C19 Jedi Initiate Exam (2/2)

C19 Jedi Initiate Exam (2/2)

Check out early access chapters on my Patréon, currently 11 chapters ahead!

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IMPORTANT* A/N: First, I said I would release 2 chapters today, but I've decided to do 3 instead. You're welcome :)

Second, on another site that I upload on, a couple people commented that Peter is grooming/manipulating Aayla, he is not, full stop. They have a sibling relationship. There has been zero romance. The reason that I've even begun to focus on Aayla in the story is to build up her character, as she will later join the Guardians of the Galaxy. Anyway, enjoy the chapters :)

After Peter's demonstration, the examination room brimmed with a newfound energy. His peers, motivated by his audacious display, approached the test with vigor, each striving to prove their own worth.

Yet, despite their efforts, none could overshadow the spectacle that Peter had created. The boulders, which to others seemed immovable, had only budged under his command, setting a benchmark far beyond reach.

As almost everyone had their turn, their scores tallied up and recorded, soon enough, the attention shifted as Aayla stepped forward.

As the youngest among them, she faced nothing but skepticism from her peers. Her focus, however, was unyielding. Approached a set of sizable rocks and small boulders, her face morphing into a look of serious concentration.

As she extended her hands, the stones stirred, lifting smoothly off the ground. One by one, they ascended, orbiting around her in a display of Force control that silenced the room.

Her performance, while not as grandiose as Peter's, was precise, measured, and undeniably powerful. When the last stone settled back onto the floor, a respectful silence enveloped the room, a collective acknowledgment of her undeniable skill.

Peter's eyes sparkled with pride as he watched Aayla, "You did amazing, Aayla." Her achievement was a direct testament to their hard work throughout the past week.

As the results were announced, another wave of disappointment washed over the room. Five more examinees were asked to leave, having failed to meet the test's requirements. Peter watched them go, a twinge of sympathy in his heart.

But on a happier note, Aayla finished in second-place, only topped by Peter's monstrous score. Seeing an 8 year old child ahead of them seemed to shatter the preconceptions of her peers, earning her a newfound respect among the examinees.

...

The air was thick with anticipation as the remaining participants awaited the next test, their breaths held in suspense. "..."

Yoda walks over, his eyes sweeping over the crowd. "The third test, a dueling competition it will be. Assess your ability, I will," he announced.

Murmurs rippled through the crowd, a blend of confidence, anxiety, and raw determination.

Among the participants, Aayla's face was the image of nervous anticipation. The training with Peter, rigorous and demanding, had pushed her to new limits, but the uncertainty of real combat worried her.

Peter noticed her unease, offering a pat on the head and a reassuring smile that seemed to say, 'You've got this.' A simple gesture, yet it was enough to calm her nerves.

Peter himself was the epitome of confidence. His experiences sparring with Revan and other Jedi Masters had honed his skills to a fine edge. The prospect of facing his peers in combat didn't worry him one bit; if anything, he was curious how they would fare against him.

Suddenly, the announcement took a turn as Yoda added, "The victor, the privilege to choose their own Master will be granted, should they pass the final test and become a padawan, hmm."

Instantly, a wave of exhilaration swept through the crowd. The opportunity to choose one's Master was unheard of, a direct path to avoiding the heartache of rejection, a fear that lingered in the back of every youngling's mind.

After all, stories of padawans left unchosen were all too common in the Jedi Temple, tales that had sown seeds of doubt and fear in every soon to be padawan.

Aayla's gaze swept across the hopeful faces, sensing their eagerness, their dreams hanging on the precipice of this moment. Yet, a pang of empathy tugged at her heart; these hopeful kids, unaware of the force they were about to confront, had never seen Peter in his element, as they weren't a part of the bear clan.

Peter, catching her gaze turning to him, offered a devilish smile, an unspoken acknowledgment of the storm that was about to descend on the unsuspecting younglings.

These kids had no idea how screwed they really were.

...

With the third test explained, silence enveloped the room as Grandmaster Yoda turned his attention to the space before them. With a gentle raise of his hands, the very air seemed to thrum with his power.

The children watched, wide-eyed and mouths agape, as dozens and dozens of rocks and boulders, each varying in size and shape, began to levitate. It was far more than he had lifted in his earlier demonstration as well, making Peter wonder just seeing Yoda really was?

...

Midway through the tournament, the doors swung open to reveal Aayla and Aurra, now side by side, their earlier confrontation seemingly dissolved into a budding friendship. Their return was a pleasant surprise, especially for Peter, who was genuinely happy to see Aayla making friends other than himself.

'Good, it's a girl too...' Peter was relieved, as he knew Aayla needed someone to go to for women related questions and problems. 'Wait... Do Twi'leks even go through puberty like humans do?'

He didn't know... but either way, he was happy for his friend.

As Aurra hesitantly glanced toward Yoda, who noticed her arrival, she found a kind, understanding smile on his green face, which surprised her. She expected a lot worse, but it seemed she wasn't in too much trouble.

With Aayla back, the tournament pressed on until finally, the grand finals arrived: a duel between Peter Quill and Aayla Secura.

Aayla, having displayed a remarkable streak of victories since her return, faced Peter with a mix of resolve and anticipation. She knew that she couldn't win, but this duel was her moment to show Peter all that she's learned from him.

As they took their positions, the room hushed, the weight of the final duel pressing down on the spectators. Peter offered Aayla an encouraging nod, "Show me what you got. I don't want to see any holding back..."

"I won't..." Aayla replied, clearly taking this fight very seriously.

The duel commenced with Yoda's gentle command, the air crackling with the ignited sabers' hum. Aayla, agile and determined, boldly launched the first strike. Her saber, a blur of blue, arced towards Peter, who parried with effortless grace, his movements fluid and measured.

Peter admired Aayla's technique, her improvements evident in each thrust and parry. However, his experience and skill as a duelist allowed him to anticipate her moves, countering with precision that left little room for her to advance.

Aayla, undeterred, pressed on, her every attack fierce and unyielding. She maneuvered around Peter, seeking any opening, her saber dancing in a whirlwind of light. But Peter wouldn't be beaten so easily, his counterattacks a gentle reminder of the gap in their abilities.

...

..

.

The duel lasted far longer than any other, and soon enough, their bout turned into a teaching moment, as Peter began calling out Aayla's mistakes. "Rotate your hips! That last strike was far too weak..." He corrected, his demeanor calm and collected as his opponent continued her onslaught against him.

The crowd watched in shock, finally realizing why Yoda showed Peter such favoritism. He was on a whole other level compared to them. And worst of all, the strongest of them all, Aayla, was being taught during their match like this was some sort of spar between master and disciple.

As the duel continued, soon enough, Aayla began to run out of steam, her breath quickening as fatigue started to show. Spotting this, Peter appeared beside her in a burst of force enhanced speed, striking at her sword hand, knocking her saber into the air as it clatter on the floor.

"The winner, we have!" Yoda announced, gesturing to Peter.

Holding his sword to her neck, Peter smiled, "You've improved a lot since our last spar. I'm proud of you..."

Aayla, though bested, smiled, her face lighting up in excitement as Peter's words echoed in her ears. Slapping his sealed aside, she leaped forward, wrapped him in a tight hug.

Returning her hug, Peter glanced over at Yoda, knowing that shows of affection, like this one, are frowned upon in the Jedi order. But funnily enough, Yoda was literally looking the other way, pretending as if he didn't see them.

Frowning, Peter began to regret all of the times he was paranoid of Yoda, deciding to put a little bit more trust and faith in him in the future. 'But I should still be careful...'

After all, not all Jedi are so lenient and understanding when it comes to the rules.

...

..

.

As yet another line of failed students left the room, Aaylas new friend among them, only a couple dozen examinees remained, including Peter and Aayla, of course.

Drawing everyone attention to himself, Yoda spoke, explaining the final part of exam. "Tomorrow, the last test will be, hmm. The Gathering, it is. Your bags, pack, you must. Leave for Illum, we will."

A/N: 2418 words :)