Hello there, Readers.

As we've finally made it to the month of May, and "Kenobi" is nearly here, I'd felt that's the only acceptable greeting. Who else is super excited/curious to see how the show turns out?

Chapter Four

Aedan Kahl was deep in his morning meditation when he felt Kyra enter the sparring room. He could sense her physical and mental fatigue. Aedan surmised she was still grieving deeply, and perhaps not sleeping much because of it. And it was quite apparent she was not accustomed to waking up this early. As she walked towards him, he took in the whole sight of her. She was tall, tall for a human female at least, with long blonde hair, and bright blue eyes. Prominent, high cheekbones underlined those bright eyes, and then tapered down into a narrow face and pointed chin.

"Good morning, Padawan," Aedan said. "How did you sleep?" Already knowing the answer.

She bowed, "Fine, Master," she responded, not meeting his eyes. Aedan would let that slide, knowing full well why she was avoiding the subject, but also knew it would have to be addressed soon.

"No bowing to me, okay?" Aedan said. This seemed to wake her up, as surprise took her. "Maybe in front of other masters as they'd expect such behavior, but never when we're alone."

"Yes, Master," she said.

"Today will be an assessment day. I'd like to see for myself your strengths and weaknesses and get a preliminary feel for how you operate. How often did you and Master Orrick incorporate physical fitness into your days?"

"We typically worked out two times a week."

"Good," Aedan said, "More than what a typical Jedi does, but far less than what a great one is inclined to do."

Kyra raised her eyebrows at that.

"We'll get to the 'why' of that later," Aedan assured her. "Let's get warmed up," Aedan took her through a series of movements to get the heart rate up, such as jumping jacks, high knees, and arm circles. Then they did a combination of static and ballistic stretches for the upper and lower body so their limbs were nice and primed.

"Ok, we'll do several exercises, primarily testing muscular endurance and strength. Give each one of these everything you got. Maximum effort, okay?" Kyra nodded. "But the trick is no using the force. First exercise is pushups. How many we both can do in one minute," Aedan said, getting down into a pushup stance. Kyra followed suit. "Ready?" he asked. Kyra simply nodded. He hit a button on his Chronometer, and said, "Go."

The two of them began cranking out pushups, both going in a controlled and smooth motion. After Thirty seconds Kyra began tiring, her muscles giving out on her. Aedan watched carefully, as his muscles still had a lot left in them. Strain was apparent on her face, but she continued pushing herself. The minute was up.

"How many, Padawan?"

"Twenty-nine, Master."

"Impressive."

"What about you?"

Aedan smiled at that, "Fifty-four," for me. "I want our combined score to be at one-hundred in two months. What do you think?"

"Deal."

"Next up, pullups. As many as you can do in a row."

They walked over to a couple of bars hanging near one corner of the wall for just such an activity. Kyra cranking out an impressive five pullups, while Aedan was able to perform eighteen. Next, they did sit-ups, then body squats and finally, jump sprawls. By the end of it all, Kyra was drenched in sweat, and gasping for air.

"Nicely done," Aedan said. "You are in good shape. Now the last part of the test. We're going for a nice little run. One full lap around the lower level of the temple is about one kilometer. And we're going to run three. Let's go."

Aedan ran at a quick pace, and Kyra stayed with him step for step for the first two kilometers. Then she began to slow, her breath coming in gasps, so Aedan slowed down a bit, still keeping just slightly ahead of her, leading her on for the final kilometer until they finished just outside the sparring room.

"Not bad at all," Aedan said, between breaths, as they walked inside.

Kyra just nodded, gave a thumbs up, and then collapsed onto the sparring room mats.

Aedan couldn't help but laugh at that. "Take some time to catch your breath. Focus solely on breathing, and visualize the air revitalizing you." After a few minutes, Kyra sat up, and faced Aedan, seemingly ready to continue.

"Is fitness important for a Jedi?" Aedan asked.

"Yes," Kyra answered

"Why?"

"Some fights won't be with lightsabers."

"So would the ability to do a hundred pushups or twenty-five pullups in a row automatically give someone the capacity to perform a Teras Kasi throw like a Spitting Rawl or a Gungan Guntingan?"

"Oh," she said, contemplating the thought. "I guess not."

Aedan nodded, "Fitness, strength, muscularity, or endurance do not automatically make someone good at fighting, though they can help somewhat."

"I see that now," Kyra said, "I guess I'm wondering why it is so important if we can just draw on the force to make us stronger, faster, and better conditioned."

"Fair point," Aedan said, "Three things. One, Jedi should always be well rounded and versatile, and not have to always rely on the force. Two, to be skilled at drawing on the force to augment our physical skills we have to practice those physical skills. Three, and most importantly, being in great physical shape requires discipline, and discipline is vital to a Jedi. By strengthening the body, we strengthen the mind. So we will work out four days a week, sometimes more."

"Yes, Master."

"But now, we meditate."

Kyra once again raised her eyebrows.

"Padawan Dawnstar, have I surprised you again?"

"Um, no." she said abashedly. Aedan looked at her skeptically.

"Okay, okay," she admitted, "I didn't think meditation would be one of your focal points. I thought practicing your saber skills and force powers were what you spent most of your time on. Or this could be just part of your training program for me."

"I don't blame you for thinking that, and I bet you aren't the only one that thinks that. But I meditate often. It may even be my strongest attribute," Aedan said. "So, let's see what you've learned."

They sat there facing each other knees only a few feet apart. Silence settled between them. Their breathing slowed. And although letting go of everything was the goal and focusing solely on the force, they didn't. Aedan observed Kyra, and felt her through the force, sensing what she was going through. It wasn't pretty.

It was clear she was having zero success in focusing on her breathing, much less on the Force. She was simmering in dread and dismay-the negativity rolling off her, and accosting Aedan himself. He opened his eyes and saw her squeezing her eyes shut, forcing herself to focus. He shook his head, knowing that would just make things worse.

Fifteen minutes into the attempted meditation, her eyes opened, and she sprang up on to her feet. Aedan was ready for this, he had sensed her anguish, and knew this was coming.

"I can't do this," she said.

"I know."

"I still see his death. I still see that monster."

Aedan nearly said, "That makes two of us." But this wasn't the time for that. She was the focus today. "I know what you're going through. I know exactly what that is like. But we're going to mediate every single day for an hour. Try your absolute hardest to focus on the force and let go of your grief."

She nodded, still noticeably shaken.

"Now, we see your skills with a lightsaber," Aedan said, and went to grab two training sabers from the wall. "Sparring is the best way for me to test your abilities, so," He tossed her one training lightsaber, and then brandished his own, bringing the blade up in front of his face, and then twirled it once and brought it down off to the side. He placed his right foot forward, extended the saber out with his strong hand, and then placed his left hand at the small of his back in a fist. A more modern take on the Makashi style.

Kyra adopted the basic Form One, two hands on the hilt, weight slightly forward. Aedan attacked, employing only simple techniques at half speed. Kyra had no problem with the initial engagement, applying solid blocks and parries as well as coming back with good counterattacks, and using fairly good footwork. Aedan upped the complexity as well as the intensity, surmising instantly what the problem was. If she was as strong in the Force as she was believed to be, this would be no problem for her, as she could simply draw on the force to enhance her speed and strength.

The Force does amazing things to those who trust in it. Muscles, tendons, bones, neurons, and motor units all have limitations. They can be strengthened and enhanced and even augmented, but still there is a ceiling of potential. With the Force, that all changes. Matter becomes irrelevant, and only a Jedi's connection to, and concentration on, the Force is what powers their movements. Their speed. Their Strength. Their endurance. "Luminous beings are we," as Master Yoda says. And isn't he the perfect representation, the perfect confirmation, of that truth.

Kyra immediately struggled with Aedan's stronger attack. Her movements were jerky, slow, and desperate. Her above average technique was faltering, and she couldn't keep up with him. She wasn't drawing on the force. She wasn't using it to aid in her combat. The question was why.

Aedan stepped forward, parrying Kyra's downward slash, sending her blade off to the side, while he countered with a left to right cut, again sending her blade even more off center, and then when she attempted to bring her saber back into guard position, he flicked his saber out, catching her neatly on the wrist, causing her to yelp and drop her training saber, as well as leaving a slight burn on her skin.

Aedan deactivated his lightsaber, "Enough," he said, "Let's talk." He walked back over to where they had been meditating and sat down. Aedan could once again sense the dismay and embarrassment in Kyra.

"Tell me what you think the problem is," Aedan said.

"I just can't seem to get the hang of it," she said shaking her head. "I'm bad with a lightsaber."

"Just by saying that, by admitting that, you're already losing. Words and thoughts have power, Padawan. Your focus determines your reality."

"But Master, I've tried. I've spent plenty of time practicing, and it just doesn't seem to register with me."

"What if I told you that the problem has far less to do with your lightsaber skills and everything to do with what's going on up here," Aedan pointed to his head.

"I would find that very hard to believe."

Aedan smiled, "Hear me out. Your technique and footwork are above average, and you did fine in the beginning."

"That's because you were taking it easy on me, any initiate could have done as well."

"No, that's not true. I would say that most newly appointed Padawans would have done as well, so yes, you're a bit behind as far as skill and talent, but not by much, and you have a solid foundation. The problem came when you should have been drawing on the force to augment your combat but didn't, or," he hesitated, "couldn't."

Kyra didn't respond, only looked down at the floor.

"Padawan, see that bench against the wall," Aedan said, nodding towards a wooden bench.

"Yes," Kyra answered.

"Using the Force, pull it towards you. Now."

Kyra's eyes widened, and she immediately became flustered. She reached out her hand and attempted to pull it towards her. Seconds went by, strain was evident on her face. Her entire body was tense. Her hand began shaking. Panic began to creep in.

Then she stopped. She shook her head, then took in a deep breath, and closed her eyes. Aedan closed his as well and reached out with the force. He sensed her calming herself down. He felt her begin to breath slowly and focus on the force. Her heartbeat slowed. Her body began to relax. She sank into the force, slowly, softly, like someone falling asleep. And then the force blossomed within her, almost like an explosion. The reservoir that just opened to her was stunning, but he could also sense the fragility of the connection, the tenuousness of it, like a sporadically firing energy binder or power coupling, barely holding turbines together.

She opened her eyes and pulled the bench towards her. Aedan watched as it glided through the air and was set down easily on the mat right beside them. She let out a breath, and then looked to Aedan.

"Good," he said.

He sprung to his feet and brandished his training saber, "Defend yourself," he said forcefully.

Kyra scrambled back, fumbling with her own saber, and barely getting it up in time to block Aedan's first strike. But a blistering combination of jabs, sweeping cuts, and acute slashes, soon had her saber flying across the mat.

She was clearly discouraged and utterly baffled. What was that about? Her expression implied.

Aedan wasn't finished with his plan. "Padawan, force push that bench to the wall. Now."

Kyra, frantic now, shot her hand out, attempting to push it to the wall. Once again nothing happened. "Padawan, I said now!" Aedan yelled.

Her hand started shaking again. Sweat dripped down her brow. She closed her eyes, starting to center herself again, "Now!" Aedan yelled again.

She flinched. The stress was making her come undone. She radiated doubt and shame and fear. She closed her tightly, she balled her fists, and her jaw clamped shut as she fought to regain her focus.

"Now, Padawan." Aedan demanded harshly once more.

Once again, she flinched. And once more she tried to concentrate and tap into the force. Her whole body was shaking, and she was so conflicted, and so distraught, that her mind was just a dark cloud of doubt. Tears ran down her cheeks, and her lips quivered.

Aedan's saw all he needed to.

"Stop," he said.

Kyra deflated instantly, her whole upper body seeming to droop. She reluctantly brought her eyes up to his, and he saw the shame and humiliation in those blue eyes, as well as a look of betrayal. She didn't speak, and looked as if she wanted to run away.

Aedan reached out and put his hand on her shoulder. Her eyes shot up, and locked with his. "I'm sorry," he said. "That was a test. Perhaps even a cruel test, and I apologize, but I had to see what the discrepancy was. That wasn't meant to make you feel inferior, so try not to."

Kyra let out a breath, and nodded. She looked at him, a small inkling of hope, "Did you figure it out?" She asked.

"Yes, but I think you've known all along haven't you."

"I think so," she whispered, eyes aimed down at the ground again.

"Good," Aedan said, "Let's go for a walk."

They both were silent as Aedan lead them out of the sparring room and into the hallway. The majestic and ornate corridors held their attentions. It was midmorning now, so the temple was alive and bustling. Aedan and Kyra both nodded at fellow Jedi and Padawans as they passed. They went up a few flights of stairs and out onto the courtyard that was on top of the temple base. White stone lay before them, as well as a few cherry blossom trees, and mahogany benches. Aedan marched past the courtyard amenities and straight up to the wall. He looked around, observing that no one was near, and said, "Follow me." Then he jumped up, and grabbed onto the top of the wall, and pulled himself up. Kyra did the same, and they began walking away from the walled off courtyard.

"Master, is this—"

"Probably not," he said with a smirk.

They walked to the edge of temple base, and then Aedan abruptly stepped off the side.

"Master!" Kyra screamed, and quickly ran to the edge and looked over. Relief flooded her face as she saw that he was standing on a small ledge some six feet below where she stood. He had a mischievous grin on his face. "Not funny at all, Master." She grumbled.

He laughed, "It is from where I'm standing. Come on down." She shook her head, and then slowly lowered down to where he was.

They sat there in perhaps the most secluded place in the entirety of the Jedi Temple grounds. The only way they could be seen is if someone peaked over the ledge six feet above them and looked down. Kyra was noticeably amazed at the sight, and Aedan was comforted by the fact that she wasn't afraid at all by the precarious height they now sat at, or the fact they were all alone. He just wanted her comfortable with him, especially for their next conversation.

The surrounding city was alive before them, and it invaded their senses. The sun was rising and casting a glow across the sprawling metropolis. The roar of sub-light engines reached them as spacecraft zoomed on by. But there wasn't the typical city odor that came from the conglomeration of restaurants, bars, and waste. They were high above that. The air smelled cleaner, purer.

"This is my favorite place to meditate. Well, this and the Room of a Thousand Fountains."

"This is amazing. Thank you for bringing me," her gaze still trained on the sights before her.

Aedan merely nodded, "Though, if you don't mind, could you keep it a secret?"

"I promise," she answered. "Who else knows of this?"

Aedan looked at her, "Just us," he said.

"Wow, that's a lot of trust for the second day," Levity marking her tone.

He grinned, "Let's just say I'm hopeful." They were out of his mouth before he could stop himself. Hope. When was the last time he really hoped for anything? Hope was an expectation of the future, and he had no expectations. He had his missions. His duty. And the Force. But nothing else. Certainly not hope.

But now, he had a responsibility with her.

"I won't let you down."

"Now that is something I'm sure of."

"But, what about my saber and force skills?"

"Right," Aedan said, "The Force manifests itself in various ways for most Jedi. How we tap into it, and how we perceive it interacting with the physical world differs greatly. For example, Master Windu perceives things in matrices and crystal lattices, seeing connections. Avar Kriss felt the Force as a resonating song. Even a young Padawan named Jax Pavan, has his own unique way, and sees the force as a great loom of strings and tethers, and he merely plucks on a strand to exact his will. You haven't found your essence, or your own authentic way of seeing the force, which will help immensely. But more so, for you there is a valve between the force and your ability to use it. That valve is only switched on when you are calm, at peace. While that's true for most of us, it appears to be an all or nothing thing with you. And sometimes, that peace can take more time than you would like to achieve, especially after recent events."

Kyra looked disconcerted, "Why am I like this? Why am I different?"

Aedan gazed out at the energy and vivacity before him and weighed his options. "It's too early to truly tell, and while I have my guesses, I'm going to keep them to myself. But I promise we'll figure this out. Okay?

Kyra nodded, "So, what are we going to do?

"We're going to drill the forms and techniques over and over and over until they're perfect, until they're second nature. We're still going to meditate every day, but with different applications and techniques. And we're going to work out four days a week, so your discipline and your fitness will be rock solid."

"And you think this will help me or…fix me?"

"I will be honest Kyra; this could take a long time. But if you give it everything you have, and I give it everything I have, then we will succeed."

Kyra smiled in response, "Thank you, Master."

Aedan raised a hand, "However, starting tomorrow, things will get very hard. And you may not enjoy all of it. And I know that trust and respect must be earned, and that may take time as well. But as far as training you, you'll have to believe that I know what I'm doing. Can you do that? Can you trust my judgement?"

She seemed to weigh his words, knowing this wasn't a frivolous question. "Yes. I can," she said. "I will."

"Good," Aedan responded. "You have classes the rest of the morning and afternoon, I presume."

She nodded, "Yes. First is The History of the Jedi."

"Always fascinating."

"And later its Galactic Politics, followed by Celestial Astro Physics."

"Fun stuff," Aedan said, "Well, enjoy, and then get some rest. Tomorrow is where the fun begins."

"I'm going to have a new definition of fun tomorrow, aren't I?"

Aedan chuckled, "Yes, you will."

"Five thirty, again?"

"Yes. Five thirty every morning in one of the sparring rooms unless I tell you otherwise."

"Understood, Master. I'll see you then."