~Yula POV~
        It was a normal morning, well, as normal as a Jedi Soldier's morning can be. Though today, Cira wasn't here like normal. Usually if she's not in her bed or asleep on top of the Holo Table from her relentless planning, she's off at some meeting. I'll head for the briefing room since we probably have a new mission.

        On the walk down through the Temple halls I scarfed down a few ration bars. If I've learned one thing, it's that you never know when it'll be quiet enough to have a real meal, so eat up when you can.

When I arrived at the rounded, metal door I saw it was sealed. I think she's in there, though. So I leaned against the wall and waited.

Eventually I got a call on my comm. It was Cira.

"Yula, come down to the briefing room."

Not sure of wether to tell her I was already here or fake the walk over, so I just said,"Alright."

I ended up silently standing there for a minute or so before actually going in. Inside standing around the round Holo-table was Cira, Master Yoda, Master Kenobi by hologram, and Master Windu. The four of them al turned towards me. There was a very official and serious tone in the room, so I stood up straight and had a serious expression.

"Padawan Gafomaar, we'd like to make you a proposition," Master Windu started, and then looked to Master Yoda. Yoda gave him a subtle nod. I also nodded and looked intently to him. He continued,"A solo mission to a secret Seperatist Base on the outer rim world of Naos. We'd like you to lead it."

THE NEXT DAY
        "You do realize this is a test, right?" Cira asked as we walked swiftly to the hangar bay where our stolen shuttle was still parked. The Troopers were on their way as well.

"Yes, I know. I need to show my stuff so they'll Knight me."

She gave me a serious look,"This is your trial, Yula. You must be on top of your game."

That doesn't make any sense! I remember from my studies: the Jedi Trails. Skill, insight, courage, spirit, and flesh. Why was I not taking them?"

"Wait a second, aren't Padawans supposed to take the 5 trials?" As we walked we were dodging many Jedi and Troopers running about. It's madness here.

"Well, er, yes. But they've adapted it to go along with this war. Times have changed, and I guess this has too..," her voice trailed off slightly, as if she'd just had a deja vu of sorts.

"So this very mission is my trial?"

"Yes! That's why you need to be on top of it. Now, don't get me wrong, failure is fine. Just do everything in your power, like you normally do, to ensure moral, fair success by the Jedi Code." She sounded more worried than I did.

"Okay, I will."

We both reached the Bay and hustled to where Key, Fitz, and Wing were. Wing had already gone in to prepare the ship while Key and Fitz diligently checking on everything.

"Please be careful," Cira said as she put her hands on my shoulders.

I smiled and gave her a hug. "I'll be fine."

She smiled back and then I walked over to the ship, feeling confident as ever. Fitz, Wing, and Key rushed over and stood at attention, Fitz at a more relaxed stance.

"Let's go boys, we have a base to infiltrate."

~Cira POV~
It was strange seeing Yula fly off on her own. Yet, it was gratifying. I was just really proud of her.

I still think back to the girl who ran up to me that first morning we met. She was late, huffing and puffing as she sprinted down the hall to meet me.

I remember how she kept insisting her classmates were better, not letting herself believe she could be anything. But I also remember how she single handedly saved me from my Captors back on Gamior. How she held back Grievous on that fateful mission, and helped Jek with the aftermath. How she orchestrated the trip to meet her Mom. How she's been the glue that holds otherwise failed missions together. I remember who she used to be, and how much she's changed.

I stuck around until I couldn't see their ship anymore, just to make sure. Then, as I started the walk back to my quarters, I realized that even though I was overjoyed with the odds of her becoming Knighted, I was sad as well. I know I shouldn't be. Jedi need to be able to let their students go. But that's easier said than done. She's been by my side for the last four years. It felt like just four mere weeks. I would miss her.

Was this how Kya felt when I got Knighted? Was she this worried when I left for Geonosis? Probably.

       
        I went to the training arena myself to do some training that afternoon. It's been a while since I'd polished my skills, which certainly aren't lacking.

The Holo simulated a Sith jumping around, brute strength and all. The only thing it was missing was the fear aspect. I did after all know it was fake.

My blade, green as fresh grass on Endor, flew around. It collided with the fake red blade of my Holographic Opponent. I'd almost forgotten how exhilarating duels were!

Dashing around, lightsabers ablaze, feeling the Force and letting it help you decide your next move. It was simply freeing. I need to do this more often.

        I ate dinner in the cafe that night. Making small talk and joking around with the other Jedi I️ talk to occasionally was something I haven't let myself do in a while. I almost felt like a giddy youngling again.

The cafe had more options than ration bars, which was a comforting change to the usual. Ration bars were, to be frank, bland and boring. But also cheap and easy to obtain. However, the cafe had pastries, savory dough with different sauces and other toppings, and don't even get me started with the deserts. Let's just say I chose to forget about my metabolism for this meal.

        Today hadn't been so bad. Although, it became clear to me that I was distracting myself from my fear. The fear of now knowing. Thoughts buzzed around wildly in my head. Nervous, terrified thoughts, but also happy thoughts. I tried to reach out to the Force and sense Yula, but I simply wasn't strong enough to do that from this distance. Plus I haven't had any Caf today, so my exhaustion was front and center. I knew deep down she would be fine, though.

The Master-Padawan bond runs deep. I'd know if something bad happened to her. That, I was sure of.

        That night, I laid down in my bed, facing directly up with my eyes closed. I drifted into a sort of half meditation. Flashbacks of my time with Yula played in my head.

When she, and everyone else, almost got killed in her first battle.

When I caught her asleep in the garden that night after a night of goofing around with her best friend, Jek.

When she fought General Grievous.

When she broke that girl's nose.

When we met her family on Pantora.

The list goes on...

That was my night, just flashbacks. Scenes of the past playing out in perfect harmony in my head in the form of a vision. All the incredible emotions flooding into my heart once again.
Was this the Force telling me it was time for her to move up?
I hoped so. If anyone deserves it, it's her.