LEILANI SERENNO bridged the past and the present, born into a family of cruelty and then groomed to fulfil a role in the grand scheme of things. She was a puppet manipulated by her brother, ensnared in a larger narrative orchestrated by the Force. Y...
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Leilani was slowly and steadily recovering, her body still a battleground of pain and healing. But each passing day brought a little more strength, a little more clarity. The healers were pleased with her progress, though they insisted she stay in the medbay for a few more days for observation. Despite their gentle insistence on rest, Leilani couldn't help but feel the pull of duty. Her mind was already elsewhere, consumed by the urgency of the galaxy's turmoil and the need to be back at the heart of it all.
The Jedi Temple had not been quiet for long. A buzz of tension filled the air as an emergency meeting was called by the High Council, summoning all the key Jedi—those with first-hand experience of the events that had unfolded, and those poised for the next phase of the war. The Council's summons was rare, but when it came, it was never trivial. Leilani had learned that much over her years.
"Are you sure you're up for this?" Nia asked as they stood just outside the medbay doors, her gaze filled with concern. "You don't have to rush into anything."
Leilani smiled, a soft and reassuring expression. "I've spent enough time in the medbay. The galaxy doesn't stop because I'm resting." Her voice, though still a little hoarse, held the strength she was gradually regaining. "Besides, the Council needs to know we're ready."
Nia seemed to hesitate for a moment, clearly not entirely convinced, but eventually nodded. "Alright. But if you need to sit down halfway through, you let me know."
"I will," Leilani promised, the slight smile on her face betraying the deep affection she felt for her Padawan.
As they walked toward the Council chambers, the sound of their footsteps echoed softly through the halls of the Temple, the quiet hum of the building a stark contrast to the urgency pressing down on them all. The closer they came to the gathering, the more Leilani could feel the weight of the responsibility that rested on their shoulders. They had been through so much, and yet the battles were far from over.
Upon entering the Council chambers, Leilani immediately sensed the tension in the room. The high stone arches overhead seemed to amplify the quiet murmurs of those gathered, as if the very walls were holding their breath in anticipation. Master Yoda sat at the centre of the Council, his eyes narrowed in deep thought. Around him, the other Jedi Masters had already gathered, their expressions grave.
Before Leilani could step further inside, the distant sound of hurried footsteps caught her attention. At first, it was just a faint, rapid patter—then suddenly, it was closer, echoing down the hall.
Ahsoka.
She burst through the chamber doors, her chest rising and falling with each breath, and wide eyes darting across the room until they locked the place between Plo Koon and Leilani, where Anakin usually stood.
"Anakin—" she panted, her voice barely holding together. "You have to—come now. You all have to come."
