Chapter 2
I went searching for Obi-Wan the next day. "Hey!"
"Oh, Hi Kiya." He sounded a little down.
"Dad said he'd be my master!" I bubbled happily.
"He gave me a genuine smile. "That's great!"
I turned serious. "Obi, I made myself a promise. If you go to the Agri-Corps, I am too."
He stared incredulously. "But, you're the-! You can't do that! Don't! I'm not worth it!" He was truly distraught, but I stood firm.
"Oh hang the prophecy" I said sourly, "I mean it. If you don't, neither do I. It's the will of the Force, and no, don't argue. I know it is, even if no one else does."
"Ooh, so the girle has a crush on Oafy-Wan." The jeering voice of Bruck Chun made me look up with a scowl.
"So what if I do? What's that to you?" I replied calmly. I had a knack of controlling my temper, especially with Bruck, because Bruck was just so easy to beat as far as wit goes.
He sneered. "It makes a nice story" he retorted.
I rolled my eyes. "Oh, go ahead Bruck," I replied. "Like I care any less. Obi's my best friend and I want the whole Jedi temple to know it. Besides, anyone who hears you will see the lie in that story anyway. You'd just be burying yourself in one that will be hard to get out of." I grinned. Take that in yo face!
"You won't get away with your plan anyway. They'll MAKE you be a Padawan."
I held my tongue, but smiled mysteriously. "Let's see." Was all I said before dragging Obi away, chattering cheerfully.
He seemed to be a little cheered, though, so I was happy too.
... A few days later ...
I practiced my katas with ease, meditating at the same time. Movements fluid and graceful. A voice made me pause. "Well done, Kiya."
I smiled at my father's praise, but it was empty and hollow. My eyes were dull these days, only lighting up at the sight of Obi-Wan. I put my lightsaber away and fell into step next to my father. He finally spoke. "Kiya, stop nagging at me with your attitude. I will not take him as a Padawan." His voice was sharp and biting, clearly reigning in his temper. My eyes suddenly flared, and I stopped and looked up at him. He also stopped and looked back.
"I have not said a word about it these past days. I have not nagged you." My voice was frozen durasteel. "I have not questioned your choice. Have you not considered that it might be the will of the Force that he be trained as well? He is my friend!" I exploded. "He is my best friend in the world! I can't imagine life in the temple without being able to see him, because he's the only one who treats me like a normal friend! Understands me! Listens to me! If he goes to the Agri-Corps then I'm going too." Tears streaming down my cheeks, I turned and ran from him, to the garden of a thousand fountains, ignoring his calls.
I sat down in the far corner of the large garden, tears dribbling down my cheeks. And cried my heart out to the Force. Until finally, I fell asleep with a small measure of peace. I would keep my vow, even if it meant defying the council.