"We don't even know how strong we are until we are forced to bring that hidden strength forward. In times of tragedy, of war, of necessity, people do amazing things. The human capacity for survival and renewal is awesome." – Isabel Allende
I don't own Star Wars: The Clone Wars or its characters, but I only own Nadia Aomori, her family and other OCs.
Enjoy!
Threads of Destiny
Chapter 11: Practice Makes Perfect
Nadia was in her private chamber, writing down her message to her Grandmother Valerie in her holopad, who she hadn't seen since being brought to the Temple in Coruscant.
"Dear, Grandmother Valerie. I hope you are doing well back in Corellia. I'm doing okay here in Coruscant. I...I just wish I can you see you. A couple of months ago, I got assigned to be the Padawan of Obi-Wan Kenobi; one of the members of the Jedi Council while my best friend, Ahsoka Tano was assigned to be the Padawan of Jedi Knight, Anakin Skywalker. Anakin was Master Kenobi's former apprentice, but he doesn't seem to be like those emotionless machines that you say all Jedi in the Temple in Coruscant. Master Kenobi is pretty cool too, but I think he's more engulfed in the outdated teachings of the Jedi Order here like the other Jedi Masters. I've been taught the Jedi Code here, but I don't forget that I'm a Corellian Jedi and that the Jedi Code I was taught by you...and daddy. Though I have Ahsoka and Ferus to give me company, I still miss living in Corellia with you, my old friends and our family members...when they were still among the living. I look forward to visit you personally after the Clone Wars end."
Nadia then sent the message to her grandmother.
After a few minutes, the raven haired girl got a respond back.
"Dear, Nadia. My dearest granddaughter, your letters are sweet. I miss you too. But both of us must try to enjoy ourselves and not be sad we're apart. Never forget. Life is for living. We only get one chance. My philosophy (if I can call it that) is that we grab what comes along before it is too late. Does that sound horribly selfish? I don't mean it. But life is awfully fragile and who knows what tomorrow might bring. However, hearing you being trained of becoming a Jedi Knight and making new friends makes me utterly proud of you. Perhaps when you're ready to settle down and take a husband, I'll be there to help you and look forward to meet my future great-grandchildren. Your loving Grandmother Valerie."
A light blush appeared on Nadia's face after reading her grandmother's last sentence.
The raven haired girl then sent 'Love you too, Grandmother Valerie. Talk to you later' in her holopad before putting the device down on the small table.
Then a sigh escaped from Nadia's mouth.
It was obvious to her that her Grandmother Valerie would want her to get married in the right age soon, but she was having doubts that it will ever happen.
Not after what happened to her loved ones.
"Honestly, I wish Grandmother Valerie wasn't in such a hurry to marry me off."Nadia commented. "I mean, come on. I'm still young and have a lot to experience. Like a career, living life to the fullest, and finding love. But, then again, maybe having a future with Ferus wouldn't be so bad after the Clone Wars end."
Nadia then felt her cheeks grow hot.
"Wait, what am I saying?! I don't see Ferus that way!"Nadia scolded."I mean, he's a loyal comrade and one of my friends. And besides, even if I did, I'd have to make sure Master Kenobi and the Jedi Council don't ever find out. Otherwise, I'll get expelled for having romantic feelings."
A startled gasp escaped Nadia's mouth when she heard her comlink beeping and she went over to pick it up to answer it.
"Hello?"Nadia asked.
"Young one, Ahsoka's and your presence is required by Master Sinube."Obi-Wan declared.
"What's the occasion, Master?"Nadia questioned.
"You'll know when the two of you get there."Obi-Wan responded.
"Understood, Master."Nadia answered.
Afterwards…
In a Training Room, Ahsoka and Nadia held their lightsabers as the two of then went against training remotes under the supervision of Jedi Master Tera Sinube.
The other Jedi that were watching them were Master Yoda, Obi-Wan, Mace Windu and Plo Koon. The ones sitting behind Master Sinube were Master Windu's former student and fellow Council member, Master Depa Billaba and her Padawan Caleb Dume.
Nadia carefully yet slowly moved her feet as she eyed the training remotes that surrounded her as she held her aqua lightsaber.
The training remotes started firing their lasers at Nadia, but she deflected their attacks without getting hit by any of them.
Ahsoka also reflected the lasers of the training remotes surrounding her using her green lightsaber as well as avoiding being hit by them as well.
Then Anakin came into the room and went to sit next to Obi-Wan.
"You're right on time."Obi-Wan declared.
"Oh, really?"Anakin said in time. "I thought I was late."
"That's what I meant."Obi-Wan stated with a slight smirk.
Anakin and Obi-Wan quietly spoke to each other as they watched their Padawans do their training.
"They're both fast learners."Obi-Wan complemented.
"I really wouldn't know."Anakin replied.
Nadia and Ahsoka share a small glance with each other as the training remotes around them suddenly flew above them.
The two girls then both deactivated their lightsabers before glancing at Master Sinube.
Master Sinube made his walking stick tap on the ground a few times before two ray shields are activated around the center of the room, encasing Ahsoka and Nadia in them.
Then a set of new remotes designed to emulate battle droids surrounded the two girls.
Obi-Wan glanced at Anakin.
"These are the new training remotes designed to simulate battle droids."Obi-Wan explained.
Master Sinube activated his lightsaber to tap on the ray shield, gesturing Ahsoka and Nadia to activate their lightsabers as well.
Both Ahsoka and Nadia activated their lightsabers to fight against the new training remotes as the ray shields that encased them got a bit more smaller.
The two best friends were tested against the remotes, which both of them destroyed quickly and easily.
Caleb gasped in awe and stood up from where he sat at seeing Ahsoka and Nadia complete their training quickly.
Ahsoka and Nadia then deactivated their lightsabers as the ray shields were deactivated as well.
Obi-Wan looked proud at Ahsoka and Nadia completing their training while Anakin looked anything but impressed.
After the training session ended, Nadia spoke with Obi-Wan.
"So, Master, how did I do?"Nadia asked.
"You've seem to have done well, young one."Obi-Wan exclaimed.
"That's it?"Nadia questioned.
"Well, this training is what every Jedi does, Nadia."Obi-Wan complemented.
Nadia raised an eyebrow.
"So it's a lousy test that every Padawan can easily past?"Nadia assumed.
"That's not what I said."Obi-Wan responded.
"I want to take real tests, Master."Nadia suggested. "I know I'm not technically old enough, but I already have what it takes to be a great Jedi Knight. The best ever!"
Obi-Wan raised an eyebrow at Nadia, making her smile sheepishly.
"Um, in my opinion, I mean."Nadia corrected in a firm tone.
"Young one, every Padawan has to go through the Jedi Trials before becoming a Jedi and a full member of the Jedi Order."Obi-Wan exclaimed. "After years of training under a Jedi Master, Padawans deemed ready by their teachers face trials to test their skills and, if they succeed, they are knighted."
"And those Trials are?"Nadia questioned.
"Padawans must go through nine steps of trial: teamwork, isolation, fear, anger, betrayal, focus, instinct, forgiveness, and protection."Obi-Wan admitted. "Jedi typically completed their trials in their young adult years, with some Jedi passing their trials as early as their teenage years. Except for Anakin. But he did go through more difficult challenges than the Trials like defeating Ventress on Yavin 4, losing his right arm to Count Dooku and he passed every trial the Clone Wars has dealt him. Overall, he is the key to destroy the Sith and bringing the Force back into balance as well as our greatest warrior and pilot."
"And how old were you when you became a Jedi Knight?"Nadia asked.
Obi-Wan was silent for a moment at his Padawan's question.
"I was twenty five, young one."Obi-Wan exclaimed and then placed his hand on Nadia's shoulder. "But I can tell you that you have amazing skills for a Padawan, Nadia. Keep up with your training and studies, then you'll be a Jedi Knight before you even realise."
A slight smile sprung on Nadia's face.
"Thank you, Master Kenobi."Nadia thanked.
Obi-Wan then walked away from Nadia.
Nadia then headed to the garden to meet up with Ahsoka.
"Hey, Soka."Nadia greeted.
"Hi, Dia."Ahsoka responded.
The two of them then sat down together while eating a few Blumfruit muffins.
Nadia notice something was bothering Ahsoka.
"Is something wrong?"Nadia asked.
"Master Skywalker wants to give me a real test to see what I've learned, Dia."Ahsoka admitted.
"That's great, Ahsoka."Nadia commented. "We've passed our training for today, but I think both of us need training that will take us to the next level."
Nadia took another bite from her second Blumfruit muffin before wiping away the crumbs in her mouth.
"So, would you like to take part in the test that I'm going to do tomorrow?"Ahsoka asked.
"Sure, no problem."Nadia responded. "Do you know what the test is?"
Ahsoka shook her head.
"No idea."Ahsoka answered.
The Next Morning…
Ahsoka and Nadia arrived at the military operations center aboard a gunship.
There they found Anakin waiting for them in the Republic Military Operations Center.
"Both of you are right on time."Anakin declared.
"We thought we were late."Ahsoka said.
"That's what I mean."Anakin replied.
"How did you know I was coming, Anakin?"Nadia questioned.
"Hey, yu and Ahsoka are best of friends."Anakin replied with a smirk. "Also, I talked with Obi-Wan so that you have permission to take part in the test that I'm going to have Ahsoka do."
"Really?"Nadia asked in surprise.
Anakin led Ahsoka and Nadia into a large room where Captain Rex was waiting with several Clone Troopers from the 501st Legion.
"Captain Rex and the boys have agreed to help with the test."Anakin declared.
Rex looked at Ahsoka and Nadia.
"It's our privilege, Commander Tano and Lieutenant Aomori."Rex stated.
"Let's get started."Anakin insisted. "Head out to the center."
Ahsoka and Nadia headed to the center of the room while Anakin spoke to Rex and the other Clone Troopers.
"Make sure your blasters are set to stun."Anakin instructed and looked at the two girls. "Droids are predictable. I want the two you to be prepared for anything."
Ahsoka and Nadia stood back to back before they activated their lightsabers.
"You need to remain calm."Anakin instructed. "Think. Feel the intention of the trooper who will fire first. You should be able to sense the moment before they even pull the trigger. You ready?"
Ahsoka and Nadia gripped their lightsabers as they went in their fighting positions while the Clone Troopers set their blasters to stun mode.
"Begin."Anakin declared.
The Clone Troopers started firing their blasters at Nadia and Ahsoka.
Ahsoka and Nadia quickly used their lightsabers to deflect the Clone Troopers' stun attacks.
Though, both of them blocked the first stun shots, they're eventually taken out.
A groan escaped Nadia's mouth as she regained her consciousness.
When the raven haired girl wakes up, she sees Ahsoka waking up as well.
The two of them hear Anakin reassuring Rex that they will be fine.
"Don't worry, Rex."Anakin assured. "They'll wake up."
Ahsoka and Nadia looked at Anakin.
"How long were we out?"Ahsoka asked.
"An hour."Anakin answered.
Stunned looks grew on Ahsoka and Nadia's faces at Anakin's respond.
"You're kidding!"Nadia assumed. "For an hour we were unconscious?"
"Yeah, Jesse and Fox really tagged you."Rex complemented.
Jesse and Fox gave the two Padawans their apologises.
"Sorry, Commander Tano and Lieutenant Aomori."Jesse apologised.
"We'll be more careful this time."Fox replied.
"Come on."Anakin encouraged. "Let's go again."
Ahsoka and Nadia grabbed their lightsabers before going back on their feet while the Clone Troopers circled them again.
Anakin went to Rex before glancing at the two girls.
"You ready?"Anakin questioned.
Both Ahsoka and Nadia nodded at Anakin before activated their lightsabers to continue their training.
"Begin."Anakin ordered.
The training session goes on for some time, as Ahsoka and Nadia were both stunned again and again and Anakin insists that they continue.
Rex spoke to Anakin as the two Padawans began to wake up from the floor.
"I don't know how much more of this they can take."Rex commented.
"They'll be fine."Anakin assured.
Anakin notice Ahsoka and Nadia were waking faster as he went up to help them stand up from the floor.
"Well, you're waking up faster."Anakin admitted.
"I would've praise that, if I didn't have such a headache from getting stunned all the time."Nadia scoffed.
"This is ridiculous."Ahsoka retorted. "The droids aren't half as good as Rex's men."
"That's the point."Anakin declared. "Look, I know this is tough, but...I want it to be difficult. This is about life and death."
Ahsoka and Nadia glanced at each other before they continued listening to Anakin.
"And as your Master, I'm responsible for you, Ahsoka. Just like Obi-Wan is responsible for you, Nadia."Anakin explained. "The best way we can protect you both is to teach you both how to protect yourselves. And if you can hold off Rex and the boys, you'll be ready for anything on a battlefield just like how you're all set to kill Ventress."
Anakin held the lightsabers that belonged to Ahsoka and Nadia.
"Well, anything with a blaster at least."Anakin stated. "You ready?"
Both Ahsoka and Nadia silently nodded at Anakin before taking their lightsabers from his hand.
"But when are you and Obi-Wan gonna teach me and Dia how to protect ourselves from Count Dooku and General Grievous, Master?"Ahsoka questioned. "We're pretty sure we're gonna run into your arch-nemeses again. Ferus already knows how."
Anakin let out a sigh.
"I promise that we'll get you two ready for those fights ourselves as well as the one you two may have with Darth Sidious cause confronting your fear is the destiny of a Jedi and it's up to us the protect the galaxy from the evil of the Sith."Anakin declared. "But the only reason Ferus already knows is because he's now a bodyguard for his sister after he lost Master Tachi during the Battle of Azure Spaceport and wants to keep Padmé safe from the Separatists if they try to kill her safe again as much as me."
The two Padawans went back to their position as Anakin glanced at the Clone Troopers.
"All right, boys, let's go again."Anakin informed.
Later that Day…
A tired groan escaped from Nadia's mouth as she took a shower in the refresher.
"Finally, it's over for today."Nadia retorted. "I don't think I could've taken more of those stun hits."
The raven haired girl then thought about what Anakin said to her and Ahsoka.
"The best way we can protect you both is to teach you both how to protect yourselves. And if you can hold off Rex and the boys, you'll be ready for anything on a battlefield just like how you're all set to kill Ventress."
A slight scowl escaped Nadia's face as she washed her hair.
She didn't like that both she and Ahsoka were beaten easily by the Clone Troopers.
It was obvious both of them needed to toughen up in order to get stronger to face their Trials before becoming Jedi Knights and survive the Clone Wars because they will obviously have duels with dangerous foes, who were more deadly than Ventress like Count Dooku, General Grievous and maybe even Darth Sidious.
"There has to be a way for me and Ahsoka to get stronger if we are going to be Jedi Knights and help Anakin destroy the Sith and bring balance back to the Force."Nadia thought."But then again Jedi are supposed to be keepers of the peace. Not soldiers."
Nadia washed her face with the warm water.
"All this is very strange."Nadia murmured.
Both Nadia and Ahsoka have started doing their tough training as Padawans, but both of them have a lot to do. See you all in the next chapter!