Jedi Temple - Coruscant
3rd person POV...
Among the Jedi, those such as Qui-Gon Jinn were different in how they felt about the Force and the Jedi way. He diligently followed the Jedi Code and believed in what they stood for no question, however the way he went about it is what makes him... different, from the rest. For members of the Jedi High Council, it could be admittedly frustrating at times, as they didn't see it as proper, and many Jedi were unsure about them. However, as Qui-Gon never did anything wrong, and he was a good person, they'd let it slide.
Some Jedi, such as Master Dooku has no problem with Qui-Gon, rather in fact he was proud of him. Despite being a highly respected Jedi Master, renowned as the best duelist the Order has seen in some time, he sometimes found himself questioning the Jedi ways, unsure of whether or not they should change. Politics in the Senate continued to grow ever more corrupt, yet the Jedi didn't seems to bother with it too much.
Still, that wouldn't stand in the way of him doing what was right. Walking with Qui-Gon, he was in delightful discussion with his former student.
"Your most recent mission is certainly quite the story," Dooku remarks.
"Oh yes, it certainly was," Qui-Gon replies with a smile. "Quite the interesting scenario too, something I'm fortunate to have gotten out of in one peace."
"Yes, quite so," Dooku chuckles. "Tell me, how goes the training of your young apprentice?"
"Admittedly, it has been a rough start, over the past year Master," he admits. "Obi-Wan is... a very practical apprentice."
"Ah, I see. For being the mere age of 14, he certainly does act like a much older man, following the code to the letter. And you are headstrong, many would say," Dooku says with a nod. "Still, your different personalities have helped each other. I see him becoming a wonderful Jedi under your guidance."
"Thank you, Master," Qui-Gon accepts with a nod.
Just then, another Jedi approaches from down the hallway, coming up before them.
"Master Dooku. Master Jinn," he greets respectfully, with an incline of his head.
"Greetings my friend," Dooku replies. "Do you require assistance with something?"
"Yes Master," the young Knight replies. "I came to inform Master Jinn that his presence is requested by Master Xanye in Master Yoda's quarters."
Dooku frowns, glancing at Qui-Gon who had a slightly surprised and thoughtful expression.
"Thank you. Tell them that I will be there shortly," he replies.
The Knight bows his head again and then walks off.
"Your other mentor?" Dooku questions. "What do you think he wishes to discuss with you?"
"I'm not sure," Qui-Gon admits, although he secretly did know this closely kept secret. "Until next time Master."
"Very well my friend. Until next time," Dooku says.
The world of the Avatar.
Qui-Gon thought the Avatar was only a simple legend from ages past, yet it was actually very true, and the world did exist. For a several millennia now, the Watcher's were assigned to safeguard over the planet and it's inhabitants, protect it from dangerous outside threats, and to observe its history. The reason it was so special is because of how much power in the Force the planet held, stronger than anything they could imagine before.
Years ago, Master Xanye told Qui-Gon that he chose him because of his views of the Force. He sought to follow not just what the Jedi Code, but what to know the Will of the Force itself is as well. It is why in secret, Qui-Gon has sought to learn the path to immortality in the Force, something he felt possible through this planet.
Whatever Master Xanye has to discuss had to be serious, if he was calling him in on short notice.
Stepping up to Master Yoda's quarters, he pressed the buzzer, and stepped inside upon hearing Master Yoda's voice tell him 'enter.'
Once inside and the door closed, he quietly came to sit down on one of the meditation cushions, crossing his legs when sitting down. In front of him, Master Yoda and Master Xanye also sat, the former sitting in his meditation, eyes closed.
"You summoned me, Masters?" he asks.
Master Xanye answered him. He's long since reached old age, and was now an old man, though still very wise. He was also a Kel Dor like his friend Plo Koon, and his age was very evident.
"Yes Qui-Gon, I have," he spoke quietly. "Recently, I have felt something in the Force from Reylea, something that very much surprised me."
"A great power, he felt," Yoda adds.
"And what is this power you felt?" Qui-Gon asks in concern.
"For a century now, Reylea has sadly been at war with itself, through the conquest of the Fire Nation'a leaders. Since it's beginning, the Avatar has been lost to the world," Xanye tells him. "But recently, I believe I have felt, that the Avatar has returned."
"Returned?" he asks in surprise. "How?"
"I am not sure," Xanye admits. "But there is also something else. I'm afraid, my time may be ending soon student."
Qui-Gon looks at him sadly, having feared, yet known this day would come soon.
"You're dying?" he asks in concern.
"I am old. It is long past my time to help Reylea," he says with a sad smile.
"Time it is, to take up the mantle of Watcher, your master believes," Yoda tells him, opening his eyes.
"Become the next Watcher?" Qui-Gon asks, unsure. "I do not know if I am ready for this task. I have an apprentice."
"You are a wonderful Jedi my friend," Xanye says. "You will be a great successor for me, and I have no doubt you will be able to guide Reylea along the right path."
"Ready, I believe you are," Yoda says.
Qui-Gon looks down for a moment, considering.
"How will I help Reylea?" he questions.
The aged Kel Dor master smiles at him, something mostly hidden beneath his mask.
"With their world in deep conflict, your guidance will be needed more than ever," Xanye advises. "Seek out the group known as the White Lotus, a secret society that has transcended the division of the Four Nations."
"Very well," Qui-Gon replies in understanding. "How shall I find them?"
"With this," Xanye says, holding out a token.
Qui-Gon takes the token from his predecessor and studies it, noting the flower shaped design on one side, resembling a type of lotus plant, while the Jedi Order symbol was on the other.
"Well occupied, your student will be," Yoda says. "Worry about him, you need not."
"Thank you masters," Qui-Gon says gratefully in response.
THREE WEEKS LATER...
Qui-Gon POV...
I came across the training room that Obi-Wan was supposed to be in, and upon seeing him practicing, I stopped for a moment. Leaning against the doorframe, I watched as he held up his lightsaber, three of the training remotes swiveling around him.
Narrowing his eyes in concentration, he carefully waits for the remotes to make the first attack. They fire their bolts, which Obi-Wan blocks in quick, orderly succession. The remotes back off for a moment before swiveling around quickly, letting off more shots in the hopes of catching him off guard. Obi-Wan manages to follow the remotes actions and quickly blocks their fire using the moves I've been teaching him, and I allow myself an approving nod.
However, one stray bolt manages to get under his guard and strike him on the wrist, causing him to yelp in surprise, turning off his lightsaber. The remotes back off at the action, seeing the practice was over. I then walk up towards him, and he turns upon noticing my approach while rubbing his wrist with a grimace.
"You did good padawan," I tell him.
"Not good enough, one still shot me," he points out in disappointment.
"There is always room for improvement dear Obi-Wan," I reassure him. "Next time, try to focus more on what you feel around you, instead of what you think they will do. Allow the Force to be your guide," I advise.
He nods his head in understanding. "Yes master. Have you come to begin my next lesson already?"
I shake my head in response. "No. I've actually come to inform you that I am going to be leaving alone for a short while."
"Leaving?" he asks in confusion. "What for?"
"Master Yoda and Master Xanye have called me for an important assignment, and it is very urgent that I carry out the task," I tell him.
"Shouldn't I be going with you? I am your apprentice," he questions uncertainly.
"I'm afraid not. They wish for me to do this alone," I explain. "However I will be back every other week to resume your training, and while I'm gone your lessons will be taken care of by Master Xanye."
He sighs quietly but nods obediently. "I understand master. I won't disappoint you."
I smile warmly down at him. "I have no doubt that you won't. You are a good apprentice Obi-Wan."
Hearing this, he manages a grateful smile up at me in return.
THE NEXT DAY...
The small shuttle I took through hyperspace to Reylea comes out of hyperspace once the coordinates were reached. I retake the controls for the ship and steer it in the direction of the planet, taking in its appearance. It shares a very striking similarity with planets like Naboo and Alderaan, consisting of mostly green continents and deep blue oceans. It also holds a single moon in orbit, which I have learned contains the power and light of the Moon Spirit, Tui.
Something I noticed instantly, though, was the immense power in the Force that was flowing off of Reylea. It was so power and so sudden that I had to gasp for a moment in surprise. Master Xanye had prepared me for the immense rush of power I would feel coming from Reylea, but no amount of preparation could ever have fully prepared me for the rush I felt in that moment. It was in that moment that I understand why my teachings describe the planet as being practically harmonious and one with the Force, as I've never felt anything more powerful before.
I composed myself after feeling the wave of power, calming myself and focusing so I could adapt to its energy, and become more used to the feeling. After doing so, I start directing the ship down into the atmosphere, being careful to stray away from anywhere that I could sense large quantities of life from the population. It wouldn't be good if the people of Reylea suddenly saw a huge spaceship soaring over their heads, considering they have no knowledge of world's beyond theirs.
From nearby in the cockpit, the astromech droid I brought along for this trip beeped inquisitively, turning its dome. Master Xanye says that every Watcher should have some sort of droid, preferably an astromech to watch over their spacecraft while they were among the planet's inhabitants, to keep it hidden. After some time has passed however, the droids memory is wiped so that the secret can be kept without worry, and the process repeats with a new droid.
"No my little friend, this is not a planet with spaceports," I answer it.
The droid beeps its designation number to me when I don't refer to it as that.
"I know that your designation is R5-S7," I respond calmly. "But I am not saying that every time I address you, as it takes too long."
He beeps back in acceptance, and I return my full focus to the task at hand. Flying across the landscape above the cloud layer, I survey the scanners to determine the best place to land to start my quest, and also allow the Force to guide me.
This could take some time.
Thankfully I soon find myself directed to land on the outskirts of a nearby town in the Earth Kingdom continent, making sure I could sense no one nearby that could potentially spot us. It was much easier to do so than I expected, and I have a hunch that the immense power of Reylea must also be boosting my own power in the Force. Helpful, but also another reason as to why the planet must be kept secret, especially from those with less than honorable intentions. If a dark Jedi or some dangerous Force sensitive individual managed to find this place, they'd be able to use it to their utmost advantage.
Once the shuttle lands in the middle of the forest near a coastal port town, which according to my map is named the 'Seedy Merchants Pier,' I grab my Jedi cloak and garb myself in the simple brown robes, hiding my lightsaber and the more fancy aspects of my outfit. Once that's done, I collect my pack of food and water, and make sure I have the White Lotus token before moving to the shuttle entrance.
"R5, keep the shuttle in orbit and out of sight. I will be staying on the planet for the next two weeks or so before we return to Coruscant, where we'll rest ourselves for another week before returning again," I inform the astromech.
The droid beeps in understanding, and I hold up the small comlink in my arm before placing it in my belt.
"Make sure to pay attention to the comlink, as there may be times I'll require the ship," I instruct him. "But never bring it into sight of anyone on the planet, understand?"
It gives another beep of understand, and I nod in satisfaction, opening the shuttle ramp.
"Good luck my little friend," I say, exiting the ship.
Stepping outside of the ship and onto the ground I look around and breathe in the fresh air, allowing myself a few moments of contentment. Planets like this were also wonderful to visit, as they are much more peaceful and clean than the busy world of Coruscant. Stepping away from the ship, I glance behind me as the ramp closes back up, and watch as the shuttle lifts into the air, heading off to orbit as I instructed.
With that settled, I begin my walk through the forest towards the port town, hoping I'll be able to find a member of the White Lotus there.
Seedy Merchant's Pier - Reylea
Upon arriving at the pier, I immediately took notice of the large metal warship anchored by one of the docks, recognizing its design, along with its flag, as Fire Nation. I would have to be more cautious if they were here, as I did not want to attract unnecessary attention, least of all from the Fire Nation.
I make my way into the marketplace, observing the people moving to different shops, conversing with each other, or merely standing around with nothing to do. As I mingled amongst the people, some would occasionally give me a glance, most likely due to my choice of appearance with a robe, and the fact I was taller than most of them. Not many people wore robes, which would of course make the choice a little strange, especially in this town it seems. Luckily, they would not bother themselves to think about it for too long, probably assuming me to be a monk of some sort.
I suppose in a way they weren't wrong.
Glancing around, I focus on the Force to feel for anyone that might have some familiarity to Pai Sho game, or the White Lotus tile to be specific. Master Xanye informed me that the members of the White Lotus were often not what I would expect, ranging from powerful nobles or military leaders, to the simplest of merchants or shopkeepers. Every so often, soldiers from what I would believe to be Fire Nation would pass by, or stop at some shops to buy various items, such of which would make me raise an eyebrow.
I turn down a smaller street to expand my search, however it wouldn't go as expected. In a more quiet part of the alley, a man suddenly jumped out with a crude sword held in his hand, pointed threateningly at me. His appearance was scruffy and dirty, and his gaze was mean and greedy. I stop in a brief moment of surprise before reverting back to my usual calm self.
"Give me all your money man!" he demands.
"I do not have money to give," I tell him calmly.
He spits on the ground at his feet with a displeased glare.
"I don't believe you for a second, now give me everything you got! Or else there'll be pain!" he threatens.
I shake my head with a small sigh before facing him calmly, taking a step forwards and waving an arm.
"You do not want to rob me," I tell him, influencing him with the Force.
The effect is immediate, and he straightens up slightly.
"I don't want to rob you," he repeats.
"You want to go home and rethink your life."
"I want to go home and rethink my life."
"Good day to you my friend."
"Good day to me my friend."
With that being said he turns around and walks away, and I allow myself a small head shake in amusement before continuing on my way, looking for signs of anyone that could have ties to the White Lotus. As I step out of the alleyway and onto a busier street, voices nearby get my attention, and I glance over to see an old man and a younger teenager in conversation. They appear to be Fire Nation, of a higher status considering their outfits, although I'm surprised at the sight of the massive scar on the boys face, feeling sad for him to have such an injury at a very young age.
"There has got to be a White Lotus tile in this marketplace somewhere!" the older man says, gaining my interest.
"For the last time, we don't need you find your stupid Lotus tile! We should be tracking down the Avatar!" the boy growls angrily.
Hearing that they are hunting the Avatar worries me, as I know what the Fire Nation's opinion is of them throughout their war. I keep listening though, incase there's more I could learn from them. The old man however, I start to sense may share a connection to the White Lotus. Master Xanye has done his best to keep track of and record those who are members during is time as Watcher, though it is a difficult thing to do.
"Prince Zuko, you must understand the significant of such a great piece!" the man reasons. "Besides, there are many other things in this marketplace that would be a delight to have for our crew as well!"
"The crew doesn't need any of these things uncle! You're wasting out time!" Prince Zuko snaps in frustration.
Prince Zuko... and his uncle... Iroh? General Iroh?
Despite my wariness about their mission, I allow a smile to come onto my face as I realize who this man is, as Master Xanye has spoken of him before. He never met the man personally, but he knows of Iroh's status as a Grand Lotus of the Order, one of its most important and influential members of all.
"Just a few more minutes to find the White Lotus tile, then we can return to the ship," Iroh says, causing the Prince to huff.
"Excuse me," I call out politely with a smile, moving over to them. "Do you need help in finding something?"
"We don't need your help, now go away peasant!" Zuko says angrily.
"Prince Zuko! Show this man some respect!" Iroh scolds him. "He only wishes to help us with our troubles."
"You just want some stupid game piece. The real problem is you wasting our time!" Zuko exclaims, before turning to glare at me. "Now leave us to our business or-"
"Thank you for your kind offer sir," Iroh interrupts with a pleasant smile, causing the Prince to fume. "We're looking for a White Lotus tile, for my Pai Sho game. Do you know where we could find one?"
I smile back at him in reply.
"Of course. In fact, I am carrying one with me right now, and do not currently have a need for it," I tell him.
Iroh's face brightens up considerably, and even Zuko manages to calm down a little, opting to sigh in relief.
"Oh yes, that is very generous of you! Do you wish for something in return?" he asks.
"Perhaps you could help me with something, but for now I'm perfectly happy to give you my tile," I tell him.
"Thank you very much sir, it means a lot," he says gratefully.
I pull out the White Lotus token that Master Xanye gave to me and hand it over to Iroh. He takes it graciously, and looks at it for a moment, flipping it over to the other side, where the Jedi Order logo is on the back. He suddenly freezes in shock, his pleasant and cheerful demeanor being replaced with bewilderment and disbelief as he continues to stare at the tile.
"Uncle, you have the tile, now lets go," Zuko demands impatiently.
Iroh slowly shifts his gaze to stare up at me with wide eyes, and I give him a meaningful look in return, understanding that he recognized the symbol, and forming heavy suspicions. Being a Grand Lotus must mean that he's one of the few White Lotus members who would know about the Watchers, which works out perfectly for me.
"How... how have you come by this tile?" Iroh asks quietly, his voice a little demanding.
"What?" Zuko questions irritably in confusion.
"It was given to me by the ones who came before," I answer, seeing he understood the implication.
"Do you cling to the ancient ways?" he questions with narrowed eyes.
"Only as an observer of the Lotus Gambit," I continue.
"What are you old gasbags talking about?!" Zuko demands, but Iroh ignores him.
"And what need does the gambit have of an observer?" he asks, and intense look on his face.
"The gambit's wisdom requires a Watcher to balance the game," I finish the code.
Iroh stares intently at me for several moments as he comes to a decision, and I calmly return the look, waiting for him to choose what to do. After several tense and silent moments with Prince Zuko glaring at us, me in particular, Iroh carefully hands the tile back to me, which I take with a brief incline of my head, a conversation passing through our gazes without words.
"Wh- Uncle what are you doing? You said you wanted a tile, and you're giving it back when someone offers it to you?!" Zuko exclaims. "I've just about had it with your absurdity!"
"Prince Zuko," he replies with a level of seriousness that catches him off guard. "I must speak with this man privately for a few minutes. Then we can resume our tasks."
He glances at both of us in confusion and irritation, tempted to shoot down Iroh's request before finally letting out an irritated sigh, crossing his arms furiously.
"Fine! but only for a few minutes!" he says, storming off.
With that being said, Iroh leads me through the market to a more private store. Upon entering, we sit down as a table in the corner of the shop, making sure no one would be able to hear our conversation before we fully face each other.
"So... you must be the one called 'the Watcher?'" he asks in a quiet voice.
"That I am. I have just recently succeeded my predecessor, Master Xanye," I reply with a nod. "And am I correct to believe you are Iroh, a Grand Lotus?"
He seems slightly surprised, but nods his head as well, accepting the fact that I knew who he was.
"I am," he says in confirmation. "Might I ask for your name?"
"I am Qui-Gon Jinn, a Jedi Knight," I inform him.
"Hmm. As a Grand Lotus I know many things about the history of the world that most do not know, including the fact that there are also... other worlds beyond ours," he remarks, regarding me with a thoughtful gaze, though with a healthy amount of uncertainty and suspicion. "Yet I have never heard of the Watcher revealing themselves to anyone, much less in such an open manner. So why is it that you have done so now?"
"Only a few weeks ago we received a sign that the Avatar has indeed returned to the world, following their disappearance a hundred years ago.
"The last airbender," Iroh nods in acknowledgement.
"With the Avatar's return into such a heightened state of war, on the eve of Sozin's Comet, we believe it is finally time to help restore balance to Reylea," I tell him.
"This is certainly big news to hear," he replies, his brow furrowed in thought. "Already I can tell there is much we need to discuss."