Chapter 17: Learning Lessons
Hey everyone I'm back with a new chapter. I'm happy to see my big reveal blew you all away and needless to say things are going to get interesting. I'd also like to give my buddy kival737101 for giving me the idea to add a special character. I hope you like what I have planned. Please Review and Enjoy.
We find ourselves in a large hangar where Shun sat with Hunter, Tech, and Crosshair.
"Oh yeah I've been waiting for this match." Wrecker grins as Haya stood across from him.
Yelping Haya smiles ready to play.
"This is gonna be fun to watch." Hunter chuckles.
"I think the big ugly one is gonna win." Crosshair said.
Yelping Haya glares at him.
"Don't listen to him to Haya you're beautiful." Shun said making her smile.
"He was obviously referring to Wrecker." Tech said.
"Hey!" Wrecker glares.
"Alright, ready…go!" Shun said as both charged at each other.
Roaring Wrecker tackles Haya and the two grapple trying to push the other back.
Cheering the 4 of them were eager to see who would win.
Pushing with all his might Wrecker started moving Haya towards a yellow line.
"Ah Shun there you are." Obi-Wan said walking in. "Whoa, what is this?"
"Oh hi Master. don't worry Wrecker and Haya are just playing." Shun assures.
"This is playing?" Obi-Wan asks as Haya dug her claws into the floor and began pushing Wrecker.
"Yeah the two of them try and push each other back. Whoever pushes the other over their line wins." Shun explains.
"Apparently this kid's world have tons of wild and fun games." Hunter said.
"Well as interesting as this looks you have training to get to and then Master Yoda wants you to assist with a very important task." Obi-Wan said.
"In a second Master, I just need to see if Haya makes a comeback." Shun said distracted. "Push him back Haya! He's got no reach!" Shun yells.
"Come Wrecker! Show that Varactyll who's boss!" Hunter said.
Growling Haya and Wrecker were in a lock as they tried to overpower the other.
"You lose and Crosshair will never let you live it down." Tech points out.
"No I will not." Crosshair smirks.
And like a switch, Wrecker roars in determination and pushes Haya with all his might making her move past the line.
"Yeah I win!" Wrecker cheers.
"Aw man." Shun whines.
Yelping Haya hangs her head in defeat.
"Oh don't be so down girl that was fun." Wrecker laughs petting her head.
Smiling Haya nuzzles him in thanks.
"Those two really get along well." Tech said.
"Of course, they have the same brain size." Crosshair mocks.
"Okay match is over time to train." Obi-Wan said.
"Aw man." Shun whines.
"I waited until it was over. Be grateful." Obi-Wan smirks crossing his arms.
"Fine. Hunter you mind bringing Haya back to the Falcon?" Shun asks.
"Sure." Hunter nods.
"Good let's go." Obi-Wan said leading him out.
"Bye guys!" Shun waves.
"So…rematch?" Wrecker asks and Haya yelps excited.
An hour later at the Jedi Temple as Obi-Wan was training Shun.
Activating the double-bladed lightsaber, Shun changes his grip like it was a bo staff.
"Alright Shun, show me what you've learned." Obi-Wan said.
As the training droids flew in and fired, Shun spins the saber around deflecting the attacks.
Jumping back, Shun opened his canteen and fires his waterbending at the droids causing them to explode.
Moving around Shun deflects with his lightsaber he throws it with all his might slicing the droids in half before spinning around and hurling blasts of water at the remaining droids.
Holding out his hand the lightsaber flew back into it allowing Shun to catch his breath.
"Good work my Padawan using the best of all of your abilities to fight off enemy fire." Obi-Wan said impressed. "Now show me your attacks."
Drawing his lightsaber, Obi-Wan ignited it.
Going on the attack, Shun leaps over Obi-Wan and swings his lightsaber forcing him back.
Using his defensive skills Obi-Wan blocks Shun's strikes.
"Well these moves look familiar." Obi-Wan said.
"Anakin's been showing me some Form 5 attacks." Shun said swinging both ends at Obi-Wan who deflects them.
"Your offense is good now show your defense." Obi-Wan said attacking him.
Raising one end after the other Shun struggles to block but using the double-bladed is a little harder than a single blade.
Using a Force Push, Obi-Wan knocks Shun to the ground winning the duel.
"You didn't say you were gonna use the Force." Shun said lifting his head up.
"You think the Sith are gonna give you a warning? A Jedi has to be prepared for anything in battle." Obi-Wan chuckles.
"One of these days I'm gonna knock you to the ground." Shun groans.
"Well until that day comes you still have much to learn my Padawan." Obi-Wan chuckles offering a hand.
Taking it Shun stood up.
Panting heavily, Shun opens his canteen. This time to drink the water instead of attacking with it.
"Not so easy, is it?" Obi-Wan asks.
"How did Master Tapal do it?" Shun asks.
"Double bladed lightsabers are usually best suited for ones who one to focus on attack. Ones who rely on brute force." Obi-Wan explains.
"How many Jedi use this?" Shun asks.
"Very few. But you did well Jaro would be very proud of you." Obi-Wan smiles.
"Thanks Master." Shun smiles softly.
"You're showing improvement. Your lightsaber combat has gotten better since we started." Obi-Wan said as they walked out.
"Well it would be scary if I was getting worse." Shun jokes making Obi-Wan chuckle.
"So what's this important task Master Yoda wanted me to do?" Shun asks as they made their way through the temple.
"Well Shun one of the most important things about being a Jedi is being able to pass on what they learn. And you my young Padawan have learned a lot in your short time. I bet you might have a few lessons to teach others." Obi-Wan said.
"You mean I'll be helping other Padawans?" Shun assumes.
"Hmm not exactly." Obi-Wan said as they stopped in front of a door.
Opening it, Shun saw the room had over a dozen Younglings holding training lightsabers being trained Master Yoda.
"Younglings. Younglings. We have visitors." Master Yoda said as they all took off their training helmets.
"Hello Master Obi-Wan." They all said.
"Hello Younglings." Obi-Wan smiles.
"Younglings meet Padawan Namikaze a very special padawan of Yuansu." Yoda said.
"Is that one where the people can do those cool element tricks?" A human boy named Petro asks walking to the front.
"Yeah the same." Shun nods.
"Padawan Namikaze will be teaching your lesson for today." Yoda said.
"Wait what?" Shun asks as Obi-Wan and Yoda walked to the door.
"Be sure to teach them something helpful." Obi-Wan said.
"Oh…well what do you kids want to know?" Shun asks.
"Ooh what's your element?" A little tholothian named Katooni asks.
"All of them actually." Shun chuckles.
"That can't be true." Walking to the front a Rodian named Ganodi said. "We learned you can only have one element. No one can use more than one."
"They can if you're the Avatar." Shun smirks.
Looking to a canteen, Shun used his waterbending to make it fly around the younglings, using his fire bending he created multiple mini fireballs before switching to earth causing chunks of rocks and using his airbending he made all of them fly together much to the Younglings amazement.
"Whoa." Petro said.
"So cool." A Natulon named Zatt said.
Nearby a Wookie youngling named Gungi roared in agreement.
In the back, one particular youngling was looking at Shun with amazement. He was around the same age as Petro and had red hair.
"Pretty cool huh?" Shun asks making it all disappear.
Instantly all the younglings cheered.
"Since I'm the Avatar I had a strong connection with the Force and was able to join the temple and learn just like all of you." Shun said.
"So how did you end up joining?" From the back, the young red head asks slowly walking forward. "I mean if you were the Avatar first you must have done a lot before coming here?"
"What's your name kid?" Shun asks.
"Uh Cal. Cal Kestis."
"Well Cal, I was lucky to meet a Jedi Master who was willing to give me a chance. He believed in me and taught me how to be a Jedi, helped me make my lightsaber, and brought me here. Even though he's no longer with me I'm gonna do my best to prove he was right to bet on me." Shun smiles.
"Wow." Cal smiles blown away.
"Now I actually have a question for all of you." Shun said.
"What do you want to know?" Katooni asks.
"Are you kids in here training every day?" Shun asks.
"Yep, Master Yoda is training us to be next Jedi." Zatt smiles proudly.
"Every day." Ganodi said.
"So what do you guys do for fun?" Shun asks.
"We have pretend lightsaber duels." Petro smiles.
"Or come up with cool moves." Zatt said as Gungi roars.
"Uh I'm still learning Wookie did anyone catch—" Shun asks unsure.
"We also get learn in the Archives from Master Jocasta." Cal translates.
Narrowing his eyes, Shun didn't like this. These kids were so young and they've been cooped all-day training to be Jedi. They never had a day to just have fun and be kids.
"Wow you kids kinda remind me of when I started my Avatar training, my masters would have me up early and training late to be the best, but even so…" Look around Shun noticed a small ball in the corner. Holding out his hand, Shun uses the Force to pull the ball into his hand. "I knew how to make time for a little fun."
This got all the Younglings attention.
"Come on kids, today I'm gonna show you all something new." Shun said.
An hour later, Master Yoda and Obi-Wan were talking with Master Windu.
"Any luck locating the disturbance we sensed a few days ago?" Mace asks.
"No, disappeared it has." Yoda shook his head.
"We only felt it for a few seconds. It disappeared as quickly as it showed up." Obi-Wan said.
"What do you think it was? Good or bad?" Mace asks pondering the thought.
"Unclear, it is. Learn more we must." Yoda said.
When Obi-Wan opens the door to check on Shun he is surprised to see the room was completely empty with training lightsabers on the floor.
"Uh where are Younglings?" Obi-Wan asks.
"And where is your Padawan?" Mace narrows his eyes.
"Uh…" Obi-Wan gulps nervously.
Entering the room, Yoda looks around and notices something in the window.
"Interesting." Yoda said getting their attention. "New lesson Padawan Namikaze is teaching."
Looking down below they saw Shun had used his earthbending to make several rock pillars scattered around the Younglings with two large hoops.
Down below Shun throws the ball into the air and the youngling scrambles to get it.
Jumping up Petro kicks the ball making it bounce off the pillars but before it reached the goal Zatt headbutts it.
"Nu uh." Zatt chuckles as Katooni hits it.
"Come on team show some defense." Shun said as Cal catches it with his hand.
"Hey no hands." Shun said walking over.
"Sorry Shun." He apologizes.
"Only the goalies can use their hands." Shun said gesturing to Gungi and another youngling in the goals.
"Dang it Cal!" Petro groans.
"Man. I messed up." Cal groans.
"Everyone makes mistakes Petro. Come on Cal you learn from this." Shun said.
"How do you come up with these games?" Cal asks.
"Well most of these is based on games I've played. This is based on Air Ball from the air nomads but I tweaked it around." Shun said bringing it over to Zatt before walking off so they could continue. "Remember have fun!"
As the younglings ran around Shun noticed all the smiles on their faces.
As Cal kicks the ball towards the goal, Gungi catches it just before it went in making his team cheer.
"Nice save Gungi." Cal said as Gungi happily roars.
Throwing it with all his might it bounced off the pillars only for Katooni to cup her hands together and lift Ganodi up to top.
"Gotcha." With the ball in clear sight, she kicks it making it fly into the goal causing her team to cheer.
"Good job kids. Hey someone grab the ball before it rolls away." Shun said as the ball bounced away.
As Cal ran to get the ball someone caught it.
Gulping Shun saw Mace holding the ball with Obi-Wan and Yoda walking in.
"M-Master Windu." Cal said startled as they walked towards Shun
"What do you think you're doing?" Mace glares.
"Uh just playing a game." Shun said.
"A game? These younglings are supposed to be in training." Mace said.
"They looked like they needed a break. Besides they're having fun." Shun said.
"I scored a goal." Ganobi smiles.
"Shun what can do next?" Petro asks.
"Can we play another game?" Another Youngling asks.
"No more all games. All you head back to the training room." Mace orders.
"Awww." All of them groaned.
"Don't worry kids, I'll stop by again." Shun said making them feel better.
"Hey uh Shun." Cal walks up to him. "Thanks for today. I had fun."
"Me too Cal. Now go on. Get out of here." Shun said patting him on the back.
Once all the Younglings went inside the 3 Masters turned to him.
"I'll admit I didn't see this coming when we wanted you to spend time with the younglings." Shun said.
"Why did you have to stop this? They were having fun." Shun said.
"They're supposed to be the Protectors of the Peace." Mace scolds.
"And they will be, but right now they're just kids. Why don't you let them play the part? It's not like they'll be kids forever." Shun gestures.
"I understand your point of view Shun but these Younglings have been training since they were brought here." Obi-Wan said.
"Exactly, don't you think they deserve a day to not be Jedi and just be normal kids?" Shun asks.
"They're not normal kids. They're Jedi. You sooner you realize that the sooner you can become one too." Mace points out.
"Wow you should have your own line of inspirational greeting cards Master Windu." Shun said sarcastically.
"That's enough out of you Padawan." Mace said before crushing the ball in his hands. "Keep an eye on your student Kenobi."
As Mace walks out Shun growls.
"Tough, but true Master Windu is." Yoda said putting a hand on Shun. "Appreciate what you did today I do."
"I just thought they deserved some fun in their lives." Shun admits.
"You have a good heart Shun, but being a Jedi requires commitment. Master Windu among others live for the Jedi Code and we live our entire lives based on it." Obi-Wan said.
"I know Master. I know." Shun frowns.
Reaching up Shun grips his shirt tight.
That night, we see Shun cleaning up the course he made.
Looking around he picks up what was left of the ball.
Frowning he couldn't help but feel sad. He was having fun with all the younglings but the Jedi were so committed to beating their code into their heads to the point they didn't even know how to be kids anymore.
Reaching under his shirt he pulls out his Gray Order pendant.
"One rule after another. They make it so hard to not snap." Shun sighs.
"I thought I'd find you here." Ahsoka said walking out.
"Hey Ahsoka." Shun said turning to her.
"I heard what you did today. Sounds like the Younglings had fun." Ahsoka said.
"Yeah but uh Master Windu wasn't fan." Shun said.
"You ever considered showing them your idea?" Ahsoka asks.
"The Gray Order? Ahsoka they threw a fit when I gave the Younglings a break to play. Imagine what they do if I told them I thought their core beliefs are wrong." Shun said.
"Well what if you gave them all bending like you did to me?" Ahsoka asks.
"I'm not too sure about that idea." Shun said with a little doubt.
"Shun this skill of yours is total game changer. Imagine how many battles we could win if Jedi could shoot fireballs, hurl boulders, rip apart steel or whatever else you can do." Ahsoka lists.
"I know that's the problem. I can't just give every person who comes my way bending. I have to be careful and only give it to people I know I can trust. Like you." Shun said making Ahsoka blushes.
"So uh I don't suppose you'd be willing to teach me a few tricks?" Ahsoka asks.
"I'd be happy to." Shun said.
In the middle of the courtyard, Shun and Ashoka stood next to each other as Shun showed her the stances.
"Now Air is the Element of Freedom. The key to airbending is flexibility and finding and following the path of least resistance." Shun said.
"Like my Form 4 moves." Ahsoka realized.
"Exactly. I've noticed some Jedi styles actually can line up to bending styles. So if we can figure out the bridge between them you can be a dangerous opponent." Shun said.
"Alright so how do I do airbending?" Ahsoka asks.
"Alright I'm gonna teach you the first move Master Jinora taught. The Air Blast." Shun thrusts his hands forwards and a powerful gust of wind blew.
Looking to her hands, Ahsoka thrusts them forward but only a small gust shot out.
"Well that was disappointing." Ahsoka said.
"Lucky. When I started it took me a week to make a gust like that." Shun said with a hint jealousy.
"Really? Hmm maybe I'm a natural." Ahsoka smiles.
"Don't get cocky on your first lesson." Shun smirks.
Next was the Air scooter.
"Alright now what you want to do is gather up as much wind as possible to form a ball then you need to get on quick." Shun instructs creating it and jumping on.
"You used that move against Master Yoda." Ahsoka recalls as Shun races around and then jumps off next to her.
"It's also handy in case you need to chase after someone or make a quick escape. Now you try." Shun said.
Taking a stance Ahsoka tried making the ball but when she jumped on it she ended up spinning around before falling to the ground.
"Still think you're a natural?" Shun chuckles.
"What happened? I did the same thing you did." Ahsoka asks getting up.
"You gotta balance on it like it's a top." Shun points out.
"You make this stuff look easy." Ahsoka said.
"Experience." Shun chuckles.
"Now I'm gonna show you some airbending movements. If you can combine them with your lightsaber I think you could be real dangerous." Shun said.
Needless to say this got her attention.
"I'm listening." Ahsoka said leaning in.
"Airbending is all about swift and evasive movements. An airbending master can react to the slightest change at a moment's notice and counter. Try and attack me." Shun said.
"Look Shun I don't really think that I—" Before she could even finish Ashoka threw a punch at him but Shun easily steps out of the way.
Jumping behind her Shun puts his hand on her spine. As she tried to turn Shun was able to mimic making her unable to get a clear shot.
"Airbending is all about constantly moving and spinning in a circle. And since they're always moving no one can get a lock on you. Allowing you counter." Moving his hips back Shun bumps Ahsoka backward making her yelp and turn around.
"Okay, that's pretty good." Ahsoka said impressed.
Walking over Shun helps adjust her stance.
"Okay now try doing the movements as I did but do the air blast at the end." Shun said.
Taking a deep breath, Ahsoka does a few circular movements before thrusting her hands forward releasing a strong gust of air much to her joy.
"Whoa." Ahsoka smiles.
"Well Ashoka you might make a decent Gray Jedi after all." Shun said.
"I had a good teacher." Ahsoka said doing a small bow.
Smiling Shun bows back.
"Well at least someone learned a lesson today. I think I screwed up with the Younglings." Shun said.
"Well I think you taught those younglings something really important. You taught them to be free and have fun. I don't think they've ever been taught those lessons before." Ahsoka said.
"Maybe you're right." Shun said hopeful.
Little did he know, Ahsoka was completely right.
In the Youngling dorms, we see a few of them were following Shun's lessons.
"So what if we made our own game? One where we have to use the Force to play? That way they can't scold us because we're still learning to be Jedi." Petro points out.
"Hey that's not a bad idea." Zatt said.
"We need to figure out the rules." Petro said grabbing a notepad and pen.
In another part of the room, Katooni and Ganodi were doing their own drawings of what happened and in the corner we see Gungi doing some ball tricks bouncing it off his body.
Finally we see Cal was trying to solve a puzzle but was struggling.
"Dangit." Cal growls not sure how.
As much as he wanted to give up he thought back to Shun helping him when he messed up at the game.
Shaking off the feeling of potential failure, Cal continued to try and solve it.