The Force has a very twisted sense of humor. At every moment, countless lives are starting, while just as many are ending. Some are dying with dignity, while others endure the worst humiliation to live one more moment longer. The few most politically powerful devils are ruling the Galaxy through tricks and manipulation, while those who are truly one with the Force will often join its embrace inconspicuously.
In the boundless darkness, the brightest lights are often the quickest to burn out. They come in colors and shapes, but all stars eventually die out. Either in a glorious supernova or a terrifying black hole that devours everything.
Qui-gon Jinn passed away, yet his spirit lives on in the Force. Along with the wise Master Yaddle, who foolishly decided to try to persuade Darth Tyranus to return to the Light. Then Master Sifo-Dyas was led into an obvious trap and died in a crash. All his powers of Foresight couldn't keep him from joining the Force. Just like the nameless Master of Kikha… And Eldra Kaitis.
The unfortunately Rutian Twi'lek Padawan was captured before she could even recover from the crash. Then she was auctioned as a slave, to be sold to the highest bidder. Of course, even if Darth Maul rescued her and fought side-by-side on the Moon of Drazkel, their duel of fates was also unavoidable.
Not long after that, Maul had another duel. One in which he finally managed to slay a Jedi Master, only to be bisected by a mere Padawan! His blue lightsaber looked so eerily similar to Eldra's… Then he fell into the dark abyss below. Yet he still survived!
"It's so… Ironic. *Cough~!* Hah… E chu ta…"
In the dark cave, two blue eyes glowed slightly. As the figure lifted her trembling right hand, a small crystal floated above her palm. Illuminating her pale-blue face. She wore a black Twi'lek headdress with a silver band around it. The material covered a bit of her long blue Lekku.
There was a Jedi Meditation Circle carved into the ground around her body. She had a little trouble sitting properly though, because both of her legs were cut off almost at her hips. Leaving two nubs covered in horrible burn scars.
"I wonder… Who the Force favors more? You or I… Maul."
Eldra was still wearing the same beige Jedi tunic and black undertunic as when she was captured nearly a year ago. Except that the sleeves were ripped off and the bottom of the shirts were either burnt or just completely filthy. For that matter, her whole body reeked.
"Master… I think, I might join you soon."
She didn't cry. She wasn't sad. After all, she was a true Jedi. Especially after a year of quiet meditation and simple survival in her less than ideal condition, Eldra had already made peace with her fate.
"I only wonder… How your hatred can burn so brightly, for so long."
Then she chuckled and shook her weary head, "No. Perhaps I do understand. I just don't want to admit it to myself."
Everyone hates something. Everyone gets angry. Everyone wants things to change.
"We all have regrets."
She smiled wryly and seemed to see the Jedi Temple again. The beauty and darkness of Coruscant surrounding her 'home'. Even though she was born on Ryloth, she was sold as a slave not long after. Like so many other female Twi'leks. However, she was fortunate that the man who bought her was a Jedi. Then she spent her whole life in the Temple. Only leaving occasionally to do some simple missions with her Master.
"Dae… I hope you find peace."
That gorgeous Tyrian Twi'lek filled her thoughts. They only knew each other for a few years. Perhaps compared to the other Padawans, they weren't quite as close, but…
"Everyone has attachments. Especially Jedi."
Love leads to the Dark Side, because it clouds judgment. Hatred is the other side of the same coin. Passion is always a slippery slope… Very, extremely, wet and slimy… A bit salty and sweet.
"Kikha…" Eldra couldn't help remembering another friend. Their ages weren't so different, yet one was already a Knight and the other was still a Padawan.
There are five Jedi Trials to become a Knight. She passed the Trial of Skill long ago. The Trial of Courage… Is there anything more courageous than what she has overcome thus far? As for the Trial of Flesh, Kikha only lost a tentacle that grew back shortly afterwards. If she can't pass, then no one else would pass either.
"Spirit… I've faced my Darkness. I know her face."
Insight… She knew she would pass, if only she had the opportunity. By all accounts, she should already be a Jedi Knight. Not just some random Padawan.
"I guess I can't give up yet. I still have hope. As long as I live, there's hope."
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