Hey Star Wars fans!

I hope the force is with you today.

Shout out to godric777 for being awesome. Probably gonna name a character after you in a sequel.

And now back to Tython...

Chapter Twelve

Two days later they were sitting on the stone dais, their meditation session about to commence. "I'll guide you through this one, okay?" Aedan said.

Kyra nodded in response.

"Close your eyes and let the force flow into you. Breathe, Padawan. Breathe and with each inhalation feel the force coming into you." She began to relax and let the force engulf her. She reached out with her senses, felt the tide coming in, and going back out. She mimicked that with her breathing. She was ready.

"Now," Aedan said softly, "We'll do this carefully. Reach deep into your own heart. What are you feeling?"

"I..." she started, "I can't."

"Sure, you can."

Kyra continued breathing, still letting the force flow into her. "Anger. I feel anger."

"Why?"

"I'm angry at Salas. Because of what he did. And why the Universe, or the Force, lets someone like him live, and good people like Orrick die. Anger at myself for not being able to stop him."

"Good," Aedan said sympathetically, "Now listen to me very carefully. Understand that all this anger is okay. It is natural. It's a part of life, but you can't let it consume you. And you can't let it fester. So, let it go."

"How?" she asked, her voice breaking. "It's so strong sometimes and feels like I'm powerless against it."

"Open up your heart to the force. Let the anger flow out of you, and let the force flow in. Ask the force to give you peace."

"What, just say that out loud?"

"Out loud, in your heart, no matter. But saying it is the first step. Your heart will follow. Remember words have power. Release your anger out into the force, let it drain out of you. And let the force in."

Kyra did as instructed, breathing deeply, acknowledging her negative emotions, and releasing them into that celestial void. She did this for another five minutes and felt herself grow...lighter. Calmer. And everything around her...clearer.

"What else do you feel?"

"Fear. Doubt. Sadness."

"These are all part of life. These are emotions that we all have, but it's a jedi's job to control them. To release them. To not be affected by them. But Kyra, it is okay to feel. You must understand that. To come to terms with that."

"I see that now, Master, but it's difficult."

Aedan continued in his calm, soothing voice, "Like all things of worth, it will take time, but as long as you put your faith in the force, and make serving the living force your priority, you'll move in the right direction."

"I understand, Master."

"Good. Do this every day. When you work out, when your training, when your studying, and especially when you're up there in your hammock every afternoon, convene with the Force. Talk to it. Open your heart to it. Let it in."

"I will."

"I know you will. That's enough for now."

Kyra awoke that first Benduday sore and fatigued as ever, she prayed to the Force that Aedan was still invoking today as a rest day. She checked her datapad and saw that it was 0800 hours, and still no knock had come. She collapsed back in bed, severely thankful. And hour later she finally crawled out of bed, and got herself together.

She found Aedan making a delicious smelling breakfast of Eggs and bacon, and sat down to join him. "Thank you for letting me sleep in, Master," she said.

"Of course. Not only did you deserve it, but I think you needed it."

"That was a particularly demanding first week here."

"But you enjoyed it?"

"Yes, I definitely did," she said yawning, and stretching her arms straight up and then around, "But extra sleep was most needed. Speaking of which, what are we going to do today?"

"Well, Benduday rules are still in effect, so our activities cannot be physically exerting or too mentally draining. So, we shall work on your piloting skills."

"Really?" Kyra said excitedly

"Really."

An hour later they went up in the Peerless Guile, Kyra piloting and Aedan co-piloting. "First, we'll work on your basic maneuvers. We've never practiced in the atmosphere, nor have we practiced so close to land. Take her up, get a good feel for her, fly however you want to, and then I'll start guiding you through some drills.

"Sounds great, Master."

Kyra activated the vertical thrusters, and then the sub-light engines, and soon they were cruising up over the crater wall and out over the ocean waves. Kyra pushed it to full throttle, and then brought the ship close to the blue waters, barely above the wave crests. A smile spread across her face as she made a sweeping left turn, causing the far-left edge of the ship to skim across the water, cutting a wake. Too much and the ships edge would bite into the water and they'd be deep into it. Aedan saw a bigger swell approaching and foresaw a lot of swimming in the future and many, many days without the refresher, and being stranded for several weeks because at this speed there was no way she could turn in time and not clip there wing and send them careening into the ocean. Well, maybe the Guile could withstand the water for a little, and they could get out.

But Kyra cut the engines, diverted all power to the port deflector shields, and merely leveled the ship out just in time, and then yanked back on the controls turning the nose upward, and slammed the throttle all the way forward, causing steam to build up behind them as the boosters burned a path into water underneath them.

Aedan exhaled heavily, "Padawan, I do want to practice your skills, but let's not lose it on the first outing, shall we."

"Master, that was a gorgeous turn. Even you can admit that."

"Perhaps in retrospect. And stop taking us straight upward."

"As you wish," she said, and cut the power once more.

"Oh, Force," Aedan said, as the ship stalled out, and tumbled backward, soon flipping end over end. "What is it with you and cutting the engines?"

Kyra let out a faux maniacal laugh as they sped straight downward towards the water

"Let me guess," Aedan deadpanned, "You're going to punch the throttle just before we hit the water, and then you'll make a dramatic sweeping turn, and let out a hoot and a holler."

"Aw, Master, you ruin all the fun. But I'm still doing it."

"Fine, fine. Wake me when it's over," Aedan said, as he let his heave fall back, closed his eyes, and began to snore obnoxiously.

"Ugh, fine," Kyra said, and toggled the weapons switch and let loose with the fore cannons, blasting at nothing but air. Which caused Aedan to nearly leap out of his seat. He looked around frantically, then realized there was no danger, and went back to his sleeping act.

"I am desperately rethinking this piloting practice." He mumbled; eyes still shut

Kyra just laughed and hit the throttle forward and eased the ship into a nice, smooth turn. She took the Guile back towards the fortress and went on past it, deeper into the mainland, observing more than flying. She weaved in and out of rock formations smoothly and stylishly. Aedan couldn't help but be impressed.

"Well, Apprentice, I hate to say it...but you're going to be a fantastic pilot."

"Don't you mean I already am?"

"You sure do have a pilot's arrogance and attitude."

Kyra shrugged, smiling, "It comes with the ability." And then leaned back farther in the pilot's chair, smug grin still plastered on her face.

"Well don't you look like the Tooka cat that ate the bulabird," Aedan said, chuckling. "Who are you and what have you done with my typically humble and reserved, Padawan?"

"A sando ate her when she went swimming."

Aedan laughed, "What is up with you and sandos?"

"I don't know," Kyra said, still operating the controls and staring out the viewport, "They're just kind of awesome."

"If you say so," Aedan said, "Alright Pilot, switch with me, I want to show you how to use the covert contraptions on the ship."

"Aye, aye, Sir."

Kyra was just finishing up her Galactic Diplomacy assignments when Aedan walked in. "About ready for our afternoon session?"

"Oh, you mean our afternoon torture sessions?"

"You know you've enjoyed the hikes and long runs."

"Very true. So, what are we doing today?"

Aedan set another grey crate down, this one smaller. "There's another set of clothes in there. Put them on and meet me outside," he said, noticeably trying to hide a smirk.

"I have a bad feeling about this."

Aedan just shrugged, and walked outside. Kyra put her datapad away and opened the crate, pulling out clothes with a similar stretchy fabric to them, but these were thicker, and felt a little different.

Then she saw the pair of goggles.

"Oh, kriff," she said.

After some hesitancy, she made her way out to where Aedan sat at the campfire. He looked up, and then froze. She saw him assess her from head to toe, and then immediately look away. What was that about?

"What about Opee Sea Killers?" Kyra asked, as she stood next to him.

"Only found in the sea, hence the name," Aedan replied. "Come on, it'll be fun."

"Again, we have very differing opinions of fun."

"Perhaps, but not today."

They both had on a pair of water shoes that Kyra found amusing. "I'm wearing these in the temple, see what Master Windu says about them."

They made their way to the lake at a slow jog. They had to pass through trees and over hills, and past the abandoned village until they made it to the body of water. Any other time, Kyra would have been enthralled with the scene before her, if not for her acute apprehension in regard to the activity she was about to attempt. Clear water extended in an oval before her, the long edges pushed to the left and right of her, while the shorter edge went all the way to the rock wall looming up in front of her. The water was so clear that it acted as a mirror, and the wall and sky above were reflected in the seemingly glass surface.

Without saying a word Aedan began wading into the water until it was up to his knees. Her turned around and saw that Kyra was still at the edge, her hands on her hips.

"I'll swim across the lake, and then go and touch bottom, so you know there's nothing in here."

"Touch the bottom? You can do that?"

"It's only about twenty feet deep?"

She crossed her arms, "Prove it."

Aedan dove into the water, and took off swimming. Kyra watched with rapt attention as Aedan sliced through the water. His arms, one at a time, coming up out of the water, and then slicing back down. His arm strokes synchronized with his twisting torso and feet kicking away, propelling him forward at impressive speeds. He made it the hundred meters across, did some kind of flipping maneuver, and then began swimming back towards where she stood. About halfway across, he submerged, disappearing from view completely. Kyra waited patiently for a few moments, thinking twenty feet down was not a time consuming feet, especially since she just saw him cross the lake rather speedily. But then thirty seconds passed. Then a minute. Still no sign of him. Fear gripped her.

"Oh, come on," she whispered out loud. She even started moving towards the water, surprised that it was somewhat warm. What the hell can I do, I don't even know how to swim. Thirty more seconds passed, and that was it. She was going in after him. She waded in, and the water didn't feel so bad actually. She reached out with the force. Nothing.

"Krif," she said, and bent her legs to dive in as Aedan had done earlier.

A wave of water splashed right in her face, and Aedan came up out of the water laughing hysterically. "I'm honored, Padawan, you were actually going to come in after me."

Kyra was standing completely still, her arms raised out to her sides, a look of shock on her face as water clung to her clothes and hair. "I. Cannot. Believe. You."

Aedan was having a very difficult time stifling his laughter, "I'm sorry, Kyra, that was a little mean wasn't it."

"A little?"

"Come on in, we'll start the lesson."

"Not sure I can trust you now."

"Okay. Okay," Aedan said, holding his hands up, "Bad idea to joke around with the delicate subject of swimming. I just wanted to lighten the mood a bit."

"Not your best job," wringing the water out of her hair.

"I promise to be serious for the rest of the lesson. Now, shall we begin?"

"Yes, Master,"

"Okay, first step is trusting the water. Come out here, lie on your back like this," Aedan said spreading his legs and arms out wide, floating on his back, staring straight up at the sky.

Kyra hesitantly stepped further into the water, turned around, and slowly leaned backward. The moment she extended backward, she began to panic, and moved her feet to find purchase on the ground.

"Easy, Kyra. Just trust it. I promise you will not drown. Okay? You have my word that no harm or danger will come to you. So, trust me."

"Okay, Master."

She tried again from a crouch, and then leaned backwards, straightening her torso and then extending her limbs out.

"Breathe, Kyra. Just breathe," Aedan said softly, "I've got you."

Kyra almost lost her concentration at those last words. I'm starting to realize that as well, she thought. And then she realized she was floating on her back, looking up at the bright blue sky littered with big puffy white clouds. And Aedan was floating next to her. The water felt amazing, and soothing. "I think I could get used to this," she said.

"We're just getting started," he said.

And then their hands touched, causing them both to pull their arms in.

"Alright, first things first, you need to learn to tread water," Aedan said, "So let's go a little deeper." They waded out into deeper water, Kyra doing her best to stand on her tip toes, just keeping her head above water. "Ok, start out by holding onto my hand for support, and just pump your legs up and down, almost like you're walking up stairs, like this." Aedan demonstrated, treading water in front of her. "Come on, you try. Again," he said, "I've got you."

Kyra took a deep breath and then took a step forward and attempted to mimic Aedan. The fear was still present, so it was more of a thrashing water, instead of treading. Though she did stay above the water.

"Easy, Kyra. Nice and easy. I'm here. You're not in any danger." She nodded, and began to relax her movements, her limbs slowly lessening in exertion, and the tension started to fade. "There you go, just like that, the more relaxed you are the easier it will be."

Aedan pulled his hands away, and Kyra felt a flash of adrenaline. "You've got this," he said before she could panic. Soon they both were treading water, and a smile started spreading across Kyra's face. "See, it's not so bad."

"No, it isn't."

"Ok, you've got that down. Now, I'm going to teach the basic form of freestyle."

Kyra raised an eyebrow at that.

"Hey, don't look at me, that's what it's called." Aedan said defensively.

"I will demonstrate again, and then I'll guide you through it."

He demonstrated again, swimming to the rock wall, and then swimming back. Then he had her lean forward, feet still planted on the ground, and then practice the arm strokes, so she could get the feel down. He brought her out a little further into the water, and then made her try and start kicking.

She instantly sunk into the water, and came up sputtering. "No worries, no worries. My bad," Aedan said, "I'm gonna put my hand underneath you, okay?"

"Okay," she said, and leaned forward again, raising her legs behind her, while Aedan placed his palm underneath her stomach. She inhaled sharply at the contact, but luckily it was muffled by the water splashes.

She moved forward and began moving her arms and kicking, while Aedan walked alongside her, his hand supporting her. "Good," Aedan said, "I'm gonna just have my fingertips supporting you, you're doing great." Kyra continued on, starting to almost pull away from Aedan and she was starting to get the rhythm of the strokes down.

"Now, stand up," Aedan said, and Kyra stopped swimming and stood up. "See. You got this. Now try on your own, staying at this depth. If you struggle or panic, just stand up."

Kyra nodded, still unsettled, but growing more confident by the minute. She leaned forward and started swimming. She would take a few strokes, and then stop all movement and lift her head straight up out of the water to take a breath. Aedan let her do this for a few minutes, just to get comfortable in the water, then stopped her.

"Ok, now I want you to try breathing off to the side. So instead of lifting your head straight up, you turn your head to the side right before you make a stroke. It's a little unnerving at first, but much more effective." He once again demonstrated the form for a few meters. "I'll support you again while you try."

"Okay," she said, the excitement now leaking into her words. She was enjoying this. They continued this for a few more minutes until it was clear that Kyra was starting to fatigue from the stress on her mind and body.

"That's enough for today, Padawan," Aedan said. "You are a very fast learner. That was very impressive."

"Thank you, Master," she said, "That was…fun."

"I'm proud of you. And you should be proud, not only did you learn a new skill, you conquered a fear. And that is a great day."

Kyra nodded, and then collapsed onto the shore. "Oof. Swimming really takes it outs of you."

"Yes, it does."

"Give me a few moments before the afternoon practice session, Master,," she said while laying prone on the grass."

"You got it. We'll swim every afternoon until you get it down, and then we'll go back to running. Swimming is great because it's a full body workout, but doesn't put as much stress on your joints as running does. And plus, it just feels great being in the water."

"I'm starting to realize that."

Aedan nodded, evidently pleased with her progress. "We'll work on this every other day or so, okay? We'll get to the point where you're confident in your swimming ability."

Kyra pursed her lips, then sighed. "If you say so, master."

They rested there on the shore for half an hour, letting the sun dry them off.

Days later, Aedan and Kyra were seated in their respective chairs near the fire, both exhausted from the day, and the tough sparring session. Aedan was forced to put more of an effort in today, and that pleased him significantly.

"A very long time ago, as I mentioned before, the Je'daii of this planet believed that a balance of light and dark must be maintained, and that is when a Je'daii would be their most powerful. They were heavily influenced by the pulls of the two moons, Ashla and Bogan, and thought this was a celestial beacon for them, instructing them that this was the rightful way. Needless to say, that Order of thinking fell to ruins, and is now only a memory.

"I do believe there must be balance in each of us, but not of light and dark. To us, to true jedi, there is no place for darkness. Remember everything is governed by intention, by motive.

"I find it best described by an old Togrutan proverb about the two Akuls." Aedan said, and Kyra was rapt with attention. "A young Togruta male came to one of the pack leaders in need of help, concerned with this growing anger he had towards a rival tribe, but he wanted to be a better person. The wise leader said, 'Every person has two Akuls within him fighting a battle. One Akul is love, compassion, strength, kindness, knowledge, honesty, loyalty, and happiness, and the other Akul is hate, greed, fear, weakness, dishonesty, ignorance, and anger. These two wolves are constantly at war, each trying to dominate the person.' The young Togruta then asked, 'But Sir, which Akul wins?' The pack leader said, 'Whichever one you feed.'"

Kyra, during the story had been leaning forward, elbows on knees, cheeks resting on her palms, listening with undivided attention. He finished and she turned her focus to the fire, clearly lost in thought. Aedan waited for her to reach her own conclusion. She appeared to come to one and switched her gaze to him, and then nodded.

"As I said before when we were out in Coruscant," Aedan said, "The force responds in kind. Whatever you give it, it returns that back to you, often times with more."

"The force responds in kind," Kyra echoed in a whisper.

"You get what you put in."

"What does the council think about this line of thinking?"

Aedan chuckled, "They obviously don't think things that way, believing emotions and attachments are wrong and dangerous."

"Especially relationships."

"Especially relationships," Aedan said, "But what do you think? Two people who love each other, truly love each other, are they not stronger together? Do they not encourage one another, help one another, support one another? And isn't it the best thing in the world to know that someone is there for you, loves you, fights alongside you, no matter what?"

"I wouldn't know," Kyra said weakly. "But if you're so for relationships, why aren't you in one? Why don't you have someone to love?" Aedan, blindsided, had to look away for a moment. "I'm sorry, Master. That was out of line."

"No, you're fine, Apprentice," Aedan said, "It's an honest question." Aedan said and took a deep breath. "Everyone I've ever cared for," he had to stop himself, nearly unable to say the words. "Has died. My parents. Qui Gon. Gennady. And now Orrick." His voice choking on the last one. "I can't let anyone else die. And I don't think I could handle losing someone else."

Kyra leaned forward, resting her elbows on her knees, "So, you who believe that we should share this life with someone else are going to remain alone."

Aedan just shrugged.

"Doesn't seem right to me, Master."

They both stared at the fire as it slowly burned out, lost in their thoughts.

"Master," Kyra said, "I'm sorry if I was out of line again, but I just want to say thank you for taking me here. It's only been a week and a half and already, not only have I learned so much, I'm…happier."

"You are most welcome, Kyra," Aedan said, "You deserve this, and so much more."

"Deserve," Kyra whispered, "What does that even mean?"

"Ughh," Aedan groaned, and sat up, "Kyra, you are a Light in the galaxy. I've never seen you be anything but happy, positive, and kind. How you've treated your friends. How you took Ahsoka under your wing, and how you've been nothing but the best apprentice anyone could ask for. The order isn't too keen on rewards, they think being a jedi is its own reward, which is true. Nevertheless, we are still people. Individuals. And common species psychology proves that positive reinforcement is the most effective way for growth and success."

"But like you said, just being a Jedi is enough."

"I know," Aedan said with a sigh, "but there should be more. I know awards or medals or money or accolades would create positive reinforcement all the while creating an improper goal to strive for—some jedi would carry out their mission for the sole reason of earning praise, and we can't have that. But still, there should be something we give back to those who deserve it. And so, I intend to do that for you."

"Master, you don't have to. I love being a Jedi. I love training and learning, and ultimately helping people."

"I know, Kyra," he said. "That's why I intend to do whatever it takes to make you the best jedi possible as well as the happiest jedi ever."

"But…I—"

"Just keep doing what you're doing, okay. Don't worry about anything else."

"Yes, Master."