At first glance, Tython looked so peaceful.
Ancient ruins and monuments were scattered all around the planet, surrounded by beautiful, green forests and an occasional crystal-clean river. The ever-present wind blew gently, ruffling branches and carrying the cries of native beasts. In the Jedi Temple, as well as in other, smaller outposts, many beings clad in light robes walked about, doing various things. Young ones trained under the watchful gaze of their masters,using the Force to lift objects, augumenting their strength and endurance, and letting it guide their training blades during combat practice. Others, older and more curious ones travelled to and from several digsites, studying the crumbling ruins and digging deep into the ground in search of the things left behind by the builders. The most experienced ones, those who's patience and wisdom is far superior to those of the younger members, or simply those who's bones are no loger fit for adventures and the Jedi needing rest, spent their time meditating, clearing their minds and letting the ever-present energy field envelop them like a thick, warm blanket, feeling it connect them to everything in the galaxy.
Suddenly, the air was split by a mechanical hum as a republic shuttle descended upon the surface, drawing curious looks the monks. The vessel smoothly landed on the landing pad in one of the outposts, opening the ramp with a hiss of steam. Two figures stepped onto the pad. The first, tall and muscular, but not overly so, easily drew attention. His well-maintained fiery red hair framed his tanned, handsome face and made his stunning blue eyes stand out. Dressed in traditional Jedi Padawan garb that did little to hide his well-build body, with two training sabers strapped to his back, he was already drawing the eyes of the female apprentices nearby. In comparison, the other seemed insignificant. The figure was also a man, several inches shorter than his companion, lean and not so unappealing as he seemed at first glance. His face was slightly covered be the hood of the traditional garb, although a few features could by made out, such as his skin, paler than his companion's, a few strands of chestnut hair and his brown eyes. But those orbs weren't like the ones belonging to the man beside him, warm and innocent. They were deep and guarded, and the emotion in them seemed subdued, like he only allowed himself to feel small amounts of them. There was something dark in those brown eyes, making him look older than he was, yet radiated responsibility.
''Here we are,'' the taller one said cheerfully ''Tython.''
The paler man didn't respond. He closed his eyes and revelled in the feeling of this planet in the Force. It was warm and welcoming, yet also carried scars of a war, that happened long ago. It was so unlike anything he was used to feeling. He felt… at home.
He was so focused on the Force he almost toppled over from a nudge of his friends elbow. He managed to keep his balance and sent the redhead a dirty look.
''Stay out of the clouds, Kenos. I heard it's dangerous out here'' the culprit warned with a smirk.
Kenos Fonmar brushed some invisible dust from his shoulders.
„It's touching that you find time to worry about me with your head so occupied by watching pretty apprentices, Ben" he countered sarcastically.
Bennim Knigbar blushed a little, but tried to stop himself from reacting further because of his smug looking friend and the countless Jedi around them.
''I d-don't know what you are talking about'' he lied, mentally cursing himself for stuttering. There was no way Kenos wouldn't notice.
As predicted, the shorter Padawan noticed. ''That would only someone who didn't train with you for years, and even then the chances would be small,'' he said with amusment, but suddenly turned serious ''Remember: There is no passion, there is serenity.''
Bennim groaned ''This again? You're starting to sound like our teachers.''
Kenos crossed his arms over his chest and stared at him "Even the wisest and most talented need guidance," he said in a voice too wise for his age. ''Now, come on. Let's not keep them waiting.''
The two Padawans began walking towards the small building. They were followed by dozens of eyes, some looked at Bennim with intrest and admiraton, having probably heard of his skills. Others looked at Kenos, fascinated and a little uneasy about his unusually strong presence in the Force. He kept his face and mind passive, but raised his mental shields a little higher. Soon they noticed a middle-aged Jedi waving at them.
''This is where we part ways, my friend,''he said, sensing the Jedi was only intrested in his companion.
''Yeah,''Bennim replied."Don't worry, maybe some Padawan will come to greet you,''he teased.
Kenos smiled slighty."Just don't leave without me."
''Wouldn't dream of it,'' and with that they parted ways.
Kenos walked forward, hoping someone would come to greet him. They couldn't have forgotten him, could they? He was handpicked to come here, the Council surely knew he was arriving. He sighed, releasing his anxiety into the Force. As if it heard his prayers, he spotted an old man coming in his direction. Even from this distance it was clear he was quite tall and well-built, obviously having seen his share of battles.
Kenos quickened his stride, closing the distance in no time.
From this close, Kenos could see that the stranger's robes are very diffrent from the identical clothing of the Jedi around them. It consisted of mainly beige robes and brown leather shoulderpads, with a long, dull red cloth swirling behind his legs. A deep hood flowed like hair down his back. Kenos turned his eyes to the stranger's face, forcing down the spike of irritation he felt at the fact that he had to look up a bit. The Jedi's head(he didn't even had to reach out with the Force to know that the stranger was, in fact, a Jedi) was almost completely bald, except for it's back, which was covered in grey hair with a ponytail sticking out like a small stick.
His chin was covered in carefully trimmed facial hair. The old man smiled warmly at him.
''Ah, Padawan, I heard your shuttle arriving,''he said in a friendly tone.''I am Master Syo Bakarn, of the Jedi Coucil. Welcome to Tython.''
Kenos' eyes widened a little and he hastily bowed. A Master from the Council, here? He didn't expect that at all.
The Jedi Master continued.''This is the ancestral home of our Order, where the Jedi first came to be, and where our most promising Padawans complete their training.''
''I didn't expect a member of the Jedi Council to come greet me.''Kenos said, allowing a small amount of suprise to colour his voice.
Syo Bakarn's smile widened.''I wanted to meet the student who caused such a stir.''
The Jedi Master turned and began walking, his younger companion hurrying after him.
''You instructors told me that even in childhood, you had a remarkable connection to the Force.''He said in fascinaton.''We didn't see such power in decades.''
'Is it such a good thing'he asked in his mind, resisting the painful memories the thought caused him.'The more power I have, the more people I would hurt if I let loose.'
They went inside a spacious only thing in there were a terminal and a desk with several items on it.
Once inside, Kenos decided to take the hood off. The cloth fell down his back, revealing smooth, yet masculine features that, while not the most handsome, was surely pleasant to look at. His strong nose and high cheekbones looked like those of a noble, while his pale complexion highlightened his dark hair. His guarded brown eyes looked around curiosly. Syo looked disappointed for a moment.
''I was hoping your new Master would be here,''he said,resigned.''Yuon left her digsite and is returning to Tython specifically to train you.''
Kenos' eyes widened once more and he couldn't fight off the sudden rush of joy at hearing that name.
„Yuon?"He questioned, trying to supress a smile.''Master Yuon is my new Master?''
The Jedi Master looked confused for a moment. He opened his mouth as if to ask a question, then closed it as a look of understanding crossed his face.
''Oh.'' He said, sounding even more curious. ''You're the boy Yuon told me about? That's probably why she insisted on this.''
Kenos managed to make his expression neutral again, though he couldn't get rid of the small inkling of joy left behind in his heart. The Jedi Master looked at him again and, judging by the seriousness in his gaze, he wanted to get to the point.
''Whatever happens, here or in any other place in the galaxy, trust in your initial training,'' he cautioned. ''And never forget the Jedi Code: 'There is no emotion, there is peace. There is no ignorance, there is knowledge. There is no passion, there is serenity. There is no chaos, there is harmony. There is no death, there is the Force.'
The Padawan nodded solemnly. He's heard it all before of coure, from his former teachers, but he still respected the wisdom the Code carried. The familiar mantra helped purge his body of any emotion, leaving behind only peace. Suddenly, the silence of the room was broken by the sound of footsteps which, along with a very familiar presence in the Force, announced the entry of his new Master.
In came an older woman. She was wearing robes, which were a mixture of beige and brown, along with some grey going from her shoulders to her waist. Her face was covered in wrinkles, but her hair was somehow free from any grey one would expect at this age. Her kind green eyes landed on the Padawan.
Syo glanced at her and grinned. ''Yuon,'' he said in a joking tone, '' I was begininng to worry.''
Master Yuon Par's face also split into a warm smile, though her eyes were focused entirely on Kenos.
''So you've arrived safely, my Padawan.'' she said ''I'm so glad to see you again.''
''As am I, Master.'' he told her, fighting to stop a smile from spreading over his face.
Her own widened a little, but then fell as her face grew serious.
''I'm sorry I can't greet you properly, but we already have a crisis at our hands.''
Kenos, despite himself, grew concerned. What was happening out there? Why was it so important to trouble Yuon so?
''What's happening, Master?'' he asked cautiously.
''Tython is a treasure trove of ancient Jedi relics.'' she informed. ''Recently, our researchers uncovered several 'teaching holograms', but they have not been fully studied.''
The Padawan considered this. Teaching holograms? How many? How old they were? Was it from some Jedi Master, who lived hundreds of years ago? Maybe from the very founders of the Jedi Order, or even from times before that? His head swum with possibilities, nearly drowning out Yuon's voice as she continued.
''A large group of Flesh Raiders has begun rampaging through that region. Those priceless holograms are in danger.''
Flesh Raiders? He read about them, once. Weren't they supposed to be primitives, unable to even use, much less construct, a blaster? Why are they causing trouble for the Jedi? Why are they even attacking in the first place? He crushed the doubt he felt taking root in his heart. The Jedi will handle this. He would just have to wait untill Syo and Yuon get this under control and all will be well again.
His hopes, however, were crushed as his Master once more continued.
''In order to save them, someone must slip past the Flesh Raiders to recover the holograms. I intend this to be the first task of your training.''
''No, Yuon.'' Syo strongly objected. ''You can't risk a Padawan against Flesh Raiders, even for such improtant artifacts!''
''A Padawan who was stronger in the Force at four than I was at fifteen?'' she asked dubiously. ''Gifted students need greater challenges.''
The aformentioned Padawan couldn't help but share Master Syo's sceptism.
''Shouldn't someone more expierienced do this?''
''Don't underestimate yourself, Padawan.'' Yuon encouraged. ''You can do this.''
He supressed a sigh, realizing he had no choice. The Padawan nodded.
''The holograms are in the Gnarls.'' she continued. ''Be vigilant, that region has dangers of its own. If you encounter any difficulties, contact me on this holocomunicator.''
She handed him a round device, with its top piece glowing sofly.
''When you have the holograms, meet me at the Jedi Temple. We have much to discuss.''
Taking his cue, Kenos bowed and turned on his heel, walking swiftly through the door in the direction of the speeders. Halfway to his destination, he sensed another familiar presence approching and he stopped, but didn't bother to turn.
''Going to the Gnarls, Bennim?'' he asked once he heard him catch up.
''Yeah,'' he replied, not sounding even a little bit suprised his friend knew about it. ''I assume we're heading the same way.''
''Indeed my friend'' he told him with a chuckle. ''I was ordered to recover some holograms from there.''
''I'm just going to help with defending the outpost.'' he informed his shorter friend as they resumed walking, before looking at him with equal parts curiosity and mischief. '' Ordered by who, anyway?''
''Oh, you know'' Kenos said with a smirk, not able to help teasing him. ''Nothing special… just a member of the Jedi Coucil.''
The footsteps beside him stopped and he glanced left, tilting his head to look into the flabbergasted eyes of his companion.
''What, for real?'' Bennim asked with shock.
He nodded, stomping out the feeling of smugness rising in him, but allowing a tiny part of it to remain. He than continued walking, his companion following after a few seconds.
''If anyone finds out about this, I will look like a loser.'' he said in fake reproach. ''I will be just like you!''
Kenos decided to ignore the last part. ''There is only so much you can do with looks and a lightsaber. Some things require you to think, but you're not very good at that, are you?''
''Hey!'' he protested, but he was smiling.
With no more words said, they got onto a speeder and flew away to their destination.
Author's note:
Hello, guys! I didn't see many fanfictions regarding Jedi Consular, so I made one myself! This will follow the Jedi Consular storyline from Star Wars the Old Republic, but not precisely. There will be some changes, such as the relationship of the JC with Yuon Par. This is also my first fanfic, and english isn't my native language so if you spot any mistakes, notify me.
Please let me know what you think.
Goodbye!