The training grounds were rather large, I thought. So many different areas, doors, grounds, and other such things, and the buildings there were so… strange. It was peaceful, though. But I didn't understand how this could be used for training. There wasn't equipment or anything… or lightsabers! How were we supposed to do lightsaber training if we didn't have them? I was about to ask, but Landen beat me to it.
"Kyle, how are we supposed to do lightsaber training if we don't have one?" Kyle chuckled a little before answering. "You're smart kid. Well, first off we're going to work on learning Force powers, like how to make objects levitate in the air or to jump higher. Then, if I think you're ready, we'll work a little with the lightsaber." He then pulled out two lightsabers from behind his back and tossed them to Landen and me. "I hope you like the color blue. These are just your starting lightsabers. You'll create your own when you've gained more experience." I looked at the lightsaber. When I first held it, I felt enlightened, happier. It was a wonderful feeling, but I could imagine I wouldn't feel the same way when I was fighting for my life with one!
"First we're going to work on meditation. It will help us connect with the Force. Remember, every time you feel restless or you feel disturbed, or just feel like relaxing, meditate. It'll help you. So both of you, sit down now…"
Meditation took much longer than I expected. In the end, though, I felt more at peace and yet stronger. I also gained something: a new way of seeing and feeling my surroundings. It was as if I had been reborn. I had a keener sense of sight; I could see figures moving behind walls. I could hear better; I could hear the thoughts of both Landen and Kyle. I could feel the bird that flew through the sky; how wonderful and free it felt! How amazing the Force is!
"We're going to do some small exercises to see how well you can control the Force. The first one is…" he put a small rock on the ground "to move this rock from the ground to your hand without moving. Landen, you can go first." Landen nodded his head. He stuck his hand out and looked at the rock intensely.
"Clear your mind," said Kyle. "Focus all your attention on the rock. Feel the Force running through you." For a moment, nothing happened, but then the rock began to quiver. Ever so slowly, it rose, higher and higher until it came to the height that his arm was at. Then it came closer. I faced Landen, smiling. He had a huge grin on his face. Finally, It landed gracefully in Landen's hand.
"Good job, kid! You're on your first steps to becoming a Jedi! It may not seem like much, but it's a huge success."
"Yes! Congratulations!" I said while giving him a friendly hug. "Thank you very much. Now, I believe it is Atara's turn, isn't it?" Landen said as he threw the rock on the ground, slightly farther than the place where his was. "All right kid, same thing. Just clear your mind, and feel the force running through you." I took a deep breath while turning to face the rock. I looked at it long and hard before stretching my arm out. Suddenly, I heard a voice, whispering 'feel the Force.' I closed my eyes, for a moment wondering what that voice was, but then I laid my attention on the rock. I focused on it, visualizing it moving towards my hand. Instantly, I felt something light land in my hand. I opened my eyes to find that the light object was the rock. I could feel my eyes opened wide and my jaw drop. 'That was fast!' I thought.
"Wow, kid! You picked that up quick. You'll be a Jedi in no time!" I still couldn't believe it. How did I do that so fast? "All right, now we can move on to the light saber. I was going to make you work on Force powers a little more, but I think you're ready." Kyle began to walk away. I started to follow, but before I could take a step, Landen stopped me.
"Are you okay? You seem a little… I don't know, like you saw a ghost." I looked at him and tried to smile. "I'm just surprised." But that wasn't just it. What was that voice?
"Hello? What are you kids waiting for?" Kyle asked us, almost yelling (yet it was a joking yell).
"Nothing!" I yelled back and walked ahead.
