Disclaimer: there is nothing on this page I own. Well except Em, Va, Ashda, and Vos or any other name you don't recognize.
Life. It is something that everyone must pas through. Even on the worst occasions. But in the face of something good life can be the brightest star shining in the sky.
I collapsed on the bed with a dull thud. The attack on the Temple had completely exhausted me. I had spent every waking moment in the Med Center and even then it wasn't enough. The attack had taken out the entire East wing. It had been nearly a week since then and still some of the Initiates were missing. Among them the sweet little Ashda.
The entire Med staff has been over worked this past week. Not even the Padawans escaped this.
But on top of the attack here, there had also been one on the far side of Coruscant. So medical supplies were on backorder. Even here.
I groaned mentally as the Comm. beeped at me. Huffing I threw my boot at. It missed and crashed to the floor. Oblivious to its almost demise, the Comm. continued to beep.
I sighed and rolled over on my side, and buried my face in my pillow. This day just kept getting better and better. A sudden thought hit me. It might be news about Ashda.
I sprang up off the bed and rushed over to the Comm.
"Yes." I answered.
An image of a weary Va Hayo blinked to life. Her purple brown hair hung in limp little ringlets around her face. Her eyes, despite her posture, held a happy glint.
"They found Ashda." She said.
"Where?" I asked staring at the image.
"Under some rubble in what used to be room E10093. She was pretty banged up. A broken arm, some minor bruising. Nothing to major. Oh and she asked directly for you. Don't know why mind you, but she did, and I must comply with the patients wishes." Va said, smirking slightly.
"Alright. I'll be right there." I told her, all signs of fatigue disappearing.
"Thanks," she muttered then the comm. blinked of.
Quickly I reached for the boot I had thrown at it earlier. I pulled it on as I hopped to the side of my bed to retrieve the right boot. After I got them both tied I ran from the room briefly pausing to grab my dark cloak.
My thoughts strayed to the dark color of my cloak. Most thought I had turned Sith. I swear even the council thought that. But in all reality I only like the dark color because it keeps warmth in. And being a healer I'm constantly cold.
Sprinting down the hall I got my fair share of dirty looks. Yes I know I'm a Jedi Knight, and I'm to be a good role model. But hay, I am also a Healer, and for all they know I could be rushing to save the next Jedi council member, or even their next apprentice.
As I got to the lift bay I decided to take the stairs. They were much quicker, and besides it was only 32 flights of stairs, with 24 stairs each flight. So it wasn't really that bad.
I ran nimbly up them, and I met no one on my way. Most people were too lazy to take the steps. But I my opinion they were a great way to stay in shape. The lift made you lazy, the stairs help you to stay on your toes.
I laugh mentally at that thought. Stay on your toes. Yeah especially me. I was famous as an apprentice for tripping over my own two feet. I quickly grew out of that.
I opened the door that exited on the Med level and walked quickly down the hall. As I reached the Med center Va was waiting for me. Before she had the chance to say anything, I ran past her.
"Room 304!" she hollered after me.
I slowed my run to a walk as I neared the room. Time to be the calm Jedi Master, instead of the worried Healer. I stopped for a brief moment, before I palmed the door open, to collect my thoughts. I was going to ask her today to be my apprentice.
When I opened the door, bright green eyes flicked up at me. Ashda Horner sat on the edge of the exam table. Her left arm bound in a compact bone knitter. She had a nasty cut above her right eye. Several dark bruises were starting to form on the side of her face.
I breathed a sigh of relief. She was fine, just like Va had said. Bruised but fine.
Almost in delayed reaction Ashda started to stand. I shook my head and motioned her to stay seated. She did so hesitantly. Her green eyes held worry. I knew what she was thinking. She was not sure if asking Va to page me was quite a good thing or not.
I smiled at her sweetly as I walked over to the med cabinet.
"Healer Sanchez, I didn't mean for you to be disturbed. I thought you were still here," she said softly.
I shook my head as I began applying Bacta to her various cuts.
"Don't worry about. Besides time off isn't all that's cracked you to be." I said smiling.
She laughed, "I know how you feel."
She grew quiet as I finished treating the various cut on her face then moved to check the progress on the bone knitter on her arm.
I took a deep silent breath as I straightened.
"Do you like being a Jedi, Ashda?" I asked her.
She nodded enthusiastically. "Oh, yes, Healer Sanchez, very much so. I especially like the Healer arts."
I smiled at her enthusiasm. I could remember a time when I had been that excited.
I took a deep breath. I knew that Ashda could choose to reject my offer because she still had a few more years to enjoy being an Initiate.
"Would you like to be apprenticed to a Healer?" I asked.
She studied me with bright green eyes for a moment, before nodding. "Yes, Healer, I would enjoy that very much." She said softly, "Though I don't think a Healer would take me as an Apprentice."
I studied her for a moment before I stepped in font of her and crouched down slight, so that we were eye level.
"Why would you say that, Ashda? I think you would be a great apprentice." I told her gently.
Ashda looked up at me. Confusion shone in her eyes.
"Such a great apprentice that I would be honored to have you as my own." I finished.
By now Ashda's eyes had grown as wide as teacups. Her mouth slightly open in shock. Suddenly she sprang off the table and into my arms. A huge smile plastered on to her face. She wrapped her arms around my neck tightly.
"I'll be a good padawan. I promise." She whispered.
"Yes, Dear, I know. But if you choke me you wouldn't have a chance to show me." I said barely avoiding making a gagging sound.
Ashda took the hint and pulled back. Her green eyes held hope and happiness. I was overjoyed that the young girl had accepted my offer. "But first we have to clear it with the council." I told her.
She made a slight face. "They're scary." She said in a low voice.
I grinned. Yes Mace could be a scary person if you crossed on the wrong side of him. "Don't you like Master Yoda?" I asked her still grinning.
Ashda nodded fervently, "He's funny." She giggled and blushed slightly. Then leaned forward and in said in a near whisper, "Master Windu is scary. I don't like him."
My grin widen even farther. Yes, all Padawans thought Mace was scary, but once you got to know him he wasn't that bad.
"Yes well have no fear, I would let Master Windu say anything thing to hurt you." I told her drawing her close into another embrace.
"Thank you, Master." Ashda said as she too wrapped her arms around me and held on for dear life.
I could tell this was going to be a new experience for both of us. I silently wondered if the Council would accept this relationship. I sincerely hoped they would. And if they didn't Mace wouldn't be the only scary Jedi in the Temple tonight.
Life. It's a scary thing to pass though alone. Only when you truly know your place will it seem as though you had a friend with you all along.
A/N My new story. I know you guys are reading, you're just not reviewing!