Disclaimer: Es gehört nicht mir. (Not mine in German).
A/N: Yay lots of reviewers! And new ones, too! Thank you, thank you, thank you, I'm very excited and appreciative. Keep it up.
Audra Laudarque: lol, if you haven't guessed yet, I'm kind of a sucker for reviews. Very greedy when it comes to them. So no matter how many I get, methinks I will still want more. I know, I know, it's not a good quality, but I can't help myself! This story is nowhere NEAR over, it's probably about oooh…almost half? Maybe like, 3/7? Idk. I'm glad you like it, and thanks for the review!
Celtic Cross: my parents trust me, because I'm a little angel. LOL jkjk, I feel kind of guilty about it, but the thing is, I get my work done! I almost never turn it in late, so they have no reason to fret.
Kitty-Kat 26: LMAO! Will Sera get a breast reduction? Depends…Did they have those things in Star Wars? Because she does have a need for one…the Pamela Anderson of the Jedi Temple.
Gp: YAY NEW REVIEWER! Hahaha, this was like half of a flame—Ani's out of character (I know…I know…I tried my best, but I failed. Ah well, too late now, so I'm just going to keep going. Hope you don't mind reading a story with an OOC Anakin)—BUT you liked the story. Well, thanks for the review!
Anon: You are my first flame. Ever. Well, I'm going to try and answer your question, because it is a very logical one. First off, this is an AU. Alternate Universe. I kind of relaxed the Jedi a bit, because they're always so uptight about everything. And no one's really FLIRTING, I guess, at least they won't admit it. Anakin and Ali still call each other 'friends', and same with Sera and Anakin, and same with Ryan and Ali. So basically, in this story, the Jedi have nothing against friendships. They have something against PERSONAL ATTACHMENT, as in relationships, but not just merely befriending a fellow Jedi. I hope that kind of covers the question, and I'm sorry that you didn't like the story. Thanks for reviewing, though, because constructive criticisms are what I need to help improve my story.
Dmitchell: YAY ANOTHER NEW REVIWER! Yeah, their hormones are running amuck and their pride won't let them admit their jealousy. What can I say? Stupid teenagers (although I am one, lol). Our favorite hott Jedi Knight won't go to the Dark Side, don't worry. Thanks for the review!
Arein: OF COURSE YOU WERE MISSED! You're one of my most faithful reviewers! Anakin and Ali won't stay mad at each other forever, don't worry. And padme will appear—but she might stretch their friendship instead of support it, actually. It's part of the plot, hahaha…Anne of Green Gables…ahhh, the classics. I love that book. Own the first two, read the third one like, ten times, read the others once or twice. Montgomery is such a talented writer, ARGGHHH! Thanks for always reviewing and all your support.
Filthy Mushi: School stinks. I have to get up at SIX O CLOCK EVERY MORNING! Arrrggghhh….well, anyway, this chapter is dedicated to you—your constant constructive criticisms and compliments (ALLITERATION! YESS!) and sweet ideas. Thank you so so so so so much. P.S. Do you write as well? You should start your own fanfiction, I would love to read your work. That'd be AWESOME.
AneleTiger: I'm having writer's block right now, too! But not around Ani and Ali, because I have such great plans for them. But I just…can't….write…the OTHER Ali and Jack. For some reason, I'm stuck. So I won't be updating True Freedom for a while. I'm sorry! SO SORRY! Thank you for sticking with me, though. I totally get what you're saying about Anakin being a stubborn ass when he wants to be, and I hope you get past your writers block on Waves of the Sea. It's such a good story, and you're such a great author! I never told you this before, either, but Anele is such a cool name. And Andre and Miriam need to realize their feelings for each other (well, Andre I think already does, so MIRIAM needs to wake up). Keep writing! I love your story.
Hermione Skywalker: NEW READER YAY! (happy dance). Anyway, Hermione and Skywalker. Harry Potter and Star Wars. That's a freaking awesome combination! Did you read the Half Blood Prince? DO YOU THINK SNAPE IS BAD OR GOOD? I have this whole theory on it…Arrgghh, I'm such a nerd, lol. Thanks for the review!
Legolover, Vague Lenore, Piper 331, ang, and Allied to Darkness: I'm so sorry once again that I didn't reply to each of you individually. Life's just so hectic, what with school starting, and homework (cursed creation)…I really, truly, completely appreciate every single one of your reviews. I read them all, and smile really big afterwards. Thank you so, so much, and please keep it up!
A/N: This chapter is dedicated to Nikki, for all her help and contributions in it.
PART ONE: BUDDING
Chapter Twelve
Ali sighed and rubbed her temples gently. A splitting headache had been her constant companion throughout the last week. She had never felt so frustrated and stressed before—except when Padawan selections were going on. The lightsaber contest was today, in exactly two hours. Instead of frantically practicing like the rest of the Jedi Padawans were, Ali had chosen to retire to her room and meditate a bit.
Her thoughts continually drifted, however. First off, what was the prize for winning the competition? Rumors had flown around the Temple that the first place winner would be granted the title of Jedi Knight. Others said that the Jedi Masters had been developing a new type of lightsaber, and would be giving it to the victor for free. Ali didn't believe either of these, and thus her curiosity was not satisfied.
Secondly, she kept thinking about a tall, sandy haired Jedi Padawan with amazingly blue eyes. Things had been unnaturally tense between them for the past week. It seemed like everywhere she looked, Anakin was chatting animatedly with Sera, whose laughter always rang tauntingly in Ali's ears. Perhaps that was the reason for her headache. She scowled, and decided to think about something else.
She breathed in and out deeply, until at last she had settled in that feeling of supreme tranquility that the Force always brought. Her respiration became rhythmic, slow and steady and peaceful. All curiosity and jealousy and frets and headaches disappeared. Meditation was soothing—it helped her refocus and cleared her thoughts. It was almost as good as being out in the meadow during a light spring rain, surrounded by the smell of fresh earth.
"Ali," Lyra's voice called gently from the doorway. "The contest starts in ten minutes. It's time to go." Ali opened her eyes reluctantly and got up from her haven to follow her Master to the main dueling room.
The first few matches were rather easy, as always. It wasn't hard to beat sixteen year old Padawans, eager and careless in their sparring. Sixteens were the youngest allowed to enter the tournament, and thus often the losers.
Ali steadily climbed the brackets, slowly making her way to the top. After a particularly grueling challenge with Anakin's friend Zane, Ali stopped to take a breather. She glanced up at the scoreboard. The final five had been chosen.
"We have our final five contestants," A voice announced over the speakers. A great cheer went up from the crowd surrounding the duel rings in the stadium. "Padawans Kyla, Ryan, Alianne, Sera, and Anakin shall be continuing to battle for first place. Opponents will be randomly chosen."
Ali glanced up at the board. She would be facing Kyla first, whilst Sera and Anakin battled. Ryan would be sitting out, and fighting the loser of Ali's match. This wasn't going to be easy.
"Padawans, take your positions!" The speaker shouted. Ali climbed resolutely into the ring, and activated her lightsaber. She would win this. She was determined to. "Shake hands…bow…COMMENCE!"
Almost immediately Kyla struck, swinging her blade in a wide arc that Ali stepped back from. Kyla continued on the offensive, attacking viciously. The brunette's lightsaber moved so fast that it soon became a blur of purple which Ali was hard pressed to stop. Their weapons met in a figure eight, first clashing at the left, then crashing together on the right. All the while Ali kept stepping back.
The onslaught was ferocious. Kyla had really improved, Ali admitted reluctantly to herself as she ducked a swipe. Kyla brought her lightsaber down from above her head in a fatal blow, but Ali raised her own blade in time to block it. The two held there, lightsabers fusing together, each struggling to overpower the other with sheer strength, while the crowd roared. Ali was oblivious to the commotion she was causing, so intent was she on the current duel. Her muscles strained and pushed with every ounce of power she could muster.
At last Ali could feel her limbs shaking and trembling. If she stood here much longer, they would give out. After all, she was in a tougher position—she had to push upwards, while Kyla could focus down. With a last shove, Ali swept the two blades in a descending arc to her left, and jumped away from Kyla's blade to give herself a breather. The two circled each other warily, breathing hard, waiting for an attack.
Quick as a flash Ali began her own offensive strike, whirling and twirling and turning, all the while slicing with her lightsaber. The two girls once again became a blur of purple light and long hair that whipped about. Ali slashed and cut and thrusted and jabbed in a jumble, trying to wear out her opponent. Kyla continually blocked every attack, but after a while she started to stumble a bit. The other girl was wearing down.
At last, in a brilliant move that had the entire crowd on their feet cheering, Ali flipped over her opponent, landed smoothly on her feet, and whirled about to shove her lightsaber through a split second opening in Kyla's defense. Ali's blade hovered a mere inch away from Kyla's neck, and although trembling, stayed there.
"Padawan Alianne is the victor!" The speaker crowed, and the crowd roared again. "She will be moving on to the next bracket, facing…" Here the entire mass of people in stadium moved as one to look at the standings upon a far wall.
"Padawan Sera!" Ali glanced upwards at the screen to see that indeed, her name was in a bracket with Sera's. This should prove interesting.
"Shake hands, Padawans Kyla and Alianne," the speaker continued. The two obliged willingly.
"Hey, good job," Kyla said, grinning. She had Ali had a sort of friendship going on, ever since their duel years ago. "Déjà vu, huh? I remember losing to you years ago quite clearly."
"Thanks," Ali replied, smiling as well. "You've improved a lot. It was much harder this time."
"You too," Kyla replied, and then she turned to her Master and left the ring.
So Anakin had beaten Sera, Ali thought with relish. That made things even more interesting. Obviously Ani wasn't willing to give up the first place prize for friendship, and thus it meant Ali would have to beat him as well. This tournament was a challenge, all right.
"Padawans, take your positions!" The announcer trilled, and the crowd's excited buzz quieted as the matches began. "Shake hands…bow…COMMENCE!" Ali hesitated, and then reached out her hand for Sera to shake. The blonde looked at the offered limb in disgust before touching it briefly. Ali rolled her eyes.
"That was a rather pathetic shake," Ali murmured, activating her lightsaber and circling Sera cautiously.
"Oh, Useless, I only did it because I knew I already needed a shower," Sera answered scathingly. "I would never touch you normally."
"You're so immature," Ali breathed angrily. "What, am I contagious? Do I have cooties? Are you ever going to act your age?"
Sera laughed coldly. "You're just mad because Anakin likes me more," she hissed scathingly. Ali blinked rapidly, unsure of what to say.
"What are you talking about?" Ali asked, trying to ignore the rising feeling of pain in her throat. What was wrong with her? Was she sick? The headache was back, and with reinforcements.
"You know what I'm talking about," Sera grinned maliciously. "You've seen it. He likes me more. He prefers my company to yours. I'm prettier, nicer, more charming. Just give it up, Useless. He's wasted enough time with you."
"Shut up, Sera," Ali replied quietly. "That's not true." Was it true? Deep inside, a small nagging area kept repeating everything to Ali. Sera WAS prettier, more charming, and more desirable. She and Anakin did seem to have more fun together. They were always laughing and chatting, weren't they?
"Oh, but it is," Sera said, smiling that evil smile. Ali would like nothing more than to reach over and slap that smirk off the beautiful blonde's face. "And you know it is."
"Anakin's my friend," Ali said, hoping her voice sounded more sure than she felt. "He's my friend," she repeated more firmly. But that stupid voice inside her wouldn't shut up. What was she compared to Sera?
"Face the truth, Tyri," Sera said vehemently. "You are what you started out as. Useless Ali. Talentless Tyri. You're the Scum of the Temple, Ali—a friendless loser."
Slowly the hesitancy inside Ali grew into a roaring fire to match the crowd's disapproval. Dimly Ali realized how boring of a match this was—both her and Sera weren't attacking. Instead they were conversing and circling about each other. But the flames inside! Oh, how they burned her. They scathed her innards and made her want to writhe in pain. It was true, wasn't it? It was all true. She wanted to lash out so badly. She wanted to wipe that smirk off Sera's face with all her heart.
"Going to fight me, Talentless?" Sera said, still smiling, her tone taunting. The words rang in Ali's head, making the horrible headache increase. Talentless…Useless…friendless! She was friendless! She felt herself tug at the voice inside in denial, trying to make it shut up with all of her willpower.
Anakin was, she realized, essential to her life. She confided almost everything in him, spent almost all her time with him, and depended on him to go on in the Temple. If he was gone...how would she live? Could she survive any longer seeing Sera and Anakin together? It would kill her. The jealousy would tear her soul to shreds and rip her spirit apart. She simply could not accept it. She would not let it happen. A thousand curses on Sera, who had revealed the ugly truth to Ali! But it wasn't the truth! It couldn't be true. She and Anakin were friends. A thousand curses on Sera, who had lied to Ali! How dare the blonde do so? Sera was threatening Ali's relationship with Anakin. She had to be destroyed. All life's problems stemmed from Sera. The stupid nicknames, the hurt and loneliness as a child, and now this horrible self doubt and hesitancy! It was all Sera's fault. The fierce hot lava inside boiled hotter and hotter.
It happened very suddenly, almost as a reflex. All Ali's rage and anger bubbled over, and she found herself exploding like an active volcano. She gave an incomprehensible roar of rage, and felt her right hand go very, very hot. Glancing down, Ali saw a ball of fire in it. A very distant and dim voice shouted at her to calm down, that this was not the Jedi way. But the anger took over. With all the strength her fury provided, Ali hurtled the fireball at Sera.
She did, however, have enough common sense left not to hit Sera directly. No, Ali would not do that even to her worst enemy. Instead the flaming orb was aimed at Sera's feet, at the ground. It made a sizzling, crashing impact upon the dueling ring's floor, and Sera yelped and jumped backwards in fear. This momentary lapse in the blonde's concentration was all that Ali needed. She leaped forward, bounded across the flames, and ended the little rendezvous with a halt in front of Sera, lightsaber out and pointed at the blonde's throat.
Then the incomprehensible rage left Ali. She stood there, awestruck and shocked and unbelievingat what she had just done. Had she not spent the past nine years training to control her rage? Was she not a Jedi trainee? She should have known better than to rise to some stupid baiting taunts! Oh, the shame and remorse that swept over her was unbearable! Ali slowly lowered her lightsaber, deactivated it, and let her arm hang there limply. The crowd was roaring again, but this time they were not approving. The boos and screams of anger were very apparent.
Ali gradually turned to face the unhappy masses. One face stood out to her so clearly, in its stormy gray eyes deep disappointment and sadness. Ali felt her heart break at that expression.
"Oh, Master Lyra," Ali whispered miserably. "I'm so sorry."
A/N: Rather depressing, I know. Don't worry, the next chapter will be happier. I promise. Anyway, I hope that you all will continue to read and review! It motivates me to update faster, wink wink nudge nudge. Once again, thanks to Nikki for this. I hope it was good enough.