Featured song:
1. "The Other Side" from The Greatest Showman
"Hey, what's the holdup on the juice?!" Bellowed an impatient customer, making Carmine nearly spill the pitcher of jawa juice he was holding.
"Uh... coming!" Carmine said nervously before going over to serve the juice.
Meanwhile, Anakin was pocking up some dirty dishes from a newly emptied table, when he saw someone sticking posters up on the wall in the restaurant and outside.
Anakin and Carmine couldn't believe their eyes when they saw what it said.
"Whoa! This is awesome!" Anakin said. "Two of the Furious Five could be becoming the Gemini Dragon Warriors today!"
"I thought that was just a legend made to inspire kung fu students." Carmine said.
"Well, it isn't! Let's go see them!"
Anakin quickly started announcing to everyone in the restaurant the good news, and was about to rush out with his brother, who didn't seem quite as eager to get a move on.
"Excuse me! Pardon me." Carmine said, trying to keep his balance as people rushed past him.
"Boys, where are you going?" Shmi asked, amid Carmine falling on his butt.
"Ouch!" Carmine groaned. "Back to dance class to work on my balance, apparently."
"The Gemini Dragon Warriors are gonna be chosen, Mom!" Anakin said. "We gotta get going if we wanna see them."
"We're not going." Qui-Gon said.
"What?!" Anakin said.
"What?" Carmine said, equally surprised.
"You heard me, boys." Qui-Gon said. "Neither of you are to go anywhere near the Jade Temple."
"But why?" Anakin said. "You know how much I've always wanted to learn from the greatest masters. This is our chance to see them up close."
"Anakin, not every hero is who they seem." Qui-Gon said. "Even salt can be made to look like sugar."
Anakin thought his father was being ridiculous. Ever since he was a little boy, he'd been training himself in any way he could to be a great martial arts fighter when he grew up. Except, he could never understand why anytime he brought up the subject of learning at the Jade Temple, his father got upset.
"I've been learning martial arts since I started walking, Dad. And I know I can do great things with it if you would just let me."
"Anakin, you don't know what you're getting into if you go there. You are to stay here, and that is final!"
Seeing as it looked like they would need to close early due to everyone going to the Jade Temple, Qui-Gon told the boys to go up and clean their room. So, they did. Well, Carmine did the cleaning, while Anakin just looked outside and saw the Jade Temple, where no doubt amazing feats were going to take place.
"I can't believe this. Everyone in the whole valley is going, and we're stuck here like kids!" Anakin said.
"You know what I can't believe?" Carmine said, sneezing. "How dusty your side of the room is and how I'm cleaning it."
"Don't you get it? Dad's hiding something. There's something at the Jade Temple he doesn't want us to find out, and I think the only way is for us to find it for ourselves."
"Anakin, not only is that absurd, but we'd get in trouble if we did that. You heard what Dad said."
"We're eighteen now, Carmine. We're not little kids anymore."
"Then you go. I'd rather not get in trouble with Mom and Dad." Carmine said.
Anakin sighed. He loved his brother, but he could swear Carmine just never liked to take risks, and was probably going to be stuck letting their parents baby him until they were six feet under, leaving his brother to babysit him. Carmine always kept his head down, kept his mouth shut, and overall had to be a pushover so much of the time. Thus, Anakin usually had to be the one to defend him and stand up for what was right.
Regardless of Carmine's scaredy-cat-like nature, Anakin knew he couldn't do this alone. He needed to convince Carmine to come with him somehow.
"Look, Carmine, I know you're scared of disappointing Mom and Dad, but how are you not afraid of disappointing yourself?" Anakin said.
"I don't know. I guess I just follow the rhythm, just go with it." Carmine said. "In ballet, it's all about precision. No questions asked."
"But what about other dances? I've seen you cut loose in those. So, why not loosen up?"
Carmine wasn't convinced though.
"Being loose and reckless are two different things."
"Look, I've got a plan so we can go to the Temple and get back without Mom and Dad knowing." Anakin said. "But I can't do it alone. I've saved your butt lots of times, so now it's your turn to help me with something."
Carmine still didn't look convinced.
"Give me one good reason I should help you with this." Carmine said.
Anakin thought only about how although the restaurant job seemed stable, it wasn't quite as exciting as one might like it to be, and out there was a world with things just waiting to be discovered. Even without being forbidden to go to the Jade Temple, Anakin and Carmine hardly ever got out of the restaurant, ever since they were kids.
Namely, Anakin felt like he heard a voice calling to him, begging him to open his eyes, and he figured Carmine needed help to open his eyes too.
Anakin:
Right here, right now
I put the offer out
I don't wanna chase you down
I know you see it
You run with me
And I can cut you free
Out of the drudgery and walls you keep in
So trade that typical for something colorful
And if it's crazy, live a little crazy
You can play it sensible, a king of conventional
Or you can risk it all and see
Anakin opened the curtains wider to give Carmine a better view of the Jade Temple.
Don't you wanna get away from the same old part you gotta play
'Cause I got what you need, so come with me and take the ride
It'll take you to the other side
As the twins got to cleaning the kitchen, Carmine looked at a picture of him with his twin when they first started working in the restaurant. It was pretty safe working there. The most dangerous things he ever faced there were a hot stove and sharp utensils.
'Cause you can do like you do
Or you can do like me
Stay in the cage, or you'll finally take the key
Oh, damn, suddenly you're free to fly
It'll take you to the other side
But, Carmine wasn't convinced to leave. He liked playing it safe. He liked being at home with his family and sticking to the safe and structural world of dancing his ballet, where all he had to worry about was making sure his shoes were tied correctly and that he stretched before class.
Carmine:
Okay, my friend, you want to cut me in
Well, I hate to tell you, but it just won't happen
So thanks, but no
I think I'm good to go
'Cause I quite enjoy the life you say I'm trapped in
Now I admire you, and that whole show you do
You're onto something, really it's something
But I live safe and well, and I'm fine in my shell
I'll leave the danger up to you
Carmine got to cleaning some tables in the restaurant while their parents were in the backyard to tend to the plants.
Don't you know that I'm okay with this uptown part I get to play
'Cause I got what I need and I don't want to take the ride
I don't need to see the other side
So go and do like you do
I'm good to do like me
Ain't in a cage, so I don't need to take the key
Oh, man, can't you see I'm doing fine
I don't need to see the other side
But Anakin thought Carmine had to be crazy if he thought just working as a cook and a waiter was all her was meant to do.
Anakin:
Now is this really how you like to spend your days?
Coffee and misery, and parties and plays
Carmine:
If I were mixed up with you, I'd be in trouble big time
Disgraced and disowned, in the hospital too
Anakin:
But you would finally live a little, finally laugh a little
Just let me give you the freedom to dream
And it'll wake you up and cure your aching
Take your walls and start 'em breaking
Now that's a deal that seems worth taking
But I guess I'll leave that up to you
"Just think," said Anakin. "If we do this, we could show our parents we can handle ourselves. You know I've always loved martial arts, and this could be a way I could start my own academy someday. But I can't do that if you won't help me with this now."
Carmine:
Well, it's intriguing, but to go could cost me greatly
So what percentage of the show would I be taking?
Anakin
Well, fair enough, you'd want a piece of all the action
I'd give you seven, we could shake and make it happen
Carmine:
I wasn't born this morning, eighteen would be just fine
Anakin:
Why not just go ahead and ask for thirty on the dime?
Carmine:
Fifteen
Anakin:
I'd do eight
Carmine:
Twelve
Anakin:
Maybe nine
Carmine:
Ten
"Deal." Anakin said.
"If I get in trouble for this though, you're cleaning my side of the room for a month." Carmine said sternly.
"Fine. Fair enough."
Both:
Don't you wanna get away to a whole new part you're gonna play
'Cause I got what you need, so come with me and take the ride
To the other side
Anakin:
So if you do like I do
Carmine:
So if you do like me
Both:
Forget the cage, 'cause we know how to make the key
Oh, man, suddenly we're free to fly
We're going to the other side
Anakin:
So if you do like I do
(Carmine: To the other side)
So if you do like me
(Carmine: Going to the other side)
Both:
'Cause if we do we're going to the other side
We're going to the other side
"Okay," said Carmine. "What exactly is your plan, Anakin?"
Anakin had this determined look in his eyes.
Shmi chuckled as Artoo came over to her, sticking out his tongue.
"I'm happy to see you too, Artoo." Shmi said.
"Mom, Dad?" Carmine said, coming outside. He was wearing his dance attire, like he was going to class. "I need to head out right now. It's urgent."
"That's odd." Qui-Gon said, seeing Carmine's outfit. "I don't remember you having class today."
Carmine immediately froze a little and started to sweat, so he started to take a few deep breaths and quickly come up with a lie so his parents wouldn't suspect anything.
"Well, the set for the ballet has been completed early, so we need to start rehearsals as soon as possible. You see, one of the other dancers got injured, so we have to practice more with the new understudy. So, can I go if Anakin walks with me?"
"Of course, Carmine. You can go dance."
"I needed to walk Artoo, anyway." Anakin said, already holding the leash. "Here, boy!"
Anakin whistled, and Artoo came running. Carmine also held a little bag in which he sometimes carried Fluffy when he traveled. So, naturally, he took Fluffy out from his box and put him in the bag.
"Be back before dinner, boys." Shmi called. "And be safe."
"We will, Mom." Anakin said.
The twins walked down the street, Anakin cheering victoriously as they made it out, but Carmine heaved a huge sigh of relief that he made it out. He couldn't believe he'd just lied to his parents. He'd never done that before; he was surprised he didn't sing like a canary at the last second.
"I can't believe you just made me lie to Mom and Dad!" Carmine scolded.
"It wasn't exactly lying. It really was urgent that we leave," said Anakin. "And I did need to walk Artoo."
Artoo seemed happy to be on a walk at least.
"This trip to the Jade Temple better be worth it! Mom and Dad might not fire either of us, but they'll still kill us somehow."
Fireworks and confetti filled the air, lively music played as people passed through the gates to the Jade Temple. But, before getting to the gates was a long staircase.
Anakin and Carmine soon arrived at the stairs.
"Whoa. That's a high mountain." Carmine sounded nervous.
"You're not still afraid of heights, are you?" Anakin chuckled.
"No, I'm just concerned that there doesn't seem to be a handrail on these stairs."
Anakin laughed and said, "We'll be fine. Remember, balance is a must for Jedi masters. If you want, I'll hold your hand."
"Knock it off! I'm not a baby!"
"In that case, race you up!"
And Anakin started running up the stairs with Artoo.
"No fair!" Carmine whined. "You gave yourself a head start."
And Carmine was soon running too.
Up at the Temple, where the Jedi High Council was preparing for the ultimate test for the Furious Five.
Jedi younglins bowed as Grand Master Yoda walked down the stairs to oversee progress.
"This is a historic day, isn't it, Master Yoda?" smiled Master Windu.
"Yes, and one I feared, live to see I would not." Yoda said. "Ready, are your students?"
"Yes, Master Yoda."
"Daddy! The people are arriving!" exclaimed an excited tween girl, none other than Mace's daughter Myranda Windu. Most called her Myra.
"That's good, Myra." Mace said, patting his daughter's shoulder. "Why don't you go sit with Mother, and you can watch Daddy's students in action."
Myra didn't say it out loud, but she often felt sad that because her father was such a busy and serious master, he never seemed to have any time for her, to just be her father. It was one of the joys of being a Jedi's child. So, for now, she just went to the sidelines to find her mom, who did have time and took care of her when she wasn't training.
"Know this, old friend." Yoda told Mace. "Whomever I choose, not only bring peace to this valley will they, but to you also."
"Let the tournament begin!" declared Master Plo Koon.
Just as the tournament was starting, Anakin and Carmine reached the top of the stairs, a little out of breath.
"I won!" Anakin bragged.
"Did not!" Carmine said. "It was a tie!"
Being a dancer and a martial artist, it was no surprise both the twins had strong enough legs to run up a thousand stairs, which was probably underestimating the number they ran. Unfortunately, while the two were arguing, the doors were closing.
"Oh no! Wait!" Anakin screamed, only to crash into the doors as they closed.
"Ooh! Anakin, are you okay?" Carmine said, helping his brother up.
"Could be worse." Anakin said dizzily, seeing stars around his head. He shook himself steady and started banging on the door. "Hey! Let us in!"
"Citizens of the Valley of Peace," said Mace on the other side of the wall.
Anakin spotted an open window in the wall.
"Hey, Carmine! Give me a boost!" Anakin said.
Carmine gave Anakin a boost, the older twin standing on his brother's shoulders.
"Okay, why did I just agree to that without thinking?" Carmine asked himself.
"It is my great honor to present to you..." continued Mace. "Padme Naberrie! Bo-Katan Kryze! Ahsoka Tano! Mariposa Morphina! Obi-Wan Kenobi! The Furious Five!"
The Five made a grand entrance into the tournament with many flips, spins, and much velocity. Mariposa literally spread her wings as she and the others landed and posed, but Anakin thought the most beautiful one was Padme.
"The Furious Five!" Anakin exclaimed excitedly.
Inconveniently, Carmine sneezed, which threw him off balance, and made both him and Anakin fall to the ground with a grunt.
"Warriors, prepare!" Mace said.
Anakin groaned, and then he saw a crack in the door, just enough for him to peek through.
"Hey, let me see!" Carmine said, also getting a peek, just in time to see the Thousand Tongues of Fire come out
Unfortunately, one of the viewers got their big head in the way.
"Hey! Get out of the way!" Anakin said.
Luckily, though, the twins could see Mariposa flying high up to battle some of those tongues of fire. But Anakin was so mesmerized he didn't realize he was about to fall down the stairs, but Carmine did.
"Anakin, watch out!" Carmine quickly grabbed Anakin's hand and pulled him back up before he could fall.
"Thanks! That was a close one." Anakin breathed. "There's gotta be a way in."
Carmine sighed and looked at Fluffy as he peeked out from the bag.
"We're in for a long day, Fluffy."
Meanwhile, Qui-Gon and Shmi decided to go for a walk together since they were done with their chores early. They decided to stop by Carmine's dance school to see if they could catch a glimpse of him rehearsing. Except, when they got there, they saw a sign on the door that said Closed for Jedi Tournament.
"Wait a minute." Shmi said. "Why would the academy call Carmine to come if they went to...?"
"Oh no," said Qui-Gon. "Please tell me they didn't-!"
Qui-Gon looked in the direction of the Jade Temple where more fireworks were going off.
"Those two are so much trouble!" Qui-Gon said, beginning to run toward the Temple, his wife following suite.