Chapter 9 - The Lightsaber For The Good Of The People
"Keep my mind from constant turning"
~*~
"Are you really a princess?" A blonde youngling girl asked Aurelia as she rested on a couch.
Aurelia sat up, making eye contact with Obi-Wan who sat next to her, his back against the couch with his arm extended across the back cushions. He smiled at her, gave her a wink, and she turned away from him with a blush becoming prominent on her cheeks. She returned her attention to the youngling, now many of them seated at her feet, and nodded in response. "I am."
The group of bewildered children gasped in awe, looking at each other. Another youngling spoke up. "So, do you rule over a kingdom?"
Aurelia stared at their expectant faces with a somber expression. "I did." They cocked their heads at her begging her to explain herself. She sighed and readjusted her body into a comfortable position to prepare herself for the story that brought her where she was today and what broke her away from her home. "It was not so long ago when I was back home, sitting within my family library at peace as any other day. I had a book in one hand and a cool cup of lemonade in the other, reminiscing in the stone walls of the castle. The days were tranquil, yet busy with much business to take care of. A lot of responsibility comes with ruling over a kingdom, and with that comes a lot of work. And I was in charge of that, with the help of my friends."
"Did you have a big office to do your work in?" One youngling asked, curiously.
Aurelia chuckle. "Yes, I did. It was my father's office before me. It was placed on the third floor in the Western wing of the castle. It was lined with dark wood and bookcases, beautiful fixtures, and fine furniture. It was surely a sight to see and was one of the most luxurious rooms I've ever resided in." She went silent for a moment, pondering that. Then she let out a laugh. "It's funny how much you miss things once they're taken from you."
Obi-Wan sat up at that. He could feel her sarcastic troubled tone that spoke volumes, at least to him. The younglings seemed to be oblivious to her deeper pain but continued to ask her about it nonetheless. "What happened to your home?"
Aurelia glanced up at them from her feet and gave them a soft, nervous smile. "The evil men came and destroyed my land, kidnapping me in the process. It lost everything." Silence befell the room again until Aurelia gained the courage to finish the story. "But thanks to Obi-Wan, I was freed and brought back to Coruscant, where I chose to become a Jedi." She smiled at them brilliantly. "And now I get to experience this threshold with all of you."
Immediately, the children brightened and scurried about giggling. However, as the others went about themselves, one red-headed youngling stayed behind. "I'm really sorry that your home was destroyed. I hope that becoming a Jedi will make you feel a part of a people again."
Aurelia smiled kindly. "Thank you, young one."
The redhead nodded and ran off with the others. Obi-Wan placed a hand on Aurelia's back, swirling it around comfortingly. She turned to him with a light sigh and a thankful expression. But Obi-Wan was still troubled by her strange way of reminiscing about her home planet. "Your thoughts about Earth are bittersweet. Why?" He asked her curiously.
Her eyes sparkled with contempt and conflicting emotions. She honestly didn't know what to feel or how to feel it. "I don't know." She moved her head away from him, focusing her glance on her feet. "I miss my home. I miss my people and how simple I had it. I guess I just realized how you can only ever see how simple you had it until you move onto something that is much more difficult than before." Aurelia went silent for a few moments, pondering over her past life in the green hills of Sleadia. It was so similar to Ireland, yet it was different. She had upheld the Gaelic traditions of her kingdom and her family, though she had originally thought it was a pain. Now that she had lost it all, she remained feeling empty and at a loss for words. All she had left were the remanent photographs of the green countryside and the memories of fancy parties with her family.
She remembered Christmas mornings when she was a little girl. Her little mind was so excited for Christmas morning that her body woke her at dawn. She would run across the castle floor and burst into her parents' bedroom, jumping on the bed repeatedly until they would wake and walk to the decorated living room with the large twelve-foot freshly cut tree placed beside the hearth. There were presents placed around the base of the tree, piled a mile high. But unlike most children her age who only cared about the potential toys wrapped within the colorful boxes, she waited for her parents to be seated and gave them their presents first. She wanted them to be taken care of first before herself. It wasn't the first time she had seen them worn out and tired from a long day's work, and she sure wasn't going to let that go in vain. So Christmas was one of those special days that she would humble herself for the sake of her beloved family.
Aurelia returned her longing gaze to Obi-Wan, a question formatting in her mind. "Have you ever had that? The feeling that you had it better before and you didn't realize it until time had already passed you by?"
Obi-Wan's gentle eyes caressed her fragile figure. Sure she was strong physically but mentally was another thing entirely. He could see her struggle and it bore into her heart like a screw in wood. Though this trip was a joyous one, he could still see her hurt and a dormant emotion of resentment and hatred for Count Dooku and those who had invaded her kingdom, killing her people. He didn't know what to do about it. He knew she was doing what she learned through the Jedi studies, not letting her emotions be revealed, but he also had learned from her that doing so would ultimately damage her. He was afraid for her, but should he really be worried? The emotions would blow over, right? He honestly didn't know what to do.
He sighed one last time, not knowing how to respond to her except honestly. "I guess I have. Moving from a youngling to a padawan, then again as I became a Jedi Knight. I don't have that many memories of my life before I was taken by the Jedi Order, but I guess that was another transition that was simpler before I moved up in my life."
Aurelia nodded solemnly, not taking too much comfort in his answer. Obi-Wan wished he could've said more, but he knew he didn't have anything he could use to aid her. So he only breathed out a breath of unsettlement and leaned back into the couch, keeping his eyes on her as her leg bounced up and down.
Within just a few moments, the ship exited hyperspace and landed on the surface of Illum. Obi-Wan was the first to rise, lending Aurelia his arm to walk toward the rest of the group by the ramp. She gladly took his arm and joined with the younglings as they waited before Master Yoda. A servant droid rolled out with a pile of heavy Eskimo coats, handing them out to everyone.
"A coat, you shall take. Cold, the planet is." Master Yoda explained, waving his hand toward the coats. Aurelia took a coat and wrapped it around herself, then helped Obi-Wan with his. He smiled down at her, reassuringly, which she was thankful for. All of their silent communication was something that Aurelia took comfort in, something she could hold onto when she wasn't doing too well. And that small transaction between the two of them was enough to level her out.
Master Yoda waved his cane to gain everyone's attention again. "The journey is short but fierce. Stay together and prevail, we shall."
Aurelia glanced at Obi-Wan as the ramp was lowered and a large gust of snowy wind blasted their faces. Aurelia shivered but, Obi-Wan grabbed her hood and placed it over her head before she could react. She gave him a thankful smile and followed him out into the blizzard. Painfully, they trudged their way through the snowy plains, toward a crystal ice mountain. When they arrived, they stood over a seal in the ground that resembled an old Jedi symbol.
"What are we to do now, Master?" A youngling asked, oblivious to the seal in the ground.
Master Yoda turned to the younglings, giving Aurelia a long, knowing glance of what was to come next. "Raise your hands, you must. Focus your mind on the Force and unlock the secret temple of the Jedi." He instructed. The children stood in awe, then raised their hands toward the crystal cliff. Aurelia did the same, as well as Obi-Wan, all working as a team to open the door. Crystal pieces clanged together, shifting every which way, ultimately revealing the desired door to enter. The younglings celebrated, jumping up and down, but Aurelia only smiled at them, then glanced back to her master. He was beaming, proud of all the younglings, but especially his padawan.
The group walked through the large doors, entering a large room of crystal statues and a mechanical machine in the center. Aurelia had never seen such a beautiful place.
"Build your lightsaber, you will. But first, you must discover your crystal within the caves." Master Yoda waved his hand in the air, opening a hatch near the ceiling. Rays of sunlight burst into the room, hitting a large crystal within the machine in the center of the room. The steel arms began to move, sending beams of light around the walls, ultimately focusing the light toward the tip of an ice-covered door. The ice melted, revealing an open door to a dark room. All of the children stood in awe. Even Aurelia couldn't believe the contraption before her eyes. "Trust in yourselves and each other. That is the only way you will succeed. Be mindful and trust your instincts. Your time will be up if you remain in the caves when the door freezes over. Be quick now."
The younglings nodded and ran up the steps, into the cave. However, Aurelia hesitated, looking back at Obi-Wan. She searched for some recognition, a nod, which he was happy to give her. She smiled and stepped toward him. "Thank you, Obi-Wan, for getting me here. I wouldn't have been able to be here without you."
He chuckled softly and placed a hand on her shoulder. "It was all your doing, Aurelia. Trust your heart, like you always do, and you'll come out fine."
She laughed and nodded, walking off toward the entrance of the cave. She turned once more, gave him a salute, and disappeared within the caves.
~
The younglings had been well ahead of Aurelia when they entered the cave, leaving her to fend for herself. She wasn't completely bothered by that, knowing the children were focused on their own tasks. Besides, she had her own to follow. But the caves were like a maze, twisting here and there without even a sign of direction. Aurelia quickly found herself running in circles without finding any type of feeling that her crystal was anywhere close. She became overwhelmed and drained from running for what felt like miles. Stopping at another dead end, she fell to her knees with a huff of frustration.
"I'll never find my crystal!" She shouted to herself, the echo of her voice cascading off the ice walls. Though it was her voice, she felt so distant from it. She never gave up that easily. What was wrong with her?
"Everything. That's what's wrong with you." A small voice echoed in her mind. It was that same evil voice from before. It returned, this time with a tone that spoke through seethed teeth. "You won't find your crystal. You won't be able to build your own lightsaber. And most of all, you'll never become a Jedi!"
"No! I don't believe you!" Aurelia yelled back, only receiving a ricocheting echo in response.
"You don't have to believe me. You already know it's true. You were never meant to be a Jedi. You're from Earth, for goodness sake! You're just a mere damsel in distress. You aren't anything more than a diplomat and image for a group of people, which just happen to be dead. Why? Because of your recklessness. What kind of a ruler are you? If you even pass this test, you'll just bring down the others. Not to mention Obi-Wan Kenobi." The voice retorted in spitting anger.
Aurelia growled, clawing at her head. Her heart stung like a whole hive of bees had pricked her with their stingers. Her will was being crushed, and she could feel it. It felt devastating, bringing her down like a weight. She quickly found it hard to even stand up, wanting to just roll over and cry herself to sleep. But she knew deeper in her heart than the unsettling depression that she couldn't give up. She had to keep pushing. She had to ignore the voice and keep moving before time ran out.
"I don't care what you think or what you say. I will find my crystal whether you're with me or not!" She spat, forcing herself onto her feet, a fire of determination reflecting in her eyes. She walked up to the wall of ice and gently placed her hands upon the cold surface. Closing her eyes, she focused her power into the walls, a map generating under her blackened vision. She could see every tunnel and crystal within the icy caves, but none spoke to her. Not even one.
"See, you're not ready for your own kyber crystal. Look at you. You can't even find one that will be welcoming to you." The voice said. "Oh, what would Obi-Wan think of this disappointment?" That hit Aurelia like a pang in the chest. "Poor Princess Aurelia, I guess she can't protect the galaxy, let alone herself after all."
She squeezed her eyes tightly shut, gritting her teeth. Suddenly, she pushed herself off the wall and stared at the open air with frustration.
"You know what? You're incredibly annoying. And I don't appreciate your intrusive two cents every time I'm in a trial of life as a Jedi. Why don't you go bother someone else who might actually be worth your time?" She waved at the cool air with her hand dismissing the thought.
"No can do."
"Oh? And why is that?"
"Because I am you."
Aurelia stopped fighting. Somehow she had always known it to be true. Yet she found herself surprised. The voice had always seemed to pop out when she was in an internal battle with herself. It was the opposing side to her will, the doubt that had always persisted in her mind. It was like her demon to her angel. And it terrified her more than anything she had encountered yet.
"See? We aren't as different as you perceived, are we? I'm you and you're me-"
"No!" Aurelia shouted in retaliation. "You may be the alter side of my conscience, but I won't let you win. Not now, not ever."
"Ever? That's a pretty long time to go without a fall."
Aurelia grumbled. "I'm not saying I won't ever fall again, but I am saying I will put up one heck of a fight. I promise you that."
"Sure, sure. We'll just have to see how much you hold up on that bargain." Then silence.
Aurelia was left alone in the cave with the echo of footsteps, which she assumed were the other younglings scurrying about. She could sense them. Every one of those children. Through the walls, the air, and the water within the ice. Everywhere there were signatures picked up. Her senses had increased exponentially, almost irritably. But something more entrancing had distracted her from all of that. The strong glow of gold from under her Jedi robes around her neck. She reached for the leather strand that was clasped around her neck and pulled out the small crystal. It was glowing brightly, enough to make Aurelia squint at the immense light. It pulsed at her touch, and then she knew.
"My crystal." She breathed and smiled, almost laughing at the irony. She had completed her first task, now it was time for her to return to the masters.
Immediately, Aurelia burst from where she stood and made her way through the tunnels. She trusted her instincts, feeling the walls and following the map that appeared in her closed vision. Within a few minutes, she found herself before the exit, except the ice door was closing fast. In a sprint, Aurelia ran for the door, then let herself fall into a slide to pass under the ice. Once she was out, she flipped over the stairs and landed on her feet just as the ice completely sealed. Suddenly, applause erupted behind her. She turned around and came face to face with all of the waiting younglings and the masters.
"Came a little close, didn't you?" Obi-Wan smiled and approached his padawan then patted her on the back.
She laughed. "Yeah, I did, didn't I?"
He nodded but looked her over. "Where's your crystal?"
"Right here." She pulled out the golden kyber crystal from her neck. "It's been with me this entire time." It pulsed golden light in response.
"I've never seen a kyber crystal act in such a way before. What do you think, Master Yoda?" Obi-Wan consulted the small Jedi Master while he brushed his beard with his hand. Master Yoda walked up to Aurelia and examined the glowing crystal.
"A real crystal, it is. Why it glows, I do not know." He turned his attention to Aurelia. "A special crystal, you have."
Aurelia smiled and together they walked out of the temple to board their transport.
~
"May I introduce architect and lightsaber designer, Huyang," Obi-Wan said, motioning his hand to an approaching droid.
"A droid?" One youngling questioned, clearly confused.
"I happen to be the one with the complete record of all of the lightsabers ever made by the Jedi. Lightsaber building is completely under my supervision. I am not your average droid. I am capable of free thinking and advice. I would appreciate your respect during your visit on my ship." The ancient droid spoke strictly. The younglings backed away from the table, afraid of the intimidating droid. However, the one who did not step back caught his eye. "You are different than any other Jedi I have ever met during my career. Your aura seems to be stronger within the Force."
Surprised by the droid's observation, Aurelia nodded her head in recognition. "That is what I've been told."
"What is your home planet?"
"Earth, sir. On the edge of the Outer Rim."
"Hmm, a very unfamiliar planet to bring forth a Jedi, but not the first time." He noted, turning toward the cabinets behind him.
Aurelia was astonished. "Really?! There have been other Jedi from Earth?"
"Yes, but only one other one. Come to think of it, she looked very much like you." Aurelia turned to Obi-Wan in question, but he was also in deep thought, pondering. Both of them were thinking the same thing. She was the descendant of a very powerful rogue Jedi from many years passed. "But let me see what I have here. Something might just speak to you personally. Or, perhaps, the crystal will choose the design for you."
Aurelia looked down to her chest where her golden kyber crystal rested. It pulsed again, seeming to talk to her. And somehow, she understood it. "I think it'd like to choose." She smiled. The younglings giggled at her answer, examining their own crystals to see if they would speak as well. Unfortunately, nothing happened.
Huyang grabbed a drawer from the back storage and returned with the most peculiar parts. Within the box were metal parts, gold parts, and the necessary mechanical pieces to make the weapon work. "Look through the parts and pick out the pieces you would like to use. However, this box is special for you, Princess. It's the rare collected pieces from Earth. I thought you'd like to build something resembling your home planet." Aurelia smiled and thanked the droid before he scurried off to fetch the parts for the younglings.
Aurelia examined all of the parts, taking in every little detail. They were beautiful. The kyber crystal thought so as well, pulsing at a piece of metal with the engraving of a tree and an Irish saying. 'Let each man be paid in full'. Aurelia giggled and placed the piece aside. "Let's see what kind of a design you like, my little crystal." She murmured to herself and closed her eyes, carefully raising out her hand.
"What design do you have in mind?" A familiar friendly voice came up behind her. Aurelia opened one eye and caught Obi-Wan leaning over her to see what pieces she had.
"I'm not sure, Master. We'll just have to see what this crystal picks out." She smirked and closed her eye again, regaining her focus, though it was hard because of her proximity to her handsome master. With everything she had, she blocked out distracting thoughts and let the picking go to her crystal. Slowly but surely the pieces floated out of the box and came together one by one, along with the necessary mechanical pieces. Lastly, the gold crystal broke off her necklace and found its place within the hilt of the lightsaber. When Aurelia heard the thump, she reopened her eyes and stood in awe of the outcome. The hilt was of gold and iron, a Gaelic design encompassing the gold pieces. The ignition switch was a simple button but had engravings of famous Sleadic sayings. The weight was more than she had anticipated, but she shrugged it off as something to get used to.
Taking the hilt into her hands, Aurelia examined it with her fingers, a grin growing wider on her lips. "It's beautiful." She whispered.
"It sure is." Said Obi-Wan gazing thoughtfully at her. She glanced up toward him and smiled sweetly. He smiled in return but urged her onward. "Well, what are you waiting for? Turn it on!"
Aurelia took in a deep breath and held out the hilt in front of her. With one simple press of the button, the lightsaber sizzled to a golden glow before her, illuminating her face. To Obi-Wan, it was as if a halo was suddenly placed around her head. Her face lit up like the sun when it cracked the horizon at dawn. Her expression was like a thousand blessings thrown at him. Her curly red hair was crazed but fit for her beautiful personality. Everything about her enchanted him. And being with her on this occasion only brought a wonderful sentiment to him.
Aurelia swirled the blade in her hands, watching the light trail like the cloud tail of a plane. The hum of the controlled light reminisced in her mind, and all was perfect. Her creation of something she was so ready for now within the palm of her hand. And it was all thanks to her master, Obi-Wan Kenobi. She turned to him, sheathing the blade into the hilt. She ran to him, grasping him into a tight hug.
"Thank you, Obi-Wan! Thank you!"
Chuckling, he patted her back with a blush rising on his cheeks under his beard. "Of course, Aurelia. You earned it."
Of course, the other younglings successfully created their lightsabers, but that hug between padawan and master would become the biggest issue of events to come. Aurelia, with her traditions and morals from Earth. Obi-Wan, with the Jedi Code to uphold. Yet the two had a developing love for each other that was growing more and more prominent as time went by. However, they would both have to shove that feeling away as they got deeper into Aurelia's Jedi training. At least Aurelia could say she wasn't alone in her rustling, though she wouldn't outright say it. She had Anakin to confide in who had the same problem. But, either way, she looked at it, it was still a problem no matter what. And that was something she continuously pondered as the months passed by.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A/N: Yay! Chapter 9 is out! And guess what...this is the last chapter of part 1! Yeah! Part 2 is starting now with Attack of the Clones! I'm super excited to start this part and I can't wait to write it. Thank you all for reading and be on a look out for part 2 and chapter 10!
Let me know what you guys think so far. Do you guys like the idea? Do you like the little connection that Obi-Wan and Aurelia have? What else should I do to build their friendship? Let me know! Love you all! ❤️
~ 6/23/22
- 4293 Words