand on the Nikto’s forehead and shoved him back, sending him crashing to the floor on his back before whirling and catching Naidoo across the jaw with a spinning heel kick.

Then he turned, reaching a hand out towards the wall where his Kinetite had exploded behind Ren. There were a few flames licking up the wall. Those few little flames flare up dramatically and began to snake their way across the floor in a blazing trail before encircling Reid. His opponents hesitated, but only for a moment. And then the flames were dancing, and so were the fighters.

“More, Padawan! Push your limits!” Raahn Syr commanded.

“Call up a Storm.” Kitata Ree said, calmly.

And Reid obeyed. As the flames died down, the wind came up, and Cadena let out a yip of surprise as the wind blew her robe up over her head. She spun on the spot, twisting about and allowing the wind to whip the robe right off of her. Then, her ears tilted back and she looked up.

Darkness was filling the room. It wasn’t just the wind this time, but dark clouds were forming around the ceiling, lighting up with the occasional small both of Lightning in the charged atmosphere. The new Shadows glanced around at one another, and then began to slowly move in. Reid had his eyes closed, but he Saw them coming. Lightning struck down on the ground before Naidoo’s feet and he stopped in his tracks. Ren paused, then bolted, charging at Reid as fast as he could, and Rosal, Cadena and Rania followed suit. But all Reid did was turn and wave his arm, and a gust of wind sent him tumbling back, and then, still turning, he gracefully sunk to the floor, sitting cross legged and putting all of his focus into the Storm.

“It is completely in his control.” Strauss said, sounding amazed.

“It is.” Kitata Ree agreed. “No sporadic Lightning. Every bolt that strikes is intentional and precise…” He said, watching Aluben crash to the floor after being struck by one of the bolts. He groaned and shook his head, stumbling to his feet. “And the power of the Lightning is precise as well. He is giving them a shock, but not truly hurting them.”

“Same with the Wind.” Eesa K’Tal observed, watching the Jedi using the Force to steady themselves in the Wind.

“Ah. THERE we go. GOOD.” Raahn Syr commented when the Shadows began to struggle their way closer to Reid. “They’ll need to work together if they want to take him down.”

“I think they’re beginning to get that.” Master Virr chuckled, watching as they paired up and moved in. First Rania and Naidoo charged, and Reid threw out a hand, hurling them back. A split second later he waved a hand over himself, drawing a curtain of flame up to force Aluben and Rosal to check their movement, only be thrown back a moment later in an explosion of fire. Taomer took a great leap, only to be bumped just enough to fly OVER her target and crash to the floor. But her diversion worked. A Lightsaber spun through the air and—

“AAH!!!” Reid cried out, hand clapping down on his upper arm, which had been slashed. He trusted his instincts and allowed himself to collapse onto the floor, avoiding being tackled by the Kel Dor Jedi, and he rolled away, flipped back onto his feet… and just kept flipping, Ren pursuing him rapidly.

But as he came to land on his hands for the fourth time, Rania used the Force to jerk his arms out from under him, and he crashed to the floor. And then they were on him. He threw a fist into Rosal’s jaw and planted a side kick into Naidoo’s stomach. But then came Ren. Reid blocked the first kick, but the second went straight to his gut, the fist crashed across his jaw, making him stumble to the side, and then the heel crashed across his other jaw, sending him spinning to the floor.

A moment later, he rolled over, and a fist buried itself into his hair, jerking him up to his knees, and powerful arms held his arms locked in tight. And then, he was staring down at three Lightsaber blades under his chin. Slowly, he raised his eyes to look at the Jedi Shadows.

“… I yield.” He said softly, and the Storm quietly faded and died. The Shadows stared down at him, and then they all grinned, putting away their Lightsabers and Ren gave him a hand up to his feet. The Council watched the nine young Jedi break into eager chatter, congratulating one another on a job well done and complimenting each other’s moves and techniques. A moment later, and Hotch had vaulted the railing around the edge and walked over. Reid turned and grinned at him.

“That was brilliant, Spencer.” He said, and Reid said goodbye to the young Shadows, and ran to the man, throwing his arms around his neck. Hotch gave him a quick kiss. And then they both turned, as did the young Shadows. The Four Councils were applauding.

“I would say that EVERYONE here passed their test.” Master Tonnia said.

“They did indeed.” Raahn Syr nodded. “Shadows, you did well. And Spencer.”

“Master?”

“You were in perfect control, the whole time. And not once were we able to detect the Dark Side.”

“I never felt it.” Reid said, shaking his head.

“Good.” Kitata Ree said, walking over. “Then there is one more thing I wish for you to attend to.”

“Yes, Master?” Reid asked.

PLANET: CORUSCANT

LOCATION: COURT OF THE GALACTIC REPUBLIC

TIME: AFTERNOON

“What are we doing here?” Reid asked, looking nervous.

“We are watching the conviction of a Dark Jedi who has been on trial.” Raah Syr rumbled. Reid looked up at the Cathar with a look of horror. Hotch took Reid’s hand. “You must watch this.”

“Yes, Master.” Reid whispered, and slowly sat.

A moment later, and Court returned from recess.

“Court is now in session. All rise.”

And everyone did. The judge entered the chamber.

“You may be seated.” She mumbled, then turned. “Has the jury reached a verdict, Madam Foreperson?”

“He have, your Honor.”

“Mr. Holden. Please stand.”

“… I know him.” Reid breathed, frowning. Hotch and Master Syr glanced at him, then turned back to the court. Reid’s frown deepened. He turned slightly, and then closed his eyes. And with the Force, he began to scan the crowd… Looking… Searching…

“We the jury, find the defendant, Guilty on all charges.” He heard off in the distance. He didn’t notice the smattering of applause.

“Very well then.” The Judge said. “Mr. Holden, as you have been found guilty of your crimes, and are a known and proven Fallen Jedi with no interest in submitting yourself to the Jedi Order to seek your redemption, I hereby sentence you to your immediate execution.”

“Sunny.” Reid whispered.

“What?” Hotch asked, and Raahn Syr looked down at him, blinking his large eyes.

“SUNNY!!!” And Reid was on his feet and leaping from his seat. People screamed as a red Lightsaber appeared, the blade coming at the Judge. But then there was a flash of purple and Reid was crouched on the Judge’s desk. He had blocked the Dark Jedi’s strike.

“Hello, Sunny. Remember me?” He asked.

“… Darth Livion…” The Dark Jedi gasped, eyes wide. Then he turned and bolted. Reid leapt after him as the man burst out the door. Behind him, he heard the roar of Raahn Syr as the Cathar prevented Holden from escaping. Reid ran after his quarry, and people screamed as they leapt out of his way upon seeing the Lightsabers in his hands.

“EVERY BODY GET DOWN!!” He ordered, his voice amplified by the Force, and he watched as everyone dropped to the ground, while Sunny kept running. But Reid was quickly gaining, using the Force to propel his body into moving faster. And then he leapt into the air and came down square on Sunny’s back. Then man let out a whoosh of air as he crashed down to the ground.

“You got him!” Hotch gasped, skidding to a stop by Reid, who sheathed his blades and seized the shirt of the Dark Jedi, hauling him up to his feet and handing him off to the members of Law Enforcement that had just run up. A moment later, Raahn Syr walked over.

“… How did you know?” He asked, frowning.

“I don’t know. I just… I knew that these two usually worked together… and… I just… I knew Sunny would be there. I could feel it. It wouldn’t have made sense for him to NOT, you know?”

“… Indeed.” Kitata Ree said, shuffling over. He looked Hotch and Reid over, then sighed. “Well. This has been a busy day for you, Padawan. Come. We should return to the Temple.” And so they went to catch their transport back home. As they arrived, Reid looked at Kitata Ree.

“Master?”

“Yes?”

“Is something… bothering you?”

“No. I have had a lot to think about. Spencer. Aaron.”

“Master?” The pair asked in unison.

“I want you both to eat some dinner, and then go to the meditation chamber in the Tranquility Spire.”

“In the… Tranquility Spire?” Hotch asked, looking surprised.

“You’ll not be bothered there. I want you to meditate together. On this day. On your past. And on your future. On your Bond, and on each other. And then, tomorrow, report to Great Hall at sunset. There is business for the Jedi Order to attend to…”

“… Yes Master.” Reid breathed, watching Kitata Ree and Raahn Syr walk away, speaking as they went.

“Then he has passed?” They heard Raahn Syr ask.

“Indeed. Passed a test that you and I would have failed… That was not set up. This is the will of the Force.” Kitata Ree responded. Reid looked at Hotch, who looked at him, and shrugged. The pair then turned and went to eat their dinner. And then they bathed, changed into fresh clothes, and went to do as they had been told. They made their way to the Great Hall, which led to the Tranquility Spire, the central tower of the Jedi Temple, and there they made their way to the meditation chamber that was there. Usually reserved for those who were to be going to the Chamber of Knighthood, it was a dark and quiet room, with the only sound being of trickling water in the corner. Here, the pair of Jedi settled on the ground, crossing their legs and facing each other.

“… The last time we did this,” Reid said softly, “was right before we were captured by the Sith.”

“Yes.” Hotch nodded, and smiled. “But this time, we have nothing to fear.” And he held out his hands. Reid smiled back and placed his fingers into Hotch’s hands, and they drew in deep breaths, closed their eyes and opened their Bond.

PLANET: CORUSCANT

LOCATION: THE JEDI TEMPLE

TIME: SUNSET

Hotch and Reid came out of their meditation as the sun began to set over Coruscant and the Jedi Temple. They were at peace. Their meditation had been deep, and they had witnessed one another’s past, and caught glimpses of possibilities of the future… Silently, without a word, they stood and embraced, then turned and headed to the turbolift that would take them to the Great Hall.

The Great Hall was a four-story tall chamber situated directly beyond the Temple Main Entrance. Lined with tiers and balconies, it was occasionally used as a massive meeting chamber for the Jedi Order, which was over a hundred thousand strong. It was also a central route of travel for getting around the Jedi Temple, as passages, stairways and turbolifts could be found in the side walls between the massive pillars that lined its length.

Hotch sighed as he thought of the magnificent chamber. It was a magnificent room… the last time he had seen it completely full was for the funeral of Master Hssa Sssraa two years ago…

The turbolift slowed and came to a stop, and the doors opened. The pair stepped out, and froze. Their eyes grew wide as they stared at the scene before them. The Great Hall was full. The entire population of the Temple had to be present. They filled the Great Hall, save for one long narrow strip down the middle, directly between the pair of Jedi at the turbolift, and the High Council at the other end of the Hall.

“… are we being expelled from the Order?!” Reid hissed, his voice panicky.

“I highly doubt it.” Hotch whispered back, his heart pounding. “I don’t think they would wish for that to be so… public.”

“Then what is—“ Reid was cut off by a loud clearing of the throat that echoed through the Great Hall. The pair looked across its vast length. And when they did, Tarash Virr raised his hand and beckoned them forward. And he was smiling. And Hotch felt the fear in Reid drain away to be replaced by nervous excitement. Hotch smiled, took Reid’s hand, and they took their first steps down the long aisle.

As they passed the first row of Jedi, the Jedi activated their Lightsabers, holding them up and before them. And so did each successive row of Jedi as they passed. And slowly, the dark chamber was alit with lights of all colors, various shades of blue and green dominated, with the occasional scattering of orange, yellow, silver and purple.

Reid was terrified. In a good way… He focused hard on the hand holding his, and the smiling face of Master Tarash Virr, who had always been a friend of his, ever since he had been first brought to the Temple at age four. The moment was surreal, and he suddenly realized that he was living a moment that he would never forget… to the contrary, he would always imagine it with more clarity than any other moment in his entire life.

And finally, they reached the Council, mounting the stairs to meet them. And the Jedi in the Great Hall turned to face the front of the room as one. Kitata Ree looked up at Hotch and Reid, and then looked over the entire hall of Jedi.

“This is… an unorthodox way of doing things. But this is a very… unorthodox pair of Jedi that stand before you. Them, and their team.” And he nodded to the team, who were all gathered off to the side of the council.

“Darth Livion is dead!” He cried, “and Master Gideon’s Padawan has been redeemed!” And the Hall exploded into thunderous cheers.

After a moment, Kitata Ree raised his tiny paws, and the room grew silent. And then he took a deep breath, and spoke the ancient words that every Jedi Knight had heard in one of the most important moments of their entire lives, and if they were fortunate… twice.

"We are all Jedi. The Force speaks through us. Through our actions, the Force proclaims itself and what is real. Today we are here to acknowledge what the Force has proclaimed."

The Grand Master looked around, and then loudly announced, “This Padawan has passed his Trials.” Reid’s hand tightened convulsively on Hotch’s fingers as he sucked in a breath.

“In his Trial of Skill, he engaged in battle with the Jedi Shadows. Fully fledged Jedi against a single Padawan. And he held his own, showing better mastery of the Force than I have seen in years! And when the Sith had captured Master Virr, he held off three Sith Lords to allow Master Virr to escape!”

“The Trial of Insight. He surely passed this many times over, but yesterday I witnessed it for myself. He fouled an assassination attempt on one of the Judges of the Court of the Republic. Master Syr and myself were both present… and neither of us perceived the threat. However, he did and he was able to pinpoint the would-be assassin in the crowd.”

“The Trial of the Flesh he has passed many times over. He was thrown to the mercy of Vi’Tani Pods. Twice. He was tortured at the hands of the Sith for months at a time. And he suffered the pain of withdrawal from the Vi’Tani Nectar, nearly dying each time.

“Then he found himself weak and unable to defend himself, facing down two Sith Lords and Dark Jedi. Their goal was to take him back to Darth Reaper. Despite the belief that to do anything but surrender meant certain death, he was prepared to fight, and die, as a Jedi, thus passing the Trial of Courage.

“And finally, the Trial of Spirit. He was consumed by the Dark Side, and yet he returned to the Jedi. He returned and redeemed himself. This cannot be seen as anything but passing the Trial of Spirit.

“He has honored the Jedi Order, and made us all proud.”

“Step forward, Padawan.” Kitata Ree commanded, and his own viridian blade flashed. Reid looked at Hotch. The man was grinning. He nodded to the boy, and Reid stepped forward, kneeling before the Grand Master of the Order. Kitata Ree raised his blade, and Reid bowed his head. The gleaming blade came down on either shoulder, only a fraction of an inch away from actually making contact, humming loudly in the Padwan’s ears.

“Spencer Reid, by the right of the Council, by the will of the Force, I dub thee, Jedi Knight of the Republic.”

And with a flash of his Lightsaber, Kitata Ree severed the Padawan’s braid from the side of Reid’s head.

"Step forward, Jedi Knight.” Reid blinked, but then his heart leapt, and he felt Aaron’s heart jolt in shock. But he did as he was told, stepping up and kneeling beside Reid. Reid grinned to himself, glancing up at Master Virr. He and the others, Eesa K’Tal, Raahn Syr and Amna Kao, were all grinning as Kitata Ree lowered his Lightdsaber over each of Hotch’s shoulders.

“You too have passed additional trials over the last two years.” Kitata Ree said. “These were not official Trials. But you brought not one, but two of our own back to the Order from the Dark Side… Darth Dualath and Darth Livion have been redeemed. And that is to YOUR credit. And you defeated a Sith Lord, Darth Cenar. That is more than most Jedi will ever accomplish. And you are to be recognized for it. Therefore, Aaron Hotchner, by the right of the Council, by the will of the Force, I dub thee, Jedi Master of the Republic."

“Now both of you, rise.” And they did. “Master Gideon?” Kitata Ree asked, and Gideon nodded, approaching the pair and embracing them both. He looked at Reid.

“I couldn’t be more proud of you. Or happy for you.” He said. “And… you both deserve this.” And then he took their hands, and placed Spencer’s hand within Aaron’s. Then he stepped back. Reid and Hotch stared at one another.

“Stand here and recognize one another.” Kitata Ree said, a happy trill in his tone. “And now, stand here, and be recognized by the Order. And may the Order recognize the Bond that you share. Aaron Hotchner. Spencer Reid. By the right of the Council, by the will of the Force, I dub thee Forever Bound… In the Force, in your life, in your hearts, and in your eternity.”

The Great Hall exploded. The applause was felt just as much as it was heard and seen, and it amplified when the new Master drew the new Knight into his arms, and kissed him.

Garcia, Emily and JJ were crying. Morgan would never admit it, but he did a little, too. Rossi shouted out his congratulations to the pair, which for some reason included the word ‘bastard’. The cheering seemed to go on and on, but when Hotch and Reid finally separated to breath, Kitata Ree raised his paws for silence.

“… A war is coming.” He called. “With his dying breath, Darth Nocturn delivered us a warning. The loss of Darth Livion, Darth Dualath, Darth Cenar and Darth Nocturn have weakened Darth Reaper.” A scattered applause rippled through the room. “But this… victory has come at a price. Already a shadow stirs in the Outer Rim. A threat just as great as Darth Reaper. His name is Darth Valha.” The room was deathly silent. “And the day he has waited for has come. Darth Reaper is weak, and so Darth Valha is moving in to challenge him for power. We are facing a war between two Dark Lords of the Sith. And as they prepare to meet for this war, we must prepare to face the dark times that this battle will bring upon the Republic, and the Jedi Order.

“This in mind… Aaron Hotchner.”

“Yes Master?” Hotch asked.

“Will you and your team be willing to begin training immediately as Jedi Shadows? Already your team has proved to be invaluable in our fight against the Sith. With this war upon us, you may be… invaluable.”

Hotch turned and glanced back at the team, then looked to Kitata Ree.

“We will.” He said with a nod.

“Then report to Master Syr and Master Tonnia first thing in the morning!” Kitata Ree ordered, then looked out upon the Jedi assembled. “Over the next few weeks, you will begin to receive your orders. We must begin to prepare to face this threat. But not right now.” And the Chadra-Fan smiled. “Not this night. For this night, we are here in our home! We are with our brothers and sisters! And tonight, we celebrate a new Knight, a new Master, a unique Union, and most importantly, we celebrate that we are alive!”

And the Great Hall of the Jedi Temple was once again overtaken by thunderous applause. Music was struck up, and lights came on to reveal that the entire place had been set up for a celebration.

“Well done, Little Brother.” Reid and Hotch turned and smiled at Masters Virr, K’Tal, Gideon, Kao and Syr.

“Thank you, Tarash.” Reid grinned, and hugged the Miraluka tightly.

“Congratulations, Jedi.” Eesa K’Tal said with a smile. “Both of you enjoy the evening’s revelries.”

“But don’t stay up too late. We have a lot of work to do in the morning.” Raahn Syr rumbled.

“As if YOU will be up on time.” Amna Kao snorted, walking away. Raahn Syr snarled after her and followed.

“Woman!” He called. “Don’t you start—“ And then they could no longer hear them. Reid and Hotch grinned, and Gideon chuckled, shaking his head. He reached out and laid a hand on Reid’s shoulder, gripping it tightly. Then he turned and walked away, catching Strauss and Max Ryan and directing them away from Hotch and Reid with Bre Mong’s help.

And then Hotch and Reid were surrounded by the team, offering a multitude of congratulations until finally they all calmed and stood together in a comfortable silence. Garcia was the one to break it.

“And to think… tomorrow, we begin to prepare for war.”

“We’re not going to war.” Morgan said, shaking his head. “We’re going to try to stop it.”

“And protect the innocents who will get caught up in it.” Rossi nodded.

“But… It will be dangerous.” Garcia breathed.

“Yes, it will.” Emily said. “But we’ll be there together.”

“We’ll be okay.” JJ assured Garcia. “We watch out for each other.”

“Remember.” Hotch said. “It’s not just Spencer and I who have a Force Bond. We’re all in a Web Bond together.”

“We’re a family.” Rossi nodded.

“Everything will be okay.” Reid nodded, smiling brightly. “If I could survive two years with the Sith alone… We will survive this war. I can feel it.”

“Well then.” Garcia said with a small smile, raising her glass. “Here’s to survival.”

“Here’s to LIVING.” Emily announced.

“Here’s to becoming Shadows.” Morgan added.

“Here’s to the team.” Rossi said.

“And to our Bonds.” JJ tossed in.

“Here’s to being Jedi.” Reid offered. Everyone turned to look at Hotch. The man considered his drink, then looked at Reid.

“Here’s to you.” He said softly, and the team watched as Reid flushed. “To your strength. And your passion, and…” He trailed off, handing his glass off to Rossi and taking Reid into his arms, and kissing him with a passion that would have been frowned upon before that night.

“To Spencer and Aaron, Jedi Knight and Master, and now officially recognized Life Mates! And may their lives be long, and filled with the joy that they are feeling now!” Rossi said firmly.

And on the eve of war, the team was more than happy to make that toast…

THE END

Episode III
Coming Fall of 2013
(I hope...)
- 24
- 25
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Knight of the Old Republic Episode II: Redemption