I glanced over out the window to see thrantas flying in the sky. I was nearly bored to death upon hearing then talk of negotiations. Master Dooku and I were were in the office of Viceroy Bail Organa with Queen Breha and Bail Organa sitting across from us. Off to the side, Bail had an aquarium filled with fish and sea creatures of many colors.
"Master Dooku, what do you suggest we do?" Bail inquired. "The Trade Federation is gaining more control with shipping in the Outer Rim Territories."
"We have contacted Viceroy Gunray to discuss negotiations." Breha informed us.
At that moment, I sensed a disturbance. I glanced over at my Master. I wanted to tell him, but he was so engrossed in the conversation, informing Breha and Bail what he thought was the best thing to do. My eyes lit up as an idea popped into my mind. For months I had been trying to prove to my Master that I could do things on my own, but each time I had failed. Without anyone noticing, I then snuck out of the office. I reached out to the Force, trying to find the disturbance. I repeated what Master Dooku use to say when he was a youngling.
"The Force is all around me, it flows in me, and it protects me." I repeated.
I then heard voices not too far from me.
"Why are we here? Someone could find us, Brea."
"We've been hiding in the dumpster for days, Senni."
It was coming from the grand entrance hall. I rushed over to the entrance hall, which had high windows, a flight of stairs to the side, and masonry that was all silvery blue, smooth and very shiny. In the middle of the hall, I stopped two teenage girls. They were identical, both having long black hair which was in several braids, green eyes, and fair skin. The girls were both wearing orange suits.
"Who are you?" I asked, placing a hand around my belt, where my lightsaber hung. "And what are you doing here?"
The girls both turned towards me at my words.
"We could ask you the same." One of the girls retorted.
"I'm a padawan, here on a diplomatic mission." I shot back.
"We're new housemaids." One of the girls said.
Doubting them, I reached into their minds. And I immediately discovered who they were and why they were here. They were the infamous Tonnika sisters, Senni and Brea Tonnika. They were infamous con artists, who were after the royal jewels.
"Liars!" I spat.
I then ignited my green lightsaber, which contained a Pontite crystal, a rare crystal that was part of the Adegan crystal family. This was my first lightsaber that I created from The Gathering. Both of the sisters let out a laugh.
"You're just a little girl." The one named Senni mentioned.
"That's where you're wrong." I shot back.
Brea and Senni both took out Cortosis blades, which were resistant to lightsaber blades.
"You'll regret messing with the Tonnika sisters." Brea warned.
At that moment, Brea and Senni lunged towards me. I dodged Senni's attacks before spinning around, clashing Brea's blade against my lightsaber. I used my strength combined with the Force to push her back. Brea stumbled back, hitting the giant doors. Senni charged towards me with her Cortosis blade raised in the air. I swung my lightsaber, colliding my blade against hers. She used all her strength, causing me to stumbled back and hit the doors.
Brea then opened the doors and I fell outside the palace. Brea ran out, trying to escape. I followed her out in the lime green grass in front of the palace. Senni was trailing not too far from me. We continued fought until they reached outside off the palace grounds. Once we reached forest, I saw a pack Alderaanian wolf-cats not far from me. Without thinking, I leaped over the sisters and towards the pack. I reached out to connect with the wolf-cats and we quickly linked. I narrowed my eyes as I spotted the Tonnika sisters rushing towards me. I raised my hands, ordering the wolf-cats to attack the sisters. The sisters let out a scream as the wolf-cats reached them. Then something unexpected happened, I accidentally tapped into my emotions. I allowed passion to overcome me. I could feel the anger of the wolf-cats, which quickly became my own. I then felt my energy quickly drain. At that moment, I heard my Master's voice. "Storm! That's enough!"
At his words, I fell on my knees, feeling the effect of the power I just used. I saw Breha, Bail, Master Dooku, and a few royal guards approach us. Master Dooku rushed over towards me. As soon as he saw me, Master Dooku wore a worried look. "Are you all right?"
I nodded. "Yes, I just feel tired."
Once I was back on my feet, he gave me a stern look."You could have gotten hurt. What were you thinking? Fighting two criminals on your own? That's quite reckless of you. I'm disappointed in you."
"But I didn't get hurt, Master. I tamed them all the wolf-cats. I used the Force to connect with them to fight the Tonnika sisters." I protested before my shoulders fell, knowing I messed up. "I'm sorry, Master. I don't know what overcame me, I just wanted to show you that I could do something on my own for once."
Master Dooku's face softened. "It's all right, little one. I understand you wish to prove yourself, I admire your ambition. But be aware of your emotions. Your passion is the path to the dark side. You must channel your emotions to peace not passion nor anger. You must always remain in control of your emotions, Storm."
I lowered my head. "Yes Master."
"I chose you, because I know you have capabilities of becoming a great Jedi. But it takes time, Storm." He reminded me. "Patience is a virtue."
He then placed a hand in his robes before revealing a necklace with aqua jewels. I dared to look back up at him to see that a smile appeared on his face. "This is for you. So you'll remember our mission on Sarkan and of our time together."
I woke up, rather startled. I mentally cursed myself for remembering that memory. After they arrested the Tonnika sisters, I was given a Royal Chalcedony Shield by Queen Breha and her husband, Bail. R3-K7 rushed over to my side. At once, everything that happened came back to me.
A Talid with intricate beads made of stone and bones and golden ornaments in their hair then approached me. The Talid had a light orange cloak with ornaments of different colors along with a giant hood. This Talid also had the longest beard I've ever seen. His golden eyes inspected me.
"How are you doing?" He asked.
I was rather taken back. I didn't expect him to speak Basic. I then realized he was expecting an answer, so I forced myself to speak. "Better...thank you."
Another Talid without a beard then reached me, placing her four hands over my bandaged wounds. The male Talid shook his head. "I did not heal you, she did."
"She'll be fine, your excellency." The female Talid said.
"Your excellency?" I repeated, rather baffled.
The male Talid chuckled. "Yes I am Ten-Abu Donba, High Priest of the Dai Bendu and leader of this village. Oh...before I forget, I have something that belongs to you. When you fell, you dropped this."
He then handed me a necklace with aqua jewels. My eyes widened as I took the necklace from him. That necklace...it was something I always carried in my pocket. I refused to let go of it. Despite knowing that Dooku was on the dark side and was beyond saving, I couldn't bring myself to get rid of it. Tears filled my eyes, yet I did my best to fight them back. Why did I have to be the granddaughter of Dooku? I pushed these thoughts aside as I looked back at Ten-Abu, who I remembered was still here along with the Talid healer and R3.
"Thank you." I said.
Ten-Abu bowed his head. "Once you are healed. I shall take you to the holocron so you may destroy it."
"Why are you doing this? What caused your people to change their mind?" I inquired.
"You saved one of my people from being killed, Jedi. So now I'm returning the favor." He explained. "Now get some rest. We'll talk more when you've healed."
•••
It took a few days for me to heal, but I was finally able to get up and walk around. Like Ten-Abu mentioned, he took me to where the holocron was. Ten-Abu, a few Talids, and I rode on Tantas. R3 sat in front of me on a Tanta. It took nearly an entire day to get to the end of the canyon, where the holocron was. The sun had set behind the mountains by the time we reached a cave.
"The holocron's in there." Ten-Abu informed me.
I mounted off my Tanta, helping R3 onto the snow. I glanced over at the cave, hearing faint whispers coming from inside. I felt a hand on my shoulder, stopping me from going any further. I turned to see it was Ten-Abu. He wore a grim look on his face.
"Beware Ca'ana, this is no regular cave. This is a cave one of illusions. It will show you your fears and your desires." Ten-Abu warned me. "People who have gone in have never returned."
Well, that's just great. Ten-Abu gave me a reassuring smile. "You'll do just fine."
I then walked towards the entrance of the cave. R3-K7 followed me, however I stopped him at once. "I'm sorry, R3. You'll have to stay here."
R3 let out a few sad beeps, causing my heart to drop. I hated telling him no, because I knew he wanted to help me, but how could I look after him when I wasn't sure if I could protect myself from what I was about to face?
"I won't be able to look after you in there. You're better off out here." I mentioned.
"Don't worry Ca'ana, we'll watch over your droid." Ten-Abu assured me.
I took a deep breath before entering the cave. The cave was giant, cold, and rather dark. There were several icicles hanging from the ceiling. I ignited my dual bladed lightsaber before going in any further. As I walked further inside, I ran into Dooku. He wore his Serennian cloak with black tunic, brown pants, and Rancor leather boots. I was startled upon seeing him. It's just an illusion, Storm. I was about to walk past him, when he reached out and grabbed my wrist. I was baffled that I stumbled back onto the ground.
"Storm Ca'ana, is that any way to greet your Master?"
"You're not my Master." I retorted as I climbed up on my feet.
"Ah, but I once was. I was your Master before Master Allie. I planted the seeds to the dark side before you realized. Not to mention we share the same blood."
"No matter what, you'll never be my grandfather!" I spat. "You turned against the very thing you swore to protect!"
Dooku chuckled. "So did you. The day when you became Naexle is the day, you broke the oath."
"I was brainwashed." I shot back.
He scoffed. "And you think everyone in the Republic believes you? Stop lying to yourself, Storm. You have tasted the dark side, you know the unlimited power it can give you. And you want more, you crave for it."
I violently shook my head. "No, that's not true."
"Oh really? Storm, look inside of you. The dark side grows stronger in you with every day that goes by. You are my granddaughter, little one." He mentioned.
At that moment, Koltav appeared before me. "He's right you know. There is too much Dooku in you."
Tears filled my eyes as I grabbed my head. "This isn't true...this isn't real. It's all an illusion."
"Is it?"
I looked over to see myself with yellow eyes with black robes and a lightsaber in her hand. I watched as she ignited a red lightsaber before impaling Koltav in the stomach. I fell onto my knees as tears streamed down my cheeks. "No!"
Koltav then collapsed into my arms before he vanished. I heard his voice surround around me. "Why didn't you save me, Storm? This is all your fault."
"Don't say that, Koltav. I couldn't do anything." I replied.
"You could've done something, but instead you killed me." Koltav retorted.
"No, I didn't. That wasn't me!" I protested.
"You monster!" Koltav spat, breaking my heart into a million pieces.
I shut my eyes as I shouted out to the top of my lungs. "Go away! All of you!"
When I opened my eyes, Dooku and Naexle were both gone. I let out a sigh of relief. I then climbed back up on my feet. I continued to walk through the cave, which was filled with different types of crystals glistening in the rocks. I scanned the area, searching for the holocron. All of the sudden, I heard a voice. "Storm..."
I tried to ignore it as I kept walking forth. I then heard the voice again. It wasn't until I turned the corner that I saw Koltav again. He was well dressed in formal Diktat attire, wearing a green tunic, gray pants, and black polished boots.
"Koltav?" I called out.
"Min larel, are you all right?" He asked as he approached me, placing a hand on my cheek.
I shook my head. I knew better than to respond to an illusion, but I couldn't help it. "No, I feel terrible."
"It's all right, Storm. I can make it all better." He assured me.
I scoffed. "I highly doubt that."
Koltav then withdrew his hand from my cheek before lifting it towards me. "I can, Storm. All you got to do is take my hand. Imagine a life with no war, a life where you're free to pursue attachments."
"But the Jedi Code." I began.
"Can be changed." Koltav replied, cutting me off. "You can became a member of the Jedi Council, even became the Grand Master and change the rule of attachment. That way you and I can get married without having to leave the Jedi Order. Imagine having the best of both worlds."
At that moment, I saw the holocron. It lied on top of a boulder. Koltav followed my gaze at once. "Ah yes, the Sith Holocron. You can take the holocron, destroy it, and leave this place. But aren't you curious as to what it may contain. You can use its knowledge, its power, for your own advantage. You can destroy the Sith and the Separatists for once and for all."
I hesitated at his words. I wanted to be able to marry Koltav without leaving the Jedi Order and I wanted to end the Separatists and Sith, but was this the right way? I then heard a whisper, which sounded like my grandma Sincra. "You know this isn't right, Storm. Koltav wouldn't want you take this path nor would I. Fulfill my final wish, so I may go in peace."
My eyes widened, remembering the last words grandma Sincra told me before she died. Her words made me snap out of the temptations that the illusions offered.
"No, I will not be tempted any longer. I will destroy the holocron once and for all." I retorted before pushing past the fake Koltav.
As soon as I past him, he vanished into thin air. I grabbed the Sith Holocron and I immediately heard several whispers. I ignored the whispers as I threw the holocron on the ground, shattering it. I crushed the remaining pieces with the Force, using the Force light to purge the dark side from the holocron.
Once the holocron was destroyed, I walked out to find Ten-Abu, the Talids, and R3-K7 waiting around the Tantas. R3 let out several high pitch beeps as he rushed towards me. I chuckled. "I'm back."
A smile appeared on Ten-Abu's face. "I knew you could do it, Storm Ca'ana."
He then handed me a couple of beads of stone and jewels. "It's a gift for all you've done. Amongst the Talids, you will be remembered as a friend."
I placed the beads in a small braid of my hair. I then gave them a bow along with a smile. "Thank you as well, Ten-Abu."
"Safe travels, Storm Ca'ana. And may you win the war for the Republic." Ten-Abu said.
With that, R3 and I hopped onto a Tanta before making our way towards our speeder. Once we returned to town, we returned to our ship. When we entered the cockpit, I contacted the Jedi Council. At once, the hologram of the Jedi Council appeared. I bowed before them. "Masters, I have located the Sith Holocron and destroyed it."
"Good news that is." Master Yoda praised.
"I ran into some trouble, but I've taken care of it. I shall be returning to Coruscant." I informed them.
Obi-Wan raised an eyebrow. "What kind of trouble, Storm?"
"Apparently Dooku was also searching for the same holocorn. He sent one of his acolytes, Tol Skorr." I explained.
"And did you capture Tol Skorr?" Master Windu inquired.
"I'm afraid he would not surrender, Masters. I nearly lost the fight myself, and he forced me to kill him." I explained.
"Are you hurt?" Kina questioned.
"I was injured, but the Talids healed me." I informed them.
Everyone on the Jedi Council looked at me rather baffled. I knew the reason why. Talids weren't exactly friendly to humans and outsiders.
"The Talids of Ando Prime?" Master Fisto repeated.
I nodded. "Yes those very ones. They even gave me beads, thanking me for all I've done."
"A great honor this is." Master Yoda commented.
"Indeed, the Talids are xenophobic, limiting their contact with offworlders and the colonists of the planet." Master Mundi mentioned.
"Excellent work, Storm." Master Ti commended.
"Yes, a job well done my former padawan." Master Allie praised.
"Agree with Masters Ti and Allie I do." Master Yoda chimed in. "Showed us where your loyalties lie, you have."
Master Koon nodded. "Despite what the news and citizens of the Republic thought of you, you pushed forth against all the odds."
"Await your arrival, we will." Master Yoda said.
"Thank you Masters, I shall arrive as soon as possible." I replied.
The hologram then vanished. With that, I then punched in the coordinates of Coruscant before making my way towards our destination. I knew I couldn't change my past, but I hoped this would make up for it. How I wish I could forget everything I did, but I had learned that it wasn't going to be that easy. It never was...
~Translations~
Min larel---- My love (Old Corellian)