Chapter Twenty-Eight
Mira

I strolled leisurely through the serene temple gardens, my footsteps making soft imprints on the neatly raked sand. The warm sunrays filtered through the tall trees, casting intricate patterns of light and shadow on the ground before me. Up ahead, I spotted the diminutive figure of Master Yoda, patiently awaiting my arrival.

As I approached, the wise old Jedi turned towards me, his wrinkled green face creasing into a warm smile of recognition. "Greetings young Mira," he said in his characteristic raspy yet gentle voice. I inclined my head respectfully towards the revered master.

"Hey Master, what did you want me for?" I inquired, my tone a mixture of curiosity and deference.

Without a word, Yoda reached to his side and drew his lightsaber hilt. With a practiced flick of his wrist, the brilliant emerald blade sprang to life, humming with barely contained energy. He gestured towards me with his free hand, a silent prompt for me to follow suit.

Understanding his intent, I thumbed the activation switch on my own weapon. The azure plasma blade blazed forth, bathing my surroundings in its vibrant blue glow. I held the saber firmly in my grasp, adopting a ready stance.

"You and I are to fight one another, so we might as well train together," Yoda explained, his voice calm yet carrying an undercurrent of wisdom born from centuries of experience.

I smiled back at the diminutive Jedi Master, feeling a surge of eager anticipation coursing through me. As we locked blades, the brilliant clash of emerald and azure cast dancing shadows around us. Despite his small stature, I knew better than to underestimate Yoda's formidable abilities. His mastery of the Force allowed him to flip and maneuver with remarkable speed and agility, more than making up for his lack of physical size.

His lightsaber met mine with a powerful series of strikes, testing my defensive form. I kept my footwork sure and my saber angled to deflect each blow, but it took every ounce of my concentration. Yoda's movements were deceptively quick, almost supernaturally so. He could change angles in the blink of an eye, his blade whirling in dizzying arcs and thrust sequences.

Though I held my own, parrying and riposting with all my skill, I sensed I did not truly have the upper hand against such an experienced opponent. Yoda's diminutive stature allowed him to duck and weave with incredible agility, always keeping me off-balance and guessing at the angle of his next attack. If I hoped to gain any ground, I would need to center myself and anticipate his tactics through the living Force.

Soon I found myself on the floor, Yoda's emerald blade held firmly against my throat. 'Well, you are not ready enough,' he said, deactivating his lightsaber with a casual flick of his wrist. I laughed, raising my hands in surrender.

Despite the quickness of his victory, Yoda's eyes shone with approval. 'Much to learn, you still have. But progressing, your skills are,' he remarked, offering me his clawed hand to help me up.

I accepted it gratefully, rising to my feet. 'Thank you, Master. I will redouble my efforts,' I assured him, brushing off my robes.

Yoda nodded sagely. 'A great challenge ahead of you, there is. But ready when the time comes, you will be.' His unwavering faith bolstered my resolve.

With a respectful bow, I replaced my own deactivated lightsaber on my belt. Today's lesson was over, but my journey was just beginning. Under Yoda's legendary tutelage, I would grow stronger and wiser with each passing day, preparing for whatever trials the future held in store.