The Story of forgotten Jedi Owen Sun
Chapter 23: Saying Goodbye
It had been only a few days since Padawan Milla Talarus had returned to Coruscant and for the first time in years she walked into the historic Jedi Temple, she walked graciously through the grand Jedi entrance hall taking it all in. She panned up toward the ceiling remembering much of her youth spent here. "It hasn't changed at all" she said to herself.
Milla continued to walk through the Temple with her hood draped over her head, suddenly she turned her head abruptly as she spotted the bright blond hair of one particular Jedi that stood out amongst the others. Milla then remembered flashes from her youth and the great friend she once knew as a child, Milla couldn't quite believe it as she jogged her memory. "No, it can't be" she said quietly to herself.
Suddenly in the middle of the Jedi Temple's busy hall she spoke out. "Owen?"
Owen turned around not sure of who it was underneath the hood. "Yes"
"Owen Sun, I can't believe it's you" she said astonished.
Owen looked puzzled as he had no idea who it was, Milla then removed her hood revealing her true identity. Owens blond eyes lit up like firecrackers as he remembered his long, lost friend, he tilted his head getting a better look. "Milla, is that you?" he wondered.
She smiled. "Yes, it's me Owen"
"By the force, Milla Talarus" Owen stated with his hand to his mouth in disbelief.
"It's good to see you too Owen" Milla replied.
Owen was a loss for words as he was in complete shock. "How long has it been?"
"Almost ten years" she recalled.
"I thought I'd never see you again" he replied.
Owen and Milla grew up together at the Jedi Temple and were the best of friends, Milla left when she was only 13 years old.
"Where have you been all this time?" Owen asked.
"Well after Master Gallia suggested I needed separate training she took me to Ragoon 6 to finish my training" Milla answered.
"Why Ragoon 6?" questioned Owen.
"Master Gallia wanted me to get away from the other students because she felt I was growing too attached for a Jedi" she informed.
"Eventually I graduated and became her Apprentice, just last month I achieved the rank of Padawan" she continued on.
"And here I am now" stated Milla.
Owens blond eyebrows rose in disbelief. "Wow, that's quite a story"
"So what are you doing here now?" Owen wondered.
"I have been recalled to the Jedi Temple by my Master" she informed.
"So you're here to stay" Owen replied.
"Yes, I believe so" she said.
Owen gazed heavily at Milla clearly noticing she was all grown up, her short cut brown hair that went to her shoulders, her piecing blue eyes, and her beautiful face that took his breath away. Owen was no doubt trained to resist such passions and had done so all his life but there was something about Milla that made his heart stir, she then caught Owen starring. "Is there something wrong Owen?" she asked.
"No, no, I'm…I'm sorry, it's just good to see you after so long" he replied.
Milla then took notice of Owen remembering the handsome boy she once knew, she always enjoyed his bright appearance, from his blond hair and eyes to his yellow lightsaber. Her heart also began to stir as she remembered the forbidden feelings she had for him so long ago. "Are you alright?" asked Owen noticing her brief stare.
"Yes, like you said it's been so long" she replied.
There was an awkward pause then Milla quickly changed the subject. "So, how are you doing in your progress?"
"Uh, very good actually, in fact I've just been given the rank of Jedi Knight" informed Owen.
"Impressive, how old are you again?" she asked sarcastically.
"Very funny, I see that some things never change" Owen replied with a smile.
"I betting Master Arca took you on as his Apprentice just like he promised, where is old Arca anyway?" Milla asked not knowing of recent events.
The mention of his name hit Owen in the head like double-plated durasteel. "Arca!" he remembered.
"Listen Milla its good to see you again but I have to go, I've got to catch up with Master Arca before he leaves" he stated in panic.
"Leaves, why would he leave?" she wondered.
"I've got no time to explain, I tell you about it later" Owen replied darting after Arca.
As Owen ran frantically through the Temple Milla was clueless as to what was going on. "What was that all about?" Milla wondered.
Meanwhile on the other side of the Jedi Temple.
Arca was preparing to depart as he was about to enter the civilian freighter.
Owen ran as fast as he could throughout the Temple nearly knocking over several of his fellow Jedi but he wasn't too late as he caught him just in time. "Master wait!" yelled Owen.
Arca turned around and brushed his long white ponytail out of his eyes, he then motioned to the freighter pilot to give him a few minutes. "Hello Owen" he greeted.
"Hello indeed, where you just going to leave and not say goodbye" stated Owen.
Arca put his new mechanical arm on Owens shoulder and smiled. "I figured we said our goodbyes in the medical bay, and I didn't want to impose on your big day"
"You know you couldn't leave without me saying goodbye" replied Owen.
Owen then thought about what Arca just said. "So you were there"
"Yes, I was there Owen" replied Arca.
"And I can't tell you how proud I am but now its time you take care of yourself" stated Arca.
Owen nodded his head in agreement. "I know Master its just…its going to be hard without you"
"I know Owen but things must move forward not back, you knew one day this would have to happen" said Arca.
"I know Master but it seems that it's come a lot sooner than I thought" replied Owen.
"I've spoken to Windu and he's agreed to take you under his wing, listen to him Owen, he will guide and teach you several things that I could not" informed Arca.
"Of course Master" replied Owen.
The pilot then motioned to Arca that they needed to get moving. "Alright, I better be going" said Arca.
"Master I…I…its…just" Owen struggled to find the words.
"It's okay Owen, I know, you don't have to say anything" replied Arca.
Owen then got a bit teary eyed. "How do I say goodbye to someone I've known my whole life" he thought.
"Master I just wanted to say before you go that you've been like a father to me and I'll never forget you" stated an emotional Owen.
Arca then stepped forward and put his caring hand on Owens face. "And you were like a son to me, if you need to know one thing Owen, know this, you were my best student"
"Thank you Master, for everything" replied a red, teary, eyed Owen.
The two then hugged for what seemed like forever and as they hugged Arca whispered something familiar into Owens ear. "Just do what's in your heart Owen, and you'll do fine"
Arca then stepped foot inside the freighter and turned back around to say one last word. "Farewell my friend, May the Force be with you always"
The doors to the freighter then quickly swung shut as the pilot took the ship high above into the busy skies of Coruscant, down below Owen never took his eyes off the civilian freighter as he watched it leave the atmosphere and the twinkle of the ship as it jumped to hyperspace. With one last look into the sky Owen gave Arca his last words silently. "May the Force be with you too Master"…