6
The following day was a blur of training and study.
Wisteria spent hours in the training room, practising Shien and Djem So, as well as other combat techniques. Krell had thought she had much to learn in a short time.
She meditated daily, always before her first meal, to deepen her connection to the Force and refine her control over it. During her free time, she continued to assist in the medbay to learn more about anatomy and physiology. Mend, the CMO, was an honorary member of the Gryffindor squad. He, like many clones, doted on Wisteria for all her cuteness and little sister energy she brought. Mend always made sure to keep a few energy bars on hand for whenever Wisteria would come down, though by express orders, Mend was not allowed to take any of her medical information. Wisteria could see the rage that enveloped Mend anytime he saw her Master. He was always muttering about blood sugar levels and malnutrition.
After an especially gruelling training session, Wisteria found some small time to herself to sneak into the barracks.
“You've been working hard,” Crus said, offering her a canteen of water. “How's the training going?”
Wisteria took a grateful sip, wiping sweat from her brow. “It's intense, but I'm learning a lot. General Krell is a tough teacher, but I can feel myself getting stronger.” Her Basic was still heavily accented from all the time she spent speaking the tongue of snakes.
“We've noticed,” Mech said with a smile. “You're becoming quite the verd’ika.” (Little Warrior)
Wisteria blushed, feeling a surge of pride. “Thanks. I couldn't have done it without all of you. You've been there for me every step of the way.”
“And we always will be,” Hawk said, pulling her into a gentle embrace. “You're one of us, Wisteria. We're aliit.” (family)
Krell, like many Jedi, held the idea that blasters were uncivilised, obviously, the clones were against this idea, and so taught Ria to use the most basic DC-17 repeater hand blaster. A DC-15A blaster rifle would be too large and thrown off her centre. From their small training session, she had a good shooting hand, though they were a little worried when she brought up the fact that her planet still uses slug-throwers.
Wisteria rested her head against Hawk's chest, feeling a deep sense of contentment. One of her favourite ways to sleep, surrounded by the warmth and support of her clone brothers. It reminded her of the dorms. She missed home, but she also wouldn’t trade her squad for another day back home. Her resolve had been made; it was either they all go back home or not.
Wisteria dreamed of the stars and an archway, wolves and owls with strange colours, all later engulfed in shadows.
It was a routine by now. Wake up, meditate, eat, finish coursework, have lunch, then force and lightsaber training, have dinner, and complete flimsi work, sneak into the barracks for clone piles and back in her room before Krell wakes. Or it had been for the first three days.
One morning, Krell summoned Wisteria to the training room for a special session. Krell stood there, his presence commanding as ever, holding his two lightsaber staffs.
“Today, we will test your ability to adapt to different lightsaber forms,” Krell announced. “You will fight me, and I will call out the forms. You must switch between them seamlessly. Ready yourself, my apprentice.”
She activated the blade, the familiar hum filling the room. Krell took his stance, his eyes fixed on her with unwavering intensity.
“Begin!” Krell shouted.
Wisteria launched herself into Form I, the basic form of lightsaber combat. Her movements were precise and controlled. Krell countered her strikes effortlessly, his blade moving with practised ease.
“Form III!”
Wisteria transitioned to Soresu, focusing on defence. She tightened her movements, parrying Krell's attacks and conserving her energy. Krell's strikes grew more aggressive, testing her ability to maintain her guard and redirect his sabers. They stayed with this form for a prolonged time due to its nature of outlasting the opponent.
“Form V!”
Wisteria shifted to Shien, deflecting Krell's strikes with powerful blocks. She aimed to turn his attacks against him, using his strength to her advantage. Krell's eyes glinted with approval as he increased the intensity of his strikes. She did add some elements of Djem So, but she knew this wasn’t the best form for her.
“Form IV!”
With a burst of energy, Wisteria leapt into the acrobatics of Ataru. She spun and flipped, her saber flashing in a flurry of attacks. Krell matched her agility, his blade meeting hers in mid-air. Ataru was the newest form she was learning. Krell had judged her flexibility as more than sufficient and showed her a few different stances, making her short size much of an advantage.
“Form II!” Krell commanded.
Wisteria shifted her stance, adopting the elegance and precision of Makashi. She aimed her strikes at Krell's blade, attempting to disarm him. Krell's defence was impeccable, his movements fluid and graceful. It was an extra struggle as, for some reason, Krell had her learn this form one-handed, and there was only so long she could use the force to strengthen herself as she tried not to use so much magic around her Master.
“Form I!” Krell shouted, bringing them back to the beginning.
Wisteria transitioned back to Shii-Cho, her body aching from the relentless pace. She focused on her breathing, maintaining her composure as she met Krell's blade again and again.
The cycle continued, Krell calling out the forms in rapid succession. Niman, form II was favoured by many Jedi as it blended offence and defence and incorporated Force techniques into attacks. Wisteria's mind and body worked in perfect harmony, each form flowing into the next. Sweat poured down her face, her muscles burning with exertion, but she pushed through, determined to prove herself. It was kind of like a Quidditch match; the faster they went, the more fun she was having.
After what felt like an eternity, Krell finally called a halt. Wisteria deactivated her saber, gasping for breath. Krell stood before her, his expression unreadable.
“Adequate,” was all that Krell said
Wisteria bowed, her heart swelling with pride. “Thank you, Master.”
Krell nodded, his stern demeanour returning. “You are dismissed.”
They had spent over 8 hours on this, it was rewarding yet also draining. Going back to her room, the sonic and the few bites of food she had digested were a blur as the second she touched her bed, she was out.
Wisteria stood at the observation deck, staring out at the swirling blue tunnel of hyperspace as it surrounded the Indomitable. The stars stretched and streaked around them, a mesmerizing dance that had become familiar to her over the past few days. She felt a gentle thrum beneath her feet as the ship prepared to exit hyperspace, and moments later, the view shifted to reveal a planet that looked to be made completely of oceans.
General Krell entered the deck, he glanced at Wisteria, his expression unreadable as always. “I will be going down to the surface to collect a new battalion of troops. You are to remain on the ship and continue your training.”
Wisteria nodded, trying to mask her disappointment. She had heard much about Kamino and the cloning facilities, and the idea of seeing it firsthand intrigued her. “Yes, Master,” she replied, her voice steady.
Krell studied her for a moment before turning to leave. “Remember, Wisteria. Your training is paramount. Use this time wisely.”
It was like he was counting down until a disaster or something. Always goes on about having enough time to train her.
With that, he exited the observation deck, leaving Wisteria alone with her thoughts. She watched as a shuttle detached and descended toward the planet below once they were in the atmosphere. The gleaming white structures of Kamino stood out starkly against the stormy seas. She wished she could have accompanied Krell to see the birthplace of the clones she had come to regard as family.
Sighing, Wisteria turned away from the viewport and made her way to the training room. She knew Krell was right—her training was crucial. But the loneliness of space travel and the intensity of her lessons often made her yearn for a change of scenery, a chance to see more of this vast galaxy that was her temporary home.
In the training room, Wisteria activated her datapad and reviewed her lesson plans. She practised her lightsaber forms, focusing on the transitions Krell had drilled into her during their last session.
After an hour of practice, Wisteria paused to meditate. Centred herself, reaching out with the Force. She felt the presence of the clones aboard the ship, how the glow of light fairy lights all connected. She reached further, sensing the life forms on Kamino. The Kaminoans were almost sterile in the force; not good or bad, just there. Wisteria could pick up two force-sensitive on the whole planet. She recognised one as Krell’s; the other was a surprise. Unlike Krell, it was warm and slightly amused.
She took a deep breath, grounding herself in the present, and slowly opened her eyes.
Deciding she needed a break, Wisteria left the training room and headed towards the mess hall. As she entered the mess hall, she spotted Gryffindor squad gathered around a table, sharing lunch and lively conversation.
“Wisteria!” Crus called out, waving her over. “Come join us!”
Wisteria smiled and walked over, grateful for the company. She took a seat between Crus and Hawk, feeling a sense of belonging wash over her.
“I told you to call me Ria,” Wisteria replied, accepting a tray of food from Hawk.
“Sure, cuun verd’ika,” Fang said with a chuckle. (our little warrior)
Wisteria blushed at the compliment, feeling a surge of pride. She was slowly learning Mando’a along with five other languages. Could a spell do all the work? yes. But it was rewarding to do things with her knowledge. “Thanks, Fang. I just wish I could have gone down to Kamino with him. I've heard so much about it.”
Hawk nodded, understanding in his eyes. “It's not an impressive place. You'll get your chance to see more of the galaxy soon enough.”
She pushed the thought aside and focused on the conversation, enjoying the warmth of her friends.
As they finished their meal, the ship's comm system came to life to announce the return of the general.
Making her way to the hangar bay five. The shuttle doors opened, and Krell stepped out flanked by rows of newly minted clones.
Before she could introduce herself, Krell was already upon her.
"Forget them," he snapped, his expression darkening. "The clones are soldiers. They are tools, nothing more. They are not your friends. You are here to learn. And I am here to mould you into something greater than this galaxy has ever seen."
Her defiant expression didn’t escape him. That look, that spark of resistance—it infuriated him, challenged him. She had yet to break, but with the darkness he sensed around her, he suspected she would find her place alongside him soon enough. And when she did, she would be more powerful than she could imagine. It was a darkness only those who have walked through the shadows could see. It was one of the most interesting things about the girl.
Wisteria watched as General Krell, flanked by rows of freshly minted clone troopers, made his way through the ship's corridors. As Krell approached her, he motioned for her to follow.
“Come with me, Wisteria,” he said, his tone as commanding as ever.
Wisteria nodded, falling into step beside him as they practised. They walked in silence until they reached Krell's quarters. The clones had gone off to their new Barracks or training room; they were told to mind their business and, if they needed anything, to report to the clone commander. The room was austere, reflecting the general's disciplined nature, but it held an air of quiet authority. In the centre of the room lay her training saber and a small workbench, the tools neatly arranged. It was then she realised she had left her saber in her room after mediation. How he knew this was worrying, as that meant he knew where she was at all times and was humouring her acts of rebellion.
Krell turned to Wisteria, his piercing gaze locking onto hers. “I've felt the connection you have with the kyber of the training saber. The Council has approved this next step in your training.”
Wisteria's heart raced with anticipation. “What do you need me to do, General?”
Krell gestured to the training saber on the workbench. “I want you to use the Force to take this saber apart. Focus on the kyber crystal within and leave it exposed. Once you have done so, you will meditate with the crystal. The kyber crystal is the heart of the lightsaber and is attuned to the Force. I trust you are up to date with your lessons.”
Wisteria stepped forward, her hands hovering over the saber. She closed her eyes, drawing in a deep breath and centring herself. She reached out with the Force and magic, feeling them both intermingle and dance around each other before combining. The hum of energy surrounded her. Slowly, she began to sense the individual components of the saber—the emitter, the power cell, the focusing lens, and finally, the kyber crystal at its core. So bright, so lonely, a tune she knew only in her memories, a soft lullaby to soothe a crying child, a warm embrace on a cold night filled with so much love, she was cherished.
With careful precision, she used the Force to unscrew the hilt and separate the parts. Each piece floated in the air, suspended by her will. The kyber crystal, a small but powerful shard, glowed with an inner light. Wisteria marvelled at its beauty and the raw energy it contained.
“Good,” Krell said, his voice a low rumble. “Now, take the crystal and meditate with it. Let it guide you.”
Wisteria gently took the kyber crystal in her hands, feeling its warmth. She sat down on the floor, crossed her legs and placed the crystal in her lap. Closing her eyes, she focused her mind on the crystal, reaching out with the Force to connect with its essence. The room around her seemed to fade away as she delved deeper into her meditation. She felt the crystal's energy resonate with her own, a harmonious symphony of light and power. Visions began to swirl in her mind—glimpses of stars, distant planets, and the intricate dance of life throughout the galaxy. A dark place with a silver arch. A wand, and clock and a stone, three is one. A laugh and cry and a scream, pain filled her for a second, then made way for a warm flash of green with the stroke of a cold finger, a forest she knew, a cup and locket. It took hours, or maybe minutes, for all the images to pass. Time seemed to lose meaning as Wisteria meditated, her connection to the kyber crystal growing stronger. She could feel the potential it held. The crystal seemed to whisper to her, its voice a gentle, guiding presence.
As she continued to meditate, Wisteria felt a shift within herself. The boundaries of her consciousness expanded, allowing her to see beyond the physical realm. She sensed the flow of the Force, its currents weaving through all living things. It was a profound and humbling experience, one that filled her with a deep sense of purpose. It was everywhere, all the little lights, some bigger than others. She found one that looked like a supernova and almost measured her own.
So many lights, yet the shadows grew larger, on so dark and dangerous, threatening to consume all good and bright, A laugh, and order, then death. So much death. She was falling, drowning in the waters of the force.
After what felt like an eternity, Krell's voice broke through her reverie. “Stay in the now, apprentice. Return to here.”
Following the thread through the darkness.
Wisteria opened her eyes, the vision fading but leaving a lasting impression. She looked up at Krell, feeling a newfound clarity and strength. “I felt it, Master. The crystal... everything. It was incredible.”
Krell nodded, his expression one of approval. “The kyber crystal has accepted you. Now it’s time to make your own.”
He set the holobook down on the workbench next to the dismantled training saber. “This,” he said, “is a guide to constructing your lightsaber. I only have a few spare parts; use them as the force wills.”
The diagrams depicted various lightsaber components, from the emitter to the power cell to the focusing lens. Each part was meticulously detailed, with annotations in multiple languages. The text explained the significance of each component and the process of assembling them into a cohesive whole.
She carefully laid out the components from the book, organizing them on the workbench. Krell watched silently, his presence a steadying force as she still felt a little floaty from her meditation and from the time on the chrono, it had been over five hours since she went into meditation.
A few more hours passed as Wisteria worked with unwavering focus. She carefully followed the instructions, using the Force to guide her hands as she assembled the pieces. She installed the emitter, ensuring it was perfectly aligned with the focusing lens. She connected the power cell and added the necessary wiring, feeling the growing harmony between the components.
Finally, Wisteria reached the kyber crystal. She held it in her hand, feeling its warmth and energy. She decided to take a step further. She pricked her finger and let a single drop of blood fall onto the kyber crystal. The drop of blood was absorbed into the crystal, which glowed brighter for a moment before returning to its steady, pulsating light with magic and the force combined. Though she wasn’t a hundred percent sure about the ramifications of using blood magic in binding rituals, it felt right. She just hoped from the angle she was sitting, Krell hadn’t seen her actions.
Wisteria placed the crystal into the hilt, securing it with a delicate touch. She took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the almost completed lightsaber in her hands. With a final adjustment, she completed the assembly and stood back, holding her creation.
“Now, activate it,” Krell instructed, his voice calm and authoritative.
Wisteria hesitated for a moment, then pressed the activation switch. The hilt hummed to life, and a brilliant golden-yellow blade sprang forth. The light filled the room with a warm, radiant glow, casting intricate shadows on the walls. Wisteria stared at the blade in awe, feeling its power and her connection to it resonate within her, just like when she first got her wand.
Krell observed the blade, his eyes narrowing with interest. “A rare colour,” he remarked.
Wisteria deactivated the saber and looked at Krell with gratitude. “Thank you, Master. I couldn't have done it without your guidance.”
There were only so many times Wisteria could say master in parseltongue before she hated the word. If not for the fact that the Gryffindor squad would only leave when this war was finished, she would have run away a while ago. All this posturing was tiring, but his help had whipped her into shape and given her a new weapon.
Krell nodded, his expression softening slightly. “Remember, a lightsaber is a Jedi life; you must carry it with you always.” There was a glint in his eyes with these words.
Krell's gaze was steady. “Your training will continue to intensify. You must be ready to face the challenges ahead with resolve and determination. A new order is coming, and you must be ready to stand by my side. The Force is strong with you, my apprentice. Trust in it, and it will guide you, as it has done with me.”
She clipped the lightsaber to her belt, feeling its reassuring weight, and followed Krell out of the quarters. She had two weapons now, her wand and her lightsaber. Ron would love the golden colour, much like a snitch. Now she had to practice more magic. If she could cast chain magic and wandlessly too, she would be even more powerful and defeat Snake Face for good. Rebuild Potter Manor and live with her adopted brother, she needs to adopt, and Sirius.
They would travel the world and the greater universe. Bring the Goblins more business. Gallons to credits seemed to be a good conversion, and the magical world had very much to offer in terms of medical care and entertainment. But that was for later; first, she had to end this war so she could get back home and end the war there and tell the boys the truth about where she came from.
So much to do in so little time. She’ll be seventeen in three years. The age of maturity. So little time.