Once back at the jedi temple after completing the gathering on illum, Zell and the other younglings began their training in properly wielding their lightsabers, and as weeks passed they received strict lessons on how to utilize them effectively.
During which Zell turned twelve years old.
For most of the returned initiates they took quite some time getting use to their new lightsabers, working hard to smoothly incorporate them into their fighting styles.
Since real lightsabers were deadly weapons unlike their training counterparts, the initiates had to be extremely mindful when them as they practiced, less they risk injury to themselves and others.
Inside on one of the temple's training rooms, was a winded Zell, breathing raggedly. Infront of him on the ground laid three pattered training droids. Who he had finished besting in combat. For the last two hours Zell had been in an intense sparring session with these droids, who all fought with training sabers.
After returning from Ilum Zell had hoped to imminently start training with his lightsaber so he could quickly get a feel for it in combat, but upon returning all the instructors had forbad the younglings from using their newly acquired sabers outside of official training sessions under instructor supervise. Any violation of this mandate would result in punishment and lightsaber confiscation.
This meant that for the time being Zell wouldn't be able use his saber in his own private training, he would have to settle with still using training sabers. Like he had just done in his most recent spar, with the droids on the ground.
As he caught his breath Zell listened to nearby beeping sounds coming from his side.
"Yes, I know. I get that you don't like watching was I beat up on droids in front of you, I understand really do, but what do you want me to do. I need the practice"
The sounds came from an astromech, in fact this was the previously damaged C-series astromech that Zell had been working on, and only just finished repairing a few days ago after his return.
The droid's designation, C5-1K455, but Zell decided to call him 'C5' for short.
"Plus I need you to record my training sessions so that I can look over them later and find any flaws in my form"
C5 continued to speak in binary, beeping rapidly in discontent at it's role as it shook up and down, side to side in protest. Stating that another droid could fulfill this job, that it didn't have to be it.
C5's previous job, before it's unfortunate accident that left it severely damaged and sent to the repair center was mostly that of a repair droid that helped maintain the ships and equipment in the temple's hanger bay. And from such a work environment it developed a personality that greatly enjoyed fixing things, while in contrast heavily disliked things that involved destroying things, especially machines and droids like itself.
As such C5 found it some what uncomfortable to watch as it's new master beat down the training droids, resulting in their now beaten state, even if it was for Zell's growth. Hence why C5 suggested that another droid, preferably one with lesser aversion to watching mechanical mangling, do the recording.
"Ok ok, C5 I promise I won't make you do it anymore from now on if you're really that against it, alright. And while we're at it lets call it quits for now, that'll be it for training today"
Seeing his droid so insistent about the matter Zell conceded, not wanting to force it to do anything against its will, ending his training as well.
As the little droid shook again, this time in appreciation, Zell looked at a nearby wall clock to see what time it was. Showing that its about night time.
"Its later than I thought, alright C5 let's---Ugh!"
Zell suddenly hunch over and reached for his left side midsection under his left armpit with his right hand, as a sharp pain shootout from the spot.
This was the sole spot that one of the sparring droids had managed to land a solid powerful blow on Zell with its training saber, leaving a slight burn and nearly claiming victory for the droids.
Seeing Zell in pain C5 quickly rolled up to him in concern, beeping panickly.
"Ha ha, thanks for worrying but I'll be fine, really, its not that bad. I'll put a bacta patch on it a little later. I'll feel better by tomorrow"
"Come on C5 lets go to one of the refectories, that workout left me a little peckish"
C5 beeped in confirmation, but before the two could leave the training room C5 started beeping again, saying that it had received a message.
"A message? Probably from the technical department, alright C5 give it to me"
Guessing right Zell listened to the message, and indeed it was from a staff member of the tech department. Over the years Zell had become quite familiar with several member of the Jedi orders technical department, and after proving his skills and showing a willingness to help them they would occasionally ask him to handle minor repair jobs across the temple.
This time apparently a staff member was assigned to fix a faulty heat regulator in one of the temples baths, that was causing constant temperature fluctuations in the bath's water, making it boiling hot to the point of scolding skin one moment, and then making it so freezing cold that ice starts forming on the waters surface another.
Usually such a task would be easy to fix, so the member wouldn't bother Zell with it but a sudden emergency request in the temples medical bay came in at the same time and forced the staff member to prioritize that matter first, putting the regulator repairs on hold.
Normally the regulator job would just be passed to another technician but the message also mentioned that most of their personal were currently off world helping an troubled colony in the mid rim, leaving them a little short handed. And not wanting to risk accidently forgetting the regulator the staff member decided to contact Zell through C5 to ask if he could possibly fix it in their stead. That is if he had the time.
Seeing no reason to refuse the request, as it should be a relatively easy task that shouldn't take much time Zell replied to the message, giving an ok.
"Alright C5 change of plans, I'm going to swing by the temple bath's and handle this job quickly, why don't you head to the usual refectory I go to ahead of me. See if you can hold a place in line for me, I shouldn't be too long"
In confusion C5 beeped, inquiring why Zell didn't ask it to tag along and aid him in repairs.
"Well since I've only recently gotten you back online there's still a few checks that I've been meaning to do on you, that I haven't be able to get around to doing. As such I'm still not finished making 100% sure you're completely water proof after putting in all those new parts in you for your repairs, best to not risk you getting wet until those checks are do"
Hearing Zell's reason C5 beeped in relief that Zell had given it the order to not go. After its accident in the hanger C5 was more than happy to avoid any areas or activities that can possible cause it to go through another mishap.
"After the refectory we'll then head back to the room, and finish installing that mini radar sensor you spotted back at the tech department that was just gathering dust in a storeroom. I honestly still can't believe they said you could have it when you asked, or understand why you were so adamant about getting it"
C5 beeped in insistence that the sensor Zell spoke of was a rare and powerful high quality part that has long since been discontinued, no longer being manufactured or on the market.
"I get that but isn't that part a full generation behind the current models, wouldn't you want one of those instead"
C5 began beeping angrily at Zell's words that in made light of its new soon to be installed radar sensor. C5 went into a defensive rant that strongly indicated that its new part was much more efficient and powerful that the more modern versions.
"Alright, I get it, settle down C5. You're right, ok"
Seeking to appease his droid's anger Zell verbally agreed with its argument, even if inwardly he was still unconvinced. But not wanting this little debate to drag on any more than it needs to, he backed off.
"I'll see you in a bit. Now get going"
C5 rolled away at Zell's command, and after the two separated Zell headed for the temple baths.
************
In the temples bath Zell the was able to easily locate identify the faulty heat regulatory mentioned in the message, thanks to the red flashing that was blinking on its outer panel. Removing said panel he got to work figuring out what was wrong. After some tinkering Zell realized what the problem was. It seemed that several layers of the regulator's water protective seals had cracked open. Allowing moisture from the baths to slowly seep in. Likely due to simple wear and dear that built up over the years, resulting in multiple parts accumulating water damage.
"Now I'm glad I didn't bring C5 along. Would hate to chance seeing it suffer the same fate as these components"
Though Zell had found the issue, sadly he did not have any of the required replacement parts on him at the moment, and replacements parts would be the only way to truly fix the regulator.
But luckily he did have a few work arounds he could apply as a temporary fix for the time being. He would still need to inform the technical department that the fix would only be temporary, and that they would need to come by later to make permanent repairs, but at least for now the regulator shouldn't cause anymore problems for the time being.
Having done all he could, Zell left the temple baths and made his way to the preferred refectory he usually ate at, where he meet up with C5 who was waiting for him. After having a quick meal consisting of a piece of bread, a salad, and a small bowl of nutrition cubes, Zell and C5 left the refectory and headed back to Zell's room.
As they made their way down the hallways they engaged in light playful banter, a habit that had become a normal thing for them ever since C5 officially became Zell's droid.
Sadly their talks was suddenly interrupted when Zell suddenly stopped walking as they came up to a four way hallway intersection. Noticing its master pause C5 turned around to ask what was wrong, but before it could a person came from around one of the intersection's corner's, ending up face to face with Zell.
It was a young male zabrak with a long pony tail styled hair, who appeared to be in their early teens. A zabrak that Zell for better or for worst was all too familiar with, though it had been a few years since they last meet in person, Zell would never mistake the force frequency emanating from the person in from of him. This was a much taller and grown, 14 year old Nelko Bordally, Zell's former clanmate and bully.
Surprised at the sudden reunion Nelko just stared at Zell silently, but his surprised stare soon turned into a heated glare, accompanied by a bitter frown, as if he had just eaten something scour.
'Well I'd hoped he'd have moved passed what happened by now, like I have, but it would appear maybe not'
The two stood in place, unmoving, like twin trees rooted to the earth. Both just looking at the other. As if both were waiting for the other to make the first move.
"-----"
"------"
C5 from the side only looked between the two, not daring to say or do anything, due to the clear tension in the air.
"---I heard you passed your trials and are now a padawan under a jedi master----congratulations"
Taking the first step to break the nerve-racking staring contest Zell congratulated Nelko on his recent promotion, which happened to hear about in passing. Hoping that taking a positive approach would help prevent any unpleasant retaliation from occurring.
"Hmph!"
Nelko quickly brushed passed him with a huff and scowl in response to Zell's congratulations, not giving a proper reply.
Zell thought it was a pity that the Nelko still wasn't will to have a peaceful conversation with him, even after so much time has passed since they last meet. But for Zell, he believed that things went better then he expected they would. The fact that another fight hadn't broken out, instantly, after the sudden meeting, at least showed that Nelko was making progress as a person and had grown.
Or at least that's what Zell felt.
*******
Back inside his private quarters, Zell sat down on his bed and thought about his run in with Nelko.
C5 beeping impatiently bombarding Zell with questions. Why'd he seemed so down after seeing that other boy? Who was he? Why they seemed so stand offish with each other? And when will he start putting in his new sensor?
Zell could only chuckle wearily at C5's last question. Seeing that it was something C5 had clearly snuck into its questions, solely for its own benefit.
"I'll answer your questions, but I'll do it while I'm putting in your new sensor. Might as well knock out two birds with one stone"
Grabbing a tool kit and the aforementioned part from his desk, Zell got down on one knee and knelt next to C5 and began working on the installation.
As he did, he explained his complex connection and history with Nelko. Starting from how they have pretty much always been at odds from their earliest moments. To how eventually the other younglings of the clan to start mistreating Zell. All the way to the training ground mishap, that resulted in Zell being removed from his clan.
As C5 listened to Zell's recount of his past, it shook, thrashed and complained in anger several times, livid that its master had to endure such one sided malice just because one ill tempered brat had some form of bone to pick with him.
"Come on now C5. I appreciate the support but I'm going to have a real hard time hooking this part up to you properly if you don't hold still. Besides you've only heard my side of the story. Part of me likes to think that maybe Nelko had some real reason for acting the way he did back then. Or at least I'd like to hope he did"
Despite Zell's attempts to ease C5's hostility the droid continued to express its discontent with Zell's past difficulties. Putting all the blame squarely on Nelko, deeming him unfit to be a jedi.
'Though I suppose even if I wasn't to blame, I may have help perpetuate things, if only a little. I never asked Nelko why he had such contempt for me, or why he did what he did. I simply ignored him when possible and retaliated against him when needed. I never actually tried talking things out with him, never truly tried to understand him. Maybe---I should start'
Acknowledging the part he played in their strife, while working on C5, Zell contemplated on how he should move forward when next he sees Nelko. Afterall he believed its sometimes possible to forge new friendships from old hatreds.