Author Note: Hello, here is chapter 2 or 2/3 of the prologue. I am going to update the final chapter, then at this moment on 8/1/2022 I will once again start working on outcast. But I hope you guys enjoy Isaac as a character and the new setting. After the prologue, that is where we start the real story. Please remember to follow, favorite, and review. Greatly helps with my motivation. Have a great day!
Chapter 2
During the construction and rebuilding of the New Jedi Temple. Benjamin decided that there should be upgrades to the building. Not only should it be updated to modern standards, but the inclusion of many different upgrades to foster a better learning environment. Whether they be dorms, new rooms, or a more coherent Jedi library. The temple had changed but kept it's archaic and ancient feeling throughout its surroundings.
One of the largest and most pivotal changes, was the inclusion of an updated and larger training area. Encompassing with the size of a football field. Numerous dummies, rings, and challenges were made to test the aspiring Jedi Knights.
One of Ben's and Haru's idea's that made there way into the room, was the battle arena. The size of a small court. Fitted with obstacles and defenses, able to be thrown around and controlled with the force as students would duel the other.
Outside of the battle arena a pool filled with water was filled, the victor would be decided if the opponent was either thrown into the water, surrendered, or one of the masters leading the training would decide that the battle was over and appointed said victor.
Haru, or Battle master of The Academy. The first student of Benjamin and the first Jedi too be knighted in over a century watched the battle take place. Numerous students, all ranging from children and the older teens observed the fight.
Haru was older…his hair was longer, like how he was in his youth, but with visible grey strands. His face was freshly shaven as he bore a pair of heavy dark brown jedi robes. His lightsaber, the blue blade he had built within this academy decades ago, hung along his belt.
During the years after he had completed his training, and helped Ben rebuild the Jedi Order. He had made a family. Eventually marrying and having a daughter. Said daughter, was force sensitive but didn't wish to follow his path. Yet, his grandchildren, his two granddaughters wished to follow in the way of the Jedi.
One of them was going against, Isaac, right now. Zena, a girl of fourteen years with short black hair cut too her neck. Her green, emerald eyes zoned in on Isaac as she whirled blow after blow with her light blue lightsaber. Casting off powerful sparks after each blow would hit him.
Only for Isaac to return each hit. The young Jedi apprentice, even though he had been personally training his granddaughters ever since the age of six. The apprentice, that had only joined the academy two years ago was obviously winning. The blood of Benjamin and Ty Lee, of two powerful force users flowed within him.
"You're going to have too be quicker than that, Zena!" Isaac spoke with a sly smirk decorating his face. Zipping and dodging her blows as Zena's lightsaber carried her after each blow.
"Shut up and fight me!" She screamed. She whirled her blade in a sideways angle. Cutting through a piece of stone as Isaac leaped over her with a force augmented jump. His orange lightsaber clashing against her own as she redoubled back from the quick attack.
They both wore the light brown of scale armor. Padded with metal plates to help defend against a lightsaber attack but would be practically useless if someone was actually trying to kill you. Isaac gripped his lightsaber with both hands, throwing himself into his lightsaber form as he circled around Zena. "Master Haru, you should've put the other twin against me," He spoke. "It would've been fair."
Haru only sighed, feeling Zena's emotion's pop as a burst of anger followed. "Isaac, stop provoking Zena," Haru turned towards his granddaughter. "Zena, you have to learn to tune out Isaac's teasing."
Zena growled, gripping her weapon with both hands as her and Issacs saber locked by the other's chest. The light blue and orange becoming one as they each bore along the other's will. Yet, while Zena's sweat slipped down her brow, her knuckles turned white from the strength she gripped her weapon, and her heartbeat along her chest.
All Isaac did was smirk, breaking through the saber lock as Zena followed though, releasing a flurry of her own attacks. Darting and beelining towards him with a ray of strength and force infused attacks to overpower him, only to be thrown away with a force push.
Ripping through her force barrier she broke through a pair of wooden crates. Her hand looping along the fence guard right before she would fall into the water, effectively losing the duel. Isaac ran towards her, bringing his weapon into an overhead swing, Zena threw herself overhead. Bringing her own weapon down on Isaac as the young apprentice merely brought his weapon up, slashing as their weapons compacted.
Still in a flip, Zena rolled along the floor as Isaac's weapon trailed along the arena. But while Isaac was full of energy, Zena was out of breath, the force an ever-growing strain on her as she rushed to defend.
Yet, his orange blade swayed in a seamless strike. Zena rushed to defend only to have her lightsaber thrown from her hands. Collapsing to the floor as she was about to rush to draw her lightsaber with the force…
"Don't even think about it, Zena," Isaac's voice rung within her ears. Then, she turned towards him. Hearing the sizzling and hum of his lightsaber blade aimed at her face. "You've lost this duel."
Zena gasped, raising her hand in surrender as Isaac snapped off his lightsaber blade. Reattaching it back to his belt as he rose towards the score board. His name highlighted, Isaac Wilum. Dozens of wins, and not a single lost. His lips etched into a smirk of his own as he could tell that the other jedi apprentices were getting tired of this.
"Oh, come on!" His voice filled the stage. "Don't tell me you all are disappointed. What did you expect from the greatest the academy has to offer?"
"You are the best of us, Isaac. We can't beat you." He heard rise from the stage. His smile only getting wider as he tucked his helmet underneath his shoulder.
Haru could only click his lips. Shaking his head. "Such arrogance." He muttered underneath his breath. Sure, Isaac was strong, he remembered how powerful Ben was when he was just sixteen. But that was from years of training, fighting in wars, and his natural connection to the force, but Isaac was different.
Isaac was powerful, the strongest force sensitives that he had ever felt within his lifetime. Even from Ben's own words, he had mentioned before that Isaac could very well have the same force potential as the Jedi from his old galaxy or the Jedi of old.
But Haru and Ben both knew better. Sure, Isaac was strong and naturally talented. But he still needed to train, and deal with that insufferable arrogance he had developed.
His other granddaughter emerged from his side. Hysa, an identical twin of her sister, with only longer hair that extended down to her back. But for this duel was now tied in a ponytail. She already had the light scale armor along her body, and underneath light jedi robes to comfortably maneuver through battle.
"Zena, are you all right?" She asked her sister. Seeing her lightly nod her head as she dusted herself off.
Haru sighed. "Hysa, your sister is fine," He turned his attention back towards Isaac. "Come, it is your turn to test yourself against this arrogant Jedi swordsman. He thinks too highly of himself!"
Isaac's smile only widened as he heard his master's words. "Really, Master Haru," He chuckled. "I hear of what the masters of the High Council say of me, we all do!"
There was a resounding silence throughout the hall of the training room. The students looked upon him, but he could feel it. The strangeness, the assumptions, the base thoughts as well. Nearly all of them were recruited during a young age, but it was Isaac…even with there years and years of training, was able to best them all undefeated.
He was a monster, a son of one of the greatest Jedi too live. He bet their blood boiled at that thought, great things were coming, and he was at the center of it.
"Such arrogance." He muttered underneath his breath.
Hysa moved forward. Isaac and Zana looking upon the other as he flashed her a smirk, a light blush decorating along her features. "Zana, you're a good fighter. But you clam up too much," He spoke. Giving her a hand as she dusted herself off. "If you keep on practicing, you'll become a good Jedi. Not as good as me, but…"
She sighed. "It's no dishonor too lose to you, Isaac." She spoke. Taking off her helmet as she shook her head, pushing away the sweat infused locks of hair as she tossed it too her sister.
Hysa regarded him with a scowl, her eyes narrowed in a glare as they pierced towards him. "Ah, Hysa," Isaac said. The same smirk he offered her sister still darting along his features, but Hysa still regarded him with anger. "If you're here. That means my father is here as well, I want to give him a good show."
His head turned around. Trying to spot his father as he lashed onto the force, only too feeling nothing at all. "Silence, Wilum," She spoke with a sneer. Snapping on her weapon. Yet, unlike her old one, this one sported dual blade coming from each side. "The grandmaster has taught me much within our missions."
Haru felt the spike of anger surge from the young Wilum. "Low blow, Hysa." He muttered underneath his breath. Sure, he disliked many things about Isaac, but that was low.
He was the son of Ty Lee and Benjamin, two of the strongest force sensitives this world had ever seen. But after the death of his mother, he had squandered his gifts. He frequently skipped classes and only attended the ones he found interesting. He smoked, drank, partied. Sure, he was powerful within the force, sure he was a talented lightsaber duelist…but that wasn't what it meant to be a Jedi.
Benjamin and the other masters had witnessed what Isaac was capable of. Even stronger than his older sister, and it was guaranteed that he would be knighted by his power alone…how could they realistically ban him from becoming an apprentice, allow him to waste his talents in the corps of all things?
No, Haru slowly shook his head. The boy was fourteen years old, and the death of his mother still held a scar along him. Soon, with their help, maybe he'll…
His thoughts were interrupted as the duel sparked to life, both their blades hitting with such intensity that it echoed along their eardrums. The brilliant green blades casted off numerous projections, aiming towards Isaac's weak points with fluid motions of martial might.
His granddaughter was the apprentice of Benjamin. Before that, she was trained in the art of lightsaber combat ever since she was nine years old by Haru himself. Now, she was able to elegantly wield the double-bladed lightsaber safety, a note for her skill.
Maybe, that was why her eyes widened so much when each blow darted along Isaac's orange blade. The weapon reaching and compacting with each blow as it created a mess of yellow sparks. Brightening up the stage as the apprentices could only watch the spectacle unfold. "Too slow…" Isaac teased. Only chuckling to himself as he heard Hysa utter a low growl.
Isaac darted above her with a force augmented leap. Landing behind her as the pair saber locked along the other. Dashing away as he could tell…she was infuriated.
"What, did you think that going on a couple of missions with my father would be enough to beat me?" He jeered.
Hysa gripped a piece of foundation and ripped it clean from the floor. Darting the broken piece of stone towards Isaac as the boy elegantly dashed away, the piece of debris falling with a massive watery explosion into the pool.
"Damn you, Isaac!" She screamed. Lashing out with a mess of martial force might.
She brought up broken foundations, pieces of discarded fence, and even hurled her lightsaber blade. Isaac pressed towards the edge, blocked the blow but was nearly thrown backwards. Feeling free air, he lurched himself into proper balance, but…
Hysa was on him. A smile decorating her own features as in a running leap she called back her blade. Igniting the second blade of her lightsaber, she whirled with her lone hilt as they both brought up heavy strikes. But…Isaac was stronger.
Whirling with a two-handed side cleave, Isaac drew his blade with force augmented strength careening across her own. The blunt of the weapon sent her unignited blade from her hands and across the stadium. Yet, as she was about to whirl around to call her discarded lightsaber. Like her sister, the same orange beam of plasma was aimed at her face.
"I win this one, Hysa," He spoke with that sly grin. Uninviting his weapon as he reattached it too his belt. "Looks like going on a couple of missions with my father didn't amount to much."
He whirled around towards the crowd as they cheered. Sure, Hysa had lost, but it was a damn good show as he raised his hand. The same apprentice keeping count for the record of wins and losses, flipped the number once again. Now, over forty wins, and zero losses. The smile only enlarged.
"Bastard!" Hysa rolled around. Dragging her lightsaber back into her hands as she marched over towards Isaac. "I'm not finished yet, rematch!" She proclaimed.
Yet, Isaac shook his head. "I'm all right, Hysa," he said. "Listen, we can do it again tomorrow, but…"
"Not tomorrow…now…"
She spoke the words with a dangerous coldness too them. Now, Isaac was slowly starting to regret the intensity of the jeering and the teasing. He gave a look towards Haru, the old man already getting the hint as he slowly made his way towards his granddaughter.
"Listen, Hysa. You did good out there…I know that I act all smug and stuff, but you really did good."
"Good…" She repeated. Only snarling at the words. "Good!" She repeated.
Her finger went towards his chest. Those green, emerald eyes bore into his own. "Good, I am good that I lost too someone. A Jedi apprentice that has only been within the academy for two years, good that I've been training with a lightsaber for years and lost too someone that smelled like liquor!"
Isaac sighed, pushing her hand gently away from him. He knew how Hysa was, when she got like this. Honestly, this was kind of the reason why he had teased her. Sure, teasing her sister was better, watching her blush and stutter was cute…but Hysa was just, angry, all the time.
Kind of ticked him off how willing his father was to take her on missions, while he was forced to make by on lessons and training within the academy. His eyes stuck to the board for a second. 'How many more victories do I have to achieve for my father too look at me, to make me into a proper student. I'm ready, I am ready for the challenges ahead, I don't understand why he limits me?'
However, he slowly shook his head, it wasn't the time to think of such thoughts. "You're a disgrace, you know that," She growled. Zana's eyes widening at the words as she began to walk towards her sister. "I've met Jedi apprentices that were forced into the corps because they weren't good enough. They struggled within their training, sweating and giving all they got too become knights, the only thing holding them back was there blessing to the force," She snapped her head towards him as those brown locks stuck to her forehead. Her hand going back to his chest. "Your disgusting, to waste away a gift. Why don't you just leave if you aren't taking this seriously."
"Okay, I'm done." He clicked off his helmet. Right now, it wasn't the time to deal with Hysa. Putting it underneath his armpit as it clenched and bit into his side, he began to walk away.
Yet, he heard it, rather everyone heard it. Words coming from her lips, her sly smirk etching along her features as they weighted along the malice that was generated. "You're a fucking disgrace. A failure, a disgrace too what Master Ty Lee once stood for," She spoke. "You're doing her memory a real service, Isaac. A drunkard of a son that squanders away his…"
The silence stunned her, or maybe it was her own words. Everyone heard it, the words echoing along the massive walls of the training area. The apprentices and other members of the academy. Ranking from masters, knights, and other members who had just recently arrived to witness what the commotion was going on about, stared at the situation wide eyed and mouth gaped.
"What the fuck did you just say."
Isaac regarded her with eyes so wide she could see the white. His fingers already clamped into two fists, his eyes like heat rays as he stared at her. The air was alive, like electricity, it sparkled and sprayed along Hysa's surroundings.
Wisping, contorting, and all encompassing. A powerful array of emotions began to generate. Pride, anger, self-loathing…fear. Surrounding her in its suffocating strength as she nearly fell to her knees from the great power that surged along her.
Then, she felt it, the source. Isaac stared down at her as her sister rushed to support her. His brown-greyish eyes steeled herself to her form as his heartbeat echoed along his eardrums. His hands bringing down the helmet and shattering it with such force along the ground as he moved towards her.
"Isaac, I am sorry, I…"
But right before she could finish her thought. Haru was already in front of them, with a powerful force dash he stopped between the three apprentices. "Hysa, what is wrong with you!" He screamed. His hands combing through his locks of hair as he…
His eyes widened, even the other apprentices and masters had begun to feel it, or rather saw it. Bits of debris destroyed fragments of the stage, even the lightsabers had slowly begun to levitate under the uncontrollable maelstrom of emotions that circulated around Isaac.
Haru reached out. Slowly prodding through Isaac minds with closed eyes. "Hysa, go," he commanded. "Zana, watch after your sister."
"No," Isaac snapped. Causing all the eyes on the room to go towards him. "Pick up your weapon, we'll fight as Jedi."
She sneered. "Jedi, you are no Jedi. Just a boy blessed with talent and a powerful connection to the force, you are no Jedi!"
Isaac whirled around towards her. His footsteps echoing along the metal of the training area as Zana tossed herself between her sister. Yet, Haru's voice rose along Isaac's ears.
"Does your anger make you a great Jedi, Isaac," He whirled around towards the old man. His father's first student, one of the masters of the Order.
"You speaking to the wrong person, master." Isaac spat back.
Haru only shook his head in response. "I know, Hysa. I know what she said was wrong, but…I guarantee you Isaac she will feel the shame of her actions," Yet, his eyes waivered back to the young apprentice. "But your different. You believe within your arrogance, your anger, your pride…it gives you strength. Hell, just a couple of moments ago you bragged to this very crowd of how you were better than them…"
"But am I wrong?" He questioned.
Staring into the green of Haru's emerald eyes. "I am one of the strongest force sensitives ever seen within the thousands of years of the Jedi Order," He casted his hand towards the score board displayed. "Not a single member of the academy. Not a single apprentice, or knight, has ever bested me within this arena."
Haru smirked. "Yes, your correct, Isaac," He lashed out his right hand towards the far corner of the training hall. A metallic pole, a piece of lightsaber resistant metal being gripped in the old masters two hands. "How about we test this hypothesis. You've only went against knights and other apprentices, I will note your skill, but Isaac…you've never been in mortal combat."
"Mortal combat?" He repeated.
"Yes, the combat me and your father were always in during the Dark Times of the century long war," He jabbed the metal pole, aiming it towards Isaac as he saw the features of his face extend into a smirk. "Let's see if you can beat a Jedi Master. I won't utilize my lightsaber or my force powers, but let's see if we can get you that lost. Who knows, maybe you'll grow a bit of humility."
Isaac chuckled, already hearing the crowd. Feeling the fevered intensity, he could already tell that there would be a couple of apprentices that would leave their seats. How they would run to find Meetra and his father. 'Maybe, within this duel…my father will make me his true apprentice.'
His eyes darted towards Hysa. How her and her sister went towards the railing. Bitter anger began to swarm him. 'Why did my father take her? While I had to struggle without a challenge. Someone weaker than me, someone that lacked the strength, why was she chosen of all things!'
He snapped his head back to Haru. Utilizing the force as he drew his weapon into both hands. His head snapping towards Haru.
"Isaac, mind if I ask what the force means to you?"
Isaac chuckled. "That's kind of a weird question there, Master," He regarded. Circling the older man as he was blanketed with the orange glow of his lightsaber. "It feels like breathing to me, Master. But I have to say, that too me, the force is a tool."
"A tool?" Haru repeated.
Isaac nodded. "A tool, like my lightsaber. It's a weapon to be used with responsibility…a weapon that must be devoid of anger and other emotions, something too be harnessed and used."
Haru slowly stopped pacing as his eyes locked onto Isaac's own brown. For a split second, he recognized it. All those decades ago, in which he was separated from Ben and the main team of Team Avatar, he had grown with the force.
He was a commander of a large force, and his blessing of the force gave him a unique gift. He was primarily self-taught, and just like Isaac, viewed the force as a tool. His grandmother's lightsaber, unlike Ben's and his own personal blade, became simple weapons. Tools that were useful in slaying there enemies faster and more effectively.
Such actions and thoughts, brought onto him a darker side of the force. Without the intervention of his friends, who knows what he could've become.
Yet, he slowly shook his head. That was the reason why the Jedi Academy was built in the first place. To teach those future Jedi the proper lessons, to teach them how to safely utilize their powers.
"Alright, you sure you want to do this, master?"
Haru raised an eyebrow with a chuckle. Eyeing the young apprentice. "Ah, Isaac. I can ask you the same question…"
Regarding him with another warm smile. The young apprentice, and master both gripped there weapons tightly. While more vented into the room to observe the prideful son of a great jedi, duel against one of his first students.
Padawans, apprentices, knights, and masters slowly began to flood. The dozens had swiftly reached to over a hundred. Yet, unknown to the pair and the aspiring great Jedi that watched them. Great and ancient dark forces mingled outside of these temple walls.
Isaac chuckled. "My lightsaber against your metal pike," He spoke. His lightsaber snapping to life as he was once again bathed within its rich orange glare. "Bring it on!"
Meetra was on the top of the temple. Other apprentices, masters, and knights were either training or doing something required of them to be up here. Yet, the wind rippled wildly by her sides as she awaited the return of her father.
She took a deep breath. Digging into her pocket as she exposed a bronze pocket watch, on the outside was the fire nation insignia within a deep black metal coating. A family heirloom, gifted to her by her mother on her fourteenth birthday.
She once again sighed as she rose her gaze. Seeing the dark blip of her father's thropter. A thropter, with the help of her father. Zaofu, a powerful and innovative Earth Kingdom city had boomed with technological wonders. Yet, one of the greatest inventions they had made would have to be the thropter.
Taking decades to design and had only recently entered production. The thropter was a near bug like design. Fitted with metal wings that would sputter and whine that made Meetra think of an insect. The wind grew as the thopter slowly began to nestle along the top. Ruffling past the natural greenhouse, the meditation areas, as it slowly began to fold along its metallic wings.
She could hear the engine slowly die down. She heard the way the back part of the craft slowly buckle and whine as the bridge began to extend. Then, she saw him, and her lips stretched into a wonderful smile.
"Good morning, dad."
Her father, Benjamin Wilum. The Grandmaster of The New Jedi Order. The one who with his friends was able to rebuild the Jedi order. Once, they were broken and lost, shattered to the very few. But her father was able to find those broken and shattered few and restore the Jedi.
The broken few, became hundreds that spanned throughout the world and throughout other academies. Her father bore a pair of raven colored, heavy Jedi robes. The cloak following behind him as his lightsaber lightly jangled along his waist.
Benjamin had a heavily bearded face, the scars from the numerous battles and fights throughout his life decorated his features. His dark black hair had slowly begun to fade with few black splotches and strands. But age did not dissuade him. He radiated with skill, martial might, and a powerful connection to the force. Yet, he was her father, and she loved him.
"Hello, Meetra," He spoke. Stopping in front of her for a second as he gazed upon her. Then, he pulled her into a hug. His chin resting along her head as her own hands went along his back. "I've missed you."
She felt tears bite into her. 'Ah, even as a Jedi Knight. I still tear up like a little girl after not seeing my father for so long.'
She returned the embrace as Ben separated from her. "Alright, come on, let's go." He urged her forward as the pair left the roof. Slowly making their ways through the halls as the Jedi diplomats and students made there way.
"How was the mission within the water tribes?" Meetra asked.
Ben kept his face straight, staring ahead as he always did before when he was deep in thought. "Nothing truly to note. I've done what I've always done before, Meetra," He spoke as he slowly raised his hand. "I try to get the tribes to fully unite, and I also seek for more force sensitives to join within our ranks…"
She stopped moving forward as her father turned back towards her. "Meetra, what's wrong?"
She sighed. "You and Isaac, you're just the same aren't you," She said. "I know that you're hiding something. That your trips to establish better connections with the WaterTribe, and to find force sensitives is just…"
"Shhhh." He slowly muttered. Drawing Meetra close as he whirled them towards the wall. "Damn it, your just like your mother. You two always knew when something was up with me."
She darted along with a smile of her own. "Yes, and that's why I am telling you right now that you can trust me."
He looked upon her face. Those features, just like her mother with the little pieces of himself scattered. She had become a woman, it felt like yesterday when he was teaching her how to control the force, how to connect to this world.
She had started her training at an older age, but she had grown in skill and strength in leaps and bounds. She had made him proud as both her Jedi Master, and her father. Sometimes, he would forget that she was a Jedi Master now. Soon, it would be her time to take an apprentice. Yet, that shown the testament to her skill, he could trust his daughter.
Ben took a deep breath. "Your right, I am hardly deep within the Water Tribe. Hell, I honestly don't even go to their cities."
He scratched his head. "I usually, visit Korra and her family."
Meetra regarded him with a quizzical look. "Okay, I don't really understand the issue here. Why can't you not just…visit the avatar. You're the Grandmaster, it's legitimately your job to make sure she stays protected and safe."
He released a fake chuckle. "Really," He slowly waved his hand in the air. "Well, you could've told the White Lotus those words because they have sorely forgotten what my role as grandmaster is."
His eyes were taken by a dark overcast as he slowly mulled through his dark hair. His eyes slowly closing as he took another deep breath. "Meetra, how old are you?"
"Twenty-four," she said. "Why does it matter?"
"Because you're not a child anymore. Well, you haven't been a child ever since you were fifteen…ever since you helped destroyed that dark side cult."
Meetra slowly clicked her lips as her foot lightly tapped along the rocky flooring of the temple. "Father, what is going on."
"It's just," He hesitated. Tasting the words along his tongue as he slowly began to speak them. "It's just…Meetra, you ever get the feeling that the whole world is just crumbling around you. To try and safeguard everything, but like sand it slips through your fingers?'
Meetra's eyes widened as the words touched upon her ears. Turning towards her father as she slowly began to understand how old he truly was. How leathery and dry his skin had slowly become, the dark grey splotches of hair. Yet, it was his eyes, those golden eyes.
There was a darkness to them. The countless battles, wars, and deaths etched along the life of her father. A testimony of the great sacrifice he had to make to pave a brighter future. Her mother's death didn't help, and sometimes she wondered if her father was counting the days…until he could finally be reunited with her.
"It's just. Everything, the white lotus, the politicians," Growling out the last words as he turned back towards her. "Fucking bastards, I built this damn city with Zuko, Aang, and the rest while they were swimming in their father's balls. But they think they know so damn well what needs to be done."
She heard her father's venting. The way he threw his hand along the air in a forced cackle. "They argue about relations between non-benders and benders, what's to argue about, Meetra? Give the people equality and that's the end of it." He sneered as he aimed outside of the window. His left hand, the bionic limb resting along the glass plane as he glanced outside.
"You know, Meetra. That during the last council meeting, they were trying to place a bill on the Jedi. They were trying to cut our funding in half, trying to put regulations on us to only be able to function in republic city…oh and don't get me started, how they wanted full access to the forbidden archives."
"What!"
Meetra's voice rose as it drew the apprentices. Yet, they slowly went back to there jobs and training. She inched closer to her father as the gold of her father's eyes latched onto her own.
He slowly nodded. "Yes, Meetra," He did a couple of looks back and forth. "They wanted us to fully operate in republic city, forever."
"But that's insane," She exclaimed. "We're Jedi, if we so choose by the will of the force…we have to have access to anywhere we have to go."
"Well, the council doesn't think that. Even though I explained to them the time of Dark Lord Rowan and the necessity of being in numerous places and extending our reach. I am only a kooky old war hero past his prime to them."
But his words grew deadly serious, a steel glare etching along Meetra that caused her to take a step back. "I am not willing to compromise, Meetra. I've seen what happens to governments that try to restrict the Jedi, it only ends badly for both parties."
"But why?" She spoke.
"I don't know, Meetra. It could be anything honestly. Maybe, they simply want more control, they believe that with the republic city police department that the Jedi may go obsolete, remember the Sith have been defeated decades ago. But I think it's fear…"
"Fear?"
He nodded. "Fear," He repeated. His head cocking towards the window, his eyes aiming past republic city. "You've heard the tale of the battle of Ba Sing Sai, the day in which me and Aang fought. You've heard the tale in which I brought down a fire nation warship with my own two hands and with the will of the force…and splintered it like a spear into its twin."
Of course, Meetra heard of it. Hell, she was sure the whole world knew of the tale. Her father, sixteen years old at the time. With no other hope and with a duo fleet of fire nation soldiers in each vessel. Quick thinking needed to happen.
Her father brought down two massive warships that day. A symbol of the fire nations technological superiority, brought down by the powers of the force.
"You think, they fear us because of what we can do?"
He nodded. "It's easy for the people to forget how important the Jedi truly are. In times of peace," He drew towards his bionic hand. "The Sith Cult you and the other Jedi dealt with was important, no doubt. But there was two or maybe even three generations that have not saw what happened during that hundred-year war."
He took a deep breath, Meetra eyeing the shaking of his left hand as it squeezed firmly on the wall. "An era of darkness, a century since the Jedi were all killed and their history and existence were eradicated from this world. Within me, Haru, Jet, Thomas, and your mother…we were able to rebuild the order, learning the mistakes of the old and improving.
"It's been years ever since a champion of the Jedi Order rose, a person in which not only the order but the people can rally behind, and the lack of any true conflict has definitely…"
"You're saying that the people have gotten too complacent," Meetra interrupted. "Your generation saw the dangers of Ozai's Fire Nation and the Sith Dynasty. You know and have explained that the Sith shall eventually come back, but the Politicians and the White Lotus members refuse to listen."
"Your right," He spoke. "But the White Lotus members are a different breed all together. There is a strangeness to them. Usually, an avatar would depart there home at a young age. They would explore the world and pick their teachers on friendship and experience. This exploration would allow them to gain a better understanding of not only themselves, but of the world."
Meetra nodded. "What sort of understanding would let's say…Avatar roku would have," he asked, feigning the question as he continued to speak. "If he did what Korra did, what could've changed. If all of his teachers and masters were heralded to him into the fire nation and he gained a close-minded view…"
"Would he have turned from his best friend, as the Fire Lord embarked down a path of Evil and allegiance with the Sith or would he have bought into the teachings and mindset of his brother."
Ben nodded along with his daughter. "It is a very dangerous thing they are doing with her, Meetra. Katara and me have been secretly visiting her, but even Katara with all her status can't get any ground with these white lotus bastards," He scratched his head. "There is something going on beyond the scenes here Meetra. I really don't like how in the dark we are…"
But then, they heard a platter of footsteps approach. Meetra and Ben both turning around as they were taken aback by the person. Wearing a pair of light Jedi robes, a sweating apprentice stared at them as he heaved from each harsh breaths.
"Masters!" He screamed.
His hand extending behind him as he swayed it around as both Meetra and Ben threw a glance at the other. "Master Haru, has offered a challenge towards Isaac!"
Ben's eyes widened as the apprentice once again broke into a sprint, most likely going back there to observe the duel. "What the fuck, Haru," Ben muttered. "If you lose this…we've already talked about helping Isaac work through his arrogance!"
Taking a deep breath. "Meetra, lets…"
"I already know, dad." She spoke as the pair both began to make there way down the stairs. Yet, unknown to them, a greater darkness than they have ever seen, was outside this very temple itself.
Hundreds of apprentices, knights, and masters flooded into the training hall. Witnessing Isaac and Haru's duel. While the master limited himself with no force powers and using a simple metallic pike. Isaac was able to utilize everything at his disposal to challenge the first apprentice and knight of the New Jedi Order.
Ben and Meetra slowly pushed through the crowd. Ben's eyes going towards the scoreboard. Seeing how his son was at the top, all wins and zero losses. Then, his gaze went towards Isaac. Seeing the sweat-soaked frame of his youngest child as he whirled and spun in a blaze of orange plasma. His weapon darting along the edge of Haru's pike as the master thwarted the attacks away with ease.
Yet, Ben knew better. Maybe, Haru was doing this too get Isaac his first loss…to make him learn that his pride and arrogance was not suiting for a Jedi.
Isaac was launched away. His back landing along the stone of the training floor as he groaned from the pain. His lightsaber rolling by his side as Haru started to steadily approach.
"A good duel."
"Yes, he may be the son of a great Jedi, but his skills need to be sharpened."
"About time, but I was hoping that it would be me that would best Isaac."
The choir of voices rose along the audience as they observed what they thought was the end of the duel.
Ben let out a relieved sigh, his hand going to his face as he let a smile dart along his features. Pride and arrogance are one of the greatest weaknesses a warrior can ever hold. Sure, Isaac was one of the strongest in the force he had ever felt. But he still had a long way to go.
His natural talent would get him out of situations and events. But training, discipline, and learning not only of battle…but the spiritual side of the force held its own unique strength.
'But he should be proud. Two years in the academy and he is one of the strongest we have ever trained. Maybe, he'll one day be the champion this world needs.'
But Ben's thoughts were instantly broken as his son rose. Stretching his limbs as he forced pulled his lightsaber towards him. Yet, he could hear Zana's voice rise. The young woman tossing him her own lightsaber as he gripped it in his left hand. "Prove your arrogance if you can, Isaac!"
There was a silence and a gasp that overtook the crowd. Isaac's smirk etching along his face as he ignited both blades, bringing them together as they casted off a brilliant display of sparks as he thrown himself back into the fray.
Darting, swirling, and releasing a flurry of attacks the old Jedi Master was thrown in a stalemate. Ben's hands collided with the banister as he watched. The flurry of attacks only growing faster and stronger with each blow as Haru rushed to defend.
Sweat began to dart along Haru's brow. Isaac utilizing the inferiority of the pike, darting between two onslaughts on his defenses as he tried to battle against the old Jedi Master. He attacked with such fury, such strength that it banged and slammed deeper along the staff.
The Jedi along the crowds gasped, seeing how the lightsabers broke with such intensity that it began to chip away at the lightsaber resistant metal. Until it happened. Isaac forming a powerful howl, driving both weapons at the staff as the metal broke and shattered underneath his volley of attacks.
Breaking it into two as Haru dived away before the two blades of plasma could cleave through himself. Then, right before he could stop…he found those two blades of searing hot plasma aimed at himself. The light blue blade of his granddaughter, aimed underneath his chin.
"I defeated you, Master." Isaac spoke with that same sly grin.
There was a resounding muteness within the halls of the Jedi temple. The masters, apprentices, and knights staring upon Isaac with confusion. While some would've believed that foul play or cheating was involved. They could feel the force around the two men, and the force ran true and thick around the battlefield.
Haru had lost, and Isaac, a powerful Jedi apprentice had defeated a Jedi Master…sure, Haru was limited to a metal pike and no lightsaber. But a duel was still a duel, and he had lost in the end. The shaky hands of an apprentice flicked the scoreboard to life. Illuminating an extra point as Isaac unignited both lightsaber blades. Tossing Zana's own as her and her sister went to their grandparent.
"Grandfather, are you alright?" Hysa asked.
Only, Haru chuckled. His laughter spreading throughout the training halls as the crowd simply stared upon him with a slither of strangeness. He rose on his own as he gazed at the two broken shards of the metal pike.
"Two lightsabers against my metal pike," He chuckled, staring along with a smile as he gazed at Isaac. "Oh, you are a mighty Jedi."
But then, it happened. His eyes narrowed; those old features warped into two stares as he glared at the young apprentice. His voice grew steel, cold, and Isaac knew deep down to listen.
"Isaac Wilum, you are the greatest student that I have ever had," But he stopped, Haru slowly taking a deep breath as he dropped the broken pike. The metal bars echoing along the crowd as Ben and the rest of the order watched with hushed breaths. "But I sense something within you, a part of yourself that is lingered with darkness and grief. An empty place within your heart, a place in which even yourself can't find. Or maybe, you are too afraid to confront such things."
Isaac's lips slowly parted to speak, but only shook his head in response. "I know my own heart, Master Haru."
He could only sigh as he stared at the young apprentice. Such power, but such darkness within him. "Then I bid you that knowledge, young Jedi."
With those parting words. Haru and his granddaughters left the stage. Some of the Jedi lingered as even they were taken aback by what had just happened. But as Isaac made his way into the halls, he had seen a figure he had not saw in many months.
"Dad!"
Isaac ran towards his father. Ben bringing his son into an embrace as Meetra looked on. "Dad, did you see what happened with me and Master Haru."
Ben slowly shook his head as his son released himself from him. His golden eyes locking along his sons own brownish grey.
"Yes, I have," he said. Watching the smile of his son only enlarge. "You have grown so strong within the force, and of your lightsaber. But there is…"
"I can go on missions with you, right?"
Ben's eyes went to his shoes as he rubbed the back of his hair. His sons smile began to dissipate as he stared upon his father.
"Dad, I am stronger now, I can handle my own. Hell, soon I am going to be a Jedi Knight. I need the experience; I can't forever stay here at the temple."
Ben nodded. "Yes, your correct that you must learn from real experiences. There is always something to do, or somebody to help, but you must learn here as well."
Isaac slowly shook his head. "I've been here for two years; I've learned all I could. There are higher mysteries, greater battles in which I am willing to fight and learn from."
"Do you think that being a Jedi is just battles, fights, and wars?" Ben spoke. "Trust me, Isaac. The force is far greater than a weapon to be used responsibly, a tool to be harnessed to commit great feats. There is a whole other side in which I feel you are completely missing out on."
He sneered. "I don't understand the issue. I have succeeded against Haru, a Jedi Master. I beat him in a duel…"
"No, you didn't," Meetra spoke up. Interrupting the pair as Isaac's eyes went towards her. "Master Haru limited himself greatly for this duel. He utilized a metal pike instead of a lightsaber, and even choose not to use any force abilities against you."
Isaac sneered. "So, what," He turned back to his father. "I won. I am stronger than the rest of the other students at the academy, there have been some that have been at the Academy ever since they were toddlers. And I beat them all, I remain undefeated, and I need greater challengers to grow."
Ben could hear the logic within his sons reasoning. Sure, he started at an older age, slightly younger than Meetra, but still he was taken in. He had bested his peers in martial combat and surpassed them within force potential, and he had recently beaten Haru…held back or not, he still beat Haru.
His son was a powerful Jedi apprentice and usually he would've taken him under his wing for further missions. It would've been a waste to keep him in the academy, but he slowly shook his head. "Meetra, told me of your…activities."
A scowl darted along his face. His head shooting towards his older sister. "You fucking snitch!" He screamed.
"Oi, enough, Isaac!" His father's voice boomed. "You're skipping out on your classes, meditations, and partying while I am gone. What are you thinking!"
"Who cares," He snapped. "I am the strongest duelist and one of the most powerful force sensitives within the world. Who cares that I skip out on meditations, and on lessons."
"I care." Ben snapped back. "You're a student within the Jedi Order. You must learn of our histories, the rules, the cause and effect of the way the force works. This is all meant to turn you into a greater jedi, not everything a Jedi does is of battle."
"Yeah, but father, I must ask you…to become knights, what skills overpasses the others!"
Ben took a deep breath, staring at his son as his arms were wrapped around the other. As the years past, and the need for Jedi Knights had diminished. Ben had rebuilt the Jedi Service Corps. These service corps were for those men and woman who either did not have the strength or wish to become Jedi Knights, could still serve the world. The agriculture, explorer, medical, etc. Were still pivotal and important parts of the Jedi Order.
Hell, in these times of peace they were especially useful. But it was very common for many of the apprentices to not realize the true importance of the corps. Many had viewed it as a "Competition" to be inducted into the Knights. To some, it was especially dishonorable to be placed into the corps.
Ben could only sigh, more bullshit to deal with. He did not make the mistakes of the old Jedi Order. How some masters would pick the weaker and less talented students as apprentices due to philosophical reasons. All apprentices within his Jedi Order held a place, and they were all categorized fairly.
Ben knew that even with the way Isaac skipped out on class, frequently snuck out of the temple, and simply just messed around. Isaac still held many masters that viewed him as an apprentice prospect, he was far too powerful, and many masters held an eye on him.
Even, Haru. His first apprentice viewed Isaac as annoyingly arrogant, and his pride was a poison to himself. But even Haru could not dissuade his power, and when that day of the apprentice choosing ceremony would come…he knew that many masters within the temples of this world, would clamor and argue over Isaac.
It made him proud, but he slowly shook his head in response. Right now, it was the time to speak to his son and try to get him to understand.
"Yes, you are correct. Your force potential, and lightsaber skills are very important to be chosen to walk the path of a Jedi Knight. But you also must learn control, managing your emotions in a healthy way, and simply that the force isn't just a tool."
His hand went to his son's shoulder, only for the boy to move away. "Isaac, I am so proud of you. But you must understand that there is more to becoming a Jedi than battle prowess. You must learn of your responsibility that you hold to not only yourself, but to the Jedi. You're an inspiration towards your peers."
He laughed at those words. "Inspiration," He repeated. "I don't have any friends here. Hell, I don't even really mind."
"Sure, you do." His father rolled his eyes along the words. "Listen, when I was your age, I thought the same thing as well. As Jedi, we are simply the defenders of peace and of the world. I thought that my lightsaber abilities would be enough."
He sparked a smile as Isaac simply stared at his shoes. His grip along his son's shoulders only grew tighter as he looked upon his father. "Trust me, Isaac. The force is so much greater and bigger than what you think it is. Same as for the Jedi. We are not merely protectors of peace, and warriors of the light, but there is far more too us than just blades of plasma and robes."
"Then show me, father," Isaac spoke again. "Take me on your next mission. Show me what the force is…"
But he clicked his lips. "You really are a smooth talker, Isaac," he said. "But no, I want you to take an active role at the academy. I feel…" His gaze drew back towards Meetra as she slowly shook her head. "I feel that the world is changing, and I want you to stay here."
He saw the way his son twirled and seethed his teeth. "I know the languages and cultures of the four nations, I have exceeded past my training, when will it be my time to leave these walls!"
"You know why, Isaac," Ben sighed. "You're the future of the New Jedi Order. Your power, your charisma, you don't see it yet. Maybe, that's my part that is within you, but your mother was able to see it…you're the future of the New Jedi Order, that's your mothers' part."
"What's so bad about being like my father?" Isaac snapped. "You were the one that trained mother, you were the one that helped the avatar…you rebuilt the Jedi Order from its destruction…"
"Yes," He spoke calmly with a smile. "And look at what happened. That century year war was defined by the blood of not only enemies, but of friends. It took years to rebuild what was once lost, but it was within the sacrifices of the fallen for me to not give up or falter."
Ben took a deep breath. "I need you here, by my side," Isaac's head rose. "I am going to take a more active role in the main academy once again. I am planning on staying here for a year, and I will formerly take control over your training…no more running off, screwing around outside of the academy, but I will be here as a father making sure you turn out right."
But Isaac could feel it, the mingled fear and the held back other thoughts.
"We are facing great dangers, Isaac," His father spoke. "I don't know where and when they will strike. But I refuse to allow the Jedi Order to fall or lose it's political power like it did during the time of Grandmaster Zane."
"What danger?" He asked. "is it the Sith or another Dark Side Cult?"
"I don't know, Son. But I know that the White Lotus and the politicians within Republic City are secretly trying to control the training of the new avatar…and are trying to limit both the reach and power of the Jedi Order. That, I shall not let stand."
He sighed. "The people of this world look to us for order and power. We are known as the world's defenders, we kept the Dark Sides resurgences in line, and we fought along there parents and grandparents against the Fire Nation Imperial remnants. But I believe that the White Lotus and politicians fear us, how they are trying to control us."
"Damn fools," He heard his father mutter. "They grew up with the tales of Grandmaster Zane and of the Old Jedi Order. How the monarchs of the Four Nations were able to diminish the power and caused the Jedi to further isolate themselves, within this time, the Sith backed by the fire nation attacked…and the world was left undefended, and Darkness ensnared the world."
He rose back to his son. "I will need not only Meetra, but you by my side, we are facing not only physical but political danger."
"But what can be done?"
"Ah, now this is why I tell you to stay in school and learn," He muttered. "Yes, they are trying to limit us, but if we can expose them and show the world the treachery they are once again trying to commit. I personally believe that the people will not forget this, and this will become a lesson ingrained into the world and show them the importance of the Jedi…like all those years ago, we need to find and protect the avatar, and together, the Jedi and avatar must defend and show the world that darkness will never again triumph over the light."
He took a deep breath as he released his hold on Isaac. "You will be by my side. Maybe, you were never a learner fit to be in a classroom, your talents and experience speaks for yourself. Maybe, by being by my side along the boring parts of Jedi work, maybe you'll grow to understand how important we truly are in the day to day lives of the people."
But it was the way his son looked at him. He could tell that he wasn't feeling bad about the punishment, but of something else. "What's wrong, son?"
"What if, I am not the future of the Jedi…what happens if I fail," He responded. "I am only good with a lightsaber and the physical side of the force. What happens if I am only meant to be a knight. Nothing more, nothing less."
Ben took a deep breath. "Meetra, please leave us." He spoke to his daughter as she slowly walked away. He needed to change the tone of the conversation, his eyes going towards the bionic limb as he slowly leaned along the wall.
He stripped the glove as the bronze, blackish metal illuminated along the sunlight. "When I was younger. All I ever wanted to be was a Jedi Knight. I dreamt along in my bed, I played around with sticks, and I was so happy when that woman told me of my ability with the force," He smirked, but it just as quickly turned into a grimace. "But, after all the wounds battle and wars. The death, the blood, and the lost friends, it felt like a curse to feel the force…"
"You never told me that, you've always told me of how much of a great gift it was." Isaac said.
"I know, but I was lost when I was around your age. I surrounded myself with my anger, my grief, my depression. I even cut myself off to the force for a long time because I felt ashamed of what I did during the war. But we take what is given, and we do what we must. When we are called, we must answer, because who else will."
He mused over the words he spoke. Thinking back to Jet, of how his dying brother told him how his son would bear the Jedi Adventurer robes. Were they merely the words of prophecy…or the words of dying friend?
It had been a long life, defined by darkness, but there was light. Ty Lee and their children, his friends, and rebuilding the Jedi Order. Through all the darkness and his own fall, he had finally attained his redemption.
There would be days in which he would feel self-hatred. Days in which he would feel guilty for attaining such happiness…who was he to live a good life with his family, even though he had cut down and separated many men from their own families.
"Isaac, you are an heir to a great line of Force Sensitives. The Jedi will look too you for inspiration and a symbol to what they can become. A hero, a champion, a legend. This is what I see within you."
But his hand once again locked along his son's shoulder. Giving him a tight squeeze as he brought him closer into another tight embrace. "Even if, you don't wish to walk this path that me, your mother, and your sister walked. Then, I will forever love you. Because you'll be the only thing, I've ever needed you to be…my only son."
He lightly cupped his cheek, patting it as he wiped a tear from his eye. "I love you, Isaac," He spoke. "Me, your mother, and Meetra found our own way. And I know you'll find yours."
Both men turned towards the window. Seeing the crowds of the republic city citizens as they made their way throughout there day. "Ironic, isn't it?" He spoke. "It was within the heart of a young man, and his friends that were able to restore light to this world. Even with the darkness inside of me back then, it was within there light that I was able to redeem myself."
He turned back to his son as he waved bye to him. "Tomorrow, we'll start with your training. Your true training on not viewing the force as a mere tool or an item, But…" He could already see his father's lips twirl into a smile. "There is this nice diner in republic city's northern area in which the Wilum family has V.I.P invitations to attend. Damn it, Isaac. Do you know the last time I ate a quality burger…I've still been tasting blubber from those whale burgers that Korra's mother made me three days ago!"
Isaac laughed as he heard his father's voice. Maybe, deep down, he had been wrong. He was fourteen, and he had a long way to go on his path of walking as a Jedi Knight. So, he took a deep breath, watching the crowd once again.
Soon, they would go and eat dinner as a family. Then, he would fall asleep and train under his father to grow a greater understanding of the living force, he could hardly wait. But there was a horror, a darkness within the air. And tomorrow never came.
