Chapter: 27 The Corellian Cup

"In a competition, passion can defy logic."

A competition like no other! In association with the Corellian government, the Jedi Order has organized a tournament in the planet's capital. The eyes of the galaxy are on Coronet City as millions of viewers prepare to watch the first ever Corellian Cup. While eight powerful Padawans are enroute to the competition with their masters, only one will be named champion and pass their Trial of Skill...

A cloudless sky welcomed a new day to the denizens of Coruscant. For many, the rising sun promised a bright future ahead. Anna and Mattias watched its fiery hues reflect across various skyscrapers before brightening the temple. "All aboard for Corellia!" Master Chaki hollered from their ship's ramp. Anna watched as the competing Padawans and their masters filed into the prestigious transport, but the Selkath waited for them.

Nelani wasn't far behind him with a backpack swaying in the wind. "Come on, Anna!" she called. "It's now or never!"

"I suppose it is," Anna muttered to Mattias. As they ventured up the ramp, Anna took one last look at the Jedi Temple. Mattias placed a comforting hand on her shoulder and they boarded the ship. A pair of temple guards who were assigned to ride along offered them welcoming nods. "With the amount of Jedi on this ship-" Anna joked. "-do we evenneedguards?"

"Think of them more as aesthetic," Mattias admitted once the guards were out of earshot. "When we land on Corellia, the populace will see two masked figures leading us out. It'll really sell the wholemysticismbehind our Order."

"Sounds like we're shooting to make one heck of a statement," Anna replied until she saw the ship's interior. "Speaking of statements..."

"Padawan Dellian, Master Mattias." Chaki declared. "Welcome aboard theEthereal."

Anna and Mattias marveled over the ship's expansive entry corridor. "I'd only heard the stories of this cruiser's existence," Mattias admitted. "I never actually thought I'd be boarding it. Care to tell us about the ship?"

"Well it's a fantastic craft," Chaki explained. "You see-"

"I'lltake it from here, you aquatic amateur!" squawked a pudgy Avinarian. Master Chuza's silver feathers ruffled as he hobbled over to the group and cleared his throat. "You see, theEtherealdates back to the days of the Old Republic. It was a civilian luxury liner during those glorious times and it traveled to countless worlds. But when Mandalorian insurgents attacked the very vessel we're graced to stand upon, the Jedi of old answered. They defeated their armored foes and saved every passenger aboard!" Chuza sighed over the fond, thousand-year-old memory as if he had been there. "The ship's captain was so grateful, that he donated theEtherealto the Jedi Order, and it's been in our possession ever since."

Chaki shrugged, pointed at the Avinarian and mumbled, "What he said."

"Nowthosewere the days," Chuza reminisced. "Back when people actuallyrespectedthe Jedi. Today's youth is so ungrateful with their faces glued to datascreens while they-"

The group kept walking as Chuza rambled to himself. "By the Force," Mattias mumbled. "He'sstillgoing."

Anna snickered. "The guyloveshis Old Republic, that's for sure."

"Who's gonna break it to him that he's four thousand years late to that party?" Mattias joked.

"Now now, you two." Chaki intoned. "There's nothing wrong with honoring our history, as long as we still look to the future." The trio entered an elevator and Chaki briefly stuck his head out. "Nelani?" he worried. "Are you coming or what?"

His Padawan was busy admiring the ship's robust artwork when she heard him call. "Oh!" the Duros gasped and clutched her backpack straps. "Coming!"

Anna was already dreading inevitably sitting next to her on the flight. As the lift took them to the passenger level, the group discovered an opulent aisle with leather seating. While the Padawans were all clustered in the back, their masters sat up front. "Time to get comfy," Mattias said with a stretch. He waved to Anna as she walked towards her fellow Padawans. "I hear this hyperspace lane's a lengthy one."

"But at least we're in good company," Chaki assured.

Mattias leaned into the Selkath's otolith and whispered, "As long as I'm not sitting next to 'Chatty Chuza' over there."

Chaki snickered before gesturing to an Aqualish and Ithorian Jedi. "Mattias, these brilliant women are Masters Beetra and Kalia."

"It's an honor to meet you both," he said. "Congratulations on your apprentices."

"Thank you," Beetra replied.

Her Ithorian friend shook her head. "The honor is ours, Master Mattias." Kalia answered through her translating vocoder. "Considering what your Padawan has already been through, I'm surprised she still wants to compete."

Mattias chuckled while figuring out how to recline his seat. "Oh there's no stopping Anna," he admitted. "Her willpower is unlike any I've ever seen in one so young."

"Here's what I think..." A tranquil voice mumbled from behind Mattias. "Your student can't possibly deal with anything worse than that disaster on Rodia. Thiseducationalcompetition offers a much-needed break from our collapsing galaxy." Mattias glanced back and saw a pair of solid blue, almond-shaped eyes staring at him. The bright eyes lay nestled against a pale, wrinkly, noseless face. "Halsey," he introduced himself. "I'm Knox's master."

"Well, Master Halsey." Mattias began. "I'm not going to pass up a moment of peace during an era of war. Therealquestion is if there will be snacks or not on this flight."

The Jedi beside Halsey loosed a hearty laugh. "Thisman has the right idea," she jested. "We're providing the Corellians with entertainmentandeducation. The amount of viewers who are going to tune in to this Corellian Cup will be astronomical. And tourism? This event will bring in credits by the heaps. So the least they can do in return is offer us the best cuisine Coronet City has to offer. Speaking of which..." She beckoned a service droid over and sampled one of its meat wraps.

"Typical Master Savil," Chaki laughed. "Always letting her stomach guide her."

"Hey," Savil retorted with her mouth full. She brushed the short, jet black locks from her hair so the others could see her full reaction. With eyes shut and a euphoric hum, Savil simply shrugged. "You never want to look back on your life and think, 'By the Force...I could've eaten that.' You know?"

"Can't argue with that logic," Mattias admitted and partook in consumption. He let the wrap's salty seasoning deliver delectable goodness to his taste buds. "And neither should any of you!"

A Besalisk scoffed from the adjacent seat. "Fools," he mumbled.

"Lighten up, Master Krell." Savil quipped. "You're stuck with us so you might as well indulge a little. I tell my apprentice, Surk, that he needs to treat himself from time to time."

"And that's why he's such a poor influence," Krell murmured.

The other masters' smiles faded as Savil furrowed her brows. "I beg your pardon, Master Krell?"

"Go on and beg then," he scoffed.

Savil stood as the service droid rolled up to her. "Master Jedi," it said. "Please return to your seat, as we are about to take off-"

"Just a moment," she intoned and leaned towards the Besalisk. "Iknowyou're not insinuating what I think you are."

Krell stared her down and kept all four of his arms crossed. "What?" he jeered. "That the Zabrak under your wing gets in my Padawan's ear? It's true."

"Tori and Surk were inseparable since their clan," Savil defended. "Long before either of us were involved in their lives."

"It doesn't make my statement any less true," Krell asserted. "Becoming a Jedi isn't supposed to befunor teeming with moments oftreatingyourself. It's likely the reason Tori can't seem to lose weight. She looks awful."

His comment sent the other masters into an uproar while Krell rolled his eyes. "Your Padawan made it into the tournament, didn't she?" Mattias retorted. "Her body does not define her value."

"She earned a spot on this ship just like all of the other apprentices," Kalia defended.

"It was her determination and skill as a Jedi that got her through," Beetra added.

"As her master,youof all people should be supporting her." Chaki intoned. "Ineveryway."

"Well don't weallhave an opinion now, hm?" Krell grumbled.

"All this fighting between masters," Chuza said as he hobbled to his seat. "It reminds me of when those in the Old Republic who couldn't decide on the Treaty of Coruscant."

"In the name of every midichlorian flowing through my body," Savil snapped. "Master Chuza, I promise youno onecares."

Mattias sulked into his seat and pinched the bridge of his nose. "It's gonna be alongflight," he sighed. As they made preparations for takeoff, he could only hope Anna was fairing better than he was.

The back aisle was rowdy with eager and angsty Padawans. "If it isn't little Dellian," Gav chirped. "I figured you'd make it over your sister. Saved you a seat, champ." The Avinarian pat the empty one beside him while Anna recalled how crass he was to Elsa.

"I'm good," Anna replied. "Besides, you need all that space for your ego." He angrily grinded his beak at her while she looked for other openings. Tori and Surk were together, each eying her with different intentions. A bright yellow Twi'lek was seated beside a broad-headed Bith, leaving the only other seat beside a purple Nautolan.

Knox shimmied over and offered a smile. "You're welcome to sit here," he said.

She had started to make her way over when Nelani whispered, "Anna." The Duros appeared nervous while glancing at the back aisle. Anna soon realized that taking the seat by Knox meant putting Nelani next to that bully of a bird. She hated feeling her sister's influence over her, but ultimately gave in.

"Nelani," she muttered. "Why don't you sit with Knox?"

Nelani's scarlet eyes blinked in astonishment. "Are...are you sure?"

"Just take it," Anna relented and stomped to the back of the aisle.

Gav brandished a smirk across his beak and flaunted a wing over the seat beside him. "I knew you'd change your mind," he boasted.

"Stow it," Anna remarked and marched past him. "I'll sit in the cargo hold or something."

"Once a speciesist,alwaysa speciesist." Tori muttered under her breath.

It was as if a fuse had been ignited within Anna as she turned with a scowl. Every action she'd taken with Jee and for Rodia's greater good had been called into question. She knew she had to be better, but there was a distinct anger swelling up within her. "Excuse me?" Anna said.

Tori tilted her head towards Anna. "You won't even sit next to an Avinarian after he kindly offers you a seat." The Pantoran merely shrugged. "I mean, tell yourself whatever you want to sleep better at night...but that looks like speciesism to me."

"Sure," Anna defended. "Let's just ignore what kind of person Gav is and how he's treated my sister."

"And whatkindof person is he?" Tori interrupted and stared Anna down. "Or is it what heisn'tto you? We can't all be perfect humans, Anna."

"I'mnotperfect," Anna said.

"No, you're not." Tori's snark intensified. "And when I'm done with you in this tournament, you'll benothing." Tori's lower lip quivered with rising rage as she clenched her armrest.

"I'm sorry," Anna admitted and continued to make for the cargo hold. Everyone was thrown off guard when Tori bolted up from her seat and stormed after her.

"Tori," Surk pleaded and took her hand. "Leave her be."

"Oh like she leftusbe all those years?" Tori snapped and wriggled free of his grasp. "I don't think so." Anna turned as the Pantoran yanked her by the sleeve. While her Force senses were still growing, she could feel the honed hatred burning within Tori. "I don't want your damn apology, you hear me? You lost the right to apologize every second you persisted in your harassment."

Anna tried to take a deep breath and said, "Please let go of me or this won't end well for you."

Tori sneered at her remark and tightened her grip. "I willneverforgive you and we are far from done. You're going to pay for every ounce of agony you put me through. Every sleepless night is on your hands. This isn't over until I drag your pathetic name and ugly face through the mud for all to see."

Anna had heard enough. She used her free hand to shove Tori back into the seats. Infuriated, the Pantoran rose to confront her but was held back by Surk. Anna nonchalantly straightened out her sleeve and departed for the cargo hold. She shut off the lights to immerse herself in total darkness and found a spot between several crates. Once nestled between them, Anna hugged herself and thought on Tori's words. She considered how much pain she'd caused the Pantoran and if the damage was even reparable anymore. As theEtherealtook off and made the jump to lightspeed, Anna examined her lightsaber. She lost herself in its durasteel intricacies and tried to focus on the competition ahead. She thought she'd be excited to be part of the Corellian Cup, but it seemed like tensions were as high as they normally were.Come on, Anna,she willed herself.Loosen up. Maybe you should try meditating...Pssh, yeah right. Only total weirdos meditate.

The components of Elsa's lightsaber orbited her as she meditated. The energy chamber opened to reveal her pulsing, royal blue kyber crystal. Elsa focused on the power produced by such a small, unique gem as it hovered in front of her face. The other pieces of her weapon swirled closer as the peculiar patter of metal feet filled the room. Though her eyes were closed, Elsa raised a brow and focused in on the ruckus. After every few steps from her tiny intruder, Elsa would hear a scanner buzz. By thesixthinterruption, Elsa smirked and opened an eye. "Can I help you?" she giggled.

BD-1 was taking inventory on each of her lightsaber components. He beeped with glee upon scanning her kyber crystal and performed a little jig on the mat. Elsa calmly reassembled her weapon with the Force and pat BD-1's head. "Your curiosity never ceases, does it?" BD-1 emitted a holoprojection which showed a list of lightsabers. Amidst the files, Elsa watched in amazement as a virtual version of her weapon materialized onto the list. "Well isn't that a fine addition to your collection?" Elsa teased as BD-1 chimed and scoured her utility belt for more. "You've already scanned all of this!" BD-1 was like a feisty pup examining her utility belt until she removed a food capsule and snickered. "There! Scan my snacks!"

Yelena walked in and was happy to see her apprentice in bright spirits. "I hate to interrupt your...studies," she joked. "But Master Cordova's about to land us on Felucia."

Elsa excitedly rose to her feet and chuckled when BD-1 climbed onto her back. His metal feet tickled against her shoulder as he poked his head up and beeped. "Here we are," Cordova announced from the cockpit. "One of the most prominentanddeadliest worlds in the Thanium Sector...Felucia. I haven't been to the Outer Rim in forever. And by forever, I mean about four days." Cordova tapped away at his navicomputer and pulled up planetary schematics. "As you know, Felucia is currently a contested battleground."

"It practically has been since the war started," Yelena added.

"That's because of the trade route," Elsa recalled. "The Perlemian Route, right?"

Cordova flashed a toothy grin. "That's correct, young scholar! I'm impressed, and it seems BD-1 has taken a liking to you. That...or he's trying to get close enough to scan your brain."

"Do you think we'll run into Separatist forces?" Yelena inquired.

"Unlikely," Cordova admitted. "While the battle rages elsewhere, the temple we're heading to resides on the opposite side of the planet. Still, we should remain on guard and prepare for anything."

Elsa double-checked her supplies while BD-1 scanned her backpack. She was impressed by Cordova's smooth piloting skills as he descended through Felucia's dense atmosphere. In fact, she didn't feel a hint of motion sickness as they soared over a fungal forest. Vibrant, bioluminescent plantlife stretched towards their corvette as Cordova searched for a secure landing zone. He tucked their ship between a pair of colossal, mossy boulders which were wedged together. The rock formation provided the perfect amount of shady darkness for explorers to remain incognito.

As Yelena and Elsa exited the ramp, Cordova withdrew a pair of breathing masks. "Have you ever used these mouthpieces before?" he asked.

"Unfortunately," Yelena admitted.

"Some of the spores on Felucia are toxic, so they're just for emergencies." Cordova assured them as he handed out equipment. "But I'd let you know if need be." From the moment they set foot on Felucia, BD-1 sprung from Elsa's shoulder and started scanning the foliage. "There he goes," Cordova chuckled.

Elsa's hair was already frizzing in Felucia's humid climate and she rolled up her sleeves.I'd trade this place for Hoth any day,she thought. The snort of an unseen creature snapped her back into the moment. Her eyes narrowed towards a thick cluster of mushrooms where a domesticated, tusked creature was grazing. A short, stubby reptilian sat atop it and gently spurred it onward.

"Ah," Cordova realized. "She's a Felucian." He checked the planet's time and bowed to her. "Good morning, madam."

"Jedi?" the Felucian realized. "I don't know who called you this time, but I don't think we can fight our way out of this one."

Elsa, Yelena, and Cordova exchanged puzzled looks. "I'm afraid I don't understand," Cordova replied.

The Felucian seemed just as puzzled. "So no one sent for you? My apologies. A while back, we had quite a run in with some bounty hunters and Jedi. They helped us deal with a nasty horde of pirates, only that wasn't the end of our troubles. See, we farm sillum here. But everything we've been planting in our groves decays. Whatever's killing our crops must be growing and spreading throughout the forest. We fear it's a bacteria."

Cordova scratched his beard. "We're heading into the forest anyway and can take a look for you."

"As always, you Jedi are too kind." the farmer said and nodded.

The forest's towering, spiraling mushrooms looked like grim arms beckoning outsiders into the shadows. Cordova peeled back several vines and slid deeper into the darkness. As each Jedi entered, a sickening feeling took hold of them. Elsa had to stop and grip one of the trees as dizziness claimed her. Whatever lurked beyond the fungus sent a chill down her spine. It left her feeling frightened and doubtful as she tried to press onward. "Master," she uttered. "Something's not right."

"I sense it too," Yelena affirmed. "There is a corruption in this forest. It's probably what's leeching the soil for those farmers."

Cordova picked up a rotted root and sighed. "Guard your hearts," he intoned. "The Dark Side is strong here."

Yelena placed a hand on Elsa's shoulder. "We don't have to keep going, you know." she said soothingly.

Elsa took a deep breath. "I know, but this vision came to me for a reason. I have to understand it, no matter what."

Their trek through Felucia's dense jungle led them to a vast array of vines. "Not much further now," Cordova assured. He ignited his blue lightsaber and severed the vines to clear a path. Once he did so, a pair of six...massive, crustacean legs came into view.

"Acklay!" Yelena identified. On instinct, she and Elsa activated their weapons to prepare for battle.

"It's alright," Cordova realized. "It's dead." As they closed in, they could see thousands...if not millions of insects skittering across the acklay's corpse. Elsa thought BD-1's scanner would overheat from analyzing the swarm as they approached a shrouded structure. Mucky obelisks lined the cracked bridge leading towards a forgotten temple. "Don't be afraid," Cordova told Elsa. "I've been here before and this place is quite a marvel."

"I didn't have the most pleasant experience in the last temple I entered," Elsa admitted. "Forgive me if it takes some time to adjust."

"At least I'm with you this time," Yelena reassured her. They ascended a set of decrepit stairs and used their lightsabers to illuminate the halls. The blue-hues of their blades highlighted a series of ancient glyphs on the walls. "Anything look familiar?" Yelena asked.

Elsa scoured the glyphs for the oceanic symbol while Cordova seemed to know where he was going. "The emblem we're looking for resides towards the main chamber," he said. Elsa found herself captivated by a glyphs depicting obscure beings worshiping a ball of light. "Those are ancient Felucians praying to their planet's sun. We know it as Felix, but they called it Felexion."

Elsa considered the ancient religion and asked, "Master Yelena...do you think gods are real?" Yelena raised a brow as she continued. "These precursors were worshipping what we now know was the sun, but what does that mean for all other religion? Is there still more to learn? There are so many different cultures and beliefs spanning across thousands of systems. In the Jedi Archives, I've read about entire wars being fought over religious superiority. Where does the line get drawn?"

Yelena sighed. "Faith is very important, Elsa." she said. "And as a Jedi, I think it is our duty to respect the beliefs of others. There is a hypocrisy to it, yes. If many of these religions preach peace, how is it that they find themselves in the decadence of war? But then again, the same can be said about the Jedi."

"I loathe all of this sanctimony and pietism," Elsa huffed. "Does it ever end?"

"Honestly?" Cordova interjected. "No. But take this from someone who's been studying religions since you were a youngling. Elsa, there are higher powers in this galaxy beyond any of our understanding. Wethinkwe comprehend the Force, but there's so much that's yet to be revealed. Faith gives people hope and inspires kindness in the most dire of circumstances. The same way the Sith manipulate the Force to serve their dark desires, so too have many used religious influence to hurt their fellow beings. The meaning behind it all, like so many things, is a choice. It's what we make of it."

"It seems to always come down to a choice," Elsa said while observing the glyphs. Amidst various sculptures in an expansive chamber, there rested an oceanic crest that had her running. "There it is!" Elsa gasped. "The symbol from my dream!" A wide circle encased bold etchings of a stone wave surging forward.

"But what does it mean?" Yelena pondered. "We should search the chamber for clues."

"Yes!" Cordova proclaimed with an eager snap of his fingers. "Try to piece a story together through the glyphs."

Elsa held her lightsaber up to the wall and BD-1 hopped on her shoulder. The droid activated his spotlight to brighten the symbols above the Padawan. "Thank you, kindly." she said and leaned in. Elsa found depictions of people pointing to the stars. "I might be on to something," she called.

Cordova rushed to scour over her find. "Let's see," he muttered. "The ancient Felucians are calling to their sun god, but there's another bright orb here."

"Perhaps a second sun," Yelena suggested. "Like on Tatooine."

"There's no record of Felucia ever having two suns," Cordova thought. "Unless..." He gingerly scrubbed moss off the second glyph and revealed a fiery trail. "Aha!" he declared. "Ladies and droid, I think we have ourselves a cataclysmic...astrological event." He sped rightward and followed the wall's depictions. "These eight spheres represent Felucia's moons. Our fiery friend here could be a solar disturbanceorasteroid of sorts. If any of these moons were in its destructive path, this would've thrown the planet into complete disarray. Gravitational fields would've been warped and-" Cordova jogged back to the oceanic symbol. "Tides would've been altered. There would've been mass surges from the seas."

"But Felucia doesn't have any oceans," Yelena refuted.

"True," Cordova realized. "But perhaps our ancient companions were more advanced than we're giving them credit for. What if this symbol isn't about something that happened on Felucia?"

"So like a warning?" Elsa figured.

"Precisely," Cordova answered. "BD-1, pull up a star map of the Thanium Sector. Specifically with planets closest to Felucia. The droid sprung on to the floor and projected a map of the nearest worlds. While planets swirled in the flickering holomap, Elsa noticed a peculiar statue on the wall. It was sleek, yet grotesque in nature and she wondered if it represented an ancient deity. "Now based on Elsa's vision," Cordova continued. "Let's look at nearby snow planets that would've been effected by irregular lunar activity." While the investigation continued, Elsa couldn't look away from the statue. She dared to step closer to it and investigate its odd design. The being's face was filled with clusters of bizarre tendrils and a pair of barely visible, hollow eyes. Elsa's heart sank...when she heard it breathing.

The being bolted towards her and Elsa Force-pushed it against the wall. Cordova and Yelena spun as Elsa's assailant leapt into the shadows. Its evasion was temporary as it pounced for another attack. This time, all three Jedi Force-pushed it across the room. "What is it?" Elsa asked.

"A Jungle Felucian," Cordova defined. "Looks like a tribe of them has taken up residence in thisabandonedtemple." As he said so, the being blew an ear-splitting horn. In came a swarm of other Jungle Felucians. With clubs swaying from their webbed, suction-cupped digits, the tribe members were ready to defend their home. "None of these people need to die," Cordova said.

"Do you think they feel the same way about us?" Yelena mumbled.

Elsa admired Cordova's words. While her saber was out, she hoped she wouldn't have to cut down any natives. "BD-1 has the information we need!" Cordova shouted. "Let's get out of here and get back to the ship!"

They Force-pushed who they could and bolted for the exit. Jungle Felucians crawled out of the temple's darkest, gunkiest depths. Their bioluminescent tendrils dripped moss and fungal muck across the stone flooring. One of the Felucians took a swing at Elsa's head. She simply held up her saber, and its club was severed upon meeting it. Yelena rolled under a diving attacker as the Jedi eyed light outside. "We're almost there!" Cordova shouted. He and Yelena made it to the stairs when a Jungle Felucian jumped Elsa from behind. He seized her neck until BD-1 leapt onto his head and shocked him. Once Elsa broke free, the droid hopped onto her back and they fled as one. As they made it outside, they were welcomed by sweltering heat, humidity, and one..titanic predator.

A tremendous beast was tearing into the dead acklay with its massive forelimbs. It shoved heaps of insect-ridden meat into its razor-sharp teeth while a pair of four tusks prodded the carcass. "By the Force," Yelena gasped at the monster blocking their escape.

"A bull rancor is the last thing we need right now," Cordova uttered as the Jungle Felucians poured out of the temple.

The bull rancor became irked by the sounds of so many small beings and roared towards them. "At least it's got a meal to keep him occupied, right?" Elsa remarked.

"If it's anything like a regular rancor," Yelena worried. "It'll be extremely territorial."

Surely enough, the bull rancor abandoned its ravaged carcass and stomped towards the group. With another deafening roar, it charged across the bridge and swiped indiscriminately. Cordova leapt over the creature's arm while Yelena and Elsa slid under. They started to traverse the bridge when Elsa heard the rancor stomp on a Felucian. Her guttural cries were silenced beneath the beast's lethal foot.

"We can't leave," Elsa intoned. "It's like you said, Master Cordova. "None of these people have to die."

"Elsa, wait!" Yelena warned as her Padawan dashed back to the temple. The bull rancor dug its tusks into the ground and hurled several Felucians into the air. Betwixt the chaos, a Felucian adorned in yellow markings and attire fashioned from bones came forth. This chieftain raised a staff tipped with glowing mushrooms in an attempt to attract the rancor. While his efforts succeeded, he didn't expect the beast to charge as quickly as it did. The ground quaked as disheveled stones sent the chieftain tumbling into an obelisk. He shook off his daze and braced for the worst as the rancor closed in. Suddenly, the chieftain watched as the pillar levitated from behind him. It turned on its side and swung into the rancor's face like a giant baton. The chieftain turned to see Elsa with her arms extended towards her makeshift, floating weapon. She flung the rest of it into the rancor and slid to the chieftain's aid.

"Are you alright?" she asked and offered a hand. The chieftain didn't budge. His hollow, soulless eyes stared Elsa down as the rancor recovered. Out of time, Elsa spun with her saber raised.If the chieftain won't move,Elsa thought.I'll have to take him with me. She considered sliding between the monster's legs again and Force-pulling the chieftain along. She didn't count on the rancor leading with its tusks and was unable to slide through. Elsa readied herself until she noticed the rancor struggling against an invisible barrier. She spotted Yelena and Cordova using all of their Force abilities to hold the monster back.

"Get out of there!" her master grunted while BD-1 chimed from Cordova's shoulder.

The creature proved too strong and raised its head upward. Elsa and the chieftain were scooped up in one of its tusks as it roared profusely. They clung for their lives as their legs dangled inches from its gaping maw. In her moments of fear, Elsa thought on Master Adi Gallia's words.

"When it comes to an aggressive opponent, you must find a way to balance that intensity. You need to stop thinking that your skills aren't enough and start adapting to the situation."

With a deep breath and heavy heart, Elsa released her grip on the tusk.I'm sorry, she thought and wished the rancor could read her mind. As she fell towards its mouth, Elsa spun her lightsaber and drover it into its upper jaw. The creature bellowed from the stinging pain and flailed across the ground. What Elsa didn't count on was that the rancor would stumble straight for the already unstable bridge. "No no no!" Elsa yelped. The beast lost its footing as the bridge collapsed under its weight.

"Elsa!" Yelena screamed from the cliffside. She, Cordova, and BD-1 watched as the rancor plummeted into a misty pit. All Elsa and the chieftain could do...was hold on.

TheEthereal'sfrigid, expansive cargo hold was alive with Anna's grating snores. However, those snoresdidmake it easier for Mattias to find her. He poked his head between her crate hideaway and slid in. "Hey," he whispered. "Anna..."

"Mm?" his groggy apprentice murmured and slowly awakened. "Are we there yet?"

"Just about," Mattias said. "What are you doing back here?" Her glower and stringent glare spoke volumes. "I should've joined you," Mattias joked. "The masters weren't the best company either. We could've been back here playingJawa Crossing."

Anna's eyes suddenly shot open as all tiredness vanished. "Holy kriff," she uttered and facepalmed. "I'm such an idiot."

"What happened?" Mattias asked.

"Jawa Crossing!" Anna explained. "I gave my console to that clone pilot on Rodia and never got it back. He's probably saved over my game by now...or thrown it away."

"Let's try to think positive," Mattias suggested.

"Whatever," Anna scoffed. "It was just a stupid game anyway. Let's just win this competition and go home."

She stormed off as Mattias shrugged. "Well, that'ssortapositive."

Any grogginess Anna still felt was quickly obliterated by a storm of hollering press and flashing cameras. The ecstatic citizens of Coronet City had swarmed the landing pad to bid the Jedi welcome. Confetti rained down on an azure carpet as the temple guards cleared a path. "Ladies and gentlemen!" a woman's voice echoed from a microphone. Her shimmering, glittery, turquoise dress was blinding in the sunlight. Her hot pink bangs swayed with her energetic motions as she hyped up the crowd. "Let me hear you scream!" she shouted.

Anna and Mattias winced at the uproarious welcoming committee while others embraced it. "They werealreadyscreaming," Mattias mumbled and Anna cracked a smile.

"Now,thisis what I call a greeting." Master Chuza said. The Avinarian master posed for pictures without realizing he was too short to appear in any of the crowd shots.

"May I introduce to you," the announcer continued. "Your triple C's...your Corellian. Cup. Competitors!" Nelani stuck close to her master and shyly waved at the crowds. Surk and Gav welcomed the applause while Tori ignored them. The other Padawans offered greetings alongside their respective masters.

"All we have to do is get to the arena transport," Mattias told Anna. "Then we'll be home free."

Anna nodded. "Sounds like a pl-"

"Hi!" the announcer shouted from over Anna's shoulder.

"H-...Hi me?" Anna inquired.

The announcer leaned until she was close enough for the Padawan to see every ounce of glittery makeup on her dark cheeks. "Cosma Dezir. The voice...head, shoulders, knees and toes of Corellian entertainment! Who might you be?" She practically shoved her microphone in Anna's face as the crowd anxiously awaited a response.

"I'm...Anna Dellian."

"ANNA DELLIAN!" she screeched for all to hear before sliding over. "Andwhomight you be, good-looking?"

Anna bit back a snicker at her master's initial embarrassment. "Master Destin Mattias," he answered.

"Well,Destin." Cosma replied with a flirtatious wink. "Welcome to Corellia."

"Thank you," Mattias said and returned the wink. Anna gasped until her master ushered her into the arena transport.

"Don'tthink I didn't see that," Anna quipped.

"What?" Mattias whispered and Anna exaggeratedly winked at him. "She winked at me. I was just winking back. People can do that, right?"

"Master," Anna jokingly scolded.

"Now don't you go applying your holodrama logic on me," Mattias muttered.

"You thought she was pretty," Anna said and batted her eyelashes at him. She refused to look away until he answered. "Didn't you?"

"She was-" Mattias bit his lip. "Delightful, sure."

"Busted," Anna snickered until she caught Tori glaring at her from the opposite side of the transport. In that moment, the fun of the event was once again sapped from her. She stared back at the Pantoran standing in Krell's shadow. Her golden eyes were teeming with fury and determination over the coming competition. "Master," Anna whispered in a much more serious tone. He glanced over and she gripped his shoulder. "I just wanted to thank you for always having my back. I know I'm a handful at times, but I'm trying to be better."

Mattias smiled. "We all are, Anna. And no matter how much you tease me-" He playfully nudged her. "-I'll always be in your corner."

"Any last minute advice?" Anna asked.

"Honestly?" Mattias said. "At this point there's nothing else I can prepare you for in this competition. But Icantell you this." The transport came to a halt and the doors started to open. Mattias pulled Anna into a firm embrace and said, "Don'teverforget who you are. You are Anna Dellian of the Jedi Order. A crime-busting, demon-vanquishing, Jedi-saving, clone-training warrior. You helped an entire planet begin its road to recovery and you're a hero to the Republic. You never cease to amaze me and you aren't finished yet. Now go show the galaxy what I alreadyknowyou can do."

As they parted ways, Anna respectfully bowed to her master. She accompanied the other Padawans as they made for a colossal, chromium arena. It was a marvel to see such a rare metal utilized on a triumphant scale. The masters remained aboard the transport and were taken to spectator seating. Anna tried to slow her breaths, but she was far too excited. Every step brought her closer to stepping through the grandiose gateway as a crowd roared within. Operating alongside Corellian police, the temple guards escorted all eight Padawans to a glistening entryway.

"Coronet City..." Cosma's voice reverberated across the arena's loudspeakers. "Corellia...Galaxy! Put your hands, tentacles, and cybernetics together for our competitors!" The gates opened to reveal an expansive stadium. Rows of seating seemed to stretch towards the clouds and spectators looked like restless insects. The full sound of their raucous cheers echoed down to the Padawans as they realized...it was all for them. Epic fanfare blared from the speakers as Cosma announced the first Padawan. "This feathered fellow hails from the Outer Rim world of Avinaria. Let's hear it for Gav Riden!" Gav boastfully spread his wings as he ran out onto the field. "All the way from scenic Ryloth, she's here to represent her proud people. Here comes Velti Munar!" The Twi'lek boldly waved to the crowds as her lekku swayed behind her. "From the faraway planet of Aren, make some noise for Anna Dellian!"

"Anna," Surk dared to say as she started off. "Good luck out there."

Anna was doubly astonished when he extended a fist to her. She graciously bumped knuckles with him and said, "Thanks, Surk. You too, bud."

Tori shook her head in disgust as Anna ran out onto the field. She gave Surk a shove and shouted, "Whatwas that?"

"Tori, enough." the Zabrak defended as announcements continued. "Anna apologized to me. I know it's not easy, but we have to start somewhere. If she's willing climb uphill, I choose to as well."

"You're just as blind as she is," Tori scoffed. "I thought we were friends, Surk. I believed I could rely on you."

"Wearefriends," Surk huffed. "And you can rely on me to tell you that you're better than this. Whatever your master's been telling you...I don't like what it's turned you into."

"I'veneverfelt this powerful before," the Pantoran defended.

"But at what cost, Tori?" Surk retorted. "Please don't become what Annawas."

"Tori Vica!" Cosma announced. Tori had been so distracted by Surk, that she missed her introduction.

When she looked at the Zabrak, he could hardly recognize her. "Iwillmake her pay, Surk." she asserted. "And if we reallyarebestfriends, you'll help me do it." Her cold stare left him feeling sickened as she marched onto the field. By the time Surk was called out, his mind was a jumbled mess. He thought about how quickly he'd started to forgive Anna...but then considered how long he'd been friends with Tori.She's my best friend,he thought.Abandoning her would be wrong...right?

The chosen eight stood at attention while thousands cheered for them. A fleet of probe droids swirled around the arena to capture every moment and broadcast them offworld. One of them zipped up to the announcer's box and zoomed in on Cosma. "Well we're just about to get underway here in Coronet Arena," she said. "But, I seem to missing someone." Her overacting as she feigned surprise was rather comical. "I'm sensing a powerful connection to the Force. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Jedi Master Jaro Tapal!" The doors behind her opened with a hiss as a pair of purple, digitigrade legs stepped in. The camera's tracked a robust Lasat with bold, green eyes and pointed ears.

The other masters seemed as equally surprised as the rest of the crowd. "Didyouknow Master Tapal was going to be here?" Mattias asked Chaki.

The Selkath shrugged. "I had no idea, lad. Jaro's been a loner for most of his life, but maybe he's branching out."

"Who does that Lasat think he's fooling?" Krell grumbled. "Sitting up there with that charlatan. If he's going to embarrass our Order, the least he could've done is warned us."

"Hear, hear." Chuza squawked. "For once, we agree."

"I think Master Tapal's trying to appeal to a younger generation," Savil defended.

"I heard he was looking to take on a Padawan," Halsey added.

The masters watched from the arena's megascreen as Cosma turned to Jaro. "So Master Tapal," she said. "Can I call you, JT?"

"Not a chance," he sternly replied.

Cosma's exaggerated gasp got the crowd laughing out of their minds. She flashed a devious grin and leaned towards the competitors. "Well I know we can only calloneof these Padawans a champion today. Eight Jedi...two segments...one winner! So without further ado, let the Corellian Cup begin!" Fireworks rocketed off across the arena's perimeter while spectators hollered. "Here's a rundown of what we have in store."

Tapal grabbed his microphone and proceeded to detail the event. "The Padawans will begin their journey on an elaborate obstacle course. Lightsaber usage will be strictly prohibited. They'll need to muster all of their endurance and mastery of the Force to make it to the finish line. But there's a catch..."

"A catch!" Cosma simulated an echo as Tapal glared at her.

"Only the first four to finish will continue to the finals, where they will duel for the ultimate title." Cosma pretended her mic was a lightsaber and made swooshing noises.

It seems like the Jedi Order has been working closely with Corellia on this one, Anna thought.The tryouts more or less followed a similar format. You have the endurance, Anna. Think of all you've been through. You've come too far to give up now.Nelani's hyperventilating was incredibly distracting. Anna glanced over to see the Duros overthinking the coming event, but chose not to comfort her.She's on her own,Anna told herself.One less competitor to worry about.When this race starts, all bets are off.

"Padawans!" Cosma declared. "Please report to the starting line!"

As Anna and the others found a cyan marker on the field, the ground before them started to rumble. Gears winded and repulsorlifts shifted across the vast stage. Entire gaps emerged in the flooring while other portions ascended like skyscrapers. Despite all of the changing elevations, a series of green markers remained consistent to highlight the course. A golden banner signifying the finish line swayed from the highest tower.

Nelani looked as though she'd faint while Dokin rubbed her back. Knox uttered a Nautolan expression as his jaw dropped. Anna tried to steady herself while Tori remained focused on the track. The Pantoran picked the spot directly next to Anna as Surk cracked his neck and Velti stretched her calves. Gav's beak was grinding anxiously and Dokin made his way to the starting line. A probe droid hovered behind the competitors and a modified cannon emerged from its head. The device angled itself upward as Cosma eagerly declared, "On your marks!" Anna shifted weight to the back of her heel and prepared to launch. "Get set..." Her eyes were transfixed on the polished duracrete before her.

The droid fired an ear-splitting flare into the sky and the Padawans took off. As Anna surged forward, she was instantly elbowed in the face by Tori. The Pantoran had executed her maneuver so smoothly...so naturally...that anyone watching would think it was merely a starting accident. The strike sent Anna staggering back as her momentum faltered. The crowd bellowed a resounding "OH!" as Anna spun and bumped into Dokin.

"A bit of a collision there between Dellian and Wez!" Cosma reported.

"Vica came out charging," Tapal commented. "That energy is what's got her off to an early lead right now."

Mattias crossed his arms and shook his head from the stands. "Chaki," he whispered. "Did that look intentional to you?"

"Hard to tell," the Selkath mumbled. "Though Krell seems awfully pleased with himself." Mattias glanced over his shoulder and saw the Besalisk grinning smugly.

"Come on, Anna." Mattias urged.

Anna's nose ached from where she'd been elbowed. She shook off her daze and bolted forward with twice the fury. Dokin was racing at her side while Nelani was trying to keep up.Damn it, Tori.Anna thought.Kriff! Everyone else is so far ahead! Wait...no. You got this. The race is far from over. What was it Jee said? Do the next right thing. Focus on the next person in front of you. Take them down and move on to the next. One at a time...you can do this, Anna!She eyed Knox's swaying tendrils and fixated on him. She made the Nautolan her target as they vaulted over a series of durasteel hurdles. With each lunge, Anna felt herself closing in as her speed increased.

"Ah yes!" Cosma rejoiced. "Our leaders are reaching their first major obstacle: The Gap of Woah."

"Woe as in great sorrow and distress, right?" Tapal presumed.

"Of course not," Cosma snickered. "It's because when you get to it, you're all like-"

"Woah!" Surk shouted and skidded to a halt. He and the other unsure leaders stood on the course's brink and tried to find a means to cross. A multistory drop stood between them and an oblong chamber. "Now what?" he panted.

Tori looked around for anything they could utilize while Gav leapt into the air. "See you at the finish line!" he taunted and spread his wings.

"Padawan Riden is reminding us all just how stunning Avinarians are," Cosma complimented. "I mean, look at that wingspan!"

"While Avinarians have lost their ability to fly fully over the years," Tapal explained. "It doesn't stop them from gaining a little altitude and gliding over distances. A marvelous display, really."

"Way to go, Gav!" Chuza hooted and flapped his own wings from the stands. "That's my boy!"

Tori's eyes widened as she realized the floor tiles were interlocked and foldable. "Surk," she intoned. "Gimme a hand with these." Together, they reached out with the Force and started to dishevel the tiling. "Velti," Tori called. "Help us with this. The sooner we get across, the sooner we can catch Gav."

"You mean the sooneryoucan catch Gav," Velti corrected and backed up.

Tori and Surk exchanged puzzled glances. "Wait," the Pantoran replied. "What do you-"

The Twi'lek didn't owe them any explanation. Using her superb acrobatics, Velti executed an astounding wall run across the gap. When she started to lose traction, the crowd let out a unanimous gasp. But Velti simply sprung to the adjacent wall and finished her run. She launched herself to the other end and the spectators went wild.

"Brilliant agility on Padawan Munar." Tapal complimented.

"I didn't know someone could be so epicandgraceful at the same time!" Cosma added. "Let's get an instant replay for everyone watching at home!" Master Kalia watched with glee as her Padawan's feat was cheered on by the masses.

"Hurry!" Tori scolded as she and Surk Force-pushed the tiles to form a bridge.

"I'm going as fast as I can," the Zabrak grunted.

"Then gofaster!" she growled. They set enough tiles to reach the other side and speedily traversed them. Tori noticed Anna and the others rounding the corner, so she pretended to fall. When she hit the bridge, she used the Force to discreetly loosen piping between the tiles. By the time Anna, Dokin, and Nelani started to crossing, the tiles were coming undone.

Nelani yelped as the bridge snapped beneath her feet and she quickened her pace. Knox made it across with Anna hot on his heels. The bridge collapsed behind them as Nelani and Dokin made a last-minute jump for the edge. She caught the side while he barely snagged her boot. The Duros' weak grip was slipping as she cried out, "Anna!" She spun to see Nelani on the brink of plummeting. "Help!"

Anna's eyes darted between Nelani and the ladder to the next stage. "I-" Anna uttered.I thought you wanted to be better!she scolded herself.But I also want to win this thing. Every moment I waste put the others ahead of me. This isn't life or death. It's a competition and Nelani has to understand."I'm sorry," Anna said and ascended the ladder.

All Nelani could do was gasp. Her scarlet eyes widened not with anger, but with fear and sadness. Her grip loosened as Dokin weighed her down and she inevitably slipped. Both Padawans plunged into the gap and landed in an indigo safety net.

Mixed reactions from the crowd echoed across the arena as Cosma gasped. "Ladies and gentlemen," she grieved. "Padawans Trell and Wez have fallen out of bounds. This is unfortunately a disqualification."

"That was a difficult decision for young Dellian," Tapal commented. "Acting in her own self-interest like that..."

"Then again, thisisa competition." Cosma insisted.

Mattias was a sweaty mess. Though the other master's didn't speak, he could feel the weight of their stares upon him. Most of all, he dreaded looking at the Selkath beside him. "Chaki," Mattias stuttered. "I-"

"You can't blame yourself for Anna's actions," Chaki huffed and his lobes drooped. "It's like the celebrity said, right? It's a competition." Mattias still felt awful about the situation and could tell his friend was disappointed.

While he tried to focus on the race, he couldn't help but overhear Dokin's master say, "Well she's no Elsa. That's for sure." The comment left him struggling to quell his rising anger.

As Anna ascended the ladder, Tori's words plagued her mind."Once a speciesist, always a speciesist."

"No," Anna reminded herself aloud. She fought to shake the image of two aliens falling off the edge.If it had been a life or death situation, I would've saved them.she told herself. Anna reached the top of the platform and found a series of swaying blocks. Each was guided by a repulsorlift system and changed directions sequentially. "Here we go," Anna muttered under her breath before jumping to the first block. She tried not to focus on the race leaders, but Gav was so far ahead. He and Velti were battling for first while Tori and Surk raced behind. Knox was still Anna's primary target as she leapt after him. Her eyes scoured the blocks for a pattern as she timed her jumps.

Cosma started cackling uncontrollably. "Ohoho," she rejoiced. "Our leaders are about to dive into the Devious Depths!" She leaned in to mutter something to Master Tapal. "TheCool Poolwas rejected by corporate." The Lasat rolled his eyes and watched on.

Velti shoved ahead of Gav on the moving blocks and dove headfirst into the nearby pool. He, Tori and Surk all jumped feet first while the others caught up. "Finally," Anna huffed as she reached Knox's side. "I've...got you-" The Nautolan eagerly launched into his natural element. "-now?" Anna sighed. She summoned what strength she could find and threw herself over the final block. The camera's stayed on Anna's flailing body as she plunged beneath the artificial waves. When she did so, Anna's mind warped back to her desperation on Scarif and Manaan. She channeled those survival instincts as she breached the surface of the water and swam forward. With each thrust of her arms and kick of her feet, Anna surged on.

"It looks like Riden's dampening feathers are slowing him down!" Cosma announced. "Munar takes the lead!"

"I wouldn't be so sure about that," Tapal quipped. The camera's switched to an underwater view and revealed Knox swimming across the bottom of the pool. "Nautolans can breathe underwater, so he has the advantage here."

"Well, they're not called theDevious Depthsfor nothing!" Cosma assured. The crowds gasped when jets beneath the surface combined to create a current. While the Padawans initially believe this to be a simple endurance test, they were proven wrong as a whirlpool formed around them. The six remaining contestants were sucked into the aquatic vortex and fought to free themselves. Anna tried diving under, but the current only flipped her over and forced her to the surface. She flailed alongside her opponents as whitewater splashed across her face. "This is not looking good for anyone, folks!" Cosma shrieked. "Whowill prevail?Howwill they succeed?Whatwill it take for me to reach five million subscribers on social media?Youcan help me by logging in to-"

"Can we focus, please?" Tapal scolded. "I'm seeing some action at the epicenter."

Cameras panned back to the maelstrom where Tori was attempting to blast water away with a Force-repulse. She couldn't harness enough energy to match the current's, but was able to quell a portion of the vortex. It was enough for Surk to look up and spot multiple ropes dangling from the finish line tower. "There!" he exclaimed before submerging under pressure. His hand broke the surface and called one of the cords to him. The other Padawans mimicked his method as the tower's multiple strands descended upon the whirlpool.

"Sensational work!" Cosma cheered with the crowds. "Climb, Jedi! Climb!"

"Come on," Anna grumbled as she struggled to maintain any concentration with the Force. She tried to recall her sister's teaching's from the Temple of Huzwan.Though you can see it with your eyes, try to picture it in your mind.Anna visualized one of the free ropes dangling above the waves and willed it to her. Her eyes widened when she felt its knotted threading graze her palm. "Holy kriff!" she gasped and clenched the rope. Her skin burned as the water pulled her against it. Still, she persisted against the current until her body was free. Drenched and dripping, the Padawans ascended the tower via their ropes.

"They're on the home stretch now," Tapal said.

"Andno oneis yielding any time soon!" Cosma shouted. "Oh I can't watch...but I must!"

It was an-all out race for the apex as exhaustion caught up with the Padawans. Gav's soaked feathers were weighing him down while Surk's muscles started to strain. While Anna persisted, she slowed her pace to give her arms a brief recovery. Of all the apprentices, Knox proved to have the least upper arm strength. He grunted profusely while inching himself upward. Velti's speed seemed unmatched as she hauled herself up the rope. Realizing his wings were slowing him down, Gav dug his beak into the cord and used it as a climbing piton. His taloned feet clung to the rope and granted him the boost he needed to ascend.

"I see Padawan Riden is relying on his Avinarian roots once again," Tapal admired. "Most impressive."

"It's Riden and Munar!" Cosma frantically screeched. "Neck and neck as they near the top!"

Surk and Tori were climbing at the same pace until the latter heard Anna closing in. She glared down at her opponent until Surk intervened. "Tori," he said. "Leave her. We're ahead."

"Let's make sure it stays that way," Tori intoned. Blinded by rage, she swung towards Anna's rope. While pretending to find a better climbing spot, Tori attempted to unravel Anna's cord with the Force. Suddenly, Tori's still wet hands slipped and she fell directly into Anna.

The crowd bursted into shouts as Anna and Tori collided. "They're spinning out of control!" Cosma panicked. Mattias and Krell unknowingly stood up at the same time to observe the chaos. When the ropes settled, the cameras closed in to reveal that Anna and Tori had been tied together. Both were dangling upside down for all to see while Gav raced to the top. "Talk about an entanglement!" Cosma commented. "But wait, here comes Riden...can it be? It is!" With one last pull of his beak, Gav hauled himself over the finish line. "And Riden takes first followed closely by Munar!" The Twi'lek collapsed beside him as both caught their breath. While she waved to the crowds, Gav squawked and basked in his glory.

"Revan's redemption!" Master Chuza chirped. "That was incredible, Gav! Now that I know he's in, I'm going to get a snack. Let me know who else makes it."

"Two spots secured and two to go," Tapal said. "With Padawan Vogan nearing the top and unless Deeker can hustle, that fourth spot will either go to Dellian...or Vica."

"That'sifthey can get themselves unraveled," Cosma quipped.

Tori wriggled in her restraints and ultimately struck Anna with the back of her head. "Will you quit squirming?" Anna snapped. "You'll make usbothfall."

"I only needyouto," Tori growled and kicked at the overhead rope.

"If we both turn clockwise," Anna deduced. "We can unravel the ropes from our bodies. Once we're free, all bets are off. Deal?"

"Never," Tori hissed and continued to kick the rope. "You're. Probably. Trying. To trick me!"

"Kriffing hell, Tori." Anna murmured. "I can't even think straight with the amount of blood rushing to my head right now. So please just-"

Tori unleashed a sporadic Force repulse that uncoiled both ropes. As a result, neither had time to catch their cord and fell. While Tori snagged one of the tower's ledges, Anna managed to loop her leg around her rope.Okay,she thought.Free from Tori...great! Still upside down...poodoo.

While Tori made for her rope, Anna had no choice but to crunch forward. She grunted in pain and tightening her core to reach for her rope. "Alright!" Cosma lauded. "Padawan Dellian reminding us not skip ab day. "Just look at the determination on her face!"

Push through,Mattias willed to his apprentice.I know it hurts, but you're almost there.

With a mighty push, Anna grabbed the rope and freed her leg. Applause filled the stadium as she proceeded to climb up. Tori Force-pulled her own rope over and gave chase, but nothing would stop Anna's momentum. As the roaring crowd cheered her on, Anna's pace only quickened. Her endorphins were rushing with each pull as she neared the top. Her abdomen burned, but she didn't care. Tori's overwhelming frustration was only slowing her down, and Surk knew it. The Zabrak was almost to the final ledge when he paused completely. His grip tightened while his master raised a brow from the stands.

"Whatis he doing?" Savil queried.

Thinking of his friend and hoping to bring her closure, Surk channeled the Force. He called upon enough energy to shatter the ledge beneath his hand. "What's this?" Cosma gasped. "Padawan Vogan's taking a nasty fall!"

To many, it would look as though the structure simply gave out. But as Surk purposefully hurtled past Tori, they locked eyes for a brief moment. His solemn gaze made her realize that her venomous words had reached him. As he sacrificed his spot in the finals and splashed into the waters below, Tori angrily ascended.

"And it's Padawan Dellian in third!" Cosma shouted. "Vica comes in at fourth to secure the final place in our Corellian Cup final. What a finish!"

As applause erupted across the stadium, Anna shook out her aching arms and clenched her throbbing core. As one of the probe droids focused on her, she gave its camera a nod. If anyone she knew was watching, she wanted them to know she was grateful for their lessons. She was honored to have endured enough experiences to make it this far. As Mattias saw her face up on the megascreen, he couldn't hold back a smile. Anna peered over at Tori, who for once...wasn't shooting her a death glare. Instead, the Pantoran was watching Surk dry himself off from below.

"He gave up his spot for you," Anna said. "Didn't he?"

Tori clenched a fist and turned to her. "When I'm done with you, Anna-" she hissed. "-his actions will not have been in vain. I'll see you in the finals, Anna."

Author's note:Thank you so much for reading this week's epic installment! Thank you for your amazing support and your reviews are always appreciated. I am so happy that you are enjoying the adventure and it's a pleasure to bring you more! Tune in nextFrozen Force Fridayto unravel the dark mysteries of Felucia and find out the exciting conclusion of the Corellian Cup Final. Anna and Elsa have so much more in store next time on "The Frozen Force!"

May the Force be with you and Long Live Imagination!

~Sparks