KotOR Roots

Chapter 2

"Master Vrook, I've been doing my Katas for four hours now, why can't I leave?"

"Patience, Padawan, you need to master this style if you are ever going to be a Knight."

"Come on Vrook, let her go." A shadowed figure strolled down the slope into the training dojo. Though the face was hidden beneath a hood, attached to a cloak, it was clear she was a woman.

"Master Kreia, welcome, and thank you for joining us; how long ago did you happen to land?"

"I have my own matters to attend to, Vrook." The man cringed; an unknown emotion was waving off of her. Anger, no. Jealousy no, her student was special too, and very much so, a prodigal knight. "About an hour ago, my pupil and Master Vandar are still conversing. Sparring seems to be the topic of choice. As you know, the Couracant Council is coming, taking Padawans with them. Revan has decided to apply. I, however, have decided to come visit the one with the gift."

She walked towards the girl. She was only of ten years, and yet her aura astounded her. Also, she was not masking it, making her a target in combat. Vrook was slacking.

"And you, young one, what is your name?" Kreia already knew her name, but by analyzing answers, she could piece together a profile. The girl immediately glanced at Vrook, asking permission, she obviously respected him. He nodded, and for the first time, she spoke.

"B- Bastila Shan, Master."

"You need not call me Master, girl, however how long have you been training?" Again, Kreia knew the answer. The girl turned towards her Master and he nodded in approval, this was getting to be an annoyance. Her aura was frustrating as well, a signature just like Kreia's own student. Curious that such great amounts of force flow through two beings in the same time period: Curious.

"Since I was four, Mas- Kr- Madam." Bastila looked down at the silver band on her wrist. She had had it since she was a baby. It was the best thing she possessed; even more so than her first generation lightsaber. "Since I can remember."

"Well Kreia, shall we introduce our Padawans? The training program has them paired together as partners in the contest."

That was the first time she had ever heard of him, from a master. Other, older Padawans had explained how he was so powerful. Apparently, instead of the force flowing through the body to the mind; it went right to his head. He was able to manipulate it, force it to do his will. Master Vandar had examined him first, coming to the conclusion that he was best suited to be a Consular. Then Master Vrook had examined him, and thought he was meant to be a Guardian. After merely 2 years of training, he had defeated every knight on campus. 3 years had resulted in the victory of Vrook himself. That is when they had transferred him to Kreia, for solitary teachings; as they had with her and her Battle Meditation. Eventually, after much council, they had discovered that he would walk the path of the Consular, for the incredible force inside him guided his movements, allowed for the power, the strength the-. Through training his force affinity, they could improve everything else.

Now she was actually going to meet him. She shuddered in anticipation. Master Kreia guided her up the slopes past the trees and towards the starport. They passed a white and brown ship, and then walked into the dormitories. Kreia walked faster than she had expected from a woman of her age. Bastila reached out with the force and felt the stress, anxiety and scars of many battles. She also felt some unidentifiable, something like an emotion, but not one that she knew. Kreia shot a cold glance, and Bastila looked down to the floor, she had felt it.

They passed the secretary, as Kreia stopped to ask for directions. Funny, she didn't seem like the type of person to do so.

"Yes sir, I am quite aware that the prisoners must pass through Dantooine, but we cannot have them come now. Yes. Yes. I am quite aware that Knight Bindo instructed you to do as such, be we cannot take an entire load of capture slavers right now, we have refugees on their way to Taris, and the next shuttle is leaving now." The Zabrak gazed up, silently telling us to wait one second. Kreia was frustrated. The Zabrak looked left and right, as if searching for something. She put a hand over the phone and addressed a Republic Officer obviously involved with the refugees. "Where are the Vao children? Griff! Mission! They were supposed to remain here."

The officer looked up, "They said they were going to Taris, they provided their passports and everything. The brother led them into the ship as… the… ramp… was… closing-." He dashed off and waved his arms as the ship flew off into the atmosphere.

"Damnit!" He ran off to file one report or another.

Bastila swayed from one foot to another, engaged in a duel that was taking place behind her. Another phenomenonal Padawan was taking on three others in a complex fight. She however was using a wooden staff, instead of a saber. Bastila recognized her from the Kata teachings, her name was Jennyl. She was a master of the blade, almost rivaling Revan himself. She would always talk to Revan when he came… Bastila recited the code and forgot the jealousy. She returned to the duel. Jen moved fluidly, confidently. Bringing the stick down upon another foe, she turned and stopped another flurry of attacks, not giving any ground, she rose again and-

A sudden jerk took the thoughts away from Bastila. She hadn't even noticed Kreia talking to the Zabrak. They walked down the hall hastily, approaching the door numbered 9. Kreia pushed Bastila towards the keypad, expecting her to enter the code. She pushed the buttons, 7, 3, 8, 2, 6- the door opened before she could finish. A tall young man stood in the archway.

The aura forced Bastila's knees to buckle. She fell forward, but two arms broke her fall lifting her upright. Her head was spinning, how could one person, have so much… - She looked at his face; it was soft, and tanned. He had no scars that she would have expected. He had brown hair, coming just above his eyebrows and around his head, dropping below his ears. He had green eyes, like her, and a prominent nose. He towered over her, yet emanated class, and she could tell he was masking his aura. He was actually trying to make her feel stronger, by making himself seem weaker, even though she knew, she still felt better. But why would he do that?

"Revan, this is your sparring partner, Bastila Shan." Bastila bowed respectfully, however, unexpectedly he bowed back. Elder Padawans don't ever bow to the younglings. He outstretched a hand; she touched it- Force shocked through her, coursing through her veins, energy rushed into every corner of her body- she yanked her hand back. He looked slightly hurt, only for a moment. Then a smile crossed his face. Kreia walked out and the door shut behind her.

"Bastila Shan, I've heard a lot about you." Bastila caught herself staring at him, the aura tempting her towards him, the code… she couldn't remember it. She spoke, to start conversation, "A- are you looking forward to the tournament?"

"Yes, are you nervous?"

"Yes." Why would I admit that, she thought to herself. Fear, I'm not supposed to be scared. She blushed, embarrassed to be so forward, trusting.

"I will not let them hit you." He stared through her eyes, into her being. She was caught, and couldn't look away, his gaze right into her soul. Suddenly, he turned. She caught no expression off his face, but a calm, serenity was emanating from him. Somehow, she felt she could trust him, she could rely on him. He would be there.

The daydream left her as she came up to room #9. She entered the code, 7, 3, - the door opened. She rushed in and grabbed him in a hug. He stood shocked for a second, and then wrapped his arms around her as well.

"Hello, Bastila."

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Author's Notes: Thank you for all the support guys! I've decided to continue, but due to school, I'm going to have to leave you with a cliffhanger. Please don't be angry, heh. Anyways, Thanks to SilverSentinal21 for the support, as well as Devoted99, leogrll9, and Dante-Raven. Please, continue to Read and submit a Review, need to know if you all are still interested! There is a code in the numbers ;p

Also Kitome-Chan, I used Jennyl for the Exile's name, because I really like the character you built her up to be; but if you want me to stop, just tell me and I will. Please keep reading and reviewing!