There is no exquisite beauty... without some strangeness in the proportion.

~Edgar Allan Poe

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Master Yoda closed his eyes in deep thought.

He did this, hoping that he may get a vision of the answer to all of his fears. Unfortunately, all he could see was the coming darkness of the storm. And it only grows just as the conflict does.

The Grandmaster of the Jedi was getting a slight headache. They tended to happen more often these days, but it was usually due to trivial matters, such as politics or the loss of individuals he had practically raised. Many Knights, Padawans, and even Masters lost their lives to the war. It is never good to lose friends or family, not even for a Jedi.

Today, however, was slightly different.

The Council was on the verge of making a decision that could change the scope of the war as they knew it. The last time they had done this, Anakin Skywalker became a Jedi Knight. However, this seemed to yield great results. It earned the Galactic Republic more victories and improved the relationship between his former Master, now brother, and Council member, Obi-Wan Kenobi.

Once more, the Jedi Council was not of one mind.

It was honestly quite surprising how more members weren't absolutely against the idea. Those who had once argued in the Chosen One's favor now argued in his favor. Others were a bit skeptical, though; they were open to the possibilities, and Yoda was of the latter.

They all knew how talented the padawan was, especially considering those who came before him, but they weren't sure what would happen if he sharpened his talents through war. The Jedi are peacekeepers, first and foremost, and they existed to prevent conflict from arising; yet, it seems the destiny of the Jedi has become intertwined with the Clone Wars.

It's something the Council is very hesitant to do: send children off to war.

There are a few younglings who are ready to become Padawan learners. To say Ahsoka Tano is eager to start would be an understatement. For the moment, however, this debate wasn't about Ahsoka Tano; Yoda had already decided her fate, that her learning experience would be beneficial to both parties. No, this debate was another young mind.

A boy named Zakriahs Asher.

These dangerous times were also quite strange, and there was no doubt that they would become even more unorthodox. If you want proof that the war was becoming a terrifyingly unusual period in history, ask Master Ki Adi Mundi, Master Shaak Ti, and Master Aayla Secura about their time on Hypori. Anakin Skywalker can tell you about a dark assassin he defeated on the moon of Yavin IV. And, of course, speak with the "political idealist" known as Count Dooku.

There is wariness in the Clone Troopers, particularly their origins and functions. The Republic's new army is also proof of this. An army of clones with the sole purpose of killing the Republic's enemies. And they all have the face of a bounty hunter who worked for the Separatists' leader, the aforementioned traitorous count of Serenno.

There is irony in the fact that the preservers of life have an army of expendable living weapons. At least, the Clones viewed themselves as expendable; the Jedi were of the opposite notion.

Padawans are expected to uphold the Jedi way.

Zakriahs Asher is expected to uphold the Jedi way.

And the Council is, of course, split.

A few Master's were in the boy's favor. Some were concerned that the boy's character would put himself and others at risk. Others argued against it; meanwhile, others claim that it's his character that could be beneficial to himself and his forces, provided that he's guided in the right direction. One Master, in particular, has requested that he be the one to train him. Almost everyone else argues that he simply cannot do such a thing, for he is a member of the Council. To everyone's credit, no argument as to why or why not was necessarily terrible. There are merely priorities that must take center stage. This Master, however, was not alone in his argument.

One Master agreed that The Negotiator should teach Asher.

The Negotiator silently thanked the Jedi Master of his time.

Two Masters were in the boy's favor.

Two might be enough.

Honestly, Yoda shouldn't be too surprised.

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Mace Windu's eyes never wavered as he said these words.

"I believe Zakriahs Asher should become a Padawan."

And he did. He truly felt it had to be done.

Mace Windu was one of the strongest advocates for embracing Skywalker into the Jedi Order. While he may not always adhere to their ways and has continued to be reckless, Anakin Skywalker is still a very respected man. He shows compassion to his clones and friends, his talents as a pilot, his proficiency with a blade, and his skills in the Force are not to be taken lightly.

Windu was cautious when it came to decisions such as these. Mostly due to his shatterpoint ability. His unique, if unpredictable power.

Just as this power told him that Count Dooku would play a significant role in future events, it speaks the same for Zakriahs Asher. He may not seem like it, but his boy had the potential to do big things. Many Jedi have placed their faith in the Chosen One in this time of many needs, but they couldn't depend on him to do everything.

Or at least Mace didn't want to.

He knew that the "Hero with no Fear," as some have taken to calling him, was still just one man. One year had passed in this war, and, despite his accomplishments, the Council had been reluctant to knight him. He believed that Skywalker was ready to become a Knight, but it troubled Mace that the rules were bending to suit their needs. Yet he, like every other Jedi, has a duty to the Republic. Mace trusts that Anakin Skywalker will make the right decision; he told Obi-Wan as much.

Speaking of Obi-Wan...

"More than that, I agree with Master Kenobi. The boy should learn under his tutelage."

Obi-Wan Kenobi, the former apprentice to Qui-Gon Jinn, a fellow Council member and a good friend, has requested to take on a Padawan learner. Specifically, Zakriahs Asher. He's the one who brought this topic up in the first place.

And Mace had to admit, this was odd.

It was no secret that his friend trained young Anakin as it was Qui-Gon's dying wish. Obi-Wan had expressed doubt in both his wisdom and pupil. Who knows how different their stories would be had he never trained the Chosen One. As time went by, however, they learned to work off of each other better than before. They had matured, became brothers, and now, Kenobi and Skywalker were inseparable.

With this maturity came a strong sense of responsibility, particularly in Kenobi's case.

He knew as well as Mace and the others that the Council must think of all Jedi, not just one. They can look out for others on the battlefield, but here, in this chamber, is where they are needed. It was not an official rule, but it was an unspoken one that Council members shouldn't go through the trouble of balancing out the responsibilities of training a new Jedi and deciding the fate of the rest. Training a Padawan is sacred and shouldn't be viewed as anything less; however, serving on the Council puts forth a lot of time, concentration, and commitment. In other words, one isn't more important than the other.

While Mace was one of these Masters who followed this unspoken rule, he still stands with Obi-Wan. After all, acceptions have been made in times of crisis.

If there's anything more of a crisis than war, he's ready for someone to tell him.

He's ready to help Obi-Wan succeed.

He just needs him to show everyone else why.

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If Obi-Wan was honest, a small part of him asked himself why.

Why was he fighting so hard for this? a small part of himself asked.

And then, the memories of why overwhelmed any doubt.

There are moments where he's thankful Master Qui-Gon sacrificed a seat on the Council to train him. He briefly wondered if this feeling was an inkling of how his Master felt when he agreed to take him as a Padawan. He could have done many things better when he took Anakin in, and now, there are many things he can't take back. He had done his best to train Anakin as best as he could, but Obi-Wan knows he's failed where Qui-Gon would have succeeded.

But Qui-Gon would always tell him to focus on the present, and at present, he was starting to understand his old Master just a bit more.

Force, how he tries to do just that and overcome his own problems. The doubt that he has in his abilities to teach. The chance to try again would make anyone anxious. However, as a Jedi, he mustn't let these emotions take hold of him. Instead, he should let the Force guide his actions. He's not as good at this as Qui-Gon; in fact, he may never be, but that doesn't mean he won't stop trying. No, on second thought, he will. There is no try.

He can already sense the faintest bit of pride and amusement from Master Yoda.

Well, if he fails, at least something nice comes out of this.

"Plenty of Masters, there are who can train the boy," Master Yoda replied to Master Windu's statement, "And Council members, they are not."

"I agree," Said the Thissapiasian Master, Oppo Rancisis, "Your duties are here and wherever you're missions lead you to, Master Kenobi. That is where they begin and where they must end."

It isn't impossible to win an argument with the tactical genius that is Master Rancisis, but it is tricky.

"With all due respect," Obi-Wan began calmly yet adamantly, "I feel you are underestimating my abilities. I am dutiful when it comes to the ways of the Jedi; I haven't been anything less thus far, even in wartime. Especially in wartime."

The Cerean Master, Ki Adi Mundi, decided to give voice to his thoughts.

"Your ability to teach and what you've learned isn't being called into question," His tone attempting to quiet Obi-Wan's unwavering stance, "Put simply, it wouldn't be fair."

"Indeed not." Master Yoda spoke again, "To you and the boy, unfair it would be. Ask you to take such responsibility we cannot."

At this, Obi-Wan couldn't help but shrug and smirk slightly. Almost wistfully, he replied, "Well, it's a good thing you're not asking me."

He felt the amusement of many Masters in the chamber. Some, like the Nautolan Master, Kit Fisto, didn't bother to hide it. Usually quiet in these meetings, Master Fisto chuckled at Obi-Wan's comment and decided to throw his credits in and express his thoughts.

"Well," He began, a smirk on his lips, "you certainly are determined about this, aren't you?" He leaned forward in his seat, "I can't help but ask, though: what has brought you to the conclusion that he must become your Padawan?"

Obi-Wan is a man who has a way with words. It's a trait that's earned him the title "The Negotiator" on the HoloNet. However, there are some things that Obi-Wan feels shouldn't be put into words. Sometimes, because they transcend Basic speech and require either eyes or the Force to understand it. And other times, it was because words would only make him sound like an idiot.

"Would you believe me if I said it is the will of the Force?"

This time, it was the latter.

He could already feel the amusement from every Master in the room.

Before anything else could be said, though, he held up his hands and said, "Please, let me explain."

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Toshi Fumin was pretty sure he had tears in his eyes.

Some Jedi might look at him chidingly for showing such emotion, but he didn't have to worry about that. For his only company was his best friend. Zakriahs Asher was not one to judge, especially considering that he's the one who's made tears appear in his eyes. So, if anyone should be blamed, it's him. Any Master could admit that much to Toshi.

His best friend made him cry.

And his sides hurt from all of the laughter, too.

"Is it really that funny, or are you just easily amused?"

Force, was he really laughing that hard? Well, now he was laughing harder.

He could tell the sound of his laughter was starting to infect Zakriahs. Oh, he was resisting, but he knows a slight chuckle when he hears one.

So, Zakriahs came to the ancient tree in the Jedi training ground with the intent of being alone. He calmed himself down and wiped the tears from his face. What else was new? Well, he can think of one thing.

Now that he could see again, he looked to where his friend sat.

His friend was sitting halfway down the stairs that led to the tree, his favorite place to be while no one else occupied it. His arms crossed over his white tunic, concealing something within them. He had his head turned away from Toshi now as if he weren't even there. His vivid blue eyes were staring at anything besides his friend, yet they had their usual playfulness. Anyone unfamiliar with him may mistake his angular jaw, straight, slightly pointy nose, sharp cleft chin, and distant expression for one of aloofness. It throws them off to see his wide, inquisitive eyes married with his bright smile. His hair was certainly something that stood out.

Now, Toshi liked to keep his own hair short, so he didn't have to fuss about it like other people. Most Initiates and Padawans with hair did what Toshi did or had long, luscious locks. Weirdos. But not Zakriahs Asher. Toshi would recognize the curly of Zakriahs Asher anywhere. Toshi knew that if Zakriahs could have his hair be super poofy, he would, and he would refuse to keep it incredibly short. So, he settled for something in-between. It covered Zakriahs' sides and forehead, but it didn't look like a nest to some fuzzy creature or something.

Some people told him that getting a braid might be awkward, but Zakriahs shrugged it off.

He also didn't really give much thought to the traditional robe on his right. It was rather lumpy looking, almost balled up. Almost like he was concealing something...

"Well, you know," Toshi began to say, finally calming down, "it's not every day you get to fight crime and get rewarded for it." As he finished talking, he had made his way to sit next to his friends' left. The place where his left hand had yet to move.

Zakriahs waved his right hand dismissively, still not looking at his friend, "Yes, yes, you were right, Toshi. For the first time in your entire life, you were right about something." Now, his friend looked him in the eye, " Don't let it get to your head."

He turned away again to stare at nothing, his left hand still clutching his sleeve and being pressed to his chest.

"That Dexter fellow does make some good food, and it is very much a reward." He continued rather wistfully, "Hopefully, I'll be able to eat there again with," He frowned slightly, "fewer crooks trying to ruin a perfect day. Which reminds me..."

He reached his right hand under the lump that was the robe and produced a cup. A cup with a lid and straw in it. A cup with a lid and a straw and a blue foamy looking liquid in it-

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"Oh, yeah! You actually got it!" Toshi exclaimed, a bright smile on his face.

He reached for his drink, but Zakriahs held it back. At first, Toshi's smile fell a bit; however, when he saw the raised eyebrow on his friend's face, he said, "Thank you, friend." He flexed his hand, beggingly.

Finally, Toshi was allowed to have the fruits of his labor. And by 'fruits,' he means Zula berry smoothie. And by 'labor,' he means walking all the way from the Jedi Temple with his clan-mates accompanied by their Instructor.

Zakriahs adopted a face of mock-pity and shook his head. "Tsk, tsk, tsk. You look like a kicked puppy when I take it away, and you actually wonder why everyone calls you adorable."

Toshi decided to hold off tasting his drink to address the traitor sitting next to him.

"Really?! You were the only one! The only one who didn't say it, and now you're on their side!" Toshi lamented the loss of all hope he had in his life. "How can you treat me like this?"

"How can you blame me? You hardly ever try to prove anyone wrong." Zakriahs responded, eyebrow raised again, "And anyway, you lost it."

Toshi held his drink to the side again to adopt a puzzled face.

"Lost? Lost what?"

Here, Zakriahs adopted a triumphant smirk.

"Take a look at my left arm." Toshi did, and it was still in the same position as earlier, "You noticed something is in my sleeve; however, after I brought the smoothie out, you completely forgot about it. Didn't you?"

Toshi blinked.

He did.

He did it again.

He got distracted.

And now, Toshi was embarrassed. He was pouting now, and he could feel his face flushing. But he didn't want this guy to see it, so he turned away and covered his face with one hand, smoothie in the other. By now, Zakriahs must have realized his tone was too smug for his own good. Because he could tell that the guy was leaning forward a bit, trying to see Toshi's face.

He could tell the smirk was gone as he said softly, "Forgive me, Friend Toshi." No response, "I didn't mean to upset you. I just wanted to help." Still no response. "Well then, I suppose you deserve a better smoothie. One that is untouched by my hands. I guess I'll just discard this one." Toshi turned quickly and saw that Zakriahs had made his way to steal his beverage. They stared at one another for a moment, one hand reaching to take the smoothie, another keeping it away.

Toshi was pretty sure that snicker wasn't his. It had to be Zakriahs; the guy always chuckles before putting on a straight face again.

But no, the two boys were laughing.

After they calmed down, Toshi looked at his friend as he shrugged.

"I have the same problem, Friend Toshi, so I thought it made me the right person to judge. I hope I didn't come across as snobby."

"Well," Toshi said, "You didn't sound snobby, per se; I just wasn't expecting it. So, changing the subject, what's in your left sleeve?"

Zakriahs let out a small chuckle like he was holding back full-blown laughter. "Something that I've been planning for a long time." He smiled, slightly devious, "Something that will haunt the others, particularly Friend Anise."

He took his left arm off of his chest, and Toshi heard a small clank from within, and out from within his sleeve did Zakriahs Asher pull out a pair of spoons. A couple of golden spoons.

Toshi blinked.

"Oh, spoons." He said.

Toshi blinked again.

"Why do you have spoons?"

Zakriahs' smile never left as he pointed the spoons at him, "Ah, but of course! Take this as your opportunity to make a bad joke," And then his smile diminished slightly, "...unless you weren't paying attention to our conversation." Now he blinked, his smile left entirely, and he sighed, "Which means you seriously don't know what I'm talking about."

Toshi was beginning to feel lost, "What conversation? When?"

A hand to his forehead and sounding slightly peeved, Zakriahs replied, "The one I had with our escort. Today. On our way to the diner."

"Okay, okay." Toshi tried to sound as apologetic as he could but just came off as just as irritated, "I'll admit, my mind was on tasting this smoothie." He shook the drink slightly, "Yeah, remember this? I'm supposed to be drinking this."

At this, Zakriahs had to chuckle, "Sarcasm is unbecoming of you, Friend Toshi."

Toshi shook his head, "Whatever. Can I drink it now?"

"Not until we've heard the story of how you received those spoons."

The boys turned to see the source of the old, wizened voice they would recognize anywhere. The Cosian Jedi Master, Tera Sinube, was slowly making his way to the boys from behind them. A Master nowhere near as old as Master Yoda, yet had eyes which could tell tales and held much warmth, wisdom, and mirth. Even now, this Master held amusement at the sight of these students of the Force.

He looked intrigued, as well, especially at the sight of the robe beside Zakriahs.

"Young Asher," He began, in no rush with his words nor his pace, "I couldn't help but wonder if that is Master Kenobi's robe you have alongside you?"

The boy in question glanced at the garment and gave a quick giggle.

"Why, yes, it is!" He said, pretending to be coy, "Master Sinube, if you were to tell me how had guessed such a thing, I would carry this knowledge and pass it down!"

Master Sinube smiled as he continued walking toward them. "I did just as you said: I guessed."

And here, Zakriahs smiled brighter than before. He definitely considered this slow-moving, cane-wielding, old Cosian as someone to look up to, no doubt about it. And Toshi couldn't help but agree. He keeps the lessons he learned from this Master close to his heart. Such as patience.

That is why he isn't surprised when Master Sinube seemed far closer to the stairs, suddenly found him just a foot behind them.

"Now then," Said he, a content sigh escaping his lips, "I have walked a great deal, explained much to the Council of your first crimefighting experience, and now I would like nothing more than to hear the thrilling tale of how you acquired Master Kenobi's robe and a pair of spoons."

Zakriahs rolled his eyes, "Only if Toshi starts drinking his smoothie.", and Toshi found himself having two pairs of eyes staring at him. Finally, he had his chance to take his sip to the sweetest thing in the galaxy.

After he did, he blinked.

"This might have been a mistake."

Zakriahs slapped his knee, "For crying out loud! You don't like it?!"

Toshi smiled, "Not a mistake for me."

Master Sinube closed his eyes and chuckled, "I certainly hope your friends are looking forward to an energetic, fast talker."

Toshi could practically hear the high amount of sugar telling him to go into great detail about building a lightsaber while describing every piece and then learning what those pieces are made of.

Before he could, though, Zakriahs asked, "Why don't I tell you about my interaction with Master Kenobi?"

"Yeah, sure, just hurry up." Toshi could hardly contain himself.

"Alright, cue the music!"

Toshi blinked, "Cue the what?"

Suddenly, Zakriahs took the two spoons and produced some weird clicking sounds. They were rather complex, but Zakriahs looked like he struggled to time it just right.

Oh, Toshi thought, You can make music with them! He'd have to remember to ask Zakriahs where he learned about this.

Five more clicks, and ending with two behind his head, Zakriahs began to tell his tale.

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"Master Kenobi, good to see you!"

You remember how the esteemed Jedi Master showed up after we defeated those crooks, I'll just assume. The three of us standing over four unconscious bodies of three men and a Rodian, covered in silverware, was what Master Kenobi saw as he entered the alleyway. At the time my first thought was disgustingly simple.

Master Kenobi is here!

Now, however, I wish it was what I keep thinking now. I wonder if this is a peculiar sight for Master Kenobi? I wonder if this even counts as strange? Given who he is, what he's seen, and who he trained, I wonder if this even makes it on his(undoubtedly not non-existent) list. I like his long hairstyle; I should grow mine out. See if it suits me.

But I digress.

I must also admit that I didn't pay much attention to when you, Master Sinube, had been saying to the man, and I'm relatively convinced you faded from my existence, Toshi. Only briefly, don't cry about it. Although, if I had to guess, I'd say you were busy staring in awe at a Republic Hero. Again, no tears need be shed; I don't blame you.

No, my attention had been on the silverware. I felt terrible, not so much for knocking the Rodian unconscious, but for accidentally burying the poor fellow under all of the forks, spoons, and knives. I certainly hoped he wasn't stabbed by any of them. I moved closer to him, hoping to dig him out and heal him. I know I'm an average healer, but it would be heavy on my conscience if I did nothing.

So, I removed them—

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"With the utmost care, I imagine." Toshi interrupted.

Zakriahs narrowed his eyes, "Are you implying something, Toshi?"

Toshi smirked, "Not at all, Zakriahs."

"Pity," Zakriahs' face fell. "If you were implying something, it would justify your interruption. Anyway—"

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With as much care as I could muster, I removed them all but kept two spoons.

Now, keep in mind, I wasn't stealing the spoons, obviously; I just wanted to hold onto them. I picked them up, briefly inspected them, then pocketed them. For further use, you see. The Rodian had three forks and a knife stabbed into him, thankfully not too deep: two in his chest, one slightly in his forearm, and the knife in his left shoulder. Carefully, I removed each fork and healed the wounds. However, it was the knife that worried me.

Remember when I said that the forks and knife weren't stabbed too deep into him? Well, I lied a bit...

The blade was deep in his shoulder. I imagine he would be in a horrible hive of hurt( Does that make sense? I don't care.) if he were to wake up. I was nervous; I simply didn't know how to help this sad sod. This was indeed a tricky situation. I wanted to help, but how to do it, I had no idea. And I didn't like it.

Then, I heard his voice.

"Do you need help?"

I turned and saw the face of Master Obi-Wan Kenobi looking down at me. And then, I knew the Rodian, and I would be in safe hands. Here stood a Master who had better suited to these types of tasks.

"Yes, actually!" I said, "This guy needs medical attention."

He looked at the Rodian and bent down to examine his wounds. I turned away, not too eager to see a delicate process. When I did, I noticed my traveling companions were gone. A little heads-up would have been lovely.

"They called you earlier," Master Kenobi said as if reading my thoughts, "Master Sinube received a message to return to the temple, and he took your friend with him."

"Now that's odd," I remarked, "He really wanted to go to this diner to taste some food. I thought he would have made a fuss about it."

"Well, if I had to guess, it might have to do with the fact that he was incapable of saying anything except 'Master Kenobi' over and over with an open mouth and wide eyes."

I blinked for a second and then chuckled. "Yes, probably."

I heard him chuckle a bit, then he stood up. I turned to look up at him, noting the difference in height between us, then glanced at the Rodian. He was still unconscious, but the knife was nowhere to be seen, and his wounds were gone. The only evidence that he had such cuts were the forks with slight green stains at the tips, the torn areas of clothing in his chest and shoulder, and the faded scars beneath them.

And then, I looked back at him and noticed he was examining the knife.

"Oh, this poor fool," He said in what I assume was a sort of faux sympathy, "He likely doesn't even know how to use this thing. Especially if the worst crime they can commit is robbery of silverware." And tossed to the ground without a care.

Before either of us could say anything else, the sound of a blaster fire bouncing off a lightsaber resounded in the alley. Master Kenobi had avoided being shot from behind by one of the unconscious. I mean, obviously, he's not unconscious anymore. The man, however, was pretty (not)stupid in his attack. He kept his distance while shooting him to make his escape into the streets. He wouldn't get very far; I could tell Kenobi would make sure of it.

I would have been quite content to watch the Jedi Master take care of this had it not been for another not-unconscious thug rushing at me. I didn't realize it at the time, but I guess while he and I were talking, this guy was slowly crawling on the floor, closing the distance between him and me. His friend's intervention was the distraction he needed, it seemed.

This guy looked like he was crouching slightly as he ran; I think he wanted to body slam me. To be fair, his physique was far from lanky or fat. If I were untrained, I would have probably gotten a few hits in before he pulverized me.

But I wasn't untrained, now was I? I have great teachers.

First, I took four quick steps backward. As I did so, I think I understood the man's aim: my legs. He wanted to trip me and beat me to the floor, and/or run away. This rampaging gentleman threw himself at me, putting power into his belief that he would somehow grow wings and fly. And that I would simply let him.

Second, I paused to let the man get closer. As he "flew" towards me, I fell on my back and kicked him in his gut, and launched him into the wall behind me. As I got to my feet, I winced slightly as he made contact with the wall. Let's just say he felt exactly as his face looked. Remarkably, however, he staggered to his feet.

I couldn't keep the annoyance out of my voice as I said, "Look, can you just give up?" and don't look at me like that. I just wanted to eat at a stupid diner, and this guy is just making things worse for himself. Pardon me if it feels like I'm wasting time.

Evidently, his head was too bruised to take a hint. Even when he grabbed my left ankle with both hands.

So third, I used his tactic to my advantage. He wanted to tightly grab my ankle and pull my leg, maybe to learn the meaning of life, but I wanted to kick him in his face in the form of a backflip and knock him unconscious. Only one of us had realistic goals.

Finally, he seemed to give up and acknowledge he was beaten. I think I've said 'unconscious' enough times to get sick of it, so instead, I'll say he fell asleep.

"Zakriahs, BEHIND YOU!"

That's what I heard before I was grabbed from behind, spun around to face Master Kenobi, and had a blaster pressed to my right temple.

"ALRIGHT, STAY BACK, JEDI! I GOT A HOSTAGE!"

This wasn't the same man the Jedi Master had gone after. He was the tallest, baldest one of all four of them, and he must have been the leader of this group. At least, I think. I don't really know; all I remember about this guy is Toshi kicking him in the face.

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"You know," Toshi interrupted, "it really does say a lot about where we are."

"What do you mean?" Zakriahs asked.

"Well, we outmatched them, but we didn't really beat them. You know, if these guys just started waking up or were awake the whole time."

Zakriahs furrowed his eyebrows inquisitively, "Huh. I didn't think about that. I mean, I probably would have, but you caught that faster than I did."

Master Sinube smiled, "Well done, Young Toshi. You recognize your faults."

Toshi matched his smile, "And I'll have to improve myself with them."

Zakriahs' smile was a little strained, "Indeed you will. Stop interrupting."

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Right, so, where was I?

"I recommend you let him go."

"I SAID STAY BACK!"

Ah, yes. This.

The man Master Kenobi chased was slumped against the opposite wall. Now, here stood the Jedi Master before this angry man with me stuck in the middle. I mentally told myself to ask that Rodian if he was unconscious. If I got out of this, that is.

"Now," The thug let out a breath, "I want you to put down the weapon and turn around slowly."

"I'll put down my lightsaber as long as you drop yours." I felt a chill go down my spine. Surprisingly, it's the steely voice of Obi-Wan Kenobi that intimidates me more than the blaster.

"DO AS I SAY, JEDI! OR THE KID GETS IT!"

Clearly, I wasn't the only one if the brute's trembling body was anything to go by. I could also sense the guy's fear and frustration; I mean, this guy wasn't doing an excellent job hiding his feelings. His desire to escape was evident, and he was desperate for anything.

I had confidence that Master Kenobi could save me; he's a Master, after all, but my captor was stubborn and beyond reason. There was simply no letting go of that gun. I might die here, I thought. Who knows what would happen if I died? I'm sure I would have been scolded by a Master for feeling such fear. My excuse to them would be, 'I'm young. I have time to work on it.'

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"Very insightful, Young Asher."

"Thank you, Master."

"Zak, you're still alive, so you don't have to make it sound like you'll never get better. Obviously, Master Kenobi saved you."

"First, don't call me Zak. Second, you're right; I really do have more time to work on it. Third, there's a little more to it than that. And fourth, you're lucky you didn't interrupt."

----------------------------------------

So, I wondered: is this how I would end? Masterless, in an alley, and on an empty stomach. I suppose it's not dramatic, but if it was the will of the Force...

Not always a straight line, the path to victory is.

At that moment, I remembered one of Master Yoda's lessons.

At that moment, I think I understood how to approach this situation. I think I only became more afraid.

I was going to take a risk. It might end badly for anyone here. But I wanted this to end, and neither of these men was getting any closer to what they wanted. This wasn't a debate. It was a hostage situation. With that said, I didn't want to hurt this man with my lightsaber. He doesn't even realize I still have it on my belt; he's that insane.

I decided that this man needed to be in a cell for his own good. And for the good of others. And so, I made my move.

"LET ME GO! LET ME GO! LET ME GO! LET ME GO! LET ME GO!"

Now, Master Kenobi didn't say anything, but I'm pretty sure I could sense he was bewildered. All I cared about, though, was the reaction of my captor. My scared, insane, soon-to-be-annoyed captor.

So far, he responded how I expected him to, with him screaming at the top of his lungs, trying to overpower my own. He was definitely annoyed, and that's just what I wanted.

The next thing I knew, I had the gun pressed painfully closer to my temple. Followed by a threat to be killed if I didn't shut up.

"BUT IF YOU DO THAT, THEN YOU LOSE YOUR HOSTAGE, SO LET ME GO! LET ME GO! LET ME GO! LET ME GO!"

He tried tightening his grip on me in a desperate attempt to scare me.

I was scared, sure, but that only made me scream louder.

He was losing any sense of balance he may have had. I could tell he was thinking about doing what I wanted him to do. He probably thought he could concentrate better with silence. I know I would. So, he pointed his gun at Master Kenobi. So, he decided he couldn't take any more of my 'hysterics.' So, he decided to quickly grip his hand on my mouth.

So, what was the point of any of this?

So I could make my move.

In that split second, he would have adjusted his hand to be on my mouth. When he did, I stopped raving, and I bit down on his hand as hard as I could. He screamed in pain, and his hold on me disappeared.

His hand seemed to automatically move back to my head. My confidence in Master Kenobi, however, paid off. Before he even came close to pulling the trigger, his blaster flew out his hand and into Master Kenobi's.

With the threat of being shot gone, I stopped biting and decided to finish what I started.

I grabbed his former blaster-held hand, stomped on his left foot as hard as I could, and then flipped him over my back. It wasn't as easy at first; however, my second attempt had the man on the ground.

Finally, Master Kenobi closed the distance between us and knocked the man out with a solid punch.

Once it was finished, I let out a long sigh of relief. That sigh then turned to slightly heavy breaths. I felt a hand on my shoulder and turned to see that Master's concerned face.

"Are you alright?" he asked.

"Oh, yes," I replied, still catching my breath, " But my word! If that man wasn't heavy!"

At this, we chuckled. And then, I realized something, and I couldn't but groan, "Why didn't I just use the Force? I could have saved myself the trouble." I paused again, realizing something else, "And for that matter, why didn't you?"

My tone wasn't accusatory(at least, I don't think it was), but Master Kenobi looked a little surprised at my observation. He could have saved me a lot sooner. Then he candidly said, "I suppose I could have. But I was confident you would find a way out." He smiled wryly, "And you certainly impressed me."

"Anyone else could have done what I did," I answered.

He looked down for a brief second, "Perhaps, but how you handled your ordeal against this man was very clever."

"My instructors knew what to teach me," I answered again.

And then, Master Kenobi adopted a strange expression on his face. I couldn't quite trace then or now. But then, he shrugged slightly and glanced one final time at the three men. This time, we were sure they were unconscious.

"Well," He said with a nod, "The police should be arriving now. Why don't I treat you to a well-deserved meal?"

I looked at him, slightly surprised, before he continued, "Master Sinube told me where you were headed. As it happened, I was heading there myself. Besides, you must be hungry," He smirked, "and I can't imagine that hand being delicious."

I laughed, slightly embarrassed at the reference. I couldn't help but wipe my teeth with my hand. Well, one couldn't be too sure.

"Oh!" I exclaimed, "One more thing." And then I was walking. I promised myself that I would make sure the man stayed unconscious. I made the promise as I flipped the man, but Master Kenobi beat me to it. While I was grateful, there was something else I said I should do, and I had every intention to do it.

I knelt down to the Rodian, "Excuse me, are you unconscious?"

I poked him in his arm, he stirred slightly. "Or are you faking it like these other guys?"

I lightly slapped his face, and he seemed to be waking up. He groaned and blinked at me.

"Are you unconscious?" I asked one last time.

He scrunched his eyes, looking and sounding half in pain and half annoyed.

"No!" He tried to get up.

"Okay then."

And then, I punched him in his face.

He fell back to the ground, and I knew I had done it. Promise: kept.

I noticed two things as I got back up: the police droids entering the alley and Master Kenobi's bewildered expression. I must've looked and sounded as sheepish as I felt when I spoke.

"So... lunch?"