Star Wars- A Jedi's Journey One: The Padawan's Struggle

Chapter Six

Aayla Moon, in the midst of being stared down by General Swift

I shook to my very core underneath The General's unwavering, scrutinizing and very annoyed stare. He just asked a question, I reminded myself. "Is the fighting going to resume, when no one is around to prevent it?". Apparently, General Swift expected at least one answer. I had refused to tell him why the fighting had initiated. I wasn't exactly too proud of my actions. Would be a weird conversation too: 'How did I get into this fight? Oh, I don't know, this guy claimed, you would pick him as your apprentice- if you choose one', 'why would that bother me?- Because, I thought, you'd choose me'. Yeah, no, I didn't see that happening. General Swift looked at me, suspicion painting every part of his facial expression and attitude, and I wanted to shrink out of existence. I could practically feel him screwing the truth out of me with just a look. A look which gradually turned into more of a scowl. I steeled myself. I'm not gonna let out the screw- I mean truth. I'm not letting out the truth. Was I being particularly stupid or hit by an uncharacteristic bravery all of a sudden? Nah, it's probably a brain-tumor. The General looked to the Youngling, whose name I didn't know. It seemed, The General didn't think I would be a blabbermouth. Don't let me be a blabbermouth. Silence had fallen on the dueling grounds. Most of the crowd had disappeared, since the duel was over. None of those who remained said anything. General Swift didn't either. He didn't need to. His arms were behind his back, as he continued to stare at us for what felt like hours. He raised an eyebrow, as if to say: "Well...? What's the answer going to be? Is the fighting going to resume?". I looked at the Youngling beside me. They visibly shook. "N-no". The General seemed to relax a little at that, and he let his shoulders slump slightly. Had he been tense that whole time? "Good. You are dismissed". Dismissed. He really did have the power to dismiss us? His glare said yes, and so did my gut. The Youngling beside me scrambled away, quickly deciding to do what The General asked. They did want to become his Youngling, so they probably wanted to impress and obey him. That meant that if I wanted to accomplish the same thing, I should probably do the same. Before I knew it, though, the Youngling was gone, and I stood in front of Curra Swift. The familiar pull from The Force was almost enough for me to take a step closer, but that would be inappropriate, especially since I didn't have anything to say to him. What was I supposed to say? Only two other people were in the vicinity; Aaron and Master Drime, but they didn't attempt to intervene with our lengthy eye contact. The General had stopped sending me uncomfortably scrutinizing glares and was simply looking at me, intently. I reciprocated, noting his aura in The Force as well. We stood like that, without saying a word. I started to feel a slight prickle under my skin, right between my eyes, as I examined his forceprint further. A headache would explain his annoyance. I wanted to reach out and cure it. "Don't you have somewhere to be?", The General prompted. That's when my mind started working again- slowly but surely, the wheels started turning again. Oh no. The tournament! I was supposed to be getting ready for it. "Yes, she does", Master Drime replied for me, before I was yanked to the side. Aaron had grabbed me by the arm, and, once again, he dragged me along with him. I bit my tongue, so General Swift wouldn't hear me wince. Aaron walked at a rapid pace, and I followed closely behind him. Wait. Wait. Wait. "Wait", I said, earning myself a concerned glance from Aaron. I forgot to thank The General. Aaron slowed, and allowed me time to spin around. General Swift and Master Drime were slowly strolling in the same direction as we were scurrying. Right, Master Drime said, they'd both watch the tournament. "General Swift?", I called nervously. I wasn't sure if I was welcome to talk to him. The glares he had sent me still sent shivers through me. But, Master Drime and Aaron weren't going to let him hurt me, were they? Besides, just then, when we had had a lengthy eye contact, I hadn't felt any ill intentions from him towards me. General Swift's head whipped in my direction. "Yes, Youngling?", he asked, inspecting me intently. I was reminded of the glares he had sent me a few minutes ago. I sank the lump in my throat. "I just... Wanted to thank you for stopping the scuffle, so... Thank you". My words were slow, because I wasn't sure how to say it. The General nodded at me. "You're welcome, Youngling". And then, Aaron pulled me along with him, yet again. I protested, when we had gotten out of The General and Jedi Master's views. "We have to hurry", Aaron answered.