All We Can Do
Korz clutched his saber, its hilt catching the light blazing from its emitter. The blue beam shone defiantly; a small light all but swallowed up by the darkness in which they stood. His master lay in the center of the clearing. Tall rocks ringed the glade, save for the path he’d just arrived from.
A fiery red blade met his gaze from across the way. Its glare drenched the rock wall in scarlet, outlining a dark silhouette. Black garments cloaked the details of their figure, devouring any light that touched them. It didn’t matter. He knew who it was.
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“Don’t try it, Korz. You can’t win.”
Korz gripped his saber tighter.
“Don’t kid yourself, Corina. We both know I’m a better fighter.”
“So’s he, but who’s on the ground?” Tighter.
“He could always beat you, no problem. Guess he just wasn’t prepared to be fighting a monster this time.”
Silence fell. Then she spoke again.
“I’m not a monster, Korz. I didn’t kill him. We can both feel that. If he gets to a medical bay shortly, he’ll be fine. So just take him.”
“And let you escape? You only left him alive as a bargai-”
“I left him alive because I don’t WANT to kill him!” The air was nervous. “I never wanted to fight anyone, much less kill them! Korz, I just!…I just want to be left alone.”
Light rain started to fall. The hum of sabers mixed with quiet hisses as droplets evaporated on contact. His eyes stayed fixed on her.
“Corina, just come with us. Maybe we can work something out.”
“Korz.” Her voice wavered. “I’m giving you a chance to walk away and just let me be. That’s all I want.”
“Corina…” He looked to his master, then dropped his eyes to his saber. His oath rested in his hands.
“I’m sorry,” He looked back at her and readjusted his grip. “but I can’t do that.”
It was like an outstretched cord ready to snap.
“I’m sorry, too.”
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Corina ripped towards him. Korz steeled his defense, but something was off in her approach. Then he realized. Springing forward, he caught her blade with his only inches from his unconscious master’s neck. “Are you crazy?!” Korz locked his gaze with hers. Her eyes were desperate. The sabers groaned, lighting the rock walls with white flashes. “Master! Master Yar, wake up! Come on!” Korz thrust Corina’s saber up. She leaped back into a ready stance. “Stop it, Korz.” Gripping his hilt, he stepped between his mentor and his foe. “I won’t let you touch him.”
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The duelists lit the clearing, blades whirling and biting in a lethal display. Up, across, parry, under, through, repeat. Boots lunged, planted, and pivoted across wet grass.
Korz smoothly countered Corina’s struggling offensive, not giving her an inch toward her prey. He’d always been better than her. So had his master. Something wasn’t right.
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The air started crackling. Corina’s swings grew stronger. Stronger still?! Too strong! He had to move! He changed tact, routing her with rapid split-second attacks. She was stronger, but she couldn’t match his speed. Overwhelmed, Corina was forced back. Barely.
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They retreated; her to the rock wall and him to his master. Korz breathed heavily, wracking his brain. She was getting too strong too fast. She’d kill him, then she’d kill Master Yar. He couldn’t let that happen.
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Since he’d entered the glade, a training session had sat in the back of his mind. Master Kenobi was explaining how he killed the Sith who’d slain his master. “It’s no easy task fighting for your life. It’s even harder fighting for someone else’s. You can get caught in your emotions and lose sight of yourself and the situation.” Then Korz remembered his next words. The soundest advice a Jedi can give. “That’s why you must trust in the Force. It will always guide you and see you through.”
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He was squeezing his saber far more than necessary.
“KORZ! Stay away!” Corina lunged hungrily. He loosened his grip just a bit and leaped to meet her.
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Her swings met no resistance. She couldn’t even touch him. Korz flowed and parried through each attack, glancing her strikes off his blade. He was wary not to lock sabers and resign himself to a battle of strength. She was gaining power, but she was losing focus. He just needed an opening.
With a roar, Corina swung wide from the right. Here it was. Korz ducked, then forced his way into her guard. She backpedaled on the slick grass, barely fending off his saber while he kicked and swept at her feet. He had her.
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Korz feinted a slice to her neck. She’d have to duck, then he’d take her feet and she’d be done. She dropped, he kicked for her feet-
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He shot across the clearing.
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Sprawled across the grass, he tried to gather himself, but his battered body lagged behind his mind. He gasped for air. His head was pounding. He tried to climb to his feet.
“I…NEVER…wanted this.” Corina thrust her hand out, yanking him into the air. “THIS…is on YOU.” Her fingers curled. Korz’s entire body compressed.
His mind was screaming. He’d dropped his saber. No weapon, no movement, no Force, no options. This was it. He wildly locked eyes with his captor.
He saw a friend. He saw pain. His face softened to match hers. “Korz…I’m- AGH!” Corina flew into the rocks. Korz collapsed, exhausted.
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“Korz…” He winced and lifted his head to the voice. Master Yar’s hand just barely held out toward Corina. “Master…” Korz called his saber and deactivated it, then stumbled to the wounded man. “Are you alright…please, are you alright?!”
“The ship…medbay…”
“Yeah…” Korz anxiously nodded. He looked back at Corina’s crumpled form. Get a grip. Now’s not the time. “...alright. Here, I’ve got you.” The young Jedi lifted his master and carried him to the ship.
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The sun had just risen. Trampled and burned grass showed clear signs of their battle. Vestiges of the dark side still lingered in the air. Corina was nowhere to be found.
Korz stood in silence. He still lost. He couldn’t bring her back. What was the point?
He took a deep breath, and Master Kenobi’s words filled his mind again.
“It’s all we can do.” He spoke to the clearing. “It’s all we can do. Both of us.” He turned his back to the glade. “I’ll see you soon.”