Coruscant… Majestic and incredible. I remember first seeing it only in Episode I of the Prequels. Truly seeing it. And then I was amazed; it was literally both a planet and a city. It held so much within itself. My imagination literally stalled, as speeders flew quite high, buildings were tall. Which means – there was so much interesting stuff there. Neither films, nor games, nor comics, nor books – were able to fully reveal this place. Only a personal visit… And by chance – I found myself in this crazy world of Star Wars. Yes… At first, I was even naive and foolish… But then the Force itself, or fate? It doesn't matter… I learned, or want to believe I learned, one simple truth. I can change not just the fate of the Galaxy, because I know what will happen and to what extent. I can change myself… Or rather, not like that… Without changing myself, I will never be able to change the Galaxy, no matter how much I want the good and kind guys to win, and the bad and evil ones – to lose.
Want to change something? Start with yourself… And even if I walked a crooked path of my changes. Not always even to myself was my path clear… But I have come a long way. Although there is still more to go… Now I see where this life is leading me. It's an endless struggle… With myself, the world order, other sentient beings… Literally with everything. A path shrouded in impenetrable darkness, despite its own clarity. What goals did I set for myself? What did I want to achieve? What do I want now? Many questions, the answers to which could lead me to death, and not just me, but to my death. But despite everything… Is it worth giving up, running away after all this? After all the sacrifices I've made, all the training and decisions? Deprivations? No… Let the path be dangerous… I chose it myself, even despite its danger. Before, I would have simply surrendered to the flow, although no… I would most likely have left. As quickly as possible… Disappeared somewhere far away.
But again… Is this what I was supposed to come to? To someone who runs away at the sight of difficulties? To someone who gives up on their dream, just because they don't have enough strength, because the path is long, difficult, and shrouded in darkness? No… Regardless of what I encounter on the path… Everything I encounter – will become part of this path. And no matter what I think, or what others think… No matter how broken I might be at times, morally, mentally, and physically… I will go on. Because I have to go on. Because if you don't do anything, but just whine about how you know better… Then nothing will happen… It would seem… I've come to such conclusions about myself so many times. So many times I've pondered my decisions, my goals, and my actions… Will this ever end?
Maybe… I'm just such a sentient being, I process everything too much. Although there are things that I completely ignore…
"Master," I said without turning around. My eyes darted over the information on the computer monitor. In parallel with self-analysis, I was studying military tactics.
"Hmm," Kuro hummed in surprise, "you noticed me?"
"I'm just applying your advice… When I'm calm and rational – it's much easier to notice sentient beings."
"And what about those words that poor, little teenager Light is afraid of me?" the Dark Woman asked slyly, in her own way, as she approached.
Without turning, I replied…
"A Jedi must not fear; fear clouds the mind. A clouded mind – leads to defeat. Everywhere. Diplomacy, war, politics, combat, engineering… Take some commanders, for example. They were so afraid of their enemies that they sometimes didn't fight, even though they had a much better army at the time. Their reputation made them afraid, fear – clouded their minds, a clouded mind led to defeat, or loss of initiative…"
"Interesting," An'ya Kuro said affirmatively from behind me. "But reading the history of the Great Hyperspace War, as told by a soldier from Anaxis Academy before the Jedi Trials. That's something new."
"I just realized that I was too focused on my combat aspect," I replied to her remark. "Jedi Knights can indeed contact the Justice Corps. And various things can happen in our Galaxy. What if I have to command troops? There will always be a bunch of idiots that you can't reach until you destroy their mini-army. And even a Knight with a Padawan can't always handle that. Despite the fact that in the 'Manual for Force Seekers,' which the Grand Master gave me to read – it was written that the 'back to back' of a teacher and student – can handle anything, no matter what it is. Like, I've already seen where a 'teacher-student' pair failed…"
"That's because the student was screwing around," Kuro stated sharply, sitting on my bed. "Or do you think Lorm died because he was weak? Lorm, who studied the artifacts of previous Jedi and Sith. Powerful Gifted ones… He studied their knowledge, techniques. In my opinion, he was not inferior to a Master of the Council. But do you think such people die because they lack strength? No… The only reason Teyron Jarps was able to catch him – was you. The only thing Lorm didn't know how to do – was to nurture and teach. That played a cruel and unfunny trick on him."
"That's quite harsh, Master," I shook my head, turning off the article and turning to her in my chair. Coruscant Prime partially illuminated my room, which faced west.
"But it's true, Light," the woman smiled sadly. "Not the Force and not knowledge… Wisdom and understanding. That's what helps a Jedi survive. Resourcefulness and the ability to improvise, understanding how to apply his abilities. What's the point if you know, for example, Pyrokinesis? Or are quite strong in fencing? Everything you use these skills for – is only combat."
"It's hard to argue with that, considering that both abilities you described – are essentially created for combat."
"Fundamentally, yes. But each ability can not only be studied but also improved for yourself… Or modified into a form that you can comprehend, if you are unable to grasp it for some reason…"
"And what is that a hint at?"
"It's not a hint," Kuro shook her head, "it's my last lesson for you. You're doing great, you've changed, become better. You've understood what's at stake. But here's more food for thought. Never get stuck on the basics. What has been invented – is good. What you have learned – is excellent. But what's next? So, you learned a skill, and that's it? Not at all… Or… You saw something that is beyond your power, or something they refused to teach you," she disappeared, only to reappear at the exit. "For some reason – you are unable to master a certain skill. But you feel its necessity for yourself. And therefore, you must work out an alternative. Your mistake, until recently, I hope, was that you perceive skills as a base. You have a certain barrier that says: 'enough, I've mastered it.'"
"But that's not true," I objected. "Haven't I improved Pyrokinesis, or Telekinesis? Or my fencing?"
"You have improved," Kuro agreed. "My lesson is aimed at ensuring that you, one day, don't suddenly stop and say: 'that's it, I'm not doing anything else because it's enough.' So… It's never enough. You decided you would move forward. You gathered courage, a bit of wisdom. But everyone decides that for themselves when they become a truly adult sentient being, Light. And that's not enough, I'll tell you. You've acquired skills as you grew up. They've become deeply ingrained in you. But the point isn't to know something by a certain point. The point is not to forget, while moving forward – to improve it. That's exactly what led Lorm astray. He didn't see the beginning of stagnation in you. He couldn't see it. As a result, you weren't ready. But you – were helped by the death of my friend," she leaned against the wall, sighing heavily, "it spurred you on. It planted doubts in you. And it also built a real core in you that helped you not to break in the end. And here you are. You're almost sixteen. And the Council intends to test you. To test you, to make you a Jedi Knight, a protector of the weak and oppressed. But a Jedi Knight – is not the limit of dreams. And not even the title of Grand Master of the Order is the limit of dreams. There is no limit, in reality. So… You thought you hit it, that led to the death of your mentor and… I suspect, that girl was also important to you…"
"Yes," I said, looking into my mentor's eyes. "She was…"
"I won't ask. You won't answer, you clearly won't want to. The point of the lesson is that you not only try to move forward, as a person, as a Jedi. But don't forget about your abilities and skills, which you will have to develop. Or am I wrong in telling you this?"
"You are right, Master," I nodded. "Although I know, approximately, what you are talking about. And I've come to the same conclusions."
"I want to believe that's true," Kuro placed her hand on her chest, over her heart, closing her eyes. "The Trials will be tomorrow. First – the Trial of Body. In normal cases – it can even be credited as a battle with a Dark Gifted One. Like Shylaj was. But the Council considered that not enough and decided to put you through another confrontation. We have a wonderful tool here," Kuro smirked slightly unpleasantly.
Could it be the device with which they could project previously seen Sith Lords for battles with Padawans. Something similar was done by that droid "Proxy" from Unleashed Force. In the Halls of Trials, there is a special artifact that recreates any sentient being based on parameters recorded in the Archive.
"You're just telling me about the Trial?" I asked. "I feel a catch."
"Correct," Kuro smiled. "There is a catch. Until the Trial itself, you don't know who exactly the Council chose as your opponent."
"I'm burning with anticipation," I licked my lips. "Perhaps Exar Kun? Or Revan in his Sith persona?"
"Dream on," Kuro chuckled. "Those are opponents for true Masters. And they would be more suitable for the Trials of Skill and Courage, because surviving a confrontation with them, even if they recreate weakened versions – not everyone can. Some surrendered before even starting the battle."
"That's not about me. Whoever they put against me – I don't plan to surrender until my opponent falls."
"We'll see," Kuro grinned wickedly. "Your friend Feemor – passed all the trials quite quickly. Although that's probably because of his Master Qui-Gon, who found himself a new Padawan with good potential. Let's see how you do."
"Feemor is a separate case," I sighed. Even after passing the Trials – I can call him a Knight with great reservation. Why? Because Qui-Gon simply trained him to get through the Trials. Feemor himself told me that Qui-Gon is strong, wise, and knows a lot about the Force. However – he is too focused on searching for the secrets of the Force. I remember this from the prequels – he was pleasantly surprised by Anakin's initial abilities and clearly wanted to train Skywalker, having sent Kenobi for Trials before that. With Feemor, he did the same thing now. As soon as he noticed Xanatos, Qui-Gon simply started pulling my former groupmate through, so that he would pass the Trials. With great difficulty, but he passed. Which led to the result. Feemor himself was dissatisfied with him, because according to him – he didn't finish learning, he turned out to be not a strong Knight. Although – he is smart, because he understands that he's not the best Knight, so he started self-education, became a Jedi Archivist, and trains himself day by day. Not God knows what, but I think something will come of it.
"You're right about that," Kuro headed for the door. "Tomorrow. Ten AM Coruscant time. Trial Hall number four. They are located on the lower level."
"Wait, Master!" I stopped her at the door.
"Well, what is it?" Kuro turned to me.
"You only told me about the Trial of Body, but what about the Trial of Perception? What will be on it…"
"You dressed-up fool," Kuro shook her head. "The Trial of Perception is called that precisely because you must discover its essence yourself. But it will be in the same hall… May the Force be with you, student. I hope you won't have to return to me as a Padawan. I believe you are ready."
She opened the door and simply left my room. Alright… I turned off the computer and started undressing. Tomorrow is indeed an important day, the Trials. The remaining ones. Therefore, I need to get a good night's sleep and not disgrace myself. A battle with a Sith Lord, as I understand it, and some cunning riddle. Which will probably make my brain boil.
In the morning, the Temple was already bustling. Jedi were waking up early and all hurrying about their business. Younglings scurried through the Temple corridors in their groups, rushing either to breakfast or already to training. Padawans were noticeable by their signature braids; some of them were talking with their Masters. Also – I noticed a couple of Temple Guards who patrolled the Temple – around the clock. And, of course – other Jedi Knights – were also going about their business, talking, some clearly intending to head out on another mission. The Halls of Trials, there were several of them, were located on the lower level of the Temple. There were a total of five Halls of Trials. The most interesting thing is that in each Hall, any Trial could be initiated. There was no Hall solely for the Trial of Skill or Spirit… They were all universal. Why was this done, if usually only one Padawan underwent the Trials at a time? Well, usually one Padawan underwent the Trials at a time. But there could be several. This was especially practiced during wars, where Jedi Knights were always and everywhere needed. Then the Trials could be accelerated, or even changed.
The turbolift took me to the lower level of the Temple. The atmosphere here was much gloomier, dark corridors, cool air. I was in my full gear – clothes, with the hood pulled over my head, bracers, lightsaber holders, the lightsabers themselves. Not far from the Fourth Hall, I found two Jedi. Two Masters: Yan Dooku and Jonnal Ezar. Dooku was dressed in classic light-colored Jedi attire. A brown cloak was noticeable behind him. Jonnal, however, preferred white clothing, like Dooku, but it wasn't a classic Jedi tunic, but clothing as similar as possible to mine.
"Light Flaingstar," Dooku's voice was high and commanding. "We: Master Yan Dooku," he nodded, "and Master Jonnal Ezar," the Chief among the Jedi Shadows nodded slightly, "have been appointed by the Council to oversee your Trials. You must pass the Trials of Body and Perception. If you pass them – you will become a Jedi Knight. In case of failure – you will return to training with your Master," Kuro would kill me for failing. She probably took me because of the memory of her older friend. And she clearly didn't want me to stay with her for long. "Do you understand everything? Do you have any questions, Padawan?"
"No, Master," I shook my head.
"In that case," Ezar took the floor. "Let's begin. And we will start with the Trial of Body. Prepare yourself. The Council believes you must pass it through a confrontation with a Gifted One. You don't need to hold back. The Gifted One we will recreate – is no longer alive. Therefore – you need to show everything you know and can do."
"Can you tell me – who exactly will you project?" I asked.
"And what will you do with this information?" Dooku asked me. "Run away from the Trials? Or remember some trick? A Jedi must always be ready for anything. Sometimes you don't even know who your opponent is, how they will act. But you must be able to not only anticipate an attack, but also respond worthily," Dooku said haughtily. "We can tell you who your opponent is..."
"But that won't characterize you in the best light," Jonnal continued. "And now," he gestured towards the door. "Welcome."
The huge door opened, revealing an empty room-hall to me. It was truly enormous, lined with simple stone.
"So I have to go in," I nodded... "What the hell?" I turned around. Both Masters had vanished without a trace.
"Your Trial begins here. Don't delay, Padawan!" Dooku's voice echoed from somewhere far away. I entered the hall and looked around. It didn't pretend to be anything unique. Just a hall with an ordinary stone floor and walls. It was dimly lit by lamps that shone right by the ceiling... No. These are not lamps... These are crystals. Hmm? I noticed the center of the Hall. Right in the middle, with his back to me, sat a Jedi. His hood was pulled over his head. What is this? The one conducting the Trial? Slowly and unhurriedly, I approached the Jedi. His clothing was standard for the Order, and it could literally be anyone.
"You took a long time to get here, Apprentice," a voice, painfully familiar, sounded. It can't be... They... The next moment, the Jedi stood up sharply, turned, and closed the distance to me, activating his lightsaber. I activated mine and blocked an attack that would have turned me into a second Darth Maul on Naboo, judging by the vector of the blow.
And of course. In the light of the cyan and green blades, I could see the face of the one fighting me. A Zabrak's face, painfully familiar. Master Lorm Decer. This is who they chose for me as a physical Trial... With a wave of my hand, I threw the master back.
"And you've learned a lot, you've definitely gotten stronger," the man said, twirling his saber.
"That's not all," I replied, stretching my left arm. The master knows perfectly well what I'm capable of with a single saber. Soresu and Ataru. If they loaded data about what he taught me, which is immediately clear since he recognized me, then fighting him with his usual styles is a waste of time... If I want to pass the Trials quickly and well, I have to surprise him. In a quick fight, surprise can play a cruel trick. Right... The master sprang forward at the same time as me. We crossed sabers. I made a classic upward diagonal attack from below, while he made a mirrored one to block the blow. Lorm Decer uses Shien and is clearly stronger than me. Therefore, I immediately broke contact with his saber, again directing my left hand, using Pyrokinesis. The Technique of Change, manifested in the form of a fireball, quickly traveled to Lorm Decer; only about two meters separated us. The man dodged the attack, and here was my chance. I closed the distance to him again... Calmly... It's just a Trial. You can do it. A moment, and he blocked my attack again... But. A second saber appeared in my left hand, and a second later, he was pierced right in the stomach.
"Gha!" Lorm Decer looked at me with surprise. "Not bad. But..." his saber fell, along with his body. "Nothing is over yet."
"It's over," I disagreed, deactivating my sabers. "I passed the Trial, Master. I am stronger than you."
"Oh, you're so sure about that," the projection of the fallen Jedi smirked. "Remember what excessive confidence in your abilities led to last time? I died at your hands then too. It's your fault that I can only exist as a pathetic projection in the Hall of Trials. It's your fault..."
"I won't be bothered by such words. Yes, it's my fault, I admit it. But what do you want me to do, Master?"
"Win," he raised his hand, as if reaching for my forehead. "Win... Me... As many times as it takes," his palm closed. His index finger pointed to the side. I looked in the direction he was pointing. In front of me stood Jedi Knight Lorm Decer. Alive and well.
"Now this is interesting," I licked my lips. "Very interesting..."