Chapter Six - The Trial
Author's Note: I would just like to apologize for how late I've been updating. I got a job, and the available days to come to the library and type has dropped. I haven't stopped writing, and hopefully soon I can come and type up more of the chapters. I would like to thank you all for being loyal and continually reading this, and I hope you come back for more!
Obi-Wan continued to ponder the woman known as Celine. Since the hours before he had been released and allowed to walk the cell, which wasn't too big, he paced, thinking about her, Anakin, the planet, the Force-Witches. But his mind kept coming back to Celine. Obi-Wan did admit that she intrigued him, as well, but knew that no good could come of their meeting.
A heavy door opened, and light poured into the chamber, Obi-Wan covering his eyes until they adjusted. When he looked again, he found a younger woman in a cloak standing there, the hood covering her eyes.
"Greetings, Jedi. I am Marna. Would you please follow me?" the young woman said turning to leave, Obi-Wan following.
What have I got to lose? Obi-Wan thought.
He followed her through well-lit passages, holes in the ceiling telling Obi- Wan is was midday.
"Obi-Wan, I am to tell you of the Trial. You are to face a rancor and conquer it, as is your Padawan. You may work together, but the rancors may as well, so be wary."
Obi-Wan attempted to keep the shock from showing on his face. Rancors?!
"The arena is just ahead. You will go through the door. I must leave you at that point."
"Please, before you leave, tell me something," Obi-Wan asked, a deep calm coming over him.
"Since your fate is close to come, I shall not hold back answers," Marna replied passively.
"Tell me, why does your leader, Celine, wish to have my ship?" Obi-Wan inquired. He had wanted to ask many questions about who they were and where they came from, but he thought it best asked by someone else.
"Master Celine wishes to take your ship and conquer the galaxy. It is a simple plan. She has caught the glimpses of pain and disarray in the minds of passers in space and from you two Jedi. Now is the time to attack, while your "Senate," as you call it, is in utter chaos. One push, and all will be lost," Marna explained, a gleam of pride in her eyes for her master's bluntly easy plan. "It is almost a flawless plan."
Obi-Wan looked at her with a look of confusion and intrigue. "Almost?"
"She has witnessed many species show courage in the arena. They have lost, yes, but the look of ferocity and bravery in their eyes reveals much. I believe that they could, if given the right circumstances, overpower her easily. I utter this in secrecy to you Jedi, for I know your ways. She will fail."
Obi-Wan nodded thoughtfully. He knew about all of the "theys" the galaxy held. They were brave and strong, and had conquered many wars, big or small. The many species would rally and destroy her. Simple as that. Even if she had an army of Force-Witches, the shear number of fighters that could be summoned would make their effort look pitiful. "I see. Thank you for answering my question, Miss Marna. I will keep your secret."
"Thank you, Jedi Kenobi," Marna said graciously.
Obi-Wan was astounded. He had gotten through to her. No one, not even Celine, had called him Jedi and Kenobi and the same time. He had earned some of her trust.
A long, bellowing cry erupted around them, lasting a full minute, changing pitch slightly every now and then, but ending as it had begun. Obi-Wan's head seemed to get lights as whatever it was bellowed, getting slightly disoriented. When the bellowing ended, his head cleared slowly, leaving loud cheering in its place.
"The Horn of Battle. You must enter the arena. Good bye, Jedi Kenobi. May the Force be with you."
"May the Force be with you," Obi-Wan responded, the solid stone doors opening before him.
He walked ahead, entering a sheltered hallway, lit by two torches in metal casings. From the hall, the cheering of the crowd ahead echoed and grew louder within the space. Obi-Wan continued to walk, entering a large circular arena, surrounded by raised rows of seats. All of the seats were full of exotic women, dotted with the occasional man, usually a slave lavishing his owner with massages or fan waving. In the center were two white-stoned daises, but enough to fit four human men standing comfortably. The ceiling curved toward a square opening in the center, the sun illuminating the polished platforms. One smaller opening dotted the northern side, lighting up an empty raised platform, deep shadows moving behind the light.
Obi-Wan had a brief flashback to the Geonosian arena, the smell of sand and heat and the horrible smell of the Geonosians filling his nostrils in remembrance. He shook his head, continuing forward toward the two platforms. Obi-Wan could see Anakin approaching from the other side going to his dais as well. At this, the crowd's cheers rose in volume, mixing with the jeers and taunts of the few-but loud-women. As Obi-Wan approached the platform, He turned around to find two steel-faced guards following him, making sure he didn't have any last ditch efforts to escape.
Escaping now wouldn't make much sense.
At every opening were two female guards, the stern look vaguely reminding Obi-Wan of the Supreme Chancellor's Honor Guard: mysterious and deadly. The all-together twelve guards held finely made blades, obviously trained to take down any foe, including rancors.
Anakin and Obi-Wan assumed their positions in the bright sunlight on the platforms.
"How are you, my Padawan?" Obi-Wan asked calmly but with a tone of concern.
"I could be better. Being stuck to a wall wasn't the most fun I've ever had," Anakin replied with his adopted sense of dry humor.
"Did Celine come and see you?"
"Do you mean the leader, Master?" Yeah, she did. She tried to get the location of the ship, but I thought of what you'd do in the situation and closed off my mind and refused to answer."
Obi-Wan thought of this explanation partly as a way to show that Anakin did listen to him, but he did believe he did it know to do that in these situations. Not the best place to demonstrate your listening skills, but well done, Obi-Wan thought.
"Very well done, my Padawan. I am proud," Obi-Wan said with a smile
of satisfaction.
"Thank you Master," Anakin replied, returning the smile.
The cheering reached it third high, but quickly quieting to silence. Obi- Wan and Anakin's eyes followed the crowds' to the balcony, where Celine stood in the shower of light with arms motioning downward. Next to her in shadow were four figures, two further back and one next to her just out of sight.
"Welcome all! We have gathered to witness the Trial of the two 'Jedi!'" As this was said, voice projected from the Force and the sheer strength of her voice, more applause erupted, but then was quieted once more. "They will endure the Trial of Strength." More applause followed this. "Here to witness as our honored guest is Master Gaid Callai!"
At this announcement, a mixed feeling of emotion came from the crowd. Some clapped with great enthusiasm, other making snide remarks, while other clapped a few times and looked around, unsure of how they felt.
Up on the balcony, the figure next to Celine stepped up, showing his weathered face and pure white hair. He waved his hand, which made the mixed feelings of excitement and hatred reach a point, then disappeared, taking the mixed emotions with him into the shadows.
"Without further waiting, let the Trial begin!" Celine said, shooting out her hand to signal the release. As she finished, she also stepped out of the light and into the shadows, just out of human eyesight. From behind and in front of Obi-Wan, two rancor were let loose, rough clubs in hands as their beady eyes scouted and found Anakin and Obi-Wan, stumbling forward, a roar emitting from their large, drooling mouths.
The Trial had begun.
Anakin turned to face the one behind Obi-Wan, getting into a tense position of defense, Obi-Wan taking a relaxed but attentive defensive position.
Anakin's rancor reached his first, swinging its large club and striking the stone, cracking it just as Anakin jumped and did a somersault over the rancor. Obi-Wan turned in time to do the same. Too occupied to watch his Padawan, Obi-Wan dodged another swing, backing away quickly. He pushed with all his might and concentration in the Force, Sending a wall toward the beat, which made the rancor stumble, but infuriating it more with a great roar.
"Great," Obi-Wan muttered.
"Obi-Wan spared a glance to see his Padawan flipping over the rancor,
infuriating that one as well.
You are to face a rancor and conquer it, as is your Padawan. You may work together, but the rancors may as well, so be wary.
Obi-Wan opened his eyes at the revelation, realizing he wasn't alone in fighting, right in time to get knocked a quarter of the arena by his rancor, roughly nine meters.
Obi-Wan stumbled up, shaking his head slightly. He looked around and found his designated rancor charging , club wailing. Obi-Wan glanced behind him, finding the wall. As the rancor approached, Obi-Wan sumersaulted again, causing the rancor to smack into the wall. At this, the crowed cried out in shock.
A nice change from the ever-encouraging screams of death, Obi-Wan thought as he landing and ran.
Soon the screams started up again when the rancor regained itself and looked for its prey.
Anakin and Obi-Wan gather in the center on the cracked platforms,
facing their rancors.
"Master, try to level out the running of the rancors, we can both jump and make them hit each other."
"Are you sure it will work?" Obi-Wan said, watching his Padawan shove Force at his rancor to slow it down.
"It has to Master," Anakin said.
Obi-Wan connected to his Padawan, synchronizing their movements for the upcoming move. At this, one thought of Anakin's screamed into his head: This has to work. For Padm(. I must see her again.
Obi-Wan shook off the thought as Anakin tensed further, his attention returning to the task at hand. Obi-Wan thought that it was impossible to get any more tense, but Anakin had, the rancors drawing near.
Then, simultaneously, Anakin and Obi-Wan jumped, but were knocked down by their rancors. The two, still linked and thoroughly surprised, rolled to the side to see white dust appear, swirling around the large club.
The two ran to the right side of Celine, coming dangerously close to the poised guards, closing the link. Obi-Wan just noticed that their breathing had become and harsh and quick.
"They learned our trick."
"What are we going to do Master?"
"Think of new ways to attack."
At that moment, Obi-Wan thought of something: You must conquer them.
"Anakin, when they come, roll under their legs and get to the opposite wall. I've got an idea."
"Yes, Master," Anakin replied with a determined look.
As the beats approached, drool flinging from side to side, a deep triumphant roar emerged from the two.
Then, the rancors show them another new and unexpected trick: they threw their clubs. Anakin and Obi-Wan ducked and ran, barely missing the irregular objects. The crowds cheers momentarily distracted the rancors, Obi-Wan and Anakin following through on the said idea.
"Anakin, focus on the right rancor, and tame its mind," Obi-Wan ordered from the opposite side.
"Are you serious Master?" Anakin asked astonished.
"Yes. I will aid you. We can have the one we control attack the other and weaken them. From there, we can mentally beat them into submission without death."
"If only I had my lightsaber. We would be done by now."
"Focus. We need a peaceful solution. We will be looked upon better-or worse by the audience-if we tame them."
The two linked mentally once more, Obi-Wan catching the brief feelings of annoyance and impatience radiating from Anakin. They concentrated on the right rancor with all of their might, stopping it slowly and making it hit the other one in mid run. This in turn caused the other to attack, barely making it miss the Jedi.
This beating continued for a couple more minutes-the roaring of the crowd equaling that of the rancors-until the two were too weak and beaten, collapsing into a tired unconciousness.
At this, Celine stood up and quieted the crowd.
"Will you not kill them, Jedi?" she questioned.
"No. We respect every living beings as Jedi, and try to find non-lethal ways of solving conflicts. As was said to me, we conquered your rancors," Obi-Wan explained.
"Very well, Jedi. You are victorious. We ask you to return to your room and wait."
"Yes, Celine," Obi-Wan said, guards surrounding him and Anakin, escorting them. Through the loud boos and jeers-and occasional objects, mostly rocks- Anakin and Obi-Wan smiled at each other in victory.
Author's Note: I would just like to apologize for how late I've been updating. I got a job, and the available days to come to the library and type has dropped. I haven't stopped writing, and hopefully soon I can come and type up more of the chapters. I would like to thank you all for being loyal and continually reading this, and I hope you come back for more!
Obi-Wan continued to ponder the woman known as Celine. Since the hours before he had been released and allowed to walk the cell, which wasn't too big, he paced, thinking about her, Anakin, the planet, the Force-Witches. But his mind kept coming back to Celine. Obi-Wan did admit that she intrigued him, as well, but knew that no good could come of their meeting.
A heavy door opened, and light poured into the chamber, Obi-Wan covering his eyes until they adjusted. When he looked again, he found a younger woman in a cloak standing there, the hood covering her eyes.
"Greetings, Jedi. I am Marna. Would you please follow me?" the young woman said turning to leave, Obi-Wan following.
What have I got to lose? Obi-Wan thought.
He followed her through well-lit passages, holes in the ceiling telling Obi- Wan is was midday.
"Obi-Wan, I am to tell you of the Trial. You are to face a rancor and conquer it, as is your Padawan. You may work together, but the rancors may as well, so be wary."
Obi-Wan attempted to keep the shock from showing on his face. Rancors?!
"The arena is just ahead. You will go through the door. I must leave you at that point."
"Please, before you leave, tell me something," Obi-Wan asked, a deep calm coming over him.
"Since your fate is close to come, I shall not hold back answers," Marna replied passively.
"Tell me, why does your leader, Celine, wish to have my ship?" Obi-Wan inquired. He had wanted to ask many questions about who they were and where they came from, but he thought it best asked by someone else.
"Master Celine wishes to take your ship and conquer the galaxy. It is a simple plan. She has caught the glimpses of pain and disarray in the minds of passers in space and from you two Jedi. Now is the time to attack, while your "Senate," as you call it, is in utter chaos. One push, and all will be lost," Marna explained, a gleam of pride in her eyes for her master's bluntly easy plan. "It is almost a flawless plan."
Obi-Wan looked at her with a look of confusion and intrigue. "Almost?"
"She has witnessed many species show courage in the arena. They have lost, yes, but the look of ferocity and bravery in their eyes reveals much. I believe that they could, if given the right circumstances, overpower her easily. I utter this in secrecy to you Jedi, for I know your ways. She will fail."
Obi-Wan nodded thoughtfully. He knew about all of the "theys" the galaxy held. They were brave and strong, and had conquered many wars, big or small. The many species would rally and destroy her. Simple as that. Even if she had an army of Force-Witches, the shear number of fighters that could be summoned would make their effort look pitiful. "I see. Thank you for answering my question, Miss Marna. I will keep your secret."
"Thank you, Jedi Kenobi," Marna said graciously.
Obi-Wan was astounded. He had gotten through to her. No one, not even Celine, had called him Jedi and Kenobi and the same time. He had earned some of her trust.
A long, bellowing cry erupted around them, lasting a full minute, changing pitch slightly every now and then, but ending as it had begun. Obi-Wan's head seemed to get lights as whatever it was bellowed, getting slightly disoriented. When the bellowing ended, his head cleared slowly, leaving loud cheering in its place.
"The Horn of Battle. You must enter the arena. Good bye, Jedi Kenobi. May the Force be with you."
"May the Force be with you," Obi-Wan responded, the solid stone doors opening before him.
He walked ahead, entering a sheltered hallway, lit by two torches in metal casings. From the hall, the cheering of the crowd ahead echoed and grew louder within the space. Obi-Wan continued to walk, entering a large circular arena, surrounded by raised rows of seats. All of the seats were full of exotic women, dotted with the occasional man, usually a slave lavishing his owner with massages or fan waving. In the center were two white-stoned daises, but enough to fit four human men standing comfortably. The ceiling curved toward a square opening in the center, the sun illuminating the polished platforms. One smaller opening dotted the northern side, lighting up an empty raised platform, deep shadows moving behind the light.
Obi-Wan had a brief flashback to the Geonosian arena, the smell of sand and heat and the horrible smell of the Geonosians filling his nostrils in remembrance. He shook his head, continuing forward toward the two platforms. Obi-Wan could see Anakin approaching from the other side going to his dais as well. At this, the crowd's cheers rose in volume, mixing with the jeers and taunts of the few-but loud-women. As Obi-Wan approached the platform, He turned around to find two steel-faced guards following him, making sure he didn't have any last ditch efforts to escape.
Escaping now wouldn't make much sense.
At every opening were two female guards, the stern look vaguely reminding Obi-Wan of the Supreme Chancellor's Honor Guard: mysterious and deadly. The all-together twelve guards held finely made blades, obviously trained to take down any foe, including rancors.
Anakin and Obi-Wan assumed their positions in the bright sunlight on the platforms.
"How are you, my Padawan?" Obi-Wan asked calmly but with a tone of concern.
"I could be better. Being stuck to a wall wasn't the most fun I've ever had," Anakin replied with his adopted sense of dry humor.
"Did Celine come and see you?"
"Do you mean the leader, Master?" Yeah, she did. She tried to get the location of the ship, but I thought of what you'd do in the situation and closed off my mind and refused to answer."
Obi-Wan thought of this explanation partly as a way to show that Anakin did listen to him, but he did believe he did it know to do that in these situations. Not the best place to demonstrate your listening skills, but well done, Obi-Wan thought.
"Very well done, my Padawan. I am proud," Obi-Wan said with a smile
of satisfaction.
"Thank you Master," Anakin replied, returning the smile.
The cheering reached it third high, but quickly quieting to silence. Obi- Wan and Anakin's eyes followed the crowds' to the balcony, where Celine stood in the shower of light with arms motioning downward. Next to her in shadow were four figures, two further back and one next to her just out of sight.
"Welcome all! We have gathered to witness the Trial of the two 'Jedi!'" As this was said, voice projected from the Force and the sheer strength of her voice, more applause erupted, but then was quieted once more. "They will endure the Trial of Strength." More applause followed this. "Here to witness as our honored guest is Master Gaid Callai!"
At this announcement, a mixed feeling of emotion came from the crowd. Some clapped with great enthusiasm, other making snide remarks, while other clapped a few times and looked around, unsure of how they felt.
Up on the balcony, the figure next to Celine stepped up, showing his weathered face and pure white hair. He waved his hand, which made the mixed feelings of excitement and hatred reach a point, then disappeared, taking the mixed emotions with him into the shadows.
"Without further waiting, let the Trial begin!" Celine said, shooting out her hand to signal the release. As she finished, she also stepped out of the light and into the shadows, just out of human eyesight. From behind and in front of Obi-Wan, two rancor were let loose, rough clubs in hands as their beady eyes scouted and found Anakin and Obi-Wan, stumbling forward, a roar emitting from their large, drooling mouths.
The Trial had begun.
Anakin turned to face the one behind Obi-Wan, getting into a tense position of defense, Obi-Wan taking a relaxed but attentive defensive position.
Anakin's rancor reached his first, swinging its large club and striking the stone, cracking it just as Anakin jumped and did a somersault over the rancor. Obi-Wan turned in time to do the same. Too occupied to watch his Padawan, Obi-Wan dodged another swing, backing away quickly. He pushed with all his might and concentration in the Force, Sending a wall toward the beat, which made the rancor stumble, but infuriating it more with a great roar.
"Great," Obi-Wan muttered.
"Obi-Wan spared a glance to see his Padawan flipping over the rancor,
infuriating that one as well.
You are to face a rancor and conquer it, as is your Padawan. You may work together, but the rancors may as well, so be wary.
Obi-Wan opened his eyes at the revelation, realizing he wasn't alone in fighting, right in time to get knocked a quarter of the arena by his rancor, roughly nine meters.
Obi-Wan stumbled up, shaking his head slightly. He looked around and found his designated rancor charging , club wailing. Obi-Wan glanced behind him, finding the wall. As the rancor approached, Obi-Wan sumersaulted again, causing the rancor to smack into the wall. At this, the crowed cried out in shock.
A nice change from the ever-encouraging screams of death, Obi-Wan thought as he landing and ran.
Soon the screams started up again when the rancor regained itself and looked for its prey.
Anakin and Obi-Wan gather in the center on the cracked platforms,
facing their rancors.
"Master, try to level out the running of the rancors, we can both jump and make them hit each other."
"Are you sure it will work?" Obi-Wan said, watching his Padawan shove Force at his rancor to slow it down.
"It has to Master," Anakin said.
Obi-Wan connected to his Padawan, synchronizing their movements for the upcoming move. At this, one thought of Anakin's screamed into his head: This has to work. For Padm(. I must see her again.
Obi-Wan shook off the thought as Anakin tensed further, his attention returning to the task at hand. Obi-Wan thought that it was impossible to get any more tense, but Anakin had, the rancors drawing near.
Then, simultaneously, Anakin and Obi-Wan jumped, but were knocked down by their rancors. The two, still linked and thoroughly surprised, rolled to the side to see white dust appear, swirling around the large club.
The two ran to the right side of Celine, coming dangerously close to the poised guards, closing the link. Obi-Wan just noticed that their breathing had become and harsh and quick.
"They learned our trick."
"What are we going to do Master?"
"Think of new ways to attack."
At that moment, Obi-Wan thought of something: You must conquer them.
"Anakin, when they come, roll under their legs and get to the opposite wall. I've got an idea."
"Yes, Master," Anakin replied with a determined look.
As the beats approached, drool flinging from side to side, a deep triumphant roar emerged from the two.
Then, the rancors show them another new and unexpected trick: they threw their clubs. Anakin and Obi-Wan ducked and ran, barely missing the irregular objects. The crowds cheers momentarily distracted the rancors, Obi-Wan and Anakin following through on the said idea.
"Anakin, focus on the right rancor, and tame its mind," Obi-Wan ordered from the opposite side.
"Are you serious Master?" Anakin asked astonished.
"Yes. I will aid you. We can have the one we control attack the other and weaken them. From there, we can mentally beat them into submission without death."
"If only I had my lightsaber. We would be done by now."
"Focus. We need a peaceful solution. We will be looked upon better-or worse by the audience-if we tame them."
The two linked mentally once more, Obi-Wan catching the brief feelings of annoyance and impatience radiating from Anakin. They concentrated on the right rancor with all of their might, stopping it slowly and making it hit the other one in mid run. This in turn caused the other to attack, barely making it miss the Jedi.
This beating continued for a couple more minutes-the roaring of the crowd equaling that of the rancors-until the two were too weak and beaten, collapsing into a tired unconciousness.
At this, Celine stood up and quieted the crowd.
"Will you not kill them, Jedi?" she questioned.
"No. We respect every living beings as Jedi, and try to find non-lethal ways of solving conflicts. As was said to me, we conquered your rancors," Obi-Wan explained.
"Very well, Jedi. You are victorious. We ask you to return to your room and wait."
"Yes, Celine," Obi-Wan said, guards surrounding him and Anakin, escorting them. Through the loud boos and jeers-and occasional objects, mostly rocks- Anakin and Obi-Wan smiled at each other in victory.