Star Wars, The Clone Wars Minisodes

Happy Beginnings

Skipping down through the temple garden, a young padawan was finally able to breathe some fresh air since it had been nearly all morning trapped in her room meditating under her master's instructions. Zeporah was not much like the other Jedi. She didn't fit in with most of her peers, resulting in her not having many friends. Her master had tried to help her fit in, but their efforts were in vain. Still, Reetha Khan at least had her master to be by her side in trying times.

As a result, she often came to the garden to unwind. She'd bring her stringed instrument to play while sitting under the shade provided by her favourite tree. She'd also bring her drawing block to sketch the various flowers she saw and sometimes, the Coruscant skyline. Usually, her master would accompany her, but when she was busy Zeporah came down alone. 

Except, this time, she was not really alone.

A few other padawans had spotted young Zeporah then decided to pester her. 

"What are you doing there weirdo?" They snickered. Zeporah stopped, head dropping dowl low. An auburn-haired padawan stepped forward and pushed Zeporah's side harshly, making her drop her belongings. 

"Cut it out!" Zeporah demanded, but the other padawan took it as a challenge. 

"What? You're going to stand up for yourself?"Zeporah tried to stand up but was pushed down by another padawan. She didn't try to fight back. 

"Huh, that's what I thought. Just so you remember this lesson, I might just destroy this thing.." 

The auburn head picked up Zeporah's instrument and instructed another to grip her face and made Zeporah watch the scene. "I'm going to break this like you broken dreams so you know not to cross us, you hear me." 

Zeporah teared up and pleaded. The instrument you see was a gift from her master, but the padawans made it clear that they would destroy her happiness when her master wasn't around. No other padawan's dared to interfere because they didn't want to face the same consequences. 

The bullies began waving around the wooden instrument and threatening to break it upon the marble floors. Zeporah tried to fight back with only led to the amusement of the others. The auburn raised the instrument high into the air and brought it down for a final blow. That was, that it never reached the ground. All the padawans look for the interference and found a gloved hand gripping onto the instrument, just strong enough to tear it from the bullies hands and save it. 

"I'd rethink my decision if I were you." 

In front, four clones stood, adorning their beautifully decorated armour. The one in grey held the instrument. The one wearing blue stepped up. "I suggest you leave your friend alone." 

"Or what? You're just clones. You cannot do anything to us." 

"Hmmm, do anything they do not want to. However, tell your master's about your behaviour, I will." 

The bully padawans gasped. Master Yoda, the Grand Jedi Master had arrived, with another clone with red armour behind him. 

"Upset I with your behaviour, I am. Apologize toZeporah, you will." 

Cowering under the Jedi's and the clones' gaze, the padawan hurriedly apologized. Yoda hummed in satisfaction then turned his attention to Zeporah, who was sniffling. Yoda reached out to wipe her tears. "Cry you should not." Looking up to the five clones, Yoda smiled. "Get to know them you should, young Zeporah." 

The green master waddled off, dragging the bullies with him. 

Still sitting o the ground, Zeporah tucked her legs to herself. The clone in grey bent down and gently spoke. "Hey kid, you okay?"