Asajj watched as Ky Narec exercised with his light sword in a clearing near their refuge. The place was invisible from the nearby hills, making it perfect for them to be in open space and enjoy the sun.

Ky had exercised every day since his arrival, one week before, and Asajj had been watching him every time.

His routine never changed: first he would do a series of movements that he called katas, and then he would engage in a period of what he called meditation.

Asajj of course preferred to watch Ky perform the katas. The series of movements were executed with his sword switched on, and they could be both agonizingly slow or blinding fast.

They involved bending, straightening, turning, kicking, jumping, mimicking attacks or holding a position – usually a physically challenging one—for several minutes.

Asajj knew nothing of sword fighting, but she knew enough of warfare to be impressed with Ky's strength and physical condition. He might be young, short and slender but he was no weakling. He was a warrior, like her—and maybe he would be the one that would help her to avenge her parents' death.

Ky switched off his weapon and Asajj pouted, disappointed. She knew what would come next. He would go down on his knees, rest his hands on his thighs and he would close his eyes. His breath would deepen and slow, and he would remain in that position for at least two hours. He said that helped him to be centred and focused, but Asajj thought it was just a loss of time.

However, that day, Ky did not kneel, but sat by her side.

"So Asajj," he said in that strangely accented voice of his, "tell me what's in your mind? Why do you watch me every day?"

"Because I like it," she answered.

"You like when I perform the katas, but not when I meditate."

"It's boring, and I think it's a loss of time," Asajj answered, shrugging her shoulders.

"Really? And what should I do instead?" Ky's voice had a hint of amusement.

"More katas."

He smiled briefly, then sobered. "Would you believe me if I told you that it is because of the centring and focus I find in my meditations that I am able to execute the more difficult katas, such as the one where I land upside down on only one arm? I know you especially like that one."

Asajj just shrugged her shoulders.

"I see. Well, I will need to convince you of the importance of meditation. In the meantime, let's try something else. Stand up."

Ky rose to his feet as Asajj looked up at him defiantly, "Why?"

"Because I wish for you to try my lightsabre."

Asajj's widened as she scrambled to her feet. "You will allow me to use it?"

"Yes. Just remember to do exactly what I say, all right?"

She nodded eagerly and watched intently as Ky unclipped the weapon from his belt and handed it to her. Then he moved behind her and surrounded her with his arms, using his hands to adjust her grip on the hilt.

"This is the emitter," Ky said, positioning her fingers on an oblong button. "Push it."

Asajj did as she was told and the blue blade sprang to life, humming softly. Ky took a step back and instructed, "Now try moving it."

Asajj did so and felt the blade cut the air, as a strange feeling coursed in her. It felt like a tingle…as if all her senses were more focused. Or perhaps not, because she did notice Ky had walked to stand several meters in front of her until he called her name.

"Asajj?"

Startled she looked forward and watched Ky bend down and pick up a stone. He weighted it in his hand for a moment, then his eyes narrowed.

"Defend yourself, Asajj!" he urged, throwing the stone against her.

Acting on pure instinct, moving as fast as light, Asajj whirled the lightsabre in front of her as the stone approached her. The 'sabre hummed louder for a second, and then she heard two soft thuds. There was no trace of the stone, but when she looked down, she saw two neatly cut pieces of rock at her feet—and they had not been there before.

"Good!" Ky exclaimed with a bright smile, walking toward her. "I knew you could do it. Now switch off the lightsabre. We need to talk."

Asajj did as he said and handed back the hilt, feeling a pang of regret that the experience had ended.

"How was I able to do that? The stone was so small, and yet I cut it in two perfect halves…"

Ky clipped the weapon to his belt and smiled. "It was the Force, Asajj. You are strong in it. It guided your movements."

"The Force? Was is the Force?" she asked, following the young man into their cave.

Ky sat down and patted the space at his side. Asajj obediently sat too, crossing her legs.

"Well, the Force is what gives a Jedi his power. It's an energy field created by all living things. It surrounds us and penetrates us. It binds the galaxy together," Ky answered her question, his voice sounding almost reverent.

"What is a Jedi?"

"The Jedi are the guardians of the Republic."

"Are they warriors?"

"Occasionally. They are mostly trained diplomats. They are guardians of peace," the reverent tone was back, and it now was also filled with longing.

Asajj frowned. She had only a vague idea of what peace could be, for her people had been at war since before she was born.

"Are you a Jedi?"

"No, but I used to be one. I was expelled after I wounded a rival during a fight."

"Oh." In Asajj's mind, wounding a rival in a duel was a good thing, but she guessed it was not so for the Jedi, at least judging from Ky's expression.

There was a long moment of silence, then Asajj gathered her courage. "Ky?"

"Yes?"

"Can you teach me to use the lightsabre? You said I'm strong in the Force."

Ky nodded. "You are indeed." A smile. "I will teach you, Asajj, but remember: the path of the Jedi isn't an easy one."

"I don't care about the Jedi! I just want to learn how to use the lightsabre, so that I will be able to exact revenge for my parents' death."

Ky shook his head and stared firmly at her, jaw set in an irremovable expression. "No, Little One. Not revenge. Justice. We will exact justice for your parents."