Fear was the path to the Darkside, but not in the way most Jedi understood. There was no shame in being afraid…no shame in feeling fear. It was what often came after that push even the most stalwart Jedi towards the Dark. Fear could summon the Force in an instant. The path was so easy. That path became easier and easier with each step. Fear fueled the Force, so why not anger, anguish…hate. These fears were not cliché. They were a truth a Jedi must accept. The Darkside was the easy path but it would corrupt without question. A true Jedi did not run from their fear, did not let it control them. No. A true Jedi faced that fear head on and refused to bend. Now more than ever, the Order needed to be certain their number could look their fears in the eye. The Trial of Spirit was administered for that very reason.
Jedi Master Alexandria Voran stood alone in one of the small mediation chambers in the Temple on Yavin. The door was open, and the lights were low. A ring of lit cancels encircled the room. She stood across from the door…waiting. The Trials of Knighthood were not always administered. A Padawan could pass their trials away from the Temple, but the Trial of Spirit was a different test. Alex remembered her own trials. Her mind had nearly folded when faced with her inner demons. This was not a test the Council took lightly. A Master of the Force was always required to ensure the Padawan made it back to them…even if they did not pass.
So, Alex waited for Crix. She knew the young Jedi was ready. She had seen shades of it on medical station. She thought he would make a truly fine Jedi Knight…but better Jedi had failed when forced to confront the darkness inside them. She crossed her arms. Alex looked every inch the Jedi Master. Her robes were perfectly clean, her face a passionless mask. She waited.
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