Quinlan Vos, his mind also suffering from a memory wipe, nonetheless found Aayla. Aayla's latent Force abilities, unburdened by the rules of the forgotten Jedi Code, were unleashed in a fit of confused rage. Her uncontrollable outburst resulted in the death of Pol Secura. Aayla, terrified, fled Ryloth, and hid from pursuing Jedi.

The vulnerable Padawan blamed Quinlan for her loss, and she next fell under the spell of Volfe Karrko, a sinister Dark Jedi held captive on the Kiffex prison moon. Entranced by his dark power, Aayla freed Karko from his imprisoning stasis field. She also attacked her former master. In the conflict that followed, Aayla regained her memories, and realized just how far off the path of the Jedi she had transgressed.

The Jedi Council, in their wisdom, decreed that Aayla and Quinlan be separated while they rehabilitated from the touch of the dark side. Still a Padawan, Aayla was placed under the tutelege of Master Tholme, the Jedi that once instructed Vos. Under his guidance, Aayla would eventually pass the trials, and become a full-fledged Jedi Knight.

Like most Twi'leks, Aayla was athletic and graceful as well as sensual. She was highly empathic, intelligent, and impulsive but seemingly devoid of anger. She had an impish and sometimes mischievious sense of humor. While capable with a lightsaber, she preferred to use it in a strictly defensive mode; like most of her people, she preferred cunning over violence.