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 THE SILENCE WAS UNBEARABLE. Xzara had been the one to ask Obi-Wan on this walk, her she couldn't find her words. She was angry and sad all at the same time, it was too much. "Xzara," Obi-Wan spoke softly. He took hold of her wrist gently, stopping them both. "I can feel your conflict, talk to me."

Xzara slowly turned to him, avoiding his piercing eyes. For a moment, she was at a loss for words as she stared at the tall grass. "After only a few weeks, you have weaselled your way into my heart somehow, and now you must go?" She took a breath, finally looking at him. "How is this fair?"

Obi-Wan frowned, his eyebrows creased in a thick, concerned line. "Xzara, you must know by now that life isn't fair. We take what we are given and must live with it." He still had a hold on her wrist.

"Then why must the universe take you away from me in a time like this?" Xzara felt her emotions begin to overwhelm her. "My home is on the verge of war because of me and when I finally have someone to teach me how to use these powers, powers that could stop the war, he leaves?" The disappointed face of her father and eldest brothers flashed in her minds eye.

Xzara didn't realize she was crying until Obi-Wan's hand was wiping the tears from her eyes, caressing her cheek softly. As she look at him, she could see that, he too, was crying, though no one was there to wipe his tears. "Xzara," He began quietly. "For so long, I have resented the choices of the Jedi Council, but I have dedicated my life to them. I cannot just simply leave."

"Bullshit!" Xzara pulled away from him, allowing her angry tears to fall. "You told me yourself! There was someone before me! You said you were willing to leave the Jedi for her! Why am I different?!" She screamed.

Obi-Wan stood frozen. For once in his life, he was at a loss for words. He watched as Xzara attempted to compose herself, console and hold herself. She ended up dropping to the floor. He ran forward, catching her. "Oh, Xzara," He sighed shakily. This memory was all too familiar — holding the one he loved in his arms as she cried. How Satine would scold him for his treatment of Xzara. "I'm so sorry," He hushed. "So sorry, love."

An hour later, Xzara was standing in a gown next to her brothers as they bid goodbye to the Jedi. When Anakin stopped at Xzara, she could see how truly upset he was to go. "Princess," He sighed. "I'm sorry we couldn't do more for you."

"I told you to call me Xzara, Anakin," Xzara smiled sadly. "Take care of yourself and that padawan of yours." They hugged and Anakin stepped back, allowing Ahsoka to crush Xzara in a hug.

"I'll miss you!" The young girl cried.

Xzara couldn't help but laugh. "I'll miss you more, young one," She stroked her head softly. "May we meet again."

Obi-Wan stood at the ship, waiting. He and Xzara had already said their goodbyes — it wasn't worth to make a scene in front of her family. Her father stepped forward. "I am forever thankful for what you've done in these short weeks and I wish you a safe trip home."

Xzara felt numb as she watched the transport ship leave the docking bay. She had no idea if she'd ever see Obi-Wan again — for all she knew, she'd be dead in a few days. Seth had quietly approached her, taking her elbow softly. "Zar, you should get ready for bed. You have training early." She nodded, allowing him to lead her to her quarters. He held onto her arm softly, watching her nervously.

Xzara huffed. "Can you stop?" She spoke quietly, voice cracking. "Stop looking at me like I'm going to fall apart."

Seth stopped, looking forward as they continued walking. "Sorry," He frowned. They approached Xzara's door and they paused. Seth turned to look at his sister. "Will you be ok?" He removed his hand from her, eyes darting to and from the hall.

"I have to be," Xzara took a deep breath, the realization hitting her like a speeder. "We're going to war." She walked into her room and shut the door, unwilling to listen to anything more Seth had to say. She shivered as a cold feeling of dread washed over her.

The next morning was strange. A feeling of darkness had washed over the kingdom, the whole planet. Xzara stood with her brothers in front of a crowd of people, all angry and tired. Her father had called a meeting for not just royalty, but the entire kingdom.

Their angry faces all stared at Xzara, whom they knew this meeting was about. The inevitable war, it was her fault. "Thank you all for coming this fine morning," Her father clapped his hands, announcing himself to his subjects. "As it is known, we are under the threat of war," There was a ripple of angry mumbled through the crowd. "And as of today," He took a large breath, closing his eyes. Xzara's stomach sank — she knew what was coming. "All eligible men and women will be drafted into the King's Army."

The small murmurs turned into angry shouts and people began to shove and push as they screamed at Xzara only. "This is your fault!" They shouted. She couldn't stand it, the entire kingdom blamed her for something she didn't do, but they wouldn't blame her brothers, not ever. Ever since her mother died giving birth to her, the people despised her.

She angrily stood from her throne and the room fell silent. Her brothers watched with dropped jaws as she glared at the crowd. "Blame me all you like, but I merely sent a letter. I did not murder Darren." With one last hard look at her father, she walked swiftly out of the throne room and it wasn't until she found a secluded corner when she dropped to her knees and sobbed. She cried until her eyes dried and when she was finished, her legs shook and she nearly crumbled back to the floor.

She wiped her running nose and puffed her chest. As much as it hurt her, she could not let the subjects see how much their taunting and bullying got to her. "Fine, if they think I started this war...I'll finish it." Her hands balled into fists as she made a b-line for the training room.

For days she refused to see her family, not even Magnus or Seth were allowed inside. She slept in the training room, reading up on anything and everything Jedi. Books lay scattered across the foam mats and she would read them while stretching or practicing her handstands. She perfected her bo staff techniques and just like Obi-Wan had taught her, did her best to harness the Force.

Finally, after weeks, she re-emerged from the training room, dressed for war. When she strode into the war room, each of her brother's jaws dropped and eyes widened. She was in her people's traditional armour, with some changes to fit her comfort level. She ignored them and walked towards the map table, which they surrounded. "Vala wants me. Find out where they're dropping and I'll go in and end it all."

There was silence until Seth spoke up. "You could die, Zar, that's not happening."

"That's a possibility, yes," She skimmed the map. "But there's another possibility — I kill her."

Kennex rolled his eyes. "You barely know how to fight. What makes you think you can defeat a highly trained warrior."

"Because that's just what I am," She turned to him, arms crossed. "I know you haven't noticed my abscess, big brother, but for three weeks I have trained, slept, ate, and lived in the training room. Not to mention all the training I've had for thirty-odd years."

She could tell Kennex had no comeback, but he easily disguised the shock on his face, replacing it with a smug scowl. "We have armies. We don't need a little girl."

"Brother," Magnus grabbed his attention. "I think she has a point."

Kennex sputtered. "E-Excuse me?!"

"She is who Vala wants. And if she thinks she's capable of taking her on I say we give it a go," He snuck Xzara a quick smile. "We'll watch from a distance in case anything goes wrong."

"You cannot seriously-"

"Ken," Everyone stopped at the voice of Trent. The second eldest son chose usually to stay quiet — it was rare to hear him speak — Xzara couldn't remember the last time she did. "Our sister is more capable than you know. She can do this." And even more shocking, he smiled at her. Placing a solid hand on her shoulder, he looked down on her with proud eyes. Xzara could've cried right then and there. She never had received this kind of attention from Trent since she was around six years old.

The six brothers all stared at Xzara, waiting for her to say something. She cleared her throat. "Let's make this bitch wish she never messed with our planet."

AUTHORS NOTE
me? Updating this book? Wow. I really wanted to get something out before May 4th was over since it's Star Wars day. So here is a not at all rushed chapter to a book I haven't updated in months!