Story of the week

Obi-wan and Darklighter walked out into the main grounds of the Academy, heading from the lawn in front of the council structure towards the lake. The light of the sun was dimming, the strong vibrant orange clouds spread across the sky in explosion of colour.

Darklighter had been Obi-wan's apprentice for only 9 years before Obi-wan felt he was ready to give him the title of Jedi Knight. Darklighter's skill and coordination in battle was most impressive, and his link with the force had grown ever stronger. Obi-wan had taught him well, and Darklighter looked up to him. They were good friends.

"I sense something strange Master" Daklighter spoke, almost to himself, deep in thought and wonder. "I have done for some time. It is in Divine that I sense it. The feeling is strong." Obi-wan stopped and looked at him carefully, their gazes met.

"Be mindful of your feelings, reach out through them" he spoke gently, but his words were those of instruction, "but do not give in. Do not jump to conclusions. I have told you this before, have I not. The reason you are a Jedi was because I needed to take on Divine, to giude him. Yes, he needs guidance." Obi-wan chuckled to himself, "He asks too many questions. I have taught you everything you need to know."

He began to walk up to the lake. The water was deadly still, as the air was calm, no sign of a breeze. His reflection shone brilliantly, the detail of his brown cloak stood out on the seemingly frozen-still waters.

"He will not rest provoking me" Darklighter seemed aggravated, almost hurt. "I do not know what to do. It makes me angry" he stared down at the ground, his expression grim.

"No!" Obi-wan yelled as he turned to face him. "Anger leads to hate. Control your emotions Darklighter. It is the only way. Good night." With that Obi-wan walked quickly back towards the dorms. Darklighter was left quite shaken, this confused feeling swelled inside him. He did not move. Suddenly a voice came, which made him jump to the side.

"So..." Divine walked out from behind the shadows. He had heard everything. "You sense something in me. I need guidance do I?" his voice was unsettling. His eyes focussed on Darklighter's intensely. "Not with my skill with a lightsaber I think."

"What you need is to gain focus on what your master teaches you" the anger had come back in him now.

"A duel." Divine said wthout warning.

"What!" he was knocked back by the thought.

"Meet me in the courtyard at midnight. If you have honour in what you are fighting for, you will be there. Do not fail me." Those words rung in his ears. He would hear them again.

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Darklighter could have walked away, told Obi-wan and left this to rest. The anger in him was too strong. He had to prove himself against Divine. They had been rivals for a long time, only a small before, but it grew larger now. Darklighter had been the perfect student for Obi-wan. Darklighter resented him with all his might. Neither would ever let the other win.

It was bright outside. The middle of the night, and the full-moon shone with grey-white brilliance, illuminating the cloudless sky and the lanscape below it. Darklighter walked out slowly into the courtyard outside the main building of the Academy. His self-built lightsaber hung from his belt, hs hand close to it. After a minute, Divine stepped out in front of him, the hilt of his saber in his hand. He was getting impatient.

"I knew you would come. I sensed the anger in you." he said menacingly.

"You will not beat me Divine. You will not beat me while resentment is in your heart." Darklighter replied.

"Then prepare to meet your doom, Darklighter!" On that note, the Jedi simultaneously ignited their sabers. Darklighter's glowes orange like fire above the hilt, while the rich purple of Divine's shone intensely.

Divine leapt towards him in an overhead swing, but was met with Darklighter's block. Divine bouced back, and brought the saber up at his side. Darklighter parried blocking it again, and flipped backwards to avoid another swing. It was really the most amazing battle. The Jedi were equally matched, though their hearts were in very different places. One hit after another was blocked, down, to the side, an uppercut from Divine was smashed aside by a forceful blow from Darklighter.

Divine now kicked Darklighter so he spun around. While he was off-guard, Divine brought his saber round and struck Darklighter's shoulder.

"Aaarrrggghh!!" he screamed and fell to the ground, the blood surfaced from the wound. Darklighter filled with rage, and run towards Divine for the first time. He smacked Divine's saber to the side, knocking him off balance, and struck him on the leg. They both clambered to their feet, and stood glaring.

"Impressive" Divine began.

"Most impressive" Darkligher finished. They ran now headlng towards each other. Right before the last hit, a voice yelled.

"Enough!" On that word, both were flung backwards apart from each other. Divine and Darklighter fell to the ground, as Obi-wan walked up between them. There was a silence as they extinguished their sabers. Obi-wan's glare made them realise what they had done, as thy hung their heads shamfully.

"This will never happen again in my Academy. Ever." Divine picked up his saber and held his wound. As he walked past Darklighter, he gave a smirk, a grin of almost precognition. He knew they would fight again. Obi-wan stopped as he faced Darklighter.

"I expected more from you" his voice was cold. Obi-wan followed Divine inside, and left Darklighter standing outside as the clouds covered the blue sky as darkness fell.

To be continued...