Despite the comfortably warm temperature and comfortable bed, Adrina slept fitfully. She awoke long before dawn and was unable to fall asleep again. Throwing her legs over the bed, Adrina took a brief sonic shower and carefully dressed in the robes appropriate for the Halls of Healing. A pale green shift dress with short sleeves covered her from the base of her neck to the middle of her shins. She wore leggings of the same color. She remembered seeing the Togruta, Blef, wearing ankle boots of a darker green, but she would have to go to the quartermaster for them. A white sleeveless lab coat with large pockets was worn over the dress. Her coat lacked the green border that she remembered the Togruta's having and wondered if that was significant. Adrina had to admit that it was all very comfortable and practical, if rather shapeless.

It had been thirteen years since she had worn color.

Adrina took a deep breath before she exited her room. She kept her face carefully blank. The halls were silent, but an overwhelming weight had settled on Adrina's shoulders, growing with every step she took. Her heart pounded as she wound down halls and corridors, carefully noting every detail. The Temple was a massive complex and she knew it would take months before she knew every inch of the place.

Exploration quickly wore on her mind. Afraid she would be late for her first day of training, she stopped when she stumbled upon the Temple Infirmary in the Halls of Healing. The comforting energy in the Halls of Healing slowly ebbed away some of her tension, but Adrina's stomach remained in knots. She watched the sun rise through the high glass skylights.

"So you are Adrina Skywalker."

Adrina startled when she heard an aged female voice. She looked up to see a Rutian Twi'lek standing in one of the hallways. She exuded calmness and authority. Although she wore traditional Jedi robes, dark green cloth was wrapped around her forehead, criss-crossing dark green ribbon around her lekku. Without her cloak, it was readily apparent that no lightsaber or blaster hung from her hips.

Adrina fought the urge to squirm under the Twi'lek's scrutiny. It was as if her eyes saw the darkest corners of her very soul. Unsure of how to greet the stranger, she nodded and bowed slightly. "I am."

The Twi'lek came closer, stopping an arms length from Adrina. The Twi'lek lifted her head. "I am Vokara Che."

Adrina licked her lips. "It is an honor to meet you, Chief Healer Che."

"'Master Che' will do, Adrina Skywalker," Che stated. "The Halls of Healing is a place of peace, not pomp."

Adrina ducked her head. "Yes, Master Che."

"You are punctual. This is good," Che said with a nod of approval. She continued to study Adrina. "Come. We will begin."

Che led Adrina into the Infirmary. The biobeds were largely empty and only two people were in sight. A Bothan female in brown Jedi garb stood, her male human companion in a green tunic quickly following. "Healer Grya," Che addressed the Bothan. "This is Adrina Skywalker."

The Bothan nodded deeply and bowed slightly to Adrina. "Welcome to the Halls of Healing, Initiate Skywalker. This," she gestured to the male. "Is my assistant, Caldon Whitsnapple." Adrina offered both a small smile and a bow.

Whitsnapple eyed her warily. "Hello."

Adrina winced internally. She wasn't surprised by his brusque greeting. She had known she would not be welcomed with open arms. Although it stung, she let it roll off her back; taking offense would certainly be unhelpful, nor would this be the only snub she received. Master Che said that pomp had no place in the Halls of Healing, but nor, Adrina imagined, did pride. She had received worse insults, besides.

Standing at a respectful distance when Healer Gyra gave her report, Adrina kept a careful ear open. Che tapped notes into a data pad while Gyra spoke. Although two Knights returning from a mission had sought treatment for minor injuries, there had been no new intakes over the night and the patients undergoing more prolonged care seemed to be progressing well. At least, Adrina was fairly certain they were; Healer Gyra had spoken rapidly and in jargon that Adrina didn't fully understand. Whitsnapple kept a distrustful eye on Adrina. She continued to ignore him.

The Togruta, Blef, entered while the Bothan spoke to Che. Adrina noticed his open-mouthed stare when he saw her garments, but unlike Whitsnapple, Blef flashed her a broad smile. He sat briefly at a data console before drifting over to the group. Report finished, the Bothan and human retired for sleep.

"Good morning, Master Che, Adrina," Blef greeted cheerfully.

Che turned to face him. "Good morning, Assistant Kyd. I'm happy to see that you, at least, are punctual this morning." As if on cue, several Jedi filtered in, some in brown robes, others in green tunics. Che's curt nod spoke to satisfaction. "Initiate Skywalker and I will be occupied this morning. I will be unavailable unless absolutely necessary." Her voice rang with authority, but not austerity. "Here is the night shift's report."

Blef grinned and took the data pad. "You got it, Healer Che. I'll get everyone updated."

Adrina followed Che through a set of large doors and into an office just inside; it was only the first chamber down a long hallway and Adrina was curious what the rest of the hallway held. Che took a seat behind the desk, Adrina stood facing her. Che withdrew a data pad from a drawer. "You may sit, Initiate Skywalker," Che said. Adrina quickly did as instructed. Che tapped the pad a few times, scanning the contents quickly.

Adrina waited to be addressed with lowered eyes.

Che laid the pad on the desk and folded her hands primly together. "Tell me about yourself, Adrina Skywalker."

Adrina blinked. She was at a loss for words. "My name is Adrina...Skywalker..." Her mind was blank. "What do you want to know?"

Che arched her eyebrows. "What do you want to share?"

Adrina bit her tongue. She did not want to share anything. "I don't know how to use the Force," she said finally. "I'm not even altogether certain that I can."

"You can or you would not be here," Che said with a pointed look. "But that is why you are here – so that you can learn to intentionally channel the Force. No one comes to the Temple a master of the ways of the Force." She glanced at the pad. "What medical training have you received?"

"None," Adrina admitted.

"Assistant Kyd tells me that when you brought a Wolf Clan Youngling to the Infirmary you correctly identified the injury and proper treatment."

Adrina lowered her eyes. "I have some knowledge of injuries, but no training – only what I have learned through necessity."

"The best teacher – and cruelest."

Adrina agreed silently. She leaned forward slightly. "How is little Maelle doing?"

Che seemed to soften slightly. "She is well. Happily, she will not scar." Adrina smiled at the news. Che stood. "Come. We will tour the Temple. There is much to learn."

Adrina dutifully followed Che out of the office.

"The Medical Corps is the smallest branch of the Service Corps, as the healing arts are widely taught among the Jedi," Che said. "Still, we are adequately staffed. The Halls Of Healing are composed of three main sections, which I will show you today. The Main Hall, you already know, is the Infirmary. We are equipped to handle every medical event imaginable. The Infirmary comfortably holds one hundred and twenty beds, but we can nearly double that if absolutely necessary." Che glanced at Adrina. "Rarely do we fill every bed, but as I said, we are equipped to handle every medical event imaginable."

Che turned to Adrina as they faced the hallway before them. "You will not enter these rooms unless accompanied by a healer."

"As you wish, Master Che."

"Healers wear Jedi robes unless they are in a sterile theater. Healer's assistants have a green border on their laboratory coats. Medical technicians and healer's assistants alike wear green tunics, such as your attire. This is how staff are readily identified." Che continued into the wing. "These chambers are the operating theaters – this one here is the largest, with a second-story viewing room, but there are two smaller theaters two doors down. The turbolift just there runs directly to the Galactic City Medical Center. We often receive the most severe medical events."

"You treat non-Jedi?" Surprise colored Adrina's voice.

Che stopped and looked at her. "But of course. We would be derelict of duty if we refused patients in need of help. Remember that, young Skywalker."

They continued down the hall. "In this chamber," the doors opened quietly when Che pressed the pad next to the door. "Are one hundred and twenty bacta tanks. The 2-1B droids administer treatment and appropriately monitor patients. You will find few droids in the Halls of Healing. We prefer to rely on our own hands and the Force. However, the droids do maintain the tanks admirably."

Che continued to guide Adrina through the Halls of Healing, revealing a state-of-the-art neurology ward, therapy rooms inside the Main Hall, and even a small garden. Che promised that when necessary each room and equipment would be explained in great more detail, but they had too much ground to cover that day to be delayed by things that could wait. The Hall of Healing were far larger than Adrina had imagined. The vastness and responsibility of it all pressed on her; she worried that she would prove inadequate. The Temple, too, was far larger than Adrina had expected, full of corridors and secret places.

"How do you become a healer?" Adrina asked as the tour came to an end.

Che looked at Adrina seriously. "You will not be."

Adrina blinked, recoiling slightly.

"Only Jedi become healers." Che shook her head. "Jedi Knights may choose to train with the Circle of Jedi Healers, but those in the MedicalCorps may only be trained as medical technicians or healer's assistants."

Adrina licked her lips and forced a smile. "Oh."

"Your training will last two years – longer if you show yourself capable of advancing to Assistant." Che continued. "Not only will I be teaching you the healing arts, but I will also be training you the ways of the Jedi. Your training as a Jedi will not be extensive, merely enough to match other members of the MedicalCorps."

Adrina lowered her eyes and murmured her acknowledgement.

"Now, let us go to lunch."

0

Adrina quickened her step, hastening to catch up with Vokara Che. They had just finished their brief lunch in the refectory when Che ordered Adrina to follow her and began walking away. Adrina was thankful she was accustomed to being on her feet for hours on end; lunch had been the first time she had sat down since she went to the Halls of Healing earlier that day for her first day of training.

It was not long before they reached their destination. They stood in the middle of a small courtyard within the Temple walls. It was the heart of a cluster of rooms whose doorways were circular and made of ruddy metal.

"These are five of many meditation chambers in the Jedi Temple," Che began suddenly, turning to face her charge. "You shall be spending much of your time outside the Halls here. Learn these pathways well."

Adrina nodded quickly. Che gazed at her briefly before stepping into the closest room. The room was small, but appeared even smaller because of the ordinary dark gray coloring of the walls. Two sets of six circles were etched into the floor, each inside the other, spaced half a foot apart. In the center of each set was a round cushion on a stool. Adrina moved to stand by the low seat on the right.

"Close your eyes. I will bind your eyes with this cloth. It will be easier for you to concentrate." Che instructed evenly from just inside the doorway, holding up a thick black cloth. Adrina swallowed hard, the familiar wave of paranoia. Che tilted her head slightly. "I see that lesson shall have to wait until another day." Adrina lowered her eyes, feeling as though she had disappointed Che. Che studied Adrina for several minutes. "Tell me, Adrina, what do you think of me?" Adrina eyed Che through her eyelashes.

"Ma'am?" Adrina murmured uneasily. Che arched an eyebrow.

"It is not a difficult task and it was plainly stated. You cannot misunderstand the request, surely," Che said without censure, but with some incredulity.

Adrina wished to not answer, but knew it was not possible or advisable. Adrina took a deep breath. "You are beloved by the staff, so you are not a harsh mistress. Your clothes speak of pride in your heritage, but also of your dedication to the Jedi and your art. You spend more time in the Halls of Healing than anywhere else; you have a cot in your office – and your boots are haggard, though they are clearly made to endure. You have high standards for people and you compel them to meet and exceed your expectations. You can be brusque and your words can be harsh, but you truly care about your patients and those who work under you." Adrina spoke quietly and hesitant at first, but her voice grew stronger.

Che remarked after a moment, "You are an extremely perceptive young lady. All that you say is true, but it hardly truly answers my question." Adrina blinked in confusion. "What do you think of me?"

"I can hardly make a very fair opinion; I have just met you," Adrina stated carefully.

"It takes but a moment to form an opinion. Tell me," Che insisted, taking a step forward.

Adrina licked her lips. "I think you are strict and kind, harsh and compassionate, unmovable and resilient. I think you will be a fair and just teacher." Adrina paused. "I do not dislike you."

Che nodded. "Like, but do not trust."

Adrina did not deny it. "Trust is a thing to be earned. As I said, I have only just met you."

Che nodded again. "Do you think me trustworthy?"

"I think many find you worthy of trust."

"A diplomatic answer, but you must learn to answer the question asked of you," Che chastened with a small frown.

Adrina exhaled. "I think you are trustworthy, but I cannot trust you. Not yet," Adrina admitted softly, her eyes on the floor. Che slowly began to circle Adrina.

"You must learn to trust others, Adrina. Trust is essential in anyone's life, but particularly to the Jedi. You will never belong anywhere until you trust. You will never be effective until you trust." Adrina was silent, digesting Che's words. "No doubt you have been abused and mistreated in the past – no one is born without trust. You must cease dwelling in the past. You cannot change it. Look to the future, but live here and now."

Adrina swallowed hard and nodded. She wanted to respond, but didn't have the words.

"Let us sit," Che murmured, settling gracefully on the left cushion. Adrina folded herself onto the other seat, tucking her legs beneath her. "When did you learn you were Force sensitive?" Che inquired with a slight tilt of her head.

"Only a few days ago."

Che nodded. "Did you ever suspect you were different from other beings?" Her voice was gentle and conversational.

Adrina shrugged. "On Tatooine, everyone is unique," Adrina replied dismissively. She paused with a wince, then exhaled and began again. "No. I knew Ani and I were different. I would have never suspected we were Force sensitive, though. I thought Ani simply had a...gift. I thought my uniqueness was due to a rare genetic mutation or some distant alien relation." She snorted softly and looked away. "Turns out I'm not so special after all."

Che frowned severely. "A person's true value does not lay in what they can do, but in their heart." Che laid a hand on her heart.

"A warrior is more than his armor," Adrina quoted softly to herself, nodding slowly. Che bobbed her head in agreement.

"Exactly so," Che said approvingly. Adrina looked down at her hands. "You have discovered the ability to heal yourself; is this correct?"

Adrina looked at her sharply. "Yes."

Che smirked. "My, you do dislike not knowing things." Che remarked, amused. Adrina bit her cheeks, but said nothing. "Master Qui-Gon made a full report to the Council before he died. I was informed of all pertinent information related to yourself." Adrina was not terribly surprised by the news. "How did you discover this ability – healing yourself?"

Adrina looked away. "Slaves are not kindly treated on Tatooine," Adrina said finally.

"No, I imagine not." Che tilted her head. "Perhaps you would care to elaborate?" It was not a request.

Adrina swallowed hard and took a deep breath. "I was four," Adrina began, her voice almost inaudible. "I was a slave of Jabba the Hutt's. I was taking Myla – one of his favorite dancers – her meal; I could barely lift the platter and it was a long walk from the kitchens to her quarters. One of Jabba's...courtiers rounded the corner and ran straight into me. The platter went flying. Food was everywhere. It was a disaster. But the courtier blamed me for his blindness and shoved me down a flight of stairs." Adrina winced and wrapped her arms around herself. "I wasn't as injured as I could have been – another slave died from that fall a few days later – but my left arm was mangled and broken and my head was bleeding pretty badly."

"The midi-chlorians in our bodies strengthen our constitution; it takes more to injure us than a regular being," Che interjected softly.

Adrina blinked. "Oh. Well, for that, I am thankful," Adrina muttered, surprised, before she continued. "For a minute all I could do was sit slumped against the wall at the bottom of the stairs and try to fight the pain and the tears. I remember grasping my broken arm and just wishing that the pain would go away. I remember bending all my will towards that thought. I felt a warm tingle spread through me and... my injuries healed." Adrina broke out of her reverie and turned back to Che. "I thought it was a fluke at first, but I did the same thing the next time I was injured. My injuries were healed every time I tried."

"Remarkable," Che whispered, studying Adrina curiously. "Did you ever do the same to another person?"

"Once," Adrina admitted. "Another slave girl, my friend. She cut her hand pretty badly. We had to be careful, though, because many injuries were meant to be lessons. One became accustomed to the pain."

"Fascinating," Che remarked. Her expression was unreadable.

Adrina was quiet for a moment."May I ask a question?" Adrina spoke up hesitantly. Che nodded and waved her hand.

"Of course, Adrina."

Adrina licked her lips. "Are you training me?" Che simply nodded. "Why? I mean, why you? You are the Chief Healer."

"That is precisely why I will train you." Che stated with a decisive nod of her head. "You will be a challenging student, whether you intend to be or not. It is never easy to learn the ways of the Force, though it is easier to learn when you are very young, simply because your mind is more open and unclouded. Your mind is cynical and jaded." Che studied her for a moment. "But you are stubborn – a fighter. You may yet prove to be a great assistant. Time will tell."

"Then why is Obi-Wan training Ani?" Adrina asked with a small frown. "He only just became a Knight."

Che pursed her lips. "I am not privy to the Council's discussions. Obi-Wan Kenobi will be a great Jedi Knight and I am sure he will do his best for Anakin Skywalker. Qui-Gon Jinn trained Obi-Wan Kenobi well, better than he yet realizes," Che said, "Now, we meditate."

Adrina hesitated, unsure of what she was to do.

"You must close your eyes. Breathe deeply. Clear your mind. Let all thoughts float away in the breeze. Let the Force flow through you." Che spoke softly and soothingly. Adrina frowned in concentration. "Don't think, Adrina – do."

Adrina tried her hardest to erase all of her thoughts, to meditate as Che instructed. It was difficult for Adrina to quiet her active brain, particularly after any strong stimulation. "Slow your breathing. Take deep breaths. Yes, just like that. No, do not get discouraged – yes, I can feel your emotions. I find your indignation amusing." Adrina sighed at Che's words. "Keep trying, Adrina. I didn't peg you as a quitter." Adrina flinched at the words.

"Picture it with me, Adrina," Che began. "You are standing on the edge of a vast ocean. The water is crystal blue and stretches for as far as you can see. The sun shines cheerfully and the light beams cause the water to sparkle and shimmer. A breeze teases the rippling waves. You can see a school of tiny fish swim without a care in the world."

Che continued to guide Adrina for two hours before she slipped into meditation. Che's voice became a pleasant hum in the distance as Adrina swam in the vastness of her mind. She was more calm than she had been since she had been abducted all those years ago. Adrina felt a curious warm presence envelop her, yet it did not alarm her. Rather, it felt comforting and familiar, as if she had always known it.

The Force.

0

Adrina stared at the slim, silver metal cylinder curiously, gently moving it from palm to palm. "It's so light," she murmured. Holding their weapon and wearing their clothes, she almost felt as if she were a Jedi. As instructed, she had donned the robes she had been given to wear when she was not in the Infirmary. The drab clothing would have suited life on Tatooine.

"Turn it on," Che instructed quietly. Adrina nodded and complied. "It is elegant, is it not?" A slow smile grew on Adrina's face as she studied the green lightsaber. "How does it feel in your hands?"

"Strange." Adrina made two quick slashes through the air. "Much lighter than I imagined. I mean, I knew the blade was only a laser, but I never thought that it would thus have no weight. It feels as if I'm slashing air with air. It will certainly be interesting to get used to." Adrina looked up. "This is a training lightsaber, right?"

"Indeed it is." Che said. "Even members of the Service Corps carry lightsabers. As part of the MedCorps, your boots will be specially fitted to holster your lightsaber; it is not wise to carry it on your hip in our profession. Come, put the helmet on."

Adrina keyed the lightsaber off and slipped the helmet onto her head. Darkness enveloped her head as she flipped the visor down. She took a deep, steadying breath before she keyed the lightsaber on again.

"You do not need your eyes to see any more than you need your hands to walk. Reach out with your mind; trust your instincts."

Adrina nodded. She had learned long ago to rely on her instincts.

"These bolts are not meant to kill or injure, merely to inflict a painful sting. Believe me when I say that you will not want to be struck repeatedly by them."

"Duly noted." Adrina shifted, steeling herself. "Well, I'm read – ow! Keepuna!" Adrina rubbed her throbbing thigh with one hand and held her lightsaber defensively in the other.

"Watch your language, young lady," Che chastened sternly. "Clearly you were not ready."

Adrina scowled. "I was." Adrina defended before muttering, "I just wasn't expecting it so quickly." She could feel Che's disapproving frown.

"Clear your mind." Che continued as if Adrina had not spoken. "Hold the lightsaber higher – that's it."

Adrina smiled when she deflected a bolt. The second singed her shoulder, though she deflected the third and fourth. Che remained silent for the next hour, allowing Adrina to be fully focused on the task at hand. As the minutes passed, Che slowly began to increase the difficulty. Adrina struggled towards the latter half of the hour, deflecting the bolts almost as often as she was hit.

After an hour had passed, Che signaled that their session was over. Adrina switched the lightsaber off and clipped it onto her utility belt. Beads of sweat trickled down her forehead when she removed the helmet and she wiped them off with the back of her sleeve. Her eyes sought Che's for approval, breathing hard.

"You did well, Adrina." Che stated simply.

Adrina smiled broadly.

"Now we will begin your physical training."

Adrina wasn't certain how she would make it through her second day of training – or subsequent days – but she was determined to succeed.

0

Adrina exhaled loudly as she collapsed on her bed. The day had been as physically taxing as any day in Watto's. Adrina had spent 0500 to 0700 in the training facilities with Master Che deflecting painful laser bolts and completing rigorous physical training courses. Nearly every fiber in Adrina's body ached. Adrina had rushed back to her room to quickly rinse off the sweat and change her robes before heading to the Temple Archives for several hours of intense study with Master Che. She finished the day with a four-hour shift in the Temple Infirmary, sanitizing equipment and whatever small things were needed.

Adrina sat on the edge of her bed, her right ankle and calf tucked underneath her left thigh. Her shoulders were slumped as she stared listlessly at the smooth, rust colored floor. Her eyelids felt exceedingly heavy and she pulled her hair out of its tight bun. Adrina wrapped her arms around her middle. Exhaustion overwhelmed her, and all the barriers she had created to contain her emotions crumbled down. Every emotion she had felt in the last several days came crashing back over her like a tidal wave.

Tears welled in Adrina's eyes, her lower lip trembled and her resolve wavered. The fight was over before it began. Adrina clutched her pillow tightly to her chest as she began to sob, hot tears streaming down her face. She slowly shifted as she cried, curling up on her side. She was unaware of how long her tears flowed, just as she was unaware that her tears ceased as she drifted off into the welcoming arms of sleep.

When she awoke from her nap an hour later, Adrina slowly sat up, a dull ache in her head. She rubbed her eyes and sighed. Her right hand lingered on her forehead as she regained her mental faculties. Adrina sighed and raked a hand through her hair. It was thick and tangled from sleep. Her eyelids still felt heavy and her limbs uncoordinated. A rumble erupted from her stomach.

A chime sounded and Adrina straightened and sighed. She linked her fingers and stretched her arms over her head. "Who is it?" Adrina called as she stood.

"Guess who!" was the answering call. A smile stretched across Adrina's face; she recognized her beloved brother's mischievous voice. She quickly moved to key the door open. Anakin grinned up at her. His eyes were tired, but his smile was bright and genuine. Adrina ushered him inside and drew him into a hug.

"Ani!" Adrina murmured happily as she held her brother close. Ani pulled away after a minute and studied her, his head cocked.

"Are you alright, Rina?" Anakin asked cautiously, though sincerely concerned. Adrina smiled gently and sat on her bed, Anakin taking his seat next to her.

"I'll be alright, Ani. Don't worry about me." Adrina replied softly. Anakin wasn't convinced. "I'm just exhausted." Anakin reluctantly accepted the answer and scooted closer, leaning his head on her shoulder. Adrina held him near. "Are you alright?" Anakin shrugged.

"I miss Mom," Anakin answered very quietly after a moment of silence.

Adrina's heart ached. "So do I."

"Mom said that I'd see her again," Anakin confided. His lowered head spoke of his uncertainty and grief.

Adrina smiled wistfully. "Then I'm sure you will." Adrina hoped she wouldn't be proven wrong. "So, tell me, what did you do today?"

Anakin shrugged. "Master Obi-Wan had me meditating all morning." Adrina laughed softly at Anakin's long-suffering tone. She found meditation as comforting as Master Che said it could be, but Anakin never was one for sitting still. "But I spent the afternoon practicing with my lightsaber. Wanna see it?" Adrina smiled and nodded. Anakin stood before he drew and ignited his lightsaber. He waved the blue blade around a few times, admiring its movement. "I can't wait to build my own! Master Obi-Wan says I'm not ready yet, but he encouraged me to research its mechanics. He forbade me from dismantling his."

Adrina settled into her bed with a smile, leaning against the wall, as Anakin began to animatedly expound on the minute inner-workings of the Jedi staple.

Anakin remained with Adrina for just over an hour before Adrina gently suggested that he return to his quarters for sleep. Anakin begrudgingly admitted that she spoke wisdom and obeyed. She watched him go with a sad smile, knowing that it would not be long before he was a grown man. Adrina sat on her bed for a moment longer before she moved to tame her hair.

After she had swept her hair up into her standard bun, Adrina made her way to the Jedi Archives. She knew she could not stay long, for she herself was exhausted, but she knew it had to be done. Her eyes widened in awe at the vastness of the two-storied Archives, each Stack beckoning to Adrina.

"Well, you must be one of those Skywalkers that has the Temple all abuzz." Adrina stiffened and turned towards the amused female voice. It belonged to a Fosh Jedi. Adrina had only seen a Fosh once in Watto's Shop. They were a secretive people, Adrina knew, who did not like to venture off their unknown home world. "Amelia, was it?"

"Adrina," Adrina corrected politely, keeping her posture respectful. The Fosh waved her hand dismissively.

"You must be quite the young lady to change the Council's mind." Adrina felt it best not to respond. "They can be quite stubborn. It's nice to meet someone who will stand up to them."

"I have no desire to challenge the Jedi Council," Adrina demurred quietly.

The Fosh waved her hand dismissively. "Everyone should have their beliefs challenged; it makes them think," she said, her logical tone tinted with amusement. Adrina could not disagree, but she did not say anything. "I am Vergere."

Adrina bowed slightly. "It is a pleasure to meet you," Adrina replied automatically, though not entirely insincere. There was something about Vergere that Adrina did not trust or like, though she could not place her finger on it. "If you will excuse me." Vergere smiled as only an avian species could and bowed. Adrina quietly moved out of the domed archway, grateful that she had the freedom to take her own leave without punishment.

Adrina found a helpful computer screen showing the Archives' floor plan, for which she was extremely thankful. She studied it for several minutes, trying to commit it to memory. Her mind raced, trying to decide where she should start. More information was at her fingertips than she could ever imagine. Adrina finally made her way to the Third Hall, her eyes drinking in the Stacks and the quiet activity around her.

A secluded terminal in the far reaches of the Hall attracted Adrina and she slipped into the cool metal chair. She immediately drew up the read-out on her home world, anxious for a bit of the home she had been taken from. She downloaded the file to the data pad Master Che had given her that morning. Adrina leaned back in the chair, returning to the screen's home page. Looking at the Stacks around her, Adrina knew there was much she needed to read – more than she had ever imagined.

With a small sigh, Adrina stood and quietly returned to her quarters. She needed to sleep if she was to report to the training facilities at 0500 in the morning.

0

After two grueling weeks, Adrina rested against a large tree in the Room of a Thousand Fountains. She closed her eyes with a smile, reveling in the serenity of the garden paradise. She knew there were others there, too, but that hardly seemed to matter in that moment; in her little corner, she was gloriously alone.

Adrina was very much in need of a day of rest. Although she was a fair instructor, Master Che was strict and had set a rigorous training schedule for Adrina. She couldn't complain about her instructor's methodology, however, since improvement was readily apparent in nearly every area. Adrina still struggled to use the Force. She could feel it in meditation and when deflecting laser bolts, but once her eyes were open, she seemed to lose the ability entirely; Adrina continued to try and Master Che continued to push her to her limits.

"I found you!" Anakin's exuberance broke the peaceful silence. Adrina opened her eyes with a smile; Anakin immediately nestled against Adrina. "What'cha reading?"

She held up the holobook. "Oh, it's about the Great Droid Revolution thousands of years ago. I'm halfway through it and it's fascinating." She nudged him. "You should read it sometime. Did you know that Jedi can use the Force to disable droids?"

Anakin's eyes widened. "No!"

"Yes!" Adrina grinned. "Apparently, they can short-circut and overload a droid, shutting them down. How cool is that?"

Anakin leaned back, whistling low. "Golly," Anakin murmured in awe. "There's so much you can do with the Force!"

"You should check out some of the holobooks from the Archives. There's a lot for us to learn." Adrina knew that her own reading ability was improving, too, and she knew that everything she was learning would be greatly beneficial one day.

Looking around, Anakin by her side, Adrina began to feel like the Temple was the right place for them. It was slowly beginning to feel like home. Everything was peaceful, if slightly chaotic. It certainly would not be an easy life, but it would be a rewarding one. The Jedi were nothing like she had thought. Adrina smiled wistfully. Shmi would have loved it there, Adrina knew. Adrina tried to squash her wandering thoughts. It would do no good to meditate on what couldn't be. They would probably never see Tatooine or Shmi again.

Out of the corner of her eye, Adrina noticed Anakin biting his lip. "What's wrong, Ani?"

Anakin hesitated. "Nothing…. Just something I keep hearing," He mumbled, avoiding her eyes. Adrina gently touched his arm. Anakin sighed. "Everywhere I go, I keep hearing people whispering that I'm the 'Chosen One'. What does that even mean?"

Adrina swallowed hard. She squashed irritation at the other's indiscretion and Anakin's superior hearing. She reminded herself of her promise to Mace Windu. "It's a prophecy the Jedi have," Adrina explained slowly. "One day, they say that the Chosen One will bring balance to the Force."

Anakin frowned. "What does that even mean?"

"Well," Adrina hesitated. "According to Master Jinn and the Archives, they believe that the Chosen One will destroy the Sith. They don't say when, only that they believe it will happen.

Anakin digested this new information. "Do you think I am the Chosen One?" Anakin asked hesitantly.

Adrina smiled gently at him. She hugged him close and kissed the top of his head. "I think you are Anakin Skywalker, a brilliant young man," Adrina replied softly. "The Jedi may be right, but they might not be. So don't listen to them. Just focus on doing your best, on learning to be a Jedi. I am confident that whatever you do, you will be a great Jedi and even better man. And I'll always be right by your side, even if you can't see me."

"I'll try."

"I know you will." Adrina squeezed his shoulders. "So, tell me about what you've been learning!" Her cheerful attempt at diversion worked; she listened intently as Anakin prattled happily on about his latest lessons.

Together, Adrina knew nothing could ever tear them apart.