Star Wars: Apostate - Chapter One - Wounds of Old

A hooded figure sits meditating before the trunk of a colossal tree. The figure focuses on the stone obelisk at the base of the tree.

How many years has it been since you became one with the Force Master Ka'ato? Five, one hundred? At a certain point, it begins to feel all the same. Regardless of the time that has passed, I intend to keep the promise I made to you all those years ago. I will protect this planet.

The figure stands and removes his hood, revealing the face of a young human male with olive skin and curled black hair. He walks over and touches the obelisk, his gaze fixed on the markings inscribed. The text read "Rahaad Ka'ato" in the galactic-standard alphabet.

"Meditating again Shu'un"? A female voice echoed from behind the young man.

"Yes, the force has shown me many things lately. More importantly, the force tells me that you are not supposed to be here. The elders won't appreciate you spending time with me". The young man turns to face the voice.

"Who cares about what the elders may think. They are too stubborn to admit that you have helped Tlacuu immensely since you and Master Ka'ato arrived on this planet. Besides, you are my friend Shu'un. Regardless of what she did, I know you are not like her"! A female figure emerges from the dense forest.

"I don't blame your people for their mistrust. After all, Serivia was one of us". Shu'un gazed at the Tlacuunian female; her eyes were reminiscent of a star-filled night sky. Her humanoid appearance contrasted with her coral skin tone, long white hair, and small horn-like protrusions on her forehead.

"You have deep feelings for her, don't you"? Ochi stared directly at Shu'un's emerald gaze.

"At some point, I did. Until Serivia allowed her darkness to consume her and turned her blade against your people". Shu'un crossed his arms and looked towards a second stone obelisk.

"That's the past Shu'un, you defeated her and saved us. You should not blame yourself for her actions". Ochi approached Shu'un and placed both thumbs on his forehead, performing Ochi's people's version of an embrace.

"Ochi, why have you come"? Shu'un could sense Ochi's anxiety through the force.

"When my people reach the age of maturity, we select a life partner to strengthen our lineage... Even if I cannot bear your offspring, I want that partner to be you, Shu'un". Shu'un did not know how to respond to Ochi's request.

"Why risk exile for me Ochi"? Shu'un gave the woman a pained look. Shu'un had indeed grown fond of Ochi, yet he feared what would happen if he gave in to his feelings. After all, the last time he loved, it ended in tragedy.

"Because you are brave, just, and wise. Remember, my people have a connection with what you call the force, and it allows me to see within you. There is darkness within you, however, there is darkness within each of us. What matters is our response to that darkness". Ochi smiled at Shu'un.

"I must admit, Ochi, I have grown very fond of you over the last three years. You are the only being on this planet that believes in me. I want to be your partner, but". A memory flashed through Shu'un's mind, stopping his train of mind.

"You are afraid, aren't you"? Ochi placed her hand on Shu'un's cheek, attempting to comfort the young man.

"Yes, the last time I felt this way, I ended up with blood on my hands. I don't want that to happen again". Tears streamed from the young hermit's eyes.

"It won't! That woman lost her mind! if she truly loved you, she would have never done any of those things. She simply was trying to use your feelings against you Shu'un". Ochi moved in to kiss Shu'un.

Shu'un gave in to Ochi's embrace. When Shu'un's felt Ochi's lips, he forgot about the galaxy and only wanted the moment to last forever.

"Tell me about what happened on that day Shu'un. Allow me to help you carry that burden that you have been bearing on your own". Ochi wiped away Shu'un's tears, Shu'un nodded, and the pair sat in a meditative pose.