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Chapter 2
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The first sounds of morning announced the beginning of the new day, faint humming from creatures of different species starting their everyday competition for survival. Birds, mammals, reptiles… some other species that hadn't even yet been classified could be heard around the Praexeum. The planet was teeming with life indeed.
Luke was awake before his alarm went off. Staring at the ceiling he noticed the small particles of dust floating in the soft beams of light that came in through the windows. The light was very dim since it was still early. He laid there in bed for a few moments, wondering why he was feeling so anxious. He got out of bed and jumped into the shower. He was going to need another one later on, but a shower always cleared his mind… and he needed to be sharp today indeed. Letting the water run through his body rinsing the lather he had on, he noticed some familiar small scars that showed on one of his sides, old scars that hadn't been healed through a Jedi healing trance leaving the marks and memories linked to them, left to be shown forever. He wondered if Mara had a few scars of her own… he shook his head briskly 'Where did that just come from?' He finished rinsing, closed the water and stepped outside the shower grabbing a towel on his way out. He dried himself and wrapped the towel around his waist.
Standing in front of the sink he looked at his reflection on the mirror. Time had changed him, he wasn't the naïve, wide eyed farm boy he was some years ago. He had seen and been through a lot –maybe through too much, he sometimes thought. His life had given innumerable sudden turns. He had learned to put his trust in The Force and to let himself be led by its will and trust its wisdom, although many times he couldn't see beyond. Years had given him the patience he lacked from in the early years of his training. A journey that had started with Obi-Wan and continued with Yoda… later a journey he had been forced to face on his own, alone. The last years hadn't been easy, always wondering whether he was on the right path or not, wondering if this was the way the New Jedi Order should be run. And during the last number of years Mara had been a steady presence in his life, a constant voice in his head, his conscience. The one that knew what the dark side was all about. The one that would never give him bantha crap. When it came to Mara he wasn't sure what the Force was telling him, it was like it went mute –or him deaf. The beautiful, strong, independent Mara Jade. He could trust her with his life, and he knew her trust towards him was about the same. They had pulled each other from the brink of death too many times already. She had been his first apprentice back in Wayland.
'Mara…' he smiled at the thought of her name. Grabbing the edges of the sink he turned his head down. Of course, he knew exactly where this came from, these feelings towards her, but he couldn't let himself…. He couldn't even let himself think the words! Why was she here now? Now that he felt so vulnerable. Yes, this was bad timing.
He got himself ready, today wearing comfortable clothing -pants, sleeveless shirt, over tunic and calf boots, in his usual blacks. Standing in front of the main door of his quarters he closed his eyes and took a deep breath… and slowly let the air out. He hit the door panel and it slid open. Checking for his lightsaber to be attached to his belt he stepped into the corridor and headed towards the Main Gym where he was appointed to meet her.
The corridors of the Academy were just starting to show some activity. Greeting the occasional teacher or student he walked with steady stride keeping his pace. He was slightly aware of a group of droids doing their first hour cleaning routine as he passed by, but this morning his mind was somewhere else, thinking about the immediate chore ahead: Mara's training. He hadn't had much time to think about it the day before with him going through all his normal activities at the Academy and arranging some others in order to be free for Mara. He hadn't had a chance to see her either, both busy with their own matters.
He reached the Main Gym and went inside. Mara was already there, doing some stretching exercises. She was wearing simple dark red pants and a tank top.
"Morning," Luke greeted her, taking off his black over tunic revealing the sleeveless black garment underneath.
"Hey there!" she answered back, still working on her stretches.
"Whenever you're ready," he invited her.
"I'm ready now," she smiled.
"All right," he walked to the center of the room igniting his lightsaber. She followed. "We'll start with you attack forms," Luke instructed her "I'll block. You may start when ready."
Mara set off with the drill. As he parried, Luke could see the determination on her face, could feel the decisiveness in her sense. This time it was for real; she was really going to see this through, the ending of her training. He could see the fire in her eyes, those stunning and expressive emerald eyes. Her hair was done in a tight bun and some red flocks had started to fall loose with the physical motion, framing her perfect face. She was a physically strong woman, despite her small frame, he mused, as they moved around the room exchanging blows. All those years of imperial training had given her a slender, agile, balanced, nicely shaped body, combined with her natural grace. Despite all the fitness, Mara had a woman's body. Why had she had to be this tempting, this beautiful? For the Force's sake! He was a Jedi Master! While instructing a padawan he wasn't supposed to make the differences between male and female… but with Mara…
'Skywalker! Keep working!' Luke told himself. 'Blast! I'm even scolding myself like she does!'
"Skywalker!" Mara's voice dimly registered in Luke's mind, snapping him back to reality. She was standing before him "Aren't you supposed to counter attack when I move towards you like this?" Mara sarcastically inquired, "Or is this a new move you haven't talked to me about?" she finished.
"Uuhh?" was all Luke managed to answer.
"Day dreaming is not good when playing with lightsabers, you know…" she pointed the tip of her lightsaber right at his nose.
"I'm sorry," Luke excused himself "I'm just a bit distracted this morning."
"Well, don't be." Mara said back "I want to complete my training… and don't want to spoil it by cutting my Master in half!" She added sardonically.
Suddenly coming out of his inner dialogue, Luke's attention was on Mara's attitude "Feeling cocky this morning Jade?" Luke said in an amused tone "Time to try something new then."
He stepped back slowly and swung his lightsaber a couple of times, "Now, let's see how you block." He struck forward forcing Mara to parry his blows.
"Remember the best offensive is a good defensive," he instructed. "Keep your grip steady."
Mara did as she was told, and successfully parried every blow. She liked it that Luke didn't patronize her, one more reason why she wanted to be instructed by him. She knew he would push her beyond her limitations, but he'd be fair to her while doing so. He wouldn't hurt her, never. Honor was in every single cell of his being, the good old farm boy.
Suddenly Mara missed a blow and was forced to throw herself backwards, rolling over one of her shoulders and standing up right back.
"A bit out of shape, aren't we?" Luke teased.
"Not in a million light years," she challenged back.
"Now I want you to counter attack."
"My pleasure," Mara answered directing a blow towards Skywalker.
Luke blocked her attack and answered with one of his own. They kept their practice on, blades humming and sparks throwing out at every contact.
"And you call this new? I thought you had better tricks up your sleeve than these, Farmboy!" Mara mocked him while swinging her blade towards him.
Luke smiled, blocking her blow effortlessly, 'You want to see something new?' Swiftly he switched the grip on his lightsaber and caught Mara's lightsaber handle with his own disarming her and sending her lightsaber flying, leaving Mara with an astonished expression on her face that quickly turned into one of annoyance at herself. "Told you to watch your grip," he pointed out closing down his lightsaber.
The match was over. She was panting, and Skywalker wasn't even sweating! Rodders! Maybe she had a long way to go after all. She felt a bit strained.
Luke noticed, "Don't feel bad Mara, you'll get better with time," he told her sympathetically, clipping his lightsaber to his belt. "I do this every day," he added. "Come here, I want to show you something" he gestured her towards him with his arms.
Mara approached, and Luke turned her back to him and stood behind her. Using the Force Luke called Mara's lightsaber back to his hand and put it in hers. "Ignite your lightsaber," he told her handing the weapon to her. The white-blue blade came into existence.
He moved closer to her "This can be tricky; I need you to close your eyes." Mara turned her head and gave him an odd look "Just do it," he said in a soft voice. Mara turned away and did as she was told. "Hold it with both hands… the blade high…" Mara followed. "Now, raise your right arm… hold it... shift you weight… and lower the blade…" Luke held her by the waist, helping her keep her balance "Good… do you feel that? Do you notice the tightness in your back is gone now?" Mara nodded. "Using your right leg, step back…" he moved with her. "Don't drop your shoulders," he gently arranged her left elbow. "I want you to feel your own body… and… open your eyes… see where the blade goes? How it is positioned in relation to your body?" she nodded again. "From this position you can come out in any fighting form you wish to use," he pointed out.
She was somehow paralyzed, like in a trance, induced by Luke's words and proximity. She wasn't even sure if her brain was registering anything that Luke was saying. She could feel her heart's strong beating; she could smell his soapy scent –what a nice, clean smell…
Luke kept his hands on her waist. They were so close to each other that he could feel the warmth of her body, the loose locks of her hair gently rubbing against his face. For a moment he was tempted to lay his chin on her shoulder, though he stopped himself from doing so. He felt the size of her waist in his hands, he didn't want to let go. "These are very subtle things Mara, but when you master them you'll be unstoppable" he whispered in her ear, trying to come back to the lesson. Luke suddenly realized that he was holding Mara too close to his own body. Something in his brain clicked and he let go, giving a few steps back. "We're done with the lightsabers," he said.
Mara closed down her weapon and stepped away, a bit flustered, as emotions cramped up in her chest 'What's going on here?' she silently questioned.
"It was a good class, Mara," Luke told her "You still need to connect yourself more deeply with the flow of the Force…" he turned to her "… but that will come with time".
"All right then," she answered giving him a tight smile "Meditating next, isn't it?" she asked picking up her things.
Luke nodded. What had just happened? Why couldn't he just concentrate on giving the lesson? Was she now avoiding looking at him in the eye? What was with her giving him that look yesterday? Was she just….? He had to stop. No, he couldn't afford to care for her, not in that way. All the times he had cared for someone something terrible had happened. He couldn't allow himself to feel for a woman this way, not again -and especially not with Mara.
Her voice brought him back to the Gym "See you at the regular place then," she turned and left the place.
He saw her leave wondering why things between them were always so entangled.
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oOo
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'What in space did just happen in there?' Mara furiously wondered as she walked away from that awkward situation. Why wasn't she being herself since she arrived at this damned Academy? What was it with Skywalker? Unable to hold herself from doing it, a smile slipped on her lips 'Skywalker…. he smelled so good... Stop at once! But he looked so nice in his white pants yesterday… Would you just stop it?' Of course, Skywalker had a body to die for… and gorgeous blue eyes… and that smile. But liking his physical attributes didn't mean that she wanted anything from him -or with him. All right, the man was attractive, so what? She had seen plenty of attractive men in her life time, and she had kept them at bay. She had had her one-night stands and all, but she had never needed anyone -and she wasn't planning on starting now. Skywalker and she were just friends, allies, mission partners, business associates, Master and Padawan for the past few hours and so on, but that was it. He certainly was a good shot to have around, and his skills could come in handy when things went from bad to worse. He was a one of a kind pilot too- although she would not let him, or anyone else for that matter, put their hands on her ship.
Actually, things only went bad between them when he started pushing her towards completing her Jedi training, most of their fights had to do with that…. but now that she thought of it… she was now undertaking Jedi training. Did this mean that her arguments with Skywalker would come to an end? No more quarrels, or yelling at each other at the capacity of their lungs? Oh yes, she certainly could do that to him, she could make the collected Jedi lose his temper in a heartbeat. How much she enjoyed throwing him out of balance, he was so gullible at times -she smiled with satisfaction. She knew him well, she had grown to respect him, and although his too much righteousness was at times irritating, he was an all right kind of guy -he was even fun to be around. She smiled to herself, a soft, sweet smile...WHAT?! 'I'm here to complete my training, not to spend time with him. It is NOT about him. This is about ME and MY completing of the Jedi training.' Yes, that was all. She would focus on that and see it done.
After taking a quick shower and changing clothes she headed to the usual place were Luke liked to meditate. It was a secluded little garden outside his quarters, surrounded by massive trees and thick vegetation. The water running from a waterfall deep back in the jungle added to the atmosphere of peace, followed by a river running swiftly away. In the distance, a glimpse of the Massassi Mountains could be caught through the hazy fog. She found him there sitting on the grass, cross-legged, eyes closed and hands resting loosely on his knees. He had changed his clothing too and his hair was still damp from the shower he probably had just taken. He looked up to greet her.
"Ready?" he asked.
"Yeah," she simply answered.
He gestured her with his hand to sit in front of him. She let herself drop on the ground and sat in the appropriate position. Closing her eyes, she relaxed and set herself in the appropriate mood, letting herself go with the sound of water running and soft wind blowing in her ears. As it resulted that meditating wasn't as peaceful as Mara thought it would be. With all the turmoil of emotions and mixed feelings she was experiencing, there was little she could do to focus and find inner peace. She tried anyways. After a few minutes she gave up.
"This isn't working," she complained, still with her eyes closed.
"Just relax and let go of all of your thoughts," he instructed "This is not the first time you do this," Luke encouraged "Come on, just concentrate."
"I can't," she opened one eye… and saw Luke standing across from her, leaning his back on a thick tree. "Weren't you just sitting in front of me?" she asked surprised.
Luke laughed at her surprise "Not too much luck at meditating either," he explained "I did my share yesterday though," he finished.
Walking towards her he offered his hand to help her stand up. "We'll leave this for some other time."
She accepted his hand "As you wish Master," she said amused.
Luke walked towards the edge of the garden, where a railing separated safe footing from a perilous fall and stood there. Mara followed him at a slower pace; then halted by his side, enjoying the melody borne out of the stream trickling over stones and cobble, scurrying through roots and vines, running in and endless search for freedom.
"You like water, don't you?" she asked.
"Oh yes!" he said, "Not much water where I grew up."
"Tatooine." she remarked.
He nodded. "May be that's in part why I chose Yavin to be the home of the Jedi Order. Everything is so exuberant in this planet, so virgin, so isolated… and without the distractions of modern life. It's the perfect environment for Jedi training. One can easily connect with the Force in here, there's so much life around!" he finished passionately.
"I suppose so…" she smiled at his excitement.
"What?" he asked.
"Nothing really…" and she added "You cannot deny your farm boy background; did you know that?" she mocked him.
"Oh, Jade. I don't think you would want me any other way." he mocked back.
"I guess not." she said, "Is there anything out there you don't get passionate about?" she inquired "It's always the all or nothing with you, isn't it?"
He shrugged.
They both smiled.
He continued, "For the rest of the day I think it would be best if you started going through the Jedi holocrons, then discuss it tomorrow." he suggested. "We have a lot of studying to do, and the sooner we start the better."
"Sure," she agreed.
"You know Mara, there are very interesting findings in those holocrons. Most of what I'm teaching now comes from those findings. Before this I didn't have anything to base my instruction on, but I've found them to be a very helpful tool when it comes to explaining what a Jedi can do with his or her power," he frowned. "I wonder if you had any chance to be in contact with them before, with Sith holocrons, while working for the Emperor?"
"I'd heard of them, yes; but never had the chance to see them," Mara said making a frown of herself, like thinking hard "I heard Palpatine and Vader talking about them some time, but that was all… why?"
"I just thought that having access to Sith holocrons would give us some tools to understand the dark side of the Force, and a better chance to know how to avoid it." He explained "Instead of the try and find out later scheme I'm working with right now." he grimaced.
"I don't know… I think that would be kind of dangerous," she pointed out.
"Maybe you're right." He answered dropping the subject.
They stood there in silence for a while, both submerged in their own thoughts.
"I am thirsty. Would you like to come in and have something to drink?" he invited.
"No thanks," she said, "I think I'll go down to the library and start my readings."
Luke smiled, pleased by her commitment "See you later then."
In a way Luke was glad that she hadn't taken on his invitation, this gave him the time he needed to collect himself and to be prepared for the next day. They still had a lot to do, and he had to make the most of the time he got with Mara. He wanted her to complete her training and he would make it his priority that she did so. He needed a cool mind and full concentration. Yes, he could do that. Or at least, he could try…
It had been just too much for a first day of training.
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