Chapter 23: Mastering Control
Hey everyone I'm back with a new chapter. Glad all of you enjoyed my last chapter. That was fun to write. Anyway quite a few people gave me this suggestion for an idea in this chapter and I think you'll like what I have planned. Hope you like what I have planned. Please Review and Enjoy.
We find ourselves with Shun and Anakin in the back of the Jedi Temple by the large tree as Shun was giving Anakin some firebending tips.
"Now Firebending is a very strong and dynamic style of bending. It relies on powerful hand and leg movements. You gotta let all in then…" Shun said taking a big breath in through his nose before releasing a big breath and with it a powerful blast of fire. "Let it all out on your target. Firebenders draw their power from the sun so you're at your strongest during the day."
"So when the sun goes down or when you're in space its power is just average." Anakin assumes.
"Something like that. The one problem with firebending is though you have to always be in control." Shun warns.
"What do you mean?" Anakin asks.
"Ever hear the expression don't play with fire?" Shun asks.
"Duh." Anakin deadpans.
"Well fighting with it, is much more dangerous. If you're not careful you'll burn yourself or someone close to you." Shun warns.
"How does that happen?" Anakin asks.
"Two words: overconfidence and impatience. Those two things alone mixed with firebending always lead to disaster." Shun said.
"You know I did a little looking into your world. There was a whole war revolving around Firebenders." Anakin recalls.
"The 100 Year War. The Fire Nation nearly conquered everything if Avatar Aang hadn't stopped them. And the reason they were almost able to was because Firebenders can be vicious. They use their attacks to completely overwhelm their opponents and when they are tired and worn out they finish them off." Shun said.
"Hmm sounds about right," Anakin said looking at his hands.
"You use a style similar to that with your lightsaber and you're pretty strong but to master firebending you're gonna need something else. Control." Shun said.
"Control?" Anakin raised an eyebrow. "I've made fire before. My aim is pretty good."
To prove his point, Anakin hurls a fireball that flew across from them and hit the wall
"Yeah for a beginner, but if you want to be good enough to learn the advanced stuff. You need control. Firbending has a lot of abilities including one that can even give you an edge against Count Dooku." Shun said getting his attention.
"I'm listening." Anakin said.
"Well until you master control, I can't show you. Until you can master control you shouldn't use your bending. Or you risk hurting others. Of all the bendings you cannot rush this one. My Firebending Master heavily emphasized this." Shun said.
"So how do I show I can learn control?" Anakin asks.
Looking around Shun noticed several leaves had fallen to the ground from the tree.
Gathering several up, Shun puts them in a sack and hands them to Anakin.
"You want me to rake leaves?" Anakin assumes.
"No. These are for practice." As one leaf falls down Shun catches it and using his bending burns a hole in the middle. "You are to keep this flame from burning the edges of the leaf. If you can hold it for at least 2 hours you'll be ready."
"You're messing with me, aren't you?" Anakin deadpans.
"I wish I was. You're lucky I'm only giving you 2. My Master made me hold it for 5 hours." Shun said handing the leaf to Anakin.
Looking at it, Anakin tried to hold the flame but the leaf burnt to a crisp.
"Darn it." Anakin groans.
"Only 119 minutes left to go," Shun said before turning to walk away.
"Where are you off to?" Anakin asks.
"Going to the Senate. Senator Chuchi wanted to talk to me." Shun said.
"Oh really?" Anakin smirks.
"It's not like that. She probably just wants to ask me some questions about the Gray Order." Shun said.
"Yeah, sure. So what I'm just supposed to keep burning leaves until I get it?" Anakin asks.
"Pretty much. Good luck." Shun said walking away.
"Ugh did Obi-Wan put him up to this?" Anakin groans.
We soon find ourselves at the Senate, in Riyo's office, and we see her doing some last-minute tidying up.
"Alright, this should be good." Riyo ponders when she heard a knock at the door. "Enter."
As the door slid open, Shun walks in.
"Hello Senator Chuchi. Been a while." Shun smiles.
"Shun." She smiles sitting down.
Walking over, Shun sits down on a couch across from her.
"I have so many questions to ask you but first things first. I was so terrified when I heard you were arrested and put on trial." Riyo said.
"Yeah, not my finest moment." Shun cringed.
"Are you okay?" Riyo asks concerned.
"I'm okay but I guess that means you know about what happened to me afterwards?" Shun assumes.
"You mean the Gray Order? Or the Zilo Beast?" Riyo asks making him cringe.
"Oh, you guys know about that one too?" Shun asks.
"Unfortunately. I could see that beast attacking from my window" Riyo said.
"Wow so I'm the talk of the Jedi Order and the Senate," Shun said.
"Yes and sadly the Senate has very mixed feelings about you," Riyo said.
"That doesn't worry me. So many people already hate me." Shun shrugs.
"Well, I don't hate you. And neither do a few other Senators." Riyo said.
"Thanks, Riyo. So, is this Senate or personal business?" Shun asks.
"A little of both. As the Senate Representative of Pantora I would like to be the first to ask that the Gray Order be an ally we can count on in case of future struggles of war." Riyo said.
"I'll allow it." Shun nods.
"Well now that that's taken care of, we can go to personal," Riyo said making Shun chuckle.
"Short and simple. Why can't most politics be like this?" Shun asks.
"Why can't it indeed?" She smiles. "But seriously are you okay?"
Leaning back in his seat Shun sighs.
"I'm not gonna lie it's not easy. The Jedi are keeping a super close eye on me and I don't think I made too many friends with the Senate after the Zilo Beast incident."
"You did threaten to beat the Mas Amedda with his own staff," Riyo recalls.
"Yeah well, someone needed to shut him up and he wasn't making contributions to the debate either." Shun shrugs.
"It's amazing how you can always say what's on your mind and not care what people think of you," Riyo said.
"Thanks well you're the first," Shun said.
"Do you really think you can get this Gray Order off the ground?" Riyo asks walking over and sitting next to him. "I mean you can't have an order made out of one person."
"I know, but currently I'm still trying to figure out how to find new members," Shun said.
"You'll figure it out," Riyo assures.
"How do you know?" Shun asks.
"Because you always do. Somehow you always know the right thing to do. It's one of your most amazing abilities." Riyo assures.
"Oh stop you're gonna make me blush," Shun said making her giggle.
"Besides you can't be the only Jedi who ever had a problem with the Order. Maybe you'll find someone." Riyo said.
"Yeah maybe." Shun pauses at the thought.
"Don't worry too much. I believe in you. You're going to inspire people. Just like you inspired me." Riyo smiles.
"Really?" Shun smiles.
"When I was scared to step up you helped me become a better Senator for my people and the Republic. It's only right that I help you now." Riyo said.
"You're the best." Shun smiles.
Looking at his smiling face, Riyo couldn't help but remember the kiss she gave him back on the Orto Plutonia.
Every time she saw him, Shun finds a way to amaze her. Take her breath away.
"So uh Shun what exactly does your Gray Order stand for? I mean I know Jedi aren't big on relationships but what's your view on it?" Riyo asks interested.
"I don't like that rule the most. I believe if there's someone special in your life you shouldn't be afraid to be with them. So I guess that means I hope I can find someone." Shun said.
Hearing this Riyo felt like her cheeks were burning up.
"G-Good for you," Riyo said looking away so Shun couldn't see her face as she tried to contain her joy.
After saying goodbye to Riyo, Shun made his way to the Jedi Library.
"Well, Shun many Jedi have left the Order. But they usually end up living normal lives or turning Sith." Jocasta said walking alongside.
"Yeah like Dooku, but you're saying nobody in the entire history of the Order ever tried both? There's no Sith who became a Jedi? Nothing?" Shun asks.
"Well there is one," Jocasta said getting his attention. "In all the recorded history of the Jedi, this one has a very interesting story. He's the only Jedi to go from Jedi to Sith and back to Jedi."
"And you people call me complicated? Does this Jedi have a name?" Shun asks.
"Revan. You can find out more about him in the Old Republic section." Jocasta points.
"Thanks, Madam Jocasta." Shun nods in thanks.
As he was about to walk away, Jocasta puts her hand on his shoulder.
"Just so you know young Padawan, Revan's history is not for the faint of heart. Should you go deeper I hope you won't choose to follow his path as well." Jocasta warns.
Nodding Shun made his way to the Old Republic section, scrolling through the shelves he looked for the name. Making his way up a ladder, he looked near the top.
"Hmm, Revan. Revan. Revan." Shun said when he noticed one that was mis-shelved. "The Shan Family? What's this doing here?"
"Oh can I see that one?" A familiar voice calls out.
Looking down, Shun saw Barriss at the bottom of the ladder.
"Sure just give me a second," Shun said.
"What are you doing up there?" She asks.
"Looking for information on Revan but I can't seem to find it," Shun said.
"Well isn't this funny?" Barriss said.
Looking down Shun saw she was holding the information on Revan.
"Trade?" Shun offers holding the Shan file for her.
Smiling Barriss nods her head and Shun makes his way down.
Sitting at a table, the two exchange information files.
"So why the sudden interest?" Barriss asks.
"I wanted to find out if there were any other Jedi in history that were, well like me. And this guy was the only one Madam Jocasta knew off the top of her head." Shun said. "Why do you want to read this one?"
"The Shan family were masters of a special skill. Battle meditation. Where they could affect the outcome of a battle with merely their thoughts. Can you imagine having a skill like that at your disposal?" Barriss asks fascinated.
"Well my thoughts tend to change things but that's because I end up speaking my thoughts and yelling in people's faces. Does that count?" Shun asks making her giggle.
"Hmm close but not exactly." She smiles. "But they also were masters of lightsaber combat. What I would give to learn under them. Yours is pretty well known as well."
"He is?" Curious Shun opens the file.
"Revan the Prodigal Knight. One of the greatest champions of the Jedi Order, known for his battle against Emperor Vitiate. Revan traveled the galaxy and through his travels into uncharted areas transformed him into a Sith Lord, Darth Revan. Alongside Darth Malak, the two Sith attempted to conquer the Galaxy until Revan was betrayed and left for dead by Darth Malak. When the Jedi discovered his body Revan's memories had been altered and he returned to the Jedi Order. A master of both sides of the Force." Shun read before seeing a hologram of a man with brown hair and a beard.
"A Jedi saved him? I wonder who?" Shun asks.
"This one." Looking at Barriss file we see a hologram of a human woman. "Bastila Shan to be exact. She was a Sith Lord like Revan but she helped bring him back to the Order."
Looking at the images of the two of them, Shun couldn't help but wonder.
"I bet if we had met you two would be on board for joining the Gray Order," Shun said.
"You're really going through with it, huh?" Barriss asks.
"Yep. And someday I hope I can earn more support. Interested?" Shun asks.
"Flattered, but I think I'm good learning from Master Luminara for the time being. But I welcome you to try and convince." Barriss said.
"Challenge accepted," Shun said standing up.
It wasn't the information he was hoping for, but at least Shun knew there might be more Jedi like him out there. He just needed to find them.
Meanwhile, at Padme's home, Padme walked in to see Anakin and R2 outside.
"Oh come on." Anakin groans as another leaf burns up. "What was the time on that one?"
Beeping R2 gave Anakin the time.
"Ugh not even halfway done," Anakin said.
"What's all this about?" Padme asks walking outside.
"Training. Shun says I have to keep this leaf from burning for 2 hours." Anakin said showing what was left of it.
"Hmm, how's that going so far?" Padme asks.
"Not well. How am I supposed to master firebending while standing in place doing nothing?" Anakin asks.
"Patience never was your best quality." Padme smirks.
"You sound like Obi-Wan," Anakin mutters. "I don't get why Shun thinks I need to master this stuff. I used firebending when we saved the Younglings on Mustafar. I'm ready to learn more. Shun says there's a Firebending skill that can even give me an edge against Dooku but instead, he's having me keep leaves from burning."
"Anakin, I've read about the Avatar. Jinora has told me stories. Shun spent years learning to master each element. You can't expect to be amazing overnight." Padme said.
"But I already know how to firebend. Look." Holding out his hand, Anakin makes a flame appear.
Beeping R2 slowly backed up.
"Oh, that's nothing, buddy. I can do so much more." Anakin said.
Turning to the balcony, Anakin hurled it out sending it flying.
"Whoa, that's impressive," Padme admits.
Deciding to show off, Anakin fired a few more to show off his skills.
"And I can aim." Looking up he noticed a small windmill above them.
Firing a shot it hit the windmill making it spin.
However, he was so focused on his attack that he didn't realize the aftermath. As the attack smashed against the windmill it spins rapidly causing some flames to rebound and flew past Padme missing her face by inches terrifying her.
"Padme!" Gasping Anakin ran over to her. "Are you okay? I didn't hit you, did I?" Anakin asks concerned.
"No. No, I'm okay, it missed me." Padme assures. "But Annie I was startled."
Hearing this Anakin finally realized Shun's warning.
"If you're not careful you or someone you care about will get burnt." Shun's words rang in his head.
"Fire is all about control. I wasn't in control and I almost hurt you." Anakin said.
"But you didn't. See? I'm fine." Padme assures.
"This time," Anakin said.
"Annie, why are you so passionate about this Gray Order idea? You practically jumped at this chance." Padme said.
"Well, Shun really made some good points. He knew the problems I had faced were difficult and he seemed to make a lot of sense. He was on trial by the Jedi Council and yet he didn't back down. He stood for what he thought was right. And more than that…I felt that there might be a future for us in it." Anakin admits.
"Really?" Padme said surprised.
"Shun's not a fan of the no attachments rule of the Jedi," Anakin said.
"Hmm unlike another Jedi in this room." Padme teases.
"What I mean is. Shun's Gray Order believes that your attachments can make you strong and even encourages others to form attachments. Maybe if I stick around with him, he might help us. You know we wouldn't have to hide it anymore. We could be husband and wife. Not just Senator and Jedi." Anakin said.
"Oh Annie. I would love that more than anything but do you really think Shun can do it? He's still just a Padawan." Padme asks.
"So was I at one point. Now look at me." Anakin smirks.
"You mean the Jedi Knight who almost burnt me?" Padme counters making him flinch.
"Okay, not my finest moment. But Qui Gon and Obi-Wan thought I had potential, I think Shun has it too. He just needs time and he needs people who have his back." Anakin said putting his hand on hers. "I love you Padme and I want to be with you. And if that means I have to be a Gray Knight then that's what I'll be." Anakin said.
Smiling touched, Padme gave him a peck on the cheek.
"Then you better learn to master that control if you want to stay in it." Padme said.
Smiling Anakin found his motivation and his drive. Picking up a leaf, he had Padme light a candle and burn a hole in the middle of it.
Walking to the balcony, Anakin took a stance and closed his eyes before beginning his breathing exercises.
Watching, Padme couldn't help but wonder if Shun could pull his Gray Order off.
'To not have to hide our relationship. That would be amazing.' Padme thought hopeful.
The next morning, Shun made his way to the Temple expecting to see Anakin still struggling with his exercise, but when he arrived he was surprised to see Anakin in his stance holding a leaf in his hands but the flame in it hadn't even moved an inch.
"What in the?" Shun said as R2 approached him. "R2 how long has he been doing this?"
Beeping loudly R2 surprised Shun. "6 Hours?" Shun couldn't believe it. Yesterday Anakin hated this idea but he had managed to outlast him in this exercise.
Approaching him, Shun saw Anakin was using the skills he learned from Jedi meditation to keep the leaf from burning.
"Well what do you know?" Shun said impressed.
Opening his eyes, Anakin stood up.
"So does this mean I passed my first lesson?" Anakin asks.
"Yeah it does. What changed?" Shun asks.
"Let's just say I got some sense knocked into me. And I got the bump to prove it. Sorry for how I acted." Anakin said.
"Trust me I get it. But you've taken the first step to be a proper firebender. And next time we deal with the Separatists you're gonna melt those droids." Shun grins.
"When do we start?" Anakin grins.
With both of them inspired and pumped these two Jedi were ready to face whatever challenges they would face next.