Author's Notes: Hello again! I'm trying to update whenever possible...because I know you guys all want to know all the secrets of the story. I will now answer all of my lovely reviews. And P.S. I am soooo sorry for the delay. Things have been topsy turvy lately.
Lysandra Serrialine: Not exactly like episode 2. You'll see what I mean later. Thanks for the review!
Serra Tachi: Wow! Thank you so much for your compliments! They mean a lot to me. I loved "The Shadow Girl" when I read it, but just to let you know, this story was my idea alone and I didn't use any other fanfic story to come up with it. This story just...came to me...as many do. I try to update at least two days a week as not to get my faithful reviewers worried. This week's been harder than most, but things are looking up. Can't wait for Spring Break! Thanks for your review and I hope you enjoy my next chapter.
Just Jill: grimaces Er...yeah. I bet you do. But, a little redemption goes a long way. There's a hint for you. Thanks for the review...and yeah, the dream was very scary.
Cowgirl4Christ: Well, yes, two that make themselves known. Yep, it sure does give a lot of foreshadowing. You won't know which way's up soon.
CristaHaydenChristensen4ever: I'm so glad you do!
Tymaporer: For your two reviews: Yes, I do have the whole thing written down, but it seems I'm having to write down more for this story, such as the alternate chapters. And yes, I also have parts of the sequel written. I will take a poll at the end of the story for the alternate chapters, and then probably post the 20 alternate chapters that are picked the most. I will give a summary for each chapter. Shoo...sounds like a lot doesn't it? Well...nobody (that I know of) has ever done 20 (or over) alternate chapters before...so here we go. For all I know...I might make it to the Guinness World Records...LOL. Anyways...I can not (ok...and will not) tell you if Anakin is related to Keira. I will say that your suspicion has merit though. Thanks for your review.
DarthGladiator45: Sidious has his own problems to deal with, including Congress, the Senate, and all that jazz. I'm not that good at government branching stuff...so I looked into it and the political stuff in Star Wars, and I think, it's accurate to what I researched. Now that Palpatine is training his son in the Force, he will have to find more time to be Chancellor. Well, that might help things with government issues...or it might not. LOL. Thanks for the review!
Jedi X-man Serena Kenobi: I will read yours...when I get the time. sighs I have no idea how I'm going to though. Tomorrow I have an English test sighs again (I'm only good at putting words together...not disecting them!) and then the day after that I have 2 Greek tests, an English test (again), a Vocab test, and ergg...what else? Oh, who knows. I'm going to have one really hard time getting all of my schoolwork before then. Thank you for letting me know though! And thank you for the review. BTW, I read your new chapters for the Elena Skywalker story. LOVED IT! smiles I enjoy reading the torturing of the Sith things at the beginning and the end. Suggestion: Have one of the Sith get food poisoning, another a migraine, and another an allergy to something. That way, you can have them all going beserk trying to keep themselves composed as Sith. That way you can add on to the Palpatine having a cold thing...LOL. Thanks!
gatermage: You'll have to read more if you want to find out who Kavar's mother is. Thank you for reading and reviewing!
Ledagirl321: I'm glad you liked it! But, there will be much more...I promise. And yes, poor Ani. Thanks for the review.
Spice Kelly: watches you do cartwheels laughs Believe it or not, I had this whole thing planned out. And then, you have to come along and review saying something like "I wonder if Kavar is Siri's son?" LOL! I was not expecting that. But, I didn't want to give it away. Which, to some, I probably haven't but to be on the safe side...I'll confirm it later. Erm...they're half brother and sister. You'll see why in the this chapter...if you already know what's gonna happen! LOL! You must be telepathic or something...LOL!
xXxArwenxXx: I really, truly, do not have a clue about what Obi-Wan's good dream was about...but I know it was about something good. LOL. Yeah, I hated Count Dooku too, and I was about to put, "egotistical, sadistic, nerf-herder" but I thought better of it. Keep it plain and simple. LOL. Good luck with your story and I thank you for the review!
Kenobifan: Ok, there's the thing. Obi-Wan doesn't know about about Siri's "falling into darkness". He doesn't know about Kavar. Yet. So when he meets up with Siri again, it'll be a real shock. Thanks for the review!
LJSkywalker: I recognize your pen name, yet I can't put my finger on where I've seen you before. I've seen one of your stories, I think. Yes, I like the concept of Kavar being Keira's brother too. I also like that their views of each other are changing. It helps...a bundle. To get the romance going. LOL. Thanks for the review!
Author's Notes: This chappie will reveal why Kavar is two years older than Keira. :o Shock :o. Yes, another dream sequence will come into place...Kavar will have a dream this time. And, Keira will get to meet her enemy and make a new friend. Yes...all will come into place. Hope you enjoy this chapter! Read on! And then review.
Chapter 21
Of Friends and Foes
3 months later...
"...the Vivendo Sector, the Mayagil Sector, and the Sluis Sector," Keira chanted, a part of the many places in the galaxy...these happening to be on the Outer Rim.
"Well, it seems as if you've learned a lot today," Obi-Wan laughed. "Were you able to inhale things this fast on earth?"
"No..." Keira said. "But I did make really high grades."
"It shows," Obi-Wan quipped. "By the way, tonight, we are going to see the Intergalactic Jedi Tournament here in the Temple. We'll be on the sidelines rooting for Anakin. He'll be competing."
Keira looked shocked. "So that's why Anakin looked so pensive today!" Keira exclaimed. "Why didn't you tell me?"
"I wanted to make it a surprise," Obi-Wan replied. "Anyways...I thought he could use the space to meditate today. I didn't want you to worry about him. That would only make his anxiety worse."
"Oh..." Keira replied. "When are we going?"
"At six. I was wondering if you would like to be up close...on the bench...watching Anakin in the 'pen' as it's called," Obi-Wan said. "That way Anakin will feel like he's getting moral support from a friend. A Master on the bench who isn't participating would be...ich...embarassing."
"I'd love to," Keira said. "But if I may ask...why is it called the pen?"
"It's a little like a cage except they're rope fences that are about 18 inches tall. If you fall out of the 'pen' you'll most likely hurt yourself because there's stairs leading up to the pen. That's why, if you fall out of the 'pen' you're disqualified," Obi-Wan said.
"How many people compete?" Keira asked.
"100 of the very best from all the Enclaves. 25 of the best younglings or initiates (they're first), 25 of the best Padawans (they're second), 25 of the best Knights (they're third), and 25 of the best Masters (they're last)."
"Are you going to compete?" Keira asked.
"I was going to, but you came along so I had to say no. I needed to focus on you're training...not focus on a sparring tournament," Obi-Wan explained.
"I'm sorry you couldn't compete," Keira said.
"It's alright. I don't really like these competitions anyway. If you compete, and you win, you end up being asked for autograph's by little initiates who are running around," Obi-Wan chuckled.
Keira smiled before the front door to their apartment opened with a SWOOSH!
"Hey Keira," Anakin said casually, as he strolled in the room. He had gone to get his lightsaber updated (again) for what seemed like the billionth time this week.
"Are you ready, Padawan?" Obi-Wan asked. "I know it's 5:30 but I want to get good seats. There will be at least 3,000 people and Jedi there.
"Three-thousand?" Keira asked. "I thought there was roughly only 900 Jedi," Keira said.
"There is...but if you count all the dignitaries..." Obi-Wan said, leaving it hanging, knowing Keira would pick it back up.
"Oh," she said.
"Yes," Anakin answered. "I'm ready to go."
"Good, now we need to get there early considering most Jedi are hardly ever late," Obi-Wan said.
Keira, Obi-Wan and Anakin were now all at the arena.
Obi-Wan had told Keira to go down to the bench, which looked like it was a dugout for an American baseball game. There was a series of four large dugouts...one around each side of the "pen".
Keira sat down on one of the benches and watched the very tense Anakin test out his lightsaber a few more times. His hand was shaky, and so were his knees.
"Nervous, Anakin?" Keira asked.
"Do I look nervous?" Anakin asked incredulously.
"Yes, you do," Keira said.
Anakin scowled and then sat down on the bench with Keira.
"I guess maybe I am," Anakin finally said, 'fessing up.
"I knew you were. We haven't even started yet and here you are shaking like a leaf," Keira said.
Anakin sighed. He should've known. Not only had Keira sensed it through the Force, but through his outward appearance as well. That just added to Anakin's problems.
Anakin sat down, and then Keira had an idea.
"Since we have about 20 minutes left, how about you tell me some more about some of the missions you've been on. You know I haven't heard all your stories," Keira said.
Anakin seemed to visibly relax. "Have I ever told you about the time we got trapped on Cato Nemoidia?" Anakin asked.
"No...I don't believe you have..." Keira said, as Anakin began to re-enact the tale.
At the entrance to the Arena...
"Why do we have to go to this blasted contest anyways?" Kavar hissed quietly to his father, Palpatine, while upping his shields. "For Force's sake it's only a spar."
"If you want to live to your next birthday, I suggest you keep quiet," Palpatine hissed back.
Kavar rolled his eyes, but quickly focused them when he saw a Jedi, Mace Windu, coming.
"Ah Master Windu, may we go in now?" Palpatine asked, pointing towards the arena door.
"Yes, I apologize for the delay, Chancellor. I must oversee many of the contestants," Mace said.
"Quite alright, my friend. I would like you to meet my nephew, Kavar. He's 16 and he is learning to become a politician himself," Palpatine said. And a Sith, a thought whispered in the back of his mind.
"Well, please, let me escort you to the special box seats we have prepared for you," Master Windu said. "It's nice to meet you, Kavar."
"Thank you, my friend," Palpatine said, actually allowing the Jedi Master to lead them to their seats.
They were nice seats. Nothing like a real box seat at an Opera or such, but nice enough.
"Is there anything else I can do for you, Chancellor?" Mace asked.
"No thank you, my friend...but oh! When will the tournament start?" the Chancellor asked.
"In about 10 minutes," Master Windu said.
"Alright. Thank you once again for your hospitality, Master Windu," Palpatine said.
"Your welcome, Chancellor," Master Windu said, before bowing and then leaving the two alone.
After a while of just sitting there in the box seat, Kavar began to detest the miserable silence.
"Why do we even have to watch this pathetic version of fighting?" Kavar asked.
"I can see new prospects in these Jedi. Jedi that can fall and that are powerful," Palpatine said. "That's why I watch this 'pathetic version of fighting,'" Palpatine said. The boy must learn respect, Palpatine thought. He must stop with the 20 questions.
"What about my mother...did you see her as a prospect?" Kavar asked.
"No, I didn't actually, she was too strong in the light, until one year...she actually didn't get picked as one of the ones to fight in the tournament," Palpatine. "I knew something was brewing; I could feel it."
"Tell me, I was born 14 years ago," Kavar said. "But...why do you say then...that I am 16?"
"I was conditioning you to become a Sith, so I asked Master Sifodyas to pick up an aging serum for me as well as giving the Republic their Clone Army," Palpatine said. "I administered it to you, 2 weeks after you were born, and you became 2," Palpatine said.
"How did mother take it?" Kavar asked.
"She left," Palpatine said. "Hated my guts after it. But, at least I have you now. Your brother was born of a different lady...someone very powerful as well. But she had mental problems, and that's partially why your brother killed himself. It was hereditary."
Kavar nodded in understanding. Suddenly, the lights dimmed and the lights around and in the pen, brightened.
"Looks like the ten minutes are up," Kavar said, before directing his gaze to the pen.
In the pen...
The younglings had already fought their way out of the first part of the tournament, and one had to admit that they did a good job. The winner of the Younglings Cup was a little boy, age 10, named Jari Petry. Very sweet.
Now, it was the Padawans turn. So far, the Padawans had passed up to the 14 years of age category, and Anakin had beaten every single one of the 14 year olds and 15 year olds and half of the 16 year olds. And he was soon going to meet his match.
"Now presenting Ms. Rhayne (rain) Admeirus (admeearus), leader of the Padawan Elite, 16 years old," said the announcer, who was unknown and known only to the four Jedi judges consisting of Master Yoda, Master Windu, Master Zarr, and Master Billiba.
A girl with dark, blood red hair stepped up to the pen, and immediately took her lightsaber off her belt.
"Well, Hello Skywalker. I'm starting to see what they mean by, the Chosen One. Now I'm starting to see your expertise," Rhayne said as respectfully as she could without sounding snobby.
"Hi Rhayne," Anakin said, trying his hardest not to roll his eyes.
"Are you ready?" the announcer asked the two Jedi Padawans. Both nodded.
The buzzer sounded and the fight began.
Surprisingly enough, Rhayne was on the defensive from the start. Anakin had to attack first because she wouldn't make a move.
Anakin swung his lightsaber at her head first (thank the Force it was on stun), missing completely. He then tried attacking her on the front, but she easily blocked his blows.
Anakin then began using some Ataru attacks on Rhayne...which did not work exactly. She blocked them, and actually counterattacked Anakin with such a strength that Anakin had never seen her use before.
After a few more minutes of swinging and missing, hitting and blocking, parrying and thrusting, Anakin began to tire. They were getting nowhere in this round. One would have to do something drastic in order to win.
Anakin took the initiative. Better start while I have enough energy, Anakin thought. He began using the strongest attacks of Shien or Form V that he knew. She was startled by them, and was about to be cornered, when she veered out of the corner and into the open.
So close, Anakin thought.
Rhayne immediately saw his initiative and began her own. She had never before used this one acrobatic mark of contact, but she thought she might attempt it. She had seen other Jedi Masters use it and she felt it was time to do her own.
She jumped in the air, spinning at the same time and whirling her lightsaber around and around.
Anakin backed up from her attack, and as soon as her feet hit the ground, she flung his lightsaber at his leg like a boomerang, nicking him hard.
Anakin fell back on the floor, and the buzzer rang, signifying that the spar was over. Rhayne had won.
On the bench...
Woah...that was freaky... Keira thought after she saw that mark of contact. Of course, she didn't know that was a mark of contact, because she wasn't that advanced yet.
Healers came to Anakin's aide. Apparently he had been nicked pretty hard.
I hope he's Ok, Keira thought.
:Keira, come to where I'm sitting, section B, row 5: she could hear her father say. They had been practicing that recently; telepathy with each other. Sometimes, Keira had to see things through her Master's eyes, meaning she would have to see where he was at times, where he was located. She would sometimes be given directions from her father through the Force as well.
Keira sighed, and then got up from the bench, but someone stopped her.
"Hand me that water bottle," she heard someone say.
Keira looked at whoever was talking to her.
It was the girl who beat Anakin.
"Quickly, quickly, I have a tournament to win here!" she snapped.
"I'm not your waiter," Keira said incredulously. "You have two pairs of perfectly functional hands and feet. You can get your water yourself."
Rhayne looked at Keira in a staggering way.
"Who are you?" she asked.
"I'm Keira Kenobi, you must be Rhayne Admeirus..." Keira said. "If you excuse me, my Master is calling."
But Rhayne stopped her.
"Your Master?" she asked. "Who's your Master?"
"Obi-Wan Kenobi," Keira said. "Now if you please..."
Rhayne let go of Keira's shoulder. "But I thought Anakin Skywalker was Obi-Wan Kenobi's apprentice," she said.
"He is. And so am I. I'm new here...now please...I've got to go," Keira said, now almost sprinting away from Anakin's merciless opponent.
Rhayne was surprised. Another newcomer? How old could she be?
Suddenly she saw Chani Maar, waiting on the bench with the other opponents Rhayne was to battle.
"Chani!" Rhayne called, having a shy looking girl, butone of the more skilledfighters in the 16 years old category, immediately come to attention.
"I know you've wanted to become a part of the Padawan Elite now for some time," Rhayne said, coming close to Chani.
Chani nodded. Becoming part of the Padawan Elite was probably the best thing any Padawan could ask for. Instant popularity, snubbing of enemies, perks such as bragging rights etc. etc.
"I'll let you become a part of the Elite if you do something for me," Rhayne said.
"What?" Chani asked.
"Become Keira Kenobi's friend, get to know her, then tell me everything you can about her," Rhayne said. "After I've gotten the information I've wanted, you can, and I swear on the Oath of the Jedi, that you can become an Elite member."
Chani looked shocked.
"Really?" she asked, almost like a child would do when something was actually going their way.
"Really," Rhayne said. "Do this...and you become a part of the Elite. Hurry though, the tournament isn't going to wait for me much longer."
Chani thought about it, and then finally said, with a shy and nervous look on her face, "Yes, I'll do it."
Author's Notes: So sorry for the delay ladies and gentleman. But I hope that this was exciting enough and long enough for a while. Pray for a few of our family friends. They are very, very, very ill...life threateningly. Please pray for them, and thank you. :) :) PLEASE READ AND REVIEW!