The Path in the Force

Competition and rewards

Master Yoda had been right.Petro and Katooni easily made their way to the quarterfinals.On Zatt's advice Petro was the more active duelist while Katooni used more the Force for offense and defense.That provided them an effective tactic,in which there were no openings.Another thing was that the two friends were completely in synchron,moving as one.For the spectators it seemed that the two were dancing on the arena.And because of this and a little luck,they were now on the final.The other members of Halk's clan performed well,too.Zatt and Ganodi also had an incredible synchron but their opponents had beaten them with sheer power.Nonetheless they had made it to the quarterfinals as did Gungi and Byph.But in contrast with the Wookie and the Ithorian's relying on force,the two Jefus were fast and flexible.In addition their ears could move and distract the enemy.

Katooni was glad that the twins had made it to the semifinals.The bad news were that the brothers and Trapa were there,too.Trapa had somehow managed to convince Layna,the Twi'Lek to fight with her.The forth group were two Trians.They were bad duelists but were strong in the Force for their age and had an amazing endurance.A voice announced the final fight was in 20 minutes.She was very worried and afraid and was trying to release it all in the Force.She felt a hand on her shoulder and Petro pulled her into an embrace.

-Don't wory,Katooni.We will make it.If we don't,we will do so the next time.-she nodded and he smiled.-Cheer up,have fun!That is why it is held.Or I think this is the reason.-she laughed as he rubbed his chin.Soon,they were both shaking with laughter.Then the Tholotian frowned.

-I think,it has another idea but I am not sure.You saw,Heto picked by Master Gren?And Master Illimus,who took Utar?And this disgusting Trapa,picked by her sister?-his eyes lit up when he understood her.-Some Masters use it to get Padawans.I wonder if we will be picked.

-I repeat myself but if not this year,it will be the next.Besides,you can become a Jedi Healer and I can become a mechanic or a pilot.We won't be left behind.-he put a hand on her shoulder,smiling.She sighed and relaxed.

-Yeah,but I want to be like Master Offee and Master Unduli.To become a Jedi and a Healer.-she answered but her worry had dissipated.She liked healing and knew she could be a fine healer.

Her thoughts were interrupted by an announcement.It informed everyone that the finals were in ten minutes.Katooni and Petro looked at each other.

-Let's go practise before the end.-he released his tension into the Force and the duo headed for the training field.But when they arrived,Petro and Katooni saw the Senator of Umbar,waiting them.

-May we help you,Senator Deechi?-the Umbaran nodded and gestured them to enter the field,following. -I wanted to ask you,to lose today.-the pair looked shocked.-Feiro is my cousin and I want to see him on the finals.-they shook their heads.-Please,young ones!

-You don't have faith in him.He can win.I have seen him fight,he is good.And the Kalmarian is very good.I never memorized his name.-told him Petro.

-Please,I will pay you,I will grant you any wish, I can do!-they shook their heads again.He frowned.-There will be.....

-What?-asked a female voice behind him.He turned startled.-Are you corrupting kids!?

-Senator Amidala,I....-she interrupted him.

-Go away before I inform the Jedi Council!-he paled and left.The three watched him climbing the stairs.

Padme smiled softly at the two kids,who bowed.