The third episode of The Acolyte, titled "Destiny," was penned by Jasmyne Flournoy and Eileen Shim. The story unfolds sixteen years prior to the events depicted in the initial two episodes.
Sixteen years prior on the planet Brendok, a younger Verosha Aniseya, known as "Osha," is found in a state of meditation within a wooded area, seated beneath a bunta tree. She is captivated by a insect resembling a butterfly. Her sister, Mae-ho Aniseya ("Mae"), discovers her in this meditative state. Osha expresses her admiration for the bunta tree's beauty, but Mae warns of its inherent danger. Osha retorts that only its fruit poses a threat. Mae then employs her Force powers to levitate the insect until Osha instructs her to release the creature. Osha questions Mae's inclination towards violence, to which Mae responds by inquiring why Osha consistently wanders off.
Osha displays reluctance towards participating in the Ascension, a ritualistic practice of witches on Brendok, but Mae insists that it is merely a formality. Osha eventually agrees to accompany her sister back. As they journey through the forest, they reaffirm their bond as twins, asserting their inseparable nature despite their separate births. They walk in a circle, intertwine their fingers, and vow to always be there for each other. Their moment is interrupted by Mother Koril, a Zabrak, who scolds them for leaving the safety of the fortress walls. Osha attempts to defend their actions, but Koril emphasizes that the rules are in place for their protection. Koril then leads the girls back to the fortress, all the while a young Jedi Master Sol observes them from the shadows.
Later, the sisters, accompanied by Koril, enter a mountain fortress inhabited by females from various species. The sisters express their desire for spice creams, but Mother Koril initially denies their request as punishment for their earlier transgression. However, she eventually relents, promising them the treat after the ceremony. Their Mother, Aniseya, overrules Koril, insisting that her daughters should have sweet treats. She then instructs the girls to meet in the common room for training.
In a private conversation, Koril voices her concerns about the girls' tendency to run away, but Aniseya dismisses them, stating that no one witnessed their escape. Koril also informs her that the offworlder Jedi have moved further inland, but Aniseya believes that their coven remains hidden from the Jedi's scrutiny. Koril expresses her worry about Osha's frequent disappearances and suggests that Aniseya is being too lenient. Aniseya counters by saying that it is normal for a child to test boundaries. Koril retorts that the twins are anything but normal.
During a coven meeting, Aniseya imparts the coven's belief in a "Thread" that connects all things. She manifests a thin strand of energy with her hands and uses it to summon a [blue](/article/color] fruit, which she then offers to the girls. Osha quickly seizes it. While some may refer to the Thread as the Force, Aniseya argues that it is not a power to be wielded. She explains that manipulating the Thread can alter everything, emphasizing that it is intertwined with one's destiny and binds them to others.
Aniseya selects two of her followers to participate in a demonstration. They attempt to resist her telekinetic approach, but Aniseya effortlessly overpowers them. She then mentions the upcoming Ascension tonight, promising a greater display of power. Osha and Mae engage in a minor quarrel in the background, prompting Aniseya to discipline them by using the Thread to push them to the ground. Aniseya then invites the two sisters to practice their powers with her. Despite initial difficulties, Mae manages to deflect Aniseya's telekinetic push, while Osha seeks shelter behind her sister. Koril warns Osha that she expects more from her.
As the twins depart for their room with a chaperone, Koril casts a gaze at a generator. Inside their room, Mae informs Aniseya that Osha is apprehensive about the Ascension ceremony that evening. Aniseya then addresses Osha directly. When Osha expresses her reluctance to attend the Ascension, Mae argues that it is a necessary step to becoming a witch. Osha remains uncertain about embracing the path of a witch, but Mae is unwavering in her conviction. Aniseya encourages the sisters to hold hands, explaining that the Thread connected them even before their birth. She urges them to cherish their bond. Mae offers words of encouragement to Osha.
Aniseya elucidates that Ascension entails confronting one's fears and sacrificing a part of oneself, embracing the power of the collective rather than the individual. She cautions Osha that the galaxy is unwelcoming to women who possess unique abilities like theirs.
Later that night, members of the coven congregate above a deep crater in a mountain, illuminated by two crescent moons. While receiving their hair styling for the Ascension by two handmaid witches, Osha and Mae discuss spice creams. Mae notices Osha sketching in her journal. Osha protests when Mae attempts to conceal it. When Mae accuses Osha of keeping secrets, Osha explains that she occasionally desires to spend [time](/article/time] alone, pursuing her own interests. Mae insists on their unity, but Osha asserts their individuality. The two sisters are the only children within the community. Osha expresses curiosity about the broader galaxy beyond Brendok, but Mae believes that everything they need is already here.
As the two moons align with the perimeter lights of the mountain fortress, Koril leads the other witches in a ceremonial dance. Aniseya walks through the group and explains that they are about to perform a ceremony that has not been performed since their exile. She recounts how they were hunted, persecuted, and forced into hiding by those who deemed their magic unnatural. Facing extinction, they were blessed with a miracle. After glancing at Koril, she signals for the coven to make way for Osha and Mae to enter the ceremony.
The witches kneel before the sisters. Mae is enthusiastic, while Osha is visibly nervous. Aniseya clasps the two girls' hands beneath the aligned twin moons. The witches begin chanting about the power of one, two, and three. As the coven chants and dances, Aniseya asks Mae if she will uphold the traditions of their coven and safeguard their legacy after her death. Mae pledges to do so. Aniseya then conjures a purple light and places her hands on Mae's head, imprinting a tattoo on her left side. Aniseya instructs her to ascend, and Mae joins the rest of the coven.
Aniseya then turns her attention to Osha, posing the same question she asked Mae. Osha hesitates before responding affirmatively. Before Aniseya can proceed with the ceremony, two witches interrupt with news that the Jedi have breached the platform and will arrive shortly. Aniseya instructs Koril to conceal and protect the children among their cloaks. Several coven warriors prepare their bows and arrows, but Aniseya orders them to stand down, insisting on non-violence.
Jedi Master Indara enters the courtyard, accompanied by Sol, Padawans Torbin and Kelnacca. Indara introduces herself and her companions to Mother Aniseya. When Koril accuses them of trespassing, Indara apologizes, explaining that they believed their planet to be uninhabited. Aniseya expresses skepticism. Indara assures them that the Jedi mean no harm. Aniseya retorts that the Jedi have arrived armed and unannounced. Osha is intrigued by the Jedi, but Mae reminds her to heed Aniseya's warnings. Osha disregards her and peers through a gap in the witches' cloaks.
When Aniseya demands to know their purpose, Indara looks at Sol. She voices concern that the coven is training children, which violates Republic law. Aniseya argues that they are outside the Republic's jurisdiction. Koril denies the presence of children within their coven. Kelnacca strains to get a glimpse around the coven before grunting in Shyriiwook. Sensing movement, Indara invites the children to come forward, assuring them that they mean no harm.
Sol notices a glint of gold from Osha's cloak. Osha emerges from the crowd and approaches Sol. Sol kneels, and the two introduce themselves. Indara asks Osha if they can meet her sister. Osha looks to Aniseya, who gives a nod of approval. Osha points upstairs as Mae exits the crowd. When Indara inquires about their father, Aniseya replies that they have no father. Sol notices the Ascension marking on Mae's forehead, which was not there earlier that morning.
The witches accuse the Jedi of attempting to take their children. Sol refutes this claim. As the witches react with hostility, he prepares to draw his lightsaber in combat. Indara calls for restraint, and Sol gently shows his lightsaber to Osha, allowing her to touch it. Sol invites Osha to be tested and trained as a Jedi. Osha seeks permission from her mother, Aniseya. Mae eyes him and the other Jedi with suspicion.
Aniseya stares at Torbin, causing his eyes to turn black. Sol quickly retrieves his lightsaber from Osha, while Kelnacca growls in terror. Torbin begins gasping for breath. Aniseya demands that the Jedi leave in exchange for restoring Torbin to his normal state. Osha asks her mom for permission to take the Jedi test. Indara reminds Aniseya that Osha has the right to take the test. Aniseya releases her hold on Torbin, causing his eyes to return to normal. Aniseya reluctantly agrees to have Osha brought to the Jedi encampment for testing the following day. When Indara asks about Mae, Aniseya reluctantly acquiesces. The Jedi then depart from the courtyard.
Aniseya instructs Koril to gather her advisors while Koril sends the children to bed. Later, Aniseya meets with her advisors. Koril advocates for killing the four Jedi, but others urge caution, fearing the Republic's retaliation. Aniseya proposes that the girls should take the test to appease Osha. Koril objects, fearing that they will lose the girls. When Aniseya asserts her authority, Koril counters that she carried the two children. Aniseya retorts that she created the twins. When Koril asks what if the Jedi discover how she created them, Elder Naasa suggests that the twins take the test but deliberately fail in order to avoid conflict with the Republic and keep the twins within the coven.
The following morning, Aniseya briefs Mae and Osha about their plan. When Osha asks how they should fail, she suggests telling the Jedi the opposite of what is in their heart. Mae warns Osha that if they pass, the Jedi will take them away from their "Mama." When Osha and Mae argue about whether the Jedi are good or bad, Aniseya clarifies that the issue is not about good or evil, but rather about who should wield power. Aniseya says that while Osha may want to be a Jedi, their interests may change like the seasons.
Koril and the scouts escort the twins to the Jedi's red-striped white starship. As they approach the ship, Osha tells Mae that she does not want to lie and deny what is in her heart. Koril summons Mae. Before separating, Mae asks Osha to remember their promise. Osha reluctantly reaffirms her commitment. While Mae undergoes her test, Osha explores the Jedi encampment and shows interest in the Wookiee Jedi Kelnacca, who is repairing a damaged speeder bike.
Shortly after, Mae exits the starship and smiles at Koril. Padawan Torben ushers Osha into the ship. As Torbin kneels, Osha expresses interest in his lightsaber and asks how he acquired it. Torbin explains that he had to complete a trial to earn one. Torbin then takes a blood sample from Osha before leading her into the living area. Indara asks Osha to interpret the images she sees on the testing screen, which Sol holds facing away from Osha. Osha claims she sees a spaceship when the screen actually displays a Loth-cat. Sol smiles and confirms that she is correct.
Sol then displays an image of a space station, but Osha identifies it as a mountain. Sol asks Osha if someone has instructed her to fail the test. Indara asks Osha if her family does not want to be separated from her. Osha shifts her eyes nervously. Sol addresses Osha directly, revealing that he was discovered to be Force-sensitive by the Jedi at the age of four. Sol shares that he felt different from his family and empathizes with her. While Sol was initially afraid to leave, he had the opportunity to meet countless other children like him. Sol encourages Osha to have the courage to make her own mind. After some contemplation, Osha decides that she wants to become a Jedi.
Sol emphasizes that she must have the courage to inform her family of her decision. Following the test, a conflicted Osha exits the starship. Torbin awaits her on the ramp. Realizing Osha's decision, Mae gives her an angry look and runs away. Kelnacca watches and growls with concern.
Later that night, Mae and Osha meet with the coven. Osha reveals that she told the Jedi the truth. Mother Aniseya comments that telling the truth is not always straightforward, while Mae expresses her anger at Osha for betraying their promise. Aniseya suspects that the Jedi used a mind trick, but Osha insists that she genuinely wants to become a Jedi and explore the galaxy. She declares that she does not want to be a witch. Mae becomes enraged and attacks Osha. Koril restrains Mae and escorts her out of the room.
Osha apologizes to Aniseya. Aniseya acknowledges that destiny is not determined by an amorphous Force and allows her to choose her own path. Aware that she may never see her family again, Osha tearfully reaffirms her decision to become a Jedi. Aniseya says that she will discuss Osha's wish with the rest of the council. Osha retreats to her bed chamber, where she packs her bag. She touches her blue soft toys and then picks up her triangular-shaped journal, one of the pages of which is adorned with a Jedi symbol.
Mae enters the bedroom and declares that she will not allow her to leave and join the Jedi. She snatches the journal and locks Osha inside the bedroom. Mae uses an oil lantern to set the journal ablaze. The fire spreads throughout the building, engulfing the bedroom. Trapped, Osha uses a tool to unlock a narrow passageway that leads to a larger passageway. Through a grate, Osha hears the screams of the other witches. As Osha approaches a generator, she sees her sister Mae running up the generator's stairs. Shortly after, the generator explodes, creating a gap in the walkway between Osha and Mae.
Sol rushes into the fortress, calling for Osha. When Mae reveals that their mother is dead, Osha asks what she has done. Mae returns the question. The walkway suddenly collapses, and Mae falls into a chasm below. Osha falls, but Sol pulls her to safety. Sol assures her that she is safe. They walk through a smoking hall littered with the bodies of witches. The two flee through the fortress's courtyard, where Osha sees her dead mother Iniseya. Sol pulls her away as the fortress crumbles. Fire has consumed the witches' fortress.
Later, Osha awakens aboard the Jedi starship, wearing a breathing mask. Sol tends to Osha and reassures her that she is safe. Indara and Torbin watch from near the door. Osha asks where she is. Sol informs her that they are en route to Coruscant. He tells Osha that Mae started a fire that destroyed everything and killed everyone including Mama. Osha wants to return to search for Mae, but Sol says there is nothing left there. Sol offers to train Osha as his Padawan and embraces her, promising to protect her.
Back on Brendok, Mae is revealed to have survived the explosion that destroyed the coven. She stands before the bunta tree where she had found Osha meditating at the beginning of the episode.