AN: KXR DOES NOT OWN STAR WARS
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Star Wars
Legend of Thaigarus
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Trials and Tribulations: Chapter 4; Knowledge Creates Power
In the First Knowledge quarter of the Tython academy, Zaaron and his fellow clan members studied their history under the guidance of Master Gnost-Dural.
"As we all know younglings The Jedi originally began their study of the Force here on Tython, our ancestral home world. The first scholars of the Force had named it the Ashla. For many years the Seers of Tython interpreted the teachings of Ashla much in the same way modern Jedi do, but a splinter faction formed, delving deep into the teachings of Bogan, which would later be known as the dark side of the force. It was simply a matter of time before the conflict arose that would be known as the First Force Wars of Tython. This conflict would continue to be repeated in battles of the Jedi and Sith in the millennia to come." Master Gnost-Dural lectured as the younglings also read the very same lecture he just gave in the archives.
"In BTC 1347 the conflict known as the Great-Hyperspace War took place. On the Sith home world of Korriban the Sith emperor Marka Ragnos had recently died and a power struggle had erupted between two Sith leaders; Naga Sadow, and Ludo Kressh.At that same time two Republic diplomats had landed on Korriban. After their capture, Naga Sadow staged an escape that left evidence of Republic military action. Using the widespread fear of a Republic invasion Naga Sadow rallied the scattered Sith under his banner and launched a surprise attack on the Republic, even attacking Coruscant itself. As Naga Sadow led his attack he was betrayed by his rival Ludo Kressh which turned the war in the favor of the Republic. As Sadow was pushed back to Korriban by Kressh the galactic senate demanded the Republic and the Jedi Order retaliate in fold. As Sadow and Kressh's forces battled on Korriban the Republic military led a mass genocide on the Sith Empire, seemingly exterminating the threat of the Sith. But in many ways the current conflict we face today is a continuation of that conflict." Master Gnost-Dural concluded.
"Master, if the Sith are considered evil, wouldn't the Republic and Jedi be evil as well? While Sadow wasn't good I don't think we did the right thing either." Zaaron said as he read through the archives with a look of pain on his face.
"In many ways you are correct Zaaron. The Jedi should have refused the order to commit such an atrocity, but we have learned from our mistakes, and as the defenders of the Republic we still have a duty to defend its principals." Master Gnost-Dural replied.
As his master continued their lectures Zaaron contemplated the affects of the Great-Hyperspace war on the galaxy.
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Zaaron often sparred with his father to hone his developing skills as a warrior, and as expected his father went very easy on him while allowing Zaaron room to grow.
"As you fight your opponent you must always look for weaknesses that you can exploit. A fortress means nothing if you can simply scale its walls." Yuuzahn said as he pushed Zaaron to the side as he attempted a tackle.
Zaaron collected himself from the ground as he let out another attack on his father. "While you must find the weaknesses of your enemy there are still rules of honor that you do not cross on the field of battle. Only combat warriors, not defenseless bystanders. If it is personal keep it between you and your opponent, don't bring shame to the conflict by bringing in outside influences. Also there is no honor in killing an unworthy opponent. While many see it as dangerous, conflict is necessary for growth, individually and as a culture." Yuuzahn said as he blocked each of Zaaron's punches and kicks.
Sensing Zaaron's growing frustration Yuuzahn halted their sparring session. As the two sat down in the makeshift sand arena Yuuzahn questioned his son. "What's on your mind Zaaron?"
"I learned today that the Jedi committed genocide against the Sith a long time ago, but it doesn't seem we feel any regret for what we did." Zaaron said as his mood continued to sour.
With a sigh Yuuzahn began what he knew would be a hard explanation. "Beings die in war Zaaron. It is inevitable. In truth war is more natural than many realize. While conflict is necessary for growth that conflict is not always war. Sometimes the conflict comes through technological advances, or philosophical epiphanies, or maybe new political strategies, but we only grow through conflict. Sometimes we need to make mistakes to ensure our growth so that we may learn from those mistakes, so that we do not grow stagnant. While what the Republic did was truly horrible, they have attempted to move on, but yet the Sith continue to seek petty revenge for a crime committed centuries ago. While conflict is necessary, there is also a limit to what is sensible." Yuuzahn said as he saw Zaaron process the information.
"Thank you father." Zaaron said as his father gave him a sideways hug from their seated position.
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Inside their small home Zaaron sat at their dinner table reading an archive text he was to read for his lessons. Teraja had heard of Zaaron's discouragement from his lessons within the order. She had gone through a similar stage in her own training. Putting away the dishes she had been cleaning Teraja made her way to her son. Sneaking up behind her son Teraja suddenly picked Zaaron up from his seat, and proceeded to carry him animatedly throughout their house into his bedroom. Throwing him on the bed Teraja began to tickle her laughing son, providing the much necessary distraction. For what seemed like eternity the mother and son played countless games in the small room, until his father came home, which escalated to the use of the entire house. By the time they had finished their antics all three were sleeping on their living room floor with Zaaron in between his parents. Sometimes amidst all the ugly the galaxy had to offer, there was the most astounding beauty.
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The masked Jedi appeared in his mind again that night.
"While knowledge is necessary for growth, you must always remain humble to prevent that knowledge from becoming ignorance."
The red skinned figure in black armor also appeared as well.
"Show no mercy, receive no mercy. Do not let your enemies exploit your weakness, exploit theirs first."
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AN: Thanks again for reading Trials and Tribulations, I'm looking forward to hearing what you guys think about the story. Any ideas of who's in Zaaron's head? I'd like to say thank you again to Drayeth for the help with improving my writing. Please leave a review.-KXR