Eye Of The Needle (Star Wars)

Chapter 21: The Padawan

Once Master Yoda and I arrived at the Jedi Temple, we made our way to the Jedi Council. Once we entered, Master Yoda sat in his seat while I made my way to the middle of the room before bowing. "You wished to see me, Masters?"

I looked around the room to see some of the Masters not in the chambers. No doubt that they were fighting battles throughout the galaxy. Master Windu nodded. "Yes, we have some good news."

I raised an eyebrow at his words. "Good news?"

"The Council has decided that you are ready to take on a padawan." Master Fisto explained.

My eyes lit up. I've waited for this day to come. My smile widened. "Thank you, Masters. I won't let you down."

"Know this, we do." Master Yoda assured me.

At that moment, a young girl with dusky brown skin, long red hair with black streaks, and gray colored eyes walked into the chambers. She wore a white tunic with a leather utility belt, black pants, and a brown cloak. Her long red hair with black streaks was tied back in a high ponytail. Once she approached me, she bowed before the Jedi Masters. "You wished to see me, Masters?"

"We have found your Master, who will train you to become a Jedi Knight." Master Ti informed her.

"Allow me to introduce myself, I am Storm Ca'ana." I said.

The girl wore an excited look as she smiled. "The Storm Ca'ana! I've heard so much about you, Master. I'm Areria Skikea."

I chuckled. "The pleasure's mine, young one."

"We need you, your padawan, and your battalion to head to the planet Atraken. There are already troops in place, fighting against the Separatists." Master Windu explained.

"Nova Organa, Gida, Tarom, Kina, and Thox are currently there, but they requested reinforcements." Master Mundi added. "Which is why you and your padawan must go right away."

"You can count on us, Masters." I assured them.

Areria and I then bowed, prepared to leave when I was stopped by Master Windu. "We wish to speak to you alone, Storm."

"I'll wait out in the hallway." Areria informed me.

I nodded. "I'll be out there shortly."

Once Areria was out of the chambers, Master Tiin spoke up. "There's no easy way to say this, but after Areria was admitted into the Jedi Council, we discovered that she's not just Trailian, but a Vahla."

I glanced around, seeing the tense and anxious looks of the Masters. I heard of the Vahla, but I thought them to be extinct. I knew why they were very concerned, it was rumored that every Vahla had ties to the dark side...whether they were aware of it or not. I furrowed my brows. "How can that be? I thought the Vahla were extinct?"

"We aren't sure...It surprises us as well." Master Windu informed me. "However she carries Vahla blood in her veins. And we aren't certain if because of this she'll turn to the dark side or remain on the light side."

"Uncertain Areria's future is. A watchful eye on her please keep." Master Yoda urged.

I was baffled upon hearing their words. I began to feel the pressure sink in. Master Ti must've sensed this as she spoke up. "Do not fear, Storm. You will do well. We would've have given you this responsibility if we knew you weren't capable."

Upon hearing her words, I felt a weight lift off my shoulders. "Thank you Master Ti. And thank you Masters, for giving me this responsibility. It's an honor."

With that I bowed again before leaving the chambers to find Areria in the hallways. She wore a curious look as she spoke. "So what did the Jedi Council wish to speak to you about?"