Yo, what's up Y'all? Back with another chapter for TFOFN, hopefully, I can crank some out before I have to start back up for working at my job, keep rewatching episodes of ATLA, and reading more of the lore to flesh out the story and be able to put out something that all of you can all enjoy. Without further ado, here's chapter 2!

Disclaimer: I only own the OCs; everything else is from either Nickelodeon or Disney

Chapter 2: Brave New World

(Coruscant, Yoto's Dream)

Yoto scrambled up to his feet after avoiding certain death from the form of a thermal detonator that flew out from the hands of a clone trooper who was dead set on eliminating his target. It seemed that Lady Luck was on the side of Yoto came in the form of blaster fire that gunned down the trooper that got the drop on him. Yoto looked over his shoulder and let out a shaky breath that he didn't know he was holding, "Thank the force. You got here in time," said Yoto as his body relaxed for a quick second.

The man that Yoto was referring to was known as Ronsav Calken, one of the best smugglers known to all in the galaxy, and what most don't know is that Calken also served as a father figure to Yoto since he was the last connection that Yoto had to his life before being a Jedi. Calken was fitted in his signature wide-brim leather hat and pristine-conditioned leather duster that he always took with him no matter where he went. Calken's face, which usually carried the glint of mischief and the grin of a cocky gunslinger, was now morphed into a mug of avid alertness and tension as he scanned with his blaster around the alleyway looking for more threats, "Well, Yoto, I only stepped in, like I always do, since it seems you never finish yer food on yer plate," the space cowboy joked as a way to take the tension down.

Yoto Looked around and saw the bodies of the six other clone troopers, who were missing various limbs and had scorch marks on their blank white armor. Yoto looked down at his hand as he realized that he had his lightsaber in a death grip, something he hadn't realized till just now and was just another reminder of the nightmare they were living in. Yoto shaking out of his stupor, ran up to Calken, "Sav, we gotta get outta here; everything is falling apart, and the force, it almost feels suffocating with what's going on in the galaxy!" exclaimed Yoto as he looked towards the smuggler with his anxiety increasing. Callken motioned for Yoto to follow him as they walked towards their destination.

"Right ahead of you, brought the Stardust around and already told R8 to bring Krisdwa's starfighter to the western spaceport; speaking of which, where is the damn tree hugger?" Calken asked as soon as he stopped to turn around and receive the answer from Yoto. Instead, he saw Yoto with tears running down his face as he looked down, trying to shut his eyes to stop the tear flow.

"Master Gallhen… h-he told me to go… I tried to help him, but he just…" sobbed Yoto as the last memories of Master Gallhen flew through his mind and how his presence in the force was extinguished like a lit candle. Sav also had his head down as he was trying to process the information that he was just told; Gallhen was a great friend to Sav and was one of the few Jedi who didn't judge the relationship that he shared with Yoto, seeing how important their bonds was to one another. Sav managed to suppress his feelings as he knelt, smiled at you, and grabbed his shoulders.

"Hey kid, listen, knowing the old bastard, he considered every option before he sent yer out the door. He knew your journey doesn't end here and that we gotta find a way to fight back once we regroup. Just cause he's gone doesn't mean that the lessons and values he taught ya are gone too, do right by him by staying the course," Sav stated as he tried to raise the spirits of Yoto before they got going.

"Y-You're right. I-I have to keep going and find a way to make this right; it's what Master would want," Yoto said as he sniffled, clearing his face of tears and having a face of determined resolve.

The moment was interrupted as a LAAT gunship flew by, looking for an escapist as the beam of light rained down to help the search for more Jedi. Sav and Yoto nodded at each other as they continued their journey to the spaceport. Moments later, they found themselves closely approaching the spaceport; unfortunately, surrounding their transportation was a full squad of clone troopers patrolling the area looking for the interlopers who landed their vehicles at the port. Sav and Yoto Look over and try to formulate a plan for the upcoming conflict.

"Alright, let's see what we got here, ten troopers with six riflemen, two heavies, a medic, and a commander. We should have this in the bag Yoto," Sav said as he peeped over from cover.

"So you have a plan, Sav?" asked Yoto as he looked at the opposition.

"I do!"

"Really, what is it?"

"It's called 'sit back and wait for my signal' while I work my magic!" Sav told Yoto as he got up from the crates, fixing his hat, straightening out his coat, and getting ready to wait for what Sav called "Showtime."

"...Why do I even bother," groaned Yoto as he facepalmed, watching Sav stroll down to the alarmed troops.

As Sav walked toward the Troopers in plain sight, they noticed and closed the gap to him while keeping their weapons ready for caution. Suddenly, the commander decided to assert himself and motioned his hand for Sav to stop, "Halt!" said the squad commander, "We need to see credentials and ID to make sure that you are a part of the GAR," stated the commander as he got closer to the smuggler, which caused Sav to start searching around his clothes to make sure that he was able to show him his credentials.

"Oh well, ya see, partner, I'm sure I have it on me right now. Actually, I think it's right HERE!" Sav exclaimed as he activated the thermal detonator from the hip of the commander and then proceeded to kick himself away from the commander, who fell into the rest of the squadron, causing all hell to break loose and taking out a heavy gunner and a rifleman in the process.

"Showtime, I guess," Yoto sighed as he leaped from his hiding spot from behind the crates and ignited his sapphire lightsaber, and proceeded to help dismantle what was left of the squadron as he weaved through, using the force to enhance his speed, he slashed and stabbed his way through four of the discombobulated troopers. Not to be outdone, Sav pulls out both of his blasters and proceeds to walk down the other troops in a hellfire of hot plasma and manages to eliminate two more gunners and have the medic still pinned down in cover. Sav manages to find his crate to get back in cover as the other heavy gunner is raining blaster fire at him. Fortunately, Yoto could use that opportunity to disarm the gunner with a slice of his lightsaber and another strike at the heavy to put him down for good. The duo looked around and then at each other, confirming that most of the threats were down except for one, as they both made their way to the medic who surrendered.

"Don't shoot! I'm just a medic. I only want to make sure I can save someone at least!" screamed the medic trooper, who held his hands up in defeat.

"Friend, do you think there is anybody left from this battle that needs medical attention?" Sav questioned as he used his blaster to point at the various deceased clone troopers around them, showing the dismembered limbs coming from Yoto's blade.

"W-Well, when you put it like that… JUST WAIT!" cried the medic as Sav readied his blaster aimed right at the dome of the trooper.

"Sorry partner, not a big fan of loose ends," Sav said as he was about to pull the trigger; a noise made all three look towards the city once more as they saw three LAAT gunships approaching, making the need for escape crucial now for Yoto and Sav.

"Hey kid, I got another idea, but it's one that yer not gonna like," Sav explained, "I need you to get in yer starfighter and hit light speed as fast you can once you break the exosphere and don't look back," Sav finished explaining as he grabbed the medic and hoisted him up to his feet.

Yoto shook his head vehemently, not wanting to feel the pain of another severed bond, "No! We fight together to get out of here; I'm not leaving you alone!" Yoto exclaimed as he stood firm to face off the approaching gunships. Sav went to grab Yoto by the shoulders, shaking him slightly while he looked him in the eye.

"Damn it, kid! Listen to me, you have the best shot at stopping what's going on over here, and ya can't do that if yer dead! I promise that I'll make it back to ya; this isn't my first rodeo with the cards not in my favor," Sav explained to him with a smile while also giving him a beacon, "Take this beacon right here and leave it in yer knapsack, don't ask how I already made sure you had yer belongings since the stardust was yer home away from home," Calken waved him off to the starship.

Torn between his next move, Yoto listens to Sav and makes his way to the Jedi starfighter. As he climbed into the cockpit, Yoto looked at Sav with a determined expression on his face, "Don't die on me, cowpoke, you make it out here alive old man," Yoto stated as the ship started to take off, with Sav looking on with a smile as he tipped his hat to the padawan survivor.

"Don't worry bout me; I'll be there before you can say 'Jackpot!' and I'm not that old!" Yelled Sav as Yoto closed the canopy to the spacecraft and blasted off into the stars above, hopefully somewhere nobody could find him.

Sav straightened out his clothes, looked at the LAAT ships closing in on their destination, and then directed his attention back to the medic. With a grin, he fixed his hat before talking to the medic, "Listen up, feller, if you follow my lead and stick to my plan, there's a way we can both make it to the next sunrise. Is that good enough for you?" the smuggler asked as the gunships were starting to land on their position.

(Tsing Wei coastal village 95 AG) ( Day after the crash)

The first thing that Yoto felt as soon as he awoke was that his body was still sore from the past day's events, especially his left shoulder. Yoto started to slowly rise from his slumber as he groggily sat up and opened his eyes, and looked around the room that he was currently residing in a plain room reminiscent of a feudal japan style, one that was foreign to Yoto as he looked at the wooden flooring and slide doors, even noticing that he was sleeping on a futon instead of an actual bed.

"Well, wherever I am, starting to feel like it's somewhere pretty unknown," Yoto said as he stood up from his position on the floor, or at least tried to when he soon saw his left arm and saw that the sleeve was torn off and wrapped up in a sling, reminding him of his damaged shoulder. Yoto was taken out of his thoughts when he felt a Force signature walking towards the door and sprung to his feet, awaiting the stranger to enter the room. He was slightly surprised when the signature opened the door to reveal themself to be a plump elderly man dressed in red robes with armor who seemed to be holding a tray with two cups and a teapot. The stranger had a surprised look on his face that soon turned into a smile.

"Ah, so you have awakened my friend; it seems to me that you are fairing better than when I found you," the stranger said in a calming and friendly tone to Yoto, who started to relax from the defensive stance that he once took.

"So you're the one who saved me from my crash; my sincerest gratitude for bringing me to safety, sir," Yoto thanked him as he slightly bowed to him, thankful that this stranger helped him in his dire need.

"No need to thank me, young one, you required help in your time of distress," the stranger explained as he moved himself down to the low table where he placed the tray, kneeling as he used his arm to welcome Yoto to sit down across from him, "Why don't you sit down and drink some jasmine tea with me, tea is the way to get to know someone and learn about the soul," the stranger said with a wistful smile on his face.

Awkwardly Yoto looked at the strange old man before taking a seat with his legs crossed, waiting as the old man poured the tea into the two cups and then handed one to Yoto, who graciously accepted and took a sip and found a liking to this tea.

"Wow, this tea is surprisingly good; color me impressed, sir," Yoto said as he took another sip.

"Please call me Iroh, and once you've been around as long as me, you know the secrets to make tea to your liking, well that and a lot of trial and error as well," Iroh stated bashfully as he seemed to take the compliment in stride, "If you do not mind me asking, what is your name, my young friend?" Iroh asked as he started to partake in his tea.

Feeling no ill intent and based on Iroh being the one to help, Yoto felt comfortable telling Iroh his name, "My name is Yoto Korr; it is nice to meet you, Iroh. Tell me, do you know what planet I'm currently on?" Yoto asked as he put his cup down, curious as he looked at Iroh's confused face.

"...I seem to have misheard you, Yoto. Did you mean what part of the four nations we are in?" Iroh asked in confusion from Yoto's question Yoto's eyes were wide with realization and shock as he clenched his hand hard.

"Then this could only mean one thing," Yoto replied as he stood up in his revelation. "I'm on an unknown planet that is far behind in technology; I'm stranded," Yoto finished as he started to run his right hand through his hair; his mind was thinking at a million miles per second as he was thinking about his situation. Yoto ended up stranded on a world that was possibly beyond the reach of the outer rim, so far that it's unknown and eons away from achieving space travel, meaning that his now destroyed starship was the only way for him ever to get back.

Iroh was slowly watching the young man Yoto go through what others would call an "existential crisis" as he received the information of being on a planet that was unknown and far from home for him. While it was still confusing for Iroh as he was trying to get the concept that someone came from the stars, it starting to slowly make sense as it would explain the weird metal boat that was in the middle of the desert and also the strange metal stick that he found near the knapsack. Seeing enough of the current panic attack that Yoto was having, Iroh decided it was time to bring the young man back to reality.

"Remember what I told you, Yoto; tea is how to learn about the soul. If you don't mind, could you tell me your story and where you are from? I'll be here to listen for you and also would like to know more about my new friend," Iroh explained as he poured more tea into both cups.

Iroh's words seemed to have calmed down Yoto as he sat and took hold of his teacup, staring down into the hot liquid. Yoto looked up to Iroh with eyes that could only be described one way: lost and alone.

"Where would I even start? How could I help you understand who I am?" Yoto replied as his voice felt small from the revelation of his situation.

"Well, you can start where all great tales come from; the beginning," Iroh said with a smile.

Yoto returned the smile and felt confident telling Iroh of his journey, " It all started a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away…" Yoto began telling his story to Iroh.

"... The last thing I remember before crashing on the planet was entering hyperspace, but it was weird because something happened to my starship just as I hit the accelerator," Yoto said as he pondered how he exactly got to this planet. "Anyway, that's my story up to now, I wouldn't be surprised if you didn't believe me," Yoto finished as he saw Iroh stroking his beard in thought from what he just heard about Yoto's story. Iroh proceeded to smile at the young man before he gave his response.

"Oh, I believe you, Yoto; all you said was from the heart without any intent to lie to me. However, I am curious about seeing this technology as something so advanced would be a marvel to this world," Iroh said as he stood up, went to a corner in the room, and brought back the knapsack that had all of Yoto's possessions. Iroh handed the knapsack back to Yoto, "I found this inside of your 'starship' and a strange metal stick which I put inside the bag," Iroh explained as Yoto went through the knapsack.

"This is perfect! I'll be able to show you how far technology has come where I'm from," Yoto said as he brought out his lightsaber and holo communicator, he noticed a light flashing from his holo device. Yoto activated the device, and no other than Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi was shown delivering a key message to all Jedi.

"This is Master Obi Wan Kenobi. I regret to report that both our Jedi Order and the Republic have fallen, with a dark shadow of the Empire rising to take their place. This message is a warning and a reminder for any surviving Jedi. Trust in The Force. Do not return to the Temple…that time has passed. And our future is uncertain. We will each be challenged. Our trust. Our faith. Our friendships. But we must persevere. And in time, a new hope will emerge. May the Force be with you, always," soon after the holo message ended. Iroh was appalled by seeing the holo; to him, it looked like a moving painting, and it piqued his interest.

Yoto, on the other hand, saw what was probably the last message sent to all the remaining Jedi, confirming that the Jedi are truly in exile and not welcome in the galaxy. As Yoto stood up, he looked at his lightsaber and ignited it, staring deep into the sapphire blade and contemplating the message Master Kenobi had sent to all Jedi. The lightsaber also got the attention of Iroh as he stared at what looked to him a strange blue pillar.

"So this is what you called your lightsaber, correct?" Iroh asked in awe as he saw it for the first time after hearing Yoto's story. "The weapon of your order, no?"

Iroh questioned.

"It's more than that; it's our symbol and the true completion of being a Jedi," Yoto replied as he flourished the blue blade. "Jedi are supposed to be protectors of the peace and help bring balance to the force, an Icon for those who look for hope," Yoto continued as he shut off the lightsaber, " Even if I may not be able to find a way to get back, I can at least help bring peace and hope to the people who reside this world," Yoto said with a steel resolve and a fire of undying determination in his eyes as he put away holo device and lightsaber back into the bag.

Iroh smiling at seeing the young man find his resolve and goal, decided to share an opportunity with the young man, " Yoto, for you to achieve your goal of bringing peace to these four nations, come back with me to the capital of the fire nation. Even though you are young, you have wisdom that can help heal those troubled souls in the world, and I feel that the spirits have brought us together for a reason. You can refine your skills and learn more about the world if you let me help you," Iroh finished as he looked at the young man.

Yoto weighed his choices as he realized the only way he could make a difference in this world was to learn about it and keep refining his abilities, as he was still far from being a true Jedi Knight, let alone a Jedi Master. Iron seemed like a wise and kind soul, someone who reminded him of Master Gallhen, and Yoto felt that after telling Iroh the whole truth, it would be best to stick with him and lean on him for support on this planet. Yoto then bowed while giving his answer to Iroh, " It would be a tremendous honor for you to help me learn more about this world and for me to tag along with you, Iroh," Yoto concluded as Iroh reciprocated the bow with one of his own, smiling softly as Yoto accepted the offer.

"Great, we set sail for the capital of the fire nation in half an hour. Make sure you gather your belongings and ready yourself for the journey; along the way, I'll give you the story of the four nations and maybe even teach you how to play Pai Sho," Iroh told Yoto as he walked towards the door, making his way towards the ship captain at the port get ready to set sail.

In the meantime, Yoto decided to mediate on his current situation and think of all the opportunities he has to face as he makes his way to a new world.

End of Chapter 2

Well audience, hopefully, this chapter was able to keep you captivated and wanting more as I'm currently working on the next chapters. I have a flow chart for what the story should look like, and hopefully, my vision for it will be able to entertain you all! Till next time!

KTR signing off