Chapter: 25 Trial and Error
"No path of crime nor kindness is free from fate's design."
A daring endeavor! Seeking to save the planet Rodia from the devastating halkavirus, Padawan Anna Dellian teemed up with a Rodian fugitive named Jee. During their race to find a cure, Anna was infected and they were forced to flee offworld. Meanwhile, her sister Elsa saved Rodian Governor Pril Stada from an insurrection, but not before learning of government mistrust. When Anna and Jee reached Malastare, the Padawan was able to get a halkavirus vaccine into Republic hands. However, the virus was already taking its gruesome toll on Anna, and she's now fighting for her life.
"Jedi Masters...Come in, Jedi Masters. This is Admiral Taka."
"Mattias to Admiral Taka. Go ahead."
"We're getting you offworld immediately. Report to the nearest gunship."
"...Why? What's going on?"
"Your Padawan has been found...on Malastare."
"Wait, WHAT?!"
The plasteel table shook as Anna convulsed atop it. IVs and monitors trembled while medical droids hovered and rolled over by any means. The Padawan's ventilator fogged up as her coughing intensified. She shut her eyes tightly as one of the droids injected her chest with a daunting needle. "Administering immediate bacta supplement to the lungs," the droid told its team. "It will buy us time."
"You buy me as much time as you can get me," a voice said over the intercom. Dr. Sionver Boll's eye stalks darted between the monitor of Anna's room and those in her own laboratory.
"How are we looking, doctor?" Anakin called the Bivall.
"My droids and I are racing to replicate the vaccine," Boll answered. "Anna is fighting for her life, but no one here is letting her go."
"Keep it up," Anakin said. "You've practically got your own droid army down there helping you." Suddenly, a tumultuous rumble shook the base of operations. Boll's eyes widened as she heard Anakin's lightsaber sparking up. "Speaking of which..."
"Master Skywalker?" Boll worried.
"The Separatists have launched another attack on the imperial palace," Mace answered for him. "We've beaten them back before, we'll do it again. You just focus on your task and we'll do ours." Master Windu's lightsaber could be heard igniting before the transmission ended. Another ominous boom echoed from outside and Boll hurriedly got back to work. She examined the intriguing components in the initial vial and watched as her machine replicated them. Her maroon fingers impatiently drummed on her desk and she tried to quell her own anxieties. The task became increasingly difficult when a medical droid reported in.
"Dr. Boll," it computed. "She's stopped seizing but now she's crashing."
"Get her back," Boll uttered monotonously.
"The virus has weakened her body tremendously," the droid explained. "If we lose her, defibrillation could further damage-"
"You get her back by any means," Boll intoned. "This Jedi traveled who knows how far, risking everything to find me. The least we can do is offer the same amount of effort to save her." The droid obliged and started prepping for the worst case scenario. Boll took a deep breath and glared at the replicating sequence. If she could just get three...even two more vials out there...a single cure could go to Anna. "Come on Jedi," she urged. "Don't stop fighting now."
As Anna lay on the table, her thoughts seemed louder than ever as she lost herself in the overhanging light. Maybe these droids are doing something right, she told herself. I don't feel that much pain anymore. Wait...kriff. I don't feel much of anything. Am I dying? Is this it? I didn't even get to say something cool before dying! I didn't get to be like, 'Time to go out with a bang.' and then blow myself up to save millions of people from droids or something. Damn...what's even...where even...Am I almost dead? Is that not even a light fixture above me? Is that the embodiment of the Force just waiting to tell me what a disappointment I've been? Oh...OH. Wait, why is it getting brighter? Where the heck am I? Guys? Somebody? I think we need another needle! Kriff!
"She's crashing," a droid computed as the others prepared to respond.
The blinding light finally left Anna's eyes and she rigorously rubbed them. "Careful, dear." a robotic voice warned. "You don't want to mess up my artistry now."
"What?" Anna blurted as a series of peculiar senses came to her. The sounds of nighttime insects and a flowing waterfall prompted her to open her eyes. She found herself glimpsing an unknown, yet familiar vista. A quaint string of homes rested along a hillside overlooking a moonlit fjord. The sight brought Anna peace of mind, but still made her question her surroundings. She felt as healthy as could be and observed her petite, unscathed hands. They'd never thrown a punch in their existence, yet some kind of bruising appeared on her fingers. When she rubbed the afflicted area, the discoloration proved to be nothing more than makeup.
"Now you've done it," a protocol droid said. "You've ruined your eyeshadow. Your parents will have me scrapped if they see you like this. Hold still!" Anna couldn't even get a word in as the droid went to work on her face. "There we go, your majesty. Now you mustn't keep everyone waiting any longer."
"That's true," Anna said. "I-...wait, what? Your majesty? My parents?...MAKEUP?!" Anna's first instinct was to grab her lightsaber and interrogate the droid. Only when she reached for her belt, she instead clutched an elegant sash. "Huh?" Anna rushed away from the balcony and entered a luxurious bedroom.
"You can't stay hiding away in your room forever, my dear." the servant droid intoned.
"Shut up," Anna snapped and scoured the drawers for a mirror.
"Princess Anna!" the droid scolded. "I don't know where this new attitude of yours is coming from, but I will not stand for it. Are you listening to me, young lady?" Anna flung pajamas and socks across the room and pulled entire drawers out of their casings. She finally found a mirror as the droid scolded her. "Princess Anna!"
Anna felt her rage building when she rose to answer him. "I am not a-" Anna gasped as the reality she knew fled her. The mirror in her trembling hand showed her in a way she'd never seen. Her hair was fashioned into a braided bun and a tiara of all things was nestled within it. Anna found herself wearing an elegant gown of royal proportions. A glossy, black bodice led into a skirt comprised of gold and green streaks of the darkest hues. "-a princess," Anna uttered. She dropped the mirror and staggered back towards her bed.
"Your majesty," the protocol droid worried. "You can talk to me. What's wrong?"
Anna simply shook her head while observing her eerily silent surroundings. "I...I don't know. None of this is right."
The droid paused before computing the proper answer. "My dear, I know these times are...different. It all may seem unfair that someone is getting greater opportunity, but this is part of growing up. I've looked after you since you were rocking in a crib, so believe me when I say I know you're meant for greatness. Now please, why don't we return to the festivities?"
Anna raised a brow while still trying to comprehend her situation. She decided to play along in order to investigate. "Of course," she said. "I'm sorry about my outburst. I just feel a little ill. What's your name again?"
"You really are out of it," the droid realized. "Well you've always called me Kai and the nickname just stayed. When you were little, you'd always say that when you wanted me to pick up and hold you. Kai! Kai!"
"I see," Anna mumbled. "And...what are we celebrating tonight?"
"You've really shut it out that much, hmm?" Kai asked. "Your parents have just promoted your sister to become Eye of Aren. Under such a title, she will now govern the surrounding lands and stretch your family's influence across our planet. It'll bring us one step closer to unity."
"Elsa," Anna realized.
"Did you hit your head?" Kai worried.
Anna curiously pushed open a massive set of doors. The guards beside them were astonished that they didn't have to do it for her. As Anna stepped in, she found herself standing amidst a colossal ballroom. Its extravagantly dressed attendees bowed to her as she sped by. It was only after getting a closer look at their pursed lips and twitching eyes did Anna realize their respect was actually fear.
"Sister!" Elsa's voice echoed from across the room. Her glittering, blue gown and its white wool trim swayed as she strutted up to Anna and pinched her cheek. "I was beginning to think you ditched the party out of spite for me."
"Congrats on your...um...promotion, sis." Anna answered.
Elsa smirked. "How uncharacteristic of you," she commented.
I could say the same about you, Anna thought.
"Try not to let it get to you too much," Elsa said. "I'm sure Mother and Father will grant you a title once you...eventually prove your worth." Elsa supressed her own chuckle with a sip of wine and a guard marched up to her. Her brows furrowed and she hissed, "What?"
"The Northuldra demonstrators have returned," he muttered. "They're demanding you cease hostilities on their land."
"And I demand that my party continues to run smoothly," Elsa asserted.
"The demonstration is getting violent," the guard insisted. "Your parents say that as Eye of Aren, this is now your matter to attend to."
Elsa rolled her eyes. "Fine! Well, this is what tear gas is for. See to it then." As her guard departed, Elsa scoffed towards Anna. "Pathetic, right? The only language that insignificant rabble understands is violence. Once I get Father's permission to move troops, I'll see the Northuldra wiped out."
"Holy kriff, Elsa." Anna replied. "So much for all life having value."
"Since when do you talk like that?" Elsa scoffed. "I'll let it slide, but you're lucky Mother and Father didn't hear you denouncing Aren superiority." Elsa suddenly flashed a wry grin. "Don't tell me..."
Anna shrugged with genuine confusion. "What?"
"You let our Jedi guest get to you, didn't you? I'm your sister. I know you like a holobook." Elsa glanced at a strange, yet familiar figure hunched beside one of the banquet tables. "I'll admit, he's quite handsome. But those Jedi ideals of his are nauseating. It's no wonder the galaxy walks all over them. But hey, don't let their doctrine scare you. Use him for his looks and nothing more." Elsa gave Anna a shove towards the Jedi and went off to mingle with her followers.
As others cowered before Anna, she remained focused on the hunched over Jedi. She squinted and leaned in for a closer look as he slowly stood up. From the moment she saw the back of his auburn head, she needed no other clue. "Hans!" Anna blurted.
The Jedi almost choked on his drink and spun around. "My lady," he said and bowed respectfully.
It took everything for Anna not to hug him right then and there. Instead, she looked to the nearest verandah and spoke at a volume only he could hear. "Outside," she ordered. "Now."
Hans followed Anna back into the moonlight and away from prying eyes. For as much as things seemed bizarre in Anna's predicament, Hans appeared the familiar. He was still wearing the same robes to distinguish him as a Jedi knight. His golden saber hilt swayed from his belt as he leaned on the balcony. "I hope I haven't done something to offend you, your grace." he cautiously asked.
"You can drop the act," Anna jeered as he scoffed. "You're a Sentinel. You play nice when you're investigating, right?" Hans' calm demeanor faltered as he lost the upper hand. "Now I can see the panic in your eyes, so I'm going to be upfront with you. I'm not here to hinder whatever you've got going on."
"How can I trust that?" Hans asked.
"Because I don't think I'm from here," Anna admitted. "I'm still trying to figure it out myself, but so far...you're the realest person I've seen." Hans looked at her like she was completely out of her mind. "What?" Anna snapped.
"Forgive me," Hans mumbled. "But is this the same Princess Anna known for literally blinding a peasant for looking at her in the eye?"
"I would never," Anna defended with the utmost intensity.
"You had another family executed for-"
"Whoever you think I am...I'm not her!" Anna asserted. "Elsa isn't either. This is all kinds of wrong. We're supposed to be Jedi, just like you."
"Okay then," Hans sighed. "There is no emotion, there is?"
"Peace," Anna quickly answered.
"No ignorance?"
"Knowledge."
There is no passion," Hans recited.
Anna glanced over at him remorsefully. It didn't matter what alternate reality she'd been hurled into, her feelings hadn't changed in the slightest. She looked into his emerald eyes and relented, "There is serenity."
"There is no chaos," Hans continued.
"There is..." Anna listened to the screams of Northuldra demonstrators as Aren police pushed them back. "...harmony?"
"There is no death."
When Hans said that, Anna suddenly felt a sharp pain in her chest. She buckled forward against the balcony as a voice seemed to echo from the night sky itself. "No pulse!" it said. "Try again. Charge to three hundred."
"Did-um...did you hear that?" Anna asked.
"Hear what?" Hans queried. "Finish the code."
"There is the Force," Anna answered. "I'm a Jedi whether you believe it or not."
Hans shrugged in bewilderment and peered across the fjord. "Maybe you're on to something, princess."
"Call me Anna," she insisted.
"Your grace," Kai beckoned from the door. "I do so hate to interrupt you, but your parents have arrived. I'd loathe for you to get into any sort of trouble with them, especially with how you're feeling."
"My parents?" Anna considered and peered through the brightly-hued windows. Elsa was laughing alongside two decorated royals. Their jeers were irksome and pompous as Anna thought about her sister's actions. Acting on her own accord, Anna snatched Hans' lightsaber from his belt and made her way towards the door.
"Your majesty!" Kai gasped. "What are you going to do with that?"
Anna ignored him and spoke to Hans. "Don't worry," she said. "I'll give it right-" When she turned, Hans was no longer there. It was like he had never existed. "-back?" Anna pressed on through her bewilderment and stared her so-called family down.
"There she is," the King of Aren chuckled. His ash blonde hair held a crown of power and authority atop his raucous boasts. His piercing green eyes rested on Anna while his mustache rose with his smirk. "Aren's pride and joy." The queen remained stone faced behind him. Her blue gaze was cold as she passed judgement on Anna, all while Elsa snickered at her. "Now that we're all together, we-"
Anna sparked up the lightsaber in her hand and the ballroom went silent. The hum of green plasma left an eerie sense of foreboding as Anna flourished her weapon.
Elsa chuckled at the sight. "By the stars," she guffawed. "What do you think you're doing?"
"Where did you even get that?" the king growled. "Put that away before you embarrass yourself further."
"No," Anna asserted with a voice louder than both of theirs. "This is not the life I chose. This isn't real. None of it is. And you aren't my parents."
"You cannot deny the truth," the queen said.
"My parents aren't...weren't dictators! I'm sure they were scumbags to leave us, but I know my sister isn't this...wicked witch of a person!"
"Enough games," the king said as he stomped towards Anna. "It's time for you to know what you are. This is your life, daughter of Aren. Embrace it." The king was only further enraged when Anna shook her head. "I command you to embrace it!" he roared and clutched her shoulders.
"No!" Anna screamed and drove the lightsaber through his chest. The crowd gasped as the king collapsed against Anna's arms. His crown rolled off his head and shattered into glass.
"You will never...be...free," the king whispered in her ear.
Rage built up within Anna as she growled through gritted teeth. "I've been free of you this long, that's not going to change now." She furiously removed her weapon to find the rest of the party in shock.
"Guards! Kill her!" Elsa screamed without hesitation.
Anna almost tripped over her gown while deflecting incoming blastershots. She kicked off her high heels and escaped towards the nearest verandah. Seeing no other way, Anna threw herself over the balcony and into the freezing fjord. Water filled her gown and she found herself sinking deeper towards the bottom. As Anna tried to swim up, a crimson substance emanated from her fingers and coated her hands. These tight splotches of blood remained permanently branded and no amount of water could cleanse her of the sight. No matter how hard Anna tried to reach the surface with her bloody hands, she wasn't making any progress. She remained stationary until a distinct sting struck her chest. Anna feared one of the guards had shot her as another sting sent her jolting forward...and then another. Each pulse against her was more powerful than its predecessor until she wanted to scream. And with one final jolt of energy, Anna's world instantly changed.
The medical droids applied the defibrillators to Anna and her body jerked with their shock. One of them noticed her vital signs stabilizing on the monitor and hovered to Dr. Boll's camera. "Ma'am," it reported. "We got her back."
The Bivall breathed a sigh of relief and collapsed into her seat. A call also came in from Anakin and she patched it through. "We've beaten back the Separatists for now," he said. "You should be in the clear, doctor."
Boll glanced at her vaccine replicator as a green completion symbol flashed atop it. "I think so too, Master Skywalker." she said and wiped the sweat from her crest. She leaned towards the emergency room monitor and addressed her droids. "Good work, everyone. Our objective's half complete. Is she stable?"
"Affirmative, Dr. Boll." a droid answered.
Boll opened her replicator and observed a series of vials identical to the initial vaccine. "Good," she said. "Because this is her only shot." Boll handed one of the vials to a droid who ran it to the emergency room. The doctor anxiously clenched her fists as the vaccine was passed from droid to droid. With widened eyes and bated breath, Boll watched as one of her units injected Anna with the potential cure. "Now," Boll whispered to herself. "-we wait."
All of Anna's memories, both surreal and grounded in reality, were meshed together before her. Everything from Jee, to Hans, to droids and battles all came hurling past her senses. And amidst all of the confusion, something pulled her upwards. She felt a soft, blissful sensation brushing against her cheek. As she opened her eyes to meet it, she found her face plastered into a divinely welcoming pillow. A puddle of her drool dampened the blanket while her hair was a wild, disheveled mess. The gentle beeps of a monitor were relaxing to her ears as a calm light crept in through the shades. The sounds of consistent air traffic coupled with her room's architecture allowed her to deduce her location. Only...was she actually in the Jedi Temple? Her groggy eyes scoured the room for clues and she cautiously shifted her legs. Only then did she feel a weight move beside her thigh and peer down to investigate. Platinum blonde strands poked over her sheets as a person realized she'd awakened. The woman raised her head and gasped as Anna uttered, "El-sa?"
"Anna," her sister rejoiced and came closer to her side. She eagerly activated a peculiar signal of sorts, but her smile faded when she noticed Anna's distress.
Anna grew teary-eyed and rapidly shook her head. "Is this...are you...real?"
"Of course I am," Elsa assured.
"I'm sorry, Elsa. I'm so sorry." Anna broke down and clutched the ends of her blanket.
"Hey," Elsa said softly. She rested her hand on Anna's cheek and wiped her tears. "It's okay. You're safe."
"No!" Anna panicked. "Don't touch me! I'm...I'm I'm-"
"Anna," Elsa spoke soothingly. "You're not sick."
"I'm not?" Anna finally let herself believe as she looked at her clean, freckled hands. "And it's all real?"
When Elsa smiled, her own tears started to flow. She wished the Force was strong enough to take away all of her sister's pain, even if it meant she had to bear it instead. "Anna," Elsa said. "You did it. The vaccine worked."
"It did?" Anna sobbed into Elsa's hand. "Holy kriff, it actually worked."
"Where is she? Where is she?" Mattias shouted from the hallway.
"Master!" Anna rejoiced through her tears while Elsa held her close.
No amount of biting his lip or recitation of Jedi doctrine could stop Mattias from showing emotion. He practically collapsed to his knees with a beaming grin as he wrapped Anna in his arms. "When I heard you were on Malastare," he said. "I was initially shocked. But then I thought, if there was any Padawan out there that'd be going offworld with a damn vaccine for an entirely other planet...by the Force, that's got to be you and by the Force, I knew you'd be okay."
"Oh please," Yelena jeered from the entrance. "Master Mattias here was an absolute wreck."
Mattias grumbled at her remark. "Okay...maybe I was a little preoccupied." He winked at his Padawan as she snickered.
They relished in the moment as the four of them smiled together again. "Well done, Anna." Yelena said.
"My sister's the best," Elsa added.
Amid the compliments, Anna thought back to those on Rodia. "Surge?" she inquired and the others winced.
"I'm afraid the commander didn't make it," Yelena lamented as Anna sunk back into her pillow. "But you need not let this grief take hold of you. We can't save everyone, Anna. However, the vaccine you helped see to fruition is being mass-produced and sent to save those it can."
"In time, the halkavirus will be defeated thanks to your efforts."
Anna glanced out the window and sighed. "Our efforts." Though they didn't reply, the group was genuinely surprised to hear Anna say such words. She wriggled out of her sheets and forced herself to sit up.
"You might feel some numbness," Mattias said. "You've practically been living in a bacta tank since they moved you from Malastare."
"Well we all have to get up sooner or later," Anna huffed. She reluctantly accepted Elsa and Mattias' arms as they helped her stand. Initial dizziness had the room swaying until she took her first few steps.
"Look at you go," Mattias admired while helping her walk. "Wanna try the hallway? You don't have to go far."
"I could run to the Uscru District if I wanted to," Anna boasted. She exited the medbay and was immediately caught by surprise. Mattias and Yelena weren't the only ones Elsa had summoned from her device.
Dozens of Jedi from a multitude of unique backgrounds stood as one outside her door. A holographic sign reading "WELCOME HOME!" hovered above the group while they applauded and cheered.
"Bravo, Padawan!" A familiar Selkath hollered. Master Tamon Chaki could be seen alongside his apprentice, Nelani Trell. The Duros nervously clapped and offered Anna a wave.
"Such sensational valiance!" the Avinarian Master Chuza squawked. "Worthy of recognition among the greatest Jedi in the Old Republic. Why, she reminds me of the legendary Bastila Shan, who granted the Republic swift victories against-"
"Oh here we go." his apprentice, Gav Riden, scoffed. The young Avinarian rolled his eyes as his master rambled on about the Old Republic's history.
Elsa braided her sister's bedhead and said, "We're all here for you, Anna."
"In more ways than you know," Mattias added and left Anna to raise a brow. Her master got the group to simmer down before he continued. "We all know what my Padawan risked to accomplish so much. It wasn't safe, it was rather unorthodox, and she shouldn't have even been there." Anna swallowed hard upon hearing Mattias' confession. She braced for the worst until he said, "But...where exactly are any of us supposed to be in life? It's all a chance isn't it? Because of Anna's actions, families will be reunited...an entire planet has a second chance...and hope is restored. I believe the will of the Force works in ways beyond our understanding. It calls us where we are needed and only then are the answers made clear. In those moments, we can either break under pressure or rise up. My Padawan chose the latter and millions owe their lives to that choice. A cure exists because of her actions."
Anna sighed. "Master-"
"And the council agrees with me," Mattias continued. "Anna is not the perfect Jedi, but none of us are. However, Anna possesses a boldness beyond her years. The kind that makes me honored to be her master and to...on behalf of our council, grant her passage on her Trial of Courage."
Applause erupted once more as Anna's heart thundered. Though she felt exhilarated within, Anna appeared frozen in the moment. The very glory she'd chased...the passing of her first Jedi Trial...felt empty. I don't understand, she thought. Is it the circumstance? The means? This is everything I could've wanted. She looked around at so many faces cheering her on. Her blood ran cold when she saw a Rodian Jedi among them. Nothing about the praise felt right as she hung her head.
"Congratulations, Anna." Mattias said but she shook her head. "What's wrong?"
"I accept this for my actions, but others need to be acknowledged."
"Sure," Mattias replied respectfully. "By all means."
"I didn't know what I was doing out there," Anna said. "Maybe the Force was with me or just sheer luck but, I had help. Rodian Dr. Klinn was the one who created the vaccine. She'd spent who knew how long in hiding to keep her research out of corrupt hands and ultimately gave her life. I was just the delivery girl who contracted the virus along the way. I wouldn't have made it if it wasn't for the-..." Anna bit her tongue. She didn't know if Republic records had released Jee's name when she was captured. She was unsure what kind of reaction saying 'the Bug' would prompt either. She also recalled how Jee had scavenged Chaki's lightsaber and wondered how he'd react knowing that. "A hero of Rodia fought alongside me," Anna ended up saying. "She worked to get me to Malastare and I still don't know what became of her. What I do know, is that this victory didn't belong to one person and that fact needs to be remembered most."
Anna stumbled for a moment and Elsa helped keep her up. "Why don't we get you some more rest?" the eldest Dellian suggested.
Anna nodded and raised a hand to the crowd. "Thanks everyone. It's truly good to be home." With a final set of applause to send her back to bed, those closest to Anna seemed the most surprised by her response.
"That was very humble of you to say, Padawan." Mattias admired.
"Just speaking the truth," Anna insisted. Elsa gave her sister a nod of respect as she helped her back into bed. "That was really nice of you to set that little entourage for me up outside."
Elsa shrugged it off while bashfully fidgeting with her braid. "It was nothing, really. I'm just glad people showed up. With Corellian Cup tryouts around the corner, everyone's trying to get as much training in as they can." Anna's eyes shot open at the mention and Elsa gulped. "Oh no...what have I awakened?" she quipped.
"How many days until the tryouts?" Anna frantically asked.
"You've got a few." Mattias answered. "But after all you've accomplished, you have nothing to prove. Rest, Padawan."
"If the tournament goes well this year, I'm sure there will be another." Yelena added.
"Thanks...but no thanks," Anna intoned. "Guys, I've been waiting far too long and training much too hard to pass this up. It doesn't matter what I've been through, being a Jedi is all about tackling and overcoming the impossible. Now it's been fun, but kindly let me sleep so I can get out of bed and kick serious butt at these tryouts."
While Elsa and Yelena were initially surprised, Mattias simply shrugged. "Some things never change," her master said. "Okay, apprentice. You rest up and we'll get you back in this."
Elsa couldn't help but chuckle heartily. "Oh, sis. You don't know when to take a break, do you?"
"Let me think about that," Anna considered. "Hmmm nope."
Mattias let Elsa and Yelena bid Anna farewell until he was alone with her. "I couldn't be more proud of you," he said.
"Thanks, master." Anna whispered and rolled across her pillow. Her brows furrowed when she noticed his pensive stare.
"The hero of Rodia you mentioned...it was the Bug, wasn't it?"
Anna sighed and offered a brief nod. "She's a good person, Mattias. Life just hasn't been kind on the path she chose. But I'm alive because of her."
"Where is she now?" Mattias asked.
For a brief moment, Anna worried that her master might be trying to gain information about Jee as a fugitive. However, she had to trust Mattias and see him as the genuine mentor he was. "I don't know," Anna admitted and closed her eyes. "I can only hope she's safe." Mattias gave Anna some quiet time as she drifted back to sleep. She embraced the calming silence while trying to block out anxieties over Jee and the tryouts. Though she worried about having another nightmare, she dismissed all that she'd seen as a direct falsification. For Anna, Aren and her parents were all blurs that had no business spoiling her future. She sank into her pillow, hoisted up the blankets, and fell fast asleep.
As Elsa returned to her dormitory on the temple's upper level, she felt exhaustion coming for her as well. She found solace in the idea of a vaccine becoming mass produced and how Rodia would have a fighting chance. But it was truly a relief for Elsa to be within the temple walls again and free from the anguishes of the galaxy. She longed to embrace the darkness of her quarters, but was surprised to see a package waiting for her. A small, plasteel container bearing the Republic insignia had been placed beside her door. Curious, Elsa scooped it up and brought it inside.
When she popped its lid and reached within, Elsa found an encrypted holoprojector with a message saved to it. She cautiously activated the projector and leapt to her bed as the message began to play. An image of Corporal Frost without his helmet flickered into view. The blue hologram illuminated Elsa's face amidst the rest of her dark room. "Elsa," Frost began. "Commander Elsa...Or Padawan?" Frost's frustration made Elsa subtly snicker. The clone sighed. "I hope this message finds you in good spirits. I understand that orders are orders and that you had to find your sister. But I'll keep my time brief because...someone is asking for you and he doesn't have much time left." Elsa leaned in to the hologram and brought a hand to her mouth when she saw Commander Surge. The sickly clone had deteriorated significantly as his life support systems battled to keep him stable. "Commander," Elsa heard Frost get his attention. "The projector's on you. You can talk."
Surge nodded faintly as he pulled his ventilator off with a trembling a hand. "Elsa," he wheezed and shut his eyes in pain. He shook his head and pursed his sweaty lips before continuing. "I'm...probably the last face you want to see." Elsa shook her head as if he could see her. She wanted to reassure the recording otherwise, but all she could do was keep watching. "But that doesn't stop what needs to be said." Surge's ensuing cough sounded gut-wrenching. "I'm no Jedi, and I passed judgement over you when I couldn't even restrain myself. I was designed to take lives and you're out there saving them. What you said back on the gunship was true, Elsa. You did save me, and I was too caught up in my defeat to see it. You have a whole life ahead of you, and the head on your shoulders will keep you alive. Maybe if I was more like you, this wouldn't have happened..." Surge's head collapsed against the pillow as he writhed in pain. His projection stared directly at the recorder as he continued. "What I'm trying to say is...you never deserved the things I said to you. I send my deepest regrets...for I am so sorry." Surge's vitals began to drastically drop and the message ended.
A lone tear rolled down Elsa's cheek as she set the projector down. She rested against her blankets and thought on the commander's final words. Rest easy, commander, she spoke within. May you be at peace within the Living Force. As Elsa got some rest of her own, she meditated on Surge and sought her own peace on the matter.
Recovery efforts on Rodia continued to gain news coverage across multiple news outlets. Over the next few days, word of Anna's heroism and the awarded Trial of Courage spread throughout the Jedi Temple. Even when people stopped talking about it, it followed her through their prolonged gazes as she strode through the halls. Just like the other eligible Padawans, Anna was on a mission. With a prominent swagger to her, she was making her way to an assembly chamber when Elsa caught her off guard.
"Good morning, sis!" the eldest proclaimed. "You're looking well."
"Elsa," Anna sighed. "It's...nice to see you too. What are you doing here?"
Elsa tilted her head in genuine confusion. "I'm here to try out, just as you are."
"Oh," Anna mumbled. She tried to hide her surprise and could only hope Elsa wouldn't sense anything. I thought she was here to watch and cheer for me, Anna thought. She's gonna try and compete?
"I've been going back and forth on participating," Elsa admitted. "But I've finally decided to give it a shot."
"Just, don't expect me to help you out in there," Anna muttered.
Elsa frowned at her sister. "I never planned on it."
"Good," Anna intoned and entered the chamber.
Elsa paused for a moment to watch her sister barge in. She wondered if all she'd been through had taught her anything, or if it had still kept her arrogant. In reality, Anna just wanted to prove more of herself. The Corellian Cup was a chance for her to achieve something without anyone's assistance. Passing tryouts would also show how resilient she was after her ordeal on Rodia.
The turnout was larger than expected and the chamber echoed with Padawan chatter. All of their masters congregated on the upper level in accordance with the tryout rules. "Holy kriff," Anna grumbled while looking at the crowd. "And I thought I was early."
"I can't imagine what time these people must've gotten here," Elsa added. She'd only arrived later for sign in because it was last minute decision. Had Elsa planned sooner, she would've arrived much earlier.
"Punctuality doesn't matter," Anna scoffed. "All that's going to get judged is skill. Let's just hope this thing gets underway before we're forced to..." Anna gulped before bringing her tone to a brooding whisper. "...mingle."
"Anna! Elsa!" a giddy voice greeted as the Anna rolled her eyes.
"Too late," Elsa teased her little sister and waved at Nelani. "Hey!"
The Duros dashed over and gave the sisters a warm embrace. While Elsa reciprocated, Anna tried to break free like a grouchy tooka-cat. "It's so nice to meet each other again on much happier terms," Nelani said. "I didn't know you were going to try out, Elsa."
"Me neither," Anna muttered.
"Don't mind her," Elsa assured Nelani. "Anna's just...in the zone."
While Elsa and Nelani chatted, a unique hairstyle caught Anna's attention. She craned her neck and squinted her eyes to get a closer look at the pale, purple bun. A tan tunic with tabards of a burnt orange hue stuck out in the crowd. Anna's heart pounded when she glimpsed the deep blue skin of its wearer. Her intricate, yellow facial markings served as a reminder of Anna's childhood ignorance. Every regretful memory came cascading over Anna as she continued observing Tori. She bit back a gasp when the Pantoran's golden eyes fixated on her. While Anna's face expressed only sorrow, Tori's look was entirely different. Her glare teemed with a solid fury that'd been honed for years. Tori's violet lips quivered as she sneered at Anna from afar. Her Zabrak friend, Surk, wasn't far behind before they proceeded deeper into the crowd. Anna was left with the unshakeable feeling that she was the direct reason for the hateful look in Tori's eyes.
"Well well," Anna overheard an Avinarian comment. The white-feathered, black-beaked Padawan interposed himself between Nelani and Elsa. "Dellian. I never expected to see you here."
Elsa had no quarrel with him and remained calm while Nelani gulped. "Gav," she said. "Good luck today."
"Oh trust me," he chirped. "I'm not the one who needs it. After all, you're good at losing things."
Elsa concealed her stress prompted by backlash associated with Avinaria's secession from the Republic. She focused her thoughts on supportive people like Senator Ryx, smiled, and said, "Then you should have nothing to worry about." Gav squawked grumpily and trudged off.
Anna couldn't help but return to her sister and ask, "How can you let him talk to you like that? You've been through so much more than he has. That...Jedi jerk has no right to come at you with that nonsense."
"I appreciate you looking out for me," Elsa said. "But the truth is, he can say whatever he wants, They're just empty words, Anna. I have nothing to prove to him and frankly, I feel sorry for him. I pity the fact that through insulting others, he's only holding himself back."
Nelani found a sliver of confidence to speak and said, "I mean, have you seen the guy's master? Can you imagine how many time's Master Chuza hits him with the 'Back in my day-' spiel?"
Elsa and Nelani shared a chuckle while Anna shook her head in denial. A series of gasps coaxed the Padawans into silence as several temple guards entered the room. They flanked each doorway to make way for the master who'd announced the competition from the start. Plo Koon observed so many eager faces alongside Master Adi Gallia. Elsa remembered seeing her in the Jedi council chamber sitting beside her idol, Obi-wan Kenobi. No matter what happened, the eldest Dellian was honored to be in the presence of such masters once more. She peered up at the second level to see Mattias, Yelena, and various other masters observing the event.
"Good morning, students." Master Plo began. The majority of Padawans reciprocated his greeting before he continued. "Thank you for answering this call to greatness. In cooperation with the planet hosting it, the Corellian Cup serves as our chance to educate the galaxy on the Jedi way. They will glimpse examples of some of the best Padawans our Order possesses. Do not see this as a mere competition, but as an educational experience for the Republic and beyond. For what greater gift can there be beyond knowledge?"
A million credits, Anna thought. I'll take that over knowledge any day.
"This being said," Adi Gallia added. "It's time to cover the tryouts ahead. Make no mistake, your skills will be put to the ultimate test within three segments. Once all is completed, only eight of you will advance to the Corellian Cup."
The number was either daunting or acceptable as Padawans whispered opinions amongst one another. "What do you think they'll test us on?" Nelani asked.
"Maybe it'll be like the annual apprentice tournament," Elsa considered. "But I can't see them basing this on saber skill alone."
"Shhh!" Anna snapped as the masters continued.
"We'll be dividing you into groups to complete these segments," Plo said. "Now we will see who has honed their patience under pressure. May the Force be with you all."
Gallia scrolled through a datapad and read off the first group. "Yal Talum, Porovon Grook, Gav Riden, Tori Vica." Anna watched as Tori shoulder-checked the others in order to be first in line. The Pantoran shot Anna a final death stare before disappearing down the hall. "Next group," Gallia continued. "Surk Vogan, Juul Suba, Anna Dellian, and Wobin Tatos."
"Here we go," Anna huffed and stepped forward.
"Go get'em, sis." Elsa whispered from the crowd while Nelani nodded in agreement. The Duros' scarlet eyes widened as her name was the next called.
"Nelani Trell, Elsa Dellian, Skel Mavarano, and Chupaki Sah."
Any anxiety over the competition faded with Elsa and Nelani knowing they were at least with each other. They joined their group and ventured down one of the dimly-lit corridors. "Does this look familiar to you at all?" Nelani asked.
"It looks like they've refurbished the training wing," Elsa answered. "No matter what's behind those doors, I wish you the best in this." Nelani nodded as they entered a chamber together.
Anna focused on the temple guard leading her group until she raised a hand. "Hold here," she ordered and gave Anna time to glance at Surk.
The Zabrak was already scowling at Anna and cracking his neck. His intense disposition was shaken when Anna said, "Hey there, Surk."
He raised a skeptical brow at her and snorted. "You're going down in there, Anna."
"We'll see," she answered. "But..." Anna bit her lip and was unsure how to proceed. She considered what her sister might say. "For what it's worth, I think we'll make this a tough competition. You're um...looking...stronger?"
"Okay," Surk growled. "What are you up to?"
"Nothing," Anna assured.
"You don't just start being nice the moment we're about to face off," Surk intoned. "I'm not falling for any of your tricks."
Anna sighed. "Think whatever you want about me. It's...probably justified. I know we haven't always gotten along, and what I'm trying to say is...I'm s-"
The doors opened as a gong rang down to them. Anna, Surk, Juul, and Wobin were escorted into an expansive room with peculiar walls. Each section had handles bolted into them while an observation deck loomed overhead. Master Plo peered down and prepared his announcement.
In the adjacent corridor, Elsa and Nelani were entering an identical chamber alongside other Padawans. Master Gallia oversaw their segment as her hand hovered over a terminal.
"Students of the Force," Plo declared. "In this chamber, you will face your first and second segments combined. Prepare yourselves, for this will be quick. The first group has already completed this section."
"Only two of you will advance to the final segment," Gallia explained. "Steady yourselves, Padawans."
Elsa took a deep breath while Nelani started sweating beside her. "We got this," said Skel. The young Rodian turned and nodded to Elsa before they began. "I want to thank you and your sister for all you did on my homeworld." Elsa smiled at him while Chupaki the Togruta flashed a determined smirk.
The walls began to rumble as Anna observed her surroundings. "That doesn't sound good," Juul the Theelin muttered.
As a Gran, Wobin's three eyes scoured the floor for traps. "I think it's coming from beneath us," he deduced.
"Or the sides," Surk growled.
"It's really hard to concentrate with all of you chattering," Anna hissed. Suddenly, sections of the walls and floor hovered out of place. The Padawans were forced to weave in different directions to avoid being hit while Plo opened a case.
He withdrew four glass medallions which brandished the Jedi emblem. "Using your Force abilities, you must escort the medallion to me on this observation deck," he explained. "The session will conclude once the first two Padawans have made it." He proceeded to fling the medallions down as the Jedi rushed to catch them.
"Oh for kriff's sake!" Anna blurted and reached out with the Force.
"Should you touch your medallion or should it be shattered, this will result in immediate disqualification," Gallia announced and tossed her medallions down.
"Here they come!" Nelani shrieked.
"Focus," Elsa intoned and stretched out a hand. "You can catch it."
Nelani gasped and nervously connected to the Force. While she, Chupaki, and Skel managed to catch their medallions, no recovery was as smooth as Elsa's. Her medallion dipped as if on an invisible trampoline and hovered beside her. "How are you so...calm?" Nelani stuttered while keeping hers up with both hands.
Elsa's stare was focused solely on her medallion as she merely raised one hand. "Just concentrate on the moment," she expounded.
"Now it's just a matter of getting up to Master Gallia," Skel said. "May the best Padawan win!" He rushed ahead and leapt to one of the hovering squares. He almost dropped his medallion and squealed like an ailing womp rat along the way. It took maximum concentration for Chupaki to kick off a squarel while keeping his medallion in the air. Elsa was about to advance when she heard Nelani whimpering behind her.
Rather than make her first leap, Elsa used her free hand to beckon the Duros. "Come on, Nelani! You got this!"
"I don't know, Elsa." Her bright red eyes frantically watched all the rapidly soaring squares.
"What if we do it together?" Elsa queried. "See this box on our left? It's coming closer in a few seconds and we can jump on three." Nelani obliged and scooted next to Elsa.
While Chupaki and Skel were in the lead, Gallia's focus was on Elsa. When the older Dellian had first appeared in her council chamber, Obi-wan had told her that she was "A Padawan to watch." As she observed Elsa aiding her fretting friend during a competition, the master realized what Kenobi had meant.
"Kriff kriff kriff!" Anna cursed as she tried to keep her medallion up. Its edges nearly grazed the floor and her fingers twitched while attempting to steady it. She felt as though the Force she was calling upon was draining her entire essence as she grit her teeth. Sweat trickled down her face as the other Padawans advanced around her. "Oh come on," she grunted.
"See you in loserville, Anna!" Surk taunted while hopping onto a square.
That implies you'll be there too, genius. Anna thought. She couldn't keep struggling with the Force any longer. Surk, Juul, and Wobin were all getting ahead of her while she looked constipated on level one. As she peered at the swaying squares overhead, she decided to risk it all. With a wild roar, Anna threw her arms up and flung her medallion towards the ceiling. While it was sailing upwards, Anna scaled as many crates as she could. Once gravity brought her prize plummeting, she collapsed on a square and caught it with the Force again. How I hope no one's watching this, she thought. Because the faces I'm making would rival a rancor's on the scary scale.
She repeated the process by throwing her medallion higher. This allowed her to run freely past the others and take the lead before having to catch the glass again. "Anna!" Surk cursed her name while trying to balance his medallion.
Anna trembled from the pressure of holding hers in place while the square beneath her wobbled. What would Elsa do? she considered. Just...breathe. I can't just breathe! This hurts!
Wobin observed Anna's technique and smirked. "That's not a bad idea!" he cackled and Force-pushed his medallion upward as well. In an effort to outshine Anna, he accidentally used to much energy and sent his medallion crashing into the ceiling. The Gran stood with narrow snout agape as the smashed remnants of his prize rained down on the floor.
"I'm sorry, Padawan Tatos." Plo said. "You're out." Wobin was still in shock over what he'd done to end up losing.
"Okay," Elsa assured as she and Nelani made it to another square. "Now that ledge. One."
"Two," Nelani said.
"Three!" They shouted together and stepped up. They kept their medallions in check while searching for the next means of ascension.
Skel was nearing the observation deck while Chupaki was hot on his heels. Both demonstrated strong concentration in the Force and agile prowess. But as they got closer to Master Gallia, the final squares they stood on came to a halt. The platforms remained stagnant in midair and left a wide gap leading to the observation deck. Skel and Chupaki exchanged perplexed glances as if unsure who would attempt a jump first. The Rodian secured the medallion in his Force grip and steadied his feet. With a mighty lunge, he propelled himself towards Gallia. On instinct, he reached for the deck's ledge in order to make it. However, doing so broke his concentration and his medallion plummeted beside him. "No!" Skel gasped as he tried to recover it. Doing so made him miss the ledge and sent him plummeting through the air. Skel screamed while freefalling towards the ground, but a temple guard caught him. He cringed as his medallion collided and fractured against the floor.
"Padawan Mavarano," Gallia declared. "You're out."
The Rodian shook off his defeat in order to cheer on the others. "Watch that last jump!" he hollered. "You can do this! You're all amazing!"
Chupaki sized up the dreadful gap between him and victory. He considered the medallion he was balancing through the Force while trying to find an effective solution.
Meanwhile, Elsa and Nelani slid their way to one of the final squares. They found themselves standing beside Chupaki and staring down Adi Gallia on her deck. "We can't make that jump," Nelani panted.
"There has to be a way," Elsa whispered. She tried to block out the Duros' distress in order to concentrate. Chupaki was still trying to come up with a solution of his own so he didn't end up like Skel. Come on, Elsa, she told herself. You need to take your time and play smart here. Don't- Elsa looked down at the square she was standing on. -overthink it! "That's it," Elsa gasped.
"What is?" Nelani wondered.
"Just focus on your medallion," Elsa ordered. "Let me take care of this part." Using her free hand, Elsa started manipulating the square they stood on. "It's a trick designed to get us in the heat of the moment," she said. "Even if it's not moving, the square is still operating from a repulsor lift system!"
"Of course," Chupaki realized as she said it. The Togruta manipulated his square as well, but Elsa already had the lead.
"He's gaining on us!" Nelani warned.
"Just breathe," Elsa replied. She demonstrated complete calmness while Chupaki's urgency to catch up actually slowed him down. A gentle smile found its way to Elsa's lips as her square bumped against the observation deck. She and Nelani stepped off and floated their medallions into a most impressed Gallia's hands.
With a firm nod, the master concluded the session. "Congratulations Padawans Dellian and Trell," she said. "Please wait in the chamber ahead until all other groups have finished."
Nelani stood in complete disbelief that she'd made it while Elsa was surprised herself. She should've expected the Duros to hug her from behind and express enthusiasm over what was to come. "Hey!" Skel called to the ladies. "Nicely done."
"That was some quick thinking back there," Chupaki admired. "I wonder how many others will have the same idea."
"What the actual kriff is this garbage?" Anna groaned from the final square. She stared at the ominous gap between her and the finish while her strained arms looked like they'd fall off.
Surk and Juul flanked her sides on other squares as everyone tried to figure out the final challenge. Anna could hardly think straight while keeping her medallion lifted. It felt like her brain and heart were about to spontaneously combust under pressure. "You okay, Anna?" Surk taunted.
"Shut...up," Anna grunted.
While they argued, the Theelin beside them examined her square. She noted its repulsor lift system and slowly manipulated it with the Force. Surk was the first to catch her advancing and shouted, "Hey!" He started to do the same and left Anna twitching behind him.
"No no no no," Anna panicked while watching them take the lead. It was taking every ounce of her Force ability to keep the medallion up, so any attempt to move her square would spell certain defeat. She could already imagine it shattering on the floor far below her. How I wish I had Jee's grappling hook, she thought. But the mention of Jee took her mind elsewhere. She recalled her conversation with the Rodian in the darkest of circumstances, and how she'd come to believe that being a Jedi meant accomplishing the impossible. Anna's overwrought eyes darted between the observation deck and the nearby wall. "I must be out of my mind," Anna said but followed through regardless.
She flailed her arm towards Master Plo and sent the medallion soaring. Acting quickly, Anna leapt to the nearby wall and ran across while simultaneously lifting her prize with sporadic pushes. Each Force push she used while trying to wall run drained her body to the point that she thought she'd fall to her death. But with a ferocious growl, Anna pushed onward.
Surk surpassed Juul to take first place and hovered his medallion to Plo. Before Juul could reach the deck, Anna rocketed off of the wall and crashed into it. With a final flailing of her hands, she stopped her medallion from striking the floor and practically threw it into Plo's hand. He shook his head at her reckless method, but she'd still followed the rules. "Padawans Dellian and Vogan," the Kel dor master said. "Congratulations. Wait in the next chamber for further instructions." Juul frustratedly forfeited her medallion to Plo and trudged off.
"That was insane," Anna huffed and shook out her arms. "Nice job back there."
Surk scoffed. "Whatever you're trying to do isn't going to work."
The duo entered a waiting room where a Nikto and an Ishi Tib Padawan were seated. They awkwardly observed as Anna fervently pursued Surk to a corner of the room. "I'm trying to be nice to you."
"Yeah?" the Zabrak growled. "Why now?"
"Why not now? Anna retorted. His eye twitched as if he could still hear Anna's childhood insults torturing him within. The proud Zabrak didn't answer, but his shaking head and gritted teeth spoke volumes. "Surk," Anna said remorsefully. "I'm...sorry." She hung her head before him. "I know I was horrible to you, and you have every right to hate me."
"I don't hate you," Surk intoned. "But you did hurt me. You harassed me for years and that pain doesn't just go away."
"I understand," Anna answered somberly.
"But I didn't exactly take the moral high ground myself," Surk admitted. "Maybe this apology of yours can be the start of something."
Anna smiled faintly. "I'd like really that, Surk."
He shook his head in disbelief and changed the subject. "So, you did what on Rodia now?"
"Well it's actually a crazy story about almost dying," Anna admitted.
Surk looked at the empty chairs in the waiting room and imagined how many other groups there must be. "Well I've got time," he said. "Do you two mind a story?" The Nikto and Ishi Tib merely shrugged in response.
"So when I tell you I was terrified," Nelani said as they approached their waiting room. "Believe me, I thought I was gonna have a heart attack."
"I'm surprised you didn't," a voice cawed. Elsa and Nelani stopped dead in their tracks to see Gav Riden preening his feathers. "Please, take a seat. Join the best of the best."
Aside from sitting beside the snarky Avinarian, Tori sat in her own corner. With crossed arms and a spiteful glare, she looked like a woman on a mission. "Hey, Tori." Elsa greeted. The Pantoran didn't even humor her with a glance. "Okay then. Nelani, how about we sit on the floor instead. We can meditate to prepare for the final segment."
"I'm down," the Duros said.
"What?" Gav jeered. "No invite for me?"
"I'm sorry," Elsa said while keeping her patience in check. "Did you want to meditate too? There's a spot right next to me."
The Avinarian didn't expect Elsa to actually offer and his feathers puffed with frustration. "On second thought," he grumbled. "I don't much care for group meditation."
As Elsa and Nelani quieted their minds, Tori spaced out entirely. Her knuckles cracked and her leg was restless. Her twin sabers shook as her knee bounced and she focused on her hatred. Through her brooding memories, only one thought was on her mind: I. want. Anna.
Tori remembered confidently marching towards a master she hadn't seen in days. She'd used that time to train with Meliz for that very confrontation with him. Pong Krell stood idle in the dojo and offered her a glance. All four of the Besalisk's arms were folded behind him as he raised a scaly brow. "Padawan," he said. "I sensed you'd find me here. Have you a new toy for me to break?"
His interest was stoked when he heard two lightsabers ignite. Krell turned to see Tori spinning her guard shotos and taking up an aggressive stance. He didn't hesitate to activate both of his double-sided lightsabers to match her. Tori furiously rushed at him while Krell unleashed a heavy swing. Tori set her shotos to spin in order to keep his sabers back. She then rolled under his attack and went for several of her own.
"Ataru," Krell identified through her aggressive strikes. "That's new...and sloppy." Tori didn't get greedy with her strikes and switched to defensive maneuvers. She parried Krell's attack and backflipped out of danger. "Sizing me up," Krell realized. "Good, but not good enough." He brought both his sabers sailing down against hers as their plasma sparked. "It's only a matter of time before I break these too," he taunted. "And where does that leave you, Padawan? Lost yet again?"
"No!" Tori snapped and pushed upward. She screamed while trying to shove his sabers off of hers. His four arms applied more pressure, yet Tori didn't give in. "I won't let you...take these." she grunted.
"And I won't let you win," Krell asserted. He deactivated his sabers to catch her off guard and Force-pushed her into the nearest wall.
Tori's collision left her groaning in pain, but she clutched her sabers like children as Krell approached. "I...I hate you," she growled.
"I know you do," Krell said. "Combine that hatred with those newfound sabers and you will be unstoppable. Corellian Cup tryouts will be here before we know it and there is much to cover." Tori looked up at him in sheer bewilderment until he stomped his foot. "Get up!" he intoned. "If you want to succeed, it starts now. When I'm done with you, you will be eating...sleeping...and breathing your goal. This Dellian girl will be your targeted competition. I want you to wrap her in this hate you're feeling and channel it into raw energy. Do you understand me?"
Tori rose with a sneer and answered, "Yes, master."
"Anna," Tori spoke the youngest Dellian's name out of hatred as the room filled around her. The Pantoran snapped herself back into the moment to observe her surroundings. Gav was still keeping to himself just as she was, but Elsa had formed a meditative circle with the other Padawans. Her helpfulness during a competition of all things was sickening to Tori.
"Congratulations, remaining Padawans." Master Plo's voice announced over an intercom. "We've split you into two rooms for the final segment. By the will of the Force, all participant pairings have been randomized. One from each room shall be selected from our machine to face each other in the dueling room. The victor will be named a competitor in the Corellian Cup."
Without wasting a moment, Nelani immediately sprung up and began practicing her technique. She pretended to have her lightsaber on and whispered sharply, "Form I...Shii-Cho. Left shoulder, right shoulder, go for the head. Left shoulder, shoulder, go for the head!"
"By the Force," Gav squawked. "Please shut up." The Duros ignored his comment and kept rambling while Tori rolled her eyes.
Some Padawans started to stretch and warm themselves up while Elsa remained in a meditative state. She was so well-attuned to her own mindfulness, that she barely felt another Padawan tap her shoulder. She gently opened her eyes to see a purple-skinned Nautolan with green facial markings. "Thank you for the meditation," he said."I'm feeling much calmer about the challenge ahead."
"You're welcome," Elsa replied and then tried to recall his name.
"Knox," he introduced himself.
"Elsa," she said. "I wish you the best out there."
Tori sat upright with a smug grin. She could just feel that the Force would will her to face Anna and that she'd humiliate her by taking her spot in the competition. The Pantoran even chuckled to herself at the thought, which left the other Padawan's questioning her sanity. The intercom chimed on as Master Plo's voice returned to their room. "Padawan Knox Deeker, please report to the dueling arena." The Nautolan summoned his courage and stepped through the doors. While no one could see what was happening, the sounds of sabers clashing echoed back to them. The duel seemed fairly short and everyone was left to guess the winner.
After a momentary pause, Master Gallia's voice emerged. "Padawan Elsa Dellian, please make your way to the dueling arena."
Her eyes widened upon hearing her name. Elsa steadied herself with a deep breath and slowly rose from the floor. Those she'd meditated with cheered and applauded her onward while Nelani offered a simple, "You got this!" Gav scoffed as Elsa passed by while Tori stayed focused.
Elsa had to trust herself and the will of the Force. She boldly stepped through the door as it shut behind her and her confidence instantly faltered. "Oh no," Elsa mumbled under her breath. From the moment she saw her opponent, it was the one time she wanted the Force to be wrong. She glanced at the observation platform to see their respective masters watching in silence alongside Plo and Gallia. He and Yelena seemed as equally surprised as Elsa was. The dueling room felt like a ticking time bomb of emotions as Elsa returned her attention to the competitor across from her.
Anna stepped forth and abruptly shook her head at the sight of her big sister. "Karabast," she cursed. "This can't be happening."
Master Plo raised his hands to commence the duel. "Padawans Dellian and...Dellian. By the will of the Force, your duel begins...now."
Author's Note: Thank you so much for tuning in for this week's installment of "The Frozen Force." The season finale begins now and as the Corellian Cup tryouts come to an end. It's Anna versus Elsa for a shot at competing in the tournament! See you next Frozen Force Friday for "Chapter: 26 - Hans Goes Solo." May the Force be with you and Long Live Imagination!