This Could Be the Start of Something New...

[Lilla Syrin]

Her hunch was becoming stronger – or rather, the Force’s nudge that she needed to look further afield was increasing.

Standing, she noted the man moving when the red light was illuminated. She followed at a safe distance, finally facing a man whose demeanour suggested his role was not to let anyone through that was not on a pre-defined list.

Lilla smiled and raised her right hand, her fingers pointing skyward. Performing a slight wave, she said softly, “You don’t need to see my credentials.”

“I don’t need to see your credentials,” the man echoed, in a somewhat hollow tone.

“I can go straight through.”

“You can go straight through,” he repeated, and Lilla made her way through the door and down to an area that was not designed to hold as many people as it currently did. Lively didn’t do it justice.

She looked at the caged arena at the centre. Gladiators. Only surpassed in providing entertainment to the underworld fraternity by scantily clad women, it was a spectator sport and a chance to make a killing in gambling. Pun intended.

[member="Ayoven"]

 

[Ayoven]

[member="Lilla Syrin"]

With the arena stuffed to capacity, it was time for the games to begin. Adaran stood at the center of the ring, a microphone in his hand.

“All right, you bunch of lousy degenerates!” He said into the speaker, wasting no time on flashy showmanship, “You know why we’re here, so let’s get to it!” There was a rousing cheer from the crowd as the lights switched off, leaving only Adaran illuminated.

“Over here, a new challenger, looking to make his mark in a real ring!” Adaran declared, gesturing to one side of the ring, “Act decent, or don’t, for the Butcher of Ord Mantell, the Reaver!” A decent amount of applause followed, as a huge man wielding a length of durasteel that hardly could be considered a non-lethal weapon strode into the ring. He was massive and built, covered head to toe in battle armor. He was like a cross between a Wookiee and a hover tank.

“And over here, the fighter you really came to see!” Adaran continued, “She’s deadlier than a nexu and twice as fierce, the pride and joy of Adaran’s Ring, the undefeated undisputed champion, the Red Maiden!” Cheers erupted from the crowd as Ayoven stepped into the ring. Dressed in her light armor, she looked like a dwarf next to the Reaver, even at her respectable height of 5’11. The look in her eyes, however, was unmistakable. She wasn’t scared of him, not one bit. She would win, and she knew it.

The two opponents faced each other, sizing up the odds. Ayoven liked what she saw. Big weapon? Check. Big armor? Check. Slow as hell? Definitely.

“Fighters ready?” Adaran said, again wasting no time, “Fight!”

And they were off. The Reaver roared and charged, swinging his staff in a horizontal sweep that would have crushed Ayoven’s rib cage if she hadn’t flipped sideways over it, bringing down her baton on the man’s shoulder and sending a jolt of current down his arm. He roared again and swiped at her with a backhand, but the lithe girl danced out of his range. There was a cheer from the crowd as Ayoven flipped her hair back, but her victory was short lived. The Reaver looked none the worse for wear, and he was soon coming at her with a flurry of swings, which should have been impossible for such a huge weapon, and man.

Nevertheless, Ayoven took it all with a calculating precision, sliding around the whipping staff like the dancer she’d trained to be, jolting repeatedly as she slowly wore the massive man down. The cheers of the crowd filled her ears as she slipped into an almost meditative State. This is where she belonged, where she was meant to be. The Reaver‘s rages of protest were nothing but a dull roar in her ears.

Unbeknownst to her, Ayoven was showing off more than her battle skills. Every last second movement, every sudden burst of superhuman speed or strength, every precognition allowing her to barely catch the edge of the giant pole and deflect it away; to a casual observer it was nothing but reflex, years of training and practice. To someone one with the Force, however, every movement was a flare in the fabric of the galaxy. The Force was strong with this one, know it she may not.

Finally, the battle came to a head. The Reaver, armor practically smoking with all the electricity, gave a last roar and lifted his staff for one final last ditch strike. As it came down Ayoven prepared herself to parry. It was so easy, a throwaway move. Before she could commit, however, a sudden surge of warning ran along her spine. Whether brought about by the presence of the Jedi or merely the will of the Force, this was more than just a hunch, or years of training. Something was telling her plain as day: Feint.

She stopped her movement just as the Reaver, will incredible strength and skill, in the blink of an eye turned the overhead strike into a whirling horizontal slash that would have caught the Red Maiden completely off-guard, if not for the strange power revealing his intentions. Instead, Ayoven slid under the strike, guiding it away with just the slightest nudge of her baton. Before the Reaver could recover from his shock, Ayoven was up, spinning around to drive her shock baton into his side, finding a gap in his armor at the armpit. Before he could react, a full load of electric current blasted into his unprotected body, surging through his skin. For a moment he was stunned, and by the time he had shaken off the blast, Ayoven had met his spinning head with a left hook that would have put down a ronto.

And that was it. The Reaver was down, nose bleeding and eyes crossed. Ayoven took a few deep breaths, then with a raised fist bathed in the cheers of the crowd.

 

[Lilla Syrin]

Lilla paid little attention to the first combatant. He had size on his size but that did not automatically equate to anything – unless he knew what to do with that advantage. Some did but most did not – relying on sheer weight to carry the day, until they met an opponent smarter than them.

His opponent was worthy of a second glance however. Given the nature of the event, she was not a crowd favourite purely on the strength of her looks – but Lilla suspected many added that into their assessment of her. No, her size and light armour suggested she absolutely did know how to use her attributes. The smart money ought to be on her. Not that Lilla gambled. And even if she was so inclined, she was a Jedi, and therefore had no credits. Or a bank account. She had no need for either. She had enough money in her pocket for her next meal – and that was all she required.

Lilla scanned the crowd. Given her natural empathetic ability, she had her mental wall fully in place. This many emotions, and so powerful, in such a close proximity? Her mind would explode if she opened up to them. And she knew what she’d sense anyway – greed and lust being at the top of the list.

To the big man’s credit, he was quick and he appeared relentless. But his physique, even if he had the brains to utilise his brawn, was built for one thing and one thing only – power. Stamina would be beyond him. And so it proved, as the woman continually wore him down.

As Lilla focused more on the contest, and less on the crowd, she sensed something new. The Force. Not in the sense it was here – the Force was everywhere, in every living being. No, it was being channelled. Lilla closed her eyes momentarily, and using Force Sight created a mental map of her surroundings. The 3-D image in her head was different to what her eyes could see. Walls became transparent and she could see in all directions at once – even up and down. Inanimate objects appeared clod, lifeless – given that’s what they were. People, on the other hand, showed up as containing life – and Lilla was now sufficiently trained to register someone’s health, so could see those close to death with disease for example.

But making all others pale into insignificance was the woman in the ring. She had an aura that said she was a Force sensitive. Lilla surmised that she was untrained – but the potential was definitely there. She was no doubt drawing on the Force subconsciously, allowing it to boost her reflexes, aid her strength, maybe even see attacks before they had been unleashed. But above all, her speed was augmented.

Lilla’s eyes snapped open. The Force was a curious ally. It regularly gave warnings, but never gave you the precise cause. Lilla occasionally found it infuriating, but appreciated the heads-up anyhow. Right now, there was danger and as she watched, she sensed the deception in the big man’s manoeuvre – and so did the red-head.

And she capitalised on it. His last throw of the dice was found out and he paid the price, as the woman ended the contest.

Lilla wondered how the result would be met by the crowd. She was clearly a favourite and therefore will have been backed heavily. But bookies hated favourites to win and judging by the crowd’s reaction during the fight, the Jedi would be surprised if many backed the giant. She hoped those that were taking the bets had enough credits to cover their losses, or the main event might not have even started yet!

[member="Ayoven"]

 

[Ayoven]

[member="Lilla Syrin"]

As the crowd cheered, Adaran stepped to the center of the ring and raised Ayoven's fist high in the air. The cheers continued, though there were more than a few solemn faces in the crowd as well. Adaran did not have house bets; to a former Mandalorian warrior, the joy and satisfaction of watching two warriors battle until only one stood was reward enough. But, this was the Coruscant underworld, and quite a few people, almost exclusively off-worlders who had never watched Ayoven fight, would be walking home with empty pockets tonight. They might have a chance to regain it later, when other challengers battled each other, but Ayoven had fought her battle. Even if she'd wanted to fight more, there was not one regular attendee to Adaran's Ring willing to step in the ring with her, and almost certainly every off-worlder who had seen the last fight would want to steer clear as well.

As Adaran began introducing the next set of fighters, Ayoven left the ring to head back to the room. The victor she may be, but her arms and legs still ached and her breath was still short. She needed to rest. As she walked back, however, a thought suddenly occurred to her. She had beaten every challenger, defeated every warrior willing to face her in combat. This was her life, but how many more off-world champions could Adaran finagle into battling the famed Red Maiden? It had taken all his contacts just to get the Reaver into the ring.

When there were no challengers left, what would she do?

 

[Lilla Syrin]

Lilla was conflicted. In one sense, the young woman was free to live whatever life she wanted. She may not wish to know she is Force Sensitive. She may already know and have had a bad experience of the Jedi. Or any one of a thousand scenarios that ended up with the same conclusion - she should be left alone.

But the other thought in Lilla’s head was to imagine she was a Sith. Would a dark-sider walk away? Lilla knew the answer to that one. She would be either seduced to the dark-side, or her life ended — for to the Sith, you were either an ally or an enemy.

So, Lilla surmised she owed it to the young woman to at least have a choice. If she chose to walk away, she could at least be warned about what might happen if the Sith came knocking one day.

Lilla made her way through the throng, sliding effortlessly between the masses and walking on a parallel course to the woman, who had exited the ring and was now disappearing into another room. Lilla simply followed her, opening and closing the door quickly.

Bowing slightly, as was her custom, Lilla smiled at the young woman. “Please don’t be alarmed. My name is Lilla and I think we need to chat.” Her voice was calm and soft, yet carried authority as she spoke.

[member="Ayoven"]

 

[Ayoven]

[member="Lilla Syrin"]

Ayoven sensed, naturally, the approach of someone, and when the door opened and shut, she whirled around to face the intruder. Seeing it was a woman like herself, she paused mid-way to her shock baton long enough to hear her speak.

"Please don't be alarmed, my name is Lilla and I think we need to chat." Ayoven looked at the woman dubiously for a moment.

"Chat?" she finally said, "Chat about what? I'll have you know this is a private space, can't just go sneaking up on people. You're lucky I looked before I swung." As she spoke, the gears of Ayoven's mind were churning. Who could this woman be? An assassin? A fan? A nutcase? Any would be cause for concern, but as she finished and paused a moment, Ayoven suddenly sensed that same strange power she had from the man upstairs. It was still strange, still unsettling, and she still didn't like it.

"Who are you?" she asked, "What are you?"

 

[Lilla Syrin]

Lilla had met many who did not know they were Force Sensitives. Some suspected it, and were open to the news. Others were simply delighted to find out, or pleased to make sense of strange occurrences around them. But some did not relish the fact they could wield the Force, either because of their view of Jedi and Sith, or due to the fact the information was overwhelming.

“My name is Lilla. And I’m a Jedi. I don’t know how much you know about Jedi, and the Force. But regardless, I can tell you something that I’m sure you didn’t know. You have the ability to become a Jedi too — with the proper training.”

Lilla remained calm, her voice soft and slow, but carrying authority. “Does that surprise you?”


[member="Ayoven"]

 

[Ayoven]

[member="Lilla Syrin"]

Surprise her? Ayoven looked at the woman as if she'd suddenly grown a second head. A Jedi? The lightsaber-swinging, rock-flinging, self-righteous whatevers that Adaran had less than a good opinion of? This woman was one of them? And better yet, she was saying that Ayoven could be one too? Her first reaction was to place a rather disgusted look on her face.

"A Jedi? You're a Jedi?" she said in a disbelieving tone, "I heard they were all just oblivious monks and hermits, preaching peace and harmony while people like me suffer our whole lives just to make a living." Quite a venomous declaration, even for her. Not that she cared. Where had the Jedi been when her mother died? When her father drove himself crazy? When she was sold as a slave?

"Sorry sister," she said, "I like myself just where I am. I've got a roof, food, and all the fame and glory I could ask for, all right here." The decision was solid, the confirmation firm. She knew she didn't want to become a preachy, peace and love type, not on her life. But, even as she said the words, a little part of her couldn't help but be curious. For all that Adaran had said about Jedi being weak, lacking the spine to become true warriors, she had felt power in this woman. Strength, focus, mastery. She was confident, at least, walking into the locker room of a gladiatorial ring without so much as a second thought. Whatever her strength was, it was clear that she was not to be trifled with, or at least thought she wasn't.

"Out of curiosity though," she said, some of the venom leaving her voice, "What makes you think I could even become a Jedi?"

 

[Lilla Syrin]

Lilla stood quietly and listened. She was blessed with immeasurable patience and was known for her desire to listen – for, as her master had taught her, only when you are not talking do you learn.

But when the flame-haired woman asked a question – one that she genuinely appeared to wish to hear an answer to, she responded. Her voice was still calm and level. Her voice was not defensive and her tone was not sharing any hint at having taken offence by the comments.

“I am indeed a Jedi,” she said, her smile ever-present. “Our role, in peace-time would be akin to a monk’s – researching, reflecting, learning. But we do not preach – at least that is what our Code says. For, as with any walk of life, there are variations. Both in the rules and guidelines followed, and also individual’s adherence to the directions. But the Code, at its heart, does not permit operating from a position of knowing better than anyone. And we believe in peace and harmony – and work to deliver on that desire. But I dare say Jedi suffer more than you may know. We are selfless. We earn no income, risk our lives daily, ask no thanks, are on duty every minute of every day, have to adhere to a strict moral code, train tirelessly and ask for and receive neither fame nor glory.”

“Which no doubt sounds an obscure sales pitch. But then, I’m not here to sell you the life of a Jedi. It is not for most people, for the reasons I outlined. But it is a potential pathway for a few – those blessed to be able to connect with the Force, the energy that connects and binds us all, and Jedi can use to do great deeds.”

“I needed to tell you what is possible, and allow you to make your own decision. And to alert you to the fact that if I can sense your potential, so can many Force users. And some follow the dark-side. People like the Sith. It is a seductive path, easier to follow by far – offering fame, fortune and personal glory. But it corrupts, always. And if identified by a dark-sider, they will not – like me – give you a choice. Or at least they would be unlikely to. Seducing you is their first choice. If not, they would not appreciate a potential Jedi left behind and would either coerce you or kill you.”

“This is not a threat, or a fact intended to scare you into a decision. Merely a fact. You are not some borderline case. I sensed enough power in you to understand that, with the proper training, you could become a Jedi Master. Capable of significant feats by utilising the Force. And I don’t mean parlour tricks,” she didn’t even break eye contact – but around the gladiator items began to float, “But the ability to change history – often just by being a Jedi.” The items gently lowered and Lilla gently touched the red-head’s mind. Nothing invasive, just a projection of images – of Jedi training and various feats – and like a commentary, Lilla’s voice would be in her head. Barely above a whisper but carrying authority. 'The only limitation is your imagination. If you believe, you will be able to achieve all of these things and more in time.'

[member="Ayoven"]

 

[Ayoven]

[member="Lilla Syrin"]

Ayoven didn't know what to think of the woman's speech at first, but when the items began to float and the images came to her head, her mind began to change. The Jedi were far from the grey-bearded hermits sitting on hills that she had thought. In her mind she saw so many things: A Jedi with a blue saber facing down a giant cyborg, one weapon against four, his skill so great that even against such odds he gave no ground; a Jedi with a yellow saber watching from the shadows as crime lords made million-credit deals, just waiting for the right moment to strike; a Jedi with a green saber guarding a pack of young charges, fire and courage aflame in her eyes. By the Force, or whatever it was called, these people were warriors.

But, it was more than that. As she listened to the woman, and saw the images of Jedi feats, other images flashed in her mind: a man, reeking of alcohol, screaming as she huddled in a corner. Rough hands, grabbing her, yanking her away from everything she had ever known. Bright lights, leering eyes, as she was forced to do something she found so beautiful, for the most disgusting of reasons. The Jedi hadn't been there for her. They hadn't been there when her father had sold her, or any of the other evil things that had happened in her life. But now, she had the choice: the choice to become the Jedi that was there for her. If she gained this power, she could go into the galactic underworld, and take down the people who even now damaged the lives of so many.

True, it would be easier to stay here, but hadn't she just been thinking of what she would do when there were no more challengers? This was more than a chance for power, it was a chance for adventure, to get off of Coruscant and see the galaxy, and hone her skills even more. And besides, if she took the swift and easy path, she was no better than the fat, lazy crime boss di'kut's she hated so passionately. She'd gotten this far by blood, sweat, and tears; she was used to it.

"Me, a Jedi Master," she said, almost to herself. Then she stood up straight and composed herself.

"Ok, Lilla," she continued, "You got me."

 

[Lilla Syrin]

Lilla did not seek to eavesdrop on Ayoven’s mind. Her connection had been one way, and was dropped as soon as she’d shared the images.

“I will start by saying how pleased I am that you are considering the life of a Jedi. It is not for everyone and if, at any time, you decide it is not for you, then you can walk away – that is a given.”

“Why do I say this?” Her smile was ever-present, a genuine warm reflection of her disposition. “It is simple, because the life of a Jedi is not easy. Hard work is standard, but I can see you have the dedication to endure. Selflessness is harder, I believe – at least for most people. Jedi seek not glory nor wealth. And we have a strict Code to adhere to. Some organisations called themselves Jedi and ignore large parts of the Code. Does that make them bad? No. Not at all. But it is worth reflecting that the reason so many fall to the dark-side is because it is easier. Not better, just easier. And choosing to follow only parts of the Code is, by definition, easier than following all of it. Would I think less of you for going down that path? Of course not. The path you walk must always be your own – nobody else can walk it for you.”

“And if you wish to learn the ways of the Jedi, and wish a teacher, I can offer my services. But similarly, if you wish to seek another to train you, I will quite understand. I am fair, but I am firm. I would push you to be the best Jedi you can be. If we agreed to be Master and Padawan, that would be my deal.”

[member="Ayoven"]

 

[Ayoven]

[member="Lilla Syrin"]

It was impossible to explain what exactly had come over the young warrior. An hour ago, she'd been content to stay here on Coruscant, fighting in the pit and serving drinks, maybe throwing out the occasional rowdy patron. Now, her mind was filled with wonder and excitement. She was going to get off Coruscant! She was going to go places! She would learn new things, and maybe, just maybe, she'd come back one day, and ensure that what had happened to her never happened to anyone else ever again.

She was set and ready to go, until a word Lilla said snapped her eyes open. The images returned, terrible images. She slammed her eyes shut and tried to shake her head clear, but the pain she felt was obvious. Finally she managed to push it back into the dark corners of her mind, and regained her composure.

"I want to learn the way of the Jedi," she said, keeping her voice steady, "And I want you to teach me. But, there's just one thing." She looked Lilla right in the eyes, five years of evil etched in her gaze.

"I call no one master."

 

[Lilla Syrin]

Lilla kept her counsel. It would be easy to bombard someone with recommendations or compelling arguments, but Lilla knew the future had to be of the individual’s making. Anyone convinced quickly would and could be swayed swiftly too. She would let the young woman make an initial decision and then allow those thoughts to settle, to provoke new questions. And Lilla would be here to answer them. Should the former warrior wish it. For Lilla knew that, regardless of her choice, she would never be the same person again.

Lilla nodded at the initial acceptance and smiled at the use of the word ‘but.’ In Lilla’s experience, it could be more damaging than an army of Sith – and it was a word she avoided using for that reason. For it rendered the words spoken before it mute. Except Lilla could understand where the young woman was coming from – and her motivations were clear.

“You can call me pretty much whatever you want. The Master-Padawan titles and relationship are rooted in history, but the names are, as a rule, irrelevant. It presumes some aspect of hierarchy or superiority, which is false. I am no different to you. I am simply further along the road than you are, and we shall reach the same destination – just at different times. I take no offence, as I’m sure none is intended.”

“Upon meeting a new Jedi, I tend to use their title as a matter of protocol. But I see it as a title only, not a privilege. And I bow to every Jedi – regardless of age, title or ability. Again, it is tradition and I choose to uphold it. Once more, it is not obligatory.”

“But the key to being a Jedi – and so you must be clear in your own mind why you choose to avoid the naming – and this does not have to be shared with anyone, not even me. For a Jedi serves. Serves as an equal, yes, but serves none the less.”

[member="Ayoven"]

 

[Ayoven]

[member="Lilla Syrin"]

Ayoven was glad that Lilla accepted her declaration and did not attempt to force her into doing something. It was a shame really. Lilla seemed like a nice person, genuinely interested in making Ayoven grow. Adaran had been the same. Though very much her senior in years and in skill, Adaran had not lorded himself over his charge, contrary to the people in her past. If Ayoven were a slightly different person, she would not hesitate to show this woman the same respect. But she wasn't that kind of person. Ayoven's life had been one of survival, and before she came to Adaran she had been wounded time and again by people she should have been able to trust. Her respect was not easily earned nor kept, and it would take more than some fancy images and words to make her trust Lilla enough to let down the walls that still surrounded her heart. For now she would learn; maybe someday, she'd learn to trust her new teacher as much as the one who had saved her life.

"I am willing to follow your guidance," she said simply.

 

[Lilla Syrin]

“Good,” Lilla said. “Even if there will be precious little formal guidance. I say that because this will be your path and your pace. So, it will be hard for me to necessarily guide you. Yes, if you go too fast or too slow – or even stray to the left or the right too much. But otherwise, it’s going to be your call. Yes, I will instruct you in certain things – like the Jedi Code and its tenets or how to construct a lightsaber – but what abilities you wish to learn or your preference for missions to use your skills practically – I will look to you do guide me.”

She smiled. “So, what would you like to know or learn first?”

[member="Ayoven"]

 

[Ayoven]

[member="Lilla Syrin"]

Ayoven didn't even know where to start. There were so many things that she had seen, so many things to make her stronger. But, best to start with something simple. Even she wasn't a master of the shock baton her first time either.

"Lifting rocks," she said, "That's a thing right?"