Oh where to start? How about the fact that I'm in the Star Wars universe?! And how I got there? I literally sneezed and when I opened my eyes, boom! And the kicker in this: I opened my eyes as an infant alien in the Jedi Temple! And apparently I'm a purple cat humanoid whose species is named Lasat who, out of a whim from a friend's questions, I said was my favorite Star Wars species. I mean, I love the species, but I swear the omnipotent Lucas and Filoni gods are having a laugh at my dilemma.
I'm currently six years old, I'm still weirded out by my walking and eating habits, yet the Lasat part of my mind says it's completely normal and I'm already hungry again for crying out loud!
"I am a stoic monk of a space order which helps others and abhors material possession apart from plasma swords."
Or so the mantra I repeated a hundred times go if I need to calm down. You'd think I would be constantly angry as Rebels' Zeb Orrelios is both right yet wrong. Oh right, I forgot what yesterday was.
The dickweed known as The Senate has become Chancellor, the Naboo blockade has been eradicated, and it was Qui-Gon Jinn's funeral.
Yeah, why do I feel it's all my fault if I am only a child who is constantly seen as a troublemaker with a few screws loose? It's because I know how all this is gonna pan out and I'm not gonna get bodied by clones while pondering my orb in the Jedi Temple. At the very least I have a head start in terms of wisdom (iffy at best), and mental prowess (my ADHD ass should've flunked out of high school but I somehow aced all my classes), and since I'm more mentally aged than the Younglings around my grade, I developed more Force abilities not for the sake of peacekeeping, but for when the shit hits the fan and Lord Asthma is cutting me up like a gourmet chef. That and surviving General Grievous.
And Asajj Ventress.
And Cad Bane.
And Count Dooku.
And The Senate.
And Anakin's Angst.
Please someone give our sand boi some therapy before he goes edge lord on the children.
Aside from that, being a Jedi Initiate is a little bit jank, and this is coming from a guy whose social battery is almost always at 5%. Apparently Jedi Initiates, such as yours truly, are placed in Clans as to foster friendship and compassion and to be a true comrade for others.
Fuck this I wanted to go for the loner path because I know that every single Jedi friend of mine are gonna get domed by clones.
Mines is the Kazun Clan, which is frankly not one of the best known but neither the worst. Out of the six Younglings in this clan, two are just mediocre humans, not that much can be said. The other three who are not are a Zabrak girl named Ishi Lon, a Shistavanen (a literal werewolf) boy named Morro Kenslo, and a red Zygerrian girl named Bita Neo. Out of the plain, same-dreams-and-wants human Younglings, one stood out: a tan boy named Marcs Wendon. An absolute candidate for best boy in the galaxy, he always makes even little old me and Ishi smile. I can relate with his goofiness and well-mannered sass that I don't think he's even six years old. He's always dreamed of being part of the Terraforming Division as to colonize new planets and make them habitable for a large array of sentient species and now, with Nute Gunray's rising threat, be a guardian for those who immigrate to brave new worlds.
Our instructor is frankly an enigma, Master Sogurn Ins. A Clawdite, which is I believe Zam Wesell's shape-shifting race, he is a wild card with a hint of Yoda smugness. Maybe it's because of his shape-shifting, but he sends a lot of mixed signals and reacts one way and then another back to back on the same issue. One day he joked about the braids Marcs and another Youngling have done to others and asked if they could find a style for a human-form. When another Youngling asked if they could braid her hair, Master Ins stared straight into her soul, face in its Clawdite form and emotionless in every way, and said that the Dark Side prefers those types of braids, before smugly winking and walking away.
But enough about that, I knew that the Order had a type of schooling program, but I didn't expect to be hammered with high maths and science at what should be First Grade. I know it's a futuristic society, but what is good a child's brain if it implodes from all the knowledge cramming. Another kicker is that the Order's concept of breaks from studying is intense exercise. I know Jedi have to be at peak condition due to how their lightsaber arts are very physically demanding, but I reserve the right to complain about it. And another thing to add is that I'm still thin even as a Lasat, who are supposed to be big and buff. I guess wiry is gonna be the best I can get. As I am currently slowing down my jog to a fast walk, Master Ins threw a water bottle from across the recreational room, which I might add is bigger than an entire high school, and with many other rooms similar to this current one!
"Keep your pace, young Ezzet Verras," grinned Master Ins, while maintaining focus on the blue text in his holoprojector, "You may wanna overtake your furry friend before he gets his second wind. Watch for Bita, though, she will not like being jested for being overlapped."
I do not know whether to slap or praise the person who gave me such a weird name, but at least my name still starts with E. I do not know why, but my Lasat brain registers the name pronunciation as if it were melodic (Lasat language is melodic?).
Anyway, I shook off the bruise from the water pelted at me and started closing the gap behind Morro, my weird digitigrade Lasat paws putting in overtime, practice in my high school cross-country team coming in clutch, but our exercise just finished just before I could've achieved metaphorical victory. I can see the problem with furry creatures and exercise: your fur gets ridiculously matted and stained with sweat. Although my robes are made with fabrics that do not absorb liquids and has some kind of advanced cloth that would make exercise clothing companies froth at the mouth, it doesn't deter the fact that I immediately want to change robes. In the future there's convenience, as we pass a gate which contains sonic shower heads which, apparently, removes any and all sweat, grime, and other nasties to the molecular level using specialized but quiet sonic booms which cleans anyone in a matter of seconds. Great alternative, but I prefer the traditional method of sitting in a shower for two hours, alone with my thoughts. But then again, I would waste a fortune on shampoo.
Normally after exercise we go and take one out of five hour-long meditation periods. The kicker here is that my mind never seems to be fully calm even if I use the Force to ease down on my thoughts (remember, ADHD). A year or two ago Ins joked how he could sense my thoughts loudly even while we were sleeping. He's taught me a few tricks on keeping my mind focused, but it's still only a tad bit successful.
Are there any Star Wars characters that have ADHD because I'm constantly looked as having gone to the deep end even at a young age.
After that boring session, we actually get a bit of free time before our scheduled lunch is ready. The Jedi Order encourages curiosity in its halls as it can help Younglings familiarize with their hallow temple. What some might find dull I find interesting since there's so much I want to know more about the Temple besides the well-known rooms from the movies and shows. Although I admit that almost every free period I have I immediately march towards the Jedi Archives as it's literally THE Wookiepedia and I would be so lost without it. From there I always look up planets, said planets' cultures, native species, important figures, etc. Although I browse through the Archives in a secluded corner because I get extremely embarrassed if someone sees my search history (I come from a planet where snooping someone's search history means instant cringe and death), I sensed someone trying to sneak up on me (thank my anxiety focusing the Force into who is around me). Since my current search on the holographic display was on Lasan, the supposed origin planet of the Lasat and not Lira San, and it's frankly disappointing city-states and society, I didn't immediately delete it from the display.
"I thought Master Ins said everything we will need to know would be in our curriculum?" the figure known as Marcs Wendon inquired, innocent smile plastered on his face.
"I'm just merely curious. There is a lot I can study here and get ahead on my curriculum and maybe prepare myself for off-world matters," I humbly replied, since I believe is both the truth necessary and the average Jedi response. If I'm gonna be stuck here, I might as well try my hardest in the Clone Wars and keep Anakin in the light and kill General Grievous as soon as possible (screw that Battle Droid that saved Grievous from Kenobi's surprise attack). Marcs smiles as he approaches my holo desk and looks the display.
"You're studying Lasat culture?" inquired the tan boy while browsing through some of the images.
"I thought might as well study where I originated from," I retorted. I started scrolling down various planets such as Dathomir, Corellia, Lothal, and Felucia. Marcs was intrigued by my selection until I scrolled down to the ice planet of Ilum. "In two years we will go there in The Gathering," I explained as I tapped on the holodisplay.
"And we'll get our lightsabers!" cheered Marcs. Just on cue Master Ins showed up inside the Archives and gestured for us to come along for lunch. Marcs happily grabbed my hand and dragged me towards our clan, not even letting me have a chance erasing my searches on the holodesk for the next person to use (courtesy, my guy!). As my clan headed towards the cafeteria where they serve food specifically tailored for each individual species' appetite and needed calories (I tend to have larger portions because my crazy fast metabolism transitioned into my Lasat body) I pass through a young Obi-Wan Kenobi and future Dark Lord of the Sith Anakin Skywalker. It's weird to see nine-year-old Anakin exactly the same as how the movies portrayed him, and how adorable he looks now. I give the passing Anakin a wave as to not look rude, which in turn he returns the gesture. Hopefully this puts me in his Do Not Annihilate list and perhaps give me Ahsoka levels of plot armor.
The cafeteria food is just like Earth's: depression and mediocrity in every bite.
I know the Order has to cater to every species' needs as efficiently as possible without using too much food-stuff, it wouldn't kill them to add some spice or condiment to it. How it pains me that the Order don't like the idea of sweets and there is no true Star Wars equivalent of coffee.
Sweet, bitter, strong, versatile coffee.
The worst part with every species having their own diet and different body needs is that I am served 60% meat or meat substitute (do chicken equivalents even exist), mostly grain, and barely any fruit. Whatever others are eating is so much more fresher and delectable than a soggy, un-condimentized slab of meat. Whenever I get a fruit, it's just a slice or half of fruit that I always leave last to cleanse my palate. I'd give anything to eat mangoes, lychees, and watermelon again, but for now I'm a stoic monk of a space order who unhealthily suppresses emotions.
After lunch, Master Ins takes us to a training chamber where we train on our expertise in the Force. And who better to teach the nuances of the Force than Grandmaster Yoda himself! It's always so weird yet wizard at the same time to be in the same room as Yoda, getting buffeted by secondhand wisdom and sass. Today's lesson was practice with rocks again, but this time it was to balance an entire column with one hand while adding more rocks to its height. This is where I shine, since I found a neat little trick on how to properly use the Force. Instead of trying to brute force (he he) something, I instead focus the particles within. Minding how particles of air are always around any object, I can balance out and have a steady and constant hold in whatever I want. It's also important to note what direction you want it, so if I'm Force Pushing or Pulling, I visualize the movement on the particles as to expend less energy while focusing more on my telekinesis. Since the Light Side aspect of the Force is supposed to be in order and harmony, my telekinesis tend to have more success if I do it in a constant rhythm (humming the Tetris music helps a lot). At the end of the practice, I beat everyone in my clan by a large margin as I held up my tower of rocks near the ceiling. I don't know if Ins or Yoda can see, but my tower looks a lot like some vertical Stonehenge, but I'm still very happy how it turned out.
"Incredible Force control and balance, this young one has," Yoda complimented. That single compliment made my day I'm visibly smiling.
"Yes, young Ezzet is prodigious in the applications of the Force," Ins claimed, "but he still needs improvement in his studies." Great to spoil the mood, Ins. I slightly recoiled as Yoda chuckled, since I forgot he is excellent at reading minds. I looked to my teacher and saw him visibly smirking.
"Hold him in high regard, you should. To prove he's capable, Ezzet wants. A tad insecure, he is," Yoda added.
Why did Yoda choose violence and call me out like that?!
Of course I'm all that stuff, I'm (mentally) 24 now, I want to be seen as useful and not a burden! And I see the little green goblin trying to suppress a smile as we trade glances. Ins then gestures the clan that the lesson has concluded and to place the rocks back where they belong. My clan mates sloppily let their towers fall and place the debris in the corner. I, on the other hand, instead placed each rock quickly and neat back to their original spots. As my clan embark back to our quarters, my Lasat hearing picked up on Yoda's voice, but I could barely make out what he was saying.
After our Master tells us possible plans and lessons for tomorrow, he leaves us to our own devices until bedtime at 2100 hours. While everyone normally does whatever activity they want at the common room, I instead hang out in my bunk bed (*cough* bottom *cough*) and scroll through a datapad with some saved results and entries from the Archives I use for bedtime reading and as to not partake in any more social interaction until I go to sleep. My reverie was interrupted as I noticed I had a crowd besides me, with a particular ticked off Shistavanen in the front.
"Ezzet, you constantly one-up us in Force exercises and are always hot in my heels in physical activities. Mind explaining to us why you're like this?" interrogated the black werewolf boy, noting his twitching eyebrow as the telltale sign that he's a few words away from metaphorically mauling someone. I instead shrugged, accompanied with my signature confused, dense poker face. Morro would have done something drastic if it weren't for Ishi holding him down.
"What he means to say," the Zabrak girl spoke, "is how are you so adept in your Force prowess?"
"It's kind of hard to explain," I elaborate as I turned off the datapad, "but I just imagine the majority of my control in the particles of the matter and around it and I just go from there." Many of the Younglings found that answer vague and worthless.
"I think it's quite a neat strategy," Marcs chimed. But by that time, many of my fellow clan mates departed for something more worthwhile, such as more practice in telekinesis. Marcs especially was practicing his hardest with visualizing particles to perfectly rotate a mug in mid air while keeping a constant rhythm.
All while doing that adorable face.
Two Years Later
0637 hours, the holodisplay, well, displayed.
Although we have our regularly scheduled meeting at 0630, we were oddly given a few minutes extra due to the fact our master is "preparing" a surprise, but me and Marcs knew and, to some extent, Bita. We are ready for The Gathering and to finally get our lightsabers.
Every Star Wars fan's deepest desire.
While many in my clan were talking about what is our master planning, me and Marcs were in the common room scrolling through the trials in the Ilum caves and how the crystals work while Marcs got to work in braiding every single piece of hair-like fur that I ended up looking like a dreadlocked purple lion. Pretty much, the crystal chooses the user if their energies align and it's color changes to match the user. Marcs was obviously impatient on the prospect of getting a lightsaber, as were Bita, but she insisted on not being spoiled by the surprise. As on cue, Master Ins walked in with another Jedi, an albino Trandoshan with black leather robes and a lightsaber with a very large hilt.
"Kazun clan," the Clawdite master announced, "please meet Knight Tssax Kors. He will be your instructor for The Gathering. His word is golden, unless the color is absent."
Kors eyed Ins with his reddish eyes, the latter stifling a smug grin, and then scanned the room. Out of all the Younglings, he eyed me most, second place goes to Marcs.
"I fear our little surprise is discovered by a nosy pair," the Trandoshan knight uttered, pointing a four-digit claw at me and Marcs, "Might I inquire who the two of you are?"
Marcs immediately stood up and bowed.
"If me and my friend have unintentionally spoiled today's activities, then I take full responsibility," Marcs apologized. I was shocked as he was willing to receive any type of punishment just to keep his friend safe.
Unacceptable that's my thing back on Earth!
"Please don't listen to my friend Marcs," I claimed as I bowed, "it was me who got him overly excited about today. It is me who deserves punishment."
Try and out-Canadian that, Marcs.
"No one is in trouble," the Trandoshan chuckled, gesturing me and Marcs to rise, "I do apologize for the way I speak. Also, don't do that again. I recently completed the Trials of Knighthood and I'm still feeling uneasy of Younglings and Padawans calling me master."
Well look at that, glad I'm not the only person who feels weirded out if I'm in a higher rank.
"Terribly sorry about these two," Bita spoke, "but Ins is normally a gamble whenever we do anything."
"I hear that, Ins is a bit of a nutcase for a Jedi. Many of his patrols and missions normally took him in incredibly scorching areas and pest-infested stations, so he has a few bolts loose," Kors joked. "Now, please follow me for quite the exciting trip," the albino one gestured as we follow single-file through the halls of the Jedi Temple, passing through statues of great Jedi Masters throughout the ages. Along these halls were lined with Jedi going to their respective destinations and non-Force users going to inquire to Jedi officials or perhaps looking to browse the Galaxy's biggest knowledge dispensary. "So," Kors piped up, "Are any of you familiar with The Gathering?"
Only me, Marcs, and Bita raised our hands.
"That's okay, I didn't know either until I entered the ship and my guide told me. What The Gathering is, well, every Jedi's rite of passage: to forage for a kyber crystal and craft their own lightsaber," Kors explained with his followers quietly cheering as he pointed towards his own lightsaber. "Our ship is The Crucible, a Paladin-class Corvette from the Old Republic Era, over a thousand years old!
"You wouldn't need to worry about supplies and crafting materials since the ship is already equipped and to spare. By the end of this trip you would return to the temple with lightsabers each and every one of you," Kors proclaimed as he gestured us into a hangar.
To say I was astonished would be an understatement. The ship is huge and looks fantastic after a thousand years of service. As we boarded The Crucible, I get hit with the strongest feeling of nostalgia when I was a kid tuning my TV to watch The Clone Wars show and witnessing a masterpiece in motion. The interior was gray, heavily mechanical, and ancient, but is no doubt sturdy.
"The main saber compartment room in the back is off-limits," our Trandoshan escort called out, closing the entrance as the last of us filed in, "there's a surprise I'm keeping until you Younglings obtain your crystals."
I already know about the ancient droid Huyang in there, but it is worthy of keeping secret just to see my clan's reaction. Tssax Kors signals the pilot droid that we are clear for takeoff. Thrusters engage, multiple buttons light up and chimes, well chimed. Looking out the nearest window, the ship lifts off and maneuvers itself out of the hangar and into Coruscant airspace. This is like the second time I've been on a ship, the first when the Jedi indicted me into the Order from my Lasat parents, and I'm absolutely in awe. The ship slips past the ship highway routes overhead and breaks through the skyscraper line and into orbit. I then hear that familiar chime as coordinates are being placed and, finally, white dots turn to lines as we enter the jump into hyperspace. The swirling blue vortex tunnel was too beautiful to look away, at least, until Marcs tapped my shoulder.
"Since Ilum will have trials waiting for us, and if we fail then we won't be able to obtain our crystals," Marcs spoke, gripping his arm in doubt, "I'd like for you to be with me through the trials." Doubt, it's a powerful and funny thing. I know I wasn't the only one feeling a bit overwhelmed with the trials being a tricky sort that we for sure would run out of time to get them, but it doesn't mean going into it alone is a requirement.
"Sure," I grin, "friends support friends. I'll walk beside you through the caves." This earned a smile from the tan boy, who then went on to inquire Master Kors about something. The entire trip I was leaning against the window, lost in the sound of hyperspace, nodding off a little, when the sudden end of the spacial melody woke me up. As we approached the icy planet, Kors gives each of us a set of extremely warm clothes since, even if Ilum right now is at its most warmest, it's still frigid. As we landed onto the icy terrain, we exit the ship, buffeted by high winds but prepared for the cold, and I realize I'm walking barefoot on ice. At the very least, my weird feet paws don't feel very affected by the cold, so I have that going for me. Morro's digitigrade paws, however, are feeling the effect more. Kors leads us to a very specific part of an ice cliff, in which he searches for a trace part of the temple. Upon finding it, he looks back towards us.
"We've arrived, but the ice here is blocking the entrance," Kors explained, "all of you, raise your hands and concentrate on the Force to bring down the ice." Ishi and Morro immediately raise their hands and use the Force to pull down on the crystals. Me, Marcs, Bita, and that human girl whose name I forgot about quickly follow up. Multiple ice pillars then thunderously crash into the ground, shattering in the process, which then reveals to a pair of monumental doors that houses the Ilum temple.
"We must hurry now, the sun is about to dawn," Kors warned as he led us towards a small entranceway at the bottom of the doors (I mean, opening a pair of giant doors that are frozen over multiple times is tedious). As we walk the slightly frozen over halls, we encounter someone waiting for us.
"Greetings," Yoda welcomed, sitting on a small pedestal, no doubt meditating while waiting for us, "The Force made physical, a Jedi is. Comes great responsibility with that, yes?" All of us nodded in agreement.
"Protect others, how does a Jedi, hm?" Yoda rhetorically asked as he grabbed his lightsaber and ignited it to show it to us, "build your own lightsaber, you shall. But first, each one you harvest your crystals, you must. The heart of the lightsaber, the crystal is. Focuses the Force from the Jedi, it does," Yoda deactivates his green saber and uses the Force to open a small window at the top of the temple, which allows for a single beam of sunlight to pass a crystalline contraption and beautifully shine a focused laser onto a giant frozen over door, no doubt the entrance to the crystal caves. The laser quickly melts the ice, creating a waterfall from the sheer amount of ice melting rapidly.
"If Jedi, you are to become, enter the crystal caves, you must," Yoda advised, "trust yourself, trust each other, and succeed, you will." Kors then walked us to the entrance of the caves, who then asked for our attention for a moment.
"I have to warn you," Kors spoke, "do not remain in the caves once you have obtained your crystal. As daylight fades, the entrance will freeze over once more and you will be trapped. We cannot help you for one rotation, which I have calculated is a 19-day span." This caused the clan to shrink from fear of that fate.
"If the planet is full of crystals, how will we know which crystal is ours?" Morro asked, frightful of the thought of finding a needle in a haystack in a short amount of time.
"You will know exactly which crystal is yours by how it is parallel to the Force exactly as you. As if it weren't obvious, it will glow only for you and you only," Kors assured the werewolf boy, "now tread quickly and carefully." Our clan then quickly entered the caves as the door started freezing over. We walked out through frozen-over ruins and halls until we reached a fork in the tunnels, as it split into five different paths.
"What now?" whined Morro, who anxiously scratched his cheek. Hoping that it works just like in the show, I speak up.
"Everyone, close your eyes and intently listen or feel your crystal, then point towards where you feel it is and take the pathway you pointed," I elaborate. No one else has a better alternative and don't feel like making snarky comments on why I suggested that. Everyone and myself closed our eyes, trying to hear any sign for our crystal. On my end, I heard a faint whistling sound, constantly humming at one note endlessly, and then pointed at the general direction and opened my eyes. I pointed into the rightmost hallway, and Marcs was also pointing at that same path, which earned a grin from the tan boy and a chuckle from me. Out of all the pathways, only Bita and that girl I forgot also got the same tunnel. Morro whined as he has to go through it alone, whereas Ishi saw it as a challenge.
"Right, no going back now, it's now or never," Morro said, masking his fear with courage. We all collectively nod and head our separate ways. As me and Marcs walk through what I believe are frozen-over remnants of lava tubes, we found few crystals here and there, but none shone or felt warm at our hands, so they were not ours. For what felt like half an hour walking, we met our first obstacle: an extremely large chamber with a thin floor of ice.
"I doubt we can even cross that," Marcs pointed out, "we're too heavy, and I don't see any alternative routes." Marcs started tearing up, "but I felt my crystal has to be here. I don't think I can pass through." As soon as he attempted to step on the ice, it immediately fractured. He took a step back, but reluctantly signs away from the obstacle. I thought there was more to this, and I can't let tan boy's confidence crack.
"Marcs" I say, as I close my eyes, "the least I can do to ensure my promise is get you across." Marcs looked back at me and, before he could say anything, was then levitating above the floor. I know he is way lighter than rocks, but I never carried something so far out of my regular range. Why did this obstacle be wide as a football field? There were few instances I slightly lost my focus and caused Marcs to touch the ice floor, which elicited the latter to crack, sprawling yards long. He then was levitating over safe ice, which I then dropped him. Marcs' first thought was not about his crystal but rather how am I gonna get across? I scanned the surrounding area in hopes of finding an alternative path, but my best choices currently were extremely tiny holes on the walls to climb on of hope that there is a solid surface below the ice. I take my chances with the former of my options and grab hold on the crevice. I steel myself and jump off and grab hold on another crevice, careful on not slipping, but there are zero footholds and I really can't get get purchase on the ice walls with these darn feet which don't allow for any kind of shoewear. My only saving grace is my upper body strength from my Lasat body and all those Jedi physical activities which I had zero back as a human. I jump off another crevice and grab hold of another one, accidentally hitting the ice floor with my legs, fracturing the weak ice even more. I look at my progress and see I'm barely reaching the 20% mark. I sigh and jump to another crevice. Cal Kestis does this easily in Fallen Order, surely I can accomplish the same-
"Ezzet!" Marcs shouted as the crevice I reached for broke off the wall. I fell back-first into the ice floor, hearing it loudly shatter as I fell into darkness. All I could think of at that time was:
Fuck me I miss being thin and lightweight.
I tumbled down the walls of the abyss before falling onto another cave chamber. I quickly used the Force to slow my fall, but I still fell incredibly fast and landed not-so-gracefully on my back.
On the hard cold ice floor with zero snow for cushioning.
I felt like I should just lay here to wallow in pity until I saw the rest of the ice floor from the chamber above me crashing down, which motivated me into choosing maybe after this excursion to lie down. The sound of the ice shattering from high speeds echoed throughout the dark chamber and pierced my poor ears. I've heard that Utapau has crystal caves why can't we go there instead? At the very least with the top chamber's floor gone a bit of light can shine down here.
"Ezzet!" Marcs' voice echoed, "are you okay?"
"Let's see my soul and will is shattered but my body is alright, is everything okay on your end?" I hollered back.
"Ezzet, I don't know if I can do this without you," Marcs hesitated, I can imagine his face clearly, "we've always done things together and came out in top. What if these trials are supposed to be tests of teamwork-"
"There are tests of every kind in the Jedi Order," I interrupt him, "it is to make us work past our fears and weaknesses to grow stronger. I know you can do this alone. It will be scary but I have full confidence in you. Now go and get yourself a crystal!" There was a brief pause.
"Okay, I'll do it, but I have to get you out of there though," Marcs' thoughts quickly shifted.
"No! Go and get your crystal first, I'll get myself out. Maybe even I'll kill two birds with one stone and find my crystal down here," I retorted. Surprisingly, I feel that I am closer to my crystal in these lower levels than up there.
"Okay, good luck and may the Force be with you," Marcs farewelled.
"The same goes to you," I say back, but I know Marcs already left. The chamber down here can be described in many ways, but there's one detail that I'm terrified: the dark.
Yeah laugh it up I'm afraid of the dark. You would be too if you haven't been scarred mentally by wild dogs or crackheads jumping out from nowhere from where I lived.
Luckily Kors gave us all powerful lamps in our backpacks that doubled as a heat source. The only way forward was a downhill inclination which sapped more natural light the deeper it went, so I inevitably had to walk this path. As I ventured into the dark, I started noticing how I can barely hear any outside noise, the sound of my paws crushing the ice beneath me sounding like I was near an airport, my heartbeats booming in my ears. Then I reached the line where it was completely pitch-black that, without my lamp, I could not even see my hand one foot away from my face. Oh, I hate this I hate this I hate this I hate-
"I see you've finally rid yourself of undesirable company."
What the fuck?!?! What the fuck?!?! What the fuck?!?! What the fuck?!?! What the fuck?!?!
Every single strand of purple fur is on end I think my dreadlocks are flailing cartoonishly from fear. I try and sense who is around me but I feel nobody is around.
At the very least, no mortal around me.
"You wish for clarity? Do you wish for your otherworldly desires? Do you wish for power?" the voice boomed yet whispered. I tried to shake my head since I recognize that voice, no, that entity trying to mask themselves as my loved ones from my previous life.
My mother, my half-sister, my aunts, my grandmothers, my best friends. All those female voices overlapping in both discord and harmony. They invoke every single feeling of burning an entire Galaxy for them, to become a greater evil to save them. Every single nerve in me is shouting 'RUN', but the inquisitive part of me wants to venture farther below. I'm so close to the crystal, I can't turn back now.
"Or do you wish for the ability to change fate?" the voice beguiled, my body shuddering as a cold, ethereal hand stroked my neck.
Goddamn it this is such a dick move to use a loved one's voice. It's common knowledge that the Dark Side is supposed to be a siren, tempting and forbidden, to some individuals seductive, but to me it feels it crossed a line wearing my sister's voice cause she is way too awkward to even talk like that.
"I notice your resentment towards me," the entity uttered, casually changing voices, "but you know what is set in stone for this galaxy."
"That's why I'm gonna put a stop to Palpatine's machinations and change fate," I fire back, already getting fed up with the voice.
"Yes... change fate for you to take the throne."
I'm sorry what now? Oh man I forgot how much the Dark Side loves jebaiting others into positions of power.
"You were born not only blessed with prodigal skills in the Force-"
Nope not prodigal I'm literally just average and use logic your sweet lies don't work on someone who doesn't like being too prideful nope nope nope...
"But brimming with knowledge of events that happened, is happening and will happen. You know every individual's plan. Their ideology, their strengths, their weaknesses, all while you appear powerless," the Dark Side beguiled.
Dude, I'm currently just a kid and don't Jedi become experienced Knights at their thirties? And to add on that, I only know how to swing a sword and feint only because of that For Honor fighting game and copying its movements because I'm an impressionable guy who likes weapons and copying things from media.
"Give in. Become more powerful than you can possibly imagine."
And that power is conveniently placed with multiple traps and more loopholes than a US bill. Count Dooku 'became more powerful than any Jedi' and went the Way of the French Revolution.
"You can save your friends. Just take it. The power is wasted on overzealous and greedy fools. You've said so yourself."
Like once from a joke to my brother. I'm getting annoyed with the literal Avatar of Darkness whispering sweet nothings so I pick up the pace, hoping to drown out the Dark Side with ice crunching noises (my brother would have a ball eating all this ice up). Although I then realized I'm not wearing shoes and start sliding down the tunnel at an increasing speed. I don't like this I literally don't know if I'm heading to a chasm of doom or another convenient death trap. I then feel a jolt in my Force Sense and immediately Force Jump and grab hold onto a stalactite.
An actual abyss below me, every nerve throwing out red flags. I try to get a better grip on the ice spike until-
crack*
Motherfucking ice world can't go one second without breaking something, whether it be ice or someone's spine.
Adrenaline pumping from all cylinders I leap from stalactite after stalactite, shouting more obscene curses than R2-D2 and Chopper combined. I jump from one final stalactite and into an ice platform, laughing off the adrenaline nervously.
"Truly you are adept in the Force. You can become even more if you embrace it."
Silence wench! Seriously how do Jedi resist this annoying demon I'd rather work in a restaurant full of Karens than deal with this shit. Is their meditation literally just a way to vent and silently scream at the Dark Side?
Forget it! I have a crystal to find.
I trek through the icy platform, occasionally climbing over one another, even passing a lake of frigid water that I believe is not frozen due to magma vents or something. I enter another frozen lava tube and gasp loudly at the mother of all Kyber crystals sits in front of me. The thing is so huge it's probably London Bus-sized. All my goblin brain is telling me is to 'touch da crystal', but I know what those things do and am not looking forward to be painfully vaporized by space magic crystals. I pass the Kyber pillar, say a quick 'yo Angelo', and trek onwards, passing a humongous chamber with frozen waterfalls. The terrain here is wonky as hell since the waterfalls are apparently whitewater rapids frozen over and I almost broke my ankles twice. Then I get hit with a headache, my mind filled with that crystalline whistling. I look around and deduce my crystal has to be in this chamber. It's too bad I don't have a crystal-detecting apparatus or any pickaxes if my crystal is frozen under the not-so-rapid rapids.
"Why don't I help you?"
Before retorting something snarky and offensive that would shatter Twitter, a white glow emerges from behind a frozen waterfall, most likely my crystal.
Seriously it feels too easy there's got to be some sort of gimmick here I'm not sensing. There must be a reason the Dark Side made my crystal glow instead of being a 'notice me senpai' entity.
"There are no strings attached, no ulterior motive. I only want to see you become powerful."
I really want to shout 'I see through the lies of the Dark', but I'm afraid I would end up impaled on an ice spike. I approach the frozen waterfall and start looking for cracks and weak spots (spoiler alert: there is none it's a frozen waterfall).
"You know the key to the puzzle as well as I do. Use your power."
I guess the Avatar of Darkness has a point: use the Forbidden Detroit Criminal Technique. I use the Force to grab a nearby boulder and slam it into the frozen waterfall. First impact had no visible effect, so we'll do it again.
And again.
And again.
And again.
I temporarily stop my bombardment and inspect the waterfall. Few but great cracks all around, so good progress. The question is how much time do I have? I start picking up the pace as the medieval peasant stoning a witch and start catapulting multiple boulders at a time, hoping to hear the waterfall shatter. But by then I'm starting to feel a bit mentally exhausted and take a seat on top of a boulder, it's side almost completely chipped off. I sigh as I meditate for bit as to steady my mind and now I'm realizing I haven't heard from the Dark Side in a while. Don't give that demon attention, just focus on deep breaths. As I close my eyes, I then feel the presence of my fellow clan mates all around me in the tunnels. I see Morro cowering from a beast-like ice structure, it's artificial maw carrying a crystal. I see Ishi mending her wounds after falling from her climb towards a crystal in the ceiling. I see Bita and Forget-Her-Name impatiently waiting for a sunbeam to melt away a lake with a few crystals under the surface. And I see Marcs hesitating from a very narrow ice bridge over an abyss where his crystal is hanging over the bridge's edge. Man we are all struggling, and I don't know if I should feel proud or bad if I'm almost getting my crystal.
Dang it I hate not being able to help my friends. I get up from my meditative state and approach the waterfall, no boulders in tow. I scan the waterfall's cracks where a weak point lies, hoping this plan works as to get back to Marcs. I step back and focus on the Force, trying to get a big enough power level to blast that waterfall. I then put all my effort into making a powerful Force Push, the waterfall becoming even more cracked.
Close, but not there yet.
I grab a single boulder, seeing I probably have to use a more focused blast, and focus my power, my impatience with this cold weather fueling it.
Extreme bowling let's go don't fail me now.
I then release all the pent-up energy onto the boulder, probably enough power as a cannonball, and embed it into the waterfall with a loud crash. I pull the boulder back and see that the hole actually reached the other side.
"Awesome!" I audibly yell, echoing through the tunnels. I climb over the boulder and into the hole, it's surface freezing all my palm sweat, and into the hidden chamber. In all it's glory, I see a crystal between a stalactite-stalagmite pillar. I can feel my heart beating twice as fast and a grin plastered on my face as I yoink the crystal from its resting place. In my hands it feels remarkably warm and shining a brilliant white hue, guessing that later it starts changing color. I exit the waterfall chamber and return to the ice platforms, surveying for any possible exit.
None. Typical.
I let out an exasperated sigh and sit down, unfortunately having to wait for help because I'm not trusting ice wall climbing again. I close my eyes and meditate, hoping to find a way to somehow communicate with Kors or Yoda. Again, similar to my previous meditation, I see my clan mates struggling, making zero headway towards their crystals, and again, I get the nagging feeling to walk through ice and get it for them. It was until that moment I realized that why can't I just will the Force into a desirable outcome. It seems to be a viable answer, just improve my clan mates skill just long enough for them to get their crystals. I focus deeply, trying to radiate positive energy and strength to my friends, literally sending "thoughts and prayers" through the Force. At first, nothing, so I try again and visualize the desired outcome.
Wish that the ghost of Bastila Shan gives me a hint or two on how to use my Costco-brand Battle Meditation only for the sake of wanting to get out of this frigid cave faster.
I then sense Morro suddenly getting a boost in courage and pass through the make-believe monster of coincidental ice sculptures and retrieves his crystal.
That was too easy, just walk through.
Then Ishi gets the strength and dexterity to speedrun through her climb with style and grab the crystal in the ceiling.
Okay wasn't expecting results so quickly but go off queen.
Bita and Forget-Her-Name then focus their enhanced power to crush the frozen lake with a stalactite and lift their crystals inside a frozen boulder and into solid ground, where they start picking away at the boulder for the crystals.
That was incessantly simple just break and grab.
Finally I sense Marcs, who not only started balancing through the extremely narrow ice bridge towards his crystal, but was running without any misstep or hesitation. He stops at the very edge and leans forward as to grab his crystal, an abyss calling him from below. He then slightly slips as he grabbed his crystal from its stalactite and retreated away from the bridge. Apparently, the bridge and stalactite then decided to choose death after Marcs stepped off and, with a resounding thud, fell into the abyss. Then I hear a thud from my chamber's ceiling, which then my Force Sense started blaring out red flags as the ceiling started to crack. I fall back as the ceiling came crashing down all over me, again muttering as many curses as possible as I ducked for cover. I look over and see that the ice made itself into a convenient bridge for me back to the dark tunnels I entered. After checking if the bridge was stable, and it was at best mediocre, I pass through and enter the tunnel, harder now that it was a steep inclination upwards.
It's a sci-fi galaxy why aren't there escalators everywhere?
"You continue to refuse your destiny," the Dark Side uttered, "do you not see the extent of your abilities' power? You've willed the Force into creating a bridge and empowering the weaklings around you. And you shall will it for conquest."
"Conquest, I doubt it," I reply, hoping they're only talking about galactic conquest and not the conquest of love.
"Power attracts, never forget that."
I'd believe it when it actually works, so I won't hold my breath. After a while hearing nothing from the Dark Side, I sigh tiredly and finally reach the top of the tunnel and into the chamber where I oh so gracefully landed. The tricky part here is how am I gonna get out of the pit is so deep?
"Not to worry, I have a plan," the voice of best boi Marcs Wendon echoes throughout the tunnels, "with a bit of backup." I look upwards and see all my clan mates' heads pop out from above. I then feel myself being levitated upwards, feeling incredibly weird and uncomfortable on the receiving end of telekinesis.
Just levitation? That's the plan? You made it sound like you could easily crack the ice walls into stairs.
I am then finally out of the accursed pit and feel my paws touch somewhat solid ground and let out a sigh of relief.
"Are you still okay, anything broken?" Marcs asked worriedly, knowing how big of a fall I, well, fell.
"I don't feel anything broken, just sore," I reply without my Force-awful sarcasm, in which I sense a chunk of guilt fade away from Marcs.
"So I take it you found your crystal," Forgot-Her-Name asks, in which I pull out the warm crystal in my jacket's pocket, shining awfully bright in my eyes but probably not for them, so I immediately put it away. We walk back to the ice cave entrance and into the temple, noting that the ice wall blocking the entrance was only a quarter frozen through.
Ha! That has to be a new crystal speedrun record.
Kors was indeed shocked at how quick we retrieved our crystals, while Yoda was sitting there chuckling like a gremlin. "I take that all of you found your crystals?" Kors inquired, we immediately take out our crystals and show them to Yoda. He smiles and nods approvingly, Kors still amazed that none of us fell for the old Ice-Shard-Fake-Crystal trick this planet loves to make.
"An excellent expedition, this is," Yoda congratulated, "I sensed much doubt and weakness. Resolved, they are," Yoda then starts eyeing me directly, "One's influence, affecting all for the better, yes?"
I smile and nod, in which Yoda returns the same gesture. I know Battle Meditation is extremely rare and powerful (exhibit a: Bastila Shan) and that Yoda and that long neck dude Yarael Poof and bearded snake man Oppo Rancisis are the few but talented users of it. If I actually have it then can't I just will the Force for a better ending, like Shmi not dying or Barriss not getting Ahsoka kicked out of the Order or literally anything else?
"Well then," Kors announced, interrupting my reverie, "let's retreat back to the ship, it doesn't take a Jedi to notice your impatience for lightsaber crafting." He motioned the Younglings back to the frigid outdoors, everyone saying farewell to Grandmaster Yoda, while here I was thinking how in the H E double hockey sticks Yoda found out I willed the Force to help my clan.
"I know I never want to set foot in this freezing planet again," Morro complained as he was walking barefoot in the snow. Many of the Younglings murmured in agreement, even Kors himself! We boarded the ship, immediately took of our warm jackets and other cold-weather clothing, Kors then allowed us to enter into the lightsaber crafting chamber in the ship while he got the ship to leave for orbit, in which none of us hesitated to enter. We enter the room, one which there are drawers in every nook and cranny in the walls, already having my crystal in hand.
"Alright settle down," Kors calmed the impatient children, "now, you have passed The Gathering and successfully harvested your crystals. Your next lesson begins now. We have a specialist to teach you all on the art of lightsaber construction. Disregard his appearance, he may be ancient but he has been designing lightsabers for centuries. Please welcome Huyang."
On cue, from a dark hallway an ancient droid approaches, the light detailing its Old Republic design and its eyes glowing a solid yellow.
"These are the Younglings? I swear they get younger every expedition. And if I'm correct they all passed The Gathering?" Huyang spoke, Kors nodding affirmatively towards the droid, "I have been onboard for years teaching many Jedi and I will continue teaching many Jedi after you."
"If you've been on this ship for many years does that mean-" Bita asked.
"Yes," Huyang interrupted Bita's question, "within my memory banks I have every detailed record of every lightsaber crafted on board and their respective creators spanning since the Old Republic."
Huyang activated a holodisplay and showcased a large number of sabers. Some were minimalist, others were somewhat grandiose or with intricate patterns. While scrolling, I noticed the Youngling-Slayer 9000 was there.
Great, Vader has his murderstick already.
Huyang detailed the lightsaber styles and what types of materials they can be fashioned with, along with a short lecture how the lightsaber is a Jedi's true weapon from conflict to conflict. He then gestured Ishi for her crystal, in which Huyang inspects the crystal.
"You've brought me Kyber crystals, but they are useless unless you give them life. Are any of you familiar on how to awaken such crystals?" Huyang asked the gaggle of Younglings, in which all nod negatively. "No, I thought not," the droid chuckles, "I look forward in what new designs to add to my memory banks," Huyang turns towards me and Morro, magnifying glass piece on his digital right eye,"interesting, a young Shistavanen and a young Lasat. Rare to find two of your species, for however isolationist they truly are. I've met two Jedi masters exactly your species and the two of them crafted exquisite weaponry."
I know Jaro Tapal but I just realized about Voolvif Monn's existence. Also, I don't think Morro's species is supposed to have black fur.
"I have a question for each and everyone of you," Huyang asked the group, "what do you feel your lightsaber to be? It is not a want, but a feeling, what most resonates with you," Huyang approached Morro and stretched open his palm, "tell me, what do you visualize your crystal's true form?"
Morro, slightly clenches his fist and closing his eyes to completely visualize his future-lightsaber, "I see a curved saber, made of Osmiridum," he details.
"Ah, Osmiridium metals for a lightsaber, rare choice of material but nonetheless remarkable for heat resistance, generally known for lightsabers with high energy output," Huyang noted, as he retreated into the hallways of drawers and muttering as he searched for such parts until he grabs an entire drawer and brings it to a table for us to see, Osmiridium having a burnt gold and bronze look but still quite shiny, "It is quite handy to have one of everything aboard, you never know when someone will need it, deep in space." Huyang then grabbed multiple lightsaber parts and, with high speed and efficiency, crafted a generic saber to use as a template, while my clan were amazed by it. "It is my job to ensure that each and every one of you young ones build your own lightsaber, and the knowledge to do it as well before you leave the ship. Let's begin." Kors activates a holo-diagram for us all to see, and it's respective components and names and where to locate them.
Hopefully this will be as fun and somewhat simple as building LEGOs.
How many times am I gonna screw up on the screws?!
It was hard finding the grip and sleeve I wanted while also trying to keep my saber balanced on both ends yet lightweight. Huyang was surprised with the amount of specific materials I wanted, but I think he was happy to showcase some of his lesser-known parts and materials. He was also astonished with my idea of using an Old Republic design from a somewhat controversial figure during the Jedi Order rebuilding long ago. I was also surprised Marcs was also accompanying me and grabbing some of the same lightsaber parts as me.
I don't know whether to get creeped out or he just wants to copy a bit from my design.
Ishi immediately crafted her saber and, by the looks of it, immediately wants to ignite it to see if it works but Huyang is a bit preoccupied with my weird part requests so she has to be patient. Morro is taking his sweet time on his curved saber, my man actually polishing the metal a bit for a bit more presentation and the fact he hates dirt. Bita was a special case, she instead asked for broken lightsaber pieces, in which she mended back together the broken pieces with a gold-like glue, which in my opinion fits the lightsaber's black material.
Nice to see Kintsugi is present in this universe.
Forget-Her-Name's lightsaber seems to be a bit generic with an extremely useless smooth grip, but she actually started to wrap the grip with a red cloth as it were the hilt of a sword or, more specifically, a katana. Peeking over to Marcs' bench I can barely make out his lightsaber, but I see exactly zero of the parts I'm also using, so I guess he just wanted to browse. Meanwhile, I'm returning back to focusing on disassembling my shoddy saber and this time trying to focus on aligning it at the perfect moment, my face scrunching so much it hurts. I slowly eased each and every piece to its respective place, as Huyang leaves me an emitter I asked for to see if it fits better than mine's.
Focus Ezzet focus. You've been dreaming of this moment since you were a homunculus, don't screw it up. Think of all the cool stuff you can finally do.
My crystal in its emitter, I placed first the critical components and its power cell into the base, screws on the inside so they're not visible on the outside. I steadily connected the base and components to the outer parts and shell, careful with my exotic choice for a grip, then snapping the, for lack of a better word, the on/off switch. After placing the end connector on the tip and the outer emitter on the blade's theoretical edge. Finally came the tiny futuristic screws, or magnets or something, and popped them into place. Then I finally opened my eyes and see my end result.
My, hopefully, magnum opus. A hilt similar to that of my favorite Old Republic and Galaxy of Heroes character: Visas Marr.
I reached out to my saber, the smooth, black grip with a purple sheen, keeping cool even with my body temperature not affecting it at all, contrasting with the shiny bright gray parts, minimalistic outlined with the same black grip material. I think a permanent grin is plastered on my face, heart beating faster than usual. Huyang asks to inspect my saber, which I agree to lend it, and makes note of my design.
"What a beautiful design executed perfectly. And here we were thinking it was gonna fall apart," Huyang chuckled, "I'm proud of you, I believe your design will inspire someone else sooner or later, emphasis on sooner." Huyang points towards Marcs. I make my way and see Marcs' work table with two lightsabers, one exactly the same as my saber.
"Do you like it? I designed it after yours because, well, I sensed your presence in the Force and gave me courage," Marcs spoke, a smile on that little tan face.
"I'm also surprised on the fact you have two lightsabers," I bluntly say.
"Oh that, well I already found a crystal but I sensed another one which called me out also," Marcs explained.
"The one hanging over the abyss," I finish.
"And I don't know why but I couldn't leave that crystal there," Marcs says as he ponders his two sabers, the other one reminds me of Shaak Ti's design, "and it feels like these two crystals should be together. It's both weird and fascinating."
"Kyber crystals," Kors added into the conversation, "they are a strange bunch. They have a collective conscious and edge on sentience and can communicate in a matter non-verbally. It is remarkable you could hear a crystal wanting to be reunited with another." Marcs smiled as Kors signaled the entire group to pay attention, "Now that Huyang has examined your lightsabers and all have been approved, let us ignite them."
Ishi was the first one, her saber igniting a bright green color, smug grin visible on her face.
Morro followed next, his curved apparatus hissed brightly with a blue blade.
Marcs activated both his sabers at the same time, both activating bright blue blades. Good to know my design is actually gonna work.
Bita was next, her artistic hilt creating a yellow blade.
Forget-Her-Name firmly gripped her saber's wrappings and ignited a green blade.
Finally it was my turn and I pressed the switch button, and out ignited a bold purple colored plasma blade.
Purple blade with purple fur, why not go with purple robes while I'm at it?
Kors examined each blade and clasped his hands, "Amazing work, each and every one of you. Thank you for your time and patience Huyang, these young Jedi will surely become a prodigal bunch. Now then, I believe it is time for us to depart back to Coruscant." He exited the room and walked towards the cockpit to implement coordinates. I'm still here in awe at my lightsaber and how smooth and light it feels. I deactivate it and walk towards Marcs and the group.
"Seems like my design actually works," I say, trying to join in the conversation.
"You were a bit funny seeing you and Marcs following Huyang everywhere," Bita giggled.
"I know, it felt like I was never gonna find the right pieces," I reply, still examining my saber's hilt. The ship entered hyperspace as my clan only talked about what they're gonna do now that they have their lightsabers. Majority of them want to become knights and protect planets and maintain the peace, which is just Jedi code for swashbuckling adventures, even if there's no loot for them to keep because Jedi. Marcs still has his mind set on being a part of terraforming efforts, because there is still an obscene amount of planets uninhabitable and even more yet to be found and colonized. The entire trip back to Coruscant went by awfully quick, if the definition of quick here is an hour or two.
Whatever, I'm already exhausted and I need my sleep.
We soon drop out of hyperspace and see the huge planet of multiple burgundy and purple shades with bright yellow lines. Reentry was quick and easy as the ship landed with ease and there was barely any overhead traffic. We all said thanks and farewell to Huyang and walked into the Coruscant halls single file, Master Ins waiting for us at the hangar.
"I take it the Younglings failed?" the Clawdite jokes yet somehow maintains a straight face.
"Oh sure," Kors goes along, "we've lost three and a fourth one found his true calling as an interstellar cook." Ins laughs as most of my clan seems to be unable to discern a joke. Ins notice that each of us have our own lightsabers, eyeing more of Marcs' pair of sabers.
"Hmm, it isn't fair that you got two sabers for the price of one, Marcs," Ins smiles, "I believe you are guilty of stealing another's saber, as I can so humbly notice we are down one Youngling." The clan slightly laughs at that as Kors gestures to Ins they're his problem now and says farewell to the clan and walks away. Ins leads us back to the clan dorms, allowing us to have the rest of the day free until bedtime. Ishi and Forget-Her-Name are constantly talking about how they'll wipe the floor against all of us in lightsaber practice.
Oh right, I remember how children train with ravesticks and it's alright because we're in the future and prosthetic limbs are, as I can see, everywhere and readily available.
Morro is just entranced with his saber and mimics fighting stances, albeit in horribly uncomfortable positions that I can feel the back pain. Marcs has surprisingly already went to sleep as I was catching up on today's research I planned yesterday.
Corellia: the Detroit of Star Wars.
But I didn't get far as a wave of drowsiness washed over me and I fell asleep on the spot.
Dreams, where one's imagination rules supreme.
Except I'm in/on/existing in space and I'm looking at what I'll describe as one trillionth:1 of the Galaxy, the planets and solar systems appearing as motes of light, Inner Rim planets shiny brightly because of its high population. I am just floating around, thinking this must be one of those symbolic dreams that everyone talks about, or just some weird plot device because apparently the Star Wars universe loves its dramatic events and plot devices.
"Perceptive and doubting, I see."
Goddamnit it's that bitch again.
"Why must one utter such vulgar words to the entity that binds all."
And why did you just start showing up now? I haven't even heard a peep or a seducing whisper the Dark Side oh so utilizes. Aren't you supposed to be more prominent and constantly in one's face?
"I have been watching you for a long time now. You are a curious creature, a zenith of clarity of what's to come. And I will see you for eternity, when reality bends to your will."
That is gonna be messed up in a few years or more if somehow I get hit with Lasat puberty. Okay, so is this dream the Dark Side's doing or is it my subconscious or yadda yadda yadda what's really going on?
"I've only but show you a sliver of what the Dark Side can give back."
I see a singular shadow hand grab a tiny mote of light.
"This is a planet. Moderately populated. Outer Rim. Edging near known Pirate Space territories. It is relatively forgotten. It won't matter if, say, it disappears."
The hand extinguishes the light, screams faintly emanating from the mote of fading light. I suddenly get hit with the mother of all adrenaline highs, as if I somehow drank the biggest pot of coffee. I shake my head as another hand grabs hold of my head so I see the Galaxy mock clearly.
"And this is only the beginning. With your power imagine what you can do to a solar system. A spiral arm. The entire Galaxy!"
As the mock somehow combusts into a great fire and it's screams pierce all over, I get hit with what I assume is the Dark Side's version of godhood and ultimate power.
"All you have to do is let the Force free you."
I feel like the Force will free my stomach.
OW! SON OF A BITCH!
I rub my shoulder to soothe the burn from Ishi's lightsaber. Lightsaber dueling practice is my most yet least favorite activity, because I can both style on these plebes with my Video Game Mimicry Jutsu, yet when I get hit, it burns. Thank god for low-power options on lightsabers only causing sunburn-like wounds, but they still hurt like hell! I guess it's better than every Youngling becoming a Mini General Grievous. Which brings me back to my duel's aftermath, in which I learned that Ishi does not pull any punches and lets any and all strikes she does connect. My sister in Force, you gotta feint your attacks if I'm constantly expecting to block and parry your attack. Also, the Force plays a ridiculously huge role in these Force Duels. Foresight, reading your opponent's mind for clues on their next attack, boosting your speed and recovery on attacks, buffeting the enemy with Force Pushes as if it were a bash, you name it. Also, something I enjoyed to humble my clan mates, was to constantly change combat stances and fighting styles. Oh sure, I'm attacking similar to the edge lord Kylo Ren who is all about offense, but look at me feint my attack and swap to a defensive style and bait out your rushing attack.
It's fun when I get to win, but stinging, agonizing sunburns when I lose. Oh right, and mutilation if it's anything but a friendly duel.
Ishi was my constant reminder that Hyper-Armor exists in this universe also, because she doesn't fucking flinch when I get a few taps and slices in. She forces me to play defensively a bit and have to connect attacks quickly so I can get back to a blocking stance. The duel ended with me winning, but that doesn't mean I won flawlessly.
Shoulder, leg, hands, and even my lightsaber were victims of Ishi's unwavering attacks. It's not fun when you have to hold a hot piece of metal all while your hands are victims of sci-fi saber sunburns. Many of my clan mates are on the same boat, er, spaceship. My boy Marcs got hit in the eye by Forget-Her-Name's saber, which he says he's seeing spots in his eye but they'll go away because huzzah for sci-fi modern medicine. Morro got his ass handed to him, or hide burnt, by Bita, who I recall is quiet and gentle, but in the ring she is a force, he he, to be reckoned with.
"That is enough practice," Master Ins announces, "we will meet back here tomorrow at the exact place and time. Rest in the meditation chambers then continue your academics," he motions to everyone. I immediately grab my small bag of stuff and get up to leave, clipping my saber to my belt. "Except you, Ezzet," Ins interjects. Morro and Ishi, in classic child behavior, oohs at me while I stand dumbfounded.
Oh boy, I think the jig is up.
As my clan leaves, I'm left alone with the slightly unhinged Clawdite, who is looking at me in classic 'Jedi Gaze'. "Do you know why I asked for you to stay?" Ins asks to me, me hoping it's a rhetorical question.
"Was it my style of combat?" I reply, hoping I got it the first time.
"Correct. We have only been doing standard Form 1 practices for a month and half. Why is it that you refuse to use Form 1?" the Clawdite interrogates.
Because first rule of combat is surprising and out-skilling opponents. Also, Form 1 may be basic but effective, I find it quite boring.
"Because one must change combat styles to adapt to one's opponent and gain the upper hand to end conflict swiftly and thoroughly," I spew out.
"'A Balanced Blade', by Jedi Master Krilles Knapron, interesting choice, yet odd that an Initiate at your age and experience to read," Ins details, knowing I am a bit of an enigma since I "think more critically" than my peers.
"I just find the subjects I find in the Archives to always be worth to read through at least once if I'm practicing said subjects. I was a bit worried in lightsaber training so I read ahead in hopes of catching on early," I argue, mentally screaming since a child is trying be more mystic and wise than a Jedi with decades of experience.
"Interesting to note, but what I'm curious are the styles you used in practice today," the Clawdite says as he comes closer to my face.
Oh come on think, you can't spew out video game characters or bullshit that you just happened to see a Jedi Master practicing or give you tips. Jin Sakai doesn't exist here, nor Apollyon, nor Raiden, nor Rahm Kota, nor-
Wait.
"Is okay to say if I have requested holocrons of lightsaber techniques for practice and to study? I've seen Rahm Kota practice, as well as Shaak Ti, Kento Nion, Obi-Wan, and Luminara Unduli. I like to mimic what I see and try to learn from it," I say, trying my hardest to not spontaneously explode under the pressure.
"Hmm, quite convincing. On a technical note, a Padawan mimics their Jedi Master both in vacuums and on the field. It is still quite astonishing someone of your age can create valid and wise points," Ins says, then gestures that I'm free to go. I immediately exit the training rooms and immediately shudder.
Oh man I can't believe I actually somehow flummoxed a Jedi Master! Or at the very least got a valid argument in.
As I'm walking towards the academics halls, where we're currently studying about basic species physiology and it's different attributes aka a better handled version of the dreaded Sex Education, Marcs and Morro were waiting for me by the corner.
"So, why did Ins want to talk to you?" Marcs inquired, a datapad in his hands for academics.
"We had to chat on my combat style and how I disregard the usage of Form 1," I answer.
"Understandable," Morro agrees, "To me Form 1 is too simple and easy to anticipate. Not to mention you easily fought against Ishi of all people."
Is that humility I hear? Morro just choose a personality already and stick with it.
Finally we depart for the mental scarring of our childhoods, well, Jedi Initiate lives.
Three Years Later
Amazing performance, intricate note-taking, non-disruptive in class but participates often.
Being an introverted nerd pays off well.
I'm mentally reading the notes my professors left me after Initiate Graduation. If you're wondering, you haven't missed out on any details. No party, no cake, no games, no cake, just a ceremony and that was it. Few, if any, spectators were present, and I believe I saw a Jedi dozing off for a bit. At the very least, graduating now has gifted me with my own humble little room for much needed peace and quiet. Small but sufficient, I finally felt my muscles loosen up as laid in a stretched and visually uncomfortable position that cats are notorious about. Since I have graduated to the rank of Padawan, I should be getting my own Jedi Knight to whisk me away to literally any other place since one can get extremely bored with Temple life. For now, I'm "meditating" while the Council or some other high-ranking Jedi assign me the best Knight that can have the best synergy with me. All I can say is that school is out, it's all about either swashbuckling adventures, boring but world-building diplomatic missions, and taking in the sights.
"You do not require any other kind of mentor other than myself."
Is she, ugh really?
"You are exponentially stronger alone, and even more if you are the one controlling the pawns."
Mentally screaming, I try to research something else on my datapad. Right now, current events are about growing Trade Federation threat, with increasing battle droid militarization on Outer Rim planets.
Cool that places the Attack of the Clones arriving in, what, four years?
"You know of Sidious' plan with the clones, they are all mindless pawns with no resistance. Such an armada can become yours."
I think you forgot the part where I'd get killed also because of Order 66. Also, Jango would just tip off Dooku that some asshat with a lightsaber just yoinked his army of clones before uniting the capitalist companies into the CIS.
Actually wait, the devil on my shoulder has a point.
If I can get the Council informed about a potential clone army up for grabs in Kamino, we can quell the rising Separatist threat and, if they listen to me, remove the clones' chips and boom, no original or sequel trilogy.
Easier said than done, I'm just a child.
As on cue, there is a knock on my door and I go to answer it. The door slides and reveals a human Jedi Consular with a datapad.
"I apologize to interrupt, but we have found a compatible Jedi Knight to assign you," the human explains as he gestures for me to follow. Since I already have all the essentials in convenient belt pouches and my saber, I exit my humble little room and follow the Consular. "This arrangement was made in short notice as the Knight in question requires an additional individual for a mission that could prove to be too much for one person," the Consular chimed in, leading me through a hall and into the Temple's Hangar Bay, who then gestures me towards a fishlike, half-circle shuttle painted white with dark green accents. I thank the human and make my way to the shuttle. The landing ramp was open, a black-robed individual checking off inventory, its scaly, white head rapidly switching its gaze between a datapad and the crates of supplies. I didn't even need the Force to find out who he was.
"Hello Master Kors," I greet the Trandoshan, "I have been assigned your Padawan."
Dang this Galaxy is both big yet small at the same time.
The albino Trandoshan looked backwards and chuckled, "Nice to see you again Ezzet, but I have told the Council that this mission would not be that much trouble to send another, let alone assign a Padawan."
"Any mission has the possibility of going awry, having backup or any kind of exit strategy can save lives," I oh so humbly quote, stealing the words from a textbook last year. Kors chuckled at my attempt of sounding smart and started packing the supplies into the shuttle. Kors then gestures for me to enter, which I quickly follow, slightly amazed (yes I'm still amazed by ships) by the fancy instruments and screens in the cockpit. I strap myself in, still unfamiliar with the Star Wars equivalent of seatbelts, and watch as Kors prepares for liftoff and pilot the ship out of the hangar, the shuttle's horizontal wings shifting into a perfect vertical angle like one of those exotic fish from Earth. Maneuvering through Coruscanti traffic, we break through the atmosphere and into space. Kors adjusts the ship as he punches in new coordinates and we make the jump into hyperspace.