Title: Analogy of Conviction
Author: Anaika Skywalker
Author's Email: lindsay30@austarnet.com.au
Rating: PG for now, later chapters will reach R NC-17.
Disclaimer: It all belongs to George Lucas, I just like to play in his universe once and a while. However Anaika is my creation.
Chapter Nine: Trials and Apologies
Clashing lightsabers echoed through the training room as Master Siri Tachi came in with her Padawan, standing beside Qui-Gon and Mace Windu.
On the training floor, Anaika Skywalker was sparring with Darra That-Tanis, Master Soara Antana's Padawan. The Master was a legend when it came to her lightsaber skills. Her apprentice was also well skilled.
Against Anaika, she was just holding her own. The blinded Jedi was on her fourth opponent. Having removed her tunic, her sleeveless shirt showed well toned arms and shoulders.
Darra went down, thumbing off her lightsaber. "Solah!" she yielded and left the training floor.
Anaika wasn't satisfied. Being confined was making her feel claustrophobic. "Next?"
Ferus Olin, Siri's Padawan stepped forward. He was a gifted athlete and it showed in his attitude. He drew his lightsaber, adjusted it and switched it on.
Anaika smiled, twirling her lightsaber in her hand. "I was wondering when you'd arrive Ferus."
He didn't say anything, attacking. She blocked, and then with a flicked her wrist her blade grazed his arm.
Obi-Wan and Anakin came in, seeing the sparring.
Qui-Gon gestured to them. "Your just in time."
Silently Anakin relished the thought of Ferus getting brought down a peg by his sister.
Across the room, his friend Tru Vild acknowledged him with a nod. The Teevan had become friends with Anakin quickly and the two remained such. He'd also been Anaika's second victim.
Mace Windu hid a smirk as Anaika brought Ferus to his knees, the Padawan yelling 'Solah' to yield. "That's five."
Anakin smiled, seeing Ferus rejoin his Master. The Padawan didn't look at him.
"Don't gloat, Padawan." Obi-Wan whispered in his ear.
"I wouldn't think of it, Master." he remarked good-heartedly.
"Anaika is in good form, Master Qui-Gon." Siri commented as another Padawan stepped up to the challenge.
"Yes, but then she's had plenty of time to polish her skills in the last two months." he remarked dryly.
"And her sight?" Obi-Wan asked concerned. He did after every mission he and Anakin returned from.
"The optical nerves have healed, yet her sight hasn't returned. The healers now believe it's psychological blindness." Qui-Gon informed.
Opponent six left the floor defeated.
"I think it's time to test young Anaika's skills on a more experienced opponent." Mace announced, shrugging out of his robe, he took his lightsaber and adjusted the power, before stepping onto the training floor.
Anaika changed her stance, sensing who had joined her. "Master Windu, I'm honored."
"You will be young apprentice." he remarked. Mace Windu was a Master of Form VII fighting style. He'd sparred with Anaika before, but not since she'd lost her sight.
Anaika drew deeper into the Force; she didn't need to see her opponent to fight him. Even Mace Windu, who was one of the best swordsman in the Order. A select few could hold their own against him. Her Master was one and he had taught her.
Qui-Gon watched with confidence. His Padawan was holding her own switching quickly between forms to keep Windu on his toes.
Obi-Wan came to his side. "She's doing well."
"Reminds me of you," the Jedi Master revealed. "You were confidently in your abilities to challenge Master Windu too."
"And I received a few good burns for my cockiness." he noted, and then winced, seeing Anaika received a strike to the shoulder. Her attack was a strong kick to Windu's midsection, then a strike to his shoulder.
"She's learning," Siri mused. "And she fights with your style, Master Qui-Gon."
"Anaika is well taught." Anakin praised.
"She fights dirty, like a street fighter." Ferus accused.
"Then perhaps young apprentice, you can learn from Anaika," Qui-Gon stated calmly, not looking at the young man. "After all she defeated you."
Ferus remained silent. Knowing when to keep his mouth shut.
Anakin just smiled. *Feeling bored, sister dear?*
*Do I look bored, brother dear?*
*No.*
Anaika smiled at his answer, hearing him chuckling in her mind. She attacked head high, then kicked out, before cart wheeling away.
Mace moved, following her, she was showing off and he gave her two good burns on the arm to prove it.
She attacked and parried, then dropped, sweeping his feet out from under him, before spinning away.
Qui-Gon held back a laugh as Windu got his feet.
"She's playing with him." Obi-Wan whispered.
He nodded. "Just as he is with her."
Their blades crossed again and Mace looked down at Anaika. "You're holding back, Padawan."
"As are you, Master Windu."
He pushed her back, and then grabbed her in a Force hold, pushing her up against the wall, holding her there off the ground. He extinguished his lightsaber and hooked it his belt as he held her there. "Better?"
She nodded, letting her lightsaber go, she used the Force to throw it at him, spinning it towards his head. She may have been blind, but she wasn't defenseless.
Windu decided it was time to finish this. He plucked her lightsaber out of the air, thumbing it off. Still holding Anaika in the Force grip, he pulled her away from the wall and spun her around before setting her down on her hands and knees before him.
Anaika felt her checks become flush, now she was dizzy and disorientated. He'd done it on purpose.
He held out his hand to her. "My hand is directly in front of you," he informed.
Anaika reached out, missing the first time, gripping it on the second go. "I guess this lesson is over, Master?"
"Yes it is." he said calmly.
She felt embarrassed and hurt. By gripping his hand she knew where he was. As he pulled her to her feet, she struck, a hard jab to his stomach, taking him down. She retrieved her lightsaber using the Force. "Now it's over, Master Windu." she remarked, and sensed her Master position, walking over to him.
The entire training room was in dead silence.
Qui-Gon took her arm. "Come on Padawan, let's get those burns looked at."
"Yes Master." she said quietly.
Anakin gave her, her belongings.
"Thank you." she whispered and left with her Master.
The room emptied rather quickly when Master Yoda came in.
Mace Windu was now seated on the training room floor, rubbing his stomach. "She has a hell've punch."
"Learnt what we wanted, we did." Yoda noted.
"Yes, she's stronger then we expected and even after being embarrassed she didn't give in to anger."
"Hmm," the little Jedi Master nodded. "Concerned was her brother, angry he wasn't."
"He's grown wiser in the ways of the Force and his sister," Mace revealed. "I'll apologize to Anaika."
"Good. Greet the Tralis Princess first. A request, she has."
Standing, Mace nodded, and then left the training room.
Anakin and his Master had gone to the med center.
Qui-Gon was with his apprentice as Yani Van De saw to her burns. He acknowledged them both.
Anaika sensed their presence, but didn't look at them. "I handled that badly, didn't I, Master?" she said, looking where she sensed he was.
"No, Padawan. You handled it exactly how you were meant to, both of you."
"What do you mean, Master Qui-Gon?" Anakin asked.
"You were both being tested," he revealed. "The Council was evaluating your reactions. To see if either of you became angry."
Anaika shut her eyes, not that it made much difference darkness was darkness. She opened them to flashes of light and pain. Wincing at the blinding headache.
Yani Van De sensed it. "Happened again?" she asked.
"Yes." Anaika answered and sensed concern from those in the room with her.
The healer placed her hand over the young woman's eyes, focusing the Force to help with the headache. "Better?" she removed her hand.
"Yes." Anaika answered, accepting what was happening. Her blindness.
"Patience young Padawan." the healer said compassionately.
"Yes Ma'am."
Yani smiled and patted the younger woman's shoulder. Helping her off the exam bed, and into her tunic and surcoat.
Anaika wrapped her sash quickly around her waist and put her utility belt on, hooking her lightsaber to it.
"Ready Padawan." Qui-Gon asked as he helped her into her robe.
"Yes Master," she answered and took his arm. Letting him be her guide.
Anakin walked beside his sister. "I have a feeling Master Windu wont be challenging you in the near future."
"Neither do I," she agreed. "Though I wouldn't mind a rematch."
"You did well against him," Obi-Wan praised. "There aren't many Padawan who can hold their own against Mace Windu."
The person in question was walking towards them, a very stunningly beautiful Princess at his side.
Anaika sensed her brother's reaction to the new presence. Releasing her hold on her Master's arm before they stopped, before it was noticeable.
Ceri smiled warmly. "Hello Anakin, Master Kenobi."
"Your Highness." both acknowledged.
"Your Highness, this is Master Qui-Gon Jinn and his apprentice, Anaika Skywalker," Mace Windu introduced. "Her Highness, Princess Ceri."
"It's a pleasure to meet you both," Ceri said politely. "Especially you, Anaika."
Anaika found that a little amusing, even though she understood the reference. "Thank you, your Highness."
Ceri frowned a little, noticing though Anaika Skywalker was facing her, her eyes were not looking at her. Dismissing it, she came to the point. "While I am here on Coruscant, my father thought it wise to be careful. Even in jail, my Uncle's reach is far and wide. My father has organized a gathering of friends. So I'm formally requesting a Jedi presence there, discreetly of course."
"We'd be honored your Highness," Mace Windu accepted. "I'm sure Master Kenobi and Anakin will provide adequate protection."
"Thank you Master Windu. Perhaps Master Jinn and Anaika could also join us."
"Of course."
"Perfect. Seven o'clock at the Tralis Senatorial apartments." she concluded.
They bowed and Mace Windu guided her away.
Ceri glanced back, seeing Anaika take her Masters arm as they moved away. Curious that a Jedi apprentice would be that familiar with her Master.
"Anaika is blind, your Highness," Mace informed, sensing her curiosity. "She was blinded on a mission, her sight hasn't returned as of yet."
"Oh?"
"Don't worry, your Highness. Blind or not, Anaika's ally is the Force, she will do her duty." he assured.
"Of course." she agreed.
Mace Windu, then smiled, hearing the whisper of Anakin's voice through the Force in his mind. *Apology accepted Master Windu.*
To be continued in Chapter 10: From the darkness there comes light
Author's Note: Warning Chapter 10 is rated R NC17. Please review and let me know what you think. I love feedback.
Author: Anaika Skywalker
Author's Email: lindsay30@austarnet.com.au
Rating: PG for now, later chapters will reach R NC-17.
Disclaimer: It all belongs to George Lucas, I just like to play in his universe once and a while. However Anaika is my creation.
Chapter Nine: Trials and Apologies
Clashing lightsabers echoed through the training room as Master Siri Tachi came in with her Padawan, standing beside Qui-Gon and Mace Windu.
On the training floor, Anaika Skywalker was sparring with Darra That-Tanis, Master Soara Antana's Padawan. The Master was a legend when it came to her lightsaber skills. Her apprentice was also well skilled.
Against Anaika, she was just holding her own. The blinded Jedi was on her fourth opponent. Having removed her tunic, her sleeveless shirt showed well toned arms and shoulders.
Darra went down, thumbing off her lightsaber. "Solah!" she yielded and left the training floor.
Anaika wasn't satisfied. Being confined was making her feel claustrophobic. "Next?"
Ferus Olin, Siri's Padawan stepped forward. He was a gifted athlete and it showed in his attitude. He drew his lightsaber, adjusted it and switched it on.
Anaika smiled, twirling her lightsaber in her hand. "I was wondering when you'd arrive Ferus."
He didn't say anything, attacking. She blocked, and then with a flicked her wrist her blade grazed his arm.
Obi-Wan and Anakin came in, seeing the sparring.
Qui-Gon gestured to them. "Your just in time."
Silently Anakin relished the thought of Ferus getting brought down a peg by his sister.
Across the room, his friend Tru Vild acknowledged him with a nod. The Teevan had become friends with Anakin quickly and the two remained such. He'd also been Anaika's second victim.
Mace Windu hid a smirk as Anaika brought Ferus to his knees, the Padawan yelling 'Solah' to yield. "That's five."
Anakin smiled, seeing Ferus rejoin his Master. The Padawan didn't look at him.
"Don't gloat, Padawan." Obi-Wan whispered in his ear.
"I wouldn't think of it, Master." he remarked good-heartedly.
"Anaika is in good form, Master Qui-Gon." Siri commented as another Padawan stepped up to the challenge.
"Yes, but then she's had plenty of time to polish her skills in the last two months." he remarked dryly.
"And her sight?" Obi-Wan asked concerned. He did after every mission he and Anakin returned from.
"The optical nerves have healed, yet her sight hasn't returned. The healers now believe it's psychological blindness." Qui-Gon informed.
Opponent six left the floor defeated.
"I think it's time to test young Anaika's skills on a more experienced opponent." Mace announced, shrugging out of his robe, he took his lightsaber and adjusted the power, before stepping onto the training floor.
Anaika changed her stance, sensing who had joined her. "Master Windu, I'm honored."
"You will be young apprentice." he remarked. Mace Windu was a Master of Form VII fighting style. He'd sparred with Anaika before, but not since she'd lost her sight.
Anaika drew deeper into the Force; she didn't need to see her opponent to fight him. Even Mace Windu, who was one of the best swordsman in the Order. A select few could hold their own against him. Her Master was one and he had taught her.
Qui-Gon watched with confidence. His Padawan was holding her own switching quickly between forms to keep Windu on his toes.
Obi-Wan came to his side. "She's doing well."
"Reminds me of you," the Jedi Master revealed. "You were confidently in your abilities to challenge Master Windu too."
"And I received a few good burns for my cockiness." he noted, and then winced, seeing Anaika received a strike to the shoulder. Her attack was a strong kick to Windu's midsection, then a strike to his shoulder.
"She's learning," Siri mused. "And she fights with your style, Master Qui-Gon."
"Anaika is well taught." Anakin praised.
"She fights dirty, like a street fighter." Ferus accused.
"Then perhaps young apprentice, you can learn from Anaika," Qui-Gon stated calmly, not looking at the young man. "After all she defeated you."
Ferus remained silent. Knowing when to keep his mouth shut.
Anakin just smiled. *Feeling bored, sister dear?*
*Do I look bored, brother dear?*
*No.*
Anaika smiled at his answer, hearing him chuckling in her mind. She attacked head high, then kicked out, before cart wheeling away.
Mace moved, following her, she was showing off and he gave her two good burns on the arm to prove it.
She attacked and parried, then dropped, sweeping his feet out from under him, before spinning away.
Qui-Gon held back a laugh as Windu got his feet.
"She's playing with him." Obi-Wan whispered.
He nodded. "Just as he is with her."
Their blades crossed again and Mace looked down at Anaika. "You're holding back, Padawan."
"As are you, Master Windu."
He pushed her back, and then grabbed her in a Force hold, pushing her up against the wall, holding her there off the ground. He extinguished his lightsaber and hooked it his belt as he held her there. "Better?"
She nodded, letting her lightsaber go, she used the Force to throw it at him, spinning it towards his head. She may have been blind, but she wasn't defenseless.
Windu decided it was time to finish this. He plucked her lightsaber out of the air, thumbing it off. Still holding Anaika in the Force grip, he pulled her away from the wall and spun her around before setting her down on her hands and knees before him.
Anaika felt her checks become flush, now she was dizzy and disorientated. He'd done it on purpose.
He held out his hand to her. "My hand is directly in front of you," he informed.
Anaika reached out, missing the first time, gripping it on the second go. "I guess this lesson is over, Master?"
"Yes it is." he said calmly.
She felt embarrassed and hurt. By gripping his hand she knew where he was. As he pulled her to her feet, she struck, a hard jab to his stomach, taking him down. She retrieved her lightsaber using the Force. "Now it's over, Master Windu." she remarked, and sensed her Master position, walking over to him.
The entire training room was in dead silence.
Qui-Gon took her arm. "Come on Padawan, let's get those burns looked at."
"Yes Master." she said quietly.
Anakin gave her, her belongings.
"Thank you." she whispered and left with her Master.
The room emptied rather quickly when Master Yoda came in.
Mace Windu was now seated on the training room floor, rubbing his stomach. "She has a hell've punch."
"Learnt what we wanted, we did." Yoda noted.
"Yes, she's stronger then we expected and even after being embarrassed she didn't give in to anger."
"Hmm," the little Jedi Master nodded. "Concerned was her brother, angry he wasn't."
"He's grown wiser in the ways of the Force and his sister," Mace revealed. "I'll apologize to Anaika."
"Good. Greet the Tralis Princess first. A request, she has."
Standing, Mace nodded, and then left the training room.
Anakin and his Master had gone to the med center.
Qui-Gon was with his apprentice as Yani Van De saw to her burns. He acknowledged them both.
Anaika sensed their presence, but didn't look at them. "I handled that badly, didn't I, Master?" she said, looking where she sensed he was.
"No, Padawan. You handled it exactly how you were meant to, both of you."
"What do you mean, Master Qui-Gon?" Anakin asked.
"You were both being tested," he revealed. "The Council was evaluating your reactions. To see if either of you became angry."
Anaika shut her eyes, not that it made much difference darkness was darkness. She opened them to flashes of light and pain. Wincing at the blinding headache.
Yani Van De sensed it. "Happened again?" she asked.
"Yes." Anaika answered and sensed concern from those in the room with her.
The healer placed her hand over the young woman's eyes, focusing the Force to help with the headache. "Better?" she removed her hand.
"Yes." Anaika answered, accepting what was happening. Her blindness.
"Patience young Padawan." the healer said compassionately.
"Yes Ma'am."
Yani smiled and patted the younger woman's shoulder. Helping her off the exam bed, and into her tunic and surcoat.
Anaika wrapped her sash quickly around her waist and put her utility belt on, hooking her lightsaber to it.
"Ready Padawan." Qui-Gon asked as he helped her into her robe.
"Yes Master," she answered and took his arm. Letting him be her guide.
Anakin walked beside his sister. "I have a feeling Master Windu wont be challenging you in the near future."
"Neither do I," she agreed. "Though I wouldn't mind a rematch."
"You did well against him," Obi-Wan praised. "There aren't many Padawan who can hold their own against Mace Windu."
The person in question was walking towards them, a very stunningly beautiful Princess at his side.
Anaika sensed her brother's reaction to the new presence. Releasing her hold on her Master's arm before they stopped, before it was noticeable.
Ceri smiled warmly. "Hello Anakin, Master Kenobi."
"Your Highness." both acknowledged.
"Your Highness, this is Master Qui-Gon Jinn and his apprentice, Anaika Skywalker," Mace Windu introduced. "Her Highness, Princess Ceri."
"It's a pleasure to meet you both," Ceri said politely. "Especially you, Anaika."
Anaika found that a little amusing, even though she understood the reference. "Thank you, your Highness."
Ceri frowned a little, noticing though Anaika Skywalker was facing her, her eyes were not looking at her. Dismissing it, she came to the point. "While I am here on Coruscant, my father thought it wise to be careful. Even in jail, my Uncle's reach is far and wide. My father has organized a gathering of friends. So I'm formally requesting a Jedi presence there, discreetly of course."
"We'd be honored your Highness," Mace Windu accepted. "I'm sure Master Kenobi and Anakin will provide adequate protection."
"Thank you Master Windu. Perhaps Master Jinn and Anaika could also join us."
"Of course."
"Perfect. Seven o'clock at the Tralis Senatorial apartments." she concluded.
They bowed and Mace Windu guided her away.
Ceri glanced back, seeing Anaika take her Masters arm as they moved away. Curious that a Jedi apprentice would be that familiar with her Master.
"Anaika is blind, your Highness," Mace informed, sensing her curiosity. "She was blinded on a mission, her sight hasn't returned as of yet."
"Oh?"
"Don't worry, your Highness. Blind or not, Anaika's ally is the Force, she will do her duty." he assured.
"Of course." she agreed.
Mace Windu, then smiled, hearing the whisper of Anakin's voice through the Force in his mind. *Apology accepted Master Windu.*
To be continued in Chapter 10: From the darkness there comes light
Author's Note: Warning Chapter 10 is rated R NC17. Please review and let me know what you think. I love feedback.
